Friday, December 7, 2012 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

INEC de-registers 28 parties OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

few months after de-registering some political parties for not meeting the requirements of the electoral law, the Indepen-

Jega

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dent National Electoral Commission, INEC, last night wielded its axe on 28 political parties. The commission’s Secretary, Abdulahi Kaugama, said in a statement made available to journalists last night that INEC’s ac-

Oteh must go, Reps insist

tion conformed with the powers conferred on it by the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2010 as amended. The statement reads: “In the exercise of the powers conferred on it by the

Make U-turn on Jonathan’s summons P.5

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Friday, December 7, 2012

Vice-President’s house to cost N14bn –FCDA It’s unacceptable, we won’t approriate more funds –Senate THE N14BN TO US IS INDEFENSIBLE, ESPECIALLY AT A PERIOD IN THIS COUNTRY WHERE SOME PEOPLE CANNOT GET THREE SQUARE MEALS.

N150

GEORGE OJI AND EMMANUEL ONANI

he new official residence of Vice-President Namadi Sambo, under construction, is to cost taxpayers N14bn, if the National Assembly grants the fresh request for an additional N9bn for the project. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

The multi-billion naira Vice-President’s house.

PHOTO: GEORGE OJI

Entertainment meets sports at Eko 2012 finals

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

PDP invites ministers over performance scorecard P.2

Abdulsalami, govs lament Boko Haram menace ...‘It’ll take North 20 years to recover’ P.3 Diesel scarcity cripples LAGBUS operations P.6

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Friday, December 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Governors storm N’Assembly, lobby for foreign loans GEORGE OJI AND EMMANUEL ONANI

ome state governments which are seeking foreign loans were at the National Assembly yesterday to lobby lawmakers for the approval of such facilities.

Some of the states that were at the National Assembly to defend their requests before the Senate Committee on Foreign Loans and Debt include Abia, Imo, Plateau and Gombe. This was as Chairman of the Committee, Senator Uzamere Ehigie threatened to shut the

door against the state governments that have not appeared before the committee to defend their loan proposal. He set Monday December 10 as deadline for such states or their requests would not be processed. Most of the states that have appeared so far before the committee were

represented by their finance commissioners and attorneys general and commissioners for justice. The states seized to opportunity to complain about their inability to get disbursement of the loans approved for them last year despite that they had met the all laid down

L-R: Vice-President Namadi Sambo; award recipient, Prof. Samuel Ohaegbulam; President Goodluck Jonathan and another award recipient, Prof. Emmanuel Yoloye, at the investiture of 2012 Nigerian National Order of Merit Award in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

procedures. Uzamere however assured that the legislature would do justice to the matter pointing out that there is communication gap between the Ministry of Finance and the state governments on the issue of the loan. The Chairman urged the Minister of Finance to look into the issues raised by commissioners with the view of reconciling them. Those states that have not appeared to defend their own loan proposals are Ondo, Rivers and Delta states. A breakdown of the loan proposals waiting approval revealed that all states in the country applied for loans totaling $3.39bin while the Federal government applied for $4.8bn. as well as for Continuation of Eurobond Issuance worth $1bn, Diaspora Bonnd of $100m putting the total at about $9bn. The Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Yerima

Jigama, explained that the repayment period of the loan is about 40 years and it is concessional loan which is quite different from the one Nigeria has taken previously. He added that all states in the country have been banned from negotiating for loans individually in order to ensure that the interest rates of the loan are the same. President Goodluck Jonathan had requested the National Assembly to authorize the borrowing of the sum of $7.9bn external loans (for the federal and some state governments) under the Medium Term expenditure profile (2012–2014) external borrowing plan in October. Last month, the president also sent a request for an additional $500m to fund some projects. Out of the $500m the sum of $300m was to be used for the federal government’s housing projects while $200m was for the provision of water for Rivers State communities.

Vice-President’s house to cost N14bn –FCDA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

But members of the Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory, FCT, yesterday kicked against the request for an additional N9bn to be appropriated for the completion of the Vice-President’s official residence, vowing not to accede to the demand. The project, which is being handled by Julius Berger Nigeria Limited, was originally valuated at N7bn. However, during an oversight visit to the new residence located within the Three-Arms Zone (behind the National Assembly), an official of the construction company told the Chairman of FCT Senate Committee, Smart Adeyemi, and other members that they had left construction site since June 30, as a result of lack of funds to continue work on the project. The official explained that the additional funds being sought for were to cover facilities such as security installations, furniture, fencing and banquet hall which were not part of the original plan. Executive Secretary of

the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, Adamu Ismail, who also provided justification for the additional funds being requested, noted that “N14bn is what is required for the completion and furnishing of the residence.” He added: “We have worked out the details and passed it to the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, for consideration. “They (BPP) have sent it back to us with their observations; we requested for N9bn but now it came to about N6bn.” The executive secretary stated that the original contract sum was N7bn, stressing that upon review, it was agreed that additional facilities should be added to the original concept to fortify the number two citizen’s residence. Members of the committee, while objecting to the additional funds for the project, noted that any additional funds to the project will be “indefensible” and “too much for the Nigerian masses to bear.” Adeyemi said: “The Senate is not going to appropri-

ate additional funds to the ongoing project of the VP’s official residence; N7bn is more than adequate to complete this project. “Now you are asking us to approve a total sum of N14bn and this is just the Vice President’s residence. This amount to me is huge for the Vice President’s house. The N14bn to us is indefensible. “The N14bn to us is indefensible, especially at a period in this country where some people cannot get three square meals. The N9bn is far more than the original cost of the project.” “We appreciate the fact that our Vice-President has to be adequately protected, but the N7bn is enough.” The sum of N2bn was appropriated for the new Vice-President residence project in the 2013 budget proposal of the Federal Capital territory. Meanwhile, during the commencement of the oversight visits on Wednesday, the committee expressed satisfaction with the youth employment initiative undertaken by the FCT Arts and Culture,

pledging to appropriate more funds to help in the completion of projects in the territory. Specifically, the lawmakers applauded the efforts of the Secretary, Social Development of FCT Arts and Culture, Mrs. Blessing Onuh, towards engaging youths in the territory, with the completion of Youth Support Centre in Nyanya. The Centre, with over eight buildings, is equipped with a printing press, and is expected to engage about 200 youths, who will be trained on how to operate the equipment. Speaking to journalists at the centre, Senator Adeyemi said: “This is a very good initiative we will look at the possibility of providing more funds so that they will bring more projects that will engage the youths.” While lawmakers gave thumbs-up to the centre, it was all thumbs-down and criticism for the proposed Government Secondary School, GSS, Maitama project, which contract was said to have beeen awarded since 2005, with very little on ground to justify the funds

allocated towards the realisation of the project. The senators were visibly angry at the GSS’ site, when

the contractor handling the project said that the total contract sum of the building is N320m.

PDP summons all ministers over performance scorecard OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has summoned all the ministers in President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to appear before it. The meeting is determined to check the performance level of all its members in the government and to enable the party to defend its activities since assumption of power. The National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said that the summons was in continuation of the party’s drive to create a synergy between it and its officials in the various arms of government. The Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, was the first to face the party’s National Working Committee.

She gave details of operations of her ministry and submitted that the Armed Forces are on top of the security challenges facing the nation. Obada explained that defence personnel were working in close concert with other security agencies to tackle threats posed by the Boko Haram sect and oil thieves in the Niger Delta region. She noted that the success recorded in the fight against terrorism and the political will of President Goodluck Jonathan to restore normalcy in the polity. The minister also highlighted the role of Nigeria’s Armed Forces in Mali, Guinea Bissau and other troubled areas in the African continent saying, “our intervention has restored hope to citizens of those countries.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, December 7, 2012

Abdulsalami, govs lament Boko Haram menace A ZA MSUE, K ADUNA AND EZEKIEL TITUS

ormer military Head of State, Gen. Abubakar Abdulsalami (rtd), yesterday lamented the dwindling fortunes of the North as a result of high level of insecurity occasioned by the Boko Haram insurgency. He predicted that it would take the region 20 years to recover from the damage the carnage had caused. Also, some northern governors in Bauchi yesterday said the region was backward in all ramifications, owing to the crippling security challenges. Answering questions from journalists after chairing a session on “Security, politics and economy of the North,” on the second day of the Arewa House Conference with the theme: “The North and strategies for sustainable development,” Abdulsalami said northerners must be united. He said that with the socio-economic damage done to the North by incessant insecurity, it would require more than 20 years to clean up and revive the region. The ex-head of state also urged the people to assist government in tackling security challenges in the region, stressing that everybody must act as watchdog of the country and his immediate environment. He said: “Certainly, if there is unity, we wouldn’t be here at this conference. So, since there is no unity that is why the Arewa House is trying to galvanise it at this conference. “It will take 20 years to revive the North. A lot of socio-economic damages have been done. If you go round the areas that is when you will appreciate the extent of damage done to the region. We have to work together to revive it. “All of us should join hands; we cannot leave security to the government alone. Every Nigerian is a security officer, let’s try to join hands and report what we see, so that the government will be able to take action. “We should be government’s watchdogs and also watch our communities.” Former Secretary of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said the activities of Boko Haram had eaten into the region like a cancer. He said: “The next two years will test the resilience of the Nigerian state and the capacity of northerners to bounce back. “Right now, the Boko Haram insurgency is eating it up like a cancer, and it will require bold initiatives by northerners to find a solution, by influencing both the insurgency and the government. “Not all Nigerians are comfortable with a united and strong North. Its current position, therefore, is welcome to its detractors and rivals. They will not lift a finger to heal its wounds. This will have to be done by people in this hall who feel the pain the most.” Senate Minority Leader and former Benue State Governor, Senator George Akume, who chaired another session on “Values and leadership,” said that it was sad that the North was no longer safe for both its people and visitors. Akume, therefore, charged the people to imbibe hard work, integrity, honesty, respect and determination to lift the region back to its lost glory. He said: “If there is no peace, development hardly takes place, no matter the determination of the actors. “The theme of this conference bears direct relevance to what is happening in the North. The topic for today is value and leadership. I do not intend to go into conceptual definition of values and leadership. In every society, there are norms and values, these are highly respected, respect for sanctity of human life, and where this is not respected, there is no way you can have peace. This is a very big challenge, particularly in the North. “I am very sad things are happening the way they are happening now. “I was in Borno about six months ago when my friend and brother, Governor Kashim Shettima, gave out his sister for marriage. We were about 30 persons that supposed to go to Borno, but only eight of us decided to go. The others gave different reasons for not making it. “We must imbibe the values of honour, respect,

integrity, hard work and determination because they have direct bearing on the development of the North.” Meanwhile, Shettima has blamed the Federal Government and governors for their failure to provide good governance to the people who gave them their mandates saying this was the reason behind the Boko Haram insurgency. Speaking at the NorthEast Alliance for Transformation Summit in Yankari, Bauchi State, Shettima said the acute poverty confronting the zone was responsible for the emergence of the terrorist group that had held the zone and the country hostage. He also accused the Federal Government of neglect-

ing the zone, lamenting that the central government had abandoned ongoing projects in the zone worth billions of naira. The governor also noted that security was everybody’s business and should not be left to the state alone. He urged the Federal Government and other well-meaning Nigerians to urgently partner with the state in its quest to stem the activities of Boko Haram. Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State also observed that the zone was backward owing to the insecurity bedevilling the zone. He, however, expressed optimism that the summit would be geared towards addressing the security

challenges and other problems of the zone. Yuguda noted that the zone was blessed with human and natural resources that had not been explored. He called on foreign and local investors to invest in the region and to meaningfully engage the youths and women. Yuguda also charged the governors and other prominent Nigerians to unite in the search for lasting and permanent peace in the region, stressing that recommendations of the summit would be implemented. The governors of Gombe, Taraba, Adamawa and Yobe lamented the state of education and poverty in the region, which they said

was alarming. Yuguda noted that the summit was not politicallymotivated but to promote development of the zone. He added that the summit was to fashion out how to proffer solutions to the myriad challenges working against the development of the zone in spite of the abundance of natural resources. However, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has assured that the FG will ensure that the North-East geopolitical zone of the country feels its presence in terms of developmental programmes and projects. The President gave the assurance during the summit held at the Yankari Games Reserves, Bauchi.

