Friday, November 9, 2012 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

$3m bribery: Speaker, Lawan ask court to dismiss Otedola’s suit ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

S Otedola

peaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and the former Chairman of the House

Vol. 2 N0. 488

Boko Haram:

Ad hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Probe, Hon. Farouk Lawan, have asked an Abuja High Court to dismiss a N250 billion suit instituted against them by the Zenon boss, Mr. Femi Otedola.

They contended that the suit was defective and that the court had no jurisdiction to entertain the case. Following the bribery saga that dogged the CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 >>

CBN reviews criteria on power, aviation intervention funds

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Sanusi

Friday, November 9, 2012

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North mounts pressure on Buhari to mediate Jonathan committed to ending crisis –FG

A ZA MSUE AND INUSA NDAHI

ome concerned northern leaders have started mounting pressure on former Head of State, Maj. Gen. Mohammadu Buhari, to accept the me-

diator role between Federal Government and the Boko Haram Islamic sect. National Mirror gathered that some eminent northerners had concluded plans to send emissaries to Buhari to accept the role in the interest of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Presidency challenges Ribadu to mention names P.5

Burial of victims of last Sunday’s suicide bombing at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Kaduna, yesterday.

ACN, CPC blowing hot air over Obama –PDP P.6

Telecoms firms reject Lagos’ demand for N15bn tower dues L-R: President, International Council for Tourism Promotion, Mr. Geoffrey Lipman; Seychelles Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Alain St. Ange; Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe and ICTP Chairman, Mr. Thomas Steinmetz, during a meeting with Nigeria’s mission on tourism in the United Kingdom on Tuesday.

2013 budget: Reps probe MDAs P.2, 50 over foreign grants Death toll in Ghana building collapse hits nine

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Telecoms firms reject Lagos’ demand for N15bn tower dues KUNLE A ZEEZ

ssociation of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, ALTON, has rejected the fresh demand by the Lagos State Government, requesting them to pay of N3m annually on each of their existing base stations in the state. With about 5,000 telecoms towers operated by telecoms firms, including MTN, Globacom, Etisalat , Airtel, Visafone, Starcom-

ms, Multi-Links and other private telecoms operators in the state, the fresh demand amounts to about N15bn on existing sites. In addition, the state government is also demanding that operators pay N1m annually on any new base station to be built by the operators. The state is making the demand through the Urban Furniture Regulatory Unit established by the Lagos Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to regulate the activi-

ties of telecoms operators internet service providers and banks on masts and towers installations. ALTON President, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, said that before now, the state government only charged operators N40,000 payable annually per each base station. “We find it shocking and unreasonable that the state, all of a sudden, increased the charges from N40, 000 to N3m on existing base stations. “However, our position is that we would be willing

to pay 100 per cent of that charges, which is N80, 000. “Though we are still discussing but if the talks fall through, we may head for courts to resolve the matter,” he said. Adebayo, however, lamented the alleged closure of telecommunications facility sites due to Illegal demand note and multiple taxation by the Lagos agency and similar agencies in other states. He also lamenting the man-made and natural disasters such as bombings

L-R: Commanding Officer, NNS Beecroft, Navy Commodore Martins Njoku; Commander, 9 Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment, Brig.-Gen. Pat Akem; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Mr. Tunde Sobulo; Commander, 435 Base Services Group, Nigeria Airforce, Air Commodore Tony Omenyi and Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Security, Major Tunde Panox, after the state security council meeting in Lagos, yesterday. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

troubled region. A source, who did not want his name mentioned, said that the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, a socio-political umbrella organisation of the North, had been contacted to persuade the former head of state “as the region has been paralysed by terrorists’ activities.” The source said: “We are working round the clock to persuade Gen. Buhari to have a rethink over his stand. “Buhari is an honest and sincere person we have in the North today. That explained why Boko Haram too chose him as a mediator. “Buhari told the world that he knows nothing about Boko Haram and we believe him. “During the presidential elections in 2003, 2007, 2011, the North massively voted for Gen. Buhari not because he is a northerner, but because we believed in him. Buhari should accept to

and flood affecting over 25,000 base stations in the country. “We hereby draw the attention of the Federal Government and the general public to the continuous incessant and unlawful closure of telecommunication facility sites by some individuals, communities and indeed state authorities, in spite of the disasters that we face,” he said. He expressed concern over the impunity with which government agencies employ extra-legal means to effect such closures without any regard whatsoever for the inconveniences on telecommunication subscribers and the socio-economic disruptions. “We are deeply concerned by this unending illegal closure of sites, as it does not enable service recovery and maintenance activities on functional sites. “It is noteworthy that the illegal closure of the sites follows the objection of the affected members of ALTON to pay disputed fees levied by the agencies of state or local governments in the name of internally generated revenue. “The said unlawful taxes levied on our ALTON members runs into sev-

eral hundreds of millions of naira,” he said. He said the telecoms companies were uncomfortable acceding to such demands, which he described as unlawful, remarking such demands also contravened the provisions of the Taxes and Levies (Approved list for collection), under the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. Speaking further, he said: “Despite the Natural and Manmade disasters that we are facing, ALTON finds the attempt by some state and Ministries, Department and Agencies, MDAs, to continue to employ extra-legal means to coerce our members to submit to the payment of illegal taxes to be most unacceptable and we respectfully call on the Federal Government and the general public to intervene to save the situation. “We acknowledge further that recourse to the law courts remains an option for arbitration of disputed tax and levies. We therefore consider the recourse to extra-judicial methods of employing a Task Force to forcefully seal our facilities to be unacceptable, particularly in the face of the disasters faced by the country.”

Boko Haram: Pressure mounts on Buhari save the North. He cannot afford to abandon this region at this moment.” Buhari had on Wednesday rejected the mediator role offer in Abuja during the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, Board of Trustees, BOT, meeting. He ran on the party’s platform for president last year. Buhari expressed disappointment over what he described as plans by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, government to indict and nail him. National Mirror learnt that the ACF had started intensive moves to actualise the botched peace talks, but efforts to speak with the forum’s spokesman, Mr. Anthony Sani, yesterday over the issue were unsuccessful. But former governor of old Kaduna State and Chairman, Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, Alhaji Balarabe

Musa, advised the Federal Government to adopt direct peace dialogue with Boko Haram without mediators. Musa told our correspondent yesterday that the dialogue would succeed if handled properly. He said: “My reaction is that the Federal Government should adopt direct peace dialogue with Boko Haram. “Government should deal directly with Boko Haram without mediators; they will succeed except the Federal Government is also a member of the sect too. Attempts have been made before but all failed except the one by Dr. Datti Ahmed who accepted to mediate.” But, the National Chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, Tony Momoh in an interview with National Mirror insisted that the former head of state should

not have anything with the sect. According to him, so far, of all the people identified with the sect, none is a member of his party and that neither Buhari nor the CPC has anything to do with the sect. He identified three faces of the sect, which he called religious, political and criminal. His words: “Three faces of Boko Haram have been identified: the religious Boko Haram, the political Boko Haram and the criminal Boko Haram. It is what they do that identifies each group. The one that can make sense to anybody who believes in order and discipline is the religious Boko Haram. “The political Boko Haram is an internal thing with the Peoples Democratic Party, and General Buhari and the CPC are not members of the PDP, so the party should take care of its problem

and sort itself out. The criminal Boko Haram is a criminal gang, who perpetuate bombing of banks and commit robberies, let the security agencies pursue them and bring them to justice; Buhari and the CPC has no business with that as well. “The religious Boko Haram is the one of concern to everybody and their grouse is very simple: they accused the state of killing their leader extra-judicially; all they are asking for is reveal the killers of their leader and bring them to face the full wrath of the law. That is all they are asking for and this does not need Buhari or CPC to resolve the matter.” However, the Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe yesterday debunked the allegation that Boko Haram was a creation of the Federal Government as unfounded. Okupe said in Abuja

yesterday that the claim by Gen. Buhari was ridiculous and can never be substantiated. He said that it was contradictory for General Buhari to accuse the Federal Government of being behind Boko Haram, when he (Buhari) had once advocated violence during an election campaign Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan was said to be determined to bring peace to Borno and Yobe states and the rest of the North-East. The President’s determination to end the Boko Haram uprising was communicated by the delegation he sent to Borno State to condole with the government and people of the state on the murder of Maj.- Gen. Muhammadu Shuwa. The delegation, which was led by the Minister of Youth (State), Inuwa Abdulkadir, included three CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Friday, November 9, 2012

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L-R: Guest of Honour, Dr. Alex Ekwueme; Chairman of the occasion, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and chief host, Otunba Michael Balogun, during a special luncheon in honour of Dr. Alex Ekwueme at 80, at the Olori Omoba’s Place in Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Mr. Manny Philipson; Ms. Mobola Lanre-Badmus and Mr. Ayo Sogbuyi, during the presentation of award to Hyundai as the Auto Brand of the Year at the Brand of the People Awards ceremony in Lagos, recently.

L-R: Group Managing Director, Complete Sports, Alhaji Mumuni Alao; Vice President, World Bank and former Minister of Education, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili and founder, Success Attitude Development Centre, Dr. Sunny Obazu-Ojeagbase, during the 16th Success Digest Enterprise Awards Presentation Dinner in Lagos, recently.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Blessed Water, Mrs. Victoria Oginni; publisher, , Mr. Kristian Edafe and President, Women Arise, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, during the Women in Leadership: Playing to Win programme, in Lagos, yesterday.

National News

Constitution review: Reps begin public hearing in states Reject review by referendum

GEORGE OJI, EMMANUEL ONANI AND TORDUE SALEM

peaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, yesterday flagged-off the process to review the 1999 Constitution through public hearings in 360 Federal Constituencies in the country. The Speaker said in his speech that he was “delighted to perform this ceremony of the formal flag-off of the Peoples Public Sessions programme which will, by the grace of God, take place simultaneously in all the 360 federal constituencies of the federation on Saturday, November 10, 2012.” His words: “The Peoples’ Public Sessions programme, which is novel, is a consultative initiative of the House of Representatives aimed at ensuring a more participatory, inclusive and transparent review of the constitution,” and is “expected that this

broad-based approach to the process of amending the constitution will be more credible and open to all citizens and that popular participation shall be greatly enhanced.” Tambuwal, however, admitted the constitutional role the people would play in the review process. His words: “Whereas the House of Representatives is fully conscious of the fact that under Section 4 of the constitution, the legislative powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are vested on the National Assembly and that by Section 9 of same, the procedure for altering the constitution is expressly prescribed, we do not lose sight of Section 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which encourages the promotion of popular participation by the citizenry in governance.” According to him, “It is in the light of this realisation that we have opted for a process which is certainly more cumbersome. The

Mark receives NBA delegation, restates NASS’ neutrality

main objective is to inject credibility in the process and by implication, the final document and ensure genuine ownership by Nigerians.” He said it is in the spirit of openness and “unrestrained transparency that video coverage of all the proceedings is instituted. This electronic document will be available for purposes of reference and verification.” He, therefore, called “on all Nigerians, at this stage, to take full advantage of this opportunity offered them by the House to participate in the 2012 Constitutional review process.” According to Tambuwal, “While acknowledging the public compliments that have greeted the People’s Public Sessions initiative, I also note the well intentioned suggestions put forth by other individuals and groups for alternatives, the most prominently canvassed being the employment of referendum as a process for the constitution

review. According to him, “I consider it imperative, both in my capacity as the Speaker and head of the institution to mid-wife the constitutional review process and also as a legal practitioner, to offer opinion on our preference for the peoples public sessions rather than a referendum.” He, however, warned that; “As an institution, we have sworn to defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This implies that whatever our zeal in responding to public and even popular opinion on issues of critical national importance, we must at all times be guided by the spirit and letter of this constitution. “Having said so, permit me to say that referendum as a legislative process is not contemplated by the Nigerian Constitution. It cannot therefore be an option, being unconstitutional. In a related development, President of the Senate, David Mark, also yesterday reiterated the neutrality of

members of the National Assembly over the on-going process for the review of the 1999 Constitution. Senator Mark told a delegation of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), led by its President, Chief Okey Wali, SAN, who visited him in his office in Abuja yesterday that the National Assembly has neither ulterior motive nor hidden agenda on the amendment. According to him, “All we are interested in is to mobilise and get all Nigerians involved in the process of constitution amendment. “We have no particular agenda but that which majority of Nigerians desire.” Mark said he had heard people criticise his position on the desirability of state creation and noted that no part of Nigeria or geo-political zone in the country that has not requested for a new state. According to him, “It is not a David Mark agenda. We shall weigh the scale and respond to the genuine desires of Nigerians.

“This is democracy; everybody should be allowed to express him or herself in the process. What we shall oppose is a situation where a vocal minority would want to impose its views or position on the majority.” Mark assured that all interest groups would have a say in the process. This was as he promised that the amendment would be guided by the dictates of the constitution and that the National Assembly would not do anything outside the constitution. He said public hearings would be held in the 109 senatorial districts by the Senate, while the House of Representatives would visit the 360 federal constituencies to gather the views of Nigerians on the amendment. In his remarks, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, told the NBA that the process of constitution amendment does not require referendum, but assured that no section would be denied input in the process.

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Corruption: Presidency challenges Ribadu to mention names OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

he Presidency has challenged the Chairman of the Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to mention the names of those who allegedly attempted to compromise him. It also said that his recent altercation with some members of his committee was uncalled for. Senior Special Adviser to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, who gave the charge in Abuja explained that the controversy surrounding the committee’s report was unnecessary. He said that it was “politically orchestrated” and did not represent the purpose for which President Goodluck Jonathan set up the committee. Okupe stressed that it was unfortunate for Ribadu to make such “sweeping statements” without substantiating it.

He noted that his choice as chairman of the committee was based on President Jonathan’s belief that he (Ribadu) “is somebody who cannot easily be compromised in spite of his belonging to the opposition political party.” Emphasising the determination of the President in correcting the ills in the oil industry, Okupe stressed that the Ribadu’s committee was not a probe panel but merely a body set up to find how to fix the problems in the petroleum sector and move the country forward. He noted that the leaking of “incorrect version” of the report of the committee to a foreign media was a most unpatriotic act by the person who did so. The presidential aide added that there were clear discrepancies between what was leaked to Reuters and what was submitted to the President. He said that public reactions to the report followed

a pattern by some unknown persons, whom he accused of deliberately misinforming the public “to overheat the polity and cause disaffection and opprobrium against the President for doing what is right.” “We are aware that Ribadu, to a certain extent, advertently or inadvertently but definitely unfortunately, has encouraged this negativism. “For instance, on his facebook page a while ago, Mallam Ribadu remarked that he resisted overtures to make him compromise the report and rather than compromising the report, he stayed on the side of the Nigerian people. “His claim of an overture to him to compromise the report is perfidious and false. We respectfully enjoin Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to be patriotic enough to name the proponents of this compromise. “If Ribadu claims that by serving on the committee, he is on the side of the

Nigerian people, on whose side is President Jonathan whose idea it was in the first place to set up the task force and approved the appointment of Mallam Ribadu as chairman of the committee? “A cursory look at the report mischievously leaked to Reuters and other international news media and the one submitted on November 2, to President Jonathan and signed by Mallam Ribadu as chairman and Olasupo Shasore as secretary, would prove this discrepancy”. Okupe noted that comparing the first paragraph of the report with the first item on the terms of reference given to the committee, it would show clearly that there is a contradiction as “the statement (that the committee has concluded its assignment in accordance with the terms of reference) is untrue as paragraph one of the terms of reference of the committee mandated

President Goodluck Jonathan (right) receiving Letters of Credence from Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Joachim Oppinger, in PHOTO: NAN Abuja, yesterday.

Boko Haram: Pressure mounts on Buhari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

other junior ministers, Alhaji Bukar Tijani (Agriculture), Yerima Ngalma (Finance) and Ambassador Bashir Yuguda (Sports). Delivering the president’s message, Abdulkadir said the president felt strongly about what was happening in that part of the country and was work assiduously to ensure peace returns. He said President Jonathan was working with the governor of Borno

State as well as other governors to ensure security of lives and property in the country and that he would want all Nigerians to continue to pray for the peace of the land. He said the Boko Haram crisis cannot be aligned to any religion as no religion preaches violence but it is just that “some guys are hiding under the guise of religion to foment trouble but it is a well known fact that no religion condones violence, we pray that the situation becomes history soonest.”

He used the opportunity to pray for the repose of the souls of those who have died since the crisis started. He described the slain Shuwa as a nationalist who worked tirelessly to keep the nation one and was willing to shed his blood on the war front. Responding Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, said the departure of Shuwa would be felt in all parts of the state as he was a tower of strength to many, including his community

and the government. He said he was an iconic soldier, astute administrator and quintessential community man. “He was living with the people, fought for the people and died for the people,” the governor said. He added that while his colleagues were living in Asokoro, he lived in the high density Gwange and identified with the people and “we are definitely going to miss not only his intellect, but his useful pieces of advice.”

it (which is to work with consultants and experts to determine and verify all petroleum upstream and downstream revenues due and payable to the federal government). “Unfortunately and most regrettably, this paramount duty of the PRSTF committee could not be accomplished as stated in paragraph four of the covering letter signed by the chairman,

Ribadu and secretary of the committee, Shasore”. Okupe insisted that having stated clearly in paragraph four of the covering letter that the committee was unable to verify the figures in the report and was unable to conduct necessary verifications and reconciliations, “the committee failed to carry out a very critical part of its assignment”.

CBN reviews criteria on power, aviation intervention funds Allied Matters Act of 1990 UDO ONYEKA

he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has revised guidelines on the N300bn Power and Airline Intervention Fund, PAIF. In a circular signed by Director , Development Finance Department, Mr. Paul Eluhaiwe, the apex bank said that power projects by any corporate entity, duly registered in Nigeria, involved in electricity power supply value chain, including power generation, transmission, distribution, gas-to-power projects and associated services, are eligible to apply for the fund. This could imply that companies that won bids for controlling equity in Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, successor companies being privatised by the Federal Government could be eligible for such loans in the future after initial meeting payment criteria. The circular said eligible projects could be promoted by private or public sector sponsors or a combination of both, but must be structured either as profit-oriented business or a public service, provided that contracted cash-flows or financing support exist to ensure repayment of principal and interest, as well as long term viability. It said the project company might also offer appropriate credit enhancement options to support its financial obligations and that power companies would only be eligible if the investments were not older than two years from the date of the application. On the eligibility of airlines, the CBN said any airline duly incorporated under the Companies and

and operating in Nigeria could apply. Types of facilities to be financed in aviation include long term loans (for new power projects), refinancing of existing loans (power and airline projects), refinancing of existing leases (power and airline projects) and working capital (for existing power and airline projects only). The fund loans shall have a maximum tenor of 15 years as determined by the project’s cash flow profile not exceeding July 31, 2025, the CBN said. According to the apex bank, “Working capital facility shall be of one year duration with provision for roll-over but not more than five years. Repayments under this facility shall be amortised. The Fund allows for moratorium in the loan repayment schedule. The moratorium on principal shall depend on the type and nature of the project and shall not exceed either the construction period of the project (which shall not exceed 5 years or the time required to complete the project. “Additional moratorium period of 18 months may be added to the moratorium period in order to address the risk of completion delays. Protracted completion delays could be addressed through other mechanisms such as adequate sponsor support and contingencies to be determined on a project,” the circular said. In a bid to catalyze financing of the real sector of the Nigerian economy, the CBN in accordance with Section 31 of the CBN Act 2007, approved the investment of the sum of N500 bn Debenture Stock to be issued by the Bank of Industry (BOI), last year.

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$3m bribery: Speaker, Lawan ask court to dismiss Otedola’s N250bn suit CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1>>

probe of the fuel subsidy payments to oil marketers, Otedola had sued Tambuwal and Lawan, claiming N250 billion as compensation for business losses he suffered by the defendants’ action. In the suit instituted on his behalf by Chief Babajide Koku (SAN), Otedola is claiming N100 billion as general damages for acts of intimidation, loss of goodwill and patronages occasioned by Tambuwal and Lawan’s acts. In the legal action he jointly filed along with his

Zenon Petroleum and Gas Company, Otedola is claiming N150 billion against the defendants as exemplary damages for their alleged oppressive and arbitrary actions against him and his company. He is also challenging the alleged move by Tambuwal and Lawan to re-list his company among the oil firms already indicted for allegedly defrauding the Federal Government. In his 28-point statement of claim, Otedola averred that by resolution of January 8, the House of Representatives set up an ad hoc

committee to verify and determine the actual subsidy amount made to oil companies and to also monitor the implementation of the subsidy in the country. He alleged that Lawan later contacted him that his company was going to be indicted for purchasing foreign exchange from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, without importing fuel. Otedola averred that despite his explanations, Lawan allegedly demanded $3 million bribe to clear Zenon. He claimed that Lawan

resorted to persistent phone calls, threatening him that his company would be included on the list of indicted oil importers and that the image and reputations of Zenon oil would be greatly affected unless he paid the $3 million. Faced with the unrelenting barrage of intimidating phone calls, the plaintiff claimed that he became distressed and reported the unlawful demands to the security agencies. Otedola therefore asked the court to award him N250 billion for the grave injuries done to his repu-

L – R: Minister of State for Niger Delta, Hajiya Zainab Kuchi; Vice President Namadi Sambo and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abubakar Kachalla, during a meeting of Special Technical Committee on critical technical issues on Niger Delta Power Holding Company at the State House in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

Councils, traditional rulers can’t sell Abuja land —Court ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

n Abuja High Court yesterday declared that no traditional ruler or area council has powers to either sell or allocate land in Abuja. It added that all those who bought land through customary ownership bought nothing while those who sold also sold nothing. The judge, Justice Peter Kekemeke, who handed down the verdict, said going by the Land Use Decree of 1978 and the Federal Capital Territory Act of 2004, the entire land mass in Abuja solely belonged to the Federal Government. The court warned that there was no free land in Abuja for speculators to

deal with or customary ownership of land in any part of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. An aggrieved landlord, Mr. Festus Ezeh, had sued the Minister of FCT and the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, following threat by the Federal Government to demolish his house in Jikowyi located within the FCT. He had told the court to stop the government from dispossessing him of the plot of land he bought in 1995 from one Danladi Zibar through the Etsu of Jikowyi under customary tenancy. He asked the court to stop the planned demolition, having lived in the house for years without any complaint from the land seller.

Delivering judgement in the case, Kekemeke ruled that Ezeh bought nothing and that under the Nigerian laws, no land was sold to him. Kekemeke, who sympathised with Ezeh whose house had been marked for demolition, said that it was only the President through the FCT minister that could genuinely allocate land in Abuja to anybody or group. The judge held that under the 1978 Land Use Decree and the FCT Act 2004, the area councils in Abuja had no power to allocate or sell land to anybody let alone any traditional ruler or customary land owners. However, Kekemeke said after going through

the claims of the plaintiff and counter-claims of the FCT minister and FCDA, he had no difficulty in concluding that the plaintiff bought land from wrong authority and could not lay genuine claim to the plot.

tation and business image, resulting in the substantial loss of goodwill and patronage of the business built over the years. However, Tambuwal and Lawan have filed an objection to hearing of the suit by an Abuja High Court, claiming that it is only the Federal

High Court that can adjudicate on such matter. The objection was filed by Mr. Kehinde Ogunuwuniju from Chief Afe Babalola’s chamber. Justice Peter Kekemeke of the Abuja High Court has adjourned the case till November 23.

FG targets $16bn FDI in 2013 – Aganga

he Federal Government yesterday said it was targeting $16 billion in Foreign Direct Investment, FDI, into Nigeria in 2013 to further create jobs and wealth for the country. The Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, said this in Abuja at the closing ceremony of the 8th National Conference on Investment, NCI, organised by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, NIPC. The minister disclosed that Nigeria had so far realised $8.9 billion from foreign investment which represented a 40 per cent increase from the 2010 achievement. Aganga said the government was determined to improve the country’s investment environment so that it could take its rightful position as a major player in the global economy. He said the present administration was not comfortable with the current investment competitiveness ranking of Nigeria and called for synergy between the Federal and state governments to improve the country’s investment environment. The minister said NIPC was working with the states

of the federation to ensure that they establish their own One Stop Investment Centres, OSICs. He said: “There is ongoing collaboration between the NIPC and some states of the federation, to establish One-stop Investment Centres and investment promotion outfits in the different states. “This is to ensure that OSIC facilities are available at the grassroots.” Aganga noted that the NCI, since inception, had made remarkable progress, especially by ensuring harmony between the Federal and state governments in the area of investment incentives. He added that the Federal and state governments were working together to develop a sector-specific investment policy document as part of efforts to provide a level playing field for genuine investors. In their goodwill messages, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, and his Works counterpart, Mr. Mike Onolememen, pledged the collaboration of their ministries with the Ministry of Trade and Investment to further improve the country’s economy.

Obama: ACN, CPC blowing hot air –PDP OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday expressed surprise at “the knee jerk reactions” of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, and the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, over its appeal for losers of elections in the country to accept results in good faith. The PDP advice came on the heels of the presidential

election in the United States where the loser, Mitt Romney, accepted defeat and congratulated the winner, President Barak Obama. In a statement, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, expressed shock over “the uncouth reaction of both parties to an innocent advice intended to further stabilise Nigeria’s democracy.” He said: “The PDP is alarmed at the hot air blown by the ACN and CPC

over a simple advice for losers of elections to demonstrate sportsmanship.”

Obama

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Ogun PDP factions suspend each other FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

new twist yesterday emerged in the lingering crisis in the Ogun State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the two factions existing in the state have allegedly suspend each other from the party. While the state Chairman of the party, Dipo Odujinrin, who enjoys the backing of the National Secretariat of the party, said it has suspended the factional chairman of the party, Engineer Bayo Dayo, along with four other party stalwarts, the Bayo Dayoled faction also claimed that it has suspended Dipo Odujinrin and four other members of the party in the state. A statement issued yesterday in Abeokuta, by the state Publicity Secretary in the Dipo Odujinrin-led faction, Bidemi Osunbiyi, listed four other members suspended along with Bayo Dayo to include the party’s financier in the state, Prince Buruji Kashamu as well as the factional Secretary, Semiu Sodipo. Others are the former state Publicity Secretary, Segun Sowunmi and an-

other party stalwart, Chief Pegba Otemolu. Osunbiyi said in the release that the decision to suspend the five members of the Bayo Dayo-led factional PDP was arrived at after the meeting of the State Working Committee held in Abeokuta yesterday, where they have refused to show up to defend themselves against allegations leveled against them. Quoting Section 57 (3) of the party’s constitu-

tion as amended to justify the suspension, Osunbiyi further said their suspension would last for 30 days during which they will be made to face the State Disciplinary Committee to answer the charges against them. But, in a swift reaction to the suspension order, the Bayo Dayo-led factional Secretary, Semiu Sodipo, also listed those suspended from the state chapter of the party to include the party’s flag-bearer during

party’s constitution, further explained in the statement that those members affected were suspended for having serially disobey court orders as well as engaging in anti-party activities, among other offences. The Bayo Dayo faction, however, expressed optimism that the suspension of the affected party members would enhance the on-going reconciliation and integration of the major groups in the state chapter of the party.

ur attention has been drawn to the misrepresentation of facts contained in the story with the above headline published in our December 20, 2011 edition. The story touched on the personality and the integrity of Messrs Kehinde Eleja and Yakub Dauda, accused by a group of encouraging their client to flout court orders in the matter of Ataoja stool before an Osogbo High Court. We have since discovered that there was indeed no such allegation against them and that the story was a fabrication that cannot be sustained. The contents of the said story are hereby retracted in its entirety even as we tender our unreserved apology for the embarrassment this may have caused them. –Editor.

Madam Ajoke Adeniyi for burial Nov 30

Cross section of traders and buyers at the Lagos International Trade Fair in Lagos, yesterday.

Judicial workers’ strike: Daniel’s trial may suffer setback today FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

he resumed trial of former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, may suffer a temporary setback today following the ongoing strike action embarked upon by the state chapter of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) that has entered its second week. Daniel, who is facing a 38-count charge which borders on stealing, conversion of public property to personal use, mismanagement of public funds, among others, levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was billed to appear in court today in continuation of his trial. The state chapter of JUSUN had declared an indefinite strike which commenced a week ago over the failure of government to honour the agreement reached with the union. JUSUN had, early this week at the end of its congress, resolved to embark on

the April 2011 governorship election, General Adetunji Idowu Olurin as well as the National Auditor of the PDP, Chief Bode Mustapha. A press statement issued by Sodipo listed others as the state Chairman of the party, Dipo Odujinrin, the state Secretary, Dapo Adeyemi as well as another member of the Odujinrinled state executive committee, Yahaye Ahmed. Sodipo, who also quoted appropriate sections of the

Re: Rights’ group threatens to drag lawyers before NBA

•Daniel

an indefinite strike which has paralysed judicial activities in the state. National Mirror recalled that the union had been at loggerheads with successive administration in the state including the immediate past administration of Gbenga Daniel over the non-implementation of the consolidate Judiciary Salary Scale, among other demands. The union’s resolution at the congress followed the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the state government through the state Ministry of Justice. As at the time National Mirror visited the court premises of the state high court as well as the magistrate’s courts yesterday in

Isabo, Abeokuta, there was no court in session which gave an indication that Daniel’s trial may be stalled. Gates of the magistrate’s courts were shut, while judicial and non-judicial workers were conspicuously absent from work. Aside from that, the state law officers were also said to be on a work-to-rule order and courtboycott in protest against the non-payment of their harmonized allowance which equate their pay with those of magistrates in the state. The court today was expected to hear an application brought before it by Daniel’s team of defence counsel wherein the former governor is seeking to quash the count number 1 to 13 from the 38-count charges brought against him. Daniel’s lead counsel, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, had premised its argument on the ground that those charges are related to allegations upon which a panel set up by the Ogun State government had already adjudicated and taken a definite decision.

PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

Customs arrests man with $137, 435 at Lagos Airport OLUSEGUN KOIKI

fficials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) attached to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, yesterday announced the arrest of a passenger with $137, 435 on him at the airport. Disclosing this to journalists at a briefing yesterday, Customs Area Controller, Airport Command, Mr. Eporwei Charles Edike, said the culprit had attempted to traffic the money to China. The suspect, who he identified as Mr. Chukwuonu Nnaemeka John, was allegedly travelling to China with textbooks published in Nigeria with the purpose of re-importing them back to Nigeria, which he said was a copyright offence. Edike said the passenger only declared $70, 000 as the amount on him. He, however, said that on frisking the textbooks, his men

discovered that $67, 437 was not declared by the suspect. He said the command has since put in place measures to hand over the passenger to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation. He said it has become imperative for Customs at the airport to comply with government regulations as it affects foreign exchange in line with the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) CAP C 45 LFN 2004 as amended. The Customs boss said since September 24, 2012 when the office received a letter from the EFCC, it has thereafter put in place a collaborative working arrangement with the command’s currency declaration officers at the international airport. He said such collaborative efforts have been paying off as many offending passengers have been restrained from travelling and have been handed over to the EFCC.

he remains of one of the pastors of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement, Ayo Ni O, Madam Ajoke Adeniyi (Nee Ogunfunminirese), who died on October 14, 2012 at the age of 65, will be buried on November 30, 2012. Born on April 24, 1947 in Odosida Street, Ondo Town, Ondo State, she got married to late Pa Olufolajimi Adeniyi, also of Odojomu Street, in Ondo, Ondo Town. A devoted Christian and a member of the Christian Association of Nigeria, who before her death worked at the headquarters of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement, Ayo Ni O, Kilometre 4, ApapaOshodi Expressway, Lagos. She died after a brief illness. During her life time, she served the church and the Lord diligently. She is survived by children and grandchildren. Burial arrangement as announced by the family showed that Service of Songs will hold at her residence, Plot 17, LFI Road, by LFI Bus Stop, Igbogbo, Bayeku Road, Ikorodu Lagos by 4.00pm. Internment and entertainment will hold on November 30, 2012, at the same venue.

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We need N271bn to execute rural projects –Lagos MURITALA AYINLA

he Lagos State Government yesterday said it would require about N271.3 billion to execute rural project across communities in the state, just as it presented 11 patrol vehicles to neighbourhood watch, a local security outfit set up to enhance security of lives and property. The state Commissioner for Rural Development, Cornelius Ojelabi, stated this during this year’s Community Day held at the Ikeja Police College, Lagos. Ojelabi, who solicited for the assistance of local and foreign partners in the execution of the projects, said the money would be spent on projects such as roads, micro water scheme and rural jetties, among others. He said: “In the area of rural roads, we received 334 requests estimated at over N268 billion and requests for 17 jetties at an estimated cost of N1.1 billion. We are also spending N59.5 billion on the provision of concrete foot bridges in coastal areas. “One hundred and twelve communities are requesting for modified Type A water scheme estimated at N896 million. Nine communities requested for micro water scheme at an estimated cost of N1.08 billion. We also have request for provision of public toilet at an estimated cost of N59.5million.” Urging philanthropists and other well meaning individuals to support the government in the provision of the projects, the commissioner said: “The Ministry of Rural Development will be so gracious in partnering with them by providing the model and specifications of these projects and allow them to brand such projects in their name”.

South West

Friday, November 9, 2012

Oyo, UK company sign MoU to establish N4bn soya milk firm O

NAFDAC raids shops, arrests three over fake drugs

he Oyo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a United Kingdombased milk producing company, Kama Milk Industry, for the production of soya milk. The company, whose establishment will cost N4 billion, will be producing about 750,000 metric tons of soya milk per annum, aside the provision of about 100,000 jobs for the people. Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who presided over the signing ceremony at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital, said that the development was the product of his many foreign trips. The trips, according to him, were aimed at improving the economy of the state and enhancing the living standard of the people. Ajimobi said: “The

Ajimobi

MoU is one of the products of our promotion; we are now having a company involved in the large manufacturing of soya bean which will be the largest in Africa outside South Africa.’’ The governor assured the management of the company that government would provide the

enabling environment to enhance its success. He said: “We are indeed ready to partner with you and provide the enabling environment that will make you succeed and all that is required of us to promote and make progress in Oyo State.’’ The governor also assured that the company would be provided with 25 hectares of land to commence the production of soya beans which, he said, would have its own value chain through the promotion of poultry, fish product and animal feeds. He added that apart from the land being provided at the industrial park on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the company would also be provided with a large farmland in Oke-Ogun area that would serve as a feeder to the firm. Governor Ajimobi urged the company’s

management to ensure the commencement of operation within the next three months. He said: “I want to appeal to you that as we are signing this MoU, we will expect that in the next three months, we will be able to turn the sod in Oyo State and have that factory. I will like to open the factory by September next year.” Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of Kama Milk Industry, Mr. Dipak Mirchandani, assured that the firm was ready to partner with the state government in the area of soya beans processing and milk production, adding that 75,000 tons of soya milk would be produced per annum. He lauded the governor for having the interest of the state at heart, which he said, had manifested in the establishment of the company.

fficials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have arrested three persons and shut four medicine stores in Lagos for stocking and selling fake, unregistered and banned drug products. The NAFDAC officials, led by Mr. Uche Chidi, in company of security operatives stormed Ajah area of the Lagos metropolis in an attempt to rid the state and the nation at large of fake drugs and regulated products. Addressing journalists after the exercise in his office at Apapa, Lagos, the Director in charge of Enforcement Directorate, Mr. Garba McDonald, warned that fake drugs are harmful to humans and reiterated the call by the agency to Nigerians to shun such products. Macdonald said that the agency was intensifying its efforts to raid the markets of unwholesome products, especially as Christmas is fast approaching.

