Friday, April 5, 2013

Oil firms jittery over MEND’s threat to attack oil installations

Two policemen killed in Lagos bank robbery

NBA, others want security beefed up across Nigeria

UDEME AKPAN AND EMMA GBEMUDU Sunmonu, MD Shell Nigeria

Vol. 3 N0. 593

Boko Haram:

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il exploration and producing firms in the country have become jittery over threat by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger

Delta, MEND, to launch attacks on their installations in the Niger Delta region beginning from midnight today.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Fashola

Church members, residents denounce ‘robber pastor’ P.8,49

Friday, April 5, 2013

N150 ROTIMI FADEYI, OLUFEMI ADEOSUN, A ZA MSUE AND JOEL AJAYI

Jonathan succumbs P …sets up committee to consider amnesty

Northern leaders calling for pardon are insensitive –CAN

resident Goodluck Jonathan appears to have succumbed to pressure to grant amnesty to Boko Haram insurgents as he yesterday approved a special committee to look into the matter.

The President spent CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Kingmakers reject OkonjoIweala’s father P.11

L-R: Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Sani Audu, arriving for PHOTO: NAN a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.

NUC backs FG on streamlining exams Guaranty Trust Bank posts N103bn profit

P.4 P.46

P.2

C Comedians should sstop stealing from oone another ––Basket Mouth

FRIDAY

Your

Minister ‘unaware’ of plan to scrap NECO, UTME

PDP Govs’ Forum’ll polarise Nigeria –Tinubu

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PDP Govs’ forum’ll polarise Nigeria –Tinubu FELIX NWANERI

F

ormer governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, yesterday warned President Goodluck Jonathan against polarising the nation with the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors’ Forum.

Tinubu, who is also the National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, gave the warning in Benin, Edo State, while speaking at a lecture to mark the 60th birthday of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

The lecture, with the theme: “Deepening Democracy and Enhancing Public Well-being,” attracted 14 state governors.

Describing the PDP Governors’ Forum as a shame, Tinubu said: “I was ashamed the day I watched the President announce the formation of the PDP Governors’ Forum because it is a polarisation of the country on party basis.”

The ACN leader also called for the amendment of the country’s Electoral Act to accommodate biometric registration and re-

validation of voters.

He said: “There is the need for the introduction of the biometric system in the registration, revalidation and accreditation of voters during elections. This is different from the electronic voting system. If Ghana and Sierra Leone can do it, nothing stops Nigeria from doing so.”

Tinubu also called for the abolition of the Excess Crude Account, ECA, saying it is unknown to the law.

“The Excess Crude Account is illegal and I therefore urge the governors of the 36 states of the federation to challenge it at the courts because the constitution states that all revenues from the nation’s resources must be paid into the Federation Account,” he said.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, who described Oshiomhole as a leader and bi-partisan politician who God has given to Nigeria, stressed the need for elected public office holders to be conscious of the fact that the primary responsibility of the government is the security and welfare of the people.

Tambuwal pointed out

that the dream of deepening the nation’s democracy will remain a mirage, unless the three arms of government – executive, legislature and judiciary - respect each other’s independence.

He said: “For us to deepen democracy in Nigeria, we must accept the independence of each of the three arms of government.

We also need political parties that are built around ideology to ensure the promotion of democracy and enhancement of the wel-

fare of the people.”

Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, in his contribution, commended the people of Edo State for showing the rest of Nigerian how to entrench democracy with their collective resolve to return Oshiomhole to power in the last governorship election in the state despite the intimidating federal might of the PDP and antics of political godfathers.

“With the Edo experience, we must learn to practice the mantra of ‘one

man, one vote.’ Nigerians must wake and build democracy to avoid allowing the agents of doom, taking the opportunity of the present situation, to cause crisis,” he said.

On Boko Haram, Aliyu disagreed with the Federal Government’s position that members of the group are faceless, arguing that those who have either been killed or arrested are human beings.

He said: “How come that when the Joint Task Force, JTF, raid and kill Boko Ha-

ram members, they come out to tell Nigerians that they have killed top commanders of the sect? How did they know that those killed were commanders of the sect if they are faceless?”

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Kukah pointed out that Nigeria’s politicians are making a mistake by assuming that “we are in a democracy, as the present democracy is not one that we paid its price but one CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

L-R: Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal; Celebrant, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole; Chairman, Arewa Consultative Forum, Alhaji Aliko Mohammed; National Leader, Action Congress of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, and Vice-President, Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Issa Aremu, at the symposium to mark Governor Oshiomhole’s 60th birthday in Benin City, yesterday.

Boko Haram: Jonathan succumbs CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

hours yesterday meeting with all the security chiefs to review the situation in the country, particularly on the deadly activities of the Boko Haram Islamic sect.

An inside source at the meeting disclosed that the discussions centred on the clamour for granting amnesty to members of the sect.

The source said that in response to the clamour and taking into account public opinion, the President set up a committee within the National Security Council, NSC, to consider the request for amnesty for the members of the sect as well as other options to address the insecurity situation in the country.

According to the source, the committee, which is expected to report to the NSC within two weeks, is also to consider the feasibility of the amnesty request.

The source, however, declined to disclose the composition of the committee for security reasons.

The terms of reference of the committee are to collate opinions from different interest groups that want the government to administer clemency on members of the religious sect and to recommend modalities for granting such.

“If amnesty is eventually considered as an option, the committee is also expected to make recommendations regarding the modalities to be employed in handing the amnesty,” the source said.

The committee is expected to work with the Office of the National Security Adviser.

According to the source, the President has not ruled out the issue of amnesty as an option in the process to achieving peace in the country, especially in the northern region.

The source, however, said that the President has insisted that amnesty cannot be granted to people that are faceless, saying that the members of the group must come out of hiding and make their iden-

tities known before the option of amnesty could be considered.

The meeting was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Sabundu Badeh; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd) as well as the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar.

Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, had told journalists after the meeting that issues relating to ways to ameliorate the spate of insecurity in the country were discussed.

She said the meeting discussed what to do on the state of insecurity and how it could be brought under control.

At a late night closed door meeting with Northern Elders Forum on Wednesday, President Goodluck Jonathan had said that consul-

tations were still ongoing on the issue of amnesty for members of the sect.

At the meeting, members of the Northern Elders Forum led by Alhaji Maitama Sule, had insisted on the option of amnesty for the Boko Haram sect in the process of achieving peace particularly in the North.

The President had also said that government has not ruled out the option of amnesty for the sect but gave conditions for such option to be considered, key of which is that members of the sect must be identifiable.

According to Jonathan, the Federal Government is presently engaged in extensive consultations regarding amnesty and other process of achieving peace in the country.

Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, spokesman of the group and former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Prof. Ango Abdulahi had said that they spent some time discussing security

matters.

“We discussed amnesty and the general opinion in the country is that amnesty should be factored into whatever the government is trying to do to overcome this bombing that is taking place all over the country.

“Fortunately, the President is already thinking very hard about it and he assured that there will be a special meeting and I am sure something substantial will come out of that meeting,” Abdullahi said.

But the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, yesterday took a swipe at northern leaders calling for amnesty for members of the dreaded Islamic sect, describing such calls as insensitive to the plight of their victims.

The association stated this during a visit to villages attacked in Southern Kaduna by gunmen last Saturday, which led to the death of about 28 people.

As at the time of the visit by the CAN leadership, led by its Secretary-General,

Rev. (Dr.) Musa Asake, the number of the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the two camps set up by the state government had risen to 5,200.

Addressing the victims camped at Model Primary School in Fadan Attakar, Asake said that it was unfortunate that northern elders could be calling for amnesty for perpetrators of heinous crimes rather than demanding for their prosecution.

He stated that the call amounted to outright insensitivity to sufferings of the thousands of victims of atrocities committed by the sect, who had either died or were maimed and displaced as a result of the ungodly activities of a group of dissidents.

He said: “Here are innocent people driven from their homes and displaced from their loved ones for no crime. That is why I consider the northern elders calling for amnesty for Boko Haram members CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, April 5, 2013

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Photo News

Friday, April 5, 2013

L-R: Acting Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Kabir Mashi; Coordinating Director, Support Services Group, Mr. Osy Chuke and Director of Research, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Prof. Dakas C.J. Dakas, at the FIRS Stakeholders’ Sensitisation Workshop on Presumptive Tax Regime in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Asoju Oba of Lagos, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas; Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Managing Director, CFAO Group, Nigeria, Mr. Oliver Levigne, during a visit to the Government House, Oke-Fia, Osogbo, yesterday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Mr. Goodie Ibru; Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Sola Oworu; Governor Babatunde Fashola; former Minister of Industry, Mrs. Onikepo Akande and Chairman, Lekki Free Zone, Mr. Olusola Jawando, at a corporate assembly with businessmen in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Aresekola Alao; Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief Alaba Lawson; Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and representative of the President, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, at the public presentation of a book, Chieftaincy Laws in Nigeria, Principles and Practice in honour of the Alaafin in Ibadan, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

National News

I’m not aware of plan to scrap NECO, UTME –Minister

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ducation Minister Ruqayyatu Rufa’i has said she was yet to be informed of plans to scrap the National Examinations Council, NECO, and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations, UTME. Rufa’i spoke at a meeting with the executives of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, in Abuja yesterday.

ASUP had issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, threatening to embark on warning strike on March 25, if its demands were not met.

But the minister said she had not been officially briefed on the recommendations of the Stephen Oronsaye’s White Paper, as it affected the ministry.

She said: “As far as I am concerned, the White Paper has not been officially communicated to me. I am not in a position to take any decision or pass any comment on that, so for now, we are not in a posi-

tion to say anything.”

Earlier, ASUP President, Chibuzo Asomugha, while enumerating their grievances, said government had failed to constitute the governing councils for polytechnics, 18 months after they were dissolved.

Asomugha said the White Paper on the visitation panels to polytechnics had not been implemented.

He told the minister that there was still discrimination between HND and degree holders who were lecturers as well as flagrant abuse of standards in polytechnics, among others.

The ASUP president also said that some polytechnics were yet to implement the 65-year retirement age for lecturers and were retiring members of the union at 60 years.

In her response, Rufa’I said many of the issues raised by the union were problems that could have been resolved faster, if

governing councils were in place.

She assured the union that the Federal Government was set to announce members of governing councils for polytechnics.

Rufa’i said the White Paper on polytechnics’ visitation panels was being delayed because ``for every recommendation you have to look at the policy direction of government’’.

The minister, however, said that some of the issues raised by the union were not exclusively within the purview of the ministry.

She said the issues would require further consultation with the Head of Service of the Federation, which she promised to facilitate.

Meanwhile, the National Universities Commission, NUC, has expressed support for plans to streamline NECO and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB. The NUC Executive

Secretary, Prof. Julius Okojie, expressed the commission’s support in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja yesterday.

The Federal Government had resolved to scrap some of its agencies in line with the recommendations of the Stephen Oronsaye-led Presidential Committee on Rationalisation and Restructuring of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies.

Okojie said the decision by the Federal Government was not to merge NECO with the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, “but to restructure it”.

He said: “You can use the facilities in NECO to do the same exams, under the same administrative setting.

“NECO is an alternative exam to WAEC or SSCE and we think that it is possible to manage those two exams under the same umbrella.

“This does not necessarily mean that we are going to dismiss all the staff of NECO, no, but WAEC must be sustained for logistic reasons.

“A student has the option of writing exams many times a year, just like you also write GCE London, so NECO exams is supposed to be equivalent to WAEC.’’ Okojie said WAEC was a sub-regional exam for West Africa, adding that countries in the region would not accept NECO results.

“For WAEC or SSCE, let’s see if we can do it four times a year, using the same facilities and I think government means well,’’ he added.

Okojie, however, said the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, was an exam for all tertiary education.

He said: “UTME is very important in the sense that if we leave each university or collage of education to decide what exams to ad-

minister to students, there will be various grades.

“Already, it is a public exam but I will imagine that all students should write the UTME and the results be sent to universities where the students chose, then the universities will do the admission.

“Also, even if JAMB and NECO will be streamlined, UTME is also very important to the extent that the universities should be allowed to have their own post UTME. “This is because the issue of merit and catchment areas must also be properly defined.

“We are not quite clear about the criteria for determining the catchment areas for any institution because it was so arbitrary at some stage.’’

According to the NUC executive secretary, some federal universities have the whole nation as their catchment areas, while others have only a few sates.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, April 5, 2013

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Oil firms jittery over MEND’s threat to attack oil installations CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The oil firms, especially international oil companies, IOCs, that account for the bulk of oil and gas operations fear that the attacks could have devastating impact on their operations.

For instance, Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited, SPDC, that produces almost half of the country’s 2.5 million barrels per day feels that its output could be reduced significantly should the threat becomes a reality.

Although, the company’s spokesman Mr. Tony Okonedo, said Shell will not comment on security issues, an authoritative source who did not want his name mentioned said Shell was aware of the threat and has been discussing on how best to protect its installations.

He said: “We are aware of the threat and have been discussing it. Management has also built adequate arrangements to protect our facilities in both onshore and offshore locations.”

A top official of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, who also preferred not to be

named said in a telephone interview yesterday that the threat should not be allowed to manifest because it would have serious implications for everyone.

He said the attack could affect the capacity of oil firms to produce commercial oil and gas for export to the international market.

The official said although such a development could fuel speculation, leading to high prices of crude in the international market, the nation would not likely be in a position to generate enough funds for the execution of the 2013 budget which was based on $79 per barrel.

Consequently, he called on MEND not to carry out its threat in the best interest of the nation that needs significant inflow of foreign exchange to execute many important projects and programmes this year.

He said carrying out the threat could return the nation to a sad moment in its history when crude oil production was reduced from over 2.2 million barrels per day to less than 800,000 bpd in 2009.

PDP Govs’ forum’ll polarise Nigeria –Tinubu CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

that happened by accident.”

He lamented that Nigerians don’t for plan leadership as evident from the time of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa to Jonathan.

He said: “All Nigeria’s presidents have emerged by accident.”

He identified anti-democratic notions existing in the country’s democracy as part of the problems confronting the nation, saying: “Allowing people to ventilate their grievances is an ingredient of democracy.”

Former Minister of Education, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, who also spoke at the event, insisted that government is about results and that there would be no democracy to deepen in the country if conscious efforts are not made to redress the inequality in the system.

According to her, “A weakened citizenry cannot be the basis of deepening democracy, as it is a shame that decades after oil was

discovered, Nigeria can only boast of a per capita income of $1,200 per annum.”

Among the dignitaries at the event were Governors Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Tanko Al Makura (Nasarawa), Kashim Shettima (Borno), Abdul’aziz Yari (Zamfara), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe), Isa Yuguda (Bauchi) and Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe).

Other bigwigs at the event were the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammad; National Chairman of the ACN, Chief Bisi Akande; ex-Governors Segun Osoba (Ogun) and Niyi Adebayo (Ekiti); Senator Chris Ngige and the Presidential Adviser on Intra-Party Affairs, Senator Ben Obi.

Since MEND started its assault in January 2006, Shell, Exxon Mobil and Chevron have suffered several attacks on their facilities, including plants and pipelines.

The group, which came into existence in late 2005, launched its first known

attack with the bombing of SPDC crude pipeline on December 20, 2005 which culminated in the shutting in of a quarter of Nigeria’s oil production.

The militant group which embraced the Federal Government’s amnesty programme in June

2009, announced cessation of attacks and accepted government’s offer to rehabilitate, reform and reintegrate its members.

However, the group on Wednesday declared its readiness to resume attacks on oil installations in the region.

In its statement signed by its spokesman, Gbomo Jomo, MEND stated that it will begin “sustained attacks” on oil and gas infrastructure under an operation codenamed “Hurricane Exodus” as from midnight on Friday.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11>>

L-R: Vice-President, Global Health Impact Programs, Dr Patrick Lukulay; Director, Drugs Evaluation and Research, National Agency for Food Administration and Control Pharmacist, Hauwa Keri and Advisor US Pharmacopeia Programme, USAID, Dr Karim Smine, during a Stakeholders meeting on Review of Current Antimalaria Medicine Management Systems in Nigeria in Abuja, yesterday.

Boko Haram: Jonathan succumbs CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

as insensitive. While many people, some of whom are women and children are deprived of their breadwinners, somebody somewhere who does not know how to live without security is saying ‘give amnesty to some faceless individuals’.

“It is unfair and these are the so-called educated elite in the North who would not even visit and see what is happening.”

The CAN SecretaryGeneral also argued that those drawing similarities between the activities of the dreaded sect and the defunct Niger Delta militants, are not educated, stressing that while the former is faceless with no identifiable demands, that of the latter was well known.

“We know what the Niger Delta militants were fighting for. We know their leaders and when government wanted to see them, the militants came out, talked with government and on the strength of that dropped their guns.

“The Boko Haram insurgency started in Maiduguri. If they angered them there, let them talk with the government of Maiduguri. Why will a Maiduguri problem come to Southern Kaduna,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Arewa

Consultative Forum, ACF, yesterday declared that the region has no sympathy for the Boko Haram members just as it asked the United States of America to assist with intelligence to put a stop to illegal importation of arms and explosives into Nigeria.

But the forum insisted that giving amnesty to the sect would encourage its members to come out for dialogue in the interest of peace and unity.

ACF National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Anthony Sani, who spoke during the visit of the acting American Ambassador to Nigeria, Jeffery Hawkins, to the forum headquarters in Kaduna, described the thinking that northern leaders are behind the sect as false.

The forum maintained its earlier stand that the abolition of the onshore/ offshore dichotomy should be revisited as it has encouraged lopsidedness in the revenue allocation and imbalance in development across the country.

Sani said further that ACF’s call for dialogue was borne out of the belief that violence has never solved any problem anywhere in the world, adding that after applying force on the group without success, it was important for the government to look for another alternative to bring the

sect under control.

His words: “Northern leaders are not sympathetic to Boko Haram. Our call for dialogue with the group is as a result of our belief that the use of violence and force has never solved any problem. If you use force and it failed, why not try dialogue?

“But nobody is coming out because there is no motivation for them and that is why we believe that there should be a different mechanism of bringing them out for dialogue. We believe that the offer of amnesty will be a carrot that will bring them out for dialogue”.

Sani stressed that while the North is not opposed to any form of derivation especially when it is done to compensate for environmental degradation; it was not comfortable for the abolition of the onshore/ offshore dichotomy by the government.

He noted that the North wants the issue revisited because of the belief that oil wells found deep inside the sea should not be used as a basis for derivation, pointing out that doing so will not be in the interest of other parts of the country.

He said further that the current position has ensured that some states in the oil producing region of the country collect six

times what some other states are getting from the Federation Account, which he said does not augur well for the country.

The ACF spokesman also said that the North is opposed to the six geopolitical zones of the country being allowed to operate as federating units as such arrangement will lead to Nigeria becoming a confederal state with a weak centre.

Sani noted that the forum was established to give a voice to the region and has made several contributions to issues of national importance and made several submissions on the way forward for the country.

On his part, the envoy said US would continue to collaborate with the Nigerian government to help solve Boko Haram insurgency.

Hawkins, however, advised the Federal Government to create jobs for the teaming unemployed youths as one of the strategies to minimise violence in the country.

National Mirror observed heavily armed security in six trucks dressed in plain and uniform surrounding ACF secretariat, venue of the meeting to forestall attacks or kidnapping of the American envoy.

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Friday, April 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Amnesty: Ex-militants storm NASS, threaten to resume hostilities TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

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L-R: Acting Vice-Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Prof. Sabiru Adesanya; Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the university’s Governing Council, Dr. Segun Oshin and Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun at the Special Colloquium on Education held to mark the 30th anniversary of the school in Abeokuta, yesterday.

Manitoba to run nation’s transmission network for five years –Minister

CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

M

inister of Power, Prof.

Chinedu Nebo, has clarified the role of Manitoba Hydro International in the running of the nation’s transmission network.

Nebo said Manitoba was delegated to run the transmission network for a stipulated period of three to five years.

The minister said that the clarification became necessary in order to erase the impression among Power Holding

Company of Nigeria (PHCN) workers and labour unions that Manitoba had taken position as Concessioners of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, the Deputy Director of Press in the Ministry of Power, Timothy Oyedeji, said the clarification was made at a meeting to iron out lingering issues between officials of Manitoba Hydro and PHCN’s union executive.

According to the statement, the minister urged Manitoba management to

respect the rights of Nigerian workers.

The minister also advised the workers to cooperate with the company so as to develop the power sector.

Stressing the uniqueness of power to Nigeria, Nebo said: “We want peace to reign, the work in the hands of Manitoba is enormous and we must have a robust transmission network. So, that is why Manitoba is very important.

“Nobody takes over without settlement, workers are Nigerians like us, TCN is 100 per cent owned

by the government. There is no going to be lay-off, management is done through agreement, let no one fear, Manitoba Hydro International is under the Board of TCN which is turn under the Power Ministry.”

On the status of GENCOs and DISCOs, the minister said: “The privatisation programme is on course as the preferred bidders have only paid 25 per cent. Because of the huge budgetary requirement to settle all workers, government will require them to pay up 75 per cent before final take-over.

viding the states and local governments project models that were to be replicated in the future Usman said: “Permit me to inform you that the Financing Agreement (FA) for the MPP9 involving the Niger Delta states was signed in 2008 with a total budgetary allocation of 71.5 million pounds. The EU is to provide N45.5 million of this amount, while the beneficiaries are to provide the balance of 26 million pounds as a mark of commitment and ownership.”

The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. David MacRea, said that EU was setting aside N9.23 billion (about 45million pounds) to boost the development of the Niger Delta region.

“This is the EU’s contribution to the growth of the region, which will come un-

der a new scheme known as the Niger Delta Support Programme,” MacRea said.

MacRea also said that the programme funded from the European Development Fund would be in direct pursuit of projects identified under the Micro Projects Programme in nine Niger Delta states tagged: “MPP9 Programme.”

He further said that aside EU’s contributions to the growth of the region through other schemes, 82 additional micro projects would be implemented in Rivers State.

MacRea said: “More similar support under a new programme titled: “Niger Delta Support Programme (NDSP)” will also be coming in the near future with a value of 45 million pounds or approximately N9.23 billion to the Niger Delta, including Rivers State as a benefi-

ciary.”

MacRea said the MPP9 programme would include 28 water projects, 25 educational blocks, 25 civic centres, 17 open and locked markets and five agro-processing mills.

The envoy explained that the European Development Fund’s contribution to the construction of such projects was estimated at over N500 million.

In his remark, Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Tele Ikuru, assured that his administration would continue to partner with the EU towards transforming the living standards of the rural areas and the less privileged.

Ameachi said that MPP9 would fast-track development at the grassroots, even as he described the projects as community-based.

Nigeria receives 677m pounds from EU in five years –Usman SAM OLUWALANA

T

he European Union has given the sum of 677 million pounds to Nigeria for the execution of developmental projects between 2008 and 2013.

Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, revealed this yesterday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Usman spoke at the launch of the implementation of Micro-projects Programme in the nine states of the Niger Delta.

The minister, who was represented by the Secretary to the National Planning Commission, Mr. Fidelis Ugbo, said the agreement for the current MPP9 projects was signed in 2008.

He also said the implementation of the programmes was aimed at pro-

cores of former militants under the aegis of the Niger Delta Freedom Fighters yesterday rammed through the main gate of the National Assembly Complex to protest their non-inclusion in the ongoing amnesty programme of the Federal Government.

The former militants forced their way into the complex despite the presence of policemen, men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and men of the State Security Service, SSS. Apparently oblivious of the fact that the lawmakers were on Easter break, the placard-carrying former militants led by General Para Ekiyes chanted war songs and threatened to return to the creeks to resume hostilities if the Federal Government failed to include them in the amnesty programme.

Ekiyes, also known as General Gun Boat, demanded that his group be immediately included in the third phase of the amnesty programme.

The agitators bemoaned the activities of members of the Task Force since the commencement of the phased programme under the supervision of Kingsley Kuku.

Ekiyes said the group disarmed since 2011 was yet to be accommodated in the programme.

He said: “The Task Force on 3rd phase amnesty has commenced work in Delta State since February 3, 2013 but none of us has been invited.”

Ekiyes said the 3rd phase of the programme had made provisions to accommodate only 3,642 of the about 5,600 former militants belonging to the Niger Delta Freedom Fighters, yet none of them had been invited.

He said: “If the Federal Government fails to accede to our demand, my men and I will go back to the creeks.

The Nigerian government knows what the Niger Delta youths can do.

“The government knows what was happening before we disarmed, and since we disarmed they know what has been going on in the Niger Delta region.

Jonathan to get report on Adamawa PDP crisis soon OBIORA IFOH Abuja

Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has said that report of the Presidential Committee on the Adamawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis is ready and would soon be presented to Present Goodluck Jonathan.

Lamido, who noted that PDP may be going through some difficult times, said the party’s chieftains had decided to resolve the crisis in the nation’s interest.

The governor spoke to journalists yesterday at the Legacy House in Abuja after he met with the Presidential Committee on the Reconciliation Adamawa PDP crisis.

Lamido, who is the chairman of the committee, said: “Whatever the problem between us and the National Chairman of the PDP, we see ourselves as one family. There must be respect, there should be care. The PDP will not embarrass the national chairman.

On the report by some factions in the crisis that

they were being alienated and that the committee did not meet with them, the governor said: “Do you know what they call human management? Naturally, in any human gathering there are crises, there are problems, but you see, PDP has the capacity and the sagacity to solve and overcome its own problems.”

Stressing that all the factions would be harmonised, Lamido said: “You are saying what you are hearing.

At the end of the day, they are all going to align with PDP and the party’s candidates.”

On the implication of the letter written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the party on his committee, the governors said: “Look, I have been saying, we have been trying to work as a family, to get the family harmonized and what we are doing is in the interest of all key players in the party.

“We have been able to bury our personal ambitions and interest for the sake of the party because it is the only hope for Nigeria.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Friday, April 5, 2013

Pension: NLC to lead workers in solidarity strike T he Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday in Abuja, directed workers in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and Lagos, to prepare for a solidarity strike beginning from April 10 to protest against the nonpayment of pension to retirees.

Acting President of the NLC, Mr. Promise Adewusi, gave the directive at a news conference preparatory to the solidarity strike.

He said that the briefing was to re-state the congress’ resolve to embark on a peaceful protest.

“For the purpose of clar-

ity and removing all doubts, all our members are expected to stay off work in Abuja and Lagos on April 10, and match to designated areas which they have all ready been informed of.

“All workers, all members of the organised labour in those two cities, Abuja and Lagos, are to stay off work in solidarity and in support.

“And have this rally at least to show our disappointment at the whole issue of pension mismanagement and the underlining corruptive tendencies surrounding it.”

Adewusi said the only thing that could shelve the

protest was a show of willingness on the part of the Federal Government to address the “gross criminalities and inequities in the pension fund administration in the country.”

He commended the leadership of the Senate for investigating the criminalities and fraud in pension fund administration and its courage in asking for the disbandment of the Pension Reform Task Team, PRTT. In his remarks, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, Alhaji Ali Abatcha, said the union was ready to fight on unless government

meets its demands.

“If they meet our demand, then we won’t have any reason to go on strike,” Abatcha said.

NAN reports that two of the issues in contention are the non-payment of outstanding arrears of pensions to millions of retirees and the non-enrolment of hundreds of thousands of pensioners in the federal pensions’ payroll.

Others are the non-payment of death benefits to deserving next of kin, nonimplementation of payment to pensioners to reflect the 53.4 per cent salary review, among others.

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USAID to support local drug manufacturers MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

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igeria yesterday received United States Pharmacopeia, USP, support to assist local manufacturers of pharmaceutical products in the country.

USP is an organisation that aims to improve global health through public standards and related programmes.

It also aims to help ensure the quality, safety, and benefit of medicines and foods and also increase the capacity of manufacturers.

Vice-President, Global Health Impact Programs and Director of USAID promoting the Quality of Medicines Program, PQM, Mr. Patrick Lukulay, who spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, said by a technical assistance programme signed with Nigeria some months back, the country would benefit from support for local drug producers.

The assistance, he said, would focus on drug manufacturers; provide technical assistance on Good

Manufacturing Practices, GMP; facilitate on-site assessment of facilities; and feedback on Corrective and Preventive Action, CAPA. Lukulay also said that the programme would expedite World Health Organisation, WHO, prequalification process by increasing companies’ readiness at no cost to them.

WHO prequalification aims at ensuring that diagnostics, medicines, vaccines and immunisationrelated equipment and devices for high burden diseases meet global standards of quality, safety and efficacy.

The prequalification process consists of a transparent, scientifically sound assessment, which includes dossier review, consistency testing or performance evaluation and site visits to manufacturers.

This information, in conjunction with other procurement criteria, is used by the United Nations, UN, and other procurement agencies to make purchasing decisions regarding diagnostics, medicines and/ or vaccines.

Let peace reign, Obi, Wada tell warring communities OBIORA IFOH ABUJA L-R: Secretary, Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE Mr. Isaac Ighure; Managing Director, Nigerian Tribune, Mr. Edward Dickson and President, NGE, Mr. Femi Adesina, during the guild’s condolence visit to the management of the newspaper on the death of their Publisher, Chief Oluwole Awolowo, in Ibadan, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Bayelsa, Rivers’ crisis deepens over oil wells

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he cold war between Bayelsa and Rivers State governments deepened yesterday as Bayelsa accused its neighbour of abuse of judicial process over the disputed Soku Oil Fields and boundary dispute.

The Rivers State government had pulled out of the talks to resolve the lingering matter and dragged the Bayelsa State government to court again on the matter.

A suit filed in by Chief Goddey Orusah and seven others for themselves and as representing the chiefs and principal members of the Akuku-Toru Local Government has been fixed for hearing at the Federal High Court 7 in Abuja on April 10.

But, Bayelsa State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Francis Egele, argued that the state government was not properly served the writ of summon, noting that the state

will file its defence at the hearing.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Iworiso-Markson.

According to the statement, the chiefs and principal members of AkukuToru Local Government Area in Rivers State had in a suit number; FHC/ABJ/ CS/413/20 against the National Boundary Commission, NBC, and the AttorneyGeneral of Bayelsa State, prayed the court to declare River Santa Barbara as the boundary between the Kalabaris in Akuku-Toru Local Government, Rivers State and the Nembes in Nembe Local Government of Bayelsa State.

“The plaintiff also sought the court’s declaration on the purported 11th edition of the Administrative Map of Nigeria, it was done in error

and its adoption should be declared null and void,” part of the statement read.

But the defendant and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Bayelsa State, Francis Egele, submitted that the plaintiff had no locus standi, arguing that boundary matters are issue between the states and not local governments or communities.

The attorney-general submitted that the Supreme Court had adjudicated on the matter, noting that it is wrong for individuals, group or state to flout the order of the Supreme Court.

Egele stressed that the boundary between the two states could not be determined until the NBC completed its assignment as contained in the Supreme Court judgement on suit number 106/2009.

His words: “I have set out the function of the NBC

above and from the provision of the NBC Act, it cannot be seriously suggested that before the jurisdiction of this court is invoked in a boundary dispute between states, the NBC should have determined the dispute or completed its exercise in delineating the disputed boundary.

“It is on account of the foregoing and because of the technical nature of the dispute and the claims of the parties that this court finds that the NBC as an authority vested with authorities and expertise know-how in dealing with this matter should have once and for all conducted an exhaustive exercise of delineating the disputed boundary.”

The attorney-general said it would be futile and premature to determine the boundary of the two states in the present circumstances.

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nambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi and his Kogi State counterpart, Captain Idris Wada (rtd), yesterday appealed to the two oil bearing communities that had been at loggerheads over the location of an oil well between the states, to sheath their swords and allow peace to reign.

The appeal came even as the two governors denied reports that over 57 persons had been killed and 400 houses burnt in the recent fracas that engulfed the communities. They said the state governments were assessing the damage with a view to assisting those affected by the problem.

At a joint press conference in Abuja, the governors said there was no life lost while only five houses and four motorcycles were destroyed during the fracas.

The governors called on the Aguleri Otu community in Anambra West Local Government Area

of Anambra State and the Odeke Echolo community in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State to embrace peace and ensure that they continued in their age-long ‘good neighbourliness.’

Governors Obi and Wada said the issues in contention which led to the crisis after the commissioning of a petroleum refinery built by Orient Petroleum, “are being given attention by the National Boundary Commission, NBC, on the directives of President Goodluck Jonathan.”

The two governors assured that adequate security has been provided in the communities and appealed to the people to cooperate with the security agencies and ensure that they don’t engage themselves in war again.

They reminded those they called detractors to desist from “trying to cause disaffection between the two brotherly states, with long affinity, to desist from such attempts as what Nigeria needs now is peace which will attract development.”

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News

Friday, April 5, 2013

Two policemen killed, others injured in Lagos bank robbery FRANCIS SUBERU

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ear gripped residents of Iju area of Lagos State yesterday morning when a 16-man armed gang invaded a new generation bank and killed two policemen and injured two others.

One of the slain policemen was simply identified as Nafiu. He was, until his death, attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).

The armed robbers also carted away yet to be ascertained huge amount of money.

An eye witness said the robbers engaged the police in gun duel that lasted for about 40 minutes A resident, who did not

want his name mentioned, told National Mirror that the exchange of gun fire was scary.

He said many customers were turned back except a few who had personal relationship with the bank’s senior officials.

Another resident, who simply identified himself as Christopher, said the armed gang stormed the bank at about 3:30am and were confronted by policemen on duty.

Christopher said that a RRS team, who were on routine patrol, raced to the scene only to be attacked by the armed robbers.

He said: “The armed robbers first made their intention known before shooting into the air and the police responded, lead-

ing to a fierce gun battle between the two groups.

“After the gun battle, we heard that two policemen were killed and others injured. We also saw blood stains on the ground, when we arrived at the scene this morning.”

The police spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the incident, adding that it happened at about 3:0am.

According to her, the robbers gained entry into the bank through a petrol station situated along College Road, Iju. She said the robbers tied the private security men on duty before attempting to blow up the Automated Teller Machine (ATM).

Braide said: “The operation was foiled by the time-

ly arrival of a police patrol team policing the area. It was a 16-man robbery gang, who attempted to blow up the bank’s ATM. As soon as they saw the police team, they opened fire on them, killing one officer on the spot and injuring one other.

“The police superior fire foiled the operation and the robbers escaped, many of them with bullet injuries.

One AK-47 rifle, 40 rounds of ammunition, gas cylinder and other equipment to cut iron were recovered at the scene. `”The robbers did not take any money away from the bank. Nobody has been arrested. We, however, appeal to members of the public with useful information on any one with bullet wounds to report to the police.’’

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Osun NLC, TUC have no right to call for strike –Negotiation Council ADEOLU ADEYEMO OSOGBO

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he National Executives of Joint National Public Service Negotiation Council (JNPSNC) yesterday said that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NCL), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint National Congress (JNC) have no rights to ask workers to embark on strike in Osun State until the crisis among them is resolved.

JNPSNC National Secretary, Mr. Omokhuade Marcus, told journalists in Osogbo after he met with the state Head of Service, Mr. Olayinka Owoeye, that the unions have no right to call on workers to embark on strike without the consent of the eight national unions.

Marcus said: “If the crisis among the unions persists, it

Ogun police deny parading two months old baby FEMI O YEWESO ABEOKUTA

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L-R: Mrs. HID Awolowo; former House of Representatives Speaker, Hon. Dimeji Bankole; Chief Justice of Ogun State, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade and Mr. Dave Salako, during a condolence visit to Awolowo family over the death of Chief Oluwole Awolowo, in Ikene, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Sell National Theatre, wipe out Nigeria’s history, Fashola tells FG MURITALA AYINLA

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agos State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday flayed the alleged plan by the Federal Government to convert the National Theatre into a five-star hotel.

Fashola also revealed that construction had commenced on the proposed Lekki Sea Port in Lagos.

Although the Federal Government had denied that it planned to convert the 36-year-old edifice to a hotel, the governor, who spoke at the 2nd Lagos Corporate Assembly held

at the Lekki Free Zone in Ibeju-Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA), described such attempt as move to wipe out the nation’s history and values.

He said: “I heard that the National Theatre is up for sale. And I wonder which kind of people offer to buy the edifice and how they make the money.

“If someone, who had visited the country in 1977 for the FESTAC 77, come back and wanted to see the National Theatre, we would now say that it is now a hotel.”

Fashola, however, said that paucity of fund was a

major challenge undermining prompt development of both the Lekki Sea Port and Lekki International Airport.

He said: “I cannot tell you the date when that Sea Port will be finished, but work has started at the port and the contractor is on site.

“There are still a few issues in terms of getting funding and commitment from the private sector because clearly, both the management and the private sector own the zone, they are not government-owned, but government has an enabling role to play in the regulation of the zones”.

will be difficult for the state government to negotiate with them. The crisis is also creating confusion for the state government.

“The NLC, TUC and the JNC have no members.

The members belong to the unions. So, calling a workers’ assembly for a strike is not known to law.

“They do not even have the right to call workers for that assembly. Only the leadership of the respective unions has the power to mobilise their workers to attend that gathering.

“Joint Council is made of chairmen and secretaries of the eight industrial unions.

“We have established that if you are not a chairman or secretary of your union, you also cease to hold the position you are holding in the joint council.

he Ogun State Police Command yesterday described as far from the truth, allegation that it arrested and subsequently paraded two months old baby with other suspected criminals during a press conference in Abeokuta, the state capital, recently.

A statement signed in Abeokuta by the command’s spokesman, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, said the allegation was a calculated attempt to paint the police as lacking the respect for fundamental

human rights and dignity of individuals.

Adejobi said the suspect and mother of the baby, one Mrs. Adeosun, was neither arrested nor paraded.

He said Mrs. Adeosun was a self-confessed armourer to a particular armed robbery syndicate from whom arms and ammunition were recovered.

Adejobi, however, said the woman, her husband and other members of the robbery syndicate “have confessed to series of robbery operations and killings of more than five people during their various operations”.

