Wednesday, November 21, 2012 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Shell officials arrested over oil theft

Destroys 51 illegal refineries, four boats

CHINEDUM EMEANA PORT HARCOURT

M named

Summonu

Vol. 2 N0. 496

en of the Military Force, JTF, Operation

Joint Task codePulo

Shield, have arrested two personnel of the Shell Petroleum Development

Jonathan loses brother

Hamas, Israel disagree over truce

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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

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Presidency to spend N36bn on ex-militants Reps walk out minister, perm sec GEORGE OJI, TORDUE SALEM AND EMMANUEL ONANI

T Sanusi

CBN seeks legal framework for budget benchmark

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Hearing begins today in NPAN suit against P.6 APCON Asset declaration:

Conduct bureau to investigate Orubebe P.6

Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (left) and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Suraj Adekunbi, at the presentation of the 2013 Appropriation Bill to the legislature in Abeokuta, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

he Presidency has earmarked a budget of over N35bn for ex-militants in the Niger Delta. Special Adviser to the President on Amnesty Programme, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, said that the money was to cater for skills acquisition and vocational training. Kuku presented the proposal before the House of Representatives’ Committee on Niger Delta, headed by Hon. Warman Ogoriba. According to him: “A review, analysis and discussions of actual proposals with training vendors and educational institutions as well as other re¬insertion factors have revealed CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

15 killed as JTF, gunmen clash in Borno

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Why we can’t prosecute Boko Haram suspects–IG

Mark denies 2015 presidential ambition

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News

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

15 killed as JTF, gunmen clash in Borno OMEIZA AJAYI AND INUSA NDAHI

o fewer than 15 people were feared killed and dozens of shops razed yesterday by gunmen in Damboa, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

This is coming barely two weeks after suspected terrorists killed scores of people in the town, while primary schools, the council secretariat, fire service station and the Federal Road Safety Corps office were razed. Our correspondent reports that the build-up to

the incident started on Monday, a market day, when some gunmen about 6p.m. threw an improvised explosive device, IED, at a security patrol vehicle, leading to reprisal and the killing of 15 people. Although the identities of those killed during the attack could not be ascer-

tained, an eyewitness, who did not want his name mentioned, confirmed that over 15 people were killed, while most of the shops and houses on the ever-busy Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu road were razed during the encounter which lasted for over three hours. A Joint Task Force, JTF,

President Goodluck Jonathan, his mum, Eunice, and the Executive Secretary of Christian Pilgrims Board, Mr. John Kennedy Opara, during the President’s 55th birthday in Abuja, yesterday.

official, who declined to be identified, said: “Some members of Boko Haram sect attacked our patrol vehicles in this place and burnt them.” JTF spokesman, Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, in a telephone interview with National Mirror yesterday also confirmed the incident, but said: “I don’t have details as all the telecommunication masts in the council were razed by suspected terrorists a couple of weeks ago.” Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has said that except the antiterrorism law is urgently passed by the National Assembly, police may not prosecute most of the Boko Haram suspects in its custody. Only few days ago, global human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, had accused security operatives of extra-judicial killings and detention without trial of suspects for long period without trial. Addressing journalists during the conference of se-

nior police officers from the rank of commissioners of police to deputy inspectorsgeneral of police, DIGs, in Abuja, Abubakar also confirmed that the force had many terror suspects in its custody. He, however, added that a committee had been inaugurated to ascertain the number of Boko Haram suspects in police detention facilities in Abuja and elsewhere in the country. He said that some of the suspects were usually transferred to sister agencies for more interrogation, making it difficult to know the number of suspects in custody. The IGP stated that the envisaged passage of the anti-terrorism law by the National Assembly would help the Police to immediately prosecute terrorism suspects. According to him, the police require an “enabling law” to be able to charge the suspects to court. He lamented that the CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Presidency to spend N36bn on ex-militants CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

that a projected figure of N35,409,859,972.63 is to be spent in the year 2013 on the reintegration of the ex-militants enrolled in the Presidential Amnesty Programme. “As mentioned earlier, 63 per cent of this sum will go to service ongoing commitments while the balance, that is 37 per cent, will be expended in placing 3,000 transformed ex-agitators in either formal education or vocational training in the fiscal year 2013. “The budgetary figure for the placements of the estimated 3,000 ex-combatants in reintegration centres is based on the profile from the career/professional counselling and reintegration classification sessions of the transformational training and other rationale.” Given a breakdown of the training proposals, Kuku said 66 per cent or 1,980 of the 3,000 excombatants have opted for vocational training. “It is estimated that local training centres will be able to absorb 1,000 participants. The balance of 980 ex-agitators will be trained

offshore”, he said. He recalled that a total sum of N66,176,411,902 was appropriated by the National Assembly for the Presidential Amnesty Programme for the 2012 fiscal year. According to him: “The key facts in the 2012 budget for the PAP shows that the sum of N41, 281, 229, 902 was appropriated for the reintegration component of the programme for already demobilised. “The reintegration phase of the amnesty programme essentially entails the placement of disarmed, demobilised and classified former agitators in either vocational training or formal education either within the country or offshore”. He also explained that “in strict compliance with the United Nations Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration, DDR, Charter Code (A/C 5/59/31), N924m was provided for in the 2012 budget to take care of the Reinsertion/Transition Safety Allowance for 6,166 transformed ex-militants and their leaders enlisted

in the second phase of the presidential amnesty. “Given also the Federal Government’s commitment to the sustenance of the payment of N65,000 monthly stipends to 26,358 ex-agitators enlisted in the amnesty programme, a total sum of N20,796,462,000 was appropriated for this purpose.” He also told the committee that “a total sum of N3,173,820,000 was appropriated to cover the cost of operations in the Presidential Amnesty Office, domiciled in the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta in the 2012 fiscal year.” He said that from last year’s provisions in the budget, “the Presidential Amnesty Office has so far in the 2012 fiscal year able to pay stipends and allowances, with a total sum of N20,796,462,000, which was appropriated for stipends and allowances in the year 2012 and 26,358 ex-agitators enlisted in the first and second phases of the programme were considered. “Of this appropriated sum, N20,732,612,000 has

been released by the Budget Office of the Federation to the Amnesty Office in four instalments. “Following these releases, the Amnesty Office has paid out stipends and allowances to the enrolled ex-agitators till the end of October 2012.” On the programme’s reintegration programme, he said the total enrolled number of 26,358 ex-agitators enlisted in the first and second phases of the programme have been fully disarmed and demobilised, having undertaken non-violence transformational training at the Amnesty Demobilisation Camp, located in Obubra, Cross River State. The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ogoriba who, however, picked holes in the estimates, said the committee would set up a sub-committee to review the proposal of the amnesty office. Meanwhile, members of the House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology were engaged in a shouting match with the Minister for Science and Technol-

ogy, Professor Ita Okon Bassey-Ewa, yesterday over the actual budget performance of the Science and Technology Ministry. The minister was piqued when the House Committee Chairman, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade (ACN-Ogun) asked him to translate the ministry’s 2012 budget performance into percentages instead of providing it on an item by item basis. Prof. Bassey-Ewa made efforts to convert same to percentages but failed and was reprimanded by the lawmakers. The chairman pointed out that the minister had never taken the committee seriously just as he recollected that Bassey-Ewa had failed to provide the percentage performance of his ministry when the committee went to his office for oversight function earlier. But in his response to the chairman, the minister shouted “we are prepared; we are prepared. You can see that I have been trying to compute the percentage.” When cautioned by the chairman that he should realise that he was ap-

pearing before a committee which is an extension of the House, the minister replied that his outburst was provoked by the Chairman’s rude talk to him. Subsequent efforts to calm Bassey-Ewa down failed, leading to the Committee’s resolution to send him out to go and prepare adequately to appear before the committee at some other time. The minister and his Permanent Secretary, Rabi Shuaibu Jimeta, then walked out fuming. The committee had earlier queried the minister on why he was yet to recommend the appointment of a substantive DirectorGeneral for the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, when the Acting DG of the agency, Mr. Mohammed Haruna, had stayed in acting capacity for more than the regulatory six months. The minister agreed that Haruna has stayed for about eight months in acting capacity as the DG of the agency but told the lawmakers that the process for CONTINUED ON PAGE 50>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PAGE

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Midweek Interview Barrister Kenneth Imasuangbon, a former Edo State governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in this interview with AYODELE OJO in Virginia, United States speaks on the need for Nigerians to support President Goodluck Jonathan, security challenges, among other issues. Excerpts:

Jonathan needs support to succeed – Imasuangbon

Nothing has been heard from you politically after you contested for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket in Edo State. Are you no longer interested in politics? Every human being is a political animal; I want to thank God for the political process that happened in Edo State and which is beyond me now. We are looking forward. We have faith in God and the people. Again, what is important to me is whoever emerged the governor of the state must do the will of the people by making the schools to work in a suitable environment, create jobs for the people, make the roads motorable, make sure there is security of lives and property in the state and ensure peace and stability, the hospitals must be equipped and functional; that is my prayer for Edo State and Nigeria in general. You have made two attempts at the governorship in Edo State; the first time, you almost got the ticket but you were asked to step down. The last one you lost the ticket at the primaries. How do you feel about the process? I have said it that we don’t have transparency process in Nigeria. That is true and I have witnessed it two times. I understand the process and that is why we are there to make change. For my experiences, we have no process, before my call, I was determined, I conceived and aspired that we must bring about good process, because good process will bring about good leadership, good leadership will bring about good dividends of democracy and good services to the people. So, whichever way it goes, Nigeria will be better off, if we have better people, who are in the political arena playing politics. Again, politics should not be left to people who didn’t go to school; criminals and people that see governance just as avenue to loot and steal public funds. Politics must be used as a tool for development, tool for social engineering and tool to push the people and country forward. So, if politics is devoid of these, it is no more politics; it is thuggery, violence and that is for the thieves. To those who designed politics as it is played in the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada and other developed countries, it was meant to be tools for development, for change, for social engineering of the society, creation of jobs, for the economy to be robust, provision of good education and better life to the people, all these and other things are the whole essence of politics. That is why I call on God-fearing people, both of the Christian and Muslim faith, the Nigeria professionals, people that have succeeded in their private endeavour, that most importantly, they should all come to be part of politics in Nigeria to give it a good facelift. You mentioned thuggery, violence and malpractice in Nigerian election. You witnessed the U.S. election, what is your impression and how would you compare it to what we have in the country? Honestly, they are miles apart; the ocean between Nigerian politics and U.S. politics is far too wide. But, we will not be discouraged by that, rather it should be a turning point to do more and make a change. In the U.S. election, it was peaceful. What guided the American people were issues, between the two candidates, President Barack Obama of Democratic and Mitt Romney of Republican. What they will provide for the people. And the people were interested who will provide good education to their children, keep America save, create jobs, and turn the economy around.

Imasuangbon

IT IS QUITE UNFORTUNATE, THAT AT THIS TIME OF

OUR NATIONAL LIFE, WE SEE THE PROBLEM OF THE COUNTRY AS THE PROBLEM

OF THE PRESIDENT ONLY... IF

PRESIDENT JONATHAN FAILS, THE NIGERIAN NATION FAILS Look at the beauty of politics in the U.S. But in Nigeria, the best person who can steal and loot and have the highest thugs to cause election violence and chaos would have emerged winner. But I will not lose hope in my generation. Again the leaders are not the problem of Nigerian politics but the followers, the people. If the people are determined to make a change based on issues, we should vote for the right person; people who are committed to change. If Nigerians are vigilant, determined for change and do correct analysis of everybody that is asking for their votes and translate it to action, then the yearning for change would have come. If the people are determined and focused, I am assuring you that good leaders would be voted into office by the people. For you to have development, you must have good leaders, for you to have good leaders, the process must be transparent, for you to have a transparent process, and the people should be ready and determined to demand for good process. I think we should begin now to deliberate on how to make positive changes. How do you see the present administration and the

crisis of insecurity the country is facing? It is quite unfortunate, that at this time of our national life, we see the problem of the country as the problem of the president only. The president is doing his best and it is the duty of every Nigerian to help the president to succeed, because, if President Jonathan fails, the country has failed. When the American president emerged, right from that day, every American rallied round him and gave him the necessary support. The American president must not fail, because if he fails, the American nation has failed. So, if President Jonathan fails, the Nigerian nation fails. We must make sure that this administration succeeds, for us to deliberately put stumbling blocks on his ways is unacceptable. We should pray for him and not unnecessarily criticise him, but if we should criticise, it should be constructive and not destructive. So, rather Nigerians should rally round the president to see that Nigeria as a nation doesn’t fail What is the way forward? The way forward is for every Nigerian to seek for change, let us get together to make change, let us be honourable, let us allow for integrity to come to play, whichever corner you find yourself, do your part, think about Nigeria first, before self. We should be faithful and fear God, because if somebody fears God, he or she will not loot or steal public funds meant for the development of the nation and the well-being of his people. We all should come together and fight corruption and when anybody commits any crime, the person should be punished for it. Nobody should be above the law of the land. The people doing their job honestly and diligently should be honoured and recognised by the people and the government. Above all, the government should try its best by creating job, providing what makes life better, and take care of the youth. The youth will in turn abide by the law of the land and give peace a chance.

News

Wednesday November 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Lagos State University, Prof. Dapo Asaju; Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oladapo Obafunwa; Executive Director, Public Sector, South, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mr. U. K. Eke and Group Head, Public Sector, Lagos, Mrs. Shade Omoniyi, at the presentation of buses to the university by the bank in Lagos, recently.

L-R: Lead Consultant, Qualitext Consulting and Associate, Mr. Tunji Timothy; General Manager, Prima Corporation Ltd., Mr. Rajiv Khanna and Managing Director, Jotna International, Mr. Narendra Somani, during the celebration of the SON/ISO certification received by Prima Corporation in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

L-R: Representative of the Vice-President and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Netherlands, Amb. Nimota Akanbi; Executive Chairman, Obio/Akpor Council, Rivers State, Prince Timothy Nsirim; President, IIMCD, Mr. Daniel Omonze, at the World Infrastructure Summit Gala Dinner, an evening with the Government of Nigeria held at the Royal Artis Zoo, Amsterdam, recently.

L-R: Country Manager, Microsoft Anglophone West Africa, Mr. Emmanuel Onyeje; Vice-President, Nokia West Africa, Mr. James Rutherford and General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Kola Oyeyemi, at the launch of Nokia Lumia 920 and 820 in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

National News

CBN seeks legal framework for budget benchmark Retains MPR at 12%

TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

s the debate between the executive and the Legislature over appropriate oil benchmark price for 2013 budget rages on, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday restated its support for the $75 per barrel proposal.

It also canvassed the setting up of an independent professional team supported by a legal framework that would help in determining benchmark price for budgets in the years ahead. This is even as the Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, at the end of its twoday meeting concluded yesterday retained the Mon-

etary Policy Ratio, MPR, at 12 per cent with a corridor of +/- 200 basis points around the midpoint and also retained the Cash Reserve Ratio, CRR, at 12 per cent and the Liquidity Ratio at 30 per cent. Making a case for the independent budget benchmark pricing body while briefing journalists on the key decisions taken during the apex bank’s MPC’s

meeting in Abuja, the CBN Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, said the move would help address the yearly rancour between the two arms of government over budget benchmark price as the team’s recommendations would be based on factual appraisal of macroeconomic and other indices both at the domestic and international economic environments.

Reps, ministry split on 2012 budget TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

he House of Representatives and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation yesterday disagreed over the implementation of the ministry’s 2012 budget. The House expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation of the capital component of the 2012 budget by the ministry. The Minister of Culture, Mr. Edem Duke, said the ministry’s budget performed relatively well, while the Chairman of the

House Committee on Culture, Hon. Ben Nwankwo (APGA-Anambra), said at the 2013 budget defence that it recorded a poor performance. Nwankwo said if the ministry’s budget was diligently implemented, it would have generated employment for many Nigerians. He said: “We are not generally satisfied with the implementation of the capital budget. The budget is a law; there is no choice for selective implementation. Government should be decent in implementing it.” The chairman warned

that the House would not condone a poor implementation of the budget in 2013. In his response, Duke said N582 million was allocated to the ministry in 2012 for capital project, but that between January and November, only N268 million was released to the ministry, representing 46 per cent, leaving a balance of N313 million. The minister said that out of the N588 million allocated to the ministry for overhead, N499 million was released to the ministry between January and October, representing 84 per cent.

He added that the level of performance of capital budget was 98 per cent. According to him, N60 million has been set aside for work to continue at the National Theatre in Calabar, while N150 million has also been budgeted for Abuja Carnival in 2013. Duke, however, agreed in part that the insistence of the committee on full implementation of budgets would help in fund release to the ministry. He said that workers of the ministry were ready to assist in the realisation of the Transformation Agenda of the government.

Sanusi urged both the executive and the legislature to learn from the Chilean experience with regard to the setting of the parameters for the preparation of the budget to avoid the perennial acrimony that usually characterises the budget approval processes in the country. He said: “Many countries where the commodity price-based budget flow borrowed this from the Chilean example where, based on the price of copper, the budget is made. Chile has an institution made up of a committee of experts that determines the long term price of copper to the Gross Domestic Product, GDP. Those prices are determined independently of the political process. “These experts would determine the benchmark price for oil and the output, if that is what the budget is based on. These prices are binding to both the fiscal authorities and the National Assembly. This idea that after going through a technical detailed process that allows the Ministry of Finance to come up with a number and the National Assembly sits

down to say that it does not like that and prefers another number to increase it, is only wasteful because the country has not institutionalised the process. “It would be good to not just have a benchmark, but also a legal framework for determining that benchmark and clarity so that the decision is not political. Increasing the benchmark to $78 or $80 simply increases the amount of money that is spent and reduces the amount of money that could have been saved. And if for any reason output under-performs, the fiscal flexibility would be reduced and the ability to respond in the event of any shock.” In arriving at the MPR, CRR and Liquidity Ratio decisions, Sanusi said the committee considered three scenarios, including an increase in rates in response to the uptick in headline and food inflation; a reduction in rates in view of declining core inflation and GDP growth; and retaining current monetary policy stance in view of conflicting price signals and global uncertainties.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Shell officials arrested over oil theft CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Company, SPDC, for involvement in the economic sabotage activity on a pipeline in Kporgho Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State. The two suspects, Mr. Bori Friday and Mr. Young Apahia, are surveillance staff of the company, employed to protect oil pipeline from vandalism, according to the JTF. Army Public Relations Officer, 2 Brigade Bori Camp, Major Michael Etete, said that the JTF on patrol discovered at about 9.30p.m.on Monday a broken pipeline and illegal

connection on an SPDC pipeline in Kporgho Gokana LGA of Rivers State with both men found on the scene of the pipeline vandalism. Etete said both suspects were arrested and transferred to operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Rivers State Command, for prosecution. Only last week, the JTF complained about oil companies frustrating their efforts at ridding the country of oil theft and illegal bunkering operations. Shell did not immediately respond to inquiries

seeking comments on the issue. The JTF had raided illegal oil refining sites around Awoba, Bille, Km. 45 and Elemakire, all in Degema LGA of Rivers State on November 14 and 15 where three boats loaded with 55 empty drums; five speed boats and one illegal refinery with five surface tanks and one underground storage tank and a wooden boat all loaded with illegally refined AGO were destroyed. Etete, however, explained that the JTF would continue the fight against illegal bunkering and oil theft.

“Shell Petroleum Development Company’s inability to repair or even clamp over 70 illegal loading points already discovered over the last one year in the sector is adversely affecting the fight against oil theft due to continued use by oil thieves. This is highly frustrating to the JTF operations. “Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, should cause SPDC management to repair or clamp all identified illegal loading points,” the JTF spokesman said. Meanwhile, a joint antipiracy and illegal bunkering security operation

Members of Nigeria Labour Congress who stormed the YarAdua Centre venue of 2012 African Industrialisation Day in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

yesterday resulted in the destruction of 51 illegal refineries, four dug-out boats, and arrest of six youths in an operation that lasted for about nine hours in Ke and Pero-Kparakama communities in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State. The six youths arrested include two ladies, Miss Jane Ijeoma Duke, 20 and two teenage brothers, Godspower and Jonathan Robinson, as well as two others, Sandwell Jumbo and Chinonso Ochuma. The security forces also recovered one FN pistol, eight machetes, five AK-47 rifles, 12 AK 47 magazines, nine identification cards, including one of a police officer and N535,000 cash. The suspects, who were paraded and later handed over to CSP Gbiwen Francis, the Police Sector Commander of JTF for further investigation and prosecution, however told journalists that they were innocent. Addressing a joint press conference at NNS Pathfinder, the Commander, Commodore Oyetunji Fadeyi, said the joint operation was to exterminate illegal bunkering and piracy. He stressed that the operation followed useful information from sea pirates earlier arrested. In another development, security chiefs in Rivers State have once again called

for the establishment of a special court for speedy prosecution of piracy and illegal oil bunkering suspects. “I think we have to improve that aspect of our laws. Arresting them like this and prosecuting them will act as deterrent to other criminals, I think that is the major area. “I support the call by Commander Yusuf Buratai (2 Brigade of Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt) for the setting up of special courts to try these cases faster and that is why I am reiterating it. “If you look down there (pointing) you will see three tankers, they have been arrested a long time ago, but the prosecution is still in the pipeline. So, we hope that our justice system will be faster and I think we can improve on it. “Special courts can also help because that is what we resolved in our meeting, that the government should create special courts to try these offences,” Fadeyi said. Commander of 97 Special Operations Group, Air Commodore Elam Ngokala, said the call for a special court was the decision of the service commanders in Rivers State. “It is a collective decision; we discussed it at a roundtable before we came out with it. It wasn’t one man’s view, that was the view of all the service chiefs in Rivers State,” he said.

15 killed, shops razed as JTF, gunmen clash in Borno CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

detention facilities of the force are currently being overstretched due to the number of suspects in its custody. According to him, the police would be glad to have the suspects arraigned before a competent court of law and tried for the offences for which they stand accused, adding that their conviction or otherwise might serve as a deterrent to would-be terrorists in the country. “Why do we want to hold on to them for so long? They are a liability and so it will be in our interest to have them tried immediately,”, he said. He added: “You can’t take somebody to court except there is an enabling law. Unless the anti-terrorism law is passed by the

National Assembly, we cannot arraign most of them. It will be in our interest to arraign them. We are not happy keeping them too.” Abubakar also ordered Assistant Inspectors General of Police, AIGs, and police commissioners to deploy effective crime fighting strategies in their domains in order to forestall criminal activities during the Yuletide. Abubakar specifically threatened to sanction Commissioners of Police in states that witness rising crime wave, explaining that the police have no other job than to maintain law and order in the society. “Any command that allows its grounds to be used for criminal activities, the CP there will face sanctions,” he said. While he lamented that

the conference was long in coming due to the exigencies of police duties, Abubakar said the meeting was necessary to review the security situation in the country as well as deploy mechanisms that would guarantee a crime-free Christmas and New Year celebration. “Today’s meeting is very crucial in view of the current security challenges in the country. The police have been doing their best but notwithstanding there are still challenges in the North East especially in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. Now we are beginning to have such challenges in the North Central and even in places like Zamfara, Kaduna and Taraba states,” Abubakar explained. Commending the offi-

cers for “doing their best in spite of the meagre resources at their disposal,” Abubakar said cases of kidnapping and other violent crimes must be halted henceforth and the perpetrators arrested. He stated: “Nigeria must continue to be safer than what it is today. Every CP will go to his or her command and ensure a hitch-free Christmas and New Year. All cases of criminality must stop and the criminals fished out. Kidnappers must be apprehended.” Abubakar, however, promised to checkmate the excesses of his men, ordering the officers to pay serious attention to the issue of bribery and corruption. He also said he will discipline any Commissioner of Police who treats such

issue with levity in the command. Meanwhile, the Taraba police command has confirmed the arrest of 200 people in connection with the recent violent clashes in Ibi, the headquarters of Ibi Local Government Area of the state. Disclosing this to newsmen yesterday in Jalingo, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Amos Olaoye (DSP), said the suspects were arrested as they came into Ibi on Monday, allegedly to forment trouble. He disclosed that some of the suspects were found with arms and other dangerous weapons heading for the troubled area through the surrounding bushes and mountains. Alaoye explained that the relevant departments

had commenced investigation to ascertain their level of involvement in the crisis, and persons behind the incident which, according to him, had claimed four lives. He said that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as the investigations were over. “The town is saturated with security agents while calm has been restored in the area,” he said. He appealed to the people to be law-abiding, assuring that the police would continue to ensure the protection of their lives and property. The crisis in Ibi broke out on Sunday following a misunderstanding between some persons resident in the area, leading to the burning down of houses and shops.

News

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Conduct Bureau may investigate Orubebe over asset declaration OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

hairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Mr. Sam Saba, yesterday vowed that agency would investigate the allegation of non-full disclosure of assets raised against the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe. The CCB threatened that Orubebe would be brought before it if the al-

legations are true. Saba spoke when AntiCorruption Network, led by its Executive Secretary, Hon. Dino Melaye, submitted a petition against the minister. He said: “I have not even read the petition and so cannot even tell you what to expect. I can see the pictures in the petition and pictures do not lie. If what Hon. Dino has given us is genuine, then we are going to deal with it. “ Ours is to verify it and

if we find out that Orubebe has not actually declared his assets, we will find out why he did not declare it and we will also find out from the Registry why he has also not done that. “There are avenues to find out and when we find out, it will be taken to the Code of Conduct Tribunal, the last court of adjudication. Once, we finish, we will communicate.” Saba, who saluted the courage of the group to

come up with facts that would assist the Bureau in the discharge of its duty, lamented that it had been difficult to fight corruption in Nigeria because of the failure of the people to avail the agency with the necessary information. He said: “If you are asking on what has been our constraints, it is failure of Nigerians to come out and give us information and I am commending Dino Melaye for boldly coming out with facts which we are

now going to verify.” In a two separate petitions, one to the CCB and the other to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Melaye accused the minister of sundry contracts scam. Specifically, in the petition to the Code of Conduct Bureau, he alleged that Orubebe accepted a luxury building as gratification from one of the contractors handling the ministry’s projects. Melaye said: “ By the

Hearing begins today in NPAN suit against APCON

‘$23.7m Manitoba contract intact’ TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

egal fireworks begin today at the Federal High Court sitting Lagos in the suit instituted by the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) against the Advertising Practitioners’ Council of Nigeria (APCON) in which the former is challenging some provisions of the Nigerian Code of Advertising Practice and Sales Promotion. In the suit filed on its behalf by Tayo Oyetibo’s chambers, the association wants the court to determine whether Articles 21 and 137 of the Nigerian Code of Advertising Practice and Sales Promotion are not beyond APCON to the extent that they affect media houses who do not engage in the practice of advertising. Joined in the suit is the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). Other issues wanted for determination are: whether the two articles are not inconsistent with the provisions of Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution which guarantees the freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinion and to receive and impart ideas without interference and whether with regard to the provision of Section 4 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, it is competent of APCON to create offences and impose penalties as done in the code of the Nigerian Code of Advertising Practice and Sales Promotion. The association is, therefore, seeking the following a declaration that Articles 21 and 137(a) of the Nigerian Code of Advertising Practice and Sales Promotion are ultra vires.

virtue of his standing to influence the award of contracts, Elder Godsday Orubebe abused his office by accepting a gratification of palatial mansion on the property allocated to him in Abuja, contrary to Section 12 of the ICPC Act. “The mansion is situated at Minister’s hill, Mabushi Area, Abuja, built and delivered to Elder Godsday Orubebe by one of the contractors in his ministry.”

L-R: Commissioner of Police (CP) ‘G’ Department Force Headquarters, Computer ICT, Mr Chris Olakpe; Deputy CP Ports Authority Police Command, Marina, Lagos, Uba Kura; Jigawa State CP, Mr Kayode Theophilus; CP Armament FHQS, Mr. Moses Onireti, at a meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

Customs arrests passenger with $320,000 at Lagos Airport OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he Nigeria Customs Service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, yesterday announced the arrest of a passenger with over $320,000 aboard a Qatar Airways flight bound for Doha in the Gulf region. An online statement signed by the Customs Area Comptroller, Mr. Charles Eporwei, said the

passenger, Mr. Onwuekwe Anthony Chidi, with passport number A04086671 was arrested at about 1:pm on Monday when he was checking in on Qatar Airways. Eporwei said the passenger only declared $70, 000 after which the remaining amount was discovered. He said when officials carried a search on him, they discovered that $67,437 was not declared. Eporwei said the Customs Service would hand over the passenger to offi-

cials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation. He said it became imperative for Customs at the airport to comply with government regulations as it affects foreign exchange in line with the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) CAP C 45 LFN 2004 as amended. Eporwei said that since September 24, 2012 when the office received a letter from the EFCC, it has thereafter put in place a

UNIABUJA shut over students’ protest IJEOMA EZEIKE ABUJA

he management of University of Abuja yesterday shut the institution indefinitely over students’ rampage that hampered the Second Semester examinations. The examinations were billed to begin on November 19, but could not hold

because of the two-day protest that led to the shutdown of the institution by the management. What started as a protest by students of Engineering Faculty over the failure of the management to secure accreditation for their programmes suspended by the Federal Government yesterday snowballed into violent demonstration.

In a statement signed in Abuja by the university’s registrar, Mallam M.B. Modibbo, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. James Adelabu, said the university was closed down to forestall unpleasant consequences. He, therefore, ordered students to vacate the two campuses of the university before 4pm yesterday. The statement reads:

collaborative working arrangement with the command currency declaration officers at the international airport. He said: “On September 27, 2012, passengers Messrs Hassan Ganiyat Oloruntoyin (Mrs) and Oteh Prince Eminike were refused boarding at the currency declaration desk when they were unable to produce evidence of purchase of $270,000 and $1,040,000 respectively. They were subsequently handed over to the EFCC.

“Giving the prevailing situation on the campus and potential threat to the peace and security, the vicechancellor, on behalf of the University Senate, has approved the closed down of the university. “All students are, therefore, directed to vacate the university campuses before 4pm today (yesterday).”

he Federal Ministry of Power yesterday denied that the government had cancelled the controversial $23.7 million electricity transmission contract awarded to a Canadian firm, Manitoba Hydro International (MHI). The Minister of State for Power, Zainab Ibrahim-Kuchi, said that the contract had not been revoked as reported. Ibrahim-Kuchi described the report on the contract termination as “sponsored,” saying President Goodluck Jonathan only ordered a review of the contract following perceived illegalities bothering on breach in due process. The minister spoke while defending the 2013 budget for the ministry before the House of Representatives Committee on Power. “We are just managing a bad situation. The contract was not cancelled. Manitoba is still on the table, no other contractor is competing with the firm. We are just trying to regularise due process around that contract.” Ibrahim-Kuchi said. The National Council on Privatisation (NCP) has, however, denied recommending the cancellation of the contract. Chairman of the NCP Technical Committee of the NCP, Mr. Atedo Peterside, described as false speculation that the committee ever made such recommendation. He said: “The stories making the rounds which falsely suggested that the technical committee ever recommended the Cancellation of Manitoba Hydro International’s Management Contract to manage the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for thre years in the first instance.

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National News

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Jonathan loses younger brother ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan has expressed sadness over the death of his younger brother, Chief Meni Innocent Jonathan. Coincidentally, the death of Meni occurred yesterday which was the birthday of the President, who clocked 55 years. A statement issued by his Special Adviser on

Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati said; “President Goodluck Jonathan announces with sadness the death, earlier today, of his younger brother, Chief Meni Innocent Jonathan.” The statement disclosed that Meni passed away at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness while formal burial arrangements would be announced later by the family. Although, the cause of

Meni’s death was not disclosed, it was gathered that he was flown from Bayelsa to Aso Rock clinic last week to receive medical treatment. It was also learnt that Meni was the President’s half brother and had acted as the head of Otueke Council of Chiefs before his death. Meanwhile, the news of the death of Chief Meni Jonathan beclouded any elaborate ceremony at the

Presidential Villa to mark the President’s birthday. At the State House yesterday, there was lull in activities except for the five new ambassadors to the country that were received by the President before he heard of the sad news. It was gathered that Jonathan later visited the National Hospital where his younger brother died in company of Vice-President Namadi Sambo and other senior aides.

Subsidy scam: Dozzy oil boss not arrested –Counsel FRANCIS FAMOROTI

anaging Director of Dozzy Oil and Gas Limited, Sir Dozzy Chukwudozie, has refuted claims that he was arrested and detained by men of the Special Fraud Unit, SFU, Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N1, 773,938,533.60 billion subsidy scam. Counsel to the oil magnate, Mr. Ugwuzor Adindu, who dismissed the newspaper report in a statement in Lagos, said the publication, which alleged that Chukwudozie, was detained, said the publication was not only false, malicious and defamatory, but intended to portray his client in bad light as oil subsidy defaulters. Besides, he said the

company was not indicted by the SFU as purportedly claimed by the unit. The SFU had in a statement released on Monday claimed that six managing directors and chief executive officers of six oil companies are in its net. The unit said investigations had shown that the companies benefitted from an illegal oil subsidy. The list named Chukwudozie as one of the detained, whose firms benefited from an illegal subsidy at different times between 2010 and 2011. But, Adindu maintained that his client had never been indicted by the Presidential Committee on Fuel Subsidy Verification or by any other panel set up by the Federal Government on subsidy payment.

Nigerian leaders urged to invest in future

N L-R: Mr. Folorunsho Folarin-Coker; Senator Gbenga Ashafa; Barrister Tobi Ashafa; Senator Ganiyu Solomon and Senator Femi Ojudu, at the call to the bar reception party for Barrister Ashafa in Abuja, yesterday.

Insurance firm sues Senate Committee head, NAICOM for N2bn K AYODE KETEFE

n Insurance company, Alliance and General Insurance Plc, (A&AGIP) has sued the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) before a Federal High Court in Lagos, claiming damages of N2 billion. The company, which joined a worker of NICOM, one Mr. N. O. Opara, as the third defendant in the suit, contends that the defendants had injured its reputation as a duly licensed and credible insurance company in Nigeria by publishing serial defamatory publications maliciously about it. The purported defamatory materials claimed that the plaintiff was not credible enough to be an insurer for the Nigeria College of Aviation and that it could not be a proper organisation to be trusted on insurance contract.

In its statement of claim, the insurance firm states that on July 12, NICOM wrote a letter to the first defendant (Senator Hope Uzodima) that contained false and defamatory matters about the health and financial position of the company. It contends that NAICOM wrote to Senator Uzodima the following words: “On the basis of the 2010 Accounts which is yet to the approved by the commission due to some unresolved accounting issues, the company maintained a negative solvency margin of 271/750, 047.00.” “The implication of the position above is that the company had a solvency shortfall of N3, 271, 750,049.00 for the financial year ended 31st December, 2010. “The unresolved accounting issues mentioned above included suspected alteration and or falsification of figures reported in the 2010 financial year which rendered

the audited accounts unreliable.” On the basis of the above statement allegedly by NAICOM, Senator Uzodima wrote a letter entitled; “Insurance of the assets of Nigeria College of Aviation Technology by A &G Insurance Company Plc” to the Minister of Aviation. Senator President, David Mark

Ecological Fund: Reps demand minister’s sack over N396bn fraud TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

he House of Representatives Committee on Environment yesterday asked President Goodluck Jonathan to sack the Minister of Environment, Hajiya Hadiza Mailafia, with immediate effect over the alleged “disappearance” of N396 billion from the Ecological Fund. The lawmakers were annoyed with the minister, who along with the Secretary to the Government Federation, SGF, Anyim Pius Anyim, turned down invitation to appear before

the committee yesterday. The committee, which was to conduct hearing on the operations of the Ecological Fund yesterday, had to postpone the hearing owing to the minister’s absence. Members of the committee took turn to condemn Mailafia for showing lack of commitment to her office and work. The committee also lambasted Anyim for his absence at the investigative session which, according to the Chairman of the committee, Uche Ekwunife, was meant to conclude the work it started since November 2011.

igerian leaders have been urged to take charge of the country’s future by investing heavily in the education sector in order to provide a quality foundation for Nigerian children. Renowned journalist and author, Fareed Zakaria, at the 2012 Airtel Night of Influence, yesterday gave this charge, saying the future of Nigeria should be of paramount importance to the leaders. Zakaria, who spoke yesterday under the theme; ‘Africa’s Political Economy: The Challenge of Leadership’ at a high profile gathering of Nigeria’s best and brightest, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, observed that a focused investment in hu-

man capital development and building strong institutions to safe-guard society from human failings are important requirements for lifting developing nations out of the lowest levels of economic growth. The cerebral TV anchorman also advised that rather than “subsidising the present or buying votes, leaders should invest in education, invest in infrastructure, invest in healthcare and invest in the future.” Citing Taiwan and South Korea, he further observed that although these countries do not have natural resources, they have emerged strong economies with impressive GDP growth rates because of their efforts indeveloping human capital and building strong institutions.