Traffic law: ‘Protesters are Agberos’ MURITALA AYINLA

agos State Commissioner for Transport Kayode Opeifa has said that the frequent protests by commercial motorcyclists over the restriction of their activities by the government were carried out by social miscreants popularly known as “Agbero.” The motorcyclists, following the enforcement of the traffic law which banned their activities on major roads, have been staging violent protests. The aggrieved protesters have vandalised scores of LAGBUS buses. But reacting to questions by members of the public during the 11th Annual Business Forum organised by LASUMBA Heritage, an Association of Alumni of LASU MBA, Opeifa described the protesters as touts who had been illegally extorting motorcyclists before the restriction of their operations. He said the touts, who had been illegally operating at various bus stops, were those carrying placards and fomenting trouble in the name of protesting the restriction of motorcy-

clists’ activities. The commissioner said:”The protesters are not okada riders; they are Agberos, who felt their means of livelihood will be hampered by the restriction. “They are obviously not happy with the restriction of activities of commercial motorcyclists because the law will put an end to illegal touting on highways and roads.” Opeifa said the state government was ready to engage registered motorcyclists rendered jobless by the restriction, adding that plans are underway to engage them in the many agricultural and transportation sectors as some of them will be engaged as LAGBUS conductors. On the police brutality of commercial motorcyclists in the name of enforcing the state traffic law, the commissioner said that the government would defend anyone unlawfully assaulted or maltreated, adding that the state’s Office of the Public Defence (OPD) would take up such cases. Speaking on the rising number of stranded passengers at various bus stops in the state metropolis, he said the situation is normal in a city like Lagos.

Politics Discordant tunes over Biafra Republic It is clear that the security of lives and property of Biafran people is no longer guaranteed in the entity called Nigeria. Therefore, we have resolved to re-declare our independence today. –Benjamin Onwuka, Biafra Zionist Movement leader I don’t believe in secession. I believe in belonging to one country, fighting for my rights and getting my rights in my country. –Bright Ezeocha, President, Igbo Youth Congress I believe there are selfish interests in some of the struggles being championed by many groups in Nigeria. I believe that the picture of Biafra Zionist Movement is bigger than what happened in Enugu where they were emphasising lack of security. –Chima Nnaji, public analyst

Celebrity Slim people don’t intimidate me –Lepacious Bose!

Saturday Starter Up in Áames

Private residences, office structures, shopping centres and public buildings are going up in flames at an alarming rate across Nigeria. The physical destruction is often accompanied by loss of lives and property worth billions of Naira. The statistics are staggering, the figures scary and the effects confounding.

Woman

Beauty is no licence for waywardness –Toyin Adewale, actress ss

x SeTalk

15 things women want to know about men, but are afraid to ask

South East

Friday, November 9, 2012

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Fire razes N100m goods in Onitsha timber market NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

oods worth N100 million were yesterday gutted by a mysterious fire at the timber section of the Onitsha market. Many machineries were

also destroyed by the fire. The inferno, which started at about 4.30am and lasted till 11am, was jointly put out by men of the Anambra State Fire Service and members of the public after it raged for six hours. The incident was the second of its kind between

2010 and now. The first incident occurred in a similar circumstance in January, 2010 during which about 60 shops were razed down. Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Mr. Ugochukwu Ezeani, who visited the scene shortly after the inferno

was put out, described the incident as “very unfortunate”. Chairman of Carpentry and Wood Design Market, Bridge-Head Market, Onitsha, Mr. Obidigbo Okorie, confirmed the loss of the N100 million goods. Okorie urged the Anam-

bra State Government to investigate the cause of the fire so as to prevent a recurrence. He, therefore, called on the victims to wait for the outcome of the investigation.

We’re owed three months salaries, Abia workers allege GEORGE OPARA ABIA

Anambra State Governor Peter Obi laying the foundation for Onitsha Hotel and Convention Centre in Onitsha, recently.

Imo warns Bianca over unguarded statement CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

he Imo State Government yesterday described the statement credited to the Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, as untrue and unguarded. Bianca was reported to have said that the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, installed Chief Rochas

Okorocha as the governor of Imo State. In a statement issued yesterday and signed by the Senior Adviser to the Governor on Print Media, Ebere Uzoukwa, the government described the claim as porous, baseless, unfounded and untrue It said that the MASSOB leader was neither a card-carrying member of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) nor has the power to anoint candidates for the party.

The statement reads: “We recall vividly that during the last governorship election, APGA lost woefully in Chief Uwazurike’s booth, ward and Onuimo, his local government. “As if we are not aware, the MASSOB leader worked for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate and we strongly believe that Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu is aware of this fact. “The state government

takes serious exception to Bianca’s unguarded statement and advises her to face her new responsibility as Nigerian Ambassador to Spain. “Governor Rochas Okorocha respects her late husband, Ikemba Odumegwu Ojukwu and the entire family and Bianca should not pose a threat to that relationship with her unholy romance with some disgruntled elements and enemies of Imo people.”

Politicians’ll rubbish Nigeria’s economy if … –Sanusi CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

entral Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi yesterday warned against the danger of withdrawing the bank’s autonomy. Mallam Sanusi said that withdrawing the autonomy gained by the CBN in 1999 as it is being contemplated by those behind the bill to amend the CBN ACT of 2007 would give politicians opportunity to take over the bank and create crisis in the nation’s economy. He spoke yesterday during the 5th Annual Banking and Finance Lecture of the Department of Banking and

Finance of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State. Sanusi was represented at the event by the CBN Deputy Governor in charge of the Directorate of Financial Systems Stability, Dr Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu. He spoke on the topic: “The Contributions of CBN towards the Economic Development of Nigeria”. Stressing the need to retain the CBN’s autonomy, Sanusi advised those championing the amendment of the CBN Act to desist from their action, saying the move portends danger for the country. “It will be a huge mistake to change the CBN ACT,” he said, adding: “CBN needs a

sustained operational and institutional autonomy, as well as goal and autonomy to enable it performs creditably its statutory functions.” Sanusi thanked President GoodLuck Jonathan for not interfering in the affairs of the bank. He said: “The CBN should not be under the control of politicians, we have a job to do and we must do it to save the economy, we have maintained a stable Naira for many years now.” Sanusi, who decried the fact that Nigeria is running an import-oriented economy, said that the country had been operating a flexible exchange rate of

between N150 to a United States Dollar. He said that the CBN spent about N200 billion annually to print and manage the Naira notes. Speaking on the extent the CBN has been managing the non-productive economy, Sanusi said: “We put in a lot of money every two weeks where people buy foreign currencies. We are not a productive economy, everybody in Nigeria wants to import something and sell and this is retarding the nation’s development” He regretted the situation whereby the manufacturing sector is contributing only four per cent to the gross domestic product of the country.

One of the victims, Mr. Arinze Nweke, lamented that he lost two shops and two wood designing machines worth over N200, 000 to the inferno.

bia State civil servants are alleging discrimination in payment of their monthly salaries. The civil servants, including teachers, are complaining that some of them were owed three months salaries. Sources said some workers were paid their salaries two weeks into the new month. Consequently, the workers have shown lack of commitment to work. Investigations revealed that local government workers are the worst hit. In many of the local government headquarters visited, there were low turnouts of workers to work as most of them even came late. Others deliberately absent from work. It was learnt that some local governments owed their workers three to five months salaries. Workers are, however, complaining of their inability to discharge their responsibilities to their children and other dependants, particularly, the payment of their children’s tuition fees. When contacted, Chairman of Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Dan Egbeogu, said he was not responsible for the situation. In a terse statement, Egbeogu said his responsibility was to redeploy, discipline and promote workers. The Abia State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. S.O. Eyeh, acknowledged the workers’ “disturbing situation” and said: “Well you are talking

of primary and secondary schools teachers only, but the local government workers and many others are also affected. What is today’s date? It is a problem we are facing here. I am coming from the office of the state Accountant-General to know what is happening, but he was not in office. Even, the pensioners are affected.” Eyeh, however, promised to meet with the Accountant-General next week on the issue. He said: “The situation is very disturbing. If I say I have not been sleeping over the issue, I am not telling lie. How can you work for months without payment? We shall do our best to talk to the government to know the imperative of paying workers as at when due.” As for the local government workers, excuses abound that their salary arrears were delayed due to the on-going bio-metric data capture exercise. But sources said that many local government workers refused to comply with the order directing them to participate in the bio-metric data exercise. Some workers held a contrary view, quoting local government chairmen as saying that money was not released to pay the salaries.

Orji

FUTO gets Research and Development Centre CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

he Federal University Technology, Owerri, (FUTO), has established Centre for Research and International Development (CRID) to meet the university’s goal of internationalising its various academic pro-

grammes. Speaking yesterday at the opening of the Centre in Owerri, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor C.C Asiabaka, said that the emerging global economy calls for graduates to be equipped with different skills and working styles to enable them adapt to fluid labour markets.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Friday, November 9, 2012

Flood forces illegal refineries’ operators out of Bayelsa EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

lood, which recently ravaged Bayelsa State, has forced operators of illegal refineries to relocate to Port Harcourt and other parts of the South-South region. The operators have been uncomfortable with the flood which has disrupted their activities for over a month. Investigation showed that the flood submerged most of the sites of the il-

legal refineries scattered in the creeks of Southern Ijaw, Ogbia and other local governments of the state. The flood, which displaced over 30,000 persons in the state, is gradually receding even as internally displaced persons, IDPs, are still being accommodated in the various relief camps in the state. It was learnt that the operators of the illegal refineries and agents of illegal oil bunkering who had been smiling to the banks

are waiting for the flood to dry up before returning to “business”. A source confided in our correspondent that men of the Joint Military Task Force, JTF, had invaded the creeks and spots where stolen crude was steamed into adulterated fuel, kerosene and diesel. The source said the JTF personnel burnt and destroyed the products found at the sites of the illegal refineries in parts of the state. The spokesman of JTF,

Lt. Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, in an interview with our correspondent, reaffirmed that the security outfit was determined to curb illegal refineries and oil bunkering in the creeks of the state and Niger Delta region. Nwachukwu described their actives as economic sabotage to the country and warned operators of illegal bunkering and refineries to desist from the “business” or be prepared to face the wrath of the law.

High unemployment, illiteracy levels worry FG –Minister TONY ANICHEBE UYO

bout 10 million Nigerians are roaming the streets while there is a high level of illiteracy in the country. The Minister of State for Education, Mr. Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, who disclosed this yesterday at the Stakeholders’ Education/ Town Hall Meeting held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, said the Federal Government was worried by the trend. This, he said, had propelled President Goodluck Jonathan to work on ways to reduce illiteracy in the country by building the first Vocational Education Centre for South-South in Akwa Ibom to complement government’s effort in providing free basic education for all children. Wike also stressed the need for Akwa Ibom children to be mobilised to identify with the programme. Also speaking, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State urged the Federal Government to carry out proper monitoring of the Universal Basic Education, UBE, projects in different states of the federation. He said: “Some people, after getting contracts from UBE, would end up lavishing the money of those contracts and to play smart, would snap the pictures of state’s projects send them to the Federal Government. “So, I call on the Federal Government to carry out an excessive monitoring of UBE projects in various states to

Oshiomhole presents N150bn 2013 budget SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

overnor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole yesterday presented a budget of N150,045,377,060 for 2013 to the Edo State House of Assembly in Benin City. The budget christened: “Taking Edo State to the Next Level,” was received by the Speaker, Hon. Uyigue Igbe, and a full Assembly chamber that also had in attendance top functionaries of the executive arm of government and leaders of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, such as the Deputy Governor, Pius Odubu; ACN National Leader, Chief Tom Ikimi; ACN National ViceChairman (South-South), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and state ACN Chairman, Hon. Thomas Okosun, among others. The budget proposes N87,407,475,855 representing approximately 60 per cent as capital expenditure while the proposed recur-

rent expenditure stands at N62,637,901,205 or about 40 per cent. The governor explained that the budget was aimed at sustaining his administration’s tradition of injecting more funds into capital expenditure for the continuous development of Edo State. An innovative proposal of the budget expenditure is the procurement of rescue ambulances at an estimated cost of N30 million to be deplored to the Benin -Auchi, Benin - Ore, Benin - Agbor and Benin - Warri highways for accident and emergency rescue operations. “The essence of taking Edo State to the next level is hinged on the concept of carrying out institutional reforms necessary to guarantee and sustain irreversible development. The trust of our policies is to achieve concrete development. In this regard, the fiscal governance measures we adopted at the beginning of this administration will be sustained.

Senate berates NDDC over late budget presentation GEORGE OJI AND EMMANUEL ONANI

T Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole presenting the 2013 budget to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Uyi Igbe, in Benin City, yesterday.

check if such federal projects have been executed.” Akpabio thanked President Jonathan for intervening in the education sector by building a Vocational Education Centre for the South-South in Akwa Ibom State and providing 852,240 textbooks for primary and secondary schools in the state. The governor, who noted that the President was determined to practically change the life of every Ni-

gerian child, expressed the belief that it would lead to the uncommon transformation in UBE, the education sector, the state and the entire country. Akwa Ibom State, according to him, invests more than 80 per cent its funds in education, especially the free and compulsory education, builds over 2,000 classrooms, builds e-library, etc. The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Eunice Thomas, said the state government

was tackling illiteracy by all means, with enrolment of 93,771 children in schools and provision of more than 44 migrant schools. She added that Akpabio was determined to take education to the next level in the state. Thomas called on educationists in the state to show concern for primary and secondary schools to raise the standard of education in the local government areas.

Bayelsa budget poorly implemented, says centre EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

he African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development has accused Bayelsa State Government of not conscientiously implementing its budgets. The Executive Director

of the centre, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, made the allegation while briefing journalists in Yenagoa, the state capital. He argued that this manifested in the abandoned Melford Okilo General Hospital project started 12 years ago by the state government.

Igbuzor spoke at the briefing through the Programme Officer of the centre, Monday Osasa. He said: “This is evident in Chief Melford Okilo General Hospital where about N1.4 billion has been budgeted for its completion in the 2012 budget. “When our project team

he Senate yesterday berated the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for the consistent delay in presenting its yearly appropriation bills, particularly the 2012 proposal to the National Assembly for consideration. The Senate also warned that the commission’s 2013 budget must be presented before the end of this year or it should be prepared to face severe sanctions. The senators expressed concern during the consideration and passage of the NDDC’s 2012 budget of N250,857,925,434. Senate President David Mark captured the mood of the Senate concerning the lateness in the commission’s presentation of its budget when he warned

that: “If we don’t get the 2013 budget of the NDDC before the end of this year, then we will forget it. “It is a very serious issue that year in year out, the budget has always been presented in October or November and there is so much complaint about it. This has become a habit and I think it’s deliberate and we must discourage this now. “We are almost in the middle of November, how are they going to spend over N250 billion? You in the Niger Delta must step up your oversight and let them know that their integrity is on the line. “The 2013 budget of the NDDC must get to the Senate before the end of the year, as such presentation will reduce the agitations in the area and the budget must be clear on areas of needs.”

got to the site, it could not ascertain any work done as there was no one on site to provide such information. But the team observed that this project has been under construction since 2000 and successive governments in the state have been budgeting and adding to this strucBayelsa State Gov. Dickson ture.”

North

Friday, November 9, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Victims of Kaduna bomb blast buried A ZA MSUE KADUNA

our victims of the recent bomb attack on St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Kaduna, have been buried in the church premises. Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso of the Kaduna Archdioceses yesterday gave the names of the deceased members of the church as Labai Sule, Sarah Yohanna, Samuel Ishaya and Bitrus Simon. Eight people died in the

attack while 146 others were injured. “They have gone to meet the Lord and praying for us till we meet to part no more,” Ndagoso said during the mass. The cleric expressed gratitude to God for the minimal number of casualties recorded during the October 28 attack. He said: “We are not ignoring the traditions of the people of burying their loved ones in their ancestral homes but the loss was collective.” The archbishop appealed

to Christians to shun revenge, adding that “though we were grieved, leave vengeance for God. Let us all intensify our prayers for those who are persecuting the church.” Ndagoso also urged Christians to forgive and extend the hands of true friendship to their Muslims brothers, saying that “the challenge in Northern Nigeria is not war between Muslims and Christians.” He urged the government to provide adequate security in places of worship as part of measures to curb further

attacks. Also speaking, the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Goni, dispelled rumours of his death. “I am a living testimony. I am not dead, I am alive by His Grace,” he said. Meanwhile, a group known as Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria, CRUDAN, North West zone, yesterday said it had assisted churches to train youths on security surveillance at places of worship just as it donated N5 million to Jos flood

victims. North West Chairman of the association, Dr. Joel Ajibuah, disclosed this at its 2012 media briefing held in Kaduna. He explained that the gesture would equip youths to gather information and detect suspicious movement within church premises during worship. Speaking through the organisation’s national legal adviser, Mr. Gabriel Ayanbanji, he added that the training would also assist youths to report promptly to security

agencies whenever they discovered attackers. He said: “We encourage Christians not to retaliate whenever there is attack on a church. We encourage selfdefence by being security conscious at all times. We work together with other faith-based organisations for peace.” Earlier, CRUDAN facilitator, North West zone, Mr. James Obadiah, said the group had provided boreholes in rural communities as well as trained people in Ibadan on how to plant different seeds.

Gunmen kill policeman, injure two others in Borno INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

olice yesterday confirmed the killing of a policeman during an attack at a Nigerian-Cameroun border town in Borno State by gunmen suspected to be terrorists. The gunmen were said to have opened fire on three policemen who were on their way to buy food at Banki, a commercial town in the border area with Cameroun. “The gunmen opened fire at the policemen about 7pm yesterday

(Wednesday). One of the policemen died on the spot while the two others were wounded,” a witness told our correspondent on phone. Banki is about 150 kilometres to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. The state Police Commissioner, Abdullahi Yuguda, confirmed the attack but said no arrest was made. He said: “We haven’t made any arrest but we are investigating the incident and by the grace of God we shall bring the perpetrators to book.”

Nigerians to answer 43 questions on constitution review PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

igerians across the six geo-political zones of the country are expected to answer at least 43 questions simultaneously on the proposed amendment of the 1999 Constitution on Saturday. It was gathered that the pattern of the questionnaire will be produced in all Nigerian languages for all the various tribes in the country to understand during the public hearing. A delegation of members of the House of Representatives from Niger State visited the state to brief the State Executive Council on the matter on Wednesday in Minna. Briefing journalists on the development, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Abdullahi Bawa, said a panel would be set to gather

the views of people which would be passed to the National Assembly. The commissioner explained that the people of the state would be briefed properly on the issues before answering any question at the gathering. He said: “The people will be briefed and a panel will aggregate their views that will be forwarded to the National Assembly.”

L-R: Guest lecturer, Chief Kanu Agabi; Chief Judge of Federal Capital Territory, Justice Lawal Gumi and representative of the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Nasiru Junju, at the 2nd lecture in honour of Gumi in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Two robbery suspects die in shootout with police

olice in Kogi State yesterday killed two suspected robbers in Lokoja during a fierce gun battle. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Katsina, who briefed newsmen on the incident, said two of the suspects were also arrested while two escaped with gunshot injuries. Katsina said one Chimeze, believed to be the leader

of the six-man gang, was one of those killed. He said the suspects, who carried out the operation on three motorcycles, intercepted a man coming out from one of the commercial banks at Fen junction in Lokoja and dispossessed him of his money. Katsina said the suspects fired several shots into the air to subdue their victim. He added that it was the gunshots that attracted the

command’s undercover anticrime outfit to the scene. The commissioner said members of the squad cordoned off the scene before engaging the suspects in a gun battle that lasted more than one hour. Katsina said the lifeless bodies of the suspects, a pistol and several rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the scene of the shooting. He said the police also

recovered the money the suspects had snatched from their victim and returned it to him, adding that one of the three motorcycles used by the suspected armed robbers was also recovered. He added that men of the squad had been detailed to go after the two fleeing suspects. The commissioner commended his men for their bravery and appealed to the public to be security conscious.

Omu-Aran spends N30m on schools’ rehabilitation •Acknowledges Oyedepo, Jimoh Ibrahim’s contributions WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

ducation projects in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, executed through the N2 billion OmuAran Development Fund to which Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim contributed last May, have been completed. Under the fund, N30 million was spent on rehabili-

tation of science buildings and construction of laboratories, purchase of science materials, equipment, computer sets, floor tiles and other items in four community secondary schools. President of the OmuAran Development Association, ODA, Chief Peter Oyinloye, who spoke with the press at the inauguration of the projects, said that

at the fundraiser where Dr. Ibrahim, publisher of the National Mirror titles was the chief launcher, Bishop David Oyedepo gave out N40 million to upgrade community schools in the town. He said Oyedepo, who is an indigene of Omu-Aran on whose platform Dr. Ibrahim honoured the town with his donation, had contributed tremendously to the de-

velopment of the town. Oyinloye also appealed to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, who was represented at the ceremony by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mallam Lamidi Alabi, to deploy teachers in core subjects to the four schools. The ODA president said the community took the initiative to provide materi-

Ahmed

als and equipment needed in the schools while government was left with the responsibility of providing qualified teachers to teach the core subjects.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Afenifere and politics of bread, butter

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Lagosians are fed up with ACN – Obanikoro

Stop the threat, Lagos PDP counsels Fashola OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

he Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has counselled the Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola to be more diplomatic, civil and honourable in the way he addresses Nigerians living in Lasgos. The advice, accord-

ing to the chairman of the party, Olatunji Shelle, came against the backdrop of the governor’s usual threats to non-indigenes in Lagos to leave the state or be ready to conform to his style of governance. Shelle said it was becoming of Fashola to be quick in asking non-indigenes to leave Lagos State and return to their home states, whenever such persons

seek redress from maltreatment or demand their fundamental human rights as Nigerians. The Lagos State PDP chairman was reacting to the latest assertion by the governor that the Lagos traffic law and other unpopular and anti-human laws in the state must be obeyed and that those who are not ready to obey or live in Lagos in particular

manners should return to their villages. Shelle said: “We are taken aback to hear a governor, lawyer and indeed a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) threaten or make statements suggestive of ignorance to Nigerians. Under no circumstance can anybody, not even the president, ‘deport’ any Nigerian from any state in the country.

The right of a Nigerian to live anywhere in the country and not be discriminated against is guaranteed under the constitution of our great country. No law can thus be made to frustrate or erode such guarantee. The governor ought to know this and remain civil in his dealings with Nigerians who are not from Lagos State.” The PDP therefore

called on the Presidency and the National Assembly to call the Lagos State governor to order, for him to respect the sacrosanct right of every Nigerian to live in any part of the country. It also called on leaders and elders of Lagos State to advise the governor against taking steps that could expose Lagosians living outside the state to hatred.

Learn from Americans, CD tells Nigerian politicians AYO ESAN

he re-elected President of the United States of America (USA), Barack Obama has been congratulated on his emphatic victory at the polls on Tuesday by the Campaign for Democracy (CD). In a release issued by the organization and signed by its president, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, the CD said Obama’s reelection with both popular and electoral college votes amidst a heated campaign that brought out all that divides America is a testimony to the triumph of vision, focused leadership and an enduring human spirit over atavistic fault lines. The CD therefore challenged Nigerian politicians to learn useful lessons from the American exercise and also urged the Nigerian electorate to also learn from their American counterparts, who listened to the programmes of the candidates and made informed choices without the influence of cash, recharge cards, bags of rice or kerosene. Okei-Odumakin said: “Obama has worked for America and the global community in four years with grey hair as his reward. As we begin to savour the avalanche of congratulatory messages from our leaders in Nigeria on

the virtues of democracy which they daily deny our people at home, we must point out that there are lessons Nigeria must learn from what just happened. “The first thing is that incumbency is not a license to become irresponsible with the electorate. Obama toured America and campaigned even harder than the opposition to win the electorate. He did not open the treasury of America to manipulate the process or take undue advantage of state institutions for political abuse.” The CD also commended the orderly conduct of the election, adding that “its transparency and the civilised conduct of all parties and stakeholders.” Okei-Odumakin added: “Drawing from the American experience to better our battered democratic project is far more important than hollow rituals of empty speeches and celebrations of the Obama victory.”

L-R: Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal and Senator Abdul Ningi, during the public session on the review of the 1999 Constitution in Abuja yesterday.

Adesanmi delivers SNG lecture in Lagos TOSIN AROWOSOLA

Canada-based schoar and winner of the inaugural Penguin Prize for African Writing in the non-fiction category, Pius Adesanmi, will deliver the second edition of the state of the nation lecture series of

the Save Nigeria Group (SNG). The lecture is scheduled to hold on Monday, November 12 in Lagos, under the chairmanship of former President of the Nigerian Bar Association and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mrs. Priscilla Kuye. This was disclosed in a press statement signed by

the SNG spokesman, Yinka Odumakin and made available to National Mirror yesterday. Renowned poet, Professor Niyi Osundare, delivered the first edition of the SNG lecture series in July. Describing Adesanmi as “one of Nigeria’s brightest new generation intellectuals of progress,”

Group faults arrest of Biafra movement members

he Federal Government has been charged to consider constructive engagement of dissent voices in the country rather than embarking on intimidation and arbitrary arrests of those seeking for positive change. President General of the Igbo Youth Congress (IYC), Comrade Bright Ezeocha,

who gave the charge in a statement made available to National Mirror yesterday, condemned the recent arrest of some members of the Biafra Zionist Movement (BZM), who recently declared Biafran autonomy. He said: the action was suggestive of the impunity of security agents who merely acted out of sheer zealousness.

Ezeocha said attacks on non-violent Igbo groups in the past, particularly the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), also show an endorsement of perceived victimisation and persecution of the people of the South East. He described BZM as a non-violent advocacy group working for the reintegra-

tion of the Igbo’s who have suffered unimaginable exclusion from the socioeconomic activities of the country and wondered why the Police would go for its members. He said: “The IYC views the arrests as a violation and infringement on the fundamental right of the group to peaceful agitation and demand for justice.”

Odumakin, enthused that “Adesanmi will surely sustain the tempo” generated by Osundare. Adesanmi, who holds a BA (First Class Honours), an MA and a PhD, all in French, currently teaches literature and African Studies at Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada and is a widely-cited commentator on Nigerian and African affairs. His SNG lecture, entitled “Reparations: What Nigeria owes the Tortoise,” will hold at the NECA Building in the Central Business District (CBD), Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos. Expected to grace the lecture are high profile guests, including the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Chris Cooter and Cardinal John Onaiyekan among others.

Politics

The Ondo State governorship election has come and gone, but the ripples it generated have continued to reverberate across the state and the South-West. SINA FADARE reports that the election has put asunder members of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, which had always claimed apolitical on issues affection the geo-political zone.

he recent pronouncement by the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, that the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) would soon be kicked out of SouthWest following the aftermath of the Ondo State governorship election, has been viewed in the political circle as an indication that the group might have lost its bearing as the megaphone of the Yoruba people. In a letter of congratulation sent to the re-elected governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, the group noted that his victory was one over godfatherism, a rejection of political imposition and slavery from outside the state and the people’s hope for a better deal to come. Afenifere further pointed out that Mimiko’s victory at the poll was a testimony that the South-West people are tired of the ACN and will kick the party out at the appropriate time. It said: “There is need for the exhibition of fair play and justice to all, and carry the banner of progressive politics into national politics, now that the eclipse of the ACN is unavoidable. “We entered into electoral cooperation with you on the recently concluded election for mutual respect in all ramifications, for you to give better governance to our people and for the creation of a forum for the emergence of a healthy third force to counter an emerging group, under the leadership of few disrespectful, snobbish, arrogant, ravaging and power thirsty politicians.” Before greed, avarice and personal interest rocked the group, members of Afenifere spoke with one voice; their position never differed from that of the people of the region and those seeking for political relevance in the South-West saw the organisation as a veritable tool to get their dreams and aspirations accomplished. However, shortly after the death of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, leadership crises crept in and before anybody could wink, all the principles and ideals the late sage stood for were thrown to the dogs. Sycophancy replaced objectivity, idle talks replaced tenacity of purpose and greed and avarice replaced selfless service. At the peak of the crises, the once solid family broke into fragments and a new group comprising of the so-called progressive elements in the old Afenifere emerged under the aegis of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG). Since then, things fell apart and the falcon cannot hear the falconer. It is understandable, therefore to hear from the same Afenifere, which once declared during the period when the Alliance for Democracy (AD) held sway in the SouthWest, that any politician of Yoruba extraction who then did not believe in the AD and what it stood for, was a bastard. But when the political baton suddenly changed and the so-called conservative elements found

Friday, November 9, 2012

Afenifere and politics of bread, butter I AM SURE IF CHIEF AWOLOWO WERE TO COME BACK TODAY, TO SEE THE TRAIL

OF DESERTERS... HE WOULD PROBABLY OBSERVE WITH GREAT SADNESS AND CHARACTERISTIC FORTHRIGHTNESS themselves at the corridor of power, the music changed, likewise the dancing step. Everybody wanted to be connected with the Awolowo school of thought and a lot of resources were deplored to this by the governors of the zone in order to make a point. Idle and with no specific role to play due to the vibrancy of the ARG, the old Afenifere, then in a bid to re-launch itself back to relevance decided to tour the South-West states, claiming that it wanted to access the level of performance of the governors, but informed sources said that the exercise was meant for the governors, who had forgotten them to grease their hands. However when they got to Osun State, then under the leadership of Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the ARG was said to have played a smart game by organising a hostile crowd, who pelted the leaders with stones and sachets of water. They narrowly escaped been physically rough-handled. They were however, lucky in Ogun State and at the end of their tour, it was alleged that their purses swelled up. This therefore confirmed the school of thought which argues that the Afenifere had started dancing to the tune of the highest bidder. The elders, who were allegedly used by the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, when he wanted to break the rank and file of the AD so that he can get a second term ticket from his home base, was said to have turned Aso Rock and the home of Obasanjo in Ota to a Mecca of sort during the cover of night. However, the same set of people changed gear and started singing a new tune, when there was a wide gulf between former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Obasanjo over the crisis that rocked the PDP in Ogun State. Led by Chief Reuben Fasoranti, the team which included prominent Obasanjo critics like Chief Olu Falae, who was Obasanjo’s opponent in the 1999 presidential election; Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Sir Olaniwun Ajayi and Chief Kole Omololu visited the private residence of the former governor in Sagamu, in solidarity with him. Curiously, they appeared to show a tolerance for corruption by accusing the EFCC, which had slammed a 16-count charge of corrupt enrichment against Daniel, of hurting his (Daniel’s) “innocent

Fasoranti

Adebanjo

reputation.” The leader of the Afenifere delegation, who said that the team found Gbenga Daniel’s explanation of the allegations against him satisfactory, also described him as a leader who has been “doing very well.” The behaviour of the elders gave credence to the allegation levelled against some of them by the former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to late former Head of State, Gen. SanI Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, that money exchanged hands between the elders and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar in order to bury the contentious June 12, 1993 presidential election, presumed to have been won by the late M.K.O. Abiola. The victory of Mimiko has however revealed why the Afenifere leaders went all out to support him when they went to Akure to endorse his candidature, which eventually led to a naked dance by the elders in the market place, when they resorted to calling one another terrible names. Chief Adebanjo had declared, in response to the outbursts of the ACN national chairman, Bisi Akande, who berated the Afenifere for dabbling into politics that “it is cheap blackmail and gratuitous insult for Akande to allege that our support for Mimiko was to collect crumbs from his

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table. Chief Akande should tell the whole world what crumbs I collected from his table when he was governor of Osun State and I was the chairman of the party. Such unguarded and irresponsible statement is least expected from somebody who is a chairman of a national party, however figurative he may be holding the post.” Some pundits, however, noted that if it is true that Adebanjo and his co-travellers are not political beggars as Akande described them, how will they justify their visit to the South-West governors in 2008, when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was in control? This action, according to political observers, was a dignified way of saying ‘please don’t forget us’. Prof. Adebayo Williams succinctly proffered an insight into why the falcon could no longer hear the falconer in the Afenifere fold when in his lecture at the 17th Obafemi Awolowo lecture on March 5, 2004 in Lagos, he lamented that majority of the so-called Awoists have abandoned the tenets, principles and ideologies of the late sage. Williams said: “I am sure if Chief Awolowo were to come back today, to see the trail of deserters, the thick pall of perfidy, the surging number of apostates who shout his name in vain, the estrangement among his true followers and the stark diminution in power and status of Afenifere, he would probably observe with great sadness and characteristic forthrightness.” The scenario painted then by the renowned essayist is still relevant and germane till today. The erudite scholar had equally pointed out that it was not the time to apportion blames but a time for sober reflection where what was wrong in the past could be put right for the betterment of the future. “In remembering Chief Awolowo and his legacy, we must also remember that the essence of Awoism is of a living body of ideas by which a people, or a nation, can lift themselves by the bootstraps in their quest for economic development and political emancipation. An ideology is not a religion or faith which is fixed and frozen in time,” he said. Political pundits are of the view that if the Afenifere leaders are not comfortable with the political style and leadership of the national leader of the ACN and former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, it is out of place to declare that the party will soon fade out in the zone, adding that such political statement is enough to rubbish whatever intention the elders may have. Williams put it better when he said that until the so called elders go back to the drawing board and drink from the fountain which they have all neglected, it may be difficult to build upon what the late sage had erected. His words: “Until we come to terms with many of his ideals, either by transcending them through superior political engineering or working through them through a more rigorous intellectual engagement, the piercing eyes behind the lens will continue to haunt us, reminding us of our inadequacies as intellectuals, as philosophers, as politicians and as a nation.” However, it remains to be seen how these leaders would do away with the toga of avarice and rise up to the occasion to bring the Yoruba under that progressive umbrella which the zone was known for in the days of yore.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Friday, November 9, 2012

Lagosians are fed up with ACN – Obanikoro Babajide Obanikoro was recently declared the winner of the Ikoyi/Obalende LDCA of Lagos State in the October 22, 2011 council poll by the Local Government Election Petition Tribunal after a long-drawn battle. He shares his thoughts on the verdict and other sundry issues with OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU. Excerpts:

The journey to retrieve your stolen mandate came to a climax recently with the Local Government Election Petition Tribunal declaring you the winner. How has the journey been? I don’t think it has come to a climax yet. By the grace of the Almighty Allah, I want to believe that what you called the climax is just the tip of the iceberg. But to answer your question, it has been a journey that I appreciate. I was in London when the judgement was delivered and I remember telling my cousin that even if the judges decide against me at the tribunal, I would still be happy because the experience is worth it. It is an experience money cannot buy, I enjoyed going through the process and it has made me a better man. I understand politics perfectly now more than before, so if I am to stand for any election again, I think I will still be a force to reckon with. I am happy with the situation of things and will only pray it gets better. There is this school of thought that believes that your party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State didn’t really give you the necessary support; do you share that same view? I have a contrary opinion. That we have won the election is the most important thing, and in Ikoyi/Obalende that I will speak for, the party is united, we don’t really have any division among us. We are united and one of the reasons why we were able to win that election was because we have continued to speak with one voice, before and after the election and even during the duration of the petition at the tribunal. Now that the court has ruled and the ACN has gone on appeal, what should we expect? Well the record speaks for itself; all the evidences in court are still the same. What were transferred from the tribunal to the Court of Appeal were all the evidences, which the tribunal based its decision on. So, I am expecting the same verdict, because just as in the tribunal, we are the only ones with evidence. No new evidence is expected to be adduced at the Court of Appeal, so we expect the appellate court to also ensure justice like the tribunal. What implications do you think the tribunal’s verdict would have on the fortunes of the PDP in Lagos State? The verdict that was delivered by a former Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Dolapo Akinsanya, was a very remarkable judgement. It was a judgement that gives every man and not just the PDP members and supporters alone the conviction that the judiciary can still be relied on to a very large extent, as the last hope of the common man despite all the challenges and obstacles placed before that arm of government. For the PDP, I expect the party to move from this verdict and prepare very well for the 2015 election, so as to assume the mantle of leadership in the Centre of Excellence. It was an indication that Lagosians are fed up with the present administration and I will expect that our party puts its house in order and work with sincerity of purpose to get to the Promised Land. How do you feel defeating the national leader of the ACN in his backyard? People have been asking me this question, but what I have to say is that people should not forget that this nation-

we intend to partner with all the companies that do businesses in our LCDA and partner with them to let us know when they have vacancies in their offices, so that we can place our youths at vantage position. We will reach out and partner with the companies that operate in the council. We are also going to have a dedicated telephone number where complaints can be made for prompt attention. We are also going to improve on the educational infrastructure of the local council. We have been to most of the schools in the LCDA and what we discovered was that nothing is being done to enhance the quality of education our younger generation receive; what you find the children doing is either playing football or sitting down in their classes counting the number of cars passing by. Basically, we intend to serve the people of Ikoyi /Obalende LCDA without playing politics.

