Friday, September 14, 2012 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Derivation: Stop heating polity, FG tells politicians EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

he AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and

Vol. 2 N0. 448

Anti-Islam film:

Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN), has warned politicians currently agitating for the abrogation of onshore/ offshore dichotomy in

revenue allocation to stop, saying the move can overheat the polity. The AGF’s warning was contained in an address

FIRST LADY’S LA ADY’S ILL-HEA ALLTH: ILL-HEALTH:

DAY 20

‘Why Presidency keeps mum’

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Friday, September 14, 2012

P.4

N150

US warns citizens in Nigeria of likely attack Protests spread to Jos, Yemen, Tunisia, others

Jonathan meets northern govs

FELIX NWANERI AND OMIEZA AJAYI

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

he United States government has warned citizens in Nigeria to tread with caution as they may be likely targets following the wave of protests over a film shot in California, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Oando Energy Resources listed on Toronto Stock Exchange P.40 L-R: Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku; Chairman of the occasion, Chief Segun Osoba; Senate President David Mark and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio during the opening of 8th All Nigeria Editors’ Conference in Uyo, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Ngozi Nwosu’s health fuels anxiety P.19

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

Insecurity: Mark, Akpabio, Maku, others proffer solutions ...as editors converge on Uyo Aregbesola, Oyinlola bicker at probe panel

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Friday, September 14, 2012

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US warns citizens in Nigeria of likely attack CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

which Muslims have found insulting. The warning followed an attack on the US Consulate in Beghazi, Libya, on Tuesday, in which the country’s Ambassador, Christopher Stevens and three other embassy staff were killed. A statement by the embassy yesterday reads: “The US Mission reminds citizens of the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against US citizens and interests overseas. “Violent and deadly demonstrations and attacks occurred in Cairo, Egypt, and Benghazi, Libya, during the past 24 hours, including a lethal attack against the US Consulate in Benghazi. “Extremists may attempt to target US citizens and other Westerners in Nigeria. “The U.S. Mission in Nigeria strongly urges US citizens in Nigeria to consider their personal security and to keep personal safety in the forefront of their planning. “All US citizens should use caution and discretion when deciding to attend large functions or visit establishments identified as potential targets, and respond appropriately if they detect suspicious activities. “Because of ongoing security concerns within the Federal Capital Territory, US citizens should continue to expect heavy traffic congestion, road blocks, and significant police/security force deployments. “All US citizens should remain vigilant, pay attention to their surroundings, limit exposure to large crowds, and keep their cellular telephones in close proximity for use in cases of emergency.” When National Mirror went round the Diplomatic Zone in Abuja yesterday, there was, however, no unusual presence of police or others security agencies. At the US Embassy, about six policemen were seen guarding the building. The Police Public Relations Officer in the Federal Capital Territory Com-

mand, Ms. Doris England, did not respond to media enquiries as she did not pick calls to her cell phone or respond to text messages. A group of Muslims in Jos, the Plateau State capital, had on Wednesday night defied security agents to protest against the movie along Bauchi Road. The protesters, mostly youths and children and numbering about 100, were led by one Mallam Mansur Sani Adamu. They said they would rather die than to watch their Prophet insulted and would submit only to the laws of Allah, which to them, “are supreme to any other law.” Adamu said: “We are doing this to express our anger against enemies of Allah and Islam led by America and her allies like Israel, Denmark and Holland because they are plotting against Islam. “This denigration of Prophet Muhammad is very sad and we are against it. It is better that it is death that consumed us than for our Prophet to be denigrated. All Muslims in the world should come out and protest and those who cannot should pray.” Some Muslim and Christian groups in the country have also condemned the film but urged their followers to remain peaceful. “We are appealing to the entire youth of our dear country Nigeria to remain law abiding, resolute and focused so that some few individuals will not succeed in creating disharmony among us,” the Youth Leader of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Diji Obadiah Haruna, said in a statement. “We should join hands in condemning such acts of disrespect for our religious values.” President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday night met behind closed doors with state governors from the North. The meeting, which started at about 9.30p.m., had Vice-President Namadi Sambo in attendance. Governors who attended the meeting included Sule Lamido (Jigawa),

Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Idris Wada (Kogi), Seidu Dakingari (Kebbi), and Babangida Aliyu (Niger). Others were Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarrawa), Patrick Yakowa (Kaduna), Jonah Jang (Plateau), Isa Yuguda (Bauchi), Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe), Kashim Shettima (Borno), and Gabriel Suswam (Benue). Taraba and Sokoto state governors were not represented. Speaking at the end of the meeting which lasted for close to two hours, Aliyu told newsmen that the meeting focused on insecurity, erosion, food security and job creation.

He added that the issue of onshore/offshore dichotomy in calculating derivation allocations did not come up for discussion at the meeting. Protests denouncing the US-made film, Innocence of Muslims, which Muslims say, insults Prophet Muhammed, started in Cairo, Egypt and has spread to Libya, Tunisia, Yemen and Gaza. Libyan authorities said they have made four arrests in the investigation into the attack in Benghazi, the deputy interior minister said on Thursday. “Four men are in custody and we are interrogat-

ing them because they are suspected of helping instigate the events at the US Consulate,” Wanis Sharif told Reuters. The US faced violent protests outside embassies in Egypt and Yemen yesterday, even as it deployed warships to the Mediterranean Sea as part of the hunt for those behind the deadly attack against US personnel in Libya. President Barack Obama has vowed that “justice will be done” after the attack and warships, carrying laser guided cruise missiles and unmanned drones are being sent to help search for the

killers. A group of Marines called the Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team has been deployed to Libya to help secure US facilities, officials said. Another 50 Marines are heading for Tripoli, the Libyan capital, and could deploy elsewhere after their arrival, the officials added. A third day of protests in Cairo saw demonstrators throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails as police tried to disperse them by firing tear gas canisters. At least 13 protesters CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Outgoing Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Stefan Scholz and President Goodluck Jonathan during his farewell visit to the State House in Abuja, yesterday.

Derivation: Stop heating polity, FG tells politicians CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

delivered yesterday at a valedictory court session held in honour of retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Francis Fedode Tabai, who retired on July 25 at the attainment of the mandatory age of 70. Adoke’s position is sequel to the renewed clamour by governors of some northern states for the abrogation of the current 13 per cent derivation formula enjoyed by the oil producing states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers. He noted that the onshore/offshore debate had been settled by the Supreme Court in the case of A.G. Adamawa and 21 others versus the AGF and 78 others in 2005. “The apex court, in a

well-reasoned judgement, held that the existing Act of the National Assembly, which established the derivation principle, was to place the implementation of Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution on a more certain and predictable basis,” Adoke pointed out. The minister, therefore, advised the public to “promote the sanctity of our judicial system by recognising that the pronouncements of this court should neither be treated with levity nor be subjected to undue politicisation in the name of politics or the pursuit of particular interests.” Adoke added: “It is precisely due to the necessity to preserve the institutional integrity and constitutional role of the Supreme Court as the apex court

in our polity that I now find it most imperative to appeal to all Nigerians, particularly political commentators and legal practitioners, to avoid overheating our polity through the current debates on the desirability or otherwise of re-opening the issue of the abrogation of the onshore/offshore dichotomy in the allocation of derivation proceeds. “One notes with grave concern the deliberate attempt to resurrect this debate and elevate it to the level of an urgent national issue as if it were a fresh matter.” Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has called for the repeal of Section 292 (a) of the 1999 Constitution, which restricts retired judges from practising law after retirement.

This is even as the lawyer’s body advised that future appointment of judicial officers should not be done without the consent of the NBA. NBA President, Chief Okey Wali (SAN), made these assertions yesterday at the valedictory session for Justice Tabai. Wali said: “The NBA hereby calls for the repeal of the provision of Section 292 (a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and regulatory restrictions imposed on judicial officers from appearing as advocates in Nigerian courts and tribunals.” He said the institutional restrictions amounted to restraint of trade. “Nobody should be appointed a judicial officer until the consent of the NBA is given.”

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Friday, September 14, 2012

Good Health

RAPISTS IN TROUBLE!

Here comes anti-rape condom ... We will use it – Nigerian women

SAM EFERARO

n anti-rape condom? Is it available in Nigeria? You are sure it will stop the devil from perfuming the act? I’m all for it. Even my daughters will wear it! That was the reaction of Mrs. G.E. when informed that scientists have invented a female condom to protect women from rape. The new anti-rape condom, called “Rape-aXe,” is filled with sharp, microscopic barbs or hooks which automatically sticks to the penis during penetration. Once it latches on to the skin, the condom can only be removed surgically, which will mean that attackers will have to go to the hospital and risk getting caught. The theory is that while the attacker is stunned and doubled-over with pain, the woman will have a chance to flee the scene before the rapist has a chance to do further damage to her “It hurts, he cannot pee and walk when it’s on. If he tries to remove it, it will clasp even tighter... however, it doesn’t break the skin, and there’s no danger of fluid exposure,” the South African inventor, Dr. Sonnet Ehlers told CNN. Ehlers developed the condom seven years ago and says it’s now ready for widespread use, About 30,000 free samples were distributed around the various South African cities where the 2010 World Cup football matches took place. South Africa is the perfect testing ground for Rape-aXe, considering that one out of every four South African men say they have raped a woman. According to BBC, half of those men also admit to multiple rapes, and many say they’ve participated in gang rapes. A 2009 report by the nation’s Medical Research Council found that 28 percent of men surveyed had raped a woman or girl, with one in 20 saying they had raped in the past year. It is also believed that 16 percent of the population is living with HIV. Ehlers, a retired blood technician was extremely alarmed by the high rape statistics in South Africa, which has one of the highest rates in the world. She decided to do something about it and came up with the Rape-aXe. According to her, she drew inspiration for the invention from a South Asian mythology and speculative fiction “the legend of the vagina dentata,” or “A vagina with a set of teeth.” The device was

Dr. Ehlers shows off the new condom

The Rape-aXe

unveiled in August of 2005. Rape-aXe a latex female condom, can be inserted by a woman, like a tampon, any time she feels threatened of sexual assault. According to Ehlers the devise went through proper research and development steps before its introduction. ‘I consulted engineers, gynecologists and psychologists to help in the design and make sure it was safe,’ she said. “That is what we need in this country,” Mrs GE, a Lagosian told Good Health. I think someone should import it and get NAFDAC’s approval immediately. That young girl who was killed recently by robbers who tried to rape her in the presence of her parents would probably have been alive if she had such a device. Yes you may not know that the robbers would visit you but we’ve had of situations where they go from flat to flat maiming and raping innocent women. You simply wear your condom if you are aware they have visited your home. You don’t need to protest when they try to force

you. Your condom will fight for you. How sweet!” Some women did not however share the excitement. “How will you know a rapist is around the corner?” Another respondent who pleaded anonymity asked. “Then there’s this problem of the rapists being more than one. Won’t his gang members harm the victim if they see that the condom has hooked their friend? Will the attacker himself not get more violent when he realizes that he can’t remove it without ripping the skin off his penis?” Ehlers however says the condom will be most useful for women who live, work, or regularly pass through places or spots where they can be attacked. “The ideal situation would be for a woman to wear this when she’s going out on some kind of blind date ... or to an area she’s not comfortable with,” she says. In spite of the fears, some women in Nigeria believe that Rape-aXe is worth trying.

YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

Marijuana use may increase risk of testicular cancer

new study from the University of Southern California (USC) has found a link between recreational marijuana use and an increased risk of developing subtypes of testicular cancer that tend to carry a somewhat worse prognosis. Published early online in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the findings suggest that the potential cancer-causing effects of marijuana on testicular cells should be considered not only in personal decisions regarding recreational drug use, but also when marijuana and its derivatives are used for therapeutic purposes in young male patients.

Marijuana

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in young men ages 15 to 45 years. The malignancy is becoming more common, and researchers suspect this is due to increasing exposure to un-

recognized environmental causes. To see if recreational drug use might play a role, Victoria Cortessis, MSPH, PhD, assistant professor of preventive medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC in Los Angeles, and her colleagues looked at the self-reported history of recreational drug use in 163 young men diagnosed with testicular cancer and compared it with that of 292 healthy men of the same age and race/ ethnicity. The investigators found that men with a history of using marijuana were twice as likely to have subtypes of testicular cancer called non-seminoma and mixed germ cell tumors. These tu-

mors usually occur in younger men and carry a somewhat worse prognosis than the seminoma subtype. The study’s findings confirm those from two previous reports in CANCER on a potential link between marijuana use and testicular cancer. “We do not know what marijuana triggers in the testis that may lead to carcinogenesis, although we speculate that it may be acting through the endocannabinoid system -- the cellular network that responds to the active ingredient in marijuana -- since this system has been shown to be important in the formation of sperm,” said Cortessis. —ScienceDaily

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Friday, September 14, 2012

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AT THE 8TH ALL NIGERIAN EDITORS’ CONFERENCE

L-R: Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha; Akwa-Ibom State Deputy Governor, Obong Nsima Ekere and Sen. Ita Enang at the conference in Uyo, yesterday.

Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio (left), presenting a souvenir to the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr Gbenga Adefaye, during a courtesy call on the governor.

A cross section of members of NGE at the conference.

L-R: Media Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Ruben Abati and Publisher, The Source Magazine, Ms Comfort Obi.

National News

‘Why Presidency keeps mum on First Lady’s illness’ ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

he silence of the Presidency on the whereabouts and health status of the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, is deliberate, National Mirror has learnt. A source in the Presidency told our correspondent in Abuja yesterday that President Goodluck Jonathan was not under any obligation to disclose the whereabouts of his wife to the public. The First Lady, according to an unconfirmed report, was flown to a German hospital for treatment over “food poisoning” on August 26. An impeccable Presidency source said in Abuja yesterday that Aso Rock, the seat of government, chose to be silent on the matter because Section 145 of the amended 1999 Constitution did not require the wife of a serving president to serve the public any notice or the National Assembly a written declaration that she would

not be able to discharge the functions of her office, if at all she had any statutory duty. The source also explained that President Jonathan saw the quest by the media to know the First Lady’s health status as an incursion into her private life. Aso Rock’s silence, the source added, was also to discourage unnecessary sympathy calls and speculations about her condition. “You will agree with me that the late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s health status became an issue when it was not disclosed by both his family and handlers because Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution envisaged a serving president getting incapacitated by terminal ailment, insanity or any other serious condition and what should be done in the event no disclosure is made. “We were all in Nigeria when lawyers, particularly human rights activists, headed for the courts at that time, seeking interpretations of Sections 1, 5,

145, 146 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution as to what happens to governance in the absence of the serving president and who should be in charge in the event the serving president is incapacitated. “If Dame Patience were to be the president, a lot of lawsuits would have been filed over the matter. But the wife of the President is not envisaged by all these provisions and Aso Rock is of the view that it is not under any obligation to disclose any information

on either her whereabouts or her health status. “This matter was debated as soon as it was agreed that only off-shore medical centre could save her life with a decision of maintaining silence on the issue arrived at. In fact, a sack threat was even issued against any aide of the President who does not guard his or her mouth. “So, Jonathan is not bothered by what the media is writing. He believes that he has not violated the constitution if he refuses

to disclose information on the health status of his wife as the family of late Yar’Adua did,” the source said, adding that if the President had joined issues with the media, it would have complicated the issue. The critical condition which reportedly landed the First Lady in the hospital started in Dubai where she had gone to see a doctor because her hands were reportedly twitching. President Jonathan has visited Ethiopia, Malawi and Botswana in the past three

weeks without his usually visible wife by his side. The First lady has always gone with her husband on such trips, the most recent being the trip to the United Kingdom, where she met with Nigerian women in the Diaspora. She would have also played a prominent role penultimate Monday at the second edition of the youth empowerment programme, “YouWin! for Women,” held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.

Corruption, cause of Nigeria’s decayed infrastructure –EFCC OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has blamed corruption for the decay of infrastructure in the country. Its Head of Public Enlightenment Unit, Mrs. Rose Ekawu, said this while declaring open a one-day sensitisation programme on the ills of

corruption for officers of the Federal Fire Service in Abuja, yesterday. A statement from the commission quoted her as saying that infrastructural facilities had collapsed because those charged with their maintenance failed in their duties. Ekawu, who described the sensitisation programme as part of the commission’s mandate under its Establishment Act 2004, explained that

enlightening Nigerians on the consequences of economic crimes and corruption would help in curbing the menace. She said: “Everybody wants a decent society. It is obvious that nobody wants a society where there is no rule of law, where professional ethics are only academic subjects learned and forgotten in school.” Ekawu added that given the country’s enor-

mous natural resources, poverty ought to have no place in Nigeria. “Unfortunately, economic mismanagement, corruption and lack of accountability and transparency have been the bane of poor economic performance and rising poverty. It is in the light of this that we at the EFCC welcome genuine efforts at enlightening the sector that is crucial to our development,” she said.

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News

Friday, September 14, 2012

Insecurity: Mark, Akpabio, Maku, others proffer solutions TONY ANICHEBE UYO

rominent Nigerians, including Senate President David Mark; the National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Mohammed Dasuki (rtd); Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio; Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku and Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, yesterday proffered solutions to the current state of insecurity in the country. They agreed that the media had a role to play in stabilising the country. The occasion was the opening of the 8th All Nigeria Editors Conference organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. In his address at the occasion, Mark noted that the Freedom of Information Act (FoI) had provided enough room for editors to determine what constituted national security. Describing the theme of the conference “The Nigerian Editor and National Security” as apt, the Senate president advised the editors not to allow “breaking news to break up the country.” “The problem we have is the balance between what will make you remain in business and what constitutes a national security issue. “I believe that journalists are very patriotic people because they are the first victims of any major crisis,” he noted. The Senate President described the media as an important tool in the business of statecraft, national survival and preservation and urged editors to be extracareful, fair and conscious of national unity. He explained that security issues involved many areas, including infrastructure, health, welfare and energy. “I believe that once you are able to dialogue on sensitive issues, your reportage will not become a threat to national security in any form. “And for those of us who are political office holders, we have to be careful not to be insensitive to issues that constitute national security,” he added. Mark said that a respon-

sible journalist must not insist on going ahead to publish stories on issues considered classified, especially when they were a threat to national security. Dasuki said that the security of the nation should not be left in the hands of security agencies alone. He said that the role of the media was particularly important, given the state of affairs in the nation today. According to the NSA, “There are national problems that require the active support of the public. “Obviously, as the primary source of information and communication in free and democratic societies, the media is an important partner in the business of enhancing national security. “Probably more than any other profession, you shape public opinion and perception, thereby influencing such things as public orientation, attitude, patriotism, public awareness, national spirit and the nation’s ability to mobilise.” Dasuki also agreed with Mark that the theme of the conference was highly topical, considering the noble role of the editors and their publications in enhancing national security. “You are well aware of Nigeria’s history and struggles and the efforts that were expended to earn our democracy. The press was an important part of that struggle. “It acted as a voice of the conscience and aspirations of the people. The media can remain at the forefront of positive change and nation building,” he added. Dasuki stressed that it was time to rethink the role of the media and explore how “you can again be at the forefront of shaping our future positively.” “In fact, it is in this regard that the media is often referred to as the fourth estate of the realm, alongside the executive branch, legislative branch and judicial branch,” he noted. Maku advised editors – as gatekeepers – to define and promote national interest in their daily reportage. He commended journalists for being at the forefront of the nationalist movement and the fight for Nigeria’s unity. “Under all periods, nobody had been able to cow

the media; not even in the period of national emergency and military dictatorship,” he said. The minister said that every editor is a nationalist and as gatekeepers in media houses, they owed the nation a duty to protect her interest on issues bordering on national security with patriotic zeal. He noted that though Nigeria was facing security challenges, “there are so many good things that are happening here that the editors should emphasise in the media.” The minister urged editors to realise that though the Boko Haram insurgency was a major challenge, the greatest challenge was the need to promote the county’s unity. “The development of

millions of people is under threat; we can report it, not as a football match, but in a way that makes the nation feel a sense of confidence in the face of threat,” he said. Maku commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his inclination to a free press in spite of the difficulties being faced by the government and all the criticisms from the media. “I believe his patience and humility must be seen as a mark of strength because I have seen a lot of writings where the President is described as somebody who is weak or somebody who is unable to make decisions,” he said. Maku described President Jonathan as “focused and deliberate,” saying that the decisions he had taken on behalf of the na-

tion were those that would be celebrated even after his tenure. He, however, cautioned against reports that would threaten the stability of the nation, saying editors should consider the interest of the nation in deciding what should be published for public consumption. The minister also expressed strong belief that Nigeria would overcome the present security problems, stressing that most developed nations of the world had, at a point in their march to greatness, encountered worse security challenges. Ihedioha, who represented the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, applauded the organisers of the conference for choos-

ing the theme, saying that it showed that they were aware of the fact that security challenge was the most urgent problem facing the country. He acknowledged the efforts of the media in ushering in the democratic era and for exhibiting boldness in defending the public interest and right of the common man since the preindependence days. Ihedioha said: “From the struggle against colonialism to those heady days of reporting and recording the dynamics and exuberances of a newly independent nation; from the onerous battles against military regimes to the constant threat of civilian dictatorship, the Nigerian media has always held its own. CONTINUED ON PAGE 50>>

L-R: Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN); President, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Okechukwu Wali (SAN) and former NBA President, Thompson Okpoko, at the valedictory court session in honour of Justice Francis Tabai in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

US warns citizens in Nigeria of likely attack CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

and six police officers were injured, Egyptian government officials said. President Mohammed Mursi appealed for calm, saying Egyptians “reject any kind of assault or insult” against Prophet Muhammed. “I condemn and oppose all who insult our prophet. But it is our duty to protect our guests and visitors from abroad,” he said in a statement broadcast by state media. Obama, however, warned of “problems” if Egypt failed to protect the US Embassy and its staff, adding that his govern-

ment did not see the new government in Cairo as an ally or an enemy. He said: “I don’t think we would consider them an ally, but we don’t consider them an enemy. They are a new government that is trying to find its way.” In Yemen, hundreds of demonstrators broke through the main gate of the heavily fortified US embassy compound in eastern Sanaa, shouting: “We sacrifice ourselves for you, Messenger of God.” Earlier they smashed windows of security offices outside the embassy

and burnt cars. “We can see a fire inside the compound and security forces are firing in the air. The demonstrators are fleeing and then charging back,” one witness told Reuters. A security source said at least 15 people were wounded, some by bullets. An embassy spokesman said its personnel were reported to be safe. There were also protests at the US embassies in Sudan, where American citizens were advised to stay away from the embassy in Khartoum. The situation was the same in Tunisia and Morocco. Palestinians dem-

onstrated outside the United Nations (UN) headquarters in Gaza. In Bangladesh, about 1,000 Islamists marched to the US Embassy in Dhaka, demanding that the filmmaker be punished. In Tel Aviv, Israel, about 50 people demonstrated in front of the US Embassy. The US Consulate in Berlin, Germany, was partially evacuated after an employee fell ill on opening a suspicious envelope, while the Afghan President Hamid Karzai, postponed a planned visit to Norway, fearing violence could erupt in his country.

News

We won’t resume new academic session unless –Lagos teachers MOJEED ALABI

he Lagos State chapter of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has vowed that none of its members would resume for new academic session on Monday, September 24. The strike, according to the union’s chairman, Mr. Samson Idowu, is in response to the alleged refusal of the state government to implement the 27.5 per cent Teachers Peculiar Allowance (TPA) approved four years ago for teachers nationwide. This followed the directives by the National Executive Council of the NUT to its members in the affected 18 states to stay away from work “as long as the governments in those states refuse to pay the allowance.” It will be recall that after series of strikes by teachers over their demands for increment in pay, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua constituted a committee in 2008 to look into the matter. The committee approved the 27.5 per cent which was then referred to as Teachers Peculiar Allowance (TPA). Four years after the decision has been made, only 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have implemented the approved pay. The remaining states are: Zamfara, Katsina, Abia, Lagos, Delta, Niger, Ekiti, Kogi, Cross River, Enugu, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, Kebbi and Ogun. National Mirror learnt that Lagos State Government has set up a committee, made up of government officials and NUT members, to look into the feasibility of the implementation of the allowance.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Alleged oil theft: SSS shuts ex-minister’s company FRANCIS EZEM

he Federal Government’s efforts at ridding the country of oil theft may have started yielding results as the State Security Service (SSS) yesterday sealed off a tank farm belonging to Integrated Oil and Gas Limited, a petroleum product marketing company for alleged oil theft. Integrated Oil and Gas is owned by former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho, who is also executive chairman of Genesis Worldwide Shipping, one of Nigeria’s foremost indigenous

shipping companies. A security source, who did not want his name mentioned, SSS officials and those of the of the Maritime Guard Command made up of the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have taken over the company located on Ibafon jetty, Apapa, Lagos State. But the General Manager of the company, Mr. Tony Ihenacho, said there was no iota of truth in the allegation, saying his company does not have any product at the depot currently. The source said the sealing off of the facility was sequel to the discovery of

a vessel M. T. Grace laden with undisclosed quantity of products, which was alleged to have escaped with some stolen products. According to the source, the shipping document found on the vessel indicated that the point of discharge was Integrated Oil and Gas, which, he claimed implicated the company. He noted that the security operatives have already begun investigation into the matter, assuring that at the appropriate time, those behind the issue would be unmasked. Mr. Ihenacho, however, said his what his company does in the shipping parlance is called “throughputing,” which means

storing products for third party customers. The general manager, who had insisted that the company does not engage in any form of illegal activity, urged anybody who cared to come to the company’s office so as to see relevant documents. The Director General of NIMASA, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, recently paraded 11 crew members of MT Ejenavi for alleged oil theft. According to him, a joint operation carried out by managements of the agency led to the interception of a vessel M .T. Grace laden with suspected stolen refined petroleum product.

Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin (right) points at a thing of interest while the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika and other service Chiefs watched during a meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House, Abuja, yesterday.

Tukur to Jonathan: Fulfill your pre-election promises OBIORA IFOH AND ROTIMI FADEYI

ational Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, yesterday asked President Goodluck Jonathan to fulfill his campaign promises before the 2015 general elections or risk the rejection of the party by voters. Tukur, who believes that a lot needs to be done to convince Nigerians to continue to support PDP, said he was interested in

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who would deliver on the party’s manifestoes. Speaking at a dinner and interactive session with journalists in his Abuja residence, he denied any row with members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) over their boycott of the dinner. Tukur said his interest in 2015 lies on who will deliver on agriculture, energy, health and other sectors that would help to transform the country. He asked President Goodluck Jonathan and his vice to deliver on energy and infrastructure

and put on hold the issue of 2015. Tukur said: “PDP has been in government for 13 years because the party is consistent. We are not talking of 2015, but infrastructure development, energy, health and agriculture among others. We are talking of performance and not 2015.” He said he intended to build a strong party that would transform the country to a greater level. Tukur emphasised his agenda based on “three Rs”, “three Ds” and “three Es” aimed at transforming

the party and by extension Nigeria. The three Rs, which are reconciliation, reformation and rebuilding, Tukur said, will help to reconcile the warring factions within the party and by extension Nigeria, while the three Ds which stand for defence, dialogue and diplomacy, would help to defend one in term of aggression, dialogue in a given situation so that peace would reign in the country and diplomacy whereby volatile situation could be addressed. The three Es, which

stand for Environment, Energy and Education, Tukur said would also help to develop the country. Explaining the absence of NWC members at the dinner, Tukur said the function was put together by his wife as a prelude to his birthday which comes up tomorrow and that he was told of the event at about 6pm on Wednesday. But sources said that the dinner was funded by one of the governors of the South-South states and the non-invitation of the NWC members was deliberate.

Journalist killed by NNPC vehicle

orkers of Dom Communications, publishers of Nigerian Pilot newspaper wept uncontrollably yesterday after the news broke that James Momoh, a staff of the paper was knocked down and killed by a vehicle believed to be attached to the Minister of Petroleum, Wednesday night. The incident occurred at Mabushi junction in Abuja at about 8.00p.m., while the deceased was returning from work. Eye witnesses said the late Momoh was taken to the NNPC hospital by the car that knocked him down. He gave up the ghost on the way to the hospital. His corpse has since been deposited in the mortuary. The late Momoh, born on May 30, 1978 hailed from Ajaokuta in Kogi State. His colleagues described him as gentle, easy-going and hardworking. Meanwhile the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has expressed sadness over the death of Momoh. In a statement by the Chairman of Council, Comrade Chuks Ehirim, described the death of Momoh, a production staff with the newspaper, as avoidable and unfortunate. According to him, the tragic death of Momoh brings to fore the recklessness of government convoys and their absolute disregard for traffic rules and other road users. The NUJ FCT chairman lamented that the minister has not demonstrated any concern and human feeling for the deceased by reaching out to his relatives. He said she was rather more bothered about protecting her image. Ehirim warned that the union will not fold its arms and watch government officials treat human lives with levity and called for proper investigation into the matter as well as proper compensation for the bereaved family. The NNPC spokesman, Mr. Fidel Pepple however said last night that the car involved in the accident belonged to the NNPC and was not in the minister’s convoy. He however confirmed that a shuttle vehicle belonging to the Corporation was involved in an accident which eventually led to the death of the Pilot Newspaper staff.”

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National News

Friday, September 14, 2012

Aregbesola, Oyinlola bicker over N18.38bn loan WALE FOLARIN OSOGBO

sun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola and his predecessor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, yesterday disagreed on the desirability of a loan totaling N18.38bn obtained in the twilight of the last administration. The duo appeared before the Commission of Inquiry set up by the

present administration to probe the loans obtained by Oyinlola while in office. Appearing before the Commission, Aregbesola took a swipe at Oyinlola, describing the N18.3bn loan obtained by his administration as “insensitive, dubious and smacks of desperation.” Aregbesola said that the said loan made the state to be technically insolvent.

According to him his administration managed to wriggle out of the excruciating effect of the loan by renegotiating a better term and repayment period with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), adding that when he took over the reins of governance, the state was paying a monthly interest of N615 million on the loan and needed a sum of N1bn to settle wages.

The governor, who said that he was not against obtaining the loan, however, expressed dismay at the terms, the motivation behind it, the application as well as its disbursement. Governor Aregbesola also described the upgrading of nine technical colleges in the state by the Oyinlola administration as a sham, saying that except for the technical college in Osogbo, there was

nothing on ground to justify the 70 per cent cost advanced for the contractor. “It is criminal. All the equipment were said to have been supplied even before the foundation of the buildings were laid. Billion of naira was also wasted on labless kits,” he said. The governor also berated Oyinlola for embarking on the construction of six stadia at a time when the state was insolvent and has no known sport competition before it. On the N120 million obsolete printing machines allegedly supplied to the state Ministry of Information by a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Aregbesola said “it was just a bizarre arrangement put in place to enrich the PDP man who has no knowledge of printing.” Oyinlola, on the other

hand said that his administration acted in the best interest of the state when it took N18.3bn loan from the United Bank for Africa (UBA). The former governor, who denied the allegation that he mismanaged the loan meant for some capital projects, said that his administration followed due process in the award and execution of the projects. Buttressing his submission, the former governor said nothing was done in secrecy during his administration, adding that he carried the state lawmakers and other members of his cabinet along when the loan was obtained. The Chairman of the panel, Prof. Femi Odekunle, commended the former governor for honouring the invitation of the panel.

Third Mainland Bridge’ll be ready soon –Minister DAYO AYEYEMI

Joint Managing Director, Borini Prono, Mr. Giantranco Albeetazz (left) and Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, during the minister’s inspection of the repair work on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, yesterday.

Bill Gates Foundation commits $400m to projects in Nigeria TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

he Federal Government yesterday sealed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to strengthen the participation of the non-governmental organisation and other development actors in an effort to reduce poverty and improve agriculture in Nigeria. This is even as the foundation’s funding commitment to various development projects in the country, either directly through partners or organisations like WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International and World Bank, has increased to over $400 million. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the National Planning Commission, Salisu B. Haiba, quoted the Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, who signed on behalf of the Federal Government, as saying during the MoU signing ceremony in Abuja, that the nation looks

forward to partnering with the Bill Gates Foundation in an effort to realise the nation’s development goals. The minister commended the organisation for its supportive efforts, stating that “from their track record in other countries, the work of the Gates Foundation will stimulate government’s efforts towards achieving the Nigeria Vision 20:2020 and the Transformation Agenda of Mr. President, particularly in the areas of health, social development and agriculture.” The minister further noted that the foundation’s efforts would also help to complement on-going programmes and projects towards achieving the MDGs. We look forward to working with the Gates Foundation in our joint effort to positively transform the lives of Nigerians. In his remark, Gates Foundation’s Director for Africa, Laurie Lee, who signed on behalf of his organisation described the event as a “fantastic opportunity for the Gates Foundation to work close-

ly with the government of Nigeria and other partners to make some real gains in health and reducing extreme poverty. “We want to see children, mothers and farmers in particular in Nigeria given the opportunities to lead healthy and productive lives” Lee added. He pointed out that Nigeria is an important focus country for the Gates Foundation, which currently provides more

than $400 million in funding to partner organisations in Nigeria that are operating health and development programmes across the nation. According to him, the areas of support include, funding to help eradicate polio, to support small farmers increase food production and to empower women to seek healthcare during pregnancy through improved access to contraceptives.

inister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, has expressed satisfaction over the level of repair works on the Third Mainland Bridge, noting that the main contractor for its rehabilitation, Messrs Borini Prono Company Nigeria Limited, would definitely deliver the project by the end of October since it is one week ahead the job’s schedule. He noted that the ongoing repairs on the bridge was the first in the series of maintenance that the Federal Ministry of Works is undertaking, adding that routine maintenance has already com-

Police pay N69.7m to families of fallen officers OMEIZA AJAYI

he Nigeria Police yesterday said it has paid out the sum of N69.7 million to families of police officers and men who died in the line of duty and those who sustained varying degrees of injuries as accrued insurance benefits and medical expenses. Although, it did not disclose the number of beneficiaries, the police

said despite the occupational hazards it faces, it will not be deterred but rather get more committed in performing its constitutional roles to the nation. In a statement signed by Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, described the occasion as emotional, saying that “the police as the most visible agency of government, has its person-

nel vulnerably exposed to different types of dangers in the course of their duty.” He noted that the money paid is to assist in alleviating the suffering of the immediate families and other beneficiaries of the deceased. “The IGP while admitting that the amount of money provided may not be sufficient to solve all the problems of the beneficiaries, urged them to ensure prudent and optimal use of the funds.”

menced on all other bridges in Lagos after endless reports from the public on the need to carry it out. He assured that the Federal Government will, as from now, embark on routine maintenance of the country’s infrastructure, noting that in the last 30 years, the ongoing exercise was the first to be contemplated by the authority. Answering questions from journalists on why an indigenous contractor was not given the job, the minister said the project is a specialists’ work that required a contractor with the right technology such as hydrodemolition technique. This modern technology, he said prompted the authority to consider Messrs Borini Prono, who had one time carried out major repairs of the bridge in 2009. He described the speculation making the rounds that the Third Mainland Bridge is at the brink of collapse as unfortunate and satanic. He said such speculation lacked scientific proof of the bridge’s structural integrity. The minister, who was on an inspection tour to ascertain the level of repair works on the bridge, allayed the fears of the public, saying that the ongoing repairs do not in any way affects the structural integrity of the bridge.

South West

Friday, September 14, 2012

Solidarity rally paralyses commercial activities in Ekiti ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

ommercial and social activities were paralysed yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, following a solidarity rally in support of the governor. A coalition of youths and other interest groups across the 16 local government areas of the staged the solidarity really, praising Governor Kayode Fayemi for fulfilling his pre-election promises. The placard-carrying groups said they were satisfied with the achievements of Governor Fayemi in the last 22 months in office. They chanted solidarity songs to show their support

for the governor’s administration. The groups, which protested against Wednesday’s rally of local government workers which culminated in their declaration of indefinite strike over their welfare package, included commercial motorcyclists, drivers’ unions, traders and politicians. They were led by their respective leaders The rally, which lasted many hours, ended at the popular Okesa area where leaders of the various groups took turns to address the mammoth crowd. Chairman of Market Women in Ekiti State, Mrs. Waye Oso, who appealed to the council workers to embrace dialogue rather than

confrontation, said the rally was meant to encourage the governor to execute more people-friendly policies. In similar vein, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria Chairman Mr Rotimi Olabiwonu and his National Union of Road Transport Workers counterpart, Mr Oso Farotimi, said the people should resist attempts by some individuals and groups to destabilise the state and plunge the government into unwarranted crisis. Fayemi, who was caught in the traffic snarl caused by the rally on his way to the Standing Committee meeting of the Church of Nigeria being hosted in the state, however, stopped to address

the rally. Fayemi, who described the Wednesday’s rally of council workers as political and misguided, said no amount of threat from the protesters would make him back-down on his resolve to complete the ongoing biometric exercise before commencing the payment. He said he had asked the workers to wait for the outcome of the staff auditing in all the councils before implementing the payment, saying: “Nothing will make me pay the money until the system is sanitized and ensure that ghost workers and those living in Lagos and Sokoto and are receiving salaries from the council areas are fished out.