Jonathan, Ajimobi, Tinubu, others honour Alaafin at book launch KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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overnor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State yesterday in Ibadan turned the book launch in honour of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, into a hall of laughter when he said the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Olajumoke Akinjide, will have to wait for the number of years he is older than her to become the governor of the state.

He said: “If it is by four years that I am older than you, then you will become the governor of Oyo State after my four-year tenure.

But if it is by eight years,

then you will become the governor after my eight years in office.”

Ajimobi, who spoke against the background of the speculated governorship ambition of Akinjide in 2015, will be 64 in December, while the minister, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan at the ceremony, will turn 54 in August this year.

Other eminent personalities at the launch of the book titled: “Chieftaincy Law in Nigeria: Principles and Practice,” included the Aare Musilumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Arisekola-Alao; Prof. Adebayo Williams, who represent former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; former

Oyo State Governor, Dr Omololu Olunloyo; Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Obateru Akinruntan; Chief Sarafadeen Alli; representatives of Ekiti, Niger and Kwara governors; Hon. Kamil Akinlabi; Elder Wole Oyelese; Oloye Lekan Alabi and many others.

Ajimobi, however, commended Akinjide for the mature manner she played her politics, praying God to give her a higher position after her tenure as minister.

Oba Adeyemi described the 389-page book as the product of two years of mental labour.

He thanked the authors, Mr. Tope Fadahunsi and Mr. Elias Adedokun, for the honour done him.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Friday, April 5, 2013

Ekiti killing: PDP, ACN turn heat on police ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, have turned the heat on the police over the killing on Saturday of 37-year-old Mr. Ayo Jeje at Erinjiyan-Ekiti in Ekiti State.

The PDP, whose member, Jeje, was shot dead by people

believed to be ACN members, called on the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, to redeploy the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Sotonye Wakama, following his alleged compromise which had reportedly led to a surge in crime in the state.

But the ACN said the Police Affairs Minister, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd) and the PDP had ma-

NDLEA arrests clearing agent with N1.8bn drug OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has arrested a customs clearing and forwarding agent for exporting 72.320kg of methamphetamine worth about N1.8 billion.

The NDLEA said the seizure was the single highest recorded since January.

The Head of Public Affairs of NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, said in an online statement that the seizure was made at the cargo section of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos.

According to him, the 36 parcels of methamphetamine hidden inside the filters were meant for export to Mozambique in a South Africa airline flight.

Commenting on the arrest NDLEA Commander at the Lagos airport, Mr. Hamza Umar, according to the state-

ment, said the mode of concealment was faultless.

He said: “If not for the training we have and the commitment of officers, it is difficult to detect the drugs because the mode of concealment is faultless. You need to go the extra mile to detect the drugs.”

The suspect, Mr. Tony Mordi, said he was given only N228,000 by his client to send the consignment to Mozambique.

“I am a licensed customs clearing and forwarding agent. One of my customers called me from Mozambique requesting that I should handle the shipment of his consignment. I was given only N228,000 for the shipment. I want my wife to understand and help in taking good care of our kids,” he was quoted as saying.

Also commenting on the seizure, the Chief Executive of the agency, Ahmadu Giade, said that NDLEA would prosecute any agent caught clearing narcotics anywhere in the country.

nipulated the police with the use of federal might to influence investigations into Jeje’s killing.

The state PDP DirectorGeneral, Information and Media Communication, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, said in statement issued in Ado-Ekiti yesterday that IG should immediately overhaul the state police command.

He said: “The people’s

AKURE

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Magistrate’s Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State capital, yesterday remanded in prison custody a policeman, Alonge Abdul, who on Tuesday night allegedly killed a pregnant woman, Mrs. Segi Olajiga.

Abdul, a constable, was brought before the court for killing the pregnant woman with the rifle assigned to him.

The charge sheet read to the accused by the police prosecutor, Mr. Ayodele Atandeyi, states “that you Alonge Abdul, 32 (M) on the 2nd day of April 2013 at about 6.30pm at Plaza Hotel Akure in the Akure magisterial did unlawfully kill one Madam Segi Olajiga ‘F’ with one AK47 rifle issued to you and thereby committed an of-

fence contrary to Section 316 and punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 1 laws of Ondo State of Nigeria.”

Atandeyi added an amendment to the charge to include attempted murder of the driver of the vehicle where the deceased was killed.

After reading the charge, the prosecutor said the court lacked the jurisdiction to try murder case.

He, therefore, prayed the court to give him date for the case file to be duplicated and sent to the Department of Public Prosecution, DPP, in the state Ministry of Justice for legal advice.

However, there was no objection from the lawyer of the accused, Mr. Fele Aso, while the magistrate, Mrs. Charity Adeyanju, fixed June 18 for hearing.

Meanwhile, the Federa-

of police in the state appears compromised and helpless.

“His relationship with the ruling ACN at the expense of his duties and as the man in charge of the state police command can no longer be tolerated by the teeming people of Ekiti State.”

However, state ACN Publicity Secretary, Prince Tunde Adeleke, said members of his party were being

framed up for the murder.

He said: “Police investigation has been manipulated and skewed against the ACN Chairman, Chief Jide Awe, and other ACN members by the Minister of Police Affairs, who is an interested party, a gubernatorial aspirant and a factional leader of the PDP in the state.

“We view the latest development as an abuse of office

by Olubolade who has taken over the job of the Nigeria police.

Ajimobi has transformed Oyo, say Yuguda, Akinruntan

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overnor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State and the Olugbo of Igbo, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan, have commended Governor Abiola Ajimobi for transforming Oyo State through his urban renewal programme.

While Yuguda gave the commendation yesterday in Ibadan when he paid a condolence visit to the governor over Chief Oluwole Awolowo’s death, Oba Akinruntan lauded Ajimobi at the launch of a book in honour of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, held at the D’Rovans Hotel, Ibadan.

Yuguda, who observed that Oyo State had witnessed tremendous positive changes in terms of infrastructure and urban renewal, said the people of the state would continue to appreciate Ajimobi’s administration.

The Bauchi State governor said he noticed significant improvement in the areas of environmental sanitation, infrastructural development, as well as reno-

Court remands policeman in prison over pregnant woman’s murder HAKEEM GBADAMOSI

confidence in the ability of the commissioner of police in the state has waned and it is imperative that the IG, as a matter of urgency, commence the overhauling of the entire policing system in Ekiti State.

“The spate of robbery and politically-motivated crises in Ekiti State is becoming worrisome. It has become obvious that the commissioner

tion of Women Lawyers has called on the police to be diligent in the prosecution of the policeman.

The group said Abdul’s action had denied Segi her right to life as enshrined in Section 33(1) of the 1999 constitution and should be punished.

The Secretary of the association, Mrs. Bunmi NiyiArajuwa, said in a letter that “the police officer who points loaded gun at an innocent civilian on the street is assumed to intend to kill such civilian. We are making a strong case for a proper prosecution of this officer.

“Our petition to your office is the first civil way we can register our disdain and protest for this wicked, inhuman and unwarranted killing.

“Law enforcement is not aimed at killing innocent members of the community.

vation and beautification, including the Governor’s Office and other ministries at the State Secretariat.

He said: “Everybody is conscious of the new environment. I want to congratulate you on the physical changes I have noticed in Ibadan. We can compare Ibadan favourably with Lagos in terms of cleanliness. I congratulate you.

“You can see the orderliness and the infrastructure under construction and we can see that the inhabitants of this state are now happy because of the massive infrastructural development.”

On his part, Oba Akinruntan said he was not surprised about what Ajimobi had done for Ibadan and Oyo State in general.

He said: “With your leadership quality, you have transformed Oyo State to another London. I want to associate with you and without any contradiction and I want you to keep it up.

“If there is anything I can do to return you for second term, I will do it. I want to call on the people of the state to support Ajimobi.”

In his response, Ajimobi lauded Yuguda’s leadership quality, describing him as a

Politics Information dissemination: Public ofÀce holders turning a new leaf The statement issued by the Presidency on Mrs. Patience Jonathan’s recent travelling shows that government is concerned about public opinion. It looks like they (government) are now listening to complaints by letting people know what is happening to them.

–Alhaji Tanko Yakassai If such situations they hide had been properly managed they would have earned them sympathy as against the opprobrium that follows when people find out they’ve been lied to. –People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Akogun Tunde Odanye They are supposed to tell ordinary people what is happening to them.

–Former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, said public office holders must be accountable to the people.

rare administrator.

He said: “If you can have more governors like Governor Yuguda in Nigeria, this country will definitely improve. He is one of the most intellectual governors I have ever met.

“He has the ability to keep relationship. He lubricates the human cord that ties you together; he is constantly nurturing and tendering oneon-one relationship with you.

He still remains the only governor from across the Niger who came to commiserate with us during the 2011 flood disaster and he made substantial donation; he is very humble and unassuming.’’

Woman

I will act till I die

–Mama Awero DID You

HEAR?

•Joke Silva, Lara George, Others for R.A.G.E •Omawumi’s ‘Lasso …’ fever grips town •Black Pope talks big •Nenna Yvonne makes progress with Major •Terry G, Olamide celebrate with Samklef •Port Harcourt gets own version of Industry Nite •Twin girls boost Andre Blaze’s proÀle

Saturday Starter Lagos: Waiting for the rains?

Rain is dreaded in most parts of Lagos. With the release of NIMET’s 2013 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP) a couple of weeks ago, the fear almost became viral. Reason: The report predicted 275 days of rainfall.

Is it true that the state would witness such number of days of rainfall? If such happens, what would be the lot of the residents? Is it not a prediction of doom? For answers to these and many more, see your darling Saturday Mirror tomorrow.

x SeTalk

Lending her a handy hand job

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This column is x-rated

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South East

Friday, April 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Onitsha: Barracks’ demolition renders 721 policemen homeless NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

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t least 721 policemen have been rendered homeless in Anambra State after the buildings and shops were demolished at the Central Police Station, CPS, and Onitsha Area Command barracks.

The state Police Commissioner, Mr. Balla Nasarawa, said they were illegal occupants, just as the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka, told journalists that the policemen

were ejected because somebody claimed ownership of the land, went to court and won the case against the police.

But while addressing journalists, the affected policemen accused the state police command of complicity.

Speaking on behalf of the victims, Inspector Udoh (other names withheld) said he had been living in the barracks for 21 years, adding that during those years, he had been paying rent to the police authorities.

Udoh described the state-

ment credited to the state police commissioner as untrue.

He said: “It was yesterday morning that we saw, to our greatest surprise, a quit notice pasted on our doors signed by Officer in Charge of Provost at the state police headquarters, Awka, ordering us to vacate our houses and our wives vacate their shops within 48 hours without prior notice to that effect.

“Before now, we had no problem with anybody as we have been paying our rents to the relevant police authorities.

“In January, some of us signed what we call accommodation money and our money is being deducted from our salaries.

“But to just wake up and kick us out of our homes by the police authorities is an act of wickedness.”

Also speaking on behalf of Police Officers’ Wives’ Association, POWA, shop owners, Mrs. Maria Iguh, said the demolition of their shops was done in bad faith and called on President Goodluck Jonathan to come to their aid.

Narrating their ordeal in the hands of the police

authorities, Mrs. Iguh said they bought their shops from POWA, adding that they had kept their own part of the bargain by paying necessary dues to the police authorities.

She said: “We bought these shops from POWA and since then we have been paying to the police for what they called security and we obeyed and painted our shops in police colour.

“But this morning, we saw quit notice ordering us to vacate within 48 hours.

We are in trouble because some of us have lost our homes and shops. Our

children will soon resume school and we don’t have any other place to go.”

Mrs. Iguh called on President Jonathan, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, and Police Service Commission to look into the matter and save them from the pains of losing their houses and sources of livelihood which they legally acquired.

When journalists visited the police barracks, many of the stranded policemen were discussing in clusters while some of them were carrying out their belongings to safety.

APGA sacks Anambra chair, others CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

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he All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Anambra State chapter, yesterday sacked the state Chairman of the party, Chief Mike Kwentor, and two other principal officers, Chief Ifeanyi Udokwu and William Obiorah.

Their dismissal over allegations of anti-party activities came barely a day after Kwentor and his group issued a statement disowning the ongoing congresses of the party and planned national convention of APGA. Already, new members of the Anambra State Executive Committee of APGA led by Hon. Obi Mbonu as acting chairman and Sunday Onuorah as acting state chairman, as well as Angus Ochiogu as acting secretary, have been announced to take over the positions left

by Kwentor, Udokwu (former deputy state chairman) and Obiorah (former assistant secretary).

The dismissal of Kwentor and his colleagues was announced by the State Executive Council of APGA led by Chief Fidelis Okafor, the state vice-chairman of the party, Anambra North zone.

Speaking after a meeting at the party headquarters in Awka, Okafor chronicled the alleged offences committed by Kwentor and his group to include, “total insult and disregard to the followership of the party for proper guidance and leadership, total dereliction of duties and attempts to create confusion and disorganise our much-needed congresses and convention, actions

detrimental to the image and integrity of our party, APGA, both in Anambra State and in Nigeria”.

It was also announced that the motion for the removal of the former party officers moved by Mr. Paterson Uzuegbunam and seconded by Hon. Leo Areh Onyenze and Hon. Emeka Aforka was unanimously adopted by the general house, made up of 31 people.

The executive also advised the removed officers to relinquish all the party properties in their custody and cease forthwith from parading themselves as chairman, deputy chairman and assistant secretary of the party.

L-R: Kogi State Governor Idris Wada, his Anambra State counterpart, Peter Obi and former Minister of State for Health, Dr. Gabriel Aduku, at a joint press conference on the border unrest between the two states in Abuja, yesterday.

Crisis: Obi should apologise to Ngige –Umeh DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

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he All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, has advised the Anambra State Governor Peter Obi to apologise to former Governor Chris Ngige.

Umeh said Obi should rather plead with Ngige insisted of begging the National Chairman of the United Progressives Party, UPP, Chief Chekwas Okorie, for forgiveness.

The APGA national chairman spoke on the background of Chief Maxi Okwu’s visit to Okorie residence in Enugu.

During the visit, Okwu reportedly told Okorie that he was sent by Obi to come and apologise for perceived injustice meted

out to him when he was the national chairman of APGA. Reacting to the Okwu’s emissary, Umeh, who has been at loggerheads with Obi over the control of APGA, said if the governor felt strongly that some acts of injustice were committed in the bid to return the Anambra 2003 APGA governorship mandate to him (Obi), then he should instead apologise to Ngige who was removed to bring Obi in as governor.

Umeh also asked Obi to take a step further and return the governorship mandate to Ngige since he had now realised that APGA members, who fought for him to assume control of Anambra State, committed a foul play.

The APGA national chairman said he had no regret fighting to re-

claim the governorship mandate, stressing that it was a fight for democracy and rule of law where the votes of the electorate were meant to determine the real winner of the 2003 election.

Umeh, therefore, described the meeting between Okwu and Okorie as a parley between chairmen of CPP and UPP which had no connection with APGA. He said: “At best, they may have proposed merger of CPP and UPP and so there was no way they could have met to make apologies on behalf of APGA.” Umeh said he was surprised that Obi could vilify him after he fought to restore the governor’s mandate.

He said: “Then Obi had declared that he will swim

and sink with Umeh. The lesion here is that Obi is exposing himself to Nigeria as a man who doesn’t have character but God has fully exposed him now that he is a fake person.

“Since Peter Obi has sponsored Maxi Okwu to Chekwas Okorie who colluded with Ngige, he should also go to Alor and apologise to Ngige for stealing his mandate.

“For me, I have no regret championing the course of justice. It was a just struggle that led APGA through to produce two governors in the South-East.”

On plans by Obi to hold congresses and convention of APGA, Umeh said: “It is because of the illegality they want to engage in that has made them incoherent about the date fixtures for their so-called

congresses.”

He said no valid congress of APGA could hold again till 2015 when the tenure of his executive would expire.

The APGA national chairman disclosed that Okwu, who is parading himself as interim national chairman of APGA, had never written any letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, “because he is aware of his illegality and fraudulent appointment.

“Even when Obi wrote a letter to INEC that was turned down after they had produced Maxi Okwu, Maxi has not written any letter to INEC as interim chairman of APGA. That is an admission that he lacks legitimacy, he is only chasing money. There is no congress of APGA coming soon.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Friday, April 5, 2013

11

wants more revenue 200 ex-militants donate 150 units of Uduaghan allocation to LGs blood to UCTH D RICHARD NDOMA

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bout 200 ex-militants from the Bakassi Volunteer Force, BVF, yesterday in Calabar, donated blood to the blood bank of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH. The former militants said it was a way of bringing hope to the less privileged that may not have money to procure blood.

Speaking at the ceremony, leader of the ex-militants, Bofa Olorogun, said they have repented and are bordered that under-privileged people had on several occa-

sions died in the hospital because they had no money to procure blood.

He said their initiative was borne out of the fact that the group had taken much from the society and have now decided to give back to it.

Olorogun said BVF was not perturbed that since August 4, when they laid down their arms, nobody had bordered to include them in the Presidential Amnesty Programme managed by Hon. Kingsley Kuku.

The Chief Medical Director, CMD, of the hospital, Dr. Thomas Agan, thanked the ex-militants for the kind gesture, stressing that what

became a reality today started two weeks ago when he received a letter from the exmilitants indicating interest in donating blood to UCTH blood bank.

He added that the blood would be used judiciously after under-going serious screening at the hospital’s laboratory.

Agan said he accepted the offer after consultation with his colleagues at the UCTH, stressing that the Minister for Health, Prof. Oyebuchi Chukwu, will be passionate about people who had found it necessary to turn a new leaf.

He added that blood is an important product to the UCTH since on daily basis

pregnant women and accident victims go through emotional trauma because their families could not afford to buy blood for them because of lack of fund.

Assistant-General Secretary and spokesman for the group, Elihu John Ebong, said it was their way of contributing their quota to the society after taking much from it.

Elihu appealed to the state and Federal Government to join hands to support the exmilitants, promising not to indulge in crime any longer. He said the group has decided to embrace peace and join hands with others to secure the area.

Former Niger Delta militants protesting at the Gate of the National Assembly for non-payment of their allowances in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Oil firms jittery over MEND’s threat to attack oil installations CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP and Voters Awareness Initiative, VAI, in their reaction to the threat yesterday urged the Federal Government to beef up security across the country.

The groups advised the government to take proactive measures to forestall any possible breakdown of law and order in the Niger Delta.

In separate interviews, the groups told the News Agency of Nigeria NAN that MEND should not be allowed to carry out its threats.

Chairman, NBA, Ikeja branch, Mr. Onyekachi Ubani, said that the threat of renewed campaign of violence

by MEND should be taken seriously by the government.

“The security agencies should take the threat seriously. Security should be beefed up, but that alone should not be the focus of the government.

Executive Director, SERAP Mr. Adetokunbo Mu-

muni, said proactive steps must be taken to avert another crisis in the Niger Delta.

“What the Federal Government needs to do now is to take proactive steps, through intelligence gathering. Security agencies must act now before the crisis escalates.

“We should not pretend that they are just threats because that was how the Boko Haram violence started,” he said.

Meanwhile, the President, National Council of Ijaw Activists, Yusuf Eregbene, in an interview with National Mirror in Yenagoa yesterday pleaded with MEND to sheath its sword, stressing that there was no need to attack oil installations in the region.

Eregbene said: “MEND should consider the reprisal’s consequences; as such attacks will inflict more pains and agonies on the poor masses. We beg MEND to drop every threat and follow due process in communicating their grievances.”

elta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has called for an upward review of the revenue allocation to local government councils in the country to enable them adequately meet the developmental needs of the people at the grassroots.

Governor Uduaghan, who made the call when the national body of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba yesterday, said if more funds were allocated to local government councils, it would enable them to, not only pay primary school teachers’ salaries, but also build infrastructural projects in the council areas.

He decried the enormous burden the payment of primary school teachers’ salaries was having on the finances of the councils and called for the allocation of more funds from the federal allocation revenue to enable them meet up with their responsibilities.

According to Governor Uduaghan; “Over 80 percent of local government council funds are expended on the payment of primary school teachers’ salaries.

This is not healthy for the development of the council

Kingmakers reject Okonjo-Iweala’s father SOLA ADEBAYO WARRI

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he Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Prof.

Ngonzi Okonjo-Iweala, yesterday appeared set for another battle as her kinsmen in Ogwashi-Uku community in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, rejected her father, Prof. (Obi) Chukwuka Okonjo, as the traditional ruler of the area.

The Umu Obi Deiyi Royal Family in the kingdom, which yesterday deliberated on the recent judgment of the Appeal Court, Benin City, the Edo State Capital, on the Obiship crisis at Ogwashi-Uku, insisted that the minister’s father was no longer acceptable to the community as monarch.

The appellate court in its recent judgement had stated that the Obahai family, to which the minister’s father belongs, had neither

produced a king nor obi in Ogwashi-Uku kingdom.

The kingmaker described the monarch as a “half-baked cake”, adding that he would no longer be tolerated as the traditional head of the Delta community.

The kingmakers in a statement last night signed

by Obi Prince Wilson Izedunor, stated that the minister’s father was imposed on the community.

The statement stated that an Obi must be generally accepted and not the one that was that imposed on the people, adding that the throne was not meant for anybody who had never undergone the normal customary rights and procedure essential to the crowning of an Obi of Ogwasi-Uku. They argued that the Obahai family to which Okonjo belonged to could not present the symbol of authority (Ada) as demanded by the recent appellate court judgement, adding that Obahai has

never produced a king/Obi in Ogwashi-Uku kingdom.

The release noted that since the existence of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom that the traditional monarchical system had been that of progenitor (from father to the first son) and advised the Obahai family to retrace its steps in the interest of peace and development of the community.

The statement added, “There is a special record for the Obi that had reigned since the existence of Ogwashi Uku Kingdom. And that Obi Deiyi reigned since the existence of Ogwashi Uku kingdom and that Obi Deiyi reigned between 1814 -1906. There was no record that Obahai reigned as an Obi at Ogwashi Ukuat any point in time.

“The big question we are asking is where were the forebears of Obahai during currency of over century as to only turn up or appear from nowhere claiming title to the throne which their

areas.

“If the councils must continue with this responsibility, then the revenue allocation to local government councils needs to be reviewed upwards or the responsibility should be taken from them to enable the council carry out infrastructural projects and meet the developmental needs of the people at the grassroots.”

While imploring the Secretary to State Government, SSG, Ovuozorie Macaulay, to expedite action on the release of vehicles promised the union, Dr Uduaghan asked the Ministry of Works to carry out the construction of the road leading to NULGE suites in Asaba, saying it was part of his administration’s way of strengthening the bond between the state and NULGE. The governor, who appreciated the collaboration and unity existing between the national and state councils of NULGE, commended the state council of the body for its continuous support and cooperation with the state government and promised that his administration would continue to be workers’ friendly and deliver the dividends of democracy.

father (Obahai) never sat on, asking whether it is possible for one to sleep over his right for over a hundred and ten years?”

It will be recalled that the authority of the monarch was challenged recently when his order that an ancient shrine in Agidiase quarters in the community, be destroyed to pave the way for the construction of a motor park in the community.

His council of elders advised that there were certain sacrifices to be carried out to appease the gods before the demolition and that the people be carried along in the planned demolition of the shrine, held sacrosanct by the natives.

The monarch thereafter reversed himself following spontaneous protests by his subjects.

It will be recalled that the appellate court had upheld the January 24, 2007 judgement by a Delta State High Court in Asaba, the state’s capital, on the protracted succession crisis that rocked the throne.

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North

Friday, April 5, 2013

Groups urge ACN national body to wade into Kwara crisis WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

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he youth arm of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in Kwara State and the ACN Youth Vanguard, AYV, yesterday called on the national leadership of the party to wade into the crisis currently rocking the party in the state.

Similarly, the Integrity Group; another splinter group in the party, said the national body of the ACN needed to call to order, a section of their members who were said to be fomenting trouble in the state chapter of the party.

Addressing journalists in Ilorin, the Coordinator of AYV, Mr. Adeyeye Emmanuel, said the ACN cannot continue to be indifferent to what is happening to the party in the state, saying that the situation would get worse if nothing is done to address it.

The youth vanguard, who said the response of the leaders, should be to the effect that disciplinary measures be taken against those trou-

ble makers in the state who deliberately are flouting the party’s constitution.

The bone of contention is the announcement by some members of the party that the Chairman, Mr. Kayode Olawepo, has been removed and suspended by them without recourse to the rules of the party.

Integrity Group Chairman, Chief Funsho Alabi, who issued a press statement on the matter said it was “shameful and unfortunate, the development in the party.” He said the problem was started by those who wanted to cause confusion in the party.

Chief Alabi added: “It is disturbing that the action of those who now see Olawepo as a bad sheep is coming at a time when he is about to leave office and the party is getting more rooted in the state.

“Truth is, this same set of people had called some top notchers of the party in the state and attempted to cajole them into signing an undertaking that a particular former governorship candidate of our be made sacrosanct.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Gunmen kill Deputy Controller of Prisons in Sokoto

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unmen on Wednesday killed the Deputy Controller of Prisons in charge of the Sokoto Central Prison, Alhaji Usman Gwandu, at SARDA Quarters in the state capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gunmen, who fled the scene immediately after the attack, were said to have rained

bullets on Gwandu’s vehicle, killing him instantly.

They did not, however, take anything from the vehicle.

It was learnt that the gunmen trailed the controller to the scene, where they struck around 10.00 pm.

Residents of the area said they could not rescue Gwandu, due to sporadic gunshots fired by

the assailants.

Some of the residents, however, summoned courage and went to the scene of the attack after the assailants had fled.

The controller was later rushed to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, where he was confirmed dead by doctors. His remains had been deposited at

the hospital’s mortuary.

The corpse, according to a hospital source, will be released to his family later for burial at Gwandu in Kebbi State.

Spokesman of the Sokoto State Police Command, Sani Salisu, confirmed the incident.

Salisu said the command had commenced investigations to unravel those behind the act.

Borno reviews students’ scholarship allowances by 800% INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

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orno State government yesterday said it has reviewed the scholarship allowances of 6, 353 students studying in various institutions of higher learning by over 800 per cent for two academic sessions, while the arrears of bursary allowances would be paid this month.

State Commissioner of Higher Education, Alhaji Bello Ayuba, disclosed this yesterday at the Musa Usman Secretariat complex, Maiduguri.

He said that the present bursary allowances paid to the students are grossly inadequate and does not reflect the present economic realities of studying in institutions of higher learning in the country.

Ayuba lamented that the old scholarship allowances for pre-National Diploma (pre-ND), Nigeria Certificate of Education (NCE) and Remedial students was N1, 820, while those of undergraduates was pegged at N3, 080 per session without covering

other expenses.

He said with the approval of a new students’ bursary allowances by Governor Kashim Shettima, the rates are now respectively increased to N10, 000 and N20, 000 per student/session, while those for law students’ was also reviewed from N250, 000 to N300, 000 with a laptop.

Speaking on outstanding bursary allowances, the commissioner said; “With the new approved increases in bursary allowances for students, the state government has already earmarked N130 million for payment this month for the 2010/11 and 2011/12 sessions.”

He, however, urged the students to reciprocate governments’ gesture by doing well in their studies, so that the educational transformation efforts of the state government could be effected within the shortest possible time.

He also called on students to purchase the scholarships forms on sale, as interviews for the 2012/13 Borno State scholarships will commence in July this year.

L-R: Agwam Takar, Chief Tobias Nkom-Wada; Kaduna State Governor, Mukhtar Yero and Chief of Kagoro, Mr. Ufuwai Bonet, during the governor’s condolence visit to Atakar village in Kaura Local Government Area, on Wednesday.

PHOTO: NAN

Mass wedding: 20 HIV positive discovered among prospective couples AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

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t least 20 prospective couples were yesterday in Kano State discovered to be HIV positive during a mandatory medical check-up ahead of the third batch of 1, 000 mass wedding for widows and divorcees in Kano, the commercial nerve centre of the north.

C o m m a n d e r- G e n e ral of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheik Aminu Daurawa, who made the disclosure said that each of

the 44 local councils would hold the wedding prayer session for 21 couples, while the mass wedding for the remaining 76 couples would be conducted in the state capital.

During an interview with our correspondent in Kano yesterday, the commandergeneral also said that the board discovered five pregnant women among the 1,000 widows and divorcees for the mass wedding, despite the Shariah practice in the state.

According to Daurawa, the board had

set aside N10 million to be paid as dowries to the brides in addition to providing other essential items for the couples.

He explained that the affected women were detected during the medical screening exercise conducted on the prospective brides by the board across the 44 local gover nment areas of the state.

Also, Daurawa disclosed that a renowned Kano-based businessman, Alhaji Isiyaka Rabi’u and the Gover nor of the Central Bank, CBN, Sunusi

Lamido Sanusi, had donated N2 million and N1 million respectively toward the success of the programme.

A chieftain of the PDP and the traditional title holder of Dan-Saran Kano in the state, Alhaji Gambo Danpass, has also donated 200 bundles of lace material to the brides.

In its contribution for the success of the mass wedding, GLO Mobile Telecommunication Company has donated 2, 000 SIM cards for distribution to the couples.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Maku stirs hornets’ nest with Mimiko–Awolowo comparison

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

Politicising SURE-P ahead of 2015 polls

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ACN condemns arrest of Ekiti chairman, Awe, over murder SINA FADARE

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he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has condemned the arrest and whisking away of the Chairman of the party in Ekiti State, Chief Jide Awe, following the death of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member in his hometown, Erijiyan Ekiti.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Lai Mohammed, in a statement made available to National Mirror yesterday, noted that the harassment and intimidation of Awe is part

of a grand plan by the PDP to silence the ACN in Ekiti.

He said: “What the PDP cannot get through the ballot box is what it wants to achieve through brigandage and abuse of federal might. But this will not succeed as the peaceful people of Ekiti will resist any attempt to turn their state into a theatre of war.

“The truth is that the PDP has a history of violence in Ekiti State, as in other places. Factions and rivalry within the party have been responsible for incessant skirmishes during rallies, party primaries or meet-

ings. The Erijiyan shooting fits into this pattern, and it happened because a faction of the PDP tried to prevent another (PDP) faction from taking part in the defection ceremony.”

ACN alleged that Awe is being selectively persecuted by the PDP, through the Minister of Police Affairs, Capt. Caleb Olubolade (rtd), who has decided to abuse

his office just to get the ACN chairman arrested and taken to Abuja, after he had been interrogated and released by the police in Ekiti.

“It is shocking, to say the least, that the minister, who is also an interested party, a gubernatorial aspirant and a factional leader of the PDP in the state, did not see anything wrong in the fact

that no member of his party, the PDP, in the state has been interrogated by the police over the Erijiyan crisis.

“That our party chairman will now be arrested and taken to Abuja, over a crisis in Ekiti, while those who instigated the crisis are walking free, is not the definition of fairness and justice,” the ACN stated.

It therefore demanded

an unconditional release of Awe and his safe return to Ekiti, while all those who precipitated the crisis but are now walking free should be immediately invited by the police for interrogation.

The party warned the police not to allow itself to be used by anyone, no matter his status in the Federal Government.

Boko Haram: I’ve been misinterpreted, quoted out of context –Kalu OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

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ormer governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu has said that he his comments on the Boko Haram insurgency in which he was quoted to have said that security agencies were guilty of complicity in the sect’s spate of bombings targeted at Igbo people in the North was a misrepresentation of what he said.

In a press statement made available to National Mirror yesterday, Kalu said that he was quoted out of context, adding that what he was driving at was that “security agencies should take a hard look at themselves and their modus operandi.”

He added that he only advised that the security agencies should be vigilant in order to ensure that purported bad eggs that have infiltrated their rank and file are not the ones fomenting trouble and responsible for the unending atrocities.

Kalu was quoted by the media, while addressing a group of Nigerian businessmen and politicians in London on Tuesday April 2, to have accused the security agencies of complicity in the security situation in Nigeria.

The statement reads in part: “It is quite right that

the searchlight must be beamed in every single direction, including the security outfit, without fear or favour, as we grapple with the nightmare of terrorism and bloody carnage in this country.

“The sophistication that has characterised the planning, execution and the general top class logistical operations of the terrorists have left many questioning whether some rag-tag illiterate and untrained religious fundamentalists are truly capable of, and singularly responsible for, all the slaughter and destruction that has been associated with Boko Haram.

“In a democracy, it is not only permissible for citizens to question everything; it is our civic duty to do so.”

L-R: Members representing Kagarko Federal Constituency, Adams Jagaba; Jaba/Zango Federal Constituency, Geofrey Gaya; the paramount ruler of Atakad Hill community and Gideon Gwani during the visit of the lawmakers over the recent attack by suspected Fulanis in the area yesterday.

Opposition parties back Keyamo’s guber bid FELIX NWANERI

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he 2015 gubernatorial ambition of human rights lawyer, Festus Keyamo, has been backed by over 15 opposition parties under the ae-

gis of Association of Registered Political Parties (ARPP) in Delta State.

Representatives of the parties, who declared this during a recent visit to Keyamo at his Effurun, Delta State country home, said the lawyer’s entry

APC: ANPP stakeholders against merger OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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brewing crisis seems to have emerged in the merging All Progressive Congress (APC), as the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) Stakeholders’ Forum has accused the leadership of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) of putting machinery in place to short-change other merging political par-

ties in the merger process.

The claim by the forum was contained in a letter titled “Merger/APC crisis: How we have been fooled and deceived by Bola Tinubu/ACN (The secret Tinubu is hiding from us, Merging Partners)” and addressed to the National Chairman of the ANPP. The letter signed by the chairman of the forum, Isah Bala, who doubles as chairman Usuma Ward in Bwari Area Council,

in Abuja, said: “It is with great sense of disappointment that we came to the unravelling of the grand deceit and political avarice behind the merger agenda of All Progressive Congress (APC) comprising the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and a faction of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

into the governorship race is a good omen for the politics of the state.

According to the party leaders, who were received by the coordinators of Delta Forces United (DFU) from the various local government areas of the state, “politics in Delta State now promises to be bright with the declaration by a man like Festus Keyamo, whose antecedent as a courageous lawyer is well known to all, to run for an elective position.”

ARPP chairman, Monday Emuariah, led the delegation of leaders of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party (LP) and Accord Party (AP) in the state.

The opposition parties’ representatives, expressed

dissatisfaction with the current state of development in the state as well as decried the regime of a cabal whose grip on power has done more harm than good to the interest of Deltans.

In his response, Keyamo, who said he was encouraged by the visit, saidthat DFU is working hard to come up with a blue print for the development of Delta State.

He said the domination by a tiny circle of people who have held the state hostage since 1999 is about to come to an end.

“We shall frustrate their effort to hand over to one of their own. The state deserves a brand new set of leaders. Deltans everywhere must arise and make this possible,” he said.

14

Politics

Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, stirred the hornets’ nest when he compared the performance of Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State with that of the late Yoruba leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Maku has incurred the wrath of the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over his remarks, OJO OYEWAMIDE writes.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Maku stirs hornets’ nest with Mimiko–Awolowo comparison

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inister of Information, Labaran Maku, last week stirred the hornets’ nest at the launch of the Residency Card (Kaadi Igbe Ayo) by the Ondo State Government. He, however, suffered some stings inflicted by the state chapter of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Maku had, at the launch of the state smartcard, eulogised the performance of the Olusegun Mimiko government, likening its feat to that achieved by the late Yoruba leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, when he was the Premier of the defunct Western Region. The minister commended Mimiko for building on the developmental legacies of the late sage.

“Mimiko has decided to stand on the solid foundation of Yoruba politics with the indefatigable Awolowo of blessed memory. That foundation is rooted in socio-democracy, socio-democracy that emphasizes human development which is education, health and other social welfare. This is the tradition that Mimiko has defended in the last four years in Ondo state,” Maku had said.

The politician in Maku was at his best at the event, starting with scathing words apparently for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). In unmistakable reference to the ACN, the minister said: “Those who hold the brooms are running into a new place because broom can no longer sweep in the Yoruba land.”

Maku, who hailed Mimiko for starting new things in Yoruba land, described Ondo State as a fertile land in the desert of the South West, and the smartcard as revolutionary.

“Let me say this very clearly; things are happening in Yoruba land. Mimiko has decided to stand solidly on the foundation of Yoruba politics. Mimiko stands to defend the tradition of government that is rooted in the ordinary people and the government that emphasises a leader that stands for public welfare rather than personal aggrandisement,” Maku said.

If Maku thought he was impressing Mimiko and the audience, he was also incurring the wrath of the state chapter of the PDP. The party considered his comparison of Mimiko’s performance with that of Awo as disgusting. In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Wale Ozogoro, PDP said instead of comparing Mimiko with Awolowo, Maku should have kept his mouth shut and maintained a dignified silence while his visit lasted.

PDP said: “The attention of the party has been drawn to a statement made by the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, at the launch of the controversial Kaadi Igbe Ayo. The minister, who did not take a tour of the state, eulogised the performance of Dr. Mimiko to the

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Maku

extent of comparing him with our dear Awolowo.

“It is most embarrassing and quite unfortunate to compare Awo with Mimiko, who has not paid workers’ salaries since January this year. Indeed, Awolowo is an epitome of social welfarism which is in total contrast to Mimiko, who belong to the school of Nigeria’s oligarchy and capitalist movement.

“The comparison is most satanic as it can be likened to comparing a saint with a devil. Awolowo provided free education at all levels while Mimiko did not only increase school fees at Adekunle Ajasin University and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic; he equally introduced sundry fees in both secondary and primary schools across the state. Our minister lost sight of the five kilometre road he traversed from the airport to the venue of the launch. This road was awarded over four years ago without delivery.”

Describing the smartcard project as futile and a waste of resources, PDP added: “The party expects the minister to ask the importance of this colossal waste of resources on the so called Kaadi Igbe Ayo. Also, the party equally expects the minister to take his Good Governance Tour to Ondo State and make sure he visits the nooks and crannies of the state and let’s see if his so-called comparison will stand the test of time.