Abia gov proposes N134bn for 2013 GEORGE OPARA ABIA

bia State Governor, Theodore Orji, yesterday presented a N134.148 billion budget to the state House of Assembly for the year 2013. The budget had an increase of N4.188 billion representing 3.2 per cent over the 2012 budget outlay of N129.959 billion. The governor said while presenting the budget titled; “Budget of Hope,” that recurrent expenditure was N67.820 billion, while capital expenditure is N66.327 billion. Governor Orji said a breakdown of the recurrent

expenditure showed that personnel cost would gulp N24.386 billion as against 2012 figure of N23.881 billion. According to him, overhead cost was N30.943 billion against N26.744 billion in the passing year. Giving a breakdown of the capital expenditure, the governor said general administration got the highest allocation of N25.398 billion while the economic sector got N21.086 billion; regional development N11.353 billion and social services sector N7.669 billion. The state assembly received N8.20 billion as capital expenditure for the coming year.

South West

PDP, ACN trade blames over attack in Ekiti community ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

embers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ekiti State are accusing one another over the attack unleashed on Efon-Alaye yesterday. Two members of PDP, who were allegedly injured in the fracas, according to a PDP leader in the area, Mr. Segun Akinwumi, are receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Aramoko-Ekiti. Akinwumi told journalists on phone yesterday that some PDP members were standing in front of the party’s secretariat when ACN supporters suddenly swooped on them and left two PDP members inflicted with machete injury. He alleged that ACN leaders in the community, including the Special Adviser on Legislative Affairs to Governor Kayode Fayemi, Hon Dapo Karounwi, were behind the attack, adding that the assailants vandalised the PDP secretariat. But Karounwi dismissed the allegation. He said he had notbeen to Efon-Alaye, his country home, since Saturday. Karounwi said some individuals in the PDP would have been responsible if there was any crisis in the town. He said: “This information is strange to me and it is rather very unfortunate. The PDP should not be intellectually lazy by just cooking up allegation without getting the veracity of its claims”.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Amosun presents N211.86bn budget for 2013 FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

overnor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State yesterday in Abeokuta, the state capital, presented a budget proposal of N211.86 billion to the House of Assembly for the 2013 fiscal year. The proposal, which was christened “Budget for

sustainable growth,” was hinged on the five cardinal programmes of the governor’s mission to re-build the state. Amosun said education, health care delivery, housing, agriculture, rural and infrastructural development were the priority in the budget preparation. At the presentation witnessed by the three Sena-

ABUJA

ational Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, was among the 3, 897 graduates of the Nigerian Law School called to the Bar yesterday at a ceremony held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja. Of the number, nine graduated with First Class degree, 195 had Second Class Lower Division, while 2,783 came out with Pass.

tors from the state, past military governors of the state and traditional rulers among others, the governor said the 2012 budget performance stood at 51 per cent. He said his administration remained sincere and unwavering in the implementation of the five cardinal programmes upon which the budget for the out-going year was hinged.

The governor, who explained that the needs of the people informed the policies and projects initiated by his administration, said: “We are ambitious, determined, aggressive and forward-looking in our developmental programmes and projects. “We are focused on preparing our people and our state for the future. We see

L-R: Children of the late former Special Adviser on Health to Lagos State Governor, Hon. Toyin Hamzat – Omolara, Oluwatobi, widow, Funke; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola and Tomiwa Hamzat, during the governor’s condolence visit to his residence at Ijebu-Aiyepe, Ogun State, on Monday.

State police still solution to nation’s insecurity –Ajimobi

KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

he agitation for the creation of state police resurfaced yesterday in Ibadan, as Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi said the federalcontrolled Police Force has failed woefully in the maintenance of internal security. He spoke in a lecture entitled: “The police issue in federal Nigeria: A shoe wearer’s perspec-

tive,’’ which he delivered at the Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan. The governor called for the amendment to 1999 Constitution to accommodate the establishment of state police as a solution to the security challenges confronting Nigeria. He said the agitation for state police became apt in view of the violent criminal activities which had enveloped the country in

Oyinlola, 3,896 lawyers called to Bar EMMANUEL ONANI

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According to the Director-General of the Law School, Dr. Mamman Tahir, a total of 1,552 would re-sit their examination. Dr. Tahir advised the new lawyers to be self-reliant by creating jobs, rather than waiting to be engaged. He told them that the knowledge acquired must be justified through its positive exploits. The DG said those caught impersonating during the just-concluded examination are currently facing criminal trial. Also speaking at the cer-

emony attended by eminent Nigerians and parents of the new lawyers, chairman of the occasion, Chief Idowu Sofola (SAN), advised the “new entrants” to ensure prompt attendance in court and approach their assignments with utmost diligence.

Oyinlola

recent times. Ajimobi said: “It is suffice to say the Boko Haram uprising in the North, the kidnappings and mob killings in the South-East and South-South and ceaseless armed robberies and assassinations in the South-West have raised questions on the ability of the police to secure Nigeria.” He lamented that the current command structure of the police had hampered governors to truly serve as Chief Security Officers of their respective states. The governor said: “They merely wear that title like an honorary chieftaincy title. Yet, the governors, who have been deemed fit to be entrusted with securing their states by the electorate, deserve to have the powers and facilities to meet the expectations of the electorate on the security of lives and property.’’ Ajimobi also noted that the police had been subject to abuse by past federal administrations for political reasons, citing the arrest and deportation of Alhaji Abdulrahman Shugaba,

the Majority and Great Nigeria Peoples Party (GNPP) Leader of the Borno State House of Assembly by the National Party of Nigerialed Federal Government in the Second Republic. According to him, the police also featured prominently in the manipulations of the 1983 elections in Oyo, Ondo and Imo states. Ajimobi said: “Since 1999, the police had been used by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to harass and intimidate governors who either belonged to different political parties or were members of the same PDP, but not in good terms with the former President. “The instances included the abduction of former Governor Chris Ngige in Anambra State. It also included the police-assisted impeachment of many governors, including former Governor Rashidi Ladoja of Oyo State. Instances of police culpability in the rigging of elections against opposition parties have also been rampant.’’

Ogun as one state that will play a pivotal role in the future development of Nigeria and Africa”. Amosun promised that the 2013 budget would be geared towards consolidating the efforts of his administration by paying attention to wealth creation through sound economic policies. But what could have been a disaster at the presentation was averted yesterday as security operatives threatened to shoot three journalists for allegedly presenting what they called “fake” identification cards. The three journalists Femi Oyeweso of National Mirror, Sulaiman Fasasi of Nigerian Pilot and Razaq Ayinla of Business Day newspapers - were accused of impersonation by the overzealous security official and were denied access to cover the budget presentation. The security officials openly cock their guns and threatened to pull the trigger should the “fake” journalists refused to leave the scene.

‘We passed nine bills, 16 resolutions’ FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

gun State House of Assembly Speaker Suraj Adekunbi yesterday said that the Assembly has passed nine bills into law and 16 resolutions. The Speaker dropped the hint in his welcome address to herald the presentation of the 2013 budget by Governor Ibikunle Amosun at the Assembly Complex in Abeokuta, the state capital. Adekunbi said the bills passed into law were on finance, education, health, judiciary, local government, rural and infrastructural development. He said the bills and resolutions were meant to complement the efforts of the governor towards fasttracking the socio- economic development of the state. Commenting on the oversight functions of the Assembly, Speaker Adekunbi said the House ensured that funds appropriated in the year 2012 budget were spent on projects for which they were meant.

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South West

Wednesday November 21, 2012

Patronise local contractors, Fayose urges govt ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

ormer governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has attributed the poverty suffered by the people in the state to lack of patronage for local contractors by the government. Fayose canvassed a reversal of the trend to address the capital flight,

which, he said, had been the bane of development in the state. The former governor, who spoke at a meeting with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members at Igede Ekiti in the Irepodun/Ifelodun Council Area yesterday, advised the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) government against intolerance to the opposition.

He told the gathering that the attacks on him over his 2014 governorship ambition in the past few weeks had popularised him the more among Ekiti people. Fayose said the state government has no justification to allegedly sponsor any attack against him, even if he has committed similar mistakes in the past. It will be recalled that the

meetings of Ayodele Fayose Campaign Organisation at Oye Ekiti, Ilawe Ekiti and Ikere Ekiti were disrupted by some thugs recently. State Police Commissioner, Mr. Sotonye Wakama, told journalists on phone on Monday that seven persons had been arrested in connection with the attack on the former governor at Oye Ekiti. Fayose’s words: “They

said I used the state machinery to stop the then Alliance for Democracy when I was the governor, but this is not true. Even if I had committed a similar mistake in the past, must they follow a bad precedence?” The former governor, who said it was not fair to stop his campaign group said; “Governor Kayode Fayemi campaigned hard and struggled for years to

become governor, so I expect him to give others a similar leverage for them to actualise their dreams in the interest of peace”. According to him, the people of Ekiti State would unfailingly want a repeat of the good time they had under his administration when he engaged local contractors in the execution of state projects to sustain the economy.

Amzat touched lives across party divides –Ashafa MURITALA AYINLA

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi (right); presenting a Toyota Camry car gift to the Pastor-in-Charge of Ekiti Province 1 of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Olawale Adejubee, during the 50th Birthday Thanksgiving of Pastor Adejubee, in Ado-Ekiti, on Sunday.

Don’t lift ban on Okada, group tells Fashola SINA FADARE

he Oodua Nationalist Coalition has lent its voice to the restriction of Okada as a means transportation not only on Lagos major roads, but in major cities in the South-West states, saying that the trend should be checked so that the zone will not be made the base for illegal migrants. The group in a press briefing addressed by its President, Comrade Olalekan Agbana, yesterday

said the step taken by the Lagos State government was in the right direction. Agbana said; “With the clampdown on illegal aliens in the Maghreb region, mostly in Libya and the decline in migration from West Africa to Europe, due to the new anti-immigration regimes in North Africa, the focus of most migrants will be Lagos.” He regretted that the manner the aliens are moving from Mali, Mauritania, Southern Sudan and Chad to Lagos unchecked and the fact that

the only means of their livelihood is Okada business, it is expedient to curtail this menace before the situation gets out of hand. His words: “There are no records of these immigrants, neither is there any tangible means of controlling their entrance, there is no data on them and they are free to commit crime and disappear and the only available job for them is Okada business.” The group called on the Lagos State government not only to be vigilant, but to take drastic

measures to deal with the situation and the social consequences of the drift which has led to high rate of crime and violence in recent time. The group, which said it has embarked on a campaign in all the local government areas of Lagos State to meet the landlord associations, community leaders, community-based organisations and Okada riders association to form a synergy between them on how to ban the menace of Okada business and safe our society from criminality.

Ondo threatens to revoke road contract HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

he contractor handling a major road in Ondo State, Homan Engineering Company, has been handed a two-week ultimatum to either move to site or consider the contract terminated. The state government had awarded the over N4 billion Fiwasaye-ObaileAirport Junction to the construction company

about three years ago. The construction firm is said to be owned by the Chairman of Bi-Courtney Limited, Dr. Wale Babalakin. Issuing the warning yesterday during an inspection tour of the road project, the state Commissioner for Works, Gboye Adegbenro, expressed disappointment over the attitude of the construction company towards the project. Adegbenro lamented

the state of the 8.2 kilometers road awarded to the company almost three years ago which was still at less than 25 per cent execution level. The commissioner said the construction firm never showed any seriousness in the handling of the project, adding that the manner the project was being handled showed that the firm lacked the capacity to execute it. Adegbenro, however,

expressed regret that BiCourtney had disappointed the government and the people of the state with the way it abandoned the project awarded to it since February 2010. His words: “It is disappointing that we are at this stage on this project, this is a project of almost three years and the level of execution is still very disappointing and we cannot continue to wait for this company.”

he lawmaker representing the Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, yesterday condemned the assassination of a top Lagos politician and a former Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Hon. Toyin Amzat. According to Senator Ashafa, the assassination of Amzat, which took place in Sagamu after a party the deceased attended, confirms the insecurity in the country. The Senator, who described the former local government boss and an ex-Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Health, during his first term in office as a humble

and easy going fellow that is worthy of emulation. His words: “Lagos State and indeed Ogun State where he hailed from will surely miss a highly resourceful professional, who touched the lives of so many people across party and economic divides. He was a socialite with a passion for philanthropy, especially where the less-privileged are concerned.”

Ashafa

Local entrepreneurs to enjoy BoI’s N37bn loan facility SAM OLUWALANA

etermined to encourage small scale industrialists in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FTC), Abuja, the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry (BoI), Mrs. Evelyn Oputa, has made available a N37 billion loan facility to assist local entrepreneurs across the country. The loan, a collaborating effort between the BoI and each of the 36 state governments and the FCT is meant to encourage and improve industrialists’ contributions and participation in the nation’s industrial growth. Under the terms of agreement, each of the contributing state will pay a sum of N500 million counterpart fund,

while the BoI will provide the other N500 million to make a total of N1billion loan facility for small scale industries in the state. But some states pledged to contribute more than N500 million as a way of ensuring more small scale industrialists in their domain enjoy the facility. Already, the facility has started to change the face of business in Ondo State as one of the beneficiaries in the state, Jojein Nigeria Limited, has set a new standard in the hospitality business in Akure, the state capital, through its new outlet, Jojein Hotels & Resorts. According to the General-Manager of the new 5-Star Hotel, Emmanuel Oguot, the BoI loan facility to the company came handy when construction work came to a stop due to paucity of funds.

South East

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Robbers invade Catholic priest’s home T •Engage police in gun battle F

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Police declare man wanted for kidnapping NWABUEZE OKONKWO

•My hands are clean –Suspect

he Anambra State Police Command yesterday declared one Okey Nwaforagu, alias Ochiagha Nkpor, wanted in connection with armed robbery, kidnapping, murder and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms. In a statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Raphael Uzoigwe, the command said the suspect, who hails from EnuguUmusiome village, Nkpor in idemili North Local Government Area, is about six feet and two inches tall, without any tribal mark. According to the statement, the suspect speaks

English and Igbo languages fluently, adding that any person(s) that has useful information that could lead to his arrest should contact the nearest police station or call GSM number 08037061958 or 08030954493. The statement added that a handsome reward awaits any person who gives useful information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest. But Nwaforagu described the statement as a mere gimmick. He told journalists in a telephone chat yesterday that he was not on the run because his hands are clean. He said: “It is an attempt to tarnish my image and ridicule me, as well as give

ONITSHA

CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

our suspected armed robbers on Monday stormed the house of one Rev. Father Wilson, a resident Catholic Priest attached to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State and dispossessed him of his personal belongings, including N150, 000. The robbers, who arrived at the polytechnic at about 12 midnight, hid within the campus till

they struck at about 5am. They robbed the priest of the sum of N150, 000, one lap top and four mobile phones. But luck ran against the robbers when some youths noticed an unusual movement at the Rev. Father’s resident and alerted the polytechnic’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), who in turn called in the police. When the police got to the scene, the robbers engaged them in gun battle. Three of the suspects were arrested, while

one escaped with bullet wound. Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Vitalis Onugu, said the police recovered axe, iron cutter, iron rods and one locally made pistol from the robbers. According to him, the robbers were later transferred to State CID in Owerri for further investigation. “The suspects will be charged to court as soon as the police conclude their investigation,” Onugu said.

ICPC urges support for war against graft

Landlord, other held for alleged robbery NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

he Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called on Nigerians to support the anti-graft agencies to fight the war against corruption. ICPC said that the war against corruption could not be won with the sole effort of anti-graft agencies in Nigeria. The South-East zonal head of ICPC, Mr. Udonsi Arua, spoke at a three-day capacity-building to engage in budget processes at the grassroots in Awka and Idemili South local government areas of Anambra State. At the workshop organised by YORDEL Africa, a non-governmental organization (NGO), Arua said the whole essence of the ICPC Act 2000 is not only to punish offenders, but also to bring about corruption free society through strategic partnership and collaboration with all tiers of government, NGOs, communitybased organisations (CBOs) and the entire public. He regretted that infrastructure, such as water, electricity, roads and others, which ought to have been provided for the average citizen, have eluded Nigerians while “those who loot the nation’s treasury live in luxury, displaying their ill-gotten wealth all over the place.”

the public the impression that I have questionable character, but unfortunately for them, the public knows who I am. The public knows that I have no dent at all.” The suspect identified himself as the embattled chairman of Abor-Akuzor Kindred in Umusiome village, saying the police action was aimed at giving him a bad name in order to hang him. He alleged that the Divisional Police Officer in Ogidi, Mr. Kanayo Uzuegbu, might have masterminded the declaration because of a recent petition he wrote to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) accusing the DPO of negligence of duty.

Anambra State Governor Peter Obi (left) and President, Chartered Institute of Banking, Mr. Segue Aina, during a visit to the governor at the Government House in Awka, on Monday.

Okorocha declares war on violent crimes •Orders arrest of failed contractors

CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

mo State Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday ordered the immediate arrest of contractors who have collected money but failed to execute their projects, even as he declared war on violent crimes such as kidnapping and armed robbery. Governor Okorocha, who gave the order at the launch of new Imo Security Network and Emergency Services at Ahiajoku Memorial Centre in Owerri, the state capital, said: “Now that rains are over, contractors executing

road projects have been ordered to go back to sites to ensure their immediate completion.” He warned those contractors, who have collected money, but refused to go back to sites, that it would not be business as usual, saying they risked being arrested. The governor said: “Any contractor who has collected money and refused to go back to site will be arrested and dealt with according to law.” He promised to inform members of the public all roads that had been approved and how much paid by the government, as well

as the names of the contractors handling them. According to him, over N13.9 billion had already been spent on various road contracts with the intention to spend additional N26 billion on roads. Okorocha said: “This money is more than enough to complete all road projects in the state and that was why we decided to open all the roads to so that we could complete them before the rains set in, but the contractors took advantage of the rain to abandon the projects, thinking that the roads are too many that we would not be able to identify them.” The governor, however, warned kidnappers and

armed robbers operating in the state to desist or face the full wrath of the law, as the new security outfit was established to fish them out. He said: “The security outfit will comb the forests, uncompleted buildings any where criminals may be hiding and bring them to justice.” The Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Baba Bolanta, said the launch of the security outfit demonstrates the importance the state attached to security of lives and property, but advised the government to inculcate in the security outfit the need to keep to the confines of the law.

etectives attached to Ogidi Police Station in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State have arrested a landlord and another man for alleged robbery. The suspects were alleged to have been terrorising residents of Nkpor, Ogidi and environs. According to a police source, the landlord, Ifeanyi Okwudo, alias Sandpaper, was arrested in a robbery operation, while his accomplices escaped arrest. The other suspect was arrested on a different operation. His accomplices escaped too. According to the source, both suspects were operating on motorbikes before their arrests. He hinted that on interrogation, the suspect confessed to have built seven rooms with loots he made from robbery operations. Items recovered from him were locally made short gun and five rounds of Ak47 assault rifle ammunitions. In a similar development, the police also arrested one commercial motorcyclist, Obisieike Nwabia, for allegedly robbing an apprentice trader at Ikenga village, Ogidi. Confirming both incidents, the Ogidi Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr. Kanayo Uzuegbu, said investigations have begun, adding that the fleeing accomplices would be arrested.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Wednesday November 21, 2012

Akpabio urges NEITI to check illegal mining A kwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio has urged the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) to check illegal mining of solid minerals in the country. Akpabio, who spoke yesterday at a dinner organised for members of the National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG) of NEITI held at the banquet hall of the Governor’s Lodge in Uyo, the state capital, said illegal mining had denied Federal Government of substantial revenue. The governor stressed the need for Nigerians to embrace positive change, pointing out that “If we want our country to change, we must be ready to change. We must begin to change our status quo of the country by moving

our society forward instead of moving our pockets forward.” He said: Akwa Ibom State today is successful because we were ready to change, we wanted to make an history and be part of the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan and the only key to achieve that is through transparency. “I can boldly say that Akwa Ibom is the first

state to publicise huge contracts and the first state to manage a ratio of about 80 per cent for capital expenditure and 20 per cent for recurrent expenditure of the state budget, which can be seen through projects executed in the state”. The governor flayed opponents of the 13 per cent oil derivation and advised them to look inwards by harnessing their natural

resources, saying: ‘’Crude oil is a perishable item and if the economy depends only on crude oil, then there are bound to be problems. I want to call on Nigerians to look inwards towards their natural resources in their domains’’. NEITI Chairman, Mr. Ledum Mitee, explained that NEITI is charged with promoting transparency, which leads to accountability for the benefits of

the people and urged states and local government areas to embrace NEITI, explaining that they brought the retreat to Akwa Ibom State to look for practical ideas to solving the country’s problems. Mitee applauded Akpabio for setting the pace of development through democracy and urged him to continue to steer the ship of transparency in his administration.

Kassim Afegbua is Oshiomhole’s SA on Media

overnor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has appointed Prince Kassim Afegbua as his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs. A native of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of the state, Prince Afegbua holds a degree in English from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife; a Post-graduate Diploma in Public Relations and Journalism from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) and a Post-graduate Diploma in Good Governance and Democracy from Marquette University, Milwaukee, United States. A seasoned journalist and public affairs analyst, Prince Afegbua was Director of Publicity, National Democratic Party (NDP) and later Acting National Chairman of the party from 2006 to 2008. He was also spokesman to former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, and Director of Media and Publicity of the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole Campaign Organisation in the just concluded governorship election in Edo State. A columnist with Vanguard Newspapers and Publisher of African Statesman magazine, Prince Afegbua is married and blessed with children.

Suspected sea pirates and illegal bunkerers paraded by the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Our challenge is to rebuild flood-damaged infrastructure –Dickson EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

overnor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State yesterday admitted facing a major challenge in rebuilding the public infrastructure recently damaged by flood in the state. Dickson said the “challenge of restoring people’s livelihood has just started,” describing it as the most difficult task. The governor, who spoke at a monthly briefing in Yenagoa, the state capital, noted that all the public schools, roads and other facilities needed to be rebuilt.

He said contractors handling the road projects had been asked to return to site as the flood had receded. The state Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd), said earlier that the state received N12.96 billion and N13.75 billion as September and October allocations from the Federal Government, noting that the state had so far saved N23.57 billion after its expenditure in October. Jonah said the state’s monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for August and September were N479 million and N629 million respectively.

He said the government had authorised the payment of 40 per cent mobilisation fee to contractors handling school building projects across the state. The deputy governor said N6 billion would be spent on education sector to give it a facelift. Governor Dickson, however, alleged that some “disgruntled and discredited politicians” incited the flood victims and state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners to cause crisis and instability. He said: “There are a few disgruntled and discredited politicians whose sole

business is to see how they can paint our government in bad light continually. “They have the support of some section of the Nigerian media. During the flood situation, most of them stayed in Abuja, they didn’t come to commiserate with their people. “We are aware of their plans to discredit this government and its officials and to create instability in the state .With the support we have in the state, these people will continue to fail in Jesus’ name. Our match to greatness cannot be halted by the antics of some persons.”

NEMA lifts Ebonyi flood victims DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has presented relief materials worth several millions of naira to flood victims in Ebonyi State. Handing over the items to the displaced persons through the state Governor, Martins Elechi, NEMA Director-General, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Sidi, urged those charged with the responsibility of distributing the materials to do so with utmost sincerity. Alhaji Sidi was represented by NEMA Coordinator in the South-East, Dr. Onimode Abdullahi Bandele. The event was witnessed by officials of Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency, as well as chairmen of the affected local government and development centres. In his remarks, Alhaji Sidi said that the agency had provided relief materials worth several millions of naira to victims of flood in the South-East, saying the gesture was in fulfillment of the Federal Government’s efforts towards cushioning the effect of the disaster. He added that the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan shared in the victims’ plight. Responding, Governor Elechi expressed the appreciation of the government and people of the state to the Federal Government on the gesture, especially its unrelenting effort in assisting the state in lifting the victims. Executive Secretary of Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency, Elder Igboke Umunna, hailed NEMA’s efforts in lifting the flood victims which, according to him, cannot be quantified.

Uduaghan advises Agric Ministry on management of seedlings

elta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has urged the Ministry of Agriculture not to make mistakes on figures of farmers affected by flood and warned against using the agricultural programme as money making venture. Dr. Uduaghan, who was reviewing the flood situation in the state with some senior public officials yesterday in Asaba, said: “Don’t see this as a mon-

ey-making venture. Be prudent and do not bring unrealistic figures. Pursue this programme selflessly and help our farmers to plant this season.” He directed the ministry to classify the farmers into categories especially subsistence, merchandized and commercial farmers so that the state government would determine the level of assistance. The governor was op-

timistic that the farmers affected by flood would replace their lost crops even as he disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture would distribute to states affected by flood improved seeds and seedlings this planting season. He said: “Farmers lost everything and they are expected to plant this season. So, don’t frustrate our efforts. You have to be sincere; we are not going to tolerate

fraudulent figures”. Briefing the governor, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Misan Ukubeyinje, announced that the Federal Government allocated over than 40 metric tonnes of grain to Delta State. Ukubeyinje said that the grains would be conveyed to the state with 49 trucks even as he explained that the grains would be sufficient for the farmers.

He listed the grains to include rice, maize and sorghum as well as garri to feed the teeming internally displaced people.

Uduaghan

North

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Saraki, Nigeria’s greatest politician –Uduaghan, Tukur, Amaechi WOLE ADEDEJI, GEORGE OJI AND EMMANUEL ONANI

elta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has said the late Dr. Olusola Saraki was the only Nigerian politician that could pull much crowd behind him at all times. The governor, who was in Ilorin to commiserate with the Sarakis said as a young man, he did his National Youth Service in Kwara State in 1981, which

afforded him the opportunity to appreciate the grassroots political prowess of the late Second Republic Senate Leader. Also in Ilorin yesterday were the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and Governor Rotimi Ameachi, who came as the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and in his personal capacity as the governor of Rivers State. Speaking, Bamanga Tukur said the history of Ni-

geria would not be complete without mentioning the name, Olusola Saraki and his politics of love, genuine unity, generosity, kindness and strong concerns for the general well-being of his people. Tukur described the late politician as a unique politician that would be hard to equate because of his service tendencies that cut across ethnic and religious boundaries. Governor Amaechi said he sat with Saraki on the bed in his room in Lagos on one

of his personal visits to see him as a close family friend to draw from the deceased’s wealth of intelligence and sound philosophy. Meanwhile, the senate yesterday debated a motion on the late Saraki and passed a resolution asking the Federal Government to name the Ilorin Airport after him. The Senate also resolved to send a special delegation to Ilorin to console with the family of the late chief, while also observing a oneminute silence on his behalf.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Two feared dead as Kogi LG workers protest unpaid salaries ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

wo persons were yesterday feared dead while scores sustained various degrees of injury as workers engaged the Liaison Officer of Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State, Mallam Aminu Atabor, in a clash over unpaid salaries. The workers, numbering over 100, stormed the council secretariat at Abejukolo headquarters in a peaceful protest demanding for the payment of the backlog of their salaries. The workers, among other demands, charged the governor, Capt. Idris Wada, to sack the Liaison Officer 1, saying since he resumed office in June, the workers have suffered untold hardship as he had owed them unpaid salaries for months. They also alleged highhandedness, victimisation and harassment of perceived political opponents by him. The protest, which started on a peaceful note, became uncontrollable when the police, who were drafted

to curtail the protest arrested six of the leaders and whisked them to the police headquarters in Lokoja, the state capital. When the news of the arrest of Godwin Noah, Paul Wada and Mohammed Bamidele, Jacob Audu, Alilu Shehu and Mohammed Ademu, filtered into the town, youths, under the aegis of the Omala youth Network, barricaded all the major roads leading to the town demanding the release of their colleagues. According to eye witness account, the Liaison Officer One, Aminu Atabor, for the fear of the police being overwhelmed by the protesters brought in combat ready soldiers to quel the up-rising and two people were allegedly killed in the melee.

Gov. Wada

PDP, ACN members clash in Benue HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godwill Akpabio, with the wife of the late former Senate Leader, Mrs. Morenike Saraki, during a condolence visit to their Ilorin home, yesterday.

Another civil war won’t augur well for Nigeria –Nyako INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

damawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, yesterday said another civil war will not augur well for the contry. He said the country need not go to civil war again because of insecurity as security is the business of everybody, irrespective of our religious and ethnic differences. To ensure “peace and unity” among the various ethnic and religious groups in the country, Governor Nyako said we must do all we could to ensure that we live peaceably with one another. The governor made the declaration yesterday to condole the people and government of Borno State over the assassination of Maj-Gen. Mamman

Shuwa and others at the Government House, Maiduguri. He said the insecurity of life and property in Borno State and other parts of north is a “temporary” and that it would be overcome as the people commit themselves to prayers and fasting. Speaking further, the governor said: “The insecurity of life and property in the north is temporary with the incessant attacks and killings; and these should strengthen our faith in overcoming the challenges.” “We better go back to our traditional ways of solving problems. The ancient city of Borno should be rebuilt by putting our heads together in restoring peace and unity among the various religious and ethnic groups in

the state.” He, however, said that the death of Maj-Gen. Shuwa has caused a setback to the people and government of Borno State, because he has served the country with sincerity. Responding, Governor

Kashim Shettima, thank the governor for the condolence visit, adding that the Boko Haram insurgency is temporary as unemployment and poverty, are being addressed and youths in the society is engaged meaningfully.

arely three days to the local government poll in Benue State, another political clash between suspected members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) erupted yesterday at Wannune, the headquarters of Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State. National Mirror reliably gathered from a source that the fracas erupted when stalwarts of

Gunmen invade Plateau council, kill 12 cows JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

unmen on Monday attacked Barki Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State killing 12 cows. The incident, which occurred at Heipang, also left 11 other cows critically injured. However, no human casualty was recorded in the attack which residents said took them by surprise. Spokesman of the Special Task Force (STF) Cap-

tain Salisu Mustapher, who confirmed the attack in a statement yesterday, said that operatives of the STF received a report of an attack by gunmen on cows that were migrating from Bisichi village of Barkin Ladi Local Government to Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State. According to him, the Commander of the Special Task Force, Major-General Henry Ayoola, summoned an emergency meeting

with the residents where it was agreed that the owners should be supported financially to cushion the loss while the management committee Chairman of Barkin Ladi council area and the STF commander donated N100, 000 each to assist the victims. He called on residence of the locality to be calm and learn to stay in peace and to put an end to the cycle of violence in the area, adding that investigation into the matter has commenced.

the ACN were embarking on a campaign rally in a build up for the forthcoming election that is billed to take place on Saturday, November 24, 2012 when suspected youths from the ruling PDP allegedly intercepted the van conveying their sound equipment, precipitating a freefor-all-fight. Speaking to National Mirror on the crisis, the state Chairman of the ACN, Comrade Abba Yaro, said the PDP stalwarts, out of fear brought about by the party’s large following in the area felt threatened that the ACN will floor the PDP at the forthcoming poll. But when contacted, the Benue State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Daniel Eziela, confirmed the clash, saying that five persons have been arrested in connection with the matter. “For the avoidance of doubt, let me clarify that only one person was injured and a vehicle was also damaged by the rampaging youths. We have so far apprehended five persons and they are already in our custody.”

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

I never promised to reduce poverty, I only promised to create wealth – Jonathan

Gowon, Sule urge support for anti-corruption battle F ormer Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, and a frontline nationalist, Alhaji Maitama Sule, yesterday urged Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s war against corruption. The duo made the call in Abuja at a seminar organised by the Federal Capital Territory Public Complaints Commission with the theme: ``The Role of Public Complaints Commission in a Democratic Nigeria’’. Gowon said: “Unfortunately, corruption in Ni-

geria today has become a monstrous monster and a national embarrassment. All hands must, therefore, be on deck to arrest and eliminate this monster, individually and collectively. “The security challenges faced by our country today may not or would not have been if early attention were given to some of the general administrative injustices that may seem to have been allowed to thrive in Nigeria.’’ He stressed the need to re-address cases of general and administrative injus-

tices, saying that Nigeria was going through a process of attitudinal change and national rebirth. He noted that people blamed poverty as the cause of the present security imbroglio, arguing that poverty could not be an excuse, and that the poor should not be blamed. Gowon said that the technique of persuasive power or power of persuasion adopted by the commission was to address injustice in the country. He urged the public to give the commission a

chance, adding that the intervention of the commission would change situations for the better. He, however, called on government and individuals to support the commission, adding that it must function without hindrances. Also speaking, Sule called on Nigerians to support the government for the peace, unity and development of the country. “Our attitude must change so that we can achieve our potential. We should work together by

L-R: Senator Oluremi Tinubu; her husband, Bola Tinubu; Gamaliel Onosode and Pa Akintola Williams, during the remembrance service for the late Alex Ibru in Lagos, yesterday.

Mark denies 2015 presidential ambition FELIX NWANERI

enate President David Mark has denied reports that he has kick-started moves to contest the 2015 presidential election. Describing such reports as a calculated attempt to cause disaffection between him and President Goodluck Jonathan, Mark warned those behind it to refrain from overheating the polity at this time of the nation’s history. He described as irresponsible and mischievous, actions of those insinuating that he is running for the 2015 presi-

dency. The Senate President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, said: “Our attention has been drawn to the actions of some mischief makers who are bent on causing disaffection between President Goodluck Jonathan and the President of the Senate, Senator David Mark. “The trademark of this group is to consistently announce a presidential ambition or interest on behalf of the President of the Senate. “For this set of mischief makers, the premises of the National Assem-

bly is either flooded with ‘Mark for President’ forms or distinguished senators are forming groups to canvass the said presidential interest. Nothing can be farther from the truth. “It is imperative to state and emphatically too, that Senator Mark and President Jonathan are on the same page in the onerous task of providing democratic dividends for Nigerians. It is therefore irresponsible, mischievous and misplaced for any set of Nigerians to embark on over-heating the polity at this time of our national history.” The statement further said that the Senate Presi-

dent is faced with providing qualitative legislative leadership for the nation and urged mischief makers not to distract him.

doing justice to people. We have to be disciplined in ensuring fairness in all our deals. “Development creates job opportunities, therefore, justice brings development and it is important. Behind every crisis, justice is the only weapon to calm crises and corruption,” Sule said.

He advised Nigerians to respect their leaders and elders, adding: “Let us be our brothers’ keeper; if you have respect for people, you must be respected within and outside the country.” Sule, however, assured that the dream of the nation must be actualised, adding that Nigeria remained the giant of Africa.