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Suspected sea pirates held in Ondo HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

combined team of Nigerian Army in Okitipupa and men of Naval base in Igbokoda in Ondo State yesterday arrested no fewer than 16 suspected sea pirates. The arrest followed a tip-off by a private security outfit on waterways, GlobalWest Fleet, which had earlier apprehended one of the suspects in Lagos. The development, therefore, led to the arrest of the 15 others after the suspect, held in Lagos, led the soldiers to the residence of their kingpin, Aseluwa Oluwariokanmi, alias Wazobia.

FG boosts technical education with N15bn facilities MOJEED ALABI

L-R: Former Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Leke Pitan; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris; Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina, during the closing ceremony and graduation of the first set of health volunteers under the Lagos State Health Volunteers’ Scheme (LSHVS) in Lagos, yesterday.

FRSC educates motorists on avoidable crashes OLUSEGUN KOIKI AND MURITALA AYINLA

s the end of the year approaches, the Federal Road Safety Cops (FRSC) yesterday advised motorists to desist from blaming avoidable crashes on “evil inherence in ember months.” FRSC identified poor attitude of motorists to safety precaution as the bane of avoidable accidents recorded across the country during the season. Speaking during a road show and sensitisation campaign, Mr Arinze Igwe, Assistant Corps Commander, Lagos Main-

•Warns public to beware of impostors land Unit, said the FRSC was determined to reduce accident rate during the period to the barest minimum through rigorous awareness campaign on the menace of poor safety culture. He said: Many of the motorists believe that the existence of evils forces that operate during the ember months is responsible for the upsurge of road crash during the period. We want to let them know that there are no evil forces operating during the period. It is the belief of the people and the needless rush to acquire what they have not had since the beginning of the year that kills them. “During this period,

they fail to take proper care of their vehicles, the commercial drivers engage in over speeding to make more returns. All these are what send our people to untimely death because they deliberately flout traffic

laws. When you have more vehicles on the road, the risks factor increases.” Igwe described the exercise as unique where no arrest of the erring motorist would be made throughout the week across the country.

inister of Education Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’I yesterday revealed that the Federal Government had equipped tertiary institutions with necessary tools and facilities to improve technical and vocational education. The facilities, according to the minister, worth N15bn. They are being installed in the various institutions and would soon be commissioned. Rufa’I spoke during the 35th convocation ceremony of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos State, about 3,082 students were conferred with Nigerian certificate in education, technical teachers’ certificate and technical teachers’ diploma in Nursing. She said the transformational agenda of President Goodluck Jonathanled administration relies on provision of quality education as a prerequisite to attain its goals.

Tokyo, Auxiliary still on wanted list –CP KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

he Oyo State Police Command yesterday insisted that the two factional leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state, Alhaji Abdul Lateef Akinsola, alias Tokyo and Mr. Lamidi Mukaila, alias Auxiliary, are still being wanted.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu, told journalists in Ibadan, the state capital, that the order declaring the two union leaders wanted was still in place. Mbu said he was informed that Tokyo sneaked into the burial party the state governor, Mr. Abiola Ajimobi, organised for his late mother

It was gathered that a large cache of arms and ammunition was found in Oluwariokanmi’s home. According to a security source in Okitipupa, the suspects have been moved to the Army Brigade command headquarters in Benin. Sources said the operation took the men of the Nigeria Army, Navy and the private security outfit three hours before the suspects were arrested. The said suspects were said to be involved in hijacking of crude oil ship on high seas and selling off the contents. Efforts to speak with the Brigade Commander in Benin, Brig- Gen. Obi Abel Umahi, failed.

recently. He said if an offence was committed, the person or persons involved must be made to answer queries, and if the offence is bailable, he would be granted bail. Mbu said: “Tokyo and Auxiliary are still wanted by the Oyo State Police Command. If they are not guilty, they should come forward and ex-

The minister said to confirm this commitment is the development of various interventionist programmes, policies and agencies of government to give necessary support and contributions. She said: “Intervention and support from relevant government agencies such as TETFUND, PTDF, ADB, MDGs and STEP-B offices, among others, as multiple sources have also been identified with the drive to promote technology and vocational education in our colleges of education and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria. This year, TETFUND has approved to build teaching laboratory for all colleges of education in the country.” The College Provost, Dr. S.O Olusanya, expressed the readiness of the institution to make giant strides in vocational and technological education following the improvement in facilities provided by the government.

plain their roles in the killing of those victims last year.” He, however, promised to deal with any police officer found to be involved in the indulgence of the two union leaders. Meanwhile, the state police command has recovered the body of one of the suspected armed robbers that attacked a new generation bank in Ifelodun Local Government area of Kwara State on Wednesday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Friday, September 14, 2012

Attacks on Christians: Nigeria can’t survive religious war –Cleric ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

he Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, has said that the weight of Christian teaching on the sanctity of human life and the country’s inability to survive religious war are principal among reasons Christians in the country are not retaliating terrorists’ attacks on them and their places of worship. Okoh said; “To call on the church to slaughter human beings and carry

out the destruction of property, presents a serious challenge to our faith and Christian sense of morality. This realisation has engendered a sense of frustration in many Christians.” The cleric, who spoke in Ado Ekiti yesterday in an address entitled; “Resisting the Devil” to the standing committee of the church, asked where would Nigerians take refuge in the event of a full-blown war in view of her population. His words: “If Nigeria needs to rearrange and separate, let it be by a constitutional discussion and

agreement, rather than by blood bath. This is why we have pleaded with the government to adopt a more effective strategy and tactics to contain terrorism, so that the righteous will not stretch his hands to do evil. “It is the constitutional responsibility of the government to ensure the welfare and security of the people. This is the essence of the social contract which is the foundation of civilised government. We call on the government to act fast before the dam gives way,” he added. The cleric admonished the government to tread

with caution on the proposed Fulani Commission Bill, saying giving special privileges to some groups would be unfair to others and would be “a recipe for endless crisis.” He said; “The proposed bill for Fulani Commission in which the government seeks to create permanent routes and reserves in all states for Fulani pastoralists is a recipe for endless crisis. The Fulani pastoralists are private professionals and businessmen. Even though each cow sells for between N100, 000 and N200, 000, they pay no tax

and VAT. Yet they make demands for schools, light, good roads, health facilities, etc. “The government will inadvertently open its doors to other pastoralists from the Republic of Chad, Niger and the Cameroun. Above all, government will thus institutionalise conflict in every community and aggravate the already high tension arising from the scarcity of land, particularly in the South. “Government cannot by law make the Fulani to be natives of every community in Nigeria,” he advised.

However, Okoh said the way forward was for the Federal Government, governments of the affected northern states and wealthy individual Fulanis to encourage the pastoralists to begin to settle down in ranches in their states of origin. In his speech, Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, praised the bishops and urged them not to keep quiet in fighting social vices, adding that they should not relent in their efforts, as these social vices are increasing despite the proliferation of religious centres.

Opposition charges Ajimobi to Ekiti group accuses ACN of blackmailing Supreme Court judges state, told journalists in had ordered the WDOs to did not discuss any issue rereinstate sackedprocess.” workers A N Ado Ekiti yesterday that start mobilising support for garding the Supreme Court BIODUN

KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

he opposition Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM) and the Socialist Party (SPN) yesterday urged the Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, to reverse the recent sack of civil servants in the state. The parties in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan by the DSM state Secretary and the Protem Publicity Secretary of the SPN, Comrade Abiodun Bamigboye, they said while reversing the mass sack, Governor Ajimobi should set up an independent panel of inquiry to verify all the allegations considered against the sacked workers. “We are demanding that there must be a total reversal of the entire action while an independent panel of inquiry of elected representative of workers, NBA and genuine civil society organisations be set up to verify and substantiate various allegations upon which the mass sack were based,” the groups stated. DSM and SPN lamented that it was unfortunate that the present administration in the state was not ready to yield to the voice of reason with its “continuous refusal to accede to the demand and the inability of the socalled panel to effect the reinstatement of even a single sacked worker in more than two months after its constitution, clearly raise a big question on the sincerity of the entire

ADO EKITI

According to the parties, with the refusal of the Ajimobi administration to reinstate the sacked workers; “We hold that the mass sack is a deliberate action by the government to reduce the workforce in the state. “We are convinced that as long as all the anti-poor, pro-capitalist political parties like ACN, PDP, CPC, LP, APGA etc continue to dominate the political scene, the interest and aspirations of the working but suffering people will never be met. “This explains why DSM insists on a socialist alternative as a solution to the vicious cycle of misery and nightmare of current iniquitous, antipoor capitalist system,” they added.

EJO

he Ward Development Officers (WDOs) appointed by the former administration of Governor Segun Oni in Ekiti State have alerted that a faceless group in the state is attempting to blackmail Supreme Court judges to pervert the course of justice in a suit filed by the former governor against the incumbent, Dr. Kayode Fayemi. Spokesman for the WDOs, Hon. Oladeru Olaitan, described as untrue and a fiction of the imagination of the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), operating under the aegis of Conference of Ekiti Youths, the insinuation that Oni was planning to foment trouble in the state. Olaitan, flanked by WDO members from the 16 local government areas of the

Oyo raises bar of stagnating typists to Level 12 tal, yesterday by the KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

yo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has approved the raising of the bar of over 300 typists who had stagnated for years on Grade Level 09 in the state civil service to Grade Level 12. Already, the first batch of the affected typists, totaling 160, has commenced a six-month training programme tagged “Stagnationbreaking Programme” that will qualify them for promotion up till Grade Level 12 in the service. A statement issued in Ibadan, the state capi-

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said the second batch would also commence their training after the completion of training by the first batch. He said the training of the stagnating typists was part of the wholesale civil service reform being carried out by the government, including flushing out those with fake certificates, those who falsified their ages and personal data, those with disciplinary cases and those referred to as “ghost workers” from the system.

the publication entitled; “Segun Oni’s desperation to set Ekiti State on fire”, was done by some ACN members with the intent to distract the justices of the apex court. It will be recalled that the Conference of Ekiti Youths had, in a publication, said that Oni was already mobilising to celebrate his victory at the Supreme Court and

his expected legal victory. But, Olaitan said WDO members’ solidarity visit to the former governor “was not at the instance of Oni, but we deemed it fit and necessary to pay a well deserved solidarity visit to him on Tuesday, August 16, to assure him that we are solidly behind him in the struggle. “During the visit, Oni

case with us, neither did he give us any instruction to mobilise 50 persons per ward for any purpose. “We only called his attention to the Imo State local government court case, since we have a similar situation in Ekiti and he urged us to be fervent in prayers and to congratulate our colleagues in Imo State,” he said.

South East

Friday, September 14, 2012

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Obi urges FG to declare Ogbaru, Anambra West LGs flood-prone CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

nambra State Governor Peter Obi yesterday called on the Federal Government to declare some communities in Ogbaru and Anambra West local government areas as flood-prone. Governor Obi urged the Federal Government to embark on measures to prevent recurrence of flood that has been threatening the residents of the communities so as protect lives

and property of the victims from further devastation. The affected communities include, Ossomala, Ochuche, Umuodu, AkiliOgidi, Akili- Ozizor and Atani all in Ogbaru Local Government Area, as well as Oroma Etiti, Ezi-Anam, Umuikwu and Umudora, Umuenwelum, UmuezeAnam,Umuoba Anam, Nmiata, Innoma, Ukwalla, Owelle, Igbedor, Odekpe, Odemagu, Nzam and Igbokenyi all in Anambra West Local Government Area. Obi’s call on the Federal

NBTE panel concludes visitation to IMT DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

he five-man committee set up by the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) to find out the level of compliance with its laid down rules at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu State, has completed its two-week visitation to the institution. The committee, headed by the former Executive Secretary of NBTE and senior lecturer with Bayero University Kano, Dr Ahmed Abdullahi, expressed optimism that all issues concerning last year’s temporary withdrawal of the school’s accreditation most of which bothered on over-admission would be effectively resolved soon. The NBTE last year temporary halted academic activities at the IMT following alleged admission racketeering involving the then Rector, Dr Edwin Onyeneje, as it suspended accreditation of the school’s programmes as well as approval for the posting of graduates of the institution for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). But addressing journalists, the leader of the NBTE visitation team said the committee had obtained, among other things, data on students enrolment, mode of admission to National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes, (full time and part time) and staff disposition. Noting that the management of the institution led by its Rector, Prof Mike Iloeje, fully cooperated with the committee, Dr Abdullahi, said the committee

would submit its report to the NBTE Executive Secretary who would in turn make their findings and recommendations public. He said the committee was asked to identify all programmes offered on full and part time bases, including the National Diplomas, Polytechnic and other Diplomas and Certificates and also to determined actual enrolment into the programmes identified. The committee was also asked to verify the level of compliance with the twoyear drawn down plan for downsizing students’ enrolment in relation to NBTE approved capacity.

Government to declare these flood ravaged communities as disaster-prone was contained in a state-wide broadcast to the people. The governor made the call after he embarked on an on-the-spot assessment visit to the affected communities. Shedding light on the extent of the damage caused by the flood, the governor said: “To our greatest shock, we discovered that the level of devastation suffered by these communities is

much more than what we were told, numerous farms were destroyed and washed ashore, while houses were submerged. “We are poised to take immediate measures within our capacity. May I humbly call on the Federal Government to intervene by declaring the affected local governments flood disaster areas.” Obi, however, used the opportunity offered by the broadcast to urge groups and states laying claim to Anambra’s oil fields to de-

ENUGU

esidents of Okutu community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State are groaning following a 14-day rains that submerged their homes, markets, schools and churches. Many residential homes and shops collapsed in the disaster that has put the community on a pitiable situation. The residents, it was learnt, have relocated to safer places. The rains, which rendered a good number of the residents homeless and damaged property running into millions of naira, caused all the streams surrounding the community to overflow their banks.

N4.4bn which bolstered investors’ confidence in the project before it was commissioned. “It is also pertinent to note that till date, neither the group nor the states laying claim to the oil field have invested a kobo in the project, while Anambra State and its people have invested several billions. However, we believe that peoples’ hard work, sacrifices and investment should be allowed to match their opportunities.”

Anambra State Governor Peter Obi leading officials to inspect the flooded communities in Anambra West Local Government Area, yesterday.

14-day downpour sacks Enugu community DENNIS AGBO

sist from the act. He said: “It is pertinent to recall that Orient Petroleum Resources PLC was formed during the administration of former Governor Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju in 2001 and allocated oil fields domiciled in Anambra State. “Under our government, Anambra State, with the vision and belief in the positive impact of the project on the economy of the state and country, invested directly and indirectly the sum of

The situation was worsened by the regeneration of an extinct river properly known as Adada which has its source from Ibagwa – Aka in Igbo Eze South Local Government Area. Addressing delegates from Okutu community led by the traditional ruler Igwe Dan Ogbonna in his office, the Chairman Nsukka Local Government Area, Mr. Tony Ugwu, sympathised with them over the disaster and expressed happiness that no life was lost to it. Ugwu assured the community of the local government’s assistance to ameliorate the effect of the flood, pending the intervention of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

Earlier, the traditional ruler recalled that the disaster occurred in 1990, but was not as damaging as the present one. He said: “We are calling on the government to quickly intervene in this deplorable situation; most of our people have been sacked from their residential houses. Our kids cannot return to school because the primary school in our place was adversely affected”.

Enugu State governor Sullivan Chime

Why we want schools retuned to missionaries –Catholic Church

he Catholic Church yesterday said its clamour for the return of mission schools to its original owners was to ensure proper moral training for pupils and to raise the standard of education in the country. Rev. Fr. Ralph Madu, the Director Media and Communications, Catholic Secretariat, Archdiocese of Abuja, spoke an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia. Madu spoke on the sideline of the 2012 second plenary meeting of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria. He said: “If such schools are returned, the standard of Nigerian graduates will further improve.” The cleric noted that the pervasive immorality in the society such as cultism, drug addiction, indiscipline, corruption, prostitution and violent crimes were all connected to faulty

education foundation. He said though churches in Nigeria were asking for the return of schools taken over during the military regime, most churches had reestablished nursery, primary and secondary schools. “The Bishops Conference of Nigeria had established Veritas University, now being rated among the best universities in the world. “Veritas is not just good in the area of academics, but in inculcating morals and ethical values that should characterize a good society,” he said. Madu said it was important to impart sound moral values in the youth so as to ameliorate the numerous socio-economic and political problems of the society. He added: “Catholic Church is not new in education, renowned university like Prime University is owned by the church, among others.”

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South South

Friday, September 14, 2012

Reverse DESOPADEC board’s dissolution, communities tell Assembly SOLA ADEBAYO WARRI

il bearing communities yesterday protested the dissolution of the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, by the state House of Assembly. The people of the communities, who described the action of the legislature as self-seeking, passed a vote of confidence in the board. The protesters, who were mainly leaders of some oil

producing communities, repudiated the Assembly’s action and demanded immediate reinstatement of the board headed by Mr. Oritsuwa Kpogho. The legislature had in a unanimous resolution sacked the board for alleged non-performance and directed the members to hand over latest by today. But the protesters, who besieged the Warri headquarters of the commission, which is saddled with the responsibility of managing 50 per cent of the 13 per cent derivation component of the state monthly

revenue earnings from the Federation Account, accused the Assembly of being economical with the truth. The placard-carrying protesters led by the Chairman of the Itsekiri National Youth Council, Mr. Omolubi Newuwumi, said the lawmakers did not consult and sought the approval of their constituents before the Wednesday’s action, adding that it was only the oil communities that could do a satisfactory appraisal of the board. The protesters, who were received by the agency’s

Chief Security Officer, Mr. Tsewo Edema, said they were satisfied with the performance of the board as presently constituted and praised Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for disassociating himself from the action of the House. Some of the inscriptions on the placards read: “Delta lawmakers not protecting the interest of oil communities,” “Leave DESOPADEC’s board alone, we are alright with the board as presently constituted,” “The lawmakers are unhappy because it is not business as usual” and “Members of

the House are aggrieved because their requests for contracts and money are not met,” among others. Newuwumi told journalists that the protesters, who were leaders of the various Itsekiri oil producing communities, were unhappy with the action of the House, adding that the oil communities were impressed by the performance of the board so far. The leader of the protesters said the action of the House was “arbitrary and self-seeking.” He said: “The oil communities reject the purported dissolution and call on the

House to reverse itself immediately if they (the lawmakers) are actually representing us. They should ask people what they want before taking a unilateral action. If the oil communities are not complaining, it means the legislators are crying more than the bereaved. “We are passing a vote of confidence in the board because the members have been consulting with the oil communities and they have been faithful to us. It is amazing that a board which is yet to execute a budget could be accused of non-performance.”

My focus is to create wealth, raise GPD –Oshiomhole

do State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has said that his administration would concentrate on expanding the economy of the state by increasing the Gross Domestic Product, GDP, and creating wealth. The governor said this yesterday while receiving in his office, the management team of the Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research, NIFOR, led by its Executive Director, Dr. Omoefe Asemota. Oshiomhole said this would be done in addition to the ongoing infrastructural development and urban renewal programme in the state. He said: “In this second term, it is clear to me that we have to sustain what we are already doing but also focus on expanding the economy of the state, increasing the GDP and creating wealth. “To get full value of the rural roads we have constructed, agriculture must be taken seriously and I have directed the Commissioner for Agriculture that we have to be

more active.” Noting that the state government was ready to collaborate with NIFOR, Oshiomhole disclosed that every institution in the state was part of the corporate citizen in the state. “We are happy to oblige farmers land to farm. The Dangote Group has indicated interest to invest about N1bn in oil palm in the state when land is provided and we are working to keep the people busy by planting cassava not only for domestic consumption but also for export,” he added. Responding, Asemota commended the efforts of the governor at repositioning the state within the last four years, especially in the area of agriculture, and promised to collaborate with the government in the sector. He urged the government to establish a 50,000-hectare oil palm belt which could be expanded, saying this would encourage investors into the oil palm sector and further create jobs.

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole (left) and the Executive Director, Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) Dr. Omoefe Asemota, during a courtesy visit to the governor in Benin, yesterday.

Repair East-West Road, motorists beg FG EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

any motorists and other road users have cried out over the deplorable condition of East-West Road, particularly the failed section of the road at Mbiama community area of Rivers State. The bad spot, coupled with the incessant falling of trucks, is causing gridlock in the area.

Incidentally, Mbiama is a commercial hub and a border community between Bayelsa and Rivers states. Investigation showed that in the last few days, two trailers had fallen on the road where there is a big pothole. In an interview with our correspondent, a commercial driver, Alloyius Nweke, disclosed that he was stranded on the bad spot for over three hours.

Oil firms neglect pipelines, say Rivers communities CHINEDUM EMEANA PORT HARCOURT

il and gas producing communities in River State have accused oil companies of refusing to properly maintain their pipelines and other facilities. Speaking when the state government Committee on Pipelines Right of Way vis-

ited Gokana Local Government Area in Ogoni land, Chief Simeon Monokpo, a resident of the area, said the life span of a pipe was 20 years, and was supposed to be replaced after that period. Monokpo, however, claimed that oil and gas prospecting companies operating in the country had failed in their responsibili-

ties to their pipes. This, he said, explained why leakages were being experienced from those pipelines. Also at Okrika, Dr. Godknows Tam George, the chairman of the council, said the pipes had gone bad because of lack of maintenance, adding that this had given rise to interference by vandals.

He promised to check encroachment on Pipelines Right of Way in his council, while urging Shell and other companies in the area to sink their pipes underground to avoid the danger inherent in oil and gas leakages. In Etche, Oyibo and Akuku-Toru councils, the leaders comprising council chairmen, chiefs, Commu-

Nweke appealed to the Federal Government to repair the bad portions of the East-West Road, especially in Delta and Rivers states. He said that driving on the road was like a nightmare to motorists. The transporter noted that the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, could apply a stop-gap measure to save motorists the inconvenience of waiting for

long hours on the bad road. In the same vein, another motorist based in Yenagoa, Ebiwari John, attributed the bad road to the slow pace of work by the contractor handling the extension the road into a dual carriageway. John also appealed to the Federal Government to speed up the pace of work on the road to check avoidable accidents and gridlock in the area.

nity Development Committees, women leaders and other stakeholders, accused the multinational oil companies of not carrying the communities along. They also called on the companies to provide proper security of oil and gas pipelines to avoid oil theft. The Chairman of the Committee on Pipelines Right of Way, Mr. Charles George, informed the people of government’s inten-

tion to remove structures built within 15 feet of pipelines right of way. He also explained the dangers in undertaking illegal businesses in petroleum products and urged the youth to embrace the various skill acquisition programmes of the state and local governments. George traced the origin of the committee to the electrical incident at Trans Amadi in 2010, which claimed several lives.

North

Friday, September 14, 2012

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I’m criticised over alleged 2015 presidential ambition –Aliyu PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

iger State Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, yesterday said the series of criticisms hurled at him by some people in the country, were due to the alleged perception that he may be interested in contesting the presidential election in 2015. He also said that he has not told anyone that he would be vying for the seat as widely insinuated by

people and reported in the media across the country. Recently, the Aliyu administration came under condemnation from various groups, including opposition parties over the proposed plan to sell government houses and the calls on the state House of Assembly to impeach him by a group known as the Concerned Citizens of Niger State over alleged mismanagement of state funds. Aliyu, who spoke on his alleged presidential ambi-

tion during a solidarity visit by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members from his senatorial district, said he was not disturbed by the action of his attackers, adding that those behind the attacks are using the Concerned Citizens of Niger State as well as other groups to perpetrate the act. Governor Aliyu’s words: “I have not told anyone that I want to contest the presidential election as people are saying or reporting in the media. I have not fin-

ished with the task God gave me in the state. “But, since they keep saying so, and because God cannot come down and speak as He speaks through people, all I have to say to all these is Amen! This is because power only belongs to God and He gives it to whosoever He wills.” He also attributed most of the bickering within the ruling party to lack of meetings as at when due to enable members iron out grey areas, adding that

holding meetings is one of the ways issues affecting members are resolved amicably by the leadership. Earlier, an elder of the party from the zone and former deputy governor in the immediate past administration, Dr. Shem Zagbayi Nuhu, told Governor Aliyu that his zone is solidly behind him and has passed a ‘vote of confidence’ on his administration. He also said that as the nation approaches the 2015 elections, should the governor decides to join the

presidential race, the zone extend all the necessary support required towards the actualisation of his dream. Nuhu then berated those criticising the state government of non-performance while citing projects spread across the state embarked upon by the present administration through the Ward Development Projects; Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and the State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB), among others.

Film protests: Muslim-Christian youth group sues for peace A ZA MSUE KADUNA

Nasarawa State Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (right), inaugurating a new abattoir in Lafia, yesterday.

Another batch of Trovan trial victims receive N119m AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

nother batch of five 1996 Trovan clinical trial victims yesterday received N119 million compensation from Pfizer International, through the Healthcare Meningitis Trust Fund (HMTF). Handing over the cheques to the claimants at the Diagnostic Centre in Dawakin Kudu, in the outskirts of Kano yesterday, Justice Abubakar Bashir Wali (rtd), said the graduated amount of compensation paid to each victim depended on the degree of

disability suffered by the victim. The beneficiaries, the fifth in the series were handed over cheques of various amounts ranging from $175, 000 to the highest amount of $140,000 by the Chairman of HMTF, Justice Wali. While presenting the cheques, Wali categorically stated that: “This amount belongs to you, the victim and you are not supposed to give any amount to anybody, but if you have another arrangement with anybody, it is not our business, so it is based on your personal arrangement.

“It is most gratifying and heart-warming that the five Trovan Victims Forum (TVF) claimants heeded my appeal to honour the board’s invitation and after a comprehensive medical examination and other protocols, they are being compensated today.” Wali, who acknowledged that the procedures contained in the settlement deal were quite cumbersome, appealed to all stakeholders to be patient and bear with the board since they are guided by the agreement reached between both donors. Meanwhile, the chairman said the board is also

Nigeria’s water scarcity over soon, says FG JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

he Federal Government yesterday said that the water problem facing communities across the country will be a thing of the past by 2015. Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, who gave the promise yesterday in Jos, at a oneday workshop for stake-

holders on the validation on Plateau State water supply, sanitation and hygiene policy, said that the President Goodluck Jonathan administration is doing everything possible to address water shortage in the country. Ochekpe, who was represented at the event by a senior official of the ministry, Engr. Samuel O. Omen, urged participants at the fo-

rum to study the document for water policy in the state and come up with a policy for better services. Declaring the workshop open, Plateau State Governor, Jonah David Jang, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Prof. Shedrack Best, enumerated the challenges facing the water sub-sector in the state to include obsolete equipment and short-

considering the cases of those who were not DNA positive, but using other evidences, pointing out that they may qualify for some compensation, while other steps for compensating such participants are currently been looked into. It will be recalled that during the cheques’ handing-over ceremony organised by the HMTF board for the first Trovan Victims Forum qualified claimant, Mustapha Mohammed, on July 9, 2012, Justice Wali appealed to the remaining five TVF qualified claimants to honour the invitation.

age of manpower. Governor Jang disclosed at the gathering that his administration has recently awarded an N8bn contract to boost water supply within the state capital and some rural areas. According to the governor, the state was partnering with other foreign NGOs as a means of ensuring better service in the sub-sector.

group known as the Christian-Muslim Youth Peace Initiative of Nigeria (CMPIN) yesterday sued for peace in the country over a film made by a Jewish-American that has caused series of violent protests in the Middle-East and North Africa. In a statement signed by CMPIN Co-Vice Chairman, Mr. Obadiah Diji and emailed to National Mirror, the group condemned the anti-Islam film. The statement read in part: “The Christian-Muslim Youth Peace Initiative of Nigeria (CMPIN) condemns the anti- Islam film as youths of Nigeria. We totally reject the act of disrespect to our religious values, which we hold dearly.” The group further

said; “The act of portraying Prophet Muhammad (SWA) and in some cases Jesus Christ in bad light by some individual in quest for financial gains is highly disturbing. “We are appealing to the entire youth of our dear country, Nigeria, to remain law abiding resolute and focused, so that some few individuals should not succeed in creating disharmony among us,” the statement said. The group, however, called on youths across the nation to shun violence and join hands to preach peace for sustainable development. “This cannot be possible if we fight each other rather than channel our energy to the development of our land and country as we channel our grievances to the appropriate authority,” the statement added.

Gunmen launch fresh attacks on GSM masts

unmen yesterday launched fresh attacks on GSM masts in Mubi town in Adamawa State. Residents of Mubi, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the latest attacks took place around 4.00 a.m. yesterday. The residents said the attack took place around Sabon-Layi area of the town where explosives were thrown at one of the base stations in the area, damaging part of it. Also yesterday, another tower near the market was attacked in the night around 8.00 pm, one of the residents, who does not want his name in print, told NAN. The state Police Com-

mand Public Relations Officer, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, confirmed the two incidents. Ibrahim, however, did not specify the operators affected by the attacks, but said there were no loss of life during the incidents. NAN reports that gunmen had last Wednesday launched similar attacks on masts in the commercial border town which killed four people including two students of Adamawa State University and Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, during the attacks on some masts near the schools. Residents of Mubi have expressed concern over possible communication cutoff with the outside world if the assault continued.”

Friday, September 14, 2012

South-South leaders strategise for 2015 presidency

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Politics

2015: Ndigbo should look beyond PDP, says Onu

Impeachment: Jonathan knows fate today EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

ustice Gabriel Kolawole of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja will today deliver ruling on an ex-parte application brought by the National Chairman of African Liberation Party (ALP), Dr. Emmanuel Osita Okereke. The plaintiff is praying the court to stop the House of Representatives from proceeding with the purported moves to impeach President Goodluck Jonathan over alleged poor implementation of the 2012 Appropriation Act. Specifically, Okereke is urging the court to determine whether by virtue of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the National Assembly can commence impeachment proceedings against Jonathan on grounds of not achieving a 100 per cent implementation of the 2012 budget, even when the financial year was still running.

He maintained that such moves at this time had the potential of distracting the president from executing programmes for the benefit of Nigerians. Justice Kolawole reserved ruling after counsel to the plaintiff/applicant, Alex Williams moved his application. He said he will need time to study the processes. Listed as defendants in the suit are the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, the National Assembly, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, and President Goodluck Jonathan. In a supporting affidavit to the originating summons, the plaintiff averred that the move to impeach the president for allegedly failing to achieve 100 per cent implementation of the 2012 budget in July 2012 is heating up the polity. He further averred that the September deadline issued by the House for 100

per cent implementation of the budget, which is three months earlier than the end of 2012 fiscal year and six months from the end of the 2012 budget is a disguise to cause political turmoil. The plaintiff wanted the court to determine: “Whether any provision

HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

he Benue State chairman of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Baba Agan, yesterday berated Governor Gabriel Suswam for his incessant trips outside the state, thus leaving the state to suffer. He scolded Suswam in the wake of the state government leaving victims of the recent flood occasioned by the overflowing of River Benue which affected parts of Makurdi and communities in Agatu, Katsina/Ala and Apa local government areas to their unfortunate fate. Agan, who spoke at one of the camps for the victims of the flood at Wurukum, described the situation as horrible, saying that the state government is not do-

implement the budget by 100 per cent for any given fiscal year; and whether the constitution prescribed any time frame or date in each fiscal year within which to declare the budget as nonimplemented” Accordingly, Okereke is asking for the following

reliefs: “A declaration that the move by the National Assembly to impeach the President from office for non-implementation of 100 per cent of the 2012 of the budget is premature, abuse of legislative powers, malevolent, unconstitutional, null and void.

L-R: Wife of the Benue State governor, Yemisi; Governor Gabriel Suswam and the Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BoI), Ms. Evelyn Oputu, during the signing of an MoU for SMEs scheme in Markurdi, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Benue CNPP blasts Suswam over incessant trips ing enough to mitigate the agony and suffering of the displaced people. He pointed out that something meaningful should be done to ameliorate the sufferings masses. His words: “It is a sad story, right from Vandeikya to Agatu local government areas, Benue communities have been submerged, millions of people displaced yet our governor has abandoned his people and travelled out of the state after spending days abroad.” He also berated the state House of Assembly for its failure to call Governor Suswam to order, adding that the Suswam administration has failed the people of the state. The displaced persons complained of suffering under unkempt and inadequate provision of food and accommodation facilities.

of the constitution made 100 per cent implementation of the Federal budget of Nigeria for each fiscal year as appropriated by National Assembly mandatory; whether the National Assembly is empowered to impeach the president from office for failure to

One of the victims, Mr. Tyonum Emmanuel, a father of five, called on well meaning indigenes to come to his aid by providing accommodation for his children so that their education would not be disrupted, saying that the flood has compounded his already precarious situation.

2015: Group decries Jonathan’s endorsement by South-East leaders OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

socio-political Igbo group, the Committee 21 (C21), has described the purported endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan for 2015 election by a section of the South-East leaders, includ-

ing the Anambra State governor, Peter Obi as “an unrehearsed mischief by elements whose integrity is worth just a penny in the developmental politics of the zone presently.” Delivering this harsh verdict on the purported endorsement, the C21 in a press release by Collins

Stop persecuting our state chairman, ACN tell Lamido OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has called on the Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido to immediately put a halt to the continued harassment and political persecution of the state chairman of the ACN, Dr. Abubakar Hassan Fulata and members of his family. In a statement issued at the end of its National Ex-

ecutive Committee meeting yesterday in Abuja, the ACN National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that the party can no longer stand by and watch Lamido continue to use the police and the courts in Jigawa State to haunt and intimidate Fulata and members of his family, whose only sin is that he testified at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal that Lamido is a secondary school dropout,

who never completed his secondary school education and that although he attended the famous Barewa College in Zaria he never sat for the West African School Certificate. The ACN said that since the testimony, Lamido has subjected Fulata to unimaginable persecution and harassment, a catalogue of which can only find parallel in the Uganda and Iraq of Idi Amin and Sadam Hussein’s era respectively.

Ugwu, the media aide to its president, Senator Annie Okonkwo said: “It beats common sense how a routine honour extended to the president to commission the enterprise of dynamic Igbo industrialists and recommission a serially commissioned but never functional Onitsha Port, became a benchmark to decorate the president with unsolicited endorsement for 2015.” Okonkwo noted that the embarrassment caused by the purported endorsers would have been mitigated if Jonathan had come to “commission the abandoned Enugu-Onitsha road or the death trap EnuguPort Harcourt road or the hyped Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport or even the mausoleum for Nigerian’s most fervent nationalist and first president, few metres away from the venue of this inelegant theatre.”

Politics

Eminent leaders and elders of the South-South recently converged on Effurun, Delta State, under the aegis of the South-South Peoples Assembly (SSPA) to deliberate on the state of the nation. Assistant Editor, SOLA ADEBAYO, in this report, captures the essence and highlights of the summit.

