Friday, December 21, 2012 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

N’Assembly passes N4.98trn 2013 budget

Fire guts Lagos Airport terminal P.11

Reps drop SEC’s proposals P.9

GEORGE OJI, TORDUE SALEM AND EMMANUEL ONANI

Mark

Vol. 2 N0. 518

he National Assembly yesterday passed an aggregate budget of N4.987trn

for the 2013 financial year. The passage of the budget before the end of the preCONTINUED ON PAGE 6>>

Friday, December 21, 2012

N150

Nigeria’s survival under threat –Musdapher ...advocates body to probe corrupt judicial officers

FRANCIS FAMOROTI

BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY, POLITICAL VIOLENCE, CORRUPTION, NEPOTISM, TRIBALISM, INDISCIPLINE, ABDUCTION AND KIDNAPPINGS, ARMED ROBBERY, MURDER AND EXTORTION, BOMBINGS OF PLACES OF WORSHIP AND INNOCENT NIGERIANS ARE ALL INDICATORS OF A FAILING STATE

JUDICIARY EDITOR

he immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, yesterday warned that the Boko Haram insurgency and other social upheavals

threatening the survival of the country were indicators of a failing state. Speaking at the second anniversary lecture and book presentation of National Mirror in Lagos yesterday, Musdapher CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Aluu killings:

Three more suspects remanded

P.51

L-R: Publisher, National Mirror and Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim (OFR); guest lecturer and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher and Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), during the newspapers’ second anniversary and book presentation at MUSON Centre in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO

Abubakar

SWF’s investments’ll begin March 2013 –Okonjo-Iweala P.9

Publisher’s Tears as Jonathan, govs, nite parades best of entertainers ministers bid Yakowa bye NM @ 2:

P.19

Actress, Nkiru Sylvanus, regains freedom P.8

FRIDAY

Your

...Liberian President, Johnson-Sirleaf joins mourners

P.5

Orlando

Flavour

16 PAGES OF ARTS, REVIEWS, LIFESTYLE AND BUZZ TO START YOUR WEEKEND, BEGIN ON PAGE 19

PhotoNews

Friday December 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

SECOND ANNIVERSARY LECTURE OF NATIONAL MIRROR

Publisher, National Mirror and Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim (right), welcoming the guest lecturer, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher to the National Mirror second anniversary and book presentation, at Muson Centre, in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Human Rights Activist, Fred Agbaje: former Edo State Commissioner for information, Mr. Louis Odion; Dr. Ibrahim and Dr. Yele Akinrolabu.

Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), and Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN) right.

L-R: Ekiti State, Commissioner for information and civil Orientation, Hon. Funminiyi Afuye; his counterpart from Ogun State, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu; Special Assistant to Kastina Governor, Mallam Sada Rumah all representing their governors and Chairman, Nigeria Re-insurance, Dr. Amos Akingba.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Sloane Communications, Mr. Sesan Ayeni; his wife, Seyi and Ms. Yemisi Omole.

L-R: Representative Osun State Governor, Dr. Adeleke Ipaye; Mr. Odion and Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba who represented Governor Babatunde Fashola.

Chief Executive Officer, Global Fleet Industry, Mrs. Bose Jinadu; Saturday Editor, Gbemi Olujobi, Sunday Editor, Bolaji Tunji; Chief Executive Officer, Global Fleet Oil and Gas, Mrs. Bridget Henry-Iyasere and Head, Admin/HR, Mrs. Biodun Adewunmi.

L-R: Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN); Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), Justice Musdapher and Dr. Ibrahim.

Justice Musdapher and Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), during the unveiling of the book.

General Manager(South-West), Nicon Insurance Ltd, Mr. Sunny Beyioku and Managing Director Newswatch Communications Ltd, Dr. John Bolu Folayan.

L-R: Managing Director, Global Fleet Oil and Gas Ltd, Bridget HenryIyasere; Managing Director, Nicon Properties Ltd, Barrister Olanrewaju Alonge and Resident Director, The Premier University of Sao Tome and Principe, Dr. Yele Akinrolabu.

L-R: Managing Director, Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation, Lady Isioma Chukwuma; Managing Director, NICON Insurance Ltd, Mr. Emmanuel Jegede and Managing Director, Air Nigeria, Mr. Akeem Babatunde at the event.

L-R: Resident Director, Academics, The Premier University of Sao Tome and Principe, Dr. Ossie Esiemokai; representative of Kano State Governor, Mallam Ibrahim Wada and General Counsel, Newswatch newspaper, Ibilola Adesope.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Photo News

Friday December 21, 2012

SECOND ANNIVERSARY LECTURE OF NATIONAL MIRROR

L-R: Prof. Jim Unah of the University of Lagos; Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Chapter, Mr. Ubani Onyekachi and the representative of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Hon. Commissioner for Economic Development, Mr. Sonni Anyang at the event.

L-R: Kadaria Ahmed of Reinvent Media Ltd; artiste, Sista Soul and human rights activist, Fred Agbaje.

L-R: Staff of National Mirror, Mrs. Stella Adeyiga; Mrs. Chika Nnachi; Mrs. Atinuke Oguntoye and Mrs. Oyinlola Oyebadejo.

L-R: Dr. Ibrahim; Mr. Ayorinde and Justice Musdapher.

L-R: Mr. Olukayode Ogunjobi; Taiwo Taiwo (Esq.) and Mr. Stanley Amucha, during the lecture.

L-R: Sunday Editor, Mr. Bolaji Tunji; MD, Newswatch Daily, Moses Jolayemi, Commissioner for Information, Ogun State, Alh. Yusuf Olaniyonu; Editor, National Mirror, Mr. Seyi Fasugba and Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, National Mirror, Mr. Steve Ayorinde.

Justice Dahiru Musdapher, GCON, delivering the lecture.

L-R: Arch. Olusola Agbesua; Mrs. Aderonke Olalude-Adeola and Mr. Roland Adegbulugbe.

Managing Director, Luxury Nicon Hotel, Abuja, Mr. Biodun Olubode (right), and Mr. Steve Ayorinde.

Master of ceremony, Wally J’ S, Wale Obadeyi (left) and Senior Manager, Strategic Development, Mr. Ganiyu PHOTOS: BAYOOR EWUOSO, OLUFEMI AJASA, BIODUN OMOTOSHO AND BANKOLE DAMILARE Kayode Balogun.

Photo News

Friday, December 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

BURIAL OF SIR PATRICK YAKOWA, FORMER GOVERNOR OF KADUNA STATE IN FADAN KAGOMA YESTERDAY

L-R: Chairman Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Niger State Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu; former Head of State ,Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar and the Chairman Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church, during the mass for the late governor of Kaduna State Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, in Fadan Kagoma, Kaduna State.

President Goodluck Jonathan with Kaduna State Governor, Muktar Yero during the funeral service.

Amina (m) wife of the former Kaduna State Governor, being consoled by his son and a family member.

L-R: Governors Peter Obi (Anambra); Gabriel Suswan (Benue); Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), during the Mass,

Members of the family at the service

President Goodluck Jonathan consoling the widow of the late governor during the funeral service.

Knights of Catholic Church during the funeral service.

PHOTOS--STATE HOUSE

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, December 21, 2012

Tears as Jonathan, govs, ministers bid Yakowa bye A ZA MSUE KADUNA

ears flowed freely yesterday in Fadan Kagoma as President Goodluck Jonathan, President Ellen JohnsonSirleaf of Liberia, governors, family members and other dignitaries bid bye to the late Kaduna State Governor, Mr. Patrick Ya-

kowa, at his burial. The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah, assisted by other bishops and priests officiated at the funeral mass held at St. Paul Catholic Church, Kagoma amid a heavy security within the community and on the Kafanchan highway. Yakowa’s corpse was brought to his ancestral

home at 10:20a.m. from St. Gerald Catholic Hospital mortuary in Kaduna in a Toyota Hiace ambulance with registration number KDGH 156 in company of his widow and four children, Kyola, Peter, Benedicta and Rose. The body, laid in a casket wrapped with the national flag, was carried into the church by Knights of

St. Mulumba, an order to which Yakowa belonged. At the mass, one of the daughters of the late governor, Kyola, read from the Book of Wisdom, Chapter 3:1-9, while the second reading, taken from Paul 4:13-18 was by Peter. The remains of the former governor were laid to rest in a tomb at his residence at 3:50p.m.

Part of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos gutted by fire yesterday.

In his condolence message, President Jonathan described the late governor as a nationalist and detribalised politician. The President called on Nigerians to shun divisive tendencies that could hamper the nation’s unity and development. “It is a solemn occasion. I thank the church for what it has done today and for praying for Nigeria. “With your prayers, Nigeria will move forward. I condole with the people of Kagoma community and the people of Kaduna for this great loss. “Let me also condole with Nigerians over the loss. Our late brother was a nationalist. Death is a necessary end that will come when it will come. How and when it will come will make us think and act differently. “Yakowa played his part very well as a civil servant. He epitomised the best of the civil service, the discipline of the civil service, the character of the civil service, not the kind of civil service today that directors

have more houses than rich men like Dangote. “Surely, he played his role on earth very well. He left us at a time his vision was too loud; it is unfortunate but that is the will of the Almighty God. “Yakowa, from all we have heard, was somebody that had no ethnic and religious divide in his blood,” Jonathan said. The Senate President, David Mark, said he had to abandon the session for the passage of the 2013 budget for the burial. “The Speaker of the House of Representatives came to me and we were discussing the national budget which we intended to pass, but when we weighed all the options, he suggested that both of us should, in spite of the importance of the passage of the budget today, attend the burial,” he said. Mark expressed the hope that Yakowa’s death would bring peace in the state. “Patrick was a very dependable, reliable and com CONTINUED ON PAGE 8>>

Nigeria’s survival under threat –Musdapher CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

expressed worry about the scourge of terrorism overwhelming the security establishment and the disintegration of the nation’s moral fabric. He said: “More than ever before in the history of Nigeria, the scourge of terrorism poses great challenges to the Nigerian state. “Our slide into anarchy has assumed dangerous dimensions perhaps beyond the capacity of our security agencies to deal with the menace effectively. “Boko Haram insurgency, political violence, corruption, nepotism, tribalism, indiscipline, abduction and kidnappings, armed robbery, murder and extortion, bombings of places of worship and innocent Nigerians are all indicators of a failing state. “These social upheavals clearly threaten the survival of the Nigerian nation and we all have a duty to rise and stem the tide.” In his paper titled: Media and the judiciary: The necessary symbiosis, Musdapher, who was the guest lecturer, told the audience

comprising members of the legal profession, government officials and the media that the country was in a grave situation that required the best collective effort to surmount. “Our capacity to investigate, arrest, prosecute and convict those found guilty of contravening our laws is evidently weak and compromised; yet no one is held responsible. “There is no objectivity in national discourse. Most newspaper articles and reports reveal an underlying sentimental pull that seems to outweigh the values of simple decency. “If a person is accused of wrongdoing in Nigeria, his kinsmen are quick to relegate his clear transgressions to some kind of conspiracy against one of their own. “Corruption and nepotism is supported and encouraged by its benefactors at the expense of all others. When a person occupies a position of authority, he is expected to help his own. “The same people that complain about the impropriety of others become

even more blatant when their so-called turn comes. “How can we become accountable to our misdeeds under such circumstances? “How can we continue to run a political system that seems to tacitly accept, promote and encourage the very ‘corruption’ we all complain about? “Today, we have media houses and newspapers that blatantly promote sectional interests and ideas in line with the narrower interests of their preferred constituency against the Nigerian nation. “Nigeria is clearly a nation at war with itself. The path we are treading is a threat to the continued peace, unity and prosperity of this land we call our home. “Our media has a great responsibility to properly inform and educate the public on the real causes of our problems. The media must throw out subjective ideas that promote division and corruption in Nigeria. This is not the Nigeria we inherited from our predecessors, this is not the Nigeria we envisioned as young

men. Favouritism, nepotism and tribal sentiments have made it impossible to run a merit driven system. Hard work, brilliance, honesty and integrity in our dealings is no longer rewarded. Rather we celebrate mediocrity soaked in the corruption we claim is our common enemy. I am scared and deeply worried. The situation is grave and the media, the 4th estate of the realm has a big role to play in this crusade.” The retired jurist queried how the country could continue to run a political system that “seems to tacitly accept, promote and encourage corruption.” It has become commonplace for one to read of “an Igbo presidency’ or a ‘Northern presidency’ etc in line with a tacit approval of outright nepotism by majority of Nigerians. The mere acceptance of Rotational Presidency in our polity leaves me with the conclusion that Nigerians do not really believe in the unity of our dear nation. After over half a century of independence, it would have been expected that

Nigerians would be more inclined to support a President based on his qualities and capacity to uphold his Oath of Office for the benefit of ALL Nigerians; irrespective of his geopolitical area of origin, ethnicity or religious beliefs. Alas, sectional and tribal affiliations have become the primary factors considered in choosing our leaders rather than competence, credibility and capacity. I sadly submit that the institutionalization of ‘rotation’ as a means to ensure fairness between the various ethnic nationalities that make up Nigeria reveals a naked ethnic or geopolitical mistrust. However, the mechanism adopted to address that mistrust invariably promotes division across ethnic and religious lines, supports corruption and promotes disunity, peace and progress in Nigeria. Musdapher spoke at the gathering that included the Group Managing Director of Global Fleet Oil Limited and Publisher of the National Mirror Newspapers, Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim, OFR; notable lawyers such

as Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN) and Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) and other top government functionaries. The ex-CJN, whose lecture was punctuated with intermittent applause, also advocated the creation of a separate judicial institution to be responsible for the investigation of allegations of misconduct, corruption and enforcement of judicial code of conduct for judicial officers in the country. He said: “As I have argued on several occasions the time has come for the creation of a separate institution responsible for investigating allegation of judicial misconduct, corruption, enforcing the code of conduct for judicial officers, discipline and removal. “Please consider that thoroughly investigating petitions and allegations of impropriety against judicial officers as well as contraventions of the Judicial Code of Conduct is too cumbersome for the National Judicial Council CONTINUED ON PAGE 6>>

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Friday, December 21, 2012

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N’Assembly jacks up 2013 budget by N62.6bn CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

vious fiscal year is historic as this is the first time since the return of democracy in1999 that the budget is being passed before yearend. The final budget figure, which is to be disbursed from the consolidated revenue fund, is N62.59bn higher than the N4.924trn, which was presented to the National Assembly by President Goodluck Jonathan on October 10 this year as budget estimate. The highlight of the figure passed by the National Assembly yesterday showed that N2.386trn is for recurrent expenditure while N1.621trn is for capital expenditure. It also showed that N387.9bn was approved for statutory transfers just as N591.7bnwas set aside for debt servicing. A further breakdown shows that from the recurrent expenditure, Education got the highest allocation with N360.8bn followed by N300.4bn for Defence/MOD/ Army/Air Force/Navy; N295bn for Police formations and commands; N219.3bn for Health; N79bn for Youth Development and N65.5bn for National Security Adviser’s office. Other allocations include N51.4bn for Petroleum Resources; N47.4bn for Foreign Affairs; N32.4bn for Agriculture and Rural Development and N22.8bn is for the Presidency. From the N387.9bn approved for Statutory Transfers, the National Assembly got N150bn; Universal Basic Education got N76.3bn; National Judicial Council got N67bn; Niger Delta Ministry got N61.3bn; Independent Electoral Commission got N32bn while National Human Rights Commission got N1.35bn. From the capital expenditure vote, the Federal Ministry of Works got the highest allocation of N168.2bn; Water Resources got N842bn; Power (N73.1bn); Education (N71.9bn); Defence/ MOD/Army/Air Force/ Navy (N64bn); Niger Delta (N62.3bn); Health (N60bn); FCTA (N57bn); Agriculture and Rural Development (N50.8bn); Office of the National Security Adviser (N50bn); Aviation (N48.5bn); Transport (N44.5bn); Secretary to the Government of the Federation (N33.6bn); Lands and Housing (N30.4bn) while Foreign Af-

fairs got N24.2bn. The summary of the key assumptions and parameters upon, which the harmonised version of the budget was passed, fixed the benchmark crude oil price at $79 per barrel. This was a compromise rate because the House of Representatives had proposed $80, while the Senate and the Federal Government had proposed $78 and $75 respectively. The lawmakers also fixed the crude oil production assumption at 2.53 million barrels per day, while retaining the inflation rate of 9.5 per cent as proposed by the President. In addition, the National Assembly retained the exchange rate of N160 per US dollar and gross domestic product, GDP, growth rate of 6.5 per cent. The N4,987trn budget passed yesterday was, however, exclusive of N273.5bn appropriated for the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, SUREP. The N273.5bn includes N181bn for 2013, which will be augmented by a projected 2012 unspent balance of N93.5bn. The passage of the budget yesterday was historical because it was the first time the National Assembly passed the budget before the end of the year since the commencement of the current democracy in 1999. The Senate also noted that the conceptualisation of the budget by the executive was still one big issue the National Assembly must confront as the representatives of the people, stressing that “there should be a veritable template for budgeting, especially on capital projects.” The lawmakers, who also frowned at the issue of abandoned projects, noted that “a situation where projects not found in 2011 and 2012 budgets are found in 2013 as ongoing is very misleading. The lawmakers added that the executive should be more thorough in compiling the budget because “it was noticed that some critical areas are still under-funded.” They however expressed concern over what they described as the meagre amount often budgeted for the Office of Auditor-General of the Federation, which serves as the check to all government accounts within and outside the country.

Also yesterday, President Goodluck Jonathan forwarded the 2013 budget appropriation of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to the National Assembly for approval. The letter by the President communicating the commission’s budget showed that N315.8bn was proposed for next year. The budget consideration for NDDC will, however, be done in January when the National Assembly reconvenes from its three-week Christmas and New Year vacation, which commenced yesterday. The lawmakers will resume on January 16, 2013. The Senate had to suspend its rules yesterday and sat at 2p.m. to consider the

budget. In his remarks after the budget was passed, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over plenary, congratulated his colleagues for breaking the jinx of not passing the budget before the end of the year. He stated that the early passage of the budget had made it incumbent on the lawmakers to ensure adequate monitoring of its implementation by the executive. He said: “I will like to congratulate you on this achievement. I recall that in 2009, this Senate passed the Appropriation Act before going for Christmas. But, this is the first time since 1999 that the two chambers

are passing the appropriation Act before the end of the year without any need for any conferencing. “The National Assembly should be congratulated. This is a vote for the maturity of the National Assembly and the progress of our democracy. “I believe that this will challenge the executive to ensure that there is proper implementation of the budget starting in the first day of January, 2013. “We have had problems with implementation of 2012 budget some of which were attributed to the late passage, as it were. But, I believe that now that we’ve passed the budget in earnest, there will be no more excuse for non-imple-

mentation of our budget. “So, we expect that 2013 budget will be implemented to the full. And, this also challenges us to start from day one in January 2013, the issue of our oversight, to ensure the proper execution of the budget of 2013. So, we too have a responsibility in this respect. So, I will like to call on every member of the National Assembly to get ready for us to ensure the proper implementation of budget 2013.” The Deputy Speaker, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha, who presided over the House enjoined all standing committees of the House to carry out their oversight function in order to ensure full implementation of capital projects.

L-R: General Manager, Sales and Marketing, NIPCO, Mr. Bakthiar Nariewala; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ambassador Abdulkadir Musa and Chief Executive Officer, Oando Plc, Mr. Yomi Awobokun, during the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Stakeholders’ Strategic Conference and Summit in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Nigeria’s survival under threat –Musdapher CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

when viewed against the other responsibilities of the council. “Besides, an independent institution with adequate statutory safeguards may be better positioned to deal with the issues of discipline and removal as opposed to an institution that is largely managed by those it is supposed to regulate. “I strongly believe that the creation of such an institution is the only way to properly focus on the problem of judicial corruption in Nigeria as it has been adopted in several common law jurisdictions.” Musdpaher also x-rayed the relationship between the judiciary and media and argued that it was necessary for the third arm of the government and the

fourth estate of the realm to co-exist in a healthy and productive relationship. He added: “Fundamentally, it is important to understand that the powers or freedoms enjoyed by both the media and the judiciary are mutually reinforcing. “While the courts, through various pronouncements and decisions, properly define the rights and freedoms of the media under our laws, it is the media that project and often times reinforce public confidence in judicial action. “This unwritten arrangement is a crucial link in every democracy and when it fails the result is anarchy.’’ He said now more than ever, there was an urgent need to understand the importance of this crucial rela-

tionship and make constructive efforts to optimise it. The eminent jurist regretted that unfortunately today, there were media houses and newspapers that blatantly promote sectional interests and ideas in line with the narrower interests of their preferred constituency against the Nigerian nation. The immediate past CJN also said if the country wanted to sustain a society built on the rule of law, public confidence in the judiciary must be restored. Stating that despite the occasional disagreement, he noted that a free press and an independent judiciary must work together to foster a society committed to the rule of law. He said: “The rule of law cannot exist without open justice and deep public

confidence in the judiciary and the administration of justice. And the media is essential to building and maintain that public confidence.” Musdapher said one of the features of all societies sharing a cultural commitment to the rule of law was public confidence in the justice system and the judiciary. “Unless members of the public respect the courts that administer the law, they will not settle their disputes through the courts. They will not obey court orders.’’ Proffering suggestions on how to build and maintain this public confidence, the ex-CJN said there was the need to appoint competent judges who observe the highest ethical standards CONTINUED ON PAGE 8>>

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Friday, December 21, 2012

NATIONAL MIRROR 2ND ANNIVERSARY

Musdapher’s legacies‘ll ensure robust judiciary –Ibrahim FELIX NWANERI

he Group Managing Director of the Energy Group and publisher of National Mirror Newspapers, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim (OFR), has called for the sustenance of the legacies of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Dahiru Musdapher, saying such will help build a judiciary that

Nigerians would be proud of. Dr. Ibrahim stated this in his opening remarks at the second anniversary lecture of National Mirror Newspapers yesterday in Lagos. He regretted that the integrity of the judiciary, which Justice Musdapher emphasised on, while in office, suffered some setbacks recently with the impasse that characterised

the swearing-in of one of the newly appointed judges of the Court of Appeal. According to him, the eminent jurist did not only interpret the law, but proved his unquestionable knowledge of it through the various pronouncements he made while in office. His words: “I commend Justice Musdapher for his legacies while in office as the Chief Justice of Nige-

ria. He did not only interpret, but proved his knowledge of the law through the various pronouncements he made. “Therefore, if all his efforts at judicial reforms are sustained, there is hope that Nigeria will have a judiciary that all citizens will be proud of.” He urged the former CJN to continue to assist in building the nation’s judiciary despite his retire-

ment. The Energy Group boss, who shared the anxiety of Justice Musdapher on Nigeria’s future, given the rising state of insecurity and other vices across the country, called for justice and fairness for all Nigerians for the country to make progress. “Like Justice Musdapher said, I am equally scared and worried about Nigeria, but I pray that

God will see us through because there will be no Nigeria without justice,” he said. Dr. Ibrahim commended the management and staff of National Mirror for the good job they have done so far within the two years existence of the newspaper and assured that the medium will continue to ensure professionalism by presenting the facts at all times.

Why judiciary, media mustn’t be undermined –SANs KENNY ODUNUKAN

Publisher/Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim (5th left);Guest Lecturer, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher (6th right) and others, during the National Mirror second year anniversary and Book presentation, held at the Muson Centre, in Lagos, yesterday.

wo Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Bolaji Ayorinde and Chief Anthony Idigbe, yesterday said that media and the judiciary remain the last hope of the common man. Chief Ayorinde, while responding to the lecture delivered by the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Dahiru Musdapher, at the 2nd anniversary lecture of National Mirror newspapers entitled: “Media and the Judiciary: A necessary symbiosis” said judiciary is the only place where a common man could get Justice while the media is the only platform by which the masses could expresses their views. “The real guardian of democracy is the Judiciary and

the press. The press must, however, identify the interest of the masses and set a definite agenda to constantly celebrate the masses in our country,” Ayorinde said He decried the undue coverage of politicians and high profile personalities by most print media. Ayorinde, however, urged the media to establish a system whereby the masses are often celebrated even at the front page of the newspapers. Ayorinde praised the National Mirror editorial board for ensuring balance reporting in its publication. Also speaking at the event, Chief Idigbe applauded the lecture delivered by the former CJN, adding that the contributions of media and judiciary must not be undermine and any attempt to weaken the two institutions would endanger Nigeria’s democracy.

Stakeholders laud National Mirror’s contribution to democracy LEONARD OKACHIE

tate governments have showered encomium on National Mirror for the success of its second anniversary lecture and book presentation held yesterday at the Muson Centre, Lagos. Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Lateef Ibirogba, who represented Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), said: “What National Mirror is doing in two years of its establishment has been a great contribution to the nation’s democracy. “The topic is very apt. “The media, the judiciary, what are we all doing to have a democracy for Nige-

ria?” All of us as stakeholders have a role to play so that generations that would write story and history about us would conveniently say that somebody somewhere has a paid a prize. It is not a mistake that Nigerians don’t believe politicians, but they believe in the media. “What National Mirror is doing now in two years has been a great contribution to our democracy. This is a paper that will not just write anything and have corrigendum tomorrow. This is a paper that will not cast banner headline that will not connect with the body of the news. The media was the first profession and will be the last profession. This democracy needs the media for it to grow.”

Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, who represented Governor Kayode Fayemi, said: “I commend National Mirror for this wonderful idea. It is a very good programme. It has instituted a lecture and it has become an annual event. It is part of its own contribution to national debate. “The media and the judiciary, if you look at them historically, they are inexplicably interwoven. The judiciary is the third estate of the realm while the media is the fourth estate of the realm. In any autocratic society, those two institutions are the first casualties. The judiciary is the last hope of the people; people that are

autocratic don’t want them to function. The same thing, the media are the people that publish the truth. The autocratic governance does not allow them to operate. So there should be a very cordial relationship between the judiciary and the media.” Commissioner for Economic Development in Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Sonni Inyang, said he was impressed by what National Mirror had done, urging the organisation not to relent in organising such a national dialogue. Hon. Inyang, who represented the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, said the topic of the lecture was timely, saying: “As the lecturer himself

has said, there is an obvious complementary relationship between the judiciary and the media. Both seek to advance the overall good of the society. So it is worthwhile ventilating some of these issues from time to time and I am happy that this lecture has been worthwhile. “This type of lecture should be a continuous thing; national dialogue should be an ongoing, not only on this issue, but on various other issues that are related. Of course, such a dialogue leads us to have a better society.” Ace journalist and Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Publications, Mr. Lanre Idowu, commended National Mrror, saying: “I think the

lecture is well packaged, I think it is successful. Everywhere was more or less filled up, that for about an hour I was looking for my children, I couldn’t even find them. So, I congratulate the organisation. “I found the lecture quite stimulating. His Lordship, Hon. Justice Mudapher, had a lot of knocks to give both the judiciary and the media. He also made some recommendations which I think we should take to heart, especially those of us in the media. “In a number of ways, he restated the basic trust of the role of the media basically to serve as a credible institution, credible platform through which society can be interrogated.

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Friday, December 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tears as Jonathan, govs, ministers bid Yakowa bye CONTINUED FROM 5 passionate brother and friend. He was passionate about peace in Kaduna State. “He insisted that there must be peace and unity for any meaningful development to take place. “His dreams were to make Kaduna a home for all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, tongue, religious beliefs

and gender. “Unless there is peace in Kaduna State, his death will be in vain and his death will not be in vain because he was a God-fearing man. Yakowa was a different brand of politician,” he said. The Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mr. RotimiAmeachi, said: “Poverty is the cause of Muslim and Christian crises. We

must fight poverty. Politics and leadership are also the cause of religious crises not religion. All of us should not forget Yakowa’s family. “After today we will know who are truly the friends of Yakowa.” Governor of Kaduna State, AlhajiMukhtarYero, named the city’s 4th bridge and the link road constructed by the deceased in his

honour, saying he would complete all the projects initiated by him. He said: “It is pertinent for me to declare in unequivocal terms that I will be governor for all and sundry, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or geopolitical consideration. My constituency is Kaduna State in its entirety. “Nobody will be discrim-

Members of the family of the late Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa at the funeral mass in Kaduna, yesterday.

Nigeria’s survival under threat –Musdapher CONTINUED FROM 6 of integrity. “One must educate youth and the public generally about the justice system and what judges do. One must ensure that the public has access to justice. But fundamental to maintaining and building confidence in the judiciary is publicizing what judges do,” he stressed. Admitting the crucial position of the media as intermediaries between the legal system and the people it serves, Musdapher enjoined the media to always publish balanced and fair reports at all times. The highpoint of the event was the formal book presentation in which the dignitaries and top public functionaries participated. The Osun State Government bought 40 copies of the book for N1m while other states however declined to name figures for copies bought. Also speaking at the event, BarristerJimoh Ibrahim formally paid glowing tributes to Justice Musdpaher and said he had no doubt that the knowledge of the audience would be better enriched at the

end of the lecture. He, however, observed that the judiciary needed to cleanse itself saying that “the kind of decisions coming out from our courts are sometimes questionable.” He cited an example of a woman who sought and obtained an ex-parte order on behalf of her child against the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, and in the process restrained the university from proceeding with a matriculation ceremony. He said sarcastically that one might need to get an order from the court sometimes in the future in order to co-habit with his or spouse. His words: “I am worried, if we allow this kind of things to happen in our judicial system, we will get to nowhere.” Reviewing the book, “For Law, For Country: Conversations with the Bar and the Bench,” a former newspaper editor and the immediate past information Commissioner in Edo State, Mr. Louis Odion, captured the essence of the book which he said was part of efforts “in search of more durable bench and rugged bar.” He said: “The book speaks

to the bankrupt system that enables the appointment of ‘Mr. Atanni Je’, a deceiver in the first place along with his many conniving servitors on the bench and, of course, the unscrupulous ones in the bar ready to defend the indefensible.” Odion said a society could endure a bad law, but no community could survive a bad judge for too long. “If a law is bad, the nation ultimately looks to the good judge to interpret its crooked letter in a manner consistent with the spirit of justice.” Theoretically, the book is a compilation of 70 interviews conducted by the National Mirror newspaper in the last two years with leading voices in both the bar and the bench. It is sub-divided into four sections. Part one deals with the ‘strong and emerging voices’ and Part Two is a parade of ‘lawyers in academia’. Part Three deals with ‘Senior Advocates of Nigeria’ while Part Four is reserved for ‘Judges and Justices’. Odion noted that in the 337-page book, all the hard questions are asked and frank answers given. Dignitaries at the event, among others, included

the representatives of the Lagos State Governor BabatundeFashola, Mr. LateefIbirogba, who is the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy; Ekiti State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. FunminiyiAfuye, represented the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. KayodeFayemi and the Ogun State Governor, Mr. IbikunleAmosun’s representative and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, AlhajiYusuphOlaniyonu. Others are, Hon. Sonni Anyang, who represented the AkwaIbom State Governor, Dr. GodswillAkpabio; Dr. AdelekeIpaye, the representative of the Osun State Governor, OgbeniRaufAregbesola; the representative of the Kano State Governor RabiuKwankwanso and the Special Assistant to the Katsina State Governor, AlhajiSadaSalisuRumah. In attendance also were the Chief Executive Officers of NICON Insurance, NigeriaRe, Global Fleet Oil and Gas, Global Fleet Industries, NICON Luxury Hotels, Energy Bank in Ghana and Sao Tome and Principe, Newswatch Newspapers among others.

inated against on the basis of faith or tribe. On the contrary, each and every citizen will be treated on his or her own merit. Let me, in particular, assure the Christian community in the state that my government will do everything possible to protect their rights and privileges as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Every citizen will be treated on his or her own merit.” Earlier, Bishop Kukah in his sermon had called on Yero to be wary of the mafia who created religious crises for their selfish interest, advising him to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor. He said: “Today, Nigerians believe that the good public officer is not the one who is most qualified, the most honest, the one with the greatest capacity to do good, but rather the one who is a member of our own circle of greed. “Those who project Islam as the basis for power have now created crisis that has threatened the foundation of our society, especially in Northern Nigeria. “Those who use religion have used the North and left it poorer than they met it, more divided than when they started. “But Yakowa has managed to build a bridge to unite a people who have stated to believe in one another as brothers and sisters despite the difficulties. “He was relentless in the pursuit of peace. The result is that he has rather successfully blunted the sharp cutting edge of religion in our public lives.” Yakowa widow, Amina, while calling for prayers for the family said she would miss the Governors’ Wives Forum. “I will miss you. I will

never be with you again in the governors’ wives forum. Put the family in prayers,” she said. The late governor’s eldest son, Jatau, said the family accepted the death of their father in good faith. “We all need your prayers and support to fill his extra large shoes because we believe with prayers nothing is impossible. “I stand today a very happy man, because from what I gathered, Nigerians have unanimously testified that Sir. Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, CON, a papal Knight of St. Gregory, Dan MassaninGwong, Baba Jatau, GiwanAmina was a good man and a bridge builder who touched the lives of many across the length and breadth of this country. “We have embraced our father’s death in good faith and as our father has taught us to accept anything that happens in life, no matter how painful as the will of God,” he said. Dignitaries who attended the burial include the former head of state, Gen. AbdulsalamiAbubakar; Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. AminuTambuwal; Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam; Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwabo; while the deputy governors of Kwara and Nasarawa states represented their bosses. Others were former Chief Justices of Nigeria, National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, AlhajiBamangaTukur, former chairmen of the party, Chief Solomon Lar, Chief AuduOgbe and Col. Ahmadu Ali; former governors, ministers, senators, legislators, diplomats, security chiefs, emirs, traditional rulers and pastors.

Nkiru Sylvanus regains freedom ADENRELE NIYI

ollywood actress and Special Assistant to the Imo State Governor on Public Affairs, Nkiru Sylvanus, last night regained her freedom after five days in kidnappers’ den. According to a source in Owerri, the state capital, the kidnappers may have succumbed to widespread public outcry and protests against the kidnapping for

which her abductors had demanded a ransom of N100m. “She was released about 7.00 p.m. after much pressure from the public,” the source said. It was not specified at the time of going to press if a ransom had been paid to secure her release. The actress was kidnapped last Sunday after leaving a movie location in Owerri by gunmen riding on motorcycles.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

National News

Friday, December 21, 2012

Senate approves $7.1bn foreign loans for FG, states GEORGE OJI AND EMMANUEL ONANI

he Senate yesterday approved $7,109.53 billion for borrowing by the Federal and state governments under the borrowing plan of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, for 2012 to 2014. While approval limit for the federal government amounted to $4,846.3 billion, the combined borrow-

ing limit for states was put at $2,263.239 billion. The approvals were consequent upon the debate and adoption of the report submitted by the Senate Joint Committee on Local and Foreign Debts and Finance. The Senate also approved the Eurobond issuance of $1 billion facility for the Federal Government, which brings Federal Government’s grand total approvals to $8,209.53 billion. The only request the

Senate turned down was the proposed $56.61 million by the Kaduna State Government for its urban water sector reforms from the French Development Agency. External borrowing plan is an essential component in the MTEF prescribed in the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007, as a precondition for the National Assembly to approve the national budget. President Goodluck Jonathan had sent a request to

the National Assembly on the MTEF for the period 2012 - 2014, on November 7. The request was referred to the Senate Joint Committee after the bill passed second reading. The joint committee made the following recommendations, which were accepted by the Senate: “That the Senate do defer projects for states under any facility, which the amount for on-lending are not stated; “That the Senate do ad-

vise the Federal Government to forward a request for Lagos State in order to avert imminent crisis in the implementation of the 2013 budget; “That the Senate do emphasise robust oversight by relevant committees on the implementation of these projects for which these loans are being approved...” One of the projects approved for the Federal Government was Growth and Employment Project, GEM, with a credit amount of $140

million. This facility has a maturity period of 40 years. The projects, which are expected to be spread around Cross River, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos and Borno states, are part of Federal Government’s special intervention programme meant for job creation in the specific areas of economic activities like hide and skin leather work, ICT, entertainment and tourism. The Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment is the implementing agency.