PDP has failed Nigeria, must apologise – CNPP OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has failed Nigeria in all facets of life and it must therefore apologise to Nigerians, so says the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP). Speaking through its National Publicity Secretary, Osita Okechukwu, the CNPP was reacting to the allegation by the PDP that it had uncovered a plot by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) to destabilise the PDP-led Federal Government, saying: “Instead of playing the blame game, the PDP should accept that it has failed the country in all facets as evidenced by development deficit, dire insecurity and gross unemployment, in the midst of unprecedented oil revenues. We challenge PDP to apologise to Nigerians for ineptitude, planlessness

and squandermania.” Okechukwu said that as long as the PDP’s philosophy remains ‘share the money’, with the motto of ‘Food is Ready’, anchored on a nebulous dictum that government has no business in business, no meaningful development will come under the PDP leadership. Wondering what prevents President Goodluck Jonathan from utilising the billions of dollars in the nation’s Excess Crude Account and Foreign Reserves to build refineries, modern rail lines, Mambilla and coal power plants, the CNPP asked why Nigeria would continue to waste billions of naira year in year out to import refined petroleum products? It said: “It is only a PDPled Federal Government, which will wait for over a decade for captains of industry without even pure water factory to drive its economy, as exemplified by the Bi-Courtney scandal.”

‘We are committed to National Dialogue, not SNC’ TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

he Natiotnal Summit Group (NSG) yesterday reiterated its commitment toward convocation of a national dialogue that will provide a reputable platform for Nigerians to sit down at a round table to proffer solutions to some of the ongoing national crises. Speaking at the expand-

ed National Working Committee (NWC) meeting of the NSG in Lagos yesterday, the NWC chairman, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, stressed the need for all Nigerians to come together to identify their areas of differences and use dialogue as a tool to expedite understanding amongst all groups and interests in the country. Yakassai assured Nigerians that “the NSG will

reach out to the wider body politic (including all civil society, professional bodies, governments and the global village), to work out the modalities for convening National Dialogue, including who should convene it, how to convene it without contravening the extant grundnorm and laws of our nation; how delegates to the dialogue are to be chosen and other fundamental issues.”

Politics

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I never promised to reduce poverty, I only Yesterday, we ran the first part of President Goodluck Jonathan’s media chat held on Sunday where he fielded questions on sundry issues. This is the second part of the presidential media chat. Excerpts: There is the issue of high cost of governance and in this year’s budget; the recurrent expenditure is so much that when people talk about budget performance, they only see payment of salaries and maintenance of offices. How are you going to ensure that cost of governance goes down because you were said to have made 91 promises during the campaigns, including poverty reduction, which means that government must have enough money to invest in the real sector? I never promised to reduce poverty, I only promised to create wealth. If you reduce poverty and the person is still poor, you have only succeeded in achieving nothing. I don’t believe in the poverty reduction concept. It is more positive to talk about wealth creation. If you ask me about the cost of running the government, it is unfortunate that within this period, we have increased salaries by up to 54 per cent, and when you do this, the question is: where are we getting the money from, it is from the capital vote. The earning of the country is almost relatively stagnant. In terms of the projected revenue for 2010, 2011 and 2012, the difference is not so much, but we increased salaries by 54 per cent. Where is the money coming from, surely it is the capital budget. However, we are trying by moving the capital project from 24 per cent in the 2012 budget to 34 per cent in the 2013 budget while the recurrent expenditure is dropping from 72 per cent to about 64 per cent. And at times when you talk of the cost of running government, some people tend to think about the number of the President’s aides. How much is the salary of an aide. We have so many parastatals; over 400 of them, some of them are no longer relevant while you find some doing the same thing. That was why we set up the Orosanye committee. Even though we are going to merge or scrap them, we are reducing their overhead costs, though we must continue to pay salaries of personnel until we find places for them because they are Nigerians. Definitely we will conclude with that report this year but the issue is that some of those affected agencies were established by acts of parliament and there is no way you will scrap them without referring to the National Assembly, because it is its statutory responsibility to repeal them. That is why people should realise that for any one kobo increase in salaries, that kobo is removed from the capital expenditure. You don’t get the money from the moon; it must come from somewhere. On corruption, monetisation The key thing here is about the monetisation policy of government. The policy is good but the implementation has a lot of challenges. I remember, when the policy came on board, I think it was 2001 or so, when I was the deputy governor of Bayelsa State, the member from Bayelsa State in the commission came to brief us about the policy. If it were to be the Federal Government alone, there wouldn’t have been any need for the states to key in but the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission was involved and that was the same time they were talking of the salaries of political office holders and so on and people begin to complain why the salary of a councillor should be more than that of a Vice Chancellor and so on and so forth. The governor travelled out when he came to brief us and immediately he finished explaining, I told him that yes, it is a good policy, but I think we would have problems implementing it and I told him then that in Bayelsa, it would be extremely difficult to implement it because Bayelsa State was just rural, we had just taken over and we don’t even have houses where commissioners would stay and we just managed to build estates for commissioners and you are

Jonathan

telling me that I should sell those houses; then when those commissioners leave office, we would appoint another set of commissioners, where will they live? Will they go and live in what we called ‘batcha’ houses? I told him it would not work. The policy said that public officers should not be given official cars, a director that is supposed to supervise road project, a director who is supposed to move from Zamfara to Enugu to Ibadan, to Ilorin to Yenagoa and you say that that director should go and buy his own car. The money he made provision for cannot buy a new car, that means that director would take bank facilities to support whatever is budgeted to buy a car and you expect that director to use that car and run round this country to supervise the roads. Who maintains the car? Okay, you said there is provision for project vehicles, at what point will the directors be making use of the vehicles to carry out the inspection of projects? At what time will he use the vehicle to go to work and so on? It is very complex. I don’t want to go into the National Assembly issue, like the issue you raised that the National Assembly and

GOVERNMENT IS NOT

DIALOGUING WITH ANY GROUP.

THERE IS NO DIALOGUE BETWEEN BOKO HARAM AND GOVERNMENT BECAUSE... THEY WEAR MASK. THERE IS NO FACE, SO YOU DON’T HAVE ANYBODY TO DISCUSS WITH

the President are always disagreeing on issues. I wouldn’t want to go there, so that I would not be misunderstood. You can engage the National Assembly over that issue concerning them. Basically, the monetisation policy was good but has challenges in the implementation. With regards to the prosecution, when you mentioned Halliburton and Siemens scandals, you are a journalist, what is the history of the Halliburton bribery scandal? What is the history of Siemens? These are issues that shouldn’t come up now. If you look at what is being done, even in the Halliburton case, because they are not new issues. It is easier for a sitting government to deal with issues that come up, but when an issue has been dealt with by the previous administration, and you want to deal with it, you must also follow a particular procedure; it may be slow, but it is better to be slow and do the right thing than move too fast and do the wrong thing. And of course you know the laws we operate, based on the British jurisprudence; though I am not a lawyer, but they say that it is better for nine criminals to get away unpunished than for one innocent man to be punished unjustly; our legal system makes the processes slow. Sometimes, we take different options, but you know the history of Halliburton and you know the history of Siemens. With all you know now, what are your biggest fears and what excites you about Nigeria’s future? The future of this country is quite bright. We have challenges, but the greatest problem we have now is security challenge, in terms of the Boko Haram elements with suicide bombing and in terms of the kidnappings in the Southern part of the country. These are the key security challenges that we have, which we are also tackling frontally. We never knew that Nigeria was going to get to this level, so our security infrastructure was not designed or built to combat these challenges, but now we are building

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

promised to create wealth – Jonathan capacity upfront and we are going to put the challenges under control. Like I earlier told you, our economic outlook is positive, the area of agriculture is becoming a model, and we are revolutionising agriculture. If you look at what happened, even with the flooding, if Nigeria is a country that has no hope, this flood would have created a lot of havoc, yes, a lot of people of people were affected, but Nigerians also appreciate, you journalists know more than me, people are afraid that there would be food scarcity, there would be no food scarcity, in fact, we will even produce more food next year, because the Minister of Agriculture told you that I released N9.7 billion to intervene. The idea is to get high yielding varieties of what our farmers have been planting; some would go directly to those who have been affected, but we are not limiting it to them alone, we are giving to all Nigerians, even in areas where the floods never reached and we are clearing their planting fields for them free of charge. Probably, somebody has been cultivating one hectare of farmland, and producing probably 10 bags of rice, now the same hectare would give you 20, 30 bags. On the overall, we project more on food. You see, we are moving as a nation and I have no doubt about that. Two rating agencies, one invited by the Agriculture Minister, all gave us positive outlook. And because of certain steps we are taking, at least in terms of our foreign reserves, we have gone up to $43.3 billion. Excess crude account is also quite okay, about $9 billion or so. We also have the Sovereign Wealth Fund, which was never there before, that is $1 billion and that is what all the economic wizards globally are commending us for. We want to also build up on all of these. So, the outlook is very positive and we are committed to doing more, no matter the situation. We know that many people are still looking for jobs, but the jobs would come. The economy is positive. The foreign direct investment within this period is quite impressive. So, Nigerians should be very hopeful; we don’t sleep because we are committed and before we get to May 29, 2015, Nigerians would know that Jonathan and his team meant well for this country.

IF YOU REDUCE POVERTY AND THE PERSON IS STILL POOR, YOU HAVE ONLY SUCCEEDED IN ACHIEVING NOTHING.

I DON’T

BELIEVE IN THE POVERTY

REDUCTION CONCEPT. IT IS MORE POSITIVE TO TALK ABOUT WEALTH CREATION

What is the president doing about the poor state of Nigerian roads and expressways? Doesn’t government have enough funds to maintain them? The road sector is one of the key sectors, but unfortunately, the flood even worsens the situation in some parts of the country. We have our challenges, but with the SURE programme, we are pumping in more funds and we are intervening on the roads. The problem with the country is that over a period, the country is vast with federal roads and because of the budgeting pattern, we spread money thinly across and instead of limiting ourselves to may be in one or two years we pick on those to work on, finish with them and go on to others but we are re-focusing on how we spend money on the roads. Watch out, as the floods are going down, we are working very hard and God willing, the situation on our highways would not be the same again. What can you tell us about the Boko Haram’s conditional disposition to dialogue? How far with the dialogue and what are the options? Presently, government is not dialoguing with any group. There is no dialogue between Boko Haram and government because, though there was a news item talking about dialogue, but Boko Haram is still operating undercover, they wear mask. There is no face, so you don’t have anybody to discuss with. So, you can’t even discuss any condition, because there must be people that would claim or come and claim ownership of the group, that they are discussing with the Federal Government on behalf of Boko Haram. So far, nobody has shown up. So, there is no dialogue going on. Your emergence as Nigeria’s president runs deep, given your modest background; you have told Nigerians the history of your life over and over again and it is a story

that inspires and Nigerians love you for this story; they think you are a man raised by God from among the ordinary people, a real man to keep things real. But Aso Rock is voting N300 million to buy dinning sets; over N1 billion for food; N375 million for refreshments. Your Excellency, Nigerians are thinking that there is a disconnect between these figures and the man that they trusted, the real man that they trusted would keep things real. Are these figures real?

May be one of these days you will interview the Permanent Secretary in the State House to brief you on some of these figures. Those who know me and those who come around and eat with me, I eat two times a day; I take breakfast and dinner. And the food I eat is not expensive food, you can ask anybody. But you see, there are a lot of misconceptions about the State House or the Villa or the Presidency. In fact, I told the Vice President, or was it the Chief of Staff that probably in 2014 budget, there are quite a number of parastatals in the State House that I would ask the Finance Minister to move out. There are so many parastatals under the State House and one wonders how the State House would be spending so much. The belief in Nigeria is that the State House is the president and his wife and his children and the vice president and the wife and the children – that is the thinking of the ordinary Nigerian. The National Boundary Commission in under the State House, the Border Community Development Agency is in the State House, there are quite a number of them directly under the State House that should be pulled out. The issue of cutlery set is another thing. If you are privileged to visit countries like Ethiopia and they expose you to a dinner, then you would say that those figures are not extraordinary. Dinning sets that would be used to serve whenever you are hosting presidents from across the world; it is not what I would use. In fact, most of those things, I don’t need them. As a country, no matter what you think, Nigeria is a nation that has respect; there is a level you can go in terms of managing situations, there is a minimum you can go; so either you contract most of these things out, in that case, you don’t even make the cutleries we are talking about. These are not cutleries for the day to day use of the president and his family or the vice president and his family. The cutleries you are making reference to, I don’t know the total cost, I can’t even remember it, because I don’t expect it to be an issue. And when you talk about feeding in the State House, Nigeria hosts a number of programmes. Somehow, we have not hosted the African Union (AU), but we host several Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) meetings, and so on and so forth. Where do we get the money to host all these meetings? So, when they say that this amount is for food in the State House, it is definitely not to feed the president or his vice and their families. There are lots of misconceptions and misunderstandings. Questions have been raised on why you have not visited the crisis areas in the North East. Two former Heads of State seem to have been blaming you for the Boko Haram insurgence, one said that the real Boko Haram is in government and you also mentioned it in passing that Boko Haram is in your government. The other said you should have applied the Odi treatment, that is, use of maximum force and Odi incidentally is in your state. What are your comments on these? Incidentally when the Odi matter happened, I was the deputy governor of Bayelsa State and I can give you the narration of what led to the Odi crisis. The peak of the crisis of the militancy was when 12 police officers were killed in cold blood and that made the Federal Government to invade and attack Odi. After that invasion, myself and the governor visited Odi. Ordinarily, the governor and the deputy are not supposed to go into such security risk area. We entered houses and saw some dead people; most of the dead were old men and women and children; none of those militants was killed. So, if bombarding Odi was to solve a problem, the problem was never solved and of course if the attack on Odi had solved the militancy problem in the Niger Delta, then the Umaru Yar’Adua government, which I also have the privilege of service as vice president, wouldn’t have come up with the amnesty programme. In fact, people would even tell you that the attack on Odi escalated the problem; it attracted international sympathy and a number of people began to see the issue differently and we had more challenges after that attack. Continued tomorrow.

Politics

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

House considers PIB, passes second reading TORDUE SALEM writes on the debate by the House of Representatives of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which has since 2006 been an extremely controversial piece of legislation.

he House of Representatives last week began considering the general principles of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) in earnest, after the piece of the legislation was jettisoned two years earlier, because of a motley of inordinate interests Before the House adjourned for a sixweek recess in July, it made disparaging statement against the Bill. The lawmakers had reprimanded the Presidency for presenting the Bill at a time they were about to go on a recess. The House also condemned the presidency’s decision to “bring in barely 30 copies when they know that the bill must go round to 360 members of the House”. By the time the time the House resumed debates on the bill a few days ago, more than 100 members were allotted time to speak on it. Though some, for want of patience left the chambers before their allotted time, the ones that waited behind, ignited enough fireworks to send a stern warning to the presidency that business as usual in the oil sector will no longer be condoned. In his speech before debate commenced on the bill, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, told his colleagues that “we have before us one of the most important bills we will ever consider as members of this House in the 7th National Assembly. The Petroleum Industry Bill (PI B) was recently presented to this Assembly by President Goodluck Jonathan.” He stated that “This bill, as most of us are aware, was first introduced to the 6th National Assembly in 2010. Unfortunately, due to a number of factors, it was not passed into law. From 1959 to date there have been about 16 laws in our statutes regulating the petroleum industry. Some of these are the Petroleum Profits Tax Act, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Act, the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Act among others. The Petroleum Industry Bill, 2012 is seeking to harmonise and consolidate all these laws in order to better regulate, coordinate and manage the operations of the industry”. The speaker stated that, “the objectives of the bill include: creation of a conducive business environment for petroleum operations; enhancing exploration and exploitation of petroleum resources in Nigeria for the benefit of Nigerian people; optimisation of domestic gas supplies, particularly for power generation and industrial development; establishment of a progressive fiscal framework that encourages further investments in the petroleum industry while optimising the revenues accruing to the government; establishment of commercially-oriented and profit-driv-

Alison-Madueke

Ogor

THIS LAW IS NOT ONLY REDEFINING OPERATIONS IN THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY AND ENABLING UNPRECEDENTED

NIGERIAN

PARTICIPATION IN THE INDUSTRY, BUT IS ALSO SERVING AS A MODEL FOR OTHER

AFRICAN OIL

PRODUCING COUNTRIES TO EMULATE en oil and gas entities deregulation and liberalisation of the downstream petroleum sector. According to Tambuwal, “to achieve these objectives, the PIB recommends in the main; unbundling of NNPC as presently constituted; creation of a National Oil Company that promotes indigenous operational capacity; creation of an Asset Management Company, strengthening of regulatory institutions that promote transparency, safety, consumer rights and safe environments; establishment of gas market and gas infrastructure development company establishment of a department in the ministry charged with frontier exploration services a Petroleum Host Community Fund; adoption of flexible fiscal measures that attract investment and allows for production biased taxation.” He recalled that “since it was discovered in Oloibiri, in the present Bayelsa State, in 1956, crude oil has been the most important natural resource that Nigeria has had to date. It currently accounts for 98 per cent of our export earnings, 95 per cent of our foreign exchange earnings, 88 per cent of Federal Government Revenue

and 40 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP.” He also recalled that “The 6th National Assembly passed the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act which was signed into law by President Goodluck Jonathan in April 2010. This law is not only redefining operations in the oil and gas industry and enabling unprecedented Nigerian participation in the industry but is also serving as a model for other African oil producing countries to emulate. “The Petroleum Industry Bill is expected to transform the Nigerian oil and gas industry, enable us to develop a truly national and modern oil company that can compete with the Petronas, Petrobas and Statoils of this world, create opportunities for greater participation of our people, encourage increased investment and contribute more revenue for the development of the country to the benefit of all Nigerians. I implore you most sincerely to support the speedy passage of this bill”. Despite the thorough explanation and the appeal of the Speaker, the Bill still experienced a heated and divisive debate. As the House resumes this week, it remains to be seen if another part to a legislativeexecutive row could be avoided. The lawmakers in their arguments reasoned that if the proposed law from the executive really wanted to address the corruption in the oil sector, it needed to loosen the stranglehold of the Presidency and the Ministry of Petroleum on the sector. The Deputy Leader of the House, Leo Ogor (PDP/Delta), who reintroduced the PIB for debate stated that the bill would promote accountability, transparency and openness in the nation’s petroleum sector should it be passed the way it was presented by the executive. In his contribution, Ogor had opposed the clause which stipulates that 30 per cent of the shares of the proposed National Oil Company should be reserved for the stock market. He argued that such a clause was capable of resulting in a few Nigerians appropriating the profits of the company. He advocated that the company should

be wholly owned by the Federal Government. The Deputy Minority Whip of the House, Garba Datti Mohammed (CPC/ Kaduna), observed that the bill if passed into law as it was could divide the country. He added that the bill had contradictory provisions on regulation and deregulation of the industry. He further proposed that the powers of the minister should be curbed in the Act. He said it was about time government stopped paying lip service to oil exploration in the Northern part of the country. Datti and Fort Dike (PDP-Anambra), said that the bill vested enormous power on the Minister of Petroleum and this needed to be looked into. Dike also criticised the inclusion of the petroleum host community fund in the bill. He urged the House to also address the issue of gas in Nigeria, saying: “gas in Nigeria has been left largely unexplored, this bill needs to accommodate that issue.” Farouk Lawan (PDP-Kano) said that the PIB was one bill that would have farreaching implication on the Nigerian economy. “The PIB would ensure that business is concluded based on international best practices. The PIB deserves to pass through the second reading,’’ Lawan said. There was no dissenting voice and the bill sailed through the second reading after being put to vote by the Speaker, Tambuwal. Tambuwal said it was important for Nigerians to note that there was no single “nay’’ opposing the second reading of the bill. He commended members for their patriotic debate, urging them to continue to put the interest of the nation above other interest. But besides the PIB, the lawmakers also debated another legislation joined with the PIB. The second bill sought oil exploration and prospecting in the North. The sponsor of the contentious bill, Kaka Gujbawu (ANPP-Borno), argued extensively and made a tight case for oil exploration in the Northern part of the country to create a balance in the polity. His strong sentiments were shared by several other Northern lawmakers who reasoned that a Southern presidency was deliberately ‘sitting’ on the need to go North for fresh oil and gas prospects. The sponsor of the Bill to explore oil in the North, Gujbawu, gave statistics of the parts of the North had oil in commercial quantities and sought the intervention of the government in balancing resource exploration in the country. Others who contributed to the debate were Sam Tsokwa (PDP/Taraba), Abiodun Faleke (ACN/Lagos), Dike (APGA/ Anambra) and Karimi Sunday (PDP/ Kogi). An ad hoc committee led by Hon. Ishaku Bawa, was set up to conduct a public hearing on the bill. Despite the thorough explanation and the appeal of the Speaker, the Bill still experienced a heated and divisive debate. As the House resumes this week, it remains to be seen if another part to a legislativeexecutive row could be avoided.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Views

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Revisiting secession threats in Nigeria PUBLIC DOMAIN

DELE

SETEOLU

deleseteolu@nationalmirroronline.net (08033137577 SMS only)

ormer Nigerian military head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, recently rekindled public debate on the threats of secession in the country when he described the agitations by different ethnic nationalities for self determination as mere noise. He insisted that Nigeria would not break despite the pervasive security challenge it currently faces. General Abubakar argued that Nigerians have intermingled over a long period of time with these obvious developmental challenges that it would be difficult for any part to secede. The comment of the former head of state is ahistoric, illogic, unresponsive and unrepresentative of the ‘popular will’ in Nigeria. It makes sense to ask, what is the popular will? The popular will might not have been scientifically verified, but there are political over currents that point at the distortions in the country. The resultant contradictions have fostered popular struggles and agitations for a redesign of the country’s political architecture. These struggles have led to alternative

conferences on the future of Nigeria’s federation. For instance, the PRONACO conference was held in this context. It held debates on different aspects of the national question and formulated alternative constitutional arrangement. Similarly, the Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) had raised issues that border on power sharing, resource allocation and citizenship question etc. In fact, a faction of MASSOB recently re-declared the Biafra state. The pan Igbo organization has been relentless in its struggle to actualize Biafra as typified by its design of a flag, minting of currency and putting together of an anthem. The security agents had repeatedly arrested and detained its leaders on account of these activities. The Ogoni question has often been articulated by MOSOP at local and external levels. The faction of MOSOP that pursues self determination might appear ‘lightweight’, but this political action has placed the country on the global map as unstable and vulnerable to disintegration. The threat of secession is also measured by the commitment of the ‘repressed units’ to articulate their perceptions of the national problems and alternative political plans. These groups are emboldened by the rights of minorities to self determination as espoused in the United Nations charter. The threats of secession are real and border on the Nigerian crisis, which is

THE ONGOING CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROCESS IS TOKENISM AIMED AT ASSUAGING THE GROWING AGITATIONS FOR POLITICAL

RESTRUCTURING, BALANCED FEDERATION AND RESOURCE DEMOCRATIZATION otherwise described as the national question. In the context of the Nigerian crisis, it is difficult to differentiate the national and nationality question. The nationality question has gained currency in political discourses to the extent that this is posed as the national question. The capacity or otherwise of the Nigerian state to address the national question is central to its future survival and sustenance. The question is how do we address the national question? Is it possible to address the national question through a constitution amendment process? Is a national conference outside the constitution amendment process imperative to addressing the national question? The national question

will not likely be fully addressed through the constitution amendment process. The 1999 Nigerian Constitution is fundamentally flawed and reflects contradictions that points to its imposition on the Nigerian populace. The country should work on a new constitution, which will be submitted to a referendum rather than re-formulate a jaundiced Decree 24 euphemized as the 1999 Constitution. The constitution amendment will not likely restrain the class interest of the governing elite in the process, who insist on their legal sovereign status. The legal sovereign derives its power in the populace through the electoral process and cannot claim superior status to the popular sovereign. For emphasis, the notion of popular sovereignty resides in the Nigerian people who should define a new constitutional architecture for the country. The ongoing constitutional amendment process is tokenism aimed at assuaging the growing agitations for political restructuring, balanced federation and resource democratization. This process should be rejected by the Nigerian people, and they should insist on a far reaching restructuring of the polity. Half measures will not likely resolve the Nigerian crisis; we should go the whole hog on the country’s persistent crisis. The country needs a new constitution and major re-thinking on its socio-economy and political superstructure. These are feasible through a national conference of the Nigerian people.

Tribute: Reminiscence of an encounter with Saraki GARBA YEDIMAKUDON

OLOYE WOULD BE

REMEMBERED AS A

hen I heard the sad news of the death of Senator (Dr.) Abubakar Olusola Saraki on Wednesday last week, my mind immediately went back to a 2002 encounter some journalists and I on the politics beat of various Lagosbased media houses had with the undisputed strong man of Kwara State politics. Held in the Ilorin residence of the political icon, the encounter was part of the late politician’s media campaigns against the then governor of Kwara State and his estranged protégé, Commodore Mohammed Lawal (retd). It was an undeniable fact that Oloye installed Lawal as the state governor in 1999. However, mid-way into his tenure, a rumoured plot by the godfather to install his own son, Bukola, as the next governor of the state, threw a wedge between the two. To checkmate Saraki, Lawal decided to team up with the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Yusuf Garba Ali and all other APP’s governors to whittle down the over-bearing influence of the political giant in the state. Lawal knew the infinite capacity of Senator Saraki as far as Kwara politics was concerned. He knew the fate that befell Alhaji Adamu Attah , the first civilian governor of old Kwara State in 1979. Acting in tandem with the national executive committee (NEC) of his party, Lawal dissolved the executive of the Kwara State chapter of APP and followed it with the removal of all Oloye’s loyalists in his cabinet. No

POLITICIAN WHO WON ALL HIS POLITICAL

BATTLES IN KWARA

STATE EXCEPT ONE: HIS FAILURE TO

MAKE HIS DAUGHTER,

SENATOR GBEMISOLA SARAKI FOWORA, THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE doubt the battle line had been drawn. With the national hierarchy of the party throwing its weight behind the governor, the Saraki faction of APP readily dissolved into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which wasted no time giving Bukola Saraki the governorship ticket for the 2003 general elections. Bukola Saraki eventually supplanted Lawal. The rest is history. Students of Saraki politics would attest to the fact that Oloye always fell apart with politicians he helped occupy Government House, Ilorin. During the Second Republic, Saraki, more than anybody, contributed to the emergence of Adamu Attah as the state governor in 1979, but midway into Attah’s tenure, both the political godfather and his godson parted ways. Saraki, then the Senate Majority Leader, had warned his party, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN)

against fielding Attah for second term in the 1983 general elections. The warning was disregarded. Saraki went on to boast that the NPN would sweep all elections but the governorship election in Kwara. That was what happened. Chief Cornelius Adebayo of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) succeeded Attah. During the ill-fated Third Republic, Oloye was also instrumental to the making of Alhaji Mohammed Lafiaji of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as governor of Kwara State. It was not known whether there was any disagreement between Saraki and Lafiaji. With my knowledge of Kwara political history, it was not difficult for me to put the following question to Oloye during that media encounter: ‘Sir, why is it that you always quarreled with those you contributed in making the governor of your state?” Confessing that he did not know why he had what he termed “unluckily phenomenon”, he said he was always betrayed by people he helped politically. On his disagreement with Attah, he said it was the result of the latter’s failure to fix a particular road after he had assured him he was going to do so. And on Lawal, I asked if he could not forgive the governor. Oloye’s retort was: “Have you read the book, Beyond Pardon? He said the book was about the height of betrayal by a man who cheated on his wife. Saraki told us that Lawal’s sins were beyond pardon, stating that there were more competent and loyal politicians who he could have supported, but chose Lawal. He fore closed any idea of a truce between him

and his godson. Pointing at an empty seat beside him, Saraki said “that’s where he (Lawal) always sat whenever he came around. When I called him once he would answer thrice. But you see human beings, when they talk, you hear their voices, you see their faces, but you cannot see what is in their minds.” Saraki said he supported Lawal in deference to the agitation for an Afonja descendant to govern the state. Lawal thus became the first descendant of Afonja to be governor of Kwara State. The demise of Saraki certainly marked the end of an era in Kwara State politics. It is very unlikely for any individual to earn the support and confidence of his people like Saraki did. Oloye would be remembered as a politician who won all his political battles in Kwara State except one: his failure to make his daughter, Senator Gbemisola Saraki Fowora, the governor of the state. He never recovered from the shock of that failure, a failure caused by the treachery of his son, Bukola, who had pitted his own candidate against that of his father. May Allah grant the soul of Saraki eternal rest. Yedimakudon, wrote from Abuja 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.

Editorial

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

STEVE AYORINDE

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FRANK OBOH

HEAD, GRAPHICS

Beyond the ban on telecoms’ promos, lotteries

fter indulging in several months of fruitless buckpassing, the National Communications Commission (NCC), last week, banned telecommunications providers from their ceaseless assaults on telephone subscribers with unsolicited, outlandish promotions and lotteries which have been responsible for compromised service quality for over 12 months. It is sad that the Ministry of Communications and the NCC waited this long to check the gluttony of telecoms firms that were feeding fat on subscribers with their poor and, sometimes, ridiculous services. This newspaper had in many past editorials tried to wake up the authorities from their slumber to perform their statutory responsibilities of protecting ignorant, gullible, and helpless subscribers from being ripped off their credits for services not rendered as a result of congested network amid lax regulation. Though the NCC wielded its big stick rather late, it is, nevertheless better than not acting at all. The Commission’s spokesman, Tony Ojobo, stated recently that the ban covered all current promotions and lotteries, as well as the proposed and approved promotions and lotteries earlier approved based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) the operators entered into with the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC). We had questioned the

WE URGE JOHNSON AND THE NCC NOT TO BE CONTENTED WITH THE MERE ISSUE OF A BAN ORDER NCC in the past for abdicating its responsibility of regulating the telecom industry to ensure quality service delivery since, from all indications, the NLRC seemed more interested in making money for the Federal Government than protecting the interest of subscribers. Unlike the NLRC that saw no evil in the telecom operators’ brazen greed, the NCC said: “Having observed that these promotions have increased the number of minutes available to subscribers for use within a limited period of time, such development created congestion in the networks as subscribers try to use up the available minutes within the stipulated time… On-net calls were now being offered by operators at tariffs well below the interconnect rates, thereby introducing anti-competitive practices and behavior”. The NCC stated, in addition, that its prohibition order was to perform its statutory responsibility to protect and promote the interest of consumers against unfair practices, promote fair competition in the

industry by protecting operators from the misuse of market power, anti-competitive and unfair practices by other operators. Many disgusted and disappointed subscribers had lamented the billed but dropped or incomplete calls, indiscriminate wiping off of credit without explanation or apology from network providers, including unused Internet subscription, billing for unsolicited lotteries etc; as well as the nuisance of crafty and deceitful promos that invades privacy and midnight sleep. It is, therefore, not unlikely that persistent public outcry against the aforementioned sharp practices by telecom operators prompted the NCC to impose hefty fines on culprit operators some months ago, though the fines did not succeed in redressing the pathetic quality of services; just as the current ban on promos and lotteries has not stopped the malpractices that now run in the blood of virtually all the network operators. Consequently, beyond the issuing of mere ban orders, the NCC ought to demonstrate the capacity and ability to effectively enforce the prohibition as failure to do so would convey the impression, rightly or wrongly, that the operators have compromised the regulators with their stupendous wealth. It is, however, instructive that after keeping mum for so long, the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson,

has expressed concern on the frustrating quality of telecom services and promised that the NCC would do another quality service review and sanction defaulting operators by December this year, which is less than a month from now. Johnson seemed to agree with the position of this newspaper and the NCC that telecoms’ promotion strategies were mainly responsible for the declining quality of the services, in addition to other reasons like rapid expansion, modernization, and upgrade of infrastructure to cope with growing demand for data, voice and SMS services. The minister equally blamed system congestion on promotions that promised outrageous and elusive cars, houses and airplane, as well as the vandalisation of base stations in volatile parts of the country, which we implore the government to redress forthwith to create a hospitable business climate for investors in the telecoms sector to thrive. With the Yuletide and New Year festivities fast approaching; which would necessitate mass movement and huge telecoms patronage, we urge Johnson and the NCC not to be contented with the mere issue of a ban order but move to decisively punish violators severely, especially when the operators are still carrying on as if there was no such order in place. That seems the only guarantee that the operators would call themselves to order.

ON THIS DAY November 21, 2009 A mine explosion in Heilongjiang province, northeastern China, killed 108 people. The 2009 Heilongjiang mine explosion was a mining accident that occurred on November 21, 2009 near Hegang in Heilongjiang province, northeastern China. About 108 people were confirmed dead while 29 others were hospitalised. The explosion occurred in the Xinxing coal mine shortly before dawn, at 02:30 CST, when 528 people were believed to be in the pit.

November 21, 2006 Anti-Syrian Lebanese Minister and MP, Pierre Gemayel, was assassinated in suburban Beirut. Pierre Amine Gemayel; commonly known as Pierre Gemayel Jr., or simply Pierre Gemayel (September 23, 1972 – November 21, 2006) was a Lebanese politician in the Kataeb Party, better known in English as the Phalange Party. Lebanon’s second-youngest MP, he was a rising star in his party. He was a vocal critic of Syria’s military presence in and political domination of Lebanon.

November 21, 1986 Iran-Contra Affair: United States’ National Security Council member, Oliver North and his secretary started to shred documents which implicated them in the sale of weapons to Iran and channeling the proceeds to help fund the Contra rebels in Nicaragua. The Iran–Contra affair also referred to as Irangate, Contragate or the IranContra scandal, was a political scandal in the US that came to light in November 1986.

Energy Week

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

ENERGY WEEK A3 21

Power sector liberalisation takes shape

The on-going power sector reforms entered high gear with the naming of preferred bidders for the successor companies of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria by the National Council for Privatisation. AYO OLESIN looks at the long and tortuous road to the rebirth of Nigeria’s underperforming electricity industry.

he electricity industry in Nigeria was virtually created in Nigeria by the British Colonial adventurers who established the first power plant in Lagos in 1898. Since then until around 1950, subsequent plant and project were undertaken by by different government bodies and agencies including Federal agencies under the Public Works Department, Native Authorities and by Municipal Authorities - equivalent of local councils. However, in 1950, in order to give to integrate electricity power development and make it effective, the then colonial authorities passed the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria ordinance No. 15 of 1950 which effectively consolidated the different electricity department and agencies under a single body. In furtherance of this objective, the ECN and the Niger Dam Authority (NDA) were merged by the then military government of Gen Yakubu Gowon to form the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) with effect from April 1, 1972. Historians contend that despite the problems faced by NEPA, the Authority has played an effective role in the nation’s socio-economic development thereby steering Nigeria into a greater industrial society. The success story is a result of careful planning and hard work. The statutory function of the Authority is to develop and maintain an efficient co-ordinate and economical system of electricity supply throughout the Federation. The decree further states that the monopoly of all commercial electric supply shall be enjoyed by NEPA to the exclusion of all other organisations. This however, does not prevent private individuals who wish to buy and run thermal plants for domestic use from doing so. By 1989 the economic realities on the ground propelled the government to grant NEPA quasi-commercialisation status and was given partial autonomy with a mandate to generate funds from electricity sales to run itself. But the main problem was that despite the array of planners and engineers that populated NEPA, the government failed to take cognisance of the nation’s growing population and the increasing requirements of the emerging industries,

such that for long period of over 15 years new generating plants were not built. The pressure on existing infrastructure led to a general systemic failure such that availability of regular power became the exception rather than the norm. Even infants became familiar with the word “NEPA”, which was the usual cry of dismay that emanated from householders following sudden power cuts. Indeed, former President Olusegun Obasanjo captured the situation most succinctly when he remarked during his first term a civilian president that the situation he left NEPA when he handed over power to a civilian administration in 1979 was the same he met on his return as president in 1999. Obasanjo did try his hand on improving on the sector’s performance by first appointing late Chief Bola Ige to lead the Power Ministry. Ige promised to fix the problems within a year but it emerged to be a case of biting more than one could chew as the powerful establishment forces that had benefitted from the rot in the system ensured that the minster failed. Subsequent reform efforts, including the establishment of the Nigerian Independent Power Projects, NIPP which sought to boost generation, transmission and distribution capacity by ended up in fiasco with huge funds estimated at about between $7 and $12bn going down the drain as the power situation did not improve and projects failed o come on stream. Most of the problem had to do with poor planning as some imported equipment could not even be transported to locations where they were to be installed while some of the stations were built without consideration for how they will be connected to gas pipelines. It was a mess. Credit should however be given to initiatives by some of the oil firms including Shell, and Agip that invested in power generation facilities and have succeeded in boosting generation from gas-fired plants. While the Yar’Adua administration dilly dallied on the power reform, President Goodluck Jonathan regained the momentum by articulating the Power Sector Roadmap,

which was geared towards transferring control of the power sector into private hands. This move was expected to largely increase the level of efficiency and investments to bridge the huge infrastructure deficit and meeting increasing demand for power with the overall objective of boosting national economic and social development. This was to be achieved by creating efficient market structures, within clear regulatory frameworks that encourage more competitive markets for electricity generation and sales (marketing), which, at the same time, are able to attract private investors and ensure economically sound development of the system. The reforms have gone on and we have seen the creating of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Energy Commission of Nigeria, a Bulk Trader to buy and sell bulk electricity which give guarantees that generation companies will sell at commercial rates and the all important unbundling of the problematic Power Holding Company of Nigeria. So far, the six generation companies and 11 distribution companies are undergoing privatisation with preferred bidders already selected for the and initial payments expected to be made in the coming weeks. However, last week’s news of the cancellation of the Management contract for the Transmission Company of Nigeria awarded to Canada’s Manitoba Hydro International has cast a pall on the power reform process and some analysts have said this could result in difficulties in getting reliable partners in the future. President Jonathan has since cleared the air to say that the agreement was being looked at and was intact. The reforms themselves have been dogged by resistance from electricity workers union’s who have insisted on payment of gratuities and exit benefits which are being contested by the government. However, some of the most important factors in the success of the reforms would be the implementation of plans to expand the gas supply network as well as liberalizing access to electricity in rural areas through off-grid infrastructure. Nonetheless, it is expected that a post-privatisation era in the power sector will usher in more reliable power, supply, improves service standards, wider choice of service provider due to competition and tariff reduction in real terms over time. This is about the only real legacy that the Goodluck Jonathan administration can leave behind it to earn a positive place in the annals of Nigeria’s history.