Friday, September 14, 2012

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South-South leaders strategise for 2015 presidency

he atmosphere was charged at the ultra-modern Protea Hotel, Effurun, Delta State in the early hours of Thursday, September 6, as leaders and elders of the South-South converged for a crucial meeting under the aegis of the South-South Peoples Assembly (SSPA) led by a former governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. The roll call of dignitaries was intimidating. An analyst said the status of the attendees clearly underscored the importance of the agenda of the summit. For the first time in recent time, the leaders of the oil-rich zone buried their political differences to discuss the political future and economic lifeline of the area, especially in the light of the unrelenting position of the northern axis of the country that the highest political office in the country must be ceded to the area in the 2015. The guests cut across political divides from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Edo, Delta and Rivers states. The issue at stake was considered too important and crucial to be sacrificed on the altar of political acrimony. They believed in the overriding interest of the zone and the compelling need to rally support and safeguard the constitutional right of their kinsman, President Goodluck Jonathan, to seek a second term in 2015. Political leader of the zone and former Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark, hosted the forum, which was declared open by Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. Some political analysts believed that the SSPA was rejuvenated by Clark in order to create a forum to push for home support for the second term aspiration of Jonathan in 2015 and respond appropriately to the concerted opposition to the aspiration by the North. Clark, who prides himself as President Jonathan’s father, set the tone and pace for the summit. The South-South leader, who could not conceal his excitement over the turnout of eminent sons and daughters of the zone, said he convened the forum in order to re-kindle peace and unity in the area. Clark, also a former senator, said that he was disturbed lately by the high level of disunity and distrust in the zone, adding that he had resolved to bring everybody in the zone together to enable them speak with one voice on national issues and developments. “There has been disagreement among us and we have not been speaking with one voice and I ask myself, if it pleases God to take me today, what legacy will I be leaving for SSPA? That is why I took up the challenge to call the meeting,” the octogenarian said, in an emotion-laden voice, which drew a thunderous applause by the guests. Clark proceeded to announce the establishment of a harmonisation and recon-

South-South leaders at the Effurun, Delta State summit.

ciliation committee headed by Prof. B.I. C. Ijeomah. He insisted that Jonathan is free to seek re-election in 2015, adding that the position was in line with the constitutional rights enjoyed by some of his predecessors, who hailed from other geopolitical zones of the country. He condemned alleged antics by some leaders of the North to portray Jonathan as an incompetent leader by making the country ungovernable for him, adding that the zone would resist any attempt to truncate the constitutional right of Jonathan and the zone’s entitlement to produce the president for the constitutional allowable period of eight years. He warned the indigenes of the zone not to accept to serve as a running mate to any presidential candidate on any political platform in 2015. “Former President Shehu Shagari would have completed his second tenure if not that his government was overthrown in a military coup while President Olusegun Obasanjo ran for two terms. Also former President Umaru Yar’Adua would also have run for two terms, but for death that snatched him away from us. “The South-South prayed for leadership and got it through Dr. Jonathan and we would not allow the North to intimidate or harass him out of power. If we miss this chance, we will not be there again.” His question on whether the guests support the quest of the zone for eight-year presidency was overwhelmingly affirmed. Clark also reacted to the recent pronouncements by the 19 Northern governors under the auspices of the Northern Governors’ Forum, especially on the expenditure of the 13 per cent derivation funds by the governors of the oil-rich zone and their call for the reversal of the controversial Onshore/Offshore dichotomy. Lamenting that the governors of the zone were not doing enough to engage their Northern colleagues on contemporary national issues and defend themselves and the zone, Clark said: “They (the Northern governors) have called for the abrogation of the 2004 Act, which abolished the

THE SOUTH-

SOUTH PRAYED FOR LEADERSHIP AND GOT IT THROUGH

DR. JONATHAN

AND WE WOULD NOT ALLOW THE

NORTH

TO INTIMIDATE OR HARASS HIM OUT OF POWER. IF WE MISS

THIS CHANCE, WE WILL NOT BE THERE AGAIN onshore-offshore dichotomy,” castigating Northern legislators for their earlier support of the bill, they now want a restoration of the Supreme Court judgment of 2002. “They believe that the insurgence of Boko Haram is as a result of the 13 per cent derivation being received by oil producing states of the country. Sections of the press have joined in instigating hatred against President Jonathan because he is a minority from the South-South with no right to be there (Presidency) at all.” Clark called on the South-South governors to be ready to match their Northern governors, who “are becoming very arrogant and provocative in their comments.” The First Republic Minister also renewed his opposition to the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) to chart the way forward for the country. Rather, he favoured a national conference. He added: “I say national conference, because I am opposed to SNC. It can break the country but we are not for that, but I accept the convocation of a national conference where the issue of fiscal federalism, derivation funds and other issues would be debated.” Uduaghan, in his opening address, was

also excited by the conference, which he said was an indication that the zone had woken up from slumber. He described the summit of the leaders and its attendant love and unity as inspiring to the governors of the zone. According to him, the SSPA forum would serve as a catalyst to spur the governors of the area into action, particularly to articulate the zone’s position on salient national issues. He said: “For us to come out boldly in strong support of our President (Jonathan) and the unity of this country, we must be united back home. I am happy that today, we have a more united SSPA. However, we must not ignore the ethnic grumbling in the South-South.” While calling for unity amongst all the ethnic groups, who he said must be given sense of belonging, accommodation and protection, Uduaghan added: “All the interstate disagreements must also be carefully dealt with; I want to implore the SSPA, at this juncture, to urgently intervene in the current disagreement between Cross River and Akwa Ibom states over oil wells before it degenerates further.” The governor also rallied support for Jonathan, arguing that “he (Jonathan) has come into office at a time the world economy was at its worst. All over the world, there is the problem of economic depression leading to very high rate of unemployment. This is made worse by the astronomical rise in our population. All these pose a big challenge to any leader. We must therefore be more rational and understanding in our criticism.” Uduaghan seized the opportunity to reply his Northern colleagues who have been calling for the revisit of the offshore/ onshore dichotomy and asked them to drop their demand for a reversal of the settled matter. He warned that their recalcitrant position could spark fresh trouble for the country. His words: “I’m worried when some leaders overlook the obligation placed upon them in not applying restraint in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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Politics

Friday, September 14, 2012

OBIORA IFOH writes on the call by the National Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) on his kinsmen in the South-East to look beyond the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in their quest for the nation’s topmost political office in 2015.

2015: Ndigbo should look beyond PDP, says Onu

t is in the public domain that the SouthEast geo-political zone is leaving nothing to chance in its quest to aspire to the highest political office in the land, the presidency come 2015, despite the recent endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term by a section of the leaders of the zone. Towards this end, the National Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has advised Igbo politicians to look away from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and consider other parties of national reach and structure as an insurance against the unknown, in their quest to have an Igbo president come 2015. Onu made this call while delivering a speech titled “The Igbo: The Path To Nigeria’s Presidency in 2015,” as the guest speaker at the Igbo Leadership Forum of the World Igbo Congress (WIC) Convention held on September 4 at Orlando, Florida, USA. While thanking the WIC for its numerous efforts in helping to nurture, revive and propagate the Igbo culture worldwide, the ANPP chairman reminded the WIC that the Igbo must not fail to realise that the Nigerian constitution makes no provision for independent candidates, and therefore need a political platform to make their political aspiration come to reality. He said: “Anyone who wants to run for an elective office, whether as a councillor, local government chairman or as the president of Nigeria, must be sponsored by a political party. Hence the first important step in running for election is to contest and win the primaries of a political party and become its candidate.” He asserted that this important element

Onu

is often overlooked by many people and by the time reality dawns on them, it might have become too late to effect any change. Onu said: “For the Igbo to do well in politics, they should not put their eggs in one basket. What we have today is that most of the Igbo elites are in the ruling party. They believe that the ruling PDP is where the action is. This has its advantages; it certainly has many disadvantages. “It is very important to always consider what happens in such a case if, for one reason or the other, the ruling party is unable to make available its platform. In that case every effort made, then comes to nothing. Should this be allowed to be so? No. “The Igbo in politics should look beyond the ruling party. We should study the political terrain very carefully and take decisions which are in our own very best inter-

est. We should always remember what our ancestors taught us, that when answering the call of nature, we should go with two pieces of sticks. If one falls by the wayside unnoticed, the other can still be relied upon to perform its duty when the need arises. “The Igbo need an alternative political party that has a national reach and is not perceived by the general public as a regionally based party. The ANPP is that political party, which the Igbo should embrace so that they can always make a viable choice. The Igbo need to diversify, as an insurance against the unknown and the unseen.” The ANPP national chairman said that his political party has achieved the status of a party with well-spread out representation in government from different regions of the country, though it has lost its position as the second biggest party in Nigeria, which is now occupied by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). However, he advised the Igbo to remember that the ANPP, formerly All Peoples Party (APP), was founded by prominent Igbo politicians, affirming that the party, which he and other leaders are repositioning for greater exploits, and also discussing with other opposition parties for possible alliance, should be a home for Ndigbo. Onu said: “Since I took over as National Chairman of the ANPP, my colleagues and I have worked very hard to rebuild the party. The ANPP of today is stronger than what it was yesterday. The ANPP is now more united, more focused and stable. We have institutionalised internal democracy within the party such that our nomination primaries are free, fair, credible and peaceful. We are leading Nigerians to embrace issue-based and ideas-driven politics. “The ANPP has engaged other major opposition political parties in discussions with the aim of coming together to present a strong and more attractive political platform to contest future elections. Our

ultimate aim is to have two strong political parties in the country, in addition to other small parties that meet the needs of special interest groups. The strength of the two major political parties will be such that none of them going into an election can be sure of winning until the election is over, not to talk of boasting to be in government for 60 years or perhaps forever. “This will introduce effective completion in the political arena such that a political party in government today can be in opposition tomorrow. It is then that those who occupy public positions will put the interest of the nation first, knowing that if they do not satisfy the people, they can be voted out of office. It is when this happens that those elected into public office will be the true servants of the people. “The Igbo should remember that its political leaders were the founding leaders of the APP, that later became the ANPP. These great Igbo sons and daughters laid the foundation of and nurtured the party to what it was in 1999. These Igbo political leaders include late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, late Chief Sam Mbakwe, Chief C. C. Onoh, Chief E. C. Iwuanyanwu, Chief Arthur Nzeribe, Chief Evan Enwerem, Chief Ken Nnamani, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, Dr. Hyde Onuaguluchi, Chief Martin Elechi, Chief Chekwas Okorie, Chief Ben Obi, Chief (Mrs) Joy Emordi, Dr Ezekiel Izuogu, Chief Gbazuagu Nweke Gbazuagu, Chief Chris Nwankwo, Chief Frank Ogbuewu, Chief Lynda Ikpeazu. “Looking at the personalities, the ANPP should be a home for the Igbo. I urge the Igbos to embrace the ANPP. By the grace of God, the ANPP gives us a good chance of success both today and tomorrow.” But with the discordant tunes emanating from the Igbo over their quest for the presidency come 2015, it remains to be seen whether the Igbo would heed Onu’s call or not.

South South leaders strategise for 2015 presidency CONTINUED FROM 14 position they take, such as on this issue of derivation. I say so because, the tension and crisis over derivation, in particular over onshore/offshore dichotomy, is too recent in our collective memory to be reopened by anyone for debate. “I say to all those agitating for reversal of onshore/offshore dichotomy to drop it, because it is a move that will do the country no good. It is a fact that the South- South is even asking for a return to the first principle of derivation as it was the case in the First Republic, which was 50 per cent. “I therefore charge SSPA and the people of the region not to relent in the demand for 50 per cent derivation.” On his part, Odigie-Oyegun praised God that the zone was able to set aside its differences and chart a new way forward under the auspices of SSPA. He said: “The fact that the region was in disagreement before this meeting was not in doubt but I am thanking God for the new

spirit of unity that has taken over.” Former governor of Delta State, Senator Felix Ibru said the “new spirit of unity in the zone has made the people stronger” while former IGP, Mike Okiro added that the zone deserved better attention and reward for its contributions to the economic growth of the country, saying: “We want 50 per cent, not 13 per cent derivation. There must be fiscal federalism, let every region develop with its own resources.” Other speakers at the summit like General Ikponwen, Prof. Ijeomah and Chief Diepreye Alamieyesiegha praised the new real spirit that has now pervaded the zone and the unity that has crept into the zone, saying that this will galvanise the zone to speak with one voice and garner support for Jonathan’s second term agenda. Although the meeting ended with hope of a new dawn of political and economic development for the South-South, unfolding events ahead of 2015 will, however, will determine if the latest forum is not one of

the usual jamborees initiated to relish in usual rhetoric and unrealisable lofty promises of better life for the people of the oilrich zone. The pace and achievement of the SSPA, will disabuse the minds of the critics that the group was not merely rejuvenated just for the purpose of returning Jonathan to Aso Rock Presidential Villa in 2015. The array of dignitaries include Oyegun, Ibru; a former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha; a former Military Administrator of Niger State, Brigader-General Cletus Emein (rtd); a former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro and a former governor of Akwa-Ibom/Deputy Chairman of SSPA, Chief Idongesit Nkanga. Others are Senators Roland Owie, Francis Okpozo, Patrick Osakwe, Stella Omu, Francis Nwajei, Tare Sekibo and Lee Maeba; former Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Don Idada Ikponmwen (rtd); two former chairmen of SSPA in Cross River and Edo states, Elder

Ambrose Akpanika and Dr. Brown Adasen, respectively and a former governorship aspirant on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, Chief Francis Doukpola; Dr. Esther Uduehi and Wing Commander Peter Biakpara (rtd). Also at the meeting were Prof. B.I. C. Ijeomah; a former Minister of Information, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire; Major-General Sam Oviawe (rtd), Niger-Delta activist, Ann KioBriggs; Prince Ernest Okojie, Chief S.S. Obaro, Prince K.B. Omatseye, Mrs. Adaora Giwa-Amu; a former presidential aide on the National Assembly, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, Chief Godwin Ogbetuo, Dr. Isaac Jemide; Chief Patrick Okonny, Otuekong Jackson Udom; Major-General Anthony Etukudoh (rtd.), Chief E. Okoretie, Chief B. Ketebu, Princess Monica Akiri, Barr, Mike Ejiofor, Chief David Pere, a former gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the PDP in Delta State, Prof. Saliba Mukoro and Ambassador Harold Moni, among others.

Editorial

Friday, September 14, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

STEVE AYORINDE

MD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

YELE AKINROLABU

ED OPERATIONS

SEYI FASUGBA

DAILY EDITOR

BOLAJI TUNJI

SUNDAY EDITOR

GBEMI OLUJOBI

SATURDAY EDITOR

LANRE OYETADE

GENERAL EDITOR

DOZIE OKEBALAMA

COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD

ADESOYE ADEKOYA

CONTROLLER, PRODUCTION

CALLISTUS OKE

EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

ISE-OLUWA IGE

ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

KAYODE BALOGUN JNR

SM, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

FRANK OBOH

HEAD, GRAPHICS

Sure-P implementation strategies: Matters arising

he Subsidy Re-investment Programme (SURE-P) may be traced to the astronomical fuel pump price increase of January 1, 2012 occasioned by the purported removal of fuel subsidy; and the nationwide strike and protests led by organized labour and the civil society against the petroleum price adjustment. The Federal Government, in response to the widespread protests and to cushion the effects of the price hike on the populace, came up with SURE-P and a committee under the headship of the country’s former High Commissioner to Britain, Dr. Christopher Kolade, to superintendent on the finances accruing from the subsidy removal. The President Goodluck Jonathan administration had assured Nigerians that the differentials from what it called the partial removal of fuel subsidy would be channeled to social and development projects. Reports have indicated, however, that the country earned a total of N71.10 billion subsidy fund accruals between April and June 2012. According to the second quarter review of the economy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the said amount was distributed among the three tiers of government and the 13 Percent Derivation Fund to take care of SURE-P. While the FG got N32.59 billion; state governments’ share was N16.53 billion; local governments N12.14 billion; and the 13

Percent Derivation Fund N9.24 billion. The aforementioned disbursement raises pertinent questions. Does the sharing of subsidy fund accruals agree with the FG’s policy statement on SUREP? Whither the capital projects earmarked for SURE-P? What has been the role of the Dr. Christopher Kolade-led committee on the management and monitoring of subsidy fund? Is the Kolade committee responsible for the disbursement? Is the fund to be utilized for social infrastructure and job creation or as it pleases the three tiers of government? Is it being used to revive the national refineries or support the establishment of new ones by licensed refiners? It is puzzling that the subsidy accruals are now being shared by the three tiers of government. The Kolade committee had been created as an interventionist mechanism to appropriate the accruals for the social benefit of Nigerians considering the harsh effects of the said sudden increase in the pump price of fuel. Indeed, the public impression had been that festering public sector corruption and the dismal performance of government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in service delivery underscored the establishment of SURE-P as a subtle indictment on the government institutions. It does appear, however, that

THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ADHERE STRICTLY TO THE RAISON D’ÊTRE OF SURE-P

IN THE LIGHT OF THE PERVASIVE SOCIAL DISLOCATIONS IN THE COUNTRY AND THEIR POTENTIAL THREATS TO THE POLITY the Kolade committee retired to sleep shortly after it came into existence. The committee merely announced its intent to intervene in social infrastructure provisioning especially in the transport sector. Thus the implementation of the SURE-P might] have been hijacked by the three tiers of government; and the regrettable consequence could be that nothing of substance might be achieved with the shared funds but the usual government platitudes and rhetoric on bogus social plans. It is not in dispute that critical infrastructure and social services in the country are in a distressing state. The rail system, intra and inter road networks are deplorable, for instance; while government owned or assisted mass bus transit schemes are politicized and mismanaged.

The persistent ethno-religious crisis and youth restiveness in the land have been partly traced to massive unemployment and the resultant high poverty level in the country. Ours has been a country whose leadership, over the years, is characterized by deceit, falsehood, grandstanding, propaganda and chicanery with the intent to predate on state resources. The Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) had been implemented under the General Babangida military junta with high promises of social gains in the long run, which never translated to reality in terms of improved social service delivery or human development. The President Olusegun Obasanjo civilian era also witnessed several upward reviews of the pump price of fuel which did not reflect on living standards. Therefore, it is not unlikely that the Jonathan administration merely sold a dummy to Nigerians to assuage the outrage on the January 1 fuel pump price increase. President Jonathan should, however, be mindful of his pact with Nigerians on subsidy fund accruals. The distribution of the fund across the three tiers of government appears to have negated that pact. The government should adhere to the raison d’être of SURE-P in the light of the pervasive social dislocations in the country and their potential threats to the polity.

ON THIS DAY September 14, 2007 Late-2000s financial crisis: The Northern Rock bank experienced the first bank run in the United Kingdom in 150 years. The 2007–2012 global financial crisis, also known as the Global Financial Crisis and 2008 financial crisis, is considered by many economists to be the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s. It resulted in the threat of total collapse of large financial institutions, the bailout of banks by national governments, and downturns in stock markets around the world.

September 14, 2000 Microsoft released Windows Me. Windows Millennium Edition, or Windows Me is a graphical operating system. It was the last operating system released in the Windows 9x series. Support for Windows Me ended on July 11, 2006. Windows Me was the successor to Windows 98 and was targeted specifically at home PC users. It included Internet Explorer 5.5, Windows Media Player 7, and the new Windows Movie Maker software, which provided basic video editing.

September 14, 1982 President-elect of Lebanon, Bachir Gemayel, was assassinated. Bachir Gemayel (1947 – 1982) was a Lebanese politician, militia commander, and president-elect. He was a senior member of the Phalange party and the commander of the Lebanese Forces militia amid the first several years of the Lebanese Civil War (1975–90). He was elected president on August 23, 1982 while the country was torn by civil war and occupied by both Israel and Syria.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, September 14, 2012

Terrorism, society and the rest of us VICTOR NDOMA-EGBA

s a politician and a three-term member of the National Assembly, I cannot but be disturbed by the recent floundering state of security in Nigeria. I know a lot of my compatriots also feel the same angst, consternation and ‘confoundment’. It is indeed disheartening that innocent Nigerians are being murdered in a manner that is too serial and sectarian for comfort. It is even more discomfiting that a large number of those killed in these attacks are youths, the real resource of a nation. By these killings, we are squandering not only our wealth, but our future. Up till now, no one is yet to fathom the goals being pursued by the attackers. What is known is that they have been meticulous in their strategy by choosing to hide under the cover of our diversity to cast their terror nets thus creating a hiatus in our national unity. So, to the extent that each time these terrorists attack, we are quick to stand apart on the threshold of Christian-Muslim or Southern-Northern divide, we continue to lose the war against terrorism in our country. I doubt if this country had ever been as divided as it is today. Yet, ironically, this

is the time we need to stand together as a people to fight the boggy of insecurity plaguing our land. Then we can fully address the poverty and inequities in our polity; issues that know neither tribe nor religion. I believe that a more pragmatic approach to solving the menace of terrorism in our country is to reinvent those social and communal values that bound us in the past. As far as history can guide my thoughts, most of the communities where we have problems of terrorism today have had centuries old history of social and communal relationships and coexistence. The Berom have for centuries accommodated and lived with the Fulani in Plateau State; the Hausa in Kano State have over the years, accommodated and lived peacefully with the Igbo; and the Kataf in Kaduna State and the Kanuri in Maiduguri have also had age-long histories of accommodating non-natives in their communities. These were communities that thrived on the strength of association, friendships, and interdependence. Jos once used to be the hub of hospitality in the whole of West Africa. Kano became a great city of commerce because of its association and friendship with people from other places. Kaduna

AS FAR AS HISTORY CAN GUIDE MY

THOUGHTS, MOST OF THE COMMUNITIES WHERE WE HAVE PROBLEMS OF TERRORISM TODAY HAVE HAD CENTURIES OLD HISTORY OF SOCIAL AND COMMUNAL RELATIONSHIPS AND CO-EXISTENCE

was once a flourishing city known for its intellectual enterprise. All these are no more, and that begs the question: Where and when did we get it wrong and where did we miss the turn? I recall with nostalgia my days as a member of the 1978-1979 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) set. I served in the old Bauchi State, which is now Bauchi

and Gombe states. At the same time, my elder brother, Rowland, now Professor of Surgery, was serving in Song in the old Gongola State, now Adamawa and Taraba states, and his fiancée (now his wife of several years) was also serving in Numan now in Taraba State. I also had friends in Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, and of course, Jos. That meant I was perpetually on the move, shuttling among these cities. The hospitality I experienced was unparalleled. The elder brother of Yayale Ahmed, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Head of Service (HOS), Alhaji Yelwaji Azare of blessed memory, adopted me as his son; and I was treated as such. A political icon from Cross River State, late Chief I.I. Murphy, gave me a note to his political associate, Alhaji Ibrahim Dimis, then a serving senator who also threw his home open to me. I could go there anytime. Not to talk of the person I served directly under in the Nigerian Police Force, Senator Nuhu Aliyu, who was then an Assistant Commissioner of Police. To be concluded Senator Ndoma-Egba (SAN), the Senate Leader, represents Cross River Central

Amosun’s innovative infrastructural financing OLUSOLA BALOGUN

gun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has again unveiled another financial masterstroke that promises to transform the infrastructure landscape of the state. The parlous financial position of his state has compelled him to come up with this novel idea that will enable him literarily use other people’s money to develop his state. The arrangement is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme under which well-placed construction companies would undertake construction of infrastructure, especially roads, for the state on credit and get paid on installmental basis later. The payment plan, which is a direct fallout of the confidence he has instilled in the state’s financial system, would come in form of ‘promissory note’. To protect the capital investment of the participating partnering companies, a law would be enacted by the state government, making it mandatory for the state to stick with the payment agreement, no matter whether there is a change in government or not. To allay possible fears of any default in the re-payment schedule, Senator Amosun has sent a bill to the State House of Assembly asking for the enactment of a law establishing a ‘sinking fund’, that is a pool of funds dedicated for a specific purpose, in the financial firmament of the state. The proposed law also seeks to set up a legal framework, which must be adhered to whenever the government wants to access any loan in the state. The law would serve as an instrument for enforcing fiscal and financial

THE ARRANGEMENT IS A PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP (PPP) SCHEME UNDER

WHICH WELL-PLACED CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES WOULD UNDERTAKE CONSTRUCTION OF

INFRASTRUCTURE… ON CREDIT AND GET PAID ON INSTALLMENTAL BASIS LATER discipline in the governance of the state. The bill titled, “A bill for a law to provide for the raising of loans through issuance of bonds, (treasury) notes and other securities, and for connected purposes,” spells out the steps and procedures to be taken by the government whenever it wants to access any loan. The bill also seeks the establishment of a ‘sinking fund’ by the state government. The ‘sinking fund’ will be made up of 15 percent of all Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state and must be dedicated to the repayment for projects executed under the ‘promissory note’ arrangement. Interestingly, the ‘promissory note’ initiative presents the people of Ogun State with a win-win situation. It ensures

that funds meant for projects are not diverted, and also ensures that the people will enjoy the much needed infrastructure before the state will start paying for them. This novel idea would at least ensure that the people of Ogun State can always see what their money is being spent on. The State Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, at a recent media briefing, dismissed insinuations that the bill sent to the legislature was to facilitate the state’s access to the capital market (bond). ‘It is like people in Ogun State are fixated with bond. But the bill we sent to the House of Assembly is not to ask for approval to take bond. Yes, bond is good as a long term financial instrument, but we are not going for bond. That is not our intention. The finances of Ogun cannot sustain a bond presently. Our debt portfolio is high and our IGR is low”, was how she put the issue in perspective. The cautionary move of the state government is understandable. With an inherited debt profile of N87 billion in 2011, which the Amosun administration has now reduced to about N60 billion; and a low IGR base coupled with the complex process of applying and getting the approval of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), it would mean the government having to wait till towards 2015 to enjoy the benefits of whatever money is raised from the bond market. There is also the rigour of the appointment of a legal team, financial advisers, trustees, as well as getting the consent of the Federal Ministry of Finance and finally securing the approval of the state House of Assembly to contend with when getting bond.

With all these accomplished, the finance commissioner still revealed some other lacunas associated with bond processing: “With bond, you have to issue what is called Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO)… The debt would be deducted directly from Abuja. Before the allocation gets to you, the Federal Ministry of Finance deducts at source. We are not running away from accessing a bond. We are not scared of the approval process either, but we simply don’t think that a bond is the only option at the moment… With this ‘promisory note ‘arrangement, no ISPO is needed. All we need is the goodwill, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and a firm commitment from the government in the mould of this law we seek from the House of Assembly”. With the above explanation, the PPP approach, which the Amosun government has adopted, remains not only incontrovertible, but a product of a deep thought process. This novel idea promises to fast-track development across the three senatorial districts of the state. At the moment, no fewer than six companies are already on standby to construct 10 roads for the benefit of the people. With the arrangement, the people of the state can practically eat their cake and still have it! Balogun, balogunesola@gmail.com, is media aide to Ogun State governor 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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Class war in the nation’s judiciary

T Capital punishment, an aberration

y mind just strayed to the January sentence of the chief security officer to the late Nigerian leader, General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza al-Mustapha. I feel bad any time I think about it. What civilized society hangs anybody these days? Have we run out of other more humane methods to put a condemned person to death? So now a condemned man gets to sit in jail while we search for a hangman in some obscure country (Saro-wiwa’s hangman was from Cameroon), fly him in, build the gallows, and load al-Mustapha unto it in one last elaborate display. Oh yes, then some law maker will claim they paid the hangman $10 million. Nice work judge! Hang him high if you wish. But any other rational observer, including my humble self, know this sentence is subjective at best. No scientific evidence was presented to prove his conviction. Just hear-say evidence and testimonies of turncoat former lieutenants. Also, in a tribalistic hot-bed like Nigeria with vast religious, cultural, and ethnic diversities, why have a Yoruba woman judge preside over the murder case of another Yoruba, in which a Hausa man is the accused? To ensure some impartiality and avoid a conflict of interest, a judge of neutral and entirely different ethnic group is needed. Now before I am accused me of being Hausa or Muslim or leftist, I neither personally know nor care much for any one of Mrs. Abiola, al-Mustapha, Sgt. Rogers, and Justice Mojisola Dada. If anything, I sympathize with them. However, I also realize that if a truly fair system must met out capital punishment (fully aware of the note of finality involved with the experience of death), its needs more than just hear-say evidence and the decision of one judge. If you ask me, our system is a pathetic parody of the colonial British courts where one English lawman sat up high, clutched a gavel, and dealt out all the punishments to hapless black Africans. The United States uses a 12-person (sequestered and layman) jury panel. And even for a guilty verdict in death penalty states like Texas, there is still the necessity for another round of voting and only upon an overwhelming majority is a death sentence passed. Concerned Nigerian, Abuja

here are rumbles in the nation’s judicial system. This is my conclusion from the story carried by you on Page 2 of Thursday September 13 edition titled Governors undermine judiciary – CJN. If the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, says state governors treat the judiciary as an appendage of the executive arm of govern-

ment, I believe her. But it takes two to tango. Why must judges think the state governors are senior partners in government? They should stand up and defend their independence and integrity. After all, many of the judges are better educated than these governors. I also commend the courage of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister

of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, for accusing senior members of the Bar, especially the SANs, of corrupt enrichment through unethical practices. Only few of our established lawyers might have made their wealth through dint of hard work, and may be divine favour. Many bend the rules, encourage the bending of the rules and coerce their clients

to deploy unorthodox methods so that justice could be purchased. All this is done in the name of money making. Now that the cat is let out of the bag, I hope the Body of Benchers, Nigerian Bar Association and National Judicial Council will move to clean the judiciary Augean stable. Comfort Duru, Owerri, Imo State

Stop CBN Governor

he governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is a confusionist, and so, he should be reined in. He has forgotten that he is an employee of the Nigerian state given the way and manner he announces all sorts of hardship-inducing monetary policy statements to the populace, even without the approval of his employers, the federal government. He has arrogated to himself too much powers. He should be made to realize that the introduction of the N5, 000 note into circulation will create more financial poverty, inflation and increase joblessness in the country. If he cannot find solution to the prevailing hardship in the country, he should not exacerbate it. The coins have been rejected because they could no longer purchase anything in the market. Our current N5, N10 and N20 notes, if converted into coins, would sooner than later fade away because they would be knocked out of circulation by inflation. J.A. Oridota, Abesan, Ipaja-Lagos

Addressing poor performance of students in SSCE/NECO

tion of our law to send James Ibori to jail until he was jailed in the United Kingdom. How corrupt and sentimental is Nigerian judiciary Ola Ago Oko, Abeokuta, Ogun State

Comrade Femi Ibadan, Oyo State

Against Lagos Traffic Laws: An unidentified street urchin collecting money from a bus conductor in the presence PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA of security officials at Ojota area of Lagos, recently.

Death of US Ambassador to Libya

et again, religious sensibilities have caused havoc in Africa. The USA Ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens and three embassy staff fell to the

rage of misinformed and irascible Muslims in Benghazi, Libya last Tuesday, according media reports in all our national dailies of yesterday. This was said to have been done

Let ACN distance itself from this

am a supporter of ACN and proud of their exploits and delivery of the dividends of democracy in the states controlled by it, but I found it difficult to reconcile the jamboree that was the travelling of the wives of the members of Oyo State House of Assembly, led by its Speaker to the United Kingdom, no matter the amount of press releases by the government. It can never be justified. Therefore, I urge His Excellency, Gover-

Letters to the Editor

nor Abiola Ajimobi, to be mindful of future occurrences of this kind of wasteful venture in order not to harm the good support he enjoys in the state. The party national leadership should be a clearing house for some of the steps and measures undertaken by leaders of the states the ACN controls. Everything should be done to guide jealously the image of the party. Korede Adejuwon, Iseyin, Oyo State

by Muslims protesting a film they judged insulting to Prophet Muhammed. The entire world, especially the African Union, should condemn this dastardly act. All religions preach peace and admonish that vengeance belongs to God or Almighty Allah. It is misdirected aggression at its worst for innocent people to be killed for offence committed by other people. Can we say that Prophet Muhammed, on whose behalf the evil deed

was committed, is now appeased? President Barack Obama needs time to do that that is right. Coming at a time America and indeed the world were marking 9/11 and the reported spontaneous protests in many Arab countries against the US that Tuesday, the American government requires clear headed approach to the issue. For Obama, it is an election year and so his response must be well measured. Kevin Otaren, Benin City, Edo State.

The shame of our judiciary

judge in Federal High Court, Bauchi on May 3, 2012 could find a section of our penal law to sentence one Adam Abubakar to 40 year jail term but no Nigerian judges could find a sec-

e should not lament the poor performances of our children and wards who sit for examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO). What do you expect when certificates could be openly sold, admissions into tertiary institutions are based on quota, mass leakages of question papers before the examinations have become a pop culture, and sex-for-marks has been embraced by lazy female students and randy teachers? I think the time has come for us as a nation to face the brutal fact: Nothing comes easy. Our children should be persuaded to embrace the culture of hard work and study with all seriousness. Parents should stop indulging their children by helping them to go through shortcut to success, they should stop financing antihard work measures for their children. More importantly, they should guide and monitor their children’s progress in schools. Our various governments should roll out stern measures to discourage everything that compromises the quality of SSCE/NECO results. Dada,

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.

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

Escape

HAS FAILED AND SHE NEEDS THE PRAYERS OF ALL

P. 34

WELL-MEANING

Nwosu

there is something wrong with her kidneys. She is not feeling well, but it is not the way they are describing it. I saw her two days ago”, Mrs. Elesin said. She added, “Let me verify from her what she wants me to say and I will let you know. But the truth is that her kidneys are not bad, she is not on dialyses and I was with her two days ago, which was a Tuesday, till late in the evening before I left”. Asked when Nwosu last featured in any movie or television project, her manager said: “The last job she did was for Fuji House couple of weeks ago. I

can’t say precisely when, but some other guys had come at that time to meet her for this Half of a Yellow Sun adaptation job; they wanted her to come for audition, but then she was in camp at Ikorodu for Fuji House, so she couldn’t go. She has been fine and August 1 on her 49th birthday, I was with her some few days before then and she was okay”. Concern surrounds this news and fans wait expectantly for further clarification from Nwosu’s camp even as some people suggest her ailment is more debilitating than is being made known.

WEEKEND STARTERS Real Estate award holds

he 3invest presents ‘the Real Estate Unite Conference and Awards’ in a quest to make real estate in Nigeria occupy its rightful place in the economic scheme of things. The award is set for today at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island,, Lagos for 3.00 p.m.

short stories by Sylva Ifedigbo. The anticipated work is the second book by the author and it Ifedigbo presents is published by DADA Books. 2nd book It will be presented omorrow, there at the Kongi’s Harwill be a book vest Gallery, Freelaunch titled dom Park, Lagos beThe Funeral Did Not tween from 5.00 p.m. End, a collection of to 7.00 p.m.

Sound Sultan marks 12 years

Abuja rocks with ‘Fusion Lifestyle Wedding Fair’

amous musician, Lanre Fasasi, popularly known as ‘Sound Sultan’, is celebrating his 12 years on stage this Sunday, September 16. Holding at New Expo Hall, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos by 6.00 p.m., Sultan will also

Sound Sultan

launch his sixth recording album that day. Performances will feature his collaborative efforts with various celebrated artistes in Nigeria.

n Sunday, some top wedding vendors from all over Nigeria will gather the BMO Events Arena, Wuse II, Abuja for an event titled “the Fusion Lifestyle Wedding Fair”. It is going to be a display of the latest wedding trends and other activities include a walk through wedding dress exhibition by top Abuja Bridal house, Brides and Babies, live music, comedy show and games. The event starts at 2.00 p.m.