“Awolowo is an embodiment of service and never had the opportunity of collecting over N700 billion from the federation account. He generated handsome money from the cocoa produce which was the mainstay of the SouthWest economy and used same for monumental development. Instead of comparing Mimiko with Awolowo, the minister should have kept quiet and maintain a golden silence, until he completed his visit. Mimiko has wasted over N1 billion on this futile project while gallivanting around and showcasing market stalls as the best thing that has ever happened to our dear state, while infrastructural facilities are decaying.”

The smartcard project is as controver-

Mimiko

IT IS MOST

EMBARRASSING AND QUITE UNFORTUNATE TO COMPARE AWO

WITH MIMIKO WHO HAS NOT PAID WORKERS’ SALARIES SINCE

JANUARY THIS YEAR sial as Maku’s comparison of Mimiko with Awolowo. The PDP candidate in the October 20, 2012 governorship election, Olusola Oke, had earlier taken a swipe at the state government over the Residency Card, describing the scheme as meaningless, deceitful and non existent.

Oke’s media aide, Kunle Adebayo, had said in a statement that “it is curious that for four years, the government expended unusual fanfare and propaganda to play up the Kaadi Igbe Ayo scheme without any concrete success and achievement, only to now suddenly wake up in another frenzy of publicity, seeking to name a baby that was never born.”

He added that the open but strange discovery with hard evidences of the alleged illegal injection of bio data collected from citizens for Kaadi Igbe Ayo into INEC’s voter’s register had shown that the scheme, ab initio was never meant to secure the public interest but to cheat them after all.

The state chapter of the ACN described Maku’s comment as uninformed, wondering how much knowledge of Yoruba politics and tradition of government the minister has. The party said the residency card was a deceit.

Speaking through its state Publicity Secretary, Rotimi Agbede, the ACN said: “At a time when the government cannot pay its workers and is laying off thousands of civil servants, the extraordinary display of financial recklessness is nothing but an act of insensitivity to the plight of the poor in the society.”

He added that the card project was an-

other chapter in a series of absurdities of the Mimiko administration.

“What is the usefulness of a card that captures the data of only people of voting age, if not for the dual purposes of draining the state’s resources and creating a data base for the injection of ghost voters into the voters’ register as revealed at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal? The inauguration of the card and its attendant fanfare is an attempt to cover their tracks and divert the attention of the people from the original reason behind the project,” Agbede said.

But the state government through the Mimiko Support Group (MSG) said the PDP and its candidate were crying wolf where there was none. The coordinator of MSG, Seyi Adeniyi, said: “We need not dignify the ranting of Chief Oke with a response. It is obvious that he and his co-travellers were economical with the truth and their stock in trade is to feed the people with fabricated lies.

“How would somebody be playing dirty politics with the residency smart card designed to assist the government in knowing the necessary data of its people? The Ondo people are wise and they have demonstrated their trust through their votes in October 20, 2012.,” he said.

The history of the smartcard project dated back to February 24, 2009 when Mimiko promised to know the people of the state one-on-one; where they live, what they do for a living, the exact number seeking employment and their qualifications. Mimiko had said during his inauguration: “My people, let’s get down to our first assignment. I want to know all of you by name. I want to know where you live. I want to know what you do for a living. I want to be able to talk to you one-on-one. I want to know the exact number seeking employment and I want to know what type of qualifications you have. I need to know these and many other things to be able to catalyse the joint processes and mechanism for the realisation of our collective dream.”

Late in 2009, the pilot phase of the Residency Card project was flagged off at Igbara-Oke, headquarters of Ifedore Local Government Area. The card was said to be for the purpose of identifying residents of the state with a view to obtaining information necessary for planning.

On Friday, December 10, 2010, Mimiko, his Deputy, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Samuel Adesina, registered. While performing the flag-off and the first registration ceremony in Akure, Mimiko said the event was a demonstration of his promises at his swearing-in that he would prepare reliable and up-to-date register of all residents in the state as a precursor to effective planning and allocation of the state resources.

Although most people in the Sunshine State are yet to understand the importance of the Residency Card on which, according to Mimiko, N950 million has been expended, the scheme remains as controversial as it was in the beginning.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Friday, April 5, 2013

SINA FADARE writes that the Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), designed to be an intervention fund to create employment opportunities for Nigerians, has turned to a subject of controversy and bait to appease political cronies.

Politicising SURE-P ahead of 2015 polls IF PEOPLE ARE SAYING THAT THE PDP IS SHARING THE SUBSIDY

REINVESTMENT FUND,

I WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED. IF PDP

T

he management of the Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) has become a subject of accusation and counter-accusation between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

The leading opposition party, ACN, has accused the ruling PDP of using the fund to kick start the 2015 elections, especially that of President Goodluck Jonathan, and as settlement for its members.

Expectedly, the PDP has fired back accusing the opposition party of frittering away its own share of the subsidy funds.

The crisis rocking the Lagos chapter of the PDP over the administration of the SURE-P where some of its members accused the state coordinator and party leaders of hijacking the fund has been the basis for the ACN’s accusation.

The party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, said: “The truth has prevailed as the PDP members themselves have confirmed that the SUREP funds are being shared among them across the federation. Thanks to the alleged hijacking of the SURE-P funds meant for the PDP members in Lagos State by the Bode George faction and the crisis that it has generated, the nation can now see that the Jonathan administration has wilfully converted the money accruing from SUREP to campaign funds.”

The opposition regretted that this development is a serious violation of the constitution, because the State Implementation Committee, a body not recognised by law, has been set up to distribute the SURE-P largesse to PDP members in all the states.

According to the party, by virtue of the SURE-P arrangement, part of the funds are now available for the ruling party to share freely by approving contracts, programmes and activities to satisfy its members.

“The PDP-controlled Federal Government has now seen the accruing huge funds as money which may well be spent with special favour for its cronies and party affiliates, without regard to the constitution. For President Jonathan, this is an impeachable offence,” the ACN stated.

The party regretted that all the state coordinators for President Jonathan’s campaign in 2011 are also the current state coordinators for SURE-P, adding that this is not a mere coincidence but a wellorchestrated attempt to give the Jonathan campaign an unfair head-start ahead of 2015, with public funds.

The ACN listed some of the coordinators who were Jonathan’s campaign coordinators in 2011 and are now SURE-P coordinators as Bode Oyedele (Lagos), Mr. Joseph Ishekpa (Nasarawa), Garba A. Kurfi (Katsina), Alhaji Aliyu Mamman (Niger), Adamu Yaro Gombe (Gombe), Femi Akinyemi (Ekiti), Jarigbe Agbom Jarigbe (Cross River), Abdullahi Ohioma (Kogi), Dare Adeleke (Oyo), Al-Kasim Madoka (Kano) and Kolo Bukar (Borno).

15

DOES NOT SHARE THE MONEY, WHO WILL?

Kolade

Mohammed

Against this backdrop, the ACN therefore called for an independent investigation into how the money accruing to SURE-P has been disbursed since the inception of the programme, with a view to establishing the extent to which the funds have been abused, and in order to prescribe the appropriate sanctions for those found culpable.

National Mirror gathered that the Lagos State SURE-P ran into crisis due to the choice of the coordinator of the programme in the state, Oyedele, who allegedly did not command the respect of the majority of the party members.

In a statement made available to National Mirror by concerned PDP Stakeholders in Lagos State, the party members alleged that the programme had been hijacked by Bode George faction of the party in the state.

It therefore called on the National Chairman of PDP, Bamanga Tukur, the Chairman of the SURE-P, Christopher Kolade, Minister for Finance, Ngozi OkonjoIweala to remove Bode Oyedele as the state coordinator of the fund if the SURE-P is to succeed in Lagos State.

The aggrieved party members argued that Oyedele is a factional leader, and cannot carry everybody along, adding that Mr. President should cancel all the SURE-P beneficiaries in Lagos and investigate the origin of the names and call for fresh nominations if the programme is to achieve its objective in Lagos State.

“SURE-P is not for Bode George’s agents.

If PDP members are going to benefit, it should be PDP members all round, and not selected members. There are some areas where the beneficiaries are just stooges, who have agreed to share the money 50/50 with some leaders in the party. We will fight this out and expose them very soon.

We call on the President to investigate the names that were submitted, and cancel all of them,” they said.

However, the PDP asked ACN to mind its business. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, challenged the ACN to show Nigerians what programmes they have implemented with their shares of the subsidy funds.

“The leaders of the opposition parties are used to frittering away funds meant for the people. They are not happy that Nigerians are benefitting from the SURE-P and are hell bent on using any means to discredit the programme and deny the people the benefits,” he said.

The ruling party, which lambasted the ACN for trying to politicise the SURE-P initiative of the PDP-led Federal Government, also accused the opposition states of frittering away their own shares of the funds instead of using such for the benefit of the people.

Metuh noted that the criticisms of SURE-P were part of a grand plot by the opposition to unnecessarily stir up animosity among the people.

“To say the least, we found it nauseating that the opposition would want to play politics with everything including a programme meant for the benefit of all Nigerians. We are aware that this is part of a grand plot by the ACN to stir up animosity among peace-loving Nigerians and prevent them from benefitting from the programme.

“The SURE-P initiative is a programme of the PDP-led Federal Government for the benefit all Nigerians. PDP members are Nigerians and we will be happy if they were truly patronised instead of the money going into the pocket of an individual as obtainable in the camp of the ACN where funds meant for the people are diverted to the pocket of a godfather,” Metuh said.

Despite all the defence put up by the PDP on the issue at stake, political pundits said the party fails to provide answers to numerous questions begging for answers.

Is it true that the PDP gave the SURE-P funds to its cronies in various states, particularly, state coordinators of Jonathan campaign organisation in 2011 ? Is it true that the one for Lagos was hijacked by George and his group at the expense of others? Does it mean that any Federal Government projects are exclusive for only the PDP members with the exclusion of other Nigerians? How much of the SURE-P

funds are being channelled to political activities instead of alleviating poverty?

Perhaps until all these numerous questions are answered, SURE-P programme would not be separated from all the numerous frauds that are well pronounced in government in recent time.

Speaking to National Mirror on the issue, convener of the Save Nigeria Group (SNG) and General Overseer of Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare said SURE-P is another drain pipe of the country’s economy embarked upon by the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

According to him, the project from the onset was another monumental fraud to siphon taxpayers’ money. Bakare said: “If people are saying that the PDP is sharing the subsidy reinvestment fund, I would not be surprised. If PDP does not share the money, who will? Do you think the PDP has good intentions? I felt pity for Kolade when he was appointed to head that committee.

“Instead of alleviating the suffering of the people, it is one of the numerous programmes embarked upon by the ruling party to pauperise Nigerians and a good avenue to perpetrate one of the highest corrupt tendencies in the land.”

The former vice presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) called on Kolade, the chairman of SURE-P, to resign so as to protect his integrity. “I don’t think credible people will have something to do with PDP government that the only language it understands is corruption. With the kind of allegations coming up on how the funds are being managed, the best thing for him to do is to resign. I hope he withdraws or resigns before he is messed up, because you cannot expect anything good from the PDP,” he said.

A chieftain of the PDP in Ekiti State and former South-West publicity secretary of the party, Mr Kayode Babade, said the ACN goofed on the issue at stake.“It is arrant nonsense for ACN to accuse PDP on a programme it did not have the fact on how it is being operated. Let the ACN go and battle its coalition palaver instead of poke-nosing into an affair it knows nothing about its creation,” Babade told National Mirror.

The PDP chairman in Lagos State, Olatunji Shelle, could not contain his anger while speaking with National Mirror on the naivety of ACN on the issue of SURE-P. According to him, there is no single fund released by the Federal Government to any of the coordinators.

Shelle, who denied any acrimony within the rank and file of PDP members on the issue of SURE-P, requested ACN to challenge all its governors to come out and say what they used their own share of SURE-P funds for.

Shedding more light on the disbursement of SURE-P funds, the Public Relations Officer of the SURE-P committee, Mr. Adelani Ashamu, said it was unfortunate that the ACN failed to ask its governors what they did with their 54 percent of SURE-P funds accrued to their states every month before poke nosing into that of the Federal Government.

Ashamu pointed out that the Federal Government used its own share of SUPE-P funds (41 per cent) as an intervention on infrastructural projects like roads across the country and re-vamping of rail system.

16

Editorial

Friday, April 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

STEVE AYORINDE

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HEAD, GRAPHICS

P

rofessor Chinua Achebe, a literary icon, distinguished writer, novelist, Africanist and renowned world scholar, died in the United States at the age of 83 years on March 22, 2013, having suffered a brief illness. The fallen scholar bestrode the literary landscape like a colossus while he held court. Achebe in virtually all his works reflected the Africa cultural milieu and the contestation between Western civilization and Africa’s cultural values. He was exceptionally prodigious and stridently captured the African social realities. He authored the now globally cited novel, ‘Things Fall Apart’, acclaimed to have been translated into 50 various languages, with roughly 20 million copies sold. The didactic and eclectic slants of his writings were likewise irresistible to the international community.

In his home country, Nigeria, Achebe relied on his literary prowess as a medium to criticize the huge deficiencies of the government and wider society.

He decried the endemic corruption dogging political leaders, brazen profligacy and recklessness in public life, the lack of people-oriented public policies, as well as the general failings and ineptitude of any government of the day. An eternal watchdog of governance in his lifetime, the eminent scholar on two occasions, and governed by

A tribute to Chinua Achebe his principled stand, rejected national honours conferred on him by the highest authorities in the land. He felt the national honour has been bastardized through the conferment of same on persons of dubious integrity and credentials. Achebe rejected being honoured by leaders whose bad governance, insensitivity, unpatriotic and rudderless policies, as well as corrupt penchants, always threaten the unity and peaceful co-existence of Nigerians and have positioned the country on the path of a failed state.

Indeed, the literary icon’s rejection of national honours at a time when the polity celebrated groveling sycophancy, flimsiness of governance and the failure of leadership, was widely welcome by Nigerians who saw in him a principled fighter against further desecration of the nation’s sacred values by a reveling leadership.

Though Achebe did not bag the venerated Nobel Prize for Literature in his lifetime, he was never diminished, but was highly respected as an international literary figure. He was relentless in exploiting his global platforms, such as conferences, seminars, symposia, and public lectures, to buttress Africa’s leadership crises and his perceptions of how best to tackle them.

The literary colossus was also in the news quite recently

ACHEBE REJECTED BEING HONOURED

BY LEADERS WHOSE BAD GOVERNANCE, INSENSITIVITY…

HAVE POSITIONED THE COUNTRY ON THE PATH OF A FAILED STATE when he posited that former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; and the Federal Commissioner for Finance and Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council in the Gowon administration, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, should be docked at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for genocide. Achebe premised his agitation on the denial of food access to ‘Biafrans’ during the 1967 – 1970 Nigeria vs Biafra civil war, which led to the death of thousands of the civil population.

In stirring the debate, Achebe must have drawn his strength from the fact that international law frowns at the use of food blockade as an instrument of war, and is also explicit on the protection of the civil populace in a war situation. Professor Achebe’s comments, however, drew immediate and intense re-

sponses from cross sections of stellar scholars, statesmen, the political elite and Yoruba sociocultural organizations. Some critics branded him an ‘ethnic irredentist’ and hater of the Yoruba race, ostensibly in reference to his comments on Chief Awolowo. But their counterparts of South East extraction, especially the Igbo, pitched their tent with Achebe. Though a regrettable intellectual exercise that reopened old wounds as well as memories of the civil war, the country’s media and generations born after the war have been robustly enriched by the comments generated by Achebe’s controversial observation.

Quite unfortunately, however, the Nigerian national question, even presently, still sustains the contradictions that led to the civil war; with the problems of recurring ethnic and religious conflicts, resource control, power sharing and marginalization of ethnic nationalities, yet to be sincerely rested. Therefore, in addition to recognizing Achebe’s fame in the literary firmament, his boldness, courage and exemplary patriotism, etc., the nation’s leadership can honour this noble man better, even in death, by making frank and dispassionate efforts to resolve all issues threatening to tear the nation apart that are bottled up in the thorny, socalled national question.

ON THIS DAY April 5, 2010

April 5, 1999

April 5, 1988

Twenty-nine coal miners were killed in an explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia, United States. The Upper Big Branch Mine disaster occurred on April 5, 2010 roughly 1,000 feet (300 m) underground in Raleigh County, West Virginia at Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch coal mine located in Montcoal. Twenty-nine out of thirty-one miners at the site were killed.

Two Libyans suspected of bringing down Pan Am flight 103 in 1988 were handed over for eventual trial in the Netherlands.

Pan Am Flight 103 (the Lockerbie bombing) was the bombing of a Pan Am transatlantic flight from London Heathrow Airport to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday, December 21, 1988. The Boeing 747–121 was destroyed by an explosive device killing all 243 passengers and 16 crew members.

In Japan, the largest suspension bridge in the world, the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge linking Awaji Island with Honshu and costing about $3.8 billion, was opened to traffic. The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, also known as the Pearl Bridge, President Jonathan links the city of Kobe on the mainland of Honshu to Iwaya on Awaji Island, in Japan. It crosses the busy Akashi Strait.

It carries part of the Honshu-Shikoku Highway.

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Views

Friday, April 5, 2013

17

The President’s Borno visit in perspective MEDINAT UMAR

W

hen President Jonathan was campaigning for the highest office in the land in 2011, he easily came across to the electorate as a humble individual, a sincere and trustworthy person. There was this straightforward mien about him that you do not often see in politicians. Politicians, especially in our clime, are defined by double speak, playing to the gallery and always on the lookout for a cheap political points to score. Indeed a classic definition of a politician in Nigeria appears to be one who takes the right turn when he or she trafficates left. But President Jonathan all through his political career – from the time he was elected deputy governor in Bayelsa to this time – has shown that politics does not really have to be a dirty game where there are no rules and no honour.

The recent visit of the President to Borno and Yobe states afforded many Nigerians the opportunity to once again see the forthrightness and courage in the man they trusted with their mandate. In spite of the distracting comments and the obvious moves of the opposition to politicise his visit to the two troubled states where the dreaded Boko Haram sect has made life very cheap,

President Jonathan stuck to reason and statecraft. He would not be drawn into any infantile debate over what was clearly a provocation by the opposition governors’ circus show staged earlier in Maiduguri. Not done with their ambushing of the President with their melodramatic visit, the opposition taunted that the President would not pass a night in Maiduguri. But the President made all the skeptics not only eat their words, but also showed them what a great leader he is.

Once in the troubled towns, the President went straight to business. He visited important places to see the level of devastation that Boko Haram has unleashed on the innocent people of Borno and Yobe states. By his estimation it was not difficult to see his compassionate feelings for the innocent people of the two states, whose loved ones have been murdered by this satanic group, and for whom every day is lived under fear and uncertainties. The President saw first-hand how the economy of an important part of the country has been destroyed by a faceless group and what looks like complicity of the silence of the elite. In short, the President saw enough to strengthen his resolve to do anything within his powers to stamp out the Boko Haram group and rebuild the confidence of the people in the abil-

HE DID NOT COME TO THE MEETING LIKE A POLITICIAN THINKING ABOUT THE NEXT ELECTION. INSTEAD, HE TURNED UP LIKE A STATESMAN WORRIED ABOUT THE NEXT GENERATION. HE WAS BRUTALLY FRANK WITH THE PEOPLE AND THE ELDERS OF THE STATE AS HE LOOKED THEM IN THE EYES AND TOLD THEM NOT WHAT THEY WOULD WANT TO HEAR BUT WHAT THE TRUTH IS ity of the state to protect them.

The high point of the visits was the town hall meeting President Jonathan held with stakeholders in Maiduguri.

In that meeting, many issues ranging from the immediate and remote causes of the Boko Haram insurgency, strategies for containing the menace, the rebuilding of the economy of the region as well as the process of demilitarizing the Kanem-Borno axis, were discussed. Amazingly, the President put up a performance the Nigerian people who elected him freely knew he was capable of.

He did not come to the meeting like a politician thinking about the next election. Instead, he turned up like a statesman worried about the next generation. He was brutally frank with the people and the elders of the state as he looked them in the eyes and told them not what they would want to hear but

what the truth is. And the truth is that it appears that the elders of Borno for a long time have been playing the ostrich with the Boko Haram insurgency. Like Nero, they fiddled while Rome burnt.

For a long time the elders who suddenly found their voices at the meeting have buried their heads in the sand while the state burns.

They are too quick to condemn any perceived indiscretion by the Joint Task Force (JTF) stationed in the state to protect the people, but too reluctant to speak up against the massacre, which the Boko Haram sect has been unleashing on the hapless citizens of the state.

With the way the elders vehemently want the JTF out in Borno, one would think that the latter and not the Boko Haram is the aggressor in the Sahel.

To be concluded Hajya Umar lives in Abuja

Igbo’s approach to culture and tourism UGOCHUKWU OBINKA

T

he words culture and tourism may seem very common as we hear about them quite often. But do we really appreciate what they stand for or understand their potential if properly harnessed. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, culture is a people’s way of life, belief and attitude, art, music and literature. In other words, culture simply means the way of life and value system of a people. Tourism on the other hand, in a lay man’s term, is simply the act of engaging in pleasure trip, that is the act of travelling and staying at least one night but not more than a year beyond one’s geographical area for the purpose of recreation.

From these definitions, it is safe to say that there is almost no tourism without culture.

That said, one notices that we breathe culture in Africa. But the performance of African nations in the development of their tourist potential leaves much to be desired. Forlabi (1992) depicted this somber reality graphically in these words: “Although Africa as a whole has a magnetic influence in the minds of foreign tourist, it is a continent of unending curious and close contact with the wild and with nature. But only trickles of the world’s tourist movement still reach Africa”.

For instance, only 24 out of every 100 world tourists in 1990 had Africa as their destination. Today, South Africa

MANY IGBO DO NOT VALUE THEIR CULTURE.

SOME

THINK IT ARCHAIC AND IRRELEVANT IN TODAY’S EXISTENCE

has been able to understand the numerous benefits attached to tourism and so it is the new tourist destination in Africa.

It is important to add that tourism dates back 4 000 BC. Although it was not properly defined at the time; it was regarded as travel for the purpose of trading and commerce. The invention of money by the Samarians (Babylonia) and development of trade and commerce marked the beginning of modern era of travel. As civilization took place, conscious travel to explore and see the world began (Discovery).

The Romans played big roles in the development of tourism in many countries in Europe. To enhance travel, the development of seaports and faster means of transport gained effect. They also encouraged people to visit Rome during the great games which were organized in honor of some gods. They also travelled to see famous pyramids of Egypt and particularly the famous Olympic games.

Today it has become the policy of many countries to finance and promote strongly their tourist industry in a world

in which people are more inclined to travel. Tourism has been seen to support significantly the economic and social development of such countries. It has also seen to the creation and rapid growth of multi-national private sector-enterprise.

Reports found that in Britain the tourism industry provided employment for 900,000 workers. Currently, it is estimated that in the United States of America’s foreign tourists alone spend over $7 billion and create one million jobs every year. The US earns over $10 billion annually from both domestic and international tourism.

Last year, I wrote a controversial article titled ‘Igbo language and its imminent extinction.’ There, I stated that Igbo accepts changes so easily and adapt to them, adding that they readily embrace the western type of education through Christian philosophy of evangelism.

This in the long run erodes their culture which is supposedly their identity.

This is simply saying many Igbo do not value their culture. Some think it archaic and irrelevant in today’s existence.

I must say that I am a Christian, I believe in Christ and the power within. I also believe that the cultural potentials of a people remain their identity and that being proud of one’s culture and heritage remains a major attraction to tourists.

Jealously guiding your culture protects your identity and creates awareness, which in turn attracts tourists from all over the world to your culture area. Some of the tourists will come to participate; some will come to witness

the event, while some will come with the purpose of research and discovery. So do not get carried away when you suddenly become centre of attraction for others. Today people go to Mecca, Saudi Arabia and Mount Zion in Jerusalem in the name of pilgrimage, but I see such endeavours as tourism.

Every January 1st is a big day for all the masquerades in Unubi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State. Yearly, over 15,000 people from neighboring towns and beyond come to watch as the different masquerades dance around the market square. A lot is being put in place to see that this event is given the necessary awareness and support it deserves, but some feel it should be abolished because they feel it is devilish and operated by evil spirit. Everyone is entitled to his/her opinion so I choose to keep mute in that aspect. However, one thing I know is that if Christ were born in my village, He would eat our food, drink our water, wear our clothes, sleep in our type of hut, sing, dance to our music and preach in our language.

Obinka, Director of Planning and Research, Ndigbo Unity Forum (NUF), wrote from Onitsha, Anambra 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.

Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

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Mail Mirror

Friday, April 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

COAS and the use of force

T Fayose on the march again

I

read in the Wednesday edition of your newspaper that Chief Ayo Fayose, the Ekiti State governor from 29 May 2003 to 16 October 2006 when he was impeached, is one of the contenders for the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship ticket for the 2014 governorship election.

He reportedly told your reporter that some leaders of the party from the South-West geopolitical zone would accompany him to the party secretariat in Ekiti State to submit his letter of intent. I now know that there is no honour in politics.

He is welcome to the fray. I believe the people of Ekiti State know what is good for them. After all, in a democracy the right to have or nurse ambition is guaranteed. But in pursuing ambition, the path of decency must be towed.

Kunle Ibrahim, Akure, Ondo State

Fagbohun’s self righteous homily

T

he headline of your lead story on Page 4 of your yesterday edition, Corruption not peculiar to us – Police, made me shiver. Rev. Fr. Raphael Fagbohun, the pioneer Chaplain of the Nigeria Police Force Chaplaincy, while repudiating the number one position of the most corrupt agency of the government, would want Nigerians and indeed the world to believe that corruption is not an institutional issue but a societal and personal one.

By his own admission, Father Fagbohun said that the police force had the highest rate of dismissed officers because it does not condone corruption and other vices.

This is not true. The rule in the police force is steal or be corrupt, but do not be caught.

The mere fact that the force has the highest rate of dismissals is a strong evidence of the high incidence of corruption there.

Geoffrey Duru, Delta State.

Kwale,

BACK ON THE BEATS: Commercial Motorcycle Operators (OKADA) waiting for passengers on Carter Bridge, Idumota, Lagos.

PHOTO: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Fashola and the security question

T

he pervasive insecurity currently overwhelming the country is having a telling effect on many Nigerians. It is a situation of no longer at ease for many in their various communities, including market places, churches, schools and homes. The governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola has spoken on the importance of safeguarding the lives and property of people living in a polity, stressing that the best protection is for people to be security conscious.

He has further said that Lagosians must know who you’re their neighbours are, what they are doing for a living, in addition to helping one another to tackle crimes and criminalities in the community in particular and the society in general.

I wish to add that social parties and religious gathering draw all manner of people. So it is important for all the people at such gatherings to be on security radars. What happened three weeks ago when some suspected insurgents were arrested in Ijora Badia, a suburb of Lagos should be an eye opener to the authorities that the South could become targets of terrorists attacks.

The state government should invest in counter

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insurgency surveillance of the state.

It is good that Governor Fashola has warned Lagosians to know who they live with, it is also important for him to mobilize and equip the state police command and the neighbourhood watch and OPC to develop firststrike capability.

Perhaps, now is the time to rehabilitate the army of ‘area boys’ fomenting problems in the street of Lagos and motor parks; urchins sleeping under the bridges and uncompleted buildings in the metropolis.

Some of them claim to be shoemakers, puffpuff sellers etc, we know this is not true.

What about the police angle? Considering their perchance for bribe taking, how do we prevent them from selling Lagosians out for a mess of porridge?

The state governments should be seen to be confronting the insecurity in the country before looking up to federal government for assistance. As the federal government is beefing up the nation’s security networks, community leaders, states governors and local government council chairmen should also play their own parts. After all this raging terror war is being committed from grassroots.

Nigeria is a thoroughly porous country where all manner of people could easily enter and live among the people.

It is very important to do something about this.

The Immigration Service should be on top of its statutory functions of ensuring that all records of foreigners coming in are kept. There must a unit in every local government area which must work with traditional rulers and their chiefs.

Nigeria should be protected and the life of every Nigerian should also be safeguarded.

military officer voiced: “Who built this gather?” What about some military governors that could only speak passable English when they were initially appointed. Many of them became polished and refined public speaker of English Language after they had been well grilled by private tutors.

Now that we know Mr. Obafaiye has been redeployed to Oyo State, he should be propelled by his disgraceful outing to quietly and maniacally go for

remedial courses to improve himself. Who knows he might be the next CommandantGeneral.

I do not see the reason why the NSCDC authorities would be embarrassed by the performance of one of their top officers.

Should they feel concerned enough, let them show it by sending their worthy ambassadors for training and retraining programmes. .

he statement last Tuesday by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika that only the deployment of force would force Boko Haram to sheath their swords is symptomatic of an administration that is confused.

President Goodluck Jonathan is the Commander-inChief of the nation’s armed forces; he has his service chiefs to rely upon for sound advice; he has a National Security Adviser and many heads of intelligence institutions. Just what the problem is that the nation’s security infrastructure has proved ineffectual in dealing with the pervasive insecurity in the country. We Nigerians know money is not the problem because tones of money are voted for security.

If Boko Haram are getting their training from the Maghreb region in North Africa and even Somalia, what is to be done? The military have the answer because that is what they are paid to do. If they also get their funding from bank robberies, the solution is to stop them from accessing bank funds.

The ongoing battle against terror in the country would require quality thinking and quality intelligence gathering methodology. The failure of the former is why Boko Haram is succeeding.

President Jonathan should squeeze his security chiefs hard. They either deliver or are eased out.

Comrade Barth Ugboh, Benin City, Edo State

Promise Nwangburuka, Lagos

What makes tick?

Redeployment of My Oga at the top Commandant Maina lhaji Abdulrasheed

T

ake it or leave it, Mr. Shema Obafaiye, Lagos Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), from whose comment the popular joke, ‘My Oga At the Top’ was coined, has etched himself in the consciousness of Nigerians, for ill or for good.

His showing at the Channels Television interview three weeks ago could have been rated poor, I do not see the unusualness of what he did. It is in this country high ranking

Ms Titilope Ariyo, Ibadan, Oyo State

A

Maina, the embattled chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team is pulling all stops to wrestle the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Only in Nigeria will this impunity be tolerated.

Unless there is a grand conspiracy at the top to spoil the case of horrendous banality against Maina, let everything be done to fight the case to the logical end.

I hope the NJC is watching and taking stock. The nation’s judiciary remains the biggest stumbling block in the war against corruption.

Bala Aminu, Abuja

Send your letters or or mails mailsto toPMB PMB10001, 10001,Ikoyi, Ikoyi,ororour ourEmail: Email:mirrorlagos@yahoo.com mirrorlagos@yahoo.com and info@nationalmirroronline.netor or 08056180209, 07033375481 and info@nationalmirroronline.net 08054103275, 07033375481 (SMS (SMS only).Editor The Editor reserves thetoright edit and letters reject letters or photographs.

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FRIDAY

Flavour

Friday, April 5, 2013

16 PAGES OF ARTS, REVIEWS, LIFESTYLE AND BUZZ TO START YOUR WEEKEND

Escape

WEEKEND STARTERS A touch of history, jazz, spice

H Edaoto & Afrogenius Band unleash album

T

oday at 3.38 p.m. at Alliance Francaise, Herbert Macauley Way, Yaba, Lagos, Edaoto and the Afrogenius Band will release their longawaited album to the Afrobeat-loving public. Tagged: ‘Release of the Critically Speaking Album’, it is one event that music lovers, whether of the Afrobeat genre or otherwise must attend because, as Edaoto himself has promised, there will be lots of fun.

istory, Jazz & Spice Concert will take place on Sunday at the Nigerian Railway Corporation Museum Grounds, Ebute Metta-Lagos from 4.00 p.m. There will be a live jazz band and award-winning pianist, music arranger and producer, Wole Adesanya, aka Mr. Wols.

Also, Kore, Lara George, Wale Adenuga, The Vessels and Kentoxygen will serenade guests with music on the piano. Deyemi Akande will talk about the exploits of John Okenla and the Egba Christian Battalions, among other things.

Yemi Alade throws faaji party

“F

aaji with Y e m i Alade and Friends”, an intimate concert for friends and fans of the Effyzzie Music recording artiste,

Omawumi in 1st solo concert

O

n Sunday evening at the Oriental Hotel in Lekki, Lagos, Omawumi will be in her first-ever solo concert in what organisers swear will

be one of the best concerts of the year.

The diva, whose latest album is enjoying rave reviews, has been supporting a host of artistes in

Yemi Alade accompanied by her “Ghen Ghen Groove” band, comes up tomorrow.

Expected at the venue, Swe Bar & Lounge, City Mall, Onikan Lagos, are Denrele Edun, Sasha P and OJB Jezreel.

Starting by 6.00 p.m. and hosted by Dizzy, there will be musical performances from Eva, Flowssick, Chidinma, Dammy Krane, L.O.S and Temisan.

concerts, including Nigeria’s neo-soul star, Bez and Grammy-winning American R&B, Funk and neo-soul singer Maxwell.

Showtime is 7.00 p.m.

Future Awards opens confab today

S

tarting today and continuing till Sunday, Fu-

Eko Kite Festival starts

C

ranes and Ladders will launch the first Eko Kite Festival tomorrow at Maruwa Beach, 2nd Roundabout, Lekki, Lagos. The event begins at 11.00 a.m.

ture Awards presents its maiden edition of “The Nigeria Symposium for Young and Emerging Leaders”, in the serene setting of Ikogosi Springs, Ekiti State. The event will be held annually and will focus on high level leadership building capacity for the new generation of Nigerian leaders.

AAF Art Salon debuts tomorrow

T

he African Artists’ Foundation, AAF Gallery on Raymond Njoku Street, Ikoyi-Lagos holds the inaugural edition of the AAF Art Salon for a film screening of The Radiant Child, a 2010 documentary film about legendary

American artist, JeanMichel Basquiat.

The once-a-month forum will include artist talks, portfolio reviews and panel discussions, allowing artists and cultural practitioners to meet and exchange ideas. Time for the event is 5.00 p.m.

P. 34

stupid productions are coming out from that enclave of sin and depravity. It is time for the heads of our different guilds to go in there and clean the place out instead of sitting back in Lagos fighting over who will be part of the next dinner with ‘Oga at the top’ and issuing communiqués about how to share the N3bn largesse from President Jonathan. If we do not act quick enough we will soon find that we all will be drowned in this morass of moral decadence. It is what somebody has that he gives. If we build an industry that is peopled by thieves, pimps and whores, we will continue to produce movies that will corrupt our children and our society”.

Abubakar, told Friday Flavour that AGN has written a petition to the producers and marketers involved and that they have asked members so affected to come forward so they can take it up.

“I will say those girls are not our members. It could be happening to girls who are desperate to become stars. We teach our members to avoid paying any money even at auditions”.

nual membership dues and something called joining fee which is N1500. That brings everything to N17,900 out of which the guild has only N4,900. On the issue of state chairmen whose tenures expired, it is in our constitution that whenever someone’s tenure expires, he would leave office. What we have done is to appoint sole administrators in such states”.

In another development, the present AGN has also been accused of insensitivity to the plight of their female members in Asaba, Delta State who are sexually and financially exploited in order to get movie roles. A few days ago, Reginald Ebere, a Nollywood director and writer bemoaned the state of immorality going on in the industry, especially at Asaba, where producers and directors now demand money, laptops, tablets and sex from actresses before offering them movie roles.

According to Ebere; “What is going on in Asaba is sordid, which is the reason why half-baked, illiterate, uncouth, insulting and sometimes utterly apologetic

Denrele’s Day

Abubakar

P. 24-25

Fiberisima

Inside FCT

T

he dream of having a united Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, AGN, is still a mirage. Six months into the emergence of the new AGN headed by Ibinabo Fiberisma, calm is yet to return to the body and Friday Flavour gathered that it is currently threatening cohesion amongst members.

Chief amongst the controversies trailing the new administration is the introduction of revalidation fee totalling N17,900, which every member of the guild must pay in order to carry on with the business of acting. The introduction of the fee is seen by actors on the lower rung of the acting ladder as a tactic to sideline them from working, considering that only a few of them on that cadre could afford to part with that kind of money to revalidate their memberships.

A source told Friday Flavour that the development has left some of them groaning over the emergence of Ibinabo Fiberisima and other members of her executive. “We are going to resist this. They can afford it but we cannot and we will do our best to see it does not work”.

While the issue of membership revalidation is raging, the new AGN executive is also being accused of following the footsteps past administrations by

making sure that leaders of state chapters that did not vote for them are forced out of office without an opportunity to re-contest. A case in question, according to the disgruntled party, is that which is currently going on at the Abuja and Lagos State chapters, where the new AGN executive has imposed caretaker committees to take over the affairs of the guild as a way of masterminding the return of only loyal candidates.

When Friday Flavour interviewed the national secretary of AGN, Yakubu Abubakar on the phone, he confirmed that there was a process of revalidation in the guild but that it was attracting only N1000. He said deaths in Nollywood was what necessitated the idea of a health insurance policy which pushed the fees payable to N17,900 alongside other dues.

“The amount for revalidation is not N17,000; it is actually N1000. The guild decided that it was time to help members get a health insurance policy that would take care of some of us who are sick and do not have the means to go to the hospital. We want to save everyone the burden of running around for money when something happens. The approved fees are N1000 for revalidation of membership; N13,000 for the health policy that will be administered by a company known as Health International Limited; N2400 for an-

P. 26

NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

P. 32-33

Actors’ Guild in levies, pimping, prostitution scandal

Mirror Mongers

VOL. 3 No. 593

19

20

Artman In The House

Friday, April 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigerian comedy is still too small –Basket mouth

He is the epitome of guy-next-door comedian. However, Basket mouth is undeniably a superstar comic whose self-effacing and deadpan delivery of side-splitting gags put him millions of naira ahead in the nation’s humour profession.

Born Bright Okpocha, the business-minded comic’s career is hurtling to an international level with his debut this month as the first Nigerian host of Comedy Central Presents...Live at Parker’s, a highly-rated global TV show. In this interview, Basket mouth tells ADENRELE NIYI about his career, passion and inspirations. Excerpts: album?’ So, it has to be done and over it.