A4 22

ENERGY WEEK

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Missed opportunities: Counting the cost of underperforming energy sector From pre-indendence to its post colonial era, Nigeria has experienced more darkness than light. In this report, TOLA AKINMUTIMI counts the cost.

ssessing Nigeria’s capacity to translate her vast power generation potential to tools of socio-economic transformation and sustainable growth reflects a picture of a country wandering in purposeless direction and show scant concern about its own future. Curiously, from thermal to hydro and to the bio-waste and other renewable sources, Nigeria is so richly endowed that to speak of her inability to provide un-interrupted electricity for the needs of people and critical sectors of the economy may, to analysts who are not familiar with the prolonged years of despoliation of wastages in the land, sound absurd or unthinkable. But like the proverbial prodigal son, the people have watched helplessly over the decades as the country’s power generation resources remain untapped even as the money made from the sale of the little that has been converted to productive inputs is being channelled to areas that have no bearing on the economy. No thanks to the corruption cesspit in which many of the top operators in the system have been plunged. As at 2011, Nigeria’s per capita electricity consumption is recorded amongst the lowest globally and comparatively lower than many other African countries. For instance, the country’s per capita electricity consumption is just about 3 per cent of South Africa’s and 7 per cent of Brazil’s. Statistical data on power generation capacities of South Africa and Brazil showed that the former has 40,000 megawatts generating capacity for a population of 50 million people, compared to Brazil’s 100,000 megawatts generating capacity for a population of 201 million people. At the end of August 2010, Nigeria’s peak generating capacity was about 3,800 megawatts and this has not improved significantly ever since. But then, in a rather ambitious vision to geometrically improve the situation, the present administration has unveiled a Power Sector Roadmap that will, based on its a architects’ projection, lift Nigeria out of the perpetual darkness into which mismanagement had plunged her for decades. While officially launching the power Sector Roadmap, President Goodluck Jonathan, stated unequivocally that his administration was committed to bringing to an end the “nation’s stunted growth and usher in the fresh air of prosperity by pursuing a new era of sector-wide reform which is driven

Papalanto Power Station in Ogun state

Goodluck

Goodie Ibru

WE ARE PARTICULARLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE PLIGHT OF INVESTORS IN THE REAL SECTOR BECAUSE THIS IS THE SECTOR THAT ENGAGES IN REAL PRODUCTION AND ADDS SIGNIFICANT VALUE TO THE ECONOMY. IT HOLDS THE ACE FOR REAL

ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION, JOB CREATION AND POVERTY REDUCTION by improved service delivery to every class of customers in the Nigerian electricity sector”. Specifically, government expects the implementation of the Roadmap to increase power generation capacity of the existing PHCN power stations by 400 megawatts between April 2011 and December 2013 from the current level of about 4,100 megawatts compared to the 1,266 megawatts in April 2011 to 4,775 megawatts December 2013 set for the NIPP plants is targeted to increase from. In addition, it is projected that Independent Power Projects would also

increase from the current level of circa 1,500 megawatts to nearly 5,000 megawatts by December 2013. Quite ironically, several policies and other institutional frameworks designed to improve electricity supply have not worked and the failures of such initiatives have continued to undermine efforts by Nigerians to contribute to the development of the country in several ways. For instance, the nation’s manufacturing sector, which remains the most vital hub for driving economic development, has been hampered for

decades by infrastructure deficiencies, the most crucial of which is poor power supply to stoke productivity at all levels of industrial operations. This constraint, has largely translated to unquantifiable losses in terms of revenue, job creation and competitiveness of the domestic economy within the global economic order to the country. Reflecting on the impact of the poor infrastructure capacity on the real sector during a recent review of the performance of the economy, former President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Otunba Femi Deru, noted that the real sector performance was typically constrained by high operating cost with an estimated average industrial capacity utilisation of about 40 per cent. He attributed the low performance level to various challenges key among which are high cost of fund and high energy cost. He explained: “We are particularly concerned about the plight of investors in the real sector because this is the sector that engages in real production and adds significant value to the economy. It holds the ace for real economic transformation, job creation and poverty reduction. Our recent experience has shown that economic growth not supported by real sector development cannot be sustained. “The summary of the power sector story is that we still have a long way to go. There is need to ensure better management, greater private sector involvement, and insulation of the system from the bureaucrats and politicians, commitment of more resources and the provision of the right policy environment,” Deru said. According to him, the failure of Federal Government’s promise to generate and deliver 6,000mw of electricity by December was hardly surprising, as fundamental challenges in the power sector remained unaddressed.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ENERGY WEEK A5 23

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Harnessing Nigeria’s solar power potential The nation is blessed with constant availability of sunlight. But FRANCIS EZEM reports that because of high cost and lack of awareness, consumers have not yet switched to solar.

s the sixth largest producer of crude oil in the world and a strong member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Nigeria no doubt has all it takes to effectively provide un-interruptible power supply for her citizens. With a population in excess of 150 million people, Nigeria’s current power generation is estimated at less than 6,000 megawatt. This is unarguably a far cry from her projected power requirements that are expected to sustain both the domestic and industrial activities, especially given the country’s projection of becoming a truly industrialised nation. There is a major disconnect between the supply and consumption of power and as a result of this, there is always a shortfall in supply compared to the demand, which is the genesis of the perennial energy crisis in the country. This is probably why many energy experts firmly believe that there is need for the government to pursue other alternative sources of energy in the midst of the prevailing realities. It is estimated that only about 10 percent of rural dwellers and about 40 percent of urban families have access to electricity. This obvious deficiency has earned Nigeria the title: ‘A Diesel Generator Economy’. This deficiency has over the years become a major impediment to the achievement of the Federal Government’s Vision 20-20-20 by which it projects that the country will be among the 20 biggest economies of the world by the year 2020. This is in addition to hampering the realisation of Nigeria’s Millennium Development Goals. This extreme electricity shortage has been blamed a so many factors including but not limited to financial, structural and socio-political. Over the years successive governments have made efforts to address the energy crisis in which huge sums of tax payers’ money has been committed but all to no avail. Unfortunately, they have concentrated on only two sources of power generation which are hydro and gas. For instance, Nigeria has a total of three hydro plants located in Kainji, Jebba and Shiroro. She also has several thermal installed power plants comprising those of Egbin, Sapele, Okpai, Afam, Delta and Omoku. Others include the Ajaokuta, Geregu, Omotosho and Olorunsogo. In terms of generating power using gas, the government has through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Joint Venture with some multinational oil companies undertaken several projects designed to utilise gas in power generation. Some of these projects include the Escravos Gas to Liquid Phase three, Trans-Sahara Gas Pipeline Project, Mobil OSO Condensate Project phase Two, Brass -LNG Project, OK-LNG Project and the West African Gas Pipe Line Project, among others. These projects have, however, not achieved the set objectives as the nation still grapples with lack of adequate supply of electricity both for domestic and industrial uses. Some African nations, which are not as rich as Nigeria have a long time ago celebrated one year of uninterruptible power supply, a development that had given rise to calls for the harnessing of other sources of energy, especially the solar power. Also, the 1973 oil crisis as well as the economic hiccups faced by the Western World on account of the embargo placed by the Arab World brought about the realisation across the globe for the need for renewable resources such as solar energy, as part of the strategies to meet the increasing demand for energy. It was probably in response to this realisation that the Federal Government put in place the Energy Commission to conduct researches on develop renewable energy technologies and also make its application popular in the

A technician working on solar panel

IT WAS PROBABLY IN RESPONSE TO THIS REALISATION THAT THE

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PUT IN PLACE THE ENERGY COMMISSION TO CONDUCT RESEARCHES TO DEVELOP RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ALSO MAKE ITS APPLICATION POPULAR IN THE COUNTRY country. In a paper presented jointly by Dr. P.A. Ilenikhena of the department of Physics, University of Benin and Dr. L.I.N Ezemonye of the National Centre for Energy and Environment of the same university on the solar energy application in Nigeria, the duo observed that solar radiation, which is abundant in the country, is one area of focus among the renewable energy resources. “Researches were carried out and technologies produced for direct harnessing of solar energy in six centres across the country. Some state governments in collaboration with some non-governmental agencies also sponsored solar energy projects in some rural communities that are yet to be connected to the national grid”, the paper noted. They however regretted that the technologies for solar energy application are not yet accepted as household commodities. It is therefore believed that as soon as this form of energy is given an appreciable level of acceptance, it will go a long way in augmenting the use of fossil fuel energy and by so doing improve the living standard of the people. Moreso, the futile nature of fossil fuel energy as well as the increasing problem of greenhouse emission, which is believed to significantly contribute to global warning, more than ever before reinforces the need for the adoption of solar energy as an alternative power source. It was probably in realisation of these obvious facts that the Federal Government in 1979 established the Energy Commission of Nigeria, which now has a total of six

centres spread across the country. However, solar energy, which has several applications, can be converted into electricity, heat and biomass. Experts believe that Nigeria has all it takes to make the use of solar agency popular among the people. Director General of the ECN, Professor Abubakar Sambo, who spoke recently, said that one percent of Nigeria’s land mass could be utilised for the generation of over 600, 000 megawatts of electricity using solar energy. Nigeria currently generates less than 6, 000 megawatts using fuel products. According to him, Nigeria could generate about 600, 000 megawatts of electricity by deploying solar photovoltaic panels of only five per cent efficiency from just one per cent of her land mass. But he however noted that the high efficiency in electricity power generation using solar energy, cost of the solar modules was very high. He also disclosed this system has another benefit in view of the fact that the lifespan of the solar panel could be as long as 25 years. In addition to this, it was further gathered that despite the huge cost of solar energy, the pay-back period was only about four to five years, since the inverters and charge controllers can last for a very long time. Experts believe that the major challenge associated with solar energy is its high cost component. They however argue that despite the high cost of the solar modules, the lifespan of the solar panel after installation could be as high as 25 years, which also gives a considerable long time to plan for its replacement while the storage batteries are replaced within a medium term range of five years. In terms of comparing solar energy with other forms of renewable power like wind, most experts believe that these are inexhaustible given that they exist in cyclical form unlike the conventional energy of oil, coal and gas. They have argued that since wind arises as a result of extra-terrestrial solar heating of the air masses in the extra-terrestrial space leading to pressure differences, manifesting in the flow of air, significant amount of energy could always be tapped from wind. This is also true of hydropower, which comes due to cyclic activities of the rainy reason. In conclusion, experts are of the consensus that solar energy is best among all the classes of renewable energy and therefore should be tapped into. This according to them is because as long as there is life on earth, this form of energy will always be available on daily basis because when the sun rises, solar energy is released.

A6 24 ENERGY WEEK

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

As Nigeria begins to experience improved supply of power, UDEME AKPAN examines the factors responsible and reports that a lot still needs to be done to witness stability in the sector.

ith the collapse of the nation’s power transmission system in the second quarter of this year, many watchers of the nation’s power sector did not envisage quick recovery for some reasons. First, the water level at the hydro stations such as Kainji, Jebba and Shiroro were relatively low. Second, gas supply to thermal stations, including Egbin continues to dwindle. More so, the nation further experienced some losses in power transmission. These and other sad realities scuttled the generation, transmission and distribution of commercial power to consumers in different parts of the nation. Incidentally, this was not to be. The nation has witnessed a major leap in the past few weeks. As exclusively reported by National Mirror, power generation rose from an average of 4,200 megawatts (mw) to 4,800 mw recently. The nation also experienced improved transmission and distribution, which made it possible for consumers to witness improved supply. Consequently, many consumers have started to sing the praise of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). From Lagos to Benin and Owerri to Bayelsa and others, consumers who have not experienced sustainable electricity supply for a long time said the PHCN has done well. For instance, spokesman of Union Bank, Mr. Francis Barde has this to say: “We have noticed an improvement in power supply. We used to experience about two hours of public power supply daily, a development which made us to spend a lot of funds in the fueling of our generators which are located in the various branches.” Barde remarked that: “The situation seems to have changed in recent times. We now experience an average of ten hours supply which has enabled us to slightly reduce our high cost of operations.” However, the questions most people are asking are: can the Federal Government sustain or even improve on its present record? Expectedly, the Head of Press in the Ministry of Power, Mr. Greyne Anosike believed these could be done, particularly as the former Minister of Power, Prof. Bart Nnaji and others assisted in many ways to put in place the right foundation and structures. He remarked that plans are underway to boost electricity supply in the nation. For instance, the Ministry of Power is set to complete the Nigerian Independent Power Projects (NIPPs), remote and off-grid projects, ensure national grid reinforcement, transmission network growth and maintenance through effective deployment of Transmission Use of System (TUoS) charges. These are aimed at completing intervention projects and ensuring efficient distribution of power with minimal technical and non-technical losses. This would be accomplished through the execution of short, medium and long term plans. Under the short term plan, which is to last between two and seven months, the projection of the government is that there would be moderate improvement in supply, especially as the period would witness the completion and operation of some new power generating plants, transmission lines and a more developed distribution pattern. More than that, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), would complete the implementation of a tariff review. The ministry of power documented that: “The new tariff review structure is accompanied with a metering system, which will receive and accelerate deployment at the ongoing rate. It will interest Nigerians to know that whereas there is tariff of N7 per kilowatt, what is being paid now by the urban poor and rural dwellers, the new tariff rate will allow this class to pay at N4 per kilowatt. ” Furthermore, the medium term, scheduled for implementation between 2013 and 2015 would witness the privatisation of generating and distribution centres, expected to boost electricity supply in the country. This plan

Jonathan

Obasanjo

FG adopts new measures to boost power supply THE SITUATION SEEMS TO HAVE CHANGED IN RECENT

TIMES.

WE NOW EXPERIENCE AN AVERAGE OF 10 HOURS

SUPPLY WHICH HAS ENABLED US TO SLIGHTLY REDUCE OUR HIGH COST OF OPERATIONS further raises hope as the ongoing strengthening of the operations of the regulatory agency and bulk trader are targeted at boosting operations. Also, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) is expected to conduct its activities, especially privatisation of power institutions in a transparent manner in order to give the nation and its citizens the best investors in this sector. The long term is also full of hope, particularly as it is expected to witness increased diversification into renewable energy source. This is open to the public to make complaints, which will be addressed by the people operating in the areas. It is also interesting to note that it is the duty of government to provide transformers for communities within the network of operations of PHCN as it is today and we want the public to cooperate in this regard by making formal request through the approved channels to avoid the cur-rent situation where people complain that they pay for their transformers and cables. The ministry stressed that: “We are committed to the need and plan to satisfy the needs of Nigerians and all efforts in this regard amidst challenges, which we take cognisance of, will be addressed. We hereby solicit your cooperation and support and we request that you use the customer service web portal to reach us on any issues that remain unclear to you.” From all indications, these are good plans. But close observers feel there is need to address fundamental challenges that stare the sector in the face. One of them is vandalism. Authoritative data showed that some major transmission lines have been vandalised. Take the Afam/ Alaoji 132KV line as an example. The vandalism of the lines dedicated to transmission has affected power supply in Afam and its environs. Other lines vandalised include the 330KV Delta line and 330KV Osogbo lines 1&2.They also include the 132 KV Bida line, 132 KV Suleja line and

330KV Jebba line. The vandalism affects transmission and distribution of electricity to consumers in various parts of the nation. For instance, 35 communities in Enugu State have been cut off from public power supply as a result of increased vandalism in the state. The vandals allegedly destroyed a major installation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) at Udi Siding, thus, disrupting electricity supply in Enugu and its environs. This has attracted the comments of many people. For instance, the Managing Director of PHCN Distribution, Enugu, Alhaji Suleman Yahaya, who confirmed the development is said to have disclosed that items such as insulators, high tension copper wires and heavy iron channels were stolen. Yahaya described the vandalism as unfortunate, particularly coming at a time the government and others are working to improve power supply to consumers. Enugu is not alone. Oyo State has been affected. The management of PHCN, Olorunsogo Power Station, remarked that four people who vandalised the copper wires used for the earthing of the plant have been arrested at the switch yard of the power station. The management accused them of carting away about 500 copper cables valued at over N35 million. The management noted that the activities of the vandals exposed workers who could easily be electrocuted. Consequently, there are indications that the power station, commissioned by former President Olusegun Obasanjo may be closed for replacement of the damaged equipment. The vandals are said to have confessed that they usually jumped over the fence of the power station to gain access to the switch yard. They confessed that the stolen copper cables are normally sold to some places, including Papalanto for onward sale at the Alaba Market in Lagos. However, the Federal Government is not unaware of the activities of the vandals. Vice President Namadi Sambo has already vowed that government would not tolerate vandalism because of its negative impact on the sector and economy. Sambo who made this known at the 22nd meeting of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Board emphasised that vandals would be treated as economic saboteurs. He pointed out that sabotage needs to be handled with all the seriousness it deserves; especially as such activities are drawing back government’s efforts at achieving the set CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

ENERGY WEEK

A7 25

igeria is often described as a gas province with traces of oil, implying that the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s huge gas reserves are in excess of its crude oil reserves. In other words, the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 187 trillion cubic standard cubic feet of gas reserves are higher than its over 37 billion crude oil reserves. The dominance of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural gas is not without some reasons. First, the nation that recorded a major oil find since 1956 has been involved in commercial crude oil export since 1958. Second, the relative high prices, politics and influence that go with oil production and export attracted more investment to oil than gas. Unlike oil, natural gas investments came much later. Furthermore, no conscious effort was made at the pioneering stage of petroleum to embark on gas exploration and production. The nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reserves were stumbled into mainly in the process of searching for crude oil in various locations, including the Niger Delta. Unfortunately, the associated gas that emerged from the oil wells along with crude oil was not put into productive ventures. It was flared at the detriment of environment, thus polluting the air, sea and land which individuals, animals, plants and other creatures depend on for existence. That became the order of the day for several years because of many factors, especially weak monitoring and enforcement of existing legislations. The operators, including the multinationals preferred to pay the little government penalty while gas flaring and other illegal practices continued unabated in their oil and gas bearing areas. The practice is ongoing. For instance, a visit to Ido, a major oil bearing community in Akwa Ibom state shows serious devastation which gas flaring has already done to the people. The community, presently a ghost of its former self, wears a visible dress of various damages that are attributed to gas flaring. These include leaky roofs, polluted water, heat occasioned by gas burning and destroyed vegetation. Environmentalist, including Prof Hilary Inyang, the Duke Energy Distinguished Professor of Environmental Engineering and Science and Director, Global Institute of Energy and Environmental Systems at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA observed that average life span can be affected. From all indications measures put in place have been very slow in preventing and tackling gas flaring and related challenges in the country. Determined to reverse the trend as well as achieve key objectives, such as increased investment, exploration, production and utilisation of natural gas, the Federal Government and other stakeholders emerged with many measures. Paramount among them was the introduction and approval of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gas Master Plan was approved on February 13 2008. The Master-Plan is a guide for the commercial exploitation and management of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gas sector. It aims at growing the economy with gas the adoption of strategies such as creation of multiplier effect of gas in the domestic economy, positioning of the nation competitively in export markets and guaranteeing the long term energy security of the country. The nation also made legislations, policies and incentives to attract and retain serious investors in the sector. This culminated in the making of ma-

Power plant

Power stations: Still waiting for infrastructure to enhance gas supply Despite the availability of natural gas, many consumers, including operators of power plants do not always have enough to maintain operations. This sometimes cause suppliers and consumers to trade blames while consumers wallow in darkness. Determined to get to the root of the matter, UDEME AKPAN who visited some project sites made many revelations, including the fact that commercial quantities of gas have not been supplied to the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s network because of lack of infrastructure, especially pipelines. # ! # ! " !

Source: Ministry of Power

jor investments such as the West African Gas Pipeline project, Escravos Gas project and Nigerian LNG Project among others. These and some others have since came on stream, thus enabling the government and relevant stakeholders to improve gas supply for domestic use and export to other nations. Investigations showed that all is not well with the sector. In fact, the nation still needs more gas than it is presently producing for application in various sectors of the economy even when massive flaring continues in various locations. Take the power sector as an example. The power plants, including Afam and Egbin are powered on gas. Constant supply to the stations is often hampered by some factors, including shortage, vandalism and lack of pipelines and other infrastructure to deliver the product to power plants. The government and other stakeholders are not unaware of the challenge. Determined to boost commercial availability of gas for power stations, the government had approved the construction of pipelines in different parts of the nation. These include

Oben-Geregu and Obigbo-Calabar pipelines expected to enhance gas delivery to Geregu/Obajana to eastern link (Aka Ibom and Cross River) respectively. They include ELPS A expansion pipeline, involving the expansion of capacity from Escravos-Warri and Imo River- Aloaji pipeline expected to boost supply to Alaoji and Aba. They also include Itoki-Olorunshogo, NOPL Line from Rumoji-Obigbo Node-Imo River, ELPS Phase 2, OSO_QIT Line, Ob/ob-Oben Line and Calabar- Ajaokuta-Kano pipelines which are dedicated to Olorunshogo plants, Obigbo Node and others. Of these, only Oben-Geregu and Obigbo-Calabar have been completed. While others are fully funded, the Ob/Ob-Oben and Calabar-Ajaokuta-Kano Lines remain partly funded and yet to be funded respectively. But the sad reality is that many of these facilities have not yet been completed and put into use. This has impacted negatively on power generation in the country. The Group Executive Director, Gas & Power of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. David Ige who painted the true picture of the situation in a special presentation confirmed that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A significant amount of gas is stranded currently in the East mainly due to lack of infrastructure and the delays in NIPP power plants.â&#x20AC;? For instance, ExxonMobil is ready to provide additional100 mmscf/d. Agip Ebocha is ready to provide 50 mmscf/d. Total Obite is ready to deliver 60 mmscf/d to the network. The major challenge is that there are no functional pipelines to deliver the product to the network. The Obite Gas Plant is also awaiting the completion of Omoku NIPP that would take delivery of another 60 mmmscf/d of the product. Shell Gbaran is also awaiting the completion of Gbaran NIPP plant to take delivery of 60 mmscf/d, meaning that the total

quantity of gas being suspended is about 350 mmscf/d. However, hope is not lost on these and other schemes, particularly in terms of funding. Investigations showed that President Goodluck Jonathan who is passionate about boosting power supply in the country has directed that only projects with sufficient financial backup should be implemented. This aims at ensuring that such projects are completed on set target. More than that, efforts have been initiated to ensure that 3.5 bcf/d is supplied to over 30 existing and proposed power stations in the country. The government that has introduced an enabling policy framework to support gas supply to operators in the sector has also recommitted itself to the development of a robust gas grid, capable of bringing about rapid growth of gas supply from different sources. Consequently, medium and long term outlook appear is promising to investors interested in staking their resources in the capital intensive and technologically demanding sector. Most of the gas to power activities would be implemented through the instrumentality of the GCAN that has been created among others to manage Domestic Gas Supply obligations volumes. It is the first point of contact for Gas Buyers to access gas for domestic market use. This is important as the body was established to coordinate and manage wholesale gas supply from Gas Producers to eligible Gas Purchasers, ensures a balanced growth of all critical sectors of the economy. It is also the responsibilities of the body to conduct due diligence on eligible Gas Buyers and facilitate the execution of the GSAA and GTA between the buyer, seller and transporter respectively. From all indications, stakeholders may appear to be slow. But the future is seems to be bright.

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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Integrated energy: Getting the right mix The nation that is endowed with many energy resources has, over the years, exploited one form of energy or another to generate electricity without clear objectives. UDEME AKPAN reports that efforts are underway to develop a functional mix for the power sector.

nlike many nations, Nigeria is endowed with several energy resources, including crude oil, natural gas and renewables. Despite the huge endowment, the nation depends on a few resources, especially hydro and gas for the generation of electricity. For instance, Jebba, Kainji and Shiroro stations are powered on hydro. Afam 1-V, Ijora, Delta 1-1V, Sapele, Egbin, Alaoji, Geregu and Omotosho are all powered on gas. About 60 million Nigerians also use generators to generate their electricity, at the fuel cost of N1.56 trillion ($13.35m) yearly. Such private generators impact negatively on the environment, particularly through air and noise pollution. These and other reasons underscore why unguided energy development has been widely criticised. The practice has also been attacked, especially as it culminated in unbalanced exploitation, consumption and depletion of some resources. The practice which encouraged waste also denied future generations vital energy resources which could have been preserved for their consumption. Consequently, some stakeholders have made strong cases for positive change. For instance, the Duke Energy Distinguished Professor of Environmental Engineering and Science, and Professor of Earth Science, Professor Hilary Inyang who noticed some features in the present situation, including low energy use per capita, inadequate infrastructure, dominance of fuel wood in rural areas and inadequate incentives to boost investment in renewable energy development has tasked the government to evolve a balance energy mix for the sector. However, Inyang submitted that gas should play a dominant role as the nation has commercial reserves which could be harnessed for productive purposes instead of flaring at the detriment of the environment. He said, “At present, it has not been possible to harness significant gas for the use of the power plants because of inadequate pipelines. The pipelines were not put in place when the projects were constructed.” He continued, “With continuous gas flaring and oil pollution and other environmentally unfriendly practices, there are indications that the nation has not done much to protect the environment for the present and future generations of our people. This is not peculiar to Nigeria. Many other African nations have not also shown adequate concern for the environment. This is not good enough as the present and future generation have the right to good environment.” The government is not ignorant of the need to develop the energy mix. In fact, steps have already been taken to ensure that the realisation of a balanced energy mix becomes a reality. The Ministry of Power stated that, “The Federal Govern-

Kainji dam

AS A NATION, IT IS NOT RIGHT FOR US TO CONSUME EVERYTHING AT THE SAME TIME BECAUSE WE OWE THE FUTURE GENERATIONS WHAT THEY WOULD EVENTUALLY NEED TO MAKE USE OF AT THEIR TIME Inyang

ment alone is building 10 power plants plus transmission lines and substations under the National Independent Power Project (NIPP). What is more, hydro stations are to be built at Zungeru, Mambilla and Gurara.” It stated that, “State governments, which have now been permitted to generate and distribute power, are also building. Nigerian and foreign businesses are not left out. Not to be forgotten is that there are a number of abandoned dams in the country; we hope to generate electricity from some of them, ranging from 1mw to 10mw, which will be domiciled in their respective localities, instead of being on the national grid.” The ministry emphasised that, “We are going beyond the traditional sources of generating power in Nigeria, which are hydro and thermal sources. The Federal Government is leading the effort to build three coal-fired stations to be located in Enugu, Gombe and Kogi states, with each producing 1,000mw. We may need to remind critics that coal is the biggest source of power in the United States and South Africa, among other places.” It stated that, “What is more, Nigeria’s coal is of the highest quality worldwide because, among other properties, it has

little sulphur content. As part of the diversification programme, a 10mw wind farm is about to be completed in Katsina state. Studies are already being conducted on how we can make greater use of renewable energy, especially with the initial cost of building solar power facilities declining from 400% above the cost of building a gas-fired power facility of the same size to 150 per cent.” The ministry is not alone . Some research institutions think the project could be feasible. Take the case of Nigerian Geological Survey as an example. It documents that, “It appears that Kogi and Benue District can each support a coal-fired plant with ultimate capacity of approximately 3,500 mw. These plants would be built in phases to match the production buildup of the associated coal mining operations.” The survey made it clear that, “They will probably consist of several small units in the size range of 500mw to 700mw. The economics and logistics of coal transportation will probably dictate that the power plants be sited near the portals of the underground mine where coal can be conveyed directly to the generating facility. This region is considered to be tropical, so sufficient water might

be available to operate to operate a plant with cooling towers. If sufficient water is not available, it might be more economical to build a 50-70 kilometer pipeline from the Benue River to the plants than to transport the coal to a plant located on the river.” The organisation maintained that, “Based on the coal resource potential, these Districts should ultimately be able to support electrical generating capacity of approximately 7,000mw. There is the possibility that a third power plant of 2,500mw – 3,500mw might be supported by Enugu’s resources.” In fact, it raised hope that, “There is a good possibility that adequate reserves can be proven to support coal-fired electrical generation in the range of 7,000 to 8,000mw. It is possible that the coal resources in the east side of the Anambra Coal Basin might ultimately support 10,000 t0 15,000mw of electrical generation.” These bold steps have attracted the comments of some people. For instance, the National President of Oil and Gas Service Providers Association of Nigeria (OGSPAN), Mr. Colman Obasi noted that, “We in OGSPAN are pleased that the nation has started to talk about selecting appropriate energy mix. Like in other nations, it would enable us to select, develop and consume the energy resources that we feel we need to consume. It would also enable us to fallow or postpone for future use those resources we feel should not be consumed at the moment.” He remarked, “As a nation, it is not right for us to consume everything at the same time because we owe the future generations what they would eventually need to make use of at their time. That is why we should not put every available energy resource into commercial use just because they exist.” Obasi noted that the nation is rather late. He attributed the delay to some factors, especially lack of functional energy policy to guide the nation throughout a greater part of its post independence existence. As he worded it, “Appropriate energy mix is always a function of a nation’s energy policy. It is the policy that guides nations on the selection, development and application of energy resources, based on the need to realize set objectives.” He explained that, “Unfortunately, Nigeria did not have such a policy at independence. It took a very long time before the policy was put together. During that period, it is possible that many things went wrong which need to be corrected.” Specifically, the huge reliance on fuel wood or firewood for domestic cooking in households, massive depletion of huge forest reserves, erosion, the abandonment of coal which played a domineering role before and even after the nation’s political independence and non development of renewable resources could become history if the present initiatives of government and other stakeholders are nurtured to maturity.

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ENERGY WEEK A9 27

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Airport blackouts: Blighting national image O

n Saturday, June 9, 2012 a British Airways Boeing 747 aircraft from Heathrow Airport, London with over 300 passengers onboard after receiving a clearance from the Air Traffic Controllers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to land on the runway, touched down on the runway without the aid of the airfield lighting. The incident led to the closure of the runway for several hours by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), as the aircraft had to be on the runway for some hours. Lufthansa Airline and other domestic airlines, which had hitherto checked in passengers to Germany and other destinations had to disperse their passengers who had already boarded. The development also forced officials to divert inbound flights to land in other airports like Malabo, Equatorial Guinea and Port Harcourt. Also on March 10, 2012 arriving and departing passengers at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos were subjected to unnecessary hardship at the airport for several hours while the airline officials who profiled passengers had to switched on their torchlight and cell phones to be able to properly profile passengers. The incidents above were caused by blackout at the nation’s airports. Interruption of power supply to airports especially to the runway area is a regular occurrence and it’s gradually becoming a norm in the country. The continuous interruption of power supply to the nation’s airports by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), is however, giving the Nigerian aviation professionals and stakeholders sleepless nights. Those spoken to by National Mirror said that the act is giving the nation a bad image among the comity of nations and wanted the appropriate authority to take effective action to redress the situation immediately. The General Secretary of Aviation Round Table, Mr. Sam Akerele wondered why the power interruption in the nation’s airports has been on the increased in recent times and attributed this to the old cables and ineffective generating sets in major airports in the country. He explained that in the past, despite the irregular to the nation, power supply was regular at the airports, maintaining that several outages was a contradiction to the International Civil Aviation Organisation rule. According to him, ICAO in one of its annexes said that power outage on runways should not be more than 15 seconds, but decried that power outage at the nation’s airports in most cases extends beyond 20 minutes. He said: “Why must we continue to have power failure at Abuja airport? It is either the cables are old or the generators are not well serviced. It is shameful that we have to go to the National Assembly to give an order to PHCN to connect grid to the airport. In the no-

The consistent power outage at the nation’s airports is gradually becoming a disgrace to Nigeria. OLUSEGUN KOIKI takes a look at the effect of this on the country’s image.

Murtala International Airport

body takes light away from the airport; nobody tries that just like the hospital. It is compulsory and that is the only way you can sustain the economy. “At the National Assembly, someone who was supposed to be knowledgeable about aviation said that they restored the power supply within 20 minutes. ICAO Annex 14 on aerodrome, the standard is for runway light, they should not go down for more than 15 seconds, compared to 20 minutes. Most don’t know the standards and the solution was to go and buy more generators. “These standards are documented. We are not doing what ICAO says. It is a shame and a national embarrassment for light to be going off at the airport and nobody is sacked yet, nobody is queried and nobody has the morality to throw in the towel.” Also, the President, ART, Capt. Dele Ore, described constant outages at the airports as a disgrace and national shame. He said that the constant outages on runways and other navigational aids might one day spell doom for the country especially in the area of safety. He also faulted the handing over of the AFL to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria by the Ministry of Aviation. He explained that what the ministry needed to do was to provide a switch that could control the runway lighting to NAMA, rather than taking it over totally from FAAN, maintaining that this would affect the performance of NAMA soon. “It is a disgrace for us not to have

THESE STANDARDS ARE DOCUMENTED. WE ARE NOT DOING WHAT

ICAO SAYS. IT IS A

SHAME AND A NATIONAL EMBARRASSMENT FOR LIGHT TO BE GOING OFF AT THE AIRPORT AND

NOBODY IS SACKED YET, NOBODY IS QUERIED AND NOBODY HAS THE MORALITY TO THROW IN THE TOWEL power supply at our airports. It’s a big shame and we can even say that is permissible, but when we narrow it to navigational aids, runway lighting and other landing aids and all those things, they also affect flight safety and I believe we have not seen the end of it and it will get worse. “When this government thought it fit that AFL responsibility should go to NAMA, then I see more problems. All they needed to have done was to provide a switch that can control the runway lighting in the console, which the Air Traffic Controllers can just control with the touch of a button. Increase or lower the intensity of the lighting whenever the pilot asks for it and not the controlling of the whole lighting system.