Obanikoro

al leader of the ACN is also my own father too. I can tell you that every time I see him, I accord him the respect of a father. But then, I must confess that it feels good although I am not seeing it the way people are putting it because I grew up in this area. I have lived in this area for 15 years of my life. I pray in this neighbourhood, I play football in this neighbourhood. I also worked in this environ, so I am familiar with a lot of the faces, even though I don’t know a lot of people on a one-on-one basis. But the moment I stood up for the election and started reaching out, I started putting names to the faces I already knew. If you go back to the state House of Assembly election in 2011, we won this area landslide, so I don’t see it as a big deal, the way people are trying to make it seem. My father, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu can put his mind at rest and should not feel defeated. And again, I must make it clear that I did not contest against Tinubu, I contested against a man from Oyo State, Adeniji Abdulrasaq Adewale, so it was Adewale that I defeated at the poll and the tribunal and not Tinubu. What should the people that gave you their mandate be expecting from you by the time you eventually get to office? One thing that we want to do is that we are going to definitely enhance our roads; we need a facelift for this area. So, our number one priority would be to ensure that we upgrade our roads and make sure that people drive home and do not worry about the damage that would be done to their vehicles. Another thing that I am hell bent on doing is to ensure that we empower our youths and ensure that they are gainfully engaged. We have the wherewithal and

I MUST MAKE IT CLEAR THAT I DID NOT CONTEST AGAINST TINUBU, I CONTESTED AGAINST A MAN FROM OYO STATE, ADENIJI ABDULRASAQ ADEWALE, SO IT WAS ADEWALE THAT I DEFEATED AT THE POLL AND THE TRIBUNAL AND NOT

TINUBU

What do you foresee as the chances of the PDP in the 2015 elections in Lagos State? I think it’s too early in the day and it would be too premature of me to talk about that at this moment, with the experiences that I have acquired within a very short period of time in politics. It would be out of place for me to project about 2015, but I know that this gives us an edge that we didn’t have in 2007 and 2011. With the recent development, we have leverage; we are not starting from ground zero like we used to do in the past. We are not starting from the starting point or even behind the starting point, we would be starting from the front of the starting line, so we hope we would be able to boost our chances with this advantage that we have. It is also very clear now that the electorate in Lagos State are now fully involved in the democratic process. So, the onus is on both the PDP and the ACN to present candidates with the pedigree to impact positively on the lives of the people and then allow Lagosians to choose. People have, in the past, been looking at the political parties, but it is now clear now that the people are now looking at the candidates presented by the parties. But I can assure you that 2015 would make an interesting read for political analysts. Nigeria just celebrated 52 years of independence, do you think we have anything to celebrate as a nation? Although I was out of the country when the celebration came up, from what I discovered when I returned, I can see that at least there is an improvement in our power sector. I recall that all the things the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti was complaining about years back are still with us, but if the government can strictly follow its privatisation process of the power sector, we can heave a sigh of relief, just as we did in the telecommunication sector. The government also need to tackle the issue of corruption frontally, because it has become a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabric of our society. I think government just needs to strengthen the anti-graft agencies for them to be able to tackle that malaise adequately. When people are punished for corrupt practices, it will serve as a deterrent to others who may want to indulge in it. By and large, I think we have some things, if not a lot, to celebrate. I believe we can get better if all hands are on deck to move this country forward; we as citizens owe it a duty to work together to move Nigeria forward. What’s your assessment of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, so far? I think the government is doing its best, despite that Nigerians expect so much from it. In terms of power, it is forging ahead and in the area of security, I don’t think it should carry the blame for the Boko Haram insurgency. With the recent call for truce by the sect, which the Federal Government has also welcomed, I think the government is on the right track. Definitely, Rome was not built in a day. I think President Jonathan is trying, given the circumstances prevailing in his last one and a half years in power. He may not be perfect, but we must give him kudos for how he has steered the ship of government.

Editorial

Friday, November 9, 2012

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Taraba State governor’s air mishap

njured Taraba State governor, Danbaba Suntai, who flew his private jet, Cessna 208,5NBMJ, to the point it crashed penultimate Thursday reportedly left for Germany last weekend to further treat the injuries he sustained during the mishap. Suntai, according to reports, crashed the jet near the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Depot in Yola, the neighbouring Adamawa State capital. He had flown the aircraft from Jalingo, the Taraba State capital to Yola with six people on board, mostly his security aides, before the unfortunate incident. Suntai, according to available reports, is one man whose passion for aircraft and flying is consummate. This will help explain his attempts, on coming to power as governor, to rehabilitate the Jalingo Airport. He was also said to have invested in aircraft acquisition. Even while serving as governor, he got himself trained as a pilot and acquired an official certificate to fly. Reports, however, alleged that Suntai ignored the warning sounded by a hired pilot in his company that he should not fly at sunset. The Yola airport does not fall in the category of airports that can accommodate round-theclock flights because it is poorly equipped; and therefore cannot

entertain flights after 6.00 p.m., except at grave risk. The hired pilot was said to have refused to join Suntai’s plane when the governor rejected his opinion. As unfortunate as the crash was, and while we join other citizens in wishing the governor and his wounded aides quick recovery, the air accident has brought to focus quite a number of critical issues associated with governance in the country. Taraba State was created out of the old Gongola State on August 27, 1991 by the military government of retired General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. But to date, close observers describe the state as one of the poorest among the nation’s 36 states. Jalingo, the state capital, is viewed by many as a glorified local government headquarters, while majority of the people live in crushing poverty occasioned mainly by corrupt leadership. Jolly Nyame, a former governor of the state is still on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) corruption radar, having been arraigned in July 2007 on a 41-count charge of corruption that ran into billions of naira. He was granted bail about 2008. Suntai himself had been accused by critics of diverting state funds to buy private jets strictly for selfish reasons. Indeed, it is

THE TARABA EXPERIENCE REFLECTS THE GENERAL

PRETENCE, DECEIT AND HYPOCRISY OF THE

NATION’S RULING CLASS pathetic that for a state as poor as Taraba, the passion of Suntai when elected as governor was to learn how to fly air planes, the construction or rehabilitation of airport and the acquisition of private jets, in a state where majority of the citizens are poverty stricken peasant farmers. What time did the governor really have under the circumstance to think of the plight of the people he sought election to govern, let alone addressing their problems? A recent report indicated that wealthy Nigerians, for the sake of privacy or prodded by the fear of insecurity, etc., spent roughly $6.5 billion (N1.02 trillion) in the last five years to acquire private jets. But the question is how many of them acquired the private jets with their legitimately earned income, proceeds from genuine businesses or honest savings? Just a few, perhaps. It may be said that many of those flaunting private jets in the land

are those entrusted with sensitive public positions at one time or the other, but who unpatriotically chose to exploit their offices for self-enrichment and personal aggrandizement, instead of truly serving the people. In the particular case of Suntai, his major preoccupation since his ascension to office as governor was the rehabilitation of the Jalingo Airport with a whopping N9 billion, the acquisition of two aircraft and one helicopter, and the construction of a heliport inside the Government House. Of what relevance are these projects, considering the level of the state’s under-development? Couldn’t the billions of naira being splashed on official luxury and profligate lifestyle serve the state better if used to improve the education, health, road and power infrastructure to ease the people’s hardship; or invested in employment generation schemes in the agricultural and industrial sectors that would absorb unemployed Taraba youths currently roaming the streets. In fact, the Taraba experience reflects the general pretence, deceit and hypocrisy of the nation’s ruling class when discussing the plight of ordinary Nigerians. Hence the more reason the electorate should always look before they leap when electing leaders into high offices.

ON THIS DAY November 9, 2007 The German Bundestag passed the controversial data retention bill mandating the storage of citizens’ telecommunications traffic data for six months without probable cause. This implies the storage of call detail records (CDRs) of telephony and internet traffic and transaction data (IPDRs) by governments and commercial organizations. In the case of government data retention, the data stored is usually of telephone calls made and received, emails sent and received and web sites visited.

November 9, 2005 Suicide bombers attacked three hotels in Amman, Jordan, killing at least 60 people and injuring 115 others. The explosions—at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, the Radisson SAS Hotel, anad the Days Inn—started at about 20:50 local time (18:50 UTC) at the Grand Hyatt. The three hotels were often frequented by foreign diplomats. The bomb at the Radisson SAS exploded in the Philadelphia Ballroom, where a wedding hosting hundreds of guests was taking place.

November 9, 1998 Capital punishment in the United Kingdom, already abolished for murder, was completely abolished for all remaining capital offences. Capital punishment in the UK was used from the creation of the state in 1707 until the practice was abolished in the 20th century. The last executions in the country by hanging took place in 1964, prior to capital punishment being abolished for murder (in 1969 in Great Britain and in 1973 in Northern Ireland).

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, November 9, 2012

Gender inequality: The Nigerian case TAYO ELEGBEDE JET

omen are more than 50 percent of the world population. They perform two-third of the work, yet receive one-tenth of the income and own one-hundredth of its property. They represent a staggering 70 percent of the world’s one billion poorest people. This is a stack development reality for our world. Nigeria has the highest population of any African country at 162 million; it is ranked the world’s seventh most populated country. Of this magnitude, 49 percent are female; some 80.2 million girls and women. Comparatively, 38 percent of them lack formal education as against 25 percent for men and only four percent of women have higher education against the seven percent for their male counterpart. Nigeria ranks 118 of 134 countries in the Gender Equality Index. It is apparent that no appreciable development can be made either at the local, national or international platform without recognising girls and women as equal players, whilst empowering, up-skilling and investing in them for a better world. “When we empower women, we empower communities, nations and entire human family” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. We live in a world where majority of girls and women face real-time poverty, gross inequality, molestation and injustice, which could run through from birth to death. From poor education to poor nutrition to violence and brutalization, to vulnerable and low pay employment, the sequence of discrimination and atrocities

a woman may suffer during her entire life is unacceptable but all too common in our global society. In her assessment of gender inequality, Nigerian Ambassador to the UN, Joy Ogwu, rightly noted, “It is about having half of humanity participates. The progress of women means…the progress of the world”. Undoubtedly, Nigeria and the world at large have in the last decade witnessed an unprecedented expansion of women’s rights, being one of the most profound social revolutions the world has ever seen. Couple of decades back, only two countries allowed women to vote. Today, that right is virtually universal. Millions of men and women now support the call for gender equality, although there is much to be done especially in a country like Nigeria. Reviewing the UK Department for International Development (DFID) 2012 Gender Report on Nigeria, it stated that “its 80.2 million women and girls have significantly worse life chances than men and also their sisters in comparable societies”. This reveals the neglect of the Nigerian people and government in tackling the issue of gender inequality despite calls from various quarters. It also brings to bare our frail understanding of preparing the girl child for tomorrow’s motherhood, family and societal challenges. The report which succinctly stated that “Women are Nigeria’s hidden resource”, exposed that over 1.5 million Nigeria children aged 6-14(8.1 percent) are currently not in school, a situation which has effortlessly earned Nigeria

REPORT NOTED THAT NIGERIA HAS ONE OF THE HIGHEST RATES OF MATERNAL MORTALITY IN THE WORLD the world’s largest out of school children country-an unfortunate achievement of a robust nation. “In eight Northern States, over 80 percent of women are unable to read (compared with 54 percent for men). In Jigawa State, 94 percent of women (42 percent of men) are illiterate”. Apparently, we have failed to realize that just a few investments have as large a payoff as girl education. Some traceable factors to this illstarred development include lack of funds resulting from wide-spread poverty, traditional and religious inclination which place low priority on educating the girl child, non-provision of educational facilities by government, poor funding of the educational sector, weak educational policies, early marriage, early childbirth, poor sanitation, ignorance amongst others. “Nigeria has one of the lowest rates of female entrepreneurship in sub-Saharan Africa. The majority of women are concentrated in casual, low-skilled, low paid informal sector employment. Only 15 percent have a bank account”. Educating and empowering the girl child implies preparing her for future motherhood challenges, that will in the nearest future affect a family and the larger society either positively or negatively.

The huge geographical and ideological disparities of Nigeria, makes her a unique country with though global yet slightly peculiar challenges and opportunities, even as it relates to gender inequality. Human development outcomes for girls and women are worse in the northern part of the country where poverty levels are sometimes twice as high as in the south. Nearly half of all children under age five are malnourished in the North-East, with the figures expected to increase across the country in the wake of national and international food crises. On maternal mortality, the 2012 DFID Gender Report noted that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the world, a case where in every ten minutes, one woman dies at childbirth. With about 47 percent of women being mothers before the age of twenty, the report cautioned that without access to safe childbirth services, adequate and affordable emergency obstetric care, improved healthcare funding, enormous political will and civil society pressure, the maternal mortality rate could double from its current 545 deaths per 100,000 live births. “Women around the world are dynamic leaders and powerful advocates of change. But space for their leadership and broader social and political participation remains constrained. By mid-2011, only 28 countries could claim that women’s parliamentary representation had reached a critical mass of 30 percent or more. Only 19 women were leading their countries as elected heads of state or government”. Elegbede is a journalist and mediapreneur

General Shuwa: Tribute to a great civil war hero VICTOR NDOMA-EGBA

he irony of the senseless killings in the North East of Nigeria, especially the Borno-Yobe axis came full circle when on November 02, gun men shot dead General Mohammed Shuwa, a 79 year old civil war hero, along with his guests at his Gwange, Maiduguri home. It was indeed a tragic end to a man who even in the heat of war protected lives and did everything to avoid needless deaths. I was eleven years old when the civil war broke out but I recall with such vividness it’s experiences and lessons. Being branded a saboteur in the heat of that war was a summary death sentence which was instantly carried out. My hometown, Ikom was a war zone and my father who was caught up in Biafra, had taken part in the peace talks on the Biafran side. When Ikom fell to Federal troops the rest of the family became endangered species. All that was needed was someone to simply brand you a traitor and what further validation would be required beyond the role my father was playing on the enemy side. This was to happen sooner than later and of course two of my uncles were whisked off to meet their certain

THE REST OF THE COUNTRY WILL BE MISSING THE POINT IF IT SEES THE SAD PHENOMENON AS A NORTHERN PROBLEM fate. Then providence intervened. One of my said uncles had recently met then Major Shuwa, a war commander, struck a friendship and had invited him to lunch in our village on the day they were whisked off. Shuwa arrived to meet wailing and commotion and he inquired what the matter was. When told, he promptly proceeded to seek them out just as the executioners were awaiting orders for their dispatch to history and eternity. Both uncles lived to old age with one of them seeing me through school and becoming chairman of my state’s Traditional Rulers Council and successful businessman. Till this date, my family remembers him very fondly and with gratitude, especially when we got to know that his meeting my uncle was not accidental after all .We got to know much later that he knew my father, knew his circumstances, and the situation his fam-

ily was likely to be in, and that he needed to do everything to help. I was to meet him for the last time, during my National Service in Bauchi in 1979, when he came on official visit as Federal Commissioner for Trade. He promptly picked me out and inquired after my family. His death is tragic more so the manner of it. For a General who fought and risked his life in the Nigerian civil war to keep the country one, surviving bullets, mortars and the elements, to be summarily dispatched by a band of hoodlums and in the security of his home is a tragic irony. It was like surviving a war to die of dog bite. General Shuwa certainly deserved more respect and a better fate in our mortal understanding, but who can question the will of the Almighty? More than ever before, the Northern elite must do some soul searching and introspection on the implications of the current security challenge, especially in the North East. The wanton killings are gravely depleting its best resource, human beings. In the certain event of an economic turnaround, the region would be handicapped in taking full benefits of any positive change in the region if the trend continues. The rest of the country will be missing the point if it sees the sad phenomenon

as a northern problem. It certainly is not. The rest of the country can only move as fast as that region. It is therefore in our best interest to get this challenge resolved as quickly as possible. The unfortunate killing of Shuwa, brings a new dimension to the situation. General Shuwa, and many more like him, represents, in these confounding times, forces of moderation. Targeting forces of moderation at a time when what is needed most is reasonableness; introspection and circumspection, can only escalate extremism. It makes his death even sadder. As we reflect on the tragic end of this fine officer and gentleman, an epitome of rectitude and humility in public life, a true senior citizen, patriot and hero, we pray that the Almighty forgives his sins and admits his soul to His kingdom and that his death will bring healing to our fractured spirits and broken land. Ndoma-Egba, is Senate Majority Leader Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

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Implement the Ribadu committee report

he controversy that trailed the submission of the Nuhu Ribadu-led committee to President Jonathan did not come as a surprise. The rot in the Nigerian oil and gas sector has become so putrid and the clamour for action so virulent, that the government could no longer ignore the call for change. With some people busy praising the President for creating the committee; those meant to be probed were busy devising all manner of uncanny schemes to truncate the report. This provides the context for understanding the role of Steve Orosanye and others during the presentation ceremony. It is utterly inconceivable that a government which sets out to probe a corruption-ridden industry will, in the same breadth, instigate the appointment of pliable members of the same committee into choice positions in the same institution. I wish to commend Nuhu Ribadu and other faithful members for their display of courage and patriotism in carrying out their assignment. The value of their sacrifice will not be determined by the choice of the government to either implement or discard the report’s findings but in the fact that it has assisted Nigerians in knowing who their real enemies are. Ogubuariri Raymond writes via ugoray2010@yahoo. co.uk

Hypocrisy of Nigerian leaders

ur leaders congratulating Obama is not the issue, but can they follow the process that brought Obama second term, rather than rigging and other vices? Gordon Chika Nnorom

NCC, please check MTN ‘mistake’ or fraud

or about a week now, I have noticed that on some of my calls, the costs as given by MTN newly introduced alert system are occasionally lesser than the actual cost debited from my account. This, I stand to be corrected, is not a system error, but another way of defrauding nonvigilant customers. My cell number is 07031858844 in case MTN wants furtherconfirmation. Paul Agbolade, Ajah, Lagos.

Friday, November 9, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Aluu killings, barbaric

almost shed tears when I had a glimpse of the video clips of the dastard and barbaric display by the people of Aluu. The dire state of Nigeria makes me wonder the kind of country we are living in, where there is no regard for human lives. Little wonder my secondary school teacher used to tell me that conscience is the highest judge and that once your conscience is dead you are also dead. Does that mean the conscience of Aluu people is

dead? This is a question I have been asking. In the video clips, I saw the young and handsome victims naked, brutalized to the core with plethora of injuries on their bodies amidst onlookers. How can people be so heartless? The onlookers were so excited and carried away that none could come to their rescue or call for help. Are we our brothers’ keepers? It was alleged that some policemen were at the scene, after which they left to where they would ex-

tort money as usual. This lends credence to the fact that most of the atrocities are perpetuated with the consent and collaboration of security personnel. The aim of calling them security personnel is defeated because they are now in the vanguard of atrocities. Even if security operatives did not go there, were they ignorant of the incident since it lasted for hours? An avalanche of motives may abound as to why they were prompted to subject the victims to

A displaced Kid and his family sleeping under tree at a refuge camp in Lokoja, Kogi State.

this inhuman treatment ranging from armed robbery, theft, cultism etc. No matter the perceived crime, the people of Aluu should not have resorted to defiling the sacredness of human lives. It is sickening that in Nigeria, people are killed, kidnapped, and dispossessed of their properties without a trace. In other words, it has become a norm for one to take one’s life or lives and go scot-free. People no longer have the freedom to go to wherever they want to, as we now

PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO

Curbing the culture of violence in Nigeria

he rate at which violence has been unleashed on Nigerians by fellow citizens in various parts of the country, calls for concern. Perhaps, the long standing culture of impunity has contributed to the violent attacks by terrorist groups, militants, vigilantes, aggrieved individuals, law enforcement agents and others. The types of violence that are becoming more prominent can be categorized into domestic, terrorrelated, vigilante/mob violence as well as violence by law enforcement agents. At the moment, there are several on-going cases of domestic violence involving wife and husband

Letters to the Editor

battering, child abuse, rape and other criminal activities that may never be brought to the notice of law courts for judicial procedures. The recent extra-judicial killing of four students of the University of PortHarcourt at Aluu in Rivers State and stoning to death of a 72-year old woman in Ekiti State, for allegedly practicing witchcraft, could be grouped under vigilante/mob violence. There is also a growing trend of beating and stripping people naked or killing them on allegations of stealing mobile phones, yams and other items of far less value in comparison to life.

According to the Human Rights Watch, about 2,800 lives were lost to terror-related violence between 2009 and 2012. In the first nine months of 2012, 815 people were killed in 275 suspected attacks by the Boko Haram sect, which represented more than the total number of deaths in 2010 and 2011. The organisation stated that 211 police officers were killed, while over 60 police stations in 10 northern and central states were attacked by terrorist groups. The record of extrajudicial killings by the police has dropped drastically since the current Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar

assumed office. However, cases of brutality, intimidation, victimization and forceful extortion are still being reported. The growth of the violence culture has been powered by the non-implementation of the nation’s existing laws and the absence of the required protective mechanisms in the justice system. For instance, what mechanism is there to protect a citizen who volunteers to stand as an eye witness and testify against a suspected terrorist? How many lawyers, judges or members of a defence counsel are ready to get involved in a case of terrorist bombing being heard in Maiduguri during this period? How many

sleep with one eye open. Since the country’s security system is like that, I see no reason why we should have a police force. Because rather than being the custodians of law and order, they have become agents of nefarious acts. The Aluu incident is an apparent indication of the porosity in our security system. Moreover, a report by the National Mirror newspaper (October 17, 2012) gathered that two policemen were at the scene. One of them pleaded with the mob to have mercy on the victims while the other participated in brutalizing them. How else can they be described other than “bunch of savages”. Now that the deed has been done, how will the parents of the victims that had promising future live a normal life again? Where will they find solace? And how would people from other communities perceive Aluu now? I think the panacea is for the murderers and the accomplices to be paid back in their own coin by making them face the full wrath of the law and the parents compensated adequately. E m m a n u e l Onoja,Bayero University, Kano

victims of armed robbery are ready to report their experience to the police and how many Nigerians would offer to give information on suspected criminals considering the fears of possible extortion, victimization and injustice? How many females who are victims of rape are ready to report or expose their ordeal? To curb the growing culture of violence in Nigeria, the National Orientation Agency and the various religious organisations need to intensify efforts towards a general re-orientation and restoration of value for lives of fellow citizens. A l b i n u s Chiedu,Director, Output Communications, Ikeja Lagos

Send your letters or mails to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mirrorlagos@yahoo.com and info@nationalmirroronline.net or, 07033375481, 08035640907 (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, November 9, 2012

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

Denrele’s Day

P. 34

Nollywood shuns copyright reform launch in Abuja IT DOES NOT AND CANNOT SERVE THE NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE

Afam Ezekude (NCC)

parastatals. Again, I am worried that your interventions outside project finance appears skewed in favour of government agencies. This is quite strange and puzzling considering that these agencies have their own budgets. You sponsored ZUMA Film Festival yet you have not sponsored any independent festival, you sponsored NFC at Cannes yet you did not sponsor any practitioner to Cannes, you are now sponsoring NCC, yet we wrote to you almost six months ago to support an Investment Summit, without any response’. Eddie Ugbomah, a film producer and chairman of the Board of Trust-

ees of the Association of Movie Producers, AMP said, he was happy that Nollywood has risen in unison against the reform being launched. “I have been in Abuja, yet I was not invited to a forum like this. As an intellectual property owner and a veteran in the industry, I deserve to know what is going on, but nobody told me. I only wish the industry will continue like this because there are a lot of funny characters who can go back tomorrow to do something else”. However, the Nigerian Copyright Commission told Friday Flavour in a telephone interview that contrary to the expectations of the ‘few disgruntled people’, the relevant stakeholders in the copyright sector honoured their invitation. “If someone was not invited, that is not the reason to say the country cannot go on in terms of the reforms. I was there, and everybody who should be there was there. There was no protest of any sort. So everything is moving according to plans. It was a very successful event. If you were there, you would have noticed it, because I just returned back to my base from Abuja.”

WEEKEND STARTERS Kunle Adeyemi opens exhibition

BON awards holds Sunday

n Sunday, November 11, the 2012 edition of the Best of Nolly-

he exploratory art exhibition titled: ‘Paintograph and Paintocast: A new Consciousness’ by Dr. Kunle Adeyemi will open at Quintessence Gallery, Falomo, Ikoyi tomorrow at 4 p.m. The show, which will be on till November 30, will feature diverse works by the lecturer, who is the first Ph.D in Nigeria in the field of studio art research. The event will be declared open by no other than the Rector of the Yaba

wood Awards (BON Awards) will hold at the TBS Auditorium, Tafawa Balewa

Square, Race Course, Onikan, Lagos. The event, which rewards practitioners in Nigeria’s film industry, otherwise known

as Nollywood, will showcase the very best of Nollywood talents and performances. The Red Carpet begins at 5 p.m.

Creative industry comes to Kuramo Conference 2012

Adeyemi

College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr. Margret Kudirat Ladipo, who is the special guest of honour.

oday and tomorrow, The Kuramo Conference 2012 will take place at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. A biennial international summit of multi-disciplinary experts and knowledge vendors, this year’s confer-

ence highlights the creative industry in local economies, recovery of illicitly obtained wealth policy (oil sector) and energy solutions, among others. Wole Soyinka and Paul Collier are among the heavyweights that will be speaking

at the event, which will also feature nation-building discussion sessions. Organisers said the conference, marketplace and exhibition fair is the place to be to network and market businesses since over 1,000 people and delegates are expected.

Escape

Roberts Orya (Nexim Bank)

P. 26

Commission and NEXIM Bank are not working according to the series of negotiation that have been going on in the industry, especially in this respect. In a letter of refusal sent to the Nigerian Copyright Commission and NEXIM BANK, Madu Chikwendu, a former national president of the Association of Movie Producers, AMP stated the reform being launched was working at variance with the views of the stakeholders, who have always advocated enforcement of the existing laws, instead of creating new ones. Part of the letter read: ‘I am obliged to decline your very well-intentioned invitation to the so called ‘Public Launch of the Reform of the Nigerian Copyright System’. I actually received the invitation weeks back, but chose to ignore it. Your invitation has now obliged me to respond. It does not and cannot serve the needs and aspirations of the industry. The NCC should focus on enforcement. The architects of this reform appear to be working at variance with the stakeholders. Their views are well-documented at the SCCR at WIPO, Geneva. They promote “Copyleft “ instead of “Copyright’. I sincerely advise your management to exercise extreme caution in your associations with “sister “

P. 32-33

INDUSTRY

Mirror Mongers

fforts by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to galvanise the creative industry into manageable units for easy copyright administration may have hit the rocks. This followed the gross absence of the motion picture industry, otherwise known as Nollywood, at yesterday’s launch of the reform of the copyright system, which held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja under the chairmanship of former head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon. The event, which held at the instance of the Nigerian Copyright Commission in partnership with the Nigeria Export-Import Bank, NEXIM also had dignitaries from the presidency, national assembly and the academia; and was designed to sensitise stakeholders in the creative and copyright industries about a new framework. But stakeholders in the movie industry, as a way of showing their displeasure with the new arrangement, carefully stayed away from the ceremony, calling it a ‘jamboree that will lead nowhere’. According to the letter of invitation issued by Hope Yongo, the technical adviser to Mr. Roberts Orya, the Managing Director of the NEXIM Bank, ‘NEXIM is co-sponsoring a Stakeholders’ Forum with the NCC that is being facilitated by Messrs. Law Allianz Attorneys for the review of the copyright administration/enforcement.’ Some industry stakeholders who spoke with Friday Flavour said the industry was staying away to protest the fact that the Nigerian Copyright

P. 24-25

NGOZI E MEDOLIBE

Inside FCT

VOL. 2 No. 488

Artman In The House

Friday, November 9, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I was on a salary of N400 when I left advertising for painting –Olotu After putting in over two decades into painting, Oyerinde Olotu, has earned himself a place of pride in the art world, where he is notable for documenting history through the brushes. The Ondo State born artist, shared essential aspects of his life and works with NGOZI EMEDOLIBE Excerpts. Did This Lagos….A Canvass, your fifth solo exhibition which ended a few weeks ago meet your expectation? Expectations? It depends on what you mean by expectations. Is it about the money or about the impact the exhibition had? In terms of the impact it had on the society, it was well-attended. I thank God. The reaction was positive. As far as I am concerned it was highly encouraging and gives me more impetus to work even more. It will prepare me for more exhibitions in the future. Did it also teach you some new lessons about staging solo exhibitions? I have been having exhibitions. I had one last year and then this one. I was fully prepared for the two. But I don’t see exhibitions as something one should be jumping out every now and then to host. It’s something one needs to sit down and plan before doing. When I am 55 years old, I hope to plan and hold a retrospective exhibition. Looking at your two decades-plus career, at what point did it occur to you that it would be art? Right from when I was young. I always knew this was what I would do in future. Were there some influences? My father did influence me. He influenced me a great deal by encouraging me in a lot of ways. Was he an artist? No, but he was very passionate about art. When he started noticing my drawings as a child, he started encouraging me. I did not think of it as a profession, because while doing it, I was attending the regular school. Then, there was hardly ‘Art’ as a subject in school. I would draw and my father would cut the drawings and file them. He would tell me that Ben Enwonwu was his friend and that he would take me to him to see if I could develop from there. Later, I learnt there was art as a subject in the secondary school, so I naturally took art as a subject. I had a distinction in it, and was admitted into the Yaba College of Technology. That has changed the story today. I studied Fine Art in Yabatech. But I majored in Painting. After you left Yabatech, you started out as advertising personnel? Actually I was hoping I would go into either the teaching line or the television line to work, but I had a relative who is dead now, who owned an advertising agency. He was the person who came to our house one day and told my father that there was future in advertising and that he would like me to join him, that was how it happened. After I left his agency, I went on to another agency to continue working. The agency that my uncle owned is called Graphik Advertising, while the one I joined afterwards is called St George’s Advertising. After working for a total of 15 years in advertising, I decided to go back to my natural calling, which is painting. What did you find boring about the advertising industry? Nothing was boring. It is an industry with its potentials. You could rise to any level if you are hard working.

GODWIN OYIBO WAS AN ENTREPRENEUR WHO LOVED ART.

HE WAS EVEN THE

PERSON WHO CALLED ME AND TOLD ME

I WAS WASTING MY

TIME IN ADVERTISING You could become a creative director and all that, but I did not actually love it. I did not put in my all into it. I knew I was not in love with what I was doing. I was not enthusiastic about it. In spite of the glamour in advertising I was still yearning to go back to studio practice, my natural calling. And I am glad I did. You must have taken some things away from the corporate world that are helping you in your studio practice? I took away a lot. I have gathered the experience of punctuality, the experience of packaging and the experience of doing things in a meticulous manner. It must have been a difficult experience leaving a career you built for 15 years to a virgin territory? It was not easy at all. I was on a salary of N400 when I left advertising. I had a friend who is late now, Godwin Oyibo, who was an art connoisseur. Godwin Oyibo was an entrepreneur who loved art. He was even the person who called me and told me I was wasting my time in advertising. He wanted to know what I needed to start. I told him what my take home pay was on annual basis and the problems I could encounter; and he dared me by giving me N10,000 then. He gave me that money free of charge. He told me to buy some food stuffs, pay part of my children’s school fees and then paint. He said occasionally he would come in to buy the works. That was how I started. He would occasionally come in to buy my works and I decided I was not going to look back about my decisions. It was a bold step. Most of your works revolve around documenting history, what’s fascinating about this path? I love history. When people see me they say I look like someone who has lived in the past. May be that pattern is trailing me. Apart from art, I love making research into past events. That interest is what has spawned my interest in what I would call documenting art. I saw your work on Governor Fashola’s inauguration. You must have left out certain things or modified others. Where does this leave history and facts? The work is still here. It is unfortunate that nobody represented the government that day I had the exhibition. It is an art work the government can acquire and keep in the governor’s office. It is meant for that kind of place. There could be modifications in art, one could add colour to give it richness. But that does not alter history. The basic thing is to pass the message to the next generation that this was

Olotu

what Fashola’s inauguration looked like in 2011. If you present a two story building in your painting as a three story building, does it not amount to altering facts? It does not mean that. This work I am pointing at, Street Scene of Lagos shows what Lagos was like in those days. At the background you can see a man with a little boy. Originally, that boy was not in the picture. But I had to bring in that to make it look interesting. That is called enhancement and not alteration of facts. Are there times you sit down and imagine the scenes you paint? Never. I paint the things I have encountered. I may have experienced it or may have seen the picture. Yes, some painters do what we call surrealism, by going into trance to conjure images. I am not a surrealist painter. I am an

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Artman In The House

Friday, November 9, 2012

Leventis Bus Stop

Makoko

Lagos Island

FACT FILE What advice do you have for young school leavers in the • Hails from Ondo State

Olotu painting Obasanjo

impressionist. I paint what I see or experience. Why do you think younger artists are running away from studio practice when they leave school? The truth is that all of us cannot go into the same boat. Once one leaves school, the choice is yours. Other people can go into the banking sector and you just need to sit down and decide what you want to become. I have a friend, who is a top shot in a bank who is talking to me about studio practice. He studied art and went into the banking sector where he has risen. He was one of the guests at the exhibition This Lagos…A canvass. He said he would have loved to return to studio practice but that there was nothing he could do. But whether one finds himself in banking or art, what it requires is determination. You must be willing to change things.

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Works centre on landscape themes and documenting history

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His work, *Independence Parade Lagos (1972)* sold for a record N1.9 million from N250,000 after five minutes of bidding

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Studied Fine Art at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos

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Best graduating student in 1981

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Quit his job in an advertising agency after 15 years to concentrate on studio practice

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Ardent fan of the Barcelona FC, Arsenal FC; and national soccer teams of Nigeria and Brazil

•

Has held five solo exhibitions

field of arts as regards this? They should be focused and take their time, and know what they want out of life, because there are no two ways about it. It is just a matter of time. People have this impression that art works are for the rich. Why don’t artists target the average Nigerians? It is a matter of approach. As a journalist, you can approach me and say you want this work for instance,; it is N1.5million, but you can make a payment plan that can let you have it. It is all about determination. You can be paying on monthly basis. You may not be earning that but you can become my friend and we work it out from there. That is how it happens. All you need to do is to befriend the artists and gradually, you can start collecting their works. That is why I harped on focus. You can make a plan to acquire any work of art you like. Are there really works for low income earners aside key

holders? There are. A cousin of mine came in here with such an impression and I told her to pay a certain amount and she was shocked. That is how art works. You must show enthusiasm to acquire the work first and see if the artist would not respond as a human being. Let us get personal? Tell me about your family life? I am married for about 25 years. I am married to a woman called Moji, and we have two children, Babatunde and Kunmbi They are graduates. One of my kids was thecurator for this exhibition. How did you meet Madam? I met her through eating in a cafeteria. She is a caterer. She cooks very lovely food. If you look at me, you will see the evidence of my wife’s cooking. Do they like art? Of course, my wife likes art, but she does not know how to do it. One of my children is actually interested in art, and has been collecting. Like I said, he was the curator when I had my exhibition. He prefers to be a curator, which is also an important aspect of art. Let us conclude with the challenges of the Nigerian artist. The challenges are many. But the most frustrating aspect is the attitude of government towards what we are doing. For instance, when I had my exhibition we invited the Minister of Culture, Edem Duke, but he did not come and did not even send a representative. Was he informed? We wrote to his office, and I even made a special portrait which I wanted to hand over to him, but he did not show up. Things like this are demoralising for the artist. It makes him feel unwanted. I understand the day happened to be the independence anniversary of the nation, but I still have his portrait which I will present to him any time I run into him. But I want to call on them to support art.

Critics

Friday, November 9, 2012

Literary arts

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

A rear view of ANA writers at 30

Invisible pit on Headies 2012 stage

CHIKE OFILI

The Headies aka Hip Hop World Awards 2012 edition held on Saturday, October 20, at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. It was indeed an eventful night of fun, thrills, performances but also some pitfalls.