Now, presenting a TV show is a different area I wanted to test and so far, I’m enjoying it but this hasn’t taken anything away from me. I still work as a stand-up comedian, I still do MC at events and I’m as busy as I was in the past. The most active part of me right now is TV presenting and stand-up comedy. Music is on the secondary scale right.

How did the first encounter with MTV Base happen? And what sparked that business partnership?

I got a call from Tim Harwood –he is a creative director with MTV Base – for a meeting so I went. Tim told me they had an idea for a TV show called the Big Friday Show. He explained what it was all about, showed me a montage and asked if I was interested. The first question I asked was ‘is this an audition, have you reached out to other people?’

I don’t like those kinds of platforms where they have to choose one person out of a group; I hate competition. If you want to start selecting or auditioning, I’m not interested, but if this show is created for me, then I’m interested. He said it was created for me and I immediately jumped in. I love the idea of the show for the fact that it allows me do whatever I want to do. It exposes that side of me most people have not seen and it freaks some people out right now. It gives me the opportunity to express that madness inside of me.

You are popularly addressed by the appellation ‘king of Nigerian comedy’; do you agree with the title?

It flatters me when they said that but I don’t agree. If people say that I can only relate with the fact that I must have done something that would make them say such. Sometimes, I’m like this is not right; yes I appreciate it, but there are people who are far better than I am and who deserve the title The likes of Okey Bakassi , Ali Baba, Julius Agwu and the rest of them, those guys need to be respected. They should be addressed as such because they opened the way. I was just opportuned

and exposed, thanks to God. In the last few years your career has veered into music and shows more than your comedy gigs. Would you say this is helping to channel your creativity?

Being a VeeJay and host of the Big Friday Show was something I had to do because I’d been restricted to stand up comedy for too long and I wanted to break out of it. Doing music wasn’t a decision I took all of a sudden, I was into music before I started doing comedy; it was me trying to complete that journey. When people I know from the past see me, they go like ‘Bright, when are you going to give us an

In 12 months that you’ve hosted Big Friday Show what has been the highpoint and how has it impacted your brand as Basket mouth?

Hosting the show has improved my confidence in front of the camera and my skill of presentation when anchoring the show.

I didn’t get any training; I made mistakes and corrected myself along the way. I also got some tips from the producers and directors. The first two, three episode I was scared. I was hoping the show wouldn’t be cancelled because I wasn’t doing a good job.

I trained myself with the help of the team.

In as much as I’m not a big fan of awards because it doesn’t tell me how good I am –my last performance tells me how good I am; but one of the highpoints was when the show got nominated for FAB Awards.

When they announced us the winner, I was genuinely excited; it means we are doing something right. The show just started and

there are loads of shows which have been there before us. The award gave me that kick for the first time in my life.

But the biggest news around your career right now is the Comedy Central job; not only for you but even for Nigerian comedy. How did this happen or maybe I should ask who pulled the strings?

There was no string that was pulled (laughs). What happened was that I went to South Africa in February for a stand up comedy show tagged, Stand-up Africa by Podium Comedy Merchant. I‘ve done one show with them last year or thereabouts at the Gold Reef City, Johannesburg, one of the best venues I’ve ever performed at.

I was the headliner, they loved my performance and they said ‘Bright you have to come back’. This time around, they decided to do something smaller; two gigs for two dates at the same venue.

I was the last act on stage to perform. After my show, one White champ came backstage and said to me: “Dude, you ‘killed’ it! I loved every bit of your performance.

How would you like to host Comedy Central Presents...”. I was like ‘wow! I’m definitely game’. So, that’s how it happened. It was a job well done that gave birth to the opportunity. It was based on merit, no strings whatsoever was pulled. It was genuine and that’s the reason I appreciate it more.

If someone had called someone at Comedy Central and told them to use me and I got it, I wouldn’t be impressed with myself.

But the reason I’m excited and fulfilled is the fact that it was a performance that I did that made them call me.

How do you think this would impact on Nigerian comedy?

Nigerian comedy is going to be on that map. It will definitely inspire other comedians to work harder because it’s a target and great achievement for some people.

Comedians will definitely want to work harder to be on that platform. Definitely, it is inspiring me to work harder so that I can host it again and again.

It’s sad that most of the comedians that have been on Comedy Central are South Africans except for some few comedians from Uganda and Malawi that have been able to make it. It’s a good thing that Nigerian comedy is been recognised. The kind of comedy I do outside is totally different from what I do in Nigeria– not the same delivery or jokes; that’s the reason

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, April 5, 2013

Artman In The House

21

FACT FILE •

Basket mouth was born in Lagos on September 14, 1978.

•

He broke into mainstream comedy in 2001 but was discovered in the late ‘90s by Ali Baba.

•

He studied Sociology at the University of Benin, Edo State

•

Basket mouth has won the National Comedy Award for Best Comedian of the year back to • back for the last four years and Best Stand up Comedian of the year (2005/6) • After a seven-year courtship, he married Elsie Uzoma and they have two young children

•

•

•

Comedy Central is Africa’s only 24-hour comedy channel on DStv Channel 122 Basket mouth will headline his own edition of the show, Comedy Central Presents Basket mouth Live at Parker’s, in Johannesburg, South Africa on

why I could sell. Depending on the market you’re going to, you have to create a product for the market. Like soda drinks, the taste in Nigeria is different from the taste abroad. Same thing with cars; that’s why you hear stuff like American ‘specs’. The society you’re selling your product will tell a lot about what you’re selling. Definitely, it is going to make people to start creating a new dimension to their delivery and products.

Does it mean you are going to be in S’ Africa researching to understand your audience as host of the show?

I don’t really have to be in S’ Africa to know what materials I’m dropping. My target is not the South Africans, my target is everyone. My material has to remain universal; that way, the people in Ghana, Nigeria or whichever country is watching can understand and feel me. Yes, I’ll be in S’ Africa three or four days before to do some gigs which I’ve been contracted for to herald that performance. I will be trying out my new materials at different comedy clubs before the main events.

Clearly, Nigerian comedians are a closeknit family, working together in such intimacy that a lot of other professionals in the entertainment sector lack. Do you know of any plans to start an association to help structure and guide the industry?

People have made moves to set up two or three associations. For me, I know an association will not make Nigerian comedy any different, more structured or more redefined than it is. Association in comedy doesn’t work, it doesn’t happen anywhere; all we need is self management and discipline. Yes, it is good for people to come together and form an association, but the fact that comedians are stealing from one another is what we need to work on not forming association.

One of the ideas of forming an association is so that we can charge certain fees but people sell their products according to quality and their target market. If I’m charging N2.00, it is because I feel that my brand is worth N2.00. And if this other comedian is charging his client 50 kobo it is because he feels his brand is worth 50 kobo. I think it is better we do things individually; sell our products as we want to sell it.

April 24.

•

Funnymen and women to grace the stage at Parker’s include Chris Forrest, Kurt Schoonraad, Tumi Morake, Barry Hilton, Loyiso Gola, Tats Nkonzo and Stuart Taylor.

•

The 6ft 2ins tall artiste is close friends with South African star comedian Loyiso Gola.

Having started out as a hip-hop artiste, Basket mouth confesses he remains ‘100% a hip-hop disciple’ In 2012, Basket mouth (under the stage name Lyricist) released two singles titled Where you dey? and Where I’m from featuring eLDee, Steelz, Rukus and Wizkid.

•

He runs Barons World Entertainment, a consulting/event and artiste management company.

•

He names famous American comic star and actor Chris Rock as his number one role model.

Bright and Elsie on their wedding day in 2010.

As you mentioned earlier, we are very close and we work as friends. Sadly, there is a difference between been acquainted with someone and been friends with someone. I’m closer to some comedians than I am to some others but that doesn’t mean we can’t work together. I work with every single comedian.

Let’s look at the relationship on the continental level; between Nigerian comedians and their colleagues in other parts of the continent?

Same thing in South Africa, America and the UK; comedians have people they are close to in their industry. Although, they continue to give one another gigs and create platforms for everyone to ride on and grow. The same thing we have here in Nigeria as well.

I think we’re actually on the right track on how to be successful and how to take Nigerian comedy to that big level. Yes, Nigerian comedy is big but that’s only because we are looking at it from the internal point of view. We think it is big but from a broader perspective, it is not. Trust me, it is too small. There are more comedians in South Africa than in any other country in Africa. We claim we have a lot of comedians in Nigeria but we’re not even up to 20 per cent of the comedians in South Africa.

Is there any likely hood that you might pursue an acting career as well since you’ve gone into TV and you do skits?

A lot of people tell me I act very well in skits and ask if I will do a movie. I’ve been offered scripts and money but I don’t want to get into acting for fun of it; I want to understand the important parts because movie making is not just about a good storyline. It’s about right directing, screenplay, production, everything.

I can tell you that we are working on something right now but I can’t give details.

I’m bringing in a comedian from America who is also an actor; I can’t mention his name too. He is interested in doing a short movie with me and some other comedians.

It is something very interesting that can sell in Hollywood.

Certain sections in society have expressed concern about materials some comedians use which sometimes show insensitivity to people with physical chal-

The Opel Insignia Basket mouth drives

With son, Jason and daughter, Janelle

lenges or deformities; what’s your take on that?

True, there are some issues that are’ below the belt’, sensitive issues you shouldn’t talk about. However, comedy is spread around every topic no matter how sensitive it is. The fact that it’s a joke gives you immunity; it doesn’t mean that’s how you feel about it. but because of the kind of culture we are in, we are restricted to a lot of things.

I’ve seen comedians outside Nigeria take on some sensitive issues but in Nigeria, due to our culture, you can’t do it; I always advice comedians to stay away from such things. For example, at a comedy gig in America you are free to talk about lesbians, homosexuals; but in a gig even in South Africa, there are limits to the way you can talk about it. You cannot talk about HIV/AIDs in South Africa or some other countries because people are dying of this disease. So, depending on where you’re from, you just have to respect the culture and people.

We need to respect the people; the market, families and the fans because what you do is dependent on people’s appreciation of your product. If they don’t like it, automatically you’re gone.

I’ve heard you crack jokes concerning your family. The one that particularly tickles me is about your daddy been so broke that if he were to name some of his kids after things he couldn’t afford, he would use names as ‘NEPA bill’, ‘house rent’, etc. Did your parents take offence to this reference to your past?

No, they did not...

(Interrupts) Is it true your family was that broke?

(Laughs) Of course not! I can call myself an aje pako (peasant) because I was not born with a silver spoon. But if you

want to judge by people that live in good houses, my dad had cars. My dad was okay; he put us in good schools, right education and all the necessities.

The thing is, if I go on stage and crack jokes about the poor, people will find it offensive; so, I use myself as a point of contact. People would rather laugh at someone than laugh at themselves. I use myself and my family as victims to drag people into my worldview and the audience believes it in as much as 95 per cent of what I’m talking about is exaggerated. Sadly, you guys now know everything I’m saying is a lie (laughs). But, I’m an aje pako all the same.

Tell us about your plans for 2013; comedy shows, your music career and event promotions?

I just set up an office which is a booking agency for all round events consulting. We are the first official booking agent in Nigeria. We are restricting ourselves to musicians and comedians for now before we get into acting.

We are looking at bringing back Basket mouth Uncensored – my one-man stand up comedy show; doing Lords of the Ribs; African kings of comedy; Nigeria kings of comedy. I’m launching two new products; one is called The Usual Suspects, featuring me and some comedians people know me with namely: Buchi , I go dye, Bovi, I go save and Sim Card.

The other is Busta Comedy Jams; where we want to marry hip-hop music and comedy because there is no such platform for hip-hop music. I’m using this to express my love for the art of hip-hop.

How does your wife and kids cope with you travelling often and your now busier schedule?

I’m hardly ever around anyway. This year, I’ve done one gig in South Africa and last year, I had about five to six gigs.

I also work in the UK. In the past three years, most of the gigs I do have been outside the country. I’ve been doing this because I’m trying to break into the international market. Sometimes, my family goes with me but it is rare.

22

Critics

Friday, April 5, 2013

Book

Dissecting Anioma genealogy NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

A

lthough Anioma is a coinage chiefly championed by late Dennis Osadebey, former premier of the Mid-Western region during the First Republic, its essence was to unite the Igbo-speaking communities located on the west of River Niger with other neighbouring clans who share both cultural and geographical affinities.

The coinage, somewhat embracing was done to capture the then four local government councils-Aniocha, Ndokwa, Oshimili and Ika. But several incidents in the past have suffused to create confusion, spawning what is today known as ‘identity crisis’ in this zone. As the zone, constituting the Delta North Senatorial District intensifies its clamour for political relevance in Delta State, the arrival of this book authored by Prince Charles Anyasi (who is passionate about the Anioma cause) is very timely.

The book is a 31-chapter explanation backed with historical, Biblical and anthropological evidences which trace the origin of most of the people in this location to their relatives across the River Niger. It however goes a step further to link the people so described to Jewish ancestry. Towards the end of the book, there is a clear impression to the reader that the author’s intention is not to re-unite the Anioma people politically with their kith and kin but to establish its identity by the way of a state to be known as Anioma State, which would include Onitsha, the commercial hub of not only Anambra State but also of the entire eastern part of Nigeria.

The author backed up his declaration by publishing an endorsed document signed by some prominent Onitsha sons, some years ago, stressing their determination to be lumped under Anioma State.

Far from explaining the root of the Anioma people, the book also went further to solicit for the creation of Anioma with the belief that the land is blessed with both natural and human resources to sustain it as a state. This may not be far from the truth, but the idea of recreating the borders across the geographical expression as embodied by the River Niger may not be necessary at this point in history.

The author also explained in details what could be called the grouse of the Igbo on the West of the Niger against those on the East of the Niger, citing frequent snide refereeing to those on the west as ‘lazy’, and the instances of marginalisation encountered during the civil war. In backing up the derogatory snide, the author referred to an English author, Basden G.T, who wrote an account meant to distinguish the ‘two stocks’.

But he failed to recognise that a white author like Basden needed to write this to have a grip on the tool of discrimination to achieve the ultimate goal of the

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Special Report

THIS IS NOT ONE OF THOSE WORKS PUBLISHED IN A HURRY AS THE ACCOUNTS PORTRAY A WELL-

RESEARCHED, WELL-

WRITTEN AND WELLPRINTED BOOK colonialists. The author should have also explained the fact that ‘marginalisation’ is an intrinsic part of the human population and runs on every rung of the human society until perhaps the last, which is our mother’s kitchens.

The instances raised during the war could have arisen out of the desperate need for the people to survive as has been captured in the books explaining the war in details. The author however failed to highlight the different fence-mending efforts being made by the entire Igbo land to unify all its sons and daughters through the pan-Igbo group, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, whose immediate past president, Ralph Uwechue belongs to the Anioma stock.

Anyasi’s book must, however, be commended for a number of reasons. It is not one of those works published in a hurry as the accounts portray a well-researched, well-written and well-printed book. Commendation must be given to the cover design as the picture tells the story with the cap worn by the cover model with its portrayal of the theme. Perhaps the author’s feats make his account of this debate very authentic. He, Anyasi, has traversed the media landscape in Nigeria as a writer and television host and has also become the spokesperson of Umu Anioma Foundation Worldwide, while waiting to assume the throne of Idumuje kingdom as a traditional ruler. His account of this largely politicallymotivated debate will help to enrich minds.

D’Banj performing at the 2013 AFCON closing ceremony

Nigerian banks to spend billions on entertainment F

or many years, it was the abandoned child. But now, Nigeria’s entertainment sector is getting more than enough attention from left, right and centre. Still without the necessary structures and a system that can help it exploit opening opportunities, the entertainment scene is grabbing a huge share in marketing budgets, as many big spenders continue to realise the importance of using fashion, music, movies and the power of celebrity, to reach customers in different segments, especially the youth demography.

Telecoms companies like MTN, Etisalat, Globacom and Airtel have long perfected a profitable relationship with entertainment; same for FMCG companies like Unilever, NB PLC, Guinness, Coca Cola and Pepsi. But there are new entrants – the banks – warming up to play on a bigger scale and reap all the dividends on offer.

According to investigations by Nigerian Entertainment Today, 2013 total spend on the sector, by the banking industry – a sector that’s just beginning to open up its wallets to entertainment, will be in billions of naira. The relationship between corporate Nigeria and advertising has moved from buying sponsorship or advert slots on shows and programmes, to property acquisitions, title sponsorships and brand generated initiatives.

So, gone are the days of Benson & Hedges concerts, Sunday Rendezvous (Sponsored by Coca-Cola Nigeria) and all the primetime TV adverts more pop-

ular than the national anthem (remember ‘Joy Girl’?).

When the private telecoms companies arrived in the early 2000s, they immediately spotted new opportunities and went full throttle; throwing sponsorship and endorsement deals (worth hundreds of millions) not just to music shows and entertainment establishments but also to individuals – while the likes of MTN rolled out with big budget tours in school campuses and towns, GLO handpicked those they believed were influential entertainers and made them brand ambassadors.

“It’s a fantastic strategy; while one was beaming through local towns, the other got entertainers with strong appeal to do the talking for them”, Sola Fanawopo, a Public Relations and Communications experts says.

“Entertainment is the ‘new bride’, the bride that will never get stale or fade”, Fanawopo adds. “There are endless possibilities and too many strategies that can be developed and deployed around the entertainment sector”.

Well, there’s a new suitor in town. In search of new markets and determined to build a good base in a country that is increasingly supporting local talents in music, films and fashion, Nigerian Banks appear ready to put their money where their mouth is –working with consultants, in house teams, and executive policy directions to understand the entertainment sector, with a view to exploiting inherent opportunities.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Critics

Friday, April 5, 2013

23

Stage

A love better than the lover The reason a woman or anyone sheds tears is obvious at any time even to those living in denial of the true situation at hand.

It could be the simple fact of chopping onions or a myriad of other reasons. Whatever it may be, Crown Troupe of Africa gave audiences another reason to cry, this time with joy in their performance of Zainabu Jallo’s Onions Make Us Cry at Freedom Park, Lagos.

TERH AGBEDEH

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Nollywood, one of the biggest movie industries in the world, has become the preferred means of home entertainment for many Nigerians, as seen in the success of Africa Magic and productions like Jenifa; while the success locally and internationally of acts like D’Banj, Psquare, Wizkid, Davido and their contemporaries continues to show the power of urbane culture and pop music on young Nigerians scattered across the world. The banks are increasingly interested in speaking to these young people, and the realisation is clear: the language they understand is the language of social media, the language of entertainment, of everything hip and trendy.

“It’s simple, we’ve noticed that the best way to reach the Nigerian youth in this time and generation is through entertainment. They are locked on entertainment – from music, to movies, theatre, cutting through some areas of sports and merchandising”, a strategy officer at a top Nigerian bank told NET. Taking the front row is GTBank.

Under the leadership of the late Tayo Aderinokun, the bank seemed to have understood early enough how the entertainment industry runs. So in early 2012, they launched Ndani TV, the entertainment hub which showcases music (Ndani Sessions, The Juice with Toolz), movies (Gidi TV), Fashion (Fashion Insider), African business starters (Young CEOs) and more. Setting up this has put them in the lead and many agree that most young Nigerians believe GTBank is the most entertainment-friendly bank around.

Sponsoring events such as D’Banj’s 2012 Koko Concert has also helped.

Sources say the bank is planning more events sponsorship for the year, with some deals already sealed. (Don’t forget that extravagant Ndani TV advertisement on the back of D’banj’s T-Shirt during his performance at the closing ceremony of the African Cup of Nations finals in February).

Diamond Bank, which recently rebranded, appears to have also discov-

ered the benefits of associating with entertainment. With eyes fixed on the youth segment, insiders say Diamond is adopting entertainment as a major marketing tool, with Nollywood, Media and Music key areas of interest. The company has already sponsored the 2012 movie Last Flight to Abuja, as well as the recent inaugural Social Media Week Lagos and ‘Maxwell’s Valentine Concert’ (both in February 2013).

Diamond Bank is currently working on two big projects also worth millions – first off is the upcoming Divas Rock concert which will host US based 90s rap duo Salt-N-Pepa as headliners. The other is the upcoming Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) project which will see Diamond Bank setting up small scale entertainment hubs around Lagos.

And NET confirmed from those who know, that they are also working on Diamond Bank entertainment properties to cut across TV, online and music.

The trend continues with Africa’s pioneer money house –First Bank. The respected bank which had positioned itself as a big supporter of the theatre (such as Umoja in 2012) is now embracing mainstream and pop projects, identifying with events like the Lagos Fashion Week, Gbenga Adeyinka’s Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka D 1st and Friends: The Home Coming and Darey’s N300 million Love Like a Movie music concert’.

Analysts say it is only natural for other banks like Zenith, Skye and Access bank to follow. Some, like Access, are actually in already with the 2012 Nickelodeon/ Dora partnership and a shift in policy, according to insiders, that allows the management freedom to exploit opportunities entertainment platforms may present.

And from Nollywood to the music scene and beyond, practitioners are aware of this sudden love – and they are keen, according to those who spoke with NET, to exploit it to the benefit of the industry.

Culled from Nigerian Entertainment Today www.thenetng.com

he title of Zainabu Jallo’s play, Onions Make Us Cry calls to mind the picture of a helpless, apronclad woman, chopping up onions in the kitchen with teary eyes. Watching the NLNG Nigeria Prize-nominated play, which audiences in Lagos saw the first four Sundays in March, paints a different picture. This is a metaphor for the many things that would make a woman cry, onions being a minute speck on the bullet points of possibilities. No doubt, highest on that list is domestic violence, which the two main characters in this play go through. One is in denial while the other has killed the source of her abuse.

The plot has Lovelorn Malinda Jandiya kill her husband when he turns into a violent stranger very different from the man she met and fell in love with while they were merely students. The same man she had gone to dance Afrobeat tunes with ‘and inhale prohibited smoke’. She must pay for killing Mr. Jandayi but first, it is Lola Gambari’s job to determine whether she is sane enough to face charges or even be reunited with the children she has lost as a result of her action.

Funny enough, roles are reversed in the consulting room, the very first in Ward 6 of the hospital where action in this humorous one-act play takes place, as the patient becomes the psychiatrist.

Lola sees herself in Malinda in the same way that she must see her image in the mirror except that this time she cannot look away and forget what she has seen.

It is the lucidity of Malinda’s tongue coated with the splendour of Jallo’s poetry that shakes Lola to the reality of her true situation. Lola, like Malinda, is abused by her husband but is in denial; rather pretending that it is the onions

Aduke (kneelling) and another actor on stage

that make her cry.

Malinda, played by Aduke, wows the audience to no end with not just her near perfect diction but also in the way she moves as if she were born to play this very role. That is not to indicate that the other actors do not give a good account of themselves. Those of them who are the backdrop to the action in Ward 6, who demonstrate what is at play to the better comprehension of the audience, elicit a lot of laughter. This is not just because the lines are chosen to make the audience laugh; it is also because they know how to deliver them to best effect resulting in cackle and tears.

For instance, there is a campaign for public office scene where the posse of actors promise that if voted into office the taps will flow with ice cream, ‘there will be an airport in every local government area and an air conditioner on every street’. Later in the play they match backwards when the order is forward match. Because of them, there is no dull moment in the performance. This is a very serious matter of domestic violence delivered amid laughter that provokes thought long after the curtains fall on the play.

When all is said and done, Malinda affects Lola so powerfully that she faces up to her situation. Lola and her husband sit down and talk the kind of talk that leads to something tangible. But is Malinda the better for it? Maybe not, but her character is the centre of attraction and she sizzles.

If like Malinda declares, ‘love is not better than the lover’ and ‘wicked people love wickedly’, then, it will be correct to say that the outcome of this performance is the sum total of the actors’ effort and they performed vigorously.

Directed by Segun Adefila, this is one memorable performance which ran for all of the five Sundays in March.

24

Inside FCT

Friday, April 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Aborigines’ clamour for mayor deepens EMMANUEL ONANI

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choes of a Mayoral status for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have continued to reverberate among original inhabitants of the city.

The aborigines are of the belief that the election of a mayor to superintend over the FCT will open the space for more opportunities for the original inhabitants.

During Inside FCT’s visit to Bwari Village, the general feeling among the people, was one of renewed consciousness, as exemplified in what someone who identified himself simply as Sanda said: “All our people begging government (sic) is for mayor in the FCT; please, help us to beg government”.

When Inside FCT sought the views of a former Secretary of Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Hon. Yakubu Adamu on the propriety of the clamour, in view of the status of Abuja as the federal capital, he had this to say: “We have three categories of people in the FCT; the indigenes, the settlers and the residents.

“Whereas the indigenes are the initial inhabitants of this place, the settlers are

people who came here even before Abuja was chosen as the Federal Capital Territory, while the residents are those who have come as a result of the advent of the Federal Capital Territory.

“In fact, that is why I am supporting the mayoral aspect of government in the FCT. This is because a mayor must be elected and where there is a mayoral arrangement, jobs will be created through transportation, agriculture, education, health”, he reasoned.

“Now, people are being appointed as mandate secretaries from elsewhere; they live in different states and cities; these people hardly know the nooks and crannies of the federal capital. If today a politician who has been following up the campaigns, is a mayor from Gugugu, Takushara, Zuba or Abaji, he would work to achieve excellence in agriculture and other sectors, because he feels the pulse of the indigenes and would do everything to meet their yearnings and aspirations. His allegiance will be to the indigenes, their welfare and overall development of the city. He will understand that since he was elected, he will do his best to account to his people”, Adamu observed.

Indigenes of Bwari community of a celebratory event.

PHOTO ROTIMI OSASONA

Pack and Pay: Workers lament poor benefit, neglect

Park and Pay zone in Abuja

JOEL A JAYI

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n adage says “to whom much is given, much is expected”. For many employees of the companies handling the multi-billion naira-yielding Park and Pay project in the FCT, only a lit-

tle remuneration is offered in terms of monthly emoluments.

Yet, these employers rake in huge profits from the sweat of employees who work under adverse weather conditions that take toll on their health and overall wellbeing. The situation creates a picture of the

common saying in Pidgin English that: “Monkey dey work, baboon dey chop”.

Despite the exorbitant parking fees the policy levies on motorists and car owners in the FCT, there is not much to show for the labour of these young men and women in terms of satisfaction as they

recounted their predicament.

They feel let down by leadership which has failed to create enabling environments for active and competent citizens to live decently by their creative capacities.

The policy, which took off in February 2012, made it mandatory for car owners in the territory to pay a parking fee of N50 for every 30 minutes spent between the hours of 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. at designated park and pay zones Any motorist who parked beyond the stipulated time allotted on a purchase ticket will have his or her car clamped and towed and only retrievable after N15,000 is paid into the concessionaire’s accounts.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Platinum Parking Management Service, PPMS, Otunba Olusegun Olarewaju, had said that the policy will not only discourage double parking on FCT roads, but it will go a long way to reduce unemployment, generate revenue and stop the chaotic traffic situations on the roads.

However, the question on the lips of many residents is: has the policy really solved the traffic congestion in Abuja?

With the implementation of

the policy getting to over one year now, residents are still bitter about the ‘draconian policy’ which they say has continued to cost them so much even when there is nothing to show for the billions of naira raked in by the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA. Employees of the implementing companies are not left out of the lamentation as they recounted their bitter experiences in the hands of employers, characterised by poor pay and lack of concern for workers’ welfare.

One of the affected workers, who simply identified himself as Mahmud and a graduate of Federal Polytechnic, Bida, told Inside FCT that, “the salary being given to us is nothing to write about. I took the job because but I have no option, having stayed at home for good three years doing nothing.

“I have three kids while my salary is not up to N30000 and because of the high cost of accommodation inside the city, I can’t even get a small self-contained room to rent. So, I decided to live in Suleja but the transport cost is another problem.

The job is not satisfactory but I just have to do it to cater for my family; I can’t steal”, he said.

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Inside FCT

Friday, April 5, 2013

25

Why fura de nunu is popular with consumers MARCUS FATUNMOLE

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by employers WE WERE TOLD BY OUR EMPLOYERS THAT THE NUMBER OF CARS WE CLAMP WILL ATTRACT A SMALL REWARD PACKAGE FOR US Another graduate from one of the Federal Universities of Technology who declined to give his name said: “I think this is indirect slave trade and we have no audacity to confront the management to increase our welfare package. I heard that the FCT Administration said that it will reduce the unemployment in the country. As far as I am concerned, this is no work, I am just doing it to earn a living. This is not what advanced countries call a job”, he lamented.

“We were told by our employers that the number of cars we clamp will attract a small reward package for us. This is why most of us would hide whenever car owners are about to park at the wrong place so that if their cars are clamped, we can get some extra change. But the management failed to fulfil its promise. This hide and seek game is wrong. In fact, I am looking for another work”, he concluded.

Grace, another employee of one the companies revealed that the work is telling on her health. “But I have no alternative. The pitiable earnings from my employers I use to buy drugs because the excessive sun is making me fall sick all the time”.

ost consumers of fura de nunu, locally pasteurised milk, know that the product comes from no other source than animal milk. Nunu, as it is called, is a beverage rich in protein and widely consumed by all classes of people in different parts of Nigeria, especially in the North. Demand for the product is usually high in the first quarter of the year, given its strength to quench thirst and refresh a scorched and weary body.

Nunu pasteurisation and sale is predominantly a business engaged in by the Fulanis. Original nunu is produced through milking of animals, especially cows. The milk is sieved and pasteurised to kill its micro-organisms. It is then allowed to cool off.

After few minutes, it is agitated severally to bring out its fat (called mai shanu in Hausa language). When the fat, (which is expensive and in high demand because of its acclaimed high nutritional value) is removed, what remains becomes the beverage for consumption. Also, wara, another delicacy, is made from the milk. A 50cl measure of ‘nunu’ is often sold for N100 in many parts of the country.

Amina Salihu, an indigene of Adamawa state and a nunu seller in Abuja, spoke with Inside FCT on what she believed were nutritional values of the beverage. She said: “Nunu is food and not just a drink. When you take nunu, it can energise you for over three hours. Many children do not bother for food after taking it. Plus, if you drink fresh cow milk, nothing will prevent you from falling into deep sleep few minutes later.

Bottled ‘nunu’ for sale at Wuse Market, Abuja

ONE OF THE THINGS WE HAVE SEEN

‘NUNU’ DO FOR OUR MEN IS TO ENHANCE THEIR SEXUAL

PERFORMANCE; IT IS GOOD FOR MEN WHO ARE NOT ‘STRONG’

“Nunu makes you strong and healthy. One of the things we have seen ‘nunu’ do for our men is to enhance their sexual performance; it is good for men who are not strong. It also helps our children grow well and prevents them from falling sick.

“But most consumers of this beverage do not know a secret behind its constant availability at the market”, Amina revealed after she was persuaded by our reporter on further basics of the product. According to her, the animals do not have much fresh grass to eat during the dry season; hence, the difficulty to get milk from them.

“What we do is that we look for Barafutal tree (called ‘afon’, ‘ukwa’ and African breadfruit in Yoruba, Hausa and English languages respectively). The fruit is always ripe at this time of the year when everywhere is dry and our cows cannot produce milk. We remove the seeds from the husk and boil for few minutes. After boiling, the water becomes very white like cow milk and it is thick too. We allow it to cool off for a while and then sieve. Since the fruit is safe for consumption, it has been adopted for years as alterna-

tive to animal milk. Immediately we remove the unwanted particles from the boiled liquid, we then add powder milk to it.

“It is very challenging to get cowmilk nunu during the dry period of the year. There is so much nunu between May and November because there is enough grass for animals to eat; and cow breasts are always heavy at the time. The volume of wara that is produced at that time too is very high”, Amina told Inside FCT. She, however, noted that ‘nunu’ is costlier during dry season than wet season.

She attributed the reason for this to the cost of getting the seed and the powder milk.

More surprisingly, the mother-oftwo added that the function of fura, a solid substance added to nunu at the point of sale, is to enable consumers ‘chew something’ when gulping nunu. Fura is made from cereals and added to nunu upon demand. “It is just to make the consumers eat something and feel relaxed when taking nunu”, she said.

Meanwhile, the World Agroforestry Centre said, “the seeds of African breadfruit are extracted after macerating the fruit in water and then ground to a meal, known as breadfruit flour, which can be used to produce a variety of baked foods. A non-alcoholic beverage, almond milk, can be prepared from powdered seeds, which is recommended as a breakfast drink.

Seeds can be dried, fried or roasted and eaten, and edible oil can be extracted from them. The grains have an excellent polyvalent dietetic value; the biological value of its proteins exceeds that of soybeans. The flour can be made into bread, pasta, table oil, margarine and baby food”.

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Mirror Mongers

Friday, April 5, 2013

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Towards Abia Government House

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Fashola and Morka

Fashola versus citizen Felix Morka S o many things going on in Lagos may be responsible for Governor Babatunde Fashola’s recent advice to Lagos residents (including those inside the motor garages) to always turn down free beer, especially when they do not know the donors. May be the governor feels this is responsible for a lot of anomalies, especially the way falsehood and half-truths get viral on the social media networks. At the moment, the governor and his media aides are trying hard to set the records straight about citizen Felix Morka, who is citing his criticisms of the Fashola administration as the reason he is being persecuted by the Lagos State Government who has just charged his driver to court for traffic infringements.

Fashola’s media adviser however explained that Felix Morka added ‘pepper and salt’ to the whole scenario. According to him, when the governor was returning from a security meeting at the headquarters of

the State Security Service (SSS) through CMD Road in the Magodo area, his convoy and other road users got blocked by a man who had driven his SUV numbered KU 549 KJA against the flow of traffic. The identity of the owner was later established to be Felix Morka. But Morka’s account online claimed that the governor ordered that he and his children riding in the SUV be manhandled. Is that not the same Fashola who some years ago offered to defray the legal costs of a lady manhandled by some naval ratings over right of way in Lagos?

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eople who listen to this man know him as Chaz B, one of the most comforting voices on radio. But in the past one month or so, his voice on Sharing Life Issues with Chaz B, has been off-air, raising a lot of dust for listeners of Inspiration FM, Lagos, where Charles Chuk-

ne song is getting popular in Abia State as regards the race to the Government House in Umuahia, come 2015. While it is still two years away, one could hear people especially from the Ngwa Zone reciting Bob Marley’s famous lines about ‘fooling some people sometimes; and not fooling all the people all the time’.

The bone of contention is where the other stakeholders in the Abia project want to leave the Ngwa Zone in 2015.

In spite of her illustrious sons and daughters like late Jaja Wachukwu (Nigeria’s first Minister of External Affairs), Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (former deputy governor), Chris Akomas (former deputy

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igerians know how to distinguish a job from work.

According to them, when it is rewarding and has little stress it is a job, but if it is filled with lots of stress, then it is nothing but work.

Things happening to the First Lady, Patience Jonathan in the past six months have made the service of her media adviser (Ayo Osinlu) which should have been a ‘job’ look like ‘work’.

Some months ago, when the First Lady was ill and flown to

governor), Gashun Amuta and Senator Nkechi Nwogu, the zone has been ‘denied’ the opportunity of producing a governor for the state.

MM gathered that while the general consensus is that 2015 would produce an Ngwa-born governor in Abia State, some forces are scheming to alter the arrangement by presenting Alex Otti, the Managing Director of Diamond Bank as their representative from the zone, when in actual sense Alex hails from Arochukwu in Abia North.

The buzz is that Otti will soon begin to sing a new song about his origin to the effect that he is from Aro-Ngwa (Arochukwu indigene who was raised in Ngwa land). Some of

Ayo Osinlu’s work or job? a German hospital, Ayo in a bid to defend his Madam told Nigerians that the First Lady was holidaying abroad only for the First Lady to return and organise a Thanksgiving Service, where she explained how she was operated on seven times in one week!

But the recent trip by the

the bigwigs behind Otti, MM gathered, include Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, the governor of Rivers State and Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State.

Otti

First Lady has obviously left Ayo more confused, with his explanations like ‘Madam went to Dubai from where she travelled to receive an award in France’ and ‘Madam went to visit her foster mother’ confirming the murky waters Osinlu has been swimming in. This has also affected his rating in the past few days, as his critics told MM that he has resorted to avoiding taking calls. He is probably wary of lines like…..’according to Ayo Osinlu’.

Waiting on Chaz B wuma Bruce was anchoring his daily soar-away show in the evenings.

The reasons for the exit of the broadcaster who rose to become the Assistant Head, Programmes at Inspiration FM have also forced other

popular broadcasters like Shola Thompson and Folu Storms out of the station.

But in his Facebook postings earlier this week, Chaz B said he would be returning this month on a bigger and better platform.

ONE-SECOND Q&A

Chaz B

ADEWALE MARTINS

Opinions are divided about granting amnesty to members of the Boko Haram sect terrorising the nation. Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Revd.

Adewale Martins reacts: What is your stand on the call to grant amnesty to Boko Haram?

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he discussion would have gone on very well before we can begin to talk about amnesty for Boko Haram. I am sure Nigerians do not want a state of punishment and revenge and the rest of it. All we want is peace. Therefore, if they come and have a discussion, then, the issue of amnesty will be issue for everybody to accept. But as it is now, do you know whom we are supposed to be granting amnesty to? We do not know the state of the mind of the people. So, that makes it difficult to think about amnesty at this point in time until dialogue is embraced.

Martins

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Jumadal Al-Awwal 24, 1434AH Friday, April 5, 2013

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27

Call to Worship

On the authority of Anas bin Malik, the servant of the Messenger of All, the prophet said: “None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”

RELATED BY BUKHARI AND MUSLIM

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Behold Maryam’s Mosque

osque Maryam serves as the headquarters and National Center for the Nation of Islam. Adjacent to the mosque is Muhammad University of Islam, an educational institute And I created not the Jinn and for boys and girls from pre-school mankind except that they should through 12th grade. worship Me. It is located at 7351 South Stony Island Avenue in the South Shore neighborhood in the United States. Louis Farrakhan’s headquarters are located on these premises. Originally a Greek Orthodox Church purchased in 1972 by the Hon. Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam, it is a large mosque in Chicago, Illinois, United States. The mosque was repurchased and rededicated by Minister Louis Farrakhan in 1988 through efforts and sacrifices of the Nation of Islam and supporters worldwide. It was named Maryam after the mother of Jesus, Maryam (Mary).