L-R: Mr. Rogers Gorham of the World Bank office, Washington; Director for Africa, French Development Agency, Mr. Yves Boudot; Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Dr. Dayo Mobereola and Country Director, FDA, Mr. Hubert Dognin, during a visit of the two agencies to Lagos yesterday.

Police arrest eight terrorists after abortive bomb attack AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST AND AZA MSUE

olice in Kano yesterday arrested eight suspected terrorists believed to be members of Boko Haram sect after an abortive attempt to blow up a police patrol vehicle. The suspected gunmen allegedly trailed the security vehicle in a taxi cab to the Ring Road area of Hotoro Eastern Bypass, Kano, where they reportedly threw an improvised explosive device, IED, at the moving vehicle. The bomb, however, narrowly missed the target. An eyewitness told our correspondent that no casualty was recorded during

the incident which occurred at about 7a.m. yesterday. It will be recalled that there had been pockets of bomb and gun attacks in the Kano suburb recently, some resulting in deaths and injuries. Our correspondent noted that following the clampdown on commercial motorcyclists with the restriction of their movement to 6p.m., the insurgents appeared to have resorted to carrying out their attacks in the early hours of the day. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Magaji Majiya, in a statement said: “On Thursday, December 6, 2012, at about 0730hrs when a motorised police patrol team was heading to their duty post on Ring Road,

Hotoro, a taxi (Golf car) was trailing them behind and the occupants suddenly threw an explosive device at the police vehicle. “The police officers swiftly disembarked from their vehicle, cordoned off the area and arrested the eight occupants of the Golf taxi cab. “No injury was sustained during the attack. Investigation has already commenced.” Our correspondent observed heavy security presence within Kano metropolis, following series of attacks within the last few days. Terrorist attacks have been reported in Hotoro, Hausawa quarters and lately Ring Road on the Eastern

Bypass in Kano. Meanwhile, the apex northern socio-political organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, yesterday opposed military actions on the former commandants of the Armed Forces and Staff College, Jaji, after the twinbomb blasts in the military base. The blasts killed over 15 worshippers at St. Andrew’s Protestant Church in the barracks. The ACF called for a thorough investigation into the incident and accused the military authorities of taking actions while the incident was still under probe. It stressed that the action would jeopardise the outcome of the panel. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

PhotoNews

Friday December 7, 2012

L-R: Chairman, Lafarge Cement Wapco Nig. Plc, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye; Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun and Managing Director, Lafarge, Mr. Joe Hudson, during a courtesy visit to the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, yesterday.

L-R: Special Adviser on Economic Intelligence to the National Security Adviser, Prof. Soji Adelaja; National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Malam Garba Mohammed; Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku; Managing Director, Aso FM, Mr. Mohammed Hassan; representative of Niger State Governor, Alhaji Danladi Ahmed and Chairman, NUJ, Abuja chapter, Mr. Chuks Ehirim, at the 1st NUJ Colloquium in PHOTO: NAN Abuja, yesterday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson; Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and Chairman, Buy Right Africa, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, at the launch of Nigerian Employees Digital Welfare Scheme in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO ROTIMI OSASONA

L-R: Branch Manager, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Enugu, Mr. Kingsly Mba; President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Theo Okonkwo and representative of Enugu State Governor, Dr. Jude PHOTO: NAN Akubilo, at the opening of the 4th Enugu Christmas Shopping Fair in Enugu, yesterday.

National News

Corruption: Why Jonathan can’t sack Orubebe, Worgu, others –Presidency ‘FG recovers over N225bn from two pension offices’ I am not saying anybody to actually come up with

he Presidency has said that it could not sack any of its officials on mere allegation of corruption without any concrete proof. It also said that in Nigeria’s history, no government had confronted corruption as the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, who spoke with journalists in Abuja yesterday, said the system the administration put in place in the last one year had exposed massive grafts in pension office, fertiliser, power, oil and gas, elections, ports and judiciary, etc. He said that the insinuation in some quarters that President Jonathan lacked the political will to fight corruption was false and that the President could not just sack min-

isters because of unsubstantiated allegations. Okupe was reacting to calls for the sack of the Minister of Niger Delta, Elder Godsday Orubebe, and his Labour and Productivity counterpart, Chief Emeka Worgu, over allegations of corruption while in office. Orubebe was accused of benefitting from a palatial house gift allegedly donated by a construction company where he currently resides while Worgu’s company is said to be connected to oil subsidy fraud. But Okupe said these allegations were far from the truth. He said: “These are allegations, if the President fires every minister and any government officials that people allege, I doubt whether 50 per cent of the officials will remain. You know how Nigerians are, I am not indicting anybody,

is wrong or right but on allegation, the onus is on the person who is alleging to prove and the President cannot just act based on allegation; government does not work that way and the President is not also deaf. “These are events in the last one month and some mechanism must be taking place to internally verify these claims and

something. You know that a minister has been sacked in this administration and investigations took place and decisions were taken.” Cataloguing the numerous victories Jonathan’s government has won its war against corruption, Okupe said before the administration came on board, the pension funds

administration regime was one of the major channels through which public funds running into hundreds of billions of naira were misappropriated by corrupt officials. He said: “Problems associated with the pension management system include embezzlement, falsification of records, ghost pensioners, obsolete administrative structure and denial of pensioners

their due entitlements. This was what necessitated the setting up of the Presidential Pension Reform Task Team. “Since June 2010, the activities of this important task force resulted in the following: Detection and deletion of over 73,000 ghost/fake pensioners from the Head of Service/Police Pension Office; recovery and saving of over N225 billion from two pension offices; capturing biometric details of over 170,000 pensioners; and stoppage of a monthly theft of over N4 billion from the national treasury.”

LUTH doctors end warning strike today, angry over CMD’s comments L ATEEFAH IBRAHIMANIMASHAUN

octors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, will today end their threeday warning strike embarked upon over tax deducted from their salaries. But the doctors have also expressed dissatisfaction over the comments made in the newspapers by the LUTH Chief Medical

Director, CMD, Prof. Akin Osibogun, that they needed to be educated on taxation. An inside source, who craved anonymity, said the CMD’s comments ridiculed the doctors and portrayed them as ignorant people, adding that this did not go down well with them. He said the National Medical Association, NMA, had written to LUTH to stop the deduction but nothing was done until the doctors em-

barked on the strike. “The Federal Government, which recommended it, has not started this kind of deduction from any of its tertiary institutions. So, why should it be LUTH? Why the deduction can’t be uniformed with other Federal Government health institutions instead of starting from LUTH and leaving other institution?” the source said. It was also learnt that the Joint Tax Board has

said that the amount being deducted was more what the Federal Government recommended. “Some of we doctors are even planning to find a way of impeaching the executives of the Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, who have been found to be dancing to the tune of LUTH management. We will find a way of not letting them come for a second term,” the source added.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, December 7, 2012

Oteh must go, Reps insist TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

he House of Representatives has insisted that the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Ms. Arunma Oteh, must be removed before the National Assembly could have no dealings with the agency. The House also warned that the 2013 budget proposal for the commission would not be approved. The House reiterated the call for her sack yesterday through its spokesman, Hon. Zakari Muhammed (PDP-Kwara). Muhammed was represented at a press briefing on Oteh and other issues by his Deputy, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene (APGA-Anambra). “We made our findings and nobody has faulted those findings because they are based on law that says you must have certain (15 cognate) years of experience in the capital market for you to head the SEC and nobody has faulted that. “We remain resolute that the House of Representatives will have no dealings

with the commission under Arunma Oteh as DirectorGeneral,” he said. On the earlier invitation to the President by the House to brief it on the insecurity in the country, Muhammed said the House was still keeping its doors open. He said that the President could appear before the House at any time convenient for him, adding that the House was worried about the growing insecurity in the country. “On June 19, the House of Representatives unanimously adopted a motion on the security situation and one of the prayers of that motion was to invite, not summon Mr. President and other heads of security agencies to interface with the House in a closed session because security is not what you discuss in the open. Our concern was the security and well-being of the Nigerian people. “We are worried by the mounting security situation. However, if you sleep in your house and invite a visitor, you cannot complain that the visitor is taking too

long because you are in your house. So you keep waiting until the visitor comes. “But like every other Nigerian, we are worried that the security situation, instead of getting better, is worsening. “Maybe there is something Mr. President knows

that we don’t know, but we feel that as representatives of the people, there are things that each member in the different areas that are embattled would have to say to help the situation. “Jonathan is President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and until such a time

that he deems it necessary to interface with us concerning security, our doors remain open. “Don’t forget that the direct supervision of the security apparatus are under Jonathan. The problem of security lies in the hands of Mr. President.

“We are only acting as concerned Nigerians on behalf of the Nigerian people to say that we should rub minds on this issue. The Speaker has met with the President several times in closed sessions and security has always featured.”