“Sooner or later, they will get to a situation whereby NAMA would not even be able to pay salaries, you watch it.” On the argument that ICAO recognises airspace managers to be in charge of lighting at any airports, Ore said, “We wish them good luck. I don’t believe that is part of the responsibility of NAMA. It doesn’t make sense for NAMA to provide lighting at the airport. Who is the landlord at the airport? Is it not FAAN? The airport operator is FAAN. Whatever it is, don’t let anybody quote ICAO upside down.” However, the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah said that power generation to the airport would increase at the end of the remodeling exercise. Speaking through her Special Assistant, Media, Mr. Joe Obi, the minister agreed that power outage had been constant in the past few months in all the airports, but assured that power supply to airports would increase in the next few months. He said: “We all know the challenges faced by users and airline operators in the country, but I want to assure you that the government is looking holistically into all this. Everything will be addressed with this remodeling exercise of 11 airports in the first phase. This issue degenerated to this level because efforts were not made in the past to improve on the things we had. “Now that we are thinking in that direction, we will ensure that everything is addressed. The public has stood with us for a long time and we can’t afford to fail them.”

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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Electricity consumers should b For several decades, the nation’s power sector had existed without a regulator. In this interview with UDEME AKPAN, the Chairman/CEO of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi, tells the untold story of the sector before and after the creation of NERC, and other issues.

Can you paint a vivid picture of the power sector before the establishment of NERC? The nation’s electricity had existed for many decades. It should be noted that Electric power generation in Nigeria started in 1896, many years before the Nigeria Electric Supply Company (NESCO) was established in 1929. In 1951, the Electric Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) was created to inherit the assets of NESCO. The Nigeria Dams Authority (NDA) was established in 1962 mainly to develop the nation’s hydro-power potential. Later in 1972, ECN and NDA were merged to form the national Electric Power Authority (NEPA) which later evolved into the present Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). There is also the Federal Ministry of Power which major responsibilities are to make policies for the sector. There was no independent regulator in the past, even though the Electrical Inspectorate Services, a department in the Ministry, usually made efforts to make impact on the areas of regulation. Basically, what we had before was a situation where the government monpolised the entire process of power generation, transmission, distribution and policy making. What were the negative implications of the situation on the nation? Expectedly, the situation impacted negatively on a number of ways. First, there was basically no attraction for local and foreign investors to stake their resources in the country. Second, the sector did not witness much growth despite huge investment over the years, particularly because almost everything started and ended with the government. Third, consumers, including individuals and organisations did not witness commercial supplies of electricity to meet various needs. More than that, the economy of the nation was also affected, especially because of epileptic nature of power. What are the major goals and objectives of NERC? The advent of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has assisted to change the picture for good. The Commission which has leadership (excellence, transparency, courage and discipline), professionalism (proficiency, diligence, respect, fairness and accountability), teamwork (creating an environment of loyalty, trust, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement) and good governance (making decisions in a fair, transparent and consistent manner, in compliance with the laws of Nigeria and our regulations) as its core values is targeted at creating an investor-friendly industry and efficient market struc-

ture to meet the needs of Nigeria for: safe, adequate, reliable and affordable electricity. The goals and objectives of the Commission include the realisation of constant and reliable power supply, encouraging the participation of the private sector and ensuring that regulations that encourage profitable pricing and effective competition among market players are developed and implemented; appropriate codes of conduct and rules of engagement are also enforced to ensure an efficient and investor-friendly market. The Commission aims at monitoring operators to prevent abuse of the market power, ensuring consumers fulfil their obligations by paying for power used and their interests are protected, facilitate constant communication with consumers to ensure they understand their rights and obligations, ensure materials on consumer rights are available, readily accessible and establish and ensure an effective dispute resolution mechanism to guarantee consumer protection while also encouraging private sector participation. What bold steps have NERC taken to accomplish its goals and objectives, particularly in the areas of private sector participation, consumer protection and fair regulation? With all sense of humility, I can say that we have done a lot to accomplish set targets. Take the area of private sector participation as an example. Since its inauguration in 2010, we have removed hurdles that previously discouraged investors from investing their resources in the sector. This was done through creation of attractive market that is competitive to other environments. While attracting investors, we have been mindful of the need to protect consumers from undue exploitation by over-ambitious investors. These rules that govern different segments, especially generation, transmission and distribution are well-documented and publicised for all to know and practice, thus ensuring transparency in the management of issues in the sector. What major challenges do consumers of power still face in the nation? We have stressed that consumers of electricity ordinarily should be treated as kings at least for a reason. Without the market, which they constitute, there would be no opportunities for stakeholders, especially investors to explore and exploit. That partly explains why we hold consumer fora on regular basis to know and address issues that concern consumers of electricity in the country. Some of the problems consumers express include

Amadi

inadequate meters, crazy bills based on estimation and payment of fixed charges more than once a week. What efforts have been taken to address the problems? We have taken bold steps to tackle the various problems they encounter. In the area of inadequate meters, we are working in collaboration with relevant institutions, including the Minister of Power and the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to ensure adequate new meters are supplied to consumers without much difficulty. Already, the meters have been installed to many consumers in different parts of the nation. We have also made it illegal for new electricity customers to pay connection fees. They will now directly purchase the materials required for connection and make such materials available to officials of their local electricity distribution company for connection to the electricity grid. In other words, there will no direct exchange of monies between the customer and officials of the electricity distribution company for the purpose of connecting the customer. Under the present arrangement, consumers are expected to receive the

WHAT WE HAD BEFORE WA A SITUATION WHERE THE

GOVERNMENT MONPOLISED

THE ENTIRE PROCESS OF POW

GENERATION, TRANSMISSIO

DISTRIBUTION AND POLICY MAKING

list of materials required for connection from DISCO (electricity distribution company, fo known as PHCN) Service Centre. The materials purchased, will be evaluated for quality by th CO. This new regulation is part of the new c tion methodology released by NERC as it strive the power sector of corruption and protect e ity consumers from fraud and extortion ofte mitted against them by electricity companie new connection methodology provides that c ers who wish to be connected to the electrici must, through their licensed electricians, c their nearest DISCO Service Centre to complete service application form requesting for elec supply. This application form shall determin electricity load based on the quantity and type pliances (air conditioners, televisions, lighting etc.) at the customer’s premises. It is important for tomer to provide accurate information on their app for the DISCO to determine their appropriate type o

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ENERGY WEEK A11 29

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

be treated as kings –Amadi

WER

ON,

m their ormerly s, when he DISconneces to rid lectricen comes. The customity grid contact e a new ctricity ne their s of apg points, the cuspliances of meter

supply (single or 3-phase). After the submission of the new service application form, the DISCO will conduct an installation inspection at the customer’s location to assess the electrical wiring and to confirm the declared electricity load requirements. The measurement of the distance between the electricity pole and customer’s metering point will be taken to determine the length of the connection wire needed. After the assessment, the DISCO Service Centre will issue the list of required connection materials to the customer. The commission has also ensured that consumers of electricity pay fixed charges once a month irrespective of the number of times prepaid meter is recharged. Any CEO of a distribution company who allows its business units to charge consumers fixed charges more than once a month violates the MYTO and is liable for sanction. The Commission has declared that where electricity consumers are bulk-metered, the fixed charges will be shared among all the flats and not individually charged. Furthermore, the Commission has charged electricity consumers to stop the practice of disconnecting customers without proper notification. We had in the past few years encouraged operators and the government to tackle the various challenges consumers encounter. For instance, increased investment has increased the nation’s power generation, and by extension transmission and distribution from less than 2,000 megawatts (mw) at the advent of the present administration to over 4,000mw at the moment. A lot of investment has also been made, particularly in the area of infrastructure, including transformers and meters to ensure that improved power is supplied to consumers. What factors were considered in the selection of Manitoba Hydro International to manage TCN? Manitoba was selected a few months ago to improve on the nation’s low transmission, characterised by several losses. It competed along with other companies before the firm was selected for the work. What is your assessment of Manitoba Hydro International so far? It may be too early to assess the firm. The assessment would be made in the nearest future based on available facts and figures of its accomplishments. We will certainly assess Manitoba to ascertain its performance based on set targets. What mechanisms have been put in place to prevent consumers from paying fix charges more than once in a month as specified in the new electricity tariff regime - Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO2)? It is a crime for operators to charge consumers more than once a month. In fact, the new Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO2) regime, consumers of electricity will pay fixed charges once

a month irrespective of the number of times prepaid meter is recharged. Any CEO of a distribution company who allows its business units to charge consumers fixed charges more than once a month violates the MYTO and is liable for sanction. Where electricity consumers are bulk-metered, the fixed charges will be shared among all the flats and not individually charged. The Commission had received reports of illegal fixed charges demanded by some business centres. One particular instance involved residents of Victoria Garden City in Lagos who were individually metered and ought to be on R2 and to pay fixed charge of N500.00 monthly, but were asked to pay N21,256.30 before they could vend. The Commission investigated the claim and wrote to the CEO of Eko Distribution Company for the stoppage of the illegality. As part of ensuring that the new tariff does not become a windfall for the distribution companies while inefficiency continues in the system, we promised that these distribution companies will supply meters to every consumer within 18 months starting from June 1, 2012. Why do rural dwellers still pay for many facilities, including transformers before they are connected to the national grid? In the past, consumers of electricity were involved in many things that were not their direct responsibility. These included the procurement and installation of transformers in both rural and urban centres. But we have since made it abundantly clear that they should not do that anymore. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that adequate infrastructure, including transformer are put in place to enhance supply to consumers who have the responsibility to settle their bills as and when due. What steps have you taken to develop a balanced energy mix for the nation? The nation is blessed with many energy resources. These include crude oil, natural gas, water, coal and renewable such as solar and wind. Most of the nation’s power plants were designed to take water and gas. For instance, the thermal plants include: Ughelli, Sapele, Omotosho, Omoku, Olorunsogo, Okpai, Ihovbor, Egbin, Calabar, Alaoji, Afam while Kainji, Jebba and Shiroro are hydro in nature. We are at present making efforts to ensure that new plants would make use of the nation’s abundant energy resources, especially coal, wind and solar which the nation also has in commercial quantity. This aims at ensuring that we develop a balanced energy mix that would encourage the development and utilisation of a balanced energy mix in the nation. What major challenges do you encounter in an attempt to effectively regulate the sector? In carrying out our responsibilities,

THE PRESIDENT ESTABLISHED MAJOR STRUCTURES AND INSTITUTIONS, INCLUDING THE PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE ON POWER (PTFP) AND NERC WITH COMPETENT PERSONNEL TO CARRY OUT THEIR OPERATIONS we should be expected to encounter some challenges, particularly as a result of the enormity of work that is expected of us. One of these is the stubbornness of a few institutions that may be bent on having their ways. The NERC has over the years made it clear that no one is above the law. We will continue to ensure that the collective interest of the nation and the sector is respected above the selfish interest of a few people and organisations. Indeed, the problems we face are not insurmountable. Can all the problems be solved during the life time of this administration? As I said earlier, the present administration has strived to tackle many challenges in the sector. As a concern party, she is expected to do more in the coming months. But it should be noted that all the deepseated challenges may not be solved within a few years. Some of them may require a much longer time of consistent planning and execution to solve. The task of developing any sector of the nation’s economy should not be left in the hands of a particular administration alone. It should be the continuous responsibility of all stakeholders, especially the government that is expected to chart the required course for others, especially investors to follow. How do you assess the commitment of President Jonathan to transform the power sector? There is no doubt that President Goodluck Jonathan is committed to making a difference in the sector. This is the President that emerged with a roadmap, the first

of its kind for the sector. He hosted different fora, including retreat to brainstorm on topical issues with stakeholders, including investors, financiers as well as contractors and consultants. The President established major structures and institutions, including the Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP) and NERC with competent personnel to carry out their operations. He has ensured that the structures and institutions are well funded to accomplish set targets. The President has also closely monitored development as well as commissioned many projects and programmes targeted at ensuring that adequate and stable electricity is supplied to consumers in different parts of the nation. We can say without any contradiction that he is committed to the sector. What should operators and consumers expect from NERC in the coming months? As I said, we have done a lot to ensure that the nation gets an electricity sector that is competitive enough to attract massive investment from different parts of the world. This is targeted at generating commercial power for various types of consumers. We intend to consolidate on this in the coming months. This is very important, particularly as new investors are set to take over from PHCN. It is the duty of NERC to continuously create the enabling environment for all players, including Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to efficiently carry out their responsibilities in the sector in line with global best policies and practices.

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ENERGY WEEK

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Power companies: Great expectations as private investors take over At last, privateinvestors are set to take over the nation’s power firms. UDEME AKPAN reports that expectations are high as consumers expect them to do better.

or the 52 years of Nigeria’s independence, the Federal Government has held forte as the sole regulator, generator, distributor and marketer of electricity in the nation. The reasons were not farfetched. First, many people felt, and wrongly too that it was the government that had the resources to do so. Second, there were also many who thought that power issues were tied to national security which should not be left in the hands of private investors. More than that, inconsistent policies of past administrations also made it unattractive for local and foreign investors to show interest in the sector even when it became obvious that government had failed to deliver. Available statistics showed that despite the allocation of billions of naira and other currencies, the government did not accomplished much in the sector. From generation to transmission and from distribution to marketing, there are strong indications that not much accomplishments were made during the period. Consequently, electricity generation hovered between 1,000 megawatts (mw) and less than 2, 000mw for a population of over 140 million throughout a greater part of the period. This is meager considering the capacity of other nations, especially South Africa that is blessed with about 40,000 mw. It was even difficult to transmit and efficiently distribute the limited volume of electricity to consumers in different parts of the nation because of insufficient infrastructure and other challenges. These resulted in too frequent blackouts and instabilities that impacted negatively on individuals, households, institutions and the economy in general. In fact, at the advent of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration, power generation was a little over 2,000 mw while many parts of the nation experienced chronic darkness for a greater part of the year. Determined to change the picture, the Jonathan-led administration that adopted the sector as a strategic area of interest established some structures, capable of enhancing the planning and execution of different projects and programmes. These included the Presidential Action Committee on Power, consisting of ministers and heads of agencies that have important roles to play in the sector. The committee has the responsibility to develop policy and grant instant approvals for critical decisions, thus bringing about fast execution of decisions. The government also sets up the Presidential Task Force on Power, which has representation from relevant agencies such as the Federal Ministry of Power, the Bureau of Enterprises (BPE), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Agency (NERC), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Bureau of Public Procurement, the Accountant General of the Federation and the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to drive the implementation of the reform. With these and other structures in place, the government produced and launched a roadmap for the nation. The blueprint states the direction which the government was to go in the sector as well as the roles which different stakeholders were expected to play. This was followed by the holding of presidential retreat for investors before the government embarked on show shows to selected locations with high concentration of potential investors such as London, South Africa, Dubai, United States. These and other actions aimed at enabling the government to effectively execute the nation’s National Electric Power Policy (NEPP) which sets out the policy framework for re-designing the sector. The redesign has the legal backing of the Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act. Specifically, the 2005 Act provided for the creation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to take over the assets, liabilities and employees of the defunct National Power Electric Authority (NEPA). As the Director General of BPE, Ms. Bola Onagoruwa pointed out: “It called for the unbundling of PHCN into successor companies and ensuring greater operational autonomy; market development; privatisation of successor companies; establishment of the Nigerian Electricity

Atedo

NORTH-SOUTH POWER COMPANY LTD, WHICH HAS NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT AS A STAKEHOLDER, WON THE BID FOR SHIRORO POWER PLANT WITH AN OFFER OF $23.6M INVESTORS IN NORTH-SOUTH INCLUDE INDIGENOUS FIRMS XS ENERGY LTD, BP INVESTMENT LTD, URBAN SHELTER LTD AND ROAD NIGERIA PLC Regulatory Commission (NERC); and establishment of the Rural Electrification Agency and Fund to provide electricity to the rural areas as well as fund rural electrification projects.” The Chairman of the Council’s Technical Committee, Mr. Atedo Peterside also added that: “The Act also paved the way for implementation of what has come to be known as the seven pillars of the Power Sector Roadmap. These included the empowerment of an Independent Regulator for the sector (NERC); establishment of a Bulk Trader; introduction of cost-reflective electricity tariffs (via the Multi Year Tariff Order).” These seem to be bold steps at the right direction. The feats were boosted when government opened financial bids for five of the power generation companies this week. Details showed that five consortia with members including local firms – First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Forte Oil and Transnational Corporation Plc, – as the preferred bidders of power generation companies slated for privatisation. A total of eight consortia bid for successor companies, including three thermal plants namely, Geregu Power Plc, Sapele Power Plc, Ughelli Power Plc and two hydro stations located in Shiroro and Kainji. A breakdown showed that Transcorp and Wood Rock/ Symbion/Thomasen PSL Power Consortium emerged as the preferred bidder for Ughelli Power Plc with a bid price of $300m. Transcorp is chaired by Tony Elumelu, the former Chief Executive Officer of UBA. Elumelu’s company, Hiers Holdings, has the single largest stake in the conglomerate. Amperion Consortium, including, Forte Oil Plc, which has Mr. Femi Otedola as its Chairman, emerged as the preferred bidder for Geregu Power Plc, with a bid offer of $132m. Amperion Consortium emerged reserved bidder for the Ugheli power plant with an offer price of $252m. Other partners in Amperion include Guernsey, a UK-based firm

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and Shanghai Municipal Electric Power of China. CMEC/Eurafric Energy, a consortium made up of First Bank Plc, won the bid for Sapele Power Plc with an offer of $201million while JBN-Nestoil Power Services Ltd, a group made up of Julius Berger Plc and Nestoil Limited, emerged preferred bidder with an offer price of $106.5m. For the hydro plants, which are being concessioned for an initial period of 15 years, the bid for Kainji was won by Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd, which offered to pay yearly fee of $50,760,665. It will also pay an upfront commencement fee of $237,870, 000. The bid for Shiroro Power was won by North South Power Company Ltd at a fixed annual fee of $23,602, 484 and a commencement fee of $111, 654,534.30. A group, North-South Power Company Ltd, which has Niger State government as a stakeholder, won the bid for Shiroro power plant with an offer of $23.6million Investors in North-South include indigenous firms XS Energy Ltd, BP Investment Ltd, Urban Shelter Ltd and Road Nigeria Plc. The group also includes China International Water Electric and China Three Gorges Corporation, an electric power utility firm. For Kainji, Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd, a consortium with some firms, including NIGELEC, a Niger Republic registered company, was declared the preferred bidder with an offer of $50.7million. Peterside who explained the processes that led to the emergence of the winners said the NCP ensured that transparency and due process characterised every stage of the exercise. He declared that the government is determined to ensure that the privatisation process is concluded in a very transparent manner. Peterside also explained that government was selling outright its equity in Ughelli and Sapele power plants, while only 51 per cent of its equity in the Geregu plant was being offered for sale. Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation, Senator Gbenga Obadara and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Power, Hon. Patrick Ikhariale, described the emergence of the preferred bidders as historic in the annals of the nation’s privatisation programme. They urged the preferred bidders to develop necessary strategies that would make Nigerians enjoy improved electricity. Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp, Mr Obinna Okudo, told reporters that his company would “deliver optimum services to Nigerians.’’ “We are going to let Nigerians know that a Nigerian company can lead a foremost Nigerian sector (electricity),’’ he said shortly after his company was announced as the preferred bidder for Ughelli. Also speaking to reporters, Peterside said the selection of prospective core investors was hinged on their “technical competence and financial capability.’’ “You need technical knowledge to run your company, and also financial capacity to expand it.’’ The entry of the new investors has created missed reactions that are driven by two schools of thought. The first is dominated by labour whose officials believe expect untold suffering for employees. For instance, the General Secretary of National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Mr. Joe Ajaero and others have at different occasions remarked that the privatisation of the stations would culminated in retrenchment o personnel, thus causing hardship for their families and dependants. Ajaero and his colleagues vowed to halt the handover of the Ugheli, Geregu, Sapele, Shiroro and Kainji power plants to successful bidders unless the government pays their severance packages. However, the second school is optimistic that the involvement of the investors is the beginning of a new dawn for the investors, workers, sector and the nation. For instance, Onagoruwa is optimistic that the participation of private investors would lead to increased inflow of funds required to boost investment in the capital intensive sector. This, she believes would lead to improved performance, meaning increased supply to consumers. The Director General looks forward to improved transparency and accountability, particularly as the private sector is known for some attributes, especially due process in its operations. She also expected limited political interference and a level playing field/ ground for all investors. More than that, the DG also expects the release of government’s funds to finance projects and programmes in other sectors of the economy.

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ENERGY WEEK

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Vandalism, other challenges threaten power supply Electricity supply is usually affected by factors such as lack of gas and low water level in dams which hinder generation. UDEME AKPAN reports that increased wave of vandalism also constitutes a serious threat to government efforts targeted at improving supply.

Power Station

ith the system collapse of the nation’s power transmission system, investigations that ensued and measures taken, many stakeholders expected to experience rapid improvement in power supply at least for a reason. First, the Ministry of Power that examined the various realities in the sector emerged with plans to boost power supply. For instance, under the short term plan, which is to last between two and seven months, ministry promised that there would be moderate improvement in supply. This is mainly because the period would witness the completion and operation of some new power generating plants, transmission lines and a more developed distribution pattern. Furthermore, the medium term, scheduled for execution between 2013 and 2015 would witness the privatisation of generating and distribution centres, expected to boost electricity supply in the country. This plan further raises hope as the ongoing strengthening of the operations of the Nigerian Electricity regulatory Commission (NERC, and bulk trader will fast track the medium term plans. More than that, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) is expected to conduct its activities, especially privatisation of power institutions in a transparent manner in order to attact competent investors into the sector. The ministry raised hope that the labour force would settle down to play positive roles as all issues would have been resolved during the period.

VANDALISM HAS AFFECTED THE TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRICITY TO CONSUMERS IN DIFERENT PARTS OF THE NATION The long term also has some great expectations. This phase is expected to witness increased diversification into renewable energy source. The ministry stated that, “We would like to inform Nigerians that, to engage more robust interactive and transparent power governance in the country, we launching today Electricity Customer Service Web Portal. This is open to the public to make complaints, which will be addressed by the people operating in the areas. It is also interesting to note that it is the duty of government to provide transformers for communities within the network of operations of PHCN as it is today and we want the public to cooperate in this regard by making formal re-quest through the approved channels to avoid the cur-rent situation where people complain that they pay for their transformers and cables. The ministry stated that “We want to submit that we are committed to the need and plan to satisfy the needs of Nigerians and all efforts in this regard amidst challenges, which we take cognizance of, will be addressed. We hereby solicit your cooperation and support and we request that you use the customer service web portal to reach us on any issues that remain unclear to you.”

From all indications, these seem to be good plans, capable of impacting positively on the sector. However, there are strong indications that operations are presently threatened by vandalism. The latest report of the Ministry of Power showed that the Afam/Alaoji 132KV line has been vandalized. Other lines vandalized include the 330KV in Delta line, 330KV Osogbo lines 1&2, 132 KV Bida line, 132 KV Suleja line and 330KV Jebba line. The vandalism has affected the transmission and distribution of electricity to consumers in diferent parts of the nation. For instance, the vandalism has affected the supply of electricity to 35 communities in Enugu State. The vandals allegedly destroyed a major installation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) at Udi Siding, thus, disrupting electricity supply in Enugu and its environs. The Managing Director of PHCN Distribution Enugu, Alhaji Suleman Yahaya, who confirmed the development, is said to have disclosed that items such as insulators, high tension copper wire and heavy iron channels were stolen. He described the action of the hoodlums as unfortunate, adding that the incident

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had been reported to the security operatives and the PHCN Headquarters, Abuja. The vandalism is not limted to Enugu. In Oyo State, the management of PHCN Olorunsogo Power Station reported that it caught four vandals at the switch yard of the power station after they had successfully vandalised the copper wires used for the earthing of the plant. The management stated that the vandals made away with about 500 copper cables valued at over N35million from the gantries in the switch yard of the Olorunsogo 720mw and 350mw power stations in the recent past before they were caught. The management noted that the activities of the vandals have exposed workers to various risks, including electrocution. The vandals were said to have confessed to the crime and disclosed that they normally scaled through the fence of the power station to gain access to the switch yard. They revealed that the stolen copper cables were normally sold to a receiver at Papalanto, who in turn, disposed them at the Alaba Market in Lagos. However, the Federal Government seemed to be worried over the rising trend. For instance, Vice President Namadi Sambo stated that the government will no longer treat vandals with kids gloves. He stated that they will be treated as economic saboteurs who deserve serious sanctions. The vice president the resolve of government to tackle vandals is based on its commitment to realise set targets in the sector. The target of the government is to to increase generation from the present 4,000mw to 6,000mw by next year. This, according to the government would involve a lot of efforts, especially installation of new equipment and maintenance of old facilities. This would also call for the completion of the Nigeria Independent Power Projects (NIPPs), remote and off-grid projects; ensure national grid reinforcement, transmission of network growth and maintenance by effective deployment of Transmission Use of System (TUoS) charges to complete intervention projects; and ensure efficient distribution of transmitted power with minimal technical and non-technical losses. From all indications, the battle against vandalism should not be left for the government alone. There is a need for every stakeholder to wage a relentless war against vandalsim at least for some reasons. First, the expected victory over the vandals would encourage new investors to invest their resources in the sector. Second, this would go a long way to enabling the nation to accomplish new targets. It should be noted that the nation requires to invest over N520 billion to increase generating capacity from 4200mw to 13000mw by 2013.

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ENERGY WEEK

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

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Access to prepaid meters still difficult The hope of consumers was raised when government announced its determination to make electricity meters available to them. UDEME AKPAN reports that touts have threatened to derail the implementation of the plan.

or the past one year, Mr. Godwin Nnadi who operates a furniture outfit along Demurin Street in Ketu, Lagos was unsure of his monthly electricity consumption. The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) whose officials never cared to read his obsolete meter estimated that he should pay between N5, 000 and N10, 000 monthly. He always paid though he felt exploited. Nnadi never wanted to be disconnected as his business meant so much for him and his family. However, determined to find a lasting solution to the problem, the carpenter paid N25, 000 for a single phase electricity meter in January. Contrary to his expectation, the important facility was not installed at his premises within a few weeks as the PHCN promised its officials would. Instead, some touts who paraded themselves as officials of the company emerged to make several promises. They promised to get the facility installed within days if they were paid between N10, 000 and N30, 000. The unsuspected carpenter negotiated with one of them and paid N20, 000. Unfortunately, the tout disappeared and never to be seen anymore. Nnadi is not alone. Mr. Akin Salami, a shoemaker in Yaba area of Lagos has another experience to share. Like Nnadi he also paid for a single phase meter since November last year. He was not connected despite several visits to the office of PHCN in the area. As he puts it, “I cannot recall the number of visits I had to make to the office of PHCN. The visits were countless and fruitless. The most annoying thing was that I continued to pay estimated bills whether there was power supply or not.” Salami did not patronise the touts. He kept on bothering officials of PHCN who later installed the facility at his shop in March. Salami who painted a vivid picture of the activities of touts stated that “I thank God that I did not give them money. They were the wrong set of people to deal with. It was later that I got to know that they were touts. It is indeed dangerous to deal with them.” The experiences of the duo are not peculiar. Rather, they represent the untold stories of what many consumers encounter in the process of procuring the new meter which was to forerun the implementation of the new power tariff on June 1, this year. A visit to eectricity distribution companies in Lagos and its environs showed that they have become Mecca of sorts to consumers with several challenges, ranging with overbilling, disconnection and delayed installation of the new meters. A source who preferred not to be named confirmed the existence of touts. He said “There are many touts in the system. We have already received a lot of information about them. But we advice customers not

Electricity meters

THERE IS NO NEED FOR CONSUMERS TO PATRONIZE TOUTS. HAVE OVER

1,000 NEW

METERS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF CONSUMERS IN

EKO ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION COMPANY

to patronize them because they are not our staff.’ Some firms, including Eko Electricity Distribution Company have gone further to educate consumers. The firm posted in its website that “prepared meters are readily available for installation within one month of payment of N25, 000 for single phase and N55, 000 for three phase. There is absolutely no additional payment to be made.” It also directed consumers to report anyone demanding bribe or re-questing for gratification before responding to electricity fault, meter installation, repairs of transformer and connection of electricity supply to the Anti Corruption and transparency Unit established to assist in realizing transparency and all forms of sharp practices. Spokesman of the firm, Mr. Godwin Idemudia who confirmed the development in a telephone interview made it emphatic that “There is no need for consumers to patronize touts. We have over 1,000 new meters to meet the needs of consumers in Eko Electricity Distribution Company. Already, many consumers have taken delivery of the meters. The ministry documents said, “We have commercial stocks of the new meters in all parts of the nation. Consumers should be told to stop patronizing touts. If touts are not patronized, they would run out of business.” It stated that: “The distribution of the meters is key to the successful execution of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s power

reforms. The Chief Executives of Distribution Companies know this and are making efforts to ensuring that meters installed for consumers so that they can be properly billed.’ The moves of many electricity consumers to secure new meters before the implementation of the new tariff have been scuttled by touts who makes several demands before the installation of the meters in different parts of the nation. Investigations showed that the touts demand as much as between N10, 000 and N20, 000 before accepting to install the meters for consumers, even after such customers have paid the official N25, 000 or N50, 000 for single and double phase meters respectively. This means that many customers would not be able to secure the new meters before the implementation of the new tariff. It also means that they would likely pay more as their bills would be based on estimation. The Ministry stressed that it has been engaging many sections of the society to let them know that the meters are free. It maintained that: “Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) carries out a major review of electricity tariff every five years. This is a major component of the Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO). The practice is in conformity with the law which created NERC and spells out its responsibilities. The Electric Power Sector Reform Bill was in 2005 passed into law by the patriotic compatriots in the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Federal Republic, thus becoming the Electric Power Sector Reform (ESPR) Act, 2005.” It maintained pointed out that in carrying out the mandatory review, both NERC and the Government of Nigeria are duty bound to ensure that the outcome is fair and just to all stakeholders, namely, the Nigerian people as well as producers and suppliers of electricity. The Ministry stated that: “The urban poor and rural dwellers, who have been paying N7 kilowatt hour, will now be paying N4 per kilowatt hour. In addition, they will no longer be paying fixed charge and meter maintenance charge. The Government has also decided to make meters available to this category of Nigerians free of charge; the cost of producing and main-

taining their metres is now part of the electricity charge. This class of Nigerians comprises those who consume 50kilowatt hour or less per month. They are called R1 consumers.” It is based on its conviction that electricity must be considered a fundamental right of the people. As it puts it: “For the weakest members of our society to continue to have access to it, this administration has provided for an approximate N50billion subsidy this year and another N50b subsidy for next year. Members of the middle class, who fall into the R2 category and comprise 80percent of power consumers in Nigeria, will also benefit from the subsidy. They will be paying a slight increase of 11 per cent in tariff.” The Ministry stated that electricity subsidy is remarkably different from petroleum subsidy. According to the institution, “Unlike petroleum subsidy, there is no cash involvement in electricity subsidy, as the whole essence of electricity subsidy is to shield weak members of society from the negative side of market forces. We consider it unfair to require the very poor in our society to pay the same rate for electricity as affluent members of society. It will be unwise to demand that wealthy citizens pay the same tax rate as poor people simply because both groups go to the same market.” The Ministry who requested consumers to pay the new tariff said the cost of self generation is prohibitive stated that: “It is at least four times the cost of having public power supply. According to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), industrialists in Nigeria generated a little over 4,000megawatts in 2010, which is about the quantum of grid power generated last January, the highest amount of power ever produced in our national history.” It stated that: “The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), for instance, is in dire straits. It owes critical suppliers humungous amounts of money. The PHCN is owing N400billion. The creditor firms are huge companies, so they have been able to bear the tremendous burden of the debt crisis. But how long will the situation remain like this? The bad news I have for you here is that these companies are threatening to stop further supplies until the debt is settled. If the threat is carried out, it will mean a loss of well over 1,000MW. This is a very significant quantum of power.” The Ministry expressed government concern to resolving this and other issues in the sector tasked the PHCN to ensure all bottlenecks are removed on the paths of consumers. It challenged Chief Executive officers and others to ensure the product gets to every consumer without delay. The Minister implored consumers to pay only N25, 000 and N55, 000 as installation costs for one phase and three phase meters respectively. Investigations showed that many distribution companies have started to give serious attention to the directive. Spokesman of the Eko Electricity Distribution Plc, Mr. Godwin Idemudia stated that here is no need for consumers to patronize touts as the firm has commercial stock of the facility to install for consumers.

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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

ENERGY WEEK A15-33

A16-34 ENERGY WEEK

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

ENERGY WEEK A17 -35

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ENERGY WEEK A18 36

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Energy crisis takes toll on manufacturers Energy crisis has been considered as impediment to the manufacturing sector. Its devastating impact on industries has forced many businesses in Nigeria to close shop. STANLEY IHEDIGBO, reports.

takeholders have complained about the persistent energy crisis hitting the nation’s industrial sector. The impact has, however, significantly undermined efforts through various economical policies geared towards achieving a sustained economic growth, increased competitiveness of domestic regional and global markets. Although, the country has rated as the leading manufacturing nation in Africa, even with South Africa, a fast growing economy, pulling behind Nigeria. But with the erratic power supply facing the sector, the position may become a history only if the Federal Government maps out another strategy that will bring quick result in its power sector reform. This ugly development has led many companies to have relocated, shut down or reduced operations in Nigeria, throwing thousands into the job market. As a matter of fact, it has become tag line that the energy crisis is the leading hurdle for manufacturing activities in the country, bringing untold hardship on manufacturers that mostly generate their own power at exorbitant costs. According to information gathered by National Mirror recently, average electricity supplied by Power Holding Company of Nigeria to industrial consumers per day dropped from 9.7 hours in 2010 to 6.7 hours in 2011. Manufacturers have said that attracting investment into the economy faced a big hurdle, just like the future of operating firms remains uncertain under this era of lack of infrastructure. They believe that if the energy challenge, which comes only after infrastructure, could be tackled, the plight of manufacturers in the country would be a great relieve to the sector. They also agreed that a relative stability in power generation and supply

ALL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM SHOULD BE UPGRADED AND EXPANDED. IN ADDITION, MORE INVESTMENT SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED IN THE INDEPENDENT

POWER PROJECT (IPP) THROUGH PROVISION OF ADEQUATE INCENTIVES

Ajayi

will reduce operational costs in industrial production in the country. According to the manufacturer, “All power generation and transmission and distribution system should be upgraded and expanded. In addition, more investment should be encouraged in the independent Power Project (IPP) through provision of adequate incentives by the government to private investors.” At the 51st Annual Conference of The Nigerian Association Of Chambers Of Commerce, Industry, Mines And Agriculture (NACCIMA), the National President, Dr. Herbert Ajayi, lamented that the unabated incessant epileptic power outage in most parts of the country, especially in industrial zones has not only created untold hardship on the citizenry, but has led to low capacity utilisation of manufacturers as well as continue to reduce productivity of the real sector operators who now depend mainly on private provision of alternative sources of electricity through generators, thereby

BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PRIVATE INVESTORS contributing to the high cost of doing business in Nigeria. He added that government should immediately take deliberate measures to ensure a sustained improvement in power supply situation in the country through full privatisation of the transmission and distribution of power supply and remove its monopoly from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), as well as continue to support Independent Power Projects (IPPs) and all other initiatives for the exploration of alternative sources of power, to encourage efficiency. “We, therefore, wish to say that this is necessary because the guaranteeing of regular and stable supply of power is very critical to the development of an economy like ours that is aspiring to become one of the 20 most developed Nations in the world by year 2020” , he stated.