The distinctive architectural design of Mosque Maryam further identified the spiritual significance of this house. You will notice in the dome, placed in four directions, the words written in Arabic, “There is no God, but Allah.” In the center of the dome is written, “Allah is the Greatest.”

Surrounding the dome, in beautiful Arabic text is the 24th Surah (chapter), verses 35-40 of the Holy Qur’an entitled, “Al-Nur (The Maryam’s Mosque Light)”.

Qur’an 51:56

Quiz Corner debuts

Be part of Mirror MusliMart

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For further information, please contact SEKINAH LAWAL ON: 08055102994 OR email: sakinah207@yahoo.com.

We are introducing a Muslim Shoppers’s Guide showcasing Islamic fashion, halal foods, finance, arts and music, inspirational and motivational CDs, books, events, conferences, Muslim social diaries, seminars, matrimonial, household items, medical/health materials etc.

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Saving our children from abuse 28

The wise lady 29

An alternative reading of the Gospels CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK he Sabbath, which would begin at dusk on Friday was approaching, and therefore the criminals on the cross had to be taken down and killed immediately according to Jewish law. The two thieves on either side of Jesus (as) were executed, but the soldiers saw that Jesus (as) was unconscious and thought him already dead; ‘… when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.’ Thus, to ensure they were not mistaken in considering Jesus (as) dead, they pierced his side with a spear, resulting in a sudden flow of blood and water, a sure medical sign that his heart was still pumping and that he

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Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya was alive.

However, the author of the gospel chose the Greek verb (nussow) meaning: to prick, stab or pierce when describing the action of the soldier; implying a small cut or prick, the intention being to ensure that Jesus (as) was in fact dead, since the prick would have made CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Understanding Tahajjud (night vigil) prayer 29

28

Call to Worship

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Jumadal Al-Awwal 24, 1434AH Friday, April 5, 2013

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Saving our children from abuse

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08055102994

ne of our esteemed readers sent a text last week regarding her girl child’s changing attitude. As a result, I feel that in order to keep our children safe as parents, we need to know some of the signs of child abuse. As parents, especially mothers, we should be very close to our children and be their best friend and confidant. Sexual abuse is more often a hidden abuse as many might not notice easily, the tell-tale signs of this monstrous act. We will only make headway if we break the silence and the popular lackadaisical attitude of “what is my business in that?”

Knowledge and awareness of these signs are an important part of being a community member too because sometimes, a child’s best hope of rescue from abuse might be from teachers, friends and neighbours. Knowing the signs and acting on them can save a child from a life of trauma or even death.

Of course, there are different kinds of child abuse; neglect, physical, sexual and emotional abuse. As parents, we must provide their basic needs such as the need for food, shelter, and clothing. Beyond that, children need education, safety, medical care and proper nourishment if they are to flourish and grow physically, emotionally and mentally. Neglect is the failure to provide a child with these basic needs.

One can also harm a child in a physical manner. Sexual abuse on the other hand includes indecent exposure, fondling a child’s genitals, penetration, sodomy, rape, incest and exploitation via pornographic

materials and prostitution. In addition to food, shelter and clothing, children need love to flourish. Emotional abuse occurs when children are psychologically damaged by such things as rejection, insults, threats, ignoring, extreme punishment, fear and isolation or anything that hinders positive social, mental, and emotional development.

The most common characteristics displayed by children suffering from abuse or neglect include soiled clothes, recurrent bruising, injuries, burns, infections indicating delay or neglect of treatment, sudden change in behaviour or school performance, overly compliant, passive, timid, withdrawn, delays going home from school or functions, excuses for injuries that do not seem consistent or believable, frequent absences from or lateness to school, difficulty concentrating, depression, difficulty sitting or walking, bloodied underwear, genital bruising/tearing, knowledge of a sexual nature inconsistent with age, resists removing clothes at appropriate times (bath, bed, toileting) and the likes.

If a child has spent the holiday in an abusive home, it may be in the first few days back at school that the tell-tale signs of abuse will most likely emerge. It may be easier for teachers and other school employees to notice especially for boarding students as such child may look or act dramatically different. A returning child also may see school or a teacher as a safe haven and feel comfortable enough to open up.

Owing to the fact that most mothers, who are supposed to be the closest to their children, live home early and return late in most cases, neighbours, teachers and other school employees can be of help by always reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. Some children are coming from a happy, fun-filled holiday and it shows. Those with tough time

IT IS EVEN MORE

WORRISOME WHEN PERPETRATORS OF THE ABUSE HAPPEN TO BE VERY CLOSE PERSONS will present a contrast. Thus, parents, neighbours and teachers too need to be alert.

Some other suggestive signs are things like broken bones, showing up at school early or staying late and not wanting to go home, or a fearful reaction to parents, uncle, driver, home lesson teacher, housemaid and others. We had cases of drivers, maids, uncles and even fathers abusing innocent children. Such an abused child may also show lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities such as sports, reading or playing an instrument.

These signs may actually indicate that something is wrong. And if there is any suspicion, it is better to report than to hold back. It is a common thing in this part of the world to say that it is none of our business, but that orientation need to change.

Our lawmakers too can help by enacting laws which require all stakeholders to receive training on recognising and reporting child abuse.

This is very important because in the recent years, there has been a considerable increase in cases related to child neglect and abuse. As parent, teacher, social activist, grandparent, aunt, uncle, elder sibling, family friend or even an acquaintance; it is important to watch out for the warning signs. We must all be involved as child abuse is the worst form of treatment one can mete out to a child. Such a child might be scarred for life; mentally, emotionally as well as physically. It can lead to irreparable damage to the young mind and body. In some cases, it leads to a tragic loss of life.

We must realise the fact that ignoring signs that a child is being abused is a crime. It is even more worrisome when perpetrators of the abuse happen to be very close persons. This is when we see parents giving conflicting explanations for the injuries. All hands must be on deck to actually win the battle starting with the police, the court and the victims’ relatives who are in the habit of “let’s keep it a family secret.”

More importantly, let us train our children on the way of their Creator so that they will be rightly guided always. May our children remain saved from all evils, Amen.

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Al-Hikmat, Al-Bayan Schools hold Inter-House Sports

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he management of Al-Hikmat School, Agege-Lagos has confirmed that all is set for the school’s inter-house sports competition which is billed to hold on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at the NYSC Orientation Camp, old Ipaja Road, Lagos. The School’s Principal, Mr. Musbaudeen Bishi told our Correspondent that the school is looking forward to a programme bigger than the last edition.

“We thank Allah for how far he has taken us, especially on this event. The kids are excited and are eagerly awaiting their parents as guests, spectators and even competitors in all the races.”

After the last edition, the school decided to take a break for proper repackaging of the competition. The Tuesday’s competition has all the parents as very special guests. The event is billed to begin by 10am. There will be competition in match past, track and field and more, Bishi said.

Also, the inter house sports of Al-Bayan School, Iloro-Agege, Lagos holds on Thursday at Anwaru-Islam Model College, Agege-Lagos.

According to the School’s Proprietress, Hajia Fatimah Idris, all arrangements for a hitch free event have been concluded to make the pupils and guests enjoy the sporting competition. She said

four houses namely. Muhammadul-Awwal, Abubakar, Fagbayi and the School House, will compete for honours on Thursday. “The Medical Screening Day will precede the sporting day. We want to make the event a memorable one for the kids. The school has concluded plans to make parents and pupils enjoy the games,” Idris noted.

Cross section of participants at the training workshop for Journalists organised by the US Embassy in collaboration with the Nigerian Guild of Editors at the Pan African University recently.

Abuse over Hijab: MSSN warns government to avert crisis MURITALA AYINLA

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he Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has called on the Federal and state Government to allow the rule of law to prevail on the abuse of Hijab in some states of the nation, saying the development could further heighten the state of insecurity in the country.

Speaking at the National Union of Journalists’ Secretariat, Alausa, the Zonal Coordinator of MSSN, Zone B, Musharafau Alaran, who made the disclosure, said the use of Hijab is an injunction from the Almighty God as stated in both the Qur’an and Bible, urging policy makers to, as a matter of urgency, address the issue in accordance with the provisions of the law.

The group warned that constant

abuse and lack of respect for fundamental human right as enshrined in the section 38 sub-section 1of the 1999 constitution could lead to religious crisis in the southwest if the policy makers refuse to enforce the dictates of the constitution. Hence, they vowed that any attempt by anyone to victimise the Muslim girls or women over the use of Hijab would be resisted.

He added that subjecting sensitive and right issues as Hijab to opinion poll by some media houses is an aberration, saying Hijab usage is recognised all over the world even in countries where Muslims are in minority.

He said: “We have been very matured in dealing with the issues. How can someone flogged a school pupil 43 times just for using Hijab? If this happened in other parts of the country, it would have led to a serious chaos but

in the interest of peace, we want those concerned to look into this before it gets out hand.”

Alaran also tasked Federal government to caution the immigration commission against forcing Muslim women to remove Hijab before their faces could be captured, saying the excuses given are baseless since they are not forced to do so in developed countries like United States and United Kingdom.

Also speaking, an MSSN leader, Alhaji Kunle Sanni said it is unfortunate that Muslim’s action is given different interpretations, adding that some people blackmail Islam baselessly. According to him,” How has usage of Hijab affected and interfere with ones’ duty?

Some ministers as well as the wife of the Vice-President are using Hijab and it has not affected their jobs.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, April 5, 2013

CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

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ome say her Hijaab is primordial and primitive; whereas their daughters and wives go about in dresses, which clearly depict that, a modem ‘stone age’ has emerged! In fact, if women who lived in the Stone Age had had her kind of Hijaab, they would have been the best ever clad human beings. But clothes as we have it today were not in existence then. In spite of that, the ancient people mainly wore clothes to conceal their bodily parts rather than reveal as it is customary today. So I wonder how those accusing the wise lady’s attire as being primordial get their information!

Others say her Hijaab is not corporate; that it makes her look old and that it hides her natural beauty. What a pity! Confused and materialistic minded people want her to be just like them. They want her to jump out of her responsible dress• and wear trousers to show her buttocks and shirts to show her breasts for their glimpse. They are very unfortunate. They forget to realise that she is a missionary lady. She will only wear what suits her nature and mission as a true servant of Allah (SWT) and also engages in endeavours which will not jeopardise her obedience to Allah (SWT). The older they say she is the better; if that will make men turn away their alluring eyes.

On a serious note, how can the wearing of Hijaab increase one’s age? This point of theirs is quite nauseating. They say her Hijaab hides her beauty, what do they want to achieve by this? What is their business

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Jumadal Al-Awwal 24, 1434AH

Call to Worship

29

The wise lady WHY SHOULD I WEAR A DRESS WHICH WILL MAKE ME FEEL UNCOMFORT-

ABLE WHILE SEATED IN PUBLIC PLACES?

with her beauty?

You really need to hear the wise lady’s reply to all their confused polemics. “My beauty is for my husband. It is not in my character to be appearing attractive to men because I am not a prostitute looking for customers. I am at home with my husband. I am really beautiful and beloved to him. My goal in life is to improve the use of my brain in serving my Creator and reconstruct the society along moral and decent lines through home keeping. It is also in your own interest that I am covering my body so that you will not be tempted.

If my Lord is happy with my appearance, who are you to be shooting mouth about it?

I have submitted myself to Allah (SWT) as a tool of construction and not destruction.

I am in total control of my senses. Hence, I refuse to be indoctrinated so as to dress the way these nude ladies are dressing.

Why should I wear a tight-fitting skirt which will make me not to be able to move and walk freely? Why should I wear a dress

which will make me feel uncomfortable while seated in public places? Why should I wear a dress which will reveal my shapes and unveil my under wears? Why should I be enslaved to dress in such a way that I will look like a man? Why should I wear attire that will make me look irresponsible? Why should I put on a cloth that will make me look like a sex hawker? Why should I dress to provoke the sexual instincts of men?

They say I should look corporate, perhaps portable too like a hand bag, whereas Allah (SWT) has graciously incorporated me in His guidance and I am pleased with Him as my Lord, with Islaam as my religion, with Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as my Model and with Hijaab as my dress code.

The earlier you ask your wives and daughters to join and board this caravan of modesty, decency, honour, responsibility, virtue and dignity, the better; otherwise, they will wallow and languish in a pool of straitened circumstances of unbridled quest for materialism, discomfort and animalism. Definitely, the reality of your error will dawn on you on the Last Day, but then it would have been too late.

Dr. Zafaran is the Director, Vanguards Academy

ZAKAT IS 2.5% OF YOUR TOTAL WEALTH KNOWN AS NISAB AFTER HAVING FULFILLED ALL OBLIGATIONS, PAY YOUR ZAKAT

Understanding Tahajjud (night vigil) prayer

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ahajjud prayer is otherwise called night prayer.

The time for praying Tahajjud is from midnight to the time of Adhan (call for prayer) for early morning prayer that is known as Fajr. In this context, midnight means the time which is exactly half the time between sunset and the actual dawn. It is better to pray during the last part of the night near to the time of Fajr prayers.

Chapter 17, verse 79 of the holy Qur’an states that “And (during part) of the night, abandon sleep and keep vigil to pray Salat, in addition to the regular obligatory prayer.

Your Rabb (the Sustainer) may (as a reward) elevate you to the position of High Distinction, Glory and Praise.” Equally, Chapter 73, verses 1 – 3 of the holy Qur’an make comments on Tahajjud prayer.

Furthermore, it was reported by Abu Hurayra that Prophet Mohammed (SAW) said that the best prayer after the obligatory prayers is night prayer. Also, Abu Umama al-Bahili reports that Prophet Mohammed (SAW) said “Hold fast to night prayer, for it was the way of the righteous before you, a way of drawing closer to your Lord, expiation for wrong deeds, and a shield from sin”.

Allah has praised those who wake up at night for His remembrance, supplication, and to seek forgiveness and entreat Him when it was stated in Chapter 32, verses 16 -17 of the holy Qur’an that “they forsake their beds to cry unto their Lord in fear and hope, and spend of what We have bestowed on them. No soul knows what is kept hidden from them of joy, as a reward for what they used to do.”

The above is an indication that Tahajjud

prayer is expected to be observed by all Muslims because it was practiced by the holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW) throughout his stay on earth.

However, this prayer does not replace the five times obligatory prayers.

By observing Tahajjud prayer, one’s livelihood is increased, one passes easily through great and grueling pain a dying person suffers at the time of death and finds happiness in the spiritual world where the departed souls stay either in happiness or misery, until the day of resurrection.

Other benefits that await any Muslims that observes Tahajjud prayer are but not limited to securing Allah’s pleasure, making friendship with Angels, provision of means to pursue knowledge, keeping one physically fit, driving of Satan away, protection of one from enemies, serving as a means of acceptance of one’s prayers & good deeds, provision of comfortable bedding in the grave, answering with ease the questioning of Munkar and Nakir in the grave, giving of companionship in the grave, provision of shelter on the day of judgment and crowning one on the day of reckoning.

In conclusion, night vigil time is the best of times for voluntary worship & prayer and the closest a servant is to his Lord. This is because of the fact that it is a time when the doors of the sky are opened, supplications answered, and the needs of those who ask fulfilled.

Sheikh Abdul Ganniyy Umar Arikunkewu is the Founder/National Chief Missioner of Jubatu Rohfatu Llahi Islamic Society Of Nigeria (JUBFAT)

Children having fun at the Bab-Salam Home recently.

‘Allow Hijab in public schools’ ADEOLU ADEYEMO

them by the relevant sections of the constitution.”

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Groups get bus donations

OSOGBO

he agitation for the use of Hijab

by Muslim students in public secondary schools in Osun State was further strengthened by the Muslim community of Iwoland.

The spokesperson of the community and the Chief Imam of the town, Sheikh Mudathir Ajao Akinola, in a statement, affirmed that all public schools in the state belong to the government and students must have unconditional right to their faith.

According to him, “Muslim students have unconditional right to their religion and a right to manifest the religion either in the private or in the public as being provided for in section 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He argued that Muslims believe that the purported guideline on administration and discipline in Osun state public schools contravenes the above cited provision of the constitution.

“We demand fairness and justice from the government, regarding the right of Muslim students to wear Hijab in public schools as being conferred on

JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

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ast Executive Secretary, Petroleum Trust Development Fund, Muttaqa Rabe Darma has donated buses worth N30 million to four Islamic groups and Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU branch of Umaru Musa ‘Yar’adua University, Katsina State.

Presenting the buses to beneficiaries yesterday, Darma said he was giving out the buses for the benefit of humanity and that as one that had benefited a lot from society, it was only natural to repay the gesture.

He identified the Islamic groups to benefit from the donation to include Jama’atul Izalatul Bid’a Wa’iqamatus Sunna, JIBWIS; Madrasatul Ahlul Qur’an, and Fitiyanul Islam and Dariqa, adding that the gesture would assist them in their Dawah activities.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the JIBWIS chairman, Sheikh Yakubu Hassan commended Darma for the gesture and cautioned people and those in position of authority to always support those wishing to bring succour to their communities.

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Call to Worship

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Jumadal Al-Awwal 24, 1434AH Friday, April 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ahmadiyya offers free medical services …Mourns Achebe, Awolowo

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ver 500 Nigerians benefited from free medical services provided by a combined team of medical personnel from Humanity First Nigeria and Humanity First Canada at Kuchiko Tungan-Shanu in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State.

The Humanity First is a global nongovernmental organisation under the initiative of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. The Nigerian group is been supported by its Canadian counterpart led by Dr. Aslam Daud who flew in from Canada recently.

Saeed Sanusi, the Media Officer, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat , Abuja branch, reported that the patients were screened for body temperature, blood pressure and allied matters. While the exercise lasted, beneficiaries were given free food and also taught lessons on simple personal hygiene. Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Abuja branch assisted the medical teams.

The vision of the Humanity First was to better and touch the Life of the needy, who lack basic amenities of life in the remote area in n any parts of the world.

As part of its mission in Nigeria, Humanity First Nigeria as provided boreholes in Maiduguri, Borno State, Ondo, Ara, Umaisha in Nassarawa states , Ayegunle- Gbede and Ogbagede in Kogi State, Ilorin and Masudo in Kwara State . Ode-Omu, in Osun state, Imeko Afon, Owode, Itabaale, Idolehin community in Ogun state, and Gberigbe in Lagos state respectively The group has also embarked on medical camps across the country. Under this initiative called a gift of sight, eye surgery services have been given to Nigerians. Under the orphanage programme, humanity first is presently taken care of 12 orphans who are with foster parents in Nassarawa and Kogi states.

Against this backdrop, Dr. Aslam Daud came to Nigeria to assess the Humanity First projects and take stock of the challenges ahead as the organisation is set to provide vocational training centers across the country and a modern village, where a solar electricity supply will be provided to provide electricity to the community.

Over 18 million worth of good and

material have been sent to Nigeria for the projects. Ironically, these and other relief materials for the needy are yet to be cleared at the Nigerian ports due to beauracratic bottle necks. He appealed to the Nigerian Customs and other relevant agencies to assist in the clearance of the materials.

Also, the Amir and the entire members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria joined millions of Nigerians to sympathize with President Goodluck Jonathan and the nation on the passing away of the global icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe and Chief Oluwole Awolowo who passed-on recently. “We sincerely pray to Allah to give the nation and the bereaved families the fortitude to bear the great loss. May Allah accord the departed eternal rest.”

L-R: Amir, Ahamadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Dr. Mashood Adenrele Fashola; Oyo State Secretary to State Government, Alhaji Waheed Olajide and General Secretary, Alhaji Dauda Raji, during the 41st Annual National Ijtema Majlis Khuddam-Ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria in Ibadan, Oyo State recently.

...Opens new Mosque

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he World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and Fifth Khalifa, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, has inaugurated the Baitur Rahman Mosque in Valencia. It is the second Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque to be built in Spain, aside the historical Basharat Mosque in Pedro Abad which was opened in 1982.

Baitur Rahman was inaugurated as the Khalifa led the Friday Prayers from the Mosque. The event was broadcast live globally on MTA International.

During his address, he spoke about the significance of the new Mosque and its location. He said he had purposely chosen Valencia, because centuries ago, when Spanish rulers set out to remove all traces of Islam from the country, the local Muslims continued to practice their faith until they were forcibly banished.

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad also talked about demographic changes occurring in the Spanish population. He said that the Muslim population had greatly increased in the past 30 years and was set to increase further in the coming decades. Therefore, it was the responsibility of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Spain to propagate the true and peaceful message of Islam to the Spanish people.

L-R: Leader of Shaudeen Group, Engr. Sadar; Majlis Ansarullah Nigeria, Alhaji Mikail Odukoya; National Youth Chairman, Comrade Olawale Ajani and Sadr. Majlis Khuddam-Ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Abdul-Rafiu Abdul-Quadir.

Senator Olufemi Lanlehin (left) and Missionary Musbaudeen Adewale, during the inspection of the exhibition at the Ijtema.

An alternative reading of the Gospels CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 him flinch. Some interpreters have come up with fascinating medical conditions and theories of why ‘blood and water’ came out of Jesus (as) including discussions of a fluid buildup in the lungs or around the heart. Yet, it should be remembered that the spear was a small prick and not a deep thrust into the side.

Since the Roman soldiers saw no movement and thought him dead, they reported it to their superiors, and so Jesus (as) was given over to his disciples, namely Joseph of Arimithea and Nicodemus: And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound [weight].’ Nicodemus thus applied 100 pounds of myrrh and aloe on his body. The two herbs are significant and very important

as they show further proof that the disciples knew that Jesus (as) was still alive, since both herbs have healing properties and were used as medicine in the ancient world.

Aloe is a genus containing about 500 species, the most common one being Aloe Vera which grows in Africa and the Middle East.

It is very valuable due to its qualities, so much so that the great thinker Aristotle, being aware that the healing properties of Aloe would be invaluable to soldiers wounded in battle, advised his student Alexander III (‘the Great’) to conquer all lands that grew it, especially the island of Socotra off the coast of Eastern Africa. Similarly, Pedanius Dioscorides, a physician in the Roman army, mentioned medicinal Aloes in his encyclopaedic Greek herbal De Materia Medica (Approximately around 75 BC). Myrrh is equally valuable. To be continued next week.

L-R: Jalsa Officer, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’t Nigeria, Alhaji Mufalilu Bankole; Guest Lecturer, Alhaji Abbasi Iromini; Special Guest, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Olatoye and Sadr. Majlis Khuddam-UlAhmadiyya, Republic of Benin, Bro. Bissiriou Loukuman, at the Ijtema. PHOTOS: BAYOOR EWUOSO

President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Suleja, Bro. Nurudeen Yahaya (2nd left, standing), Barr.

Mustafa Abdul Qadeer (3rd right,sitting)in a group photograph with freed inmates at Suleja prison.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arty News

Friday, April 5, 2013

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MTV Africa All Stars’ tour hits Lagos ...2face, Davido, Ice Prince, Professor to perform STORIES: A DENRELE NIYI

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TV Base is to set Lagos ablaze with an all star urban club night featuring performances from 2face, Davido and Ice Prince with special guest appearance from South African urban music star, Professor.

“MTV Africa All Stars” is backed by the KwaZulu-Natal Province, Durban, South Africa and takes place at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos on Saturday, April 13. It is part of the new panAfrican music and youth empowerment campaign to extol the star quality and widespread appeal of contemporary African musicians and provides exposure to the continent’s talents in music. The initiative also aims to raise the international profile of KwaZulu-Natal as a premier destination for tourism and economic development.

Having already visited Durban on March 28 and Nairobi-Kenya on April 5, the All Stars’ tour will culminate in the inaugural MTV Africa All Stars concert in Durban, South Africa, on May 18, headlined by entertainment icon and multi-platinum artist, Snoop

Lion, aka Snoop Dogg. The “Reincarnated” rapper, singer-songwriter, producer, actor and reality star will perform alongside the most popular contemporary artists from across the African continent at Moses Mabhida Stadium, People’s Park, Durban. The concert will subsequently broadcast around the world as part of MTV’s acclaimed World Stage franchise on MTV Base and MTV’s global TV network.

Jimmy Jatt

Ego

Julius Agwu, DJ Jimmy Jatt, others for Encomium Black and White Ball

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ome of Nigeria’s biggest entertainers have been confirmed for this year’s edition of Encomium’s Black and White Ball. The organisers announced recently that talented MC/comedian, Julius Agwu, will host the five-star ball, while iconic DJ Jimmy JATT will deliver the best of Nigerian music.

One of Nigeria’s top vocalists, Ego, will also entertain guests with rich

live music from here and beyond.

“It’s simply the biggest, most exciting party of the year. We have earned the tag ‘high octane’ and we have built a reputation of promoting high fashion and unique style”, says Encomium publisher Kunle Bakare.

The highly-anticipated black and white ball is a star event with panache, glitz and glamour and the

Davido, May D, Funke Akindele dazzle at Laffmatazz

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t was indeed first-class entertainment when Gbenga Adeyinka’s premium comedy brand, Laffmatazz visited Ibadan-Oyo State last Sunday at the Jogor Centre.

The highly-publicised Easter Sunday event featured over 20 top acts from music, comedy and film in two shows, afternoon and evening. The event also saw stars like Doris Simeon, Eniola Badmus, Muyiwa Ademola, Cally Ikpe, Sola Fajobi, Sunday Omobolanle (Aluwe) and others on the red carpet.

The highlight was the evening show where the First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi led the government delegation to the event, including the Commissioner for Information.

The event, hosted by Gbenga Adeyinka and Funke Akindele-Oloyede, featured stellar performances from stars such as Davido, May D, Jaywon, Omo Baba, Phenom, Owen Gee, Dammy Krane, Capital FEMI, Lepacious Bose, LKT, Adetoun, Kayefi, Seriki, Bash, Peteru, SB Live Band, LaffMatazz Comedy Crew, Isaac Geralds, Jayru, MC Ajele, Laffup and others.

Speaking on the success of the event, Adeyinka said “My gratitude goes to God Almighty, my family, Oyo State First Lady, sponsors, media partners, Entertainers, Laffmatazz crew, friends and colleagues in the entertainment world”. The event was supported by First Bank, Arik Air, Core Media, Squadron Dark Rum, Action Bitters and others.

AY (L) and Kofi battling during the preliminary stage

COSON All Stars Table Tennis Blowout resumes

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he battle for the ultimate prize and the crystal trophy in the ongoing COSON All Stars Table Tennis Blowout resumes this weekend, Sunday, April 7, at the Multi-purpose Hall of Rowe Park Sports Centre, YabaLagos. The games will have all qualifiers from the preliminary rounds compete for the ultimate

chance of moving to the round of 16.

Speaking on the resumption, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji, CEO/General Manager COSON, describes this weekend’s games as the most exciting since the beginning of the games. According to him, the celebrities that qualified for this round have shown that they are

organisers have assured of a better outing this year -higher celebrity attendance, a new, improved venue and The Elegance and Style Awards to celebrate pioneers, trail blazers, forerunners and icons in the entertainment industry and beyond.

The six-hour extravaganza will hold on Sunday, April 14 between at Ruby Gardens, Kilometre 11, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos.

no pushovers as far as ping pong is concerned.

“This is the knock out stage where many of them have threatened to deal with their opponents.

And one thing I can guarantee is that this weekend is going to be explosive and also entertaining in every word of it”, Chukwuji said.

Speaking on why the games did not hold last week as scheduled, Chukwuji noted that it was to allow the qualifiers enough time during the holiday season.

Among the celebrities that will be battling it out this weekend are stars like ace musician, Dr. Adewale Ayuba. Others are Blackface, Alhaji SK Sensation, Ruggedman, Queen Ure, Kween Onokala and Timi Dakolo. Ovation Editor, Mike Effiong, Now Muzik boss, Efe Omorogbe, foremost DJ cum movie producer, Lanre Falana.

Others also include wave-making comedians, AY and Bovi; show host and actor, Gideon Okeke; fast rising music acts, D’Lyte and Skillato, among many others.

Meanwhile, with exactly six weeks to the COSON Week, a flurry of activities has been going on to ensure that the week is as entertaining and classy as promised.

The All Stars Table Tennis Blow Out is one of the seven events of the COSON week.

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Escape

Friday, April 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jamaica’s Nature Park named after MARCIA MAYNE

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beokuta Paradise Nature Park (pronounced A-be-o-ku-ta which means ‘under the rock’) is located a few yards off the Dean’s Valley Road in Westmoreland, Jamaica.

The centrepiece of this rustic eco-tourism destination is an almost Olympic-sized pool which is fed by water that is channelled via an aqueduct from the nearby Sweet River.

Abeokuta Paradise Nature Park took its name from the community of Abeokuta in Westmoreland, which in turn got its name from the city in southwest Nigeria. When the Yorubas, who came to Jamaica as indentured workers, arrived in Westmoreland, they thought it looked so much like the Abeokuta they had left behind that they gave it the same name.

Abeokuta is part of the old Dean’s Valley Water Works Estate, a sugar plantation that at one time covered 2,200 acres. The estate changed hands many times and eventually became known as Dean’s Valley, which is also the name of the community. The adjoining community took the name Water Works.

I grew up not far from the Dean’s Valley/Water Works area and knew of ‘Bekuta,’ as everyone calls it, but had no idea then of its significance. Later, I would hear that Dr. Olive Lewin, O.D., cultural anthropologist and musicologist had found and recorded the music of people who spoke an African language. I was intrigued that anyone in Jamaica had preserved their native language and wanted to know more.

Then one night as my mom and I watched a documentary that was based on Laura Tanna’s book, Jamaican Folktales and Oral Histories, she screamed and pointed to the screen. Tanna had interviewed several residents of Abeokuta and recorded their stories. My mom had recognised one of the interviewees whose name I’ve now forgotten but who I’m sure has passed on.

Abeokuta finds new owners In 1980, part of Dean’s Valley, which included Abeokuta, was sold and two years later passed by descent to Owen Banhan, one of the new owner’s sons. According to Owen, known as Daddy, it took several months for him to clear the almost 15-acre property of thick brush. Once cleared, he made a surprising discovery — the ruins of the 18th century Dean’s Valley Great House, the pool and aqueduct.

Seeing how the nearby Roaring River Park had been transformed into an eco-tourism spot, the Banhans set out to do the same at the place they christened Abeokuta Paradise Nature Park.

Much has changed as Daddy continues to prepare the property to accommodate the increasing number of visitors and locals who come to enjoy this peaceful oasis with sweeping views of Westmoreland. On a clear day, you could see as far as Negril, which is about 26 miles away.

Abeokuta Park is garden of ginger lilies, ferns, taro plants, croton, palms, thickets of bamboo, etc.

Nature lovers can follow the aqueduct to the source of the river, a leisurely 15 minute walk away. It is from here that they can view the rock that reminded the Yorubas of Olumo Rock, which had provided their ancestors refuge at the other Abeokuta.

Fish pedicure anyone?

For those who can’t or don’t want to swim, the pool offers another option: a fish pedicure. Dip your feet into the water — it’s a bit cool — and an inchlong carp, known as the doctor fish, will begin to feed on Marcia Mayne is a Jamaican travel blogger with InsideJourneys.

L-R: Josie and Owner Daddy standing in the open bar at Abeokuta

FACT FILE •

Westmoreland is the westernmost parish in Jamaica, located on the south side of the island.

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Negril is a small but widely dispersed beach resort town located across parts of Westmoreland and Hanover, another Jamaican parish.

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The Abeokuta Paradise Nature Park was opened officially in January 2003 by Florentina Adenike Ukonga, who was then the Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica.

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The gardens of Abeokuta are on the grounds of a former sugar plantation. The remains of the plantation great house can still be seen amid the gardens

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The connection with Abeokuta began some 300 years ago when the first African slaves were bought to Westmoreland they worked on the plantation where Abeokuta now stands.

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Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka who was born in Abeokuta, Nigeria, visited Abeokuta, Westmoreland in the 1990s.

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The park occupies six hectares of land, approximately 400 metres off the Deans Valley main road and approximately 200 metres from the Deans Valley Ice Factory.

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The main attraction at the park is a large swimming pool with a built-in aquarium, constructed more than 200 years ago.

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The pool, which is believed to have been built by slaves, is supplied with water from the Abeokuta River via an aqueduct.

•

Visitors to the attraction are encouraged to swim or snorkel in the pool, which has an abundance of fish.

The water is also said to have mineral qualities, which offers an added health benefit to swimmers.

•

The Nature Park is open daily from 9.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. Entrance fee costs $5, guided nature walk $4.

Lunch in the park costs between $8 and $10 depending on the menu. All prices are in US dollars.

Remains of the plantation house.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Escape

Friday, April 5, 2013

Abeokuta town

33

Travel News

House seeks compensation for passengers in flight delays ...as Samoa Airlines proposes personal weight charges for flyers

T

he days of waiting endlessly at airports following cancelled or rescheduled flights in Nigeria may soon be over soon as the Federal House of Representatives is on its way to amend sections of the Civil Aviation Act 2006.

If implemented, this would mean that passengers travelling by air in Nigeria could get 30% rebates when their flights are delayed by three hours.

Meanwhile, flying in the near future could also attract more money depending on the weight of a passenger, if the present system of billing being introduced by Samoan Airlines sails through with other airlines across the world.

Samoa Air, which opened in 2012, is asking passengers to declare their personal weight during booking, which is then charged per kilogram (2.2 lb) at a rate dependent on flight length. The customers will also be

Swimming in the park’s pond

weighed at the check-in counter.

“The industry has this concept that all people throughout the world are the same size”, according to Samoa Air CEO Chris Langton. “Airplanes always run on weight, irrespective of seats”.

Though the airline instituted the plan last November, it caught attention last week when the carrier began international flights to neighbouring American Samoa and coincided with the publication of a report by a Norwegian economist suggesting that airlines should charge obese passengers more.

According to Samoa Air’s latest schedule, the airline charges up to $1.25 per pound for domestic flights and about $2.27 a pound for its only international flight to American Samoa, around 250 miles. A 200 pound person would pay $250 for a one-way domestic flight and $452 for an international flight.

Aqueduct which brings water to the pool

O’Shaughnessy

Shobhaa-De

O’Shaughnessy, tourists storm Yenagoa for AMAA TERH AGBEDEH

B

Fish pedicure

PHOTOS: MARCIA MAYNE

ritish actor and model, Dudley O’Shaughnessy and Nigerian-British actor, Chris Obi, among many others, are set to storm Nigeria for the Bayelsa Book & Craft Fair and the Africa Movie Academy Awards, AMAA, holding on April 18, 19 and 20 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Director of the Fair, Onyeka Nwelue said the two actors will tour a number of schools in the state and give books and writing materials to several children during their stay.

The Bayelsa Book & Craft Fair, an initiative of the Africa Film Academy, which is behind the AMAAs, is being organised by Blues & Hills Consultancy with support from the Bayelsa Tourism Development Board and Century Energy Services Limited, CESL. The event will bring several personalities to the state, including Indian writer

and supermodel, Shobhaa De and her business tycoon husband, Dilip De; former FCT Minister, Nasir ElRufai; entertainment personalities, Denrele Edun and Uti Nwachukwu, among many others.

Some of the sessions will be coordinated by CNN Multichoice African Journalists of the Year, Pelu Awofeso and Tolu Ogunlesi; editor of FAB Magazine, Sinem Bilen-Onabanjo; ex-Big Brother Africa housemate, Malvina Longpet,; DADA Books publisher, Ayodele Arigbabu and West Indian writer and poet, Debbie Edwards.

Afrobeat star, Seun Kuti will perform at the fair, together with Haitian artiste, Jay-B Special, Syndik8 Records’ Black Magic, Aduke and Glo Naija Sings 2010 winner, Casey Ed to raise books to distribute to schools in Bayelsa.

It will be a feast of literature and music and will be a departure from the regular monotonous nature of literary events.

34

Denrele’s Day Adenrele Niyi Denrele’s Day is a collection of witty & sin sincere articles inspired b a zany imagination by

denrele@nationalmirroronline.net Follow on Twitter@MizNiyi

Friday, April 5, 2013

Naughty Notes

Dubai, the new getaway

...and my regrets on missing 2face’s wedding

A

s Dubai, UAE, takes the centre stage for the 4th Annual GMD Conference of the Energy Group of which this newspaper is a subsidiary, I can’t hold back the thought that the paradise city of the Arab world, in recent times, has been receiving a significant volume of travellers from Nigerians.

Music star, 2face Idibia and his new bride, Annie, consecrated their classic African fairy-tale love story (including all the dramatic elements of waiting-on-thewings, tabloid frenzy and out-of-wedlock babies) in the sunny city of Dubai. You would agree with me that 2face and his love-life is a fascinating subject for any news medium and understandably so.

Thus, the media– traditional and social– went ga-ga pre and post the wedding, while the wedding guest list included famous names from music, film, comedy and pop culture to corporate/media honchos.

It was, therefore, a pleasant surprise when the head of 2face’s PR team sent me a BlackBerry message before the wedding, asking if I would be available to attend the Dubai ceremony. My immediate delighted thought was to respond

in the affirmative; any arts/entertainment journalists in his or her right senses would jump at the chance to witness live 2face Idibia marrying Annie Macaulay. Plus, the bonus of attending a star-studded weekend event which was fertile ground for variegated celebrity news, interviews and exclusive scoops.

Thankfully, I restrained my giddiness at this prospect long enough to ask at whose expense I would be making the trip... The answer I got can be summed up this way. Airfare, visa procurement, hotel bills, transportation and basically every cost for a weekend in Dubai would be borne solely by me!

As attractive as the offer was, regrettably I turned it down. Now, I love my job and I love the opportunity to be a part of history in the making. But, no offence to 2face and Annie, if I had to lose my Dubaivirginity i.e. travel to Dubai for the first time on my expense, the Idibia-Macauley carnival-esque wedding didn’t cut it.