P. 24-25

because at a point, I even said “Ngozi is there any sickness you have that you don’t know about?”. There is a way they will talk about you that even you will begin to doubt yourself. I was like maybe I have a sickness that I don’t know about? And I don’t”, she told our reporter. “I slug it out with exercise that is why I am able to drop from a size 18 to a size 14. I work out from Mondays to Saturdays. It is only Sundays that I don’t walk out. That is how I got my shape”. But yesterday, it came to National Mirror’s notice through reliable sources that the actor suffered an undisclosed ailment two weeks ago which necessitated her admission in a private hospital in Lagos. According to the information received, “she is seriously sick, her kidney has failed and she needs the prayers of all wellmeaning Nigerians and her fans”. Unable to reach her directly, our reporter immediately telephoned Nwosu’s manager, Mrs. Bridget Elesin, Managing Partner, Grace Perspective Ltd. who confirmed that the actress had been battling a health condition, but refused to disclose the nature of this sickness until her client permits such revelation. “Her kidneys are not bad; she is not on dialyses now! If her kidneys are gone, she will be on dialyses. She is not feeling well, but that does not mean

Denrele’s Day

NIGERIANS

Inside FCT

ationwide, she is best known for her character depiction of “Peace Fuji”, the second wife of polygamist Chief Tajudeen Fuji in the Amaka Igwe-produced television sitcom, Fuji House of Commotion. Nigeria’s star actor, Ngozi Nwosu played to a hilt the role of a no-nonsense woman of Igbo extraction in that hit TV series amid the rancourous rivalry and squabbling which daily coloured the Fujis’ home. Among Ngozi’s other standout features, aside the excellence of her 27-year craft in Nollywood, had to be a voluptuous body figure the diminutive thespian flaunted to advantage both on and off-screen. However, about two years ago, the multi-lingual thespian’s drastic weight loss became very noticeable, alarming her fans and followers and fuelling speculations about her health status. The lady had lost the famous ample figure, whilst her once fleshy face bore a gaunt, sickly facade. In two separate interviews granted National Mirror in the heat of these recurring rumours, the straight-talking actor had debunked claims she was suffering from Leukaemia or any other disease, putting the trimmer figure she sported down to a healthier lifestyle and exercise. In an interview granted this paper in October 2011, Nwosu, responding to the question, ‘Are you on a diet, you have lost so much weight in the last few years?’ had said: ‘I started slimming down when I left Fuji House of Commotion. I left in 2007 and started my slimming in 2008’. During the other interview, she had been more effusive countering ill health reports about her in the media. “I am a celebrity, that is why the rumours spread so fast. It is not nice

SHE IS SERIOUSLY SICK, HER KIDNEY

P. 26

ADENRELE NIYI

P. 32-33

Ngozi Nwosu’s health fuels anxiety

Mirror Mongers

VOL. 2 No. 448

Artman In The House

Friday, September 14, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I discovered the greatness of who I can be here –Tintin

Augustine Imevbore, a.k.a. Tintin the Koolness, is a passionate broadcaster, musician and producer. In 2006, nearly a year after he returned to Nigeria, he hosted the third edition of the reality television show, Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS III). He has also worked at the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Megalectric group, which owns Classic, Beat and Naija FMs. In this interview with TERH AGBEDEH, Tintin hosted Friday Flavour at the Freedom Park Lagos-office of his iGroove internet radio he just set up. What is iGroove all about? We are a mobile radio, we are online and we are focusing primarily on mobile devices; telephones, iPads, Galaxy tabs and all sorts of things that you can carry with you anywhere in the world. You can get on the Internet and use our application or go to our website and listen to music. If you are living in Nigeria and do not have a Smartphone, we have devised what we call dialup radio; you dial a short code number and it connects you to us. Those are all the things that are coming in the very near future. How do you beat competition that has terrestrial radio and online presence when you are only online? I’m not interested. I have done it before; I have been doing terrestrial radio for 24 years –in Italy, England, the Middle East and Nigeria. It’s not the future, they need to get online to get the far reach that I have without being terrestrial. They have to do twice the work and I don’t need that since I go direct to the source. Will you also have radio drama, which is missing on a lot of the stations right now? Yes and that is the beauty of online radio; that is why I’m saying, we can actually give people a radio within a radio. So I can create my radio drama radio and listen to all the radio dramas, all the old-school ones that NTA

I LEFT NIGERIA WHEN I WAS A YEAR AND HALF- BUT I WAS ALWAYS CONNECTED TO THE ROOTS BY MY PARENTS is saying, ‘take, edit, use’. iTunes has been doing it for years in the form of what is called podcasts. You sound like you are not going to commission your own content? We are commissioning programmes and we don’t work alone; no man or woman is an island and we can’t do it all. The important thing is to create strategic alliances with media. Even with the newspapers, we are having talks about doing things together in terms of content. Because it is the future, people, particularly advertisers, may be a bit skeptical. Have you given that a thought? I have been pleasantly surprised by the reception we are getting from the big advertising companies and the small ones. A lot of Nigerian portals exist; all sorts of websites are giving news and if you just look at how much advertising is online, what they call digital advertising, is

really taking shape right now. That advertising will increase. Also, Nigeria is looking at a 2015 date to have a lot of purchases done on your mobile phone. People have access to the Internet finally on mobile phones. But there are still connectivity problems? Nigerians always find their way around things. If we have connectivity problems with one Internet service provider, we go to another. But GSM companies have been able to provide Internet to over 40 million subscribers. When I was at Classic FM, the problem we always had as terrestrial radio was to get figures, statistics. But with the Internet, every click is recorded. So I go to the advertisers and say you can check the statistics, follow my website, look at the trend and you decide. Another beautiful thing about advertising online is that I don’t have to go look for advertisers, they come looking for me. Too many radio stations are deciding for artistes in what direction they should go. They are only giving the commercial sounding songs of today. Those songs do not represent the majority of music that comes out of Nigeria; there is a lot of live music that people don’t get to listen to. Does that mean you are going to be playing all genres of music? Absolutely, we are going to be groovy; I groove, that is why

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Artman In The House

Friday, September 14, 2012

On air and ready to go

Tintin on the console in the iGroove studio

A section of the lounge in the iGroove office

of who I can be. Abroad, they don’t allow you to expand more than you are supposed to; just a little bit of glory because you are black. I’m not racist, but what I’m saying is that I suffered a lot of racism because I went to Italy, England and France; I went there before there was serious boom in immigration. But when in the 1990s a serious boom in immigration began, I was categorised as an immigrant. All the mystery of being a Nigerian and African disappeared. They look at you and feel this is another black guy who wants to take my job. Or he is not worthy of a good job; he is only good for sports. When I told them I have a degree, they said, ‘what? You have a degree? Sorry, you are overqualified for the job’. Eventually, I got a job in a company; a big financial institution and they put me in what they called: ‘ethnic marketing’. Why should marketing be called ethnic? It was called ethnic because it was marketing directed to African communities. It was such a derogatory term, so I told the MD, ‘marketing is marketing whether you are targeting Africans, Indians or whoever’. I worked there for a year or so whilst still doing my radio job over there. One day, I said this is not me. I always told myself I want to come back home and set up a radio station. When I came back, I did other things; I worked for a television show, Gulder Ultimate Search III, I worked for SHELL in corporate communications. After I had sounded Nigerian a little bit, I finally decided the time was right for radio and entertainment. I got an opportunity with Megalectric after meeting Chris Ubosi, MD of Megalectric at Cool FM. We were supposed to do things together at Cool FM, but it never happened. We did work together eventually and it was fantastic. I left Classic FM in October last year. Was that when you set up iGroove? When I left, I knew I was going to set this up. I was only looking for a location and when I found one some months later, we started to do this.

Outside the office at Freedom Park

With Benedetto, an artiste

it is called iGroove Radio. We are also providing a way of personalising your own playlist outside of the live streaming. When you register as a member of our iGroove community, you can personalise your playlist; you can choose from different genres and put it in your favourites. But our unique selling point is that we are on mobile phones so you take your radio with you anywhere you want. There does not seem to be any law governing Internet radio in the country yet? Nigeria isn’t really there yet. There are certain laws we need to respect like the copyright laws, which we do. Also, because as an artiste myself and as a producer, I like my artistes to get something, hopefully. Will you be paying for the music played on your station like the terrestrial stations are doing? Nobody pays on terrestrial. On terrestrial, you pay for licence to set up for five years at N30 million, which for me is theft. You run your radio licence for five years, then you have to buy your frequency for N10 or N15 million. It’s the same thing with Internet. With terrestrial radio, you pay your Copyright so COSON (Copyright Society of Nigeria) comes knocking and says ‘let’s negotiate how much you are paying’. We are doing what we have to do. I’m not sure every Internet radio would want to do what I do. I have an office, a building; there is a marketing team, a sales team. We are running it the way a radio station should be run. With almost 24 years in radio, you must really love it? I adore radio. I started loving radio as a child; my dad used to have this massive Grundig satellite radio and he used to listen to the BBC World Service. He would wake us up early in the morning. He would be getting ready for work and we would be getting ready for school. So that passion for radio started as early as a child; it continued to my days at school when my mum (who is late now) bought me a portable radio with double tape deck. I took my love for radio to the next level at the university. I was a DJ and played drums with different groups and we started doing shows. When I left university, I wanted to work at a radio

FACT FILE •

45-year-old Tintin, born of Edo/Delta parentage, was raised in Italy and returned to work in Nigeria six years ago.

•

The broadcaster attended the University of Warwick, where he got a degree in Politics and Sociology with International Relations.

•

Tintin has songs to his credit, many of which he wrote and arranged, some of which he did with different groups over the years.

•

He owns and runs the music label, Medsoul, which stands for ‘Medicine for the Soul’. He is currently working with independent Nigerian artistes on an album to be released online titled: ‘Class no be Water’.

•

His father, Ambassador Bayo Imevbore, is also a cameraman and a film director who does documentaries on agriculture.

•

The polyglot (speaks Italian, Spanish and French) was Programmes Director of Classic FM 97.3 until 2011.

•

Tintin is married and blessed with a daughter.

station. I dedicated my degree to my parents and went looking for a radio station to work with. Then, my parents were living in Italy. When I went back to Italy, I went to work with the Black Radio Station; I was the only black man at the radio station and that made it credible. That radio station launched me. I was a DJ and producer. There is a stampede at the embassies; young people want to get out and you returned? The thing is this; even though I lived 90 percent of my life outside of Nigeria- I left Nigeria when I was a year and half, but I was always connected to the roots by my parents. We would come back on holiday and go to the village. I always knew that my time abroad would terminate. Now, if I want to go abroad and live, I can. It was when I came home that I discovered the greatness

Did your travelling all over the world have anything to do with your dad being an ambassador? Yes, he was at the United Nations. That is what they see him as; he was really a liaison man in the UN information office. So many ambassadors came and went to Italy from Nigeria, but we were always there. It was a fantastic experience, it gave us that platform for education and also in terms of travel; I’m blessed for that. I came to Nigeria at the right time, when there was a boom in technology. Had I come back in 1990 or 1991, I’d probably be in SHELL. This way, I managed to continue what I was doing where I left off what I learned in Italy, England and the Middle East. What I learned in all those places and working with those people, I put into practice. Your job is viewed by many as leisurely, but do you still find time to play? The funny thing about broadcasting is that everybody thinks it’s a game. But it’s hard work; there is a lot of mathematics involved. You need to calculate the length of songs. For example, if you are programming songs for one hour, you have what is called a clock, because you look at your hour like a clock; so in every little segment of your clock you have songs. A song can be 3 minutes 38 seconds, another can be 4 minutes 42 seconds; you have to know when you are putting in your advertising. There are softwares these days, but a man still has to programme them. It’s like when an aeroplane has been flown by autopilot, you have to key-in your nautical miles and destination. Then, it’s 24 hours and even though people say it’s the computer playing music, we have to put that music in the computer according to the kind of mood we want to send out there, depending on what time of the day the music is playing. That is hours of work and because it seems like play, you forget about time. So on a Sunday, you work, on a Saturday you work, Monday to Friday likewise. It’s a very dangerous thing and it’s addictive because it is a passion. But you have to be very careful when you are passionate about something. I go to the gym, I swim, I play tennis. Tennis has reduced a bit recently, but I still gym. My gym doesn’t mean lifting big weight. I do my cardiac exercises, my abs and some little weightlifting just to stay trim and toned and make sure I don’t get too stressed out. I eat well, my diet, I believe, is quite good. We are trying to stay away from a lot of fatty foods. At 45, I can still wear some slim jeans and all that.

Critics

Friday, September 14, 2012

Poetry

THE POEMS ARE NOT JUST

An activist’s war for peace

ABOUT THE LACK OF PEACE AND PAIN, THEY ALSO CHART A WAY OUT OF THE QUAGMIRE THE COUNTRY IS SUBMERGED

Many people desire to live in a peaceful world but will not lift a finger to do the things that will bring peace. This is not the case with the renowned civil rights activist, author, poet and playwright, Shehu Sani, who just released a collection titled: The Poems of Peace TERH AGBEDEH

he first page in the collection of poetry, The Poems of Peace: In the Season of Bloodshed by Shehu Sani states: “This book is free. Its goal is to promote peace and encourage people to stand up and speak out against violence”. Another striking page is the dedication; “To all those who lost their lives in the ongoing violence in Northern Nigeria”. More fitting words could not have come from a man who has been involved in a life-long war for peace; not only in the north where he hails but all across the country. Indeed, the poems speak to one and all; after all, if one person among the over 160 million Nigerians is involved, then, every one of us is affected. The poems, most of which read like chants and can be recited like a mantra, are a tangible reminder that we are one people in the pursuit of the same things. Midnight in Maiduguri presents a city ‘soaked in blood’ resulting in the death of a nightlife. The lament is not

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only for the lost night life, it is also for the chains that have shackled the city resulting in the loss of freedom, beauty and peace. This leads to its new status as A city in perpetual midnight. If that appears shocking, it is only a window into desolation that is prevalent in most of the poems. But the poet’s desire is not to shock, it is rather to awaken the docile by painting the picture as it truly is. This is no doubt why some of the poems are dedicated to individuals lost in the violence; The Blood of the Innocent for Profs. Jerome Ayodele, Andrew Leo and 16 others; I Dreamt of a World of Peace for victims of the UN House bombing, Abuja on August 26, 2011 and He is the Shield of Peace for Sergeant Sunday Badang, the police officer

killed in Kaduna. Lawrence Adeniyi, a University of Maiduguri student killed by stray bullets on April 16 and the British, Italian and German hostages killed in Sokoto and Kano, also have poems dedicated to them. For the former Eternal Peace and the latter Kill my Body. But the poems are not just about the lack of peace and the pain left in its place, written in everyday language anyone can relate to, they also chart a way out of the quagmire the country is submerged in. Peace of Mind for instance, ends with the words, “inspires you to achieve”. Everybody knows that those who have achieved would like to have peace so as not to lose what they have. Peace talks of peace in the serenity of the wilderness, calmness of the ocean, letting others be and other things that gladden the heart. The last poem in the collection, The Mosque is like the one on page 74 titled The Church. It is fitting to have these two poems since the two religions represented by the places of worship, carry the can for spreading violence either by word or deed. If the worshipers imbibe the message in these two poems, the country may well have the peace the poet dreams about. This is one book of poetry every Nigerian should posses and read. Government and civil minded individuals with the wherewithal must make it a point of duty to make this book available to all. The collection closes with four pages of gory pictures that represent what intolerance and violence have done to not just its people but also its image on the international scene. This is a Bible of peace from someone who has been dogged in the campaign against violence and for the institution of peace.

Play

From Idi-Araba to Akoka, what happened? University of Lagos, Akoka, proudly staged an historical play, From Idi-Araba to Akoka for her 50th anniversary. The play, performed by year two students of the university’s Creative Arts Department, was directed by the book’s writer Otun Rasheed, also the author of classic literature Arugba Osun.

THE PLAY PORTRAYS THE UNIVERSITY’S FOUNDATION AS A VIOLENT ENTITY WHICH EXISTS IN THE EUPHORIA OF HER PECULIAR CHALLENGES A scene from the play

OYINKAN SOMORIN

he play revolves round the dramatic account of the 50 years existence of University of Lagos; stages it passed through before becoming the University of first choice and an overall view of past vice chancellors of the school. The performance looked into major events, issues and challenges facing the university in its years of existence and also takes a plunge into the future of the university. In relaying the story, Otun Rasheed, a lecturer cum playwright in the Department

of Creative Arts, portrays the university’s foundation as a violent entity which exists in the euphoria of her peculiar challenges. However, the production does not only glorify the school but also the budding actors as they presented the facts of political misdemeanour, cultism, the student union conflict, social problems and the numerous ailment confronting the university both in the past and present times. The story commenced with the birth of a school that is to be the citadel’s pride of the state signifying its name; University of Lagos. Unfortunately, there was a dispute as to where the school should be situated. With vote from the people, they choose

Akoka then a village known as Oke-Ogbe and convinced each community in the village to vacate that site for the development of the university. Before then, Unilag started with a temporary site which was situated at Idi-Araba (where the Lagos University Teaching Hospital is presently). After three years, with the help of the Federal Government, the permanent site was created at Akoka. But before this came to pass, there was a great dispute between the first V.C of UNILAG, Eni Njoku (played by David Nonso Gideon) and the Chairman of Governing Council (Tomiwa Adebanjo). In the middle of the second scene, the V.C was sacked and replaced by the second V.C, Sabiru Biobaku (Odunsin Tobi) who was

physically attacked by students because of the removal of Njoku. Biobaku survived through quick intervention from the doctors in LUTH. Shortly, the council sacked him when they realised his growing popularity with students. This trend continues up to the eighth V.C, Ibidapo Obe (Sodunke Kayode) who accepted the post with reluctance. According to the play, Obe showed lack of concern for the student’s needs and violent protests broke out when the students got tired of no water and light in school. After so much damage, the students were sent home for months as punishment. They were recalled but also punished with N10,000 fine for damages during the riot. In 2008, the Council relieved the eighth V.C of his duties and the position was given to the ninth V.C, Tolu Odugbemi (Osagie Okedigun) whom the play projected as the strong man of UNILAG (often called the Babalawo of UNILAG). His tenure only lasted three years before the 10th V.C, Prof. Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe took over. He made changes and got the attention of students, teaching-staffs, non-teaching and council. His plans were only half way actualised when he died. The play ends with mourning and tributes for the deceased V.C. Performance presented by the students was very emotional, though some technical errors were made by the young and largely inexperienced cast on stage. However, they made up for it, carrying the audience along with their mimicry which made the atmosphere comical till the end of the play.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Critics

Friday, September 14, 2012

Showpiece

Music

Art for entrepreneurship An exhibition of art works and theatrical performance were put up recently by members of the Eternal Youth Fellowship to encourage entrepreneurship as well as thrill participants at the 8th edition of their annual National Youth Camping exercise. OLAYIWOLA AWAKAN

Bottom Belle: Stirring old memories Omawumi’s song featuring Flavour, shows that cheap could be classy, but fails to acknowledge the sources of certain highpoints of the work. NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

aving great lyrics is certainly not the only step towards having a great hit; it lies more on having lots of basics right. The idea of Bottom Belle at this point in history, featuring Flavour, accompanied with a video directed by Clarence Peters, smacks of good planning; so Omawumi may be on the road to another hit by the standards of the Nigerian music market. Listening to Bottom Belle, one would notice artistes Omawumi and Flavour understand what their audience wants. It is a song positioned for ‘the giddy audience’, which is one factor that makes a song leave an impression on people. Its beats are rhythmic albeit danceable, while the refrain comes with memorable impact. But that is not the only thing that will impress any listener. Bottom Belle is like an old wine in a new bottle. People who are quite conversant with the highlife scene of the late 70s and early 80s would certainly know the melody which was popular on radio and disco halls. It is however great that Omawumi would think of bringing back such memories through Bottom Belle, especially at this point in Nigeria when socio-economic realities of the times make everyone dream of having back the good old days. Commendable about this project is the idea of mixing the modern tunes with highlife. In this age when the younger gener-

ation would be basking in hip-hop culture as the surest route to musical success, it is great to have the likes of Flavour doing highlife and getting headlines. His skills in this genre of music have made him one of the mostsought after artistes in terms of collaborations. Although music is not known to have any language, ‘music economics’ (let me borrow this expression) will tell you that it makes sense to have a ‘flavour’ on your song, if it must penetrate certain markets. But this is not all that makes this song tick. The choice of Clarence Peters to direct the video could not have been described with any word short of superb. The video of this song does not strike like a big budget affair, but it is lavishly classy. And this could not have been possible without the talent of renowned music video director, Clarence Peters. There were several aspects of the video that would pique the audience. It opens like a book, leafing through the scenes and showing a subtitling of the important portions of the song. Some portions also make use of wall pictures, from where scenes of Omauwumi and other artistes would occasionally dart about. It could only have taken a bold initiative and creativity to come about this. But this concept may have borrowed some things from the 1992 Grammy citation made by Janet Jackson about her late brother, Michael Jackson, nominating him for the Grammy Legendary Award. The aspect of the wall pictures however makes the difference. Also notable, is the dance steps in the video. Omawumi and Flavour twisting their waists to the refrain, ‘You want am for naira, dollar or euro’, makes great sense in this direction. Of course, this would go down as one of Omawumi’s great works, but something is not pleasing about the costuming in the video. If creativity thrives on freshness, one would wonder why Omawumi’s ankara attire and Flavour’s ‘black jeans on black singlet’ would reoccur here. These are things very familiar to the audience. Aside that, Flavour also borrowed a lot of his lines for Bottom Belle from his previous hits. Were these deliberately done to create a feeling of familiarity? All the same, teeming fans of these two notable artistes would give them the victory sign by the time they get to the end of the song.

he encouragement of arts, theatre and entrepreneurship among youth regardless of disposition, belief and religion, has in no small measure helped to curb the threatening unemployment challenge of this nation. Many youth are beginning to wake up to their responsibilities in the area of creating jobs for themselves rather than waiting for the government to create jobs for them. Every institution, social or religious therefore encourages their youths in thinking towards entrepreneurship in craft and theatre. This notion was evident in the art exhibition organised by the youth wing of The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim as part of the activities lined up for the eight edition of their annual National Youth Camping exercise. Art works and theatrical performance took over the premises of the camping exercise on Saturday, September 1 at the St. Moses Orimolade Cathedral, Orimolade Close, AgodoEgbe, Lagos where the youths were ushered into the world of art through enlightenment on the importance of art and theatre to the society. Among the many activities for the day was a powerful theatre performance, The Hour Has Come involving dance, drama and music. Created and directed by Remi Akapo, coordinator of the theatrical unit of the national youth fellowship, the stage play was titled after the programme’s theme. The piece began by introducing the audience to the creation of man; the birth process, education, narrowing everything to our society by covering our strength in agriculture and climaxing it with various challenges our country faces. The Boko Haram saga, political misdemeanour and

A scene from the performance

survival of a typical Nigerian were the focus of the drama piece. It ended with a plea from the characters to God to help solve their problems. According to the coordinator, “This year’s theme is The Hour Has Come and we should not be talking about ourselves alone, the present situation of the country requires that we call for God’s intervention especially in this time that insecurity has become a major issue. This drama piece is to create awareness in the minds of our youth that so many things are happening everywhere but it is by grace that we are saved and we should remember our brothers and sisters in prayer”. The performance got the audience attention to the end after which a resounding applause followed the creative piece. “The vision is a big one. I am working towards taking the theatrical unit to a point where they can organise events and invite people to watch standard performances in dance, drama, poetry, music and so on. They can also make living for themselves with that”, the coordinator emphasised. After the performance, the people were conveyed to view the art works on display, some of which were beaded jewellery, fireworks, designed female wears and other hand crafts. According to the fellowship’s National President, Damilare Aina, “the essence of the art exhibition is to encourage the members in the line of entrepreneurship. It is to help them to begin a business that they can fall back on anytime. We want them to sharpen their skills in tie and die, beads making, painting, fashion design and other areas of art and craft”. Camp chairman, Olamilekan Bello also expressed optimism in the programme saying that youth members have been innovative with their creations.

Inside FCT

Friday, September 14, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Is Abuja ready for Clean and Green? OMEIZA AJAYI

he Abuja Masterplan is designed in such a way that some areas within the Federal Capital Territory, are supposed to be left ‘green’ in the form of well-kept lawns and trees. However, it was not until the tenure of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai as FCT minister that the city’s environmental laws became strictly enforced. Consequently, during that period, the city began to wear a ‘green’ look. Unfortunately, with the exit of el-Rufai, some of those Green areas were converted into gardens or bars by people who had obvious links with some officials of the FCT Administration. Although there were attempts to reverse the trend, such efforts were largely cosmetic. Residents and environmentalists therefore, heaved a sigh of relief when on Thursday, August 25, 2011, the Minister of State in the FCT, Ms. Olajumoke Akinjide kick-started a campaign tagged, The Abuja Clean and Green Initiative. In fact, virtually all traditional rulers and Chairmen of the six area councils in the FCT attended the event amid pomp and ceremony. The committee which was headed by a former FCTA top civil servant and an aide of the minister, Mrs. Jummai Kwanashie had the mandate of restoring the green areas in the city; that mandate also extended to the area councils. The committee was given a 30-day deadline within which to rid the territory of waste. The committee was also mandated to ensure that both the city and the satellite towns were kept clean and span. After the deadline, its mandate was neither reviewed nor was its success re-evaluated. Interestingly, with the number of rickety trac-

tors and other obsolete equipment handed over to the committee on that day for its job, it was certain that the initiative was at best, a still-birth! Aside seeing a couple of FCTA officials who wore the branded shirts of the committee at the launch of some tractors and farming implements in Gwagwalada, and later at the 2012 Abuja Fishing Festival in Yaba village of the FCT, the Clean and Green Initiative was dead and buried. The city was still faced with the perennial problem of poor waste disposal mechanism even as public awareness about the scheme was zero. There still existed what could be called “inter-council wastes transfer”. It was common for an area council to generate wastes in its area and then dump such in another council. Journalists were also kept in the dark as to the activities of the committee; it operated more like a secret cabal. However, Akinjide has identified three major factors as being responsible for the dismal performance of the committee. According to her, systemic failure and poor funding are to blame. She further listed lack of inter-agency cooperation and political will on the part of the Area Councils to facilitate a successful implementation of the initiative. Akinjide spoke on Thursday, August 23, 2012, almost a year after setting up the initiative. While reconstituting the Ministerial Clean and Green Greater Abuja Initiative Committee in her office to deal with the knotty issue of poor waste disposal and management in the Territory, the minister said all the challenges have been overcome thereby providing unhindered access to the committee to perform with visible result to be witnessed by all residents in the Territory given the level of improper waste

An Abuja park

IT WAS COMMON FOR AN AREA COUNCIL TO GENERATE WASTES IN ITS AREA AND THEN DUMP SUCH IN ANOTHER COUNCIL sites that litter the territory. The new committee is headed by Ibrahim Tukur Bakori, the Director of Satellite Towns Development Agency, (STDA), with the erstwhile Chairperson of the committee, Jummai Kwanashie still serving as a member. The reconstituted committee, according to her, is expected to mop all refuse sites in the area councils and the high-

ways within the FCT while the area councils will focus on the respective villages in their domain leaving the towns to the STDA. The new initiative will have 300 women and youths employed in the six area councils for the clean-up exercise as litter control officials of the programme with 50 persons drawn from each council. According to her, the committee will amongst others: “Achieve clean-up of the satellite towns and highway within the FCT; ensure greening of the satellite towns through aggressive tree planting exercise and vegetation control and build effective and sustainable enforcement strategies in the satellite towns; “Engage 50 youths per area council and recommend appropriate sustainable waste management strategies for the satellite towns; design and identify

Park & Pay: FCTA reaping

OLUFEMI A DEOSUN

he raging controversy over the Federal Capital Development Authority’s months old Park and Pay Policy in the FCT may take long to abate as each day of the implementation sees new rules com-

ing into play. Almost on a daily basis, quarrels between motorists and representatives of companies contracted to handle the fee collection component of the policy occur in many parts of the city as if the federal capital is gradually turning to a jungle of some kind. At the centre of the controversies are the issues of lack of infrastructure in the spaces provided for the parking services and the disclaimer status inserted into their tickets. Incidentally, as the questions linger, neither the Federal Capital Territory Administration, (the owner of the project), nor the Platinum Parking Management Services (PPMS) and the Integrated Parking Services (IRS), the major companies handling it has been able to address them. While the idea of Park and Pay system could be said to be novel in Nigeria, it has become an established practice in major cities around the world. However, the project is meeting serious resistance from the people in the FCT because it is not backed up with the expected infrastructure in line with best

practices across the global. In the FCT, except for some part of the roads marked with white paint to carve out parking spaces, some other spaces carved out for parking are flood prone areas devoid of infrastructure. However, a few who have no choice but use the parking arenas would not take responsibility for the save keep of their vehicles. True to their complaints, a receipt obtained by Inside FCT from one of the motorists reads, “vehicles parked at owners’ risk”. One of the motorists, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, was practically reeling out curses on initiators of the scheme. The octogenarian said he had travelled to some of the major cities around the world and was yet to see where just a space would be converted to commercial parking lodge without useful infrastructure. Said he; “this idea of park and pay is part of the major schemes of the lads in the administration of FCT to drive the poor people from the city. While this idea cannot be said to be out of place, at least I’ve

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locations for public convenience at strategic locations in the satellite towns”. The question is whether the new committee will not also go the way of the former. The Media Assistant to the minister, Kehinde Isiaka believes that common sense dictates that anything that goes awry for whatever reason should be repeated until desired result is achieved. “Even sometimes, good can still be made better and experiments go on until better becomes best. As Frank A. Clark once said, “If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere”, he told Inside FCT. He added: “The honourable minister, having taken a clinical

Inside FCT

Friday, September 14, 2012

review of the factors that inhibited the success of the committee that was earlier set up in 2011, with a specific mandate to clean up FCT within 30 days, has now re-marshalled plans and re-packaged the Clean and Green Greater Abuja Initiative for better performance. “The minister noted that the initial committee was given a month which was like a test-run period. Now, the political will is there in the six area councils and with the STDA to fund the initiative, there is a renewed hope that the initiative will live up to its expectation”. Another intriguing thing is that the committee has no time frame within which to deliver on its mandate. Is it not likely that it may leave for tomorrow what could be done today? Again Isiaka said: “Even through, the new committee has no specific timeline to deliver its mandate, there would be periodic review involving monitoring and evaluation of its activities. “Sequel to the inauguration of the Clean and Green Greater Abuja Initiate, FCT Minister of State has already flagged off FCT village’s community sanitation initiative. The aim is to inculcate in the citizens the culture of popular participation on health and hygiene and environmental preservation. Citizens are taught how to adhere strictly to environmental laws and proper disposal of garbage at appropriate dumpsites. The community will also constitute a task force headed by the village heads to ensure compliance. Expectedly, the new committee would not take it lightly with defaulters. Any erring residents should, according to the committee, be prepared to face full sanction”. With the committee not having a time frame, a monthly or quarterly ministerial evaluation might just be the needed tonic for it not to crawl where it should walk.

without sowing? YOU DON’T JUST CARVE OUT AN AREA AND START COLLECTING MONEY, IT IS

National stadium, national shame MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan broke a cycle in our national culture last week with his unscheduled visit to the National Stadium. He was at the stadium to encourage the Super Eagles who were preparing for the all-important 2013 African Nation’s Cup qualifier tie against the Lone Stars of Liberia. Like the Biblical sepulchre beautifully dressed outside with stench struggling with sand for passage beneath, Nigerians are naturally gifted with the art of deceiving their leaders during visits. They are skilled in blowing trumpets, painting roads and streets corners for their superior visitors while the ‘interior’ stinks. This time, the management of the National Stadium was caught unawares by the president’s sudden visit. Not even the Super Eagles gaffer, Stephen Keshi, the National Sports Commission (NSC) nor the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) were aware of the impending visit. Accompanied by his Vice, Namadi Sambo and other top government functionaries, President Jonathan did not mince words as he fumed about the condition of the stadium; calling on people in charge of its maintenance to promptly embark on its sanitation. The plan must have been well conceived by the President, who often travels past the stadium, which is currently enveloped by weeds. He must have shared the same thoughts with visitors who come into the country through the Nnamdi Azikiwe

LOOK AT

WHERE WE TRAINED THIS MORNING, IT

IS LIKE WHERE THEY BREED COWS International Airport and, indeed, well-meaning Nigerians who feel pained by the shameful look of the stadium. About a decade ago, when construction work was began on the multi-billion naira sports ground, it was not envisaged it would turn to a breeding ground for grasscutters, rodents and other reptiles that now share the edifice with whoever comes to the stadium for any activity. While training at the stadium recently, former Super Eagles’ coach Samson Siasia had said: “Look at where we trained this morning, it is like where they breed cows. We have to wake up. I don’t know what else to say but whoever is in charge should do something; we cannot continue like this”. Also, recently, the Senate condemned the deplorable state of the sports ground as it mandated its Committee on Youths and Sports to investigate the neglect of the stadium. The Senate, while adopting a motion sponsored by Sen. Mudashiru Husain, expressed worry over the deplorable condition of the stadium, where he said government spends N1.2 billion to maintain annually. Senator Hussain in the motion noted, “The stadium

NEVER DONE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD travelled out enough to know that in most of the places where this concept was copied, it is usually backed with infrastructure. You don’t just carve out an area and start collecting money, it is never done anywhere in the world; it is a shame that it is happening here”. In his own reaction, an Abuja based social affairs analyst, Mr. Atanda Orileye, described the companies non-acceptance of responsibility for the safety of cars parked in their domain as sheer

business irresponsibility which has no place in law. According to him, commercialising the spaces for the purpose of getting revenue is an agreement between the companies and the people who have offered to park. He said not accepting responsibility in the event of theft or destruction to vehicle would amount to disrespect to contractual agreement, stressing that whoever is affected is free to take legal action against any culpable company.

Exterior of the National Stadium Abuja overrun by trees and grass.

and sports complex built at a cost of about $360 million less than 10 years ago for the 8th All African Games which Abuja hosted, like virtually everything owned by government in Nigeria, has gone to waste and is in decay due to lack of maintenance”. When Inside FCT visited the stadium last Tuesday, it wore a grim look. Its main bowl, velodrome and swimming pool simply lent credence to the popular belief that Nigerians lack maintenance culture. Efforts by our correspondent to reach the Director of Facilities, NSC, Eng. Abubakar Gusau Magaji were abortive, as he could not be reached on phone. Magaji had reportedly complained of sharp cut in the annual budget for the maintenance of stadia in the country. He had said: “If you go back to the maintenance money given before when Julius Berger was there and now, there is so much difference. The construction company was given N1.2 billion per annum to maintain only package A, but after they left, how much money are we collecting? In this year’s budget N300million was appropriated for all the six national stadia across Nigeria namely Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu, Kaduna, Bauchi and Abuja. If you divide that by six stadia, how much do you get?, N50million each per stadia divide that by 12 because we are not going to get the money in bulk. It comes in piece meal. So you have N50million for Abuja national stadium, for heaven’s sake, even electricity bill will clear the money not to talk of water and other maintenance”.

Mirror Mongers

Friday, September 14, 2012

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How to turn an ‘oba’ down

T Patience Jonathan

Shouldn’t we know what happens to our First Lady?

ast week, we all learnt, from snooping and covert news gathering, that First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan was sick and had been flown to a hospital in Wiesbaden, Germany. Once the news broke, we expected to hear more, regarding the status of her health. Instead, her spokesman, Ayo Osinlu, was reported to have told the media that Dame Jonathan was not sick, but merely abroad to take time off to rest. Mr. Osinlu argued that his boss deserved to rest after returning from the African First Ladies’ Summit in late July. While Nigerians are pretending to be as dumb as they will want us to be, it has also been revealed (through more covert operations) that the president is planning to replace aides who are currently around the First Lady in Germany. The worry is about the manner at which news of her hospitalisation was leaked. Whatever the case, unless the replacements have their tongues cut out, someone in that privileged circle is bound to tell tales unless full disclosure is made by government to put an end to this endless speculations and guesses.

he governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, is a study in new governance for a 21st century Nigerian. For the changestirring governor of Nigeria’s number one metropolitan hub, it is never business as usual. One minute, he is reeling out radical road usage laws and personal space beautification mandates to citizens of the state, the next, he is saying no-thanks to a traditional ruler’s chieftancy offer. It was during the 75th birthday celebration and 18th coronation anniversary of the Oniru of Iru land, Lagos, Oba Abidun Idowu Oniru. To honour Fashola for the rapid pace of development Lagos had seen under his administration, the Oba made the gesture –a chieftancy title on the one hand and a honourary award on the other. The geeky governor accepted the honourary award of excellence dedicating it to “public servants in La-

gos”. While he tactfully turned down the title of an ‘agbadawearing’ chief as one in which the flowing traditional garment would hamper his effectiveness in office. But traditionalists are piqued that a true Yoruba-born would decline a kingly gift. Liberalists are countering by informing, Fashola did not give an outright no; he only said “at an appropriate time, we will come and join them”.

Sanusi

One month, one trouble for CBN gov

Gov. Fashola

or those who have read about Wilson Tagbo, a character in a popular children’s literature book, One Week One Trouble, a lot of lessons abound in the circumstances Central Bank Governor, Lamido Sanusi Lamido has found himself. The man, who says his dream job is to become the Emir of Kano, is notable for the following drastic actions in Nigeria: removing five bank managing directors and printing N500bn

to recapitalise the banks so affected; announcing a donation of N100m to victims of Boko Haram bombing in his home state while ignoring earlier victims of the sect in Suleja, Niger State; coming to work adorned in the regalia of his latest traditional title in Kano; boldly confronting the National Assembly members that they consume 25% of the national budget, for which he is still being hailed and finally as if to stir the hornet’s nest, Lamido Sanusi, announced plans to introduce N5000 notes come 2013. Like most of his actions, the polity has reacted with screams that he wants to heighten inflation in Nigeria. Now, the president has come out to endorse Sanusi’s monetary policy, dissuading fears about inflation. But while he still eyes the position of the Emir of Kano, MM will remind Sanusi that Murtala Mohammed, a prominent son of Kano and the former head of state whose image adorns the twenty naira note may go into extinction by the time this denomination is coined as proposed.

Maku’s Facebook love-hate affair

nly God knows what Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg would be thinking whenever the name Labaran Maku pops up on his computer. In 2010, while trying to exhort the wizardry of his boss, President Goodluck Jonathan, Labaran, the Nigerian Information Minister, gratuitously attributed the advent of Facebook in Nigeria to President Jonathan, an assertion that was

ONE-SECOND Q&A

roundly mocked. In reality, the minister was referring to the way the President was deploying his campaign strategies through the social media. Roughly two years later, the minister seems to be feeling otherwise. After winning the elections, Labaran has come out to voice his subtle disgust for the thing called social media. In a recent speech, the Minister was almost calling for the control of the usage

of social media in Nigeria. According to MM sources, this is an offshoot of the recent revelation by the President that he is the most-criticised president in the history of Nigeria. As if to lend credence to the assertion, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, in an article a few days later, cautioned those doing mischief against his boss on the soMaku cial media to desist.