Ajayi urged that government should work in partnership with the private sector to commission and build Independent Power Generating Plants in each state of the country to supply power to the state alone while also facilitating a “communal scheme” whereby stand-by generators are installed with change over facility for power distribution within residential and industrial clusters and estates with the residents as major stakeholders. The founder and President, the Nigeria –Malaysia, Mr. Larry Segun-Lean, said that without electricity they cannot be production and government have to address that quickly. He added that because it is causing being deindustrialisation where people are moving from the industry to trading because there is no stability power supply for them to produces, adding that if the issues is not been addressed , Nigeria will continuing to go downward . Also speaking on the subject, Director-General of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Olayinka Akande, said that the gas utilisation at both the industrial and domestic fronts should be expanded through adequate investment in gas gathering and distribution infrastructure, while its utilization for power generation is encouraged through the establishment of more thermal power plants. He said that the lack of adequate power is exerting a great toll on businesses particularly the high cost of Low Pour Fuel Oil and Automated Gas Oil. According to him, “These are industrial fuels used by manufacturers to power heavy generators for factory use. The hike in prices will definitely add to the woes of the sector which the government is working vehemently to ameliorate”. Akande added that as an association, they have met and come up with a manufacturing blueprint, which the power issue was the major points emphasized with proffer solution measures to assist the government in its reform. He said that Federal Government needs to build and strengthen publicprivate partnership in the area of energy and manufacturing.

FG adopts new measures to boost power supply CONTINUED FROM 24

target in the sector. Investigations showed that another challenge to be tackled is lack of meters. Investigations showed that the meters have not yet been installed for customers who have already paid specified fees many consumers who paid specified fees in different parts of the nation. Contrary to the present realities, authorities believed the customers should be able to get the facility without much difficulty. For instance, Eko Electricity Distribution Plc maintained that, “We are dedicated to ensuring our customers enjoy great customer service. The meters are readily available for installation within one month of payment of N25, 000 for single phase and N55, 000 for double phase.” It cautioned that, “There is absolutely no additional payment to be made.” The firm urged customers to report fraudulent activities, including extortion to the Anti corruption and Transparency unit of the company for verification and action. Investigations showed that the unit has received several complaints from members of the public.

The spokesman for the firm, Mr. Godwin Idemudia stated that, “We still have commercial stocks of the new meters to install for customers. Once consumers fill the form, pay and show evidence of payment, we always commence the process of installing the facility for them without additional charges.” Consequently, both customers and power officials do not know exactly how much power many households consume. Their bills are merely based on estimation which is not accurate. A visit to the offices of PHCN showed that many consumers pay regular visits to make complain on daily basis. For instance, a consumer who preferred not to be named in Lagos remarked that: “I live in a two bedroom apartment with no major power consuming facilities. It is therefore incomprehensible how I can consume electricity to the tune of N10, 000 per month.” The government is aware of the situation. For instance, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is opposed to excessive billing of customers. The commission expects distribution companies to obtain an actual reading

of all meters and base bills on such actual meter reading. In cases where a distribution company is unable to obtain an actual meter reading, due to its inability to gain access to the meter, the distribution company is expected to depend on the customer’s own reading. Distribution companies are to ensure that the estimate accurately reflects the customer’s expected usage for the period and shall not under any circumstances artificially inflate it. The commission does not allow distribution companies to disconnect customers arbitrarily. Customers can only be disconnected after 10 working days from the date of delivery of the bill to the supply address or a delivery address provided by the customer. The commission puts the penalty payable by the distribution company for unlawful disconnection, is a minimum of =N= 1, 000 to a maximum of =N= 2, 000, for each day the customer remains disconnected. Apparently to prevent these and others, the Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi tasked consumers to strive and get the new meters installed for them, particularly as those without the facility would likely pay more for electricity.

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As a key player in the power sector, how would describe the implementation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s Roadmap on power? Well, as far as I am concerned, the government is doing much more than what the roadmap contains, because the Roadmap is not really just what power sector roadmap. It is power sector reform roadmap. Even at that, the government is doing more than that and the private sector is doing more than that already. That is why we have always said that there must be a power sector development roadmap that goes over far and above the power sector reform and addresses all other issues of development of the sector. As I said earlier, if you watch the government activities they are doing more than what is prescribed in the roadmap. They have bold initiative in the coal-fired power generation. They have bold initiatives in the hydro power area like the Mambila, the Zungeru and some others. They are also doing some things in renewable energy, small hydros, wind power, solar and so on. These are already going on, but they are not part of any roadmap. So, there is need to work on another roadmap to embrace all these and in fact, look into the future up to another 25 years and work in such a way also that they make it mandatory for any government that comes to follow such roadmap. Sir, from what you have said so far, you feel the government is on the right track in the power generation drive. In concrete terms, how would you describe the achievements of the agenda so far? There is a lot of achievements. When the NIPP started in 2005, there were just like seven power stations in the grid. You had Afam, you had Sapele steam plant, you had Delta turbine plant and Egbim steam plan. You had Shiroro, you had Jebba hydro and Kainji hydro. That is among medium and large scale plants, just about seven of them. But since the NIPP programme started, you have had Olorunsogo Phase 1 which came on and then Phase 2. You also had Omotosho Phase 1 come on and then Phase 2 as well as Sapele gas turbine power plant completed under NIPP and commissioned and in fact various units of it are on the grid. You have also had the Alaoji gas turbine power plant completed and you have Geregu nearing completion with 400 megawatts. That is already seven and you also have Ehobvo mechanically completed and then we are expecting that towards the end of the year or early next year we would have Barain, Omoku and Egbeme also completed. When you add those three, you are talking of 11 new power stations coming up. I think we have put in more power stations than we had in the system previously and these are verifiable projects. Of course the issue could arise that people may say you have all these things yet the actual power supply has not improved. It takes time to get these things finalised. Incidentally, the infrastructure for power supply is responsive in a peculiar way that other infrastructure may not really be liable. I mean that if for example we are doing a road project, say we want to do a road from Abuja to Lokoja, if they clear the route, if the terrain is firm enough, motor vehicles can start using it after clearing of the bush. It does not have to wait until you do the final surfacing. But you cannot do that with electricity. In electricity you have to finish everything, the entire project before you can switch on. That is it. So, we have to wait for that

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

ENERGY WEEK

A19 37

Consistency in governance will boost development of power sector –Anyaeji Weight down by many issues, many people and institutions, especially still doubt the future of the nation’s power sector. In this interview with TOLA AKINMUTIMI, the Chairman of the Electric Power Foundation of Nigeria, Engineer Otis Anyaeji painted a vivid picture of development, problems and prospect of the sector in the coming years. despite the existing customs regime. So, the same strategies could be applied to those who are interested in manufacturing electrical equipment. Of course, there are cable makers in Nigeria, some of them in Lagos, some of them in the East, who are surviving and I hope you realise that the general assessment of their products confirm that what they make is better than what is imported. So, that tells us that there is hope for a lot of contributions in terms of those manufacturing local equipment in the country.

Anyaeji

mandatory period to get the benefits of the investments. From what has been done so far by the BPE, do you feel the entities will be able to provide this critical end of the chain, that is, fixing the transmission and distribution components of the reform agenda in the power sector? In transmission, the government is appointing a management contractor that is going to administer both the systems and market operations for the transmission system and I even understand that they have been given some down payment. So, it is being expected that within few days or so the railing will be in place and with that kind of development, definitely it means government is serious on that. The BPE has in fact for many years been very affirmative about the privatisation of the sector. They have tried a few times to do just that but I am sure it is not for want of trying or a will on their part that we have not really realised that. I think if there are things that are hampering that, it is a thing that is above them. But observing what they are doing now, I am confident that they are going to get these successor companies privatised shortly. What are your member-companies really doing to add-value to the current drive to improve the performance of the power sector, particularly the NIPP programme? Oh definitely our member-companies are the consultants, the contractors, the manufacturers that are providing services and goods to the NIPP programme. By that I mean these are the people that design and engineer the various projects and they also construct and commission the projects and they manufacture the items of equipment and machinery that are incorporated on these facilities. Based on your industry experience, do you feel the current regime of tariff on

imported electrical products is good enough to protect indigenous manufacturers of these cables, switches and other inputs? Well, you know looking at the question of tariffs gives us the impression that we, perhaps, have planned that all these inputs must continue to be imported. I hold a contrary view. It is not all that needed to be imported. Some, yes, can be imported but quite a lot of the things we import we should be able to manufacture them in Nigeria and so there might be some other charges or tariffs to talk about but not tariffs of electrical equipment but perhaps tariffs of certain raw materials which we don’t have or certain components which we are not able to produce that will be brought into the country. So, that is how I think I want us to begin to look at that whole picture because from the NIPP experience a good deal of the equipment that has been imported into the country can well be made here and the timeframe of setting up facilities to make such type of equipment is not so long. That is, say within 24 months if the government gives all the support that will be needed the type of funding and facilities you need to manufacture of electrical equipment and materials can be established in Nigeria. Do you feel the cost of business will local companies’, including your members’ products compete favourably in the subregional and global markets? Of course, I will give you an example. There is a company called Innoson. They manufacture or assemble buses and the prices they are charging their buses prices rank among the cheapest in the market and they are based in Nnewi. So, if we say the electric power situation is not favourable for manufacturing, they are also still subject to such disadvantages but still manage to make vehicles that are cheaper than the ones that are imported,

How do you assess the involvement of foreign investors, including General Electric in power sector development so far? Well, we really need all good hands on deck. It should not only be General Electric, it should not only be Siemens, it should be all those who have anything to contribute and who are ready to invest here in order to create job opportunities for our people and factor in local inputs into the manufacturing process in various products so that there will be truly Nigerian industry in terms of manufacturing electrical equipment in Nigeria. The use of such locally manufactured equipment and machinery and execution of the projects that are being done in the country. Given past experiences on capital projects in the country, how do you think the current Power sector reform can be implemented and consolidated upon in the years ahead? This can be worked on by a change of attitude on the part of the Executive and Legislature. Hitherto, the idea especially within some of the political parties is that the Legislature must support the Executive whether the Executive is right or wrong. But this is entirely wrong. The Legislature if you want to reduce their functions to one sentence is established to check and if possible, block the Executives, especially when they are deviating from measures and activities that ought to promote the greatest good among the greatest number of the people. That is what the Legislature is set up for. So, there has to be a change whereby the Legislature should see itself as a means for a separate arm of government that is menant to check and balance the Executive not to collaborate with it. It may work with the Executive but that will be on the basis of principles and acting on behalf of the people and not on behalf of themselves that what the Executive is doing is good and that is the basis they are supporting them and when the Executive is doing what is not right they should block them. So, with that definitely any government that comes will have to follow the plan or programmes that have been endorsed by the Legislature, a plan that has been put into proper perspective and is supported by legislation. The Legislature has powers to make sure that such plans are followed.

A20 38 ENERGY WEEK

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

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Health & Wellbeing Top Nigerian physicians to present papers at AMAGE congress

NOISE POLLUTION: ‘I better pass my neighbour’ generators now in vogue all over Nigeria

A vendor sells his wares with some noise

Noise, noise, noise, everywhere ... More Nigerians going deaf, warns ENT surgeon SAM EFERARO

ave you ever wondered why many Nigerians seem to talk louder than people from other parts of the world? An ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist says this could be traced to the noisy atmosphere everywhere in the country. Dr. O.G.B Nwogu, an ENT surgeon at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, says Nigerians are daily inflicting injury on their ears through loud music, noise from generating sets, aircrafts, churches, mosques and several other sources of noise which have become parts of our daily lives. “Take, for instance, we are supposed to have electricity in this country for twenty-four hours, but what we have are just ‘I better pass my neighbour’ type of generators in some areas. Assuming that you have this in a household or in a house where we have maybe about six tenants, each one with his own kind of generating set and NEPA goes of,f you know the kind of thing that is generated there. So, all these impart on the ear and eventually, because these things are sustained over time, it becomes chronic and damages the hearing organ.” Dr. Nwaogu says noise becomes injurious when it is sustained and greater than 80 decibels (measurement of sound level). According to him, when an individual is exposed continuously for about eight hours to 80 decibels of sound and above, the noise could really become injurious. And this, according to him, is the type of high level noise Nigerians subject themselves to on a daily basis, especially in the cities. “If the thing persists over a period of time and does not give room for recovery, it becomes permanent, so we now begin to say that the person has now gotten noiseinduced hearing loss. “When the thing is so prolonged that the normal level of hearing is now so compromised that when you do a pure tone audiometry on the individual, the person

cannot even pick. Even when you give a sound at 100 decibels, the person does not even hear it, it then means the person is deaf.” Asked what the consequences of the high level of noise could be for Nigerians, Dr. Nwogu simply said: “Definitely, they are beckoning to deafness without knowing it.” Unfortunately, according to the ENT specialist, the enforcement agencies have not lived up to their responsibility in controlling the high noise level in Nigeria. “We are supposed to have monitoring and evaluation team from the Ministry of Health. And we have measurement instruments, sound level meters, that they are supposed to use to check environmental noise. In fact, we are supposed to have an environmental agency, “These are supposed to be part of their job, but they don’t do these things or when they do, they just look away. There are minimum permissible sound levels. When the thing is more than 30 decibels, you shouldn’t allow that, not to talk of when the thing now goes to 80. That is one side of it. “Have you gone to the production companies - the breweries, mineral producing companies, or the weaving industries? These people use heavy machines, but what are the regulatory bodies doing? The workers don’t use protective devices like ear plugs. Which of the companies provide the devices to their workers? They (regulatory bodies) are supposed to visit these companies on regular basis and make sure they enforce the regulations but they don’t. Maybe when they go, they are compromised.” Asked why it seems Nigerians are louder than other nationals elsewhere in the world, Dr. Nwogu attributes this to the Nigerian environment which, he says, is so noisy that the individual now feels he has to shout to be heard. “If you look at such loud people, the environment in which they grew up is a noisy environment and because that has been built in their subconscious that maybe the person is not hearing them they tend to talk louder. Talking louder could as well be a pointer to the fact that

Dr. Nwogu

the hearing is defective. “There have been publications to show that we really have varieties of hearing loss in various population.” Indeed, a report published sometime ago by the International Journal of Paediatric confirmed the high incidence of hearing impairment within the Nigerian population. The study, which involved 359 school children in Lagos, revealed that as many as 13.9 per cent of the pupils suffer from hearing loss. The researchers found that among those children who were suffering from hearing loss, 8.9 per cent experienced mild hearing loss while 2.8 and 0.8 per cent respectively, were suffering from moderate and severe hearing loss. Yet, it is only in just two per cent of the cases did parents or teachers observe signs of hearing loss!

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, November 21, 2012 dren’s right to live in a safe environment and be protected from injury. 1. Many serious injuries can be prevented if parents and other caregivers supervise children carefully and keep their environments safe. Young children, especially as they begin to move around on their own – and particularly between 12 months and 4 years old – are at high risk of injuries in and near the home. Almost all these injuries can be prevented. Prevention requires supervising children carefully and keeping them away from dangers, such as cooking fires, water sources, places where they can fall, roads, and items that can poison, choke or hurt them.

Preventing children from injuries

2. Young children are at risk on or near the roads. They should not play on or near the road and should always have someone older with them when they are near or crossing a road. They should wear a helmet when on a bicycle or motorcycle and should be securely strapped into an age-appropriate child restraint when being transported in a vehicle. Children may be hurt when they are crossing or walking along roads, or if they play near roads. Young children do not think before they run onto the road.

very year, nearly 1 million children die from injuries. Tens of millions more require hospital care for non-fatal injuries. Many are left with permanent disabilities or brain damage. Injuries affect children of all ages. Girls and boys under 5 years of age are at particular risk. More boys than girls die from injuries. The most common injuries are traffic injuries, non-fatal drowning (sometimes referred to as near drowning), burns, falls

Families need to: watch children carefully fence the house and close the gate to prevent young children from running onto the road teach young children never to cross or walk along a road unless accompanied by an adult or older child prevent children from playing near the road teach children not to run after balls, moving toys or kites that go on or near the road

and poisoning. Traffic injuries and drowning are the leading causes of injury-related death. The most common place for young children to be injured is in or around their homes. Almost all injuries can be prevented. Families, communities and governments have an obligation to ensure chil-

Compound in grapes, red wine could be key to fighting prostate cancer

esveratrol, a compound found commonly in grape skins and red wine, has been shown to have several beneficial effects on human health, including cardiovascular health and stroke prevention. Now, a University of Missouri researcher has discovered that the compound can make prostate tumor cells more susceptible to radiation treatment, increasing the chances of a full recovery from all types of prostate cancer, including aggressive tumors. “Other studies have noted that resveratrol made tumor cells more susceptible to chemotherapy, and we wanted to see if it had the same effect for radiation therapy,” said Michael Nicholl, an assistant professor of surgical oncology in the MU School of Medicine. “We found that when exposed to the compound, the tumor cells were more susceptible to radiation treatment, but that the effect was greater than just treating with both compounds separately.” Prostate tumor cells contain very low levels of two proteins, perforin and granzyme B, which can function together to kill cells. However, both proteins need to be highly “ex-

SCIENCE

pressed” to kill tumor cells. In his study, Nicholl introduced resveratrol into the prostate tumor cells, the activity of the two proteins increased greatly. Following radiation treatment, Nicholl found that up to 97 percent of the tumor cells died, which is a much higher percentage than treatment with radiation alone. “It is critical that both proteins, perforin and granzyme B, are present in order to kill the tumor cells, and we found that the resveratrol helped to increase their activity in prostate tumor cells,” Nicholl said. “Following the resveratrol-radiation treatment, we realized that we were able to kill many more tumor cells when compared with treating the tumor with radiation alone. It’s important to note that this killed all types of prostate tumor cells, including aggressive tumor cells.” Resveratrol is present in grape skins and red wine and available over-the-counter in many health food sections at grocery stores. However, the dosage needed to have an effect on tumor cells is so great that many people would experience uncomfortable side effects.

sing a technique performed at Johns Hopkins but rarely elsewhere, imaging specialists and surgeons have successfully used precision, image-guided technology to glue shut a tangle of abnormal blood vessel growths in a 43-year-old woman’s upper lip, face and nose. Surgery had earlier been ruled out because traditional approaches were considered too risky. Susan Adams, an accountant from Owings, Md., says her arteriovenous malformation (AVM) had caused a decade of spontaneous nose and lip bleeds that were difficult to control, and that more than a half dozen previous operations had failed to stop the bleeding or facial disfigure. Adams’ condition is rare and notoriously difficult to treat. Her AVM had grown -for no known reason -- between her upper lip and base of her nose. As it grew, her

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instruct children to walk on the side of the road, facing traffic if there is a sidewalk, teach children to use it rather than walk on the road. When crossing the road, young children should be taught to: stop at the side of the road look both ways listen for cars or other vehicles before crossing hold the hand of another person walk, not run in urban areas, use pedestrian crossings avoid crossing the road at a curve or between parked cars avoid crossing roads with high-speed traffic. Children are also at high risk of serious injury if they travel in the front seat of a car, unsupervised on the bed of a truck or agricultural machinery, or on a motorcycle. In a car, children should use an age-appropriate child restraint or a booster seat until they are 150 centimetres tall or 10 years old, when they are big enough to use an adult seat belt. While travelling with parents or other caregivers on a motorbike, all passengers, including children, should wear a helmet that is securely strapped under the chin so it cannot come off in case of an accident. Bicycle accidents are a frequent cause of injury and death among children. All children should learn road safety and wear a bicycle helmet when riding a bike. 3. Children can drown in less than two minutes and in a very small amount of water, even in a bathtub. They should never be left alone in or near water. Drowning may cause brain injury or death. To prevent children from drowning, parents and other caregivers should always closely supervise children who are near or in the water.’

Precision-guided needle used to shut abnormal blood vessel growth

upper lip and skin above it had bulged out, causing the lower-left side of her face to droop. If left untreated, the condition can lead to lifethreatening blood loss from a burst vessel. For her May 14 procedure, which took about two hours at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, interventional neuroradiologist Monica Pearl, M.D., used an ultrathin needle, precisely guided from the outside in by real-time ultrasound scanning and angiog-

raphy, to puncture Adams’ facial skin and several of the outermost and largest tangled blood vessels. Once the needle was inside the abnormal blood vessels, which are no more than 1 to 2 millimeters wide, Pearl injected a glue-like substance to block each vessel and cut off the blood supply to any smaller, abnormal branching blood vessels. Pearl says this effectively destroyed the blood vessels making up the AVM. — ScienceDaily

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Health & Welbeing

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

WaterAid, UNICEF, others seek political will on improved sanitation, water MARCUS FATUNMOLE AND JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

takeholders have called on all tiers of government to show greater commitments to sanitization and water crises as prerequisite to promoting human wellness and comfort. The calls were contained in separate briefings by End Water Poverty and WaterAid in Abuja to mark World Toilet Day which was commemorated, glob-

ally, on Monday. Both organizations work towards improved sanitation and water. Also, in a release, the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) yesterday, stressed the need to end open defecation through sustained commitments by government to enhanced sanitation and increased public access to water. Addressing journalists, Country Representative of WaterAid, Dr Michael Ojo said: “While we welcome the commitments made by

our government, too many of these remain unfulfilled or off-track. Children are still missing school and still dying needlessly from diseases caused by unsafe sanitation and contaminated water. To solve the sanitation and water crises, our politicians and our leaders need to honour the commitments they have made. “World Toilet Day gives us the opportunity to reflect again on the sheer number of people who still do not have access to adequate sanitation around

the world – a staggering 2.5 billion people across the world are still without access to adequate sanitation. In sub-Saharan Africa, 223 million people practice open defecation and 193 million do not have adequate sanitary facilities. “Consequently, 2,000 African children die every day from entirely preventable diarrheal diseases. With the largest popula-

and hygiene practices, he added”. In the same vein, End Water Poverty has stressed the need for decision makers to make true the agreements and promises they make at global level, especially in attaining the Millennium Development Goals 2015 target, and should understand that water and sanitation underpin all aspects of human development as investing in them would accelerate progress in health, education and economic productivity.

Top Nigerian physicians to present papers at AMAGE congress

L-R: Senate President David Mark; Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu and Global Government Relations Leader for Sub- Saharan Africa Procter and Gamble, Tope Iluyemi at the Formal launch of National Oral Health Policy in Abuja.

tion in Africa, a huge proportion of these numbers are found right here in Nigeria where 103 million people still defecate in the open. Current estimates show that only 32 per cent of Nigeria’s population have access to improved sanitation facilities, with 36 per cent coverage in urban areas as compared to 28 percent in rural areas. An estimated 86,000 deaths mainly among children under five occur annually due to diseases predominantly caused by poor sanitation

o fewer than 30 Nigerian physicians and researchers are billed to present papers along with their counterparts from other parts of the world at the prestigious Sixth Congress of the African Middle East Association of Gastroenterology (AMAGE) which opens tomorrow in Tinapa, Calabar, Cross River State. Organised in collaboration with the Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Nigeria (SOGHIN), kicks off next the congress will be attended by internal medicine physicians specialising in the diagnosis and treat-

ment of diseases of the digestive system (Gastroenterologists) from all parts of the world. Among the Nigerian speakers are the AMAGE Secretary General, Prof. Olusegun Ojo a professor of anatomical pathology and consultant histopathologist at the Obafemi Awolowo University and Teaching Hospital, Ile- Ife who will also be chairing some sessions, Chairman Local Organising Committee, Calabar Prof. Rowland Ndoma-Egba, President of the Nigerian scientific committee of the congress Prof. Musa Mohamed Borodo and Dr. Ebere An-

omenze, medical director of Mount Pleasant specialist hospital, Lagos. SOGHIN officials including Prof. Dennis Ndububa of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Publicity Secretary Dr. Adamu Samaila of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria,Treasurer, Dr. Edith Okeke, Jos University Teaching Hospital, and a member of the scientific committee, Prof. Funmi Lesi of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos among several others will also present papers on different ailments of the digestive system.

GSK launches branded generics LATEEFAH IBRAHIM-ANIMASHAUN

n a move to help sanitise the African pharmaceutical market currently faced with a proliferation of unwholesome generic medicines, multinational pharmaceutical company, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, (GSK) has launched a range of generics to provide access to safe and quality medicines across the continent. Speaking at the launch of the products in Lagos last Tuesday, the company’s Commercial Development Manager, Africa, Mr Jide Adeosun said the branded generics being introduced in some African countries are in line with the GSK’s reputed standards.. “In line with our mission and our value of putting patients first, we are committed to improving

access to GlaxoSmithKline medicines in Africa. The launch today of our valued health medicines is a practical demonstration of meeting our mission and living value. The addition of the drugs has provided us an opportunity to enrich our portfolio with cardiovascular and oncology molecules. These brands cut across various categories: anti-infectives, cardiovascular, metabolic, gastroenterology, central nervous system and oncology.” Mr. Adeosun assured that the Value health products share the same GSK quality heritage and were being introduced at affordable prices while the company would also ensure stable supply chain to guarantee availability. In a presentation at the launch, attended by delegates from some African countries including Cote I’voire, Ghana, Gabon,

Uganda. Tanzania and Nigeria, Prof. Udoma Mendie, a professor of pharmaceutics and dean, school of pharmacy, University of Lagos described the circulation of bad medicines in virtually all countries in the African continent as “the greatest sorrows of Africa” saying they are responsible for therapeutic failure in patients. He cited studies across the African continent which revealed that several generic drugs in circulation either do not contain the same active ingredients as the original formulations or do not even contain any active ingredient at all. According to him, no fewer than 53% of all generics of a very popular antibiotic (ceftriaxone), for instance, failed the specifications of the manufacturer of the original formulation when tested in line with the quality standards

L-R: Commercial Development Manager-Africa, GlaxoSmithKline, Mr. Jide Adeosun; Chairman of the occasion and Managing Director, Jaykay Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Jimi Agbaje; Managing Director, Eris Ltd, Uganda, Mr. Anselme Sahabo and Guest Speaker, Prof. Udoma Mendie, during the GSK’s Branded Generics Launch in Africa, in Lagos recently. PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

specified in European and US pharmacopoeias. “One generic had 10 contraventions/ most common failures were clarity and presence of thiotriazinone, a degradation product; 53% contained over 5 times the number of particles found in (the original formulation) and 32% (11/34) of the products’ content was more

than 10-fold,” he disclosed. The don also cited a study in Senegal which revealed that 95% of a generic antibiotic contained flour and no active pharmaceutical ingredients, while 90% of another, contained no active ingredient. “In 1995, 50,000 people in Niger received a fake meningitis vaccine

which directly led to 2,500 deaths. According to the WHO, this documents one of the most fatal cases of counterfeited products. In a 2006 survey of the packaging and drug quality of 293 oral anti-infective and paracetamol products in the Ivory Coast, 49 (17%) were deemed substandard.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

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Arts Lounge Bazaar of art, photography, music

44 TERH AGBEDEH

etting sponsorship for the arts from corporate Nigeria has always been a difficult task and the 14-year-old Lagos Book and Art Festival, LABAF is not exempt from this dearth. The Stampede event of LABAF 2012, held on Sunday night at Freedom Park, Lagos with the theme: ‘The Music in the Book, The Book in the Music’ was where ‘100,000 Poets for Change’, which closed the event, took place. Speaking to Arts Lounge after the wellattended Stampede, Mr. Toyin Akinosho, Secretary General of the Committee for Relevant Art, CORA, organisers of the event, said he was not going to talk about achievement over this edition of LABAF with the theme: ‘Narratives of Conflict’ in spite of the fact that more people attended and more sponsors came onboard. For Akinosho, who is also the publisher of Africa Oil & Gas Report, that is not enough. “Yeah, it’s good, but of course, for me, it’s a work in progress in the sense that you’ve got to work on increasing that in Nigeria because of our poor literacy and poor attitude to some of these things”, he said. Akinosho further stated that the objective is to go beyond just trying to achieve increment in the number of people who attend. “The idea is to actually expand what we are doing so that there will be more communities that are engaged in this kind of thing. This is a Lagos Island audience, what about the guys in Dopemu and Ajangbadi? We’ve got to begin to engage that kind of reading process with all of these people, so we can move away from just one annual showpiece and become what I call – (I’m using this agricultural term) extension service – and become such that you have a relationship with people who live in Alagbado and they come to a certain event where you are talking about reading”, he explained. Asked about the two new sponsors that came onboard this year, Akinosho, who revealed there was a big crowd at LABAF this year because of amazing publicity, thanked the sponsors. He, however, lamented that the whole amount of the quantum of money that came in for the event was not up to N3million. “And if you consider that for this venue alone, they are still expecting us to pay N1million then you know what I’m talking about”, he said. About the fundamental problem with funding the arts in Nigeria, Akinosho said there was no use dwelling on the problem, because “if we keep on doing this and it grows bigger, people will sit down and take notice”. Akinosho said if the 2012 LABAF, which was beamed live on BubblesFM.com, were to be aired on television for instance, and people see that, it would be easier to get sponsorship. Chief Executive Officer of Inspiro Productions, Mr. Ayoola Sadare, who pro-

Big-budget sponsorship eludes art events LABAF organiser says: “it is a work in progress” IT IS TRUE THAT THE CORPORATE WORLD DOES NOT SEEM TO LOVE THE ARTS IN

NIGERIA, BUT THERE IS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE PACKAGING

Tolar

Akinosho

Sadare

duced the Jazz Night aspect of LABAF this year, confirmed as much. Responding to the question of what organisers of art in the United Kingdom, for instance, do to get huge audience participation or sponsorship, he said the arts was a work in progress in Nigeria. “The arts here is not like the arts over there. For you to promote the arts here, you must love the arts; it’s like a calling. Over there, they have grants and foundations. It is true that the corporate world does not seem to love the arts in the country, but there is also a problem with the packaging”, he explained. He added that other industries like banking and insurance in Nigeria had their own problems, but have since been

revolutionised. “There was a time you’d go to the old generation banks and you will have to wait in line for a whole day. But 15 to 20 years down the line, there is Internet and mobile banking. So, never say never”, he stated. Sadare, whose recently held cultural exchange programme between South Africa and Lagos, ‘A Tale of Two African Cities’, got rave reviews, said he was convinced that the time would come for the arts industry where people would see the potential and the seriousness of it. “So, to that end, I do not blame corporate Nigeria. What you don’t understand, you will not invest in. The onus is on a few people to be able to package what we do in the art into a language that they can under-

stand”, he said, adding that for LABAF to have been on for a decade and half means that the people behind it must believe in what they are doing. While responding, Aj. Dagga Tolar, poet and president of the Lagos State Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, who has always found time to be at LABAF, preferred to tow the line of the decay in the society. “The question of funding ultimately largely lies in our collective resources. I do not fundamentally agree that in our lives, our social relations, we must wait for private profiteers to make it available. Not for a society where 80 percent of the resources are in the arms of the public treasury. That is why I laugh at the enormous wisdom of individuals that will sit down and tell us that the very thing destroying this society is the only direction in which this society can be developed”, he said. The Lagos ANA president contended that if one were to look at infrastructure that are underdeveloped today, a greater majority of them are products of socalled public controlled resources of the past period. “Take university education, for example, all the expansive university education that we have had and the second generation universities built from the oil boom of the Gowon era. The so-called private universities are universities that people cannot afford to attend”, he said. About LABAF, Tolar said that whatever success possible is only an indication of what is possible at the end of the day. “Coming here can sort of portray the general problem that is going on in this society; what is happening to literature, to the arts, to the book industry. And yet, for every normal, civilised society, people cannot seem to be normal if they don’t expend enough time in all of these areas”, he said.

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Arts Lounge

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

MIDWEEK JUMP

LET’S

T AL K FAD

Dr. Bello comes to Eko Hotel

r. Bello, the film by Tony Abulu featuring top Nollywood acts, Genevieve Nnaji, Stephanie Okereke, Ebbe Bassey and Femi Brainard, along with Hollywood’s Isaiah Washington and Vivica A. Fox, makes its first appearance on Nigerian soil this weekend after it premiered at the Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts in Washington DC, USA in September. On Friday, November 23, the film will hold its Lagos premiere at the Genesis Deluxe Cinema, The Palms, Victoria Island, Lagos. Dr. Bello is produced by Tony Abulu, President and CEO of Black Ivory Communications, a multi-faceted media firm with 30 years’ experience in film production, entertainment, publishing, international marketing and African tourism development. Abulu is also the President of Filmmakers Association of Nigeria, USA (FAN, USA). The film was made with a loan given by the Nigerian Export and Import Bank

(NEXIM). Guests expected at the premiere in Lagos include the film’s star actors and a host of others from the film industry. After Lagos, the film goes to London for a screening on Friday, November 30 at the Odeon Cinema, Bugsby Way, Greenwich.

Transatlantic exhibition on at CCA Lagos

ue to show the exhibition till January 27, 2013. The Progress of Love is to explore how today’s African artists reflect on universal emotions in a changing global society. Organisers said The Menil Collection, The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts and the CCA, Lagos offer distinct, but related presentations and a major publication will document the Triple-Venue Project Said to be an unprecedented collaboration, arts institutions in three cities and on two continents will join together to explore the changing modes and meanings of love in today’s global society, as seen by more than two dozen contemporary artists from Africa and a select few of their counterparts from Europe and America.

he Progress of Love transatlantic exhibition, a Triple-Venue Project opened at the Centre for Contemporary Art, CCA, Yaba, Lagos on November 16. CCA is doing the show in collaboration with The Menil Collection, Houston and The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts. It will show at the Menil Collection in Houston on December 2, 2012 to March 17, 2013 and the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts on November 16, 2012 to April 20, 2013. CCA will contin-

Application for LASG/ Nollywoodup training opens

he Lagos State Government (LASG)- through the “Innovate Lagos” project and Nollywood Workshops have opened application for the Nollywood Upgraded Project, which will assemble 100 successful applicants for a training between December 3 and December 7, 2012. The training is free for all attendees and application is available at www.nollywoodup.com. Selected applicants will participate in workshops in Cinematography, Screenwriting, Post-Production, Di-

Afolayan

recting, Sound, Acting and The Business of Film and Distribution, taught by leading global film professionals. Training team includes seasoned Nollywood and Hollywood filmmakers and educators like Tunde Kelani; Kunle Afolayan; Cinematographer Ed Gutentag (whose film credits include War of the Worlds, Austin Powers, Forrest Gump); actor Keppy BasseyInyang; screenwriter Lee Zlotoff (MacGyver) and Producer Robert Caputo (National Geographic), amongst others.