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Martin Uhomoibhi; Philippine’s Ambassador, Mr. Alex Lamadrid; Deputy Foreign Minister and Head of Philippine’s Delegation, Erlinda Basilio; Nigeria’s Minister of State 1 for Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Philippine, Amb. Akinyemi Farounbi, at the opening of the 2nd Nigeria-Philippine Joint Commission in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Police arrest eight terrorists after abortive bomb attack

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

In a two-page communiqué signed by the ACF National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Anthony Sani, and made available to National Mirror after its general meeting, the forum condemned attacks on security formations. The Defence Headquarters had recently removed the Commandant of Armed Forces and Staff College, Air Vice Marshal Adullahi Kure, and the Corps of Infantry, Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Isa. They were replaced with Maj.- Gen. K.C. Osuji as the new Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps and Air Vice- Marshal E.E. Osim as the new Commandant of the Command and Staff College. However, a muslim organisation, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, had rejected the removal of Jaji commandants over the blasts, saying that the replacement of non-muslim as heads of the military formations was suspicious. The JNI said in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, on Tuesday said: “The fact that the two officers who were swift-

ly removed are Muslims and replaced by two officers who are non-Muslims makes any discerning observer to be suspicious of the motives behind the whole exercise.” But the Public Relations Officer, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the 19 northern states and Abuja, Mr. Sunday Oibe, had accused the JNI of dragging religion into the ongoing battle against terrorism in the country. The ACF communiqué reads in part: “The meeting appealed to Federal Government to thoroughly investigate the incident at Jaji and no blames should be apportioned before the conclusion of the investigation. “ACF is concerned that the authorities appear to be taking different actions for events that are identical in nature. “Such actions are liable to different interpretations, including the likelihood of injustice and victimisation of officers involved. “The forum also noted the disturbing trend of bomb explosions in the nation’s security establishments most recent of which happened at the Jaji military canton-

ment. Such trend should not be allowed to continue.” The meeting, chaired by ACF Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Saidu Barda, urged the Federal Government to institute a high powered commission to investigate the controversial killing of Gen. Mohammed Shuwa. The communiqué added: “It deliberated mainly on matters bordering on security challenges created by acts of terrorism, armed robbery, kidnappings and militant activism in different parts of the country and by Boko Haram in the North. “ACF considered the recent killings of prominent northerners by gunmen and particularly the allegations and controversies surrounding the killing of Gen. Mohammed Shuwa. “All these have been very disturbing, especially in view of the fact that nothing has been done to bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book.” The ACF, however, urged northern governors, political leaders and traditional rulers to be on the alert as well as mobilise people for the impending 2016 nation-

al census exercise. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army yesterday in Abuja dismissed a recent media report that the redeployment of some senior military officers at the Jaji military base, near Kaduna, was religiouslymotivated. The Director of Military Intelligence, DMI, Maj.Gen. Ahmed Jibril, stated the Army’s position at an interactive session with newsmen. Jibril said the media report was credited to a Kaduna-based religious group, stressing that the claim was as a result of lack of knowledge and orientation on how military deployments were handled. The director added that the Army would continue to adhere strictly to the principles of federal character in its appointments and deployments. He said: “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to some publications in the dailies on the redeployment and changes made in the aftermath of the November 25 terrorist attack at the Jaji Military

Cantonment. “It is surprising that a section of the public is insinuating that the changes at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College and the Infantry Corps and Centre both in Jaji have religious connotations. “For the avoidance of doubt, there was no religious consideration in the changes made, the changes were only effected to give room for a neutral inquiry into the attacks.’’ Jubril said that comments credited to the religious group were not fair to the military that had always strived to maintain discipline and justice in all its activities. The director said that the military was not against Islam or Muslims, noting that the present administration of the Nigerian Army had made deliberate efforts to create a new relationship with civilians. He called on Nigerians and groups who were confused about the operations of the military to come forward for explanation, adding that the army was always open to suggestions and complaints from

members of the public. He said that the establishment of the department of civil-military relations by the army headquarters in addition to its department of public relations underscored the authority’s desire to strengthen relations with the public. Commenting on developments into investigations on the Jaji attack, the DMI said that security agencies were making progress in their investigations and that a number of suspects had been arrested. He said that although the board setup to investigate the Jaji attack might have concluded its assignment, the report was yet to be submitted to the Chief of Army Staff. He disclosed that a joint security operation was ongoing at different locations in the country. According to him, the military has ordered all commanders of military formations to intensify 24 hours patrol of their environments to forestall a reoccurrence of the Jaji incident.

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Friday, December 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Diesel scarcity cripples LAGBUS operations FRANCIS EZEM

ndications emerged that the operations of the LAGBUS (red commuter buses) owned by the Lagos State Government and operated by LAGBUS Asset Management Limited have been crippled due to the inability of the firm to procure Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) also called diesel.

A source, who did not want his name mentioned, disclosed that the company had, for some months, been grappling with the supply of diesel used by the buses for the movement of passengers within the Lagos metropolis. The source noted that the management had now failed to stockpile the product over issues ranging from lack of finance. The source noted that

the company had been managing with its little reserve, which has now been exhausted, thus compelling the drivers to begin to queue at filling stations to buy into their vehicles, just like every other motorist. Long queues of the red buses were sighted in some filling stations in the Lagos metropolis struggling to buy the product. For instance, at the

Oando Filling Station near Berger Bus Stop on the Lagos Ibandan Expressway, no fewer than 100 units of such buses were seen struggling to buy diesel. The long queues of the LAGBUS, some of which formed two lanes on the ever-busy Lagos Ibadan Expressway, disrupted free-flow of traffic. Also, due to the scarcity of the products, scores of

commuters were stranded at the various loading points of the bus service, since most of the buses had queued at the filling stations to buy diesel. A commuter, who spoke with National Mirror at the bus terminus, noted that most of them had been at the terminus for upwards of three hours. According to her, officials of the company could not make any expla-

nations to them as to why there are no buses but noted that most of the commuters had seen most of the buses queuing to buy diesel at the filling station on the other side of the road. General Manager of the company, Mr. Babatunde Disu in an SMS message said the problem was caused by delay in supplying to the company’s storage facilities.

N78bn fraud: ‘Atuche stole Bank PHB money to buy shares’ KENNY ODUNUKAN

L-R: Director-General, Legal Aids Council, Mrs. Joy Bob-Manuel; Chief Justice of Ondo State, Justice Olasehinde Kumuyi and former Director-General, Legal Aids Council, Mrs. Uju Hassan-Baba, at the National Conference on Legal Aid and Access to Justice through the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Funding of DISCOs beyond 2012 not feasible –NERC CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

igeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, yesterday said that it was no longer feasible for the Federal Government to continue to fund electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) beyond 2012. It said that the new tariff methodology was designed for self-sustenance. In a statement made available to National Mirror, the Assistant General Manager, Media, Mrs. Maryam Yaya Abubakar, said Multi Year Tariff Order 11,MYTO, was computed to allow the DISCOS to pay for the energy delivered to them, meet their staff costs, OPEX, and fund capital expenditure, CAPEX. The statement reads in part: “Contrary to calls and justification for the Federal Government to fund the electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) beyond 2012, there is indisputable proof that

this will not be necessary as the tariff methodology in use has provided for these companies to be self sustaining. “Proponents for additional funding for these electricity companies have argued that despite the privatisation process which will usher in new owners by mid-2013, there is a need to fund these companies in order for them to meet their capital spending obligations.

Abubakar explained that statistics had shown that since the introduction of the MYTO2 in June this year, Eko DISCO was in November able to meet its OPEX and CAPEX obligations as well as settle its energy bill – all without subsidy intervention. NERC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sam Amadi, was quoted as saying, “What this shows is that with more diligence on the side of the CEOs, these

companies can meet up with their OPEX and CAPEX, as well as pay for the energy they receive. This will achieve NERC’s objective of a financially viable electricity market.” Contrary to the impression created in certain quarters, the MYTO2 appears to have been crafted ORDUE SALEM to enable these companies T ABUJA adequately settle all their embers of the financial obligations. The House of Reprecase of Eko DISCO is consentatives yescrete proof of this. terday picked holes in the Aigboje Imoukhuede Presidential Committee report on Petroleum subsidies. The report recommended factor, noting that the International Competitive Bid- the closure of Capital Oil ding procurement process business in some parts of the contained in the project con- country. The Chief Executive Ofception had not only delayed implementation, but is re- ficer of Capital Oil, Mr. Ifsponsible for the outstanding eanyi Uba, had, in a petition projects yet to be awarded to to the House of Representatives Committee on Public contractors. She urged the project Petitions, protested against steering committee mem- the report of the AIGbers to fast-track the imple- Imoukhuede -led committee, mentation of the remaining urging the House to interactivities with a view to de- vene with a view to causing livering the projects before the re-opening of his company’s closed facilities across November 2013.

Deadline for completion of N6.8bn vocational skill projects shifted IJEOMA EZEIKE ABUJA

he Federal Government yesterday reviewed the deadline it earlier set for the completion of the N6.8 billion African Development Fund (ADF)Assisted Skill and Vocational Education Projects to be executed across the six geopolitical zones. The initial deadline for the projects expired in December 2011, but extended

for another two year to terminate in November 2013 owing to logistic problems. At a meeting involving the project steering committee members and coordinated by the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai yesterday in Abuja, the minister attributed the 24 four months delay to low disbursement rate of the loan earmarked for the projects. Prof. Rufa’i equally identified weakness in the project conception as a major delay

ore revelation hit the courtroom yesterday as the Economic and Financial crime commission ( EFCC) witness, Mr Hamada Bello, an investigator, trained by United Kingdom metropolitan Police and United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) told Justice Lateefat Okunnu of an Ikeja High Court that the erstwhile managing director of Bank PHB(now Keystone Bank)Mr. Francis Atuche use the bank’s depositors fund to buy personal shares and subsequently transfer N45million to two catholic churches. Francis Atuche, his wife, Elizabeth, and the former Chief Financial Officer Bank PHB, Ugo Anyanwu, are currently standing trial for financial crimes bordering on money laundering, theft and gross misappropriation

Bello particularly accused Atuche, saying the former bank chief authorized his Chief Financial Officer to transfer N45 billion to other banks to purchase public offer shares. Bello added that Atuche collected loans from the bank using Bank PHB client’s account without the knowledge of the account owner. The witness mentioned the company account statement of Mr Peter Ololo, Managing Director of Peterson Oil and Gas Limited, and Mrs Elizabeth Ebi as the beneficiaries of the loan facilities, but claimed that the loans were secured without the consent of account owners Bello also presented documents in court, some of which include electronic mails sent as an order to release 35million to St Monica’s Church ,Ibusa, Delta State and another sum of N10 million to St Augustine’s Catholic Church.

Subsidy: Reps fault report on Capital Oil

the country. However, the oil businessman could not make presentation as the Uzor Azubike-led panel was forced to adjourn the meeting until December 13, 2012 over issues of subjudice and absence of key stakeholders raised by some pro-Maduka attendees at the investigative hearing organised by the committee. Mr. Uba, who briefed journalists after the meeting was adjourned, regretted that all payments of verified subsidy to his firm had been suspended, as according to him, the Federal Ministry of Finance was currently owing him over N20 billion. He said: “We have lost everything we worked for, or is it a sin to invest in Nigeria? I am hurt and I want Nigerians to hear me.”