VICTOR IKPEBA

Former African Player of the Year and ex-Nigerian international, Victor Ikpeba believes that Nigeria can carry on with her football building process under Stephen Keshi without John Mikel Obi and Peter Osaze Odemwingie. He made this observation while giving his views about the two players’ exclusion from the team which played Liberia last weekend. Do you think having a John Mikel Obi and Osaze Odemwingie could have made a favourable difference to the scoreline for Nigeria?

Ikpeba

igeria can do without Mikel and Osaze. Nigeria is bigger than the two players and after all both players were part of the team that played against Guinea last year. And what happened? Keshi tried to call the players, but their response wasn’t the best and he had to take a decision. If I am Keshi, I don’t think I will call them to the team again. Stephen Keshi is on the right path with the team and what he’s doing with the team is very brave. I must say the 2-2 draw against Liberia is a good result because it gives Nigeria a 70 to 80 percent chance of qualifying for the 2013 Nations’ Cup.

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Shawwal 28, 1433AH Friday, September 14, 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

Welcome to Masjid Taqwa in Kissimmee, Florida

Masjid Taqwa in Kissimmee, Florida.

asjid Taqwa of Kissimmee, Florida was established in 1998 by the Islamic Center of Osceola County (ICOC). The ICOC is a non-profit organization built around the growing Muslim Community in Central Florida. Masjid Taqwa serves as the place for prayer and Islamic activities for Muslims in Kissimmee and Orlando. This official website of Masjid Taqwa and the Islamic Center of Osceola County is intended to provide information on the Masjid, its activity, location, directions and salat times. Masjid Taqwa and the ICOC organize various Islamic activities in addition to regular prayers. The mosque has daily prayers, Jumah prayer, eid prayers, weekly programme on Thursdays, food provided, daily and weekly visitation of local Muslim brothers, Islamic education for Muslim children,

Taqwa Expansion Project The ICOC is currently undertaking a large construction project adjacent to Masjid Taqwa. This development, titled ‘Taqwa Professional and Commerce Center’, will provide a larger place for the

Our children, our trial: Focus on parenting 28

Muslim Community in Central Florida with ample parking space. The ground floor of this new development will be a business center to provide financial support to this non-profit organization. This is a $3.5 million project and provides an

opportunity to the Muslims in the local community and all around the world to participate in a great cause. This new construction will provide bigger facility for Islamic Activities and more parking spaces. The lack of

Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya

Friday Sermon: Purpose of Jalsa Salana T he Promised Messiah (AS) has said that the fundamental purpose of this Jalsa, is that through it, such a Jama’at - such a community should be

prepared and always increase its knowledge and cognizance of God Almighty; in whom the fear of God should begin to grow; in whom piety and righteousness

Story of baby coming with Quran, rosary may not be true –Shafi’i 29

adequate parking space has been a long standing issue for Masjid Taqwa. The first floor of this new construction will be a commercial business center, and second floor will be a larger space for Jumah and other activities. should be found developing; who should be always craving for God; who should be found having deep love for each other. The Promised Messiah (AS) gives an example saying, if a person becomes ill and if one does not treat the illness, then whether it is a minor illness or a major one, the pain and the disorder continues to increase and sometimes the treatment itself is a painful thing, but it has to be done and without it, things deteriorate and health cannot be regained. He also admonished that the heart which is not pure, no matter how pure the speech that emanates from it is, such a person has no value in the sight of God. In fact such a one would cause God’s wrath to descend on such a one. So the members of my Jama’at must understand that they have come to me CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Morkaz opened a new system of learning 30

Call to Worship

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Shawwal 28, 1433AH Friday, September 14, 2012

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Our children, our trial: Focus on parenting

arenting is not an abstract endeavour. It is all involving. It has goals and requires skills. The Qur’an warns that the believers must safeguard themselves and that of their families from hell. That explains the essence of parenting in Islam. It is for the conscious parents to do all that is humanly possible to prevent themselves and that of their children from turbulence of this world and hell in the hereafter. To understand this perspective, imagine you are casting your innocent six your old child inside fire! How do you feel doing that or somebody doing it on your behalf ? It is in that light you should consider and reflect over this Quranic passage which says: “O You who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who disobey not, (from executing) the commands they receive from Allah, but do that which they are commanded.” (Q66:6) Your actions or inactions are affecting the hereafter of your child. The attention you give to his becoming a great, rich, famous person in life does not give room for saving him from hell in the hereafter. If you disagree, then ask how many minutes you spend with your child telling him about Allah (SWT), the prophets, Islaam, etc. How much of your resources do you commit to his Islamic training compared to the one you spend on other things? Every parent must first and foremost build faith in his child? You must consciously let him know Allah (SWT) and fear Him. You must tell him about the signs of Allah (SWT) and His powers. Tell him about reward and punishment. Tell him the virtue of goodness and consequence of sinfulness. Start now to play your role. It is never too late. Organize your child and address them regularly before a day when you will both run away from each other. Do note that Allah (SWT) alone determines who goes to paradise or hell. So play your role and pray to Him for guidance and acceptance. The day a child is born might be a misfortune to the world if he grows to become a source of regret. Of what importance is a child who becomes a thief, an armed-robber, a fornicator, a cheat, an embezzler, etc? You can help your child by taking advantage of specific years recognized by Islam to commit him to Allah (SWT). First, the Prophet (SAW) gave guidance on what you should do when the baby is born. Get familiarised with that and act accordingly. This is the actual celebration and birthday in the life of the child. This holds on the seventh day. You give a good name, shave the hair and weigh it for the equivalent charity in silver or gold. Do tahnak (a pious person to chew date and slightly use the liquid therefrom to rub the gum of the child) and slaughter one or two rams depending on the gender of the child. This is the virtuous way to welcome the child into this world. You should abstain from extravagance and prohibitions. This welcoming has both health and spiritual impact on the child. When the child attains seven, the Prophet (SAW) enjoined that you should teach him Salat. It is ordinarily expected that you would have been doing this informally before the official time. Sit your child down and tell him that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) asks you to teach him Salat. By this,

IT IS FOR THE CONSCIOUS PARENTS TO DO ALL THAT IS HUMANLY POSSIBLE TO PREVENT THEMSELVES AND THAT

OF THEIR CHILDREN FROM TURBULENCE OF THIS WORLD AND HELL IN THE HEREAFTER you are to teach him practical Salat and all that has to do with it. This will cover ablutions, timing, Salat manners, types etc. You should buy your child books or teaching aids on Salat. You must let him observe you pray and you too must supervise his Salat. There cannot be Salat without Qur’an, so you have to teach him chapters of the Qur’an. You have to gradually explain to him various sayings of the Prophet (SAW) on the essence of Salat. At age ten, you sit him down again to let him know the essence of that stage. Let him know that the Prophet (SAW) enjoins that you can beat him if he fails to pray. At this stage also, he is not to sleep in the same bed with his sister if he has one. Let the child know that there is penalty for not praying. Here too, you teach some level of sex education to the extent he can comprehend. This provides an aspect of Islamic approach to child upbringing. The western approach spares the rod and spoils the child. The former allows that the child may be slightly punished if he fails to act rightly. Ordinarily, a child that is well brought up will not have any problem adjusting to Salat observance. But in the event of a child acting otherwise, the parents should be wise enough on which method to use to correct the child. Beating is the last resort. In fact, a child’s case should not get to that stage if proper handling is put in place. The beating of the child should be light and corrective. It could be a stroke or two. But must never be more than ten in any case. It should not inflict injury on the child. Your next role as a parent is when the child attains puberty. You sit him or her down and enlighten them accordingly. Let him or her know that he has become a Mukallaf. This is a stage when all religious obligations have become compulsory on him. This is a period when he will be rewarded for very good deed and also punished for every bad deed. This is a period when the angels will open a file for him to document all his deeds. This is a period when he will be responsible for all his actions. You have to specifically explain the Islamic jurisprudence on ghusl (ritual bath) in the event of jan bah or hayd. This orientation should have started before puberty so that he would have been psychologically prepared. Your boy should know that when he attains a particular stage, he can have wet dream while a girl will also experience menstrual cycle. The father should specifically engage his son and detail him accordingly. The mother should do same for her daughter. Both should also play complimentary roles. For example, the father will emphasize for his daughter how boys with bad characters can trick and mislead her. The mother

too should guide his son on how girls could tempt him. Age seven, ten and puberty are the main years parents should mark in the life of their children. How many parents do these? How many even know when their child attains puberty? I once came across a boy who had attained puberty via wet dream and was praying without knowing the right thing to do. A child might have been taught the types of ghusl in school but may not be able to apply it when it affects him personally. He or she has to be put through. Without any doubt, giving concern to these stages in the life of our children will achieve some level of drawing them closer to Allah (SWT). We need also to use scenario approach to prepare them for all circumstances they may encounter. This is more particular in the case of the female child who tends to always be at the receiving end. Nobody can play your role as a parent. No role is as tasking as parenting. No role in human endeavour can be equated with child raising. The onus lies on those who bear children to prove their worth in caring maximally for them. Your child may be sent to school, but it will be unjustifiable to relax and feel that while the teacher acts as the locus parentis, he will assume your role. Your role is divinely assigned. It is you Allah (SWT) will take to account for the faith and fate of your child.

The teacher will account for the trust of imparting knowledge. The parent will account for everything about the child. It is you that chose a teacher for your child. It is you who determines the school your child attends. It is you who creates home environment for the child. Everything about your child starts with you and returns to you. How then could you think that somebody else will help you train your child while you devote time to work outside the home or busy attending functions and ceremonies? Every parent must prepare to meet Allah (SWT) to render explanation for their parenting. It is not news that children these days are disownig their parents. It is an evidence of the end time that some of these children are illegitimately brought into the world. It is also evident that most parents are not devoted to Allah (SWT). It is thus a case of little time for Allah (SWT), spare time for the child and prime time for the enjoyment of life. How then could such parents realise the thrust of child upbringing? Dr. Zafaran is the Director, Vanguards Academy

L-R: Fadhilat Sheikh Abdul Fatahi Abdul-Ahmed, The Founder/National Chief Missioner of JUBFAT, Sheikh Abdul Ganny Umar Arikunkewu (who led the Eid-el-fitr prayer at New Oko-Oba Central mosque recently) and Fadhilat Sheikh Muh-Yahkubu Olorunofabosi.

Cross Section of members of Al-Hikmat Islamic Assembly at the event.

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Friday, September 14, 2012

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Shawwal 28, 1433AH

Call to Worship

Story of baby coming with Quran, rosary may not be true –Shafi’i LATEEFAH IBRAHIMANIMASHAUN

he grand Mufti, Conference of Islamic organisations, (CIO) Ustaz Dhikrullahi Shafii has called on Nigerians to look into the recent cases of miracle babies purportedly coming with Quran and other Islamic items like rosary which he said, has to be adequately scrutinized

so as not to ridicule the religion. The Islamic cleric said Nigerians should be wary of spreading tales concerning the religion especially those that has to do with the image of the religion. He said that he and some other clerics have been to the place and have interviewed the mother, and other people involved in the case. He urged all to be pa-

tient about the issue as there are indications that there are some facts that need to be clarified. Speaking at the monthly Fiqh forum organised by The Muslim Congress, (TMC) held at Dawah Centre, Ijesha, the cleric said scholars of Islam are of different opinions concerning this issue. He stated that some scholars argued that it is ridiculous to claim that

the Holy Quran came through the private parts of a female while others stood on the fact that there is nothing impossible for Allah to do. He called on Muslims to improve on Sunanul fitrah (practices that are in accordance with the natural inclinations of man) which, he said, includes shaving of the pubic hair, leaving the beards and shaving the

moustache, cutting the nails, among others. He encouraged Muslims to uphold the principles of Islam in running their personal lives to maintain natural cleanliness. Meanwhile, Ustaz Tajudeen Yusuf, while speaking on the intention of the Federal government of Nigeria to introduce N5,000 note, said the masses are against it add-

ing that it is against the cashless policy of the government which will lead to inflation and increase cases of money laundry. He said this government was initially tagged the government of the people, but now, it is now obvious that it is the government of some selected few. He advised that all should keep on praying for the condition of the country to improve.

Sultan reiterates traditional rulers’ commitment to polio eradication

T L-R: Cultural Consulate, Iranian Embassy to Nigeria, Haj Sayed Javadi; Dr. Abdul Muhmeen Omolaja, Justice Ibrahim Olorunninbe, Publisher, Wahbah Press, Cairo, Dr. Hussaine Wahbah, Sheikh Habeebullahi Adam Al-illory, during the presentation of an honorary award to Sheikh Abdullahi Yaqub Al-illory, at the 60th Anniversary of Morkaz.

he Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has reiterated traditional rulers’ commitment toward the eradication of polio in the country between now and the end of 2012. The Sultan renewed the commitment in Sokoto last Saturday during a sensitization meeting with 35 northern emirs and officials of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA). `We want to assure the President that we will sustain the current efforts aimed at totally stopping

the transmission of the wild polio virus, he said. ``The traditional rulers are totally committed and we will do everything humanly possible to ensure the success of the three polio immunization programmes scheduled for between now and October. No stone will be left unturned by the traditional rulers to ensure that more than” 90 per cent of the targeted children are adequately covered during the exercises. The end of year target for the stoppage of the transmission of the wild

polio virus will be met by the grace of God, as the emirs will all go back to their respective domains and ensure that the targeted children are fully immunized.’’ Abubakar also promised that the traditional rulers would sustain the current support to the Presidential Committee on Polio Eradication and those in the states, as well as the local governments. Highlights of the event was the signing of the ``Pact on Responsibility’’ by the Sultan on polio eradication.

Sheikh Mustapha Zuglool delivering the welcome address at the ceremony.

Emulate Folawiyo-Alhaji Abolore L ATEEFAH IBRAHIMANIMASHAUN

uslims have been enjoined to emulate the legacies laid down by the late Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Iyanda Folawiyo as he was conferred with an award of excellence for improving the lives of Muslims in the country. Amir Hajj Folawiyo Group; Alhaji Abdul Gafar Abolore gave this advice while receiving the posthumous award on his behalf, recently in Lagos. Abolore encouraged Muslims to increase in doing things that will benefit the people as this will also serve as his

reward in the grave. He enjoined Muslims to emulate the late Folawiyo especially his good manners, while relating with people. He stressed his selfless service in promoting Islam, especially on sponsoring Islamic events in the media. He said Nigerian Muslims will miss the late Alhaji Folawiyo for his good works adding that he was a boss with extra ordinary distinction whose good deeds continued even after his death. Meanwhile, the Arowoshadini of Nigeria, Alhaja Muinat Shopeyin-Akande has enjoined Muslims to be more committed to bringing up God fearing chil-

dren as this will lay a good foundation for the country. She said that lots of children are supposed to have been misled, but through the strivings of eminent Islamic scholars and philanthropists in the country, they’ve been trained to be leaders. Alhaja Shopeyin-Akande advised government to find a way of minimizing unemployment adding that unemployed youths are the main instruments of formenting trouble in the society. She urged the people in power to be watchful of amassing wealth of innocent people as he said the punishment for such act is enormous in the sight of Allah.

Representative of the Ogun State Governor, Alh. Shuaib Salisu (left) presenting an award to Alh. Kayode Sofola (SAN) at the event.

Dr. Hamza Abdulraheem; Dr. Issa Abubakar and Dr. Yusuf Juma’h.

Call to Worship

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Shawwal 28, 1433AH Friday, September 14, 2012

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Morkaz opened a new system of Learning

he success of Morkaz elicited support and admiration of people with like minds, one of those who adopted the same method was the childhood friend of Shaykh Al-illory, Shaykh al Khidr Apaokagi who established his Arabic school at Owo. This school is one of the successful schools of Arabic in Yoruba land. Also, the Karashi School in Ibadan also manifested the impact of Morkaz system was al-Ma’ahdu n’ Nijiriy established at the Elekuro Ibadan. The Proprietor Sheikh Murtadha Abdus Salam, himself an erudite scholar, was reputed for adhering tenaciously to the puritan Islam .

The first teacher posted by Morkaz to start the school was Shaykh Raji Suleimon. When this teacher gained admission to study in Egypt, Morkaz sent Shaykh Abdul Ganiyy Salahu’d-Din. This school is next to Morkaz judging by the number of professors, readers, senior lecturers and other doctorate degree holders in Arabic and Islamic studies in Yoruba land. The other kinds of schools were those that are offshoots of Morkaz across West Africa. Listing them will lead to an invidious omission. Suffice it to note that on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of Morkaz daru’l-ulum

was established at Illorin in 1962 as a token of empire coming to the root. The school became so successful and indeed a good beginning to which others was added. Thus in 1963, the Ma’had al Azhari was established in Illorin in affiliation with al Azhar ash-Shariff in Cairo, Egypt. This was what gave the result that was desired. This must be so at least or Primary/ basic level of learning Arabic. After this level a student can combine Arabic and Islamic Studies with different other subjects through

the medium of Arabic, English, Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba. The present proprietor of Morkaz, Shaykh Habibullah Adam Al-illory also sought affiliation of Diploma programmes of Morkaz with Universities in Nigeria. The Al Hikmah University first granted the affiliation while the University of Ilorin followed suit. It is gratifying to note that the first set of Diploma products of Morkaz have been confirmed by the Senate of the University of Ilorin.

Al-Mumina’at commences week L ATEEFAH IBRAHIM-ANIMASHAUN

n Islamic organisation, AlMumina’at has begun its Women’s Week celeration on Wednesday and will end the programme on Sunday, 23rd of the month. The programme which kicked off with Media tour to PM news, NTA, The Nation Newspaper will end on Sunday 23rd with a free medical screening to be held at Mainland and Ikorodu Local governments with Iwaya Health Centre, Ebute Meta and EwuElepe Central Mosque as the main centres.

The programme includes special Jumat which is holding today for all the local governments of the organisation, visitation to the female section of Kirikiri Prison, among other programmes. According to the Amirah of a branch of the organsiation, Hajia Bushroh Jubril, the high point of the event is the lecture that will revolve round the theme of the programme: Towards Reforming the Society, to be delivered by Ustaz Tajudeen Yusuf. The second lecture of the day will be on the topic: Inheritance: the right of every woman to be delivered by Umu Ameenah Abdus Satar.

Duties of children to their parents in Islam

Cross section of students of the Morkaz Arabic & Islamic Centre during the centre’s 60th anniversary held in Lagos.

Director (Admin) Dr Zafaran Adeniyi flanked by the Principal Mr Luqman Alatishe (left) and Chairman Management Board, Alhaji Dawud Arogundade at the briefing.

Friday Sermon: Purpose of Jalsa Salana CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 so that a seed may be sown, so that they become like a tree that bears fruit. The sketch that the Promised Messiah (AS) has drawn for us by giving the example of Genghis and Hulagu Khan - even today if we look around we see the same thing. Muslims have no strength, they are shaping and conducting their lives according to the dictates and understanding and requirements of others, they are following their syallabi, they have forgotten the teachings of the Holy Quran. So an Ahmadi must try to attain to lofty levels of adherence to the truth on every level and plain. For example, these days, many Ahmadis are coming to European countries seeking

asylum and sometimes some of these people even say untrue things whereas if only the truth is spoken and an appeal is lodged with the authorities by informing them of the true situation being faced by the Ahmadis in Pakistan, even then this has a real impact. During these days of the Jalsa, we should especially exert yourselves in durood and istighfar so we may be moved to reform ourselves and we may become capable of bringing our own wishes and desires in accord with the wishes and commands of God Almighty and pray so that we may become those who fully discharge the responsibility that falls upon all of us who have entered into the system of bai’at with the Promised Messiah (AS).

critical look at the conduct of some children to their parents shows that they no longer respect and give honour to them. The reason for this is not farfetched because some of these children have become drug addicts, vagabonds and wayward. Furthermore, this is partly due to the failure of parents to teach their wards the way of Allah right from inception. All religions of the world have laid great emphasis on the rights of parents and the duties of children towards them. According to Islamic teachings, to be obedient and to show kindness to parents has been enjoined in the holy Qur’an in such a manner as to say that among the noble deeds, to obey parents, treat them respectfully and to show kindness to them is next to worshipping Almighty Allah. The glorious Holy Qur’an chapter 2, verse 83 says that “Your Lord has ordained that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents....”. There are various chapters of the holy Qur’an that explain the duties of children to their parents. They include but not limited to chapter 4, verse 36, chapter 17, verses 23 – 24, chapter 31, verse 14 and chapter 46, verse 15. According to Prophet Mohammed (SAW), the parents of a certain person are his Heaven or Hell. In other words, this means is that if a person obeys his parents, attends to their needs, keep them happy and make them comfortable, such a child will attain paradise. The duties of children are hereby stated herein. First and foremost, children must obey all lawful instructions and respect views of their parents provided it is in line with the dictates of the holy Qur’an and teachings of Prophet Mohammed (SAW). So it is the duty of children to obey their orders and act accordingly. Also, Parental advice should be listened to and acted upon, even if against children’s own wishes. If parents scold them, they should bear it calmly. No rude replies, no

arguing, no explanations, no comments unless asked for. In as much as parents have to look after the children for decades. So it is the duty of grown-up children to repay them by way of caring for them and looking to their physical and financial needs when the parents are of old age. Equally, as parents grow old, they become very weak and find it difficult to do what they can easily do years back. So it is the duty of children to help their parents in any household chore in which they can help without them asking them to do so. For example, sons can help in cleaning home, arranging things while daughters can help in mother’s household work like cooking, washing, cleaning, serving food, etc. Children are enjoined to be soft-spoken towards parents and show respect in their behaviour towards them especially when they are old. Unfortunately, western education has made the children to forget these lessons because they derive joy in sending their parents to old people’s home. In conclusion, children must not forget the favours and sacrifices of their parents when they were very younger. They must feel and remain obliged towards parents and repay them by kind words and deeds, even with or without money and material needs. On the other hand, if he is disrespectful and rude to them, offends them by ignoring their needs and feelings or causes them grief in any manner, his place shall be in Hell. Children must know that the time that parents need to be looked after most, is in their old age. To serve them devotedly at that stage of their lives is the best way of pleasing Almighty Allah. It is also one of the easier ways of attaining Paradise. Sheikh Abdul Ganiyy Umar Arikunkewu is the Founder/National Chief Missioner of Jubulatu Rohfatu Llahi Islamic Society of Nigeria (JUBAT)

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Arty News

Friday, September 14, 2012

African Film Awards 2012: Anticipated to be bigger and better ADEBIMPE OLATUJA

rganisers of African Film Awards, an indigenous annual event held in London that celebrates the giant strides achieved by the African movie industry, is setting the stage for the 17th edition on Saturday, November 3. Until 2011, the film award, organised by Prince Mike Abiola, Publisher of the African Voice Newspapers, UK, was known as the Afro Hollywood Awards. It has been held annually for the past 16 years, and over the years the Afro Hollywood Awards has served to promote and advance the dynamic growth of African film and arts in Europe, especially in the United Kingdom. With the popularity of Nollywood in the world currently, the organisation has played a pioneering role in promoting Nigeria’s film industry and its practitioners in Europe. Initiators of this innovative award believe one of the successes achieved since inception in 1996 was a contribution to the global growth of film and arts in Nigeria by giving international exposure to the talents that abound in the industry. This was certified by Mike Abiola in a recent interview granted in London. “To the industry practitioners receiving an award, it is a true reflection of hard work, dedication and exceptional performance among Nigerians and other African artistes. Over 80% of the recipients have ended up as ambassadors of corporate brands and over 10% have earned international roles; while some 5% have found family commitment in Europe”. According to Prince Abiola, the organisation has grown due to its credibility and reputation over the years for delivering on what it promises to its ever growing audience of film

Abiola

and arts enthusiasts. “At a time when many did not recognise the potential of the film industry in Nigeria at the beginning in 1992, Afro Hollywood started a magazine dedicated to what became known as Nollywood. Stories about Nigerian videos were first published in 1993 and that gave birth to the awards in 1996”. As part of the quest for a greater Nollywood, Mike Abiola opines government agencies must take the larger responsibility for limited growth in Nollywood. “People talk about Nollywood being the greatest Nigerian export today, but agencies like the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has not tried hard enough to promote Nigerian films or support the international distribution of films made in Nigeria. The UK is the biggest foreign market for Nigerian films. If Nigeria had an astute government agency, Nollywood would, by now, be earning more foreign exchange for Nigeria”. He, however, commended the contribution of government to the successful award events over years. For the 16th edition, Oyo State Government played a significant role with rich hospitality and sponsorship. “The Government of the State of Osun, under the dynamic leadership of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, played a pioneering role when the state Ministry of Tourism and Culture hosted the official Nomination Awards last October. Nigerian recipients of African Film Awards visited the famous Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls and recorded a documentary for international broadcast”, Abiola stated. This year, Ogun State governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun will be hosting the official Nomination Awards in Abeokuta. Ogun State Ministry of Tourism will also be promoting their best tourist destinations via the platform of the awards, which will screen in Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria, Europe and America. Like every other profession, innovative or organisation, Afro Hollywood Awards has had to deal with its own share of concept stealers. “Many copycat awards have sprung up all over Europe and America since the inauguration. One organisation even went as far as far as naming theirs ‘Afro Hollywood Awards in America’ without clearance from the original copyright owners. Many of them have not been consistent and some have fallen by the wayside. Obviously those without a genuine purpose or original ideas will not last long. But additional awards with a genuine purpose will help the growth of the film industry”, said Abiola. On the level of preparation for the 17th edition of Afro Hollywood Awards, Abiola is not letting anything out of the bag yet, but he revealed it would follow the tradition of celebrating excellence in Nollywood and the best of African cinema. “On Saturday, November 3 at the historic Old Stratford Town Hall, it is expected to be the largest gathering of influential British Africans yet. The awards event usually attracts high net worth British Africans with an interest in encouraging the growth of Africa’s film industry”.

Zaina

Zaina collabos with Jamaican reggae star

S-returnee and Soul Muzik’s latest signee, Zaina has collaborated with multi-award-winning Jamaican dancehall star Wayne Wonder on “Totally Yours”, her debut single with the Darey Alade-led music label. Not entirely a newcomer in the industry, Zaina has in the past worked with eLDee, STYL Plus, Sasha, Lynxxx and received nods from the popular Nigerian Entertainment Awards. The talented singer, who recently relocated from Atlanta, joins the small group of

female singers in the contemporary music scene. “I’m here to stay, to play my part and add my voice to what’s going on in my great country”, she said. To kick off Zaina’s stay at the label, her debut singles “Lolola” and “Totally Yours” were officially released on Wednesday, September 12. “Totally Yours” is a soulful exploration of timeless love, submission and devotion. On the other hand, “Lolola” is a ladies’ party anthem with a simple message: “now is the time for love, no games, no preamble and no second thoughts.

EWAN, ‘Friends of Amadi’ roll out burial plans ADENRELE NIYI

he Entertainment Writers Association of Nigeria (EWAN), and Friends of Amadi convened series of meetings in Lagos to deliberate on burial plans for one of their own, the late Group Entertainment Editor for Vanguard News-

Amadi

paper, Ogbonnaya Amadi, who died after an asthma attack. The Amadi family has made known that Ogbonna, aged 49, is to be buried on October 12 in his hometown, Okagwe, Ohafia, Abia state. Other funeral arrangements include a service of songs/night of tribute on October 5 in Lagos. Funeral committees and sub-committees have been set up, while Friends of Amadi and all well-wishers are contributing to an account opened for that purpose. The Chairman of Silverbird Entertainment Group, Ben Bruce, has also offered a scholarship (up to university education) to six-year-old Ben Amadi, the entertainment guru’s last child, in addition to other support the family would be receiving from well meaning Nigerians who recognise the impact of Ogbonna’s two decade-long career as an entertainment journalist.

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Friday, September 14, 2012

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Iriji Mbaise 2012 Yam Fest unites community ...Eddie Ugbomah too celebrates TERH AGBEDEH

he yam tuber is a very important food crop all over Nigeria and is particularly regarded as the head of farm crops in the south east of the country where annual festivals and celebrations are dedicated to it. As a matter of fact, a few people in that part of the country will eat the new yam without first taking part in an elaborate new yam festival, even if they have sojourned away from home. That is why the people of Mbaise community in Imo State went all out to mark this year’s New Yam Festival, Iriji Mbaise 2012 on Wednesday, August 15 at the Central School, Itu in Ezinihitte Local Government of Area with the support of telecom giant, MTN Nigeria. On August 15 every year, Mbaise people all over the world celebrate this thanksgiving event individually or collectively with friends and well wishers. They come together to celebrate their achievements and accomplishments over the year with special thanksgiving to God. The August 15 date may be exclusive to people of Mbaise, but not the festival which has many variants. So it was that on Monday, August 20, veteran filmmaker, Chief Eddie Ugbomah, as he has done for many years, invited friends, colleagues in the Nigerian film industry and well wishers to a new yam celebration in his Badagry, Lagos home. The New Yam festival of the Igbo (Iwa-Ji) is an annual harvest festival by the Igbo people held towards the end of the rainy season. This symbolises the conclusion of a harvest and the beginning of the next work cycle. Iriji Mbaise is very significant as it represents the most prominent gathering of the Mbaise people of Imo State at home and in Diaspora. Iriji Mbaise this year, the festival characterised by feasting, dancing and cultural display, was preceded by a colloquium titled: ‘Developing our Communities through Cultures’. Eminent personalities at this year’s event included the Deputy Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and the Deputy Governor of Imo

State, Sir Jude Agbaso. Chairman of Mbaise Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Chidume Okoro, said at the event that Iriji Mbaise 2012 is very significant because it is coming at a time Nigeria as a nation and the government of Imo State are deepening the cultural and traditional values of the people in order to fight crime and re-orientate the declining value systems of the people. The traditional ruler, while thanking the telecoms company for its contributions to the development of the people and its efforts in making life better for its teeming subscribers, said the community will not stop to appreciate the mobile service provider for its consistent support. “MTN has shown beyond reasonable doubt that it is committed to the positive development of the people. The company has not only provided a platform for us to interact effectively with one another, but it has also continuously ensured that our lives are better for it”, the royal father stated. The Regional Marketing Manager, MTN Nigeria, South East, Dan Nwankwo, reinstated the company’s commitment to enriching the lives of its consumers and connecting with them through their passion points. “MTN appreciates that culture connects with lifestyle of the people, there is no way you want to positively touch the life of a man without connecting with his lifestyle. And this can be done effectively by associating with his culture; that is why MTN is very passionate about promoting the cultural value of the people”, he said. Over the years, MTN Nigeria has shown that it is highly committed to its brand philosophy of enriching lives of its customers and connecting with them through their passion points and the company has been involved in a good number of festivals across the length and breadth of the country to ensure that it resourcefully connects to the people through cultural festivals. Good examples are Ito Ogbo Obosi in Anambra State, Leboku in Cross River State, Arungungu in Kebbi State, Nwoyo in Taraba State, Lagos Heritage Week and the Iriji Mbaise in Imo State.

President, Ndi Ezeji Mbaise, Dr. T. E. Ihuoma (L) and Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha hoisting a new yam.

Rt. Hon. Ihedioha assured the People of Mbaise that he will distribute fertiliser to them to ensure bumper yam harvest for next year’s Iriji. “This festival has greatly united us as a people. For next year’s festival, I will ensure I bring fertiliser to ensure a bumper harvest; I will work the details of it with the Ndi-Ezeji (Yam Kings). Among other things that should be done for the festival, I believe the major thing is the fertiliser”, he said. The origin and evolution of Iriji Mbaise was handed down by oral tradition as there is said to be no living person who can attest to the exact date when it started. According to legend, the cradle of creation took place in Ezinihitte Mbaise at ‘Orie-ukwu’ with the birth of five clans – Ezinihitte, Oke-Ovoro, Agbaja, Ahiara and Ekwereazu. In those ancient days, the celebration of an-

Travel News

Cuba’s Obini Bata traces roots to Nigeria IJEOMA EZEIKE, ABUJA

n search of the root that connects them with other countries and to know the origin of their existence in Africa, “Obini Bata” (an all female drum and dance ensemble) visited the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke last Friday. Speaking at the gathering, the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Hugo Rene Ramos Milanes said the cultural troupe came to trace their ancestral home in Nigeria, as well as strengthen cultural ties. “Nigeria is a very wide place, we have travelled to different states and our visit to Osun State shows that we have so many things in common”, Milanes said. Responding, the Tourism Minister said that the umbilical cord of people from Cuba is still embedded in the rich and fertile soil of Africa. “When you see the Obini Bata physically, you will know that each and any one of them could have come from any state of Nigeria. The mu-

sic they play can be a replica from several parts of Nigeria. The instruments cut across the variety of instruments from Lagos, Taraba and some parts of north central. So, put together, we have a universal connection which is very critical for the promotion of humanity”. “The natural affinity and affiliation, the seamless natural synergy and connection with our sisters -even as we sit in this room- is more eloquent, more significant and symbolic. The music and dancing have expressed more than mere words can ever say. That is why, it is impossible for the mighty oceans of the world to separate the people and the spirit of the people that continue to cry for each other over the centuries”. The minister then offered an unreserved Nigerian welcome to the Cubans; “Welcome to Abuja, the capital of the biggest black nation on the earth. For all people of African extraction and all over the world that have any element of root in Africa, this is your capital; this is the melting pot for our people. Let us therefore, strengthen the bond of relation-

ship between our two countries, let the drum beat from Nigeria and Cuba. Let the songs that come from the depth of our heart silence the voice of those who do not understand the value of culture. Let the warmth of our hearts re-energise the collaboration between our people!” Edem Duke pronounced. Bata drumming is the oldest musical drum tradition of Cuba, introduced to the island country since the 15th century by slaves captured from Nigeria and West Africa, during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. “Obini Bata” was formed in 1993, Havana, Cuba, by Director Eva Despaigne and other female members of the National Folkloric Ensemble of Cuba. In Cuba, the Bata drum was traditionally played only by men, but Obini scaled this cultural barrier by becoming the first all-female ensemble to explore their vibrant and rich African/Nigeria cultural roots and heritage through this artistic genre. The cultural troupe is expected to be in Nigeria for three months where they would explore different states.

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Friday, September 14, 2012

FACT FILE

Eze Chidume Okoro, Deputy Chairman Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chairman Mbaise Council of Traditional Rulers (seated) receiving a gift of kolanuts from Dan Nwankwo, Regional Manager South East, MTN at the Iriji Mbaise 2012

L-R: Dejumo Lewis, Eddie Ugbomah and Vigil Chime (sitting)

WE ARE SUPPOSED TO SIT WHERE THEY ARE ROASTING THE YAM, WHICH IS EATEN WITH PALM OIL AND A SPECIALLY PREPARED CAT FISH nual Iriji took place in every village and town in Mbaise on an important market day of the week. The cultivation and planting of farm crops between January and end of May resulted in shortage of food leaving families to feed on the little available food. This famine period would continue through the end of July when the first species of yam called ‘Ji-Igwe’ would be harvested. This particular species of yam is nicknamed ‘cut and come again’ because when you dig and cut off the early tuber leaving

the head underground, it will grow and produce another tuber which will be planted in the next cropping season. The fathers of the Households in the villages and towns would be very happy and thankful to God for having survived the famine. To them, this wonder of nature calls for celebration, hence a day was set aside for the celebration named ‘Iriji-Ohuo’ – New Yam Festival. There are farmers in every village and town who grow and harvest more yams than others. These great farmers were given the prestigious title of ‘Ezeji’. Acclaimed as having the largest farms, they could feed hundreds of people without running out of supply. As such, they regard Iriji as their particular ceremony but the event is for every person big and small. Meanwhile, at the celebration at Ugbomah’s house in Badagry were filmmaker Zeb Ejiro; veteran actor Dejumo Lewis; scriptwriter Joe Dudun U.S.-based author, Vigil Chime and Ogbonna Onwumere of the National Film and

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Mbaise is an amalgam of indigenous, autochthonous clans, connected by intermarriage and situated in the heartland of Igboland.

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It occupies an approximate area of 404 square kilometres in present-day Imo State.

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The population of Mbaise as at 2006 was estimated to be 611,204 people.

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The Ahianjoku festival, dedicated to the yam deity, is what metamorphosed into the New Yam Festival (Iriji Mbaise) introduced in 1946.