SWF’s investments’ll begin March 2013 –Okonjo-Iweala TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

he Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, yesterday announced that the Sovereign Wealth Fund, SWF, investments would commence next March. This is as the minister harped on the immense socio-economic benefits of the operations of the fund for L-R: Former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; Chairman, Board of Trustees and first President, Eko Club, Chief Rasheed Nigeria’s sustainable develAlaba Williams; Special Guest of Honour and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; President, Eko Club, Mr. Labi Lawal and opment in the years ahead. Obanikoro of Lagos, Chief Adesoji Ajaiyibembe, at the unveiling of the book, “Blessings: A History of Eko Club,” in Lagos, yesterday. Okonjo-Iweala said in furtherance of SWF’s broad policy objectives and to faHe said: “Even though cilitate the commencement Zakari Mohammed, said at ways meet. It is like a child TORDUE SALEM a press briefing after pass- who has offended his par- people will say it is mere of the investments, the ABUJA ing the 2013 budget, that the ents; they will meet at the advisory, it was not advisory strategy document which he House of Rep- House would not touch SEC dinner table. when we had the doctrine of would guide its operations resentatives has budget until all its resolu“In SEC’s case, we have necessity that brought up had been prepared just as dropped the budget tions on SEC was imple- met at the dinner table and the first beneficiary which its investment policy guidelines and processes for the for the Securities and Ex- mented in entirety by the we want to see what monies is the executive arm today. change Commission, SEC. “The Senate is with us on will be used to run SEC in executive. The House insisted that this matter. Oteh must go He said: “If we (House) the year coming.” the SEC Director-General, resolve and we have done Mohammed dismissed as far as we are concerned. Ms. Arunma Oteh, must be our findings and say this is suggestions that the resolu- If she doesn’t go, we won’t sacked before the commis- the situation, of course, we tion on Oteh was merely ad- touch the budget. We still sion would get a budget. don’t have the authority to visory and carried no legal maintain that stand, it has EMMANUEL ONANI The lawmakers reiter- say let her go, but we will al- weight. not changed.” ABUJA ated their earlier stand that they would have nothing to Federal High Court do with SEC under Oteh’s sitting in Abuja yesDemuren was pressurised agency. OLUSEGUN KOIKI leadership. terday admitted in Also, the Civil Society out of office, it would spell Before passing the 2013 evidence 200 pieces of imAviation Coalition, CSAC, doom for the industry. budget estimates, the provised explosive devices, The President, Aviation said it was not bothered takeholders yesterday House ordered at plenary IEDs, allegedly found on lambasted the House Round Table, ART, Captain about the call for the sack that: “All revenue howsosix suspected Boko Haram of Representatives Dele Ore, told our corre- and the call for criminal ever described including prosecution against De- members, linked to the Sulemembers for calling for the spondent that the House of all fees received, fines, ja bombings about two years dismissal and prosecution Representatives were not muren. grants, budgetary proviIt, however, said the rea- ago. well informed on the issue of the Director-General of sions and all internally and The court dismissed the sons for the call were based the Nigerian Civil Aviation they were commenting on. externally generated revobjection raised by the deHe explained that instead on falsehood, fallacies and Authority, NCAA, Dr. Harenue shall not be spent by fence counsel on the admissiold Demuren, over the Dana of discussing technical is- misrepresentation of facts. Securities and Exchange bility of the set of evidence. The Executive Secretary sues on the crash, the lawplane crash on June 3. Commission for recurrent However, the court reThe stakeholders said makers allowed sentiments of CSAC, Mr. Emmanuel or capital purposes or for fused to keep the explosives the House of Assembly to override their judgement Onwubiko, said the aircraft any other matters, nor litype was still very widely and bundles of connector members were uninformed and submissions. abilities thereon incurred Ore said Demuren could in use in most countries wires in its custody. about the nitty-gritty of the except with prior appropriIt ordered that they should sector they were supposed not be blamed for the crash, around the world, with ation and approval by the be kept in the custody of the to carryout oversight func- adding that what needed to the largest number found National Assembly.” State Security Service, SSS. be done in terms of regula- among airlines in the Unittion on. The House spokesman, According to Michael tions had been done by the ed States. They warned that if

Reps drop SEC budget because of Oteh

three fund mandates of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA, were being finalised. The minister spoke at a media briefing in Abuja while updating the public on progress made so far on plans to flag off the operations. Okonjo-Iweala said the strategy document was ratified by the NSIA Board under the chairmanship of Alhaji Mahey Rasheed. She added that to ensure that the blueprint was ready on time; the board had met twice since its inauguration on October 9 to review and reshape the draft submitted by the management team led by the Managing Director of the NSIA, Uche Orji. Orji said arrangements were being made to recruit competent personnel and acquire a functional office.

Suleja bombing: Court admits 200 IEDs as evidence

Demuren not responsible for Dana crash –Stakeholders

Adebayo, an SSS radioactive expert, who testified before the court, the explosives are easily triggered by constant contact and as such the service could not bring them out in the open court for further analysis. Adebayo also told the court that once the explosives were connected to “cordex cables,” (items which were also tendered as exhibits), they could raze down a five-storey building with over 7,000 metres impact. Earlier, two other prosecution witnesses confirmed that they recovered the items after three of the suspects were arrested in Kaduna State, adding that four handsets and a black Honda Civic car were also recovered.

News

OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

he Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority, Terver Gemade, has sought from the Federal Government a N300bn intervention fund to enable it bridge the housing deficit gap put at 17million units. Germade, who spoke during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja yesterday, said the amount, which would be in form of a revolving loan to be domiciled with the FHA, would help to provide mass housing to the medium and low income earners. He said since the Federal

Friday, December 21, 2012

Housing deficit: FHA seeks N300bn intervention fund Government had stopped allocation to the agency in its annual budget, such intervention fund would help to provide houses to Nigerians at affordable prices. For instance, he said at a rate of N5million per housing units (including cost of providing basic infrastructure), about 60, 000 housing units could be built from the fund. His words: “We have been out of budget for over 10 years and we have successfully survived over these years. We are making tremendous progress more than when we

were in the budget. “With our 37 years of existence, FHA has built about 37, 000 housing units which gives an average of about 1, 000 units a year. “We believe we can do much better now that we are out of budget. So what we really need now is an intervention fund to be devoted to housing. “They should give us about N300bn to develop houses of a particular category for Nigerians and this is exactly what we want government to do for us.” Meanwhile, the FHA boss

identified lack of infrastructure as one of the major reasons for the high cost of houses in the country. For instance, he said about 40 per cent of the cost of building houses are spent on infrastructure, adding that if the Federal Government could provide infrastructure, the cost of building houses would drop by 40 per cent. Gemade said despite the 17 million housing deficit in the country, many Nigerians cannot afford to buy the existing houses on account of their low earning capacity.

L-R: Chairman, Steering and Coordination Committee, Prof. Godswill Obioma; Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i; Minister of State for Education, Mr. Ezenwo Wike; Senate Committee Chairman on Education, Sen. Uche Chukwumerije and Permanant Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Macjohn Nwaobiala, at the public presentation of 2012 implementation report of 4-year strategic education plan in Abuja, yesterday.

‘Eso’s last wish was to address failure of judiciary’ WALE FOLARIN AND ADEOLU ADEYEMO

t was revealed yesterday that the last wish of the late Justice Obakayode Eso, was an opportunity to address the failure of the nation’s judiciary and restore integrity into communal life in the country. This was revealed by Ambassador T. A. O. Otunla in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, during a farewell oratory session organised by the Osun State government in honour of the late jurist. Otunla, who said he visited Eso shortly before the later travelled to Europe where he died, also said that the late jurist told him of his desire to address the failure of the judiciary when he returns from his trip. His words: “When we met, Justice Eso lamented the failure of the Nigeri-

an judiciary, especially at the highest level and concluded by saying that he intended to do something about it when he returns from Europe, but he never return alive.” Otunla who said that the late Eso built an enviable legacy of intangibles which many will be proud of, also hinted that the late jurist lamented the lack of integrity and good virtues in the society. “The late Justice Eso was not happy with how our community has becomes one that fete thieves and honour mediocrity. Why many chose the difficult path of failure, Eso stood firm on moral imperatives of constitutionalism and desired the need for power holders to be just and seek justice. “He (Eso) is reliable, unbending, dependable but not conniving, considerate but not myopic, judging but never judg-

mental. He was a monument for prosperity and was totally committed to the development of the people”, he added. In his remark, the governor of Osun State, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, said “the late Eso’s integrity, uprightness and untainted reputation should be emulated by all Nigerians as clues to the country’s path to greatness and socio-political emancipa-

tion. “His dissenting judgment on the celebrated and high profile case over the 1979 presidential election, contested by the former President Shehu Shagari and late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, aptly demonstrated the firm belief of the late Justice Eso in giving a sound and deep judgment, which had received applause both locally and internationally.”

Minister, health workers’ rift deepens MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

ew days to the January, 2013 deadline that the Joint Health Sector’s Union (JOHESU) threatened to shut down all health facilities across Nigeria over its current face-off with the Health Minister, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, there is no end yet in sight to the crisis, National Mirror can authoritatively report. JOHESU made the threat in Abuja, last week, when it called for the sack of the minister. A release signed by the Director, Media, in the Ministry, Alhaji Yusuf Isiaka, and made available to National Mirror, yesterday, said Prof. Chukwu called for a meeting between the ministry and leadership of JOHESU which the body refused to honour. The claim was, however, rebuffed by one of the union members and President, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Dr Godswill Okar, in a telephone interview with our reporter. The release said the minister “scheduled a meeting

ABUJA

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday, set aside the October 6, bye-election into Plateau North senatorial district as well as Barkin-Ladi state constituency. By this judgement, Senator Pwajok Gyang and Hon. Christiana Danfulani, ceased to hold their positions as senator repre-

senting Plateau North and member representing Barkin Ladi state constituency. Both lawmakers emerged from the byeelection held by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to fill the vacuum created by the death of Senator Gyang Dantong and Dan Fulani, respectively. In his judgement Justice Adeniyi Ademola, ordered INEC to conduct another election within 90 days

with JOHESU on Monday, December 17, 2012 at the Federal Ministry of Health Conference Room, 6th floor of which the minister, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Fatima Bamidele, all directors in the ministry were to attend. Other officials scheduled to attend the meeting are officials of the National Salaries and Wages Commission as well as representatives of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity were all in attendance and waited for over one hour for JOHESU. JOHESU did not turn up. Up till today, JOHESU has neither offered any explanations for its absence nor has the group tendered any apology. “The claim by JOHESU that the minister cancelled the meeting was not only untrue, malicious and unfounded but a deliberate attempt to blackmail the person of the minister. The claim should therefore be totally disregarded,” the statement added. Denying the allegation, Dr Okara said: “I did not get any letter of invitation. I did not get any such letter. Even if we receive such a letter, we would have difficulty in attending such a meeting.

Security beefed up in Kano for Yuletide AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

ith less than one week to Christmas, security agencies in Kano State are working hard to ensure security in the troubled commercial city of Kano. The effort is to adequately protect the city against terrorists attack, especially by the dreaded Boko Haram sect. Investigations conducted by National Mirror revealed a series of meetings had taken place at the vari-

Bye-election: Plateau Senator loses seat EMMANUEL ONANI

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

from the date of the judgement. A consequential order was also granted against Gyang and Dan Fulani, restraining them from parading themselves as representatives of the affected constituencies, with immediate effect. This was even as the court further ordered them to vacate their respective positions, having ordered a re-run of the said October 6, bye-election.

ous state headquarters of the security agencies, designed primarily to fashion out a workable security approach that will provide a water tight security during and after the festivities. While the military-led Joint Task Force is said to have increased the number of JTF check points in and around the city for improved security, the state police command on the other hand has equally deployed its recently antiterrorism squad to identify flash points believed to be hideouts of terrorists and other criminals. This, we learnt, was in addition to the drafting of armed mobile policemen to established churches and other places of worship in Kano, the state capital, particularly. Our correspondent witnessed increased police presence at Catholic churches of Our Lady of Fatima; St Louis; St Thomas; St Charles and St Theresa, while another group of policemen were spotted at St Stephen, St George, among others.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Friday, December 21 , 2012

Fire guts Lagos Airport terminal OLUSEGUN KOIKI

here was a mild drama yesterday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, when fire gutted a part of the terminal building presently under reconstruction by the government. The fire, which broke out at the D-Wing of the terminal started at exactly 11:30am and disrupted the ongoing construction works at the airport for some hours. The fire outbreak occurred when the contracting firm was doing some welding works at the terminal.

It took the intervention of fire fighters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) before the fire could be put out. A part of the barricaded building had to be pulled down before the fire fighters could gain access to the terminal. The fire lasted for over 30 minutes. A source close to FAAN, who did not want his name in print, said the fire outbreak was caused by the negligence of workers of the contractor, Iron Products Industries. According to the source, the welding personnel did not take the required precautionary measures during the work, adding that if they had taken the

required safety measures, the disaster would have been avoided. The fire outbreak did not affect flight operations at the airport and no casualty was recorded. However, the General Manager, Corporate Communications, FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati, described the fire incident as minor at a construction site beside the ‘D’ wing extension of the MMIA. Dati confirmed that the fire was caused by the activities of welders working on the site and lasted for about 15 minutes. He said that the prompt intervention of the fire service attached to the airport immediately brought the fire under control.

His words: “There were no casualties. The only fall out of the incident was the switching off of the power source, which has since been restored. “Normal activities at the airport, which were not interrupted by the incident have continued as planes are taking off and landing without hitches. “FAAN commends the rapid response of the officers and men of its fire department and other relevant agencies for restoring normalcy.” He assured the travelling public that the agency would continue to provide secured, safe and comfortable airport environment as enshrined in the aviation master plan.

Proposed $600m loan politicised, says Fashola MURITALA AYINLA

agos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, yesterday said that the proposed $600 million loan the state was seeking from the World Bank has been politicised, saying those frustrating the loan were only playing politics with it. Fashola spoke at a public presentation of a book titled; “Blessings: A history of Eko Club” written by a member of the club, Mr. Lateef Bada. He said the development for which the state government was seeking the facil-

ity for was paramount and so should not be subjected to unnecessary politics by the elite. Fashola’s words: “The state government’s efforts at funding major projects have been subjected to some political debates. They say we are mortgaging the future of the state. They ask; What are they doing with the money? They are stealing it. They are mismanaging it. The suggestion for the establishment of an urban renewal fund in the state is excellent, but who is going to bring the fund? From where? “Two hundred million

dollars out of the total $600 million loans we are trying to get from the World Bank is for urban renewal. But it is convenient for the other political side to say ‘Don’t give them the money ‘Why?” he asked. Allaying fears expressed in some quarters that the loan would be diverted into private accounts of some state government officials, Fashola said the track record of the state in terms of infrastructural development is conspicuous, assuring that the loans would be utilised for their intended purposes, if secured. Governor Fashola said

Oyo, Osun re-affirm joint ownership of LAUTECH

the necessary money •Ex-HoS, Afolabi, heads technical committee all there, so that LAUTECH

overnors of the two owner-states of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, have constituted a committee of technocrats to review the operations of the institution, vis-à-vis the laws establishing it. The committee was set up shortly after the two owner-states of the university reaffirmed the joint ownership of the institution and made a commitment to continue to work together. Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III, in his palace, shortly after the gov-

ernor and his Osun State counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola, met with principal officers of the institution on the way forward. The governor said the committee, headed by the former Head of Service of the Federation, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, was saddled with the responsibility of setting up a guideline that would be in compliance with the law establishing the university. This, he said, would ensure that nobody took undue advantage of the laws setting up the institution. Governor Ajimobi said the two states would continue to fund the university and make the best out of it, adding that “we will ensure that we spend

can be a role model among its peers in Nigeria.” Governor Aregbesola also told the monarch that the crisis that almost torn the institution apart was as a result of the thoughtlessness of the immediate past governments of Oyo and Osun States. He, however, said that he and his Oyo State counterpart had decided to work together to uplift the institution and use it to project Ogbomoso, its host town, even beyond the shores of Nigeria. Oba Ajagungbade, in his response, expressed happiness at the stand of the two governors, saying that the South-West zone had always been noted for its commitment to educational development.

the state government was committed to the infrastructural development of the state, saying a development master plan had been designed to achieve this.

Lagos appoints 14 new perm secs MURITALA AYINLA

agos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has approved the appointment of 14 new permanent secretaries including two tutors-general in the state public service. This was even as the state government yesterday held a ‘Pens Down’ ceremony in honour of 13 retired permanent secretaries in the state. According to a statement by the Head of Service, Mr. Adesegun Ogunlewe, the newly appointed permanent secretaries are; Dr. John Olusegun Oshinyimika; Dr. Abiola Olawunmi Awonuga; Mrs. Onikepo Olufunmilayo Animashaun; Mr. Fariudeen Abisoye Akodu; Mr. Olatunde Idowu Agoro and Mrs. Olufunmilayo Adebusola Balogun. Others are; Mr. Waliu Abiodun Onibon; Engr. Naheem Olayinka Sahid; Mr. Jamiu Adewale Ashimi; Mrs. Omotayo Amoke Olabenjo; Mr. Olusoga Olatunji Odunlami and Mr. Adeyinka Tajudeen Jeje.

Politics Weighing Jega’s one-day-elections option

The two tutors-general appointed are; Mrs. Modupeola Agbeke David and Mrs. Iyabo Funmilayo Osifeso. The statement further stated that Governor Fashola has also approved the re-constitution of a standing Tribunal of Enquiry on Chieftaincy Matters in the state and that the following members have been appointed. They are; Mr. Hakeem Giwa; Chief Sakiru Seriki; Mr. Rabiu Oluwa; Mr. Tunji Adams and Mr. Fatai Ayinde Sulaimon. Ogunlewe said in the statement that all the newly appointed members of the tribunal as well as the permanent secretaries will be sworn-in on Monday, December 24, 2012 at Lagos House, Ikeja. On the retired permanent secretaries, the governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Oluranti Adebule, congratulated the retired permanent secretaries for their diligent and selfless services to the state while in the service, saying the state would continue to appreciate them.

Saturday Starter

Helicopter shuttle: Swiftness, comfort and death?

I think that in future, not 2015, elections should be held in same day in line with global practices and Nigeria should move in that direction in the future. Staggered elections are not cost-effective, they are not cost-efficient and they are expensive.

The helicopter crash that led to the death of Mr. Patrick Yakowa, the late governor of Kaduna State; General Andrew Azazi, former National Security Adviser and their aides last weekend, was one too many. Travelling by helicopter is now proving almost as dangerous as land –Chairman of the Independent National Electravel in the country. When will the cartoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega nage cease? Jega lacks the constitutional power to conduct all elections in a day. There is no way INEC can achieve positive results if elections Trash to cash: Scavenger king are conducted the same day. If over 11,000 has 500 men in his employ!

Living

security officials were deployed to Ondo State for governorship election to maintain law and order during the election, where will INEC get that number of security officials to

The business employs 500 young men of various tribes. On the outside, people look at it as a mad man’s job but we have made wealth from it and have been able deploy to each state if all elections are con- to empower young men who would have been jobless and becoming a menace to ducted the same day? the society –Scavenger king –Ogbeni Lanre Banjo, a chieftain of the National Conscience Party (NCP) We are encouraged by this welcome development, though we wonder why we should wait till 2015 to start reaping the benefits of this historic electoral policy. In any case, this is a pointer that our vision of free and fair elections are about to become a reality. -All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP)

Celebrity

‘Winning pageant is not a do-or-die affair’ Oyinwonuola Olatunji

South East

Friday December 21, 2012

Obi renews polio eradication battle Releases N30m to mission hospitals

CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

he Anambra State Government has flagged off a fresh battle to eradicate polio in the state. The flagging- off of the renewed battle against polio took place at Atani, headquarters of Ogbaru Local Government Area and Umuleri General Hospital in Otuocha, where Governor Peter Obi supervised the immunisation of children. Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Obi

advised the people to support the government in its fight against polio. Obi, who said his administration would not relent in its effort to keep the state free of polio and other childhood killer diseases, promised to assist the Federal Government to eradicate polio in the country. Among those that attended the ceremony were the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Oseloka Obaze and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Austin Nnalue. Mr. Obaze urged the peo-

ple to embrace the immunisation programme designed to promote the health of children, while Dr. Nnalue assured that the battle would be sustained to keep polio away from the state. In a related development, the state government released N30 million to three mission hospitals. The beneficiaries - Iyienu Hospital in Ogidi, owned by the Anglican Church, got N10 million; Borromeo Hospital in Onitsha, which belongs to the Catholic Church, was given N10 million and the Holy Rosary Specialist Hospital

in Onitsha got N10 million. Presenting the money during his visit to the hospitals, Obi said the funds were meant to facilitate the execution of various projects embarked upon by the beneficiaries. Both the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Reverend Valeria Okeke, and the Bishop on the Niger, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Right Reverend Owen Nwokolo, respectively commended Obi for the gesture. They urged the governor not to relent in his efforts to promote the healthcare delivery system of the state.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Opposition flays Okorocha over two weeks Christmas holiday for workers CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

pposition parties in Imo State have flayed Governor Rochas Okorocha for declaring two weeks Christmas holiday for civil servants, describing the decision as inimical to the state’s development. The opposition parties agreed that the decision would rob the state of revenue generation. The Chairman of the All Nigeria National Party (ANPP), Dr. Vitalis Orikaeze Ajumbe, said: “The decision is an indication that the government has no plans and vision for the state. “This is to show that this government has no vision. There is nowhere in the world where the government declares two weeks Christmas holiday for civil servants. “It simply means that huge revenue will be loss to the state, the government did not also consider those coming from abroad

that may require the services of the civil servants, so it shows that both the government and the civil servants are idle.” The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Publicity Secretary, Chief Byleden Amajirionwu, described the holiday as “reckless and irresponsible,” adding that the government refused to consider the economic implications of its action. “Governor Okorocha appears to be naive on the economic implications of such holiday; this action goes further to explain our stand that this administration is disorganised and deceitful.” Similarly, the Acting National President of the Civil Liberties Organization, Mr. Uche Durueke, described it as nonsense, wondering how the government could conceive such an idea. He said: “As far as I am concerned, it is nonsense because as a lawyer I cannot go to the court because of the holiday.”

Group tasks police on security CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

A Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, launching campaign against polio at Atani, Ogbaru Local Government Area, yesterday.

Anambra threatens to revoke abandoned land

he Anambra State Government yesterday warned owners of land at the Government Reserved Areas to develop them or risk revocation of their allotments. The state Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Town Planning, Mr. Okoli Akirika, gave the warning in iyi-Agu, Awka while on tour of government layouts. Akirika said that the plots within Iyi-Agu layout, totaling about 500, were allocated to judges, permanent secretaries and other government officials and citizens of the state more than 15 years ago. He said that the roads within the layout were currently being constructed to enable easy access. Akirika said: “The idea behind the carving out of the Iyi-Agu layout is to

have a mixed housing estate which was conceptualised by the administration of former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju. “But because the contractors could not source funds for the concept, government took over the area. “By January 31, 2013, if the allotees fail to utilise this opportunity to commence development on their various allocations, we will have no other choice than to revoke their plots of land. “We shall then give them to those who actually want to develop the property. “Awka as a state capital has been lagging behind because plot owners have refused to develop their property,” he said. In a remark, Mr Emeka Onwuekwe, the Acting General Manager of the Anambra State Ur-

ban Development Board (ASUDEB), said about 1.2 kilometres of roads within the Iyi-Agu layout had been constructed. Mr Anthony On-

wubuya, the SurveyorGeneral of the state, said that the survey of the area had been completed while plans had been issued for certificate of occupancy.

rights group, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Inter Society), has urged the Anambra State Police Command to ensure adequate security of lives and property in the state during this year’s Christmas celebration. In a letter to the Commissioner of Police, Bala Nasarawa, the group asked the police boss to stop his men and officers

We knew nothing in N1bn agric loan –Abia farmers

he Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Abia State, Chief Dunlop Okoro, has said that the association knew nothing in the over N1 billion agricultural loan set up by the state government. Okoro, who was reacting to complaints by farmers on the loan, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Umuahia, the state capital, that there were many complaints trailing the exercise. “I agree that there is lot of complaints and I don’t know whether the money was actually disbursed.

“AFAN partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture, toured the local governments and asked the farmers to purchase the forms. “Farmers collected the forms and paid various sums of money and at that point AFAN was dropped from the disbursement process. It then became difficult for AFAN to know what was happening,’’ he said. Okoro said the organisation was willing to serve on a joint committee with the ministry but that the government decided to hand the money over to a consultant. “If the government had accessed a loan for farmers,

it would not have been wise to sidestep the farmers who are the ultimate beneficiaries at the disbursement level. “As it is, we don’t know who got the money,” Okoro said. Chief Ike Onyenweaku, the Commissioner for Agriculture in the state, said, however, that the disbursement was ongoing. Onyenweaku said the first phase of the disbursement had been concluded and that some farmers already received the money. He said that those who did not benefit from the first phase could get during the second phase.

from mounting illegal road blocks in the state. In the letter signed by the Chairman of Board of Trustees of Inter Society, Mr. Emeka Umeagbalasi, and made available to journalists, the group urged the commissioner of police to stop his men from extorting money from those returning home for Christmas celebration. Noting that the illegal roadblocks serve as centres for collecting money from commercial motorcyclists, tricycle drivers and motorists conveying goods and passengers to the state, the group urged the police commissioner to mandate the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to adhere strictly to the directive of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, which bans erection roadblocks. The group said: “Undue harassment of those returning home for Christmas celebration by way of extorting money from them should be stopped.” The group, however, threatened to report the state police command to the higher authority if its complaints and demands were not met.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Senators lead campaign for petroleum sector deregulation

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Crisis’ll make APGA stronger – Shinkafi

Legislators laud early passage of 2013 budget

ome members of the House of Representatives have commended the House for the early passage of the 2013 budget. They gave the commendation in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. Ossai Ossai (PDP-Delta) described the timely passage of the Appropriation Act as a good thing. “You can see that clause two was inserted that projects that have not been done in 2012 be rolled over to 2013. That is the beauty of the budget. You know, we made it clear that every

virement must receive the authorisation of the National Assembly and failing to do that attracts a penalty. “There is an Act to that effect and we want to bring the Act to life, that is what we intend to do at the end,” he said. Uzo Azubuike (PDPAbia) said that members were satisfied that the budget had been passed. “Today we are satisfied that the budget has been passed. We can say that the 7th House of Representatives has done very well in 2012. You can see that there is a level of understanding between the House of Rep-

resentatives and the Senate. We are moving together, when we raise issues we concur. “You see that on the issue of benchmark, to move Nigeria forward, we settled for $79 per barrel oil benchmark,” Azubuike said. Ndudi Elumelu (PDPDelta) noted that before the passage of the budget, the House set out to look

at what the executive had been doing concerning the budget in the area of implementation. “We are trying to be sure that funds appropriated, especially the capital components, were actually implemented,” Elumelu said. Garba Datti (CPC-Kaduna) and Deputy Minority Leader said that having passed the budget on

December 20, it was left for the executive arm to implement. Datti said that with the passage of the budget, Nigerians would know that the real problems lie with implementation. He said that the $79 agreed by the Senate and the House as against the $75 presented by the executive was based on a sound eco-

nomic reasoning. Lanre Odubote (ACNLagos), who was sceptical about the budget, said that the House would continue to impress on the executive to fully implement the budget. “I do not expect much from this budget, it may go the way of the 2012 budget in terms of implementation,” Odubote said.

LG poll: Stop chasing shadows, Kwara PDP tells ACN OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) outbursts over the ruling of the appellate session of the Kwara State High Court over the Offa Local Government Area chairmanship election in its favour as unguarded and unpatriotic of a party yearning for leadership. The party, in a reaction to reports by the ACN of alleged bias against it by the judges handling the case, said that it has absolute confidence in the ability of the panel to do justice and is not in any way in doubt of the sincerity of the panel members. Speaking through its Publicity Secretary, Mas’ud Adebimpe, the PDP argued that the panel was properly constituted as provided for by the law, saying that the ACN claim of improper composition was nothing short of unpatriotic and unfounded misinformation which should be disregarded by the public. Adebimpe said: “To put the record straight, the panel was not only properly constituted but was made up of three eminent judges, whose

credibility and ability were not in any way doubtful.” He said that the third member of the panel, Justice E.B Muhammad, according to investigations by the PDP, only travelled out of the country for an urgent medical check up, adding that no law prescribed any quorum that disqualified the two judges from sitting and continue hearing of the case if the third member was not available. He added: “The ACN should for once learn to be truthful and honest in making public remarks rather than twisting facts to mislead and deceive the unsuspecting public all in the name of playing politics.”

L-R: National Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. Dame Nwafor; National Commissioner, Dr. Chris Iyimoga and Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, during a workshop for Accredited Observer Groups in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Amosun pays Daniel’s political associates’ severance allowance FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

gun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has ordered that

the severance packages of all political office holders who served in the administration of Otunba Gbenga Daniel between year 2003 and 2011 be paid.

FoI Act will help win anti-graft war – Kwara Speaker WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

peaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulrasaq Atunwa has said the fight against corruption in Nigeria will be difficult to win if the Freedom of Information Act is not made totally applicable. Atunwa said the law should now be domesticated by all state Houses of Assembly so that it can help stamp out the menace from

the polity. Atunwa spoke shortly after Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed presented the 2013 appropriation bill before the legislature. Also, he urged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of making local government chairmen and councillors accountable to the people who elected them into office instead of shifting focus and expectations to the state and federal governments alone. According to him, many

Nigerians are still ignorant of the role of the local government councils as the third tier of government where their needs should be channelled to. He condemned the practice where elected councillors in the local governments only report to collect monthly salaries and wait for another month without necessarily doing their statutory functions and therefore implored Nigerians to make the local governments accountable to them.

National Mirror reliably gathered that the order for the payment was contained in a circular issued by Governor Amosun to the Commissioner for Budget, Mrs. Oluwande Muoyo. The circular directed the commissioner to prepare and pay the allowances without further delay. A source close to the Governor’s Office further confided in National Mirror that the Amosun administration had stopped payment of the cheques earlier issued by the former governor to all political office holders that served under him. The cheques, were issued on the last working day of the former governor in office and were due

for payment the following week after which Amosun had been sworn in to office. While ordering the payment of the cheques, National Mirror further gathered that Governor Amosun said the decision was part of his respect for the rule of law as well as his avowed determination to uphold justice in the state. It was also gathered that the least paid among the political office holders would go home with a minimum of N3 million. It would be recalled that at the inception of the Amosun administration in 2011, the state government had ordered a stoppage to all financial transactions that has to do with the state treasury pending the outcome of the reports of the auditors who were working to ascertain the debt profile inherited by his administration.

Politics

Friday, December 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Crisis’ll make APGA stronger – Shinkafi

Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi is the National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The one-time gubernatorial candidate in Zamfara State bares his mind to journalists on the crisis rocking the party and what the future holds for it. OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU brings excerpts: Recently, Dr. Tim Menakaya, the only member of the APGA Board of Trustee (BoT) stated that the party has been operating without the BoT for a long time, what is your take on this? It is very unfortunate that an elderly man like Dr. Tim Menakaya, a former Minister of Health, should be heard spreading such a falsehood. Dr. Menakaya is being economical with the truth as he knows everything that has been going on in the party; he knew that in the past seven years, we have been facing series of legal battle with our former National Chairman, Chief Chekwas Okorie, in different courts. In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), it is only at the Magistrate and Sharia courts that Okorie did not drag us to, challenging the leadership of the party under Chief Victor Umeh. In 2005, while we were still in court, we tried to re-constitute the BoT of the party, we invited many prominent Nigerians to be part of the BoT with our late leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu-Ojukwu, as the Chairman with Tim Menakaya. He knew all these and that all those we tried to bring in as BoT members at that time were not willing, as we were still in court with Okorie and their argument was that we may lose in court, so they would not want to be seen to be supporting a particular camp. We found it difficult to constitute the BoT, which according to the constitution was supposed to have 24 members from the six geo-political zones equally. For the past four years, Menakaya never entered the house of our late leader Dim Odimegwu-Ojukwu until the day he died when he came to console the widow. So, he is being economical with the truth. In 2007, he boycotted us and was hobnobbing with his in-law, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu and his Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA). Later in 2010, he bounced back to join the Peter Obi Campaign train, that was when the Ikemba saw Menakaya in Onitsha, when we were flagging off the second term campaign of Peter Obi; he is used to appearing and disappearing. So, he can’t come now and be talking rubbish, as he knew we have been in court until February 19, when the matter was concluded in our favour. All of them were waiting for the Ikemba to die. Ikemba was buried on March 1 and immediately after his burial, they began to unleash this terror on the party. How true are some of the allegations against you and the National Chairman that you don’t want to reconstitute the BoT for selfish interests, that you want to run the party as a private estate? That is why I am disappointed with these people as they don’t read the party’s constitution. The party’s constitution clearly spelt out the roles and functions of each organ of the party. The members of the BoT have definite role on how the party should be run, they have no right to interfere in the day to day running of the party, their responsibility is to safeguard the party’s assets and liabilities, so they don’t have any role to play on the way and manner the party should be run, they can only play advisory role and not to control the affairs of the party. They can’t draft the policies of the party, they can’t control members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party, all these are clearly spelt out. The organs of the party are the NEC, the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Convention. All these organs have their duties clearly spelt in the party’s constitution. So, where did they get the power to say that they are supposed to run the party. They are just causing confusion in the party.

under our leadership with majority of the state Assembly members coming from APGA. So, this challenge will make the party to grow from strength to strength as it has made the party more popular. So, it won’t affect our fortunes in the next elections.

Shinkafi

THE ONLY CRIME WE COMMITTED WAS THAT WE SPOKE AGAINST THE

DECISION OF OBI TO ZONE THE GOVERNORSHIP TICKET OF THE PARTY TO ANAMBRA NORTH

SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Talking about the organs of the party, since after the National Convention of the party in Enugu last year has there been a NEC meeting? We have been doing NEC meetings and I had earlier told you that we were locked up in a legal battle with Okorie which just ended in February; for instance there was a week I went to court seven times. I was in the witness box testifying for three months on behalf of the party, so what time do you have to talk about a NEC meeting when Okorie was carrying us from one court to the other, from Kubwa to Gwagwalada, there is no court in Abuja that I don’t know from the lower court to the Court of Appeal and then the Supreme Court. So, it is very unfortunate that people like Dr. Tim Menakaya did not appreciate all we went through and triumphed; it is unfortunate, when he was coming here to sign for money there was nothing wrong with the party, he was here signing for money to run his expenses as a member of the BoT, he signed over N3.4 million from the party’s account. I have vouchers where he signed for these monies. After the resolution of the Okorie matter, now there is the issue of Masalla. Do you see APGA being ready for the elections in 2015? These entire crises will even make the party stronger, because in 2007, Obi was the only elected member of APGA in Nigeria, we didn’t have any member in the House of Assembly, the House of Representatives and the Senate. Obi was operating with PDP members of the House of Assembly, PDP members of the House of Representatives and PDP Senators. But in 2011, we were able to control the Anambra State House of Assembly, now we have five members of the House of Representatives from Anambra State, we have a senator, under our leadership the party also has a chairman and councillors for Aba South. Rochas Okorocha was also elected as the governor of Imo State in 2011

Don’t you think that what is happening to APGA is because of the lack of respect by politicians as it relates to party leadership? It is due to the fact that people no longer respect party leadership. I believe the governors are wielding more powers. If you remember in the days of Adisa Akinloye as the National Chairman of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), his word was law and not these days when governors determine who becomes the National Chairman of the party. We need to include this in this constitution amendment, to find ways of reducing the powers that governors wield, as some even behave like tin gods. We know the romance between Menakaya and Obi is based on what he could get for himself and not based on principle. We are aware that Menakaya’s son is a commissioner in Anambra, his son-in-law was appointed as transition chairman of Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, he is being well compensated for the role he has been playing to destroy APGA. The only crime we committed was that we spoke against the decision of Obi to zone the governorship ticket of the party to Anambra North Senatorial District which is unconstitutional in line with the party’s constitution. We advise Menakaya and all other members of the party to retrace their steps as we know that Menakaya got involved in this charade for his personal interest, otherwise how can a man that people used to see as a man of integrity come out now to say that there was no convention of the party in 2011 when he was on the high table with us? When he was confronted with that, he said the convention was not conducted through a secret ballot? For a man of that age to be talking from both sides of his mouth is unfortunate. And it goes to show that he is not conversant with APGA constitution. The constitution of the party does not recognise stakeholders, so all these people that are hiding under the guise of stakeholders are just deceiving themselves. Our party’s constitution recognises state and national caucuses; governors are not part of the national caucus of the party according to our constitution, governors and their deputies are part of the state caucus, so that is the way it is. I wonder where Obi got the powers to convene the said peace meeting he called in Awka. For all the people that constituted themselves as members of the South-East caucus of APGA, they know that there is nothing like that. For Chief Chris Ejike Uche, the mere fact that he took up appointment as a commissioner in Imo State, he ceases to be APGA’s Deputy National Chairman, by virtue of Article 25 (8) of the APGA Constitution; Ben Akoma, our former National Publicity Secretary also vacates office having taken the position of a Special Adviser to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The same applies to Ella Nwabueze -Ezeanya, the National Women Leader, who is a Special Adviser to Governor Obi. So how can these people be the ones that are seen to be convening a peace meeting on behalf of the party? What is your reaction to the statements credited to Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu recently as it affects the party? As for Bianca, it is unfortunate that she is allowing herself to be misled by the enemies of the party. She ought to emulate her late husband, Dim Odimegwu-Ojukwu, who has nurtured this party to what it is today. She should shun enemies of the party and our opponents who are hellbent on destroying the dreams of the late Igbo leaders as the party that would be used by the Igbo man to attain the much-touted Nigerian President of Igbo extraction. We have respect for her as the wife of our late national leader and that is why we have tried to be diplomatic on issues that concern her. But if she continues the way she is going we would tell Nigerians who she is. She should go and face her duties as the Nigerian ambassador to Spain rather than cause confusion and disaffection in APGA.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Friday, December 21, 2012

Last week, the Senate considered and approved the N162 billion supplementary budget proposed by President Goodluck Jonathan for the payment of fuel subsidy for the remaining part of this year. The occasion threw up, once again, debate on the rationale or otherwise of complete deregulation of the petroleum downstream sector, writes GEORGE OJI.