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National News

Friday, December 7, 2012

INEC delists 28 political parties CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), the Independent National Electoral Commission has today, Thursday, December 6, 2012, de-registered the 28 political parties.” In the statement, the commission reiterated its “commitment to relating with political parties in accordance with extant laws and for the benefit of our electoral democracy.” Section 78 (7) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), states that: “The commission shall have power to deregister political parties on the following grounds: (i) Breach of any of the requirements for registration. (ii) Failure to win a seat in the national or state assembly election.” Though the commission did not give reasons for the action, but National Mirror

learnt that INEC premised its action on the fact that the 28 political parties had not won a seat in either the state House of Assembly or the National Assembly in past elections. But the National Chairman of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, AlhajiBalarabe Musa, kicked against the de-registration. The former governor of old Kaduna State told National Mirror last night that the affected political parties would challenge the decision in court. “This action is illegal. The constitution does not give INEC the power to deregister existing parties. “There is already a case in court and the court has given an injunction against any deregistration of parties until the determination of the case. “The affected parties would meet to take a deci-

sion on the matter.” Musa, whose party, PRP, was de-registered said they would remain as a movement even if they were not allowed to contest for an election. The Senate President, David Mark, had last week predicted that Nigeria would soon end up with fewer political parties than the present 57. He spoke at a conference on “Party politics in Nigeria and lobbying: The lobbyist and the legislature,” organised by the National Institute of Legislative Studies. Mark decried the proliferation of parties in the country, which he said were driven by the quest of their promoters to benefit from government subventions. “We know that in reality, most of our political parties are fledgling and hardly able to stand on their feet. Many exist mainly on paper

and were floated to attract the financial subventions, which the 1999 Constitution hitherto guaranteed them, before it was amended,” he had said. INEC Chairman, Prof. AttahiruJega, had threatened that his commission would de-register political parties that failed to win at least one national or state legislative seat in the 2011 general election. Majority of the political parties failed to secure a legislative seat at both the state and federal levels. And on August 18 last year, INEC carried out what it called the ‘first phase’ of such action, as it de-registered seven out of the 63 registered political parties in the country. The de-registered political parties were: the Democratic Alternative, DA; the National Action Council, NAC; the National Democratic Liberty Party, NDLP;

TI right on Nigeria’s corruption rating, says Ex-AGF ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

ne time AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi (SAN) yesterday disagreed with the Federal Government over its claim that the fresh rating of Nigeria as the 35th most corrupt country in the world was a product of interaction with Nigerians and synopsis of negative media reports. Olujinmi (SAN), who spoke on the issue yesterday said nothing could be far from the truth than the position of the Federal Government. Global corruption watchdog, Transparency

International (TI), had on Wednesday, ranked Nigeria the 35th most corrupt country in the world. In a report by TI, Nigeria scored 27 out of a maximum 100 marks to clinch the 139th position out of the 176 countries surveyed for the report. It shared that position with Azerbaijan, Kenya, Nepal and Pakistan, while Togo, Mali, Niger and Benin fared better. TI’s Corruption Perception Index 2011 had ranked Nigeria 143th of 183 countries, making it the 37th most corrupt country. But the Federal Government had rejected the rating saying the TI used negative media reports as yardstick to arrive at its

conclusion. But Olujinmi (SAN) differed with the government on its claim that Nigeria had really improved in its fight against corruption. His words: “It is a very sad situation that with all outward showings by government to fight corruption, nothing is really being achieved. “I think I read something somewhere in the paper created to the ICPC Chairman that the Transparency International rating was an improvement for the country. I do not agree with him. It is a very really embarrassing scenario. “No day passes in this country without some declarations here and there

NUPENG suspends strike, agrees to withdraw suits against Shell OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

ased on the intervention of the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has agreed to withdraw all pending cases against Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). This was even as the petroleum workers suspended their ongoing strike to give room for further deliberations on all pending labour issues with the multinational oil

company. The decision to withdraw the cases as well as suspend the strike was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a meeting between NUPENG and the Shell management. Before the minister’s intervention, offices of the SPDC, including its corporate head office in Lagos were picketed by NUPENG officials. NUPENG had declared a strike over a dispute arising from victimisation and sacking of its members by the management of Shell. The union had

also accused the SPDC and the embattled branch chairman of anti-union activities in SPDC’s recent sale of some oil blocks. Apart from the lingering issues of subsidy payment which has crippled the petroleum sector, especially the supply chain, the three-day strike has added more bite to it as long queues resurfaced in the Lagos and its environs. In the communiqué, both the parties - Shell and NUPENG - also resolved to open up a line of communication with a view to addressing other pending issues in the most amicable manner.

that government is committed to fighting corruption. But the truth is that corruption is growing in bounds and folds at every turn, in this country. “

and the Masses Movement of Nigeria, MMN. Others are: the Nigeria People’s Congress, NPC; the Nigeria Elements Progressive Party, NEPP; and the National Unity Party, NUP. Jega added that the deregistered political parties did not only fail to win any legislative or executive seat

in the 2011 election, but they also failed to present candidates for elective offices during the poll. The de-registered parties are still in court before the new development. It was not immediately possible to get the reaction of some of the parties last night.

THE DELISTED PARTIES 1. African Liberation Party, ALP 2. Action Party of Nigeria, APN 3. African Political System, APS 4. Better Nigeria Progressive Party, BNPP 5. Congress for Democratic Change, CDC 6. Community Party of Nigeria, CPN 7. Democratic Peoples Alliance, DPA 8. Freedom Party of Nigeria, FPN 9. Fresh Democratic Party, FDP 10. Hope Democratic Party, HDP 11. Justice Party, JP 12. Liberal Democratic Party of Nigeria, LDPN 13. Movement for Democracy and Justice, MDJ 14. Movement for the Restoration and Defence of Democracy, MRDD 15. Nigeria Advance Party, NAP 16. New Democrats, ND 17. National Majority Democratic Party, NMDP 18. National Movement of Progressive Party, NMPP 19. National Reformation Party, NRP 20. National Solidarity Democratic Party, NSDP 21. Progressive Action Congress, PAC 22. Peoples Mandate Party, PMP 23. Peoples Progressive Party, PPP 24. Peoples Redemption Party, PRP 25. People’s Salvation Party, PSP 26. Republican Party of Nigeria, RPN 27. United National Party for Development, UNPD 28. United Nigeria Peoples Party, UNPP

L-R: Head Programme Quality, ActionAid Nigeria, Mrs. Tasallah Chibor; Chief Executive Officer, Africa Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnership, Dr. Jerome Mafeni and Executive Secretary, Country Coordinating Mechanism for Global Fund in Nigeria, Dr. Fatai Bello, during the national meeting of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, Civil Societies Organization Network, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Mallabu: Breach of indigenisation policy –Reps TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

he House of Representatives yesterday alleged that the Federal Government’s policy of indigenisation had been violated in the award of Oil Prospecting Licence 245 (OPL 245) to Non-Nigerian companies. The House Ad-hoc Committee investigating the transaction involving the Federal Government, Shell, Agip and Mallabu Oil and

Gas Limited regarding an Oil Bloc (OPL 245), observed that the policy which allowed for only 40 per cent foreign participation was breached in respect of the OPL 245. Deputy Leader of the House and Chairman of the investigative panel, Hon. Leo Okuweh Ogor (PDP-Delta), before rounding off yesterday’s session, revealed that 100 per cent of the contract was awarded to two foreign firms. “We suspect that the

policy which protects indigenous industries have been breached, in that since no indigenous company eventual benefited in the OPL 245 oil deal. It is also a clear breach of the national interest,” he stated. A statement read to the committee by an official of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Dozie Irechukwu, explained that the contract got out of the hand of Malabu because of certain breaches in the contract terms.

South West

Friday, December 7, 2012

Ondo guber tussle: LP asks tribunal to dismiss ACN, PDP’s petitions HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

he ruling Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State yesterday replied to petitions filed by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), praying the Election Petition Tribunal hearing cases on the October 20, gubernatorial election in the state to dismiss the petitions. The governorship candidates of the two parties, through their counsels, had filed petitions to upturn the result of the election that declared the Labour Party candidate, Olusegun Mimiko, as the winner of the contest as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The party in its reply to the petitions, prayed the Justice Kaka’an-led tribunal to dismiss the petitions for flagrant violation of the mandatory provisions of the Electoral Act, 2010 in the preparation, presentation and filing of the petitions. The Notice of Preliminary Objection was filed by Malam Yusuf Ali (SAN) leading LP’s

12-man legal team including four other Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Ricky Tarfa, Adebayo Adelodun, Chukwuma Ekomaro and Abiodun Owonikoko. The 3, 110 page-reply to PDP petition listed 2, 024 witnesses to give evidence before the tribunal while that of the ACN has 1, 340 pages with 2, 023 witnesses to appear before the tribunal. According to the Labour Party, the claims in the petitions were in total

he Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) said it has sealed six companies for allegedly defaulting in remitting workers’ Income Tax to the tune of N17.9 million. Speaking with journalists in Lagos, the Head of LIRS Enforcement Unit, Mrs. Folasade CokerAfolayan, who disclosed this, said the companies failed to remit their workers’ income taxes. She said such companies that had failed to remit their taxes in the last six years had been warned not to reopen until they have settled their tax liabilities with the state government. Coker-Afolayan, who refused to disclose the identity of the firms,

EC8A-D, ballot papers used during the poll, voters’ registers used in the October 20 poll and during the 2011 presidential election in the state, reports of local and international independent observers, reports of local and international media on the conduct of the election as well as video clips and photographs. Also, the LP also replied to the petitions of the PDC, Accord Party and Congress for Peoples Change (CPC).

Lottery: Court strikes out Etisalat from suit KAYODE KETEFE

Federal High Court judge, Justice Mohammed Yunusa, yesterday struck out the name of a Nigerian telecommunications operator, Etisalat Nigeria, from a suit instituted against it by one of its subscribers in a case of alleged fraudulent lottery. An Etisalat subscriber, Mr. Paschal Ozioko, has instituted the suit seeking an order of court to compel the defendant to publish the names of alleged winners in a lottery in which it had purportedly promised to give out range

L-R: Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka; Governor Kayode Fayemi and Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin, during the presentation of the 2013 Budget, tagged: “Budget of Empowerment and Consolidation,” in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday.

LIRS shuts six firms over non-remittance of N17.9m tax MURITALA AYINLA

contravention of the rules guiding the tribunal, in addition to being incurably defective in other respects. The second respondent in the petitions added that damaging, extensive and indicting criminal allegations were freely made against named persons and individuals who are not parties to the petitions. The LP said the party will be presenting before the tribunal as evidence to prove its case Forms

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said the sealed properties belonged to the government until the tax issues are resolved. Her words: “For now, these properties belong to the Lagos State government until they pay their tax liabilities to the government. It is a criminal offence to break government’s seal”. She argued that tax remittance was a civic responsibility of everyone, saying prompt remittance of taxes would enable government function effectively. While urging companies to remit their workers’ personal income taxes promptly to avoid being embarrassed, she said the Personal Income Tax Amendment Act, 2011 empowers the tax authorities to seal firms defaulting in their payment of taxes.

ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

kiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, yesterday presented an Appropriation Bill of N93.6 billion for the 2013 fiscal year tagged; “Budget of Empowerment” before the state House of Assembly. The bill was made up of N47.1 billion which earmarked 50.4 per cent for capital projects and N46.4 billion which is 49.6 per cent of the budget to recurrent expenditure. Presenting the bill, the governor said Infrastruc-

rover jeeps monthly, and a daily sum of N500, 000 to participants. In the suit in which the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) is joined as co-defendant, the plaintiff claims that the lottery promo amounts to misrepresentation on the part of Etisalat and that he had suffered a huge loss as a result of the defendant’s misstatement. He is therefore asking the court to award him N100, 000 million damages as compensation for the “huge financial loss” it claimed to have suffered as a result of the defendant’s action. The defendant, however, filed a motion on notice through his lawyer, Mr. Ejike Ikejiuba, praying the court to strike out its name from the suit on the grounds that Etisalat Nigeria, is neither a natural person nor a juristic person which could be legally sued under the law. Ikejiuba further argued that by the provisions of the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2004, a party can only be conferred with the status of a juristic person, where it has been issued a certificate of incorporation. In his ruling yesterday, the judge struck-out the name of the defendant from the suit Justice Yunusa based his ruling on the grounds that a suit against a non- juristic person ousts the jurisdiction of the court and is therefore liable to be struck out.