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Other cultural and traditional ceremonies in Mbaise include ‘Oji Ezinihitte’, which celebrates the unity of the people of Ezinihitte clan, takes place on the first of January. ‘Itu Aka’ Nguru, an annual event before the farming season, is to enable the people better weather the new environment, new times and new challenges.

•

Before the advent of European jobs, the main source of income in Mbaise was subsistent agriculture.

Video Censors Board (NFVCB), among others. Asked when the pounded yam would come after the guests has feasted on roasted yam soaked in palm oil and smoked fish washed down with palm wine and gin, Ugbomah said it was taboo to eat anything other than yam on such a day. “You should know it’s seriously forbidden; it’s roasted yam only. Actually, we are supposed to sit where they are roasting the yam, which is eaten with palm oil and a specially prepared cat fish brought from home. The drink for the day is palm wine and ‘ogogoro’ (locally distilled gin)”, he said. The filmmaker, who will turn 72 in December, said he has been celebrating the new yam festival since he was 19 in honour of his father. “And when I became a chief, I have to do this with regulation. I have three chieftaincy titles in Abo, Delta State; then I got one from Eko in 1966 and in Edo State. I did the libation before the event started that is why you see this chalk on my eyes”, he explained. Ugbomah, who has shot a 52-episode documentary on the history of motion picture in Nigerian, said he would like to shoot a documentary on the new yam festival in the nearest future.

RSTDA shines at Notting Hill Carnival

Chief Edem Duke (L) and H.E Amb. Ramos Milanes enjoying the presentation from the female musicians

he journey to Rivers State’s participation in the Notting Hill Carnival, which took place on August 28 and 29, started a few months ago when the Director General of the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA), Dr. Sam Achibi Dede, introduced CARNIRIV to the Notting Hill Carnival. Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Rotimi Amaechi gave his full support to this audacious scheme and ensured that funds were made available despite bureaucratic bottlenecks, which almost killed it. The scheme that involved putting a traditional float with 35 masquerades on the carnival parade came with huge logistic challenges, which the DG sought to mitigate by contracting Zmirage UK to act as consultants and facilitate the troupes’ participation in Notting Hill. He could not have chosen better consultants. Mr. Shabaka Thompson, executive director, Zmirage UK, is also the former CEO of Notting Hill Carnival Village. Well-versed in the intricacies of carnival participation, Shabaka was able to get Peoples World Carnival Band to agree to host the visitors. This was

a very important aspect of the show because Notting Hill carnival was no longer taking on new bands. To put a float in the parade therefore, one had to affiliate with an existing band whose outlook must be similar to the existing ones. Luckily, CARNIRIV found a welcome home with the friendly Peoples World Band members. The next step was the float construction; at extremely short notice, Shabaka was able to get all aspects of the construction taken care of, including hand moulding the crabs, which are a definitive feature of the float design supplied by RSTDA. A well-attended reception was held for the RSTDA team at the Africa Centre in Covent Garden. Anchored by Nollywood actress and Vice President of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria, Lillian Amah-Aluko, the event had a pot pourri of nationalities all eager to savour the rich culture of Rivers State. Covered live by Bubbles FM, the reception, which ended with a lavish dinner catered by Mrs. Golda John-Abiola, had questions for Dede from the audience and online listeners.

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

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Friday, September 14, 2012

Naughty Notes

Romney

Political tutorial from U.S

igeria, the largest black nation in the world, has got a lot to learn about politics from the more advanced democracies of the world. A ready classic example is the United States and the Presidential race shaping up to be a contest between passion and pragmatism. Anyway we view it, the build up to the November U.S. elections is not exempt of mud-slinging, swipe-taking and character undermining campaigning on both sides. Even while America is still shell-shocked by Tuesday’s rocket attack on its consulate in Libya and the resultant killing of four U.S officials including the American ambassador to Libya, Mitt Romney took full advantage to launch a verbal attack on President Obama’s foreign policy, describing it as ‘sympathetic’ to those undermining America’s strength. Ex-governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, the only colourful feature of the traditionally ashen Republican party made a statement to the effect that Obama had been wielding a small stick in tackling dissident elements and concluded her views with a coup de grâce, I quote; “maybe he should get a bigger stick if the one he has is too small”... (sic and sic for the double entendre!). Obama then went on the counter offensive saying Romney “shoots first and aims later”! Such spirited verbal communication between opponents piques our interests and engages the community. The fight is fierce, but the fencing and jabbing is done respectful of the rules of the game; use your opponent’s exposed weakness by articulating clearer visions. That is politics at its murkiest best in modern times... at least in places where civility reigns. Not so in Nigeria. As soon as the electioneering season berths, politicians, kingmakers and ordinary political party minions become endangered at the risk of an assassin’s bullet or machete cut. The raw barbarism and naked lust for power displayed during these seasons by many of those vying for public office makes me shake my head ruefully. My brother rationalised the Nigerian politician’s motivation in simple words: “In America, they contest for office to work, make a difference and thereby bring prestige to their names; in Nigeria we contest for office to go and chop!”.

There I am playing online cat and mouse games with the twitter friend -obviously a male- and one who is also very effusive in his advances. In two days of being tweet mates, he’s asking for updates about my schedule, plans for weekend et al. I’m thinking crazy thoughts of peril in form of Cynthia Osokogu’s fate, but each time I look at his display picture, I get thrown off the cautionary path by how innocently cute he looks. (someone says ‘never judge a book by its cover..?’ I agree, truer words have not been spoken). Then on Wednesday evening, he sends me a tweet off the cuff —we hadn’t conversed in two days— asking that I meet him at a hotel in Lekki (Lagos)! Bells pealing louder than the security alarm of a breached bank vault went off in my head in migraine-inducing proportions! Meet an absolute stranger who I’ve known passably for a week in a hotel..?! Indeed, Internet has brought down invisible walls and barriers which made human interaction cumbersome and tedious previously. But, aren’t we also throwing common sense out of the window along with our craving to explore fresh frontiers of relationships? Okay, he made the initial overtures to be my friend on Twitter, but what if I am the threat in this instance and not him..? I could be a blood-lusting ritualist; a bait of a ring of deadly armed robbers or the girlfriend of a murderous obsessive who secretly trails my every move. The possibilities are endless and risk to his wellbeing infinite... I presume my ‘friend’ isn’t bogged down by such incredulous threats just as Cynthia couldn’t have ever imagined those ‘Facebook friend’ would torture and sexually assault her. Are we yet to glean wisdom from Cynthia’s tragic demise? Apparently yes.

My heroes and heroines

ix gold, five silver and two bronze medals, four new world records set, 22nd position on the overall medals table and not one official of the National Sports Commission saw it fit to be at arrivals to receive the triumphant Paralympians who brought honour and restored dignity to our ebbing psyche as a nation of achievers? Thumbs up to President Jonathan for ordering his ministers to be at a presidential reception for the heroic athletes in Abuja on Saturday. Regardless of the Federal Government’s gesture of recognition and reward, the self-motivated 29man contingent of officials and sportsmen/women who flew Nigeria’s flag high at the London Paralympics are my undisputed heroes and heroines for 2012.

Toying with smouldering coal? Last week, I made a new friend online via Twitter, the social networking site which allows absolute anyone to ‘follow’ you (in other words stalk you) and if you are into the stalking scene, do likewise to others.

Yakubu Adesokan won Nigeria’s first gold medal, opening the floodgates of awards.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CLAPPERBOARD with

Eddie Ugbomah www.edifosafilm.com

Where is the $200m fund?

want to give this free advice to the Bank of Industry (BOI), Nigeria Export and Import Bank (NEXIM), ministry of information, ministry of culture, multinationals, the dying Nollywood and other entertainment stakeholders. BOI has as Corporate Manager a sports man who knows little or nothing about the movie Industry. The man ought to have worked in the National Sports Commission (NSC). I watch the weekly programme he presents on TV; a joke which can only happen in Nigeria. NEXIM doesn’t know the power of entertainment in a nation. I want these above named establishments to approach me so that I can give them one of my epic films to sponsor. I have three epics that will cost about $2m each which is ordinary N32m. I can guarantee these people a world-class movie that will bring in $5m in three months. It will win awards at top world festivals, not the joker festivals we have in Nigeria. Which of our Nigerian festivals have ever sold any film abroad or made our actors famous? When you come to music it worse; what are our children singing? Only the Kuti’s bring value. Femi and Seun have foreign engagements, but they don’t bring back dollars and the ones they bring they keep for their own private use. They perform to limited audience abroad, which is like limited market of Nigerian films. The Beatles, Rolling Stone and even Boney M made millions of dollars for Britain and they were given British awards. So, I challenge all our stars that go on tour to declare the dollars they earn so that they can encourage these banks to give us support. Banks and Governments of foreign countries respect achievements and this is what made CNN. When Ted Turner came with the idea of making the world smaller, his people believed in his dream/idea and invested. Not for the guarantee and property he brought in the deal but his ideas and dream. Today CNN rules the world’s airwaves. The NEXIM people gave me six pages of form asking me to bring this, that and they totally ignored my past achievements, contributions and service to this country. Just because I requested for $1.5m which is peanuts compare to the films we have to compete with in Europe, America and Asia. Today, the world can’t do without oil and politics behind it, and I have two of my epics that deal on these two major topics. One of them, Aba Women Riot better known as Women Revolution1929, is an epic of how our mothers fought the colonial masters without guns but on principles. I wrote to the mother of Orji Uzor Kalu when he was the governor and the mother had power, also to Calabar, Uyo and none of

TWO OF MY FILMS HAVE MADE INTERNATIONAL STATEMENTS AND GOT

NIGERIA

POLITICAL AND FOREIGN RESPECT these governors replied my letters. I am appealing to BOI to see reason why people of my standard who have made a name and contributed to the growth of this nation should be given preference and consideration because we have track records. If this country is grateful and appreciative, NEXIM Bank, BOI, Bank of Commerce and Trade should invite me to even be their consultant and adviser in the entire entertainment industry. These Export and Industrial Bank have given people loan to build cinema and gave Tony Abulu (a mere marketer) a loan because he glamorises them with big sweet talk. That film will not make it because it is an art film you don’t watch twice. Look at my great movie Black President and The Mask they were badly distributed because we don’t have professional distributors. I hawked this film in Britain and part of US and it is in history that my film The Mask forced the British government to invite Nigeria to come and collect their artefacts. The British Television made two documentaries about the stolen and looted artefacts of Greece, Nigeria, Ghana, East Africa etc. I was invited for this documentary; they paid my air fare to London, accommodated me and paid me for the use of part of my film. John Major, myself and some others were in this documentary. They gave me a copy of the documentary which I gave to NTA to screen on my return, but NTA refused this world-class documentary. They are now giving part of the $200m fund to those who will not pay on time and have nothing to export. I now need $2.5m to shoot any of my six epics. I don’t want to touch any of their cash; they should work with me and pay all the bills direct to the cast, crew and to the world markets. Two of my films have made international statements and got Nigeria political and foreign respect but I got nothing but the useless National Award which gives me nothing but more envy and insults. These banks are holding on to the money while brains like me are aging away and dying with frustration. I am appealing to these banks to read my application again which I gave to BOI and NEXIM.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Asoju Oba’, the 5th studio album of Afrobeat and Jazz Band, Ayetoro was launched on September 8 at Ember Creek in Ikoyi, Lagos. It was a colourful evening of live performances in two sets by the traditionally-attired 12-piece band led by music director, pianist, composer and founder of the band, ‘Funsho Ogundipe. The event was well-attended by guests with discerning taste in music.

Friday, September 14, 2012

People In The Mirror

Asoju Oba presented to music lovers

L-R Trombonist Isaiah Odeyale; saxophonists Dotun Bankole and Imoleayo Balogun

Pianist and band leader, Funsho Ogundipe takes a solo

Lyricist Skillz performing with the band.

Cross section of guests.

Yinka Davies

Mzobe wins Wole Hennessy Club tour rocks Club Uno Soyinka literary prize

The 2012 Hennessy Club tour continued last Friday, September 7 as fans partied to performances by Rayce, TundeEdnut and to an impressive mix from DJ Exclusive at the highbrow Club Uno, on Allen Avenue, Lagos. The plush event was attended by recognised names in the industry including 2shotz, DIPP, Kayla of Cool FM, Jhybo, Jimmie of Beat FM and Uche Nwaezeapu.

South African writer and journalist, Sifiso Mzobe was declared winner of the 2012 Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature at a star-studded award night held at The Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos last Saturday. The event, organised by Lumina Foundation in partnership with Globacom, was chaired by former Ghanaian President, Mr. John Agyekum Kufour. Governors of Lagos and Ogun States, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN and Senator Ibikunle Amosun were also in attendance.

Dj Xclusive

L-R: Hip-hop veteran, 2Shotz and Victor (Beat FM). L-R: Dr. Ogochukwu Promise, Lagos State Gov, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, Prof. Wole Soyinka, The Winner, Mr. Sifiso Mzobe, Ogun State Gov, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor and Chairman panel of judges, Prof. Olu Obafemi.

Mzobe (L) with Dr. Ogochukwu Promise.

Jimmie (L) and Tunde Ednut on stage.

Party guests Abimbola and Funmi.

Raycee performing.

Friday, September 14, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mirror Drive

2012 Honda City: Exceptional mid-size bargain car interior.

2012 Honda City

OLUSEGUN KOIKI

ince 1997, Honda City has been an all time exceptional mid-size sedan in the Nigerian market. For Honda Motors, the City has been its striking model bagging many awards. With time, Honda Motors has put in changes in Honda City that have been applauded by both automobile critics and car buyers. The 2011 model of Honda City has now been replaced by the dynamically more elegant City 2012 with more excitement to cater to passengers. The new 2012 model was launched in Lagos recently by The Honda Place (THP), sole distributor of Honda products in Nigeria. From a distance, the 2012 City emits elegance with nice layout exterior features that bear out Honda’s ingenuity. Honda was indeed mindful of competitions when redesigning the new City, which from all indication could become the toast of desiring corporate and fleet patrons. With a new and elegantly crated front grille that is apparently fashioned after design cues from the latest Civic, the City 2012 may have been transformed to a rather sophisticated midsize sedan for the upwardly mobile.

Exterior Compared to Honda City 2011, the City 2012 looks

more stunning. The headlamps of Honda City 2012 are more extended. The front grille of new Honda City 2012 looks much better than its previous models Some modifications have been done in the rear of Honda City that gives it a luxurious touch and sun-roof in the 2012 City makes the car top more stylish. Honda City 2011, no doubt possessed modern design, but the head-turner 2012 City has been designed intelligently. The 2011 model had reflector headlamps, but now the new model has been embossed with halogen headlamps which bring down the overall cost of the car.

Interior The interior of Honda City 2012 has better design and styling compared to Honda City 2011. The instrument cluster of Honda City 2012 is more adorable and has better structural design. Honda City 2012 has extended a dashboard that can carry ample of shoppers’ utility stuff. In addition, the centre console of this car is more symmetrically adjusted. The dashboard of City 2011 was slightly lesser in dimensions compared to City 2012’s extended dashboard. Honda City 2011 although had soothing interiors, but the Honda City 2012 possess the best in class of interiors that were not present in the phased out, Honda City 2011.

Engine and Specifications Honda City 2012 is powered by a 1.5 litre, 16 valves, 4-cylinder petrol inline and is available in both manual

HONDA CITY 2011, NO DOUBT POSSESSED MODERN DESIGN, BUT THE HEAD-TURNER 2012 CITY HAS BEEN DESIGNED INTELLIGENTLY and automatic variants. The 1.5 litre petrol engine of this car tosses maximum power of 118 PS at 6,600 rpm and maximum torque of 146 Nm at 4800 rpm. The City 2011 was powered by the same 1.5 litre ivTEC engine that is used in the new Honda City 2012. The engine of Honda City 2011 churns peak power of 118 PS at 6600 rpm and maximum torque of 146 Nm at 4800 rpm.

Features Honda City 2012 is blessed with all new front grille, fresh front and rear bumpers, attractive alloy wheels, power sun-roof and more adorable interiors. Moreover, Honda City 2012 is loaded with features like air conditioning, music system, power steering, power windows, central locking, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake assist, SRS airbags, engine check warning, remote trunk opener, remote fuel lid opener, engine immobiliser among others. In comparison to Honda City 2012, the old variant

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

lacked the sun-roof feature. Moreover, the quality of interiors was also not much impressive. Main features of Honda City 2011 included; AC, power steering, power windows, music system, ABS with brake assist, remote fuel lid opener, remote trunk opener, engine imope mobiliser, xenon mo head lights and he others. oth

Mileage Mi The manual transmission varitr ant an of face-lifted City 2012 delivers C mileage of 16.8 m km/l, while its km automatic transau mission variant m gives mileage of g 15.6 km/l. Honda 1 City 2011 had the C similar 1.5 litre i– s vTEC engine that v had almost simih lar fuel economy like the current one. The City 2011 used to deliver mileage of 13 – 14 kmpl in city conditions and 16 – 17 kmpl on highways. Speaking at the unveiling of the 2012 model in Lagos recently, the Director, Sales and Marketing, THP, Mr. Deepak Daryanani said that steering wheel of Honda City is now adjustable for reach and height, which is a really an excellent feature for this segment of the market. Another nice touch is the iPod compatible USB connector. Although the Jazz already has this, Honda City has a very nicely integrated system. The display section of the audio system is hinged, opening to reveal a short USB cable, which will accept your iPod cable. There is also a little felt-lined compartment for your iPod. Once installed, you can control your iPod via the car’s audio system”, Daryanani explained.

Mirror Drive

Friday, September 14, 2012

European motor show a success –Stallion mgt STORIES: OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he management of Stallion Motors, during the week, described its launch of the European Motor Show, which took place last Saturday and Sunday in its office on Lagos Island, as a success. The auto company had paraded at least eight brands of vehicles, which included Skoda Superb, VW Passat TSI, Skoda Yeti TSI, Porsche Cayenne Tipronic, VW Amarok TSI, Audi A4 and Audi A8 among other European brands. Speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Managing Director, European brands, Mr. Julian Hardy said the auto show helped discerning motorists rediscover impending values of European designed vehicles. Hardy explained that through the show, most auto users who were hitherto ignorant of the values of European brands most especially from Germany were informed of the technological know-how involved in manufacturing vehicles for a particular market or region. Hardy said that unlike their Asian counterparts, the European brands of vehicles are made for Nigerian terrain and weather with a touch of excellence for shoppers with class for quality products. He stated that the essence of the auto show was to acquaint car lovers with the ideals, values and standards of European brand of vehicles when viewed against ri-

Porsche Cayenne

val brands especially from Asia. Hardy said the company was not only interested in selling cars, but dispensing valuable information that could help end users derive optimum value from any brand of vehicle purchased from the Stallion group, adding that all the brands of vehicles are adequately maintained in Nigeria with engineers in its company. Part of the Unique Selling Proportion of the company he said is the free service clinic for VWs, Audi and Skoda vehicles in all its workshops in Nigeria. He said, “European engineered vehicles are value-driven cars with exceptional inputs to deliver optimum value while also

reassuring on sophistication and comfort. “Top European car manufacturers like Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen produce some of the best performing vehicles on the road and are evidence in many consumer reports’ that have shown how sturdier in design and build strength European brands of vehicles are.” Meanwhile, for participants who attended the two-day show, a range of vehicles was sold at discounted rates. For instance, the Skoda Superb, which sells for N4.6m was sold at N3.995; VW Passat TSI was sold at N6.4m from its original price of N6.6m while Skoda Yeti was given at N4.3m from N4.5m.

GM’s China sales grow despite slowdown

eneral Motors’ sales in China hit a record 220,996 vehicles in August, the US auto giant says, despite an economic slowdown in the country with the world’s largest car market. GM’s August sales in China rose 7.3 per cent compared to the same month last year and 10.8 per cent from this July, it said in a statement last week. For the first eight months of this year, the company and its ventures sold more than 1.8 million units in China, up 11.2 per cent year-on-year. China’s nationwide auto sales slowed last year after the government rolled back purchasing incentives and some cities im-

MAINTENANCE TIPS Most auto mechanics in the country arbitrarily charge their clients when it comes to bleeding of their brakes. In this edition, Mirror Drive details, for our fervent readers, how to effectively and conveniently bleed cars’ brakes without assistance from mechanics.

How to bleed car brakes clean brake fluid and replace the top of the master cylinder reservoir. At this point, you can pump the brake pedal several times like 15 or more times. Using a box wrench that fits the bleeder bolt, loosen the bleeder valves, but

he first step to take is the removal of the top of the master cylinder reservoir. Using a turkey baster, suck out as much of the old dark inky fluid as you can. Also, clean any sediment out of the reservoir with a clean, lint-free rag, but do not spill any brake fluid on any painted surfaces as this will remove the paint immediately. Then, fill the master cylinder with

posed limits on car numbers to ease traffic congestion and cut pollution. The southern city of Guangzhou in July set rules to limit the number of cars through a quota on the number of vehicle number plates made available by the government, following other cities like Beijing and Shanghai. China’s auto sales rose just 2.5 per cent to 18.51 million units in 2011, compared with an annual increase of more than 32 per cent in 2010. But foreign brands have managed to buck the trend with better brand recognition and perceptions of better quality among domestic consumers. GM sold more than 2.5 million vehicles in China last year.

Bleeding a car brake.

leave them closed. Using a piece of clear plastic tubing, push one end of the tube over the brake bleeder bolt; then, put the other end of the tube into a small, clear bottle with an inch or two of clean brake fluid in it. Put a piece of 1 x 4 lumber or some other “spacer” under the brake pedal to prevent the pedal from travelling too close to the floor. Remove the top of the master cylinder reservoir and top off the master cylinder reservoir with fresh fluid.

At this stage, you can now replace the top of the master cylinder reservoir. Have your helper sit in the driver’s seat and slowly depresses the brake pedal with an even force and hold it down. The helper should shout “down” when the pedal is down as far as it will go. Starting with the rear passenger wheel, turn the bleeder bolt to the left one quarter-turn. Old fluid and air will go down the tubing into the bottle. When the fluid stops, close the bleeder valve. Then, shout “up” to your helper, who at this point should remove his foot from the pedal allowing it to move up. Repeat this process until new, clear fluid comes from the bleeder tube. After every five times, the brake pedal is depressed, top off the master cylinder reservoir with fresh fluid. Never let the reservoir get too low, or air will be sucked into the master cylinder. Tighten the bleeder bolt and repeat the previous steps on the left rear wheel, right front wheel and the left front wheel.

Cocktail

Friday, September 14, 2012

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

WITH DR. DEJI FOLUTILE

Today's Tonic (2)

Iron rusts from disuse, stagnant water loses its purity and in cold weather becomes frozen; even so does inaction sap the vigors of the mind. **Leonardo Da Vinci * * * Action Is Where The Action Is! Life without action is a tragedy. The joy of life is partly hidden in our resolve to constantly pursue a life of impact. I love a management strategy that says we should reward both failures and success but punish inactivity. Inactivity is dangerous. An idle mind, we are told is a devil’s workshop. It is only when we engage what we know that we are privileged to know more. The woman who continue to offer her breasts to her suckling child will continue to flow with milk. What we don’t use, we lose. Ideas are nothing without the force of action. When we dare to put consistent action to whatever we believe, transformational power will be released to change our level for the better. Action Speaks Louder Than Words. TEL 08104942999 E-MAIL deji.folutile@gmail.com Follow me @TwitterOWOTIDE

Catt hid C hides iin b bag ffor plane l ride id

n Ohio woman said her cat stowed away in her suitcase for the 10-hour trip to Florida’s Walt Disney World, even getting past airport screeners. Ethel Maze of Circleville said she finished packing Monday morning for the trip to Orlando with her group of 18 disabled veterans and volunteers and Bob-bob, her 14-month-old feline, must have crawled into her bag before it was zipped up, the Orlando Sentinel reported Thursday.

Maze, proprietor of the Maze Residential Care Home for disabled veterans, said the purring cat was not discovered until she opened her suitcase at her Orlando hotel. “We’re just wondering how he got through the Xrays without being seen,” she said. Transportation Security Administration spokeswoman Sari Koshetz said the group’s machines “are very sensitive to picking up explosives and other threats to aviation.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Un-bear-lievable! The mother who brought home wild bear

oldilocks has nothing on this wooddwelling mother who raised an orphaned wild bear alongside her children. Velga Vitola made a home for the abandoned bear cub - named Ilzite - in her shack in dense Latvian woodland, where it played with her children, joined in on family walks, and even slept in the 55-year-old’s bed. The passionate animal lover said her family regard the wild bear as a sibling, adding: ‘I raised three children - a son, a daughter, and a bear.’ Ms Vitola stumbled across Ilzite along with another abandoned bear cub in the dense forest surrounding her home in Latvia’s Ligatne National Park, and immediately whisked them back to her shack to raise them herself. ‘Both my bears grew up in the house. They woke my kids up for school every morning,’ she said. One of the cubs later died, but Ilzite thrived

with the Vitola family, developing a strong bond with Velga in particular. ‘She loves to give me, her mum, a kiss - any other human would lose their head if they tried it. ‘We just love each other,’ she added. Ms Vitola suspects her beloved Ilzite has grown up believing it is a human being rather than a bear. ‘Once she saw her reflection in the window. It sounded like thunder, she was growling so loud-

ly because she thought she looked like me - her mum,’ she said. Ilzite is not the only unusual pet Ms Vitola dubbed ‘the mother of all animals’ - has made a home for. Her menagerie of wild creatures has included everything from hedgehogs to an elk named Freddie during her 22 years of living in the woods. ‘Once I woke up because a pair of wild geese were in my bedroom,’ she said.

And the kind-hearted 55-year-old brushes off suggestions her living situation is anything other than ideal. ‘When I considered moving here my mum said: “Are you crazy?”’ ‘She said: “What will you die out there?”, but I told her I didn’t care. ‘This is the place of my happiest moments. All of those moments are about animals. ‘I feel like this is my place in the world,’ she added.

Nap-time: Ms Vitola let Ilzite the bear sleep in her bed when it was younger.

PHOTO: BARCROFT MEDIA

Friday, September 14, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business & Finance The principle of diversification of resources is good, because if you are holding all your foreign reserves in one currency or one asset, whether it is the dollar or the euro, you run the risk of losing the value of your reserves in the event of fluctuations CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

NEXIM bank, is set up to diversify the economy from the mono-production of oil. Managing Director, NEXIM Bank, Roberts Orya

Banks’ non performing loans ratio to assets drop to 4.3% TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

ndications that government’s intervention in the banking sector in the wake of the crisis that almost crippled the entire system about two years ago are beginning to yield desired results have reflected in the declining ratio of the industry’s Non Performing Loan to assets quality which ebbed to an all time low of 4.31 per cent last June. The rate was 32.8 per cent as at December 2009. Similarly, other indices like the Capital Adequacy and Average Liquidity ratios also showed significant improvements as the former rose to 17.7 per cent last June up from the 10.2 per cent in December 2009. The benchmark for Capital Adequacy is 10 per cent. The Average Liquidity also reflected similar trend, increasing from 44.5 per cent in December 2009 to 60.5 per cent at the end of the second quarter this year. The Average Liquidity benchmark is 30 per cent. The indices are the direct results of sundry

monetary and other fiscal intervention measures adopted by the Federal Government over the past two years to provide the needed support to an industry that had been largely asphyxiated by the excesses of the former Chief Executives of the banks’ financial institutions in the pre-intervention era. Government’s support for the industry has been

largely spearheaded by the Central Bank of Nigeria in furtherance of its statutory mandate and other institutions like the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation. which had to act to guarantee the security of depositors funds and have been consistently trying to restore confidence in the industry largely afflicted by poor corporate governance of the Boards

and managements of the intervened banks. For instance, the most significant vehicle put in place by government to clean the banks’ books was the Asset Management Company (AMCON) which absorbed the industry’s toxic assets with the N620 billion bail-out funds injected into the ailing sector. Reflecting on the state of the banks’ perfor-

mance ratios at the just concluded CIBN 6th Annual Conference in Abuja, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama, described the current level of the performance of the banks as favourable and charged the banks to focus more on real sector funding in order to justify the support government had given them in the past few years to revive them.

he multi-billion naira Information and Communication Technology market, Computer Village, in Ikeja

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: Marketing Service Director, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Iquo Ukor; Director, Corporate Social Responsibility Centre, Lagos Business School, Sir, Chris Ogbeche; Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Manager, Nestle Nig. Dr. Samuel Adenekan and Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Nestle Central and West Africa, Mrs. Benita Mbake, at a press briefing on Creating Shared Value forum in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

Multi-billion naira Computer Village shut KUNLE A ZEEZ AND MURITALA AYINLA

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

was yesterday shut for businesses activities for several hours following moves by miscreants to return street trading in the IT hub. The development, which led to the closure shops by legitimate IT traders in the market, lasted several hours before the chaotic move purportedly supported by a traditional

ruler was contained by security operatives and men of the Lagos State Task Force on Environment around 2pm yesterday. National Mirror gathered that trouble started when a group of miscreants, already displaced in the market over street trading by the Lagos State Government, were addressed by the Oba of Ike-

Oando Energy Resources lists on Toronto Stock Exchange

ja, who allegedly ordered the dislodged traders to return to the street for businesses. Governor Babatunde Fashola, had on July 28, 2012, ordered the Task Force on Environment to clear the Computer Village of street trading, which had become a menace to business activities in the market.

The Assistant Secretary General of the Computer and Allied Products Dealers Association of Nigeria (CAPDAN), the umbrella body of legitimate IT traders in the market, Mr. John Oboro and Chairman of the Tasks Force, Mr. Bayo Sulaiman confirmed the development to National Mirror yesterday.

Freight forwarders kick against Lagos traffic law

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, September 14, 2012

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Oando Energy Resources lists on Toronto Stock Exchange UDEME AKPAN

ando Plc has completed its reverse takeover of a Canadian entity, Oando Energy Resources Incorporated previously known as Exile Resources Inc. with the listing the company’s shares on Toronto Stock Exchange, TSX. According to a company statement issued yesterday, the Oando Group has thus become the only company in Nigeria with presence in three equity markets as it is now listed concurrently on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange. The executives of Oando plc as well as directors and management of Oando Energy Resources, led by Group Chief Executive, Mr. Wale Tinubu and his deputy, Mr. Omamofe Boyo, had on Wednesday rang the bell to open trading on the Toronto bourse to mark the formal listing of the company. Senior Vice President of the Toronto Stock Exchange, Mr.

L-R: Acting Director, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, NLRC, Prince Emmanuel Jeminiwa; Actor and Movie Producer, Mr. Saheed Balogun; winner of Hyundai ix35 SUV, Sadiya Babagidan Ibrahim; Assistant Director, NLRC, Mr. Obi Iregbu and Manager, Master Brand, MTN, Ms. Funmi Olaogun, at the final prize presentation of the MTN Goodwill Automania Promo in Lagos, yesterday

Ungad Chadda, thereafter presented the Commemorating Plaque’ and ‘Certificate of Listing’ to Tinubu and Boyo. As consideration for the acquisition, OER issued 100,339,052 post-Consolidated Common Shares to Oando, of which

Flour Mills urges FG to involve stakeholders in agric reform MESHACK IDEHEN

he Chairman of Flour Mills Nigeria, Mr George Coumantaros, has urged the Federal Government to carry along all operators in every sector in its agricultural reform policies currently ongoing. He told journalists in Lagos on Thursday, that certain policies of the Federal Government on agriculture were impacting negatively on other businesses, and that the increase in the excise duties on imported wheat was an effort by the Federal Government

to increase the use of cassava flour for baking bread and confectionaries According to him, this policy that is being pushed by the government has had adverse effects, and affected bakers and wheat distributors in the country, adding that certain policies on agriculture were impacting negatively on other businesses. The Chairman said that the propagation of cassava bread is highly commendable because it will satisfy the food needs of the people to an extent, because cassava flour has nutrition values. However, Coumantaros

75,254,289 post-Consolidated Common Shares (representing 75 per cent of the post-Consolidated Common Shares issued to Oando) are in escrow. Oando Energy Resources has subsequently obtained approval from the Toronto Stock Ex-

added that cassava flour cannot replace wheat flour because only about five per cent of cassava can be used for baking. He said the Federal Government has not been able to convince us flour millers on how they can bake using 100 per cent cassava flour to meet the market demand that wheat flour satisfies, saying further that they (flour millers) are still waiting on the Federal Government for the recipe that can achieve the policy. While commending the government’s reforms in the sector, he, however, cautioned that the reforms being carried out by the government could only stand the test of time if they are executed to complement existing policies.

FAAN accuses ground handler of frustrating sanitation drive OLUSEGUN KOIKI

arely 24 hours after the Customs agents at the Hajj and Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA), Lagos were displaced from their operational base by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), National Mirror can report that the agents have returned to their former position. But FAAN insists that the agents remained displaced and warned that any unauthorized agents found at the terminal

would be dealt with according to the law, just as it accused a ground handler (name withheld) of frustrating its sanitation drive. National Mirror observed yesterday that the agents who were on Wednesday refused entry into the terminal by security agents returned to the airport unhindered and carried on as if nothing happened. However, the General Manager, Public Affairs, FAAN, Mr. Akin Olukunle, insisted that the agents remained evicted from their operational base.

Olukunle said that the agency was trying to re-organise the terminal as part of the ongoing remodelling project of the Federal Government, stressing that both parties had reached an agreement on the relocation of the agents over a year ago. He accused one of the two groundling agents of not cooperating with the sanitisation drive of the agency, saying that rather than collecting its charges upfront from the agents, it allowed them to clear cargoes before payment.

change to list its common shares and Warrants on the TSX under the symbol “OER”. The common shares of OER will be delisted on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V symbol: ERI) prior to the commencement of trading of those shares on the TSX.

The RTO was preceded by the acquisition by OER of equity interests in certain entities in the upstream exploration and production division of Oando Plc and certain related matters. As previously announced, the restructuring was completed pursuant to a plan of arrangement, which involved the consolidation of all of the outstanding common shares (‘Common Shares ) of OER on the basis of one new Common Share (the ‚post-Consolidated Common Shares ) for every approximate 16.28 old Common Shares then outstanding (the ‚Consolidation ); The deal also saw the issuance to the shareholders of OER of record as of the close of business on July 23, 2012 of two share purchase warrants of OER for every approximate 16.28 Common Shares of OER held immediately prior to the Arrangement: one share purchase warrant exercisable to acquire one post Consolidated Common Share of OER at an exercise price of Cdn$1.50 per share for a period of 12 months.

Tribunal asks tax disputants to forward their appeals OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

he Secretary of the Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT), Abuja office Mr Saka Aliyu, yesterday admonished any individual or organisation having tax complaints to approach the tribunal for proper adjudication. Aliyu made the call when he led a delegation from TAT on a courtesy visit to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. He said, “The process is so simple. The tax payer can represent himself/herself without a lawyer in the tribunal. It is a fair and flexible system that we operate. “I am happy to inform you that since inception, the number of cases going to the Federal High Court has reduced drastically. They attested to this when we visited them.” Aliyu said the proactive activities of the tribunal had helped the government to recover huge sums of money from tax dispute resolution. He, however, alleged that there was apathy on the part of Nigerians to tax payment and even as he some people were ignorant of the available opportunity to seek redress on the areas they were dissatisfied with. “Generally in Nigeria, we have this apathy to tax payment.

But it is a duty of every Nigerian to pay tax because that is what government depends on mostly to service the nation.’’ The secretary said the tribunal had eight tribunals across the country which handled 116 tax appeals in the first quarter of 2012 out of which ten were determined and two struck out. Aliyu explained that the tribunal in Abuja handled 19 cases as at the second quarter of 2012 out of which 13 had been determined. He, therefore, sought the help of NAN in creating awareness on the activities of the tribunal. “This is why we want TAT and NAN to cooperate to sensitise the public that tax should be paid as at when due and that you can seek redress when you feel harassed by the authority,” he said Aliyu said that TAT was established as a body empowered to resolve tax disputes administratively. He said the tribunal could adjudicate on Personal Income Tax, Company Income Tax, Petroleum Profit Tax, Stamp Duty and Withholding Tax, among others. The secretary said the tribunal was not a formal court but an administrative court. ``It is a final step before going to a formal court.’’