...and the collapse of rackets

he was born without a birth certificate in Nsukka, in a university compound before a great gathering in 1981; the decade of great happenings and deeds. Neither the direct parent, nor the foster parents, all very educated, saw it fit to have her name, Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA in the public records of the nation’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Not even the energetic one-man centred leadership of Mr. Odia Ofeimun who got the Association a Secretariat that is no more, without the thought of registration that should power legal operation. More like getting the Association a good cart before the thought of a horse. It took well over 20 years when her parenting fell to Mr. Abubakar Gimba in 2000 before ANA was officially recognised courtesy of a former banker-businessman who knew a thing or two beyond creative writing. So while ANA, Nigerian writers biggest body of writers, might claim to be 30 in 2011 by illegal operation, it is actually no more than 11 years old from when it was registered. Its founding parents were the initiator, Prof. Chinua Achebe; and the trustees: Late Dr. T.M Aluko, Ms. Mabel Segun, and Mr. Yabo Lari. It is quite curious that only one of the leading writers of the time made it to the founding team. The other leading writers were conspicuously missing; considering that in a earlier history of a similar group, the Mbari club that had them all in. Is it however possible that the founding father Chinua Achebe made do with what he had, the cooperation he got, or the writers he had better relationship with? Or was it just impossible to get the leading writers under an umbrella without one of them appearing to be the leader of the rest? Was ANA to be affected in any way by the way it was born and the care and kind of parents that have nursed and nurtured her over the years? Her name, Association of Nigerian Authors though sounds all-encompassing, it actually is not for all comers and scribblers; for all writers and authors. It means all, yet accommodates only writings of the imaginative mould; creative writings of non-factual expressions. She however grew up being thought to belong to all, but being only admissible to some. The differentiating explanation that it is essentially about the creative can seldom stand a rigorous attack as every subject or thing can be given a creative treatment. Not until it is said that it belongs to fictional prose writers, poets, playwrights and literary essayists is the confusion minimised without being eliminated. Minimised because literary practitioners of the itemised mould consider themselves more as writers than as authors. The thinking sometimes is that a writer is in a constant motion of putting pen to paper the way those who write only for targeted publishing purpose do not; since theirs is writing for project or publication deadlines so as to be ascribed authors. Yet to be a writer without being published in order to earn the title: published writer, leaves a creative manuscript owner without a full entitlement of claims, as you are not considered writer enough if your work has not been adjudged publishable. For in being adjudged so are you truly worthy of the name. Her name ANA, isn’t all she has had to deal with growing up; she has also had to deal with the acceptable strands that should constitute her name. If poets and playwrights readily make up the membership, what kind of prose writers qualify? If fiction writers more than qualify, do biographers, memoirists do? Do literary critics qualify in any way? Should they be accorded similar roles as literary editors as midwives of the imagined? Where then do we put literary theorists? Should all of these people appropriately belong to the same body? Methink not. The bunching of the ANA into an extended family without first having and belonging to a nuclear family can partly account for her identity crisis; a crisis that also affects how it behaves and operates; a crisis

ADEBIMPE OLATUJA Ofili

that utters her personality and affects her performance. For in the case of ANA, Shakespeare was wrong. For a rose by any other name will smell and scent as a rose. ANA by its present name and meaning smells unseemly. And so because she was born in a university campus where a department bunches them all together as Department of literary studies or English or/and literature, ANA got born in a compound rather in a family, a nuclear family from where it ought to link up with members of the other families to form a compound and an extended family. And because it missed having a nuclear family, ANA has found itself leaving the lives of others. It calls for its own gathering and end up doing the bidding of others without even knowing. Or how would you describe a gathering of creative writers that never discusses the creative process save talking and arguing forever about the critical process of apprehending and comprehending a product and not the more important process of producing it. And year-in-year out, it has been a marketers market rather than be the manufacturer’s market. As it is done in university departments of English and literature, so has it become in the association of creative writers whose production process of research and development units that should lead to the discovery of raw materials that should become the by-product that is navigated by the imagination in creative treatment for the making of a good product, is totally jettisoned for concerns in its aftermaths. Literature instead of writing has been given the throne; with the crown prince dethroned. And so continuing in this misbegotten mould, creativity has been subordinated to the service of criticism; stunting its growth where it most matters. Being so ill-bred by a long line of parents from the university who have herded her in this misbegotten direction and tradition; the non-academic leaders themselves knew no better than to be a child of habit and tradition. At every annual convergence in celebration of writing and the ANA, the two un-identical twins take different interest and attitude to the programmes of celebration. As the programme is habitually designed for the critics, the creative ones simply turn it to social meetings away from the raging argument of critics and theorists to attend to their bottles of beer and gin at parlours far removed from the venues of the conventions, discussing writers only. Yet the association has not been self-examining enough, let alone be creative enough to mend its ways. But happily, the association has not been led by non-writers; though it has been living the lives of critics whose job is to give further illumination to creative works to keep their trade going and relevant, since literate readers are capable of making out their own meaning. Concluded next edition Chike Ofili, author of The Weight of Waiting, has been the Chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors, Lagos. Currently, ANA members are at Uyo in Akwa Ibom state for the annual conference holding between November 8 and 11.

he Headies, annually presented to artistes and music producers, whose songs make wider appeal and contribute to the finesse that the Nigerian hip hop community is known

Book

Seeing through The saying that a writer cannot write in a vacuum, if his origin does not reflect in his write-ups, his experience of life and the society he belongs to, goes a long way to reflects in his literary thinking. This is applicable to Adewale Ajadi, the author of Omoluabi.2.0.

SINA FADARE

rom his humble background in Ibadan, Wale Ajadi writing with nostalgia says that “I had been brought up in an extended family of over 300 people and grew up with at least 50 people in the same house at any given time. Our wealth, my father insisted, lay in how many people we took responsibility for, which part of my mother’s lessons was that power was only effective if it was used with restraint”. Despite his rich educational background and his exposure as a widely-travelled scholar, not for a day is Ajadi detached from his root, Ayeye compound of Ibadan, the most populous city in Africa. Early in life, Ajadi had identified the enormous impact which mother tongues, particularly his native language Yoruba, had on him and later became the nexus on which he began to ask numerous un-answered questions. “It is to our shame that Africans in general and Nigerians in particular have developed an obsessive negativity about their identity, which has meant that at best, excellence is individualised or at worst viewed with cynicism”. Against this backdrop, Ajadi puts Nigeria among the populated countries like China, India and Indonesia etc, pointing out that there are certain peculiarities that distinguishes the country which is not limited to using an imported language and relegating her mother tongues to the background, and does not have a dominant indigenous organising system. In the 186-page book, the author laments the neglect of informal sector of the economy saying that

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Critics

Friday, November 9, 2012

Event for. In different categories, the award brings the young, the established and the aspiring into focus as they are rewarded and recognised. The musicians to walk home with the coveted award this year are the likes of Davido, Inyaya, Wizkid, Vector, D’Banj, P-Square, Sound Sultan, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, TY-Mix and Jude Okoye, among others. Performers at the event were Chidinma, Project Fame Season 5 winner; Brymo, Chuddy K and Timi Dakolo, among other, while M.I and Omawunmi anchored the event. Only a day earlier, at the same venue, organisers of the award and its sponsor, MTN, hosted the veterans of the music industry like Onyeka Onwenu, Orlando Julius, Salawa Abeni, Stella Monye, Fatai Rolling Dollar, Shina Peters, Mike Okri, Daddy Showkey and many others to a night of celebration. Noble as the gesture a day before was, considering that veterans, whether in entertainment or otherwise, do not get the desired recognition in the country, the award ceremony, like many events in the country was bogged down by the ‘African time’ syndrome. The Headies started four hours later than scheduled, guests arrived for the red carpet event before the scheduled time which was 7 p.m. and were loitering around till 12 a.m. But there were also highpoints. The organisers, for

AN AREA WHERE THE ORGANISERS NEED TO WORK BETTER ON TOWARDS THE

2013 EDITION, IS THE

ARTISTE DELIVERING THEIR PERFORMANCES PERFECTLY instance, scored high by using the Expo Hall venue of Eko Hotel, which served well to accommodate the multitude at the event. The seating arrangement and the placement of different ticket holders were properly managed and orderly; the organising crew had good teamwork but coordination was a bit slack. Sound was not up to par for some of the night, so was the visual effect, which tripped off time and again. Chidinma, the first act on stage, who did ‘Kekedike’, with her unique vocals, gave a star performance. Upand-coming hip hop diva, Eva, was a definition of what the audience looked forward to. A rapper yet she appeared like a rock star. She brought the audience alive and left the trait of ‘I want more’ on everyone

present. Her performance with the group dancers was impressive and more than met with expectation. ‘Stupid song’ by Bez and Praiz was a yes performance as well and really entertaining. Another spectacular performance came from Burna Boy and Dammy Krane, apart from falling off-stage as if into a pit, Burna Boy still managed to leave the audience excited. Brymo’s performance was a no-no; an artiste with a promising career on account of his style of music and much was expected from him on The Headies stage. But when he performed his hit song, ‘Ara’, the consensus was that he fell short, stage presence was poor and the audience was not carried along. Organisers of The Headies 2012 may have picked some of the best performers but they did not deliver as well as the audience would have liked it. The technical crew did a good job but it cannot be said to have been perfect. A remark must be giving to the female set of group dancers who danced with almost all the performing artistes, the girls are dancers who need to be applauded to put in more effort in what they desire to do. The Headies this year were indeed eventful, the shortcomings cannot beat the success achieved, but an area where the organisers need to work better on towards the 2013 edition, is the artiste delivering their performances perfectly.

culturally-brightened eyes 70 per cent of Nigeria GDP remains unrecorded. “One surprising result in our management and employee survey of Nigeria was the absence of significant difference amongst the different ethnic groupings”. The book paints the picture of Africa that is well endowed by nature, but unfortunately battle always with her complexities and paradox of contradictions, shaped by its history, socio-economic and cultural affinity, blessed with natural resources that cannot be harnessed for the use of her citizen. He regretted that with the arable land that could have been put to use through agricultural revolution which could have put the map of the continent in front burner as food basket of the world by exporting food stuffs to Asia and Europe in droves and develop home grown technology that could have mid-wived its industrial revolution but the continent due to poor leadership, turns to dumping ground. In the midst of this confusion Ajadi posits that Nigeria needs an ideology peculiar to her identity that will be use as a spring board that will bring out in her citizen a new lease of life where there is abundant of life. He therefore proposes the concept of ‘Omoluabi’, as a recipe to the new world where all will be abundant. He argues that ”any modern system of organisation that will transform African society has to be fractal, nuanced and adaptive; it cannot be engineered and linear”. The author’s ancestral home, Ibadan is used as a peg to capture the concept of ‘Omoluabi’ where respect is accorded to elders, where the son of whom you are is more appreciated than affluence and luxury. He paints the concept of Omoluabi not as a ‘gentleman’, though similar to it, but “a reflection of an evolution of character that takes natural or innate dispositions and combines them with aspirations, discharged with integrity, empathy and commitment in the service of both the self and the collective good”. Ajadi equates Omoluabi with character and that is why the Yoruba people will say Eefin ni iwa, ti a ba da agbon de, yoo ru sita (character is like smoke, no matter how well it is covered, it simply cannot be hidden). He uses the concept of Character+Choice =Destiny to illustrate that character is the vehicle for our conscious and unconscious journey of life and framework of our possibilities as individuals, institutions and societies. He refers to the success story of King Jaja of Opobo,

OMOLUABI 2.0 IS A CONSCIOUS ATTEMPT TO INTEGRATE GENUINE DISCIPLINE AND

EFFORTS TO LET THE COUNTRY’S CAPACITIES FOR EXCELLENCE EMERGE a slave boy in Ijaw area of Bonny in Nigeria who rose to prominence due to the code of character + choice =destiny and that of Balogun Ibikunle, one of the formidable warlord of Ibadan during the Yoruba inter-tribal war, Balogun Ogunmola, Are Latoosa and Iba Oluyole. “This was all achievable in a meritocratic society whose standards were based on a warrior code. It was a place where valour was rewarded, loyalty celebrated and cowardice severely punished”. Ajadi posits that the concept of ‘Omoluabi’ revolves round all operational activities of the Yoruba with Ibadan as centre of focus. This can also be transferred to modern political acceptability, noting that that was why Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu, popularly known as “penkelemeesi” got his political code. Ajadi laments that in the modern day operation, the concept of ‘Omoluabi’ has worn a new toga. “Our challenge is to frame Omoluabi in ways that inventively adapt its cultural capital and the authentic characters of Nigerians into a new social technology that can infuse a much needed code based on value and imbue it with meaning”. Ajadi also recommends the concept of moo lo (how to use it) as a code to solve the borrowed democratic concepts heaped on us as a way of life in Africa. He argues that ability to go back to the drawing board of our Omoluabi concept where we apply what westernisation bought down on us to develop our own home technologies that is adaptable, suitable and gives room for our diversities. He poses some notable questions. Omoluabi 2.0 as a code is a conscious attempt to integrate genuine discipline and efforts to coordinate Nigeria’s energy and let the country’s capacities for excellence emerge. The author regrets that all attempts at transferring our lives have failed “what operates as a

The book

national system today is meant to allocate and distribute the spoils of oil resources without any religious interest in building true capacity to innovate, produce or generate real value”. Ajadi emphasises in the book that Omoluabi 2.0 can be used to solve individual, organisational and societal crises without being distorted. This can be based on seven elements which includes Olaju (enlightenment or revelation), Oju-Inu (Inner eye/Intuition), Ami (omens or pattern recognition), Iwa-lewa (character reflected in the beauty of behaviour), Eniyan laso mi (the enriching cloak of relationships), Ase (the application of ideas, words and theories in the real world) and Ire (the achievement of desired blessings). He posited that the concept of Omoluabi 2.0 can be applied to solve the modern day political challenges “We need a complete economic transformation that shifts the focus away from government and the centralised, topdown, large economic efforts to local and community driven productive activity”. However, with a lot of lost hopes, shattered dreams and bleak future, the author sees a ray of light at the end of the dark tunnel. ”Our prospects are not defined by the battles of yesterday, neither are they defined by our current limitations, but clarity of our ideals and ideas for the future”.

Inside FCT

Friday, November 9, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

MARCUS FATUNMOLE

ddo, located a few metres opposite the new site of the University of Abuja, is one of Abuja’s sprawling satellite communities with about 30,000 residents. The village is predominantly occupied by nonindigenes. While the natives are virtually farmers and artisans, the non-natives work in the city while others engage in both artisanal and business activities. The community paints a picture of many other rural communities where government’s presence in terms of infrastructure is absent. With erratic electricity supply, residents of the community are mostly hit by acute water shortage. There is no functional public borehole even as the population of the university students living in the community keeps increasing on daily basis. However, a public primary school with a separatelybuilt junior secondary school, including a single-room police station are the only facilities bearing government presence in the settlement. In April 2012, many houses in the village fell under the wheels of bulldozers from the Department of Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Development Control had listed some villages on Airport Road for demolition. Reason: structures in the villages, the department claimed, did not get approval from the FCT administration. Iddo was unfortunately one of such communities. It was a period of multiple torments for the community. First, stench, oozing malodorous smell from different sections of the village blended with dust that enveloped the community, as the bulldozers tore down the structures. Priscilia Jonah is a resident of the community, which currently has about 20,000 occupants. She told our reporter that, “For those of us remaining in this place, we are not happy with the way people are managing their wastes. People dispose domestic waste in the already blocked drainages. Every rainfall in this village is a threat because we are so close to the river. You know anything can happen should the flood refuse to get out of environment where houses are closely built near one another. I have always been afraid of the attitudes of our people. Go to their houses, many of them don’t have toilet. They defecate in the open. They litter everywhere with wastes. If you try to correct them, it will lead to trouble.” Iddo is no doubt one of the city’s communities that are on the precipice of environmental hazards. Since the community witnessed the rage of the FCT administration through its demolition exercise, many of the

Residents keep file of broken basins like this for days to determine when it would be their turn for water

Iddo: Capital of water crisis and poor sanitation hitherto manageable problems have been compounded. Some people who had dug boreholes in their homes before the demolition exercise have moved out of the village; while they left with the water equipment. The relics of fallen buildings in the village have also further disfigured the settlement. Piles of fallen bricks are everywhere in the village; making them easy habitat for snakes, scorpion and other harmful reptiles. Meanwhile, as houses of non-natives were mostly affected in the demolition exercise, many of the remaining houses in the community do not have basic toilet facilities. Many people, especially children defecate in the open. More worrisome are the polythene products that litter everywhere. Some of these products, which have been buried for years, surface whenever flood or wind blows of the sand upon them.

Shylock landlords, empty estates, homeless people FEMI ADEOSUN

ne of the strategies of the present administration in bridging the housing deficit gap in the country put at over 17 million units is the involvement of private investors, under the Public Private Partnership arrangement, in housing production. Across the country, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory, where land is costlier than gold and only the money bags, the politicians and their cronies can afford it, developers have taken the advantage of this partnership to build a number of houses that should be adequate to solve the housing needs of Abuja residents. Whether on the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Road, Gwarimpa or within the metropolis, housing estates in various designs and tastes adorn the city

Abuja Estate

centre. Many more are daily springing up. It is however, ironic that in the midst of the sprawling housing estates in the FCT lies a class of the people, mainly low income earners, who still live in slums, shanties, and in extreme cases, under bridges and security posts. Though it is a common saying among Abuja developers that the houses are built under the PPP arrangement to help the government bridge the increasingly worrisome housing gap in the country, it is obvious to every discerning mind that most of the private devel-

Like many settlements in Abuja, domestic animals contribute to growing filth in the community. There are goats, dogs, fowls and other domestic pets that move around the village unchecked. They defecate anywhere and most often, no one cares to attend to those wastes. On many occasions, the wastes disappear with the flood, blown away by wind or trodden by residents. Another major environmental disaster in the village is lack of good roads. Major roads in the village are footpaths which residents have forced their vehicles through. At every rainy season, these car owners find it difficult to drive into their homes. The vehicles are usually parked at considerably “secured” places; sometimes in the homes of friends or neighbours. There is a major river that flows across the farthest end of Iddo village. The natives usually find respite in

opers are primarily driven by profit motives. Yet, the proponents of the PPP initiative have refused to address the drift which is skewed in favour of the rich, because they too profit from it. To compound the plight of thousands of Nigerian residents, the FCT authorities have continued, like heartless rulers of the mayor, been pulling down various housing structures with recklessness and carelessness. Depending on the locations, in some of these housing estates, a two-bedroom apartment for a family of four, costs between N20 million to N30 million, while a three-bedroom could cost as high as N50million. How then would a civil servant on a monthly salary of N100, 000 afford such an exorbitant fee? Obtaining mortgage is not any easy either, as the process is so cumbersome and sometime, fraught with various anomalies. An Abuja based social affairs analyst, Mr. Ojoaba Kazeem, who commented on the development blamed government for its failure to muster the needed political will to enforce the available housing and urban development laws in the country. For instance, he explained that the deadlock that attained the moves to come up with a Rent Edict at the National Assembly was part of a ground designs to perpetually put Abuja residents under the whims and caprices of shylock landlords, a class of which some of

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, November 9, 2012

Inside FCT

Unending fuel crisis takes toll on lives, businesses in FCT CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

B One of the filthy houses at Iddo village

PEOPLE DISPOSE DOMESTIC WASTE IN THE ALREADY

BLOCKED DRAINAGES.

EVERY

RAINFALL IN THIS VILLAGE IS A THREAT BECAUSE WE ARE SO CLOSE TO THE RIVER this water, especially during the dry season. While the children have free bath in the river, the adults fetch it for domestic use. Meanwhile, this water dries up during the dry season. Then, there is a great challenge for the villagers. Many of them dig the dry channel to scoop water into their basins; even when such water is not safe for human consumption. On the other hand, in very few houses where borehole water is available for sale, it takes resident more than a day to get the water. Many of the residents keep broken basins at the borehole site to help determine when it would be their turn. In most cases, they do not get the water until the following day. Another dimension to water crisis in this village is that while young men, popularly called Meruwa, who sell water in their wheelbarrows in the nation’s capital sell as low as N20 during dry season, challenge of bad road makes the people who sell water in Iddo community increase the price even above N50 for 20 litre jerry cans. The situation is also worse with the few people who sell through private boreholes to the community. They also increase their prices at will.

I MUST SAY WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR THAT GOVERNMENT HAS FAILED

NIGERIANS IN

THE AREA OF PROVISION OF HOUSING the members belonged. “I must say without fear or favour that government has failed Nigerians in the area of provision of housing. In developed economies where housing need is considered as one of the fundamental needs of man, governments come up with good housing policy including, a virile mortgage system. It is not the absence of policy that is holding the housing sector in Nigeria down; it is lack of political will to make it work. While no government can cater for the housing needs of the people, along the PPP initiative through which Nigerian government intends to address the housing deficit is fraught with various anomalies. One would have expected government to exercise control over the house type being built by developers and their cost implication,” he said.

efore now, Abuja unlike Lagos is thought to be the Eldorado where civil servants and indeed, residents run to escape the hassles that characterise the country’s commercial capital. But unfortunately, it appears that Abuja has lost that allure as life in the Federal Capital Territory seems to be getting more difficult by the day. Residents say it is not only because of the scorching sun that often result in extremely high temperature of over 30 degrees Celsius, hitting hard on the city as early as 8 am, but also because the scarcity of petroleum products has continued to worsen making life more unbearable for the city dwellers. Inside FCT monitored the situation and observed that residents are at cross roads as the fuel scarcity has affected their lifestyles. For instance, the commercial bus fares in FCT which was generally considered cheaper compared to Lagos and other major cities across the country have been jerked up by transporters following the ugly development. Unfortunately, it appears there is no clue to the end of the scarcity which has now assumed a crisis dimension because when contacted, the National Secretary of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Comrade Mike Osatuyi, said it was difficult to speak on the issue as at press time underscoring the gravity of the situation. Efforts to get official explanations on the situation from the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Fidel Pepple proved abortive as his phone was said not be available at the time. Sourcing for fuel in the FCT, Inside FCT gathered, could now be likened to sourcing for blood from a malnourished, famished patient. The sight of motorists sitting in their vehicles waiting endlessly under the scorching sun on very long queues in major filling stations across the city can elicit sympathy even from hardhearted individual. This trend has created stranded commuters who now overcrowd major bus stops as they contend with the ugly trend of waiting for affordable transport which are usually never available, and civil servants resume work later than usual with the plausible excuse of the difficulties in getting fuel. Apparently, the situation has created a leeway for civil servants to resume late in the office as the excuse of searching for fuel is said to be considered a most plausible one. For instance, the National Secretariat complexes which usually come alive between 8.00am and 8.30 am as civil servants resume work was still scanty by 9.30 am Wednesday morning. A civil servant, Mrs. Awosika Olotu told Inside FCT

Queing for fuel in FCT

SOURCING FOR FUEL IN THE FCT, INSIDE FCT GATHERED, COULD NOW BE LIKENED TO SOURCING FOR BLOOD FROM

A MALNOURISHED, FAMISHED PATIENT that has been the trend since the fuel scarcity started, adding that the senior workers who are supposed to caution people for lateness also come very late. Olotu who lives in Dutse area said the amount she usually pays as transport fare to work has increased by 50 per cent, adding that a lot of people have curtailed their movements following the high fares resulting from scarcity of petroleum products in the FCT. Some of the residents who spoke to Inside FCT said the development has made it very difficult for them to plan their daily schedule. Mr. Yusuf Olarewaju who operates a car rental outfit told our correspondent at the AP filling station opposite Transcorp Hilton, the situation is getting worse by the day. “If you do not have fuel, your movement would be restricted; and keeping appointments would be difficult. Imagine, I have been on this queue since the past two hours. This is what we have been experiencing since the past six months.” For Ejike Umoro, a bus driver it has affected transport businesses as motorists spend hours waiting on queue to buy the scarce product. He said that in the face of the current scarcity, commercial bus drivers now go to nearby states to buy fuel at N120 per litre. “I bought fuel yesterday at Masaka in Nasarawa State at N120 per litre, if you want to buy here in Abuja you have to be prepared to sacrifice most part of the day waiting on queue. And after you have bought, you would be so tired that you would not be able to do any meaningful work for the day” Umoro said his friends who always insist on buying at the normal price always work half day. The black market sellers may be the only people smiling under the present circumstances as they are seen in every corner hustling to sell off their products in gallons. One of them who identified himself as Hassan told our correspondent that the development has created a boom as 10 litres now go for N2000, while 20 litres cost about N4000. The question on the lips of many residents now is: will the politicisation of the operations of the downstream sub-sector that has been characterised by claims and counter-claims between the government and marketers ever end?

Mirror Mongers

Friday, November 9, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Preying on Nigeria Police Academy

I Prezzo and Goldie

Predictable reality show

ollowers of the Big Brother Africa reality TV show would be wondering what has become of the two ‘romantically notorious’ housemates, Nigerian Goldie and Kenyan, Jackson Makini, fondly called Prezzo. Although the admirers of the housemates in Africa have been praying that things take a brighter turn for the two, the game of denial going on, especially on the side of Goldie, who declared that ‘the soap opera you are expecting will never come to reality’ is making them confused. Prezzo’s assertion that he was ‘willing to take their relationship beyond the Big Brother Africa camp’ has even made the scenario more so.

But it appears the drama is getting real in spite of the denials. In the past five months or so, Goldie and Prezzo have been spotted in Kenya (where she spent one week) and in the United States (where they spent two weeks). Last week, Goldie and Prezzo were also spotted again at a wedding ceremony which held in Lagos, where the two were clad in attires that looked similar, forcing speculations that something may be going on indeed. While the game of denial continues, people seem to be at home with the reality that whatever is making the two inseparable after the BBA show must be more than the music they said they are making.

t is one thing to be a fraudster and another to know where to prospect for clients (victims?). It is however worrisome when the Nigeria Police appears to be the victim of scammers. But that is the reality since the entrance examination to admit students into the Nigeria Police Academy, which was recently upgraded to a degreeawarding institution. Although students were told that they would start academic activities at the campus in Wudil, Kano in October, results of the entrance examination into the school are still being expected as at November. This has created an opportunity for scammers who have been running threads on the Internet alerting the candidates that the results are out. Followers of the thread would come across a phone number 08061526982 belonging to one Mr. Alex, who is asking that people should reach him to get their results. The buzz is that some people are already falling prey to the scammers, who are fishing (phishing) in the elephant’s waters. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police is yet to issue an official statement on this.

Made in Shoprite beggars

hoprite is a growing shoppers’ delight in Nigeria, because of the array of goods on display at their outlets. If you hear people who flaunt their visits to the mall, they would tell you it has to do with the quality of goods on display which come from distant lands. Something like ‘made in Spain’ or ‘made in UK. But there is one commodity that is also on display at Shoprite which happens to be made right there at Shoprite: beggars! A visit to the mall these days unleashes ‘technical beggars’, who come into the arena to carry out their business. They, however, do not strike one as beggars who ask for coins. No, these ones are smartly dressed, and have stories like losing their ATM cards, coming in from one far-flung university campus or in some instances begging on behalf of one motherless babies home. Definitely, all these transactions usually go on while the regular shoppers go about their business. What is making Shoprite lucrative for this calibre of people? It must have something to do with the fact that people who come in have disposable cash.

Ashes from Farouk Lawan’s house

G Lawan

ONE-SECOND Q&A

radually, Hon. Farouk Lawan is fading away from the memories of Nigerians. After allegations of bribery leveled by oil magnate, Femi Otedola, Nigerians who have been waiting for justice to take its course, were jolted a few days ago when information filtered in that his house in Abuja has

been gutted by fire a few days after his colleagues in the House said they were going to get to the root of the matter. A Lagos-based radio station said the immediate cause of the inferno is not known; neither has the accurate estimate of the cost implications come out. Meanwhile, the revelation is also fuel-

ling speculations that this may finally nail investigations into the bribery allegation which the lawmaker was enmeshed in some months ago. The police had earlier blamed their inability to lay hands on the marked money as a setback in terms of prosecuting some culprits. Now they may have to search the ashes for evidence?

ROTIMI AMAECHI

Rivers and Bayelsa governments are still locked in a war of words over oil wells located in their boundary communities. Governor Rotimi Amaechi, reacted to the unfolding issue: What is your assessment of the oil well dispute between Rivers and Bayelsa states?

Gov. Amaechi

We will not allow the attempt by the Bayelsa State Government to collect our oil wells. I have read what the Bayelsa State governor said, that the 11th edition of the (administrative) map (of Nigeria) gave them the oil wells. When? They didn’t talk about the 1st edition to the 10th edition, they chose to avoid that, and went to the 11th edition, but the question they should answer is why avoiding the previous editions. But the Federal Government came to court and said, ‘oh we made a mistake in the 11th edition, we will correct it’. They should correct it, the documents were filed by their lawyers, not our lawyers. All we want is for the Federal Government to go back to the 10th edition and correct everything. Bayelsa State was created so many years ago, there has been no law ceding that part of Kalabari kingdom to Bayelsa State. Now, when did it suddenly change? It changed in 2006, but I don’t want to join issues. I want the Kalabari people to represent themselves and I will stand behind them.

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Dhul Hijjah 24, 1433AH Friday, November 9, 2012

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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

asjid Ubudiah - ranking high on the list of Malaysia’s most beautiful mosques, the Masjid Ubudiah (or Ubudiah Mosque) stands proudly and majestically in Kuala Kangsar, with its golden dome and minarets creating a spellbinding sight, from near and afar. The mosque was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, a government architect who is notably credited for the design of the Ipoh railway station and the Kuala Lumpur railway station. Built in 1917 during the reign of the 28th Sultan of Perak, Sultan Idris Murshidul’adzam Shah, the Masjid Ubudiah is located beside the Royal Mausoleum on Bukit Chandan. It was commissioned on the orders of the Sultan, who vowed that he would build a mosque of great beauty as thanksgiving for recovery from an illness which plagued him in those early days. The construction of the mosque was not without difficulties. Work was interrupted several times, once when two elephants belonging to the sultan’s and Raja Chulan were fighting and ran over and damaged the imported Italian marble titles. The mosque was finally completed in late 1917 at a total cost of RM200, 000- quite an astronomical figure for those days. It was officially declared open by Sultan Abdul Jalil Karamtullah Shah, successor to Sultan Idris. This imposing structure is now a symbol of great pride to all Muslims in the state of Perak Darul Ridzuan, the Land of Grace.

riday sermondeliveredbyHazrat MirzaMasroorAhmadaba,Khali fatulMasihV, Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, on 21st September 2012 from the Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, in response to the crude film depicting the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa in the most offensive manner and in light of Muslims and nonMuslims’ reaction to the film worldwide, His Holiness explained how an Ahmadi should react and how true love for the Holy Prophetsa should be displayed by all Muslims worldwide. He also drew the attention of the world towards its responsibilities.

Translated from the Urdu. Qur’an 33: 57-58 says; “Allah and His Angels send blessings on the Prophet. O ye who believe! You also should invoke blessings on him and salute him with the salutation of peace. Verily, those who annoy Allah and His messenger

The Noble Mission 28

Welcome to Ubudiah Mosque

The Ubudiah Mosque.

Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya

True love for the Holy Prophet

– Allah has cursed them in this world and in the Hereafter, and has prepared for them an abasing punishment.” Nowadays,anintense wave of indignationand anguish is sweeping through the Muslim world and also amongst Muslims living in other countries, due to an extremely crude, offensive and grotesque act perpetrated by anti-Islamic elements. The

Make Hijrah a practical thing –Ahmad 29

Muslims are certainly justified in their expression ofsorrow and rage. Whether or not a Muslim has proper insight ofthe truestation of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, he or she is nonetheless prepared to give up his or her life and be slainfor the respect and honour of the Prophetsa. Opponents of Islam have produced a most obnoxious and offensive film regarding the

Holy Prophetsa, in which they have portrayedhim in the most crudeand insulting manner. As such,the indignation and anger of every Muslim is only natural. The HolyProphet Muhammadsa was the Muhsin-e-Insaaniyyat(Benefactor of Mankind), the Rahmatul-Lil-Aalameen (Mercy for all Mankind) and the Beloved of God who would stay awake all night in deep anguish thathumanitybe saved from ruin.He would expresssuch agony and sorrow to alleviate the pains of mankind that the God of the Heavens, addressing the Holy Prophetsa, statedthat would he grieve himself to death in sorrow for those who did not believe in the Creator? Theslanderous and vulgar filmagainst the Benefactor of Mankind would most certainly cause the hearts of Muslims to bleed, and indeedthis is what happened. More than anyone else, Ahmadi Muslims are hurt, for we are the followers of CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Sultan charges Muslims to pray for peace 29

Call to Worship

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Dhul Hijjah 24, 1433AH Friday, November 9, 2012

The Noble Mission

very individual walks on a particular path of life. Each path of life has its features and sacrifices. A true Muslim’s path is that of living by Islam. When you embark on this noble mission, you must be sure, you are for it. You must be sincere in your attachment to it. You must be conscious of all your actions. It is like a union where members play their roles like collecting membership forms, paying the dues, attending meetings regularly, etc. In this case, your membership form is your personal conviction and resolution to believe in the unity of Allah (SWT) and fulfill its requirements which are all the demands of Islam. There is no nobler mission than being committed to Allah (SWT.) Joining the caravan of this mission is not based on family or academic status, and neither is it erected on richness or poverty. Rather, it is the mercy of Allah (SWT). So, if some people do not join you in the mission or fail to act to letter, it is not for you to hate or fight them. It is for you to seek for good ways to engage them in intellectual discussion and pray to their Lord to guide their souls. It is a path of struggle which only terminates at death. Were a people to be agile and prosperous on a non-Islamic oriented life, then if such ones were a whole nation,

…THIS DAY, I HAVE PERFECTED YOUR

RELIGION FOR YOU AND COMPLETED MY FAVOURS ON YOU AND PLEASED WITH ISLAM AS A

RELIGION FOR YOU they are insignificant and of no value in the scale of Allah (SWT). If they are Muslims but live a life not completely guided by Islaam, then they do not qualify as Allah’s Ambassadors on earth and neither do they deserve any honour before Him. A life devoid of the true living as a Muslim and working for Islaam has no value. It imposes no trust, no commitment, no challenge and no meaningful sacrifice. It neither makes you responsible to yourself nor to anybody or group. It opens a vista of several opportunities of materialism and laxity. You readily make your choice without any hindrance unless you have some ember of morality. The more active and sincere you are committed to Islam, the more Allah (SWT) opens your eyes to the reality and the universal coverage of your

mission. Challenges and obstacles become spices for your resoluteness. A Muslim whose Islam is dictated by people or environment cannot encounter any serious hurdle. All claims have their tests on the path of work. Every true Muslim is bound to reach some milestones and crossroads. One of such can be the complex society with its ever changing logics. The most prevailing circumstances have always been the planting of mischief and branding of evils. Living a decent or Godly life could be enigmatic, in this kind of society. Thus, you will need to always recall where and why you embarked on the mission. The more devoted you are, the more likely the obstacles you are likely to encounter. This is because people are always enemy of what they do not understand and to that extent oppose the truth. This you must have at the back of your mind. Your steadfastness is your victory. A Muslim who does not understand his Islam properly will find it difficult to practice because of many forces that are working it. These among many others include propaganda against Islam, the ineptitude of Muslims in high places, the fact that the centre of turbulence today is the Muslim enclaves, the general ignorance of most Muslims about Islam, the inferiority complex of most Muslims in

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practising some few aspects of Islam, etc. One fact however stands clear. Islam belongs to Allah (SWT). He declares in Q5:3 that: “…this day, I have perfected your religion for you and completed my favours on you and pleased with Islam as a religion for you.” That informs very convincingly why despite several attempts to obliterate the light of Islam, it keeps on waxing stronger even when Muslims are weak technologically, spiritually and even politically. But the entire world can learn from history that nobody ever fought against the truth and won. Islam is the truth from Allah (SWT), no mortal can destroy it. Muslims may be representing the mission of Islam wrongly but that does not suffice for anyone to hate Islam, let us study it from its primary sources and then differentiate between it and the Muslims. We will also live in a peaceful world if we genuinely allow people to practise their faith as required by their scriptures. Dr. Zafaran is the Director, Vanguards Academy

NASFAT women to honour first Hijah Baby

W L-R: Baba Adinni of New Oko Oba Central Mosque, Alhaji M.Adenusi and Jubfat Missioner, Sheikh Arikunkewu during the Sallah prayer.