Fayemi presents N93.6bn 2013 budget ture would gulp 21.2 per cent of the total budget, Education 17.2 per cent and Health sector. 10.7 per cent. The Agriculture sector is to get three per cent, Industry 3.3 per cent; tourism gets 1.7 per cent, while women empowerment, gender and sports will get 2.3 per cent. According to Fayemi, to finance the budget, N31.4 billion is expected from the Federation Account, while N7.3 billion will be generated from Value Added Tax (VAT) just as N8.5 billion is expected from the Excess

Crude Account. The governor added N4.6 billion was expected as external grant from international agency, while N14.3 billion is to be generated from the Internally Generated Revenue as N7.1 billion, while a balance of the bond sourced from the capital market was also being expected. The governor said a new ministry to be saddled with the responsibility of coordinating programmes targeted at eradicating poverty in the state would

be created next year as part of the avowed bid of his administration to empower residents of the state. The budget will also focus on water projects with N2.4bilion budgeted for the rehabilitation of all major dams, while N2.163billion is budgeted for the rehabilitation of all the General Hospitals and special Comprehensive Health Centres and furnishing of same in addition to the commencement of a wellpackaged free health care mission.

dispelled the political angle being read into the disturbance and the subsequent arrest of five persons in the aftermath of the crisis. Popoola, who addressed journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, said he was miffed and disturbed

by the political angle being read into the issue. He said the people of Shaki are more responsible and peace-loving than to be dragged into crisis that would cause the disturbance of the peace in the area, adding that the people are religious and God-fearing. The chairman said

about a week ago, there was the report of a threat by the Boko Haram to bomb 774 councils nationwide, hence the move to beef up security in and around the council secretariat, which later led to some disgruntled elements trying to use the opportunity to cause the breakdown of law and order.

LG boss blames security alert for Shaki’s disturbance KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

new twist was yesterday added to the crisis in Shaki-West Local Government Area of Oyo State that led to the near breakdown of law and order in the area. But, the Chairman of the council, Mr. Dapo Popoola,

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South West

Friday, December 7, 2012

Babalakin: Mixed reactions trail EFCC’s siege on LUTH FRANCIS FAMOROTI, K AYODE KETEFE, OLUSEGUN KOIKI AND KENNY ODUNUKAN

he Rights’ Monitoring Group (RMG) yesterday decried the alleged invasion of Dr. Wale Babalakin’s ward, Chairman of Bi-Courtney Limited, at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Addressing journalists in Lagos, RMG National Coordinator, Mr. Olufemi Aduwo, described the invasion as a new trend in judicial administration in Nigeria. Aduwo explained that the action of the anti-fraud agency reflected desperation to violate the provi-

sions of the law and constitution in order to thwart justice. He said the action was a violation of the basic human rights of the citizen, noting that it was a replica of the military junta of the late General Sani Abacha. Aduwo, however, said the group was against corruption in any form and had been working diligently with EFCC since inception till date. He said the group would not tolerate violation of the citizens’ right by the antigraft agency or any organisation, stressing that EFCC should always stand by the law. Aduwo said: “It is noteworthy that this brings back sad memories of the days of Gen. Sani Abacha, when the rights of Nigerians were

trampled upon with ease.” Some lawyers also flayed the EFCC’s invasion of Babalakin’s ward. The lawyers, who spoke with the National Mirror in separate interviews in Lagos, expressed divergent views on the legality of the EFFC’s action. Bi-Courtney Limited had alleged that the EFCC had detained its chairman on his hospital bed, despite a pending suit at the Federal High Court in Lagos. Specifically, the commission’s operatives were said to have stormed hospital premises and laid siege for Babalakin, who was hospitalised for some undisclosed ailment. But the commission through its Head, Media and Publicity unit, Mr. Wilson Uwajaren, debunked

Tokyo may be arraigned in court today KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

ormer Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State, Alhaji Lateef Akinsola, alias Tokyo, who was arrested on Wednesday by the police, may be arraigned in court today. It will be recalled that Tokyo and his arch rival, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, alias Auxiliary, were embroiled in leadership tussle and were declared wanted by the police since last year, following the series of violence in which many members of the public were killed. The police, however, invited the two leaders to the police headquarters,

Eleyele, Ibadan, after which Tokyo was detained. A source told National Mirror yesterday that Tokyo would be arraigned in court today for alleged killings. It was learnt that Auxiliary, who was also declared wanted, told the police that he was ill, promising to submit himself as soon as he is healthy. Meanwhile, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Oyo State yesterday lauded the police for arresting Tokyo, for alleged criminal activities. ACN, however, asked the police to also go after Auxiliary In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Hon. Dauda Kolawole, ACN said the people of Oyo State were beginning to be wary

of what it called an “unholy alliance” between the police and some discredited Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwarts believed to be sponsors of criminal activities in the past. The statement reads: “It is only in Oyo State that those who disturbed the public peace throughout the period of their party’s reign, who used NURTW kingpins as their shields and who spilled the blood of Eleweomo and many of our kinsmen, could be allowed to walk the streets free. “What is even scary and frightening is that, these remorseless groups are again re-ganging to throw Oyo State back to the period of blood, using same NURTW kingpins.”

Babalakin

the claim that the EFCC stormed the LUTH to harass or arrest Babalakin. He however confirmed that BiCourtesy‘s boss was under surveillance by men of the commission. A Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Fred Agbaje, criticised the EFCC’s conduct, saying it was an assault on the rule of law. He said: ‘’It is the height of unpardonable executive barbarism and wicked display of gestapoism in these days of rule of law as against executive lawlessness.’’ Dr Joseph. Nwobike (SAN) also shared Agbaje’s view that it was an abuse of EFFC’s executive power, adding that the commission’s action was a breach of Babalakin’s rights. He said: “I understand that EFCC granted Dr. Ba-

balakin administrative bail which has not been vacated by the commission. I am also aware that the EFCC is aware that Dr Babalakin is ill and he is undergoing treatment at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. “So it amounts to a breach of his fundamental human right for the commission to disturb his treatment by laying siege on the hospital thereby worsening his condition. “The court has adjourned his arraignment to the December 12, so the EFCC ought to wait and see if he would not come to court. If at that stage his reason for not appearing in court is not reasonable the EFCC can then take action under the authorisation of the court to compel him to come for his trial. This is an abuse of power on the part of the EFCC and should be condemned by all Nigerians.’’ But Mr. Bamidele Aturu said there was nothing abnormal in EFCC’s action. Aturu said: ‘’There is nothing wrong in placing surveillance on a suspect alleged to have committed a crime, what the EFCC has done is not wrong. It is however wrong when they force-

Politics

overnor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has said that no nation could attain economic development without robust public infrastructure. He noted that businesses could only flourish with good road network, adequate power supply, potable water, excellent transport system, security of lives and property and rule of law, among others. The governor spoke yesterday in Abeokuta when he received in his office the management of LAFARGE Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc, led by the Chairman, Board of Directors of the company, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye. Amosun said the realisation of the nexus between infrastructure and econom-

ic development had propelled his administration to invest massively in public infrastructure which had begun to facilitate the economic development of the state. He said: “We are not just building for today, but for tomorrow as well. That’s why the roads we are constructing are of international standard that will last for many years. We are also building modern bridges. We are investing a lot of resources in other infrastructure such as transportation, security and energy, all in a bid to accelerate the pace of economic development of our dear state.” Amosun explained that the interface between the public and government offices had been streamlined with every identified bottle-

neck removed so that Ogun would be the first in terms of ease of doing business in Nigeria. He called for collaboration between the public and private sectors in order to hasten the development of the state. Commending LAFARGE Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), especially the Trailer Bay constructed by the company, the governor specifically urged companies doing business in Ogun to partner with the state government on improving the road infrastructure in their areas of operation. In his remarks, Chief Osunkeye lauded the achievements of the governor in the area of infrastructural development.

fully take away the suspects from the hospital against medical advice. To Mr. Jiti Ogunye, “Dr. Wale Babalakin was to be arraigned in court last week, but before this could be done he went before the Federal High Court in Lagos to file an action seeking a judicial review of the executive powers of the Attorney General of the Federation and to prohibit the AGF, EFCC and the police from arresting him and he was granted leave by the court. “As this was taking place, his lawyers told the trial court that he has been hospitalised. While I don’t support security official barging into hospital to disrupt the treatment and recovery of citizen I won’t support anybody hiding behind a false illness to evade the law. However if his lawyer feel his right to life and medical care have been violated they can file an action to enforced his rights.” Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) on his part declined comment on the issue, saying ‘’the matter is in court”. Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Joseph Daudu (SAN) equally refused to speak on the issue.

Saturday Starter Wills of Discord That Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu is dead is not the news. The controversies surrounding his Will since it was read last week cannot be described as a mere storm in a tea cup. It follows the order of controversial Wills such as those of Chief TOS Benson, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, Chief MKO Abiola, Group Captain Gbolahan Mudashiru ... the list is inexhaustive.

Infrastructure key to economic growth -Amosun

Living

Battle for PDP BoT chair begins The six aspirants in their battle to clinch the position have begun to intensify their efforts at various levels to seek the support of the party’s gladiators. Some of them have crisscrossed the entire 36 states of the nation, taking their campaigns to the 120 members of the BoT ahead of the January 8, 2013 contest. However, many more other factors promise to determine who wins the bid.

One man’s Àlth, another’s wealth! Kogberegbe Community of Lagos is a peculiar one. The inhabitants have only one source of income: refuse! Both young and old, male and female scavenge for a living and they are proud of it.

Celebrity Challenges are opportunities –Beautiful Nubia

South East

Friday December 7, 2012

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Police intensify manhunt for Anambra businessman’s abductors Another kidnapped in front of police station CHARLES OKEKE AND NWABUEZE OKONKWO

etectives drawn from Anambra State Police Command have begun intensive search for the gunmen, who allegedly kidnapped a popular Awka-based businessman and the Managing Director of Radopin Supermarket, Mr Ralp Azolo. Since the incident occurred on Tuesday, Azolo’s whereabouts are unknown. The police spokesman, Mr. Ralph Uzoigwe, said that police had stormed the suspects’ hideouts at Nibo in Awka South Local Government Area and recovered the vehicle used by the gunmen to abduct the victim near the premises of All Saints Anglican Church. Uzoigwe said: “Security operatives are now combing all the bushes in Nibo and other surrounding towns to

apprehend the culprits and rescue the victim.” It will be recalled that the Radopin Supermarket Boss was kidnapped by the gun men at about 8:pm at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Avenue, close to Parkers Tavern, Awka, as he was driving home after the day’s business. The gunmen, who rode in a bus, trailed the victim to the scene of the incident and blocked his car, pounced on him before they took him

to unknown destination. An Onitsha-based business mogul and community leader from Umuchu in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Vitus Ezekwueme, has also been abducted by gunmen. The incident, according to witnesses, occurred on Wednesday night in front of the Fegge Police Station, shortly after security meeting in Onitsha. The witnesses hinted that the suspected kidnap-

pers, riding in Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), stormed the victim’s house at N016, Owerri Street, Fegge, Onitsha, shooting sporadically in the air before getting their target. One of the witnesses, Dede Uzor, who is the South-East Zonal Chairman of the Campaign for Democracy (CD), said that during the operation that lasted for several minutes, security personnel attached to the Fegge Police Station did not respond to distress calls, only to appear at the

scene of the incident several hours after the suspects had left with their victim. Uzor said: “We have cried out to the police authority to immediately beef up security in Fegge as the area has become very inhabitable because of kidnapping and other violent crimes occurring daily in the area. “The latest victim of kidnapping is the elder brother to Anambra State Chairman of CD, Mr. Vincent Ezekwueme, and we want the police to rescue the victim unhurt.”