Senators lead campaign for petroleum sector deregulation

hether by opposition senators or senators from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the point was made very succinctly last week that something urgent must be done to put to a halt, the current huge waste of resources that the nation incurs on fuel subsidy payment. All senators who contributed to the debate on the N162 billion supplementary budget by President Goodluck Jonathan were united that this was one cost the nation cannot continue to afford. Before now, government has been the one in the vanguard of the campaign for the abolition of fuel subsidy regime in the country, albeit the total deregulation of the sector. Indeed, and in fairness to the present administration, it has never failed in any given situation to point out the rot that has eaten deep into the nation’s oil and gas sector. Government’s argument in this regard has been that the subsidy regime was enriching a few Nigerians at the detriment of the larger population who the policy was targeted at. Government has consistently used every forum to stress the point that total deregulation of the petroleum sector is not only meant to exterminate the cancerous element called corruption but also to open the sector up and make it attractive enough for foreign investment to flourish. It was in pursuit of this policy, that the Federal Government moved for the total elimination of fuel subsidy in January this year. Unfortunately, emotions and politics, rather than logical reasoning prevailed. The deregulation was met with so much resistance and at the end of the day, only partial deregulation was achieved. The strongest opposition to the deregulation policy did not only come from the organised labour and the civil society, but from members of the nation’s parliament. Since then however, events have taught Nigerians a great lesson. During the debate last week on the floor of the Senate, it became clear that the lawmakers, “have now seen the light,” as there were very strong arguments in support of the total deregulation of the petroleum sector. Even though the lawmakers passed the bill seeking extra N162 billion for the payment of fuel subsidy, they called for further probe of the application of the subsidy funds, to ensure that the money was not peculating into wrong pockets. The senators also made the point that they were compelled to approve the extra spending in order not to be seen as the ones occasioning the hardship such refusal may engender on the people, particularly during this yuletide season. Narrating a personal experience in support of the argument for the full deregula-

Mark

Eze

tion of the sector, Senator Ayogu Eze said his driver went to the filling station to buy fuel and spent about five hours before he could get fuel because of the failure of the process. He said: “This administration saw this clearly and alerted the nation, the choice is therefore there for us and we have to make that choice at the appropriate time. We have to approve this bill because of the suffering people of this country, but Nigerians must make a decision; are we going to allow a few individuals to be feeding fat on the purse of this nation when we can stop them and put a process that ultimately will bring down the cost of petroleum products. We must make that choice.” He added: “I want to state clearly that this is a government that has come out openly and said it loud and clear that this system is fraught with a lot of problems and it is a cesspit of corruption and that we need to cut it off. The president can show and demonstrated that he has no interest, personal or material.” Eze added that to demonstrate government’s genuine resolve to ending corruption in the sector “children and relations of our former party chieftains are in court today, being tried,” questioning, “What further sincerity and openness are we looking for? If we have this bill from a president that has demonstrated this level of courage, we need to state clearly that his administration supports transparency and hon-

esty and that we are approving this bill not on sentiments, but because it is the right thing to do.” Ganiyu Solomon said even though he was not in support of the supplementary bill for the payment of fuel subsidy, he was compelled to give it his blessing in order that he would not be counted as one of the senators who occasioned hardship on the people during this Christmas season for not supporting the approval, but he however called for a further probe of the beneficiaries of the subsidy fund, an admission that all was not well with the fuel subsidy regime. “We should investigate the N162 billion. Those that are making money now are those in the oil subsidy scam. In the early 70s it was those in the forex business, in the 80s, it was import subsidy galore. Every time we are spending about N1 trillion on fuel subsidy we are spending about one quarter of our entire budget,” Solomon said. Abdul Ningi cited Section 80(3) of the constitution, which mandates the executive to draw from the consolidated revenue of the federation but in a manner prescribed by the National Assembly. He described the action of the president as a lesson in the history of subsidy claims. He noted that in 2010 the National Assembly appropriated N285 billion for subsidy payment but the executive ended up spending over N2 trillion. In 2012, the sum of N881 billion was appropriated for fuel subsidy. Ningi said: “Having learnt their lessons in 2010, the executive has put the issue of fuel subsidy before the legislature. Because we asked them not to spend outside the budgetary provisions they are here. They are right in requesting us to approve this sum and if we do not, the National Assembly will be the one to be blamed for not providing subsidy for the end of year 2012. As a Senate and the people’s representatives, the life of one Nigerian is more than N161 billion. There is no price for the loss of life. What is N161 billion that we cannot approve to make the country move forward?” Nkechi Nwogu urged her colleagues to be the ones to carry the campaign for the deregulation of the petroleum sector home

IT IS NOT A SECRET ANYMORE TO SAY THAT THERE IS SO MUCH CORRUPTION IN THE FUEL SUBSIDY

REGIME... THE NATION MUST MAKE A DECISION NOW WHETHER TO CONTINUE THIS OR TO STOP IT

this season. She said: “I want to urge us all that as we go home this yuletide, we should tell our constituents that it is better we have total deregulation, save this money, use this money to rebuild our refineries and in turn do away with petroleum subsidy payments such as we are doing now.” But before then, she said it would be good for Nigerians to know that a whooping N1 trillion and above is being wasted in subsidising petroleum products, which ordinarily would have been channelled to other needed infrastructure in the country. She stated that every year over N1 trillion expended on a few cabal, whose account of petroleum products importation has been a subject of investigation since this year. According to her, “would it not be better for us to totally deregulate this sector and use this money to rehabilitate or build brand new refineries? We are the only country in the world that is a crude oil producer and yet do not refine what we consume. It is not the fault of the president or that of the ruling party; it is the fault of the opposition party who will not allow the deregulation to take place.” Bassey Otu praised the present administration as showing a strong will for the cause of the people, noting that the government has admitted that there is corruption and at the same time has said this is what you can do to eliminate the corruption. He said whether we like it or not it was the Nigerian people that voted the president and what they wanted him to do is what he is doing, even as the president has shown goodwill in every respect. The lawmaker stated that contrary to a few opposing views, “we are not blackmailed to do anything; it is our duty to make sure that the welfare of Nigerians are taken care of. Even when we were passing the 2012 budget, I had known that the sum that was made available would not be sufficient for fuel subsidy payment. I believe that this bill is coming at the right time, the price of crude in the international market is fluctuating and you cannot even predict exactly what the cost of subsidy would be. Things will continue to be so until we decide as a nation to do otherwise.” In his concluding remarks, the Senate President, David Mark, appreciated the contributions of all the senators to the bill noting that, “it is no gainsaying and it is not a secret anymore to say that there is so much corruption in the fuel subsidy regime in whatever system they are adopting. “The nation must make a decision now whether to continue this or to stop it. If we cannot eliminate and stop the corruption in the industry then the other alternative will be to stop the fuel subsidy and we must take the easier route that will bring less pain to Nigerians. In my candid opinion, the decision must be taken sooner than later, because we cannot continue this way.” He said the reason why the senators were at the National Assembly was to work for the welfare of the people, stressing that, “anything we can do to alleviate their sufferings, we have done and we will continue to do in the best interest of those who have elected us here.”

Editorial

Friday, December 21, 2012

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

MD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

YELE AKINROLABU

ED OPERATIONS

SEYI FASUGBA

DAILY EDITOR

BOLAJI TUNJI

SUNDAY EDITOR

GBEMI OLUJOBI

SATURDAY EDITOR

DOZIE OKEBALAMA

COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD

ADESOYE ADEKOYA

CONTROLLER, PRODUCTION

CALLISTUS OKE

EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

ISE-OLUWA IGE

ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

KAYODE BALOGUN JNR

SM, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

FRANK OBOH

HEAD, GRAPHICS

NERC and prepaid metering confusion

n the second quarter of this year, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had directed that prepaid meters be distributed to consumers of electricity free of charge, effective from June 1, 2012, to herald a new multi-year tariff order (MYTO-2) of appropriate billing system before the final unbundling of the 10 successor distribution companies (Discos) of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). This directive was to be carried out before the last hike in tariff that resulted in unhealthy confrontation between consumers and officials of the PHCN. Unfortunately, six months after that directive, more than 70 per cent of electricity consumers have still not been served with prepaid meters. The official completion schedule for the prepaid metering regime was given as between 16 and 18 months. The old Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO-1) that ended in May 2012 was to conclude with an appreciable distribution of prepayment meters to at least 50 percent of energy consumers in the country. Despite the fact that the facility was introduced as far back as 2003 by the then Olusegun Obasanjo regime, the PHCN has continued to muddle up the new metering system intended to shore up its revenue base and put an end to its old dubious, ex-

tortionate billing system. In 2011, for instance, in spite of the fact that the sum of N2.9 billion was approved by the Federal Government to subsidize the supply and installation of prepayment meters nationwide, the NERC complained that only about 35 percent of end users had been supplied with the meters. A recent panel of inquiry set up by NERC and headed by Mr. Bamidele Aturu, human rights activist and lawyer, had indicted the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the different distribution companies of the PHCN for having received payments for meters from customers but never provided them with the meters; and for misappropriating the N2.9 billion approved by the FG to facilitate and expedite the birth of the prepayment metering regime. Investigations further revealed that virtually all the distribution companies of the PHCN had meters in stock which they refused to allocate and install for consumers. Worse still, a good number of consumers who had issued bank drafts to the PHCN for prepaid meters prior to the issuance of the NERC directive on free meters, have still not been supplied with the meters. In some states in the country, according to reports, customers are still issued prepaid meters at no cost, in compliance with the directive;

MORE TRAUMATIZING FOR CONSUMERS

HAS BEEN PHCN’S BLOATED AND DISCRIMINATORY ESTIMATED BILLS while in others, they are made to go through designated contractors to procure the meters, at outrageous costs. More traumatizing for consumers has been PHCN’s bloated and discriminatory estimated bills. It is as if corrupt PHCN officials, like vultures, are celebrating their last feast on the carcass of extortionweary power consumers before the final take-over of the Discos by new core investors. Consumers are coerced to pay for electricity not consumed under different fraudulent guises. Officials of the PHCN also mount intense pressure on power consumers to pay for electric poles even when contractors had been paid to supply and install the same poles. More confusing and confounding still is the calibration of, and billing method adopted in the recharge cards of the prepayment meters. Built into the recharge cards are certain fixed charges like meter maintenance fees (MMF), value added tax (VAT) and other miscellaneous

fees, in addition to actual energy consumption charges. Consumers are compelled to pay these charges regardless of whether or not actual services are provided. This, in our view, is tantamount to smuggling in through the back door and under official cover all the illegal charges which officials of the defunct PHCN used to fleece energy consumers. We find it unconscionable and inexcusable that all sorts of extortion and corrupt practices are still going on in the heat of the privatization process, even as obstacles are being placed on the way of the new core investors of the ten privatized PHCN Discos. There appears a huge conspiracy of hiking tariffs arbitrarily to sustain the corrupt and dishonest estimated billing system. With the persisting deliberate sabotage trailing the supply of prepaid meters to frustrate power users, electricity consumers are now totally confused. The current bizarre administration of prepayment metering seems a strong indication that the facility may elude customers until the new owners of the Discos take full control of power distribution. But even at that, it has become absolutely necessary for the NERC to come out with uniform guidelines to restore some sanity and credibility to the billing system before the new owners take charge.

ON THIS DAY December 21, 2004 Iraq War: A suicide bomber killed 22 people at the forward operating base next to the main United States’ military airfield at Mosul, the single deadliest suicide attack on American soldiers. The Iraq War was an armed conflict in Iraq that consisted of two phases. The first was an invasion of Ba’athist Iraq by the United States and the United Kingdom, starting on 20 March 2003. It was followed by a longer phase of fighting in which an insurgency emerged to oppose the coalition forces.

Letters to the Editor

December 21, 1995 The city of Bethlehem passed from Israeli to Palestinian control. Bethlehem (“House of Bread) is a Palestinian city located in the central West Bank, neighboring south Jerusalem, with a population of about 25,000 people. It is the capital of the Bethlehem Governorate of the Palestinian National Authority. The economy is primarily touristdriven. The Hebrew Bible identifies Bethlehem as the city David was from and birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth.

December 21, 1988 A bomb exploded on board Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, killing 270 on board. Following a three-year joint investigation by Scottish police and the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation, murder warrants were issued for two LibPresident Jonathan yan nationals in November 1991. Libyan leader, the late Colonel Muammar Gaddafi eventually handed over the two men for trial at Camp Zeist, Netherlands in 1999.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Views

Friday, December 21, 2012

Hope for Africa in 2013 NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA

he year 2013 will mark a turning- point for Africa south of the Sahara. Often viewed as frontier markets, sub- Saharan economies are gradually advancing towards the top ranks of emerging economies hitherto dominated by South Africa and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India and China). In 2013 some “frontier” African economies will at last complete this transition- and becoming established members of the emerging- markets club. Across the continent, economies have grown strongly, despite the global economic malaise, and I believe this growth will be sustained in 2013, led by the robust economic performance of Nigeria, Ethiopia and Angola, accompanied by sustained growth in Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and Tanzania. As before, economic growth in Africa in 2013 will be driven not only by its wealth of natural resources but also by continued investments in agriculture and manufacturing. The transition of Africa’s economies will be marked by three distinct phenomena. First, as global uncertainty continues to be the norm in 2013, trade and investment flows between Africa and BRIC economies will expand and help spur growth. Infrastructures investments are still needed on the continent, especially in power generation, roads and railways. Much of this will

be financed by other emerging-market economies, such as China, Brazil and India. In 2013 the issue will not be the usual trade- off of fiscal consolidation versus growth. Rather it will be fiscal consolidation and growth, with priority investments concentrated in those areas, such as infrastructure, most likely to drive growth. Africa’s growing economic ties with the BRIC economies, particularly China, are well known. As an example, the continent’s trade with China increased from about $10.6 billion in 2000 to $116 billion in 2012. In my own country, Nigeria, trade with China increased over the same period from less than $1 billion to $7.8 billion. In 2013 China will become the greatest influence on the continent as its new leaders deepen the strategic relationship with Africa beyond natural resources. At the same time, civil- society organizations in Africa will demand greater transparency from China in government- government relations, and more community engagements from Chinese companies. I see many opportunities here for private investors in Africa. As Asian’s economies slow and its wages rise, Africa will become the next preferred destination from labor-intensive manufacturing of products such as garments and shoes. Its large domestic market of 1.2 billion people will serve as further attraction for low cost, light manufacturing. Development aid, though still im-

AS GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY CONTINUES TO BE THE NORM IN 2013, TRADE AND INVESTMENT FLOWS BETWEEN

AFRICA AND BRIC ECONOMIES WILL EXPAND AND HELP SPUR GROWTH portant for humanitarian interventions, will definitely take a back seat to private investment. Africa will emerge as a more solid and respected member of the global community - less a recipient of aid than a recipient of private investment. The new focus will then be on how to leverage development aid to attract private-sector flows. Leapfrogging to the future The second phenomenon will be an Africa that promotes stronger economic ties at home. “Africa investing in Africa” will become an important slogan for Nigeria, South Africa and Angola, and will encourage more African professionals in the Diaspora to return to the continent to seek opportunity and contribute their skills. Meanwhile, Africa will continue to be innovative in using existing technologies, such as mobile phones, in new ways to provide a better delivery

of basic health and education services. As an example, the Nigerian government is implementing an e-wallet payment system in its agricultural supply chain, enabling rural farmers to purchase fertilizers directly from dealers and thus avoid corrupt middlemen. The third aspect of Africa’s economic transition is a continuing struggle with weak institutions and weak governance. As a result, civil-society groups will need to become more visible, sophisticated and vocal, exerting pressure for more democratic institutions and for transparent elections, as well as for greater openness and less corruption in the management of public finances. Yet at the same time these civil- society groups will themselves face greater demands for accountability in 2013 as they play a larger role in shaping their countries’ futures. But if civil-society groups will be important, so too will Africa’s women. They account for about half of the continent’s agricultural labor force and manage a large proportion of its small enterprises. As one of Africa’s women, I am confident that 2013 will be the year the continent becomes a destination of choice for global investment - a beacon of hope in a still-uncertain world. Professor Okonjo-Iweala is Nigeria’s Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy Culled from The Economist’s The World in 2013

Pure water or poor water? NAFDAC, please wake up AGATHA NWOKOCHA

ow happy I was as l moved out from Ogun State to the Lagos Island. My new apartment. Yes, am happy to live closer to my work place. As l packed my belongings l just forgot the most essential, water. Okay, l thought; I will get some on my way. But guess what? I forgot again. I arrived home close to 8pm due to the heavy traffic and jumped into fixing some things in the new place before it finally becomes too dark to do them. At about 10.30 pm, I became very hungry and thirsty. I feasted on the galas I had, but the thirst increased. What do l do? I jumped off to see if there were shops still operating. Waoh! Everywhere was lonely unlike my previous residence. There was always someone outside, and selling does not end until about midnight. But over here I just noticed it is you and your house with bull dogs guarding the gigantic buildings. It is incredible to note that even in the other supposedly disadvantaged areas, there are good qualities. But thank God for the Mallam l sighted about a few metres away. He was about to close his kiosk. “You get

I REMEMBER BEFORE THE TIME OF PROFESSOR DORA AKUNYULI, MANY NIGERIANS, INCLUDING MYSELF, WERE IGNORANT OF THE FACT THAT SUCH ORGANISATION

EXISTS. BUT WHEN THIS PRAGMATIC WOMAN

STEPPED IN, EVERYONE WILL CONFESS THAT SHE DID A WONDERFUL JOB bottled water?” I asked. “Madam na pia watta l dey sell”, referring to sachet water otherwise known as “pure water.” I bought two for N20 and left. Thank God l have something to quench my thirst. I drank the first as I trekked home. The taste was funny, but l ignored it. After my bath and brush, l decided to take the second. Hum what a taste totally different from the previous. I had

thought that my pay would be compensated. I rushed to check the label properly. There it was the NAFDAC number on it. I am not a scientist, but from my elementary knowledge about the properties or components of good and portable water, I know it must be clean and pure, that is, free from any particles. It must be colourless, odourless and tasteless. Yes the ones l drank were from my naked eyes, clean, pure and colourless, but it had odour and taste. Which means it was not fit for drinking. The question now is how come such product comes with NAFDAC number? I am baffled. The National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is a sensitive organisation. Many peoples’ lives are in their hands. I remember before the time of Professor Dora Akunyuli, many Nigerians, including myself, were ignorant of the fact that such organisation exists. But when this pragmatic woman stepped in, everyone will confess that she did a wonderful job. But after her, what next or who next? You mean there cannot be a continuation of her type, if not better, in NAFDAC? What a hell is happening, Nigerians? When shall we decide to

be progressive? Not one step forward, three steps backwards? The next morning l staggered to the Mallam after a turbulent night of stomach ache and complained bitterly to him about the toxic water I suspected he sold to me. “Madam na so me buy am”, was his reply. I looked at him, hissed and left. After all, what has an illiterate old man got to do with it? He has confessed, “Na buy l buy am.” I called the number on the sachet. Guess what? Up till the time I wrote this piece, it was still not available. NAFDAC, I beg you please wake up to your responsibilities or else we shall be drinking lagoon water here in Ajah- Lekki as “Pia Watta” Dr. NWOKOCHA, chibugwum_nkwachukwu@ymail.com, is a Lagosbased media and communication trainer 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.

Mail Mirror

Friday, December 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Agunloye is convincing enough

ormer Defence and later Power Minister, Dr. Olu Agunloye is convincing in the interview he granted the the press and is revealing enough. Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) is a desperate party that will never allow level playing field among its members. The party will never hold a free and fair primary election. Agunloye abandoned the ACN for the ruling Labour Party before the election in Ondo State. He has fought a good fight and now need to consider the future. No doubt, it is the people that would decide, but it is not impossible for Agunloye to be governor in Ondo State after Mimiko. That he’s enjoying a true and large following shows that Ondo wants him.

Even this goat at Mile 12, Lagos wants to survive till the New Year

PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

Good country, sick people I Kudos to National

lion on road projects at a go, but cannot get N30 billion to employ doctors into the state hospitals to treat people who voted them in. what a pity!

Comrade Femi Ibadan, Oyo state.

Dada,

Mirror @ 2

am a regular reader of the three titles of the National Mirror newspapers. I want to say that its advent has changed the face of newspapering in Nigeria. The quality production makes it stand out from the pack. I am not therefore, surprised that it won the Newspaper of the Year Award for 2012 and several other awards for 2012. However, I appeal to management to begin to pay more attention to quality control. If this is diligently done, the sky is your limit. Chinedu Egbogu, Onitsha, Anambra State

Kudos, INEC

e welcome the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to de-register 28 ‘unproductive’ political parties. It is a waste of resources propping these parties up. We need more action against the never-do-well political parties. De-registered political parties who are not satisfied with this decision can go to court. Simple. Chika Nnorom, Umukabia Abia State.

know it is good to have good roads and cities especially in Ogun state, but it must not be to the detriment of health and education. The Ogun State government is telling all who cares to listen of its free education programme from

basic class to senior secondary school. But since the programme kicked off, the government’s promise to students has not been fully implemented. Enough textbooks are not given to students. Some of them offering up to 11 subjects

are given seven or five textbooks. Yet the list of books was not released to the students by the government. I personally went to the state hospital at Ijaye for treatment of malaria sometime in November. I got there by 9:30 am. I was not

How to avoid a bleak Yuletide

i g e r i a n s , Christians, Muslims and traditionalists alike, are in festive mood because Christmas is just five days away and New Year comes after another seven days. As usual, there have been mass purchases of tangible goods to meet the demand of the season. More importantly, mass movement of people from Lagos, Abuja and the big cities to ancestral homes and communities has begun! The authorities must begin to think of how the safety of the people travelling must be guaranteed. This is the time therefore, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) should live up to expectation.

Letters to the Editor

All its men should be deployed to the highways where the action is; moreover, their job goes beyond staying in one place to monitor moving vehicles and drivers to ensure safety belts are used. They must go to bad spots and guide the drivers round them. How I wish the activities of driver should be monitored from loading motor parks to check abuse of ogogoro, paraga, ganja and other hard drugs some of them use to make them maniacs on wheels. Reckless driving and all forms of impunities derive from the use of these illicit drugs. Above all, the antics of commuter drivers to unilaterally raise

transport fares during this period should be curtailed by the authorities. It is not a crime that occasional home goers should use the Christmas for such trips. If fuel prices do not go up, why must transport fares go during this season?

attended to until it was 3:30pm. Even when it came to my turn, the doctor was so tired that he had started dozing off. He said he worked overnight and up to that time I went in to see him. Our government could spend N130 bil-

How to stop corruption

you stick to your nonaligned policy. Only mischief makers would accuse National Mirror of partisan reporting. Continue to be on the side of the people, hit the wreckers of the nation and expose the shenanigans in the corridors of power. Happy anniversary.

he several submissions I read on the subject matter of corruption show that some Nigerians are tired of this cancerous act called corruption. But do we think penalizing corrupt public officers will gain the support of both our executive and legislative arms? What kind of law do you expect from a lawmaker who claims that he can disobey traffic law and not be reprimanded because his car carries government number? Before a fight against corruption, comes discipline! I believe the best Nigerians could do is to use their votes right. Until we remove sentiments and unhealthy alliances, we cannot get rid of corruption. Remember, if the head is bad, the whole body will definitely be rotten!

John Odigie, Sobe, Edo State

Paul Agbolade, Ajah, Lagos

To my fellow Nigerians, I wish to know why it has become compulsory for some of us to always go home during Christmas. What is important is to be alive to celebrate the occasion. Where it is celebrated is immaterial. Doris Anetor, Irrua, Edo State

Hurray, National Mirror is 2! join the publisher, management and staff of National Mirror in commemorating the two year anniversary of the brand’s existence. I dare say that your newspaper has brought new meaning to newspapering in the country. Those of us who are your avid readers would wish that

Ola, Ago Oko, Abeokuta

Send your letters or mails to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mirrorlagos@yahoo.com and info@nationalmirroronline.net or 08056180209, 07033375481 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject letters or photographs. Psuedonyms may be used, but must be clearly marked as such.

Your

FRIDAY

Flavour

Friday, December 21, 2012

PUBLISHER’S

NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

NIGHT HAS BEEN

STRUCTURED TO HIGHLIGHT WHY N IGERIA

DESTINATION IN THE

Tabi

AFRICAN CONTINENT

Ara

Tunde Ednut

would be putting up a special dancedrama performance for the Yuletide. According to Tabi, the performance by the group for this event will live up to its billing as the group has rehearsed vigorously to render the Christmas carol in an unusual, but exciting manner apart from the usual dance which the group is known for. “We have been given a brief to stage a performance that will incor-

porate the elements of the season and the special occasion today. Those who are attending should just wait for something unusual. You are going to hear Christmas carol in a very unusual manner, we are going to be doing some dance and drama with the printed newspaper. It’s going to be a lot of fun. Then, we would do our trademark dance which we are famous for”, Tabi revealed. Ara, one of Africa’s foremost fe-

male drummers, also spoke with Friday Flavour, saying the “Publisher’s Night” is an evening she has been looking forward to, judging from the arrangements on the ground. According to her, she is expecting to entertain and be entertained at the same time. “Of course, it is an evening I am looking forward to. I heard a lot has been put in place to make it memorable for everyone. I will be there and, honestly, I look forward to a very great evening. So, I urge everyone to come and join us in the spirit of the season”. Aside those performing, the Publisher’s Night will also have captains of industries and many Nollywood stars and stakeholders to add camaraderie to the ambience. Last year’s edition, which held at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja was headlined by Fatai Rollin’ Dollar and sultry jazz singer, Yinka Davies.

WEEKEND STARTERS

7th Memorial Christmas Concert

he 7th Ajumogobia Memorial Concert organised towards supporting the Ajumogobia Science Foundation (ASF) and in particular to provide scholarships for outstanding students, will take place at the Shell Hall of the MUSON

Centre tomorrow by 6.00 p.m. Two performances will hold; a matinee at 2.00 p.m. and an evening performance at 6.00 p.m. As in all previous years, members of the Ajumogobia extended family will feature prominently as artistes during both programmes. These include Feni Ajumogobia, Otokini Ajumogobia, Awune Ajumogobia, Awuneba Ajumogobia, Odein Ajumogobia SAN, Ibiai Ani, Nimi Akinkugbe, Kaline Akinkugbe and Dolapo Akinkugbe. They will be joined by special guest artistes, Gloria Rhodes, Sunmi Smart-Cole, Tayo Aluko and Julius Nglass.

P. 32-33

Orlando Julius

Escape

ENTERTAINMENT

Denrele’s Day P. 34

HAS BECOME AN

Vanilla Resturant & Lounge’s “Masked Ball”

V DJ Humility

Pats Bar hosts ‘3 events 1 venue’

oday, party rockers in Lagos will celebrate with Ciroc at the opening of the All New Deuces, a popular exclusive bar and lounge situated in Chase Mall, 19 Ademola Adetokunbo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos Powered by 360 Nobs and Deuces Bar Lounge, the exclusive Ciroc Lounge, designed with blue and white, will also be launched at the venue. Artistes such as Iyanya will be on hand to make sure the party goes down and doors open by 9.00 p.m.

anilla Resturant and Lounge, Abuja presents its maiden Christmas edition of the Vanilla Masked Ball tomorrow. It is a formal, black tie Christmas event in the style

of a Venetian masquerade ball as guests are expected to dress glamorously on black tie and mask. The ball is for all guests of Vanilla and entrance is strictly by invitation.

Chris Brown live in Lagos

omorror, Lagos will be agog with the Chris Brown Concert taking place at the Expo Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Apart from the performance of the American pop recording artiste, the event will feature performances by Tiwa Savage, Neato C, Ms Jaie, Burna Boy, Aje Chris Brown Butter and many more.

P. 24-25

enowned names in the Nigerian entertainment circle will, this evening, put their best foot forward to thrill the audience at the 2012 Publisher’s Night being hosted by the National Mirror Newspaper. The event, which holds at the Pool Side Garden of the NICON Luxury Hotel, Ajah, Lagos, is the concluding part of the programmes to mark National Mirror’s second anniversary on the newsstands after the repackaging exercise that has positioned the paper as one of the dependable brands in the nation’s media landscape. Featuring performances in the mode of carols, comedy, dance, drama and music, the event would be headlined by veteran highlife/afro jazz musician, Orlando Julius-Ekemode and his band, supported by artistes like Thompson Tabi-led Black Image Troupe, contemporary singers Ara, Dammy Krane and Tunde Ednut doing their act on stage. Ace comedians such as Tee A , Gbenga Adeyinka and Jedi would anchor the event. The performances at this year’s Publisher’s Night have been structured towards bridging the gap between the evergreen and the contemporary artistes to highlight why the country has become an entertainment destination in the African continent. As a way of bringing variety to the evening and working in tandem with the mood of the season, Black Image

Mirror Drive

NM publisher’s nite parades best of entertainers

P. 36-37

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

Inside FCT

VOL. 2 No. 518

Artman In The House

Friday, December 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The Baddest’ll be a neverEmpire Mates Entertainment, E.M.E., can go to the bank with these three facts: an ingenious chairman who knows how to spot and groom music talents; a close-knit group of internationally recognised artistes fiercely passionate about their craft and a record setting all-star album which shook up the local music industry. However, in this exclusive interview with Arts Editor, ADENRELE NIYI, the E.M.E. label mates, comprising Banky W, DJ Xclusive, Wizkid, Niyola, Shaydee and Skales, speak about inspirations which propel their quest for excellence. They also recount the highpoints of 2012 and reasons “The Baddest” concert holding tonight in Lagos will be the best music show yet. Excerpts:

It’s been a packed year for EME from international tours, wining international and local awards to DJ Xclusive’s hit performance in the Big Brother 7 House and also releasing the critically-acclaimed all-star album. Did you anticipate this? As a label, we believe in dreaming big and starting small. We do dream of things like this and so much more. Indeed, we wake and try to make those dreams come true. In 2013, we are looking to do much more than we did this year; EME is not resting on its laurels because we don’t think we are satisfied and we definitely don’t think we have arrived. P’Square held a concert in Ghana and they had over 40,000 people in attendance. Now, we need to be able to do that not only in Ghana or Nigeria but in South Africa, Kenya and elsewhere. We are grateful for how far we’ve come but there’s more ground to cover. The all-star album, Empire Mates State of Mind, was released to rave reviews and many of the songs are on heavy rotation in clubs and on air. It sounded like the group had lots of fun putting it together but how much work went into it too? (Shaydee speaks) The album came naturally; we were just vibe-ing, playing beats and we got a lot of songs together. At the end of the day, we had to pick from the pool. We had started work on some of the songs way back; for example, the song Sun mo mi was recorded many months ago. But from January this year to about two or three weeks before the album came out was when we focused on putting the album together. It was fun all the way Shaydee and Niyola, joined the family shortly before the album was released. How easy was it for both of you to flow with the vision for the album? (Shaydee) Niyola had a friendship with Banky W from way back and I met Banky in 2007, so we already had vibes going. It was just natural; there were no difficulties per se working on the album. (Niyola) Before the album dropped, I had a working relationship with Skales and Banky had always being my friend. It wasn’t hard working with everyone basically. One of the tracks on the album, Roll it, has a bit of Ragga/Dancehall influence and that influence pervades much of Wiz’s music. Is this a definitive style for Wizkid? (Wizkid) Dancehall has been a big inspiration to my music because I listen to a lot of it, to Bob Marley as well and to all kinds of music to create my kind of songs. Whenever I’m working, I don’t box myself into any particular genre or style, I do songs I am comfortable with.

E.M.E team. L-R: DJ Xclusive, Skales, Wizkid, Niyola, Shaydee and Banky W.

PEOPLE ARE GETTING USED TO THE REGULAR SHOWS IN

NIGERIA AND WE DECIDED

TO COME UP WITH A CONCERT THAT WOULD BE EPIC For Roll It, when I heard the beat, it spoke to me and I had to drop my lyrics on it. Then I realised that the perfect person to ‘kill’ the song was Banky; he has his ways with words and knows how to smooth talk a lady (general laughter). Anyway, the working relationship among all of us is fantastic and so is our work ethics. The model we follow from day one has definitely been hard work. What kind of style are we going to see from Niyola and Shaydee? And Skales, what’s your strongest point musically? (Niyola) I don’t like to put myself in the box to say I do R’n’B, Pop or Soul; I just like to make good music and basically do what comes naturally. For now, I think it’s safe to say I do contemporary R’n’B/Pop. (Shaydee) For me, I’m versatile; the only thing I don’t do is rap. You wouldn’t catch me rapping. (Skales) I have a lot of strong points but like Wiz said, I do music I am comfortable with and it also depends on how a beat hits me which sparks inspiration. There are concerns about lyrics in popular music and I remember about three years ago, a war raged in the media (in which Banky played an active role) when Reuben Abati denounced contemporary music based on lyrical content. So, what influences your lyrical compositions? (Banky answers) I think I’d prefer others say something first. (Niyola) I’m inspired by my environment; things that happen to me directly or indirectly. I am also inspired by things I see around, hear about or what I watch on TV. (Wiz) The truth is that as an artist or a talented person, you need to be able to make use of your environment to

create lyrics or write a song. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a personal experience; how we get inspiration determines what lyrics we put together. Artistes watch movies, read books and draw inspiration from various means; so whatever is your fetish can also inspire. (Banky) Pertaining to the Reuben Abati saga –the major issue I had with him, though I had many issues, was his sense of generalisation at the time by saying what we are doing is not good that it was better before. The people he was referencing to be better before were doing essentially the same thing we are doing now. It is defendable to say that Fela is the greatest artiste Nigeria had ever produced; but Fela was more of a controversial figure than anybody we have today and his lyrical content at a time was talking to the government and at another time, being provocative and suggestive as well. The truly great artistes are able to do all of these things because in life, nobody is ever 100 percent sinner and 100 percent saint, that’s why we are human beings. Sometimes you are being naughty, sometimes you are praying, sometimes you are falling in love, sometimes you are falling out of love and sometimes you are angry. And, art is supposed to mirror life. So, the lyrical content depends on how the artiste is feeling

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Artman In The House

Friday, December 21, 2012

seen-before concert –EME FACT FILE

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Multi award winning Banky is the Chairman/ Creative director of EME

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Empire Mates State of Mind with hit tracks such as Baddest Boy, Dance for me and Get down tonight was released in June 2012

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BBA Stargame guest DJ, Xclusive works at Cool FM 96.9 (he was unavoidably absent during the interview).

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EME’s first lady, Niyola, had worked as an independent artiste in the industry before joining the label. Her latest video Don’t Delay was released last month.

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Shaydee has been described by music pundits an emerging singer to watch.

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Ko mo le, the single by Skales featured on the EME compilation is a club favourite.

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Other EME members are; official producer, Master Kraft and Ghanaian hip hop act, XO Senavoe.

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Banky and Wiz had starring roles in the award-winning advocacy TV series Shuga: Love, Sex, Money, produced by MTV Staying Alive, PEPFAR, the Partnership for an HIVFree Generation (HFG) and UNICEF.

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Banky’s #R&BW album, Skales’ debut album and Wizkid’s international album are lined up for 2013.

Skales at the EME concert in Dallas, U.S.A.

L-R: Banky W, Peter, Paul (P’Square) and Jude ‘Engees’ Okoye at Baddest rehearsal in Lagos on Tuesday.

DJ Xclusive on the turntable at the recent Mode Men of the Year Awards

Lynxxx with Niyola at her ‘Don’t Delay’ video shoot

at a point in time and what they are going through. What I will say to people is to please listen to an entire album and don’t just say because you’ve heard one song that is what the person has to offer. The EME album is a fantastic example; yes there is Baddest Boy and Roll It, but if I didn’t shoot a video for Change, some people will not even know the song was on the album. We do party songs because we are young people and we go to parties but there are also songs about our country, God and family. You have to listen to everything. The attention span of audiences has become so short that if you don’t shoot a video, they don’t know what songs you have recorded. I think to properly judge artistes, you need to listen to their entire body of works. Who does the bulk of the song writing for the group? Everybody writes. Banky, you’ve been involved in social advocacy, campaigns and demonstrations like the Occupy Nigeria and Light up Nigeria protests. Is this advocacy stance going to be a policy for everybody under the label? I have been involved in a few charitable or activist/

Birth names behind the popular stage monikers are: Banky W –Bankole Wellington; Niyola – Eniola Akibo; Shaydee –Shadrach Adeboye; Wizkid –Ayodeji Balogun; Skales –Raoul John Njeng-Njeng and DJ Xclusive –Rotimi Alakija.