What next after Hajj?

he fifth of the five pillars of Islam is Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca which every Muslim should make at least once in their life if they are physically and financially able. Many Muslims do it more than once. Islam is, after all, a religion which is supposed to create a community of believers within which there are no divisions. The Hajj serves as a reminder of this despite the great distances which separate Muslims around the world. It is laudable that Islam has practical activities to reinforce the principle of equality. People who complete Hajj are highly regarded in their communities and the prospect of increased status thus becomes an incentive for going on pilgrimage. Those who performed this 2012 Hajj should see themselves as leading example to other Muslims. Let us therefore examine the kind of behaviour that are expected of new Alhajis and Alhajas in particular and all Muslims in general. To start with, there is nothing like “Sabaka night”. Some pilgrims are always involved in organising a party to mark their safe returns from Mecca, this act was not part of Prophet Mohammed (SAW)’s teachings. It is therefore un-Islamic and

should be discouraged. Furthermore, all behaviour of every Muslim should revolve around the pillars of Islam. Sequel to this, the returnees should rekindle their faiths in the remaining four pillars having just observed the last pillar which is pilgrimage to Mecca. Generally, the new returnees should exhibit fear of Allah in their dealings, avoid telling lies, drinking of alcohol, fornication, stealling, witch-hunting, etc. They should note that any involvement in any of these will render their activities in Mecca a futility exercise. They should consider both the money spent and hassles that were passed through while in holy land before embarking on any act that is contrary to Islamic injuctions. In conclusion, the returnees should observe their Solat as at when due and have absolute belief in Allah with total submission to the will of Almighty Allah. They should note that only God is worthy of worship. Obedience to Allah is expected to be total and unquestioning. Sheikh Abdul Ganniyy Umar Arikunkewu is the Founder/National Chief Missioner of Jubatu Rohfatu Llahi Islamic Society Of Nigeria (JUBFAT)

omen group of Nasrul-lahi-lFatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), will next week 1st of Muharram, honour the new Hijrah baby by donating gifts to the first Hijrah Baby of the year at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos in celebration of the new Islamic year (Hijrah). In a press release jointly signed by the National Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja Nofisat Arogundade and the Coordinator, New Hijrah Celebration, Alhaja Hafsat

Adeola-Aralepo, they made it known that they deem it fit to visit hospitals to show their feelings to the Baby of the Year. “Any baby born on this day is our baby. We will try, as much as possible, to monitor the child and give it necessary support. We are holding special prayers and presenting gifts to the first baby and other babies in the hospital. Also, various writing materials will be distributed to pupils of some primary schools the same day.”

ZAKAT IS 2.5% OF YOUR TOTAL WEALTH KNOWN AS NISAB AFTER HAVING FULFILLED ALL OBLIGATIONS, PAY YOUR ZAKAT

Pupils of Al-Bayan Montessori School at the Eid-el-Kabir party organized for Muslim children by Nigerian Television Authority recently.

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Friday, November 9, 2012

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Dhul Hijjah 24, 1433AH

Call to Worship

Make Hijrah a practical thing –Ahmad SEKINAH L AWAL

uslims have been told to fear Allah as He should be feared and make Hijrah a practical way of life so that they may prosper in this world and the hereafter because the fulfillment of one’s religious obligations and aspiration for lofty goals takes a great personal effort, sacrifice of one’s time and wealth. This advice was given by the Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Barr. AbdurRaheem Ahmad Sayi, during the monthly public lecture organized by the Companion at the Lagos State House of Assembly Mosque, AlausaLagos.

He urged them to move away from sins and sources of hindrance to worship of their Creator in the best of manners in order to give practical meanings to Hijrah. “As Muslims, we must follow the Prophet completely and everywhere we find ourselves, we must be good ambassadors of Islam.” He reminded Muslims of the fact that the Prophet (PBUH) enjoined on us chaste life, noble characters, firmness in faith, doing good to the kith and kin, good neighbourliness and abstention from injustice and forbidden things. He enjoined them to consult the Book of Allah in their affairs, forbade them from visiting sooth-

sayers, enjoined earning from lawful means and spending in lawful causes. ‘Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allah is with us.’ Then Allah sent down His sakeenah (calmness, tranquillity, peace) upon him and strengthened him with forces (angels) which you saw not and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowest, while it was the word of Allah that became the uppermost, and Allah is the Almighty, All-Wise.” (At-Tawbahj 9: 40). Allah says; “And whoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him.” (Talaaq 65: 3). It was narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) and his companion Abu Bakr entered Al-Madeenah glo-

riously and honourably, got a house there, built his mosque and quarters and started a new era full of blessings, victory and divine support. The Prophet said; “Hijrah will not cease until there is no more repentance and repentance will not cease until the sun rises from the West.” Also speaking, the Amir of the Companion, Lagos District, Alhaji Wale Sonaike enjoined Muslims to see Hijrah as an opportunity to review their relationship with their God, families, friends and neighbours. “We have missed the reward of making Hijrah during the prophetic era and this is another type of Hijrah in which we can earn great reward: emigrate from disobedience to obedience; shun negligence in religious matters and migrate to uprightness; emigrate

from sins to submission to Allah; emigrate from laziness and false hopes to seriousness and striving in what pleases Allah and emigrate with our heart from affinity to the mundane life to the love of the hereafter.” Alhaji Sonaike reminded all that there is nothing Islamic in the activities of Boko Haram group and urged the group and Federal Government to allow peace to reign as they prepare to dialogue with the group. Also speaking, the Naibul-Amir of the National Companion, Alhaji Musbaudeen Oyefeso stated that the greatest duty upon us is to help the religion of Allah by practising it in its true form, calling to it and being patient with that. “Indeed, the situation of the Muslims today throughout the world necessitates that we benefit from the lessons

to be learned from the Hijrah. We should know that the condition of Muslims of this generation cannot improve except by what improved the condition of our righteous predecessors, namely; Sincere ‘Eeman, honest actualisation of Tawheed, noble characters, putting trust in Allah, patience and perfection of acts of worship in accordance with the Sunnah,” Oyefeso admonished. He also called on elder stateman Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari to accept the call to mediate in the peace talk if that will be a lasting to our nation. “Whatever it will take, everything possible must be done to stop the unnecessary killings and bombings in our country. So, if the group feels the presence of Buhari will end the carnage, he should please accept the offer.”

Ahmadiyya holds Founder’s Day

T L-R: The Naibul-Amir of the National Companion, Barr. Musbaudeen Oyefeso; the Amir of the Companion, Lagos District, Alhaji Wale Sonaike and Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Barr. AbdurRaheem Ahmad Sayi during the monthly public lecture organized by the Companion at the Lagos State House of Assembly Mosque, Alausa-Lagos.

he Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria holds its annual Founder’s Day to discuss religion and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria, under the theme; “Social Security, National Peace and Sustainable Development- Religion as a Positive Agent.” The event, slated for November 17th, 2012 will hold at the University of Lagos and attract leading Islamic scholars, academics, media executives and other Nigerians. It is expected to be attended by the Lagos State Governor, Raji Fashola.

Other guest speakers are; Dr. Abdul Hafez Oladosu of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, Dr. Yakeen Habeeb, Deputy Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Nigeria, Rev. Yinka Adeoye of the New Life Baptist Church, Ijebu–Ife, Otunba Lekan Ajirotutu of the Association of African Traditional Religion, Nigeria. Alhaji Bola Agboola, Director, Lagos Operations, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, will deliver a keynote address as the event will also be used as a media get-together to thank

the Nigerian media for their support in the last one year. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat worldwide was established over a century ago by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah in Qadian, India with its headquarters in Rabwa, Pakistan. It has spread to over 200 countries of the world with its motto-Love For All, Hatred For None. It also has a Muslim satellite television, Muslim Television Ahmadiyya on www.mta.tv. This can also be viewed on www.alislam. org .

Sultan charges Muslims to pray for peace …extols the virtue of late Adegbite

L-R: Mr. Lasisi Salmon from Ogun State; Adamu Zubairu Mustapha from Adamawa State and Tijani Adejare Salau of PHCN Owerri arriving at the Murtala Mohammed Airport at the weekend from Hajj sponsored by MTN.

he Sultan of Sokoto, His Royal Majesty Saad Abubakar has charged Muslims in the country to continuously pray for peace to reign in Nigeria, particularly in the Northern part of the country. Sultan gave the charge during the week when he paid an unscheduled visit to the Ogun State Pilgrims’ camp in Mecca, Saudi Arabia shortly before the third batch of Ogun contingent departed

the Holy land for Nigeria. A statement issued in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital and signed by the Information Officer of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Qudus Kafidipe quoted the Sultan as charging adherent of Islamic faith to pray for the success of their leaders as it remains a prerequisite to perform better in the discharge of their duties. Abubakar also commended the efforts of the

late Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Chief Lateef Adegbite at propagating Islamic religion, stressing that he would forever be remembered for his good deeds. In his remark, the Chairman of Ogun Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr. Isiaq Yusuf who was represented by Alhaji Abidoye Amosun, pleaded with the National Amir to help increase the allocation given to the state.

Call to Worship CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

the True and Ardent Devotee of the Holy Prophetsa[that isthe Promised Messiah, HazratMirza Ghulam Ahmadas] who providedus withtrue understandingofthe exaltedstation of the Master ProphetMuhammadsa. Thus,we are torn at this gross act. Our hearts have been ripped apart. We prostrate before God the Exalted and pray that may He take revenge from these wrongdoers. May they become a sign of admonishment that willremain a lesson until the end of time. The Imam of this age has provided us with discernment oftrue affection and devotion towards the Holy Prophetsa,explaining that we can reconcile with the serpents and wild beasts, but we cannot, however, ever reconcile with those who stubbornly persist in insulting the Prophet Muhammadsa, our Master and Guide, the Seal of all the Prophets. The Promised Messiahas wrote: “Muslims are those people who give their lives for the honour of their noble Prophetsa. Death is their preference to the dishonour of genuinely reconciling with such people and becoming their friends, whose task is to day and night verbally abuse their Holy Prophetsa and cite his name extremely insultingly in their magazines, books and advertisements and mention him in utterly degrading words.” The Promised Messiahas says: “Remember, such individuals are not the well-wishers of their own nation as they create impediments in their path. I say most truthfully that it is possible for us to reconcile with wild snakes and wilderness beasts but we cannot reconcile with such people who do not desist from insulting the honour of God’s holy prophets. They believe that there is triumph in abusive language and vulgarity but each triumph comes from the Heavens”. He says further: “Through the blessing of their pure discourse, those with pure speech ultimately win hearts and minds, whereas those of wicked nature have no skill other than creating discord and conflict in the land in a disorderly way...experience also bears witness that such offensive people meet a sorry end. The sense of honour of God ultimately comes to pass for His beloved ones.” In the current era,in addition to newspapers and pamphlets etcetera,other forms of media are also being used for such vulgarity. Hence, those who stubbornly persist in their transgression and in trying to contend with God willbe seized by His wrath, God willing. In 2006, when some malicious people in Denmark drew vulgar caricatures of the Holy Prophetsa, I drew the Ahmadiyya community’s attention to giving an appropriate response.I alsotold them that suchwicked people existed before andthey would not stop there. Theprotests by the Muslims would have no impact and they would continue acting in this manner. Thus, we observe that their actions have become more vulgar and unjust than before. Since then, their behaviour in this regard has continuously worsened. This is theirdownfalland defeat by Islam, which is compelling them to being offensive and slanderous in the name of freedom of conscience. As the Promised Messiahas stated that remember, these people are not the well-wishers of even their own nations. One day,their wrong approach will clearly unfold upon them. The vulgarities and ob-

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Dhul Hijjah 24, 1433AH Friday, November 9, 2012

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True love for the Holy Prophet EVERYONE SHOULD

MAKE THEIR ACTIONS A PRACTICAL MODEL OF

ISLAMIC TEACHINGS. THIS IS THE BEAUTIFUL RESPONSE WE SHOULD GIVE scenities they perpetrate today will in fact harm their own nations, for such people are selfish and unjust. Apart from merely fulfilling their own desires, they are not interested in anything else. Currently, in the name of freedom of speech, both politicians and others, openly in some places and mostly indirectly, are speaking in their favour. Occasionally some are speaking up for the Muslims as well. However, remember that this world has now become a global village. As such, these matters can destroy the peace of these countries if wickedness is not openly declared as wickedness, and this is separate to God’s wraththat will come to pass. Remember the saying of the Imam of the age; that all victories come from the heavens and it has been decreed in the heavens that the Messenger whom you are trying to insult will prevail over the world. As the Promised Messiahas stated, he will prevail by winning over the hearts, because pure discourses have an impact. Pure discourses do not require extremist measures to be taken nor do they require that vulgarity should be responded to with vulgarity.Thedespicable behaviour and use of foul language has been instigated by thesepeople and will, God willing,quickly come to an end.God will also deal with these perpetrators in the Hereafter. In the verses that I recited from the Holy Qur’an, God the Almighty has also drawn the attention of the believers towards their responsibilities; that itistheir duty to invoke Durood and Salaam (salutations and peace) upon the Holy Prophetsa. Vulgarities, maliciousness and mockery do not in the least affect the honour and dignity of the Prophetsa in any way, shape or form.He is such a great Prophetsa upon whom even God and His angels send Durood. It is thus the duty ofbelievers to constantly engage in Durood(invoking blessings and salutations) upon the Holy Prophetsa. When the enemy exceeds in vulgar acts, then they should invoke Duroodupon the Holy Prophetsa more than before. “Bless O Allah, Muhammad and the people of Muhammad, as Youdid bless Abraham and the people of Abraham;You are indeed the Praiseworthy, the Glorious! Prosper, O Allah, Muhammad and the people of Muhammad, as Youdid prosper Abraham, and the people of Abraham;You are indeed the Praiseworthy, the Glorious!” This alone is theDurood(invocation of salutations and blessings) and this alone is the Prophetsa for whom triumph in the world is destined. While an Ahmadi Muslim expresses abhorrence, deep grief and anger at these vulgar acts, he or she also tries to draw the attention of the wrongdoers themselves to desisting from these acts and those in authoritytowards stopping them. From a worldly perspective,an

Ahmadi tries to make apersonal effort to inform the world of the realityas opposed to this conspiracy, and presents the beautiful aspects of the blessed modelof the Holy Prophetsa. An Ahmadi tries to demonstrate the blessed example of the Holy Prophetsa through his or her every act, and thus illustrateto the world its true image in practice. Indeed men, women, young, old and children, more than ever, should give greater attention towardsDuroodand Salaam(invoking salutations and peace upon the Holy Prophetsa) andmustfill their surrounding atmosphere with it. Everyone should make their actions a practical model of Islamic teachings. This is the beautiful response we should give. As far as the consequences of the wrongdoers is concerned, Allah has explained in the second verse [recited at the outset], that those who hurt the Messenger or who wound the hearts of the believersof this age by slandering the Messenger, will be dealt with by Allah Himself. These are the people who have been cursed by Allah the Exalted in this life, and due to this cursethey will continue sinking further in filth and indecency. For such people, Allah has decreed a humiliating chastisement after death.The Promised Messiahas has explained this subject pertaining to the end of those people who use vulgar language,that they will certainly reach their sorry end. In this life they will reach their fate in the form of God’s curse, and in the hereafter, it shall be in

the shape of the abasing punishment of Allah. Other Muslims also, in accordance with the commands and teachings of Allah the Exalted, should react by filling their countries, their regions and their atmosphere withDurood(salutations and blessings) upon the Prophet Muhammadsa. This is how Muslims should react. It is futile to react by burning or setting fire to properties and possessions in their own countries or by killing their fellow countrymen or that the police are compelled to fire at their own citizens as protestors are killed. Through media and newspaper reports, it has emerged that often the sincere people of the West, both in the USA and here, have expressed disgust and displeasure upon this crude act. However, on the one hand the leadership declares this to be wrong, but on the other hand; it backs it in the name of freedom of expression and freedom of speech. These double standards cannot continue. The law regarding freedom of speech is not a Divine scripture. Thus,as I also said in my address to politicians in the US, manmade laws are prone to errors and flaws. Certain aspects whilst legislating can be overlooked because man does not possess knowledge of the unseen, whereas God the Almighty is the Knower of the Unseen. Laws made by God are flawless. Do not consider, therefore, your man-made laws to be perfect and that there can be no alterations and changes made to them. TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

Executives of New Oko Oba Central mosque after the Sallah prayer recently.

Pupils of Al-Bayan Montessori School at the Eid-el-Kabir party organized by the NTA for Muslim children recently.

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Arty News

Friday, November 9, 2012

Ali Baba

Kukah

Kukah, Ali Baba open LABAF 2012 on November 16 TERH AGBEDEH

Amoji

Amoji plots The Manilla Conspiracies TERH AGBEDEH

ut for funds, The Manilla Conspiracies, a television series conceived and scripted by the award-winning advertising copywriter /creative director, Mr. Ireke Amoji, is ready for production. Set around banks of the Cross and Qua Iboe rivers of present-day Cross River and Akwa Ibom states at the turn of the 20th century, Amoji said it explores institutions that gave birth to some of the most beautiful cultures in the world. The series, which draws from the legendary exploits of King Jaja of Ikot Abasi (Opobo), celebrates traditions such as the lost “Mgboho” or “fattening room” that taught girls of marriageable age live-long ethics. It also draws from the legend of Miss Mary Mitchel Slessor, the diminutive Scottish missionary

who helped to establish the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, among other subplots. “The Manilla Conspiracies shows how trade influenced life at that time, especially the trade in oil palm and slaves, which powered Europe’s industrial revolution. It seeks to explore the slave trade tragedy far more deeply than ever before; to put a human face to an historical tragedy; to celebrate the powerful cultural bonds that bind Nigerians, as well as with the black in Diaspora,” Amoji said. Amoji, who is the director of publicity for the Independent Television Producers Association of Nigeria (ITPAN), won the 2002 Brandfaces Award for Best Art Direction for the Starcomms’ Telecom company’s hugely successful rebranding campaign and is shopping for visionary investors/sponsors to bring the programme to life.

hen the 14th edition of the Lagos Book and Art Festival, LABAF, organised by the Committee for Relevant Art, CORA, begins on November 16, Comedian Ali Baba and Bishop Matthew Kukah, will be among the bigwigs to attend. The festival, regarded by many as Africa’s Biggest Culture Picnic, will take place at Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos from November 16 to 18. The organisers said Ali Baba will deliver this year’s My Encounter with the Book speech, at 10 a.m. prompt, to open the Children segment of the three-day fiesta. Designed to mentor children, the speech has become some sort of the festival’s keynote address and is on the role books have played in the life of the speaker. Past speakers include: Professors Pat Utomi, Femi Osofisan and Tunde Babawale. Shortly after Ali Baba’s message, Bishop Kukah will be led to the podi-

um, in a parallel session, by the poet Tolu Ogunlesi, for the festival’s opening conversation. The discussion, around the Bishop’s latest book, Witness to Justice: An Insider’s Account of Nigeria’s Truth Commission, will kick-start the festival’s 10 panel sessions and conversations over the next three days. LABAF will feature over 10 book events, three music concerts, two theatre shows, 11 workshops for children and a visual art exhibition. There are over 30 books being discussed at the festival including Fela: This Bitch of a Life, by Carlos Moore and Catch a Fire: The Life of Bob Marley by Timothy White. Others are Power, Politics & Death by Segun Adeniyi, Bitter-Sweet My Life with Obasanjo by Oluremi Obasanjo, A Measure of Grace by Akin Mabogunje, Bomboy by Yewande Omotosho, Voice of America by E. C. Osondu, Stealth of Nations: The Global Rise of the Informal Economy by Robert Neuwirth and Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, among others.

Entertainment stars join forces against diabetes

s part of this year’s Diabetes Day which holds on November 14, Saving Life for Africa Diabetes Foundation is set to host a concert to draw attention to the hazards of the disease. Part of the programme, according to its national coordinator, Obi Madubogwu, a movie producer, is to get artistes from both the movie and music sectors to perform on November 17 as part of its diabetes advocacy and awareness project at the Golden Tulip, Festac

Town, Lagos. Activities that will take place during the event include walk against diabetes, free test for diabetes, visits to diabetes centers for distributions of free medications, musical and comedy shows for fund raising. There is also going to be an award to individuals and organisations in recognition of their support to the foundation. Artistes already lined up to performing for the event are: 2Face Idib-

Brooklyn Entertainment signs Jakuzzy, Ill-One OLUFEMI AJASA

ne of the emerging labels in Nigeria, Brooklyn Entertainment has signed on up-and-coming artistes, Jakuzzy and Ill-One, and promised more talents on the label in the future. Chief Executive Officer, Brooklyn Entertainment, Mr. Sikiru Akerele, said the label carried out an in-depth search of the Nigeria music industry

Ill-One

Jakuzzi

and weighed so many options before finally settling for the two newly signed artistes. He further stated: “We contracted

ia, Weird MC, Inyanya, Sammie Okposo, Pasuma, Keffe, and Denro from USA. Comedians booked to grace the event are: Ali Baba, Julius Agwu, Elenu, Basketmouth and Okey Bakassi. The event will be anchored by Kate Henshaw, Frank Edoho, Chidi Obidiegwu and Matshe of Wazobia FM. The venue for this event is the Golden Tulip Hotel, Festac town, Lagos. According to Madubogwu, all the artistes have agreed to perform free Tafawa-Balewa(Patron) and Obi Madubogwu of charge.

Scoop Concepts, a Public Relations company of repute to help in the search for talented artistes that can project the reputation of the recording label. I can emphatically say that I am pleased with the outcome of what we have today after the long search.” Akerele said the aim is to create huge market and international recognition for up-and-coming artistes. That is one of the basic reasons why Brooklyn Entertainment registered in Nigeria, and New York in the United States. “Already, we have lined up both artistes in working on their first single and collabos with Artistes like 2face, Solid Star, Morel, Grayjonz, Dammy

Krane, Vector, Yemi Alade, Flowssick and others,” he said. Speaking on the artiste and the decision of the company, Managing Director, Scoop Concepts, Mr. Kolawole Omoboriowo explained that Jakuzzi and Ill-One are both rap artistes with unique styles. Jakuzzi, who was a member of a group called Stutter House Family featured on the platform with artistes like Solid Star, Cartiar, Cdob, Byno, Muno, Mallam Spices and Bukwylla. “On the other side, Ill-One, formerly known as Mr. Superman, became one of the most sought after emerging artiste on social media after he remixed Ice Prince’s Oleku,” he stated.

Escape

Friday, November 9, 2012

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The Durbar in all its glory A typical ‘matchbox’ house in Soweto.

Soweto: Twice charming and still counting I quivered excitedly the first time Soweto and I became acquainted —nearly four months ago. The (So)uth (We)stern (To)wnship of Johannesburg, the largest township in the city, is a treasure trove of cinema-like sagas which pit the strength of human courage and resilience against the iron-fist of a cruel ruling system. Each time the two foes met, Soweto survived against staggering odds emerging today as a heroic but sedate township. This legend I knew of and my adventurous desire was to see the relics of her activism past in her contemporary settings. Thus, one visit could not suffice. ADENRELE NIYI

y first encounter with Soweto in July is best described as love at first sight and I believe the feeling is mutual. By our second interaction last month, we had warmed up to each other so much I requested and was granted the privilege to visit a family in Soweto. That brief stopover and the generous hug from Funeka’s (official representative of my host) springy mother left deeper longings in my heart, much more than the sight of a solitary girl —absorbed in childish amusement— hopscotching in squares chalked on a section of the two-laned residential street. The initial trip to the township had spewed out of a jam-packed sight-seeing itinerary meticulously arranged by South African Tourism (SATourism) to acquaint invited guests from Nigeria and Ghana with historical, leisure and lifestyle attributes of South Africa. However, the focal point of that visit was essentially Johannesburg’s hosting of the 2012 Inanda Africa Cup Polo, an annual tournament which pulled the jet-setting and trendsetting lovers of the equestrian sport to the city between July 20 to 22. Prior to taking in Soweto’s stirring people, culture, art, history and cuisine, some thoroughly engaging activities had taken place; yet, I throbbed for the spiritual and historic exercise Soweto harboured.

As our transportation cruised into the township on both trips we appreciated the scenic landscape of Soweto’s outskirts and nuances I sighted bore evidence of how Soweto had been and remains a fount of inspiration for crusaders and convictions. The pattern of human and economic activity is less regimental compared to Johannesburg; exuding a certain pastoral ambiance of nature and free-spiritedness —you can even spot the occasional traffic hawker in Soweto. Approaching the city’s fringe, a billboard advertising an upcoming music and poetry event also announced performers as Thandiswa Mzwai, the young South African vocalist whose conscious music is a strident 21st century voice and Salif Keita, the veteran musician from Mali. Upon disembarking at the Hector Pieterson Memorial, Orlando West, a ragtag choral duo of two inner-city teenagers appeared out of nowhere serenading us with indigenous music in a soulful appeal for alms. That told me Soweto was unabashedly self-revealing and at the same instant unmasking her poetic essence and she captured my heart from the get-go in this intimate fashion. Just minutes before the welcome song from the young lads whose minute-long Acappella rendition earned them applause and a two-rand coin, “Be watchful when you go into the township, you could be robbed”, came the well-meaning tip-off from a South African native directly at me. Gritty inhabitant of an urban metropolis of 14 million people that I am, the

Marble plaque in memory of Hector and others who perished in the uprising

habit of taking my chances with cities notorious for criminal tendencies had been nurtured on the hard streets of Lagos, Nigeria’s famous commercial hub. My retort conveyed a hint of pride at my home city’s street credibility: “Do you know where I live..? Without waiting for an answer I added, “Lagos! and If I haven’t been robbed in Lagos, I doubt if it’s going to happen here”. Inspite of my flippancy, the thoughtfulness of his remark was not lost on me. Travel etiquette mandates that foreigners and tourists be handed dos and don’ts rules while in unfamiliar territories and any apprehension as far as Soweto is concerned may not be unfounded. The township is reputed to be a hotbed of misdemeanour and sometimes violent crime by her poor and restive young dwellers; on the flip, Soweto’s alluring renown far outweighs her notoriety. She is a fascinating subject of documented history and pop culture and her freedom fighting lore and legendary bravery is repeatedly praised in dramatisation, music, poetry, film and literature. The latter was the Soweto I journeyed hundreds of miles over land and sea to experience. A township which birthed wildfire revolutions and globally iconised revolutionaries like Nelson Mandela, Hector Pieterson and Archbishop Desmond Tutu— to mention a fraction of iconic names well-known to followers of South African history. The July tour followed a strict schedule and to keep up, not much time was spent interacting with the locals as I longed for (the subsequent trip proved to be more flexible and explorative for me personally). Our guide steered us away from pockets of bric-a-brac vendors who lined the roadside towards the nearby memorial for Hector Pieterson, shot dead on June 16, 1976, in the Soweto Uprising by school children against the introduction of Afrikaans into the school curriculum. On the erected marble tribute is etched names of each victim of the brutal suppression and besides it, a blown up version of the world famous news photograph by Sam Nzima of the dying Hector being carried by an-

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Escape

Friday, November 9, 2012

Patrons can also sit outside the restaurant on cool evenings

The young Sowetan songbirds.

An iced lolipop hawker on the highway in Soweto

SOWETO IS REPUTED TO BE A HOTBED OF

FACT FILE •

Soweto is an urban area of the city of Johannesburg in Gauteng, South Africa, bordering the city’s mining belt in the south.

•

It has a populat6ion of about 900,000

•

The Soweto Uprising, also known as June 16, was a series of high school studentled protests in South Africa. Today, it is designated National Youth Day

•

Soweto is credited as one of the founding places for kwaito, which is a style of hiphop specific to South Africa

•

Township dwellers are fans of Nollywood movies and my host’s mother confirmed this with her TV tuned to AfricaMagic.

MISDEMEANOUR; ON THE FLIP, THE TOWNSHIP’S

ALLURING RENOWN FAR OUTWEIGHS HER NOTORIETY other student while his sister ran next to them. If light-hearted banter characterised our ride earlier, these graphic reminders of South Africa’s tribulation-filled past injected each person with healthy doses of sobriety and retrospection. We continued our tour on foot into the monumental yet nondescript Vilakazi Street, just a few metres away from Hector’s memorial. A local barber, who doubles as shoe shiner, stationed his swivel chair at the junction of Moema Street and carried on his roadside trade. Opposite the barber and five yards away from the exact place 13-year-old Hector Pieterson fell under bullets fired by the Apartheid police 36 years ago, a red-coloured kiosk conducted brisk business with two young, male patrons. I wondered if the teenagers gave much thought to Hector (and who he might have been today) each time they crossed that spot as my mind visualised the scene on that dreadful day of protests. I tried to mentally conjure primary school students, estimated to be in their thousands who, singing and waving placards in defiance, bravely marched towards a barricade of hostile Apartheid police. The carnage which followed must be the stuff of nightmares. The next junction where Orlando High School is situated, an active player in the 1976 riots, took us on another slice of precinct history down the street which was home to former South African president Nelson Mandela and his ex-wife Winnie for the better part of the Apartheid years (including those between his long

Welcome sign

•

Umqombothi is a beer made from maize, maize malt, sorghum malt, yeast and water.

spell behind bars). After the occupants relocated, the Mandela family home went under government conservation and now preserved in its original state, the Mandela House is open to public view for a fee. Inside the quaint red-brick bungalow, visitors are taken on a guided tour to see the living area, kitchen, Madiba’s book library and knick-knacks peculiar to their family life. Vilakazi Street is well-accustomed to daily excursions by tourists but one other attractive reason to be in that neighbourhood is the cosmopolitan Sakhumzi Restaurant offering sumptuous buffet platter or table orders for special occasions. Sakhumzi, a wooden twostorey building with an upper terrace for outdoor dining, has feted me twice and each time, the cooking is true to the traditional taste of appetising South African cuisine; spicy, rich in meaty goodness and homemade appeal. Complimenting the African menu are

Exterior of Mandela House

continental cold dishes, savoury and sweet treats and a wine and drinks list which balances out the multicultural approach. But the ambience in Sakhumzi is distinctively African- it’s like family meal time at the table of your favourite aunty who is an amazing cook. I have only one regret from my journeys to Soweto, my thirst for Umquombothi is yet to be quenched; that rich brew made popular through South African music diva Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s hit song of the same name. A Soweto native revealed the traditional beer requires a four-day fermentation process before it is ready for consumption. Two visits spanning short intervals and Soweto’s postcard freshness never waned just like I was there a day before– shoe shiner, the red kiosk, Orlando High School, Mandela House, the clean emblemic street, the singing alms seekers and Sakhumzi restaurant each remained alluring in their expressive spaces. As for the elusive Umquombothi, now that the mandatory ritual behind brewing the famed local concoction has been revealed, I plan to make preparatory reservations ahead of my next trip. Something to look forward to and after all, it is touted that the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

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)

arack Obama’s victory at the polls resounded quite loudly in Nigeria you’d think the Kenya-born president of the United States of America is a Nigerian. A friend was so apprehensive of Obama’s fate while Americans were voting on Tuesday (mostly night in Nigerian time) that he sat glued behind his TV screen into early hours of Wednesday morning monitoring the incoming results. He is one of the many young, politically aware Nigerians who kept vigil to witness Obama re-enact history in a closely-contested election I, personally, had lost hope he could take it. I couldn’t afford to put my heart through dangerous palpitations and tension over the U.S. presidential elections despite my convictions that Obama deserved another four years in office, so I promptly hit the sack as early as 10.00 p.m. But emails and BlackBerry messages interrupted my sleep through the night from friends and contacts updating me about the election and expressing anxiety at odd times when Obama trailed his opponent. On Wednesday, the moment it became official that the president had garnered enough votes for another four years in office, BlackBerry display pictures carried the U.S president’s image and personal messages went ‘Obama-crazy’. Someone then wonders why we are so taken in by this president and his re-election bid when it has no ‘direct’ bearing on our lives at home. Why does the Obama-mania fascinate us young people? My friends and I debated the issue and arrived at this conjecture —Nigeria has few role models and even fewer intellectually articulate leaders in the political sphere. We see the majority engage in gutter-style, do-or-die politicking reducing themselves to primeval levels of intelligence with a stolid refusal to adapt to best practices in an evolving modern world. What can a young, globalised Nigerian do to aspire in such a gloomy environment? Look to far shores for positive re-enforcement. I listened to Mitt Romney, the Republican Party candidate, address his supporters as he conceded defeat and one of the first things he revealed was the congratulatory phone call he had made to Obama before addressing supporters at the campaign headquarters. You don’t find such well-mannered politics between opposing parties or contestants in this part of West Africa. Defeat is never accepted with graceful bearing because an over-inflated ego puffs up a Nigerian public office seeker to believe that he/she and no other candidate is the only suitable person for the job. Of course, riding on the back of godfathers, thugs, corrupt electoral officers and rubber-stamped ballot papers, any power-hungry fool would presume victory is assured. Obama and Romney prepared for a life in public service; they didn’t hap-

Friday, November 9, 2012

Flashes in the pan pen overnight. Neither did the campaign team which secured the first and second victories for Obama arrive hurriedly. They were trained to be strategic, relentless and tireless- campaigning from doorto-door, manning phone lines speaking to the electorate who wished for more information about the party’s manifesto and amassing millions of dollars from deep-pocket donors. That’s how elections are contested in civilised worlds. Although we may be far from receiving a clean bill of health in our fledging democracy, the contemporary creative sector, in a decade and a half of blooming, is faring appreciably and getting the world to pay attention to Nigeria in rewarding ways. The sector has expanded vastly spawning sub-sectors controlled by young entrepreneurs who are expending great amounts of energy in self-help and self-attainment. I fear though, that the lack of structure in this industry and the proliferation of the entertainment industry by charlatans, buffoons and opportunists might augur poorly for quality and excellence. Every other day, a fresh face emerges on the scene while training and skill acquisition don’t seem to carry as much importance anymore. We simply can’t afford this kind of ignorant attitude for the sustainability of the industry. I was in Cobhams Asuquo’s studio sometime back and listened in on his conversation with an aspiring rapper seeking the services of the famed and highly decorated music producer/ songwriter/instrumentalist/singer. Without subjecting the young fella he was meeting for the first time to a tedious process of auditioning, Cobhams requested him to do a freestyle -no beat, no back up and the hip hop artiste wannabe swung into it enthusiastically for two minutes or thereabouts. Now, I don’t have the kind of ears for music Cobhams possesses but I could tell instantly this was no next big star- his free-style couldn’t convince me music was his ‘thing’. From his comment to the young man, I suspected Cobhams shared my sentiments but he also made a suggestion, “if you are hungry to do music, then you must know about music and you must have the vocabulary. I can decide to record you and collect my payment (Cobhams charges in dollars), but I’ll be doing you a great injustice because you still have a lot of personal work to do”. The producer of Asa’s selfstyled debut album went further to suggest literature and even newspapers the young man should read as well as music albums to hear. To me, it sounded like a lot of work for the artiste but really, there are no shortcuts to enduring success. However, I can’t say for a certainty that many contemporary creatives would be willing to travel that painstaking route to their dreams of stardom. I think auto tuning, showing lots of skin, vainglory and raunchy lyrics and soliciting media coverage works faster. Love and peace for the weekend.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CLAPPERBOARD with

Eddie Ugbomah www.edifosafilm.com

Haven’t we had enough?

want to start by asking this question; have we, the minority but very relevant Nigerians, not had enough of these three tribes –Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba? I thank God I don’t come from any of these self-centered, egoist tribes. Everything in this country they say Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa. What about the Tiv, Idoma, Ibibio, Okika, Ijaw and others that are victimised? Today you have the Igbos, shouting that they are marginalised, Hausas want their property back (the presidency) and the Yorubas, who do not support almighty PDP, say they are marginalised in the Federal Government. The Igbo man worships money and his excuse is that they suffered in the Biafra war which they started. The Igbo officers mismanaged the coup and it resulted in their massacre in the north. The usual English instigated the Hausa to revenge. The late northern leader was ruling Nigeria from his palace in Kaduna; he imposed Tafawa Balewa and Shagari through NPC on Nigeria. The northerners were urged by their English masters to carry guns so they can rule, while the Yoruba were acquiring degrees. Igbo were too busy going to other peoples’ land to establish trade which made them to be called “yamiri” (give me water) in the north. They were known in Yorubaland as “kobo kobo”. All the other minorities were used as cooks (Calabar and Akwa Ibom). Some were foot soldiers (Benue now cut into four states or better known as middle belt). They are now the new mafia after the Kaduna mafia was crushed by Obasanjo and no more Caliphate power. The other minorities were waterside people or Benga cutters. If only people can remember how easy one can prosper in the north; many great Nigerians like Nnamdi Azikwe and Emeka Ojukwu were born in the north. Late Pa. Awolowo should be remembered for his free education, which most southerners enjoyed. No Nigerian should forget the tragedy called “Operation Wetie”, Agbekoya and disgraceful carpet crossing. Zik won the election in the west and the day the Western House opened, Awolowo advised all the Yoruba’s to cross to “Egbe Omo Yoruba” and Action Group. How can we easily forget the ‘UPGA and Downga’ maneouvers instigations of Awolowo and his Action Group.. I will seriously advise Nigerians that we must do our best to live and not remember the past with pain but we must be guided by our past and correct our mistakes. Today, the soul of Nigeria (Niger Delta) is in Presidency and what do we have; harassment, security confusion, no jobs, no light, no health care, which he inherited from 38 years of the military atrocities and bad leadership, corruption and tribalism. If you look back in Nigerian history, you will see that late Sardauna, Tafawa Balewa and

I BLAME ACHEBE FOR EXPOSING OUR MISTAKES TO THE WORLD BECAUSE

SHAKESPEARE AND OTHER ENGLISH WRITERS WROTE BOOKS ABOUT

GREAT

BRITAIN

Shehu Shagari ruled without stealing a farthing when the soldiers came, they abused and looted the treasury. Today, we have these soldier boys in government instead of them being tried like it was done in Greece and Argentina. The big boys in the north are now the biggest oil block owners while we the same minority don’t have oil block in our land and you talk of peace. I wish the Nigerian youth, middle age and the lying elders would think twice before they instigate problem and hatred with their statements. Most of the press and electronic media are owned by people from the south-south, but most of their editors and staff are from other states. I would like to warn those trying to turn the new book Achebe wrote into a Yoruba/ Igbo war. I blame Achebe for always exposing our mistakes to the world because Shakespeare and other English writers wrote books about Great Britain. I will advise Achebe not to look back in anger because it will only end up in bad blood. Awolowo himself was very disappointed and angry that he was “the best president that never had” like Ojukwu said. Awo was expecting to become the civilian Head of State after Gowon not knowing that he was being used, so he did all he could to end the Biafra war. Why do we have the boldness in the country of denying facts? There are so many educated Nigerians who were around or were told about these events, only an angry, sad man like Achebe will embarrass his country. These evil power drunk, tribal leaders too must not forget that the world is watching, so we must be very careful, when we are in power; we must not forget that history will catch up. I wish this country can try those war and coup mongers both dead and alive. I’m shocked to hear some of our military murderers saying that they don’t regret their killings and Gestapo atrocities. Look at these men in the parliaments, pulpits and tycoons going around freely. These men should do us a big favour by keeping quiet and let sleeping dogs lie; one day the young generation will prosecute and execute them.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

People In The Mirror

Friday, November 9, 2012

Newswatch holds Inaugural lecture In the spirit of building a common vision, Newswatch Newspapers, which is one of the several companies owned by Barr. Jimoh Ibrahim (OFR) on 2nd November, held an inaugural lecture in Lekki, Lagos, to facilitatate the ideals of the news organisation.

Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, National Mirror newspapers, Mr. Steve Ayorinde and his counterpart in Newswatch, Mr. Moses Jolayemi, during Newswatch’s introductory lecture in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Administrative Manager, Newswatch, Mr. Aro Ilesanmi; Executive Director, Mr. Femi Ige and Head Administrative and Human Resource, Mrs. Biodun Olanipekun at the event.

L-R: Head, Credit Control, National Mirror newspapers, Felix Aiyenuro; his counterpart, Head, Internal Control and Audit, Mr. Demola Ishola and Mr. Lekan Adejuwon, at the event.

L-R: Executive Director Newswatch, Mr. Femi Ige; Head, Human Resources, Mrs. Biodun Olanipekun and Editor, Saturday Mirror, Gbemi Olujobi, at the lecture.

L-R: Deputy Editor, Daily Newswatch, Mr. Dele Fashomi; Editor, Newswatch Abuja, Mr. Mukail Mumuni and Saturday Editor, Newswatch Daily, Mr. Patrick Asonye.

L-R: Senior Manager, Strategic Development, Mr. Kayode Balogun; Treasury Manager, National Mirror newspapers, Mr. Sanusi Elumide; Advert and Marketing Manager, Mr. Monday Ashibogwu and Editor, Sunday Newswatch, Lanre Oyetade.

Cross section of participants at the Newswatch lecture in Lagos.

Some of the participants at the lecture.

Cross section of participants at the Newswatch lecture in Lagos.

Barak Elezieolu’s first Solo Art Exhibition Visual Artist, Barak Elezieolu’s first solo art exhibition, a two-week-long event titled: “Critical Clump” which features paintings, mixed media and assemblages was opened on Friday, October 26, 2012 at the Yusuf Grillo Gallery, YABATECH. having his colleagues from the Art world in attendance.

Dean, Faculty of Art, Design & Printing, YABATECH, Mr.Rukeme Noserime and Head, Fine Art Department, Mr. Pius Egiolamhen, at the event.

Some artists at the event.

The exhibiting artist (right), chatting with a professional colleague, Isaac Agah.

A cross section of guests.

PHOTOS: OLUWASEGUN IJABIKEN

Friday, November 9, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mirror Drive

2012 Toyota Venza:

DEVELOPED SPECIFICALLY FOR

AMERICAN AND D AFRICAN MARKETS, THE VENZA APPEALS S

BOTH

TO CUSTOMERS WHO O PRIORITISE BOLD,

INNOVATIVE DESIGN

OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he 2012 Toyota Venza is a four-door, five-seat Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), available in 10 trims, ranging from the LE FWD to the Limited V6 AWD. Upon introduction, the $27,425 LE FWD is equipped with a standard 2.7L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway while the $37,915 Limited V6 AWD is equipped with a standard 3.5L, 6-cylinder, engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway with a standard automatic transmission. The Toyota Venza, which melds sport-sedan design with crossover versatility, debuts a new three-model grade strategy for 2012. Previously, the Venza had been available as a mono-spec model with several option packages. Developed specifically for both American and African markets, the Venza appeals to customers who prioritise bold, innovative design, a luxurious and refined interior, and excellent handling, but still requires roominess and versatility. Venza provides SUV flexibility, specifically with its fold-flat rear seats, spacious cargo area, elevated driver sightline, available AWD and up to 3,500-lbs. towing capacity.

Performance The 2012 Venza offers both the four-cylinder and V6 models in FWD and AWD versions. Venza’s standard 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine delivers 182 horsepower at

5,800 rpm and 182 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. The fourcylinder Venza is EPA-rated at 21 MPG city/-27 MPG highway for the FWD model. The 3.5-litre V6 produces 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. The V6 FWD model has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 MPG city/26 MPG highway. Both engines are teamed with a six-speed sequential-shift electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). The six-speed ECT-i provides an engaging driving experience and helps optimise fuel economy. Uphill/downhill shift logic selects the proper gear for driving conditions and helps provide moderate engine braking during downhill driving. Venza’s Active Torque Control AWD System optimises torque distribution between the front and rear wheels to help ensure stable acceleration and smooth cornering on all road surfaces. AWD offers enhanced traction and helps provide excellent overall handling in inclement weather. An available Towing Prep Package (V6 only) equips the Venza with an engine oil cooler, larger radiator fan and heavy-duty alternator.

Handling and Ride Venza was designed with a lower centre of gravity than typical SUVs to help provide dynamic handling, which is further enhanced by the large wheels and tires. The four-cylinder models ride on standard 19inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. Distinctive 20inch five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels are standard for the V6 model. Power-assisted, ventilated front and solid

rear disc brakes are standard on all models. Venza’s body structure relies on high tensile-strength steel, gussets and cross-members for its strength, rigidity and optimized weight. Front suspension consists of a rigid L-arm-type MacPherson strut with a stabiliser bar, and the rear suspension is a dual-link MacPherson strut setup with stabiliser bar. Electric power steering (EPS), with its ideally weighted steering effort, contributes to the Venza’s spirited driving dynamics. EPS helps provide a more direct steering feel at both high and low speeds and provides just-right assist when maneuvering the vehicle into tight parking spaces.

Safety Toyota’s STAR Safety System is standard on all Toyota models and features enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC) Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and the Smart Stop brake-override Technology (SST). VSC automatically adjusts engine output and the vehicle’s braking force at each wheel to help control loss of traction during cornering. TRAC helps maintain traction during challenging driving conditions. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), also standard on all Venza models, temporarily provides pressure to the brakes while the vehicle is stopped on an incline to help ensure easier starting with no rollback.

Comfort and Convenience

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mirror Drive

Friday, November 9, 2012

STORIES: OLUSEGUN KOIKI

Venza’s generous utility includes several clever storage locations and lighting. The adjustable centre console features a sliding cover and armrest, three iPod/MP3 player holders with wire concealment features, and a large storage compartment. The centre-console compartment is also equipped with a USB port, auxiliary audio jack and 12-volt power outlet. The upper portion of the center console houses the gearshift lever for easy and comfortable driver reach. An on/off switch on the overhead console enables front seat occupants to operate all four personal overhead interior lights. Interior storage is further complemented by a total of 10 front and rear beverage holders (six bottle holders and four cup holders). These include dual-illuminated sliding front cup holders in the center console, two in the rear seat armrest, and front- and back-door bottle holders.

Exterior Design The Venza sports an aerodynamic shape with short overhangs, forward A-pillar, crisp character lines, and a low roofline. Continuous brushstroke lines run from the front grille to the D-pillar. A bold front end features a distinctive grille, headlights and fog lamps for a sporty yet refined appearance. From behind, Venza’s sophisticated and confident appearance is completed with an angled rear hatch, spoiler and wide wraparound taillights that interconnect with the hatch door. Tight tire-to-body gaps contribute to the sophisticated, refined appearance. The Venza design is highly practical, with a rear load-in height that is almost as low as that of the Sienna minivan. The generously sized liftgate opening enhances the vehicle’s utility. An available power liftgate integrates jam protection that detects obstruction in the door’s path and reverses the motor. Venza provides a low step-over height for improved ergonomics and because the closed doors cover the rocker panels, the driver and passengers are protected from accumulated roaddust while getting into and out of the vehicle.

Interior Design The Venza interior is designed to enhance driving enjoyment and offer premium comfort. The available interior colours, ivory and light gray, are offered in fabric on LE and leather on XLE and Limited. The flow of the centre console creates a unique “60/60” design that gives both the driver and front passenger the feeling that 60 percent of the space is accessible from their seating position. On XLE and Limited grades, the standard Optitron® speedometer and tachometer and multi-color centre instrument panel display are paired with optional satin mahogany wood-grain style trim. Dual-zone automatic climate system controls are centrally located on the upper console, providing easy access for both the driver and front passenger.

ord auto company has announced the has launch of an extended service programme that offers free service for four-years or 120,000 km, whichever comes first. An online statement signed by the company’s media consultant in Nigeria during the week stated that the first programme of its kind, the after sales free service is being offered through two major Ford dealers in the country; BriscoeFord and Coscharis Motors. The Regional Sales and Marketing Manager of the company, Ezio Tuniz in the statement assured that Ford would continually take clients’ comfort and satisfaction seriously, adding that the incentive of free service was part of the Ford brand promise to meet customer expectations in the Nigerian market. The statement reads in part, “Customer satisfaction is what the Ford brand is noted for globally and we will not relent in providing that unequalled service. The programme is a Ford brand initiative that we want all our customers in the Nigerian market to take advantage of.” The statement stated that the free

Ford offers free vehicle services for Nigerian clients service is available on new Focus, Fusion, Taurus, Edge, Escape, Explorer or Expedition, F-Series trucks, and ESeries vans. The offer according to the statement includes tyre rotations, engine oil and filter changes, spark plugs, clutch discs,

engine belts and hoses, wiper blades, replacement of brake pads, and linings when worn, shock absorber replacements among others. The offer has since commenced in Nigeria on July 3 and would end on January 5, 2013.

2013-Ford-Fusion

Renault Caterham to co-build Alpine sports cars

enault and Caterham are to join forces and build a new range of sports car models together from early 2013, under the classic Alpine badge, Renault-Nissan Chief Executive Officer, Carlos Ghosn confirmed earlier in the week. At a press conference in Paris, he announced a new AngloFrench partnership, which will spawn a new breed of sports cars for both brands. “This innovative partnership with Caterham embodies a longstanding ambition: the creation of a sports car with the Alpine DNA,” said Ghosn. “It carries both opportunities for the Dieppe plant and the development of its historic expertise.” Caterham is taking a 50 per cent stake in Automobiles Alpine Renault, currently 100 per cent owned by Renault. A new company – Société des Automobiles Alpine Caterham – will be created in January 2013, led by Renault stalwart Bernard Ollivier.

The new company will build sports cars for Alpine and Caterham at the Alpine plant in Dieppe, Normandy. It’s an intriguing prospect: our appetites have already been whetted by the A110-50 concept car and they’ll benefit from know-how from the RenaultSport chassis wizards who’ve created many of CAR’s favourite hot hatches of recent years and the lightweight experts from Caterham. It’s the culmination of a long-held plan to make the numbers work on a sports car sub-brand for Renault, which had wanted to revive Alpine just as the financial crisis struck in 2008. Unsurprisingly, the project was put on the back-burner. Shoots of recovery were seen with the Megane Trophy racing car-based Alpine A110-50 earlier in 2012. The well-received concept had a 395bhp output and racecar-spec aerodynamics, but the new road-going Alpine models are likely to be paredback far more in the Caterham vein.

MAINTENANCE TIPS

When and how to change timing belts

roper vehicle maintenance, including timing belt replacement, can improve fuel economy. Being sure to take care of timing belt replacement at the intervals recommended by a car’s manufacturer is an important step in automobile maintenance, especially as more people drive older cars nowadays in Nigeria. A timing belt is used in an internal combustion engine as a drive belt that is propelled by the camshaft that operates the timing gear that opens and shuts the valves in the cylinder heads. In this edition of Mirror Drive, our correspondent provides more detail about precisely how the timing belt works and why it is necessary to replace it periodically. The timing belt’s function is to turn, or rotate, the car’s crankshaft at twice the speed of the camshaft, maintaining precise alignment. Engines have anywhere from one to four camshafts, and the job of each one is to close and open the car’s exhaust and intake valves as pistons move in the cylinders. If the valves do not open and close

precisely as required by the movement of the pistons, the engine will not function properly. Timing belts are used in both “interference” engines and “non-interference” engines, and the difference is significant. In interference engines, the valves and the pistons are located very close to each other. So if the belt slips even just a little bit, the piston will collide into an open valve. The result, as one may imagine, is considerable engine damage because pistons break and valves bend, requiring what is known commonly as the “valve job.” In non-interference engines, the

valves and pistons are not located as close to one other. So if the belt slips a bit, the damage generally is not as great. In both interference and non-interference engines, however, a failed belt will cause the engine to shut down right away, regardless of how far away from home or a service center one may be. By contrast, some cars use timing chains instead of timing belts. Timing chains do not require routine replacement, but they make the engine run somewhat louder than timing belts do. When does a timing belt need to be replaced? There are no symptoms when a timing belt begins to wear down. Because of their location on the engine and lack of visual clues, timing belts are impractical to inspect, which is why many experts advise car owners to simply change the timing belt at manufacturerrecommended intervals, which are typically around 60,000 miles, but can sometimes be more than 100,000 miles. To be continued next week

Cocktail

Friday, November 9, 2012

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

WITH DR. DEJI FOLUTILE

Today's Tonic (40)

It doesn’t matter how many pails of milk you spill, just so you don’t lose the cow. –Harvey Mackay’s father * * * Never Vote Against Yourself! Let me tell you something fundamental about this life: no matter how perfect you want to become in life, you will still make mistakes. And in fact, some mistakes may be so serious that you may be tempted to stop believing in yourself. Please don’t! Your vote for yourself counts in all the experiences of life. The moment you stop believing in yourself, you begin to go downhill and you may fade out completely. Never stop believing that you can make it to your promised land. Yes, you have made a mistake. Yes, it is a serious mistake. But then life goes on and your story can still change. And if you are willing to correct yourself and begin again, you will laugh again. Yes, you will! TEL 08104942999 E-MAIL deji.folutile@gmail.com Follow me @TwitterOWOTIDE

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Mammoth skeleton found in France

rchaeologists in France have unearthed a rather hairy fossil — a nearly complete skeleton of a mammoth. The bones — thought to belong to a creature that roamed the earth between 200,000 and 50,000 years ago — were discovered by accident during the excavation of an ancient Roman site 30 miles (50 kilometres) east of Paris. It may be only the third remains of a longhaired woolly mammoth discovered in France in the last 150 years. Such

discoveries are more common in Siberia. Archaeologists will try to establish the circumstances of the

long tusked specimen’s death: If it drowned in the River Marne or was hunted by Neanderthal Man.

It was a French scientist, Georges Cuvier, who first identified the woolly mammoth in 1796.

Man, 21, posed as teen to play football

Michigan high school athletic director said his team may forfeit two victories because a 21-yearold man posed as a student to play on the football team. Mount Pleasant High School Athletic Director Jim Conway said his team and their parents are frustrated they might have to

give up their two victories after player Javier Jones was unmasked as James Nash, 21, who allegedly used false documents to enrol at the school, WNEM-TV, Saginaw, Mich., reported Wednesday. “They’re as frustrated or if not more frustrated than the adults in this situation, which was good

to see. I think that the kids have learned a valuable lesson. They’re asking the questions ‘why’ and ‘how’ -- just as we are as adults,” Conway said of the players. School officials said they were working with a liaison officer and turning documents over to prosecutors for possible charges against Nash.

Archaeologists working along the Changis-sur-Marne riverbank about 30 miles (50 Km) east of Paris, after unearthing the rare near complete skeleton of a mammoth, which has been christened “Helmut” PHOTO: AP

Friday, November 9, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business & Finance We must all join hands, both private and public sectors at the Federal, states and local levels to ensure that we support the development of SME in Nigeria Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Samuel Ortom

Poor budget implementation undoubtedly has been a source of concern to both Federal Government and management of NPA considering the vital role the ports play as gateways for economic trade and commerce of the nation which makes it absolutely necessary that we perform optimally. Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Mallam Habib Abdullahi

S&P lists conditions for fiscal policy stability JOHNSON OKANLAWON

lans outlined in the 2013 budget for a modest five per cent nominal increase in spending will support fiscal consolidation near-term, if they are not subsequently amended by the National Assembly. According to the Standard and Poor’s, a globally renowned ratings agency, the on going reform will be key to the country’s credit outlook, as it appears to be in a relatively comfortable place. The agency noted that improved management of the budget, the move to sweep all surplus balances into a Treasury Single Account and the establishment of a sinking fund to repay domestic debt, are all important steps in the right direction and will help manage domestic debt. To enhance fiscal transparency, the agency said that there is need for greater finance ministry oversight into the country’s actual oil earnings would be a

significant win. “Although this does not seem to have been taken into account in existing draft legislation of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), the hope is that this important matter, which could put Nigeria in sight of a much higher rating, will be addressed when the PIB is eventually passed,” the agency said. It added that despite projections for lower

fiscal deficits in the coming years, the country remains very dependent on oil earnings for its overall fiscal revenue. The agency said, “At the consolidated government level (involving federal, local and state governments) oil still accounts for over 70 per cent of revenue. “Although the buildup of new savings in the ECA, essentially a buffer against any oil

price weakness, is a positive, this is no substitute for the longerterm diversification of fiscal receipts, which is still urgently needed.” The rating agency explained that fiscal performance over the course of the cycle must still be gauged, saying that despite encouragingly benign spending and deficit projections near-term, the country’s ability to

sustain this even over the course of the political cycle straddling the 2015 elections will be key to any future credit assessment. The agency raised Nigeria’s long-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit rating to BB- with a stable outlook, three notches below investment grade, from B+. This brings its view in line with Fitch’s rating.

he era of investigating the probable cause of an accident or incident in the Nigerian aviation indus-

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

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

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 L-R: Managing Director, Nigerian Communication Satellite Ltd, Mr. Timasaniyu Rufai; President, Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Lanre Ajayi; President, Nigeria Internet Group, Mr. Bayo Banjo and Chief Executive, Telecom Group, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, at a stakeholders’ forum on Nigerian Communication Satellite Corporation Bill in Lagos, yesterday.

NCAA to install AFIRS on aircraft in Nigeria OLUSEGUN KOIKI

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

try may be over with the planned installation of Automated Flight Information Reporting System (AFIRS) by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in all the commercial airplanes in the country. AFIRS is an advanced form of aircraft tracker system already in use by the authority and some

indigenous airlines in the country to track the exact location of an aircraft. Disclosing this yesterday at the inaugural flight of Med-View Airline, was the DirectorGeneral, NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren who said that plans had already reached an advanced stage. Demuren also warned

the new airline,, MedView that the authority would no longer tolerate any form of accident or incident from any airline of the operating carrier, saying that safety is everybody’s business. Demuren described the equipment as the latest form of technology in the global aviation industry, saying that authori-

ties in Europe and America are already making use of the equipment to unravel cause of an accident or incident in their domains. He explained that the equipment is the most sophisticated onboard of any airplane in the world, saying that it also works as an animation in case of a crash in airplane.

PenCom explains difficulties in widening pension funds investment limits

Economic benefits of CIF freight policy reversal

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, November 9, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PenCom explains difficulties in widening pension funds investment limits OMOBOLA TOLU-KUSIMO

ack of clarity on investment opportunities, nonavailability of investment instruments and negative perception of risks in infrastructure investments forms major barriers to pension fund investment in infrastructure, the DirectorGeneral of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Mr. Muhammed Ahmad has said. Ahmad disclosed this at a stakeholders Forum on Nigeria’s Pension System with theme, “Investing Pension Funds for Economic Development” held in Lagos. He stated other problems to investment of the fund as lack of expertise in the infrastructure sector; short termism of investors; lack of clear valuation of infrastructure projects and lack of clear benchmarks. Ahmad who made it clear that pension fund is not a development fund stated that the commission is not against investment in government bond but is concerned about fair returns and security of the funds. Speaking on the way forward for the investment of pension funds and long term financing for the economic development in Nigeria, Ahmad noted that the regulatory and supervisory framework has to be enhanced. He said there is also need to, “Simplify and streamline processes for corporate debt issuance and approval , fast track the enactment of the law to back securitization of assets, provide sustainable and reasonable concessions on a holistic basis for

infrastructure projects and investment funds and for there to be general awareness campaigns particularly for the business community Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Limited, Mr Bismarck Rewane said development plans in Nigeria have faced a number of challenges which include corruption, improper planning, careless execution of plans, lack of coordination between various levels of government, funding and maturity mismatch – short term fund for long term project. He pointed out that critical area in need of long-term funding in Nigeria are housing, power and infrastructure noting that infrastructure gap in roads, bridges, aviation and ports is estimated at over $100bn. On the way forward he said, moving from the current mindset to a longer-term investment environment requires a new “investment culture”. “The market, by its nature, is unlikely to deliver such a change and there is a need for major policy initiatives in a variety of areas such as reforming the regulatory framework for institutional investors “There is need to encouraging institutional investors to be active shareholders, design policy frameworks that are supportive of long-term investing, address knowledge gaps and behavioral biases while retail investors need support to help them meet their long-term investment goals”, he said. Total value of pension assets hit N2.94trn as at end of September representing a 21.4 percent increase from end of 2011.

L-R: Executive Secretary,MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma; Master Ariyo Adewummi and Ariyo’s father, Abayomi Adewunmi, during the presentation of a travel documents to India for a corrective heart surgery for Ariyo in Lagos, yesterday.

States establish One Stop Investment centres –Aganga OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

he Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga has announced the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) is working with the states across the federation with a view to establishing their own One-Stop Investment centres. NIPC is an agency of the Min-

Travelex to increase presence at airports OLUSEGUN KOIKI

n a bid to make the Nigerian aviation industry more comfortable to users, Travelex, the world leader and largest provider of airport and passenger terminal Bureau De Change Services has indicated interest to set up offices and install its equipment at major airports in the country. The company said that it was ready to expand its business reach in Nigeria by providing air travellers and airport us-

ers seamless retail foreign exchange services comparable to what obtains in other internal and domestic airports around the world. An online statement signed by the Special Assistant, Media to the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, Mr. Joe Obi stated that the coming in of the company into the sector indicated that the efforts of the government to woo foreign investors was already the desired results. According to him, the Chairman (Non-Executive) and

Founder of Travelex, Lloyd Dorfman disclosed the interest of the company to invest in the sector during a courtesy visit on the Oduah in her office in Abuja. He stated that with its leading edge technology in the provision of Foreign Exchange Automated Teller Machine (ATM), Travelex’s entry into the nation’s aviation sector would help to boost the cash-lite policy of the federal government while also providing air travellers the convenience of its services at the airports.

Farmers to get free cocoa pods MESHACK IDEHEN

n the wake of the flood crisis that farmers in the country are currently grappling with, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development have said farmers in the country will continue to receive improve seedling and for cocoa farmers, free cocoa pods.

Moreso, the ministry said the move is a strategic consideration in the transformation of the cocoa sector involving the use of improved genetic stocks which was only newly released, and also include the phased replacement of old unproductive stocks with new high yielding stocks. Speaking on Wednesday during the official flag-off of the free distribution of improved

hybrid varieties of cocoa pods to farmers in the south west to plant and increase their farm sizes, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina,said the initiative will stop further use of poor yielding and old varieties and systematically replace the tree stocks in Nigeria. Represented by the South West Regional Director in ministry, Dr. Julius Odeyemi,

istry of Trade and Investment. Aganga said this at the closing ceremony of the 8th National Conference on Investment, in Abuja, on Thursday. The NCI was initiated in 2004 to, among other things, provide an avenue for sensitising the investing public on the investment opportunities and incentives available in the various states and also serve as a platform for stakeholders to interact and evolve strategies that will make Nigeria the preferred investment destination among the emerging markets. Aganga said, “There is ongoing collaboration between the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, and some States of the federation, to establish One-stop Investment Centres and investment promotion outfits in the different states. This is to ensure that OSIC facilities are available at the grass roots,” the minister said. The minister also noted that the NCI, since inception, had made remarkable progress, especially by ensuring that harmony existed between the Federal and

State governments in the area of investment incentives. He added that the Federal and state governments were working together to develop a sectorspecific investment policy document as part of efforts to provide a level playing field for genuine investors. “I am particularly pleased to be associated with this noble initiative for very clear reasons. Prior to 2004 when the NCI was initiated, there was little synergy and collaboration in the investment promotion strategy of the Federal Government and the 36 states. “This was not in the interest of the entire Nigerian economy as all levels of government were working at cross purposes with conflicting signals being sent to investors about Nigeria’s readiness to attract investment. “For instance, while the Federal Government on the one hand was ready to waive the corporate tax for industries with pioneer status, some states still introduced myriads of taxes, thereby nullifying the benefits of pioneer status incentives to investors.

the minister said governments have engaged specialised seed production units at Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria and Tree Crops Units of Ondo, Osun and Ekiti States to produce 3.6 million hybrid pods that will be given to cocoa farmers. He explained further that the new cocoa pods have the potentials of raising the current production on farms from 350 kg/ha to 1,000 kg/ha, and also reducing time to maturity from five years to 24 – 30 months of

field establishment.” According to Adesina,government is expressing the hope that the flag off of the free distribution of the selected hybrid pods today will be useful in re-positioning cocoa as a veritable and substantial foreign exchange earning commodity, creating jobs, wealth and prosperity for farmers, traders, warehouse merchants, processors and exporters, state governments and the nation as a whole.’

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Business News

Friday, November 9, 2012

ICAN bemoans low compliance with accounting, 24 fuel-laden ships to berth at Lagos ports –NPA regulatory requirements MESHACK IDEHEN

he Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has said it is attributing the slow pace of the country’s development to the prevalence of corruption within the system at national and states levels. According to ICAN, corruption is exacerbated by the absence of transparency and accountability, and that financial improprieties by persons in position of trust have been a recipe for under-development, increased suffering of the citizens, unemployment, hunger and anger of the poor and insecurity for all. A statement by the institute’s president, Mr. Adedoyin Owolabi said there is a direct relationship

between a nation’s value system and its level of economic growth and development, and that accounting professionals must to strive to create oasis of sanity in their spheres of influence such that a virtuous society will emerge. Adedoyin pointed out that the prevalence of corruption and sharp practices in low and high places in the nation has contributed to the slow pace of development in the country, and that prospective members must submit to the ethics, mannerism and acceptable practices in the profession of ICAN membership strength. “There is a compelling mandate we must continue to discharge. As chartered accountants, we must deliberately join the critical mass to support and sustain the on-going anti-corruption crusade by the government.

“We must all stand up to be counted in this battle for the renaissance of our social values and those of you being brought into the fold of this noble profession today, must join your peers to take up this battle. “The recent incidents in our banking sector have again reechoed the need for transparency in our corporate activities. Professionals across a wide spectrum of professions have demonstrated indiscretion in their application of regulatory and ethical standards and within the accountancy profession; there is concern of inconsistencies and failure to comply with accounting and other regulatory requirements”, the statement added. He explained that the institute’s membership has grown from a paltry figure of 250 members to 35,794 in 47 years

he Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Thursday said that 24 fuel-laden ships were waiting to berth at various oil terminals at the Lagos Ports. In its daily publication, “Shipping Position”, made available to newsmen in Lagos, the NPA said that the products include aviation fuel, petrol, kerosene, base oil and ethanol. According to the document, the petroleum products would be discharged in oil terminals, including Atlas Cove Jetty, Ibafon Terminals, New Oil Jetty, Apapa

Nigeria, Ghana non-oil export trade hits $266m in 2011 STANLEY IHEDIGBO

L-R: Marketing Manager, Dufil Prima Foods, Mr. Manpreet Singh; winner of the 6th Indomie Super Millionaire Promo, Mr. Oni Chika; Public Relations and Event Coordinator Manager, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju and Deputy Manager, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Lagos Zonal Office, Mr. Onyemenam Daniel, during the presentation of the cheque in Lagos, yesterday

FG advised on implementation of cassava bread policy MESHACK IDEHEN

he Executive Vice-Chairman of Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Mr. Babatunde Odunayo, has said the Federal Government would require strong will to push the implementation of the cassava bread policy to lasting success. He said despite the government’s good intention to use cassava to boost rural development achieve urban decongestion and empowerment of local farmers, that the unavailability and lack of technology by local millers to process the volume required could frustrate the effort. Odunayo said some stakeholders are still not convinced that the government have the will to execute the policy because it may be detrimental to

the people’s well-being, considering that the 40 per cent cassava flour input is too high. Describing the situation as a challenge to flour makers despite their willingness to use cassava flour, he argued that manufacturers might not have much choice at the end but to maximise the profit with the new import duty, which could lead to increased prices in other things, especially bread and wheat. Odunayo explained that wheat is a major raw material in the production of bread and allied products, saying also that it (wheat) accounts for more than 90 per cent of the total raw material input and that it is wholly imported. The Honeywell vice chairman added that the price of wheat is influenced by so many

factors most of which are beyond local users, explaining for instance that the Federal Government recently announced 15 per cent levy, in addition to the five per cent import duty for wheat necessarily means an increase in the production cost of flour and other wheat based products from flour millers. Also speaking, Lagos State Chairman of the Association of Master Bakers and Confectioneries, Mr. Jacob Adejorin, confirmed to National Mirror that the price of bread and other flour based products had increased since September 1, following the increment of price of flour and other ingredients. He said members of the association have no option but to increase the price of bread because of the N1, 000 additions on the price of flour.

Bulk Terminal Ltd., Single Buoy Mooring and Bulk Oil Plant. The document reported that three ships laden with bulk malt, bulk wheat and rice, were also waiting to berth. The NPA document indicated that 103 other ships were being expected in the Lagos ports between November 8 and December 2. It said that the ships would sail in with rice, general cargo, bulk salt, petroleum products, new and used vehicles, containers, steel products, sugar, fresh fish and bulk urea.

he Ghanaian High Commissioner, Alhaji Baba Kamara on Wednesday said that non-oil export trade between Nigeria and Ghana hits $266million in 2011. The High Commissioner disclosed this at the Ghana business forum at the on-going 2012 Lagos International Trade Fair, adding that Nigeria exported $118m of non-oil items to Ghana and Ghana also exported $148million to Nigeria, totaling $266million. He said the figures were made available by the Nigeria Export Promotion Council and Ghana Export Promotion Council on trade in non oil products. He noted that is very low and does not reflect the potentials that exist between the countries. Kamara who was represented by Ghana Consulate General, Lagos, Alhaji Abukari Abdullahi, enjoined policy makers

of the two countries to work at removing the barriers to trade between them so that trade can grow significantly and bring about the improvement in the quality of life of our people. According to him, there is the need for closer collaboration between the organized business organization of the two countries in setting the agenda for promoting trade and investment. Commenting on recent developments in Ghana/Nigeria relation following the implementation of the Ghana act on retail trading, which affected Nigerians doing business there, he said that the action of the government was aimed at ensuring that foreigners engaged in business in Ghana abide by the laws of the country. He added that the action is not targeted at Nigerians, even as ECOWAS citizens have the right of residence and establishment of business in any

Diamond Bank rebrands with new corporate colour ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

he Group Managing Director, Diamond Bank Plc, Mr Alex Otti, has announced the transformation of the bank with the unveiling of new corporate colour to attract customers. At the unveiling on Wednesday, Otti said to ensure visibility of the bank to customers and prospect, the bank new look was informed by the need to ensure that the bank can easily be noticed by customers who often pass by the branches before realising that they had bypassed Diamond Bank hence a new logo, new wordmark and shortened brand name along with a new tagline-”your bank” based on the original colour palette. “It is a little refresh. It doesn’t change much of the Diamond colour. Diamond has several colour.

We have chosen this grid colour. We will implement the colour from branch to branch. Its not a day thing. We want to be visible hence the need to change the colour,” he said. With strong financial base but restrained number of branches, the bank said the transformation is not about colour rebranding, but added that within the space of three years, Diamond bank will increase the number of branches to become more accessible by depositors who are yearning for Diamond Bank. “In addition to physical branches, we also have other transaction channels such as Ebanking and we are the only bank that issues ATM free of charge,” said Otti. The bank affirmed that the use of lemon green, magenta and blue are attractive enough to notice the new identity.

Maritime

Friday, November 9, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Economic benefits of CIF freight policy reversal Nigeria since her political independence has operated a lopsided trade policy under which her export products, including oil and gas are lifted on the basis of Cost, Insurance and Freight, while her imports are carried on Free On Board basis. Only recently, a presidential committee recommended the scrapping of this anti-growth policy. FRANCIS EZEM examines what Nigeria stands to gain if government musters enough political will to reverse this.

or too long, Nigeria has suffered under a lopsided neo-colonialist international trade policy in the carriage of both her exports and imports. The underlying factor in this policy is that whether exporting or importing, Nigerians are placed at the receiving end by the more advanced western world, which has over the years developed its liner fleet. Thus, Nigeria’s exports are carried on the basis of Cost, Insurance and Freight, while her imports are carried on the basis of Free On Board. Under the CIF model, for the quoted price, the seller, exporter or manufacturer clears the goods past the ship’s rail at the port of shipment (not destination). The seller is also responsible for paying for the costs associated with transport of the goods to the named port at destination. Under this model, on which Nigeria’s crude oil is carried, the buyer determines who freights the cargo etc. Conversely, FOB under which Nigeria’s imports are carried, for the quoted price, the seller, exporter or manufacturer clears the goods for export and is responsible for the costs and risks of delivering the goods past the ship’s rail at the named port of shipment. The seller also determines who freights the cargo. What this means is that even if Nigeria has the required fleet tonnage, the buyer determines the terms of freight for her exports and also determines who freights her imports and the terms. Expectedly, Nigeria has lost several trillions of dollars over the years to this unfavourable trade policy. For instance, the country exports 2.7 million barrels of crude oil per day. Statistics also show that these foreign liners collect as much as $4 per barrel. This means that annually, the country loses over $3.9billion yearly on the freight of crude oil alone. Executive Secretary/ CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council, government agency charged with the responsibility of protecting the interest of shippers (importers and exporters), Captain Adamu Biu in an interview on the issue, noted that the country merely inherited this from her fore fathers. He said: “Carriage of Nigeria’s export on CIF and her import on FOB are issues we inherited; they are issues the present government or even the last one did not create”. This to a high extent painted a picture of helplessness in that the country had for a long time groan under this bondage helplessly. President Goodluck Jonathan had on assumption of office shown a great deal of commitment towards reversing some of the anomalies in Nigeria’s shipping industry. Therefore, as part of measures to address the myriads of problems and challenges facing the maritime industry, the President gathered all stakeholders at the Presidential Villa for a retreat in which he was in attendance ostensibly to chart a new course for the industry believed to be critical to the nation’s economy growth. At the one-day event with the theme: ‘Harnessing Maritime Potential towards a sustainable economic growth” in which top management of shipping companies both indigenous and foreign, government agencies, freight forwarders and banks, among other were in attendance, the president left no one in doubt that it was no longer business as usual. Senior Special Adviser to the president on maritime services, Mr. Leke Oyewole, who spoke in a telephone interview, had noted that the essence of the retreat was to bring the stakeholders together with a view to identifying the problems and coming up with deliverables.