Suspected cable thief electrocuted in Owerri CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

suspected cable thief was found electrocuted in the early hours of yesterday in Owerri, the Imo State capital. The suspect’s body was discovered by passersby along Akanchawa/Achike Udenwa Road in New Owerri with the tools he brought to vandalise the transformer supplying power to residents. The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Public Relations Officer in Owerri, Osita Ugwuafor, who confirmed the incident, said a similar incident happened in the area last year. Ugwuafor said: “The victim jumped into the fence surrounding the transformer with the intention of vandalising it and got electrocuted. “He was found dead this (Thursday) morning with his tools beside him. “We had a similar situation in August 2011, when a vandal was electrocuted as he tried to loot the transformer.”

L-R: Chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, Chief Nzemeka Olisa; representive of the Acting Executive Secretary, National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE), Mr. Jacs Nkume and Director, Social Mobilsation and Outreach, Mr. Mohammed El-Nafaty, during a visit PHOTO: NAN of NCNE delegation to the board in Awka, yesterday.

How to achieve Igbo presidency –Udenwa CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

ormer Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa has suggested a likely way to achieve Igbo presidency in 2015. Udenwa said that for the dream to come to reality, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and other opposition parties should merge to unseat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Udenwa, who is a chieftain of the ACN, told journalists in Owerri, the Imo State capital, that the ambition to produce a president of Igbo extraction may not be realised on the PDP platform, urging the South-East to embrace the merger of the opposition parties to pursue its cause. He said: “We can’t realise the Igbo presidency on the PDP platform, we need to throw our weight behind the ACN and the merger as a strong platform to pursue our aspirations and most

importantly is for the zone to come together and form a strong and indivisible front that will champion the agitation.” According to him, the ACN, which is the major partner in the proposed merger, is the only political party that is sincere and respects the ambitions of all members, irrespective of religion and ethnicity. The former governor,

who faulted the insinuation that the ACN is a tribal party, said: “It is the only party that is visible in Imo State and will takeover the South-East states in the next general elections. “The notion that the ACN is a Yoruba party is a cheap blackmail. If you look at the structure of the party, you will understand that it was built on hard work, unity and mutual respect.”

Udenwa believes that the merger would save the country’s democracy by ensuring that competent leaders are elected. “The merger will save the country’s democracy and it will also wrestle power from the PDP. A large number of PDP members are waiting to join the new party that will emerge from the merger,” the former governor said.

Enugu approves N480m for projects’ execution nor, Mr. Sunday Onyebu- holes and over head tanks. DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

he Enugu State Government has approved N489 million for the execution of some Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) projects in three local council areas in the state. The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chuks Ugwoke, told journalists after the state executive council meeting president over by the Acting Gover-

chi, that of the amount, the sum of N147 million was earmarked for the execution of 44 water projects in the three local governments. The benefitting local governments are Aninri, Igbo Etiti and Isi-Uzo. According to him, the projects will include construction of rain water harvesters, facilities and storage tanks in various location in the local government areas as well as bore-

The commissioner said that the remaining N342 million would be spent on the execution of some projects in schools and health centres in the three local government areas. Ugwoke added that N48 million was approved for the procurement of water treatment chemicals for the state water cooperation. He listed items to be procured as 180 tonnes of alum, 240 tonnes of lime and 120 drums of H.T.H.

APGA flays party’s chieftain over attack on Okorocha GEORGE OPARA ABIA

he Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has condemned what it called unwarranted attacks on Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha by the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Reagan Ufomba. APGA dissociated itself from the attack against Okorocha, saying that Ufomba was executing a personal and selfish political agenda. Abia APGA, in a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Mr. Kingsley Madukor, said that Ufomba’s allegation against Okorocha that the governor was meddling in the affairs of the party in the state was baseless. According to the party, the governor had, at no time, either overtly or covertly, involved in its affairs, said that Ufomba’s allegation was a figment of his imagination. Maduakor said: “APGA in Abia dissociated itself from the unwarranted, misguided and utterly disgusting attack on Governor Okorocha of Imo State by Ufomba,” adding: “Such outburst was unfounded and unbecoming of a former governorship candidate. The party also condemned Ufomba’s alleged continuous hosting of illegal meetings in his private house. “Abia State chapter of APGA views Chief Ufomba’s baseless and unsubstantiated vituperation against Governor Okorocha as grandstanding and an attempt to rubbish the party. “APGA condemns the continuous hosting of illegal meetings by Chief Ufomba in his private house and office. “We are equally amused by Ufomba’s resort to fabrication and issuance of false press releases in the name of APGA with the intent of misleading and confusing members of the public.”

Okorocha

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Friday December 7, 2012

FG denies holding talks with Boko Haram EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

he Presidential Adviser on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Mr. Oronto Douglas, yesterday denied reports that the Federal Government has commenced talks with members of the Islamic sect, the Boko Haram that has been terrorising parts of the country for some time. He said there was no way the government will dialogue with a group that has been operating under cover and that has not made known its demands.

The President’s aide, who spoke in Yenagoa yesterday as a guest speaker at the third annual public lecture of the Federated Correspondents’ Chapel (FCC), said the Federal Government, at the moment, was not dialoguing with the Islamic militants. He, however, said that government may consider negotiating with the group if it finally identifies itself and come out with its demands. The title of the public lecture was; “National Unity: Imperative for Growth and Development in Nigeria.” Douglas regretted that

the spate of bombings in parts of the north by the Boko Haram group was threatening the corporate existence of the nation. “We have to put in place a wall of collective responsibility. We must do things together. Our unity is imperative.” He highlighted insecurity, ethnic differences, sectionalism and corruption as the major problems plaguing the development of the nation. The special adviser insisted that the Federal Government was tackling corruption frontally, stressing that President Goodluck

Jonathan do not interfere in the affairs of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). “How do we solve the problem of corruption? We have to fight corruption collectively. The only way to fight corruption is to build a strong institution. “President Jonathan will not interfere in the affairs of the EFCC. He said the commission should go ahead and do its job. People want Jonathan to be like a headmaster.” Douglas recalled how Odi in Kolokuma/Kolokuma Local Government of the state was brought down by fed-

L-R: Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd); Governor Seriake Dickson and Chairman, Flood Committee in Bayelsa State, Gen. Andrew Owoye Azazi, during the handover of N500 milion donation from Dr. Mike Adenuga to Azazi at the Government House in Yenagoa, yesterday.

Edo guber tussle: Court dismisses Airhiavbere’s appeal SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

he legal attempt to upturn the re-election of Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) by Major-General Charles Airhiavbere (retired), of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the July 14, 2012 state governorship election, suffered another setback yesterday as the Benin Division of the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal. The appeal that was challenging the refusal of the lower tribunal to allow Airhiavbere, the petitioner, to file more witnesses against Oshiomhole on the issue of his alleged nonqualification for the Office of Edo State Governor, was dismissed as the witnesses affirm the free, fair and credible re-election of Oshiomhole for a second term. In the ruling that

marked a major victory for the respondent, the appellate court also dismissed Airhiavbere’s attempt to direct the lower tribunal to admit some certain paragraphs in his reply to the respondent’s reply. The appellate court, however, directed that only paragraphs 6 and 7 should be so admitted because of their merit. Reading the Appeal Court’s ruling on admission of more witnesses by Airhiavbere, Justice T. S. Yakubu, said the appellant’s position that the lower tribunal did not use its discretionary powers in his favour was wrong and misguided. The court said: “The power of discretion is the right of the judge conferred by law,” and added, “The exercise of the court’s discretion depends on peculiar facts and circumstances of the particular case... and the appellant has the onerous duty to place cogent and

sufficient materials before the tribunal to persuade it to exercise its discretion in his favour.” Yakubu further said that the case of Yar’Adua vs Abubakar, which Airhiavbere cited has no relevance to the case he brought before the appel-

late court. “I, therefore totally agree with the lower tribunal that its authority could not have been a talisman for the appellant. It added no prosperity to his application. Instead, it added a great deal of poverty to it.

Man petitions IGP over police brutality AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

businessman from Anambra State has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over what he described as unlawful detention of his truck and goods by the Delta State government following an accident he knew nothing about. In a petition addressed to the IGP, Mr. Abubakar Mohammed and signed by the petitioner, Mr. Zebulon Ifediora that was made available to journalists in Asaba, he alleged brutalisation of his truck driver, the physi-

cal assault of his wife and the general misconduct of government officials from the state Ministry of Transport, who held his truck and goods hostage. According to Ifediora; “On Wednesday, November 28, 2012, my truck driver, Mr. Kingsley Eze, who was taking delivery of my goods from Lagos to Onitsha was arrested on getting to the Onitsha-Asaba Expressway, close to the Asaba Airport. “Approaching the expressway, the driver noticed two cars, a BMW and a Jaguar that had earlier had an accident, awkwardly parked at the centre of the road.”

eral troops in 1999, noting that about 2, 284 people, including old men and women were killed by soldiers. “The army invaded Odi and brought it down. The suspects that killed the policemen were not found by the soldiers.” Douglas also called for a

collective effort to build the nation, arguing that the people should agree that there is a nation to be built. According to him, Nigeria was in a building process even as he appealed for support from the public to enable the present administration succeeds.

Assembly passes Land Use Charge bill SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

he Edo State House of Assembly has passed into law, a bill that sought to make provisions for the collection of all related charges for the use of land anywhere in the state. The bill that classifies and establishes formula for rates and fees to be paid by certain landed property owners in the state and which had attracted a level of opposition and contention was finally passed after another clause-byclause reading by a committee of the whole House on Wednesday. According to the Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Uyigue Igbe, the bill was passed after the house has adopted the report that was submitted by a special committee mandated to take another look at all the challenges surrounding its operation, especially, the of views and responses of members of the public. To be known as; “The Land Use Charge Law 2012,” the bill will take ef-

fect from the day of its accent by Governor Adams Oshiomhole. The bill classifies and gives a seven-day ultimatum to a taxable property owner to open such property for verification and assessment by land use charge officials for the purpose of establishing proper and appropriate rates of charge that is payable by the property owners. It also vests the power of sanction and prosecution of property owners who avoid, refuse or evade the land use charge of their property. According to the promoters of the bill, which include the Majority Leader of the House and representative of Etsako West, Hon. Phillip Shaibu, the lawmaker representing Etsako Central, Hon. Johnson Egwaghide Oghuma and the representative of Etsako East, Hon. Abdul-Razak Momoh, it will aid the employment drive of the state government that seeks to gainfully empower and engage the jobless teeming youths in the state.