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Business News

Friday, September 14, 2012

Dana Crash: Fashola, victims’ families demand reforms MURITALA AYINLA

s controversy continued to trail the return of Dana Air’s operating license, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola and relatives of the victims of the ill-fated air craft yesterday called on the Federal Government to urgently embark on holistic reform of the nation’s aviation sector to avert future occurrence. The victims’ families who still wore a mournful looks demanded the publication of the comprehensive report of circumstances that to the crash to enable Nigerians and airline operators guard against such air mishaps. Addressing journalists after about two-hour meeting with the families of the victims at the State House Alausa, Ikeja, Fashola charged the concerned authorities to cease opportunity offered by the plane crash to reform the aviation sector to make air transportation a safer

alternative. He said: “We should use this experience to reform the aviation sector. There is need to meaningfully engage actors in the sector in order to avoid future air disaster and so that the victims will not die in vain. The governor also said that the state government had issued death certificates to family members of at least 89 crash victims. Fashola said that the state has achieved 94 per cent identification rate and bodies have been released to the families. He said: “We have successfully identified almost all the bodies and many of them have gone to bury by their loved ones. We have also released 89 death certificates, there are about 51 or thereabouts that are yet to be collected because there are consequences. Subsequently, letters of estates and how the family can recover personnel effects of the deceased will be made available”. Meanwhile, the victims’ relations flayed the Federal Government for what they called ‘hasty’

restoration of the operating licence to the management of Dana Airline Limited while they are still in grief. One of the relatives, Mr. Seke Somolu challenged the Federal Ministry of Aviation to publish complete report of an investigation into the June 3 incident of a Dana plane that crashed into buildings in Iju-Ishaga area of Lagos, killing 153 passengers on board and others on the ground. He said the action of the Federal Government is suspicious and wondered why the operating licence was restored under unclear circumstances. He said the transparency and authenticity of the investigation conducted on the accident was questionable. He said: “Dana victims’ relatives are calling for a radical change in the industry. We want to know why Dana Airline came back to operation. There should not be conspiracy in the report of the investigation conducted. All findings should be made public”.

Shipping practitioner urges FG to revive export trade

shipping practitioner, Mr Christopher Okorie, has urged the Federal Government to encourage local production of exportable goods to revive the moribund export line of the maritime sector. Okorie, who is also the Chairman of Phonic Marine Services Limited, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Thursday. He said that Nigeria was losing billions of naira in revenue daily due to poor attention being paid to the maritime sector. Okorie, a member of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, also advised government to invest in the maritime industry to create wealth and reduce unemployment. According to Okorie, government should encourage madein-Nigeria goods that could be exported.

Maritime workers threaten ports closure, petition Presidency MESHACK IDEHEN

he leadership of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, (MWUN), said they have petitioned the Presidency over the activities of some oil and shipping companies that have resulted in the loss of revenue to the nation in general, and the union in particular. MWUN said also that the petition was routed through the Minister of Transport, while further accusing companies including Shell Petroleum Development Company, Pacific Drilling Limited, Noble Drilling, Trans Ocean Sedes Forex, Red Transport and Megatop Nigeria amongst others as companies involved. President-General and Sec-

retary-General of MWUN, Mr. Tony Nted and Mr. Aham Ubani,speaking through a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, said the union is calling on the government to call the affected companies to order failing which the union would shut down the maritime sector. According to the union leaders “they have observed with pain and disbelief the open show of impunity by some seeming powerful agents, Shipping Companies and multinationals that specialise in anchoring and operating their vessels off-shore/midstream in naked contravention of the given conditions governing off-shore/ midstream operations in our territorial waters”. The maritime workers leaders added that some of these compa-

nies operate off-shore/midstream without the mandatory approval of the Minister of Transport, and that they have also refused to pay the statutory charges and stevedoring bills, thereby giving rise to loss of employment to dockworkers and loss of revenue to the Government. They added that it was disheartening to note that while hiding under the cover of challenging the enforcement of these approved conditions in the Law Courts against constituted authorities, these companies have not relented in perpetuating illegal acts that encourage revenue leakages, nonpayment of NPA statutory Port Charges, NIMASA levies, underdeclaration of tonnage, stevedoring bills and loss/denial of gainful employment to Dockworkers.

“Maritime industry to my view, will strive higher if more goods are produced for export. “If local content policy is totally enforced within the oil sector, it would create the enabling environment for maritime sector to boom,’’ he said. The maritime expert identified cash crops like palm oil, cocoa, cotton, ginger, and groundnut as capable of creating wealth for the country through marine operations. “Ships have the capacity to convey as many bags of cocoa, groundnut and tins of palm oil to anywhere in the world. “And as they move, money accrues into the treasury of the nation. “If the marine industry is not reformed, Nigeria will continue to lose billions of naira and create room for foreign domination of the sector,’’ NAN quotes Okorie as saying.

CBN plans fresh campaign against naira abuse he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said it will soon embark soon on another phase of ``massive campaign” against the abuse of the naira. Mr Ugochukwu Okoroafor, the CBN Director of Corporate Communication Department, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that most Nigerians still mess up the naira. Okoroafor said that the step was necessary to ensure that the government did not continue to spend huge sum of money in the reprinting of torn notes.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema; Director General, PenCom, Mallam Mohammad Ahmed and Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, NSE, Mr. Adeolu Bajomo, during the market making workshop organised by the NSE in Lagos on Tuesday.

Okoroafor reiterated that the huge amount of money spent yearly to reprint torn notes necessitated the introduction of the proposed N5000 note. He said that the N5000 note would reduce the high cost of managing torn notes annually. Okoroafor stressed that N5000 note was cheaper for the government to maintain than printing smaller dominations. “The money used to print more notes annually would have been surplus fund for government to develop other projects,” he said.

Winners in MTN Ultimate Wonder promo get prizes KUNLE A ZEEZ

TN, Nigeria’s largest telecoms operator has presented the prizes to first set of winners in the ongoing MTN Ultimate Wonder promotion. At the first prize presentation ceremony, which held at Victoria Court, Victoria Island Lagos, an Inventory Officer with WAPCO, Ewekoro, Ogun State, Oniyide Zacheaus, emerged the first weekly star winner of N2m while another 25 subscribers walked away with N150, 000 each. Speaking on the prize presentation, the General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Kola Oyeyemi, reassured subscribers that the promo was real even though it appears unbelievable. According to him, “We understand that this has not been done

before and which is why some may still be in doubt of the star prize of an aeroplane. But here we are making the first presentation in the Ultimate Wonder promo.” He said the was to further assure MTN d subscribers that the network remains committed to fulfilling its promise. “This is not the first time we are engaging our consumers in a mega promo, we did it with the N1 billion promo and we gave out all we promised. The aeroplane in question is not too much for us to give out to reward and excite our loyal and esteemed consumers,” he said. Oyeyemi explained that apart from the Ultimate Wonder promo, MTN has also introduced new exciting wonder packages to enable subscribers connect and bond better with family and friends through doing what they love best which is ‘living, laughing and loving’.

Maritime

At the last legal clinic on arbitrary charges, you raised some issues about Value Added Tax. Are you saying VAT is illegal? No, it is not. VAT is rather a global concept, which Nigeria has adopted. But the principle of application is what we are challenging. How do you collect VAT on the Cost Insurance and Freight value of the import? That is like charging VAT on tax. The same cargo you have collected VAT on through the Nigeria Customs Service payment protocol, you go to terminal operator, you pay again and when you go to the bank, you pay commission on VAT; you go to shipping company you pay again. Let them define the issue of VAT. If a certain container number is paying VAT, they should specify at which point it should be paid and they should remove it from Customs so that when I pay, I get receipt directly from Federal Inland Revenue Service. People are being extorted under the guise of VAT. You will notice that we pay VAT at over four points even before the goods get to the importer ’s warehouse. VAT should rather be charged on the Free On Board value of the goods not CIF. The idea of using Customs to collect VAT should stop. We want a situation where importers will pay VAT and collect receipt. You cannot be exploiting people like that using tax regime. The importers should also be given certificate of VAT he is paying. VAT like other taxes can be paid online to FIRS so that it will in turn alert Customs that you have paid and your goods are released. VAT should be made to be all-inclusive because we still pay seven percent surcharge, duty paid ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme levy and one percent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme. This is rather killing. Still talking about arbitrary charges, I am surprised that no freight forwarding group has gone to court to challenge it as radical as NAGAFF seems to be. With due respect to the judiciary, NAGAFF cannot go to court. You see, justice delayed is justice denied. Let ’s leave it like that. Did Shippers Council not go to court, where did they end it? Did they not set up committees to look into the issues? Why has the Ministry of Transport not done anything on the matter? Chairman of Presidential Committee on Port Reforms, Professor Sylvester Monye recently said it now takes five days for goods to be cleared out of the seaports from the date of arrival. What is your take on this claim? It is just like when a minister will tell you that port reform has achieved its objectives, if the ports are working as they claim, why the president has said that every minister will sign a performance contract. Let me tell you, all these committees we are setting up, we are just deceiving ourselves. If the government wants to move the maritime industry forward, then, we will need to convoke a judicial commission of enquiry to look at the port industry and decide whether to move it forward or not, let us stop deceiving ourselves. Setting up committees is a good way of wasting resources. I have served in a committee and how did we end up? The next thing we saw was a maritime retreat and another committee was set up. To address the issues of the port industry is very direct; the regulatory agencies, what are your functions

Friday, September 14, 2012

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Freight fowarders kick against Lagos trafc law

The passage of the new traffic law by the Lagos State Government, which prohibits container-laden trucks from moving in the day has pitched the government against most maritime stakeholders. President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Mr. Eugene Nweke, in this interview with FRANCIS EZEM, says the legislation is anti-trade.

Nweke

THE SAME CARGO YOU HAVE COLLECTED

VAT ON THROUGH THE NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE

PAYMENT PROTOCOL, YOU GO TO TERMINAL OPERATOR, YOU PAY AGAIN

in line with their enabling Acts; government issues a policy statement directing them to enforce the various laws. Do we need to tell the government that agencies like NPA and NIMASA do not need politicians on their board or that professionals should be there in order to move the industry forward? I n other words, you are saying it takes over five days for a container to leave the ports from the date of arrival? Can I put a call across for you to hear from an operator? You can only clear cargo within five days from ports like PTML, which is a Roll-On –Roll-Off Port and it has a compact one- stop shop arrangement. That is the only place you can achieve that level of efficiency. You can even do it in less than five days. Such is not possible in port where you go for con-

tainer rating and they ask you to come back in a week ’s time. So who is deceiving who? Why can ’t they tell Nigerians the truth? If you are chairman of a committee, why not tell the president and Nigerians the truth? You cannot book for examination of your container and you get it immediately. Rather, they will give four, five days or one week to come back for them to go and sort it out, which shows that the yard space in the ports is a major issue. Tell Professor Monye, let him stay in his office in Abuja, take any container number, go to any terminal operator ’s website and see if he can track that container in the terminal. He cannot. So who is deceiving Nigerians? We have spoken to the president in our own way; we have sent a position paper on some of these issues. What is your take on the new Lagos Traffic Law, especially the aspect that restricts container-laden trucks to night movement. The truth is that the passage of that bill has shown that the Lagos lawmakers are not in tune with other legislations of the Nigerian nation. If they know that there is a policy of the Federal Government tailored towards achievement of 48hour cargo clearance from the seaports, if they are aware that there is a directive compelling the Nigerian Ports Authority to ensure that the ports operate 24 hours, then, they should not have made that law. Secondly, the same lawmakers made a law that any vehicle that is parked by the

roadside should be picked by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, how would they make laws without consulting with the relevant stakeholders, who will be directly affected by these laws in a maritime state like Lagos which houses the two biggest seaports where economic activities take place 24 hours daily? The process of enacting a law also includes a public hearing stage where you allow the relevant stakeholders to air their views. The implication of this is that since the ports now operate 24 hours, which infers that an importer should take delivery of his consignment anytime, the ports will now become a parking lot for trucks that have loaded imported goods waiting for nightfall before they could move. This will no doubt cause artificial congestion at the various port terminals. In line with the World Trade Organisation convention on trade facilitation, goods should be on transit and Nigeria is a member of WTO; that should be respected for Christ ’s sake. Are we now saying that we will achieve trade facilitation from the port of origin and when you get to Nigeria, the port of destination, it will be facing another hurdle. Similarly, when you are enacting a law, it should be flexible, the government should have provided a parking lot as a transit point for the trucks in case time is against of them. You do not make law in order to extort the people; you make laws for them to be obeyed. Thank God when it comes to transport, it is not only one ethnic group that is involved. To me, that law is anti trade facilitation in nature. Recently, the Federal Executive Council approved the introduction of Single Window System in the clearance of cargo at the ports. What does that portend for efficiency? I think the Comptroller General of Customs should be given kudos for convincing the government to approve it. The scheme is the only guarantee for the attainment of the much touted 48-hour cargo clearing at the Nigerian seaports. I can assure that within one year of single window, Nigeria will attain the international Mutual Recognition Agreement. This is because the data of every stakeholder will be captured in the system and so there will be no room for manipulation. But there is a caveat, if the shipping companies are not made to comply, nothing will come out of it because most of them operate as if there is no law in Nigeria and that nobody will do them anything. So, the government should introduce a system whereby these shipping companies are regulated and any one of them that errs should be punished like in any other sane society. This is the only was efficient cargo clearance would be achieved at the seaports. Government should also ensure that a regime of international best practices is enthroned.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Maritime

Friday, September 14, 2012

Reps may summon minister over non-payment of IMO dues STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

arring any sudden change of mind, the House of Representatives may invite the Minister of Transport, Idris Umar next week after its recess to appear before it to explain Nigeria ’s failure to pay membership dues of the International Maritime Organisation, which she had been a council member until last year. The decision of the house to invite the minister for questioning might not be unconnected with recent revelations in London that the primary reason Nigeria lost her bid to be re-elected to the category C of the council of the IMO was due to her inability to pay membership dues before the election last year. The country had won the election into the prestigious council in 2007, consolidated on it in 2009 but crashed out of the council in 2011 due to several reasons including her failure to pay her statutory annual membership dues. Nigeria ’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mallam Dalhatu Tafida, who played host to members of the Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Marine Transport, who visited him at the Nigerian House, London had said that one of the reasons the country could not be re-elected was her inability to pay her dues.

Ugwuanyi

Umar

The ambassador, who responded to enquiries on the matter, had noted that much as he appreciated the concern of the lawmakers, he might not be able to give a detailed report, which he said had already been sent to the minister nearly one year after. He had insisted that the law makers could write the minister for a detailed report on the circumstances that led to the non payment of the dues and Nigeria ’s subsequent failure at the polls. However, chairman, House Committee on Marine Transport, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who spoke during the visit, noted that there was need for the com-

mittee to seek some explanation on why the country failed to meet her statutory financial obligations to the world maritime body, which led to the loss of her seat. It was gathered that the decision of the lawmakers to commence an inquest into the controversy might not be unconnected with recent revelation that over 40 Nigerian delegates from the ministry and other relevant parastatals traveled from Nigeria to London to attend the election even as only less than five of them were eventually accredited to observe the election proceedings. According to the chairman, the lawmakers ’ interest in the

matter was not to apportion blames, but that there was need to critically examine the facts behind the failure with a view to forestalling a future recurrence. Ugwuanyi said: “We need to go further on the issues of the non-payment of the IMO membership fee; the lawmakers will need a detailed report of all the issues ”. “We need really need a roadmap, and we believe that all parties must be involved in this task ”, he insisted. Ugwuanyi, who was also chairman of the committee in the last dispensation of the National Assembly, however observed that the greatest challenge facing Nigeria was partly her inability to provide facility jobs on both indigenous and foreign vessels. Nigeria had despite all her preparations that saw many officials of the parastatals junketing across the globe under the guise of canvassing member states ’ votes could only score 99 votes, bringing her to lead five other countries, on the losers ’ table which also had Saudi Arabia and Peru in attendance. Results then made available by the IMO showed that Singapore led the polls for contestants on Category ‘C ’ with 131 votes, followed by Indonesia with 128 votes, Cyprus 127, Turkey 126, Philippines 121 and South Africa 119.

FG begins massive petrol import as 404,000mt arrive Lagos

he Federal Government may have commensed massive importation of PremiumMotor Spirit, also called petrol as part of measures to forestall a shortage of the product, especially as the Yuletide season characterised by such scarcity draws near, as a total of 403, 159 metric tonnes of the petrol arrive Lagos ports. There has been acute shortage of the product in many parts of the country including the Federal Capital Terriroty, Nigeria ’s seat of power. A list of vessels expected at the Lagos Pilotage District released by the Nigerian Ports Authority shows that i5 tanker vessels have arrive Lagos, carrying a total of 403, 159 metric tonnes of the product waiting to be discharged. Details show MT Abu Dhabi Star laden with 25, 000 metric tonnes and MT Kriston are set to discharge at Lister jetty while Crete is expected to discharge 26, 500 metric tonnes at the New Ocean Jetty. Also expected to discharge at the New Ocean Jetty are MT Admiral L and Sea Voyager, which are laden with 15, 000 and 5, 000 metric tonnes respectively. Other vessels include MT God ’s Grace loaded with 30, 000 metric tonnes to be discharged at Single

Buoy Mooring, MT Ishola Celeste berthed at Atlas Cove Jetty and New Ocean Terminal and laden with 280, 000 metric tonnes while MT Gunhill Kirk, which is anchored at the Single Buoy Mooring and Atlas Cove Jetty is expected to discharge 32, 000 metric tonnes of the wet cargo. Similarly, MT Torm Freya and MT Perla, both berthed at Atlas Cove Jetty are expected to discharge 28, 000 metric tonnes and 31, 756 metric tonnes respectively and STI Matador berthed at Iba-

Tanker vessel at the port

fon would discharge 15, 000 Metric tonnes. MT Divine Order is expected to discharge 25,430 metric tonnes at the Single Buoy Mooring Jetty, MT Rofos to discharge 29, 980 Metric Tonnes at the Single Buoy Mooring Jetty even as MT Ermar discharges 30,000 metric tonnes atAtlas Cove Jetty., among others. There were recent speculations that shortage of PMS might hit Lagos and other adjourning states if urgent steps were not taken by the government to forestall it, which

might portend serious security implications for the government given the volatile nature of the region. These speculations follow the persistent scarcity of the products in Abuja and other northern parts of the country. It is therefore, expected that with the arrival of this batch of the product, the government should be able to maintain a reasonable level of supply of the product within the Yuletide season and the New Year, even beyond.

‘Why Shittu resigned from CRFFN governing board ’

trong indications emerged that claims by President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Nigeria ’s biggest freight forwarding group, Prince Olayiwola Shittu that his decision to resign his membership of the governing board of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria was in protest of the imposition of new charges and practicing fees to fund the CRFFN by the Ministry of Transport may be false. Shittu had told a meeting of the top echelon of the association specifically convened to discuss the new charges and practicing fees said that none of their members should comply with the new charges, which he described as arbitrary and unwarranted. In addition to resisting the payment of the new charges, the president had also decided to resign his membership of the governing board of the CRFFN so as not to leave anybody in doubt that the association was poised for a showdown. But authoritative industry sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that Shittu ’s tenure as a member of the governing board expired since August. “There is nothing to resign about, his tenure expired last month ’, the source insisted. The source had also noted that if Shittu ’s tenure has not expired, he does not need to resign in order to make his position on the new charges known, wondering whether he will also resign his membership of the council as a practicing freight forwarder. The source disclosed that all freight forwarding associations in Nigeria including ANLCA, led by Shittu last year reached an agreement that a practicing fee would be introduced for members regretted that that decision could not be enforced because of the controversy over the sharing formular in which Shittu was at the centre. However, when contacted, Shittu said he was out of town and that he would issue a press statement on the matter next week. Minister of Transport, Mallam Idris Umar had recently communicated government ’s approval of the new charges through a letter dated July 3, 2012 and entitled, “RE: Report of the stakeholders ’ meetings on the annual subscription and other fees to be collected by the CRFFN with reference number T.0160/S.172/1. ”

Friday, September 14, 2012

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Capital Market

Friday, September 14, 2012

ASI gains 3.24% in eight days STORIES JOHNSON OKANLAWON

trong earnings and improvements of companies on corporate governance have lifted equities performance on the Nigerian Stock Exchange so far this year, with 789.86 points increase in eight trading days, bringing the benchmark index year to to date gain 21.31 per cent. The index outperformed its emerging market peers except Egypt index with year-to-date increases of 56.31 per cent, Kenya index with 28.25 per cent gains and Germnay index with 24.07 per cent rises. The NSE All Share index rose by 789.86 points or 3.24 per cent to close at 25,148.48 points, from 24,012.57 points on September 4, 2012.

Market capitalisation gained N363bn to close at N8.006trn, from N7.643trn on September 4. Analysts attributed the rally to relatively low prices of some companies and the positive performance of companies in 2012. According to Meristem Securities Limited, an investment banking firm, macroeconomic and exchange rate stability have also rubbed off on the market as declining yields on fixed income diverts funds to the equities market. “We see the index return converge lower by year end. It has also outperformed its emerging market peers, which gained on average just under seven per cent,” the firm said in a note to investors yesterday. The President of Asso-

ciation of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria, Mr. Emeka Madubuike said the market is responding positively to various initiatives by the regulators and the operators to reposition the market. Head of FSDH Limited, Mr. Mayowa Ogunwemimo, a fund manager, which manages N50bn had on Wednesday said, “Our target for (holdings of) stocks this year is around 60 per cent and 40 per cent in bonds.” Pension funds and asset managers are targeting an index level of 26,000 points by year-end, from 20,730.2 points at which it opened the year, as bond yields fall and the naira stabilises. UACN Plc led the gainers table with N1.77 or five per cent to close at N37.18 per share, followed by Nigerian Breweries Plc with

N6.28 or five per cent to close at N131.99 per share. LafargeWAPCO Plc gained N2.41 or 4.99 per cent to close at N50.73 per share, while Roads Nigeria Plc rose by 44 kobo or 4.98 per cent to close at N9.28 per share. Glaxosmithkline Plc increased by N1.59 or 4.98 per cent to close at N33.54 per share. On the flip side, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc lost 10 kobo or five per cent to close at N1.90 per share, while AG Leventis Plc shed seven kobo or 4.96 per cent to close at N1.34 per share. Forte Oil Plc dropped by 48 kobo or 4.43 per cent to close at N10.35 per share, while BAGCO Plc declined by nine kobo or 4.35 per cent to close at N1.98 per share. RT Briscoe Plc fell eight kobo or 4.30 per cent to close at N1.78 per share.

FG plans N60bn in 5-7 year bond auctions

he Federal Government has said that it plans to issue N60bn ($379.75m) in local bonds, with maturities of between five and seven years at its regular auction on September 19, the Debt Management Office said yesterday. The debt office said it would sell N30bn each in re-opening of existing five- and seven-year bonds, which will have terms to maturity of four years and six months,

and six years and eight months, respectively. Yields on Nigeria’s local debt have fallen over the past month on news JP Morgan will include it in its Government Bond Index - Emerging Markets (GBI-EM) from October. The bank says this could potentially bring up to $1billion into one of Africa’s most developed debt markets. The country issues sovereign bonds monthly to sup-

port the local bond market; create a benchmark for corporate issuance and fund its budget deficit. Meanwhile, the naira climbed against the dollar yesterday, snapping three days of declines as crude prices and the nation’s foreign exchange reserves, increasing confidence the central bank can manage its stability. The currency gained 0.1 per cent to N157.85 a dollar. The naira has ris-

en 2.8 per cent this year, the best performer in Africa, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The country’s benchmark Bonny Light crude, which has risen 29 per cent from a June low this year, climbed for fifth day rising 0.1 per cent to $116.37 per barrel. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, foreign reserves rose to a more than two year high of $40.2 billion on September 11.

FCMB, FinBank conclude merger in October

irst City Monument Bank Plc has reassured its various stakeholders and those of FinBank that the two institutions which have been going through the process of integration will conclude the merger process in October, 2012. A statement from the bank yesterday quoted the bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Segun Odusanya, as saying that the process is 95 per cent completed. He said, “Our initial target was second quarter of the year, but we got delayed by issues around the capital market probe and the removal of the Securities and Exchange Commission Board. Things are now back to normal,

and most of the approvals have been obtained”. According to him, the bank which has been noted for its niche in corporate banking will be expanding its retail banking focus to create a more robust and stable institution. “We want to drive solutions across the various segments - corporate, commercial, small enterprises and consumer segments - of the economy. We have been doing this organically in the last five years, and have seen steady growths in all these segments”. He explained that the acquisition of Fin Bank is expected to give two/ three years leap in the area of branch network,

liquidity, and balance sheet size to FCMB. Odusanya noted that with the acquisition, the bank has doubled its branch network, doubled its customer base, improved the liquidity position of the bank, and all these create a very good platform to provide better customer-centric products and services in the consumer space. “We are now better situated to provide our expertise to more commercial and small enterprises to grow their businesses with not just the banking products we offer, but also with our expertise in corporate and financial advisory. We want to help create more entrepreneurs in this country and the

opportunity to do this is enormous,” he added. He stressed further that the bank is aggressively driving retail, but in doing this, “we are not de-emphasizing corporate. We have made a lot of investments in people, products, systems and branches (from the acquisition) in both segments. “We understand that both segments complement each other, and for us to continue to create endearing value a universal bank, we needed to provide services based on deep rooted insights across all the segments. We are currently having discussions with the central bank to further extend these services to the mass market,” he said.

Source: NSE NIBOR QUOTES 12 SEPTEMBER & 13 SEPTEMBER 2012 25.00 24.00 23.00 22.00 21.00 20.00 19.00 18.00 17.00 16.00 15.00 14.00 13.00 12.00 11.00 10.00

12-Sep-12

13-Sep-12

Source: FMDA

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

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

UACN

35.41

37.18

1.77

% CHANGE 5.00

125.71

131.99

6.28

5.00

WAPCO

48.32

50.73

2.41

4.99

ROADS

8.84

9.28

0.44

4.98

GLAXOSMITH

31.95

33.54

1.59

4.98

ASHAKACEM

11.72

12.30

0.58

4.95

ACCESS

9.10

9.55

0.45

4.95

INTBREW

12.35

12.96

0.61

4.94

TRANSCORP

0.81

0.85

0.04

4.94

UBN

6.52

6.84

0.32

4.91

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

HONYFLOUR

2.00

1.90

0.10

-5.00

AGLEVENT

1.41

1.34

0.07

-4.96

10.83

10.35

0.48

-4.43

BAGCO

2.07

1.98

0.09

-4.35

RTBRISCOE

1.86

1.78

0.08

-4.30

UNILEVER

38.99

37.50

1.49

-3.82

NASCON

5.18

5.05

0.13

-2.51

DANGCEM

112.40

110.00

2.40

-2.14

UNILEVER

35.50

35.00

0.50

-1.41

DANGSUGAR

4.55

4.50

0.05

-1.10

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Day

37,488.76

14.05

20-Sep-12

182-Day

63.730.99

16.21

19-Sep-12

364 -Day

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

139Days

55,058.03

14.19

20-Sep-12

118-Day

50,282.86

14.08

23-Aug-12

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$200m

N/A

$200m

12-Sep-12

$180m

N/A

$180m

10-Sep-12

Capital Market

Friday, September 14, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at September 13, 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, September 14, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror “It is regrettable that some state executives treat the judiciary as an appendage of the executive arm.” THE CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA, JUSTICE ALOMA MUKHTAR

Headmaster slumps in commercial bank EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

here was pandemonium at the premises of Eco Bank, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, when a 50 year old headmaster, William Agoke, slumped while waiting to collect his August, 2012 salary.

Agoke , who heads Azuzuama Primary School in Southern Ijaw Local Government, was said to have slumped due to exhaustion after waiting in the line for several hours. The victim, who could not be immediately revived, was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, where

he is currently receiving treatment. Community Mirror gathered that Agoke had traveled by boat for two hours to the state capital to collect his salary. A teacher, who pleaded anonymity lamented that the problem was worsened by the slow service delivery in the bank.

He said:” He was on a queue in the banking hall and felt dizzy and decided to get outside, but, he immediately collapsed. The development caused pandemonium among the teachers who tried to revive him, but couldn’t as he was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, for treatment. We pray he recov-

ers”. The teacher appealed to the bank management to create more pay points to reduce congestion in the hall. Efforts to speak to some bank staff on the development were not successful, as they insisted they were not competent to talk on the issue.

Company empowers students with computer training KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

community leader, Chief Joseph Opatola, has expressed the need for organizations to give back to the society where they are located as part of Social Corporate Responsibility (CSR). Opatola, who is a member of the Board of Amo Byng, stated this in Awe, Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State, during the ceremony to mark the graduation of 21 students in computer studies. He said the organization conscious of its role has taken it on itself to give back to the society, so that people in the area will have a sense of belonging. He said the graduation which is the third by the company, was part of the CSR to the community, maintaining that it has not hesitated to aid the Awe community whenever it is called upon to do so. The community leader who represented the Managing Director of the organization, Dr. Ayo Oduntan, at the ceremony, said aside training the students for free for five months, the company also helped farmers with high yielding soya beans seedlings ex- gratis, even as he explained that the organization visited all schools in the state, to encourage the students to register for the training, knowing full well that computer technology is now the vogue in the world. “We did all this with the aim of teaching our young ones theory and application of computer, so that with training at the end of the day, those that feel they can be independent will not hesitate to do so. Also for this graduation, we decided to award the best three students with a set of computer each, to further enhance their

skills and to encourage the rest to always put in their best,” Opatola added. He urged the graduands among who was a college Vice Principal, to endeavour to be role models not only of the company, their parents but also the community, saying their contributions to the development of the society will go a long way in justifying the programme. While soliciting support of the community in the area of land acquisition, Opatola said the company and the community need each other for development, assuring that the doors of the company are always open for them. The ceremony was attended by top company officials, community leaders, friends and relations of graduands.

The dilapidated Calabar-Ikot Ekpene Road in Cross River State.

Cross River pleads for reconstruction of roads FRANCIS SUBERU

he Cross River State Government has called on the Federal Government to urgently reconstruct and dualise the Calabar-Ikom and Calabar-Itu/Ikot-Ekpene highways, to meet the increasing traffic in and out of the state. The state Commissioner for Information, Chief Akin A.Ricketts, who made the plea while addressing newsmen during an on-the-spot assessment of the collapsed portions of the roads at Odukpani and Ekukunela , described the condition of the roads as “pathetic and horrible”, saying it has brought untold hardships to road users. The commissioner said: “We are saddened by these horrible sights as the traffic hold up has kept commuters for hours on the road. You can feel the pains of the

people and the financial loses that will be incurred by businesses as a result of these delays in vehicular movement, as well as blockage of the roads.” Chief Ricketts maintained that the worsening situation has been aggravated by continuous rainfall that is being experienced this year. This is in spite of huge funds already expended by the state government to carry out remedial maintenance and make the road motorable for commuters. “These two roads are the main entry points into our state capital and, their deplorable state has made entry and exit difficult for people. And because of this, businesses are suffering, our tourism is hugely affected and people are the ones feeling the pains”, he lamented. The commissioner, who urged the Federal Ministry of Works to urgently assess the situation, emphasized that the road dual-

ization, especially from the Itu – Head Bridge into Calabar, would ameliorate the traffic gridlocks that have become a nightmare on these roads, especially during the rainy season. He implored President Goodluck Jonathan, to direct the urgent refund of more than N13 billion already spent by the state government to enable it continue the maintenance of these roads. Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Legor Idagbor, said his ministry has in the last seven years spent over N13 billion on the reconstruction of Calabar-Itu, Calabar-Ikom-Ogoja and Ikom-Obudu roads, adding that so far efforts to get refunds from the Federal Government have not yielded fruit. Hon. Idagbor remarked that the roads were constructed more than three decades ago, when the volume of traffic on them was not as high, stress-

ing that the increasing number of heavy duty trucks, especially those conveying chippings, rocks and cements out of the state are responsible for their deplorable state. “This situation has been reoccurring every year, and from the technical appraisal of the situation, they require total reconstruction to bring them to capacity where they will be able to cope with the hundreds of heavy trucks plying on them daily. We are committed to doing it but the challenge is with funding”, the commissioner averred. We are doing these in addition to our developmental aspirations in all sectors. It is a huge burden. That is why we are appealing to the Federal Government to urgently come to our aid and make refunds of what we have so far expended in maintaining these roads in the past seven years”, he pointed out.

Friday, September 14, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, September 14, 2012

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World News

“Without further policy accommodation in the US, economic growth might not be strong enough to generate sustained improvement in labour market conditions.” – US Fed Reserve chairman, Ben Bernanke.

SAM OLUWALANA

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

he U. S. and Libya have agreed to cooperate closely in investigating the deadly attack on the U. S. consulate in Benghazi in which the ambassador to the North African state and three other Americans died. The countries’ presidents, Barack Obama and Mohamed Magarief, spoke on Wednesday evening and ``agreed to work closely over the course of this investigation,’’ the White House said. On the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, protests over a U. S. film featuring the Prophet Muhammad turned deadly in Libya’s second city, in what U. S. government officials said may have been pre-planned assaults. The military also is dispatching a Marine Corps anti-terrorist security team to boost security in Libya, and Washington has ordered the evacuation of all U. S. personnel from Benghazi to Tripoli. Obama also called Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi about the protests in that country and said Egypt ``must cooperate with the United States in securing U. S. diplomatic facilities and personnel,’’ the White House said. Security forces in Cairo fired teargas late on Wednesday to

US, Libya to work closely in embassy attack probe disperse stone-throwing demonstrators near the U. S. embassy, after protesters scaled the walls and tore down the flag over a film insulting the Prophet Muhammad. “The President said that he rejects efforts to denigrate Islam, but underscored that there

is never any justification for violence against innocents and acts that endanger American personnel and facilities,’’ it also said. The violence spurred by antiU.S. sentiment in Benghazi and Cairo threatened to spread to other countries in the region. Police fired teargas at angry

demonstrators outside the U. S. embassy in Tunisia and several hundred people gathered in front of the U. S. embassy in Sudan. In Morocco, a few dozen protesters burned American flags and chanted slogans near the U. S. consulate in Casablanca.

Cairo criminal court has sentenced Egypt’s former Prime Minister Ahmed Nazeif to three years imprisonment for illegal gains, state media reported yesterday. The court also fined him 1.48 million U.S. dollars. Nazeif, the last Prime Minister during Egyptian former President Hosni Mubarak’s regime was charged for using his power to gain 10. 50 million U.S. dollars through purchases of lands and buildings. He was also charged for running a profitable private education centre under the disguise of an institution for public interest. With the sentences, Nazeif would spend four years in jail. A previous ruling sentenced him to one year in prison for his dealing in car plates.

WHO warns as Ebola kills 31 in DR Congo

US Ambassador, Chris Stevens, killed in embassy attack in Benghazi, Libya

Chile court confirms ex-President committed suicide

Chilean court has confirmed that President Salvador Allende killed himself in 1973 as troops attacked the presidential palace to oust him. Official reports, accepted by his family, had concluded that his death was suicide but his body

WORLD BULLETIN Egyptian court sentences ex-PM to 3 years in jail

was exhumed in 2011 to settle lingering doubts. The court’s ruling came as Chileans marked the anniversary of the 11 September coup. Violence broke out and police said an officer had died after being shot.

Salvador Allende was Chile’s first left-wing president

The officer, named as Cristian Martinez Badilla, was hit during disturbances on the outskirts of the capital, Santiago. There were also clashes in Santiago, as hooded protesters blocked traffic and started fires, and police responded with tear gas. Violence was also reported in other cities, including Valparaiso and Valdivia. The unrest happened as Chileans remembered the events of 11 September 1973 when troops under Gen Augusto Pinochet attacked the presidential palace with air force jets and tanks. Inside was President Allende, the country’s first left-wing leader. According to official accounts he shot himself as troops stormed the building. The Allende family has always accepted this version. But some of his supporters suspected he had been killed by soldiers. Last year, his family agreed to

have his body exhumed so that an international team of experts could determine the cause of death. Their report concluded that Allende was killed by two bullets shot from a rifle set on automatic held between his legs. On Tuesday, a Chilean appeals court closed the re-examination of his death, upholding the findings that it was suicide. Allende introduced a number of economic reforms, including the nationalisation of the mining industry, that angered the opposition and the US government of the time. A series of strikes paralysed the country and left the capital isolated in the tense days that preceded the coup. Gen Pinochet ruled for 17 years, during which more than 3,000 political opponents were killed or “disappeared” by the military.

An outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo has now killed 31 people and could threaten major towns, the World Health Organisation has warned. An epidemic was officially declared on 17 August in the northwestern Orientale Province. WHO official, Eugene Kabambi told Reuters that the situation was “very serious” and was “not under control”. Ebola is highly contagious and kills up to 90% of people infected. There is no known treatment or vaccine for the disease, which is spread by close personal contact and causes massive internal bleeding. The death toll from this latest outbreak, centred on the towns of Isoro and Viadana, has more than doubled over the course of a week to 31.