Oyewole

Umar

CARRIAGE OF NIGERIA’S EXPORT ON CIF AND HER IMPORT ON FOB ARE ISSUES WE INHERITED; THEY ARE ISSUES THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT OR EVEN THE LAST ONE DID NOT CREATE According to him, the retreat had become necessary to gather all sheds of opinions of the stakeholders on the challenges faced by the industry. A high point of the retreat was the setting up of a high powered committee headed by the minister of transport, Mallam Idris Umar, assisted by Mr. Olisa Agbakoba while Oyewole was also a member of the committee. The committee was to harmonise all the views of the participants at the event as a working document, which will be sent to the president for his endorsement. The committee penultimate week submitted its report to the President and one of the most prominent recommendations was the reversal of the policy carriage of Nigeria’s exports on CIF and her imports on FOB. Oyewole, a member of the committee, who spoke in a telephone interview, noted that the recommendation was designed to mitigate the losses Nigeria incur from the freight component in the export of about 2.7million barrels of crude oil per day and the importation of over 50, 000 litres of various refined petroleum products per day, all of which currently goes to foreign shipping lines. According to him, a reversal of this policy will positively impact on her economy, adding that Nigerian seafarers, who before now find it difficult to do their sea time training due to lack of ships will have more than enough to that to the benefit of the nation’s economy in the long term. The presidential aide argued that the decision of the committee to make such recommendation was apart from the fact that the reversal of the policy will change the lot of the indigenous shipping lines, it would also create more business for the indigenous shipyards, which he argued would now have more requests to build

new ships. “Additionally, indigenous insurance companies, who were under the former dispensation denied business, will now have so much business because the Nigerian will insist that they should be involved in the insuring of the export cargo”, he further argued. “Same applies to the Nigerian banks, which will have more business in financing the acquisition of vessels. So when you look at the entire thing, it will have multiplier effects on the economy if fully implemented”, Oyewole insisted. But stakeholders have expressed doubts as to whether the government could gather sufficient political will power to implement this policy, which might pitch it against some of its foreign allies. Former Minister of Transport, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman had declared about three years ago in Lagos during a stakeholders meeting that the Federal Government was concluding plans to revert to the carriage of Nigeria’s exports, especially crude oil on the basis of CIF. Cost, Insurance and Freight, many stakeholders could not hide their excitement. The minister had used the platform of the forum to bring together representatives indigenous shipping companies, relevant government in the maritime and oil and gas sector like the Nigerian Ports Authority and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency as well as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiary companies. But more than three years after, the excitement of the stakeholders that greeted the announcement is fast giving way to doubts, as many of them later realised that the minister merely made a ‘political statement’.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Maritime

Friday, November 9, 2012

Local Content: LADOL bemoans high cost of funds, human capital deficit STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

he Lagos Deep Offshore Logistic Base has said that the greatest challenge faced by Nigerian operators in the maritime and oil gas sectors under the local content initiative is the high cost of access funds occasioned by double digit interest rate and human capital deficit. LADOL, a fully indigenous oil and gas deep offshore base, which incorporates the LADOL Free Trade Zone had in the last six years invested over $120 million, which it has built a 24-hour one-stop shop facility for operators in the oil and gas sector. Managing Director of the company, Dr. Amy Jadesimi, who spoke at the just concluded Logistic West Africa conference, which held in Lagos, observed that the greatest challenges facing indigenous companies in both segments of the economy under the local content policy was the high cost of access funds in the market and dearth of human capital. According to her, while their foreign competitors access funds at between two-three percent interest rate, Nigerian operators access funds at over 15 percent a development that is made worse by the fact that such funds are also on short term basis of a maximum of two years. “To the contrary, our competitors abroad access long term funds of 15-year tenor and above at less than three percent, which enables them develop the best infrastructure, which many of the indigenous operators lack”, she noted. She also said that added to this problem is another strin-

gent condition put forward by the fund owners, which requires that the company seeking the loan must state its income and profit projection, which will demonstrate the ability of the borrowing company pay within stipulated time. While commenting on the possibility of the indigenous operators accessing foreign loans, she noted that such is almost impossible due to various issues ranging from the perception of the country among comity of nations and the perception of the entire African continent as a big risk. “Having worked abroad, I can tell you that raising funds from the market over there to finance a project like LADOL is not going to be any problem at all, but that is not the same within our local environment”, she insisted. She also noted that the global crisis, which brought about

tight liquidity in the international financial market, was also a major factor. The LADOL-boss however argued that this development had made the indigenous operators to look inwards, arguing that many of them have had to develop their own sources of financing locally. She had also commended the efforts of the government, which has more than ever before faced the challenge of building local content headlong, especially by providing loan guarantees when the need arises. On the problem associated with human capital deficit, she noted that the indigenous operators needed to collaborate with one another, arguing that the culture of everyone trying to outdo the other would not help the industry. Amy who disclosed that her company had repaired over 15

units of rigs in the last two and half years, said that for every one rig repaired in Nigeria, five others are done outside, an indication that the country is yet to achieve the hub status in Africa. She, however, commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, which she said is currently building a database, which would help bridge the human capacity gap. LADOL has as part of measures to bridge the knowledge and manpower gap in the sector recently entered into a partnership with Samsung Heavy Industry of Korea to establish a training institution which will no doubt uplift the industry. It was gathered that LADOL and SAMSUNG, through this partnership, will be working and consulting with leading indigenous fabricators to determine additional programmes needed in the country in terms of human capacity building.

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Kayode Opeifa; Senior Business Development Manager of CWC, Odiri Umusu; exhibition sales manager, CWC Alex Moulds and Managing Director LADOL, Dr. Amy Jadesimi at the just concluded conference and exhibition organised by CWC Lagos.

De-militarise Nigeria’s maritime security, ISAN tells FG

he Indigenous Shipowners Association of Nigeria has asked the Federal Government to de-militarise Nigeria’s maritime security by disengaging the Nigerian Navy from commercial shipping activities. The International Maritime Organisation, world apex maritime regulatory organ had outlawed the carriage of arms on board cargo ships as well as use of military for maritime security. Following the increasing menace of pirates and sea robbers, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Navy, which gave birth to the Maritime Guard Command. Under the MoU, operatives of the Navy carry military weapons on board platforms provided by NIMASA for the patrol of the nation’s maritime domain to combat the increasing sea piracy and robbery, which made the Interna-

tional Maritime Bureau classify Nigeria’s waters as second most unsafe after Somalia. Chairman of ISAN, Chief Isaac Jolapamo made the call while speaking on the topic: Tackling Illegal Oil Bunkering and Piracy during the Nigeria-United States Bi- National Commission Working Group on the Niger Delta held recently in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State capital. Jolapamo spoke against the backdrop of the existing MoU between the Navy and NIMASA, which gave birth to the Maritime Guard Command, which allows the operatives to carry heavy arms and ammunitions on board its platforms, which some experts believe contravenes some IMO conventions on the militarisation of commercial shipping and maritime security. Only recently, Director General of NIMASA, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi had during a visit of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Joseph Ezeoba to the agency

requested for sophisticated arms and ammunition like automatic grenade launchers, machine guns and AK 47 rifles in order to combat the increasing all forms of criminalities on the waters. Alternatively, according to him, the Federal Government should equip the Navy with platforms and surveillance equipment to enable it effectively perform its constitutional role of policing the nation’s waters. He argued that though it was urgent for the government to disengage the Navy from commercial shipping activities, its operatives could be allowed to maintain presence at crude oil loading terminals and other offshore oil and gas infrastructure. He also called on the government to adequately equip NIMASA to provide its core function of providing both port state and flag state functions. “Government should also prevail on the State Security Service to come up with a spe-

cial maritime desk to gather information on illegal activities on Nigerian waters and their sponsors. “Government should also adopt a collaborative approach like what obtains in the Gulf of Aden and Indonesian waters, where ship owners are placed at the centre of proffering lasting solutions but here have always been intense political pressure from current and potential beneficiaries of these illegal acts thus putting the credibility of government implementation efforts at stake”, he regretted. “From past experiences of about four decades, I must warn that these activities will increase with the coming general election around the corner and we must not fail this time around to manage our tomorrow challenges today. These are vices we have created and which must be tackled, not only for economic reasons but for the sake of national integrity and investor confidence”.

MP calls out ACOA minister for saying shipbuilding will offset drop in grants

t is embarrassing that the federal cabinet minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency would tout the multibillion-dollar shipbuilding project instead of decry a $78 million drop in grants within his own department, a Newfoundland Liberal MP said. Bernard Valcourt, who oversees ACOA, said earlier in the day that the shipbuilding deal will create thousands of jobs and its benefits will extend far beyond Halifax, which won the lion’s share of the $35-billion procurement last year. But Scott Andrews, who represents the riding of Avalon, called Valcourt’s comments “a farce.” “What an embarrassment as a minister that you would try to deflect your own inaccuracies as a minister and incompetence as minister to say, ‘My department has less money, but don’t worry, it’s being offset here by shipbuilding,” Andrews said from Ottawa. “Stand up for your department. Stand up for ACOA.” Recently released public accounts data say transfers from the agency dropped to about $236 million in 2011-12 from nearly $314 million the year before. Valcourt said the federal government continues to invest in the Atlantic provinces despite the dip in grants, pointing to the shipbuilding deal. “The steel will be cut in Halifax, but ... it calls for supplies from a supply change that is nationwide, if not worldwide,” Valcourt said after a news conference in the city. “A lot of small businesses in Atlantic Canada will be able to take advantage of those offsets that flow from the industrial regional benefits. “I think the recipe is there. It is now for the private sector to take advantage of it.” Valcourt said the decrease in grants is due to the completion of temporary initiatives under Ottawa’s stimulus funding package, including a two-year program that provided funding for recreational infrastructure and another that gave money to communities harmed by the global economic downturn. Funding for those programs was issued through the agency, he said. He also pointed to a renewed $19.9 million tourism agreement between the four Atlantic provinces -- about $10 million of which will be covered by ACOA -- as a sign of Ottawa’s commitment to the region. The agency is facing budget cuts totalling more than $17 million over the next three years. Valcourt said that would be made up through “efficiencies in our own operations.” “We are cutting the cost of doing business within. ... At this time, it’s proving right,” said Valcourt.

Global Business

Friday, November 9, 2012

July consumer prices unchanged as United States pricing power wanes T he cost of living in the United States was little changed in July for a second month, showing companies lack pricing power. The unexpected reading in the consumer-price index capped a 1.4 percent gain over the past 12 months, the smallest year-to- year increase since November 2012, the Labor Department reported today in Washington. The median forecast of 85 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News called for an increase of 0.2 percent. The core index, which excludes volatile food and fuel costs, rose less than forecast. Companies may find it difficult to charge more while joblessness hovers above 8 percent. Tempered inflation makes it possible for Federal Reserve policy makers to take additional steps if needed to revive the economic expansion when they meet next month. “The fact that the economy was so weak in the first half of the year means there’s probably less pricing power,” said Omair Sharif, U.S. economist at RBS Securities Inc. in Stamford, Connecticut. “It’s going to be tough to push prices through to the consumer who’s already very weak

Obama

and shown an appetite for discount shopping,” said Sharif, who correctly forecast the increase in core prices. “If you’re the Fed, inflation is the least of your concerns right now,” he said. Manufacturing in the New York area unexpectedly contracted in August for the first time since October, indicating

factories are cutting back amid the global economic slowdown, another report yesterday showed. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s general economic index fell to minus 5.9 from 7.4 in July. The median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists was 7.0. Readings less than zero signal contraction in the so-called Empire State Index, which covers New York, northern New Jersey and southern Connecticut. Treasuries securities trimmed earlier losses after the reports, putting the yield on the benchmark 10-year note at 1.76 percent compared with 1.74 percent late yesterday. The contract on the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index maturing in September fell 0.2 percent to 1,398.8. in New York. Declining prices for a broad-range of goods and services, including hotel rates, airline fares and new and used cars helped offset rising costs for medical care and rents, the report showed. Economists’ estimates in the Bloomberg survey ranged from unchanged to a gain of 0.4 percent. Economists forecast a 0.2 percent gain in the core index, according to the survey median.

China can meet growth target on positive signs, Wen says

hinese Premier Wen Jiabao said the country is capable of meeting this year’s growth target as positive signs emerge, even as “downward pressure” remains on the world’s second-largest economy. “We have the conditions and capabilities to fulfill this year’s economic and social development target,” Wen said during a two-day inspection tour to eastern Zhejiang province, the official Xinhua News Agency reported yesterday. China National Radio cited Wen as saying economic downward pressure remained “relatively large” and that difficulties may continue for some time, while China Central Television reported him saying that rising prices continue to ease and that there’s “growing room for monetary policy operation.” Wen’s comments come after the country’s export growth and new yuan loans trailed estimates in October. Zhejiang,

an export base, is among the hardest hit by the economic slowdown, with its gross domestic product growth trailing only southern Guangdong province. “Policymakers have made it clear in recent weeks that supporting economic growth is their central concern,” Qinwei Wang, an economist at Capital Economics Ltd., said in an e-mail. “We continue to think that more policy support will be announced soon, including a further cut to the required reserve ratio, and that more infrastructure projects proposed by local governments will be given the go-ahead.” The reports didn’t specify the 7.5 percent GDP expansion target. Policy makers had lowered it from the 8 percent goal in place since 2005, Wen said on March 5. Wen, is trying to reduce China’s reliance on exports and boost consumption as he hands power to a younger generation of leaders this year.

Wen

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Australians’ confidence wanes, wages gain in conundrum

Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Glenn Stevens

ustralian consumer confidence fell by the most in five months even as wages climbed, sending mixed signals on the economy as the central bank weighs whether to hold interest rates at a developed-world high. The sentiment index dropped 2.5 percent to 96.6, according to a Westpac Banking Corporation and Melbourne Institute August. 6-10 survey of 1,200 consumers released in Sydney yesterday. A government report showed the wage-price index, which measures hourly pay rates excluding bonuses, rose 3.7 percent in the second quarter from 12 months earlier as mine workers’ pay surged. The acceleration in wage gains was “a material surprise, and raises the uncomfortable prospect that wage pressures may have troughed,” said Alvin Pontoh, an Asia-Pacific strategist at TD Securities Inc. in Singapore. “The surprise fall in consumer confidence in the face of a generally positive backdrop casts doubt on the sustainability of the pickup in consumer spending we have seen of late.” The Reserve Bank of Australia, which lowered interest rates by 1.25 percentage points from November to June to 3.5 percent and paused at the past two meetings, has indicated wages need to remain contained and productivity improve to ensure inflation stays within its target of 2 percent to 3 percent. Traders are pricing in a 67 percent chance the RBA will keep the benchmark on hold when it meets next month. Powering growth is Australia’s biggest mining boom since a gold rush in the 1850s. The latest bonanza -- for iron ore, coal and natural gas -- is bringing investment projects the government estimates to be worth A$500 billion ($524 billion).

BOE drops reference to rate cut as it considers policy options

ank of England policy makers dropped a reference to interestrate cuts this month as they voted to keep their bond-purchase target unchanged and said they will assess the need for other stimulus measures. The Monetary Policy Committee voted 9-0 to hold the target at 375 billion pounds ($587 billion), according to the minutes of the August. 1-2 meeting, published in London yesterday. It also voted 9-0 to keep the benchmark interest rate at a record-low 0.5 percent. “Over the coming months, the committee could take stock of the impact of

the Funding for Lending Scheme and the implications this had for other potential policy options,” it said, without mentioning rates. While for some members this month’s decision was “relatively straightforward,” others saw a “good case” for more asset purchases, it said. The central bank said last month it may review the merits of a reduction in borrowing costs once it assessed the impact of the FLS, which is aimed at boosting credit to companies and households. Investors increased bets on a cut after the comments before Governor Mervyn King lowered expectations, saying on August.

8 that it may do more harm than good at present because of damage to some banks’ margins. “Interestingly, there was no discussion of an interestrate cut that some analysts have called for,” said James Knightley, an economist at ING Bank in London. “We have long doubted that such action would happen given the” central bank’s concern “about what it would mean for interest margins and bank lending.” Sonia forward contracts show that a rate cut isn’t priced in through July next year, according to data from Tullett Prebon Plc.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, November 9, 2012

JP Morgan Index attracts foreign inflows to Nigeria - DLM JOHNSON OKANLAWON

xpert in bond trading has said that the inclusion of Nigeria in the JP Morgan Government Bond Index has attracted international investors into the country. Nigeria had in October 1, joined the JP Morgan Government Bond IndexEmerging Markets (GBIEM) with the listing of FGN’s bond, becoming the second African country after South Africa to be included in the widely followed index. Speaking at the Capital Market Corresspondent Association forum in Lagos yesterday, the Global Head of Sales and

Trading of Dunn Loren Merrifield (DLM), Mr. Malcolm Gilroy, noted that despite the current conditions of the global financial markets, the inclusion attracts further inflows into the Nigerian bond market. Gilroy, who spoke on the topic, “Opportunities in the Bond Market,” said that the market has witnessed increased flow from offshore investors since the announcement in August 2012, and has contributed to the significant decline in average yield to 13 per cent, from N15 per cent in August. According to him, it is estimated that the upward weight review will translate into a total inflow of $1.5bn into the

domestic bond market before the end of the year. He said that factors that causes yield/price changes include supply and demand, issue of new bonds, new investors (as happened when J P Morgan included FGN bonds in their index). Others are change in inflation rates, Gross Domestic Products and Moneytory Policy Committee stance. He pointed out that there is huge risk investing in bond, but a short term bond is more secured than a long term bond, which is usually done by the Pension Commission and the insurance companies. Gilroy argued that in-

vestment in equity may give more yields, but it is more risky when compared to investment in bond. With the inclusion of the country in the JP Morgan Government Bond Index, he said that the interest rate is likey to go down. The bond trading expert, who disclosed that by 2013, a lot of infrastructure bond, will be floated in the Nigerian capital market said that the Nigeria’s bond market is over N7trn. The Vice President of the DLM, Mr. Tola Odukoya, added that the company is going to participate more in the equity market by next year.

Source: NSE NIBOR QUOTES 7 NOVEMBER & 8 NOVEMBER 2012 20.00 19.00 18.00 17.00 16.00 15.00 14.00 13.00 12.00 11.00 10.00 9.00 8.00 7.00 6.00 5.00

07-Nov-12

08-Nov-12

Source: FMDA

Market indicators All-Share Index 7,342,308 points

Nigeria Eurobond yields slip after S&P rating

ields on Nigeria’s $500m of Eurobonds fell after Standard and Poor’s raised its rating on the West African country by one grade Borrowing costs on the 6.75 per cent dollar debt maturing in 2021 slipped one basis point, or 0.01 percentage point, to 4.42 per cent yeaterday in London trading, the lowest level since their January 2011 issue. Yields on the Eurobonds of Africa’s biggest oil producer

have tumbled 169 basis points this year. The naira was steady at N157.3 a dollar on the interbank market. The S&P increased Nigeria’s credit rating to BB-, three levels below investment grade, on Wednesday as subSaharan Africa’s second biggest economy increased foreign-currency reserves because of high oil prices and due to the government’s decision to cut fuel subsidies in January, raise electricity tariffs and privatize the state-run power industry.

Moody’s Investors Service separately assigned Nigeria a Ba3 rating, the equivalent of its grades at S&P and Fitch. “S&P cited the country’s strong external reserves which have held firmly above the $40bn threshold in recent months as underpinning its improved outlook on the country,” Oludare Fajimolu and Gloria Obayagbo, Lagos-based analysts at CSL Stockbrokers Limited said. “The rating agency also hinted at improved optimism

about progress with on-going financial and power sector reform programs.” Yields on Nigeria’s 16.39 per cent local currency bonds due 2022 declined one basis point to 12.77 per cent, according to Wednesday’s prices compiled on the website of the Financial Markets Dealers Association. “Nigeria’s rating upgrade holds the potential to improve the global attractiveness of the local debt market, in our view,” the analysts said.

Insurance, consumer goods sectors lift ASI by 0.3% JOHNSON OKANLAWON

rading in equities continued on bullish note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as gains recorded mostly by the insurance and consumer goods sectors lifted the benchmark index. The All Share Index appreciated by 0.34 per cent to close at 26,883.76 points, compared to the increase of 0.26 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 26,792.27 points. Market capitalisation rose by N30bn to

close at N8.57trn, higher than the rise of N21bn recorded the preceding day to close at N8.54trn. The Insurance Index led sectorial indices by 0.79 per cent to close at 133.91 points, followed by the Consumer Goods Index with 0.69 per cent to close at 2,304.85 points. The Oil and Gas Index rose by 0.49 per cent to close at 156.80 points, while the NSE 30-Index appreciated by 0.24 per cent to close at 1,267.85 points. The Lotus Islamic Index and the Banking Index shed 0.33 per cent and

0.09 per cent to close at 1,645.82 points and 428.41 points respectively. UAC-Property Plc led the gainers’ table with 69 kobo or 6.45 per cent to close at N11.39 per share, followed by RT Briscoe Plc with eight kobo or 4.97 per cent to close at N1.69 per share. Bagco Plc gained nine kobo or 4.86 per cent to close at N1.94 per share, while Mobil Nigeria Plc appreciated by N5.30 or 4.83 per cent to close at N115.00 per share. Honeywell Flour Mills Plc increased by 10 kobo or 4.52 per cent to close at N2.31 per share.

On the flip side, Conoil Plc shed 93 kobo or 4.95 per cent to close at N17.85 per share, while Nigeria-German Plc lost 42 kobo or 4.89 per cent to close at N8.17 per share. Portland Paints Plc dropped 20 kobo or 4.88 per cent to close at N3.90 per share, while NAHCO Plc dipped by 29 kobo or 4.83 per cent to close at N5.71 per share. Cutix Plc declined by eight kobo or 4.71 per cent to close at N1.62 per share. A total of 279.3 million shares valued at N2.98bn were exchanged in 4,477 deals.

Market capitalisation 23,066.74 trillion

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

UAC-PROP

11.80

12.70

0.90

% CHANGE 7.63

121.20

128.00

6.80

5.61

BERGER

8.01

8.41

0.40

4.99

GLAXOSMITH

39.90

41.89

1.99

4.99

PORTPAINT

3.90

4.09

0.19

4.87

NEM

0.50

0.52

0.02

4.00

DIAMONDBNK

4.07

4.22

0.15

3.69

WEMABANK

0.57

0.59

0.02

3.51

MANSARD

1.78

1.84

0.06

3.37

AIICO

0.61

0.63

0.02

3.28

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

REDSTAREX

3.15

CLOSING 2.90

0.25

-7.94

CAP

32.02

30.43

1.59

-4.97

JOHNHOLT

5.32

5.06

0.26

-4.89

PHARMDEKO

2.87

2.73

0.14

-4.88

LIVESTOCK

1.65

1.57

0.08

-4.85

JULI

2.76

2.63

0.13

-4.71

UNITYBNK

0.64

0.61

0.03

-4.69

STUDPRESS

2.78

2.65

0.13

-4.68

HONYFLOUR

2.17

2.07

0.10

-4.61

ETERNA

2.19

2.09

0.10

-4.57

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

58-Day

16,631.94

14.20

1-Nov-12

59-Day

10,000

14.00

1-Nov-12

66 -Day

32,227.06

14.20

8-Nov-12

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91Days

32,057.31

14.50

8-Nov-12

118-Day

50,000.00

13.87

8-Nov-12

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$50m

N/A

$50m

8-Nov-12

$100m

N/A

$43m

8-Nov-12

Capital Market

Friday, November 9, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at November 8, 2012 1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

1st Tier Securities No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Friday, November 9, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror Okorocha’s aide charges monarchs on national unity

“I agree with one intellectual who said there are three Boko Harams; but the biggest Boko Haram is the Federal Government itself.” FORMER HEAD OF STATE, GENERAL MOHAMMADU BUHARI (RTED)

Hoodlums set school principal’s vehicle ablaze KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

he principal of Community Commercial High School, Ilora, in Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr. Yisau Adesina and his family escaped death by the whiskers on Wednesday when hoodlums, suspected to be supporters of a royal lineage in the community invaded his home in Ilora and set his SUV car ablaze.

Community Mirror learnt that the hoodlums scaled the fence of the house and with the aid of disused tyre and motor spirit set fire on the Nissan Pathfinder car with registration number Oyo AH 135 JBL. The hoodlums, before setting the vehicle on fire, used padlocks to counter lock the two entrances leading to the house so that smokes from the burning vehicle could choke the occupants. Those in the house at the

time of the incident included the 90-year-old mother of the principal and members of his immediate family. It was also gathered that the impact of the fire forced the security gadget installed in the car to raise alarm, which woke up the family and people in the neighbourhood who made spirited efforts to put out the fire. Speaking on the incident, the visibly shaken principal attributed the escape of his family to

divine intervention, remarking that the intention of the hoodlums was to wipe away his entire family. He said his ordeal might not be unconnected with the chieftaincy crisis involving his brother, Prince Oyetunde Oyekola from the Aduloju ruling family and the sitting monarch, Oba Stephen Olufemi Oparinde. He said, “I have no quarrel with anybody except that I am a prominent member of Aduloju

ruling family of Ilora which is presently in litigation pending before an Oyo State High Court in suit no. HOY / 51 / 200. The suit was filed by Prince Oyetunde Oyekola and one other to challenge the appointment of Oba Stephen Olufemi Oparinde as the Akibio of Ilora.” The state acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ayodele Lanade, who confirmed the incident said the police are on the trail of the hoodlums.

Amosun’s wife empowers physically challenged

ore than 1,000 physically challenged people from across the 20 local government areas of Ogun State on Tuesday benefitted from the Uplift the Physically Challenged programme by the wife of the State Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun. The programme, initiated by the Ogun State first lady was designed to empower people with special needs across the state. Hundreds of items like free artificial limbs, wheel chairs, sewing machines and commercial items like giant coolers, umbrellas, packs of noodles and other Dangote products, including cash gifts were given to the beneficiaries to boost their personal and economic needs. Speaking during the programme at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who made a surprise appearance at the event, assured the people of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the people, particularly the people with special needs, noting that in spite of their special needs, they are blessed with one talent or the other. The governor said more projects and policies of interest would be initiated for people with special needs to benefit them, pointing out that a special passage route had been carved out of the newly constructed Ita-Eko/Sokori road in Abeokuta for them, even as he said more facilities would be designed throughout the state to ensure their safety.

Scene of an accident involving a LAGBUS and a Volkswagen car at Yaba area of Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Naval chief calls for stakeholders’ forum on illegal bunkering FRANCIS SUBERU

hief of Naval Staff, Vice -Admiral Dele Ezeoba has called for the constitution of a stakeholders’ forum to formulate strategies to fight illegal bunkering and maritime insecurity in Nigeria. Speaking at the just-concluded two-day security conference in Lagos, the Naval Boss said in view of the fact that sea-borne trade accounts for over 80 percent of the nation’s imports and exports and the prevailing insecurity in the country’s maritime industry, the battle against maritime crimes can only be won with the support and encouragement of the larger

society. Ezeoba said the stakeholders’ forum should include state governors, legislators, ministers, members of the armed forces, serving and retired, lawyers, private security experts and the media with the purpose of helping the Nigerian Navy to overcome challenges of “operational platforms, equipment, logistic and finance to become more effective in combating maritime crimes.” Admiral Ezeoba, who was speaking on the topic: “Challenges of Crude Oil Theft, Illegal Bunkering and Piracy New Strategies for Improved Maritime Security in Nigeria”, at the conference organized by the Association of Industrial Safety and Security

Operators of Nigeria, (AISSON), said that the fact that crude oil theft is estimated at $12bn annually has made the fight against bunkering very imperative and highly disturbing. Represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ameen Ikioda, Ezeoba, the CNS said for instance that to secure the nation’s maritime environment and assets require the procurement of newer and modern ships, while the renovation of NNS ARADU alone to its original state will cost about N8.9billion. The CNS implored the Presidency and the National Assembly to “significantly improve on the funding through more budgetary

allocation and special maritime funding arrangement to the Navy with a view to talking urgent challenges militating against optimum performance.” In his remark at the occasion, former Chief of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd), bemoaned general insecurity in the land, but expressed confidence in the return of peace to the country, despite the menace of the Boko Haram insurgency which has claimed thousands of lives. Ukiwe also commended the utilization of both military and nonmilitary strategies in the efforts to confront terrorism in the country, stating that with the combination of these methods, the desired objectives will be attained.

Community Mirror

Friday, November 9, 2012

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Okorochaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aide charges monarchs on national unity T he Special Assistant to the Governor of Imo State on Lagos Liaison, Hon. Lisa Asugha has appealed to traditional rulers in the country to assist the nation to achieve unity in diversity.

Hon. Asugha stated that the nation, though heterogeneous could still achieve unity in diversity where ones state and background would not be hindrances to national integration. The Special Assistant made the appeal when she

paid a courtesy visit on the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu in his palace. According to her, love, tolerance and understanding among the citizenry are the needed virtues to move the nation forward; empha-

sizing that Royal Fathers were at vantage positions to help in promote fairness and understanding among their subjects. Hon. Asugha, who showered encomium on Oba Akiolu for his leadership qualities, described him as

a man of integrity who left enviable records in public service, even as he commended him for according equal recognition and respect to both indigenes and non-indigenes in Lagos. The Liaison Officer, who stated that the essence of the visit was to strengthen the relationship between Imo State and Lagos State Government, extended the greetings of His Excellency, Governor Rochas Okorocha to the Oba, saying that the

Governor has high regards for the Oba and the Traditional Institution. She used the occasion to enumerate some of the philanthropic gestures and achievements of the Governor as well as her blue-print which she said included Imo City Lagos; which is a gallery of Igbo Heritage to be built in Lagos. She therefore solicited for the co-operation and support of the Oba in realisation of the project.

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North

Friday, November 9, 2012

Four shot as vigilance group, miscreants clash in Ilorin

Hoodlums disrupt Benue Assembly session •Speaker, lawmakers flee

HENRY IYORKASE

WOLE ADEDEJI

ILORIN

MAKURDI

here was pandemonium yesterday at the Benue State House of Assembly as youths suspected to be political thugs invaded the house and disrupted plenary as members ran for cover. As at the time of filing this report, it was unclear whose interests the suspected political thugs were serving, but prior to yesterday’s crisis, it was further gathered that the members of the assembly had expressed reservations and dissatisfaction about the way the Speaker, Hon. Dave Iorhemba, was handling the affairs of the seventh assembly in the state. National Mirror investigation revealed that there was pressure on the speaker by his colleagues to vacate the seat for what they described as ineptitude and a sit-tight approach, accusing him of romancing with the executive at the detriment of their welfare. The Speaker, National Mirror also learnt, had written his resignation letter which was to be tendered before the hoodlums stormed the plenary, disrupting the day’s proceedings, making every one to scamper into safety. The lawmakers accused the speaker of being behind the lack of respect for members by the executive and also for the non-payment of constituency allowances, non-purchase of official cars as earlier pledged by the executive, among others.

Suswan

Batch C members of the National Youth Service Corps being sworn in at their orientation camp in Wailo, Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Policeman loses four children to inferno in Gusau A

police corporal serving in Zamfara State, Jeremiah Yusuf, on Wednesday lost four children in a fire incident at Tudun-wada Quarters of Gusau, the state capital. Yusuf told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from a neighbour’s house where he was receiving sympathisers, that; “I watched my children burn helplessly before me and I could not do anything to save them.” He said he became aware of the incident at about

1.00am when his sister-inlaw rushed into his bedroom shouting that the four-bedroom house was on fire. “When I woke up, I noticed that even the mattress that I was lying on had also caught fire and that was when I thought of my children, who were all sleeping in the same room,” he said. The bereaved corporal said that before he could do anything the ceiling had caved in and killed them. He said that his wife had travelled to Benue State with his last son, adding

that she had been informed of the incident. Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Hassan Atto, urged Yusuf, during a condolence visit to consider the tragedy as an act of God. Atto promised that the state government would assist him to cushion the effects of the loss. The SSG said the government would reposition the fire service to meet eventualities, especially “as we enter into harmattan.” Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state,

Group raises alarm over crumbling northern economy JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

socio-political group known as the Association of Northern Youths for the Advancement of Peace, Harmony and Development, has raised the alarm over what it called “the crumbling state of the economy of the 19 northern states due to poor federal allocation and the Boko Haram insurgency.” The group, in a statement yesterday in Jos, said if urgent steps are not taken by President Goodluck Jonathan to salvage the situation, there is the likelihood that the economy of the northern region would crumble in the nearest future.

The statement, which was jointly signed by the association’s President and Secretary-General, Comrade Melvin Ejeh and Mr. Kabiru Adamu, respectively read in part: “During our tour of northern states in preparation for our forthcoming summit, we discovered to our dismay, that all the northern states are broke due to the poor revenue accruing to them from the federation account as well as the activities of the Boko Haram sect in the region.” The statement said a situation whereby governors of the region are left with nothing to execute capital projects after paying salaries of workers have rendered the region redundant and retrogressive and won-

dered why the situation has remained so despite several calls in many quarters to reverse the trend. “This is unacceptable and we are calling on the President and all Nigerians to press for a more realistic revenue allocation that will channel more funds to the northern states. This is not to justify the actions of some governors who are not doing enough to uplift their people.” The statement, which also expressed concern over the state of insecurity in the region, added; “Insecurity is high in the region because of poverty, illiteracy and the acute hunger that has beclouded the region while the youth have become willing tools in the hands of criminals.”

Mr. Usman Gwary and the Divisional Police Officer of Tudun-wada Police Station, Abubakar Shika, had paid condolence visits to the bereaved corporal.

clash between members of local security group in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital and some miscreants, yesterday paralysed commercial activities for over four hours in the town. The clash, in which four people were said to have received gunshot wounds, according to sources, was not unconnected with an alleged ritual that had become too regular in the area. One other reason adduced for the clash was the illegal toll collection by some miscreants around Gambari area of the city before later spreading to Ita-Adu and Baboko areas respectively. Spokesman for the state Police Command, Femi Fabode, while confirming the incident, said about 15 people have been arrested in connection with the fight.

Kano govt closes four hospitals for illegal operation

he Kano State government on Wednesday closed down four private hospitals that have allegedly been operating illegally in the state. The four were also closed down for operating under unhygienic condition, a statement from the government has said. The statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Health, Malam Isma’il Gwammaja, said the hospitals were closed down by the Private Health Institution Unit of the ministry. It listed the hospitals as Pasly by nature health centre, Amana Hospital, Sarki Hospital as well as Annur Hospital, all in the state capital. According to the statement, the Senior Special Adviser to the state Governor, Dr Salisu Ibrahim, led the monitoring team that shut down the hospitals. It stated that Pasly by nature health centre was shut down because it uses unauthorised herbal medication to treat patients, while Sarki Hospital lacked a conducive atmosphere to operate. The statement added that Amana Hospital lacked qualified personnel, while

Annur violated the regulations of healthcare service delivery in the state. It warned that the state government would not tolerate any unwholesome practice, especially as it regards healthcare delivery. Meanwhile, the state government has offered automatic scholarship to 100 indigent students who secured admission into Crescent University, Abeokuta, in Ogun. Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso said this during a send-off party organised for the students by the state government at the Government House, Kano on Wednesday. Kwankwaso said the state government would spend N56 million annually to sponsor the students who secured admission into the university recently. According to him, the state government will spend N560, 000 on each of the students per annum. He said his administration would continue to pay serious attention to education for its citizens to earn university degrees and for them to be exposed and capable of fitting into “the Nigeria of today, tomorrow and beyond.”