Dickson tasks Azazi committee on rehabilitation of flood victims

he Bayelsa State government yesterday appointed the immediate past National Security Adviser, General Owoye Azazi as the Chairman of its PostFlood Management Committee with a mandate to mobilise all available resources towards the rehabilitation of flood victims and the rebuilding of the critical infrastructure destroyed by the flood. Inaugurating the 16-member committee, Governor Seriake Dickson charged them to solicit support from within and outside the state, considering the fact that the magnitude of the flood was beyond the state and Federal Governments. According to him, 90

per cent of the state with its critical infrastructure like roads and bridges were completely ravaged. Appealing to publicspirited individuals and organisations for more support, Governor Dickson assured that government would make judicious use of whatever assistance that comes its way. The governor, who commended the deputy governor and members of the Emergency Response Management Committee for their efforts in handling the flood crisis, said the post-flood committee was constituted to temporarily free government officials from active involvement in the flood management process so that they can attend to their normal duties.

North

Friday December 7, 2012

Measles kills five children in Kebbi A n outbreak of measles in the Ambursa/Kardi Development Area in Kebbi State has caused the death of five children and isolation of 187 others. An official of the Primary Health Care (PHC) in the area, Malam Isa Abubakar, told journalists

in Ambursa yesterday that initially, 192 children were afflicted by the disease. He said that state, federal and international agencies had intervened to curtail the spread of the disease and provide drugs to victims. The Chairman of Birnin Kebbi Local Gov-

ernment Area, Alhaji Musa Dan-Illelah, who inspected the isolation camp and victims in Ambursa, lamented the death of the children because of the scourge. Dan-Illelah, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that efforts would be intensified

to ensure prevention and spread of the disease to other communities in the state, especially immunisation of children against the six killer diseases. He said that drugs and medical facilities would be provided at the designated place of isolation for the victims.

Sambo arrives Kaduna for daughters’ wedding amid tight security A ZA MSUE KADUNA

ice-President Namadi Sambo yesterday arrived in Kaduna for the wedding of his two daughters amid tight security. Sambo was received by Kaduna State Governor,

Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa at the International Airport, Kaduna, at about 5:pm with political associates, friends and admirers. Hotels in Kaduna State have, however, been fully booked for guests. National Mirror learnt that governors, ministers, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains and other

dignitaries within and outside the country would attend the wedding tomorrow. In a telephone interview with National Mirror, Kaduna State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mallam Aminu Lawan, said security arrangement remained intact. Lawan said: “Police

will continue to discharge their duties in line with the constitution of Nigeria. We can’t reveal our strategies, but I can assure you we are on ground. We call on residents to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious movement to security agencies for prompt action.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PDP hails Kaduna, Benue LG polls’ peaceful conduct OBIORA IFOHH ABUJA

he National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated the Kaduna and Benue states chapters of the party on their successes in the local government polls held recently. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the PDP hailed the smooth conduct of the polls whose outcome “re-established the fact that PDP is the party of choice and the only vehicle to deliver development at the grassroots level.”

Anti-graft agencies asked to focus on public office holders

he Emir of Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State, Alhaji Zubairu Jibril, has urged anti corruption agencies to focus more on corrupt public office holders in the country. The emir made the call yesterday in Kaduna in a good will message he delivered at a ceremony to mark the United Nations International Anti-corruption Day organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Jibril said the public service was the engine of growth of any nation and needed to be protected against profligacy and abuse. He urged Nigerians to support the ICPC and EFCC by volunteering accurate information that would help to curb the activities of corrupt elements in the society. The emir said people must begin the war against corruption from their communities, so that it would permeate the whole society. Jibril added that such efforts would ensure that corrupt elements in the communities were prosecuted. He appealed to governments at all levels to introduce measures to ensure that the menace of corruption was reduced. “I want to use this opportunity to appeal to government officials and public officers to discharge their duties with the fear of God. “Both religions preach

against corruption and encourage honesty and discipline among office holders, especially at the local government level, “he said. Jibril also cautioned auditors and accountants in the public service to be more honest in discharging their duties so as to save the nation from collapse. He commended the ICPC for its effort in the fight against corruption and urged it to be more visible across the country. Earlier, the Head of the ICPC Zonal Office in Kaduna, Abubakar Abdullahi, expressed concern on the low reportage and complaints against corruption cases in Kaduna State. He said the commission had so far received only six petitions against public officials between January and November this year.

L-R: Comptroller of Immigration Service, Gombe State Command, Aliyu Yunusa; Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘C’, ACG Bakare Betso and Comptroller of Immigration Service, Plateau Command, Audu Gambo, during the Nigeria Immigration Service Zonal Security meeting in Jos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

I’m facing trial over Tafa Balogun’s property –Lawal ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

ormer Minister of Works and Housing, Hassan Lawal, yesterday asked a Federal

Govt spends N35.8m on skill acquisition AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

he Kano State Government has spent over N35.8 million to empower 137 youths in skill acquisition. The beneficiaries were given four months intensive training in tourism and hospitality-related businesses. Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso said that the beneficiaries would be assisted with startup capital to enable them obtain necessary facilities and equipment to begin the trades.

Metuh commended PDP’s dedication to democratic principles in accepting the results in some areas where the party lost in Kaduna State, saying: “We are poised to end the bad loser syndrome in Nigerian politics. “In the areas we lost, we are prepared to go back to the drawing board and work hard to reclaim them. “The fact that we are ready to concede to winners in other parties should be a lesson in political tolerance to other opposition parties, which see electoral contests as battles to be won at all costs.”

He explained that those who trained in leather works would share N1.5 million and N2.1 million would be shared among 14 youths that trained in art and design, while N2.4 million would shared among the 16 that trained in interior decoration.

Kwankwaso

High Court sitting in Abuja to dismiss the charge of stealing N43.4 million public fund preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. He said the allegation was not only false, but laughable. Lawal, who made a no case submission against his trial, disclosed that the N43.4 million lodged in his account, which formed the basis upon which he was being tried, was realised from the sale of his property in Nasarawa to repay a loan he secured from UBA to buy a property belonging to former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun, which the EFCC sold to him. He told the court that if he had not bought Balogun’s property from the EFCC, he would not have

faced any trial as there would have been no basis for him to borrow any money from UBA neither would he have sold his property to generate fund which he lodged in the bank. He spoke yesterday while adopting his argument on his application of no case submission against his trial for allegedly laundering N43.4 million. His lead counsel, Mr. M. A. Odeh, asked the court to terminate the EFCC charge on the grounds that the sale of a landed property could never constitute an illicit act or illegal source of fund. He said: “I wish to draw the attention of the court to evidence of prosecution witnesses (PW1, PW2, PW3, PW5) which have been so discredited during cross-examinations. The court cannot take cogni-

sance of them as properly supporting offence charge on Lawal predicated on Money Laundering Act, MLA. The evidence of prosecuting witnesses clearly stated before the court that these are normal banking transactions. “The PW2 who is a former staff of the EFCC said Lawal bought the Asokoro house from the EFCC, while PW3 and PW5 who are staff of UBA said Lawal took loan from the bank and used the proceeds of landed property sold in Nasarawa State to off-set the loan.’’ But the EFCC asked the court to discountenance the submission of the accused on the grounds that Lawal had a case to answer. Justice Adamu Bello however adjourned to February 25 to rule on Lawal’s no case application.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Elusive peace in APGA

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Kogi: PDP elders’ battle against Wada

Nigeria at crossroads, says Al-Makura IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

overnor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State yesterday said Nigeria is at crossroads as the past 14 years of democratic rule has failed to develop the country. He stated this while receiving a delegation from the National Rebuilding

and Interparty Contact Committee of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) at Government House, Lafia, the state capital. His words: “The country is at cross-roads as its 14 years score sheet shows no progress in terms of development because it is being governed by an unprogressive party at the centre. “Things can only change when the progres-

sives come together and seize power from the unprogressive party at the centre, so as to move the nation forward from its shackles.” Al-Makura told the delegation that there is mutual cooperation between the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and ANPP

in Nasarawa State. According to him, “he does not consider himself belonging to a separate political party other than the ANPP.” The leader of the delegation and presidential candidate of the ANPP in the 2011 general elections, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau,

said the visit was meant to reach out to the opposition parties in order to form a larger democratic platform that will wrestle power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 polls. He said: “We learnt serious lessons in the past elections. That is why we want

to be become a single entity by putting heads together with other opposition parties for a merger under a common platform.” He, however, called on the leadership of other political parties to sensitise their followers at the grassroots to be abreast with the new move.

Shun PDP propaganda, ACN tells Lagosians wholesome plundering of FELIX NWANERI

he Lagos State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has dismissed claims that Governor Babatunde Fashola is anti-people, even as it assured Lagosians that there is no truth in the rumour being spread by the opposition that the state government wants to displace traders at the Katangowa Market without providing an alternative. In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, the party said it is appalling that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could be trading in gossips and mischief in order to resurrect its dead strength. The party said: “We want to assure Lagosians that there is no truth whatsoever in the false and outlandish allegation being traded by the rumour mill of South-West PDP that Lagos wants to displace traders in Katangowa Market without providing an alternative. “We want Lagosians and South-Westerners to disregard this as yet another desperate effort of SouthWest PDP to cash on the intelligence of Lagosians and South-Westerners for their rabid selfish interests. We want all to see the false alarm by the party as a hollow effort to resurrect a dead and decrepit political dream when the PDP as a party believes in impoverishing Nigerians through

the nation’s resources in the past 13 years.” ACN explained that what the state government intends to do is to relocate some parts of the market to a safer and more conducive environment, adding that the traders, stakeholders and all necessary interests are involved in the process. This, it further said, was not enough to raise an alarm, so as to cash in on the sentiments of the same people the PDP has pauperised through its many vile acts. The party reiterated the commitment of the state government to improve the face and infrastructure of Lagos. “We appeal to Lagosians to trust the government in its resolve to make Lagos better for us and for the entire Nigerian nation. We appeal that they bear whatever temporary little pain that comes as a result of the determination to upgrade Lagos to a desirable status where it will serve all of us.”

L-R: Governors Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe); Isa Yuguda (Bauchi) and Kashim Shettima (Borno), at the first North-East Alliance for Transfomation Summit held at the Yankari Games Reserve, Bauchi, yesterday.

Rep calls for democratic culture, good governance

he President of the Pan African Parliament, Mr. Bethel Amadi, has called for democratic culture, good governance and transparency among member countries. Amadi made the appeal at a two-day Regional Parliamentary Meeting on “Good governance in Africa” organised by the parliament in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He said institutional in-

stability in the continent deeply underscored the need to consolidate the rule of law and other positive democratic values. He noted that the AU Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance had laid the basic framework for democracy in Africa. “This legal document promotes a system of governance that is representative and emerges through

regular, transparent, free and fair elections. “It encompasses our collective aspirations to bring to an end unconstitutional changes of government on the continent and forms the foundation of our shared values,” he added. The issue of governance, according to him, has posed the biggest challenge confronting the African continent. Amadi also said corrup-

Ogun senator backs kinsmen’s plan to join Lagos TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

enator Akin Odunsi, representing Ogun West Senatorial District at the National Assembly has thrown his weight behind the demand of the Awori people in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State to join Lagos State.