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From June to September, the EME crew was on a performance tour which covered 12 major cities in U.K., North America and Canada including London, Atlanta, Chicago and Toronto.

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Running up to the 2012 London Olympics, Banky was one of the select Nigerian personalities who participated in the Olympic Torch Bearing relay.

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In 2012, EME artistes have won the following major awards: BET’s Best international Act (Africa) Wizkid was joint winner with Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie; Hip-Hop World Revelation of the Year and Artiste of the Year (Wizkid).

concerned citizens’ causes because that’s who I’ve always been; I’ve always been an opinionated person. Whenever I feel very passionate about something, I feel the need to write, speak or express my concern about it. I am involved in some charitable causes that are dear to my heart and that will always continue. In terms of the rest of the label, I don’t believe in forcing people to do anything. I think people will naturally gravitate towards what they choose to. I don’t extend my political or whatever views on them and I don’t expect them to do it because I do it. If they feel strongly about something and want to lend their voices to it, they are at liberty to do so. For example, the song for Change; everybody felt passionate as I did and they wanted to come on board because they had something to say. I believe in artistes with a vision and a strong sense of self; staying in that vision will make you the best you can be. (Niyola) I was close to my dad when growing up and he always encouraged me to speak up for myself whenever I needed to. He taught me never to be intimidated and to be myself regardless of what the situation was. As a woman, I realise there are some challenging situations women face in this part of the world and I feel there are things I can do in my little way, through

music, to address these. In fact, that’s what jumpstarted E.M.E signing me; Banky and I worked on a song talking about issues women face and how we should believe in ourselves. It’s yet to be released though. With this crop of talented artistes, what skills development structure has E.M.E put in place to harness potentials? In terms of the show side of the music industry, we are doing pretty well. Creativity is not something we can put a formula on; the process of making music, movies or whatever, is something that develops, feeds and grows itself. But when you talk about the business side of show business, that’s where we have issues–royalties, publishing, licensing and piracy. That’s what needs to be worked on in terms of the structure of the music business. Things are happening now with the advent of Copyright Society of Nigeria, COSON, to ensure intellectual property is catered and paid for. Every now and then, we hear of an old actor or singer who falls ill and we’re looking for hand outs from government to take care of the person; that shouldn’t be so. When people have used their creative talent to provide great content for this country, that content should be taken care of. Recently, I ((Banky) got my first royalty cheque of N20,000 from a TV show which used my song. It may not be much, but if every show, radio station, TV programme pays royalty for every video or song played, everybody involved in the business will be taken care of. This kind of structure is what holds up the business in other parts of the world and it is virtually non-existent here. That is what we need and as a label, we will continue to inspire ourselves to do better. Is EME open to upcoming artistes? We are open to the right kind of artiste (talented, hardworking and humble) which is the vision that EME has. We wouldn’t sign you because you sound like Wizkid or Skales, we already have a Wizkid and Skales. Each of us is an individual; as such, if you look at music business around the world and take out the top 10 artistes, each of them is an individual. We look for uniqueness, individualism, talent and consistency over a period of time. At the moment, we are not signing, we want to make everybody we currently have successful. We will be signing in the future pending when these people become great. Five eligible men and one sultry female in the public eye, how do you ward off unsolicited advances from the opposite sex? Firstly, we all protect Niyola from any unsolicited advances; we have a security company on pay roll equipped with guns to do that (general laughter). However, it’s all about the music and when people show appreciation, we are grateful. But it is really a function of self control and discipline to avoid distractions. (Niyola) Also, as a female, like you can testify to, we naturally know how to fend off male advances when it is too much. (Shaydee interrupts) and if it doesn’t work there’re ways to do it (laughter). The Baddest concert tonight, what should fans anticipate? We are performing up to 40 songs; it will be a night of serious entertainment like nobody has ever seen before in this country. People are getting used to the regular way shows are put together in Nigeria and returning from our international tours, we, as a company decided to come up with a concert that would be epic and blow people away. You will see the side of everyone of us you’ve never seen before. We’ve been working hard rehearsing; Banky has been working on his Michael Jackson routine and Wiz is planning to bring a car on stage. The concert starts by 8.00 p.m. prompt; no African time. It’s a two and half hour concert, worse case three hours; it’s going to be amazing. Anyone that comes late will meet the after party, so don’t dull.

Critics

Friday, December 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Concert

Amemuso choir on stage

Paradigm shifting operatic show Though a performing artiste; one who by virtue of his profession should embrace all forms and genre of arts, I have struggled over time to cope with classical music. This changed with the third Opera Abuja Concert of the Abuja Metropolitan Music Society, popularly known as AMEMUSO, held at the Transcorp Hilton on Saturday, December 1. JERRY A DESEWO

hile Europeans and other die hard lovers of classical music would be driven to unimaginable heights of emotion that sees them jumping off seats, clapping and atimes shedding tears in appreciation of a ‘good performance of classical music’, the best I have ever done was surviving 15 minutes of such performance. After constant pulling from my childhood friend, Samuel Ezugwu, a member of the board of directors and music director of the AMEMUSO choirs (founded by wife of then Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, Maria Cecilia Toledo) to attend the last two editions of the Opera Abuja concert, I finally yielded this year. In the company of other clique of friends, I decided to honour the invitation with the mind to finally getting the opportunity to endure the displeasure of an ‘uninspiring’ form of music (my opinion before now), just to satisfy a friend who has ensured that I get an invite year-in, year-out. That experience, magical as I would like to describe it, signals the end of my disinterest in the classical form of music. I not only enjoyed the performances, but found myself cheering, clapping and hopping in appreciation of the sheer brilliance of the perform-

ONYEKA AND SUSANA TRANSPORTED THE AUDIENCE TO A WORLD BEYOND DESCRIPTION; PERFECTLY BLENDING TOGETHER AS THEY

PERFORMED “IYOGOGO ers. Tagged; Thank You for the Music... Africa’s Legacy, what turned out to be a memorable evening for me and many other first (and forced) timers began with a special performance by the Abuja Metropolitan Music Society’s Children Choir (AMEMUSITO), sponsored by the Corp Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Osita Chidoka, one of Nigeria’s emerging art patron and a member of the board of trustees of AMEMUSO. The children ranging from ages eight to 16, gave a good account of talents that abound in our country as they sang for love, unity and peaceful co-existence. They sang in such sonorous voices that could cause the deaf to hear as the Congress Hall of Transcorp reverberated with their innocent voices. The children choir pieces Love

is the answer and I vow to thee my country, were composed by Joshua Opara and Spring Rice. Next in line was Rafael Cavero, a Peruvian tenor based in Germany where he pursues his international career in Europe and the South America. His solo performance, which lasted about 17 minutes, is to me one of the best voice manipulations I have ever witnessed and it still rings in my head. The founder and artistic director of the AMEMUSO was not left out of the equation. The Chilean opera singer with a remarkable international career showed her talents. She has a voice “capable of waking up the dead”, according to Nollywood actor, Bob Manuel-Udokwe who anchored the event. She was later joined by Rafael Cavero on stage and together they performed a special number titled, La Flor de la Canela to the admiration of the high powered audience. All of that was actually a tip of the iceberg. The best was yet to come, even though I was already falling in love with classical music. Whatever reservation I had left for classical music was cleared by guest artiste, Susana Esther Baca de la Colina, an Afro-Peruvian singer and two-time Grammy Award winner. Colina is a prominent Peruvian singer-songwriter who has been a key figure in the revival of Afro-Peruvian music. In July 2011, she was named Pe-

ru’s Minister of Culture in the Ollanta Humala government becoming the second Afro-Peruvian cabinet minister in the history of independent Peru. The power behind the 68-year-old’s golden voice was infectious. Hers was a fantastic performance that blended the culture of Africa with that of Europe and Latin America. Call it Afro-Latino, it would not be out of place. Her voice, dance steps and ever smiling face combined to give the audience a magical experience. Her special offerings, some performed solo and others with Rafael Cavero and Maria Cecelia Toledo, included, Toro Mata, a Peruvian traditional song; Tosada del Congo and Bahoquende, traditional Afro-Peruvian songs; “Tambores de Hautire”, an anonymous traditional Venezuelan song and of course what they called Sicut locutus et at patres notros (whatever that means), which she performed with the entire AMEMUSO and AMEMUSITO choirs. It had been an incredible musical experience so far, but just when the Nigerian in me was wondering why the organisers could not have featured one Nigerian artiste along with Susana Baca, the final surprise piece was served. No, it was not ‘item seven’ or the sumptuous kind of buffet one would expect from a hotel like Transcorp Hotel. That final piece was Nigeria’s Lady of Song, actor and politician, Onyeka Onwenu. The ‘Elegant Stallion’ mounted the stage amidst standing ovation from the excited audience which included the likes of Hon. Ndidi Elumelu, Mr. Valentine Osihu, Chief Uzoma Amakiri, Chief Uche Okpuno, Mr. Osita Chidoka, Mrs Ifueko Omoigui-Okaru, Dr. Goke Adegoroye and the Spanish Ambassador, His Excellency Catillo Aguilla, among others. It was indeed a ‘final surprise piece’; worth the suspense and pomp that heralded it. Together, Onyeka and Susana transported the audience to a world beyond description; perfectly blending together as they performed Onyeka’s Iyogogo –washing away from the soul, the dust of everyday life. While one member of the audience, Mercy Ezekiel described it as ‘out of this world’; Samuel Ezugwu who was Nigeria’s 2010 young Ambassador in the US exchange programme and has conducted several major concerts within and outside of Nigeria, said, “That is what you and several other Nigerians missed anytime you turned down an invitation to an opera concert”. It was indeed an evening to remember, not just for new coverts of classical music like myself, but for some of the addicted converts of classical music. At the end, Maria Cecilia Toledo seized the opportunity to appeal for support from government, corporate organisations and individuals towards the actualisation of its Abuja Performing Arts Centre. Jerry Adesewo is an Abuja-based writer, journalist and thespian.

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Critics

Friday, December 21, 2012

Vibrations at Jesus all stars concert

Performance

It was the gathering of saints and stars as Nigerian gospel artistes thronged the Chapel of Uncommon Grace to celebrate God through the second edition of the Jesus All Starts Concert held on Sunday, November 18 with a vibration of praises running through the atmosphere.

THE VARIOUS MINISTRATIONS

OLAYIWOLA AWAKAN

FROM BUDDING GOSPEL

ust as the secular world of music has fumed the commercial city of Lagos with various concerts to entertain and appreciate talents, the gospel music world through veteran musician, Righteousman Erhabor, started a powerful concert last year, tagged Jesus All Stars Concert. The vision is to gather all stars in the gospel music scene, with the intent of rendetring God with extraordinary praises and to edify the soul with quality and soul-lifting worship alongside comedy. This year’s edition of the concert played host to virtually all the celebrity gospel musicians who occupy the forefront of the local music scene. The concert which was held in the heart of Ikeja-Lagos at the Chapel of Uncommon Grace, under the leadership of Pastor Kola Oyeyemi, had Christians in their thousands who attended. There were incisive rib-cracking jokes from Omo Jesu, Gordons and the anchor, Obus Zalee, as well as powerful song ministrations from the likes of Buchi, Opelope Anointing, Midnite Crew, Orits Wiliki, Soji Israel, Aity Denis, Kefee, Segun Obe, Kingdom Squard, Praise Machine, Rock Psalm, Henrisoul, Jheri 6th Sense, Ade Sax, Dejavou, Mike Okri, Innerman and the host, Righteousman. Among celebrities that came to witness the event was ID Ogungbe and a few Nollywood actors. The atmosphere was filled with ministrations of Reggae flavour because the host is a master of the genre of music, also, the Pastor of the Church, Pastor Kola Oyeyemi, is a lover of the style of music.

ARTISTES AND CELEBRITIES GOT THE PLACE ROARING WITH DANCING

Kefee (L) at the concert.

According to Righteousman, “the concert is a gathering of the saints and stars for Jesus. Enough is enough for the devil for his kind of music through which he has enslaved many. Thank God we have discovered to recover the essence of salvation. We are the image and likeness of God, which means if we can get hungry, God too can be hungry. And the only way we can feed God is through praise. So this is the fruit of praise. This is a concert of the children of God gathering to worship Him in truth and faith. Just imagine the atmosphere. Imagine how God is being fed with one mic but different voices praising God in different languages and ways. So, it is all about God, all about Jesus”. The various ministrations from budding gospel ar-

tistes and celebrities got the place roaring with dancing. Some of the ministrations were live while others played their songs and mimed along. Kefee unleashed one of her new songs titled, Who get ear make him hear featuring Gordons and Obus Zalee; Omo Jesu gave quality jokes, Evangelist Dunni Olanrewaju performed a spirit-lifting Yoruba worship and praise and Ade Sax showed his dexterity though his instrumental praise. Also, Segun Obe brought his style to play; the Kingdom Squad delivered powerful gospel rap, Rock Psalm inspired the congregation with switching between English praise to Yoruba chant, Aity Denis gave an energetic praise and Oritz Wiliki was one of the delights of the concert. The organisers have declared if the space in their present venue becomes insufficient to host the concert next year, they will move to a bigger place.. For Jesus campaign, we are climbing a ladder and you don’t run through a ladder, you need to climb step by step. Last year was better, this year is better than last year and next year will be better than this year”, added Righteousman.

Video

Getting high on Gat Me High

MAY D’S VIDEO WITH ALL ITS LANDMARKS WILL SURELY SECURE AIRPLAY THAT WOULD BOOST THE SONG

May D’s latest single, Gat Me High has arrived with a matching video. Nigerian music industry should brace up for a vibrant Afro Pop scene in 2013 when the full album drops N GOZI E MEDOLIBE

ith the success of Ile Ijo, the first single May D recorded and of course, his exit from Square Records, it is not uncommon for people to imagine what else he would do. A few days ago, he offered Gat Me High, another single from his anticipated album which came with a matching video. Gat Me High sure holds a lot of prospects because it is following in the footprints of Ile Ijo, which is still enjoying a lot of air play. As a way of staying glued to his style, May D is gradually carving a niche for himself in the Afro Pop genre, though subsequent tracks from the complete album will determine where he hopes to place himself ultimately. The song comes refreshing as a danceable club hit, laced with good rhythm and, of course, rhymes. It is a typical love song that chronicles the emotions

A scene from the video

of a love-struck man. Its theme has a lot in common with Chop My Money, the song from PSquare, which was May D’s launch pad in the recording industry. While May D has proven that his songwriting could be counted upon with this song, its high point appears to be the video. Its story is simple: A boy encounters a girl who overwhelms him and goes the extra mile to woo her. He is subjected to a lot of hassles but persistency comes into play, making him to win over the lady with his love-laden lyrics on one hand and his dancing skills on the other. This video rolls from the start with impactful impressions. The montage, which introduces May D as a product of Confam Entertainment, has special effects that are quite appealing. The first scene where a Range Rover SUV pulls up on a lonely road reveals the image of a pretty girl, who steps out of the car with a cut-away shot of her shoes which

also evokes merry feelings. Unlike Ile Ijo’s video which was mostly dance, Gat Me High comes with a mixture of dance, drama and even comedy. While May D is seen following the girl with lyrics like “…I see your face. E be like say make I follow you go your place; I know your place…” the girl is seen doing elegant gaits down a lonely street. The ambience of the lonely street is another good side of this video. Having a shot of well-asphalted street without the usual hustle and bustle will be quite invigorating for the audience of this video, because in more ways than one, it stresses privacy, which is a good idea for the song’s theme. The scene where May D follows the lady to a beauty parlour where other ladies sat making jest of him while his car was being towed sure offers comic relief. For all these effects to be packed in a song that lasted less than four minutes points to something- ingenuity of the director, whose credit one could not even see. So sad! The video with all these landmarks will surely secure airplay that would boost the song, although the pretty model showed she lacked the skills to dance. Or was she subsumed in the dancing skills of May D who has proven that he has the potentials to thrill like his ex-bosses (P Square) with his feet as well?. The great promise this song and its video hold would be measured in the following months.

Inside FCT

Friday, December 21, 2012

These cars parked on the road by Eagle Square are compelled to pay operators in Abuja.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Photos: ROTIMI OSASONA

Crisis looms over ‘Park and pay’ policy IJEOMA E ZEIKE

‘P

ark and pay’ or get your vehicle clamped is not new to Abuja residents but recent happenings among private companies the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), contracted to implement the ‘vexatious’ policy has become a major concern to most residents in the FCT. Already, car owners in the Central Business District and its environs are accustomed to the two popular private companies –Integrated Parking Services (IPS) and Platinum Parking Management Services (PPMS), which the FCDA contracted under the public private partnership (PPP), to implement the policy in order to rake in money for the FCDA. But a silent and potentially dangerous crisis is now building when another operator, Automaten Technik Baumann (ATB), was introduced recently to join in the policy and given the same area to operate from. The current squabbles between ATB and PPMS has drawn the interest of the public; ATB seems to be out for real battle with older operators in its bid to rake in money too since rewards to the operators are tied to how much is generated to the coffers of the authority. Going by the calculations, an average motorist is meant to pay N14,300 per month and ultimately, N171,600 per year as parking fees. Considering the gains involved, there is no way the ‘fee collection agents’, who FCT motorists have come to hate, will not quarrel over who is ticketing which car. Investigations by Inside FCT on the policy implementation showed that struggles have started among the competing companies with a likelihood that days of physical combat and other anti-social feuds may be closer than imagined in the city. Going by the recent happenings, ATB is alleged to be desperate in its marketing drive, attempting to monopolise some of the streets and conspicuously taking over some places. This development has raised serious concerns on whether FCT has terminated the contract of other operators. Speaking under anonymity, one of the workers of PPMS operating within the central area zone said; “since ATB came on board, there has been confusion

‘Park and Pay Policy’ defaulting car is clamped in Abuja.

STRUGGLES HAVE STARTED AMONG THE COMPETING COMPANIES WITH A LIKELIHOOD THAT DAYS OF PHYSICAL

COMBAT AND OTHER ANTISOCIAL FEUDS MAY BE CLOSER here and there. Initially, they had problems with IPS which was settled by FCDA. Now, we are having problem with them; anywhere they see us, they will go there and stay. “It was initially causing problem to the extent that some of our areas in Maitama district have been taken over by them. It was when the matter was reported to the police that it was resolved. In this area currently, we have not had any issue that will lead us to police, but the problem is that they are in our space”, the lady added. “FCDA is supposed to order them to vacate, this

problem has been on for a month. Places I handle on my own, they will bring like five persons to overshadow me and anywhere they see our sign board, they will just cover it with theirs. Although they were told to leave today (Monday), but they are still hanging around pretending to be waiting for their boss that will take them to a new place”, she added. The ticketing staff said she had been tolerating them for a month now and that it was when she cried to her management office that they sent another person to join her at her duty post, adding that “because the way things are going now, I can’t do it alone. They wanted to outshine us by all means and to make more gains. FCDA is aware of everything and they are deliberately delaying it, this place is not for them”. She, however, called on the management of FCT to help in marking areas so that each company will know their space and avoid getting in other people’s space. But when Inside FCT visited one of the workers of ATB, he feigned ignorance of the situation and said they have been working in peace for the last one month.

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Inside FCT

Friday, December 21, 2012

Gwandara new site: A relaxation delight GEORGE OJI

wandara is one of the communities situated along the Abuja-Keffi road. It is about 17 kilometres to Abuja; if one is travelling to Keffi from Abuja, Gwandara is located after New Nyanya. Of course, New Nyanya is located after Mararaba-AdoNew Karu towns. Gwandara is one of the many communities that have benefited immensely, in terms of development of infrastructure and human habitation, from the location of the Federal Capital City, Abuja. But one of the reasons Gwandara has become popular is that it is home to one of the relaxation spots that services residents of the FCT. In Gwandara, there is a place called the, Gwandara New Site; the name distinguishes it from the old site. The new site is located on the right side of the express way to Keffi just before the Masaka market, with a land area of about 3,000 square meters. The entire area where Gwandara site is situated is said to be owned by a Plateau State indigene, who was reported to have bought the place from the original Gwara owners about 30 years ago. According to information made available to Inside FCT, the owner of the new site decided to allow operators of small-scale restaurants or what is popularly called “joints”, to set up in order to establish full ownership and human presence there. As a result, he only allowed small huts to be built on the location for such businesses. Today, the area is fully inhabited and bub-

Patrons enjoying the atmosphere at new site bars.

TO MANY WHO PATRONISE THE BUBBLING GWANDARA ‘MELTING POT’ OF RELAXATION AND FUN, MOMENTS SHARED ARE SEEN AS THE BEST OF ESCAPADES bling with social and economic activities. In all, Gwandara New Site offers fun, entertainment and relaxation to visitors and residents of FCT and other adjourning cities. Over 70 per cent of those who own and do business at the site are said to be Plateau indigenes while others are linked to some communi-

ties in Benue State. Expectedly, activities at the site peak at weekends, particularly on Sundays. First in the morning, joint owners go there to prepare food, drinks and meat and then go back to their homes to get dressed for the main business which commences from noon. To many who patronise the bubbling Gwandara ‘melting pot’ of relaxation and fun, moments shared together are seen as the best of escapades taken at a time when Abuja’s monotonous boring life is no longer desirable to them. For these fun seekers, ‘stealing’ a few hours during the weekends to enjoy the delicacies of African cuisine, choice wine and beer, amongst others, is like finding an oasis of refreshing experience devoid of the week-day administrative hurly-burly and social boredom of the FCT.

TORDUE SALEM

t is Christmas again and major banks in the Federal Capital Territory, are battling to cope with the deluge of customers mainly traders and artisans who are seeking financial services. Quite characteristically, most of these customers have not embraced the culture of electronic banking and the use of the Automated Teller Machines, ATM. The traffic, according to Inside FCT investigations, is partly occasioned by frantic customers, particularly businessmen who want to import goods and cash-in on the season of high demand for consumer goods such as clothing, cosmetics and other items that go with the yuletide’s socialisation and festivities. When our reporter sought the views of some bankers about the bubbling banking halls, it was a mixture of excitement and helplessness over the inevitable. While some said the traffic was exciting and fine, others thought it was nerve-racking and tedious attending to the horde of customers since the past weeks. A female staff at Area 7 Branch of Mainstreet Bank said; “the rush for withdrawals is actually routine when we get to this season and we are used to it. We also understand that this is not the best times for people to save, because it is the season for spending”. On how the bank is coping with the pressure, she said “the situation only shows that we need more staff to cope with the work-load, but on the whole, it excites one that we have this number of customers”. A staff of Union Bank, National Assembly branch, also said “this is only normal for the situation and we are prepared to attend to all customers round the clock”. However, a staff of an Ecobank branch complained that, “the traffic is alright except that most customers withdraw, instead of save”, adding that, “the bigger idea of banking is to save more and spend less”. She said; “though Christmas is a season to celebrate with family and friends and reach out to the needy, it also should mean taking stock of the year that is end-

A busy banking hall

Yuletide: FCT bankers overwhelmed by customers’ traffic ing”. Adding his voice, a staff of Enterprise Bank said “most people save partly for the season and the rush for withdrawals is unusual. This is expected until after the Christmas period, then they will continue to save again next year”. The reporter also spoke with customers in banks on the development. Mr. Albert Uzodinma, a spare parts dealer at the Apo Village in Abuja, said as an Igbo trader, the season was unique for the opportunity it grants him to reunite with his larger family in the village.

“This is the only time I go to see my family members. I am a businessman who is always travelling to buy goods within and outside the country and usually when the ‘ember’ months start, I begin to save money for Christmas and it is the same money I go to withdraw when Christmas approaches”, he said. Like Uzodinma, Mr. James Ukpo, a security contractor also said; “this is the time to take out some of your savings to enjoy Christmas with your family members”. He added that, “If you don’t withdraw now, when will you withdraw money?”

Arty News

Friday, December 21, 2012

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My Life My Damage premieres Feb. 1, 2013

aimed at advocacy for social issues; each story addresses important problems affecting individuals, families and societies at large. Producer Uche Jumbo, has been in the Nigerian movie industry for more than a decade and has written/co-written hit movies such as: The Celebrity, Games Men Play, Holding Hope, Girls in the Hood, A Time to Love, Be My Wife, Perfect Planner, Price of Fame and many more. The movie, set to give Tonto Dike her first box office litmus test, was shot both in Nigeria and the United States of America and directed by Moses Inwang.

he much awaited blockbuster movie My Life My Damage, produced by Nollywood award winning actress cum producer Uche Jombo-Rodriguez will premiere on February 1, 2013 at the Ozone Cinemas, Lagos. My Life My Damage, from the trilogy of Damage films, features Tonto Dike, Bukky Wright, Kalu Ikeagwu, Biola Williams, James Tucker, Bobby Obobo and others. The storyline revolves round a young lady whose reckless lifestyle got her caught up in the web of HIV/ AIDS. The Damage trilogy is a movie collection of three distinct but interwoven stories

Young guitarists at the MYF event

Lagos youths converge for musical fiesta unveiled the theme of the fiesta, Dare to be like Joseph and advised the youths on a course to pursue. “I gave glory to God for this year’s Musical Youth Fiesta themed Dare to be like Joseph, which is focused on the story of Joseph, chronicled in Genesis 37, 39-50. Let me however point to the fact that Joseph was a youth with dreams and talents like many of you present here today. I would, therefore, urge you all to be like Joseph; keep your trust in God even in the face of temptation, imbibe hard work, moral values and respect for authority to be able to get to the top as Joseph did”, said Tinubu. The wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola gave her remarks thereafter. “This occasion is meant for children to display their God’s given talent. Thanks to Senator Oluremi Tinu-

bu and members of the organising committee for making this event possible”, she said. The guests were amazed with musical performances by the youths as they appreciated the performers with resounding applause and standing ovation. One of the children that performed was young Tomison who trilled the crowd playing her saxophone. The fiesta came to an end with words of appreciation by Mr. Sanwo-Olu, Chairman, MYF organising committee, who extended gratitude to various sponsors, numerous volunteers and generous donors whose contributions both material and financial made the event successful. “...Finally, to our leaders of tomorrow, our hope of a great future, our youth, we say a big thanks to you all for coming”, he said.

Miss Egypt emerges Face of Peace Africa queen

the bombings, crisis and unrest that has become the norm in recent times and Mali, Egypt and Libya tussles for power leaving people in terror is the reason behind Face of Peace Africa. Consolation prizes were given to other contestants while the winner, Zimuzo Benson, went home with $10,000, a brand new car, one year movie contract with Blu-moon Imaginationz and a trip to The Gambia.

ADENRELE NIYI AND LINUS KINGDOM

he 2012 Musical Youth Fiesta (MYF), an initiative of Senator Oluremi Tinubu witnessed the conference of musically talented youths across the 20 local governments of Lagos State. The fiesta, which held on Wednesday, December 19, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos saw the presence of high profile personalities at the occasion namely; Senator Oluremi Tinubu, MYF Convener; Dr. (Mrs.) Stella Okoli OON, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. and Mrs. Tinu Aina-Badejo, General Manager, Lagos State Radio Service. In her welcome address, Tinubu

Jumbo

ADENRELE NIYI

fter a week of thrilling camping exercise that comprised photo shoot, choreography and beauty treatment at the Eleko Beach and the grand finale held at the upscale Oriental Hotels, both in Lagos, Miss Zimuzo Benson representing Miss Egypt was crowned the first Face of Peace Africa queen. The maiden Face of Peace

...as Uti and Matse dazzle Africa is an emerging beauty pageant from the stables of by Blumoon Imaginationz aimed at giving the girl child the opportunity to develop a strong self-belief and the chance to champion the course of peace in a conflict ravaged African environment.

A scintillating performance from the duo of Uti Nwachukwu and Matse Uwatse as comperes of the event coupled with performances from the likes of KC, Mr. Raw, Mthrill, 2Shotz, Pastor Goody Goody, Ruffman, Adshas and rib cracking jokes from Monkals gave the guests a

great experience. Celebrities in attendance were Annie Macaulay-Idibia,, Zakky Addze, Face, Alex Ekubo, Bryan Okwara, Melvin Odua and others from the entertainment and music industry. Speaking on the underlining vision, Ify Duruji enthused that

Music Meets Runway gets star line up ...Super Model Millen Migese to anchor event ADEBIMPE OLATUJA

D Migese

etermined to make a lasting impression with this year’s edition of the Music Meets Runway, organiser Le Reve, has billed D’Banj, Wizkid, Naeto C, Iyanya, Davido and Burna Boy to perform on Christmas Eve at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos.

Other artistes scheduled to perform at the fashion show are May D, Ajebutter, Taikoon and Efya from Ghana. It would be recalled that Davido had his first public performance at the maiden edition of the show. Having previously released the names nine of the 10 designers for the event, Lanre Da’Silva Ajayi, a fashion icon, has been named as the 10th and headlining designer

for this year’s show. Also, supermodel Millen Migese (former Miss Tanzania) who has been the face of recent MMR campaign images, has also been saddled with the responsibility of hosting of the fashion and music show. Music Meets Runway is the platform where music and fashion fuss to create a convivial atmosphere for lovers of music and D’Banj fashion to relate.

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Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Safar 8, 1434AH Friday, December 21, 2012

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

stiqlal Mosque, or Masjid Istiqlal, (Independence Mosque) in Jakarta, Indonesia is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia in terms of capacity to accommodate people and building structure. This national mosque of Indonesia was built to commemorate the Indonesian independence, as nation’s gratitude for God’s blessings. Therefore, it was named “Istiqlal”, an Arabic word for “Independence”. There are seven gates to enter the mosque, each named after Al-AsmaulHusna, the names of God in Islam. The number seven represent Seven Heavens in Islamic cosmology. The wudu (ablution) fountains are are located on the ground floor, while the main prayer hall and main courtyard located on the elevated first floor. The building consists of two connected rectangular structures; the main structure and the smaller secondary structure. The smaller one serves as main gate, as well as stairs and prayer spaces. The rectangular main prayer hall building is covered by a 45 meter diameter central spherical dome, the number “45” symbolize the year of Proclamation of Indonesian Independence in 1945. The dome is supported by twelve round columns and the prayer hall is surrounded by rectangular piers carrying four levels of balcony. Twelve columns represents the birthday of Prophet Muhammad in 12th Rabi’ alawwal. The four levels of balcony and one main floor makes the main building of Istiqlal consists of five floors, the number “5” represents the Five Pillars of Islam while it also represent Pancasila, the five principles philosophical foundation of the Indonesian nationhood. On the main wall on qibla, there is a mihrab and minbar in the center. On the main wall, there is large metalwork of Arabic calligraphy spelling the name of Allah on the right side and Muhammad on the left side, and also the calligraphy of Surah Thaha 14th verse in the center. On the garden surrounding the mosque, on the southwestern corner, there is a large pool and a grand fountain that is 45 meters high. The fountain only operates on Fridays during Friday congregational Salah, or during Islamic holidays such as Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ulAdha. The river Ciliwung flow accross the mosque complex along the eastern side of the mosque.

Global experts meet on Islamic finance 28

Behold the Istiqlal Mosque

The dazzling alabaster marbled Istiqlal mosque of Jakarta, Indonesia, seen from the base of its tower.

We have the practical model Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

dmonishing Ahmadis, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that it should be very clear that anyone who says that God forbid Hadhrat Hussein (may Allah be pleased with him) did not take Bai’at of the Khalifa and was rebellious is a great liar. He said that it is our belief that Yazid was an impure person who did not fulfil what a true believer signifies. Love of world had blinded him whereas Hadhrat Hussein (may Allah be pleased

Women should be wary of timeconsuming jobs –Ajiboye 29

with him) was pure and among those chosen people whom God purifies Himself. He was among those who are of Paradise. His devotion to God is a model for us. Destroyed is the heart who is his enemy and successful is the heart that demonstrates his love by practice. It is extreme lack of faith to deride Hadhrat Hussein (may Allah be pleased with him), one who does this, wastes his faith. With reference to Hadhrat Hassan and Hadhrat Hussein (may Allah be pleased with them) the Promised Messiah (on

whom be peace) states: ‘The term spiritual progeny is extremely appropriate for the beloveds of God. It was their spiritual inheritance from their spiritual maternal grandfather, which no plunderer can plunder and they are the inheritors of those gardens which no other can usurp. Thus, this evil notion has currently come into some Islamic sects because their soul has become dead and it has had no measure of being spiritual progeny. Therefore, as non-recipients of spiritual wealth, they have lost their sense and their hearts have become short-sighted. Which person of faith would argue that Hadhrat Imam Hussein and Imam Hassan (may Allah be pleased with them) were God’s chosen people, that they were persons of excellences, were pure and chaste and were leaders of guidance. Without doubt they were the progeny of the Holy Prophet (RA) in both respects. People who have knowledge are of the creed that even if Hadhrat Hussein and Hadhrat Hassan (may Allah be please with them) were not the physical progeny of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), since CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

The Companion holds 10th DHP

Call to Worship

he worldview of Islam is different from that of any other ideology or the so-called civilization. Some of these include the concept of God, role of man in the universe, sense of accountability, ethics, values, etc. The heritage of Islam is rich with landmarks achievements of our precursors who understood it and lived by its application. It is a catastrophe that the modern Muslim neither understands his religion nor lives by its ethics. Western civilization, which was in darkness when Islam was on the field of effulgence, has now been regarded as the spotlight of present order. It is now becoming almost difficult to redirect the Muslim to the fountain of his history that the Muslims were the forerunners of civilization. If today, we have not measured up to the expected; the tragedy should not be compounded by closing our eyes to our legacy and working towards living its ideals. One of the most thriving entertainment industries in the modern times has been music in varying dimensions. It underplays the value of life as it takes man away from the essence of creation. It pleases the ear and satisfies emotions with amorous sounds and melody. Today’s music is developed continuously to promote immorality. Music is today, more than any other time in human history, the voice of Shaytan. It is leading the youths into abysmal trench of foolishness, immorality and distraction from academics. There hardly exists today any musical album without erotica or nudity. It will not be an understatement if one says music today is akin to pornography. This is because both incite sexual passion and lust. The evils of music are spiritually unquantifiable. The brain is disturbed by music, fashion and romance. It is made to memorize fantasy. All that you watch in films or listen to in music become stored in your memory that

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Safar 8, 1434AH

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Melody of Doom

you begin to rehearse. The more time you devote for these acts the more and stronger your rehearsals become in your memory. This will definitely prevent you from storing the useful information like memorization of the Qur’an, academic concerns, etc. Music today is like intoxicant. It makes you forget your surroundings. Below is an episode which unravels this. Frank King reported thus: “I returned home one evening and noticed a large red mark that looked like a burn on my wife’s right cheek. When I asked her what had happened. She sheepishly told me the story, she had set up the iron board in the living room so that she could watch a favourite television programme while doing the ironing. The telephone table was also near at hand. As she was intently watching TV, the phone rang, and she reached out automatically and answered the iron.” (Reader’s Digest, vol. 80, No.481; May, 1962). Music today distracts our youths from academics. They want to become music artists or dancers. They are exposed to badrole-models; their dressing, costume, nudity and vulgarity become the norm. It is a big-time disturbance. Modern music teaches arrogance, emptiness and imitation. Songs of pain and ruins are sung, yet people dance on. It is laden with romance, sex, dance, fornication, etc. Its great influence upon heart and mind is massive. It has taken over every place, houses of worships not exclusive. Music and films thrive with the use of erotica. The female erogenous zones are conspicuously used to appeal to sexual instinct of men. Women are made to vigorously flaunt their buttocks and appear nude to promote musical albums. The

Leaders must not be self-centred

leader refers to somebody who guides or directs others. He may be the head of a nation, political party, legislative body, religious societies, corporate organisations or social organisations. The head should not concentrate on his own needs only and decides to show little or no interest in those of others.