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Friday, November 9, 2012

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Anger as gunmen kill man, wife in Plateau JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

he last may not have been heard of the spate of violence in Plateau State as gunmen again killed a man and his wife in Kachin village in Barkin Ladi Local Gov-

ernment Area of the state. The latest killing, which occurred yesterday, has continued to generate anger and condemnation among residents. Some residents, who spoke with National Mirror in Jos over the spate of violence, urged the govern-

ment to stop the menace. In the Kachin attack, a little girl, said to be a relation of the victims was also killed by the gunmen. Yesterday’s incident followed Monday’s assassination of four members of a family in Chaha village of Vwang District in Jos

South Local Government Area by some unknown persons. But the police were said to have gunned down two of the suspected assailants It was gathered that the gunmen had, in the night, invaded the village and attacked the village head and

his family. Following a distress call, some mobile policemen mobilised themselves to the area and killed two of the assailants. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Emmanuel Abuh, confirmed the incident, add-

ing: “Some gallant men of the mobile police force, who responded to the emergency call, killed two of the insurgents.” Abuh said the bodies of the suspects and the victims had been deposited at the morgue of the Air Force Military Hospital in Jos.

Senate tasks IGP on security in Zamfara villages • Mark warns against attack on solders GEORGE OJI AND EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

L-R: Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Governor Babatunde Fashola and Commissioner for Rural Development, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, during the 2012 Community Day Celebration in Lagos, yesterday.

Reps probe MDAs over foreign grants • AGF issues 124 queries to FIRS TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

he House of Representatives yesterday instituted an investigation into the foreign grants to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Besides, the House Committee on Public Accounts disclosed that the Office of Auditor General of the Federation (AGF) had so far issued the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) 124 queries over the integrity of accredited revenue-collecting agencies. The House Committee Chairman on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Zakari Mohammed, said at a press briefing yesterday that the grants were not captured in the 2013 budget proposal and the lawmakers had no knowledge of the amount and where they were lodged. Mohammed, who was reacting to reports credited to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi

Okonjo-Iweala, urging the House not to politicise the issue of oil benchmark in the 2013 budget, said that the National Assembly was in pursuit of transparency and accountability in line with its legislative agenda. He said: “Do you know that grants that come to this country are not captured in the 2013 budget? Where are those funds being applied? And other series of accounts are not known. We are asking for those accounts for the public to see. Nobody can trick us. Grants are not captured in the budget. Please, ask them because we want to know” He said the House would not be intimidated into passing the 2013 budget without asking relevant questions, insisting: “As for the 2013 budget, we will not serve as a garbage in, garbage out House. The 2013 budget is on course, we are working on it; we will ask questions”. Reacting to the minister’s submission that benchmark determination

was a professional and technical issue, Mohammed said the House had thorough bred professionals in various fields and competent enough to analyse the budget and fix benchmark. He said: “We have professionals in the House of Representatives who are better than those parading themselves as having monopoly of the managing the economy. “No amount of blackmail will cow us. The economy is the live wire of any nation. Last year, the benchmark was $72 and what happened? “We have consulted those that should be consulted. We have never asked for anything from anybody to pass the budget. If it is blackmail, it will not work. It is politics of the belly. Nigerians deserve better thn this” Throwing light on the 124 queries giving the FIRS by the Office of the AGF, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Solomon Adeola, explained that the

queries bordered on the integrity of the agencies saddled with the responsibility of collecting taxes and revenue. He said the committee discovered that the Federal Ministries of Justice, Education and Water Resources had queries spanning over four years which have not be answered. Adeola assured that the House would painstakingly study the AGF’s report and summon all affected MDAs to appear before it.

ollowing the recent killings in some villages in Zamfara State, the Senate has directed the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar to “step up surveillance and effective policing of the areas” to prevent a recurrence. This was even as the Senate President, David Mark, warned against any form of attack on soldiers, saying no Military Commander takes kindly to any affront on his men. The Senate’s directive to the IGP followed a motion by the Senator representing Zamfara Central Senatorial District, Marafa Kabiru Garba. About 18 persons were reported killed on October 29 by 60 armed bandits at Kabaru village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The victim included the village head, Alhaji Maiyara. The Senate noted that the activities of the armed bandits “have become frequent in the surrounding villages of Dansadau Emirate resulting to villag-

ers fleeing their homes.” The Senate, however, called on the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritise the construction of the Anka-Dangulbi-DansadauBirnin Gwari and DayiTsafe-Dangulbi roads so as to open them up and linking them with neighbouring communities. The Senate, however, observed a one-minute silence in honour of those killed in the attack. In his remark, Mark said: “I think at the end of the day, what we want to achieve is to make sure that we reduce this insecurity that we have in the country. “I think it is an internal banditry and criminal activities that is going on. It is not for me to defend or speak for the armed forces, but the armed forces find themselves in a very difficult situation when they have to do internal operation or street to street fight. “What I would suggest is that areas where we have this type of problems, people must give as much information out as possible, and as quickly as possible because once you kill a member of the armed forces the natural reaction is for them to do what perhaps is happening now.

Traffic law: Fashola urges understanding MURITALA AYINLA

agos State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday appealed to passengers stranded at various bus stops for lack of means of transportation to endure the situation, saying the restriction of the activities of commercial motorcyclists was meant to protect lives. The governor said there would be no pain without gain, asking the passengers

to sacrifice if they want some rewards. He said: “Every time we inconvenience you because we are constructing a road or building drainages, within a short time you begin to drive on the road and see your environment floodfree by the next rainfall. “This is the kind of way in which we can work together, sharing responsibility. “The idea that everything should be done by the leader is an idea that rubs

you on your responsibility. People who should ordinarily live fruitful and productive lives are in their graves today because of road accidents especially caused by commercial motorcyclists. “So, the road traffic law is meant to keep you safe and alive. Okada will not be our transportation model in this state. Other states have banned it and heaven did not fall in those states .Our state will not be a dumping ground for motorcycles.”

Friday, November 9, 2012

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World News

“As you know, we have an investigation that is ongoing into certain compromises that have been made of our laws and procedures and policies.”

Death toll in Ghana building collapse hits nine PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

uthorities say the death toll from a shopping center collapse in Ghana has risen to nine as rescuers freed dozens of people from the debris. Rescue efforts are continuing, with 69 survivors pulled out from under the rubble since Wednesday, police said. Kate Adobaya, a spokeswoman for Ghana’s National Disaster Management Organization, cited structural weakness as the cause of the collapse. “The foundation was not good enough,” she said. The building was being leased by Melcom Ltd., but the retail company did not construct the building, according to the chief operating officer of Melcom Group of Companies. An 18-man team from Israel is expected in Accra later in the day to help locate any remaining survivors. Faulty construction caused the multi-storey shopping centre to collapse, officials have said. They say the building did not have the necessary permit and so had not had a safety inspection. President John Dramani Mahama said those responsible for

the “negligence will pay a price”. Mahama suspended his campaign for next month’s election, after the disaster at the Melcom store. There are about 1,500 people here - some of them have climbed roof tops and trees - trying to get a glimpse of the rescue operation. It is far more organised than on Wednesday, when there was confusion, frustration and anger as people demanded to know how the shopping centre, which opened earlier this year, could have collapsed. But the government managed to calm people, after promising

an inquiry to establish whether poor building standards had caused the disaster. I can see one man breaking down cement blocks with an axe, as rescuers clear the debris in order to create “wind passages” for people trapped underneath. Police spokesman Freeman Tettey told the BBC that rescue teams have so far pulled out 78 people from beneath the debris - nine of them dead and 69 alive. It is not known many people are still trapped, he said. An Israeli rescue team has arrived, using sniffer dogs to help locate people buried under the rubble.

Rescue workers searching for victims in the debris of the collapsed building in Accra, Ghana, on Wednesday. PHOTO: AP

ECOWAS urges action plan on infrastructure development

COWAS has called on member states and other stakeholders to evolve a comprehensive and concerted action plan to advance the development of infrastructure programme and projects in the region. Speaking at the opening of a

Ouedraogo

two-day Regional Experts Meeting in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire on Wednesday, on the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), the ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure Mr. Ebrima Njie, noted that the lack of adequate infrastructure and efficient services constituted “major bottlenecks to the attainment of regional socio-economic development and integration.” Consequently, he said the region continues to struggle under “economic backwardness,” in spite of its rich agricultural and mineral resource endowments. While commending development partners and donors including the World Bank, European Union and the African Development Bank for their continued support to ECOWAS, he stressed the need for “strong coop-

eration and coordination between all PIDA stakeholders,” to make the region and the continent competitive and major players in the global market economy. With the strong support coming from regional Heads and State and Government, the Commissioner also urged PIDA stakeholders to move fast on the identified priority areas especially transport, energy and ICT programmes, to avoid overlapping so that they can leverage on the economies of scale to optimize efficiency. Speaking in the same vein while declaring the meeting open, Cote d’Ivoire’s Minister for Economic Infrastructure Honourable Patrick Achi, called for an institutional framework that will ensure prioritization, harmonization and coherence in the implementation of PIDA.

– Liberian President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

INTERNATIONAL COMMENTARY

Expectations from Obama’s second term PAUL ARHEWE

here was global jubilation when United States President Barack Obama emerged victorious on Wednesday and was re-elected for a second term. However, there are high expectations as the American leader takes control of the world’s leading economy for another four year. The unemployment rate in US is still very high with 7.9 percent, which nearly marred his changes of retaining the seat in White House. His second term administration is expected to provide millions of decent paying jobs for Americans. Also, China that is jubilant at the defeat of Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, may have enjoyed a less or nonconfrontational foreign policy from Obama’s regime, resulting in the Asian country’s rising global profile. Obama’s second term will need to formulate policy that will address Chinese ‘cut-corners’ trades, in order to win over the large supporters of Romney’s intended confrontational policy on China’s trade. For Africa, Obama , who only visited the continent just once; seven months after his inauguration in January 2009, flew to Ghana and delivered a ‘noncommitment’ policy; urging Africans to fend for themselves. He said Africa didn’t need interference and that the continent’s future should be built by Africans. The American leader also opined that he and his administration would strive to “minimise our footprint and maximise the degree to which we’re training people to do for themselves.” Obama’s first term, no doubt has somewhat shied away from making meaningful impact on Africa’s development. Even Kenya where his paternal ancestral root originates is yet to feel the expected great impulse of their son’s administration from the White House. His failure to visit Kenya, which he has an ancestral link and Nigeria,

the continent’s most populous country, indicates his disposition not to reflect much focus to Africa, as a special case. Then, with his second term ambition at stake, as the first Black American leader, he may have neglected the continent in a scheme to play safe. President Obama’s administration also played cautiously during the Arab Spring that toppled three governments (Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya) in North Africa by not taking a leading position while the crisis lasted. He also acted behind-the-scene in the solution leading to the mediation in South Sudan becoming independent. His administration in the first term, which lacks a cohesive Africa policy and ignoring the plight of African nations, is expected by many in the continent to have a shift as he is inaugurated January next year for a fresh term. Obama knowing that he won’t face another election, is expected to make quite a difference. Some human rights groups expect Obama will live up to his promise by closing all controversial detention camps. The American Civil Liberties Union chief called on the President to make good on his firstterm promise to shut down the prison camps at Guantánamo. “We urge President Obama to dismantle a national security state where warrantless surveillance, extra-judicial killings of American citizens by drones and other attacks on our personal freedoms have been deemed acceptable,” ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero said in a pre-dawn statement. Obama ordered his administration on his second day in office in January 2009 to empty the detention centre within a year. He’s been able to cut the population to 166 but has been repeatedly thwarted by Congress in his goal of closing the controversial camps by moving some of the captives to U.S. soil. Indeed, the president has a huge task of surpassing the performance attained in his first term.

TRANSITION

Gen. Shuwa

igerian civil war hero, General Mohammed Shuwa was assassinated on November 2, 2012 by gunmen. The ex-army general was killed alongside a guest in his residence at the Gwange 1 area of Maiduguri metropolis. Shuwa, 79, was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees. He has served as a voice of moderation in a state which has seen so much strife and violence believed to be initiated by the dreaded Islamic group, Boko Haram. A Shuwa Arab from Borno State, General Shuwa is one of Nigeria’s most decorated military officers. In

Friday, November 9, 2012

Northern Nigeria, his name is pronounced with awe, and several myths have grown about him. During the regime of Tafawa Balewa, he was the Military Secretary of the Nigerian Army. After the January 15, 1966 coup, he succeeded Lt Col Odumegwu Ojukwu as commander of the 5th battalion in Kano. In cooperation with Emir Ado Bayero, General Shuwa was credited with protecting the lives of Igbo soldiers under his command in Kano during the July 29, 1966 coup. At the inception of the civil war in July 1967, General Shuwa became the first commander of the first division of the Nigerian army. It was his division that attacked Biafra from Vandakiya in Benue state and overran Nsukka, Enugu, Gakem, Ogoja, Abakaliki, Obollo Eke, Nkalagu, Okigwi and Obollo Afor. It was also men from his battalion that were responsible for the death of the legendary Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu. Unlike other officers, General Shuwa believed that Major Nzeogwu was a “patriotic, but misguided officer”. Major Sule Apollo (who commanded the first assault on Biafra), General Shehu Yar Adua, General Ibrahim Babangida and General T.Y. Danjuma were some of the important officers who fought under his command. He was replaced as commander of the first division by General I.D. Bissala. After the civil war, he served as a top military adviser to General Gowon, and as commissioner under Generals Murtala and Obasanjo. He retired from the army after Shehu Shagari became president in 1979.

Remi Osholake

ashion icon and designer Remi Osholake popular known as Remi Lagos died of cancer in a London Hospital on November 3, 2012. She was aged 51. Remi was one of Nigeria’s most popular fashion designers. She trained at the East Croydon School of Art & Design, Chelsea School of Art & Design and Inchbald School of Art & Interior Design. Upon her return to Nigeria after acquiring her training, she traded under the name, Freaky Designs, but later made a strategic turn around which made her change her outfit’s trade name to Remi Lagos. She also adopted the new theme for her fashion designing job. She became known for her bold kaftans with which she flew the Nigerian flag at prestigious fashion runways in Europe, the United States of America and Africa. She had, over the years, carved a niche for herself in the fashion industry, having put in more than 25 years. She was noted for her quietness and her love for black outfits. Being one of Nigeria’s top fashion designers, Remi

Lagos made clothes for high class Nigerian women and she was regarded as one of the best in the industry. She was never married before she passed on. She is survived by her sister, Adetomi Osholake.

Pa Titus Abiodun Dada

he death has been announced of Pa Titus Abiodun Dada who died on November 5 at 75 years. Pa Dada was born in Ilesa on December 25, 1937.

He left Ilesa in 1956 for Ilela in Sokoto State, where he spent about six years. Baba had a stint in Saminaka, Kano State before he finally relocated to Ibadan in 1966. He was a consummate community leader and successful trader and his love for sport, football in particular, was unquantifiable. He was a financial supporter of the defunct IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan, now 3SC Football Club of Ibadan, and was part of the club’s historic feat of winning Nigeria’s first continental championship in 1976. Baba’s fatherly attribute and the arm of fellowship he extended to all and sundry can never be forgotten. Little wonder he was being referred to as “Baba Wa”, meaning “Our Father”, within the neighbourhood. He is survived by children and grandchildren among whom are: Mrs Nike Ologbenla, Mrs. Sola Dada, Mrs. Taiwo Falade, Mrs. Kehinde Olufemi-Timothy, Mrs. Idowu David, Mr. Olusina Dada, Mrs. Deborah Ovuakporaye, Mr. Alaba Dada, Mr Niyi Dada, Miss Kemi Dada and Mr. Tope Dada.

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Pa Newton Igali

a Newton Amie Igali was born on July 27, 1926 into the family of Mr. Aaron and Clarice Igali who are both from Eniwari town in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. He was his parent’s first child to survive after many failed pregnancies and still births his parents endured. At about the age of nine, young Newton Igali went to stay with his uncle, Mr. Matthew Ogbianaowei, where he started his primary education in St. John’s School, Eniwari. After the death of Mr. Ogbianaowei in 1939, Newton returned to his parents in Eniwari. He attended St. James School, Ekowe in Bomo Clan, Southern Ijaw L.G.A. in 1939. During the Second World War ll, he was forced to return home from school due to the widespread epidemics, but when the war was over, he continued his primary education in the same school, finishing in 1944. He then went to St. Stephen’s primary school, Amassoma in 1945 to complete his standard six. Pa Newton was an educationist, a philanthropist and a community leader of repute. While studying in the United Kingdom in the 1960s, he was a founding executive of the Ijaw Peoples’ Union (IPU) and a key protagonist to the creation of Rivers State. Thereafter, he returned home as a pioneer chartered accountant in the Old Rivers State being a fellow both of England and Wales, FCCA and of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). In mid 1970s, he became one of the first generation of senior chartered accountants from the South who resided in the North, operating from Maiduguri. While in Maiduguri and the rest of the North, where he lived for about 30 years, he was a major factor for peace, even as he worked assiduously for promotion of inter-ethnic and religious harmony. He is survived by many children and grand children including Ambassador (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali who was the Former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in Bayelsa State and now the Permanent Secretary, Federal Minister of Water Resources. Burial activities are expected to come up between November 29 and 30, 2012 at his home town in Eniwari, Southern Ijaw Local Government area of Bayelsa State.

Lateef Olayinka

ne time Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Lateef Olayinka has passed on at the age of 79. Olayinka, who died on Wednesday at his residence in Surulere area of Lagos, was once a Commissioner for Information and Commissioner for Local Government under the military administration of Gbolahan Mudashiru in 1986. A statement from the state’s commissioner of Information and Strategy said the deceased was a veteran photo journalist, renowned for pioneering the News Film Agency in the country. He is survived by his wife and children.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Late Blues winner delights Moses

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

We are wary of Nigeria and we will work hard to achieve a good result when we meet -- ZAMBIA FA PRESIDENT, KALUSHA BWALYA

Confed Cup 2013: FIFA okays 6 Brazilian cities

Home-based Super Eagles posing after a training session in Abuja, yesterday

Venezuela friendly: US Embassy grills Eagles today AFOLABI GAMBARI

he Super Eagles’ contingent to the international friendly game with Venezuela scheduled for Miami, Florida on November 14 will have to cross a visa hurdle at the American Embassy in Abuja today before confirming the planned trip to the United States on Sunday. Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had early in the week revealed that the Embassy had not acted on the contingent’s late application for visas and hinted at the possibility of denying the Nigerian team entrance to the USA. But National Mirror learnt yesterday that the Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, and Senate President, David Mark, had intervened before the Embassy asked the NFF on Tuesday to report today for the officials and players to be interviewed as part of the visa process. NFF Spokesman, Ademola Olajire, said yesterday that the

fate of the team would however depend on the Embassy’s disposition towards issuing the visa. “As it is, I cannot say much at the moment until we get the

matter sorted out on Friday (today),” Olajire said. It is not unlikely that Eagles’ coach, Stephen Keshi, had prepared for any eventuality with

his late decision to invite 11 Europe-based players to travel direct to Miami if all the homebased players failed to secure visas.

he 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil will take place as planned in six cities. This is in spite of stadium construction delays, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and world ruling football body, FIFA, said yesterday. Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, Recife and Salvador were confirmed as host cities amid a warning from FIFA spokesman, Walter De Gregorio, that Brazil has reached a “point of no return.” De Gregorio said that FIFA was happy that progress was being made but also spoke of a huge challenge as only the venues in Belo Horizonte and Fortaleza will be ready as planned by the end of the year - six months ahead of the tournament. The Confederations Cup scheduled to hold between June 15 and June 30, 2013, is a dress rehearsal for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The group draw will hold on December 1 in Sao Paulo. Host Brazil, world champion Spain, and the champions of the six FIFA confederations - Italy (as European runners-up to Spain), Uruguay, Mexico, Tahiti, Japan and the 2013 African champions - make up the eight-nation field.

…Amateurs hold them in warm up

he Eagles played their first test match since returning to camp yesterday at the training pitch of the National Stadium in Abuja and were forced to a 3-3 draw by amateur side, Abuja Football College. At the end of the game, Coach Stephen Keshi said the team was still work in progress. The home-based Eagles started with their first eleven save for skipper Chigozie Agbim and quickly took charge of proceeding. Dan Akpeyi, who was in goal for the Eagles hardly had a feel of the ball before the national team opened its accounts in the fifth minute. At the end of the game, Football College Coach, Ahmed Ahmed, said his wards were

overwhelmed in the first half by the intimidating central defence pair of Godfrey Oboabona and Azubuike Egwueke. Eagles are expected to file

out again tomorrow for another test match before the homebased lads for the trip to Miami against Venezuela will be announced.

Blatter

Eko 2012: Team Enugu gets N69m

nugu State Government has released N69 million for the preparation of its athletes for the 2012 National Sports Festival holding in Lagos from November 27 to December 9. Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Chijioke Agu, who disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu, said all the 266 athletes were already in camp.

“The governor had more than a month ago approved all our requests for both preparations and festival proper. The state executive council has approved N69 million for the participation of Enugu State in the sports festival,” Agu said. He added, “The funds have been released to us and are being utilised towards the procurement of that festival. The equipment we need for the preparations, the gear we need

for the actual competitions are all in place and properly branded for Enugu State participation at the sports festival.” The commissioner said the state would participate in football (men and women), volleyball, basketball, handball, para-athletics, traditional sports and athletics. Others are table tennis, judo, tennis, taekwondo, boxing, weightlifting, chess and scrabble.

Sport

Friday, November 9, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

M’Vila gets French ban

Serena (right) and Venus Williams

Tennis: Ex-star lauds Williams Sisters’ visit AFOLABI GAMBARI

igeria’s tennis great, Dr. Sadiq Abdullahi, has described the recent visit to Lagos by the famous Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, as a step in the right direction. The Florida, USA-based Abdullahi, who spoke to National Mirror yesterday, said the grassroots development aspect of the sisters’ visit deserved commendation from Nigerians who desired a positive turnaround in the country’s tennis. “It’s a fact that our tennis

needs years off d a facelift f lift after ft groping in the darkness and as a development-inclined and patriotic person, I am fully in support,” he said. “I just want to urge the tennis authorities in Nigeria not to allow the positives of the Williams, visit to be erased as it was the case in the past when well-meaning initiatives were not sustained,” he added. Abdullahi, who tasked the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) to evolve strategies that would see the sport bounce back to reckoning in the country, also advised the federation to em-

CY Cup enters q/finals

uarter finals of the 1st CY Unity Cup taking place in Mafoluku, Lagos will kick off this weekend at the football pitch of Ogundele Primary School. Group A winner, Source FC, will meet Soccer Stars who came second in Group B in the first match while the second match will see Jogo FC and Ultimate FC do battle. Mourinho FC and Alhaji FC in another fixture as Oluwa is Involved also faces Concord 2. Sponsor of the competition, Ukpai Cyprian, said he had re-

solved to make the annual competition permanent on what he called the sparse calendar of competitions in Mafoluku. ‘’This grassroots competition is aimed at keeping the youths in the area away from social vices as well as help them hone their skills,’’ Cyprian said yesterday, adding that aside the over N150, 000 prize money for the eventual winner in the competition, exercise books will also be distributed to the students of School 1 and 2 of Ogundele Primary School, Mafoluku whose grounds will host the competition.

Globacom’s Commercial Coordinator, Mr. Folu Aderibigbe (m) flanked by Secretary of the Professional Golfers Association Nigeria, Mr. Bolaji Olajide (r) and Globacom’s Head of Post Paid Sales, Mr. Kamal Shonibare, at the unveiling of the Glo Golf Tour 2012 in Lagos on Tuesday

brace former tennis stars to creb f t ate the desired environment for meaningful growth. “For some of us in the United States who have garnered the required experience and exposure, there is always the need to give back to where we belong,” the former Olympian who is currently Adjunct Professor, College of Education, Florida International University (FIU), submitted.

rance midfielder, Yann M’Vila, has been suspended from the F national set-up until 2014, the French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed in a statement yesterday. M’Vila, 22, was sanctioned along with Under-21 players Wissam Ben Yedder, Antoine Griezman, Chris Mavinga and M’baye Niang after they visited a nightclub in between the crucial Euro 2013 qualifying matches against Norway last month. While the other youngsters have been handed bans lasting until December 31 2013, Stade Rennais star M’Vila has been issued a more severe sanction, preventing him from representing his country at any level

until June 30, 2014, leaving his potential participation in the World Cup in Brazil in serious jeopardy. Both M’Vila and Mavinga were excluded from the Rennes squad for their Ligue 1 fixture with Montpellier in the aftermath of the incident, with club president Pierre Dreossi accusing the pair of displaying “a lack of respect for football, the team and Rennes.” The quintet were seen visiting the club in Paris on the eve of the France U-21 side’s qualifiying clash with Norway, which Les Bleus ultimately lost 5-3 to end their hopes of qualification for the European championship finals next year.

Yann M’Vila

Toure blames ref for League slump

anchester City midfielder, Yaya Toure, has insisted that Referee Peter Rasmussen cost the club a vital win over Ajax in the Champions League on Tuesday. After going 2-0 down within 17 minutes at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, Toure pulled one back and Sergio Agüero equalised before the Danish official ruled out a seemingly legitimate second from the Argentinian for offside late in the match, which would have given City a first win of the group stage in its fourth outing. “The referee decided this game for me, because there were two clear penalties, one in the first half and one in the second with Mario,” the Ivory Coast international said yesterday. Rasmussen’s decisions caused furious scenes at the finish when City Manager Roberto Mancini and a group of other players surrounded the referee to protest. The manager had also fumed on the sidelines during the match, appearing to lose his temper at his team and at one point seeming to have a row with the substitute Edin Dzeko.

City’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages in February are remote with

Yaya Toure

only two points won and two matches remaining of the current phase.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Friday, November 9, 2012

Wi Window on Nigerian players abroad

with IKENWA NNABUOGOR ikenwa.nnabuogor@gmail.com

Omeje emerges club’s Goleador in Sweden

Victor Moses being hugged by his team mates in celebration

Late Blues winner delights Moses

ictor Moses has said he is delighted that his late goal against Shakhtar Donetsk has got the Champions League campaign of Chelsea back on track. The Nigeria forward came off the bench to head home in stoppage time for champions Chelsea to beat Shakhtar 3-2 and

reclaim top spot in Group E with seven points. “I came on and only played about 10 minutes on the pitch but it was great to get a winning goal and I thought we deserved it,” said Moses. “We deserved to win the game, particularly second half, we dominated the game. We’re delighted

with the three points.” The Nigeria international has shone since he switched to Stamford Bridge from Wigan and was delighted to score his first Champions League goal. “The three goals I’ve scored for the club have been headers, it’s been great for me so far, so I’m just delighted,” he said

alkurd FF’s Nigerian striker Chidi Omeje has emerged club’s top scorer and league’s seventh best in the Swedish first division, the third tier of Swedish football. The former Vejle of Denmark youngster finished the season on a high, netting 14 times as the Swedish first division drew its curtains last weekend. Omeje was surprisingly not in the score sheet in their last league game which they lost 5-4 at home. He had looked forward to hitting the target in the tie to better his 14-goal return but failed to make hay. Omeje, who joined the club last season and netted six times in 14 appearances had told National Mirror few moments after the last league game that clubs were yet to queue up for his signature but was confident things would happen for him before the new season starts early next year. The 22-year-old striker had arrived the Scandinavian nation of Denmark in late 2008 and penned a contract with

Obiefule set for China move

ormer Super Eagles’ midfielder, Paul Obiefule, is set to move to an unnamed Chinese Super League side in the next few weeks, National Mirror can report. Obiefule is currently training in Viborg, his first European club, waiting for the Chinese League transfer window to open before he will be expected to make the move. His agent hinted that the China move is still on the pipelines but maintained the picture will get clearer in few weeks as the Chinese Super League is still on break. Obiefule said he was in superb form having finished what he described as one of the most rigorous leagues in Finland. He said he was waiting to get the nod from his agent regarding the impending move to China but maintained the picture would get clearer with time. The former Lyn Oslo star told National Mirror he still had unfinished business with the Super Eagles, saying he would love the national team selectors to give him another look-in. He played few games for his country and

made the final cut to the Nations Cup finals staged in Egypt in 2006 under Coach Austin Eguavoen. “I have been one of the most consistent Nigerian midfielders in Europe for the past six years and I think I have done well enough to deserve a recall to the national team,” Obiefule said. “I still have unfinished business with the Eagles and I can’t wait to be back. I still believe I got all the attributes of an all round midfielder because I can play any role in the

midfield.” Obiefule spent the last season at FC KuPs in Finland after spending a loan spell at Norway’s Lillestrom. He said he was not too keen in returning to the club that struggled for the better part of the closed season, though, he said the club officials wanted him back. “The league in Finland is very hard with players having to play two times in the week. It takes a lot of energy for players to survive there,” he said.

Sam ready for Eagles

ayer Leverkusen midfielder, Sidney Sam, has pledged his international future to Nigeria, according to reports in the German media. The 24-year-old star, who has played for Germany in the age-group categories, is eligible to play for Nigeria, his father’s country of birth. However, it’s still unclear if the talented midfielder has begun the process of nationality switch to enable him turn out in the colours of Nigeria. Eagles’ coach Stephen Keshi

had been trailing the former Kaiserslautern star with a view to convincing him to pledge his international future for Nigeria. His pronouncement authenticates Keshi’s revelation on Wednesday that the former Germany youth - teamer is keen on playing for the Super Eagles. ‘’There were intense discussions and I am keen to play for Nigeria. The country has a great football tradition, the team is full of good players,’’ Sam was quoted as saying by the online edition of Kicker.

Chidi Omeje (left) in a league game

Vejle. The club officials were impressed with his skills after playing for club-owned academy in Nigeria. But injuries threatened his once blossoming career in the rich modest Danish club. He would cross over to neighbouring Sweden after he parted company with vejle to breath a fresh air into his young career. He seems to be getting in the groove again as his goals keep reminding him of his early promise that caught the eye of Vejle, where he became the youngest player ever to appear in the Danish Super League game. “I have really done well for my career since I arrived Sweden and I must trhank God for His mercy,” Omeje said. “I’m happy with my form of late and I can always aim to do better. I’m looking forward to next season and I want to better my performance. “I hope I take my game higher but at moment, there are no concrete interests from bigger clubs, but I hope the interests will begin to pour in later.”

WORLD RECORD

Tallest dog living

Vol. 02 No. 488

Friday, November 9, 2012

N150

The tallest dog living is ‘Giant George’ a Great Dane, who measured 1.092 m (43 in) tall on 15 February 2010 and is owned by David Nasser of Tucson, Arizona, USA.

Ribadu committee report and Oronsaye’s hatchet job

f the Federal Government’s real intention for making former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Steve Oronsaye and Benard Otti members of the Presidential Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force headed by Nuhu Ribadu as chairman is to enable them discredit the outcome of the work of the committee; and merely use Ribadu’s reputation to confer some semblance of integrity on the committee, as has been widely alleged, then the government picked the right men for the hatchet job. For, contrary to the argument of President Goodluck Jonathan while Oronsaye attempted to tear the report of the committee to shreds when it was presented to the president last Friday, that Oransaye’s membership of the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and that Otti’s position as a director in the same outfit did not disqualify them from being members of the Ribadu commit-

FRIDAYS WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) tee, their presence alone in the committee made them judges in their own cause. Perhaps, Jonathan deserves being given the benefit of the doubt in this matter, but it is still baffling that two key officials of the NNPC, whose financial impunity was the main subject-matter the Ribadu committee investigated, were consciously appointed as members of the committee. Oronsaye in particular has for long been suffused in the nation’s public service; a bureaucracy reputed for its intriguing ineptitude, confusion, corruption and financial recklessness, before he left office not too long ago on retirement as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. Prior to his appointment as the helmsman of the federal civil service, he was a Principal Private Secretary to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. And since his retirement, he has served as chairman of the Presidential Committee on the Rationalisation and Restructuring of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies. He is a member of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) board; and also a member of the NNPC board, among others. Is the recycling not puzzling enough in a country where, according to business magnate, Aliko Dangote, 13,000 Nigerians, six of them with PhD, 704 with Masters and 8,460 with Bachelors degrees, recently applied for drivers’ job; whereas the Dangote Group needed only 100 drivers? It is possible that Oronsaye is keeping a special secret for the Jonathan administration that qualifies him for the extremely generous recognition the government has accorded him so far.

MINORITY OPINION WOULD A COMMITTEE MEMBER TOO BUSY TO ATTEND COMMITTEE MEETINGS OFFER?

But has the system not been fair enough to the Oronsayes of this world to deserve some respite? Should such people not retire quietly and help create employment and opportunities for upcoming Nigerians, instead of adding salt to public injury. Indeed, the FG should interrogate itself on why, even at the age of 60 years or more, most Nigerians are still hoping to play their roles as ‘the leaders of tomorrow’, while gerontocracy reigns supreme. Had the Ribadu Committee report not been leaked before it was officially presented to Mr. President, it seemed obvious that the damning report, which highlighted how the country lost over N16 trillion in the last ten years to the monumental corruption dogging the country’s oil sector, would have been doctored to suit the angelic expectations of Oronsaye and Otti. Only then, perhaps, would they have agreed that they contributed to the work of the committee. Yet, this is one man that confessed that “I did not join the committee until much later because I was busy with some assignments.” Indeed, he was said to have

Sport Extra

w our de France champion and Olympic gold medalist, Bradley Wiggins, was kept in hospital overnight after breaking ribs in a crash while training in Lancashire. Wiggins collided with a car while cycling in

WHAT CREDIBLE

attended the committee’s meetings only twice. Ribadu, while defending the report before Jonathan, stated that Orasanye was not in the country, but flew in last Friday morning and early enough to be able to discredit the committee’s work right before President Jonathan. This reminds one of the pacifying remarks Jonathan made on the occasion. “I don’t think they are major issues… there are situations that government set up committees and there will be what they call minority report, where people write a completely different report disagreeing substantially from the main report… What I will advise is that any member who has certain issues (and) observations should please write it and bring it either directly to me through (the) Chief of Staff or Minister of Petroleum Resources”, the president reportedly said. But the question is on what premise would a man who literally avoided the Ribadu committee meetings raise a minority report or observations? Based on his presence at the committee’s meetings or on the figment of his imagination? Even in court or tribunal sittings, where dissenting jurists disagree with the final outcome of their deliberations, minority reports or judgments emanate from the deep recesses of aggrieved member/members present during sittings, but who disagreed with the final majority position taken by members. What credible minority opinion would a committee member too busy to attend committee meetings offer? It is really sad that people in dire need of rest are still being paraded by the FG as Nigeria’s most brilliant technocrats. The truth remains that the rot uncovered by the Ribadu committee report merely made reference to the obvious. Like the Chairman, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) National Stakeholders Working Group, Ledum Mitee, rightly stated, the Ribadu Committee report has vindicated similar past shock finds on the nation’s oil and gas sectors by NEITI. President Jonathan had said the FG had nothing to hide; and that it would consider the report. The hope is that the presidential pronouncement would not be in vain. For, the Ribadu committee’s job was most prudently delivered.

Wiggins hospitalised after car crash Wrightington, near to his Eccleston home. Lancashire Police confirmed the cyclist suffered broken ribs as well as hand and wrist bruising, even as a statement

yesterday confirmed that his injuries “were not too serious”. “He is being observed and he is expected to make a full and speedy recovery,” the statement said.

Eye-witnesses have suggested that the car pulled out of a petrol garage forecourt and collided with Wiggins, who revealed last week that he had shaved off his

trademark, lucky sideburns. “By the time I got there he had moved to a safer place but was still on the ground and he was in a lot of pain,” Garage attendant Yasmin Smith said, stressing, “The ambulance got there after 15 minutes.”

Bradley Wiggins

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