Kelani

with

Fidelis Duker

fidelisduker@yahoo.com

Letter to Mr President (1)

y initial promise last week was to continue the write-up on the breakup of Mo’Hits group led by the duo of D’Banj (Dapo Oyebanjo) and Don Jazzy (Collins Enebeli). After an initially reflection on the happenings and comments on the Mo’Hits issue by numerous commentators, I have decided to allow the issue rest in peace and send this passionate letter to Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the present state of the creative industry. Mr. President, with utmost respect for your seemingly genuine interest in the creative sector, especially the movie and music industries in Nigeria, it is therefore heart wrenching to recount out misgivings over the way our industry has been treated in the last 18 months even with our overwhelming support for you during the 2011 election. I will, therefore, like to itemise our issues with your government on the role this administration has played in the affairs of the creative sector. I will start with the $200million Intervention Fund that NEXIM and BOI are claiming to be custodians, which, of course, many of us are still in the dark if it really exists in the first place. Interestingly it started with your promise before the 2011 general election of a $200million intervention fund for the entertainment or creative industry. So far, I can say on authority as a major stakeholder in the sector that I cannot point to any stakeholder or practitioner in the creative sector that has accessed this fund because all you hear is that the funds are in Bank of the Industry (BOI) or Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM) and some of us begin to wonder where the funds really are. It is also interesting to say that the Managing Director of NEXIM, at a press parley, said over N2.2billion has so far been disbursed from the entertainment fund and my question is simply the four W’s and one H of ‘Who’, ‘When’, ‘Where’, ‘What’ and ‘How’ this humongous fund was disbursed? It also beats me when I realise that both agencies of government have discovered a new penchant for organising or supporting workshops, trips and even travelling abroad to seminars, fairs and expos, all in the name of interfacing with the creative sector which, to me, is falsehood. I will mention some of these meaningless trips- NEXIM, for example, was at Cannes Film Festival earlier in the year and DISCOP in Johannesburg; that is apart from the government workshops and seminars like Zuma Film Festival and the NCC copyright reforms which has generated so much bad blood amongst stakeholders based

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE BEAUTY OF

NOLLYWOOD IS THE IDEA OF AFRICANS MAKING THEIR OWN FILMS FOR THEIR PEOPLE on the fact that they were not invited. For the Bank of Industry, their own intervention was a lacklustre, grandiose exhibition during the 2012 London Olympics where they had gone to seek Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). But as a stakeholder who was in London, I can say not much was achieved. Mr. President Sir, it is important you check the activities of these agencies because even the projects NEXIM claims to have funded are basically filmmakers from diaspora coming to access funding in Nigeria for projects in Nigeria. It is important to note that the beauty of Nollywood is the idea of Africans making their own films for their people. It will, therefore, be a misnomer when we allow creative from diaspora re-colonise us. It is also very important to narrow down this letter from the entire creative sector, to the Nigerian movie industry (Nollywood) where I belong. It is on record that after eight years of presenting an executive bill for the regulation of motion picture industry in Nigeria called the MOPICON BILL, it is still pending with the Ministry of Information. My appeal to Mr. President, who I know loves the creative industry, is to immediately intervene in a sector that if properly harnessed can be a major contributor to the Nigerian GDP and you can imagine what that will do to the economy via employment generation. It, therefore, beholds on you to address this issue through the setting up of a ‘Presidential Committee’ to address the issues of the creative industry and I promise you if achieved, posterity will remember you as the president who salvaged and included the creative industry in the main stream of the Nigerian economy. This passionate letter Mr. President, is in two parts and I will say I have only just given you the first part. But the second part will channel its focus to specific solutions to the problems, because as a major stakeholder and two-term president of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria, I speak the mind of most of my colleagues in the creative sector.

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FAR AND NEAR

Wizard of Law delights Abuja ADEBIMPE OLATUJA

GM Photo’s stand at the exhibition

Bazaar of art, photography, music TERH AGBEDEH

he maiden exhibition of art, photography and whatnots titled: ‘Bazaar’ held recently at The Knot Centre, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) at the weekend in Lagos. On display for three days were works of art, photography, bead display, make-up, Ankara and shoes. Most of the exhibitors designed and created their own products. Bukky Toyosi Ojukotola, one of the exhibitors, who studied architecture at the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) made a statement in mixed media with meaningful and self-explanatory works. “Art is in my family, but we are not allowed to practice it”, she said.

Post-humous birthday for Christy Essien-Igbokwe NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

ady of Songs, Chief (Mrs.) Christy Essien-Igbokwe may be gone, but her legacies still linger. Which is why what would been her 52nd birthday anniversary last week turned a time to share gifts with the downtrodden in Lagos, courtesy of members of her immediate family. It started with a church service which held at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church, GRA, Ikeja. Afterwards, the train moved to the Red Cross Motherless Home, Yaba and Modupe Cole Handicapped

She stated further that her parents would not have her study art because they are from a corporate background. Ojukotola produced such works as: ‘Yorinbo’, ‘Abike’ and ‘Eyo Masquerade’, among many others. Another interesting stand was DM Photo Concept and Creativity, whose Managing Director, Ofei O. Godwin, showcased his photography. His revealing images take one back to what Lagos was before the transformation. One such photograph is the old Oshodi showing buying and selling, passengers boarding buses and the sea of heads that characterised Oshodi of old. Godwin said his images tell stories. “Oshodi was once like this, but today, it’s wearing a different look. I took the shot because the only thing that is constant in life is change”, Home, Akoka to donate food items and other gifts. The high point of the event was the cutting of the posthumous birthday cake, which the children in both homes ate with joy. The team, led by Essien-Igbokwe’s husband, Edwin, later returned to their Omole, Lagos residence to entertain guests. A visibly excited Edwin Igbokwe said: “We did exactly what she would have done if she was still alive. We went to church to thank God for everything before proceeding to keep faith with one of the legacies she left behind. Surely, she will be happy that we did it and we will never fail her. Giving was one of her callings and we won’t let her down. We made it a low key affair because she was never a loud person while she lived and it has been the tradition. Very soon, we shall unveil the other programmes she pursued before her death”.

he said. G-Top Communications showcased motivational books and other reading materials. “I’m trying to improve the reading culture, which has been on the decline, with this exhibition; if we want to have a great nation, we must have leaders who are readers”, the Managing Director of G-Top, Nebo Peter Chinedu, said. Oro Wendy Bikomo of The Knot Centre said the positive feedback during the exhibition will spur them to organise the event twice a year. Other exhibitors at Bazaar included The Gipht Shoppe, Fab Fashion, Lapay’s Clothings, Clothz and Shoez, among others. It ended with musical performances by Afroholic and Boomerange, both members of Workerman Movement led by the award-winning comedian and musician, Koffi Idowu Nuel.

buja-based outfit, Arojah Royal Theatre returned to the stage on Wednesday, October 31 with Zulu Sofola’s classic satire, The Wizard of Law as part of its effort to revive the live theatre culture in the nation’s capital. Arojah is one of the few professional, private theatre companies still operating in Nigeria despite the various challenges resulting in the decline of live theatre in Nigeria and Abuja especially. The stage presentation was another stellar performance enjoyed by theatre lovers. The eight-man cast rewarded the audience’s expectation with their interpretation of the play, as they left them reeling with laughter and asking for more. The Wizard of Law is a satire about an old lawyer, Ramoni who meets with a reversal in fortune and tries to impress his wife during a festive period by purchasing nine metres of lace material on credit at a time he is penniless. The cloth seller, Rafiu, takes advantage of this opportunity to inflate the prices of clothes in order to make heavy profit. Unable to pay the debt, Ramoni gets into more trouble and desperately looks for a court case through which he can raise money to pay Rafiu off. Oluwatoba Oyewale’s interpretation of the character, Lawyer Ramoni Alao and Seun Odukoya’s portrayal of the role of Sikira, lawyer Ramoni Alao’s wife, no doubt, wowed the audience, as their entrance and exit was greeted with loud cheers. The play, directed by Adesewo Fayaman Bay, Arojah’s Director of Productions, also featured Zeb John as Rafiu, Samuel Akawo as Constable, Lizzy Popoola as Clerk, Zubairu Jide Atta as Lamidi and the duo of Jovita Chukwuemeka and AIT’s Lara Owoeye-Wise switching roles as the judge for the first and second show respectively. According to the group’s founder and Artistic Director, Om’oba Jerry Adesewo, sustaining the theatre has been one huge task. “It’s not been easy doing this, but we’ll continue to try. We have continuously put in our best to ensure that the live theatre culture in Abuja returns. We are worried about the level of audience at the moment, but we are not deterred”, he said. Adesewo went on to add that the missing link at the moment is the lack of funding for the art. “With the right funding and enabling environment, theatre will thrive in Nigeria. We must, at this point, appreciate the potential of the theatre both as a major tourism tool and as an employer of labour. Government, as a matter of urgency, should consider putting up necessary facilities and funding to aid live theatre in Abuja and Nigeria at large”.

EMUfest says goodbye to 2012 OYINKAN SOMORIN

he week-long EniObanke Music Festival (EMUfest) of fun, dance and music had its grand closing on Sunday, November 18 at the EniObanke Art Centre, GRA Ikeja-Lagos. The Festival, which started on Tuesday, November 13 was also done in two other major cities in Nigeria namely; Ibadan Oyo state and Ile-Ife, in Osun State. The festival, organised by Beautiful Nubialed EniObanke, pulled an impressive crowd which, according to the event manager and co-coordinator, Ayodele Aiyeyemi, was an improvement on audience participation last year. The 2012 edition was much of a grand experience for organisers because “in Ibadan alone, we had over 2,000 fans that came to witness the Festival and in Ile-Ife, the crowd was over 3,000. They were even thinking we won’t come for the show, but when Beautiful Nubia showed up on stage, we couldn’t even control the crowd. Hope-

fully next year, we are going to have a bigger venue and more local and international artistes would be joining the festival. We have international artiste plans to impact on the upcoming artiste and youths around the area”. EMUfest compere, Yemi Shodinmu, while expressing pleasure at the initiative to celebrate authentic African arts and artistes through EMUfest said; “this festival is what we need once in a while to bring out the authentic African music in us, especially in our younger generations. As for upcoming artistes, this festival helps brings out the hidden talent that people don’t even know they have within. Beautiful Nubia has done a good job”. There were lots of veteran performers who came to grace the fest with their professional touch of music such as Pa Chris Ajilo; Orlando Julius Ekemode and his Afro sounders; Eko brass Band and many others. Younger artistes such as Awoko, Sekere and Idi-Ileke also entertained guests.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business & Finance

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

FG slams banks over agric financing, to recapitalise BOA TOLA AKINMUTIMI

ABUJA

he Federal Government yesterday took a swipe at Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in the country for their failure to provide the needed funding support for the ongoing Agricultural Transformation Agenda. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adeshina, who flawed the banks’ lending structure during the Inaugural Meeting with Private Sector Partners in Agriculture Value Chain held in Abuja, said part of government’s plans aimed at ensuring that farmers get loans at single digit interest rates, the Federal Government will soon recapitalise and restructure Bank of Agriculture (BOA) to enable it fulfil better its roles in the sector. He explained that the measure would not only enable the bank to channel more funds to the sector but also reposition it to offer services more professionally to farmers and other operators in the various ATA value chains.

L-R: Executive Director, Bank of Industry, Mr. Chris Umeh; former United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs. Robin Sanders; Vice President, Global Public Affairs, Western Union, Ms. Barbra Span; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Leadership Initiative, Mr. Yinka Oyinlola and Managing Director, Standard Chartered Bank, Mrs. Bola Akinsola, during the Nigerian Banking-Panel Live Evaluation of Nigerian and Pan -African Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Business Proposals/Plans and Technical Workshops for SMEs in Lagos, yesterday.

The Minister lamented that the banks’ negative disposition to agricultural lending despite the N30 billion facility amongst other financing mechanisms put in place by government to boost lending to the agriculture sector demonstrated clearly that they were

failing in their roles of stimulating growth in the economy through lending. He said, “Financing is a major challenge because banks have refused to lend to agriculture. The interest rate out there doesn’t just make sense. “We are tired of signing one

Aganga advocates economic growth through job creation STANLEY IHEDIGBO

he Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga has advocated the need to create more jobs especially through micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) if any meaningful growth was to be recorded over the next decade. The minster, who delivered the keynote address at the opening of a two-day SME live banking panel organized by the Bank of Industry (BOI) and Western Union in conjunction with United States Agency for International Development (USAID), said the role of SMEs in job creation could not be over emphasized. He charged MSMEs in the country to rise to the challenge of job creation, saying: “As entrepreneurs, you must

possess strong determination and resilience regardless of the responses you may receive. Nigeria needs jobs. You must therefore turn these innovative ideas into lucrative businesses. “If Nigeria were to have a growth rate of 10 per cent and above for the next decade, it needs a strong micro, small and medium enterprises sector and for the small entrepreneurs that make up the sector to be nurtured, there is no doubt that MSMEs are the best vehicles for inclusive growth, to create local demand and consumption and by extension to create jobs”, he stated. He noted that the Trade and Investment ministry along with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and BOI were working toward improving MSMEs’ access to finance having recognized the crucial role they

play in economic development as well as their contribution to employment and GDP. The minister who was represented at the event by the Chief Executive of Nigeria Leadership Initiative Mr.Yinka Oyinlola, stressed the need to ensure easy access to finance by MSMEs, saying “the increasing partnership between the private and the public sectors and the commitment of the Federal Government to drastically reduce the cost of doing business and tackle the infrastructure challenges facing the SMEs will yield dividend in due course.” In her welcome address delivered by Executive Director BOI, Mr. Chirs Umeh, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the bank, Ms Evelyn Oputu reaffirmed the commitment of BOI to the growth of SMEs in the country.

15 fuel-laden ships to berth at Lagos ports

ifteen ships are waiting to discharge petroleum products at the various oil terminals within the Lagos ports, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said. The NPA disclosed this in its daily publication, ``Shipping Position’’ made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos. It said that 11 out of the 15 ships would discharge petrol,

two would discharge diesel and two other ships would discharge aviation fuel. The document reported that one ship would berth with bulk wheat. The document showed that 93 ships carrying different cargoes were expected to sail into the ports between Nov.19 and December.20 It said that that nine of the

expected ships would arrive with petroleum products. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other ships would sail in with containers, used and old vehicles, rice, general cargoes, bulk wheat, gypsum and petroleum products. The NPA said that 19 ships were currently discharging fish, rice, base oil, bulk wheat and steel rail, among others.

agreement or the other with banks because their refusal to lend to farmers is disrupting the supply chain for the sector. “Banks need to start lending to the real sector of the economy because when the chips were down, it was government funds that were still used to

bail these banks. “We are currently working with the President and the Federal Ministry of Finance to come up with a programme that would enable farmers have access to credit at a single digit interest rate. “As part of this, you will soon see a restructuring and re-capitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture so that the bank can support our farmers. While noting that until the country begins to adequately fund farmers and boost non-oil sector productivity, it would be difficult for it to compete favourably in the global economic order, the Minister said government would continue to come up with fiscal policies and other incentives, including skills acquisition, that would help grow the sector. For instance, he disclosed that in the 2013 financial year about 10 million phones, out of which five million would be provided to women farmers, in order to improve the GES reach even as two other companies would be engaged to facilitate further distribution of inputs to farmers.

Naira declines as CBN leaves rates unchanged UDO ONYEKA

WITH AGENCY REPORT

aira weakened as the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) kept the benchmark interest rate on unchanged to counter accelerating inflation. The currency slipped less than 0.1 percent to 157.9 a dollar yesterday, after gaining 0.4 percent the previous day, the most since October. 4, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The Central Bank of Nigeria, led by Governor Lamido Sanusi, left the rate unchanged at a record 12 percent yesterday at the monetary policy committee’s final meeting this year, meeting the expectations of all 13 economists surveyed by Bloomberg. The inflation, which rose to 11.7 percent in October on widespread flooding of farms, is still above the bank’s target of less than 10 percent. “The MPC will not ease until it is more comfortable with the future direction of inflation and less anxious about the global landscape,” Gregory Kronsten, the London-based head of economic and fixed-income research at FBN Capital Ltd., wrote in an e-mailed note to clients yesterday. Sanusi is trying to curtail price

increases and bolster the naira to curb import costs by keeping interest rates higher and boosting capital reserve requirements for banks. Sanusi lifted a requirement last year for foreign investors to hold local-currency debt for at least one year. “The naira outlook remains uncertain over the medium term and will continue to be affected by strong import demand, a structural imbalance between dollar supply and demand and acceleration in inflation,” Ecobank Transnational Inc. (ETI) analysts, led by Paul-Harry Aithnard in Paris, wrote in a research note to. Also Financial Derivative Company (FDC) in its November urban price survey had predicted that the CBN would not ease the liquidity flow. The report said that the rise in inflation further supports the stance of the CBN in monitoring its tightening. “We do not expect the MPC to change the benchmark interest rate at its next meeting this November. MPC is expected to keep monetary rate (MPR) unchanged at 12per cent, retain the cash reserve ratio (CRR) at 12 per cent of total local currency deposit liabilities and retain the net open position at 1 per cent of total foreign currency,” FDC survey said.

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Flour Mills gets SEC’s nod for Bagco merger JOHNSON OKANLAWON

lour Mills of Nigeria Plc has won approval in principle from the Securities and Exchange Commission to buy Bag Manufacturing Company, or Bagco. The company in a notice to the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday said it will recommend to its shareholders an offer of 25 Bagco shares in exchange for one share of Flour Mills. The notice explained that alternatively, it will propose a cash consideration of N2.75 for each Bagco share, a 39 per cent premium to Bagco’s closing share price on November 16, 2012. Flour Mills gained 4.7 per cent to N66.25, tak-

ing its rise this year to 1.2 per cent, while Bagco gained seven per cent to N2.26, taking its gain this year to 33 per cent, compared with a gain of 27 per cent in the Nigerian Stock Exchange AllShare Index. According to the notice, the proposals are subject to approval by regulatory authorities as well as by the shareholders of both companies. Head of Research at Vetiva Capital Management Limited, Pabina Yinkere, said, “This will ease management decisions with regards to the operations of Bagco.” Bagco supplies bags used by Flour Mills for its products, which include cement, flour, and sugar from next month, when it starts production at its

750,000-metric ton sugar refinery in Lagos. Meanwhile, Flour Mills of Nigeria reported improved financial result for the first quarter ended June 30, 2012. The firm recorded growth of 10 per cent in turnover, 32 per cent in profit before tax and 42 per cent in profit after tax. The company turnover rose to N70.7bn, up from N64.2bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2011. Profit before tax rose from N3.9bn to N5.1bn in 2012, while profit after tax increased from N2.7bn to N3.9bn. Analysts at FBN Capital Limited commended the improved profitability, noting that operating expenses of the company rose by 19.6 per cent to

Bulls regain vigour as NB leads gainers JOHNSON OKANLAWON

ally recorded mostly by Nigerian Breweries Plc, First Bank Plc and Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday halted Monday’s bearish trend in equities as the benchmark index returned green. The All Share Index gained 0.31 per cent to close at 26,358.73 points, as against the decline of 0.5 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 26,267.57 points. Market capitalisation

rose by N29bn to close at N8.39trn, in contrast to the decrease of N43bn recorded the preceding day to close at N8.37trn. Researn analysts at Meristem Securities attributed the rally to the Flour Mills’ Bagco shares conversion. The Consumer Goods Index led the sectorial indices by 0.98 per cent to close at 1,243.40 points, followed by the NSE 30-Index with 1,243.40 points. The Banking Index rose by 0.39 per cent to close at 419.29 points, while the Lotus Islamic Index appreciated by 0.02 per cent to close at 1,619.26 points.

The Insurance Index shed 1.47 per cent to close at 131.58 points, while the Oil and Gas Index lost 1.37 per cent to close at 150.83 points. UACN Plc led the gainers’ table with N2.98 or 7.45 per cent to close at N42.98 per share, followed by Bagco Plc with 15 kobo or 7.11 per cent to close at N2.26 per share. Portland Paints Plc rose by 19 kobo or 4.87 per cent to close at N4.09 per share, while Flour Mills Plc appreciated by 2.95 or 4.66 per cent to close at N66.25 per share. On the flip side, Acad-

N5.3bn. “Although we do not yet have management’s comments as to the key drivers behind the growth in opex, we note that some other consumer companies have also recorded sizable opex growth figures, 39.2 per cent in Nestle Nigeria’s case. One common driver in these consumer goods companies’ opex increase is increasing distribution costs in northern Nigeria as a result of the security challenges in the region. “Despite these headwinds, the strong profitability further up the profit and loss helped ensure that Flour Mills’ profit before tax grew robustly, by 32 per cent to N5.1bn and profit after tax grew 42 per cent,” they said. emy Press Plc depreciated by 30 kobo or 10 per cent to close at N2.70 per share, while Unity Bank Plc dropped five kobo or 8.47 per cent to close at 54 kobo per share. UAC-Properties Plc dipped by 78 kobo or 6.51 per cent to close at N11.20 per share, while Total Nigeira Plc lost N6.25 or five per cent to close at N118.75 per share. Transaction volume in equities increased by 103 per cent, as a total of 397.04 million shares worth N2.48bn were exchanged in 4,190 deals, compared to 194.93 million shares valued at N2.22bn traded in 3,758 deals the preceding day.

Global shares slide after France downgrade, oil falls

orld shares fell yesterday on weak United States corporate results and after France lost its top credit rating from Moody’s, while oil fell as ample crude supplies outweighed worries about fighting between Israel and Palestinians. US stocks fell after the benchmark Standard and Poor 500 index had gained more than two per cent since Friday, its best twoday run in nearly four months, on optimism a deal could be reached to stave off the looming US fiscal cliff. But doubt over a speedy resolution of au-

tomatic tax hikes and spending cuts totaling about $600bn that threaten to cause a recession is keeping investors on edge. “The market is going to go up and down based on rhetoric coming out of Washington,” said Steven Roge, portfolio manager at RW Roge and Company in Beverly, Massachusetts. “Because the delta of outcomes is so gigantic you could have us go off the fiscal cliff, Europe blow up or fiscal cliff gets passed, growth resumes, Europe grows its way out of the debt crisis - we are just waiting for

direction and the fiscal cliff is that first piece of information.” Hewlett-Packard Company tumbled 11.6 per cent to $11.75 and was the biggest drag on the Dow and S&P 500 after the company took an $8.8bn charge related to its acquisition of software firm Autonomy, citing serious accounting improprieties. The computer and printer maker swung to a fourth-quarter loss. The Dow Jones industrial average finance/ markets/index was down 54.72 points, or 0.43 per cent, at 12,741.24 points. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index was down 4.18

points, or 0.30 per cent, at 1,382.71 points, while the Nasdaq Composite Index was down 7.80 points, or 0.27 per cent, at 2,908.27 points. European shares were about break-even after slipping earlier on Moody’s announcement of a cut in France’s credit rating. While France’s downgrade had been expected and was largely pricedin, analysts said the previous session’s big gains - when the FTSEurofirst 300, FTEU3 posted its biggest daily rise in 10 weeks - meant some were using it as a reason to take profits.

Source: FMDA

Market indicators Market indicators

All-Share Index 7,342,308 points All-Share Index 22,191.14 points Market capitalisation 23,066.74 trillion Market capitalisation 7,084 trillion

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

JBERGER

28.00

29.40

1.40

5.00

INTBREW

8.80

9.24

0.44

5.00

OKOMUOIL

32.50

34.12

1.62

4.98

CADBURY

18.74

19.67

0.93

4.96

UBN

5.35

5.61

0.26

4.86

ETERNA

2.30

2.41

0.11

4.78

NPFMCRFBK

1.05

1.10

0.05

4.76

BAGCO

1.50

1.57

0.07

4.67

10.47

10.95

0.48

4.58

MAYBAKER

1.39

1.45

0.06

4.32

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

ARBICO

12.10

11.50

0.60

-4.96

MORISON

6.68

6.35

0.33

-4.94

TRANSCORP

0.89

0.85

0.04

-4.49

CUTIX

1.37

1.31

0.06

-4.38

UTC

0.72

0.69

0.03

-4.17

CUSTODYINS

1.19

1.15

0.04

-3.36

RTBRISCOE

1.80

1.74

0.06

-3.33

CONTINSURE

0.63

0.61

0.02

-3.17

GLAXOSMITH

31.80

30.80

1.00

-3.14

UAC-PROP

10.00

9.70

0.30

-3.00

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Day

32.970.71

14.10

20-Nov-12

182-Day

50,000.00

15.49

20-Nov-12

364 -Day

60,000.00

9.05

20-Nov-12

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

48Days

7,302.20

14.39

22-Nov-12

118-Day

50,282.86

14.08

22-Nov-12

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$200m

N/A

$200m

20-Nov-12

$180m

N/A

$180m

20-Nov-12

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

Hamas says Gaza truce agreed, Israel says no deal yet

PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

pposition leaders in Sierra Leone have alleged poll fraud in the country’s presidential, parliamentary and local elections, even as international observers have hailed the process as being well-organised and peaceful. The National Electoral Commission is still tallying the results of Saturday’s elections, seen as a test of the West African nation’s recovery from a brutal civil war which ended in 2002. “I am concerned an undue delay in results being announced could risk conflict in a society where rumour plays a big role” Unofficial results have begun to trickle in on local media, and observers have urged that the outcome be ratified as quickly as possible. It is due on Saturday. “A lot of people have said they are very concerned about reactions as results become known and that could be a flashpoint in terms of potential conflict between rival groups of supporters,” Richard Howitt, the chief observer of the 100-strong European Union observer mission, said. “I am concerned an undue delay in results being announced could risk conflict in a society where rumour plays a big role.” On Monday the observer mission released its preliminary report praising a “peaceful and well-conducted election”. Main opposition presidential

“Twenty-five countries have reduced the number of new (HIV) infections by more than 50%. In general, we’ve moved from a phase of political rhetoric to programmes being implemented and having an effect.” – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF UNAIDS, MICHEL SIDIBE

Opposition alleges fraud in Sierra Leone election

A rebel group created just seven months ago seized the strategic provincial capital of Goma, home to more than one million people in eastern Congo, and its international airport yesterday, officials and witnesses said, raising the spectre of a regional war. Explosions and machine-gun fire rocked the lakeside city as the M23 rebels pushed forward on two fronts: toward the city center and along the road that leads to Bukavu, another provincial capital which lies to the south. Civilians ran down sidewalks looking for cover and children shouted in alarm. A man clutched a thermos as he ran. By early afternoon the gunfire had stopped and M23 soldiers marched down the potholed main boulevards, unimpeded.

ECOWAS trains youths in air conditioning, auto mechanics Incumbent President, Ernest Koroma

candidate Julius Maada Bio - the main rival to incumbent Ernest Koroma - said his party had evidence of “rampant ballot stuffing”. The 48-year-old retired brigadier, who served a brief stint as military ruler in 1996, urged his supporters to remain calm, pledging that “no one steals the mandate of our voters or alters the results to our disadvantage.

PHOTO: REUTERS

“As things stand now we are very confident of winning the elections,” he added. The winner must garner 55 per cent of the ballots cast, or he will face his opponent in a second round runoff. The ruling All People’s Congress (APC) hit back in a statement, calling the claims of the opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) “fabricated and

baseless”. “The party wishes to make it abundantly clear that it was not in any way involved in ballot stuffing. The only reported case of ballot stuffing was related to an SLPP partisan who has since been arrested.” The Carter Center observer mission said the elections had met “benchmarks for a free and transparent” poll.

Ghanaian trader jailed seven years for $2.3bn fraud ormer UBS trader, Kweku Adoboli was convicted and sentenced to seven years in jail yesterday for the biggest fraud in British history, which resulted in a loss of $2.3 billion (1.4 billion pounds) for the Swiss bank. Ghanaian-born Adoboli, 32, a senior trader on the Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) desk at UBS’s investment banking arm in London, admitted trading far in excess of authorised risk limits and making fictitious book entries to hide his true positions. He cried in the dock as his lawyer Charles Sherrard asked for the judge’s clemency, describing him as a sensitive, committed, hard-working young man who had already paid a very high price for what he had done.

WORLD BULLETIN Congolese rebels capture Goma, take airport

“The tragedy for you is that you had everything going for you,” the judge, Brian Keith, told Adoboli. “There is a strong streak of the gambler in you ... You were arrogant enough to think that the bank’s rules for traders didn’t apply to you.” Adoboli, who composed himself for the judge’s remarks, was then taken away by police. He will serve half the sentence before being released on probation, and after taking into account the time already spent in custody could be out of prison in about two and a half years. The prosecution had portrayed him as a reckless gambler who played God with UBS’s money in the belief that he had the magic touch, driven by a desire to be a star trader with a

huge bonus to match. His defence was that the bank had turned a blind eye to rulebending as long as profits rolled in and that others knew what he was doing and did not disapprove. He had pleaded not guilty to two charges of fraud by abuse of position covering the period from October 2008 to his arrest on September 15, 2011. The jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty on the main fraud count, holding him directly responsible for the $2.3 billion loss. It related to his unhedged, multi-billion-dollar trades in the summer of 2011. During the 10-week trial, the court heard that his risk exposure had peaked at $12 billion on August 8, 2011, while his desk’s authorised risk limit was $100

Sixty-two youths from 11 ECOWAS Member States have successfully completed an intensive training in air conditioning and auto-mechanic engineering organized by the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC) at Burkina Faso’s Reference Centre for Professional Training in Ziniare, some 36-km, east of Ouagadougou, the nation’s capital. The one-month training, which ended on 14th November 2012, was part of the EYSDC’s youth empowerment programme, which also includes courses in agro-business, building and electricity. Mr. Simon Taro, who represented the Director of the ECOWAS Centre, Mr. Francis Njoaguani at the ceremony, said the training is to equip the youths.

Mauritanian President prepares to return home

Adoboli

million intra-day and $50 million overnight. The jury found him guilty by a majority of 9-1 on the other count of fraud, which related to unhedged, unauthorised trading in the period from October 2008 to May 2011.

Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz says he will return to his country “in a few days,” following treatment in France for a gunshot wound. The president spoke to journalists yesterday in Paris, after meeting with French President Francois Hollande. Aziz was shot by a soldier outside the Mauritanian capital October 13, in what was described as an accident. He was airlifted to France for treatment the following day. He was discharged from a Paris hospital last month but has yet to return home. Lawmakers have demanded updates on his condition, amid questions about who is running the country in his absence.

World News

WORLD BULLETIN Two ex- confidants of UK PM face bribery charges Two former confidants of Britain’s prime minister have been charged with conspiring to pay public officials in exchange for stories and information — the latest development in the country’s establishment-shaking scandal over media malfeasance. Britain’s Crown Prosecution Services said Tuesday that former tabloid editors Andy Coulson and Rebekah Brooks were among five people being charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office. Prosecutors said that Brooks, a neighbour, close friend, and political ally of Prime Minister David Cameron, conspired with journalist John Kay to funnel as much as 100,000 pounds to Ministry of Defense employee Bettina Jordan Barber in return for a steady stream of stories that were published in Murdoch’s The Sun newspaper.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Hamas says Gaza truce agreed, Israel says no deal yet A Hamas official said yesterday Egypt had brokered a Gaza ceasefire deal that would go into effect within hours, but a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “we’re not there yet”. “An agreement for calm has been reached. It will be declared at 9 o’clock (1900 GMT) and go into effect at midnight (2200 GMT),” Hamas official, Ayman Taha, told Reuters from Cairo, where intensive efforts have been under way to end seven days of fighting. Netanyahu spokesman, Mark

Regev told Reuters the announcement was premature and Israeli military operations in Gaza, territory run by Hamas Islamists, would continue in parallel with diplomacy. “We’re not there yet,” Regev said on CNN. “The ball’s still in play.” U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was heading to the region from Asia and was expected in Jerusalem late yesterday to meet Netanyahu. Both Israel and the United States have said they preferred a

diplomatic solution to the Gaza crisis to a possible Israeli ground operation in the densely-populated enclave of 1.7 million Palestinians. “No country would tolerate rocket attacks against its cities and against its civilians. Israel cannot tolerate such attacks,” Netanyahu said with U.N. SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon, who arrived in Jerusalem from talks in Cairo, at his side. “If a long-term solution can be put in place through diplomatic means, then Israel would be a

Poland says extremist planned to blow up parliament Polish officials said yesterday they had arrested a radical nationalist who planned to detonate a vehicle loaded with four metric tons of explosives outside parliament, possibly when the president and prime minister were in the building. The suspected plot was the first of its kind to be exposed since Poland threw off Communist rule more than 20 years ago. It is likely to put intense scrutiny on radical right-wing groups in Poland which are fiercely opposed to the liberal government. Polish television, citing sources close to the investigation, said the suspect planned to copy methods used by Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 77 people in bomb and gun attacks in Norway last year and said he was driven by far-right views. “The case looks very serious,” Pawel Gras, a government spokesman, told a local radio station.

Two arrested over Facebook comments in India Two women have been arrested in India over a comment posted on Facebook, sparking criticism from media and analysts who are accusing the government for attacking freedom of expression. As India’s financial capital shut down for the weekend funeral of a powerful politician linked to waves of mob violence, a woman posted on Facebook that the closures in Mumbai were “due to fear, not due to respect.” In her Facebook comment on Sunday, 21-year-old Shaheen Dhanda wrote: “People like Thackeray are born and die daily and one should not observe a ‘bandh’ [shutdown] for that.” Her 20-year-old friend Renu Srinivasan ‘liked’ the status. Analysts and the media are slamming the Maharashtra state government for what they said was a flagrant misuse of the law and an attempt to curb freedom of expression.

willing partner to such a solution,” he said. “But if stronger military action proves necessary to stop the constant barrage of rockets, Israel will do what is necessary to defend our people,” said Netanyahu, who is favoured to win a January general election. Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal said on Monday that Israel must halt its military action in the Gaza Strip and lift the blockade of the Palestinian territory in exchange for a truce. Hours before the Hamas official said an agreement had been clinched, Egypt’s state media quoted Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi as saying “that the farce of Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip will end on Tuesday” Mursi said, according to the reports, that “efforts to conclude a truce between the Palestinian and Israeli sides will produce positive results in the next few hours”. Israel pressed on with air strikes and Palestinian rockets flashed across the border on Tuesday. Israel’s military on Tuesday targeted about 100 sites in Gaza, including ammunition stores and the Gaza headquarters of the National Islamic Bank. Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry said six Palestinians were killed.

Amnesty International workers begin Britain recognises Syrian opposition coalition strike An Israeli soldier standing on a tank at a staging area near the Israel Gaza Strip Border, yesterday.

ritain recognised the fledgling Syrian National Coalition yesterday, joining France in saying the opposition group was the “sole legitimate representative of the Syrian people”. The announcement, by Foreign Secretary William Hague, could boost the group’s chances of securing foreign aid and arms as it seeks to oust President Bashar al-Assad. “It is strongly in the interests of Syria, of the wider region and of the United Kingdom that we support them and deny space to extremist groups,” Hague told parliament, saying other European Union nations would follow suit. The Syrian National Coalition for Opposition and Revolutionary Forces, set up this month to unite diverse opposition voices, welcomed the move. “This step is very important and I think it will encourage more Syrians to join the coalition and trust it and it will also encourage other European states to recognise it,” the coalition’s spokesman Walid al-Bunni said. France was the first EU country to recognise the group, going

further than Monday’s EU-wide recognition of the coalition as the legitimate representatives of the “aspirations” of the Syrian people. “It’s a morale boost. It gives some credibility to the opposition, and it could lay the platform practically for more effective ways of channelling support, plus some quasi-military support,” said David Butter, Middle East expert at London-based think-tank Chatham House. Washington has pledged to work with the Syrian opposition coalition, but has stopped short of fully recognising it. Turkey and Gulf Arab countries were quick to endorse the coalition, formed on November 11 in Doha. Britain and France, along with the United States, led the military campaign against Libyan former leader Muammar Gaddafi last year, and Paris said it was now considering whether to arm Syria’s rebels. Britain says no option is off the table, but Hague told parliament that no decision had been taken to supply military aid. The EU has an arms embargo on Syria, which is expected to be re-

PHOTO: AP

newed on December 1. The West has been more wary in dealing with the Syrian opposition, due to concerns that some groups lack support on the ground and worries about Islamic radicals in the rebel ranks. U.N. investigators have said rebel fighters may have committed war crimes. Hague said he has received assurances from the Syrian coalition that the mainly Sunni Muslim opposition would respect Syria’s other minorities and uphold human rights.

Hague

mnesty International workers in London walked off the job yesterday as the second strike in as many months raised questions about the organization’s ability to remain one of the world’s preeminent human rights advocates. Workers from Amnesty’s international and local British operations picketed their London headquarters, an embarrassment to a group that campaigns for the rights of workers. The walkouts are a public airing of staff complaints that have been building for years, with tensions rising dramatically in recent weeks as Amnesty’s international operations prepare to reorganize. Spokeswoman, Jo Cardwell from the Unite union said several hundred workers from Amnesty’s two London offices were taking part in the job stoppage. “We’ve got a lot of people on the picket line,” she said. Some carried candles. The planned organizational changes include transferring some of its 500 jobs from a London base to 10 regional hubs around the world — part of an effort to be closer to places where human rights violations occur.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror Family seeks protection over harrassment

A situation in which 90 percent of societal resources are concentrated in the hands of one percent of the people is gross injustice that can only breed class antagonism.