Good thing too because gist emanating from sources at the wedding likened the guest turnout to a stampede by refugees at a food relief camp (by the way, I’m not implying anyone is hungry, it’s merely a metaphorical statement).

Meanwhile, see below the review (culled from that1960chick.com) by an anonymous writer who was a guest at the wedding and form your impressions.

Love and peace for the weekend.

2Face & Annie Idibia Dubai Wedding: Struggle of life after the jump

I

t was billed as the wedding of the year, and so it was no surprise that everybody wanted to be present there. It didn’t matter to some people whether they were invited or not. It was 2Face‘s wedding and they just had to attend. So, it ended up being a struggle.

Gate Crashers

Quite a number of people gave out their invites to friends who were overjoyed to attend even if they didn’t know Annie and 2face personally. They made it worse by coming with other friends who were equally not invited.

Invite screening

Even if 2face decided to get married on the moon, it’s certain non-invited guests will do anything to be in attendance, and this was clearly evident in Dubai. Screening before entry was tight but trust Nigerians to always find a way around the toughest situations.

2Face & Annie’s love boat

After having a huge turnout of guests, things got even more interesting as it became the survival of the fittest to get on the ferry that conveyed everyone to the venue of the reception which was ‘The Royal Beach Island’.

It wasn’t easy even for 2face and Annie to get onto their own love boat.

2face, who hardly ever gets angry, complained bitterly about it to those already on board. “Ol’boy, Na wah o, to enter my own boat na wahala, our own boat o”.

Security guards forced their way on board

The workers on the boat kept shouting “Move back, you will die”; scared

Annie and Tuface

that people might fall inside the water as they tried to force their way in.

Twice, Senator Florence Ita Giwa tried to get in, but she was pushed back. The organisers begged her for patience as they tried to get her on board, but it didn’t work. There was nothing like VIP entry into the boat.

She later went home. After all, she lives like a queen in her beautiful house in Dubai. Wunmi Obe also could not attend the Beach Island reception as she could not get into the boat.

Clueless organisers

They may have successfully organised big weddings, but 2face and Annie Idibia’s wedding organizers should have known that this particular wedding would be a different kettle of fish altogether. A handful of fans came from different parts of the world believing they would get in and they did.

One member of the organising team, Naomi Adenuga was very rude to guests. “I don’t care if you are a dignitary or celebrity, get off the boat”, she shouted; insisting on the black card which was distributed at the venue to their own friends and people as the new authentic invite to the boat; ignoring many invited guests that flew in with their own money.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CLAPPERBOARD with

Eddie Ugbomah www.edifosafilm.com

Nollywood and ‘moneywood’

L

ast Wednesday, Amaka Igwe called some of us together to rubberstamp her plan on how to access the N3bn Presidential gift. They say one beaten, twice shy; the $200m fund remained a mirage, so the President gave us another N3bn to wipe our tears.

Now, I am told that three committees have been picked to discuss training, distribution and production. From the selection of these committees, I hope ‘Madam Head-tie’ doesn’t think that Nollywood is just Wazobia affair; once they pick Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa, Nollywood is completed. The real doyens and icons of Nollywood are Delta men like Chief Eddie Ugbomah, Zeb and Chico Ejiro, Andy Amanechi, Ralph Nwachike, Alex Eyinaho, Andy Boyo, Charles Novia, Prince Legema, Paul Obazele, Zik Zulu Okafor and Lancelot Imaseun. The youths include Jeta Amata, Tarila Thompson.

There are lots of intellectuals in Nollywood who can’t be hoodwinked. Suddenly, those who didn’t contribute to the existence of Nollywood are now in the forefront because N3bn is on the ground.

As for the distribution and training, we will need cinemas, the NTA Institute and the National Film Corporation, NFC, Film College. There are so many ‘parlour’ film schools in Lagos and these women who are always taking liberty with Nollywood.

I built a Film Academy with six blocks of four rooms but when I saw the video industry dying, I put the building up for sale.

I established two Halls of Fame for Motion Picture and Music and I can proudly say that I am one of the living pioneers of both industries. I spent over N10m commissioning the portraits mounted in two rooms since 2006. These historical halls will be launched, exhibited and new members and fellows will be inducted. These are serious contributions to the growth and history of motion picture.

For the production, I will only apply for cash if I am given money to shoot one of three epics written for almost 10 years. I want to make films and leave the kids to make what they call films. Nigerian home videos were rejected in Burkina Faso, Berlin and Los Angeles film festivals in 2012 and this year. I’m begging Amaka and her gang to work properly and not just handpicked friends on who-knows-who basis.

They must concentrate on distribution and training. The Censors Board has over 2000 registered distributors that have not performed –we should be asking why.

Who critically murdered Nollywood?

It is the marketers who over-produced films, dropped the standard and made films from part one to four. They came into this industry to make quick money; they brought in their money and built a ‘mansion’ without foundation called Nollywood. That ‘mansion’ has crashed and

THOSE WHO DIDN’T CONTRIBUTE TO THE EXISTENCE OF

NOLLYWOOD ARE NOW IN THE FOREFRONT BECAUSE

N3BN IS ON

THE GROUND everybody is playing the guitar with sad tunes. I am sad the Marketers refuse to let us salvage the damage they’ve caused.

I don’t have an argument with any handpicked wazobia committee; all I need is cash to run the Halls of Fame and to make a film that will be in the world market for 10 years. I want to make a film that befits my age, class, experience and achievements. Which Nigeria home video can be remembered after two weeks?.. None. The world is waiting for a Nigerian film not all these half-baked imitation films. Some of these hustling producers got money from banks, messed up and Nollywood suffered.

I hope by the time the Ministry of Finance is done, the cash for production of good films will be ready. I am tired of being insulted by these people that are not committed because I have made films that prompted the British Government to return our artefacts. My film exposed the missiles hidden by South Africa in Equatorial Guinea ready to shoot into Port Harcourt, Warri, Kaduna and Lagos.

My film, Oil Doom, forecast the state of the oil in 1979. I want this cash and let us meet at the cinema houses before we talk of home video after three years of screening. Cinemas are not easy to pirate and if the system I have works, nobody can enter the Hall with any hidden system.

This N3bn will cause a lot of arguments and bad blood and at my age, I can’t afford the insults and agony. Since the Ministry doesn’t think us, the founders and pioneers, are not relevant, God will judge and it will all end up as mirage programmes.

The Amaka/Charles show, I wish them well but I did not buy the idea.

I don’t know why governments don’t listen; they continue to make mistakes because they wouldn’t listen to good advice from elders, when the damage is done they start looking for scapegoats. This Nollywood situation is very clear, there are Producers’ Guilds in Nollywood, Yoruwood and Kannywood; they must all come together, pick producers who will hire directors, actors and crew. So for God sake somebody should face the Production and let us move on. You can’t show films in Cinema when there are no Productions.

I have said it all, ignore my contribution and be ready to regret when it is too late.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

People In The Mirror

Friday, April 5, 2013

35

Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, Yoruba investors, Arab moguls meet in Dubai Under the patronage of His imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo, the Association of Yoruba in Diaspora (Dubai Chapter) organised its maiden Yoruba International Convention at the Palace Hotel Burj Khalifa Souk Al Baha, Downtown, Dubai, UAE between March 14 to 16.

Yoruba Intellectuals and business people in the diaspora converged to discuss Yoruba development agenda and network with top Arab businessmen for the purpose of attracting investments in Yoruba land

L-R: Mr. Salim Muhammed, Dr. Layo Adeniyi, Mr. Lamar Nathan Jensen (Founder & Chairman, World Wide Holdings Ltd.), Oba Adeyemi and Ayaba Adeyemi.

Oba Adeyemi III and Ayaba Folashade Adeyemi III performing traditional rites at the convention.

Oba Adeyemi in the midst of foreign investors after the M.O.U. agreement.

Dr. Layo Adeniyi (with other Yorubas in the diaspora) handing over The Yoruba Land Development Agenda Road Map to Oba Adeyemi.

A cross section of foreign investors at the convention

Cross section of Yoruba in the Diaspora.

Oba Adeyemi and Ayaba Folashade with newly inaugurated executives and important dignitaries at Oduduwa Night.

Asiwaju Tinubu holds colloquium in Lagos As part of programmes lined up to celebrate his 61st birthday, the National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on Thursday, March 28 hosted stakeholders and think-tanks in the country to a ceremonious national debate held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan-Lagos.

Sen. Biyi Durojaiye (left), Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji (right) and another guest.

L-R: The Asoju Oba of Lagos, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas; Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi and Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos.

L-R: Former Yobe State Governor, Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim; Sen. Kabiru Gaya and Action Congress of Nigeria chieftain, Chief Tom Ikimi.

L-R: Governors, Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Ekiti, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Ogun, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun.

L-R: Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola; celebrant, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Wole Soyinka.

Former Ondo State ACN gubernatorial candidate, Barr. Rotimi Akeredolu (left) and Central Bank Governor, Mallam Lamido Sanusi.

One of the speakers, popular Nigerian singer, Mr. Olubankole Wellington (Banky W) during his presentation.

L-R: Former Zamfara State Governor, Sen. Ahmed Yerima, former Benue State Governor, Sen. George Akume and former Cross Rivers State Governor, Mr. Donald Duke.

Osun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori (left) and former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sarah Sosan.

PHOTOS: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Friday April 5, 2013

36

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mirror Drive

2013 Honda Crosstour:

Refreshing driving experience

STORIES: OLUSEGUN KOIKI

H

onda has updated its controversially-styled Crosstour midsize crossover for the latest model year. Though the 2-row family hauler was not treated to a full-scale redesign, it does gain a new face along with an Earth Dreams V6 and several new tech features.

The most significant design change from the outgoing model is an oversized chrome grille that dominates the front fascia. Unpainted cladding now adorns the lower portions of the body; it teams with faux skid plates at the front and back to create what Honda calls a “rugged and premium” look. The polarising extended tail carries over from last year.

While it continues to ride on the platform of the last-generation Accord, the Crosstour now offers Honda’s new Earth Dreams 3.5-litre V6. It produces 278 horsepower along with 252 lb-ft of torque and pairs with a new transmission -a six-speed automatic, rather than one of the CVTs that have been spreading

DESPITE THE NAME CHANGE, THE CROSSTOUR REMAINS A FUNKY CROSSOVER WITH A

COUPE-LIKE ROOFLINE THAT SLOTS BETWEEN

HONDA’S

CR-V AND PILOT UTILITIES through Honda’s lineup. Thanks in part to a cylinderdeactivation system, the powertrain is more efficient than the one it replaces - with front-wheel-drive, mileage is up two mpgs in both cycles to 20/29 mpg, while all-wheel-drive models gain a single mpg in the city and two mpgs on the highway for a total of 18/28 mpg.

The entry-level motor continues to be a 2.4-litre inline-four that pairs with an antiquated five-speed automatic and cranks out 192 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. However, a few minor tweaks have boosted fuel economy for the FWD-only four-cylinder model to

22/31 mpg, up from 21/29 mpg.

Inside, the Crosstour continues to feature virtually the same interior as the previous Accord (at least from the rear seats forward), which means high-quality materials throughout and an attractive albeit slightly button-intensive dashboard. The Crosstour boasts a useful 25.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and a truly roomy 51.3 cubic feet when they are folded. It also features an eight-inch deep under-floor Hidden Removable Utility Box with a reversible lid.

With respect to seating, the Crosstour has a second chance to earn your appreciation, even if you are not a convert to its pumped-up-hatch styling ethos. The Crosstour rides a couple of inches higher than the Accord Sedan yet is 7.6 inches taller, which should, in theory, make the interior a more pleasant place. It is easier to get into and out of, but the downward slope of its roofline, as well as the fact that it curves inward, makes headroom a potential issue for six-footers in back.

Cargo-wise, it is not a great situation either; between the strut towers, the higher-than-expected cargo floor and the low glass, the space is not all that useful.

Despite the name change, the Crosstour remains a funky crossover with a coupe-like roofline that slots between Honda’s CR-V and Pilot utilities. Although visually similar to the upcoming Acura ZDX, the Crosstour does not ride on the ZDX’s platform. It is actually based off a modified Accord chassis, and it shares its powertrain lineup with Honda’s popular sedan as well.

For the latest model year, all trim levels receive a

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mirror Drive

Friday April 5, 2013

backup camera. High-end EX-L models get a new touch-screen mounted in the center stack for the HondaLink infotainment system in addition to forward collision and lane departure warning systems.

Uniquely, Honda’s available “LaneWatch” system uses a camera mounted on the passenger-side mirror to transmit an image of the blind spot to the eightinch infotainment screen.

Trim level breakdown The Crosstour is offered in EX and EX-L trim levels.

Only the EX-L can be specified with the optional allwheel-drive system.

The EX model comes standard with projector-beam headlights, moonroof, body-coloured power side mirrors with defrost, auto-up/down driver and front passenger side windows and rear privacy glass. Inside, features include automatic climate control with second-row ventilation, a backup camera, a 360-watt AM/ FM 6-disc audio system with seven speakers and a USB audio interface, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheelmounted cruise, audio and phone controls, an easy fold-down 60-40 split rear seatback, a hidden removable utility box and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The four-cylinder Crosstour EX-L adds leathertrimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats, a memory driver-side seat and memory-linked side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down capability, a leatherwrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, an automatic dimming rear view mirror, a premium audio system with Kevlar cone speakers and front aluminium dome-type tweeter speakers, HondaLink, Honda LaneWatch, Pandora radio compatibility, XM Radio and more.

Occupant safety Safety technology includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Additional safety equipment includes: Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), commonly referred to as Electronic Stability Control; anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist; side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; driver’s and front passenger’s side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); dual-stage, multiple threshold front airbags; and active front seat head restraints.

37

Audi sales increases by 16.3%

F

ollowing the record-breaking year of 2012, Audi AG has posted a successful start to 2013. In January, the company sold around 111,750 automobiles worldwide, an increase of 16.3 per cent and testimony to clear growth in all regions of the world.

The successful midsize model lines A4 and Q5 made a substantial contribution to this growth.

Deliveries rose strongly in China at 38.5 per cent. In the USA (+7.5 per cent) and Europe (+8.6 per cent), too, January deliveries topped the figures from the prioryear month.

“Although the general economic situation in certain European countries remains challenging, we’ve managed to achieve a very successful start to the year in all regions of the world. Our popular

SUV models and the new A3 family will help to continue our pattern of growth in 2013”, says a Member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG, Luca de Meo. In Audi’s largest sales market, the locally produced A4 L (+30.0 per cent), Q5 (+55.1 per cent) and A6 L models proved particularly popular last month. Around 13,657 cus-

tomers received their keys to the long-wheelbase luxury-class sedan (+52.9 per cent).

Worldwide, the sales figures for the Audi midsize model lines A4, A5 and Q5 posted strong growth (around 50,800 units, an increase of 24.6 per cent). Together with the A1 Sportback, just introduced about a year ago and the Q3, this ensured that Audi also managed to sustain growth in markets experiencing economic difficulties, notching up an 8.6 per cent increase throughout Europe.

In Germany, sales of the popular SUV Q5 rose by 70.1 per cent to 1,553 units, while the A4 family increased by nearly 2,100 units. Overall, Audi posted an increase of 11.8 per cent in its domestic market, equivalent to 14,611 automobiles sold.

In the UK, too, Audi sold 9,878 units on the back of significant growth of 15.3 per cent – also due to increased demand for the midsize models. For example, deliveries of the A5 Sportback increased by 48.1 per cent and those of the Q5 by 54.4 per cent.

Porsche turnover ups 25 per cent

MAINTENANCE TIPS

How to clean car windows

C

leaning your windows is one of the most tedious tasks you will face, but it is definitely worth doing. In addition to being a hazard, the effect of dirty glass can quickly ruin the appearance of your perfectly polished and waxed automobile. After you have completed all other detailing tasks, put the perfect touch on your car by detailing your car’s glass.

Just as in the selection of car shampoo and car wax, no two car enthusiasts can agree on the ultimate auto glass cleaner for their car.

Some people like ammonia cleaners, while the purists will use nothing but clear water.

Whatever you use, the principles are the same: clean, dry and polish.

However, some auto stakeholders highly discourage the use of ammonia-based glass cleaners on your car. While ammonia is a great glass cleaner for the home, ammonia is harmful to many car surfaces, including vinyl, rubber and leather.

More importantly, the use of ammonia inside your car is harmful to your health. Use an automotive glass cleaner that specifically states it is safe to use on window-tint film. A glass cleaner that is safe for window-tint film will not harm the plastic and vinyl surfaces on your car.

Cleaning your car Start your car window cleaning with the driver’s door and front passenger’s door. If your door has a window frame, lower the window approximately one inch to allow access to the top part of the glass. This part should be cleaned and dried first.

Spray with quality glass cleaner and buff dry. Now roll the window back up, and clean the remainder of the window. Pay attention to the corners of the windows, as this is where you will get most smears and streaks. Don’t forget your driver’s side and passenger’s side mirrors.

While you are sitting down in the passenger’s seat, clean the inside of the windshield.

It is easier to clean from the passenger’s side, as your access is not obstructed by the steering wheel. Take your time around the rearview mirror, as it is only glued to your windshield.

If you bump into the rearview mirror hard enough or at the right angle, you can break it loose from the glass.

I

n the 2012 financial year, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG achieved record levels in sales, turnover and earnings.

At 143,096 vehicles, sales were 22 per cent higher than in the previous year. Turnover increased by 27 per cent to 13.9bn euros. The operating result grew by 19 per cent to 2.44bn euros. Moreover, the number of employees reached a new peak level, with 17,502 persons at the end of the year.

The company also increased the number of trainees - instead of the previous number of 100 young workers; last 125 employees began their training at Porsche.

The Chairman of the Executive Board, Matthias Müller, emphasised that the sports car manufacturer has, despite the weak economy, particularly in Europe, continued to press ahead on the course for growth that it set upon two years ago.

“2012 was the most successful year in the history of our company”, Müller said. “The success

that Porsche enjoys in the marketplace can be attributed very largely to our attractive product portfolio.

We further enhanced this last year with the addition of several new, fascinating sports car models”, the Chairman continued.

In Stuttgart, Chief Financial Officer of Porsche AG Lutz, Meschke, highlighted “the healthy cost structure and sustained high level of profitability” of the company. Accordingly, the operating return on sales amounted to round 18 per cent. “With our international position and a strict cost management, we remain, as a whole, cautiously optimistic for the current 2013 financial year and are striving for a result building upon the very high level of the prior year”, the CFO of Porsche AG further added.

Net liquidity in the automotive business – meaning gross liquidity less financial liabilities excluding financial services – improved from a negative 2.58bn euros as of December 31, 2011 to a negative 1.87bn euros as of December 31, 2012.

Cocktail

38

xx

Friday, April 5, 2013

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

WITH DR. DEJI FOLUTILE

Today's Tonic (123)

“Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.”

–Benjamin Disraeli * * * NO ACTION; NO PROGRESS No matter what we know, if we do not act, we do not know. Ideas are useless if we will not brave up and act on them.

King Solomon wrote that in all labour there is profit but mere talk will only lead to poverty. Action is the link between theories and manifestation.

It is better to act and fail than not to act at all. The beauty of action is that the more you act on what you know, the more you tend to know more. Until we are committed to relentless action on our dreams, progress is impossible.

TEL 08104942999 E-MAIL deji.folutile@gmail.com Follow me @TwitterOWOTIDE

Prisoner kept phone in fake leg for a year

A

Pennsylvania prison inmate who admitted to having a cellphone told the judge he kept the object hidden in his prosthetic leg for a year.

Christopher Glen Greer, 28, who pleaded guilty to a disorderly conduct charge on Monday in Judge John Wagner Jr.’s courtroom, told the judge he smuggled the phone

and charger into the Fayette County Prison in the pocket of his cargo pants and kept the objects concealed in his prosthetic leg for a year, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported Tuesday.

Greer said the objects were discovered after he was transferred to a state prison and a search of his cell was conducted on February 23, 2012.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

TV station mistakenly airs Mandela’s obituary

A

South African TV station apologised for accidentally broadcasting an obituary for hospitalized former leader Nelson Mandela.

A spokesman for Universal Networks, owned by U.S. company NBCUniversal, apologized after viewers of the Universal Channel were repeatedly shown clips with the words “Remembering Madiba 1918-2013,” using Mandela’s Xhosa clan name, The Mirror, a British newspaper, reported Wednesday.

“Like any international broadcaster, Universal Networks holds obituaries ready for every major statesman in the world,” the spokesman said. “Universal Networks wishes to offer a sincere and heartfelt apology for the airing of such an announcement for Nelson Mandela, which broadcast last night

[Tuesday] on the Universal Channel due to a technical error by our team. We unreservedly apologize to the Mandela family, to Universal Channel viewers and to DStv subscribers

Mandela

for the alarm and offense caused by this error. Our thoughts and best wishes are with Madiba and his family for a speedy and full recovery.”

Mandela has been

hospitalized for a week with pneumonia.

A government statement released Wednesday said the leader “continues to respond satisfactorily to treatment.”

Friday, April 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

39

Business & Finance By the end of second quarter of 2013, we expect the actual nationwide enrolment exercise will be launched by the Presidency. From the time it is launched, it is our target to have hit 100 million enrolments in 30 months Director General, NIMC, Chris Onyemenam

I am an incurable optimist on Nigeria. I believe the future is so bright you may need to wear a shade. But then, it’s all about choices we make as a nation in respect of leadership options and development strategies. If we make the right choices, the future is unbelievably great Former Minister of Finance, Remi Babalola

FIRS targets informal sector with presumptive tax regime TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

T

he Federal Inland Revenue Service has begun sensitisation campaigns on the presumptive tax regime, which is specifically targeted at the informal sector taxpayers with a view to capturing them in the tax net and boosting tax revenues for national development.

Already, operational in some developing economies like Ghana, Zimbabwe and a few others, the proposed regime is administered based on presumed, not actual, income of the taxpayer in a structured way that ensures fairness.

It seeks to remove the challenges confronting the revenue agencies in their efforts to achieve a more effective administration of taxes for individual and corporate entities in sector.

Speaking on the imperative of the presumptive tax regime for the country at a Stakeholders’ Sensitisation Work-

shop with the theme: ‘Developing an Effective Presumption Tax Regime for Nigeria’ yesterday in Abuja, FIRS Acting Chairman, Alhaji Kabir Mashi, explained that the initiative represented one of the major steps undertaken by the service towards developing the Nigerian tax system.

He explained that the regime would help in capturing persons and busi-

nesses that are not properly structured or unable to keep records of their business transactions in formal records within the sub-sector as part of the strategies to ensure their tax compliance, adding that based on experiences learnt about the administration of the tax in other climes and adoption of appropriate strategies locally, it will succeed in the country.

Mashi said: “Taxation of the informal sector and particularly persons and businesses that are not properly structured or are unable to keep proper and detailed records of their business transactions is a topical and challenging issue not only in Nigeria but also in most developing countries.

“Some countries in dealing with this issue

O

il and gas workers under the auspices of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) have urged the Federal Govern-

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Abj-Lag: 07:15, 09.40,10.20, 12.15, 15.15, 16.15,17:10, (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun); 12.15, 15.15, 16.15 (Sun)Lag-PH: 07:15, 11.40, 14.00, 16.10, 17.15 (Mon-Fri) 07.30, 11.40, 15.50 (Sat) 11.50, 3.50, 17.05 Sun) Abj-PH: 07.15, 11.20, 15.30 (Mon-Fri) 07.15, 16.00 (Sat) 13.10, 16.00 Sun) PH-Abj: 08.45, 12.50, 17.00 (Mon-Fri) 08.45, 17.30 (Sat) 14.40, 17.30 (Sun) AbvBeni:08.00, 12.10 (Mon-Fri/ Sat)08.56, 12.10(Sun)

Aero Contractors Lag-Abj: 06.50, 13.30, 16.30, 19.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun), 12.30 (Sun) 16.45 (Sat) Abj-Los: 07.30, 13.00, 19.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat, 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 (Sun, 18.30 Sat) LagBenin: 07.45, 11.00, 15.30 (MonFri/Sat/Sun) 12.30 (Sun 15.30 (Sat) Ben-Lag: 09.15, 12.30, 17.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 17.00 (Sat) L-R: IMF Mission Chief in Cote D’ivoire, Mr. Michel Lazare; Ivorian Prime Minister, Mr. Daniel Duncan and Ivorian Minister of Economy and Finance, Niale Kaba, at IMF-World Bank Team news conference in Abidjan, Cote D’ivoire, recently.

PENGASSAN seeks review of obsolete labour laws MESHACK IDEHEN

have leveraged on the experiences of others, while others decided to fashion out their own specific strategy. For us in FIRS we have decided to adopt a hybrid in developing a workable presumptive tax regime. We have looked at the experiences of others and we have tried to tailor this to our own local circumstances”, he added

ment to review all labour laws in order to engender good and robust industrial relations system in the country.

According to the association, the mediation aspect of the labour laws should be the focus of the proposed review, as some of the country’s labour laws are now obsolete, particularly the aspect of the law that deals with media-

tion.

President of PENGASSAN, Mr. Babatunde Ogun, in his address to the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of PENGASSAN yesterday said that the situation under the current laws where no power is given to the Minister of Labour and Productivity while mediating in industrial dispute should be done away with.

Nigeria may lose Category One status, NGO warns

40

He said the laws should be reviewed in a way that the minister will get the powers to make binding pronouncements on parties while mediating, instead of the current laws where the minister can only advise the parties.

Furthermore, the PENGASSAN president condemned the inability of government to enforce all conventions and other ex-

tant labour standards of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) that have been ratified by the Federal Government.

According to him, “The government should evolve political will to enforce all conventions of the ILO and should not just leave Nigerian workers at the mercy of the employers, who are more profit oriented at the expense of developing human capacity in the country.”

Towards sustainable uniform import valuation regime in Nigeria

42

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

40

Business News

Friday, April 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria may lose Category One status, NGO warns OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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non-governmental; organisation, Aviation Round Table, ART, has warned that Nigeria may soon lose the American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Category One Status, which the country attained in September, 2010.

ART raised the alarm yesterday at a media briefing with aviation correspondents in Lagos.

The body decried what it called unnecessary interference in the activities of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, by the government most especially the removal of the Director-General of the agency, Dr. Harold Demuren, as one of the reasons the country may lose the category.

ART insisted that the removal of Demuren did not follow the Act setting up the agency and explained that international communities were watching with keen interests the happenings in the industry.

Speaking on behalf of the group, its President, Capt. Dele Ore explained that the attainment

L-R: Lagos Regional Operations Director, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Bayo Osinowo; Lagos Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nseobong Akpabio and Zonal Business Manager, Lagos- North, Mr. Adebisi Akinloye, during the periodic training of officers at the Ojodu Command of the agency in Lagos recently.

of Category One was based on the basic aviation legislation, which Nigeria had in place with Nigerian Civil Aviation Act 2006, but noted that the Act was being tampered with, with the interference in the running of the agency.

He said, “Nigeria had perfect

documents before we achieved CAT One. The Civil Aviation Act was the genesis of the industry and it is on that we built everything else. Once it collapsed, the system is gone.

“The Civil Aviation Act is a very innovative document, al-

Actis, Primrose to develop Green office block in Lagos DAYO AYEYEMI

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ctis, a private equity real estate investor and Primrose Development Company Limited has concluded plans to develop 14-storey office building to be known as Heritage Place in heart of Ikoyi, Lagos.

Heritage Place, according to the press statement by the firms, would be ultra-modern by design, incorporating state of the art environmental features to include water recycling, high efficiency glazing and natural ventilation.

“The development will become the first commercial build-

ing in Lagos to achieve global green certification (LEED certification) in both its design and construction, the statement said.

“It incorporates a doubleheight reception area, over 350 parking spaces and a landscaped piazza with a café, restaurant and other amenities for office workers and visitors.”

It stated that Actis is working in joint venture with Primrose Development Company for the construction of the modern office building with the plan to break ground in the second quarter of the year pending all necessary government approvals.

The project will be co-devel-

oped by Primrose Development Company and Laurus Development Partners, an Actis portfolio company dedicated to the construction of A-grade real estate in West Africa.

Commenting on the project, Actis Real Estate Director, Funke Okubadejo said, “There is a demand-supply gap in Lagos when it comes to high quality office space so Heritage Place could not be better timed. This development will redefine the local market both in terms of its design and its adherence to worldclass sustainability standards; it builds on Actis’ track record of delivering top quality real estate in sub-Saharan Africa.”

Naira gains as oil companies sell dollars

T

he naira rose for a third day to the highest in three weeks as oil companies were said to sell dollars to meet local expenses.

The naira climbed 0.1 percent to 157.87 per dollar by 11:38 a.m. in Lagos, the highest on an intraday basis since March 14, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The currency’s declined 1.1 percent this year. “Some companies sold some undisclosed amount of dollars,” Sewa Wusa, head of research at Sterling Capital Ltd., said by phone from Lagos. If sales continue “we’ll definitely see some more strength,” he said.

Oil companies are the sec-

ond-biggest source of the currency after the Central Bank of Nigeria, which offers foreign currency at auctions on Mondays and Wednesdays to maintain exchange-rate stability.

Meanwhile the country’s foreign-currency reserves have risen 10 percent this year to $48.7 billion to April 2, according to data compiled by the central bank. Bonny Light crude, the nation’s main export grade, is priced above this year’s $79 budgeted benchmark set by the government at $110.26 a barrel.

“Provided that the oil price obliges, in our view the CBN will be able to hold the line on the naira exchange rate this

year,” Olubunmi Asaolu, strategists at FBN Capital Ltd. in London, wrote in an e-mailed note today. “Reserves at endMarch provided cover for more than nine months’ imports of goods, and close to seven months when we include services.”

Yields on the government’s local-currency bonds due June 2019 rose eight basis points, or 0.08 percentage point, to 10.73 percent, according to yesterday’s prices compiled on the Financial Markets Dealers Association website.

Borrowing costs on Nigeria’s $500 million of Eurobonds due January 2021 declined six basis points to 4.31 percent yesterday.

though, it may not be perfect.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) respect the principle of sovereignty, which Nigeria is derailing from. The Government is interfering in safety and economic regulations of the activities in the industry.”

Besides, ART called for the biometrics screening of passengers to forestall terrorism act that has taken over the entire globe.

Ore noted that national border areas particularly the aviation sector has become a prime target for terrorists, adding that there is a need to embark on active aerodrome security patrol, biometrics screening of passengers and cargo in the country.

He said, “The process needs to incorporate advance passenger manifest as being done in many countries around the world, in pursuit of their national security.

Nigerians arriving in the country must not be subjected to unnecessary arrival immigration formality or protocol.”

The body also condemned the multiple designations given to foreign airlines by the government, saying that this may lead to the death of the domestic airlines if not nipped in the bud.

For this to be avoided, ART called for the professionalism of the aviation sector, right from the ministry of aviation, but decried that selfish people had taken over the sector since independence.

ART said that the sector was in the doldrums because of lack of sufficient knowledge from those who called the shots in the sector, stressing that other smaller countries in the continent have overtaken Nigeria in the development of aviation sector.

Union frets over incessant shut down of oil facilities MESHACK IDEHEN

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he Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, said it is worried about the incessant force majeure being declared by oil majors, particularly Shell Petroleum Development Company and recently

by Agip Oil Company in its oil fields in the Niger Delta due to illegal bunkering.

The union said it is with consternation that it read of the shutting down of Italian oil firm, Agip swamp area oil fields in Bayelsa State, which produces about 40,000 barrels of crude oil daily due to incessant wave of illegal bunkering and vandalism of the pipelines.

NUPENG President, Mr. Igwe Achese, said yesterday that it is sad that Agip Oil Company was losing about 7,000 barrels of its crude production daily to oil thieves in Bayelsa State, and that NUPENG condemns the act of illegal bunkering and theft of crude oil as it is robbing the nation of the needed foreign exchange that should be used for developmental purposes.

According to him, “The union is reiterating that theft of the nation’s resources, like crude oil is unpatriotic, criminal and further degrades the environment, as they often leave the crude to spill into farmlands and waters.

“It has been discovered that the destruction of the ecosystem in the Niger Delta region is as a result of wanton theft through bursting of oil pipelines. The union vehemently condemns the illegal bunkering activities which have led to loss of colossal monies that should have gone into the federation account.”

The union urge the Federal Government to overhaul the Joint Task Force operations (JTF), in its fight to check oil thieves through a change of tactics, as the traditional method of chasing and destroying the stolen products have not reduced their activities.

The union said it wants the government to open up the region with good roads, modern infrastructures to make the people have a sense of belonging, that they are not been exploited, with noting to show for the oil that is from their soil.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, April 5, 2013

LCCI tasks members good corporate governance STANLEY IHEDIGBO

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he Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called on its members to consistently uphold high ethical standards, integrity and good corporate governance in business practice.

Speaking during the award of certificates to 79 newly-admitted members on Wednesday, President of the Chamber, Mr. Goodie Ibru reiterated its commitment to such values, adding that since inception, no member of the Chamber had been involved in any unscrupulous business.

A LCCI statement quoted Ibru as urging members should pay adequate attention to the integrity of their business transactions and practices, adding that “as busi-

nessmen and women, we have obligations which transcend profit making.” He emphasised the code of business ethics to which all members were to subscribe and warned that a breach of the tradition of integrity would be viewed seriously and be visited with appropriate sanctions.

“The Lagos Chamber has gone a long way to build its present image and credibility through the vision, selfless services and integrity of its illustrious Founding Fathers and their worthy successors.

It therefore behoves us as inheritors of this glorious and enduring legacy, to keep the flag flying at all times,” Ibru enjoined.

He also appealed to the new members to assist in sustaining the Chamber’s high-level services through prompt payment of their subscription and levies.

Speaking earlier, Vice President of the Chamber and chairman of the Membership and Welfare Committee, Dr. Wole Ogunpehin disclosed that since its inception in 1888, the chamber had been very selective and careful in its membership admission process, in order to preserve its enviable image.

He called for high quality representation of member-companies at meetings and other activities of the Chamber.

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry was founded to promote and protect the interest of its members and the business community at large through public policy advocacy, creation and facilitation of commercial and industrial opportunities, provision of business development service and observance of highest standard of business ethics.

41

Mobile money: Pagatech records 500,000 users KUNLE A ZEEZ

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agatech, the leading mobile payments service provider in Nigeria said it has recorded its 500, 000th user of its service by the end of March, 2013 even s the company marks its four years of providing mobile services in the nation’s financial services sector.

The innovative financial services platform was started in April 2009 but received its full operational licence from the Central bank of Nigeria as a full-fledged mobile money operator in November, 2011.

Since then, the fully -indigenous start-up has grown to encompass a strong team of 150 staff in strategic locations nationwide.

The company’s initial set of products, delivered to meet the critical needs of Nigeria’s new cashless society provides the public with access to their on demand through its secure,

fast and easy money transfer service.

Other service offerings include merchant payments online and offline, bill payments, and airtime top up.

All services are available to Paga users via their mobile phones, any Internet connected device’s or via Paga’s vast nationwide agent network.

Explaining the milestones that have been recorded, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Paga, Mr. Tayo Oviosu, said in 2012, which marked the company’s first full year of operations after its licensing by the CBN as a mobile payments company, the company grew its user base from 40,363 to 382,063 users, representing 847 per cent growth in one year.

He said the company processed over 918,000 transactions worth over N9.8 billion during the period, a milestone that made Paga arguably the fastest growing mobile payments company in Africa.

GE hosts local engineers fair for SMEs DAMILOLA AJAYI

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L-R: Channel O presenter, Denrele Edun; 6th winner of DStv Rewards scheme, Dr. Vincent Egwu and Tinsel cast, Gideon Okeke, at the presentation of the sum of N1,590,000 (equivalent of $10,000) in Lagos yesterday.

Kogi spends N170m on rice production WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

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n line with determination to ensure food security under the Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda, the Kogi State Government has spent over N170m on the Accelerated Rice Production programme in the state.

The Managing Director of Kogi State Agricultural Development Project Dr. Ameh Onoja, who disclosed this while speaking with journalists, stated that the ARP was the initiative of the state governor, Governor Idris Wada.

Onoja explained that Kogi state Agricultural Development Programme, (ADP) was expected to harvest over 4,000 metric

tonnes of rice from its co-ordinated dry season rice farming.

Onoja said that the government has provided the farmers with all the needed inputs.

He however regretted that some of the farmers failed to heed to instructions given to them as some either abandoned their farms or failed to water their farms, which he said had led to the destrcution of some the crops.

According to him 1,500 hectares of land at Seriki Noma, Galilee, Okumi in Lokoja and Koton-Karfi was cleared, prepared and allocated to farmers group free of charge.

He said Kogi was working to beat the Federal Government’s deadline for putting a stop to the importation of rice, and called

on the farmers to take advantage of government’s favourable disposition to improve agriculture in the state.

Speaking further he said government has so far invested over N170m on land preparation, provision of equipment and other farm inputs.

He however listed provision of more earth moving equipment, irrigation facilities construction/rehabilitation of 150 kilometres of access roads and provision of agro-inputs, as part of the challenges facing the farmers.

He added that government would also need to provide the farmers with micro credit facility to farmers to enable them fund farm labour and other ancillary activities in the farm.

eneral Electric Company, a global technology leader in energy, health and rail transportation has hosted engineering companies in the implementation of the $1bn manufacturing and assembly facility to be located in Calabar, Cross River State.

A statement from the company yesterday quoted the GE President, Mr. Jay Ireland, as saying that the company will continue to support Nigeria and the rest of Africa to grow economically and be more competitive.

“We will continue to find ways of localising our solutions and developing skills in Nigeria,” he said.

The GE Global Supply Chain Leader for Africa, Mr. Phillip Griffith, explained plans to invest $1bn in a manufacturing and assembly facility in Calabar Cross River State, will not only increase GE’s Nigeria footprint but will benefit reputable local companies who will be partner with GE in delivering this key milestone.

He said, “This planned investment is part of the commitment we made when we signed the investment incentive Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2009.

“We are committed to playing our part in the sustainable growth of the country and the positive impact this will have on Nigeria.”