Majority of Nigerian leaders are guilty of an attitude that can be likened to selfcentredness. This is one of the factors that are affecting the society. Leaders must ensure justice, fairness and equity between them and their followers. Aggrieved persons in the society always result into taking laws into their hands and this has occasionally led to the insecurity in the land like killings, assassination, kidnapping, thuggery, etc. The almighty Allah has stated it clearly in the holy Qu’ran on how a leader should conduct himself. The holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW) is a good example of leader because he was not a self-seeking prophet. He obeys all Allah’s commandments. Chapter 38, verse 27 of the holy Qu’ran gives a directive as leader to Prophet Daud. The verse reads thus: “O Daud, We have made thee a vicegerent in the earth; so judge between men with justice, and follow not vain desire, least it should lead thee astray from the way of Allah. Surely, those who go astray from the way of Allah will have a severe punishment because they

Friday, December 21, 2012

forgot the day of reckoning”. Also, the holy Qu’ran, chapter 45, verse 22 tells us further that no one can deceive Allah when it states that “Do those who commit evil deeds think that We shall make them like those who believe and do good works, so that their life and their death shall be equal! Evil indeed is what they judge”. Leaders are enjoined to move closer to Almighty Allah and always seek qualitative advice from their followers before venturing into any ventures. In fact, leaders should conduct themselves based on the dictates of the holy Qu’ran and teachings of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) In conclusion, if the self-centred attitude is out of the way, there is no sin again because selfseeking behaviour of mankind brings forth other sins. Sheikh Abdul Ganniyy Umar Arikunkewu is the Founder/ National Chief Missioner of Jubatu Rohfatu Llahi Islamic Society Of Nigeria (JUBFAT)

popularity or commercialization of any music depends on how promiscuous it is. Obscenity and vulgarity are the common themes in this music. Music has become a global phenomenon which captivates every man at any place. It is a major issue in the entertainment by the audio-visual media. Children are destroyed from their tender age by exposure to this varying corrupt and suggestive music. Our youths these days tarry at the amusement parks and entertainment centres. They have become spectators in the theatre of life or worse still - doing what others do or say or go where they go or think the way they think! The present-day youths may not be able to sustain or revive the heritage of Islam if there is no strong attitudinal change. Life, to a Muslim, is not a frivolous affair. It believes man

can have recreation but not by jeopardizing his morality. Music is regarded as a vain talk and idle tales in the Qur’an. “So leave them to plunge in vain talk and play about, until they encounter that day of theirs which they have been promised!”(Q70:42) “There will appear people in my Ummah, who will hold adultery, silk, alcohol and musical instruments to be lawful” (Sahih al-Bukhari). Dr. Zafaran is the Director, Vanguards Academy

Global experts meet on Islamic finance

inancial regulators, experts, jurists, academics and stakeholders across the world would meet to brainstorm on how to strategically promote growth and realign the practices of Islamic finance and economics with a view to opening new frontiers for the growth of the industry. The 4th Langkawi Islamic Finance and Economics (LIFE-4) Global Forum being organized by the INSANIAH University College in collaboration with Deloitte, Islamic Development Bank, IBFIM-Malaysia and Rayyan Ventures Limited will provide global platform to discuss key issues around the competitiveness, growth and sustainability of Islamic finance. LIFE-4 Global Forum is scheduled for mid February 2013 at Sheraton Hotels and Tours, Langkawi Island, in Malaysia. The theme of the forum is: Islamic Financial Planning and Wealth Management as the new frontier for Global Islamic Banking and Finance Industry. Managing director, Rayyan Ventures Limited, Nigeria’s partner to LIFE-4 Global

Forum, Alhaji Idris Usman, said the forum would brainstorm on how to reposition Islamic banking and finance for sustainable growth over the next decades. According to him, the global nature and the quality of participation at the forum makes it a viable platform for the immediate strategic efforts to consolidate the asset size, market share, overall growth and competitiveness of services of Islamic banking and finance. He noted that LIFE-4 Global Forum would also focus on how to create more wealth in the system through Shari’ahcompliant financial planning and wealth management techniques while providing scholars opportunity to update their knowledge with latest know-how and skills. He pointed out that as Nigeria makes efforts to develop its alternative finance industry, the country stands to benefit tremendously from the LIFE-4 in terms of practical knowledge and experience from other operators and regulators around the world.

L-R: Mr. Francis Awowole-Brown of Dangote Group, representative of Baba Adinni of Lagos, Alhaji Y. Abimbola and the representative of Chief Imam of Lagos, Alhaji AbdulLateef Adekambi at the end of year party organized by the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Lagos Chapter recently.

L-R: Dr. Sadiq Ojo of the Faculty of Education, Lagos State University (LASU), a guest, Alhaji A.A Nosirudeen and Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP)’s President, Alhaji Kamorudeen Oladosu, at the 2nd Sisters’ Seminar of the AMP at the University of Lagos, Akoka recently.

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STORIES: SEKINAH L AWAL

he 10th Dawn Holiday Programme (DHP) of the Companion, a camping programme organized for youths and children above the age of ten aimed towards uplifting the spiritual and moral standard of the participants and also create a platform upon which delegates interact with each other while they learn more about Islam and societal life, will hold between December 23, 2012 and January 1, 2013 at Model School, Kakon, Badagry, Lagos State. This was disclosed by the National Amir of the Companion, Alhaji Ahmed Tunde Popoola, during a Press Conference on Wednesday at the association’s national secretariat in Agidingbi, Ikeja-Lagos. According to him, the DHP is a national programme of the Companion launched ten years ago to support education, dawah and youth development. “The annual camping, besides being a forum for the young ones to meet and socialize, has been useful in the area of career inspiration and stimulation. Broadly speaking, DHP is

omen have been advised to be wary of jobs that keep them away from their children for so long. This advice was given by the Coordinator of the Sisters’ Forum of the Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP), Hajia Rasheedat Funmi Ajiboye at the 2nd Sisters’ seminar of the AMP with the theme: Managing Our Teens; Islamic Perspective, which took place last Sunday at the Art Theatre, University Of Lagos, Akoka, with lectures delivered by the two representatives of Dr. Usman Zarat, Director, Islamic Theological Centre of Nigeria, Ibadan and Dr. Sadiq Ojo, Faculty of Education, Lagos State University (LASU). She enjoined parents to stand up to their responsibilities and for women to know that they are to support their husbands and not abandon their primary responsibility of homefront under the guise of earning a living. One of the represantatives of Dr. Usman, Engr. Qushia Adegoke, admon-

Call to Worship

Friday, December 21, 2012 Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Safar 8, 1434AH

The Companion holds 10th DHP an avenue for spiritual upgrading, educational development, skills acquisition, leadership training, family and career counseling as well as mentoring among many others.” He said that this year’s camp is hosted by the Lagos District of the Companion and the Criterion and that the choice of Lagos State Model College Kankon, Badagry is to ensure total disengagement of over 1,000 expected participants coming from different parts of the country, from the hustle and bustle of the Lagos City, hence maximum concentration on the activities in the camp, while they simultaneously enjoy the cool and serenity of the environment. Last year’s camp was hosted by Osogbo District at the Fountain University, Osogbo. The theme of this year’s camp is “ALL THAT MATTERS: STRIVING FOR SUCCESS IN THIS WORLD AND THE HEREAFTER”. The theme was informed by the need to expose the participants to the need to have goals and to plan their lives for success and impact the society. “However, as they are doing all that they wish to do to attain

prominence and success on earth, they must also know that the hereafter is the ultimate and they will account for every action of theirs while they were on earth. They will learn the art of aiming high, execution and answering the moral question in all their endeavours.” Alhaji Popoola revealed that this year’s program cuts across academic, social and religious education as it also involves vocational and leadership training as well as product fairs and exhibition. “There will be Quran and Hadith memorization, debate and quiz competition, health talk, cooking, etc. Participants will also be involved in various games such as football, table tennis, etc. They will also embark on excursion to a Muslim orphanage to demonstrate the need to give back to the society and the needy. There will also be health education to the host community and free medical check – up. “ “We have seen the impact of the programs over the years, as participants move on to tertiary institutions and to life of work. The program also continues to attract increased number

Women should be wary of time-consuming jobs –Ajiboye ished parents not to overpamper their children, watch the type of friends they keep, pray with and for them, take parenting more seriously as they do their jobs, be their children’s best friends, take them out to Islamic events, contemplate on the meanings of the Quran and Hadith with them, create a mosque and library in the house and let them be the custodians and disallow TV, internet addiction, except for educational purposes. Participants were also urged to believe in Allah and be optimistic. Also speaking, AMP’s President, Alhaji Kamorudeen Oladosu stated that since professionals, especially women, have tight schedule which does not give them enough time for their children, this seminar is coming at the right time. “We must be in the know of what our children are doing at every point in time in order to give them the right guidance. Lectures like this must continue to hold.”

Alhaji Oladosu called on government to provide the right environment and urged parents to becareful of being contended with sending their children to the best of schools without being deeply involved in their upbringing. “We need to be very close to our children and be their confidants.” Dr. Sadiq Ojo advised parents to respect their teenage children, recognise their ingenuity and make them responsible. “Don’t make them look stupid, commend them when necessary and do not allow parental disagreement to affect the kids. If your partner has done something good, let the children know, if it is bad, settle it between the two of you. Give them a date and special treat discuss their love affairs and many other issues. Don’t make yourself a stranger to your kids, give them quality time. Let them know the consequences of their actions.

L-R: DHP National Coordinator, Alhaji Kamor Ogunfowora, the National Amir of the Companion, Alhaji Ahmed Tunde Popoola; Camp Amir, Abbas Ogunniyi and Executive Secretary, AbdulRafiu Alabi at a press conference on Wednesday.

of participants yearly. It is our hope that DHP will continue to be an inspiring and life-changing forum for our youths.” The formal opening of the camp will come up, on Tuesday December 25, 2012. A lot of programs have been lined up for the opening ceremony, which will be chaired by Justice Habeeb Adewale Abiru of the Court of Appeal, Akure. In other to do justice to the theme of this year’s camp, an Islamic Scholar, a Daiyah (caller to Islam) and an academia, Prof. AbdulRazak Kilani of the Department of Religious and Cultural Studies, University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT) has been invited as guest speaker during the formal opening ceremony. He also touched on some national issues and stated that Nigeria faces serious

security challenges that call for all hands to be on deck. “We are confronted with insurgency by Boko Haram in the North that has claimed many innocent lives, kidnapping in the South South and South East, ethnic/ religious killings in North Central, oil installations vandalisation and bunkering in the South South and armed robbery in the South West. These have affected the peace in the country and increase insecurity. Without peace, economic and social well being suffers thereby enhancing the level of unemployment and poverty in the country.” Corruption is another major challenge working against our progress. Again, without uncompromising stance and exhibition of leadership by example, he said we may be far

from tackling this disease that has eaten so deep into our life as a nation. The group also commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives in the helicopter crash that happened recently and condemned the unpardonable continued waste of precious human lives through careless circumstances. The Companion is an association of Muslim men in business and the professions. The organization since its inception in 1984 (1405AH) has remained a forum for spiritual, social and economic rejuvenation for her members and the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria. The Companion’s areas of focus and intervention have been in education, dawah, economic empowerment, governance and community engagement.

L-R: Engr.Qushia Adegoke; Hajia Mutiat Bakare; CEO, Baytuzzeenah Ltd, Hajia Saidat Adeola Otiti and the Coordinator of the Sisters’ Forum of the Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP), Hajia Rasheedat Funmi Ajiboye at the 2nd Sisters’ Seminar of the AMP recently.

MSSN stages IVC

he annual Islamic Vacation Course (IVC) of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit has been scheduled to hold between December 22, 2013 and January 1, 2013. A statement issued by the society’s Public Relations Officer, Sulaimon Alamutu, said the annual camping programme would hold at different venues and dates for both male and female participants. ‘For male and female secondary school students,

the programme will commence from December 22 till 27, 2012 at Jibril Martins Memorial High School, Iponri and Towergate Private School, Ipaja Lagos respectively. Female school leavers, higher institution students and workers will camp at Towergate Private school between December 28, 2012 and January 1, 2013. Similarly, male School leavers, higher institution students and workers will camp at the Human Capital Development Centre (HCDC) of MSSN Lagos State Area Unit situated

in Eredo LCDA, Noforija, Epe.’ With the theme; ‘The Glad Tidings,’ Alamutu said this year’s IVC would be highly interesting as a lot of soul inspiring lectures and other activities geared towards making the youths alive to their social responsibilities as leaders have been packaged for their benefits. He, therefore, urged Muslims youth to take advantage of the IVC to move closer to Allah and reform themselves for a better society

Call to Worship

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Safar 8, 1434AH

Amosun leads others to Ahmadiyyah conference T he Governor of Ogun State , Senator Ibikunle Amosun is expected to lead other governors in the south west including Islamic scholars and traditional rulers to the 61st annual Islamic conference of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Nigeria (Jalsa Salana ,2012) holding at Ilaro, Owode Yelwa on the 21st to 23rd. Expected traditional rulers include the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, the paramount ruler of Aramoko Ekiti and the Oba of Ilaro. Other special guests are former President of the World Court in the Hague, Prince Bola Ajibola,former Military Governor of Ogun State ,Major General Seidu Balogun, The theme for this year’s conference is; “Holy Prophet Muhammad – Mercy to mankind (Rahmatan lil ‘alameen)”. According to the chairman of the conference planning committee, the conference brings together leaders and adherents of different faiths, beliefs, and denominations to discuss issues on religious harmony, tolerance and good neighbourliness, human advancement, sustainable growth and national development. This year’s event will feature two keynote addresses on Islam and sustainable development as well as Islam and human rights, in line with the motto of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat- LOVE FOR ALL

HATRED FOR NONE and its principle of religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence. The lecturers at the event include two prominent Islamic scholars and academics, Dr. Mashood Fashola, head, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Nigeria,as well as Dr. Saeed Timehin, co-chairman, National Inter –Religious Council ,Lagos State and a lecturer in the department of Foreign Languages, Lagos State University, LASU. In its about 100 years of existence in Nigeria, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat has been a vanguard of religious harmony and peaceful coexistence among people of different faith and belief systems. The Jamaat has also contributed immensely to the growth and development of various sectors of the Nigerian economy through the establishment of schools, hospitals, human development programmes, value orientation schemes and youth empowerment among others. Some of these notable contributions are noted on the Jamaat websites- http:// www.alislam.org/, http://www.mta.tv/, and http://www.ahmadiyyanigeria.org/ During the event, a 1.5 million naira borehole in memory of late Ambassador Mudazir Olayemi Abiola will be inaugurated for the Hafizul Quran class, at Jamia Ahmadiyya Ilaro.

Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola; General Secretary, Alhaji Dauda Raji and Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, during the courtesy visit to the Palace at Ilaro in Ogun State.

L-R: Secretary to Ogun State Government, Barr. Taiwo Adeoluwa; Amir, Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola and Missionary in Charge, Mulana Abdul Halique Nayyar, during the visit.

Friday, December 21, 2012

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 due to their spiritual connection, they had been considered [his] progeny in the Heaven, without doubt, they would have been the inheritors of his spiritual wealth. The mortal body has relationships; could the soul not have any connections? Rather, it is proven from Ahadith and the Holy Qur’an that souls too have connections and have friendship and enmity from the very beginning. A sensible person can think if it is a source of pride to be progeny of the Prophet on an eternal and everlasting level or to be the progeny of the Prophet on a physical level which is nothing without righteousness, purity and faith. No one should infer from this that we infringe on the dignity of the family of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). On the contrary, the objective of this writing is that it is not worthy of the dignity of Imam Hussein and Hassan (may Allah be pleased with them) to be the progeny of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) only on a physical level because it is meaningless without a spiritual connection. The spiritual light and knowledge of Prophets is like the offspring of Prophets which is created from their pure beings. Those who attain a new life from this spiritual light and knowledge, in fact obtain a new birth. It is these who are known as progeny of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) on a spiritual level ’ Each Ahmadi and Muslim who truly follows the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) will be included in his progeny. This is the path treading on which is essential for every Muslim. The status of each holy person should be acknowledged and honoured. Mutual hostilities, murder and mayhem should be stopped. It will not be too far-fetched if anti-Islam powers had a

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We have the practical model

hand in the current disorder, murder and mayhem, by dividing the Muslims or by financing them. The attacks on Shias are being carried out by an organisation which is deemed as a terrorist group by the government and it is reported about them that they are not Muslims. May God have mercy on the Ummah. HadhratKhalifatulMasih said that he wished to say to Ahmadis that while other Muslim sects take revenge from each other, but after coming into the Bai’at of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and in spite of all the persecution that all these sects are perpetrating against us, we should not even think of revenge. What is needed is that after every persecution we should enhance in righteousness and piety and pray to God more than before and forge a better connection with Him. We have the practical model of Hadhrat Imam Hussein (RA) before us and it is a guide for us. In light of this, HadhratMusleh Maud (RA) advised the Jama’at in a poetic composition: They make you Hussein -like and themselves become like Yazid What a good bargain it is; let the enemy hurl arrows By giving us lesson in steadfastness, Hadhrat Imam Hussein (RA) has shown us the way to Paradise. Prayers should be made especially these days, during Muharram, for our own steadfastness and each Ahmadi should abundantly say the prayer ‘O Lord, everything is subservient to You. O Lord, protect us, help us and have mercy on us.’

L-R: President, IIaro Circuit, Alhaji Musulimi Popoola; Missionary in Charge, Mulana Abdul Halique Nayyar; Chairman, Yewa South Local Government, Alhaji Safiu Odebiyi; Amir, Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola and Naib Amir Special Duties, Alhaji Ahmed Alhassan, during the courtesy visit to the Chairman at IIaro Ogun State.

Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle (centre)and others, during the courtesy visit.

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Friday, December 21, 2012

Escape

Friday, December 21, 2012

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Ayo-Ola Nursery and Primary School premises; the serene Sobi Hill in the background

Sobi Hill: Where faith loses boundaries PELU AWOFESO

was on holy ground but I did not quite realise it. “You must take off your shoes here before we go on”, Mosun said as I clambered up to meet her from the foot of Sobi Hill, in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. “People come all the way up here to pray and they must do so barefooted”. Behind me an Imam seated on a bench and wearing a spotless white overall and cap preached his listeners under an almond tree. “Now stretch forth your hands and ask God for anything you desire”, I heard him say before I pushed forward and his voice faded into the distance. Mosun is not a guide in the real sense. A Christian of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, she was returning from the hill top after a prayer session and headed home when a man I had asked for directions at a filling station beside the hill approached her, asking if she wouldn’t mind showing me the way up. Without hesitation she obliged. “Ok, let’s go”, she said wiping her dark, slim face with a handkerchief. I didn’t appreciate the substance of this sacrifice until we reached the peak, a half-hour later. My boots off and placed out of the way by a shaded section of the rock, we began the gradual climb up the hill. On the way up, we came across men and women returning from their own prayer sessions. The noon sun had heated up the rock to the point that every step forward landed on a hot face of the outcrop. It was like that all the way up and all I could do was tiptoe through it. We occasionally reached shaded areas, where I took short rests. “We’ll stop two more times along the way so you can catch your breath before we get to the highest point”, Mosun said at our first stop after ten minutes of walking. Quite ingeniously, the users of this place have put the first time visitor into consideration: there is a line of white paint that runs the entire way up to the top. Follow it and you can’t miss your way. Some people have been wise, too, to tap into the fertile soil on the rock. At some point during the climb, I noticed cassava and corn plantations on either side of the pathway, the latter tended by a man in long lace Buba and who I guess should be in his fifties. We had not gone too far up when Mosun made the

SOBI IS ONE OF THE FEW SPOTS WHERE MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS RELATE AT CLOSE QUARTERS AND HAVE NO ILL FEELINGS TOWARDS ONE ANOTHER

unique nature of this prayer ground clear to me: both Christians and Muslims come here to talk to the Creator. A vast portion of the surface area - the steeper sides are clearly off limits - is open to all and sundry who desire the sort of solitude that a place of this nature offers, not to mention the opportunity to look up to heaven unobstructed by the usual roofing of a church or mosque. There is space enough for thousands of people to congregate and conduct their fellowships; there are no loud hailers here and so there is no issue of one congregation disturbing the other. Happily, there have been no recorded cases of rancour between the faiths or even a tinge of rivalry among the various sects who have chosen this place as their spiritual refuge. Even if that were to happen, there is an unseen military presence. For one, the Sobi Barracks is just a stone’s throw away across the road at the foot of the hill, hidden from view by thick vegetation to the south. “The police too are not far away”, Mosun told me, “If there is any crisis, they would be alerted and they would be here in no time”. And today being Sunday, the Christians –expectedly– outnumber the Muslims. The worshippers present are positioned in clusters ranging from threesomes to dozens, some listening to a preacher and others praying fervently in whispers. “People come here to observe their prayer and fasting days”, Mosun said on our way. “It could be seven days, 21 days or even 40 days”. We finally stepped onto the top of the hill. There were just about 10 persons around, four of whom sat listening to man in white garment in the lone block-and-cement structure, the size of a regular bus stop shelter; the preacher was not distracted in the least by our unan-

nounced presence. He just kept on charging his flock, referring every now and then to Old Testament scripture. Far to my left, the other group carried on with their own service. A white cross stood sentry nearby, beside which sits a five litre keg of water. The ‘church’ was not such a grand sight, perhaps the result of old age. Some of its walls to the west had fallen off and the gaping space patched with a rag-tag collection of blocks and stones. “The white people used to come here a lot in those days. They built it”, Mosun said, taking a seat by the door way. Still surveying the place, I came to a raised landmark dated 1963. I moved about cautiously, mindful not to stray too close to the steeper face of the hill. The city of Ilorin spread out before me in bright hue in the brilliant sun. Easily, I could see the blue roofs of the Royal Valley and Harmony Estates, both recent projects of the state government. At that instant, I said a silent prayer of my own. Back in front, I noticed a slim book written in Arabic placed inside a circular area demarcated in white paint. Not so far away there is another circle apparently for the Christians. This must be one of the few spots in the country where Muslims and Christians relate at close quarters and have no ill feelings towards one another. And when they come up here, the pilgrims could sleep over for days, according to Mosun. When it rains, it is in the ‘church’ that everyone would huddle. And many people come here because they believe strongly that their prayers would be answered sooner, being that they are nearer heaven. “There was a woman who used to come up here to pray so that she could travel overseas”, Mosun recalled with a momentary sparkle in her face. “She is now gone”. On our way down to the foot of the hill, I engaged Mosun’s son Rilwan, 11, in a conversation. We met him up there seated all alone. He had obviously followed the other route and was only waiting for us to arrive. A fine young lad when he chose to smile, he has inherited his mother’s dark complexion, which contrasts sharply with his red long-sleeved shirt. He smiled when he saw us, his dentition perfect. Like his mother he came up here nearly every day and I was curious to know why. “So that I can be rich”, he responded, swiping the grass around him with a stick.

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Escape

Friday, December 21, 2012

Peru takes leading culinary destination crown at World Travel Awards

Good Taste

a dining dini di ning ing experience exp xper eriie er ienc ience nce e

eru has won out against stiff competition to be voted the World’s Leading Culinary Destination at the star-studded 18th World Travel Awards Grand Finals held on Wednesday, December 12. The event, hosted by New Delhi, India, saw the South American country fight off competition from notable foodie destinations such as France, China, Italy, Spain and Thailand to claim the culinary crown. Hailed as a “gastronomic superpower” by the Financial Times, Peruvian cuisine continues to maintain its position at the top of the culinary agenda. London has seen the opening of three new Peruvian restaurants in the last 12 months alone. Chef Martin Morales opened Ceviche in Soho; acclaimed Peruvian native Virgilio Martinez opened his

On top of Sobi Hill. Inset: Some visitors going up Sobi Hill (Mosun in pink).

highly anticipated restaurant Lima London in Fitzrovia; while the most recent restaurant opening, Coya, uses traditional elements of Peruvian cooking to create contemporary cuisine and features an extensive Pisco Bar specialising in bespoke Pisco infusions. Mariella Soldi, director of PromPerú’s Country Image Promotion, was present to receive the award and said: “We are very proud to receive this award. The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism and PromPerú has been working to develop our gastronomy to attract more tourists, who now can enjoy delights created by our chefs with unique products cultivated in Peru.” For the past 19 years, World Travel Awards have recognised and celebrated excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. The awards have their own categories covering all continents. Voted for by travel and tourism professionals worldwide, the World Travel Awards represents the ultimate achievement, recognised globally as the foremost acknowledgement of excellence in product and services.

Ilorin Central Mosque

“You mean you come up here just for that?” “And to be brilliant too”, he added. “What do you need the money for?” “I want to travel out of the country”. Rilwan is in primary six and he came third in class at the end of the last term. No doubt, he is gunning for first position. As we continued our descent, I noticed a grey-haired man in traditional Yoruba dress on his knees far in the distance, wav-

ing both hands back and forth in the air; I could tell he was oblivious to the goings on around him and clearly engrossed in his prayers. No distractions – only the burning heat of the sun on his back. When I told Mosun about this, she had just one snappy remark: “His prayers will be answered even faster”. Pelu Awofeso is a travel journalist and travelbook author based in Lagos.

Travel News

Solochus Club opens in Lagos

hose in love with night life and music by veteran Nigerian musicians, otherwise referred to as ‘Old School’, can breathe a sigh of relief as Solochus Club is here to give them their heart desire. Formally opened to the Lagos nightclub going public last Sunday, the club, an offshoot of the Lagos-based Solochus Hotel, was packed to

the brim with patrons looking to catch some fun. The in-house band of the club reeled out oldies from Afrobeat great, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti; Highlife maestros like Stephen Osita Osadebe, Sir Warrior and Oliver de Coque, among many others. The event packed a punch no doubt owing to the money, time and energy

put into its organisation from planning to execution thanks to the dexterity of the outfits Managing Director, Solomon Chukwu. The MD said he has never organised any social event that lacked serious packaging. This strong believe, he explained, is what made Sunday’s event grand in all ramifications. All hands were on deck to ensure that the planning was executed to perfection because of the growing reputation the hotel and club located near the National

Youth Service Corps, NYSC Orientation Camp in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos are already enjoying. Manager of Solochus Club, Alex Chukwudi Chukwu, said the management attached much importance to the event because they are poised to consolidate on such growing reputation. The only way to ensure this, according to Chukwu, is for a committed manager like he is leading the team that has a standard to meet.

Denrele’s Day Adenrele Niyi Denrele’s Day is a collection of witty & sincere articles inspired by a zany imagination

denrele@nationalmirroronline.net 08059100422 (SMS only)

e prefers to be addressed as my boyfriend –denoting a balanced relationship–rather than ‘sugar daddy’, the slang term for a man who offers money or gifts to a younger person in return for companionship or sexual favour. Despite his spirited efforts to convince me otherwise, the birthday ‘boy’ Chief Eddie Ugbomah, OON, is bettersuited to be my ‘sugar daddy’ or perhaps my ‘aristo’ –borrowing the alias popular culture has bestowed on such men. How did Chief Ugbomah and I enter into this inequitable older-man-younger-girl affair? Through the ‘artspace’ we share on ‘Denrele’s Day. Chief, as I fondly call him, has been one of the most consistent columnists I have had the fortune to work with. He runs pillar to post to ensure his articles get to me way ahead of submission deadline; sometimes at great personal discomfort and financial inconvenience. Although, at moments of low emotional ebb Chief riles me for the trouble I’m subjecting ‘an old man to looking for cyber cafes to send articles’, by and large I have grown fond of him and wave away his anger which lasts fleeting seconds anyway In spite of Chief ’s penchant for cutting write-ups, I know now that grumbling about the nation, its citizenry and our general attitude to one another is simply the ‘old man’s’ way of crying out at the pain that stabs his heart whenever he sees the crippled system this country has become. Born in 1940, Chief Ugbomah started life at a slight disadvantage –his parents were too preoccupied with individual pursuits at the expense of raising their son in a nuclear family unit. The young boy went on to live with his paternal grandparents who, as old people are wont to do, ‘spoilt me with old petting’. It is therefore safe to assume that he was given a lot of free rein and few encumbrances to limit the development of a strongly opinionated artist he later turned out to be. 72 years after the Ugbomah family compound broke out in loud cheers, native dance steps and kolanut sharing at the news of a male child’s birth, Eddie Ugbomah is still a fiercely independent person who runs his life with the pristine understanding that alone he arrived in this world and alone he will depart –no apologies whatsoever. I’ve had both the horror and pleasure of editing his writings and I can confess that many at times, I am overcome with morbid fear that one day, one of the subjects of Chief ’s stinging rebuke would come at me for allowing the material in print. Chief nko?, he has no such worries and goes to bed light-hearted and a little merry from two or three glasses of wine. More than any other distinguishing trait he possesses, it is safe to say that

Friday, December 21, 2012

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My ‘sugar daddy’ is 72 today HIS STRAIGHTSHOOTING,

NO-SUGAR-

COATED-TONGUE SEVERALLY CAUSED FRICTIONS BETWEEN CHIEF

AND SYSTEMS HE OPERATED IN whenever the history of entertainment and film making in Nigeria would be told –vividly, holistically and impartially, Chief ’s undeniable contributions would occupy deferrable space. Among indigent film makers, he is of course one of the pioneers of celluloid film production and has ‘stubbornly’ refused to cave in to the commercialisation drive Nollywood adopted in the ‘90s. Trained at the City of London University, Chief returned to Nigeria in 1976 armed with a degree in English and some experience in entertainment from running a night club in North London (a place Nigeria artistes such as Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey entertained then). Within a short spell, he began to promote and invite Black American artistes to perform in Nigeria. After producing his contextual, historic films such as Oil Doom, The Mask, The Black President (based on the life of assassinated Nigerian Head of State Murtala Muhammed) and Oyenusi, among others, between 1977 and 1999, Chief went into temporary retirement. Alternatively, he took up public assignments like Chairman of National Film Corporation, NFC, and Chairman Board of Trustees, Association of Movie Producers, AMP. However, his straight-shooting, nosugar-coated-tongue severally caused frictions between Chief and systems he operated in. And Chief doesn’t help matters – he is quick to reel off his achievements to anyone who cares to listen telling you he has every right to be heard. Listen or not, the facts about Ugbomah speak loud and clear. I conceded this space to him today on his 72nd birthday, not only because he is a worthy Nigeria statesman, but also for Chief daring and spunk –hate him or love him but you can’t wish Chief Ugbomah away. He will be here with us dishing out age-old, cantankerous wit until the Lord graces. In commemoration, I decided to do the unusual– rattle Chief with a set of questions he wouldn’t anticipate. To my utmost delight, he laughed in my face after they were asked describing my well-thought-out queries as ‘too puny’ to shake him! So my indomitable ‘sugar daddy’, I wish you happy birthday and many returns of the day. Also, congratulations to you father of the bride for giving your daughter out in marriage tomorrow.

10 unnerving questions for Eddie Ugbomah The popular sentiment amongst people who have interacted with you personally is your predisposition towards controversy and dissension. Are you controversial? I am not controversial; I’m just a honest person who hates hypocrites. If memory has not failed you, can you recollect your childhood experiences? Did you receive lashings from your parents for being too precocious? I was never close to my parents because they were too busy so I was close to their parents who spoilt me with old petting What’s your angst against the Nigerian system that you can’t stop lambasting the nation? Many people of the younger generation believe you and others of your generation share equal blame for the woes we have inherited. I lambast the nation because I grew to be a man at 10, then left for Europe very young and was brought up to be dynamic. I believe that nothing is impossible. But here we are living a lie and the kids today are not cared for so they too are lazy and lost. They think the adults owe them a living, nobody owes anybody that falls down and refuses to get up. How about the younger artistes in Nollywood; what do you have against them? A reputable filmmaker of your depth and experience should have protégés flocking around to learn from you but rather, many of them avoid you. Why do you think this is? I don’t believe you can be a good artiste without working for it. I have made the careers of Liz Benson, Mercy Johnson and helped to groom John Okafor (Mr. Ibu). I am the only producer that has used all artistes from all parts of Nigeria. All my films talk for me, so I can’t stand imbeciles that want to crash into a serious profession because this is Nigeria. They have ruined the industry and want to look for a scapegoat for their failures. What’s your sincere opinion about the Nollywood phenomena and the new filmmaking direction Nollywood is charting away from the mass production format of Idumota Street and Pound Road producers? It is a brilliant attempt, but like I said, they are very selfish; they don’t team up to bring a good production. Look at the last 10 ‘soaps’ they made and called them cinema films. Their films don’t last two weeks on the big screen, except Ijeh, Figurine and Phone Swap, not the dry stories like In the Cupboard, The meeting and the trash Dr. Bello. Let’s be frank, these people don’t even know the power and value they have. By virtue of your esteemed status, you’ve made friends in high places but you are quick to divulge what may be considered personal/privileged information of your dealings with people once you fall out with them. Don’t you think this may cause

Ugbomah

people to be wary of being fallible around you? Some of my friends love me to a fault and respect me but I hate hypocrites; this country is suffering because of the socalled high thieves. I don’t lobby for favour or contracts so I can’t stand the double way and tribalistic games they play. They can go to hell with their money as I have made mine, trained 11 graduates, I have five chieftaincy titles and several movie awards and a national Award. They love to hate me but I am smiling and now I am 72 going to 90. Does being controversial and fiercely independent bear any financial dividends? How rich are you? I am very rich, happy and contented. I had opportunities to steal from the government and friends but I never did. I can only eat a plate of food, sleep in one bed, drive only one car at a time. I give college scholarships to the children of my poor neighbours and like I said, I trained 11 graduates and the last two will be in universities in 2013 and 2014. They are my riches Any regrets in your professional or personal life? What would you have done differently in life with the benefit of hindsight? My greatest sadness is broken homes and my over commitment to my profession to a fault. So, I am a total stranger to my 13 kids of nine girls and four boys from my women; a football team and two reserves. In your capacity as a national awardee and elder statesman, what legacy do you want to pass on to your children, the young professionals in the film industry and Nigerians as a whole? Nothing is impossible and the sky is a start. My legacy is ambition, dedication, honesty and love. There is no appreciation in a sad and ungrateful country created by our tribalists, empty-headed leaders or I should say rulers. There is a big future for Nigerian motion picture industry if stakeholders unify, be creative, respect age not money and try to avoid the government for their survival. What’s the next phase or goal for you at 72? In 2013, I will release my autobiography, Eddie by Eddie Ugbomah. I will shoot one or two world class films that will last minimum four years on the world screen. I will continue my TV shows called ‘Talk Music’ and ‘Movie Icons’ for both local and international TV stations.

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People In The Mirror

Friday December 21, 2012

Orin Titun: Night of musical arts, fashion Ajoke Music, the Life House and the Knights of the Afrojazz Table last Saturday, organised a night of music, comedy and fashion tagged Orin Titun. Performances came from internationally acclaimed Afrobeat/Jazz band, Ayetoro; The StupidBots; Dr. Bariyu the ventriloquist and Mendo Hakeem. Venue was the serene Lagoon side of Ember Creek, Ikoyi, Lagos.

StupidBots performing.

L-R: Artiste, Edaoto; Anouk Batard and Secretary-General, Committee of Relevant Arts, CORA, Toyin Akinosho.

Ayetoro’s lead vocalist, Sista Soul.

L-R: Mendo Hakeem and Skillz performing with Ayetoro Band. L-R: Wana ‘WanaWana’ Udobang of Inspiration FM; Jenifer Kwale of Smooth FM and her husband, Jeffry at the event.

John Murray (L) and Nitin Anand.

Ed Keazor (L) and Dace Sirve both of Storm 360.

L-R: Bosun Odanye, Gbenga Olaniyan and Wole Ajomale.

Dr. Bariyu and his character ‘Dog’. PHOTOS: OLUFEMI AJASA

Fantasy Island’s magic enthrals guests It was fun all the way for families who were part of the second edition of “Xmas Fantasy Island” which held at the National Theatre, Iganmu-Lagos. The expansive venue was re-created into a games arcade full of recreational activities for kids, while star Nigerian artistes, DJs and celebrities were in attendance to excite guests. Organised by Kiss Events Ltd., the uniquely themed event is (Back) Client Service Executive, Kiss Events, Tiamiyu Moses; Miss. packaged to bring the Christmas experience L-R: Lacasera, Antionette Igebu and Chief Executive, Kiss Events, Howie T; (Front) L-R: Damilare Afolabi; Little Miss. Lacasera Ismail Sultanah; Master alive in a safe and fun environment. Lacasera, Ayomide Fanimo; Ibrahim Aishat and Julie Igue at the event.

L-R: Eva; Howie T and music artiste, Capital FEMI

Children having a great time on the trampoline.

Comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka thrilling kids at the event.

Cross section of participants.