OSUN STATE GOVERNOR; RAUF AREGBESOLA

Man arraigned for defiling 10-year-old step daughter T

Oyo moves to relocate displaced traders

FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

62 year old man identified as Ibrahim Alabi, has been arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, for allegedly defiling his 10 year old step daughter. The suspect, who was brought to Magistrate Court IV, is being tried in a case between him and the state Commissioner of Police in charge sheet number MA/918c/2012.

Community Mirror recalled that the man had earlier allegedly evaded arrest when police attempted to interrogate him, as he was said to have taken refuge in the house of a top politician. He was, however, charged to court after police had arrested and concluded investigation on him. The case had also been diligently pursued by a non-Governmental Organisation, Child Protection Network (CPN), which reported the matter. During interrogation, the

10-year-old victim, Oluwadamilola Ayoola, told the police that she lost count on how many times the suspect had sex with her. “Daddy always come when mummy was not around, and always told me not to let anyone know, else I would die”, she told police interrogator. The one count charge was read to the accused during arraignment, while the victim was also brought to the court by her mother. The charge read;“That you

Alabi Ibrahim ‘m’ on or before September 2012, at Soyoye Area, Abeokuta in the Abeokuta Magisterial District, did have unlawful carnal knowledge of Oluwadamilola Ayoola ‘f ’ 10 years , and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 218 of the criminal code laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006’. However, the Magistrate, M.O Olayinka, adjourned hearing till November 29, 2012 while the suspect was remanded in prison custody.

LG distributes drugs in Katsina JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

ore than N8 million worth of assorted drugs have been purchased by the Charanchi Local Government of Katsina State for free distribution to patients in the area. Caretaker chairman of the council, Haladu Galadima, who stated this while distri buting the items to hospitals, warned that no money must be collected from patients,even as he said the council would closely monitor the drug use, adding that it would not hesitate to deal with any person found to be diverting the drugs. He said the council resolved to distribute the drugs to boost healthcare services to the people and appealed to health workers to rededicate themselves in the discharge of their duties. He said the council would continue to provide necessary needs of hospitals and clinics in the area, and announced the procurement of scanning machines for installation at the council’s general hospital. Galadima said the machines would ease the problem of child delivery by pregnant women in the hospital, and that those from neighboring council areas would also benefit.

he Oyo State Government has begun the relocation of traders affected by the recent demolition of illegal structures within the Ibadan metropolis. A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said that already, government officials had been dispatched to collate names of the affected traders so they could be allocated stalls at the many ultra-modern markets now being built. Adedayo, said that government’s move was aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the traders and availing them the opportunity of getting back to their business. He added that the bid for the construction of the new markets and stalls where the displaced traders will be relocated had closed and that successful contractors would be selected from among those who qualified.

Lawmaker empowers constituents KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

T President, Elegant Ladies Club of Asaba, Mrs. Elizabeth Idigbe (second left) recieving relief items for flood victims at Ice Refugee Camp in Asaba, Delta State.

Governor’s wife honoured for humanitarian service JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

ife of the Katsina State Governor, Mrs. Fatima Shema has been conferred with the title of ‘Mother of Northern Nigerian Students’ in recognition of her contributions to humanitarian services in the past five years. The title, which was conferred by the Ahmadu Bello University,

Zaria chapter, makes her the third person to ever to receive the honour. The first was wife of late Premier, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, late Hajiya Indo Bishi, while second was wife of former military president Ibrahim Babangida, late Maryam. Conferring the award and certificate of merit, the leader of the students’ delegation, Ismai’l Abbas, said it was in recognition of the

numerous achievements towards service to humanity and other social service to the people. Mrs. Shema , who expressed appreciation for the title, said it was an honour done not only to her, but to entire people of the state, as she save the students assurance to continue to put more effort towards assisting the less privileged and empowering women through her non-governmental organization, Service to Humanity Foundation.

he member representing Irepo/Olorunsogo/Oorelope Federal Constituency, Hon. Jimoh Afees , has empowered his constituents at Igboho, Igbeti and Kisi with several items including motorcycles; chest freezers; grinding machines; television sets; DVD players and stand fans . Others items included generating sets; sewing machines and N15 million. Speaking at the ceremony in Kisi, Afees said having won the electoral petition cases against him, he travelled to Mecca to seek Allah’s help and people’s support, saying his constituents will not be deprived of quality representation, as well as dividends of democracy. He explained that the empowerment exercise will be continuous, stating that he wanted to give back to the people who have done so much in supporting him.

News

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Presidency to spend N36bn on ex-militants CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

the appointment of a substantive DG for NASENI had been completed only for ratification by the President. The committee chairman had earlier lamented the government relegation of the development of science and technology to the background by not including the sector in its six priority areas in the 2013 budget. He said: “The President in his Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, earmarked six ministries as priority areas and unfortunately the Ministry of Science and Technology is not there. No country has

ever enjoyed global attention without developing its Science and Technology potential. It would be difficult to move this country forward without developing our technology.” In another development, it has emerged that the State House budgeted the sum of N30584, 144 for the feeding of animals in the Presidential Villa, Abuja next year. Also, a whooping sum of N203,752,432 would be expended for the provision of entertainment and feeding for events that will take place at the banquet hall of the presidential villa next year. These were some of the

highlights contained in the 2013 budget proposal of the State House, which the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbile, came to defend before the Senate Committee on the Federal Character Commission and Inter Governmental Affairs. It was also revealed at the budget defence session yesterday that the over N16bn budgeted for the running of Nigeria’s State House sundry services for 2013 alone is more than the amount used in running the State House services of South Africa for five years. Senator Isa Galaudu, who raised this concern, asked Ogbile to provide ex-

planations. The Permanent Secretary, however, said it was wrong to make such comparisons because according to him, Nigeria was larger than South Africa and hosts more important dignitaries than South Africa. Also reacting to the development, chairman of the committee, Senator Awaise Kuta, while fielding questions from newsmen at the end of the session said, “Definitely, we have not been too comfortable over the years about the amount allocated for certain items in the Presidency. That is not to say that we are going to completely compare with

what is obtainable in SA and in Nigeria because the population, environment, size everything is different. But we are concerned about what is happening in the overheads of the Presidency and we want them to be more prudent.” Commenting on some of the seemingly frivolous items contained in the budget of the State House, Kuta said, “We are saying that there is still room for improvement, we have told them that they should do everything to bring down the overheads particularly as it affects feeding and other things.”

Some other items contained in the State House budget include, budget process (N10m), overtime (N250,445,589), financial consulting (N66,884,881), consulting and professional services (N75,750,562), local travel and transport (N85.3m) and international travel and transport (N118.1m). Others are maintenance of the Villa (N883,442,955), uniforms and other clothing (N39.3m), general utilities, including internet access services, telephone charges, electricity charges, water rates, sewage charges and leased communication lines (N400.8m) etc.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Bauchi Speaker gets ultimatum to reinstate female lawmaker EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

isturbed by the prolonged suspension of the only female lawmaker in the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rifkatu Samson Dannah, youths of the state yesterday gave the Speaker of the house, Hon. Yahaya Miya, a 24-hour ultimatum to reinstate the suspended member or expect a mammoth protest within the state capital. The suspended member of the house, Dannah is representing Bogoro Constituency. She was suspended for opposing the relocation of the Tafawa Belwa Local Government headquarters owing to pur-

ported security challenges in the area. The aggrieved youths, made up of the Jarawa, Sayawa, Igbos, Fulani and other tribes in the state under the auspices of the “Youths Coalition for Good Governance,” are expected to stage a protest tomorrow by 7.00 am. According to the leader of the group, Mohammed Adamu, the protest will take the protesters to the Government House, the

House of Assembly complex and major streets of the state capital. The group said the protest will be on for a month unless the Speaker makes a pronouncement reinstating the suspended member. Adamu said there is a limit to the suspension of a lawmaker and because of it, her constituent have been denied of a voice in the house and the benefits of democracy, saying they have adequately mobil-

ised over 10, 000 youths to protest the illegality perpetrated against the lawmaker. The group described the suspension as illegal, unconstitutional and undemocratic, adding that the lawmaker has the right to speak against and in support of any matter brought before the floor of the house so long as the position of the lawmaker reflects the opinion of her people.

Wada raises panel on Buddon chieftaincy tussle ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

ollowing the inability of the people of Buddon community in Kogi State to install a new Agantu of Kakanda after the death of their paramount ruler in 2010, the state Governor, Captain Idris Wada, has constituted an investigative panel to look into the chieftaincy tussle. Inaugurating the panel, Governor Wada charged the members to be diligent, honest and truthful in the

Leadership crisis: Again, Kogi Assembly fails to sit ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

gainst public expectation, the Kogi State House Assembly yesterday refused to sit after a long recess following the crisis of confidence that broke out among its members. Yesterday marked the second time the assembly had failed to sit since last week after the alleged reconciliation of warring members. When our correspondent visited the assembly complex, stern-looking policemen were seen in and around the premises. The Clerk of House was also absent but one of the assembly workers, who spoke with National Mirror, but who would not want his name mentioned, said the two factions may back out of the peace agreement earlier entered into at the instance of the former governor, Ibrahim Idris. At about 9.00am yesterday, the stakes were high in Lokoja as to what will be the turnout of the meeting should the house resume sitting. A source very close to the two factions told our correspondent that the house may resume today, but he could not say what may be the outcome since each group is holding the game to its chest.

L-R: Director, Child Development, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Galadima; Minister, Hajiya Zainab PHOTO: NAN Maina and Permanent Secretary, Mr. George Ossi, at the Universal Day of the Child celebration in Abuja, yesterday.

course of their investigation as part of government’s effort at finding a lasting solution to the lingering crisis. He said the setting up of the panel was in line with the provision of the rule of law to address any contentious chieftaincy problem in order to ensure transparency and due process in the selection of the rightful candidate. The governor said traditional institutions are the custodian of the people’s culture and norms and assured that his administration would continue to accord the institution its due regard. Wada recalled that the stool of Agantu of Kakanda/Buddon became vacant since May, 2010 and urged the panel members to speed up their investigation within two weeks to enable government fill the position as quickly as possible. In his response, Chairman of the Investigative Panel, Dr. Abdulmumini Usman, who is the Commissioner for Science and Technology, thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve the state in that capacity. He promised that they will discharge their duty without fear or favour in order to ensure that the right person emerged.

Adamawa guber: Supreme Court upholds Nyako’s victory EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

he Supreme Court yesterday dismissed two appeals filed by the Adamawa State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, and its candidate, Gondiri Marcus, against the election of ViceAdmiral Murtala Nyako (rtd) as governor. The appellants had approached the apex court urging it to hold that the gubernatorial election that pro-

DANJUMA WILLIAMS GOMBE

he Federal Government yesterday allayed fears of an impending food crisis in the country as it came up with emergency measures that will see displaced persons go back to their farms and vocations as soon as possible and reduce the impact of the flood that devastated some parts of the country. Minister of State for Agriculture, Alhaji Bukar

duced Nyako of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was characterised by substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act. In dismissing the separate appeals, the apex court held that the appellants failed to prove criminal allegations they leveled against the conduct of the February 4, poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, saying that both the criminal and civil allegations were “intertwined” and cannot be separated.

The court further reasoned that where serious criminal complaints are made, the onus lies on the appellants to prove same beyond reasonable doubt, which they failed to do in the instant case. Specifically, Justice Clara Ogunbiyi held that; “If the criminal allegations had permeated the entire election, it means there is nothing left of civil allegation and the appellants have completely shut out themselves by relying on civil allegations; the

appellants are neither here nor there. “The determination of some of the issues was predicated on severance of pleadings and the demarcation should have been clear-cut and well-defined. “On the totality of this appeal, I hold the firm view that the appeal is devoid of any merit and is accordingly dismissed. “The election of the first and second respondents as Governor and Deputy Governor of Adamawa State is

Flood: FG allays fears of famine

Tijjani, who disclosed this in Gombe while flaggingoff the distribution of food items to displaced persons affected by the flood said President Goodluck Jonathan had approved the setting up of a National Food Recovery Production Plan through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture that would ensure food security in the country. According to the minis-

ter, N9.7 billion had been approved to facilitate the nationwide distribution of food items, fertilizers, planting materials and irrigation pumps to farmers. Tijjani further pointed out that 40,000 metric tonnes of grains comprising maize, sorghum, garri and millet had been approved for distribution from the strategic grains reserve silos across the

country out of which Gombe would receive 900 metric tonnes. He appealed to benefiting state governments and individuals that would be saddled with the distribution of the materials to ensure that the food items and other farm inputs get to the actual beneficiaries free of charge. States to get their grains from Gombe silo are; Ad-

hereby affirmed,” Justice Ogunbiyi stated. Both Justices Ogunbiyi and Musa Datijjo Mohammed, who delivered the first judgement, made no order as to cost. It will be recalled that both the Governorship/ Legislative Election Petition Tribunal had on July 25, dismissed the appellant’s petition on the ground of failure to adduce sufficient evidence to prove that irregularities and other acts of malpractices marred the poll. amawa 50 trucks of grains, Gombe 30 trucks, Borno 25 trucks, Yobe 25 trucks while Katsina would get 50 trucks. In his speech, Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, represented by his Deputy, Mr. Tha’anda Jason Rubainu, commended the Federal Government for the free distribution of the relief materials which he said would greatly assist in alleviating the sufferings of the victims.

Cocktail

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

WITH DR. DEJI FOLUTILE

Today's Tonic (47) “The human race has only one effective weapon, and that is laughter.” –Mark Twain MY NOTE: Laughter may not be the only effective weapon to fight the battles of life, but it is certainly a powerful weapon. Most battles come to wreck us but we can win battles by laughter. See how in 4 quick steps: 1. Laughter will dissolve stress and release energy. 2. Energy will lead to action. 3. Action is the cure for most problematic issues. Action will lead to motion. 4. Consistent Motion will ultimately bring promotion. Norman Cousins once destroyed his terminal cancer with laughter! Find ways to laugh really hard today no matter what!

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Woman keeps dead husband’s body for almost three years

ussian authorities say a woman with five children kept her husband’s body in their apartment for almost three years after his death. Prosecutors in the central Yaroslavl re-

gion said the unidentified woman, described as a devout Pentecostal Christian with a psychiatric record, was so distraught when her husband died of natural causes in 2009 that she believed he “was bound

to resurrect.” An investigation was opened after the body was found in a dumpster in a plastic bag in July. The prosecutors’ office said Monday that the woman kept the ca-

daver in a bed in a room of her apartment and asked her children to talk to it and feed it. The office says two children decided to dispose of the body when the family moved to another apartment.

TEL 08104942999 E-MAIL deji.folutile@gmail.com Follow me @TwitterOWOTIDE

2,000 golf balls rain from helicopter

private elementary school in California rained about 2,000 golf balls from a helicopter to its athletic field to raise money for student scholarships. Carolyn Johnson, advancement specialist for the Mariners Christian School in Costa Mesa, said students sold the balls at $10 each to raise funds to provide scholarships to lower-income families and the golf balls were then dropped from the

chopper onto the field Friday afternoon, the Los Angeles Times reported Monday. Johnson said an additional $50,000 was raised by a golf tournament. “We have families whose children have been here for a number of years,” she said. “If they hit a bump [financially] ... this money really allows these kids to stay here.” “I thought it was pretty awesome and really cool,” third-grader Gabriella Creamer, 9, said of the golf ball drop.

Care for a bite?

PHOTO: DEVIANT ART

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Rangers’ Nanka camping on hold

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

I am bothered more about taking my team to go all the way in the Champions League –Real Madrid’s coach, Jose Mourinho

Eko 2012: Team Rivers hits Lagos Saturday

eam Rivers will hit Lagos on Saturday and become the first contingent to arrive in Nigeria’s commercial capital for the 18th National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged “Eko 2012.” National Mirror learnt yesterday that the Rivers’ contingent will end their final pre-games camping exercise on Friday and depart for Lagos the next day for the NSF. Rivers State hosted the 17th edition of the festival in Port Harcourt last year and its contingent won the “Garden City Games” with 135 gold, 79 silver, and 85 bronze medals. The state’s head coach of Abula (traditional sport), Paul Asaah told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday that Team Rivers was in the final days of its three-phased camping. Asaah said that early arrival in Lagos would enable the athletes to adjust to the prevailing weather condition before the NSF begins on November 27. “The three camping phases have given athletes and officials ample time to tighten up all loose ends,” he said.

...‘Edo contingent is ready’

do State’s Director of Sports (DOS), Godwin Okute, said yesterday that the state’s athletes would perform well at the forthcoming 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos. Okute said that the athletes had been thoroughly grilled for better performance at the sports fiesta. “There is no problem whatsoever with our athletes in camp and I believe they are fully prepared for the Games,” he said. He, however, declined to predict the number of medals Team Edo would win at the festival. “In events of this nature you cannot make an outright prediction on the outcome of events. But I know that we will do our best and make our presence felt at the NSF.” The DOS commended the organisers of the NSF for adopting the Delegates Registration Meeting (DRM) approach; which he said would curb the incidence of double registration of athletes.

Governor Oshiomhole

Coach Sewnet Bishaw (right) and his squad singing the Ethiopian National Anthem before facing Sudan in the AFCON qualifier on October 14 in Addis Ababa

AFCON: Ethiopia plans against Nigeria, others in Uganda EVEREST ONYEWUCHI

he Central and East African Football Challenge Cup (CECAFA) kicks off this weekend in Uganda, with the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia using it to prepare for next January’s Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. African champions, Chipolopolo of Zambia; Super Eagles, Stallions of Burkina Faso and the Walya Antelopes are in Group C of the South Africa 2013 AFCON and will play their preliminary games at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspriut. Ethiopia qualified for South Africa 2013 at the expense of Sudan on away goals rule on the last day of qualifiers on October 14 with two goals scored by Alula Girma and Saladin Said in the second half in Addis Ababa to ensure a 5-5 aggregate deadlock. Sudan won the first leg 5-3. Now Coach Sewnet Bishaw is heading to Kampala with a squad which includes more than a dozen uncapped players he wants to toughen for the assault on Nigeria and Zambia in January. Ethiopia is in Group A of the CECAFA Cup with host Uganda, and neighbours, Kenya and South Sudan. They will play their opening match of the competition that ends on December 8 on Saturday against South Sudan at the

Namboole Stadium. Reports have it that the former African champion, who has been in the continent’s soccer wilderness in the last 31 years, will be without majority of the players who helped the Walya Antelopes qualify for next year’s Nations Cup. Midfielder Yared Zenabu, of Ethiopian league champions Saint George, is the only player in the squad who contributed actively in the 2013 Nations Cup qualifying campaign. The 14 uncapped players are home-based

except for Abraham Kassa who plays in Alabama in the United States. According to BBC Sport, the most experienced player in the 21-man squad is globetrotter Fikru Tefera, who has played in Europe, Africa and Asia. The other foreignbased player is Yusuf Salah, of Swedish club Syrianska. The inclusion of both Salah and Kassa forms part of Ethiopia’s drive to search for overseas-based players of Ethiopian origin to strengthen their squad for the Nations Cup.

AYC: F/Eagles to know foes Dec. 9 EVEREST ONYEWUCHI

igeria’s U-20 National Football Team, Flying Eagles, will know their opponents for the 12th edition of the African Youth Championship (AYC) scheduled to hold in Algeria next year on December 9. Also, the Eaglets will know their opponents for the 10th edition of the CAF U-17 Championship, if they scale the Malian hurdle, same day. Confederation of African Football (CAF) said in a statement sent to National Mirror yesterday that the Final draws for both continental championships would

hold on December 9 at its headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. Nigeria, Benin, Gabon, Ghana, Mali, DR Congo and host Algeria are in the running for the title of the AYC holding from March 16 – 30th in the North African country. The U-17 qualifiers end in the first week of December and Eaglets look good to book a ticket for the finals in Morocco from April 13 – 27th next year after beating their Malian counterparts 2-0 in last Sunday’s final qualifier in Calabar, pending the outcome of the return leg in Bamako. Both tournaments will run eight team finals with the top four teams qualifying to represent Africa at both the 2013 FIFA U-17 and U-20 World Cups.

Sport

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Euro Champions League

Henry nears Gunners’ return

squad with a new centreforward in the window January and has also made Atletico Madrid’s Adrian Lopez his top target. The Gunners will lose lose Gervinho on Africa Cup of Nations duty in January for up to six weeks and doubt surrounds the future of Theo Walcott, even though progress has been made in his contract negotiations with the club. Henry, who currently stars for New York Red Bulls and turned 35 in August, had a fairytale sevenmatch return to Emirates Stadium at the start of the year, extending his Arsenal scoring record to 228 goals.

rsenal legend, Thierry Henry, will train with the club next month and could return for a third spell as a player at the club, according to reports yesterday. The Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer has been told by the club he can keep in shape at its London Colney training base during the MLS off-season, although the reports said that there is a strong possibility that the informal situation could even extend into a second loan spell at the club where Henry enjoys esteemed status. Manager Arsene Wenger wants to strengthen his

Today’s fixtures

Roberto Mancini

Mancini wary of ‘Hurricane Ronaldo’

anchester h City’s Ci ’ Manager, Roberto Mancini, says concentration is key as he plans to keep Real Madrid talisman Cristiano Ronaldo at bay in their Champions League clash at the Etihad Stadium today. The Portuguese superstar returns to Manchester for the first time since leaving United three years ago for the Madrid megabucks. Madrid is on the cusp of qualifying for the knockout phase and anything other than a City win will see Mancini’s side go out in the group stage for the second successive year. The City’s gaffer is unmindful of his task. “Maybe we’ll call the police to stop Ronaldo,” the City boss joked yesterday. “He’s a top player and, when you come up against someone who can score one or two goals every game, it is difficult. We will need to concentrate. “For me Ronaldo deserves to win the Ballon d’Or. He scored so many goals last year and that helped Madrid finish above Barcelona. “But I hope he can have a bad night tomorrow (today) or perhaps, the club can leave him back home.” Mancini believes City’s disappointing Champions League campaign can be traced back to the final minutes of their open-

Zenit

Malaga

Anderlecht

Milan

FC Porto

Zagreb

Dynamo

PSG

Man City

Madrid

Ajax

Dortmund

Arsenal

Montpellier

Schalke

Olympiakos

Adeniyi eyes Asoju Oba crown

ing Madrid i game iin M d id when, h with six minutes to go, they allowed a 2-1 lead to slip as they went down 3-2. “If we had come back from the Bernabeu with a good result it would probably have changed this group for us,” the Italian reasoned. “When you are 2-1 up with four minutes to go, you should be very strong to close the game.” With 19 goals in all competitions this season, Ronaldo is maintaining his phenomenal Kazeem Adeniyi form as he, along with Madrid, are desperate for a 10th succesYEMI OLUS sive Champions League trophy.

Cristiano Ronaldo

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

he 2006 and 2010 champion of the annual Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championship, Kazeem Adeniyi, says capturing the trophy this year is a priority. The 44th edition of the competition served off on Monday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos with 17 events being competed for in the cadet, junior and senior cadres. Top seed Adeniyi is followed by Ganiyu Ashimiyu who defeated the former in the final last year. But the former Union Bank Sports Club player who was recently recruited by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence

Orelope-Adefulire

EKO 2012: Organisers get NBC boost AFOLABI GAMBARI

he 39-year history of the National Sports Festival recorded another history yesterday as the Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC) branded one of its products as part of its support for the festival taking off in Lagos on November 27. Managing Director of NBC, Ben Langat, said at the occasion that the initiative was borne out of the company’s commitment to sports and its partnership with Lagos State to ensure a successful festival. “This is the first time in 62 years that NBC was set up in Nigeria that we will be branding our product to support event of this magnitude,” Langat remarked, adding that

the company was delighted to be the official sport drink for participants, even as he declared the company’s commitment to sports development in the country. Lagos State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Mrs. Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire, commended NBC for its gesture while calling on corporate organisations to emulate the gesture. “As a responsible government, we will continue to create an enabling environment for companies to thrive,” the LOC boss said. National Mirror learnt that the NBC also donated N10m in addition to products worth about N100m for the sports festival.

Schools contest Pepsi tourney AFOLABI GAMBARI

A Corps says he is not under pressure to achieve his target. “I am pressure free right now even though as Union Bank players, we dominated the Lagos Table Tennis League earlier this year. I have also trained very hard and learnt from my mistakes in previous outings so I am ready to win the title again,” Adeniyi told National Mirror yesterday. Other players who joined the NSCDC include Kazeem Makanjuola, Ashimiyi, Shola Oyetayo and teenager Olajide Omotayo. Defending champion, Fatimo Bello, who tops the women’s category, is followed by Yetunde Thompson and 2009 champion, Atinuke Olaide, respectively.

bout 50 secondary schools from different parts of the country are participating in the maiden Pepsi Football Academy National Schools Programme which commenced yesterday in Lagos, Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ilorin, Benin City, Enugu, Jos and Kaduna. Director of the academy, Chief Kasimawo Laloko, said each centre would host four secondary schools that would compete on a round robin format. Agege Stadium is hosting the Lagos centre which comprises Diary Farm Secondary School, Keke High School, Agidingbi Grammar School and Ifako International Secondary School. In Benin City, Edo Boys High school will

lead other secondary schools which include Western Boys High School and Government Model School. According to Laloko, the schools programme is part of the activities marking the 20th anniversary of the academy. “The objective is for each of the 14 Pepsi Football Academy training centres across the country to further strengthen their links with local schools and provide the youngsters with an opportunity to showcase their talents in a competitive situation,” the director explained. “It is also a further evidence of Pepsi’s commitment to the development of the Nigerian youth, as we seek opportunity to identify exceptional youngsters for invitation to join the Pepsi Football Academy,” he submitted.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Nigeria N ig Premier League with

Cricket

IIKENWA NNABUOGOR ikenwa.nnabuogor@gmail.com

Justice on ‘transit’ at Nassarawa United

ewly-promoted Nasarawa United has completed the signing of former Super Eagles’ midfielder, Justice Christopher. Club sources said the former Antwerp of Belgium midfielder penned a short term contract ostensibly to keep fit until February or March when Christopher is expected to join a Qatari club. Christopher, whose Euro career experienced lots of ups and downs occasioned by injuries, has been training with the promoted Nigeria Premier League (NPL) side for the

past two weeks. “Justice Christopher has joined us here (at Nasarawa United) for the new season. He’s been here for two weeks now. But his contract will be on a shortterm that will see him leave us by February or March at the latest as he is going abroad to sign a deal with a club in Qatar. “But for now, his experience with the team will count, as he has played in the league before and has even played in the highest football competition, the FIFA World Cup,” said a member of Nasarawa United’s backroom staff.

Ledor awaits Malaysia move

Rangers’ new goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim

harks’ midfielder Sam Ledor will wait a little longer to sign for Malaysian side Spyro FC due to visa issues. Ledor, currently with his club in pre-season camp in Calabar, told National Mirror the delay in issuance of the entry visa was due to Otorogu is yet to pen a contract with the number of players who the Flying Antelopes. The former are also seeking visas to atEnyimba striker told National Mir- tend trials at the club. Ledor revealed that ror he would know his fate in the he also linked four other coming weeks. His fine form in front players to the club, hence of goal which saw him score two the delay, as the embassy goals in warm up games, could earn was cross-checking the the tall player a deal. He’s said to be players’ documents benegotiating a contract of N 7 million. cause they would be issued visas. Ledor said he linked players like Sharks striker Victor Champions League games. They Ezeji, former Enyimba trained at Otta when they won the players Alex Oguaju and title back to back in 2003 and 2004. Andy Ogwuche, as well Enyimba have also beefed up as his Lobi Star mates Intheir squad ahead of the new season. The ABS duo of Andrew Abalogu and Bright Ebieme has been signed. The Akwa United goalkeeper Femi Thomas has also been signed and he will be joined by former Gombe United keeper Uche Akubike. Meanwhile, National Mirror have exclusively learnt that former Warri Wolves coach Paul Aigbogun could be taking charge as head coach. Former Sharks coach Imama Amakapabo has been in charge of the team since he joined from Sharks. Aigbogun, close sources revealed, is yet to arrive but strong indications fingered him as the man to take over. Aigbogun, currently handling South African lower division side, FC Cape Town, cannot be reached to confirm the story. Victor Ezeji of Sharks

Rangers’ Nanka camping on hold T he proposed Rangers camping at Nanka, Anambra State has been put on hold following the chairman, Paul Chibuzor’s trip to India on visit to the hospitalised Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime, National Mirror has been exclusively informed. Close source said the camping which had been in the pipeline before the Chibuzor’s unexpected visit to India, will be decided when the chairman returns to the country on Friday. Rangers have been testing new players on their wish list and doing their pre-season training at the permanent camp at the Nkpokiti area of Enugu. The source added the release of funds for the Nanka camping remained the major drawback as the club owners were yet to decide on the release of funds. “The chairman is due to return to the country on Friday and until then, the camping is still on hold,” the source said. “But the final decision will be made same day. The players are eager to know their fate because they want to travel out of town to continue their training.” Meanwhile, former Rangers striker Bishop Onyeudo is set to return to the Flying Antelopes. The Enugu-born striker is one of the players training with the Enugu-based side with a view to signing a contract. Onyeudo, who spent half season on loan at Wikki Tourists arrived at the Rangers camp last week to begin screening. His return, close sources revealed to National Mirror was connected to his elder brother’s strong links with the Rangers coach

Okey Emordi, who returned to his old club at the close of last season. Onyeodu, who also had a brief spell in Malaysia didn’t kick a ball in the second half of last season after he left Wikki, will have to convince the management to hand him a contract. Another NPL returnee Ezenwa

Enyimba set to hit Otta for camping

nyimba FC is set to start camping at the Obasanjo Farms, Otta, to step up their build ups ahead of the new season which is yet to get an official date, National Mirror can exclusively report. The Aba Millionaires have confirmed Otta as their camping site and could be arriving the camp latest on Monday next week. Young midfielder Amanfor Chime said the new technical adviser Salisu Yusuf confirmed the Otta camping and said the players should be getting ready to hit the camp. The proposed camping is likely to last for four weeks. Chime said they would be officially briefed on the date they would be travelling to Otta. Enyimba’s romance with the Otta camp, an old training facility for the Super Eagles, dates back to their Champions League giant-killing days in 2003. The five-time league champions trained at Otta ahead of their

nocent Williams and Obi Oparaogu. Ledor, who returned from a brief spell in Congo Brazzavile, said his agent, Adeyemi, based in Lagos, had done the appropriate arrangements for him and the club was waiting for him to arrive and put pen on paper. “The club has seen my game on video and is impressed with what they saw,” Ledor continued. “They’re waiting for me to arrive and sign. I can’t wait to leave the country and start my pro career again. “I’m still very much at our camp in Calabar, keeping fit and waiting to start with the Malaysian club. We have a game today and as usual, I will be in top form.”

WORLD RECORD

Longest stone chain Vol. 02 No. 496

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

A circus called constitution review

circus can be described as “a group of entertainers, which performs skillful or amusing acts in a show that travels around to different places”. No sobriquet can best describe what the National Assembly is now doing, all in the name of constitution review. From Sokoto to Abia and from Lagos to Calabar, our federal legislators have been filling out in different directions, especially to their constituencies and conducting town hall meetings and even seminars, in order to fashion, what in their view, would be a ‘Peoples’ Charter ‘or masses constitution. Even before the exercise, many Nigerians were never in doubt that it would be Babel of voices with variegated views as there are ethnic groups in the country. Few days into the road show, the strains are already showing, while anger is welling up to the fore. Incredibly, what majority of discussants in the different geo-

N150

The longest stone chain measured 29.3 m (96 ft 1 in) in length, was carved by Giuseppe Lusetti (Italy) in Mergozzo, Italy, and measured on 4 January 2011.

ormer England c ap t a i n , D av i d Beckham, is leaving Los Angeles Galaxy next month after six years at the American Major League Soccer (MLS) club. He intends to quit after the season-ending MLS Cup final on December 1.

Okay Osuji (okayosuji@nationalmirroronline.net) 08034729256 (sms only)

political zones have been dwelling on, have nothing to do with making Nigeria great nor bringing the dream of ‘sending man to the moon’ any nearer. All the noises so far dwell more on how some ethnic groups would stop those perceived as mortal enemies from progressing in any way possible and even on how to corner all political and economic advantages to the exclusion of others. From a cursory look of things, what any impartial observer would read into these staccato of noises is that the demands from the zones represent the views of the majority. But this is far from the truth. What we are witnessing is the continuing supremacy battle of ethnic irredentists masquerading as political voices of their people. In a poisoned socio-political environment, where ethnic relations take the form of a zero sum game, it has become a mortal battle to be fought at all cost in order to impose some unreconstructed views on others, no matter the immediate or long term effects. As in such game, one person’s gain is another’s loss with no middle ground to negotiate a win-win solution. For example, while most states in the south want state police, those in the north are opposed to it, for the pedestrian reason that it is an invitation to secession, and in extreme case that it is capable of encouraging ethnic and religious discriminations. But scratch on the surface and you see a facile reason for abhorrence

WE ARE ALWAYS REMINDED THAT

NIGERIA IS THE ONLY COUNTRY CREATED BY

GOD

to this idea, which is not so much to do with their self appointed role as guardians of the geographical entity called Nigeria, much as it has to do with removing or even diminishing a psychological platform for unobtrusive bullying and coercion of other Nigerians by the police formation as presently constituted. Conversely, the debate takes a more combative and threatening tone whenever the issue of derivation comes up. Here, we are meant to acknowledge that even when the exploration of crude oil is carried out in few states of the country, the accruing royalties must be shared equally, irrespective of the environmental damages which such operations, over the decades, had subjected many people and communities to. Definitely, the beast and venom in the constitution review circus can be gleaned from the different ways in which the antagonistic ethnic and geopolitical zones react to the issues of single term and rotation of the presidency. As an ingrained reaction, majority of south-

erners are favourably disposed to such ideas, but viciously opposed in the north. One may be at a loss knowing why anyone desirous of unity and progress in the long run should draw blank on this. But this is Nigeria where the myth of perpetual rulership has a divine connotation around it. Therefore, agreeing to a democratization of political leadership would “unbalance” the natural order of things. Then what about the creation of more states? Here, all manner of armchair critics and social commentators have gone to town to oppose it. Curiously, such opposition is not borne out of any nationalistic or altruistic reasons. And given the colouration and ideology of the massed opposition, any discerning mind would agree that the protest is meant to deny the South East geopolitical zone an additional state to make for equity and good conscience. Their uproar is a product of an ingrained reflex rather than a thoughtful regard for the finances of the country or a riposte against the creation of more unviable mini empires. As far as the status quo remains tilted in favour of some to the detriment of others, the more at peace such persons will be. A common refrain being heard, and which has become a national anthem, is the inviolability of the country’s sovereignty. We are always reminded that Nigeria is the only country created by God and not the United Kingdom. But a reminder here is that the same UK has agreed to a referendum on Scotland’s independence in 2014. If it goes through, the present United Kingdom might dissolve after more than 300 years of its existence. Spain’s Catalonia province is also stirring in that direction. Czech and Slovakia went their separate ways, while the Soviet Union dissolved into 13 different countries in 1989. What in essence we should do here is to hold a national dialogue to find ways through the present political thicket, rather than a circus that holds no future for the country.

Sport Extra

Beckham to quit LA Galaxy

In a statement Beckham, 37, said, “I wanted to experience one last challenge before the end of my playing career.” Melbourne Heart claim they are in talks with Beckham over a “10-game

stint” in Australia, despite his camp saying he had “no plans” to play in the A League. Heart chief executive Scott Munn told BBC Sport, “We are incredibly serious and working tirelessly with

David’s representatives to table a compelling offer which is commensurate with the international player that David is. “We’re talking to David about a 10-game stint. Football is the third code behind

Australian Rules football and rugby league. We think David takes it to the next level.” Beckham joined Manchester United as a 14-yearold and went on to make 398 appearances for the club, winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League.

David Beckham

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