Ekulo checkmates Baron De Valls wine counterfeiters ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

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aving made several efforts to protect the brand from counterfeiting in the interest of its loyal consumers, Ekulo International Ltd. has re-launched its Baron De Valls wine.

During the unveiling of the brand in Lagos, the Marketing Manager, Ekulo Group of Companies, Mr. Emeka Oramadike, said that the purpose of the relaunch was as a result of the alarming rate at which counterfeit wines are surfacing in the Nigerian market, with their names bearing the prefix of “Baron De…..” with all kinds of suffixes.

He said that “Baron De Valls” was introduced to the Nigerian

market, at a time when Nigerian consumers were more attuned to beverages such as beers and stouts as well as spirits.

He revealed that the group invested a lot of money, manpower and the strength of their unmatchable distribution network, experience and skills to practically groom Nigerian consumers into acquiring a taste for wine through the Baron De Valls brand.

He posited that indeed for a majority percentage of Nigerians, the first bottle of wine they ever purchased was Baron De Valls. “Baron De Valls came in at price and quality and availability that enabled it to cut across all economic strata, thus demystifying ‘wine’ as a sole preserve of the high and mighty.

42

Maritime

Friday, April 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Towards sustainable uniform import valuation regime in Nigeria Recent accusations and counter accusations over the imposition of arbitrary duty on imported goods based on wrong valuation by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service has remained a major threat to trade facilitation in Nigeria, reports FRANCIS EZEM.

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ll over the world, the importance and relevance of the Customs Administration in the enforcement of government’s fiscal policies in any given country cannot be over emphasised.

The primarily function of each Customs Administration apart from its role of ensuring that harmful and prohibited items were not imported into the country is to facilitate trade. Through the instrumentality of import duty, the government regulates the importation and consumption of certain goods.

There have been recent accusations by freight forwarders and clearing agents over the excesses of some officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service in the valuation unit, who have been alleged to be in the habit of imposing arbitrary duty on imported goods, which they argued negates the service’s primary duty of promoting trade facilitation across the frontiers.

They, therefore, called for a regime of unified value on imported goods. By this they mean that the same value should be applied to the same type and model of the same good imported into Nigeria. This is unlike the current situation whereby the value placed on a certain good imported varies from one seaport to another.

For instance, some freight forwarders, who pleaded anonymity, alleged that in a bid to achieve this discrepant valuation regime, the management of the service deploys valuation officers from the headquarters in Abuja. One other startling revelation by the freight forwarders was that these valuation officers are not answerable to the Customs Area Controller, who ideally should be the chief executive officer of the command.

According to the sources, most the valuation officers, who are identified as ‘Abuja staff ’ report directly to the Comptroller General of the service, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko as they do not take orders from their area controllers.

The sources also alleged that the real reason for this is to enable the management realise its revenue target, which it has placed over and above the trade facilitation and security of the country, arguing that the only language of the current management is that of revenue, nothing else.

“The reason for this is not far-fetched because the CG is desperate to make the revenue against all odds and he believes that the CACs might not cooperate with him in that regard, which also accounts for why he re-deploys them incessantly within two or three months of being posted to any command”, the source argued.

Mikuriya

These aggrieved agents also alleged that these valuation officers, who behave as thin gods practically suspend the HS Code and impose duty on imported goods based their own state of mind.

“These officers, knowing the enormous powers given to them to determine the value of any consignment sometimes mount imaginary roadblocks with which they extort money from importers and their agents because there is no authority superior to them at the command and most importers might not want to go to Abuja to complain while their consignments accrue demurrage”, they also alleged.

The agents attributed the variations in the value of goods cleared at the various ports to the issues associated with imposition of duty at the whims and caprices of the valuation officers, arguing that there should have been a level of uniformity in the value given to identical goods in terms of volume, value and other yardsticks.

Investigation showed that it might cost one less to clear a Mercedes Jeep of the same model and year of manufacture at Onne Port for instance than at Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports both in Lagos.

The most potent argument by the management of the service in justification of this trend has remained the low level of compliance of most importers operating in Nigeria. The Comptroller General had while announcing the introduction of benchmark on duty last year, insisted that the Destination Inspection regime succeeds in an atmosphere where there is high level of compliance among the importers, which is lacking in Nigeria.

Under the policy, which agents had described as alien and draconian, importers of a total of 26 imported items would be made to pay flat duty irrespective of the value or model of the selected items.

The 26 items include complete knocked down and fully built air-conditioners,

Dikko

TRADE FACILITATION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN REVENUE GENERATION.

IF THERE IS TRADE

FACILITATION THERE WILL BE MORE REVENUE GENERATION different models of television sets, fully built and CKD refrigerator, car and truck tyres, aluminium coils both colour and ordinary, small generating sets and both CKD and fully built motorcycles.

Others are tomato paste, auto batteries, margarine and motorcycle spare parts, wines, made up textiles, biscuits, granite tiles, candles, yeast, aluminium profiles and roofing nails.

But despite assurances by the service that the policy would protect their interest, the freight forwarders insisted that the motive behind the policy was to enable the service meet its N1tr revenue target. The freight forwarders, who questioned the rationale behind government giving the service annual revenue targets, also argued that it was wrong to cede seven percent of the collected revenue to the service as statutory allocation for running the machinery of the service.

These freight forwarders argued that for as long as the service is entitled to a certain percent of the revenue it generates, its emphasis would be collecting additional revenue because the more it collects, the higher statutory allocation it receives. This practice no doubt cannot promote trade.

The World Customs Organisation (WCO), could not agree less with the position of these freight forwarders when it said that the Nigeria Customs Service should build a

partnership with stakeholders in the port industry as part of effort to enhance trade facilitation.

Secretary General of WCO, Mr. Kunio Mikuriya who spoke on the topic: Towards improved Customs private Sector engagement explained that trade facilitation is crucial to economic development.

He noted that if there is efficient trade facilitation, Customs would generate more revenue.

“Trade facilitation is more important than revenue generation. If there is trade facilitation there will be more revenue generation”, he insisted.

Mikuriya stressed the need for consistent risk management, security and prioritisation of Customs capacity development in the country.

He added that Customs need risk management for each consignment assessed based on commercial value.

He declared that WCO was trying to help Customs to improve efficiency towards economic development.

It is, therefore, instructive for stakeholders in the supply chain to imbibe international best practices in transacting their businesses. Part of the responsibility of the Customs Administration is to checkmate every move by the importers from bringing in offensive items or shortchanging government in the payment of duty in their desperate bid to maximize profits.

But this should be done in the most lawful and decent way. For instance, the service can invoke sections 146, 147 and 164 of the Customs and Excise Management Act, which empower it to impound and auction imported goods whose owners are not compliant instead of imposing arbitrary value on both the complaint and non compliant ones, which is counterproductive.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

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total of 15 shiploads of Automotive Gas Oil also called diesel and Premium Motor Spirit also called petrol have arrived Lagos seaports with a total of 169, 530 metric tonnes of both products.

These comprise a total of 54,900 metric tonnes of diesel laden on board seven vessels and 114, 630 metric tonnes of PMS loaded in eight tanker vessels.

Meanwhile, there has been palpable fear over Federal Government’s delay in the importation of the products for the second quarter of this year, which many have expressed fears might trigger another round of product scarcity.

Details official shipping position released by the Nigerian Ports Authority, shows that a total of 15 vessels are either discharging currently or at the verge of leaving the ports, having completed the process of discharge.

Accordingly, a ship called Ore Ofe is expected to complete the discharge of 5, 000 metrc tonnes of diesel at the Ibafon Jetty while another tanker vessel called Blue River is to complete discharge of another 5, 000 metric tonnes of diesel at Ibafon on April 11, 2013.

MT Saphina laden with 5,000 metric tonnes of diesel is expected to complete discharge at Ibafon Jetty on April 10, even as another

Maritime

Friday, April 5, 2013

15 shiploads of petrol, diesel arrive Lagos amid scarcity fears

A tanker vessel at sea

vessel, MT. Oliva 1 has since completed the discharge of 9, 000 metric tonnes.

Similarly, MT Dilesi and MT Blue Green Tigre have completed the process of discharge of 10, 000 metric and 5, 000 metric tonnes respectively at the Ibafon Jetty while MT Emocean commenced the discharge of 6,000 metric tonnes also at Ibafon Jetty last Monday.

MT SP Atlantic and Med Arctic have also completed the discharge of 5,000 and 4,900 metric tonnes respectively at the Fishery Wharf

facility in Apapa, bringing a total of 54,900 metric tonnes of AGO. On the other hand, a total of four ships are currently discharging PMS at various oil facilities in Apapa while three ships have already completed discharge of their product.

Details show that Ocean Centurion commenced the discharge of 16,000 metric tonnes at the BOVAS facility in Apapa on April 3, while MT Emantha commenced the process of discharge of its 7,500 metric of PMS at Ijora the following day.

Another vessel, MT Admiral L

will begin the discharge of 20,000 metric tonnes of PMS at Bulk Oil Plant and Petroleum Wharf Apapa even as MT Bremen Trader is to discharge 4, 200 metric tonnes of the product at the OBAT facility.

Meanwhile, Emirate Star has discharged 32, 000 metric tonnes of the product at the Single Buoy Mooring while MT Salamis and MT Gregory have discharged 15, 000 and 19,930 metric tonnes respectively at Petroleum Wharf Apapa and Capital Oil facility respectively bringing to a total of 114,630 metric tonnes of diesel.

There have been fears that another round of product scarcity is looming over the inability of government to firm up the processes of importing the products for the second quarter, which ought to have been concluded since February.

A source at the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), had hinted that the agency has concluded the compilation of the list but that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources was still vetting it.

Another also hinted that there has not been any official communication between the government and relevant stakeholders including major and independent marketers, an indication that there might be shortage in the supply of the products, This fear of imminent shortage of petroleum products was further reinforced by the fact that none of Nigeria’s four refineries is currently working at optimum installed capacities to process 445,000 barrels per day, as the output of the plants would have gone a long way to meeting domestic demand, currently estimated at 36 million liters per day.

The Federal Government had in its 2013 appropriation budgeted N971bn for fuel subsidy and also promised to sanitise the industry, a development that made many Nigerians heave a sigh of relief, which was short lived.

Onne Free Zone canvasses collaboration NPA pledges to assist new Port Police boss to end piracy in Nigeria

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orried by the increasing spate of piracy and sea robbery, which pose serious hindrance to inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI), the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone has made a strong case for a collaborative efforts among the relevant security agencies to end the scourge.

Chairman of the zone, Dr. Chris Asoluka, who spoke in an interview in Lagos, expressed worries over the increasing incidences of sea piracy in Nigeria, which he argued requires urgent collaboration among the security agencies so that it does not get out of hand like that of Somalia.

He said: “Somalia you know is a very hot zone, we pray that the rising cases of militancy in the country would not expose the people to the acquisition of instrument of violence, which might mean that the scourge might not abate easily”.

According to him, apart from seeking Public Private Partnership towards fighting piracy in Nigeria, the relevant government agencies like the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigeria Navy and Air Force should put their heads together in order to forge a com-

mon front.

On the PPP arrangement towards fighting the scourge, he noted that the private company could provide the logistics needed to fight the pirates while the security agencies provide the security expertise.

He argued that at the end, what Nigerians and even members of the international community would want to see is a situation where the security level in Nigeria’s territorial waters would improve.

While reviewing the maritime security contract enacted between NIMASA and Global West Vessel Specialist Nigeria Limited under a PPP initiative, Asoluka noted that it would be preposterous for him to begin to assess the performance of the contract.

“You know in every PPP arrangement, each of the partners brings a value, I have not reviewed the level of value each of the partners is bringing but the is need for PPP in order to fight piracy and sea robbery in Nigeria”, he said.

Former Presidential Olusegun Obasanjo had said recently that Nigeria should seek international assistance to curb the

rising cases of piracy, insisting that the high level of insecurity in Nigeria will continue to inhibit the anticipated inflow of both foreign and local investments needed to grow the economy.

According to him, was high time the Federal Government and littoral states in the country considered the option of seeking international assistance to end the piracy scourge.

“I want to make a request of the Federal Government and the littoral states and a serious one for that matter, there should be urgent and concerted efforts at fighting the menace of piracy on Nigerian waters now”, he noted.

“Nigeria is hemorrhaged in all fronts now. Boko Haram in the North, kidnapping at the centre and piracy in the Niger Delta region despite the amnesty programme. Let us cry out for help to our trading partners because of the growing dimension of these security challenges”, Chief Obasanjo insisted.

He had also noted that the situation has got to a point where the government would seek assistance from the country’s trading partners so that the problem does not escalate further than this.

T

he Nigerian Ports Authority has thrown its weight behind the new commissioner in charge of Port Police Command, Mrs. Sherifat Olajoku.

The new commissioner, who resumed duty last month had taken time to visit all the formations under her including the Apapa Port and Ikorodu Lighter Terminal, where she warned officers and men of the command that it is no longer business as usual.. Executive Director of the authority in charge of Marine and Operations, Mr. David Omonibeke, who spoke during a meeting between the command and the security unit of NPA, said the Authority appreciates the crucial roles of the command in protecting lives and property and maintaining law and order within the port environment.

According to him, the management of the authority will continue to cultivate, maintain and sustain a mutual working relationship with the command.

He noted that without security, life and property are at great risk and assured the PAPC that the authority will continuously support the command by providing necessary logistics that will enhance

43

their performance.

Omonibeke also commended the new Police boss for swinging into action as soon as she was appointed, adding that a remarkable change has been noticed since she assumed duty.

NPA General Manager in charge of security of the authority, Col. Jamil Tahir (rtd) disclosed that management finds it expedient to convey the meeting in order to map out strategies to confront the present security challenges facing the country.

According to him, though there has not been cases of terrorists attack at the nation’s seaports due to vigilance of security agencies, there is need for synergy among security agencies in order to prevent any security breaches.

Habib Abdullahi

44

Friday, April 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Agric scheme saved FG $192m in 2012 STANLEY IHEDIGBO

C

ellulant Nigeria Limited, the firm that is running the electronic wallet programme of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development under the Growth Enhancement Support scheme has said that government saved over $192 million under the scheme in 2012.

According to the Chief Executive Officer, Cellulant Nigeria, Mr. Goke Akinboro, the sum of N25 billion was the amount of money saved by the Federal and state governments in 2012 after over 1.2 million farmers had received subsidized fertilizers, seedlings or other relevant farm inputs under the scheme.

This saving, he said, was realised because of the effective targeting and accounting that the e-wallet scheme provided.

He said Cellulant effected $294 million worth of subsidies disbursements on behalf of the Federal and State Governments into the wallets of farmers.

Akinboro explained that while farmers used $52million of the subsidy deposits, agro-dealers received $50 million as matching funds from farmers leaving about $192million of unused funds.

He noted that the sum, which potentially might have been lost to corruption, under the old scheme was returned back to Government coffers for season.

“We are indeed satisfied that we have helped start a revolution in the agricultural sector in Nigeria by bringing in seemingly simple and practical technology solutions which have helped address age-long problems in the sector. We believe that this is the beginning of great things to come and we can only improve in the years ahead,” he said.

L-R: President, National Cashew Association of Nigeria, Mr. Tola Faseru, National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Sotonye Anga and Managing Director NEXIM Bank, Mr. Roberts Orya,during the association courtesy visit to NEXIM Bank Headquarters, Abuja.

Akinboro noted that while the savings made were great, the greater satisfaction his firm has is the fact that farmers in Nigeria actually benefited from the government subsidy programmes directly.

He added that with a new planting season just around the corner, Cellulant will work to ensure that more farmers are made to participate in the scheme this year so that the expectation of bringing 20million farmers into the scheme could be met quickly.

It will be recalled that the e-wallet programme under the Growth Enhancement Support scheme of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development kicked off in May 2012. The

Tata wins tractors’ distribution rights

T

ata Motors Nigeria has secured the distribution rights to sell and distribute the American John Deere spec brand of farming tractors in the country.

According to statement made available to National Mirror, the range includes harvesting machinery equipped to promote agriculture and help farmers plough and work on their farm lands with ease.

Managing Director of Tata Nigeria, Mr Sundeep Ray, said the tractors are fast emerging as a leading player in the market, providing stiff competition to established names.

With features such as rugged chasis and bigger loader basket, he said the tractors, which are competitively priced, are gaining popularity among farmers.

He said the company will give farmers, contractors and other rural businesses a flavour of improvements to the services it provides.

Tata, which he said, will provide na-

tionwide service and dealership of the equipments is optimistic that its packages will promote joint ventures between the state governments of farming states and farmers cooperative societies.

The Managing Director of Tata said that the company is working on facilities of easy instalment payments and urged farmers to key into the initiative for the development of the country.

He also assured that the John Deere brands are cost effective and with all the trappings of competitive prices through the finance schemes that come with the package.

It also plans sales and distribution of top agrochemicals and agro materials to aid farmers in their cultivation.

“We are here to provide solutions and improve productivity and to add value to the knowledge of the farmers. Tata guaranteed its prospective clients of the availability of all the machine spare parts for easy servicing,” he stated.

programme replaced the old fertilizer and seedlings distribution method which the Federal Government handled through middlemen, states and local governments.

Under the new scheme, farmers are registered and identified through their unique mobile phone numbers and they are then sent text messages which they can take to agro-dealers and upon payment of matching sum of money, are given subsidised fertilisers or the desired agro input of their choice.

Meanwhile, experts have commended the decision by the Federal Government to use e-wallet scheme to identify farmers.

One of the experts and Chief Executive Officer of PNN Limited, said, “It is a wonderful idea that governance in Nigeria is now having great minds like the current minister of Agriculture.

“The Minister of Agriculture should be given a lot of kudos for this initiative. From my understanding, the use of telephones makes the payment of government incentives to farmers much more effective by bypassing all the rogue middle men that have diverted fertilizer subsidies for so long.

“I believe a lot more agencies of government will soon start utilising this method to get incentives directly to the people who need it. I believe it will work very well,” he stated.

FG completes 250,000 tonnes capacity silos in Osun

T

he Federal Government said it has completed the construction of 250,000 tonnes capacity silos at Ilesa in Osun.

The state Director of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Simeon Ajibode, disclosed to newsmen in Osogbo.

He said that the silos will be used to store excess grains bought from farmers to be released to the public at cheaper price in time of need.

He added that both farmers and the general public would benefit from the facility and end the fear of grains wastage.

Ajibode urged farmers to use the opportunity to embark on massive cultivation of grains this season, assuring them of ready made market.

The director said that Federal Government made adequate provision and timely distribution of fertilisers to farmers in the current farming sea-

son.

On loan accessibility, the director said that government had subsidised agriculture loan by eight per cent.

“Commercial banks give loan at 16 per cent interest but government will subsidise the loan by eight per cent, which means that farmers will get loan at eight per cent interest.” he said.

According to him, about two million high yield cocoa seedlings would be distributed to farmers in Osun this year.

He added that the state Ministry of Agriculture and some private agriculture centres had been financed to produce the seedlings which could bear fruits under two and half years.

He said about 46,000 farmers registered in the ongoing farmers’ registration in the state, adding that the figure would be doubled at the end of the two weeks period.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, April 5, 2013

45

46

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, April 5, 2013

Guaranty Trust Bank posts N103bn profit in 2012 JOHNSON OKANLAWON

G

uaranty Trust Bank has declared profit after tax of N87.3bn for the financial year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of 69 per cent when compared to N51.7bn recorded in the same period of 2011.

The bank’s profit before tax stood at N103bn in 2012, higher than N66.1bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2011, while gross earnings rose to N221.9bn.

A statement from the bank yesterday said the bank closed the 2012 financial year with an on-balance sheet size of N1.73trn, from N1.61trn recorded in 2011, while to-

tal assets and contingents stood at N2.26trn in the review period, from N2.14trn in 2011, an increase of eight per cent and six per cent respectively.

Further analysis showed that deposit liabilities of the bank increased by 12 per cent to N1.15trn in 2012, reflecting a decent growth of N120bn from the N1.03trn closing position in the corresponding period of 2011.

“This growth in customer deposits fuelled the increase in the loan book as net loans and advances closed at N783.9bn, translating to a growth of 11 per cent over the N707.1bn in 2011. Shareholders’ funds increased from N230.4bn in 2011 to

N283.4bn in 2012,” the statement said.

In terms of asset quality, the bank’s non performing loans ratio stood at 3.4 per cent, compared to 3.5 per cent in 2011, while cost-to-income ratio improved significantly to 42.7 per cent, from 52.9 per cent in 2011.

Also, return on equity and return on assets closed at 33.9 per cent and 5.2 per cent, from the 23.2 per cent and 3.7 per cent recorded in 2011, respectively.

According to the statement, the bank’s stance as an upstanding social citizen and commitment to full disclosure was further evidenced by its 2012 tax liabilities, which came to over N16.3bn.

The total dividend payment for the financial year is projected at N45.62bn, representing N1.55 per ordinary share of 0.50 kobo each.

Speaking on the result, the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Segun Agbaje, attributed the success to its adherence to a defined growth plan, high corporate governance standards and the cultural values for which it is known.

He said these factors, coupled with a resourceful board, an in-depth understanding of the market and the passion of the bank’s employees have enabled it grow market share and continue to avail its stakeholders with value adding services.

ASI drops 0.6% as NSE launches alternative securities market today DAMILOLA AJAYI

S

harp sell-off by speculative investors yesterday halted five days bullish trend in equities trading on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Specifically, the All Share Index dropped by 0.60 per cent to close at 34,339.65 points, in contrast to the increase of 0.57 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 34,548.73 points.

Market capitalisation shed N6bn to close at N10.99trn, to erase the N6bn recorded the preceding day to close at N11.06trn.

All the sectorial indices shed substantial part of their value except Lotus

Islamic index, which rose by 0.37per cent to close at 2,281.30 points.

The Consumer Goods index lost 2.39 per cent to close at 978.70 points, while the Insurance index dipped by 1.08 per cent to close at 147.12 points.

The NSE 30-index fell 0.68 per cent to close at 1,640.22 points, while the Oil and Gas index declined o.57 per cent to close at 203.13 points.

The Banking index dropped by 0.38 per cent to close at 421.84 points.

Paints Manufacturing Company Plc led the gainers’ table with 14 kobo or 10 per cent to close at N1.54 per share, followed

by Presco Plc with N2.25 or 10 per cent to close at N24.75 per share.

Okomu Oil Plc appreciated by N8.77 or 10 per cent to close at N96.49 per share, while Livestock Feeds Plc gained 26 kobo or 9.92 per cent to close at N2.88 per share. ABC Transport Plc increased by seven kobo or 9.59 per cent to close at 80 kobo per share.

On the flip side, Air Service Plc lost 52 kobo or 9.87 per cent to close at N4.75 per share, while Vono Products Plc shed 28 kobo or 9.72 per cent to close at N2.60 per share.

Multi Trex Plc declined by seven kobo or 9.59 per cent to close at 66 kobo per share, while CI Leasing Plc depreciated by six kobo or 9.52 per cent to close at 57 kobo per share.

Wapic Insurance Plc fell

11 kobo or 9.32 per cent to close at N1.07 per share.

A total of 418.6 million shares valued at N4.26bn were exchanged in 6,887 deals.

Meanwhile, the Exchange will today launch an Alternative Securities Market (ASeM) for emerging companies with high potential for growth in the country.

The Executive Director, Business Development of the NSE, Mr Haruna JaloWaziri, explained that the Exchange is a staunch believer in the critical role of emerging enterprises in a developing economy and as such we have taken the bold move of providing a platform for sustainable growth and development of these companies.

SEC approves using Facebook, Twitter for company disclosures

U

nited States companies will now be able to post their earnings on Twitter or update their status on Facebook as long as investors have been told in advance where to look.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission issued guidance yesterday permitting companies to use social media sites including Facebook Incorporation and Twitter Incorporation to communicate company announcements.

The guidance came as part of a report detailing its investigation into Netflix Incorporation Chief Executive Officer, Reed

Hastings, who in July posted monthly viewership results on his Facebook page rather than in an SEC filing or news release.

The SEC refrained from bringing an enforcement action against Hastings or Netflix, which runs a subscription service for watching television programs and movies, because rules around using social media for company disclosures had been unclear, the agency said.

“Most social media are perfectly suitable methods for communicating with investors, but not if the access is restricted or if investors don’t know

that’s where they need to turn to get the latest news,” acting Director of the SEC’s Enforcement Division, Mr. George Canellos, said in a statement.

The SEC confirmed that a regulation prohibiting companies from disclosing material information to select investors applies to social media and other emerging means of communication the same way it applies to company websites.

Company communications made through social media channels could constitute a violation of the fair disclosure rule known as Regulation FD if investors had not been told in

advance where the information would be posted, the SEC said.

According to a Securities Law Professor at Santa Clara University’s School of Law, Mr. Stephen Diamond, social media has tremendous potential to level the playing field for participants in the markets.

A former Chief Accountant at the SEC, Mr. Lynn Turner, pointed out that some investor advocates are less sanguine about the policy change, saying that it’s a bad policy because it will disadvantage investors who don’t use Facebook and Twitter.

Source: NSE NIBOR QUOTES 2 APRIL 2013 & 3 APRIL 2013 15.00 14.00 13.00 12.00 11.00 10.00 9.00 8.00 7.00 6.00 5.00

2 -Ap r-1 3

3 -Ap r-1 3

Source: FMDA

Market indicators All-Share Index 34,339.65 points Market capitalisation 10.990trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

PAINTCOM

1.40

1.54

0.14

% CHANGE 10.00

PRESCO

22.50

24.75

2.25

10.00

OKOMUOIL

87.72

96.49

8.77

10.00

LIVESTOCK

2.62

2.88

0.26

9.92

ABCTRANS

0.73

0.80

0.07

9.59

REDSTAREX

3.60

3.90

0.30

8.33

ROYALEX

0.63

0.66

0.03

4.76

UTC

0.77

0.80

0.03

3.90

NEIMETH

0.87

0.90

0.03

3.45

FIDSON

1.65

1.70

0.05

3.03

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

AIRSERVICE

5.27

CLOSING 4.75

0.52

-9.87

VONO

2.88

2.60

0.28

-9.72

MULTITREX

0.73

0.66

0.07

-9.59

CILEASING

0.63

0.57

0.06

-9.52

WAPIC

1.18

1.07

0.11

-9.32

NB

169.00

159.01

9.99

-5.91

IKEJAHOTEL

0.86

0.81

0.05

-5.81

CUSTODYINS

1.91

1.80

0.11

-5.76

CCNN

11.14

10.55

0.59

-5.30

UAC-PROP

16.85

16.02

0.83

-4.93

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Day

21,838.51

12.70

4-Apr-13

182-Day

50,000.00

15.49

4-Apr-13

-

-

-

-

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

357-Days

47,494.49

15.06

4-Apr-13

339-Days

51,759.76

14.40

4-Apr-13

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$300m

N/A

$237m

3-Apri-13

$300m

N/A

$300m

27-Mar-13

Friday, April 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

47

World News

War with US: North Korea positions mid-range missile

“It is not easy to beat deflation, which has continued in Japan for 15 years. But the BoJ will use all options available and do whatever it takes to show markets its strong commitment”

48

PAUL ARHEWE,

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

T

he rebel leader who seized power in the Central African Republic and proclaimed himself president accepted yesterday a call by regional leaders to speed up a transition to democracy, but could stay in office, his information minister said.

Michel Djotodia led thousands of rebel fighters of the Seleka coalition into the riverside capital of the mineral-rich country on March 24, toppling President Francois Bozize.

African heads of state refused to recognize Djotodia as the country’s legitimate leader at a summit in Chad on Wednesday and called for the creation of a transitional council to lead the nation to elections within 18 months. “(Djotodia) accepted all of the recommendations made in N’Djamena ... He accepted all the schemes outlined by the heads of state,” Christophe Gazam Betty told reporters following a meeting between Djotodia and regional foreign ministers.

African and Western leaders have condemned the seizure of power by the rebels, who accused Bozize of failing to implement previous peace agreements. The African Union suspended the former French colony and imposed sanctions on Djotodia while Washington said he was not a legitimate leader.

Djotodia has already tried to

–Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe

CAR’s new leader accepts regional transition road map

Djotodia waves to his supporters at a rally in favour of the Seleka rebel alliance in Bangui.

contain international condemnation by creating a transitional government headed by a civilian prime minister, Nicolas Tiangaye, and promising elections in three years.

However, the regional leaders called for the creation of a transitional body elected by all of the country’s political actors and rebel groups to be charged with drawing up a new constitution and preparing the way for elections.

Under the plan, the council’s head will serve as Central African Republic’s president during the transition, which Gazam Betty said could allow Djotodia to keep his current position, this time with international approval.

“Everyone will be a candidate.

If Mr Djotodia, after all he’s done to date, wants to be a candidate, I see no reason why he wouldn’t be president,” he said.

South African President Ja-

PHOTO: REUTERS

cob Zuma, who attended the summit in Chad, announced late on Wednesday that he would be withdrawing his country’s troops from Central African Republic.

The killing of at least 13 South African soldiers by the rebels during the March 24 onslaught has prompted questions about South African’s role in the country, and how a military training mission there became entangled in an internal conflict.

Desmond Tutu wins £1.1m Templeton Prize

A

rchbishop Desmond Tutu has won the £1.1m ($1.6m) Templeton Prize for “affirming life’s spiritual dimension”.

Organisers said he was awarded the 2013 prize for his lifelong work advancing spiritual principles such as love and forgiveness

Tutu

that have helped to liberate people around the world.

The former Anglican archbishop of Cape Town joins a distinguished group of 42 previous recipients.

Archbishop Tutu will receive the prize at the Guildhall in London on 21 May.

The 81-year-old veteran peace campaigner said: “When you are in a crowd, and you stand out from the crowd it’s usually because you are being carried on the shoulders of others.

“I want to acknowledge all the wonderful people who accepted me as their leader at home and so to accept this prize in a representative capacity.”

The Templeton Prize has for the past 40 years been the world’s largest annual monetary award given to an individual.

Established in 1972, the prize honours a living person who has “made an exceptional contribution to affirming life’s spiritual dimension”.

The prize “celebrates no particular faith tradition” but recognises efforts to “comprehend the many and diverse manifestations of the Divine”.

Sir John Templeton, who was born in the US in 1912, made his fortune on Wall Street.

He became a naturalised British citizen in 1960 and was knighted in 1987 by the Queen. He died in 2008.

It celebrates “a living person who has made an exceptional contribution to affirming life’s spiritual dimension, whether through insight, discovery, or practical works”.

Last year’s Templeton Prize Laureate was Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.

The prize was founded in 1972 by the late global investor and philanthropist Sir John Templeton.

It forms part of the John Templeton Foundation’s “international efforts to serve as a philanthropic catalyst for discoveries relating to the Big Questions of human purpose and ultimate reality.”

WORLD BULLETIN Mandela’s health improving, visited by Zuma Former South African president Nelson Mandela, 94, received a visit in hospital from current leader Jacob Zuma on Thursday, who said the anti-apartheid hero was making “continuous improvement” under treatment for pneumonia.

“Madiba is stable and we are thankful that he is responding well to treatment and that he is much better,” Zuma said, referring to Mandela by his clan name.

Mandela has spent just over a week in hospital. This is the third health scare in four months for the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who became South Africa’s first black president in 1994 and was hailed as a global symbol of tolerance and harmony.

He was in hospital briefly in early March for a check-up and was hospitalized in December for nearly three weeks with a lung infection and after surgery to remove gallstones.

Mandela stepped down as president in 1999 and has not been politically active for a decade.

Ivory Coast begins exhuming mass graves Ivory Coast officials yesterday began exhuming dozens of mass graves dating back to the country’s 2011 postelection violence, as a new report accused President Alassane Ouattara of failing to bring his supporters to justice for crimes they allegedly committed during the conflict.

Justice Minister Gnenema Coulibaly presided over the exhumations, observing a moment of silence at the site before digging started at the first grave on the grounds of a mosque in Abidjan’s Yopougon district.

The grave contained the bodies of four men aged 17 to 35 who were killed at the height of the violence in April 2011 while defending the mosque against militant supporters of former President Laurent Gbagbo.

US to help in hunting for Kony

The United States is looking for ways to ensure the hunt for wanted warlord Joseph Kony continues in Central African Republic despite a change in leadership in the country that has forced the search to be suspended, a State Department official said yesterday.

The U.S. announced a new $5 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Kony, the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army, a small but brutal band of warriors who abduct children and adults as fighters and sexual slaves.

There are 100 U.S. special forces helping advise African forces across Central African Republic, South Sudan, Congo and Uganda.

48

World News

WORLD BULLETIN Woman in Berlusconi sex trial protests tactics The Moroccan woman at the center of ex-Premier Silvio Berlusconi’s sex-for-hire trial held an unusual protest yesterday in front of Milan’s courthouse, accusing investigators of waging psychological warfare against her and manipulating her testimony during interrogations.

Karima el-Mahroug, better known as Ruby, read out a tearful, six-page statement denying that she was a prostitute, insisting that she had never had sex with Berlusconi and demanding that the court hear her side of the story.

“I have nothing to be ashamed of and nothing to hide,” el-Mahroug said. She denounced what she called “psychological torture” directed at her by people pretending to help her and also accused the media of defaming her.

The 21-year-old also admitted, however, that she had lied in the past to hide her poverty-stricken origins.

The 76-year-old Berlusconi is accused of having paid for sex with el-Mahroug while she was a teenager during his infamous “bungabunga” parties at his villa near Milan, and then trying to cover it up. Both deny sexual contact.

Friday, April 5, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

War with US: North Korea positions mid-range missile N orth Korea has shifted a missile with “considerable range” to its east coast, South Korea’s foreign minister says.

Kim Kwan-jin played down concerns that the missile could target the US mainland, and said the North’s intentions were not yet clear.

Pyongyang earlier renewed threats of a nuclear strike against the US, though its missiles are not believed to be capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

The US is responding to North Korea by moving missile defence shields to Guam.

Meanwhile, Russia said Pyongyang’s attempts to “violate decisions of the UN Security

Council are categorically unacceptable”.

Despite all the bluster, experts do not believe that North Korea has the capacity to launch a nuclear-armed ballistic missile at the US. However, American bases in South Korea, Japan and perhaps even as far away as Guam could well be within range of Pyongyang’s conventionally armed missiles.

The US response has been a mixture of reassurance for its allies and prudent defensive precautions, including the deployment of warships with anti-missile capabilities.

Other anti-missile defences in the region are also being bolstered, a step that carries an ad-

ditional message to Beijing - that if Pyongyang remains on this course anti-missile systems will only proliferate, something that may eventually compromise the effectiveness of China’s own nuclear deterrent.

“This radically complicates, if it doesn’t in practice shut off, the prospects for resuming six-party talks,” foreign ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said in a statement yesterday.

The talks involving North and South Korea, the US, Russia, China and Japan were last held in late 2008.

Japan said it was co-operating closely with the US and South Korea to monitor the North’s next move.

US captures Guinea Bissau’s drug kingpin

U.S. anti-narcotics officers have arrested the former navy chief of Guinea Bissau, wanted by Washington as a kingpin of the international drugs trade, in an operation off the coast of West Africa, two sources familiar with the operation said.

Rear Admiral Bubo Na Tchuto, who has been involved in several failed coups in the former Portuguese colony, was arrested along with four other people on a boat in international waters in a sting operation mounted by undercover agents, the sources said.

He was transported to Cape Verde, from where he would be sent to the United States for prosecution, the sources said.

Na Tchuto was one of two Bissau Guineans designated as drug kingpins by the U.S. government in 2010, suspected of involvement in cocaine smuggling from South America.

Iran’s nuclear chief vows stronger defence on policy Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili sounded a defiant note ahead of a new round of talks with world powers in Kazakhstan, saying on Thursday they had to recognize Iran’s right to enrich uranium to see any breakthrough.

The six powers - United States, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany - will meet Iranian negotiators on Friday and Saturday in the Kazakh city of Almaty, hoping Tehran agrees to scale back its most sensitive atomic work that they suspect is aimed at achieving a nuclear weapons capability.

Iran has refused to do so during a decade of on-and-off negotiations, despite hardening economic sanctions, arguing its uranium enrichment has peaceful purposes only and therefore can continue under international law.

North Korea’s missile carrier.

PHOTO: CBS NEWS

Thousands of Palestinians protest in West Bank

T

housands of Palestinians took to the streets in the West Bank in a show of outrage yesterday over the deaths of two Palestinian protesters killed in clashes with Israel and a third Palestinian who died of cancer in an Israeli prison. In Gaza, militants fired a rocket that landed in southern Israel, causing no casualties.

The unrest has raised tensions between Israel and the Palestinians after days of West Bank clashes and rocket fire into southern Israel, prompting

the first Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip since a cease-fire was reached last November. Israel has vowed to respond harshly to further attacks from Gaza.

In the West Bank city of Hebron, thousands of people turned out for the funeral of Maysara Abu Hamdiyeh, a 64-year-old prisoner who died earlier this week from throat cancer while in Israeli custody.

The Palestinians have blamed Israel for Abu Hamdiyeh’s death, saying he did not receive proper medical care. He had

A Palestinian protester using a slingshot to throw a stone during clashes with Israeli soldiers, yesterday.

PHOTO: AP

been serving a life sentence for his involvement in an attempted bombing of a busy Jerusalem cafe in 2002.

Abu Hamidiyeh’s body, wrapped in a Palestinian flag, was paraded on a stretcher in a military funeral to a Hebron mosque, where prayers were held. Thousands of people waited outside the mosque to take the body for burial.

The Israeli military reported clashes with Palestinian protesters elsewhere in Hebron, Bethlehem, as well as on a main road in the northern West Bank. The military said it fired tear gas to disperse the crowds, and no major injuries were reported.

In Tulkarem, also in the northern West Bank, hundreds of people participated in the funeral of two Palestinians who were shot dead by Israeli troops late Wednesday during clashes near a military checkpoint.

The Israeli military said troops opened fire after firebombs were thrown at them.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that although the rhetoric was “increasingly provocative”, Tokyo would “calmly” watch the situation.