PHOTOS: OLUFEMI AJASA

Friday December 21, 2012

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Mirror Drive

Lamborghini Urus SUV:

Offroader with a difference

OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he 2012 Lamborghini Urus Concept is a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) with a difference. Extreme performance is coupled with a unique, powerful and dynamic design that includes a number of innovative features such as forged carbon fibre composite in the interior. The Urus concept car is redefining the design and dynamics of cars that typically fall into this category by being a uniquely designed, versatile, lightweight yet powerful and efficient SUV. It is projected to offer the lowest CO2 emissions of any in its category. With a power output of 600 hp and Lamborghini’s extensive knowledge of how to make lightweight, dynamic vehicles, the Urus is set to impress. With this concept, Lamborghini has finally taken the wraps off its much rumoured SUV as it points the direction for a production SUV in the Lamborghini line-up. Following the example of Porsche, which used its Cayenne SUV to create more stable revenue, Lamborghini wants to add an SUV as a third model in its line up. Using the sharp edges of its current design language, the Urus presents a very unique look for a vehicle designed to drive offroad. Although about 16 feet in length, similar to the Cayenne, the Urus concept is only about 5.5 feet high, making it more like a raised sedan. The concept does not appear to be based on any existing Lamborghini, looking like it would use a front engine design. Lamborghini targets 600 horsepower for the output, but does not specify the engine configuration. That high output suggests an engine possibly sourced from Bentley, a sister company under Volkswagen own-

LAMBORGHINI POSSESSES A

UNIQUE COMPETENCE IN THE USE OF CARBON MATERIALS AND EXHIBITS THIS INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY IN THE URUS

ership. Bentley came out with its own attempt at an SUV, the EXP 9 F concept, at the Geneva auto show this year but it was a critical flop. Lamborghini also specifies a dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel-drive for the Urus, both technologies already existing in the company’s model line-up. The ride height is also adjustable but the concept appears to get most of its ground clearance from the 24-inch wheels. The name, Urus, comes from a prehistoric ancestor to a modern cattle and maintains Lamborghini’s naming convention related to bulls. Lamborghini possesses a unique competence in the use of carbon materials and exhibits this innovative technology in the Urus concept car. The centre tunnel is particularly notable – an open, skeletal carbon fibre structure made from forged composite. It carries through the entire interior and is only partially clad in leather-upholstery cushioning. Single cushions also clad the bucket seats made from forged composite. Urus concept also features an extremely minimised operating philosophy. Behind the steering wheel are only the shift paddles for the dual-clutch transmission. All other functions such as indicators, lights and windshield wipers are incorporated into either the multi-

functioning steering wheel or the centre console. The driver is delivered information via a freely programmable TFT screen behind the steering wheel. Secondary functions such as navigation, entertainment and climate control are operated via a touch screen on the centre tunnel. A further touch screen is available for rear seat passengers.

Dimensions Urus offers the perfect amount of space, plenty for four people to sit comfortably and still fit a large amount of shopping or luggage. It has been designed with everyday use in mind, for families or leisure pursuits with a group of friends. It has an unmistakable powerful look, muscular but not bulky, highly athletic and elegant. With a length of 192.9”, it’s a perfect fit for the sporty SUV niche but it is also comparatively lower than competitors with a height of just 62.9”.

Design The front of the Lamborghini shows a clear family resemblance full of strong, 3D shapes, sharp lines and a clear arrow form with large air intakes and Y shapes in the headlamps. Yet the Urus is also different in many respects, the headlamps have a heptagonal/horizontal form and a new array of LED technology and the rear is surprisingly rounded. The wheels are a large part of any Lamborghini and the Urus does not disappoint in this respect. The 24” wheels forged from aluminium and have a matte finish feature an elegant double spoke design and carbon fibre winglets that optimise ventilation. There are no obvious rear-view mirrors on the Urus, instead there are small, aerodynamic cameras that that monitor traffic conditions.

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Innoson boss honoured for innovative entrepreneurship

Mirror Drive

Friday December 21, 2012

he Chairman of the Innoson Group, Chief Innocent Chukwuma was recently honoured at the annual dinner and awards ceremony of the Institute of Directors of Nigeria (IoD) held in Lagos. Chukwuma was recognised for achievements in the manufacturing sector through his motorcycle and motor vehicle plants in Nnewi and a plastics company in Enugu. The Innoson boss was honoured alongside the founder of Elizade Nigeria Limited, Chief Michael Ade Ojo and Managing Director, Emzor Pharmaceuticals Limited, Mrs. Stella Chinyelu Okoli. Giving out the award to Chukwuma, the directors commented that they considered particularly the fact that the giant manufacturing group started small in 1982 “to merely sell tyres and motorcycle spare parts at Nkwo Nnewi, Anambra State”, under the trade name, Innoson Nigeria Ltd. “Today, the man behind it all has since risen from a mere motorcycle spare parts seller to become an industrial icon in Nigeria”. He was identified as one of the entrepreneurs in the country that had, through their manufacturing ventures, keyed into the Federal Government’s agenda to develop vital sectors of the economy to make Nigeria one of the top 20 economies by 2020. The directors stated further that Innoson was the first indigenous company, after Leventis and Boulous Enterprises, to bring motorcycles into Nigeria on a large scale and subsequently set up a manufacturing facility located in Nnewi. The innovations he introduced into the sector reportedly resulted in a considerable fall in the prices of new motorcycles, leading to the disappearance of imported second-hand bikes in the market till today. Reference was also made to the fact that Auto Star, Ekeson Motors, Orizu Motors, God is Good Motors and Eastern Mass are among established transporters using Innoson buses. Also, Enugu, Anambra and Imo state governments, as well as numerous FG agencies at one time or the other patronised the auto manufacturing company, the institute disclosed while not forgetting the hundreds of mass transit buses built for government as part of the fuel subsidy withdrawal palliative measures. “Chief Chukwuma’s innovative spirit shifted to tyres and tubes manufacturing under another subsidiary, General Tyres and Tubes Company Ltd. located at Emene on the outskirts of Enugu, where he built a huge factory in collaboration with his Chinese partners, to fill the vacuum created in tyre manufacturing in Nigeria”. Chukwuma has received over 20 merit awards from institutions and governments both in Nigeria and abroad. Recently, the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) bestowed on him the 2012 Business of the Year award in London.

Vehicle importation drops by 7% in 2012 – Toyota STORIES: OLUSEGUN KOIKI

his may not be the best of time for auto dealers who deal in brand new vehicles as information released last week by Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL) indicates that total importation of brand new vehicles by approved companies dropped by seven per cent. This is just as the Managing Director of TNL, Mr. Chandrasheke Thampy, says in the same period, the company recorded 27 per cent growth in the number of imported vehicles into the country. Speaking at a briefing with auto journalists last week in TNL’s Lagos headquarters, Thampy revealed that in 2012 so far, a total of 44,027 had been imported by different approved auto dealers in the country, a sharp contrast from 47,247 in the same period in 2011. He attributed the tight economy to the drop in the number of vehicles imported and sold in the country, adding that unlike in the past when financial institutions used to give out auto loans to

interested buyers, the lull in the economy no longer permits that. However, for TNL, Thampy noted that the auto company has so far imported a total of 18,183 units while it imported 14,900 units the same period in 2011. This indicated 27 per cent growth in the number of vehicles sold in 2011. He explained that with these figures, TNL has had a total of 41 per cent market shares in 2012 when compared to 40 per cent in 2011. He explained that the first half of 2012 was a little bit fast due to the partial suspension of subsidy on fuel, but the second half became very slow and dull due to the fact that the government budget was not released as expected. He said; “We have to know that the world is a global village and whatever happens in a particular country affects other parts of the world. A large chunk of spending in this part of the world is being propelled by the government and when the government does not release money to the system, there is always a kind of dull market and the economy will not grow as anticipated. “However, despite these challenges Toyota products are among the top 10 brands in the world”, he said.

2013 Toyota Landcruiser

MAINTENANCE TIPS

Radiator and cooling system flush

n the same way one’s arteries will clog up with the consumption of too many double bacon cheeseburgers and chocolate shakes, the passages in your vehicle’s cooling system can get clogged due to neglect. When it comes to humans, proper diet and exercise will keep the arteries in good shape and circulating blood like they should. Like proper diet and exercise, preventative maintenance will keep your automobile’s cooling system in good shape.

Neglecting cooling system maintenance is the vehicular equivalent of a steady diet of saturated fats. Scale and deposits on the walls of the cooling system passages prevent the transfer of engine heat to the coolant. The cooling system can suffer a loss of efficiency due to neglect, and overheating can occur. Overheating can cause expensive internal engine damage. Yet, thanks to the miracle of modern chemistry, it is easy to keep your cooling system passages clear and free-flowing. Open-heart surgery is not required.

System functions The cooling system in your vehicle is similar to the circulatory system in your body. The water pump acts like your heart, and circulates the coolant through the passages of the engine in order to wick away the heat of internal combustion.

Long-term approach Just as waiting for a heart attack to occur before switching to salads is waiting too long, waiting until your vehicle overheats before servicing the cooling system is not the best strategy to take. Coolant should be changed according

to the service maintenance schedule requirements of the vehicle and this is the perfect time for a cooling system flush since removal of coolant is the first step in the introduction of the coolant flush. The coolant is replaced with the chemical flush and any scale and deposits that have managed to stick to the insides of the passages will be cleared away in the process to bring back peak cooling system efficiency. Keep in mind that like long term proper diet and exercise, a cooling system flush should be considered preventative maintenance and not a cure for a cooling system that is in rough shape. The radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, cap and overflow system must be working properly for the flush to be beneficial. Be sure to follow instructions and completely remove the flush before reintroducing coolant back into the system.

Cocktail

Friday, December 21, 2012

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

WITH DR. DEJI FOLUTILE

Today's Tonic (67)

“When you are not able to move yourself to action, it is because you have not clearly defined what you want, and you have not made a decision to have it.” –Jerry & Esther Hicks *** MY THOUGHTS No matter what we know, until we act, we do not really know it. Know, but most importantly do. Action is the only proof that we are serious about our intentions in life. Many good things have not appeared in our lives because we have not committed ourselves to relentless action. If only we can move today on our inner visions, we will secure a better tomorrow. Success is for those who acts on their dreams and not for those who merely wishes day by day. TEL 08104942999 E-MAIL deji.folutile@gmail.com Follow me @TwitterOWOTIDE

L Lottery winners i ffund d new football stadium

n Iowa couple who won a $202 million Powerball jackpot in September is donating $3 million to their son’s high school for a new football stadium — but the gift comes with a catch. The stadium visitor’s locker room must be painted pink. The Bondurant-Farrar school district accepted

the $3 million donation from Brian and Mary Lohse on Monday, The Des Moines Register reported. The couple from the Des Moines suburb of Bondurant requested only that the new stadium be completed before the fall 2014 football season — their oldest son’s senior year — and that the visiting team’s locker room be painted pink.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Christmas lights removed from dog’s tommy

British woman said surgeons saved her 7-year-old dog’s life after he swallowed a footlong string of Christmas fairy lights. Sharon Fay, 45, of Southampton, England, said she became concerned when she spotted bits of wire sticking out of her mixed breed canine Charlie’s droppings, The Mirror reported Tuesday. “I hadn’t even noticed that the lights had been chewed at this stage but it quickly became clear what had happened,” Fay said. “Back in March he ate one of my scarves and needed an operation to remove it, but I thought it was just a one-off incident as he hadn’t shown any signs that he was going to be a repeat offender. I’ve had dogs all my life and have never known a dog act like this before.” Veterinarians took an X-ray of Charlie’s stomach and discovered a foot-long string of Christmas fairy lights and a shoelace. Surgeons said the lights would have been fatal if not swiftly removed.

“A foreign body of this nature could easily have caused severe internal injuries so Charlie was very, very lucky. He was also fortunate that the glass didn’t cut his mouth

A funny road sign.

or throat. And he could have been electrocuted if he’d bitten through the wire when the lights were switched on,” senior veterinary surgeon Sophie Bell said.

Fay said Charlie was recovering well from surgery and was back at home -- where she has taken precautions to keep him from eating other dangerous items.

PHOTO: CREATIVENERDS.CO.UK

Friday, December 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business & Finance The government should do away with imposing revenue targets on the service but ensure that all it blocks, revenue leakages by insisting that all collectible revenues are collected using modern Information Technology tools

The oil deposits, when fully explored and exploited, will certainly boost the socio economic status of the people of the state, as well as the nation’s economy

Comptroller-General, Nigerian Custom Service, Abdullahi Dikko

Executive Governor, Sokoto State, Aliyu Wamakko

FHA seeks N300bn to bridge 17 million housing units gap OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

housing units could be built from the fund. He said, “We have been out of budget for over 10 years and we have successfully survived over these years. We are making tremendous progress more than when were in the budget. “With our 37 years of existence, FHA has built about 37, 000 housing

units which gives an average of about 1, 000 units a year “We believe we can do much better now that we are out of budget. So what we really need now is an intervention fund to be devoted to housing. “They should give us this money about N300bn to develop houses of a particular category for Ni-

gerians and this is exactly what we want government to do for us.” Meanwhile, the FHA boss identified the lack of infrastructure as one of the major reasons for the high cost of houses in the country. For instance, he explained that about 40 per cent of the cost of building houses is spent on in-

frastructure adding that if the federal government could provide infrastructure, the cost of building houses would drop by 40 per cent. Gemade stated that despite the 17 million housing deficit in the country, many Nigerians cannot afford to buy the existing houses on account of low earning capacity.

he Managing Director, Federal Housing Authority, Arc. Terver Gemade has sought from the Federal Government N300bn intervention fund to enable it bridge the housing deficit gap put at 17million units. Gemade who spoke during an interactive session with Journalists in Abuja yesterday Explained that the amount, which would be in form of a revolving loan to be domiciled with the FHA, would help to provide mass housing to the medium and low income earners. He said since the federal government had stopped allocation to the agency in its annual budget, such intervention fund would help to provide houses to Nigerians at affordable prices. For instance, he said at a rate of N5m per housing units (including cost L-R: Head Legal & Regulatory Services Starcomms, Mr. Bosun Hambolu; Interim-CEO, Mr. Olusola Oladokun and CEO desigof providing basic infra- nate, New Starcomms, Mr. Dem Eleso, at the Starcomms Shareholders’ Forum in Lagos recently. structure), about 60, 000

Bread price may rise as Dangote Flour workers down tools MESHACK IDEHEN

here are indications that prices of flour used in the production of bread and allied products will soon rise, as workers at

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Dangote Flour Mills Plc said they are downing tools over non-payment of their gratuity after the sale of the mill to Tiger Brand, a SouthAfrican company. The closure of the plant could lead to shortage of flour supplies. The workers said they are angry that the management of the com-

pany unilaterally transferred ownership of the firm to Tiger Brands without consulting or negotiating with them, adding that the development has left their fate hanging in the balance given the non-payment of their entitlements. The workers however insisted they have to stop work, in order to arm-twist the manage-

First Aluminium suspends P/Harcourt operations, considers importation

ment of the company to pay them their gratuities, without which the company would not be allowed to operate again. However, the company said in a memo to the workers, that the transfer of ownership of Dangote Flour Mills to Tiger Brand will not affect the operations of the company, and

that workers gratuities would be paid. Deputy Managing Director of the company, Mr. Ekanem Etim, and the General Manager, Human Resources and Administration, Mr. Mustapha Ibrahim, also explained that the management had decided to shelve the idea of payment of gratuity to the staff.

Why smuggling thrives at Seme Border

FLIGHT SCHEDULE Arik Air

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

Aero Contractors Los-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) Los-Ben: 07:45, 11:00, 15:30, (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12:30 (Sun) 15:30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) Ben-Los: 09:15, 12:30, 17:00 (Mon-Fri/ Sat/Sun) 17:00 (Sat), 14:00 (Sun)

EXCHANGE RATES WAUA

234.6271

USD

155.84

CHF

159.2642

SDR

235.0535

CFA

0.2924

GBP

244.1701

EURO

191.3715

OIL / GAS FUTURES ICE BRENT

$123.39

-0.78

NYMEX

$108.45

-0.11

OPEC BASKET

$122.86

+1.16

NATURAL GAS

$2.83

-0.03

Business News

Friday, December 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

First Aluminium suspends P/Harcourt operations, considers importation ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

he First Aluminium Nigeria, the oldest aluminium extrusion in Nigeria has suspended its Port-Harcourt operations as a result of mounting operational cost and activities of importers. The company announced the suspension yesterday in a release made available to National Mirror. Justifying the suspension, Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Ben Elfrink, said circumstances have made it almost impossible to have profitable manufacturing in the country. “We have decided to temporarily close down our Remelt and Rolling Mill operations,” he said. The company which was incorporated on August 20, 1960, and quoted on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on November 5, 1992, had in 2002 suspended payment of dividends due to operational challenges. Elfrink had explained few months ago that the company was doing everything possible to settle its obligations with banks, adding that First Aluminium was doing “very well” until 15 years ago when it was confronted with the challeng-

es of lack of adequate energy coupled with cheap and substandard import. But in its latest announcement, Elfrink said the company decided to temporarily close down its Remelt and Rolling Mill operations in PortHarcourt as parts of efforts to reposition its business operations against the backdrop of challenging business environment in Nigeria. He said, “We have decided to temporarily close down our Remelt and Rolling Mill operations. We will focus on the painting and embossing of high quality imported coils. All downstream activities, such as the supply of coils to roofing companies, the production and supply of roofing sheets and the execution of roofing projects will not be affected. “ He disclosed that the decision would have no effect on its packaging division. “In fact, for our customers nothing will change, except that highest quality aluminium sheets are from now on available at an even more affordable price. For our shareholders, it will mean that a huge cost reduction has been done so that, in unchanged conditions, will bring FAN back to profitability,” said the CEO. Meanwhile, the management has signed an exclusive supply agreement with a world-class

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Novelpotta Y&R, Dr. Celey Okogun; Assistant Brand Manager, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mrs. Esther Fagbola; and Corporate Marketing Manager, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr. Rajesh Agnihotri during the presentation of the Most Trusted Brands award in the Home Appliance to LG Electronics at the 2012 BrandHealth Most Trusted Brands Awards held in Lagos recently.

producer of aluminium coil for the supply of unpainted coil to FAN to compete with importers and reduce operational costs. “FAN is today happy to announce that it has signed an exclusive supply agreement with a world-class producer of aluminium coil for the supply of unpainted coil to FAN. FAN will now focus on the painting and coating of these coils, using its current facility in Port Harcourt. The painting process that has been used by FAN has always ensured that the roofing sheet stays colour-fast for many

years, without fading,” he said. According to him, the agreement ensures that all materials supplied to FAN will be produced to its strict tolerances and quality specifications of existing supplied coils. He said, “People purchasing roofing sheets with the FAN logo also in the future can do so with the full confidence that they own a product of the highest quality, with the correct gauge and with the best paint quality available in the market. As a consequence of the

agreement, he said FAN would streamline its manufacturing operations in Port Harcourt and utilise an outsourcing strategy to reduce operating cost in order to return to profitability as rapidly as possible. “This will initially lead to a reduction in workforce in the Port Harcourt site, but this is needed to give way to future growth. It is FAN’s intention to resume local rolling of aluminium sheets as soon as market conditions allow this to take place,” said Elfrink.

Planning Minister urges states to adopt PMSs TOLA AKINMUTIMI

Experts tackle Reps over call for implementation remain the the management systems would Demuren’s dismissal only option for achieving peo- help in effectively monitoring

he Minister of National Planning, Dr Shamsuddeen Usman, has urged state governments to adopt performance management systems in the implementation of their policies and projects in order to achieve better impact of such programmes on ordinary Nigerians, in terms of their socio-economic well being. Usman, who gave the advice in his keynote address at the Meeting of the National Council on Development Planning (NCDP) yesterday in Makurdi, Benue State, said developing strategic plans and using performance system to guide the

ple-oriented development at all levels of government in the country. Describing the NCDP as crucial to achieving the broad policy objectives of the national transformation agenda and particularly those of the Vision 20:2020 economic blueprint, the minister said the states should commit themselves to the agenda by taking necessary steps towards ensuring the effective implementation of strategic plans and also adopt performance management systems in their domains for accelerated, broadbased development of the country. Usman said the adoption of

and evaluating development projects at sub-national level of government with the attendant implications for a more costefficient capital budgeting and utilisation of the resources in the states. The minister recalled the various efforts of the Federal Government targeted at promoting performance management system at all levels of government, pointing out that taking similar steps at the states’ level would ensure that public resources are efficiently deployed to programmes and projects that have direct bearing on the welfare of the citizenry.

Finance background helps women get boardroom positions –ACCA KUNLE A ZEEZ

new report commissioned by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and Economic and Social Research Council from Cranfield School of Management has revealed that a financial qualification or a background which demonstrates substantial financial acumen is a catalyst for women’s quick step to be on the board of companies. The report, ‘Women in Finance:

A Springboard to Corporate Board Positions?’ explained how most women in companies listed on the Financial Times Stock Exchange got their boardroom position through financial qualification or a background. According to the study, “Proportionally, women appear more successful in attaining executive roles where they have a financial background: 45 per cent of female executive directors are financially qualified and 65 per cent in total have a financial background, while 26 per cent of their male colleagues are financially qualified

and 44 per cent have a financial background.” The study found that more than half of new female NonExecutive Director (NED) appointments had a functional background in finance. It also pointed out that the finance function is seen by the three groups interviewed for the research - executive search consultants, chairmen and women who have made it to the board, to be more facilitative for women’s progress to the top of corporate organisations.

OLUSEGUN KOIKI

t was a torrent of attacks yesterday against the House of Representatives members who called for the dismissal and prosecution of the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren over the June 3, 2012 air accident involving Dana Air. Stakeholders in the Nigerian aviation industry said that the House of Assembly members were uninformed about the nitty-gritty of the sector they were supposed to carryout oversight function on. The stakeholders warned that if Demuren was pressurised out of office, it would spell doom for the country’s aviation industry. The President, Aviation Round Table (ART), Capt. Dele Ore in an interview with National Mirror said that the House of Reps were not well informed on the issue they were commenting on. He explained that rather than the House to discuss technical issues on the crash, they allowed sentiments to override their judgements and submissions. He queried the House under which law they would be prosecuting Demuren, saying that Demuren as the Director-General

had done well over the years. Ore insisted that Demuren could not be blamed for the unfortunate crash, stressing that what needed to be done in terms of regulations had been done by the agency. He said, “You can only say somebody is negligence if you have assigned him with a duty and he has refused to do it. There is no responsibility assigned to NCAA that you can say they have been found wanting as at today. So, under what law do you want to prosecute somebody? “And the call to say NCAA should maintain aircraft, that is a total no. Safety is the final responsibility of the operators. The NCAA sets the parameters, which it has done, the NCAA certified the engineers who are qualified to work in the aircraft, which they have done. NCAA can not be the policeman in the air. So, they have got it wrong calling for the NCAA’s helmsman. “I think it is not viable and I believe the whole world will be watching the development because in line with Article 38 of the Chicago Convention, if you want to introduce Nigerian style in aviation, you must file a difference. We haven’t filled a difference and you want to start removing a DG, I think we are calling for trouble.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, December 21, 2012

Alison-Madueke harps on need to develop local gas market Insurance premium income may Domestic market. Unfortunately, shrink in 2013 –Insurers tion and economic growth. CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

ith the current national consumption rate at 110,000 metric tonnes (MT) per annum of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), Nigeria is ranked among the lowest consumers of LPG in Africa, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke has said. Speaking yesterday at the opening of the LPG Strategic Workshop and Conference in Abuja, the minister said growing the LPG market in Nigeria is a critical component of the nation’s Gas Master plan. Speaking through the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Amb. Abdulkadir Musa, the petroleum minister said there is urgent need to open up the LPG market for better energy utilisa-

“The National Strategic Policy for LPG is therefore necessary to address all the issues affecting LPG development and utilisation such as lack of infrastructure, affordability safety concerns and logistics challenges”. “On this note, I will like to state that our vision in the ministry is for LPG to be an engine for economic growth for our nation”, she added The minister explained that due to the challenges in the LPG market, the country can’t even consume the 150,000 metric tonnes of LPG per annum earmarked for domestic market. “Upstream gas suppliers were directed to dedicate an agreed volume of LPG product to the domestic market, which made the NLNG to release 150000 MT of LPG per annum to the Nigerian

this volume is not sufficiently consumed by the domestic market due to the lack of infrastructure, affordability, safety concerns and logistics challenges.”, the minister said. In his remark, the President of the Nigeria LPG Association, Mr Auwalu Ilu, said his association has been pushing for such policy in the industry but they were not successful until this time around. He said the proposed policy, will help address in the future the challenges in the industry, grow the LPG market when implemented. Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Pipeline and Product Marketing Company, Haruna Momoh said his company has made plan to grow LPG market by making it more accessible and affordable.

OMOBOLA TOLU-KUSIMO

nsurance operators have expressed fear that the industry premium income may reduce in 2013 if the law on ‘No premium, no cover’ policy is fully implemented by the Federal Government. The industry was able to grow its premium income to N200 billion in 2010 from N178 billion recorded in 2009 representing 18 per cent increase. They are however optimistic that the industry will improve in subsequent years as insurance will be bought on a cash and carry basis. Managing Director, FBN Life Insurance, Mr. Val Ojumah in a telephone interview with national Mirror yesterday said the no premium, no cover policy if fully implemented by the National In-

surance Commission (NAICOM) from January 1, 2013 will affect the industry positively. According to him, it might affect the total premium by reducing it in 2013 but it will pick up in the years to come. “It is a welcome development that from January next year, insurance will no longer be bought on credit. Since it is not possible for people to buy other product without paying, it will no longer be possible for anyone to buy insurance product without paying or delaying payment”. The good part of it is that insurance companies will now be able to respond to claims faster, he said. Managing Director, Staco Insurance Plc, Mr. Sakiru Oyefeso on his part said the industry must comply with the law as it cannot continue to be seen as the type that does not obey the country’s law.

First Bank supports talent development

L-R: Category Manager, Grand Oak Limited, Mr Abiodun Adedeji, Chairman, Blessing Investment, (Distributor of Dark Sailor Rum), Mr Peter Okonkwo, his wife and Executive Director (Client Service), Rosabel Leo Burnett, Mr Abiodun Adefioye during Dark Sailor Rum ‘Dark and Daring Party’ organised by Grand Oak Limited in Lagos recently.

‘Foreign airlines’ investment in Nigeria is less than 10%’ OLUSEGUN KOIKI

viation Round Table (ART) yesterday revealed that the total foreign airlines investments in Nigeria is less than 10 per cent of total airline investments despite the capital flight over N30billion annually to their home countries. Briefing journalists at its office yesterday in Lagos, the President of ART, Capt. Dele Ore decried that despite the billions of naira generated in the country annually; the airlines are not doing much to contribute to the development of the industry in the country unlike other countries in the continent. The pressure group insisted that foreign airlines investments in the country were massively insignificant to their profit margin. ART urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation to hold a serious meeting with the Board of Airline Representatives (BAR) to develop new areas of cooperation and investments in 2013. Areas needed investments by

foreign airlines according to ART are airport terminals development, hotels, catering and hospitality services and airport shuttle services. Others are banking and insurance companies, airport fire services and investments in domestic airlines as they are currently doing with some indigenous airlines in some countries in the continent. Also, Ore commended the rehabilitation of 11 airports in the first phase by the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, but queried the position of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the country. He said, “This is a welcome development, when viewed against the dilapidation and rot of facilities at most of our airports. The extent of the breakdown of terminal buildings, passengers lounge, toilet facilities, unserviceable conveyor belts or lack of electricity at our airports had reached an alarming rate and were crying to high heavens for urgent rehabilitation.

“However, ART wonders what has become of PPP, would have limited tax payer’s money in the airports remodelling projects. On the concession option, which would have meant that available funds are channelled into sectors, which also impact on safety such as airfield lighting (Runway 18L), which has been stalled for many years now.” Ore explained that in the spirit of transparency, accountability and due process of the present administration the processes of contract tenders and award ought to have been made open and available to stakeholders for monitoring purposes. Ore equally questioned the $500 borrowed from China to acquired aircraft for the country’s airlines. He said rather than the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to discuss this on behalf of the country, the director of operations of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Henry Omeogu was said to had represented the country.

irst Bank of Nigeria is expected to aid the development of tourism and talent, promote culture and celebrate the heritage of the people of Enugu state, as over 20 groups from various local governments across state are coming together for the second edition of the Enugu State Fiesta. The event which is also aimed at creating awareness for investors to key into the available tourism sites, which inevitably will contribute to wealth generation for the state, was extended from its usual 7days to 10days days to make room for more activities and participation from more tourists from different parts of the world. The fiesta kicked off with the cultural day and food fair, showcasing Igbo customs and the various cuisines, rich food spices and delicacies of the Igbo people. The tourism platform of the fiesta was used in discovering new tourist site in Enugu “Nyama Sand Beach” located along Nya-

ma River in Enugu south Local Government. The beach played host to one of the largest parties during the fiesta. The Enugu state commissioner for culture and tourism Joe Mammel who official declared the beach open commended FirstBank for its commitment to promoting the culture of the people of Enugu State. He said that “the idea of the beach was to expose the area for possible investors to further drive the development of the area and boost the economic livelihood of the people there” FirstBank’s spokesperson, Folake Ani-Mumuney said the bank was pleased to play a leading role in enhancing tourism and culture renaissance in Enugu State, adding that the leading financial institution was confident that its support and that of other stakeholders would help discover hidden treasures of Enugu and explore them for investment opportunities.

Niger, World Bank expend over N800m on grants to farmers

iger State Government said under the Fadama Agricultural Development Project, phase three with World Bank, the state and the 25 local government councils have expended the sum of N298 million as grants to farmers, since its commencement in 2009. It also revealed that the World Bank on its own spent N560 million to counter fund the fund invested by the state and the grass root areas for the project in the state in the last 4 years. The state commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Abdullahi Kwatu made the disclosure in Minna, yesterday, explained that, since the commencement of the Fadama project in 2007

in the country, Niger has never defaulted in paying its counterpart fund. “We are happy with the support and quick response; we get from the state government, the payment of counterpart fund. It has never faulted in its counterpart funding.” He noted that under the Fadama i project, Niger state was adjudged the best state in the federation in the programme as a result of the positive change in the farmers due to judicious usage of the grants that reflected in their lives. Kwatun further said under the current Fadama iii project, the state has received a letter of commendation from the World Bank over its performance in the programme in the nation.

Maritime

Friday, December 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Why smuggling thrives at Seme Border The growing insecurity in Nigeria constitutes the greatest source of concern to government and stakeholders in the Nigerian project. But her borders have remained porous with the influx of arms, drugs and other contrabands. FRANCIS EZEM in this report, examines the thriving smuggling business at Nigeria’s busiest land border, Seme.

An over-sized truck used for smuggling at Seme Border. INSET: Helicopter acquired by the Federal Government to fight smuggling.

hen the Federal Government reversed the Pre-Shipment Inspection Scheme in preference for Destination Inspection in 2006, one of the arguments was that the inspection of imported cargo on arrival at the sea, airports and land borders would drastically reduce the problem of smuggling, enhance port efficiency and in the long run facilitate trade. It was against this background that the government entered into a seven year Build, Own, Operate and Transfer contract with the five service providers comprising of Cotecna Destination Limited, Webb Fontaine, SGS and Global Scan Service, a fully indigenously owned firm. Under the contract, in addition to providing the Computerised Risk Management Scheme, the service providers were to install scanners at the sea, airports and land borders in order to check smuggling, increase government revenue by block leakages and above all check the influx of arms, contrabands and all other illicit goods. Unfortunately, all these projections are yet to be met seven years after, as smuggling has become the order of the day at the land borders including Seme, which is Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Benin. Apart from growing security threat occasioned by the influx of arms and ammunition, statistics show that the government loses in excess of N165billion annually due to the thriving illegal businesses in the area, especially smuggling. It was probably worried by this trend that the Managing Director of Global Scan Systems Limited, the service provider in charge of scanning goods at the border, Mr. Fred Udechukwu recently raised the alarm over huge revenue leakages, which he among others attributed to the non enforcement of relevant bilateral trade agreements between Nigeria and other neighbouring African countries, which tend to leave the borders open to all manners of illegalities. Udechukwu had while commenting on the Destination Inspection scheme, observed that there are high level of revenue leakages. “This is brought about by non-compliance with the various trade policies and bilateral agreements such as the bilateral agreement between Nigeria and Republic

of Benin on transit goods, which states that goods on transit from Republic of Benin must arrive the country in their original form”, he noted. According to him, this is presently not the case; as goods are usually trans-loaded into over-sized heavy trucks at the border posts and cleared far below their duty value. Investigations identified four classes of smugglers at the border. The first category comprises of the small-scale or itinerant smugglers, which is made up of young men and women and some physically challenged people. The main items smuggled include rice, apple, frozen foods and jewelries, among several others. The modus operandi of this category include going to the Benin end of the border, take a sizable quantity of the goods in question and cross over the Nigeria-end of the border and deposit at a designated warehouse. This category of people can go as many times as possible and so at the end of the day, they take stock of what they have gathered for onward transport to Lagos. A source said: “You will be amazed at the quantity of rice those physically challenged people would have smuggled with the aid of their hand-driven bicycles or those of them that use the old Vespa bikes” Investigations also show that under this category falls a couple; the man is blind and so with her baby strapped to her back, the wife leads the husband as they go as many trips as possible, smuggling rice in small quantities. The second category is made up of those who use the bush tracks to move their wares into Nigeria. Most prominent among these are those that smuggle vehicles and other items like groundnut oil across the border. For the purpose of this, it was further gathered, this category of smugglers created buffer zones toward the beach at the back of Agents’ village at the Seme Border. Each buffer zone constitute of about eight pole -distance in which individual item is handled. These items range from used

THIS OPERATION CODE NAMED- ‘OPERATION CINNAKA’ WILL NOT GIVE PREFERENCE TO ANYBODY. AS LONG AS YOU FLOUT THE LAWS, WE WILL STING YOU WHETHER YOU ARE A FRIEND OR A FOE tyre, rice, groundnut and other consumer items, which are stuffed into vans and big buses. The modus operandi of the category is to load their goods of choice; be it vehicles, spare parts etc into a medium–sized, big vans or buses for onward movement into Lagos. Another category of smugglers are those that use canoes and boats to cross their wares through the Badagry Lagoon. Some residents of the border communities, who did not want their names mentioned, argued that smuggling around the communities along the borders is like a profession or a trade. According to the sources, most inhabitants along the borders see smuggling as a way of getting their portions of the national cake since they believe there is hardly any Federal Government presence in the areas and this inform why some traditional rulers are also into the business. The last category is those that use the over-sized trucks that usually pass through the main border. These are the big time smugglers whose activities have been described as ‘organised smuggling’. It was gathered that the reason behind the use of this large trucks, which are usually above nine foot- high, is to make it impossible for the trucks to go through the mobile scanners provided by the service providers. The idea is that if the truck is not scanned, operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service would be left

with no other choice than to carry out 100 percent physical examination, which is cumbersome and difficult. This also gives room for ‘negotiation’. But many stakeholders have continued to wonder why the management of Customs has decided to pretend that such illegal activities do not exist. President of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Mr. Eugene Nweke, who spoke in an interview in respect to the use of over-sized trucks said: “What the service needed to do was to insist that the size of the trucks must be reduced to the recommended size” It was gathered that a one time Customs Area in charge of Seme Command, Mr. Ali Wakili once stopped the use of such large trucks that cannot be scanned. Controller Wakili had insisted that no consignment in such over-sized trucks would be allowed into Nigeria and so the importers and their agents complied fully. But Nweke made a strong case for the installation of fixed scanners at the borders for the purpose of efficiency, arguing that the mobile scanners, which are usually not more than nine feet high have several limitations. He had wondered why such large scale of smuggling activities should still go on around the borders, which according to him is an indication that the port reform programme, which was partly to address the issue of cargo diversion through the borders has not achieved the goals and objectives, nearly nine years after. Many stakeholders are equally at loss at the seeming inability of Customs to do anything about this economic sabotage, especially given the decision of the current Comptroller General of the service, Mr. Abdullahi Dikko to put in place an anti-smuggling squad. Precisely on November 9, 2010, shortly after the failed attempt to bring in 13 containers of rocket launchers and other dangerous arms, the CG launched what he code named ‘Operation Cinnika’. While inaugurating the squad, the CG said: “Accordingly, the service is taking decisive action by putting together a Crack Team of Anti-Smuggling Operatives well equipped with helicopters, bullet proof patrol vehicles, boats and all the arms they need to ensure total blockade, air, land and water making it impossible for illicit traders to succeed. “This operation code named- ‘OPERATION CINNAKA’ will not give preference to anybody. As long as you flout the laws, we will sting you whether you are a friend or a foe”, he further warned. More than two years, the smugglers are still on the prowl. The recent security issues that led to the closure of Jibia Borders in Katsina, the home state of the CG is an issue to worry about. This development more than ever before now justifies the need for the government to take a second look at the borders, especially Seme to curtail the growing arms proliferation in the country and the security danger this poses to the nation. The earlier government does this, the better for the society.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Maritime

Friday, December 21, 2012

victims’ donation Oil theft war: ‘Our greatest problem is lack of prosecution powers’ Flood in line with president’s plea, says NPA

STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

he Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has said that its greatest challenge in the resolve to curb piracy, illegal midstream discharge and bunkering as well as oil theft was the limitation in its enabling legislation, the NIMASA Act, 2007. Director General of the agency, who spoke with news men during the arrest and detention of MT Art loaded with over 80, 000 litres of Autmotive Gas Oil, also called diesel, suspected to be cooked, said that the greatest problem faced by the agency in its bid to stamp out such illegal activities on the nation’s waters was the limitations imposed by the act. According to him, while the act saddled the agency with the responsibility of providing marine safety and security on the nation’s waters, the same act does not empower the agency to prosecute the suspects arrested. Section 24 of the act, lists the various functions of the agency such as administering the registration and licensing of ships, regulate and administer the certification of seafarers, regulate the safety of shipping as regards the construction and navigation as well as providing search and rescue. Meanwhile, Section 45 of the act barred the agency from prosecuting operators that fail to comply with the nation’s maritime regulation, which the agency is by the law expected to enforce. The DG, who was represented by Navy Captain Promise Dap-

MD, NPA, Habeeb Abdullahi

pa, head of the adhoc taskforce said: “We do not have the full capacity to prosecute suspects, so what we do is to hand them over to other agencies to prosecute but most of the time, they do not handle such issues with the same seriousness that we would have handled them with”. It was gathered that the vessel was detained shortly after the arrest at the NIMASA Resource Centre jetty, at Kirikiri, Lagos, even as the arrested crew and vessel would be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for further investigation and prosecution. He noted that most of the time, the suspects escape when the matter has gone out of the control of the agency, a development that emboldens them to go back and continue with their heinous crimes of sabotaging the nation’s economy. The DG, who also disclosed

DG, NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi

that through the various partnerships the agency has entered into, both with the Nigerian Navy and other private sector operators, the agency has been able to acquire substantial platforms, which are also properly manned but regretted that when arrests are made, most of the time all of them escape because of the flaws in the enabling Act. While calling on the National Assembly to commence a process of a review of the legislation, assured that the agency would deliver on its mandate, especially as regard its core objectives and functions if it is given powers to prosecute suspects. Immediate past legal adviser and secretary to the board, Mr. Matthew Egbadon had said in an interview that the NIMASA Act, 2007, was hurriedly passed, which has given rise to several inadequacies and challenges in the enforcement. Egbadon, who also played a

major role during the passage of the bill at the 6th National Assembly, said the law was passed in a hurry so that the whole process would be concluded by the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration. It was gathered that there were apprehension that the fate of the new legislation might be left in the balance if it was concluded by the administration that came up with the vision, which was part of its programme of reforming the port industry. For instance, within a space of two years, the agency’s name was changed twice from the former National Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NAMASA), to its current name NIMASA, which marked its period of evolution. This development has given rise to inadequacies in the act and therefore poses a great challenge in the enforcement of the legislation.