S. Africa throws UN meeting into disarray South Africa proposed a lastminute change to a UN nuclear agency resolution rebuking Iran yesterday, throwing the meeting into confusion, diplomats said. Six world powers put forward the draft text on Wednesday, aiming to add diplomatic pressure on Tehran, a day after Israel ramped up threats to attack the Islamic Republic which it believes is seeking nuclear weapons capability. Intended to signal big power unity and criticise Iran for defying UN calls to curb its nuclear work, the full 35-nation governing board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had been expected to vote on and approve the text yesterday. But South Africa, like Iran a member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) of mainly developing nations, proposed a change to the board resolution agreed by the United States, Russia, France, China, Britain and Germany.

News

Friday, September 14, 2012

Insecurity: Mark, Akpabio, Maku, others proffer solution S

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Hillsborough: South Yorkshire Police consider IPCC referral

CONTINUED FROM page 5

“The story of Nigeria’s socio-political development and march towards democracy cannot be complete without copious references to the gallantry and staying power of the Nigerian media. “Our confidence, however, in the media is bolstered further by the resurgent strength of character, imbued tenacity of will and rallying sense of togetherness, which practitioners wield whenever confronted with a challenge or tragedy. “Having chosen to deal with the topical theme of national security challenges, I urge you to exhaustively confront the issues like objective-minded gatekeepers that you are. “The National Assembly is a partner in progress and it is in this respect that we passed the Freedom of Information Act to aid the practice of journalism

and strengthen the constitutional guarantee of freedom to receive and impart information and ideas.” He noted that if editors placed the profit of the media proprietors above national security issues, the well-being of the nation would be imperiled. Ihedioha challenged the editors to come out with recommendations that would enable the country to solve some of its problems. Akpabio, in his contributions, advocated the institution of a Cybercrime Department in the Nigeria Police Force to fight online criminality. He said the department should be composed of men highly trained in internet and Information and Communication Technology to trace scammers and fraudsters and take pre-emptive measures against them. “You should also use your media houses to alert

Nigerians of the activities of these internet and social media scam artists. “Already, the activities of internet fraudsters have drilled a hole in our reputation as a nation, and if we do not stop them, they would stop us. Let us come together and say no to these artists.” Earlier, the NGE President, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, noted that the country had regrettably attracted unwanted global attention because of insecurity, suicide bombings and sectarian violence. In his address titled “We are all victims”, Adefaye noted that the insurgents resort to the bombing of media houses and killing of journalists was borne out of their wrong perception of the media. “It is a mistake to attack and destroy the medium of dialogue, which they will need ultimately to resolve

their grievances. “There can never be justification for bombing media houses and killing journalists, no matter the grudges,” Adefaye stressed. He said that the theme of the conference was intended to help editors understand and acquire the skills for conflict reportage as well as to also build confidence between the media, government and the people. Adefaye hailed those who contributed to the successful hosting of the conference, especially Akpabio. The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Segun Osoba, commended the leadership of the guild for choosing a very apt theme. Osoba, a veteran journalist and former Governor of Ogun State, noted that journalists had always been among the first casualties in any conflict situation in the country.

Iran nuclear: UN watchdog IAEA rebukes Tehran

he UN nuclear agency has rebuked Iran for failing to stop atomic activity. The board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed “serious concern” about Tehran’s refusal to suspend uranium enrichment. Iran insists that its nuclear programme is peaceful in purpose but the US, Israel and other states fear it is building nuclear

weapons. Thirty-one out of 35 member states voted in favour of the resolution, one voted against and three abstained. Cuba opposed the measure and Egypt, Ecuador and Tunisia abstained. All four countries are members of the Non-Aligned Movement, of which Iran is currently the rotating president. Another member of the

movement, South Africa, had introduced an amendment on a minor change of wording that resulted in a delay of several hours. A total of six resolutions against Iran have been passed by the UN Security Council, four with sanctions attached. The IAEA’s resolution was proposed by the United States, China, Russia, Germany, France and the United Kingdom.

This move is a display of unity by the six world powers, says the BBC’s Bethany Bell, in Vienna. It also increases the pressure on Iran at a time when Israel has stepped up hints about a possible military strike, our correspondent adds. The US and EU have also imposed additional, unilateral sanctions that have targeted Iran’s vital oil exports.

outh Yorkshire Police is reopening investigations into the force’s conduct over the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. The force is considering referring itself to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC). It follows a report that found officers changed statements and tried to blame Liverpool fans for the crush in 1989 which killed 96 people. An investigation has also begun into West Yorkshire’s chief constable, who was on duty at Hillsborough. The crush was the result of overcrowding at the start of the FA Cup semifinal on 15 April 1989. On Wednesday, the Hillsborough Independent Panel, which spent two years trawling through more than 400,000 documents relating to the disaster, reported on its findings. Police bosses, including South Yorkshire’s current chief constable, said charges should be brought if laws were broken. In a statement the force said: “South Yorkshire Police is currently reviewing a wide variety of matters raised in the report of the Hillsborough Independent Panel with a view to making a referral to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.” Should such a referral be made, it is common

practice that the IPCC be informed of which specific officers should be investigated. South Yorkshire Police confirmed 195 officers who were on duty at Hillsborough still work for the force. West Yorkshire’s police authority is to investigate the role played by current chief constable, Sir Norman Bettison, who was a serving officer in the South Yorkshire force at the time of the disaster. The Authority Chairman, Councillor Mark Burns-Williamson, said the matter has been referred to the Special Committee which oversees all conduct and complaints matters involving chief officer ranks. Campaigners had called for Sir Norman, who has insisted the behaviour of some fans in the stadium made the job of the police “harder than it needed to be”, to stand down. Mr Burns-Williams said: “The Committee will review the report in detail along with any other relevant information, in consultation with South Yorkshire Police and will take whatever action is appropriate.” The Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson has called for former Conservative MP Sir Irvine Patnick to be stripped of his knighthood after he was criticised in the report.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Friday, September 14, 2012

Flood ravages Bauchi communities, kills seven EZEKIEL TITUS AND OLUFEMI ADEOSUN

urious flood ravaged seven communities in Zaki and Gamawa local government areas of Bauchi State and swept away at least seven people. The caretaker committee chairmen of Zaki and Gamawa councils, Alhaji Muhammad Babaji and Alhaji Kabiru Garba, disclosed this yesterday when they conducted the state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Sagir Aminu Saleh, round the affected communities. Also in Benue State, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, said flood displaced over 25,000 people as a result of the overflow of the River Benue. NEMA had on Tuesday advised those residing along the River Niger plains to relocate. The flood also hit several communities in Taraba State where it forced hundreds of primary school

Displaces 25,000 in Benue, hits Kaduna, Kano, Taraba children out of school. Investigation by the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lau, Karim-Lamido, ArdoKola, Gassol and Ibbi local government areas showed that the children were not in school because such structures had either been washed away or submerged. In Bauchi State, Babaji and Garba told the deputy governor that the flood, which covered over 35 kilometres, washed away farmlands, houses and cut off the road linking Sakwa with Zaki local government area. The chairmen said the flood was as a result of overflow of River Katagum, adding that many displaced persons were sheltered in some primary schools. The residents of the areas told journalists that the flood could not be unconnected to spillover from dams in Kano and Jigawa states. Saleh commiserated with the victims on behalf of the

state government and explained the readiness of the government to assist them. He said the government had directed the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, to immediately send relief materials to the victims, adding that the government had sent report to NEMA for quick intervention in all the affected local government areas in the state. In Taraba State, hundreds of children are now idling away at the various make-shift camps set up for displaced families, even though the schools had opened on Monday. A nine-year-old pupil, Amina Galadima, who was fetching firewood from a nearby-bush at a camp in Jigawan-Zip, said there was no hope of going back to school since the structures had been swept away by flood. A community leader, Malam Habu Anagu, said at

one of the camps that they were very concerned over the plight of their children as it was not clear when the government would intervene. Another elder, Mallam Uba Tukura of Kwata-Nanido village in Gassol, now taking refuge at the Jigawan-Jip camp, said their major concern was not only the loss of their farmlands to the floods but also what to do with the children. He appealed for immediate government intervention, saying the people required urgent support in the area of food and medical supplies and provision of alternative schools and health centres. Three chairmen, Dr. Jalo Buba of Ardo-Kola Local Government Area, Malam Tukura Bashir (Gassol), and Mr. Idi Mali (Lau), said the impact of the flood was beyond the capacity of the councils, saying it required special intervention.

L-R: Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Sagir Saleh (left), with Chairman, Gamawa Local Government Area, Alhaji Kabiru Garba, during a visit to a flooded community in Gamawa, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Cabinet reshuffle imminent in Kaduna AZA MSUE KADUNA

ome commissioners in Kaduna State may be dropped in a cabinet reshuffle expected to be carried out Governor Patrick Yakowa. The governor, it was learnt, was not happy with some of his commissioners over alleged disloyalty and nonchalant attitude. It was also learnt that some of the commissioners have started mounting pressure on their political godfa-

thers in the state to prevail on the governor to drop the planned cabinet reshuffle. A reliable source said the affected commissioners had embarked on desperate moves to retain their seats. Some of the commissioners, said to be in Yakowa’s bad books, are doing everything possible to win the governor’s heart. But prominent members of the governor’s kitchen cabinet, especially his Southern Kaduna kinsmen, are also said to be mounting pressure on him to drop

inherited commissioners from former governor, now Vice-President, Namadi Sambo. At the State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, Yakowa locked out about 10 commissioners for being late. Those locked out included the Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Saidu Adamu, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Jonathan Kish, and the Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim.

They appealed to the State Emergency Management Agency, NEMA and individuals for support to the victims. However, NEMA said in a statement in Abuja that thousands of residents in Kaduna metropolis had been displaced by flood from Kaduna River, adding that some communities in Kano State were submerged after the collapse of Warawa dam. Apart from that, the

agency warned that more areas along the plains of River Benue and River Niger remained under the threat of flood from the unprecedented rise of water in the upstream dams. The statement said NEMA, the Benue State Government and other stakeholders had established three camps for the displaced persons in Benue State, while officials had also been mobilised to the other areas that were affected by the disaster including, Bauchi State.

Niger targets N1.1bn from sale of estates PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

iger State Government said it expected N1.1bn from the sale of its two housing estates in Minna, the state capital. It also said the money would be used to construct the “Three Arm Zone”. One of the estates to be sold is the 29-unit elite housing estate, popularly known as ‘Type A Quarters,” now occupied by top government functionaries. The other estate is the 28-unit “Legislative Quarters,” occupied by members of the state House of Assembly. Since it announced its plan to sell the estates to finance the building of the Three Arm Zone, the state government has faced criticisms from the people, who have kicked against the move. The Commissioner for Works and Housing, Dr. Sale Peter Sarki, who made the

disclosure at a briefing after the State Executive Council meeting in Minna, said selling government properties in the state was nothing new and wondered why this should attract such a barrage of criticisms. He recalled how past administrations in 1983, 1995 and 2000 sold many government houses without attracting condemnation. The commissioner said that rather than being condemned, the present administration of Governor Babangida Aliyu should be applauded for building 1,500 housing units.

Aliyu

Al-Makura knocks FG over shortage of fertiliser IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

overnor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has expressed sadness over the failure of the Federal Government Growth Enhancement Scheme, GES, policy, designed to boost food production. The governor expressed his views while inaugurating the Lafia Modern Abattoir in Lafia, the state capital, yesterday. He regretted that farm-

ers could not access fertiliser for the 2012 cropping season in Nasarawa State. The governor said when he realised the adverse of this on agricultural productivity in the state his administration quickly intervened to remedy the situation by procuring assorted fertilisers and other farm inputs and distributed them to the farmers. He said: “I am happy to note that the government action in this direction is already making the desired impact.”

To guard against such unsavoury experience again, Al-Makura assured that “adequate arrangements are already being made to ensure early procurement and distribution of fertiliser to our farmers”. He, however, expressed the determination of his administration to fully realise the potential of the state in the livestock sub-sector by making animal protein available, accessible and affordable to the generality of the people.

TRANSITION

Friday, September 14, 2012

John Christopher Stevens

ohn Christopher Stevens was the U.S ambassador to Libya who was killed on September 11, 2012 when the American consulate was attacked in Benghazi.

Stevens who was appointed on June 2012, was born to the family of Jan S. Stevens on April 18, 1960, in Grass Valley, California, United States of America, but was raised in Northern California. The late ambassador attended Pioneer Elementary School and Emerson Junior High School in Davis, and then graduated from Piedmont High School in 1978. He earned a B.A. in History at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1982. From 1983 to 1985, he taught English as a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco. He graduated with a J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 1989, and received an M.S. degree from the National War College in 2010. Stevens was a fluent speaker of English, Arabic, and French and joined the United States Foreign Service in 1991. He was the natural choice, as the American liaison with the Libyan rebels once Washington made the decision to embrace the uprising last year, having served in Tripoli in the Gaddafi years. Stevens arrived in the de facto rebel capital, Benghazi, in the midst of the uprising and made his way to a hotel where the leaders of the uprising were meeting a delegation of African peacemakers trying to press a ceasefire. His previous overseas assignments included: Deputy Principal Officer and Political Section Chief in Jerusalem;

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political officer in Damascus; consular/political officer in Cairo; and consular/economic officer in Riyadh. In Washington, Ambassador Stevens served as Director of the Office of Multilateral Nuclear and Security Affairs; Pearson Fellow with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; special assistant to the Under Secretary for Political Affairs; Iran desk officer; and staff assistant in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. He served twice previously in Libya, as the Deputy Chief of Mission from 2007 to 2009 and as Special Representative to the National Transitional Council from March 2011 to November 2011, during the Libyan revolution. He arrived in Tripoli in May 2012 as U.S. Ambassador to Libya. While in Jerusalem, Stevens was known as a generous host who unusually had a wide circle of friends beyond the rarefied confines of the embassy world. Yet for all his openness, he was discreet about his private life. His former colleagues describe him as unusually at ease with almost everyone and able to express genuine understanding for passionately held views on opposite sides of divides while remaining a firm realist. They said he was often sceptical about policies of the government he served yet, firmly regarded the U.S as a force for good, while attempting to nudge policy back in Washington.

Chief Akinboro Fasore

Mrs.Oyonat Okolobo

he death has been announced of Mrs. Oyonat Okolobo, a Christian women leader. Aged 49, Mrs. Okolobo died in Lagos on July 11, 2012 after a brief illness. She was a well-known charity worker who devoted her life and resources to the welfare of the less privileged through an organisation known as the ‘Peculiar Women Ministry’. A service of songs in her honour was organised by the Assemblies of God Church, Mende in Lagos on August 21, followed by a funeral service at Ogoloma Town Square, Okrika and interment on the 25th of the same month. She is survived by her husband, Mr. Precious Okolobo, of The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC), children and a host of relations.

Engr. Simeon Agu

he body of Chief James Akinboro Fasore will be buried today, September 14, 2012 at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church cemetery, Ijare, Ondo State, after a funeral service. The wake keep was held yesterday at the deceased’s residence at 15, Aduralere, Ijare Ondo state. The late Fasore, a community leader, was born on October 4, 1936 in Ijare and attended St. Peter’s Anglican Primary School, Ijare, after which he set up a prosperous business in the community. Baba Elero, as he was fondly called, was the Alatise and Baba Egbe Aya Bishop of St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Ijare and contributed immensely to the development of the church. The late Chief Fasore, who died on July 18, 2012, will be remembered by his widow, children, grand-children, and friends as a lover of peace. He always admonished his children to remember that quality education without humility and moral is useless.

igeria Computer Society (NCS) is mourning the passing away of Engr. Chijioke Simeon Agu, founding President of the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) who died on Sunday July 9, 2012 after a brief illness. Simeon Agu was a distinguished IT practitioner, Software Industry Pioneer, Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) and a Member of the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN). He commenced his career in information technology with Shell Petroleum Development Company in 1971 and later moved to the National Electric Power Authority in 1977, as Manager Systems Development and eventually rose to the position of Director of Computer Services. Until his death, Agu was the Founder and Chairman of Computer Systems Associates (Nigeria) Limited, which metamorphosed into Neptune Software, putting the organization on the platform to thrive globally.

Pius Daniel

he body of the ex-Nigeria International, Pius Daniel was laid to rest last week at his country home, Agila in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State. He died on August 20, 2012 in Jos, Plateau State, after a long-drawn battle with diabetes. Pius, whose fans love to call “Ojongo” was said to have touched lives during his playing days. He started his career with the defunct Hotliners

Football Club of Kaduna, from where he proceeded to join the African Continental Bank (ACB) of Lagos in 1990. In 1991, he had a stint with Rapid Vienna FC in Austria for a year contract, after which he returned to Nigeria. He joined Katsina United Football Club between 1992 and 1997. He became an ex-international, when he featured for

the Flying Eagles’ team against Congo junior team in 1993, at the National Stadium, Sururlere, Lagos. The former international in his playing days was a left footed player and had also played for Julius Barger FC of Lagos, 3SC of Ibadan, Iwuanyanwu Nationale of Owerri and El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri. Pius is survived by his wife, Blessing, children, mother, brothers and sisters.

Friday, September 14, 2012

How Paralympians hauled London gold –Are

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Sport

It’s still early days and we will rise adequately to the challenges ahead in our usual manner

- INTER MILAN’S MIDFIELDER, WESLEY SNEIJDER

AFCON 2013: Organisers shift draw date

he draw for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa has been moved from October 26 to 24, according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF). According to the African football ruling body which announced the new date on its website, the draw will take place in Durban. Fifteen teams, who will emerge from final qualifiers next month, will join host South Africa for the draw to determine the first round groups for the tournament, which kicks off on January 19 with the final on February 10. The biennial competition will be staged in five South African cities, namely Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Rustenburg and Nelspruit. South Africa first hosted the Afcon in 1996. Zambia is the defending champion after the Chipolopolo defeated favourites Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire on penalties in the final.

I’ve met my target –Pillars’ coach

P Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi believes the Nigeria Pitch Awards will help the national team players aspire for more laurels to celebrate more

Minister endorses Pitch Awards AFOLABI GAMBARI

ports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, yesterday declared support for the forthcoming Nigeria Pitch Awards organised by Matchmakers Consult International in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The inaugural ceremony for the awards, scheduled for December, has received rave reviews after it was launched in Lagos in July. Abdullahi, who spoke in Abuja, said the awards would reward excellence in

areas of human endeavour and would motivate Nigerian footballers in the national teams and elsewhere. “The National Sports Commission fully endorses the plan as this will serve as further incentive for our players whenever they represent the country and will be conscious of the need to give their very best in order to qualify for nominations for the Pitch Awards,” the minister said. NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu, who also attended the ceremony, commended the minister for his endorsement, pledging that the federation would superintend the organiz-

ers to evolve a credible selection process and a ceremony that the entire sports industry would be proud of. Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of Matchmakers Consult International, Mr. Shina Philips, has assured that his outfit will partner with the NFF to stage what he called first class awards ceremony that would reverberate across Africa. “The awards cannot have come at a better time than now when the Nigerian national teams are being rebuilt to attract the people’s confidence,” Phillips said adding that the organizers would appreciate support from stakeholders.

illars FC Coach, Mohammed Babaganaru, believes he has shown that he is the best person to handle the club after leading it to the NPL title in his first season in charge. Babaganaru, who previously played for ElKanemi Warriors of Maiduguri, has been an assistant coach at Pillars since 2007 before he took over the team this past campaign. “The most exciting thing to me about this success was that I won the league title in my first attempt as head coach of a Premier league side,” the coach told MTNFootball.com yesterday. Babaganaru was first appointed on interim capacity but later allowed to continue as the team’s handler: “After I was given the mandate to handle the team, few people gave me chance to succeed and very few had confidence in what I could do it. But I thank the General Manager (Abba Galadima) for believing in me and giving me a free hand to work, as well as my technical crew and players for their cooperation. “Above all, I am even more determined now to win more laurels for Pillars in the coming season.”

Chess Olympians lament blackout AFOLABI GAMBARI

layers who represented Nigeria at the 40th World Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey have cried out over what they perceived as abandonment by the National Sports Commission (NSC). The Nigerian team came top in category E in the male event while the female team was second behind Chinese

Taipei at the 11 round Swiss-event paring with 161 countries in attendance. Interestingly, the chess team was excluded from the reception to be held for Nigerian Paralympians and Falconets at the Presidential Villa, Abuja tomorrow. “It will be too bad if we are not included in the Presidential reception list after our modest achievement in Turkey and considering the mental stress we went through to get there,”

team Captain, Lekan Adeyemi, told National Mirror yesterday. “Most people did not give us a chance, but we surmounted the odds to success,” he added. “We know the Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi and NSC DG Patrick Ekeji to be defenders of hard work and discipline and we are counting on them for recognition, especially for the sake of the young players among us,” the captain submitted.

Mohammed Babaganaru

Sport

Friday, September 14, 2012

Casillas eyes longer Madrid stay

Iker Casillas

NIPOGA: Ekiti Poly honours heroes

JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

ANDREW EKEJIUBA

ederal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti will on Wednesday next week host athletes who won medals at the 17th Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA) held in Ede, Osun State in April at the polytechnic’s premises. The institution finished 5th among 62 schools at the games, winning 7 gold 11 silver and 19 bronze medals. National Mirror learnt yesterday that the gold medalists will take home N20, 000 while silver medalists get N15, 000 as bronze medalists receive N10, 000. Gold, silver and bronze medalists in the team events will also share N40, 000, N30, 000 and N20, 000 respectively while athletes who did not win medals will get consolation prizes. Meanwhile, the annual Intermural Games of the institution have commenced with the two-week exercise featuring athletics, table tennis, tennis, football, basketball, chess, scrabble and badminton. According to Director of Sports, P a s t o r Adekunle Ay o d e l e , staff and students

Bauchi wins Shema U-17

NSSF seeks NSC, NASS support

eal Madrid goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, feels he has eight more years at the top. Casillas has revealed his dream is to retire at Real Madrid at the age of 39, having spent three decades with the Spanish giants. “It would be a dream come true and a real joy to finish my career at a club where I had the privilege of starting out when I was just nine,” the keeper said yesterday. “I have a contract until I’m 36 and my dream is to finish when I’m 39. “I’m also aware that it gets more difficult all the time, you have more demands on you, there are always those who set the bar higher and the people don’t allow you to fall below that. It’s an added responsibility for me. “I’m happy because I never thought that I would be here so long, even though it was my dream. The years go by quickly, but I’m really pleased with all the things that Real Madrid has given me and all that I’ve given the club.”

AFOLABI GAMBARI

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are participating in the events aimed at encouraging physical fitness in the polytechnic’s community. “Gold medalists will get N25, 000, silver medalists N20, 000 and bronze medalists will win N15, 000 in the intermural games,” Ayodele said, adding that the event will end with an awards’ nite on September 19 at the institution’s Multi-purpose Hall where the Rector, Mrs. Taiwo Akancash prizes de, will present to all the medalists.

Rector, Mrs. Taiwo Akande

ational School Sports Federation (NSSF) has solicited support from the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the House Committee on Sports in the National Assembly. NSSF President, Mallam Ibrahim Mohammed, revealed to our correspondent after a crucial meeting with the Minister of Sports and Chairman National Sports Commission Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and his Director General, Chief Patrick Ekeji on Wednesday was aimed at getting support for schools which he described as the strongest base for grassroots sports. “We also visited the minister to show appreciation for his genuine interest in the improvement and reorganization of grassroots sports,” Mohammed said. “The NSSF wants to see both the Ministry of Education and NSC work together harmoniously for the improvement of grassroots sports development in the area of equipment and nurturing of discovered talented athletes,” he added, stressing,

B Sport Minister, Abdullahi

“We also asked the government bodies to help look into the encroachment of others into the school sports programmes because they are bad for the children’s development.” Mohammed said the NSSF also met with Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Hon. Godfrey Gaiya, whom the body asked for assistance in the area of discovering and nurturing athletes. “As head of the House committee on sports, we feel Hon. Gaiya has the political powers to help safeguard the future of our talents in school sports, with a view to ensuring that facilities and sporting equipment are available in basic primary and secondary schools,” he remarked. “Importantly, we also want to see that the federal government, states, ministry of sports and education support the NSSF in national and international school sports competitions,” the federation’s boss submitted.

auchi Youth Football Club has won the 2nd Governor Ibrahim Shema’s U-17 Youth Tournament in Katsina State. The club defeated Shema Boys who represented Katsina State 6-5 on penalty shootout in the weeklong event where about 36 states including Abuja participated. National Mirror learnt that both teams would represent Nigeria at a youth football championship in Brazil later in the year. Meanwhile, President of the YSFON, Alhaji Nasiru Gawuna, has described the tournament as successful, saying the Katsina government deserved commendation for its sponsorship. “It is gratifying that the competition will produce the best players for the national U-17 team,” the YSFON boss said. Katsina State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mannir Talba, also urged the representatives to do Nigeria proud in Brazil. “On our part, we will continue to sponsor the tournament with a view to boosting sporting activities in the state,” Talba, who later presented the trophy and gifts to players of Bauchi Youths Football Club, said.

Lagos junior league begins

Martins joins Levante

a Liga side Levante has completed the signing of former Super Eagles striker, Obafemi Martins, 13 days after the transfer window shut. The former Inter and Newcastle forward has been the Granotes number one transfer target for some time, as the club sought to find someone who could replace new Wigan signing Arouna Kone and act as a reference point up front. Reports said Martins has been out of favour and made to train with the reserves at Russian club Rubin Kazan, making negotiations to prove difficult. Martins contract with Rubin will be terminated and he will sign on at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia on a two-year deal with an option for a third. He will receive between ₤600,000 and ₤750,000 a season, making him the highest paid player in Juan Ignacio Martinez’s squad, and a ₤5m buy-out clause will be written into his contract.

he 2012/2013 Lagos Junior League Premier Division has kicked off with a total of 20 local government teams vying for honours. The councils are Surulere, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Oshodi, Lagos Mainland, Apapa, Oriade, Bariga, Lagos Island East, Mosan Okunola and Ikoyi/Obalende. Others are Onigbongbo, Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye, Nath Boys, Itire Ikate, EtiOsa East, Mushin, Amuwo-Odofin, Apapa lganmu and Ojo. A one-day pre-season seminar for the match commissioners organized by the Lagos Junior League B, where than 50 appointed match commissioners participated, had preceded the competition kick-off. The participants include Segun Adenuga, Yomi Peters, Robert Ndabai, Muyiwa Daniel, Muyiwa Oshode, Sunday Ineh, Kenneth Olayombo, Ganiyu Salami, Tony Ekhator, Nicholas Ukadike, Lawrence Orairo, Sam-

uel Omolola and Amida “Amayo” Idris. Others are Seba Osoko, Peter Niketien, Jide Oloyede, Francis Aghata (Fregene), Tunde Ibraham, Rilwan Obajimi, Lawal Okanlawon, Basil Obeta, Dele Thompson, Olanrewaju Adeyemi, Adekunle Salau and Kehinde Olushola. Technical Director of the Lagos Junior League, Olatunde Disu, supervised the seminar that was conducted by Tade Azeez, Othman Ola Okunnu, Prince Kosoko, Balogun Muniru and Lukmon Shonibare.

Gov. Fashola

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Sport

Friday, September 14, 2012

How Paralympians hauled London gold –Are What was responsible for the golden performance of your athletes in London? First of all, we have to thank God. Secondly, the athletes were disciplined and dedicated because they couldn’t have achieved anything without the traits. We really made sure that the athletes did not misbehave. If you listened to the speech of the DG, he said he purposely didn’t give the athletes money so that they would be focused.

Nigeria’s powerlifters took the just-concluded London 2012 Paralympic Games by storm when they won 12 medals, including six gold, five silver and a bronze medal. Head Coach of the team, Feyisetan Are, who is also an ex-Paralympian spoke to YEMI OLUS on the exploits of his wards and sundy issues.

Was there something extra you did during training that brought out the best in the four athletes that broke world record at the games? They worked very hard and did a lot of things. You can’t be a coach in powerlifting if your mind is not very sound. You must know how to calculate the medals you want to pick. The coach must be sound and educated to also know the capacity of the athlete and what he or she can lift. How did it make you feel, seeing that Nigeria topped the powerlifting event at the Games? We were No.1 in the world and I still feel very happy about that position. I also believe that it is possible to maintain that spot if we commence preparation for international outings on time. These athletes trained on their own, did most of the work themselves and received little support. However we can win 10 gold medals in 2016 if we commence preparation on time. What challenges were faced while preparing for the games? There were a lot of complaints from the athletes regarding lack of funds but we knew the reason they weren’t given money. They also complained about pain while training but we had to tell them “no pain, no gain”. If you don’t have pain, you can never be a champion. We went through this training during our own days as athletes so they had to go through it too. Today you can see that they are all happy that they were given $7, 500 (for the gold medallists) aside from their allowances. They will still get other rewards from the federal government. However the corporate bodies should not leave everything to the government; they should come in to support the athletes. In your estimation, what should be done for the athletes after their feat in London? I think they deserve money and houses and I think that those of them that want to advance their education should be encouraged. There was the controversial issue that involved one of your lifters, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who broke the World and Paralympic records, yet was denied the gold medal... Folashade and her Chinese opponent who eventually won gold were in the same weight category but Folashade’s was slightly higher. She was intentionally fouled by the referees as soon as

Feyisetan Are (standing 1st right) and some members of the team at the reception hosted by Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK, Ambassador Dalhatu Sarki Tafida

they saw that she was headed for the gold medal. I had promised that we were going to win eight gold medals before we left Nigeria but we are robbed of two of them. We were not happy about that development. We are hoping that such a scenario will not play out again by the grace of God. I believe we were seen as threats because we swept all the medals that were up for grabs at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India. How has been your career as an athlete and former Paralympian? I went for the 1995 qualifiers in the US where I won gold. I was also a gold medallist at the All-Africa Games that same year. I placed fourth at the Paralympics in 1996 and later won three gold medals at the Appalachia Wheelchair Games. I had to retire early because there was no encouragement. As a Yoruba, you are told to fall back to school. I didn’t do that immediately though because I wanted to explore other options in the sport such as coaching. But right now I’m about to enrol in school. How different is your life as an athlete and as a coach?

THERE IS DIGNITY IN LABOUR AND WHEN YOU ARE WELL RE-

WARDED, YOU WILL BE MOTIVATED TO WORK HARDER.

There’s a very big difference because when you are an athlete, you behave childishly but as a coach, you are a full grown man who has to think and strategize. Before I became a coach I was a bit plump but right now I have lost weight because I have to pray, fast and make sure the athletes are doing okay because they are my responsibility. What advice do you have for the physically challenged in the society who are weighed down by their limitations? I would want to tell them not to lose hope. They should look for Prince Feyisetan Are at the National Stadium, Lagos if they want to better their lives. They should stop begging be-

cause they don’t even know the kind of money people give them. They must start doing sport. Disability should not be a hindrance; you must do the right thing before the country supports you. People must see you as somebody that is ready to do something before pitching in. These athletes who went for the Paralympics have given something to Nigeria and Nigeria is giving something back to them in return. Do you think the present paralympians will be discouraged by government’s negative attitude to the past paralympians like you? I told you earlier that in year 2000 I was supposed to win gold in Sydney but refused to participate because we weren’t treated well. However, I believe that things improved under the headship of Patrick Ekeji as the Director General of the National Sports Commission. He was the first to introduce bonuses to athletes who have performed well in 2003 and it has continued till now. There is dignity in labour and when you are well rewarded, you will be motivated to work harder. Former Paralympians were not encouraged and that is not good at all.

WORLD RECORD

Largest solar furnace Vol. 02 No. 448

In Odeillo Font-Romeux, France, an array of heliostats direct the Sun’s energy onto a 2,000m2 parabolic reflector, which then reflects the rays of the Sun to a focal point. The concentrated rays can create temperatures of up to 3,800C at the focal point, where they are used to conduct research into materials science and solar engineering. The Odeillo solar furnace was constructed in 1969.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Mismanagement of Dame Jonathan’s ill-health H ad any mischief maker gone to town with reports that Nigeria’s First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan was afflicted with such embarrassing ailments as full blown Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), tuberculosis, leprosy, etc., the truth of the sickness that took her out of circulation this long would probably have emerged by now. Her media managers and, indeed, the Federal Government would most likely have been vociferous in dishing out rebuttals and clarifications on what the exact situation is. But in the absence of such a stunt, the media has been awash with mere imagination and guesswork on the nature of sickness that hurried the lady of glamour to a foreign land for about a fortnight now. SaharaReporters which broke the news said it was “food poi-

FRIDAYS WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) soning”, and that the condition started when she visited Dubai after the recent African First Ladies Summit in Abuja to see a doctor “because her hands were twitching”. The Presidency’s precipitate, official reaction to the report was to keep mum. Then suddenly, it (Presidency) again officially denied the food poisoning claim. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, dismissed the information as a rumour; while Ayo Osinlu, the direct spokesman attached to the First Lady, claimed that she travelled out of the country to take a “moment’s rest”, according to reports credited to them. Since then, the rumour mill has been having a field day, with some reports saying that Mrs. Jonathan had ruptured appendicitis, and others suggesting that she was in the German hospital for abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck”; while President Goodluck Jonathan was said to be planning a secret trip to see her in the hospital. Most Nigerians don’t know which of the reports to believe. It would seem the FG has an intriguing way of covering up the ailments of prominent figures in government for reasons best known to it. It was the same pattern during the trying moments of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010. Like the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territo-

HEAVILY PREGNANT AND IS EXPECTING A

BABY, IT OUGHT TO BE SINCERELY STATED IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN ry, Nasir El-Rufai rightly pointed out at the time, the willingness of Yar’Adua’s inner circle to misinform and mislead Nigerians… through deliberate disinformation and whipping up primordial sentiments” for strictly selfish reasons almost landed the country in a dangerous, self-inflicted existential crisis. There were visible threats to the unambiguous constitutional process of succession even when provisional powers had been entrusted to the hands of Jonathan as the Acting President. The Yar’Adua cabal was fingered then as the brain behind the laughable and dishonest management of the late president’s health challenge. Jonathan himself, while the embarrassment lasted, had according to reports, lamented to an unnamed United States Ambassador that the “terrible situation in the country” occasioned by the cabal’s dishonest management of the Yara’Adua ill-health - was “created by four people: Turai Yar’Adua

Sport Extra

w he apology by British Prime Minister, David Cameron, and the findings of the Hillsborough Independent Panel have been welcomed by campaigners who have now called for the parties’ responsible for the disaster

EVEN IF SHE IS

(the late president’s wife); Chief Security Officer (CSO), Yusuf Mohammed Tilde; Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Col. Mustapha Onoedieva; and Professor Tanimu Yakubu, his Chief Economic Adviser.” Had the health crisis been appropriately managed, the late president would have resigned honourably when it became glaring that for reasons of serious ill-health, he no longer had the capacity to perform his constitutional responsibilities as the country’s president. Sadly, the late president’s sickness became a weapon for the dangerous politics played by the purported cabal until his demise; and from that point, the politics became even more vicious until Jonathan successfully emerged as the president before the 2011 general election. In the case at hand, however, Mrs. Jonathan is not the president. She is the wife of a sitting president whose tenure, ordinarily, is not under any special threat except for the routine challenges of leadership. Why then the ‘cabal’ management of information on the prevailing health condition of Mrs. Patience Faka Jonathan? Indeed, who are members of the cabal covering up information about the First Lady’s health challenges, for what reasons and to whose benefit? Has the First Lady turned their private property? Pundits might come up with arguments on Dame Jonathan’s constitutional right to privacy to justify the information mismanagement. But taking that path would only intensify public curiosity on the already foggy situation. Like her husband, Dame Jonathan is a defacto foremost figure in the Presidency. She has been very visible and has proudly played the role of a ‘handbag’ locally and internationally to her husband. Nigerians deserve being properly informed if any health threat comes her way; especially when she has been out of circulation for long. Even if she is heavily pregnant and is expecting a baby, it ought to be sincerely stated in the public domain. What exactly is happening to the First Lady?

Hillsborough: Campaigners seek sustainable justice to be made accountable. The report confirmed South Yorkshire Police had sought to blame fans by instructing officers to change or amend their statements relating to the

events of April 15, 1989. Hillsborough families had suffered a “double injustice”, both in the “failure of the state to protect their loved ones and the indefensible wait to get to the

truth” and in the “efforts to denigrate the deceased,” Cameron told the House of Commons. Sheila Coleman, spokesman for the Hillsborough Justice Campaign, believes

there is still some way to go. “But we have had the truth, now it is time for justice,” she said, adding, “The fans have been totally vindicated. They played no part in the disaster.”

David Cameron

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