Government spokesman Yoshihide Suga earlier told reporters that Japan was braced for a “worst-case scenario”.

The Pentagon said the shield on its Pacific island territory would be ready within weeks, adding to warships already sent to the area.

The North has previously named Guam among a list of possible targets for attack that included Hawaii and the US mainland.

Japanese and South Korea reports had suggested the missile being moved by the North was a long-range one with a capability of hitting the US west coast.

However, experts believe the North’s most powerful rocket, which it test-fired last December, has a range of 6,000km (3,700 miles) and can reach no further than Alaska.

Kim Kwan-jin told MPs in a parliamentary defence committee meeting that the missile had “considerable range”.

“The missile does not seem to be aimed at the US mainland. It could be aimed at test firing or military drills,” he said.

Analysts have interpreted Mr Kim’s description as referring to the Musudan missile, estimated to have a range up to 4,000km.

Guam would be within that range.

The New York Times says: “The Obama administration was prudent to bolster its forces in the region.

Syria warns Jordan over aiding rebels

S

yria’s regime sternly warned neighbouring Jordan yesterday that it was “playing with fire” by allowing the U.S. and other countries to train and arm rebels on its territory.

Jordan, America’s closest ally in the Arab world, has long been nervous that President Bashar Assad’s hard-line regime could retaliate for supporting the rebels. The warning carried on state media may add to those jitters, though Jordanian government officials publicly downplayed it as “mere speculation by the Syrian media.”

Syrian state television said leaks in U.S. media show Jordan “has a hand in training terrorists and then facilitating their entry into Syria.” State radio accused Jordan of “playing with fire.”

A front-page editorial in the government daily al-Thawra accused Amman of adopting a policy of “ambiguity” by training the rebels while at the same time publicly insisting on a “political solution” to the Syrian crisis.

Friday, April 5, 2013

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49

Community Mirror “Surely our nation is under siege. It is not the question of PDP, CAN, CPC or any political party or religion, the truth is that Nigeria is under siege therefore all must come together and face this challenge.”

NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OF PDP, DR. BAMANGA TUKUR

FRANCIS SUBERU

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embers of “The Way of Joy Church” have denounced their General Overseer, GO,Pastor Ibikunle Olanrewaju John, who was recently paraded by the Lagos State Police Command for alleged robbery at the Muritala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA. The church, situated on Aliu Street, off Liasu Street, IkotunEgbe, Lagos has no number or signpost, even as it has since been deserted by the members.

Some of them residing on the street told Community Mirror that Ibikunle’s arrest by the police was a total surprise to them.

A resident, Tunji Gomez said

Church members, residents denounce ‘robber pastor’ that Ibikunle is popularly referred to as “Woli Koseunti,” meaning a prophet that makes everything possible. According to him, the General Overseer was popular and much respected.

He said: “I am very disappointed and would not bring myself to forgive ‘Woli’ for what he did. He was a friend and usually visits my house, even as he never betrayed any impression of keeping unholy liaison with armed robbers.

“Before his wife went missing on the street, she told me that some unknown persons arrested her husband. I advised her to go to SARS and if not found there, she should make a radio announce-

ment on her missing husband.

“I was concerned that he may have been kidnapped and never knew he was involved in such a terrible act. I could not believe when I saw him on television and pages of newspapers in company of alleged armed robbers. It is a big shame. He always told us he was travelling and now we know where he was going to”.

A church member, who simply identified himself as Gabriel, said Pastor Ibikunle should have died rather than engage in such a shameful act.

He said: “As far as I am concerned Pastor Ibikunle is finished. I don’t know what pushed

him into doing what he did. He was a respected ‘Prophet’.

“When I heard their confessions and the millions of naira they shared, I was surprised because he never gave the impression of having so much money.

He lives in the church premises with his wife and three children.

His first son is Raphael. I am sure his wife would not have known of his nefarious activities. He looked gentle and harmless. If anyone told me he cavorts with robbers, I would not have believed it”.

A landlord who spoke on condition of anonymity said the street landlords association has already given quit notice to the church.

Presently, no one can tell of the whereabouts of the wife and children.

Pastor Ibikunle was arrested on March 20, 2013 by police detectives attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, for allegedly being part of the armed robbery gang that attacked the MMIA on March 13, 2013 where two police officers were killed and several persons injured. He was given N500, 000 for his role.

He was also part of the gang that robbed a Bureau De Change on February 10, 2012. According to the police, Ibikunle participated in many other robberies in Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo States.

Court remands driver for alleged rape

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Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lokoja has ordered that a taxi driver, Femi Ojo, be remanded in prison custody over an alleged rape.

Ojo was arraigned on charges of rape, armed robbery and kidnapping.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Levi Animoku, who denied the accused bail, and upheld the submission of the prosecution that the offences were serious and currently on the increase in Kogi State.

Animoku said that each of the offences carried stiff penalties, ranging from 20 years on conviction.

He ordered them to be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the matter to April 30, for further mention.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, ASP Samuel Ikutanwa, told the court that the accused raped a female National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member who entered his taxi cab in Lokoja on Feb. 19.

He said the accused drove a Mazda car with registration number: XA 536 ANG and Lokoja taxi number BB753.

Ikutanwa said, the accused had agreed to drive the victim to Benin,Edo State,even as the prosecution said that as they travelled towards Okene, the accused drove the vehicle into the bush and raped the corps member, threatening to kill her with a broken bottle.

The prosecutor also alleged that the accused left the victim where no one could reach her.

Ikutanwa also said the accused stole N100, 000, from the victim.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

‘The way of Joy Church’ building, Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos. Inset: Pastor Ibikunle after arrest.

PHOTO: FRANCIS SUBERU

Photographer in dock for stabbing neighbour FRANCIS SUBERU WITH AGENCY REPORT

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photographer, Oladejo Olatunji, has been arraigned before an Ogudu Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, for allegedly stabbing one of his neighbours, Mr. Olalere Samuel, on the neck.

Also charged with Olatunji is one Jimoh Rasaq of no fixed address.

Olatunji, who lives at No. 4, Oladejo Lane, Bariga, Lagos, and Rasaq are facing a fivecount charge of conspiracy, assault, occasioning harm, breach of peace and possession of dangerous weapons.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecutor, Cpl. Adekemi Adeniran, told the court that the accused committed the offences on March 29, at No. 24, Gbagada Rd., Bariga,

even as she explained that the accused and others now at large were also found in possession of dangerous weapons.

She said that the complainant, who is the owner of the house at No. 24, Gbagada Rd, Bariga, had challenged the accused for gathering in front of his house and ordered them to vacate the place.

“When the complainant insisted, Olatunji broke a bottle

and stabbed him in the neck,” Adeniran said.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene Sections 409, 166, 177 and 301 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

The Magistrate, Mrs Oluwadamilola Olanipekun, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum, as the case was adjourned till May 10 for hearing.

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Friday, April 5, 2013

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Friday, April 5, 2013

‘Kaduna’s N12bn for road construction missing’ A ZA MSUE KADUNA

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he convener of Greater Kaduna Group Submit, Alhaji Mohammed Lawal Aliyu, yesterday alleged that N12 billion out of the N20 billion loan secured by the Kaduna State Government to execute road projects had disappeared.

He said that the state got N20 billion loan from banks, but surprisingly only N8 billion was spent

on the purpose.

Aliyu spoke during at interactive session with the Kaduna State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

He, however, said Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero’s administration achieved nothing in his 100 days in office.

Aliyu, who once represented Kaduna Zone 1 at the National Assembly, said that the group’s forthcoming submit was aimed at sensitizing mem-

bers of the public on the maladministration’s of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government.

He asked the Federal Government to grant amnesty to members of the Boko Haram sect, saying: “If state pardon is given to former Bayelsa State Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and Niger Delta militants, then, there is no reason to deny Boko Haram members amnesty.”

Aliyu said: “The Kaduna State Government collected N20 billion loan from commercial banks for execution of road projects a few months ago.

“We have information that N12 billion of that money has disappeared.

Only N8 billion was used.

“To be honest with you, Governor Mukhtar Yero has done nothing for the people of Kaduna State.

He should sit up and give the people good governance.”

L-R: Executive Secretary, Plateau State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Al-Hassan Barde; Senior Disaster Risk Reduction Officer, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), North-Central Zone, Mr. Olanrewaju Kazeem and Acting Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Mohammed Abdulsalam, during a workshop on the Role of the Media in Disaster Management held in Jos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Challenges in accessing data on nation’s varsities end soon –NUC PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

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xecutive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, has said that the difficulties faced in accessing information on the 126 universities spread across the nation would soon be put to rest with the setting up of the Nigerian University System Management Portal (NUSMAP).

Speaking at a threeday workshop organised for 22 universities located in the North-Central at the Federal University of

Technology, FUT, Minna with theme: “On-Line University Programme Accreditation Portal,” Okojie described NUSMAP as an on-line application designed to assist the ivory towers process, share data with NUC, the public, and other government agencies for adequate planning and management.

Okojie, who was represented by the NUC Information Communications Technology (ICT) Officer, Miss Patricia Eromesele, said the system has the capacity to capture the activities of all the directorates of the commission,

which include Universities programme Accreditation, Universities Academic Standards, University System Annual Review Meeting, USARM, Universities Research and Innovation, Finance and Budget, among others.

Stressing that NUSMAP had been tested in some universities, the executive secretary said: “It ensures easy access to NUC on information on-line issues that relate to students, staff, university and course status, among others.

“We cannot over emphasize the role of modern technology and human re-

sources in the development of education.

“We are, therefore, leveraging on the gains of the NUC’s database project for Nigerian universities.

There is no doubt that the NUSMAP initiative will further enhance NUC’s commitment to bringing Nigerian university system to standard in line with the 21st century realities.”

FUT Minna ViceChancellor, Prof. Musbau Akanji, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Abdullahi Bala, thanked NUC for choosing the university to host the workshop.

Kano, Chinese firm sign MOU on railway system AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

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he Kano State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a Chinese firm, CCECC, for the construction of a modern intra-city railway system.

A statement issued by the Director of Press to

the Governor, Halilu Dantiye, said that the state Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, signed on behalf of the government, while Mr. Chao signed for the company.

Speaking shortly after signing the MOU yesterday at the Government House, Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso said the agree-

ment was for the company to send engineers for commencement of the project design.

He said when completed, the railway would ease transportation in the state capital, which is presently grappling with traffic congestion.

Kwankwaso expressed optimism that barring any unforeseen development,

the government planned to start construction of at least one railway line by 2015.

In his response, the Managing Director of CCECC, Mr. Chao, told the governor that his company is handling a range of large scale civil engineering works in Nigeria, including sections of the Nigeria Railway Modernisation Project.

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Nasarawa SSG inaugurates committees on assets sharing IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

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he Secretary to the Nasarawa State Government, Hajiya Zaynab Abdulmumin, yesterday inaugurated Assets Sharing Committees between Toto and Obi local government areas and the newly created Umaisha and Deddere development areas of the state.

The constitution of the committees was occasioned by the recent creation of Umaisha and Dedare development areas from Toto and Obi local government areas respectively by Governor UmaruTanko Al-Makura.

The committees are to work out modalities for adjustment of boundaries and sharing of assets between the affected local councils and the new development areas.

At the inaugural ceremony in Lafia, the state capital, the SSG tasked the committees to pay attention to issues bordering on population, landmass and availability

of infrastructural facilities in the discharge of their responsibility, stressing the need for them to carry out their assignment with utmost fairness, justice and the fear of God. She called on the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Local Government Service Commission, the affected local government councils and other stakeholders to avail the committees of support that would facilitate the accomplishment of the assignments.

Hajiya Abdulmumin gave the committees’ terms of references to include liaising with traditional rulers and stakeholders of the new development areas with a view to identifying office accommodation and facilities for the take-off of the development areas and to liaising with the local government service commission in the deployment of workers, among others.

The committees were, however, given six weeks to submit their reports

NDLEA arrests two, seizes 1,254.4kg of cannabis sativa WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

T

he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kogi State has arrested two suspected drug dealers, Alexander Chukwu and Christopher Ihenacho, with 1,254.4kg of substances suspected to be Cannabis sativa.

NDLEA Commander in the state, Alhaji Mohammed Bello Idris, who paraded the suspects yesterday at the agency’s headquarters in Lokoja, said they were arrested along Lokoja-Abuja Road.

He said that the suspects concealed 141bags of cannabis sativa under firewood in a truck marked: Abuja XY976ABC. According to Idris, the truck belonged to the Labour Mass Transit Limited.

He said when NDLEA personnel stopped the vehicle, the driver refused to stop, adding that this informed the operatives to suspect that the truck was laden with illegal items.

The operatives then chased the truck until the driver was forced to stop for a search.

During the search, 1254.4kg of substance suspected to be cannabis sativa was compressed in 141 bags and concealed under firewood.

Speaking with journalists, the driver said he brought a large quantity of tiles from Abuja to Lokoja when one Andy approached him to charter the vehicle to transport firewood to Abuja.

He said Andy promised to pay N50, 000 for transportation of the firewood, stressing that he did not know that Andy had surreptitiously loaded the substance into the vehicle.

The driver said: “We are not aware that Andy has loaded India Hemp into the vehicle until NDLEA patrol team stopped us to search the vehicle.”

NDLEA boss, however, urged the Kogi State Government to assist the agency in the area of logistics for effective service delivery.

52

Transition

Pa. Jacob Sapoloso

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a. Jacob Omotayo Sapoloso was born about 82 years ago, at Ile Abasa - Inisaloro – Ido Ekiti, Ekiti State.

He died after a brief illness on Wednesday, March 6, 2013. Funeral arrangements are slated to hold between April 5 and 6.

His education started from L.A. Primary School, Ido Ekiti. He thereafter attended Divisional Teacher Training College in pursuance of a Grade Three certificate 1954-1955. He was a very brilliant person who passed the three major subjects of Grade II before he gained admission into Ansar-ur-deen Teacher Training College, Ota, 1961-1962.

He later studied through correspondent and bagged A.C.I.S certificate.

He taught in many schools in Ekiti, Oyo, Osun and Lagos States. He later worked with the then Co-operative Supply at Sabo-Lagos before joining the Lagos State Polytechnic, Isolo-Lagos. He retired as a Chief Accountant in the Bursary Department of the institution in 2000.

He was once the president of C.U.B.N at St Mary’s Anglican Church Ajasa, Lagos.

He was a loving person, good and caring husband, father, grandfather and to all who interacted with him.

He was so accommodating that many relations passed through him. He was an embodiment of peace and a very diligent man.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Grace Kehinde Sapoloso (a retired teacher), children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters.

Friday, April 5, 2013

I

t has often been said that the world is a global station where each and everyone disembarks on getting to his/ her destined bus-stop. And so it was when on Friday, December 14, 2012, Olola Emmanuel Olawale Adejuwon, alias Baba Elelede, got to his destined bus-stop, breathed his last and bade the world a final good bye.

Born into the family of late High Chief Ikumapayi Adejuwon (the Obanla of Akure Kingdom) and late Madam Janet Jolade Oke Omotosho on May 23, 1934, as the third son of the family, he was brought up under a strict parental guidance especially his mother (Janet Oke).

Daddy ‘Lawale, as he was fondly called by his family, start-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Emmanuel Adejuwon ed school at St Thomas Primary School, Isikan, Akure, but couldn’t go beyond the Primary School Leaving Certificate due to financial difficulties experienced by his parents.

He later relocated to Ibadan where he learnt carpentry under the tutelage of his uncle, the late Pa Ajayi and later under late Pa Borokinni and was part of the crew that built the famous University Teaching Hospital (UCH), Ibadan and some other major public buildings at Ibadan in the precolonial days. His intelligence, creativeness, smartness and hardworking attitude earned him preference from the foreign engineers he worked with at that period.

In 1959, he moved down to Lagos as a successful building contractor and set up his own construction firm, Chas Dejulam Construction Company, with which he built some notable structures in Lagos, including: the Military Hospital, Yaba, Lagos Secondary Commercial College, among others.

In the year 1980, he invested in agricultural development and set up the famous Ola Olodumare Farms Limited and relocated to his roots in Akure in 1981, where he invested majorly in poultry and piggery farming. His investment didn’t go unnoticed as he won the state’s best Poultry and Piggery Farmer of the Year, from where his alias emanated from.

The late Adejuwon was the Grand Patron of the choir, the Patron of Egbe Ayanfe Kristi and a prominent member of the YMCA, all of St Thomas Anglican Church, Akure.

He was also the Baba Ijo of Light of the World Bible Church, Akure, as well as a founding member of Christ Apostolic Mission Church (CAMC), Idi Oro, Mushin, Lagos, under late Apostle J A Agbonna The immediate past president of Fanibi Landlord Association, Ondo Road, Akure, the late Adejuwon is survived by brothers, sisters, wives, children, grand children and great grand children.

Pa Adejuwon would be buried today after a service at St Thomas’s Anglican Church, Isikan, Ondo Rd, Akure.

Friday, April 5, 2013

My African Player regrets –Okocha

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53

Sport

I’m impressed with the turn of the NBA in recent years. But I am certain it will only get much better - AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEGEND, MICHAEL JORDAN

Eagles to dash in, out of Kenya, Namibia

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uper Eagles will dash in and out of high altitude Kenya and Namibia for 2014 World Cup qualifiers in June, it has been disclosed.

“Kenya and Namibia are high altitude nations and we intend to go in and out for the games,” announced spokesman for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire.

The Eagles are also to set up a training camp at the adidas facility, Adi Dassler Sportplatz in Herzogenaurach, from where they would proceed to Nairobi for a date

with the Harambee Stars in the June.

“We have secured the use of the adidas facility in Germany for the Eagles. They would be camping there for two weeks in preparation for the World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Namibia,” Olajire disclosed.

“The essence of having the team camp in Germany is to have a meeting point and don’t also forget that we have the Confederations Cup almost immediately.”

The Eagles are expected to connect Brazil from South Africa after their game in Namibia.

…As FIFA orders teams to play same day

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orld football gover ning body, FIFA, has ruled that all matches in Nigeria’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying Group F must be played same days on June 5 and June 12 respectively.

Concerned that Flames of Malawi, on same five points as the Super Eagles would have undue advantage should they play three days after Nigeria, the NFF wrote to FIFA last week to consider the options of all teams playing on

the same day or on the weekends as originally scheduled.

FIFA has now confirmed that while Nigeria take on Kenya at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Wednesday, June 5, Malawi would also be playing Namibia’s Brave Warriors in Blantyre.

Also, while the Eagles take the pitch against the Brave Warriors in Windhoek on Wednesday, June 12, Malawi would also be hosting Kenya’s Harambee Stars in Blantyre.

Maigari intervenes in Keshi, Yobo’s row

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resident of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Aminu Maigari, yesterday, ordered the Chairman of NFF Technical and Development Committee, Barr. Chris Green, and his members to, as a matter of urgency, intervene in the ongoing war of words between Super Eagles’ coach, Stephen Keshi, and skipper Joseph Yobo.

An unhealthy exchange of words between the two principal characters in the Nigeria squad has dominated the media in the past few

days, as Yobo expressed unhappiness with the coach over his exclusion from last month’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kenya in Calabar.

“This is a highly untoward development and the NFF and entire Nigeria football family are disturbed. Less than two months ago, we lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in a blaze of glory, and this was made possible by hard-work and team-work in an atmosphere of peace, unity and tranquility,” Maigari said.

Emenike (No. 9) celebrating with his team mates after scoring one of his goals during the AFCON in South Africa in February.

Super June: Keshi forgets Yobo, recalls Emenike, Kalu EVEREST ONYEWUCHI

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he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday, released a list of 30 players Super Eagles’ coach, Stephen Keshi, has invited to prosecute Nigeria’s crowded schedule between the end of May and mid-July, with captain Joseph Yobo’s name missing.

Nigeria have a high-profile friendly against CONCACAF champions, Mexico, in Houston, Texas, United States of America (USA) on the last day of May, before two World Cup qualifiers against Kenya in Nairobi and a clash with Namibia in Windhoek that come before the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup tournament in Brazil.

In all, Super Eagles would be involved in about 10 matches, depending on how far they go in the Confederations Cup. The African champions play Tahiti, Uruguay and Spain in Brazil but will play two more games if they advance to the knock-out stage, before returning to Africa for a 2014 African Nations Championship qualifying fixture against Cote d’Ivoire.

In the list unveiled yesterday, Yobo, who was not part of the squad that struggled to hold the Harambee Stars to a one-all draw in Calabar on March 23, was again left out because of dwindling performance that caused him to play bit-part roles at the South Africa 2013 AFCON. Top scorer at the 29th AFCON, Emmanuel Emenike, is recalled after a two-month injury lay off. Also recalled is Turkey-based Kalu Uche, who was frozen out of the Eagles in the last 16 months.

In all, there are four goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders and 11 strikers on the list, with a delegation of 12 home-based players and technical/ backroom staff departing Abuja for the training camp in Nuremberg on May 15 while the foreign-based professionals will join the team in Germany as their various Leagues come to an end.

A statement sent to National Mirror by the NFF spokesman, Ademola Olajire, said that players in Russia, Ukraine and Norway would only join the Eagles for matches against Kenya and Namibia and for the FIFA Confederations Cup tournament.

The squad: Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel), Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers), Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland FC), Defenders: Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland), Elderson Echiejile (FC Braga, Portugal), Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den Haag, Holland), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Ebenezer Odunlami (Sunshine Stars), Benjamin Francis (Heartland FC), Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars); Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars) Midfielders: Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England), Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy), Fegor Ogude (Valerenga FC, Norway), John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra, Portugal), Reuben Gabriel (Kano Pillars), Sunday Mba (Warri Wolves), Emeka Ezeh (Enugu Rangers) Attackers: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine), Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England), Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak Moscow, Russia), Michael Babatunde (Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine), Nnamdi Oduamadi (AS Varese 1910, Italy), Anthony Ujah (FC Cologne, Germany), Kalu Uche (Kasimpasa, Turkey), Gomo Onduku (Sharks FC); Obinna Nwachukwu (Heartland FC); Gambo Mohammed (Kano Pillars)

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Sport

Friday, April 55, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

My African Player regrets –Okocha AFOLABI GAMBARI

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ormer Super Eagles captain, Austin Okocha, has declared that his inability to land the CAF Afr i c a n P l aye r Award w i l l r e main t h e lowest point of his career.

Several world football stars that include Liberian, Zambian and Ghanaian legends George Weah, Kalusha Bwalya and Anthony Yeboah respectively, had lamented what they termed unfair treatment to the Nigerian wizard who retired without winning the continental award.

Interestingly, Okocha won the Glo/CAF African Legend Award in 2011 tying with Moroccan legend, Mustapha Hadji at a ceremony in Accra, Ghana where many felt

Drogba blames Gala’s ‘inexperience’

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alatasaray striker, Didier Drogba, has blamed inexperience for the Turkish’s club’s 3-0 defeat against Real Madrid on Wednesday in their first leg quarter final Champions League clash against.

Goals by Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain sunk the visitors, thereby compromising their chances of qualification ahead of the return leg next Tuesday in Istanbul.

“We couldn’t keep up the pace against them, although I think it’s more due to a lack of experience than anything else,” Drogba said yesterday.

Banned Warriors captain Method Mwanjali can’t have his fate reversed

Asiagate: Zimbabwe stays sanction on culprits A FOLABI GAMBARI

WITH AGENCY REPORT

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he Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) yesterday denied reports that FIFA had quashed the sanctions it imposed on fifteen players, officials and journalists over the Asiagate match fixing scandal that rocked the country last year.

Chief Sports Editor of state-

“It’s t’s up to us to show that we learnt our lesson well when we play the return n leg,” the Ivorian international national admitted.

“We We could have created more problems for them because we had the opportunities, rtunities, but that’s how it goes.

“We We are going to give everything in hing Istanbul next Tuesday. If we score early, it’s possible we overowned The Hera l d , R o b s o n Sharuko, who was fingered as one of the figureheads eheads of the scandal, had reported eported last week that FIFA had refused to endorse the punishment handed down by ZIFA. But in a statement, ZIFA President, dent, Cuthbert Dube, said the he body had not received any communication from FIFA i ti f suggesting the bans had been reversed.

“ZIFA would like to advise the whole country that FIFA communicates directly with member associations through formal channels and vice versa, but not through ‘special correspondents’,” Dube said.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association would like to authoritatively state that we are yet to receive a letter said to have been delivered to ZIFA Head Office on Thursday, March 28, 2013, according to an article attributed to a ‘Special Correspondent’ of a local daily newspaper.

“ZIFA is aware of machinations and ulterior motives of some people who would like to reverse the gains of our resolute crusade against match fixing and illegal betting.”

Dube said ZIFA had since checked with FIFA and was advised that the local media report was mere speculation, stressing that the board will meet in Harare next week to discuss finality around the Asiagate scandal.

the honour fell short of adequate recognition for his sublime talent that had rescued Nigeria on many occasions.

Okocha, who told National Mirror at the Heineken Champions Planet in Lagos on Wednesday night, said he had felt shortchanged.

“It is the dream of any African footballer to win the award and I was not an exception,” the former Fenerbahce, PSG and Bolton midfielder said.

“In fairness to myself, I worked really hard to win it, not minding how a lot of people all over the world acknowledging my game. Winning the BBC African Player award back to back also reinforced my belief to winning the most desired award.

“I must say though, that I have derived joy in seeing how the CAF award has evolved over the years whereby deserving players have been recognized.”

The former Nigeria international also expressed delight over the evolution of Africabased players who contended for the award annually.

“It is most gratifying that the competition between the Africa and Europe-based players has made national teams equally competitive as more home-based players now get invitation for places that were formerly the exclusive of the foreign-based,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Austin Okocha has advised Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, to improve on his relationship with players in the national with a view to achieving positive results.

Okocha, who reacted to the reported frosty relationship between Keshi and team captain Joseph Yobo, said: “I think there is no denying the fact that a coach and captain need good working relationship for the team’s good health.

“All I can say at the moment is that I expect the coach to know that making friends is better than making enemies.”

Minister articulates new grassroots sports vision JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

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inister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, has articulated his vision to transform sports from the grassroots in Nigeria.

Abdullahi, who unveiled his strategy in report titled, “Sports in the Transformation Agenda, Performances and Challenges” he presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday, said the new vision for grassroots sports development is anchored to the early commencement and discovery of talent in order to produce future high performing athletes.

The programme called ‘Rhythm ‘N’ Play’ is a creation of the Nigeria Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM).

The Minister said that NASCOM comprising Nigeria Schools Sports Federation

L-R: Comedian, Julius Agwu and the Chief Executive Officer of Match Makers Consults Limited, Mr. Shina Philips, at the Nigeria Pitch Awards Nite of Stars held recently in Calabar, Cross River State.

(NSSF), Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), Federal Ministry of Education, NSC and the private sector is the flagship vehicle of the NSC for grassroots sports development.

According to him, the Rhythm ‘N’ Play programme has been designed with particular attention on the use of music, creativity, celebrity, volunteers, news media and other elements of pop culture to am-

plify and realise its objectives.

“Rhythm ‘N’ Play is an exciting youth friendly campaign aimed at enhancing mass youth participation in sporting activities and competitions,” Abdullahi said.

He added that the programme would focus on six sports categories i.e. football, athletics, martial arts, racquet sports, ball games and calisthenics.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Friday, April 5, 2013

55

Win Window on Nigerian p players abroad

with IIKENWA NNABUOGOR ikenwa.nnabuogor@gmail.com

Turkey-based youngster eyes U-20 World Cup

K

artalspor of Turkey midfielder Vincent Eze has declared that the 2013 U-20 World Cup Turkey-bound Flying Eagles’ team deserve his services in the midfield in the World Cup coming up next month in Turkey. Eze, just 20, currently one of the most exciting midfielders in the Turkish first division believes the Flying Eagles’ midfield needs his creativity in the midfield to battle for honours in the World Cup. The youngster, on loan from promotion-bound Rizespor, has been impressive in Kartlaspor’s midfield since he signed as a rookie from Lagos-based academy Collins Edwin Sports Club, playing in 11 games so far.

Eze told National Mirror that he was a revelation in the Turkish first division so much that top clubs have made enquiries about him. But he wishes to sell himself to the world in the World Cup to actualise his dreams of playing in one of the top leagues in Europe.

“I think I have done well enough to attract the interest of Coach John Obuh to play in the World Cup right in my backyard here in Turkey,” Eze said.

“I have also received calls and messages from fans asking if I will be in the team to the World Cup, but I keep telling them there’s still hope.

“This hope is what I’m banking on and I believe Coach Obuh will include me in the team. I saw some of their games in Algeria and I think the team is quite good.

“They’re good enough to fight for honours but I think the midfield needs a player like me to bring more grit and power into it.”

The little known star arrived in Turkey full of promise after signing the dotted lines at Rizespro but was farmed out on loan to Kartalspor to gain more playing time and experience.

Eze is confident he will return with a big bang at Rizespor who are almost set to return to the top flight following his impressive form in the first division that has placed them in the second spot for an automatic promotion ticket.

Vincent Eze (right)

Injury forces Martins out

O

bafemi Martins could be sidelined for long time after he missed Seattle Sounders CONCACAF Champions League 1-0 home loss to Santos Laguna.

Seattle Sounders manager Sigi Schmid said he is worried about Martins’ injury as he disclosed he does not know how long the striker will be out.

“Oba [Martins] tried to play in Salt Lake, had a little bit of an injury going into that game and tried to play — something that had bothered him when he played with Nigeria.

He felt he could maybe

get through it, and that game didn’t make it any better, it made it worse,” the Sounders boss said.

“We figured if we tried to play him today (vs Santos Laguna of Mexico), we didn’t know how long that would knock him out.”

Martins strike partner Eddie Johnson is also out of action due to a hamstring injury.

Nigeria international Martins has played two games for Seattle Sounders against Portland Timbers and Salt Lake since his sensational switch from Spanish La Liga side Levante.

Dauda

Dauda hails his debut goals

Martins

Sodje tips Pompey to escape chop

P

ortsmouth central defender Sam Sodje says his new club can escape relegation following their impressive run in the relegation dog fight of late. Sodje has full hopes the South Coast side will stay up after winning three games in their last five outings. Pompey beat Tranmere Rovers 1-0 on Monday to move up on the log above Hartlepool United and Bury as they continue their frantic fight to escape relegation The former Charlton Athletic star hailed his team mates for the 1-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers, saying they will keep up the good fight with just eight games remaining.

“The team has kept their head up in the last six games and it appears we will escape relegation at the end of the game,” Sodje promised.

“The situation of Pompey in the log is pretty bad but I believe the worse will not happen. The team is made of young players who are really coming up and doing great.

“The gaffer Guy Wittingham has really come up with a good number of young players whom he has succeeded in giving great exposure and it’s really working out.

“I’m really impressed with teh young players since I arrived here and I have been able to work well with and offer my experience as well.

“The team has really done well lately and I’m very confident we will finish the good work with keeping our status in the League One.” Sodje has also weighed in with impressive outings since he joined up

after a long injury lay-off. He says he’s working on his way back to the Eagles.

Sodje

R

ed Stars Belgrade new signing Abiola Dauda says he’s happy netting his first goals for his club since he switched from Sweden’s Kalmar FF in the January windows.

The lanky striker came away with a brace in their 3-0 victory over Hajduk Kula in the Serbian Premier League game on Wednesday night.

Dauda struck in the 13th minute to open a first half 1-0 lead and doubled his effort just five minutes after the break before team Darko Lazovic wrapped up a comfortable 3 - 0 victory for the 1991 European champions with a strike 11 minutes into the second half after receiving an assist from the 25 - year old Nigerian forward.

The former Swedish League champion bared his mind to local Serbian website Mozzartsport. com, ‘‘My first goal was very important.

When I scored the second time the game was already decided.

Saw that I had a lot of space, was faster than the defenders and we were lucky enough to attack in an attractive way,’’ Dauda told Nation-

al Mirror shortly after netting the brace that he was glad his efforts produced two goals to set the tune for return with a good number of goals before the season ends next month.

“I was happy to score in a competitive game for Red Star, having also scored a hat trick few weeks ago,” he beamed.

“It was good to open my league account with two goals and I’m very confident it would be the beginning of good things to come in my sojourn at Red Star.

“We got some games remaining before the season closes and I’m really looking forward to grabbing more goals.

“I’m happy to be here and I’m grateful for everyone in the club for giving me the right atmosphere to work.

“I got great team mates whom I have struck good relationship with both on and off the pitch. I count on them for assists to finish the season a high.”

Dauda has so far played three games since he joined his new club who are currently placed second on the log.

WORLD RECORD

Largest radio telescope (ring reflector) Vol. 03 No. 593

Friday, April 5, 2013

N150

The RATAN-600 radio telescope completed in the Northern Caucasus, USSR in 1976 has 895 metal mirror panels mounted in a circle 576 m (1,890 ft) across.

ACN’s claim of SURE-P funds diversion

I

t is not as if there exists any guarantee anywhere that the emergence of an alternative government in replacement of that of President Goodluck Jonathan and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will digitally transform the parlous state of the nation and the hopeless conditions under which the majority of Nigerians now live. Except by a fortuitous miracle, it is not impossible that the nation may still be wallowing in the kind of grinding corruption currently ravaging the land like a harmattan haze, decrepit infrastructure and the lack of basic social amenities, pervasive insecurity, poverty and destitution occasioned by unemployment (amid leaders suffused in insensitivity, wasteful expenditure and obscene profligacy), etc.; even with the coming of another president or political party to power.

The major reason being that many of the

‘OUTSIDE WORLD’ HARD, BO!

FRIDAYS WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) opposition figures parading themselves as spotless vanguards of good governance today are themselves crooks of the first order that ought to be behind bars on account of their sordid past records and acts when they were holding political offices or positions of trust. Nonetheless, the need for a vibrant opposition to always be on standby as an alternative government rests on the hope it gives to all suffering and oppressed people that someday, an incumbent repressive, lame duck and corrupt government will give way for a better one. This seems one of the major reasons the opposition garners huge support and sympathy from organised labour, civil society groups and, indeed, the majority of the populace. Under the Nigerian situation of today, it seems to have become absolutely necessary, given the precarious economic and security situation on ground, for the opposition to always keep the Jonathan government and the PDP on their toes without any respite.

It may be said, therefore, that with the president now engrossed with plans on how best to cling to power come 2015, alongside recent reports indicating that he (Jonathan) and his economic advisers are hell bent on further increasing the pump price of fuel (often decorated as fuel subsidy removal), the claim by the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) early in the week, that monies meant for the Subsidy Re-investment Programme (SURE-P) were being diverted as campaign funds for Jonathan should be of

B

CANNOT BE TOTALLY DISCOUNTENANCED, ESPECIALLY WITH

FG’S CONTEMPLATION OF ANOTHER FUEL PRICE INCREASE grave concern to the public. There were sore points that gave rise to the SURE-P. Summarily stated, it was the direct outcome of the public outrage that trailed the January 1, 2012 oil subsidy removal/astronomical hiking of the pump price of fuel from N65 per litre to N141 per litre, which was later brought down to N97 per litre in a hail of strikes and mass protests by organised labour and civil society groups. Monies realised from the subsidy removal were to be saved, according to the Federal Government, as SURE-P funds and invested in projects capable of cushioning the crushing effects of the fuel price embarrassment clamped on the populace on the first day of 2012.

The impression the FG gave at the time was that the Dr. Christopher Kolade-led SURE-P committee raised early last year would strictly manage SURE-P funds to provide the needed infrastructure, other facili-

Sport Extra

w eleaguered blade runner, Oscar Pistorius, is ready to return to training but has no immediate plans to compete, according to his agent, Peet van Zyl. Pistorius, who denies the charge of murdering his girlfriend Reeva

THE ISSUES RAISED

BY THE ACN

ties and employment opportunities. But the ACN is alleging that the government has converted the funds to yet another largesse meant for sharing by PDP members, and as campaign funds for the president’s 2015 reelection project. National Publicity Secretary of the ACN, Lai Mohammed, told newsmen in Lagos last Sunday that the hijacking of SURE-P funds meant for PDP members in Lagos State by a faction of the party was the root of the crisis threatening to tear the ruling party to shreds in the Lagos area. The ACN also claims that most of, if not all state coordinators of the Jonathan campaign in 2011, have been appointed as state coordinators of SURE-P. But Olisa Metuh, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, has denied the allegations, saying it is ACN leaders that “are used to siphoning public funds.”

One’s position had been that the SURE-P idea was a panic-stricken measure taken by the Jonathan government to douse the public wrath and widespread protests sparked by the last year fuel price increment. Whether the FG is really committed to its spirit and letter is still in doubt. What seemed obvious was that the programme (SURE-P) developed ‘k-leg’ when funds accruing to it were kept aside for sharing by the federal state and local governments, instead of being entrusted to a credible agency for utilization strictly for the purpose of cushioning the effects of the last fuel price increase. It is also common knowledge, how public funds develop wings these days. Therefore, since there can be no smoke without fire, the issues raised by the ACN cannot be totally discountenanced, especially with FG’s contemplation of another fuel price increase, and the fact that another election year is closing-in. It is not unlikely that the sole purpose of the latest campaign for a fresh hike in the price of fuel is to raise funds for the nation’s scarcely caring leaders and their cronies to plunder and launder. Organised labour, civil society groups and other well-meaning Nigerians may need to dig deeply into the veracity or otherwise of the ACN allegation to be able to meet any ill-conceived fuel price increase again with the most appropriate responses.

Pistorius set for training return Steenkamp and is currently awaiting trial, has been pictured in a South African newspaper wearing his blades and running around a track in his home town of Pretoria.

The photograph of the 2012 Paralympic gold medal winner was taken last month by a member of a children’s hockey team.

Van Zyl denied Pis-

torius has returned to training following the relaxation of his bail conditions, which now allow him to travel abroad in order to continue his athletics career, but confirmed

he could resume soon.

“He jogged around his track on his own accord but wasn’t back at training,” the agent said.

“Myself, Oscar and his coach had a meeting on Tuesday to discuss him getting him back to training, he added.

Pistorius

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