Why we aborted governing council’s tenure elongation –CRFFN

he Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria has said that the decision of the council to abort moves by the governing council to elongate its tenure was in response to a directive by the Federal Ministry of Transport, the supervising ministry. Created by CRFN Act No 16 of 2007, the council is charged with the responsibility of determining who a freight forwarder, regulating them, setting standards of practice well as regulating the various freight forwarding associations operating in the industry. In performing these and other functions, the enabling Act provides for the position of the registrar, who is also the chief executive officer as well as a governing council headed by a chairman with a life span of two years, which is renewable for a maximum of another term of two.

Head, corporate affairs unit of the council, Mrs. Chinyere Uromta, who spoke against the background of the bad blood generated by the botched tenure elongation bid by members of the governing council, said it was the decision of the ministry, not the management of the council as purported by some disgruntled elements. According to her, during a debate at the 18th meeting of the governing council, which centred on the elongation of tenure, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, a member of the council proposed an extension of three months, while two other motions proposed six months and one year respectively. She disclosed that when the motions were put to vote, out of the 16 members presented, 13 voted in favour of six months extension, a development that was communicated to the supervising ministry, which it turned down.

“The CRFFN is a responsible regulatory agency, supervised by the Federal Ministry of Transport. The council has constantly carried out and is still carrying out its functions according to the provisions of the enabling Act and in line with the transformation agenda of the Federal Government”, she noted. “The Provisions of the Act with regards to the tenure of members of the governing council are clearly spelt out for the avoidance of doubt”, she continued. The CRFFN image maker also disclosed that the position of the ministry on the issue was communicated to Shittu, who also doubles as national president of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents as well as founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Dr. Boniface

Aniebonam. She therefore expressed surprise with recent comments by the ANLCA-boss, which she described as laughable. The registrar/CEO of the council, Mr. Mike Jukwe had in a letter entitled: ‘End of tenure of the governing council of the CRFFN had in an earlier letter to the various stakeholders announced the expiration of the tenure of the council, which elapsed sometime in August, this year. The letter reads in parts: “Following the expiration of the tenure of the Governing Council of CRFFN, the Honourable Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar has directed that a two -month interim governing council be immediately constituted to conduct election that would usher in the new members of the council at the shortest possible time”.

he Nigerian Ports Authority has said that its decision to embark on a programme aimed at distributing relief materials to the victims of flood disaster in Nigeria was in line with President Goodluck Jonathan’s plea. The president had following the devastating effects of the flood that ravaged many communities in the country appealed to corporate bodies, individuals and governmental agencies to rise to the occasion and assist flood victims, so as to alleviate their sufferings. The management of NPA had following this clarion call set up a committee to effectively supervise the distribution of relief materials to affected states. General Manager in charge of public affairs of the authority, Chief Michael Ajayi led the team, which kick-started exercise, as it visited three states comprising of Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti States. According to the chief magemaker, the management has decided to extend the relief materials to all the 36 states of the Federation and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He disclosed that this decision aimed at assisting states that were not seriously affected by the flood but played host to some displaced persons from other states to adequately render assistance to such victims. Items donated to the victims include blankets, mattresses, bags of rice and mosquito nets etc. In Ogun, special adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mrs. Abimbola Lanre – Balogun, who received the items, commended the laudable gesture of NPA and promised that the materials will get to the end-users. Senior special assistant to the deputy governor of Ondo, Mr. Rotimi Ekundayo, expressed appreciation on behalf of the state to the authority. According to him, this move by NPA is a proof of its commitments to its Corporate Social Responsibility policy. In his words, “I commend NPA for being the first federal agency to come to the aid of Ondo State”. Also in Ekiti, the special adviser to the deputy governor, Mrs. Kehinde Daramola, while taking delivery of the relief materials, said the government and people of the state were full of appreciation to the management of NPA for its kind gesture. It would be recalled that the tourism – friendly environment of Nigeria was recently disrupted by an unprecedented flood which ravaged many states in Nigeria, with its attendant problem of severe devastation. The aftermath of this flood is that a lot of farmlands have been submerged, people’s homes destroyed, which had made them refugees in their own homes, in addition to claiming several lives and other valuable property.

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, December 21, 2012

Oando to raise N52.9b through Rights Issue JOHNSON OKLANLAWON

ando Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous energy group listed on both the Nigerian and Johannesburg Stock Exchange, yesterday announced that it would soon commence offering of its Rights Issue. The company had received regulatory approval from the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) on the 12th December 2012 and held its Completion Board Meeting on the 19th December 2012. According to a state-

ment, Oando would raise N54,578,835,312 through the issuance of 4,548,236,276 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo at N12.00 per share. “The Rights Issue exercise will open on Friday, 28 December, 2012 and close on Wednesday, 6 February, 2013. Vetiva Capital Management Limited is the Lead Issuing House, while FBN Capital Limited and FCMB Capital Markets Limited will act as Joint Issuing Houses, the statement said. Oando said the proceeds from the Rights issue will be used for part-repayment of

N60bn syndicated loan used to fund the acquisition of upstream assets and swamp drilling rigs; part-financing of acquisition of upstream and midstream assets by Oando’s upstream subsidiary, Oando Energy Resources (OER); and investment in working capital to support increased level of business. Group Chief Executive, Oando Plc, Mr Wale Tinubu said: “Now that we have obtained the necessary regulatory approvals for our capital raise we are at the final stages in the execution of

our overall strategy to increase our exposure to the upstream sector whilst reducing the dependence on the downstream. In 2010 we raised N21.1bn through a Rights Issue, it was a highly successful event, as it closed 28 per cent oversubscribed and we look forward to a similar outcome in this exercise. We count on the consistent support of our shareholders to seize the opportunity to take up their rights and benefit from the higher margin value creation the Upstream offers.”

Source: NSE

NIBOR QUOTES 19 DECEMBER & 20 DECEMBER 2012 20.00 19.00 18.00 17.00 16.00 15.00 14.00 13.00 12.00 11.00 10.00 9.00 8.00 7.00 6.00 5.00

19-Dec-12

20-Dec-12

Source: FMDA

GTB, Custodian & Allied stocks lift NSE market capitalisation by N51bn JOHNSON OKANLAWON

quity transactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange closed in an upbeat yesterday, following price gains by major bluechip companies, especially Guaranty Trust Bank and Custodian & Allied insurance, as market capitalisation rises by N51bn. Yesterday, the Allshare index increased by 158.98 points or 0.5 per cent from 27,349.11 recorded on Wednesday to 27,508.09 while market capitalisation rose by N51bn from N8.738trn to N8.789trn. On the price move-

ment chart, 21 stocks appreciated in price, led by Guaranty Trust Bank with 6.59 per cent to close at N22.49 per share while Custodian & Allied insurance followed with 5.83 per cent to close at N1.27 per share. United Bank for Africa added 5.80 per cent to close at N4.56 per share while AIICO added 5.36 per cent to close at N0.59 per share. Portland Paints gained 4.80 per cent to close at N4.39 per share. Other gainers of yesteday’s transactions include Cutix, UTC, NPF Microfinance Bank, adding 4.79,4.48 and 4.21 per share. Diamond Bank also

gained 3.62 per cent to close at N4.87 per share. On the other hand, International Breweries led others on the losers chart with 7.70 per cent to close at N15.23 per share while Morison trailed with 4.93 per cent to close at N3.47 per share. Mansard Insurance lost 4.84 per cent to close at N1.77 per share while RT Briscoe shed 4.83 per cent to close at N1.38 per share. JohnHolt, Ikeja Hotel and Vitafoam dropped 4.82,4.76 and 4.22 per cent to close at N3.75, N0.80 and N3.63 per share in that order. With transactions exchanged in 1,635 deals, the banking subsector

maintained its dominance in volume terms with 126 million shares worth N1bn followed by the insurance subsector which traded 11million units worth N11m. The banking sub-sector was boosted by activities in the shares of First City Monument Bank with 24 million shares worth N79m followed by Zenith Bank with 18.9million units valued at N344m. Transactions in the shares of Mansard enhanced activities in the insurance sub-sector with 3.3million units worth N5.8m. In all, investors exchanged 224 million shares worth N2.8bn in 3,727 deals.

U.S. stocks are little changed amid budget talk deadlock

.S. stocks were little changed, after the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell the most in five weeks yesterday, as investors remained focused on budget negotiations and the economy grew faster than estimated NYSE Euronext (NYX) rose 33 percent as IntercontinentalExchange Inc. (ICE) agreed to buy the bourse for $8.2 billion. Accenture Plc (ACN) slid 3.1 percent after saying firstquarter revenue from technology consulting fell 3.6 percent from a year earlier. Merck &

Co. slipped 2.4 percent after saying it won’t seek U.S. marketing approval for a cholesterol drug. Financial stocks rose the most in the S&P 500, while software and computer makers had the biggest retreat. The S&P 500 rose 0.1 percent to 1,437.27 at 12:26 p.m. in New York. The equity benchmark yesterday slipped from its highest level since Oct. 18 as a White House spokesman said President Barack Obama would veto a proposal presented by Republican House Speaker John Boehner.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average retreated 5.07 points to 13,246.90 today. “The GDP report was better than expected,” said Peter Jankovskis, who helps oversee $3 billion of assets as co-chief investment officer at Lisle, Illinoisbased Oakbrook Investments LLC. He spoke in a telephone interview. “The market continues to be driven by the state of the fiscal cliff negotiations. That’s what people are keeping an eye on and that’s what is causing the swings in the market.” The revised 3.1 percent

growth in gross domestic product exceeded the highest projection in a Bloomberg survey and compared with a previously estimated 2.7 percent gain, according to Commerce Department figures. The median estimate of economists called for a 2.8 percent advance. Republicans in Congress will vote today on Boehner’s plan to raise taxes on incomes over $1 million. The proposal is aimed at preventing more than $600 billion of automatic tax increases and spending cuts from coming into effect next year.

Market indicators All-Share Index 7,342,308 points Market capitalisation 23,066.74 trillion

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

GUARANTY

21.10

22.49

1.39

% CHANGE 6.59

CUSTODYINS

1.20

1.27

0.07

5.83

UBA

4.31

4.56

0.25

5.80

AIICO

0.56

0.59

0.03

5.36

PORTPAINT

4.17

4.37

0.20

4.80

CUTIX

1.46

1.53

0.07

4.79

UTC

0.67

0.70

0.03

4.48

NPFMCRFBK

0.95

0.99

0.04

4.21

DIAMONDBNK

4.70

4.87

0.17

3.62

WAPIC

0.56

0.58

0.02

3.57

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

INTBREW

16.50

15.23

1.27

-7.70

MORISON

3.65

3.47

0.18

-4.93

MANSARD

1.86

1.77

0.09

-4.84

RTBRISCOE

1.45

1.38

0.07

-4.83

JOHNHOLT

3.94

3.75

0.19

-4.82

IKEJAHOTEL

0.84

0.80

0.04

-4.76

VITAFOAM

3.79

3.63

0.16

-4.22

MAYBAKER

1.70

1.63

0.07

-4.12

JAPAULOIL

0.56

0.54

0.02

-3.57

HONYFLOUR

2.06

2.02

0.04

-1.94

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Day

37,489.76

12.00

20-Dec-12

182-Day

63,135.14

15.32

20-Dec-12

66 -Day

32,227.06

14.20

20-Dec-12

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

237Days

30,000.00

14.34

20-Dec-12

118-Day

50,000.00

13.87

20-Dec-12

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$300m

N/A

$300m

19-Dec-12

$200m

N/A

$200m

17-Dec-12

Friday, December 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror “Most of us who are politicians exploit religious sentiments to divide Nigerians for selfish gains. We exploit North-South to divide Nigerians for our selfish gains but Yakowa was very different. ” PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN

Och’Idoma laments moral Awkuzu honours late Bishop Otteh decadence in schools T T NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

he Paramount ruler of Idoma Kingdom, Och’Idoma, Agabaidu Elias Ekoyi Obekpa, has called on stakeholders in the education sector to ensure proper management of their institutions and also improve on the quality of graduates to meet future challenges. The Och’Idoma, made the declaration in his palace at Otukpo, when the management of the Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo paid him a solidarity visit,even as he enjoined stakeholders to among other things look into the issue of moral decadence which is becoming

a monster in our society and especially in institutions of higher learning. He therefore challenged them to work assiduously to ensure the return of moral rectitude. While receiving the school rector, Professor Hyacinth Oluma who led other principal officers, the Och’Idoma stated that efforts should be geared towards ensuring sanity in all ramification, adding that character moulding begins with education. In his remark, Prof. Hyacinth Oluma, said his team was at the palace to intimate the paramount ruler of the daunting challenges faced in running the school and called for his royal blessing to enable them succeed.

he people of Awkuzu community in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, have honoured the memorial of the late Catholic Bishop Emeritus of Isselle-Uku Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Otteh, who died on July 27, this year. In a memorial service at the St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, Awkuzu, the community poured encomium on the late Bishop,even as the Chairman of Oyi Local Government Area Transition Committee, Chief Uchenna Okafor, described the late Bishop as an epitome of goodness, honesty, humility, hard work and uprightness. In his words: “Late Bishop Otteh was

a peace maker and a principled cleric and his footprints in the sand of time shall ever remain fresh and ever green in the memories of people”. Speaking, the state chairman of United Peoples Party, UPP, Dr. Okey Umeano, said his demise was a great loss to humanity, and Nigeria in particular. Earlier, the President-General of Awkuzu Progressive Union, APU, Chief George Echesi and Secretary, Oforah Christian, had described late Otteh as a very respectful and distinguished cleric. According to them, “it is sad that he never lived to see the fruit of his good labour when he planted for the progress of our great community”. Born November 1, 1927, Otteh began his journey to the priesthood in 1949, when he was admitted into All Hallows Seminary.

Efon Day is for development, unity –Monarch ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

he Alaaye of Efon, in Ekiti State, His Royal Majesty, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare, has called on people of the town to avail the occasion of this year’s Efon Day to fashion out how to complement government’s efforts at ensuring infrastructural development of the community. Speaking with our correspondent in his palace, the former lecturer who is the 45th monarch on the throne said such collaboration was necessary because “governments cannot undertake all developmental activities in all communities. Even if they had wanted to do that, they do not have the resources.” Oba Aladejare, who commended the state government for tarring the township roads, rehabilitation of Efon Waterworks, said “we need laying of water pipes because the water system we have here was the first in the old Ondo Province in 1952, and they have become obsolete and it supplied water to less than half of the community. We need to have water pipes laid across the length and breadth of the town so that people could have access to potable water.” According to him, the community needs “tertiary institution. We need industrial development to check the ruralurban drift in search of employment. If our people can get jobs here, they will definitely stay back. The creation of Efon Local Government has gradually changed the socio economic life of this community. We are appealing to industrialists – local and foreign- to set up industries in this place. We want this community to be a city of pride for other communities in the state.”

Aladejare

Giving insight into why the day is celebrated annually, he traced the history to 1983 post election crises, “when the police came to attack the people in Efon, thinking they had killed a number of people, but there was a mist that covered the whole town that impaired visibility. That was the reason we said we should celebrate the saving of our people on August 24.” He said, as time went by, “The two sides of the political divide shared contrary views. Some people thought they were rejoicing over their misfortune,

even as problem crept in. That was the situation before I came on board, we decided that it was good we should celebrate the day we were saved by God, and we then made the August 24 celebration a strictly religious affair which we celebrate in the palace.” He said with the passage of time, the community thought of “a day that can unite all of us when we can raise funds for the development of the community. We now decided on December 4, the day Efon Local Government was created. We saw the day as a good rallying point for

the development of the community. Initially, it was first week of December every year”. He said the celebration which will feature cultural activities “is aimed at cementing the unity existing within the community. That is why we intend to bring people of all shades of political, cultural and traditional opinion together. It is only in that context that we can talk of development. We want to complete the Civic Center which will be a thing of pride to the whole community with the fund we are going to raise; we have a lot of developmental projects that we want to embark on.” Other parts of the event include conferment of chieftaincy titles and admission of some persons into the Hall of Honours. We have already admitted some people into the community’s Hall of Honour. People who have distinguished themselves in their various chosen fields! Previous honourees include the winners of the prestigious UNESCO Women of Science Competition organised in 1998 and 2001, Prof Oladunni Taylor, Professor Abiodun Falusi, both indigenes of Efon and lecturers at the University of Ibadan. This year, the community will honour its prominent sons like Dr Kunle Olajide, the first Efon person to graduate in Medicine; Chief JO Elekolusi, the first chartered accountant from this place; and Dr Balogun, who was the longest serving Secretary-General of Efon Development League and later President General who provided the leadership for Efon during the turbulent days. The others are chieftaincy titles to honour some individuals in view of their contributions to the development of Efon Kingdom.

Community Mirror

Friday, December 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Efon Day is a celebration of freedom, LG boss Chairman of Efon Local Government, Dr. Adio Afolayan in this interview speaks about the significance of Efon Day and some developmental efforts in the area

jointly executed by the state and local governments. What has the council contributed? Within the short time in office, we have been able to print and distribute 10,000 exercise books to the 30 primary schools in the state. We have distributed first aid boxes to each of the primary schools. We have been able to distribute maize grains and cocoa seedlings to farmers, in addition to cutlasses to them. We met about N20 million overdraft by the previous administration when we assumed office, but since government is a continuum, we have defrayed N10 million from the amount. We have been able to give a facelift to the council secretariat. We have been able to distill the drainage routes in Efon, to fight erosion that had been a major headache. The community has a very severe topography, as such, erosion is our problem. We were also able to employ some casual labourers as sweepers, who maintain cleanliness of the town and as well maintain verges of the road leading to Efon.

Efon Day is tied to the creation of Efon Local Government. What importance is it to the community? Efon Local Government is so important to Efon community. Before 1996 when the local government was created, Efon had been headquarters, but it was removed from the town for more than 20 years. The headquarters was relocated to Ijero, then later to Aramoko. So, it took Efon a long time before it could regain its status as the local government headquarters. At the end of the day, during the General Sani Abacha era, we were able to get our local government created with Efon as its headquarters. Why is the community celebrating this occasion? What we call Efon Day is mainly streamlined to mark the day that Efon Local Government was celebrated. It was a freedom day to Efon because Efon clamoured so much to ensure that the community got its own local government. Efon Day used to be celebrated around August to commemorate what happened in 1983, when there was political crisis and policemen came to Efon with a mission to kill. But because Efon is a town of the living, God in His own miraculous way, poured down some cloudy objects. So, those who came thought they might have killed a lot of people in the community. Fortunately, no life was lost, except an animal. So, we started celebrating Efon Day. However, some people thought if we are to celebrate Efon Day around August, it is as if we are rejoicing over some people that were negatively affected in the crisis. So it was resolved that if we had to continue to mark Efon Day in August, some people would not happy about it. So, we had consultations on the need to change the date from August to December to coincide with the creation of the local government. This is to ensure nobody feels aggrieved and as well a unifying and development factor. So, it was a moment of joy for the people of Efon at home and in the Diaspora that Efon Alaaye eventually got its own council and we have to coexist and live peacefully. What level of development has the council

fon-Alaaye, a sprawling town in Ekiti State with a population of 300,000 people, is one of the communities in the southwest inhabited by Yoruba people. Predominantly farmers, the indigenes grow cash crops like kola nuts, cocoa, palm tree, they are also known to be major producers of yam, rice, cassava, maize and lots of fruits. Like many towns, Efon Alaaye has a monarch, and all the indigenes are subjects of the king, the Alaaye of Efon assisted by the six high chiefs of six major districts called “the Iwara Mefa” Efon Alaaye people are Christians and widely accepted Christianity with the 1930 major revival which caused a revolu-

Afolayan

WITHIN THE SHORT TIME IN OFFICE, WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PRINT AND DISTRIBUTE 10,000 EXERCISE BOOKS TO THE 30 PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE STATE brought to the community? The Kayode Fayemi administration has brought development to Efon, at least during my own short tenure so far as council chairman. I assumed office on February 8, 2011, and since then, a lot of things have already been achieved. When you look at the governor’s 8-point agenda, which has to do with good governance, infrastructure development, industrial development, women empowerment, gender equality, educational development, tourism and agriculture, you will see that Efon has benefitted. Like the social security scheme of the government, at least, I have on record that 830 aged people from Efon are benefitting from that scheme. Also, peace has been reigning supreme in the community. Aside that, you can see that water supply has been regular. Recently, Dr Fayemi, commissioned the water project at Efon which is

the 6000 cubic metres water plant. Apart from that, the road linking EfonIpole-Ikogosi, Efon, Ipole, Imesi and Ikogosi axis happen to be the tourists’ corridor in the state. You can see that a 27-kilometre road has been completely rehabilitated within the duration. Efon, is getting its own share in the five-kilometre road in each of the local government areas. The community is also benefitting from the current programme of Operation Renovate All Schools (ORASE) in the state. Three of the six public secondary schools in the area, have benefitted from the exercise. Two weeks ago, the remaining three were slated to be among those to be renovated. In fact, two weeks ago, the governor selected Efon Local Government, among the four local governments that will enjoy MDG projects amounting to N4 million, to be shared among the benefitting councils. ORASE and the five-kilometer roads are projects

…And your dreams for the community? As an indigene and as somebody who has, in no little way, been at the struggle to see Efon as a place where peace and tranquility reign supreme, a place where regular supply of electricity and water is the order of the day, where goodies from government come our way in terms of infrastructural development, where we have all those things that can benefit human beings, including – economic development, and of course, that was why, I struggled to be chairman of the community, after 14 years, and three attempts. It was not that people were not voting for me, but because of what they termed being in the mainstream politics or not. It was only in the recent time that we now have some kind of peaceful political atmosphere in the state. But in the past, it was terrible. My dreams for the community informed why I had to resign as commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, to contest the botched chairmanship election of January. But I thank the governor for deeming it fit to give me chance to realize my dream. Today, I am chairman whether by appointment or election. The realization of my dreams for the development of the community over the years was the reason I have achieved this much within a short time.

ABOUT EFON ALAAYE tion that left the Town with several cathedrals. The major denominational groups are Catholics, Anglicans, Christ Apostolic Church, and very recently the Pentecostals are gaining grounds, including the Seventh-day Adventist Church which has been established to make its presence felt among this very religious people. Efon Alaaye history dates back to 1200 A.D. The founder and the first Alaaye (the title of Efon Alaaye Kings) of Efon Alaaye was Obalufon Alaayemore who was the third king or Ooni (title of Ile Ife kings) of Ile Ife, the cradle of Yoruba race. A descendant of Oduduwa, Obalufon Alaayemore installed his son Adudu Oranku to reign after him when he de-

parted Efon Alaaye to ascend the throne in Ile Ife. Since then, there are three ruling houses in Efon Alaaye which produce kings in rotation. The ruling houses and the order of rotation are: - Ogbenuote, Obologun and Asemojo respectively. The reigning king on the throne is His Royal Highness Oba (Dr.) Emmanuel Aladejare Agunsoye II; he is the 45th Alaaye of Efon Alaaye. He comes from the Ogbenuote ruling house. And the kingmakers are the six high Chiefs who are heads of six Quarters into which the town is divided. With the passage of time, Efon Alaaye has become the capital of Efon Local Government Council, one of the 16 of

such in the state. Efon Local Government is so important to Efon community. Before 1996 when the local government was created, Efon had been headquarters, but it was removed from the town for more than 20 years. According to the current chairman of the local government, Dr. Adio Folayan, the headquarters was relocated to Ijero, then later to Aramoko. It took long clamour and agitations before Efon could regain the local government headquarters during the General Sani Abacha era. And tomorrow, December 22, all sons and daughters of the town will converge on it to celebrate the annual Efon Day.

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Friday, December 21, 2012

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World News “Our two nations (US and South Korea) share a global partnership with deep economic, security and peopleto-people ties” – United States President, Barack Obama

WORLD BULLETIN Clinton accused of lying to avoid Benghazi An ex-U.S. envoy said Secretary of State Hillary Clinton lied about a concussion to avoid testifying yesterday about the U.S. mission attack in Benghazi, Libya. John R. Bolton, U.N. ambassador under the George W. Bush administration, told Fox News Channel, a Clinton staff explanation the former first lady fainted, hitting her head and suffering a concussion, so she couldn’t testify before Congress, was what foreign-service officers call a “diplomatic illness,” intended to free a diplomat from an unpleasant duty. “This is a diplomatic illness to beat the band,” said Bolton, a senior fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute think tank and a Fox News commentator who was also a foreign policy adviser to Republican presidential nominee, Mitt Romney.

Putin backs reprisal response to US rights law President Vladimir Putin backed a ban on Americans adopting Russian children yesterday in a feud over a U.S. law that aims to punish Russians accused of violating human rights. In his first annual news conference since he began a new sixyear term in May, the former KGB spy often struck a hawkish tone, signalling support for tough retaliation against the “unfriendly” Magnitsky Act passed by Moscow’s former Cold War enemy, which he said was poisoning relations.

Rebels in Central African Republic seize seventh town Rebels in Central African Republic seized another town in their rapid offensive Thursday, residents said, moving to within about 400 kilometers (250 miles) of the capital as the rebels said they were ready for negotiations with the government. The alliance of rebel groups behind the attacks also said they’d hold onto the towns they’d already taken. “While awaiting to see the realization of this step, the advance of our troops has been unilaterally halted,” the alliance known as Seleka said in a statement given to journalists. The rapidly two-week offensive by rebels seeking to re-negotiate past peace deals has prompted “strong concern” from U.N. Security Council members. “They condemned the attacks conducted by armed groups in the last few days in northeastern CAR and associated human rights abuses,” the council said in a statement.

PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

gypt’s ousted president, Hosni Mubarak, was returned to his prison yesterday after he was transferred to a Cairo military hospital briefly for an X-ray of his head, a security official said. For months, there have been conflicting reports about the health of the 84-year old Mubarak, who was sentenced in June to life in prison for failing to stop the killing of hundreds of protesters during last year’s uprising. He is the first Arab president to serve a prison sentence. Gen. Mohammed Ibrahim, the deputy interior minister, said that Mubarak was returned to prison after the X-ray. Mubarak fell in the prison bathroom on Saturday injuring his head and chest. The hospital is located in a Cairo suburb of Maadi. Mubarak’s family and lawyer appealed to authorities to keep him in the hospital, citing prison poor facilities. While he was in power, Mubarak’s health was treated almost as a state secret. Since his ouster, Mubarak’s supporters have released details of his failing health in what critics say is an attempt to gain sympathy from the public and appeal for leniency from the courts. Less than three weeks after he was convicted and sent to Cairo’s Tora prison, Mubarak was abruptly transferred to a military hospital after reports that his heart had stopped beating.

Mubarak returns to prison after x-ray scan • Egypt’s Prosecutor-General withdraws resignation The state news agency said at the time that Mubarak had suffered a stroke. He was returned to prison a month later. On Wednesday, rumours about Mubarak’s death were circulating on social networking sites after one newspaper website reported it. Ibrahim denied the

rumours. Meanwhile, Egypt’s prosecutor general appointed by Islamist President Mohammed Morsi has withdrawn his resignation days after submitting it in a move expected to cause uproar ahead of a key vote on the country’s draft constitution. Talaat Abdullah yesterday told

South Africa reopens probe into Winnie Mandelalinked pair

A Mubarak sitting inside a cage in a courtroom in Cairo, in June 2012.

PHOTO: AP

Berlusconi warns Monti not to run in Italy election

ilvio Berlusconi joined forces with his leftwing opponents yesterday to warn Mario Monti against standing in the coming election, as uncertainty over the outgoing premier’s plans stoked political tension in Italy. Berlusconi told a radio phonein program it would be “morally questionable” for Monti to run, emphasizing the risks of him being caught in right-left crossfire if he throws his hat in the ring and loses his status of being above the fray. Monti, who has governed as a non-partisan technocrat since last year, is expected to announce his plans after the 2013 budget is approved and parliament is dissolved, but has refused to say anything before then, fuelling fevered speculation over what role he will play in the election. On Thursday, he made what

reporters he initially submitted his resignation “under pressure” from prosecutors holding a sit-in in front of his office on Monday. Fellow prosecutors accused him of pressuring a judge not to release some 130 anti-Morsi protesters taken into custody this month. The judge had been investigating the Dec. 5 clashes between Muslim Brotherhood members and anti-Morsi protesters — one of the tensest moments Egypt has seen in recent weeks. In a speech, Morsi said detainees had confessed they were paid to attack his supporters, a charge the judge refuted.

sounded like a pre-campaign speech, telling Fiat car workers in southern Italy that it would be irresponsible for Italians to throw away the sacrifices they have made during a year of debt cutting austerity under his government. Berlusconi, bidding for his fifth term as prime minister, has repeatedly attacked Monti’s policies and promised again on Thursday

to abolish a hated housing tax he imposed. Some reports say Monti will announce his candidacy at the weekend but political sources told Reuters that he was preparing to endorse one big centrist group or several smaller ones which would sign up to policies continuing the fiscal discipline he has imposed over the last years.

L-R: Former Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi and Prime Minister Mario Monti

specialised missing persons unit in South Africa has opened a new investigation into the 1988 disappearance of two men last seen in the company of Winnie MadikizelaMandela, the ex-wife of Nelson Mandela, prosecutors said. Authorities said new information caused them to reopen the case of Lolo Sono and Siboniso Tshabalala. The two young men figured into Madikizela-Mandela’s chaotic life in Soweto when she ran a soccer club and faced a host of allegations that she and those under her committed violent attacks. The National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa’s Missing Persons Task Team, assigned to investigate disappearances from the apartheid era, is handling the investigation. Already, investigators have taken DNA samples from Shabalala and Sono’s family members, spokesman Makhosini Nkosi said in a statement. “The investigations into this case are still ongoing and possible burial sites are still being examined on the basis of recently obtained information,” Nkosi said. “No exact burial sites have yet been confirmed or excavated.”

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TRANSITION

Friday, December 21, 2012

Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa

ate Patrick Yakowa was born on December 1, 1948 in Fadan Kagoma, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State and died in a helicopter crash on December 15, 2012. He attended St. Mary’s Secondary School, Fadan Kaje and St. John College, Kaduna, before being admitted to the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he graduated with a B. Sc in June 1972. Yakowa joined the Civil Service of the then North Central State, serving as Division Officer, Secretary in the Military Governor’s Office, and Local Government Sole Administrator. He rose to the position of Permanent Secretary in the Kaduna State civil service, heading the Ministries of Health, Works and Transport. In 1990, Yakowa transferred to the Federal Civil Service until the administration of General Sani Abacha appointed him Commissioner in Kaduna State from 1994 to 1997. Returning to the Federal Civil Service, he became Director, Joint Services at the Ministry of Defence from February 1997 to August 1998, and then a Director at the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development until June 14, 1999, when he was appointed Permanent Secretary and retired. Yakowa, worked for the Ahmed Makarfi campaign organization in 2003, helping him to get re-elected. He was appointed Secretary to the Govern-

Oba Aliu Falola

ment of Kaduna State in September 2003 and became Deputy Governor of Kaduna State in July 2005, replacing Stephen Shekari, who died on July 10 of the same year. In December 2006, he contested to be the flag bearer of the PDP for governorship of Kaduna State, and lost to Namadi Sambo. He later ran for deputy governor on the same ticket with Sambo. Hailing from Southern Zaria, late Yakowa called on his people to help reelect Governor Namadi Sambo, for a second term. After Sambo was chosen by President Goodluck Jonathan to be his Vice President, Yakowa succeeded him as governor. Yakowa successfully ran for election as Governor in the April 26, 2011 polls. In a close race, he polled 1,334,319 votes to clinch victory over the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) candidate, Haruna Sae’ed. He is survived by wife and children

he death has occurred of the paramount ruler of Ilamiro Kingdom, Onilamiro of Ilamiro, His Royal Highness Oba Aliu Ogunleye Falola, Odan Amiro 1, in the an ancient town in Igbesa, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State. The news of of his death was pronounced by kingmakers of the kingdom on December 14, 2012. Oba Falola, who ascended the throne of his fathers 20 years ago, was aged 92. He is survived by nine children. Announcing the passage of the traditional ruler, Otun Oba of Ilamiro, Otunba Taiwo Kolawole Obanla, said funeral rites would commence immediately.

Pa Gabriel Fasua

r. Gabriel Adelekun Fasua, a retired journalist and father of the Deputy Editor of Sunday Mirror is dead. He died on December 15, 2012 at the age of 75 years. In his life time, late Gabriel Fasua was a journalist. Pa Fasua started his journalism career as pioneer reporter with the Sketch newspapers in 1964, in Ibadan, Oyo State, from where he later joined other newspapers including the Post Express, The Drum, and The Republic. Aside working in the print media, he also had stints with some electronic media, that included Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and former Ondo State Broadcasting Service (OSBC). However, in the 1980s, Fasua returned to Sketch newspapers, and became a bureau chief of the Owo/Akoko division of Ondo State. At Ikare-Akoko, he broke the story of Amala meal poisoning, reportedly wrought by a jealous second wife, which killed nine members of the same family. Fasua, who passed out of Ipetu-Ijesha

Owoye Andrew Azazi

ate Brigadier General Owoye Azazi, was born at Peretorugbene, Bayelsa State on February 1, 1952 and died on December 15, 2012 alongside Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State in a helicopter crash at Okoroba village. He was aged 60 years. He had his early education in old Bendel State, where he attended Government College, Bomadi and graduated in 1968, after which he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Combatant CadetCourse 12 on July 3, 1972. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on December 14, 1974. He served as a Brigade Intelligence Officer, Divisional Intelligence Officer and Colonel Coordination, Headquarters Directorate of Military Intelligence. Late Azazi held a MSc in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan, and completed the Staff Intelligence and Security Course, School of Service Intelligence, Ashford, Kent, United Kingdom and Combined Strategic Intelligence Training Programme, Defence Intelligence College, Washington DC, United States. He was a graduate of the Command and Staff College, Jaji and the National War College, where he won the President and Commander-in-Chief ’s merit award for best all round performance. He was assistant Defence Attaché at the Embassy of Nigeria, Washington DC, for three years. He served as a member of the Directing Staff of the Command and Staff College, from where he was posted to Lagos Garrison Command as the Intelligence Officer and subsequently to the Directorate of Military Intelligence. He was later posted to the Training and

Doctrine Command as Colonel Research and Development and then Director of Training. On graduation from War College, he was appointed Colonel, General Staff, 81 Division of the Nigerian Army and later Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence, Defence Intelligence Agency. General Azazi also served as a member of Directing Staff of the National War College, Abuja, rising later to become Principal Staff Officer, Coordination. He was appointed Director of Military Intelligence in 2003. He was an external examiner at the National War College and a Guest Lecturer on Military Operations Other Than War and Revolution in Military Affairs. General Azazi was a member of Nigeria’s Defence Policy Review Committee 2000/2001. On August 20, 2008, Umaru Yar’Adua replaced Azazi with Paul Dike as CDS and announced Azazi’s retirement from military service. He had, for some time, had one of the fastest growing military careers in the history of present day democratic Nigeria, between May, 2006 and June, 2007, the General had worn the ranks of Major General, Lieutenant General and General. Left to mourn him, are his wife, five children, three sons-in-law, two daughters-inlaw, a grand daughter and two grandsons.

Madam Gbonjubola Oladipo

adam Gbonjubola Adenike Oladipo was born in 1912 into a royal family of Oloko of Oko Ogbomoso Land. She gave her life to Christ in 1943. She was a trader and was popularly known as Mama Eleko. She died in Ilorin, Kwara State on November 13, 2012 and her remains was brought to Bowen University Teaching Hospital Ogbomoso. She was buried the second day, November 14, in Baale Ayegun Compound, Ogbomoso near her late husband, Mr Amos Oyekunle Oladipo who died in 1983. Both of them got married in 1941. She is survived by children, grand children & great grand children.

Madam Modupe Okufuye

T Grammar School in the present-day Osun State in 1961 after which he took short courses before venturing into journalism, hailed from Akure, Ondo State. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Adesola Fasua, a retired teacher, two sons, Kayode Fasua of National Mirror Newspapers and Wale Fasua, a South Africa-based gospel musician.

he rites of passage for Madam Mercilina Modupe Okufuye (nee Aina) will hold today, December 21 and tomorrow December 22 at Okelamuren Ogbo, IjebuOde, Ogun State. Madam Okufuye, born in 1935, died on October 31, 2012 at the age of 77 years. The burial arrangement kicks off with a lying in state and Christian wake keep on December 21. It holds at No 1, Oke Ayo Street, Okelamuren Ogbo. It will be followed by the burial service at Christ Anglican Church, Okelamuren Ogbo tomorrow, December 22. It begins at 10am while reception holds at her residence at No 1, Oke Ayo Street, Okelamuren Ogbo. The deceased is survived by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren,

among who are Messrs Abayomi Okufuye, Femi Okufuye, Dayo Okufuye, Mrs. Seyi Martins, Mrs. Tolu Awe, Mrs. Mayokun Osunsanya and Mrs. Yetunde Balogun.

Friday, December 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Friday, December 21, 2012

Aluu killings: Three more suspects remanded •Rivers NBA demands case files

JESSE OKEDI

PORT HARCOURT

he last may not have been heard of the suspected killers of four University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) students on October 5, in Omuokiri-Aluu area of Rivers State by mob action as three additional suspects were yesterday arraigned and remanded by a chief magistrate’s court sit-

ting in Port Harcourt. This brings the total number of accused persons so far arraigned to 16 after Hassan Welewa, the village head of Omuokiri community and 12 others were arraigned on October 17, 2012. The trio, Finebone Jefferey, 23; Joshua Ekpe, 27 and Abang Cyril, 27, were charged with conspiracy and murder of Ugonna Obuzor, Toku Lloyd, Tek-

ena Elkana and Chidiaka Biringa, the four UNIPORT students that lost their lives in the fray. Emmanuel Woke, the chief magistrate in charge of the trial proceeding, after listening to the charges against the accused persons, held that by virtue of section 118 (1) of the Criminal Procedure Laws (CPL) of Rivers State 1999, his court lacked the jurisdiction to try

the case. He, therefore, ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody, pending the release of legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice. He also reminded the accused persons of their legal rights to approach a higher court for their bail application and adjourned the matter to February 28, 2013, for mention.

Meanwhile, at the resumed hearing of the initial 13 persons arraigned, Rivers State branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), through its committee on human rights led by Augustine Ojekudo, applied for an order of court, compelling the police to release copies of the case file to it so that it can monitor the prosecution of the matter. He said such move was to ensure that justice was done in the matter. But the

police led by Henry Njoku, the officer in charge of legal matters at the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID), Port Harcourt, countered on grounds that such application was ill-timed and illconceived. “The applicants have no legal right to ask for the case file in a criminal trial. The case files were sent to the DPP by order of court and they have gone very far with the matter.”

NDLEA destroys illicit drugs, arrests traffickers AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole (left) and Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Edo State Command, Mr Chike Ikpeamonwu, during the commandant’s courtesy visit to the governor in Benin City, yesterday.

Pandemonium as irate youths protest, seize council secretariats AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

rate youths, numbering over 2, 000 yesterday went on rampage and seized the two Isoko South and North Local Government council secretariats, Oleh and Ozoro, causing havoc as workers and others, scampered for their lives. The protesting youths under the umbrella of Isoko Progressive Youth Centre, led by its National President, Anthony Ogbalor, National Mirror gathered, invaded the two

council areas simultaneously with five seized buses belonging to the Delta State government transport services following what they described as the federal, state and local governments’ marginalisation of the Isoko nation, especially youths. It was gathered that the protesters on arrival at the councils, commenced the destruction of cars, louvres, doors, windows, including an 18-seater bus belonging to the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, a Hilux van, 504 saloon car, a desktop com-

puter, all at the Oleh secretariat while the NULGE building in Isoko North Council area was also vandalised. Speaking in a telephone interview, Ogbalor, who faulted the rationale behind the contract awarded on pipeline surveillance in the region and Isoko slots in particular, said the protest was as a result of negligence by the two local government councils, the state and the Federal Government, oil multinationals and cooperate bodies operating in Isoko land. Ogbalor while threaten-

Police uncover 30-year-old arms factory TONY ANICHEBE UYO

he Akwa Ibom State police command yesterday said it has uncovered an illegal arms manufacturing plant at Ikot Ekpene area of the state. State Police Commissioner, Mr. Umar Gwadabe, told journalists in Uyo that the factory that has been in exis-

tence for 30 years was uncovered following intelligence gathering by the police. Gwadabe said items including gun making machines and some ammunition were discovered and seized by the police while the seizure would help the command in mopping up arms in the area. Though the commissioner failed to give details, it was

understood that the command is continuing with investigations with a view to arresting more collaborators. He called for improved working relationship with stakeholders and the general public and assured residents of the state of a peaceful yuletide season. “Arrangements are already in place to protect lives

ing to seize all oil installations in the land, said since the government has decided not to answer or grant them audience to dialogue on issues affecting the land, especially on affairs concerning Isoko youths, they will continue to remain violent. According to him, “Our grievances is about the under-development of Isoko ethnic nationality, lack of employment for the youths, non-payment of bursary, scholarship awards and the provision of skill acquisition/training centres and many more.”

and property this season, especially as the state is playing host to numerous religious and cultural events. “But we will also want parents to caution their children against playing knockouts. People should not risk their lives and they should also not try to infringe on other people’s rights but try to maintain peace during the period,” the commissioner said.

etermined to heighten the war against illicit drugs and traffickers, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 55,118.103 kilograms and 310 pinches of illicit drugs in Delta State. Setting ablaze the drugs yesterday at the agency’s headquarters in OgwashiUku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the agency, who was represented by the Director-General of the agency, Otunba Femi Ajayi, disclosed that major traffickers were also apprehended in the course of the raid. He said the large seizure includes the pinches of

cocaine and heroin from street hawkers, who peddled the drugs to end users and those ingested for exportation and importation within the oil rich state. According to the NDLEA boss, the burning of forfeited drugs in six states of the federation, including Ogun, Benue, Ondo, Kwara, Kano and Lagos, since 2012, bring the total quantity to 169,948.112 kilogram, stressing that; “Narcotic use is responsible for a large number of psychiatric disorders, large number of school dropouts, divorces, accidents, armed robbery and violent crimes across the country. Many have died due to drug overdose. Most criminals rely on stimulants to give them the false courage needed for criminal escapades.”

Lawmakers express satisfaction over ongoing projects TONY ANICHEBE UYO

Ahead of the formal passage of the 2013 Appropriation Bill, the House Committee Chairman on Finance and Appropriation, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Onofiok Luke, said he was satisfied with the work done so far at the new terminal building of the state airport. The facility, a 3.4km runway, apron, hanger/Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul (MRO), specialist hospital and the new space allotted for the permanent office complex of the Akwa Ibom State independent electoral commission. Luke expressed satisfaction about the project yesterday when he led members of the committee on a

visit to the project sites. He said the committee members came to see what the coordinating ministries handling the projects had done with the funds allocated to it by the house, describing the construction of the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the airport as an indispensable asset that will enhance air safety in the country. The chairman said the airport project and others like it will help drive the state’s economy help to improve the standard of living of the people. He thanked the governor, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, for building such solid economic foundations and sustaining the momentum of development for the benefit of the people of the state.

North

Friday December 21, 2012

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N4bn fraud: Again, EFCC declares Audu wanted OLUFEMI ADEOSUN AND EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has once again declared former Kogi State Governor, Abuba-

kar Audu, wanted for offences bordering on conspiracy, stealing and misappropriation of public fund. The former governor is alleged to have fraudulently enriched himself to the tune of over N4 billion while he held sway

as governor between 1999 and 2003. The action, according to a statement by the spokesman of the commission, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, followed the failure of the suspect to respond to invitation by the anti-graft agency.

The EFCC said that the former governor fled last week when operatives of the commission attempted to arrest him. According to the commission, the move to arrest Audu followed a Supreme Court ruling of November 23, which dis-

Gombe to build N2.7bn conference centre DANJUMA WILLIAMS GOMBE

ombe State Government has awarded a N2.7 billion contract for the construction of an International Conference Centre in Gombe, the state capital. The Commissioner for Housing and Transport, Mr. Robinson Zebulun Wasa, disclosed this while briefing journalists on approvals made for his ministry after the State Executive Council meeting. Was said the construction of the International Conference Centre was

aimed at attracting local and international investors into the state, strategically located in the centre of the North-East sub-region. He said the state already had a functioning International Airport and a five star hotel among many other facilities providing an enabling business environment. The commissioner said the Conference Centre would serve as a revenueyielding venture for the state government. The contract for the centre, awarded to Messrs Ferero Nigeria Limited, to

be completed in the next 30 months, would have modern facilities to meet international standard. Similarly, the proposed Gombe State College of Education, Billiri, is to take off with the takeover of some identified structures in Billiri town which would be renovated and put to use at the cost of over N101 million. Some of these structures, including primary and secondary schools, some government buildings and guest houses, according to the Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. Mohammed Isah

Wade, would be renovated in the next two months. Wade said the desire to establish the state College of Education was necessary to complement the Federal College of Education, FCE, in Gombe. The commissioner said the new college would offer many important courses not offered by the FCE, to cater for the increasing need of Gombe State teachers. He said this was also intended to meet the Federal Ministry of Education’s directive that only NCE teachers were employed to teach in primary schools.

Minimum wage: Plateau workers suspend strike OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

orkers in Plateau State have called off their strike embarked upon over failure of Governor Jonah Jang to implement the National Minimum Wage Act which pegs the minimum salary of at N18,000. The state had been enmeshed in endless crisis, as workers in the state civil service, including teachers, had down tools

for several weeks. The decision to suspend the strike is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a meeting between the organised labour and the representatives of the government in Abuja yesterday. The truce was reached through the intervention of the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, who convened the meeting. According to the resolution, the workers agreed to

resume work based on the agreement that the state government would pay the salaries of workers with 55 per cent implementation of the minimum wage from June 2012. It was also agreed that payment of June to September 2012 salaries would be addressed by Jang, Wogu and the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, within a month from the date the resolution was reached. The meeting also agreed that labour should “part-

ner with the government of Plateau State to carry out screening through biometric to ascertain the actual staff strength of the local government areas within two months. “Government of Plateau State, in collaboration with the councils to intensify internally generated revenue; and that there shall be no victimisation of workers and their unions who participated in the industrial action in the state during the period.”

missed the former governor’s appeal to continue to protract his corruption trial by the EFCC. The commission implored anyone having useful information about Audu’s whereabouts to notify its offices in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Kano and Enugu or report at the nearest police station. But Audu has approached a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to stop the EFCC from arresting and re-arraigning him on fresh charges bordering on alleged misappropriation and abuse of office. In an originating sum-

mons brought by his counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), the former governor argued that any attempt by the anti-graft agency to re-arraign him in court would amount to “abuse of court process,” because a similar suit was pending before Lokoja High Court.

Audu

Gunmen kill two, abduct Frenchman in Katsina JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

unmen yesterday morning killed two people and kidnapped a French national, Mr. Francis Colump, in Rimi Local Government Area of Katsina State. The armed men, numbering about 30 wielding sophisticated weapons, also bombed the Rimi police station thereby creating panic in the area. Witnesses said the gunmen stormed the area in three vehicles at 2am and launched coordinated attacks on the police station and Colump’s residence. Colump is the site engineer in charge of the 10 megawatts Katsina Windmill Power Project. He is an employee of S. A. Vergnet, the firm handling the project. A security source told our correspondent that the gunmen began operation after “dividing themselves into two groups with one of the groups attacking the police station.” He said the attack on the police station was calculated at “distracting the at-

tention of the police while the other launched attack on the residence where the kidnapped Frenchman was residing.” The gunmen then forced their way into the house, shot and killed two persons. They also shot a mobile policeman attached to Colump, now receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in neighbouring Kano State. The two men, who were killed have been identified as Rabe Dan-ungwa, 40, who was the guard and his friend, Abubakar Salisu, 25, who was with him when the armed men struck. Our correspondent, who visited the area, reports that a substantial part of the police station was reduced to rubbles with scores of weapons destroyed. Reacting to the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Abdullahi Magaji, who visited the affected area, said preliminary investigations suggested the armed men were out to kidnap the French citizen. Magaji, however, said that the police suspected it was an insider job.

Friday, December 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

One step has been taken successfully. So, we move forward to take other steps as we planned

Odibe rates self high

– GOLDEN EAGLETS’ COACH, MANU GARBA

NFF may get N1.4bn AFCON funds today

Efe Ambrose (right) in action for his Scottish club, Celtic FC

UCL: Mourinho, Fergie draw sword M anchester United was yesterday drawn against Spanish champion, Real Madrid, in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, with coaches Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho getting to face each other for the 15th time. First legs of the Round of 16 matches will be played on either on February 12/13 or 19/20, with the return matches on March 5/6 or 12/13. The United and Real match will see Cristiano Ronaldo return to Old Trafford for the first time since his £80m move from Old Trafford to the Bernabeu in June 2009. Celtic will play Italian side, Juventus, while Arsenal takes on last year’s beaten finalist, Bayern Munich. Four-times winner, Barcelona, takes on seven-time champion, AC Milan, while Valencia faces Paris St Germain. Borussia Dortmund is drawn against Shakhtar Donetsk and Porto takes on Malaga, while Galatasaray will play Schalke. But the undoubted tie of the round sees nine-time winner, Real, taking on United for the first time in nine years. The sides last met in the 2002-03 quarter-finals with the Spaniards triumphing 6-5 on aggregate. Real won the first leg of that tie 3-1 and went through after a virtuoso second-leg performance from the

Brazilian Ronaldo, who scored a hattrick and was applauded off the Old Trafford pitch, as United won 4-3. United defender, Rio Ferdinand, who played in the 2003 tie, tweeted “Oh yes, Madrid!! What a great couple a games that’ll be! @Cristiano see u soon bro!”, while the club’s secretary John Alexander said, “Out of several stand-out ties, I think this is the one. If history has anything in our favour, our one (aggregate) victory against Real Madrid in this competition was in the season when we won the final at Wembley (in 1968).” Real Madrid director, Emilio Butra-

gueno, said it would be a special match for the two managers, United’s Sir Alex Ferguson and Real’s Jose Mourinho, who will meet for the 15th time in the first leg. In 14 previous matches as manager of Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan, Mourinho lost just two games against United, with six being drawn. Mourinho first took on Ferguson in the Champions League round of 16 in the 2003-04 competition, leading his Porto side to a 2-1 home win before snatching a draw in injury-time at Old Trafford to spark a manic touchline dash.

... Celtic happy to be underdog –Efe Ambrose

igeria’s international defender, Efe Ambrose, has said that Celtic FC is happy to be the underdog in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 pairing with Italian champion, Juventus. Celtic yesterday drew Juventus in the knockout stage of the UCL with the first leg at home on February 12. The Super Eagles’ defender, Ambrose, said being underdogs would be good for his Scottish club as the pressure is now heavily on Juventus. “We all know Juve are highly rated and will be the favourites against us, and that will only put them under pressure while we will be more relaxed,” Ambrose told MTNFootball. com.

“Reaching this level of the competition is the result of hard work and God’s mercy, so that’s what we still do and hope for against Juventus. It will be a tough battle, but we are up to the task.” He added, “Every team that reached the last 16 have to be strong. Juventus are a big team no doubt, but we are not afraid to face them. We respect them for their achievements but that’s that. We will put ourselves together to go past them because we have strong team who can take on any team in the world.” The other Nigerian in the competition is Chinedu Obasi, whose German Schalke 04 are up against Turkish champion, Galatasaray.

ports Minister, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, yesterday assured that the funds for the Super Eagles’ preparation and participation in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) would be released this week. President Goodluck Jonathan had given an express approval to the N1.4 billion budget proposed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the Super Eagles’ participation in the AFCON beginning in South Africa on January 19. Abdullahi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview in Abuja that there was the need to avoid the fire-brigade approach that had characterised Nigeria’s participation in past championships. According to the minister, the NSC has gotten approval for the release of the money and will not want to delay in releasing it to the NFF. “We have gotten the ap-

proval; I just spoke with the Director of Finance for confirmation. The NFA will get the money this week (the week ends today) to enable them get things in proper shape for the Super Eagles’ preparation and participation in the tournament. “I had a meeting with the NFF leadership and they raised the issue with me,” Abdullahi explained. The minister also said that the NSC had the mandate to support the football house in pursuit of its goals provided it was in the national interest, adding that the support would be extended to the NFF president, Aminu Maigari, who is vying for a seat in the executive committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). “It will be a thing of pride to know that the Chairman of the NFF is going to represent Nigeria at that level. So, it lies on us to give him the necessary support he needs to succeed.”

Keshi explains Okonkwo’s return EVEREST ONYEWUCHI

uper Eagles’ coach, Stephen Keshi, has explained that he called up experienced right back, Chibuzor Okonkwo, again because he believes that every person deserves to be given a second chance in life. Okonkwo was among the first set of home-based players Keshi invited last December but after a few days in camp he left the country for a fruitless trial with English Premier League side, Aston Villa. This was after Keshi had decreed that the players must be ready to stay at least six months with the national team before attempting to travel abroad for greener pastures. Since then he had been overlooked. But Keshi said that Okonkwo deserves a second chance because he’s a versa-

tile player and has the experience that can impact positively on the national team. “But he has to prove that he’s a better player in terms of discipline and action on the pitch,” he said. Yesterday, Okonkwo played the second half in the 1-1 draw against Nasarawa United and showed flashes of his old self. The Nasarawa side managed by veteran Coach Alphonsus Dike scored first in the 18th minute through Ibrahim Ibrahim, while Sunday Mba equalised for Eagles in the 44th minute from the penalty spot. UCL Round of 16 fixtures Galatasaray

FC Schalke

Celtic

Juventus

Arsenal

B. Munich

Shakhtar

B. Dortmund

AC Milan

Barcelona

Real Madrid v

Man United

Valencia

PSG

FC Porto

Malaga

Sport

Friday, December 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wi Window on Nigerian players abroad

with IKENWA NNABUOGOR ikenwa.nnabuogor@gmail.com

Ezekiel bags new deal at Standard Liege

tandard Liege has officially announced that a contract extension of two years has been signed with Nigerian teenager Imoh Ezekiel. The new deal means Ezekiel will be at the club until the the next four and a half years, precisely the summer of 2017. ‘’Imoh Ezekiel is an example and a model for all. Through his work and will, he managed to earn his place in the first team and scope for growth is still very important, ‘’assistant manager of Standard Liege, Jean-François de Sart told the official website. “We can only be proud to have given a chance to the

young striker who brings us much in return, and confirms the desire of our club to help young people to flourish. Ezekiel, who is widely regarded as the biggest export from the stable of 36 Lion Academy, is delighted with his new contract. He said: ‘’This is a big surprise for me. I do not expect it. Course I am very happy. This is a beautiful Christmas gift for me!” The youngster has scored 10 goals in 16 appearances in the Jupiler League. Standard Liege hosts Club Brugge in the 21st round of games on Sunday. Ezekiel trialed with Brugge in January, but was not offered a contract.

West Brom should maintain good position –Odemwingie

Michael Odibe

Odibe rates self high

nipro FC of Ukraine defender Michael Odibe has rated himself high in the first round of the Ukrainian Premier League which rounded off two weeks ago. The former AS Siena star, currently holidaying in Nigeria, reviewed his performance in the first round and commended his output, saying he did just well. Odibe, arrived from Arsenal Kiev on loan in the summer and continued his impressive defensive abilities at the rear for Juande Ramos’ side. The Lagosborn also posted commendable performances in the Europa League, helping his side to top his group and advance to the knockout rounds. The Ukrainian press have also celebrated the Nigerian youngster and accorded him rave reviews in some of the games he played in the first round. Odibe would even find time and space to venture upfront to score in a league game as he continued his penchant for scoring from his defensive position. He netted four times from his position for Arsenal Kiev last season and he vowed to improve on his last season’s record. Odibe said he was looking forward to the second round to continue his fine form and possibly earn

an Eagles recall. “The six months I have spent so far at Dnipro were great but I can only hope to do better and I’m prepared to improve,” he said. “I did very well in the league and the Europa League and I can only

continue the good work. Ukraine has been good for me since I arrived from Italy. “My game has improved too but it’s not complete yet until I get an Eagles recall. I hope the coaches will give me another chance.”

Uchenwa eyes another Mallorca chance

eal Mallorca II Nigerian midfielder Kenechukwu Uchenwa says he will soon be fit to eye another chance with Mallorca’s first team campaigning in the La Liga. The Enugu-born star playing for the Spanish side’s second team playing in the Segunda B (third tier of Spanish football) had a rare chance with the first teamers to prove himself in a Copa Del Rey tie against Deportivo La Coruna last month but it ended abruptly for the lanky midfielder as a knee injury forced his early exit in the 14th minute. Uchenwa underwent a successful journey last month and has been on rehabilitation which he said has been okay for him. He told National Mirror his return to full fitness will take some time to happen but maintained doctors were yet to name a particular date. The Enugu-born star rued the hard luck that cut short his dream start with the seniors but said he was still happy with his debut though it

was short-lived. “I’m very happy because it was a huge experience with me even though I didn’t finish the game,” Uchenwa recalls. “My recovery is going fine, I hope I recover soon, but everything is going on well but can’t say the actual time I will be back to action. “Such is football and you know injuries are part of the game and that’s nothing one can do about it when it happens. “I had longed for a chance with the first team because the coach had always said positive things about me but it was a pity my debut ended like that. “But all hope is not lost because I will be back on my feet again. Coming to play in Spain is the biggest thing to happen to my career but as long as I’m concerned Spain is the home of football. “There’s no way you can compare the Spanish league with other leagues in the world because it’s simply the best.”

eter Odemwingie wants to ensure that West Bromwich Albion are in a good position on the table when he departs for the African Cup of Nations. The 31-year old striker is likely to join the Nigerian team for the tournament in South Africa which kicks off on January 19 but he is confident the club will be capable without his services for a few weeks. ‘Osaz’ is set to be named in the 17-man foreign-based list to be released next week by Coach Stephen Keshi and will join the team in the training tour of Faro, Portugal, as Eagles build up for the AFCON in South Africa. He would return to the team

Odemwingie

after he excused himself from a number of Eagles games since his not-too-impressive outing in Kigali for the Nations Cup qualifier against Rwanda in February. “I want to be going there in the New Year with West Brom high in the table, which would help me emotionally,” he told BBC West Midlands. “Of course I will miss a couple of weeks of action here but I believe we have a squad that can hold on to the good start we have had.” The former Lokomotiv Moscow star, who is expected to join the Eagles team after this weekend’s clash against Norwich City, has scored four goals in 14 appearances for the Baggies.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

For the Record

Friday, December 21, 2012

Media and the judiciary: A necessary symbiosis Being the lecture delivered by Hon. Justice Dahiru Musdapher, (GCON), former Chief Justice of Nigeria at the Second Anniversary Lecture of National Mirror Newspapers held in Lagos on December 20, 2012 PRAYER: Oh God! I beseech thee for the forgiveness of my sins and grant me of thy mercy. I beg of Thee that I may be awarded protection of faith, a belief which is accompanied by virtuous manners, a prosperous life which is followed by complete success, mercy, peace, forgiveness and Thy pleasure. I invoke Thy benevolence and Thy perfect words and beg protection from the mischief of things which Thou holdest in Thou hand. Oh God! Thou alone can secure for me remission from penalties and remission of sins, Thy promise can never be shaken and the wealth of the wealthy ones cannot benefit them against Thee. Thou art pure and sublime and Thou art free from all blemishes. “Oh my Lord! expand me my breast; Ease my task for me; And remove the impediment from my speech, So they may understand what I say” Ameen.

efore I commence, I would like to mention that the last portion of the prayer I just recited from the Holy Quran is the prayer of Moses to his Lord when he was about to embark on his mission to ancient Egypt. Moses prayed in appreciation of the enormity of the task before him as he set out to free the Israelites from the citadel of oppression. My task here is very different. In fact it is an honour bestowed by partners to be performed in the midst of friends. However, I made the decision to repeat the prayer for three reasons. Firstly, it reveals my awe of the distinguished audience I am about to address. Secondly, I feel the contents of my lecture are very important and must be delivered clearly. Lastly as an elderly man, my voice is not what it used to be as it gets increasingly strained as I speak. So I pray the Almighty keeps it strong enough to deliver my lecture audibly, and I further hope that my message will be properly understood. Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to have been afforded the opportunity to deliver this year’s Annual Anniversary Lecture organised by the National Mirror Newspaper. When I was contacted and given a free hand to discuss any topic of my choosing, I was keen to speak on a contemporary issue in relation to the Law and the media. So I opted to speak about the “Relationship between the Law and E-media Practice in Nigeria”. In fact I had already communicated this topic to the National Mirror and had already written a few pages when I came across an article in the New York Times on issues relating to Freedom of the Press in the United Kingdom. The said article centered on the imminent threats to the Freedom of the Press in the United Kingdom, if the recommendations of increased regulatory control of the media made by the Commission of Inquiry into the “Phone hacking Scandal” and other illegal and unethical actions of Rupert Murdoch’s sensational tabloid Newspapers were to be fully implemented. While reflecting on the issues raised in the said article and it’s import on the Nige-

rian scene, I immediately realised that my lecture must focus on the role of the media in the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and social justice in Nigeria. I also understood that based on my experience as a Judicial Officer for so many years culminating as the Head of this Nation’s Judicial arm of government, I realised the need to convey my understanding and the implications of a very, very important relationship in our democracy; the relationship between the Media and the Judiciary. Though my initial topic is relevant to media practitioners and those in the legal profession, I feel that the topic I eventually settled on touches on some of the most critical questions affecting today’s Nigeria. It is far more important and shall be of benefit to a much wider audience than the former. Therefore, permit me to thank the editors of the National Mirror in giving me a free hand in choosing the topic of discussion. Fundamentally, it is important to understand that the powers or freedoms enjoyed by both the Media and the Judiciary mutually reinforcing. While the Courts through various pronouncements and decisions properly define the rights and freedoms of the media under our laws, it is the media that projects and often times reinforces public confidence in Judicial action. This unwritten arrangement is a crucial link in every democracy and when it fails the result is anarchy. Now more than ever, there is an urgent need to understand the importance of this crucial relationship and make constructive efforts to optimise it. On a previous occasion I had reason to speak briefly on this important relationship. Permit me to reproduce what I stated then; “A remarkable feature of the relationship between the judiciary and the media is that the independence of the judiciary and the independence of the media are both fundamental to the continued exercise, and indeed the survival of democratic liberties. Furthermore, while the judiciary plays a central role in the protection and sustenance of media independence, judicial independence and integrity is also dependant on these freedoms. Consequently, I feel that that the days when the possibility of active communication between the judiciary and the media was regarded as an anathema, are wrong in principle and should be gone forever. This is an age of communication in which, without any infringement on their independence, they can and should speak to each other, to ensure transparent administration of justice and preserve the freedom of the press which are indeed cardinal pillars of constitutional democracy.” During my time of stewardship as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, I developed a media policy and attempted to increase discourse with the media in a bid to increase transparency of judicial action especially regarding efforts towards judicial reform. It is important to note that though a healthy relationship is essential between the two, it is often strained. The reason is plain. An American reporter, once described his profession as;

Justice Dahiru Musdapher

I FEEL THAT THAT THE DAYS WHEN THE POSSIBILITY OF ACTIVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE JUDICIARY AND THE MEDIA WAS REGARDED

AS AN ANATHEMA, ARE WRONG IN PRINCIPLE AND SHOULD BE GONE FOREVER.

“For the most part we are untrained and deadline crazed, with short attention spans and an inbred preference for heat over light and simplicity over nuance.” In contrast, a Judge of the Canadian Supreme Court describes judges in the following terms; “…..judges like to think of themselves as “trained” and not overly concerned about deadlines, and possessed of long attention spans, a penchant for nuance, and a confident belief that every word they utter sheds light on the problem at hand, if not on the larger world beyond” How, one may ask, can such opposing perspectives subsist in a healthy productive relationship? My answer is that they can and must, if we want to build and sustain a society built on the rule of law. Despite occasional discomfort, a free press and an independent judiciary must work together to foster a society committed to the rule of law. The rule of law cannot exist without open and trans-

parent justice and a deep public confidence in the judiciary and the administration of justice. The media is essential to building and maintaining that public confidence. One of the features of all societies sharing a cultural commitment to the rule of law is public confidence in the justice system and the judiciary. Unless members of the public respect the courts that administer the law, they will not settle their disputes through the courts. They will not obey court orders. Judgments become mere edicts that are, to borrow Shakespeare’s words, “like clanging bells, full of sound and fury, but signifying nothing”. In a recent publication, Making Our Democracy Work, Justice Stephen Breyer of the United States Supreme Court poses a puzzling question; “why does the public accept and follow decisions made by the judiciary, a body he describes as “inoffensive, technical, and comparatively powerless.” The answer to this question rests in the confidence of the people. How does one build and maintain this public confidence? Obviously, one must appoint competent judges who observe the highest ethical standards of integrity. One must educate youth and the public generally about the justice system and what judges do. One must ensure that the public has access to justice. But fundamental to maintaining and building confidence in the judiciary is publicizing what judges do. In the 19th Century, English Philosopher Jeremy Bentham warned against secrecy in the administration of justice: “Where there is no publicity there is no justice. Publicity is the very soul of justice. It is the keenest spur to exertion and the surest of all guards against improbity. It keeps the judge himself while trying under trial.” To be continued

WORLD RECORD

Smallest colony Vol. 02 No. 518

Friday, December 21, 2012

The smallest colony in the world is Gibraltar (since 1969, the City of Gibraltar), with an area of 5.8 km² 1440 acres/21/4 miles².

N150

Why Orji Uzor Kalu, others are not remorseful I t was the hornets’ nest the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) stirred when it recently waved an olive branch that suggested that former governor of Abia State and founder of the People’s Progressive Alliance (PPA), Orji Uzor Kalu, was free to return to the party after his countless political flimflam. The erstwhile governor was said to have applied to rejoin the party through the back door, having applied to be registered as a member at the national level, whereas the PDP Constitution expressly stipulates that prodigal members wishing to return back should do so from their wards. In no ambiguous terms, the state, local government and ward chapters of the party in Abia State avoids the former governor as a dangerous, leprous patient. Chairman of the party in Bende Local Government, where Kalu belongs, Ihendu Eke, withdrew party registers from ward chairmen. The registers, reports say, are still at the party headquarters in Bende

FRIDAYS WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) “to avoid problems of wrongful admittance of unwanted politicians”. But from recent reports credited to the PDP national secretariat, which quoted the Deputy National Secretary, Onwe Solomon Onwe, as saying the party would not tolerate any attempt by the Abia State chapter to frustrate the return of the former governor, it became manifestly evident that the PDP national leadership had no qualms readmitting the former ‘smart’ governor of Abia State if appropriate steps were not taken to stop him. I guess that was the reason Abia PDP stakeholders, led by Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji, hurried to Abuja to not only to express their rejection of the PDP National working Committee’s (NWC) proposed ‘trouble shooting visit’ to Abia State, but to vehemently protest the re-admission of Uzor Kalu to the party. It was after the protest the PDP national leadership counted its teeth with its tongue and perhaps, had a rethink. So intriguing since then has been the fruitless efforts of Uzor Kalu’s sympathizers, including hatchet writers who claim to be natives of Abia, to make a hero of the former governor’s rejection by the Abia PDP, indeed, his people even at the grassroots. Junk local newspapers are also being floated to incite Abians against the governor, especially in Aba, the state’s foremost commercial city; and to expose “how the 17 councils are being looted”; even when

PARTY the public know very well that never in the history of Abia State had Aba roads been so neglected; and local government councils’ funds looted, as was experienced between 1999 and 2007 when Uzor Kalu was in power as the state governor. It is, however, quite disappointing that it took the decisive intervention of the Abia PDP to halt the former governor’s sacrilegious romance with the national leadership of the party, which had festered to the point the Bamanga Tukur-led NWC appeared bent on arm-twisting the Abia PDP to readmit the former governor. The public impression conveyed by the dubious role of the NWC is that the PDP acquiesced to the alleged reprehensible conduct of the former governor when he held court in Abia as governor; and that if wishes were horses, the PDP would allow him to vie for a higher position, including that of president. Meaning the ruling party doesn’t mind rewarding with higher offices those it threw up for leadership, but who instead of serving the people, chose to elevate betrayal of trust, conmanship,

Sport Extra

w ritish pugilist, Amir Khan, yesterday vowed that he will not make the same mistake again if given a second chance to take on Danny Garcia. Khan retur ned to winning ways last weekend with a stoppage of un-

THE PDP MAY LOSE ABIA THE DAY UZOR KALU RETURNS TO THE

corruption and rudderless leadership to unprecedented heights. But the PDP’s refusal to tame its members who recklessly smeared its name while holding public offices sustains public suspicion of its real mission in government. It is the party’s exceptional ‘business-as-usual’ disposition that emboldens the likes of Uzor Kalu, who instead of soberly facing the law over alleged past misdeeds while in office, walk tall, mock and insult the system the more. According to reports, the major reason Abia stakeholders stoutly rejected the former governor’s readmission into the PDP was that doing so would cause disaffection and return them to the battlefield of division and hostilities. But the former governor was also arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 107-count N5 billion graft charge at an Abuja High Court on leaving office in 2007. Though granted bail since 2008; and still deemed innocent by the nation’s lame-duck and compromised criminal justice system, he still remains a suspect and has neither been discharged nor acquitted. Besides, on leaving office in 2007, he ‘castrated’ Theodore Orji, the incumbent governor whom he assisted to succeed him, and literally made a mockery of the governor’s manhood before the public, until the governor angrily disowned him; all with the intent to have unfettered access to Abia State’s treasury. Of all the past governors docked by the EFCC, the former Abia governor appears the least remorseful and, perhaps, the most desperate to clinch another political office. Worse still, under the PDP! How else would provocative effrontery be defined? As an Abian, my honest prediction is that the PDP may lose Abia State the day Uzor Kalu returns to the party. A lot of Abians strongly feel he shortchanged the state in grave proportions and insulted their intelligence while serving as governor; and want him brought to book soonest before the resort to self-help. But the PDP has the right to think otherwise.

Boxing: Khan makes future pledge beaten Carlos Molina, that victory coming five months after he lost his WBA light-welterweight title to Garcia in Las Vegas. The Bolton fighter

was knocked down three times in that bout, but he looked far more assured in Los Angeles on Saturday when pummelling Molina into submission in the 10th.

Khan says his move to new trainer Virgil Hunter has made a difference, saying he will not be susceptible to the same errors he made against Garcia if they

meet again next year. “My new trainer is going to help me a lot and I can already see a change in my style. We are not going to make these mistakes again and we are not going to be giving opponents a chance now.”

Amir Khan

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