In a statement made available to journalists in Lagos, Odunsi said there was nothing wrong in the demand of Aworis, whom he said have been deprived of basic amenities despite being the largest contributor to Ogun State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for many years. He also added that the decision of the Awori

people to join their kinsmen in Lagos is a position that has been presented to other ethnic clans in the state and was reflected in the communiqué issued at the end of the joint sitting of the three senatorial districts in the state, recently. He was, however, quick to add that it is not the decision for other groups to

make but for Aworis in Lagos and Ogun states. Odunsi said: “The demand by Awori in AdoOdo/ Ota Local Government Area in Ogun State to join their kit and kin in Lagos State is not a new agitation but what has been on for many years because of the contiguity the area shares with Lagos.

tion had continued to undermine all efforts geared toward development among member countries. He said the African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration, laid an important foundation as well as standards for public administration in Africa. He said the integration process of the continent could only be achieved through economic factors and legal frameworks such as free movement of people among member states and goods and services. The Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, Mr Otelemaba Amachree, urged the body not to derail in its mandate but to remain focused. “As the apex regional parliament, you are the cynosure of all national and state parliaments in Africa,” he said.

Politics

OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU writes on whether the lingering crises bedevilling the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) could ever be resolved to give the party a breather and prepare it for the 2015 general elections.

Friday, December 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Elusive peace in APGA

or more than eight years, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which ought to have occupied an enviable position of power in the political calculation of not only the South-East but the entire country at large, has continually been embroiled in leadership crises. Since December 15, 2004, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) met in Abuja and suspended the pioneer National Chairman, Chekwas Okorie, over gross anti-party activities. He was alleged to have attempted to negotiate away the victory of Peter Obi in the April 2003 governorship election in Anambra State, to Chris Ngige of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who was initially declared winner of that election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Okorie challenged his suspension and later expulsion up to the Supreme Court and lost at the apex court on March 25, 2011 after which he eventually returned the party’s original certificate of registration in his custody to INEC on March 7, 2012. And this was after losing 23 cases in various courts across the country in his quest for a judicial pronouncement that would have sustained him in office as APGA chairman despite the rejection of his leadership by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and members. Victor Umeh, who took over the leadership of the party from Okorie in December 2004, with enormous support and encouragement from the party’s national leader, the late Dim Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu, the party’s NEC and his once political soul-mate, Obi, was able to recover Obi’s stolen mandate from PDP’s Ngige. He also supported Obi in his effort to reverse his impeachment and also gave him the necessary support to regain his mandate to complete his tenure after Andy Uba’s 17 days interregnum as governor. The same Umeh also coordinated Obi’s re-election campaign that led to his victory and return for a second term in the February 6, 2010 gubernatorial poll in Anambra State, complimented by the support of the late Dim Odimegwu-Ojukwu, who threw his weight behind the campaign and Obi’s spectacular performance in office all added impetus to his remarkable re-election, the first in the history of the state. The late Ojukwu was so impressed by Umeh’s excellent leadership qualities and political sagacity that he placed an advertisement in a national newspaper, describing him as “the hardest working party chairman in the federation.” The late elder statesman showered praises on Umeh for making him proud because, according to him, “the might of a warrior is tested only in battle.” Umeh’s leadership did not only offer APGA ticket to Obi when the then INEC boss, Maurice Iwu, had already given the nomination forms to Okorie’s faction, which the former chairman had given to George Ozodinobi, the APGA boss also led

Obi

the Obi campaign to ensure victory in the face of PDP’s Charles Soludo and Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN’s Ngige’s massive political onslaught. Even though Obi appointed a campaign team, it was subsumed into the APGA national team that won the epic battle. Satisfied that his last wish had been granted, Ojukwu paid glowing public tributes to Umeh and expressed joy that Obi won, even though the great Ikemba had earlier endorsed Emeka Etiaba for governor, a development which rattled the Obi camp. Umeh’s intervention saved Obi’s ambition to contest under the APGA platform. Disappointed, Etiaba moved to the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA). But it is ironic that it is this same Umeh who Ojukwu not only eulogised as “the hardest working party chairman in the federation” but also saluted his tenacity, courage and resilience that is today being publicly vilified by Ojukwu’s wife, Bianca, prodded by Tim Menakaya and Obi. Bianca not only took on Umeh frontally, she also gave the Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, a taste of her venom and told him how he got to office through the grace of the leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). Rattled by Bianca’s utterances, the Imo State government replied, describing her outburst as baseless, stating that the relationship between Ojukwu and Okorocha was symbolic as it could better be described as one between father and son. In a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media (Print) to the governor, Ebere Uzoukwa, the Imo State government advised Bianca to face her new responsibility as Nigeria’s ambassador to Spain, adding: “His Excellency, Okorocha, has much respect for the late Ikemba Odimegwu-Ojukwu and the entire family and Bianca should not pose a threat to that relationship with her unholy romance with some disgruntled elements and enemies of Imo State people.” Stakeholders expected Bianca to demonstrate exceptional wisdom, maturity, nobility and dignity in handling public affairs, particularly, partisan politics. It is the only way she will be a good ambassador of the great Ikemba and the nation.

Umeh

Bianca

THE APGA CONFLICT IS OF NO GOOD TO US AS A PEOPLE

...WE ARE

CONCERNED AS

IGBO AND WE ARE CALLING ALL OF THEM TO PLEASE COME

TOGETHER... SO THAT IT DOES NOT AFFECT

OTHER AREAS OF IGBO INTEREST On November 6, Obi held what he called APGA South-East Stakeholders meeting in Awka, the Anambra State capital, and claimed that all the leaders of APGA in the zone were invited, but Umeh and Okorocha were conspicuously absent. Resolutions of the meeting were published in the newspaper of November 12. Obi further claimed that the meeting was organised to find lasting solution to the leadership crisis in the party and reconcile aggrieved members. But nothing in the resolutions adopted showed it was a reconciliatory meeting. It was the usual restructuring mantra that has characterised the many so-called stakeholders meeting in the past. Umeh denied receiving any invitation purported to have been sent to him through a text message. He said that he was away in London on November 2 on an official assignment and was not aware of the peace meeting, describing the report that he shunned the meeting as mischievous. He said such report was to portray him as somebody averse to peace in the party and threatened to spill the beans if his antagonists press him to the wall after Odimegwu-Ojukwu’s one year mourning period. He accused Obi of frustrating efforts by eminent people, including the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Eze-Okafor, the Obi of

Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, Obi’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), and Anaocha Traditional Rulers’ Council, among others to amicably resolve the lingering crises. Worried by the elongated leadership tussle in APGA, the South-East Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also urged the gladiators to sheathe their swords. The chairman of CAN in the zone and the Bishop of Enugu Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma said: “The APGA conflict is of no good to us as a people; we are concerned as a Church, we are concerned as Igbos and we are calling all of them to please come together. I am going to call a peace convention of APGA to see how to reconcile them so that it does not affect other areas of Igbo interest.” Meanwhile, there are indications that Umeh is disposed to the reconciliation moves by the CAN leader. He pleaded with other party leaders to sheathe their swords and allow for dialogue. Umeh said this in the presence of Obi and Silva Nwobu-Alor, erstwhile Special Adviser to the Governor on Parks and Markets, during the one year anniversary celebration of the death of Dim Ojukwu in Nnewi recently, pleading with all parties involved in the crisis to give peace a chance. He said that as for him, he was ready to reconcile with everybody. However, following allegation of forgery preferred against the party’s embattled Deputy National Chairman (North), Alhaji Sadeeq Masalla, an Abuja High Court, on November 21, granted the Police leave to arraign him. He was charged with forgery of signatures of some members of the NWC of the party and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code. Justice Peter Kekemeke granted the order after hearing an application brought by Police prosecutor, Francis Irabor. As it is, no one can predict the outcome of the case, even as high courts in Abuja and Enugu have restrained Umeh and Masalla respectively from parading themselves as chairmen of APGA, pending the determination of the suits emanating from the intractable crises bedevilling the party. But with all efforts at reconciliation, would the gladiators give peace a chance? Time will tell.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, December 7, 2012

Politics

t is obvious that the big umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State can no longer shield all its members as the elders’ forum and the governor of the state, Idris Wada, have decided to engage in a public show on the management of the party and state affairs. Political analysts and stakeholders wondered what could have informed the war of words between the Kogi PDP elders and Wada at this critical period when the national chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, is frantically preaching the gospel of unity in the party across all the states it controls. To followers of political history, the political imbroglio tearing the Kogi PDP apart may not, after all, be peculiar to the state alone, as it is evidently becoming a trade mark within the party that lays claim to being the most populous party in Africa. The present crisis in Kogi is reminiscent of the crisis that consumed the party in some of the states – Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Edo and Ondo – it hitherto controlled. The crises have always been self inflicted. The Kogi elders, who petitioned the Presidency, alleging that the governor is not a card-carrying member of the party when he became the governor of the state, regretted that he is using public funds to acquire private property. They also fingered the governor as the cause of the leadership crisis that is currently rocking the Kogi State House of Assembly, which led to the impeachment of Abdullahi Bello as Speaker. Not done yet with the petition to the Presidency, the elders recently marched to the National Secretariat of the PDP in Abuja, where a copy of a detailed petition against the governor was handed over to Tukur. The elders, who claimed to be on a rescue mission in the state, noted: “We want the national leadership of our great party to intervene decisively to save the PDP in Kogi State from an untimely death.” Senator Alex Kadiri, who led the threeman team representing the elders, including Senator Mohammed Ohiare and Dr. Adinoyi Ojo Onukaba, said that “all is not well in Kogi State. Our party has been hijacked by strangers. There is no governance in the state. State funds are being used to settle judges and anti-corruption agencies. Not even a culvert has been constructed by the nearly one year old Wada administration.” They also complained bitterly over the crisis in the state House of Assembly; appointment of liaison officers for local councils; continued looting of state treasury by the duo of former governor, Ibrahim Idris and Wada, and the undemocratic conduct of recent state congress. The PDP elders categorically accused the governor of “cluelessness, profligacy and looting.” They cited the appointment of 20 commissioners, 57 advisers, 74 senior special assistants and scores of other assorted aides as proof that Wada was illprepared to govern the state. They lamented that the recent discovery of 800 ghost schools and thousands of ghost teachers, in the state are only a tip of the iceberg of the rot that is rocking the state. Reacting to the petition, Tukur promised to look into their complaints and grievances. He commended the elders for their civilised and mature approach to the

Friday, December 7, 2012

Kogi: PDP elders’ battle against Wada The lingering crisis in the Kogi State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues unabated. To analysts, this is a testimony that the party cannot manage its electoral success, writes SINA FADARE.

Wada

Tukur

ALTHOUGH THE PARTY IS NOT ENJOYING THE BEST OF TIMES AND MANY THINGS ARE NOT GOING ON WELL WITHIN THE FOLD... IT IS NOT A GOOD REASON WHY WE SHOULD GO AND WASH OUR DIRTY LINEN IN THE PUBLIC issue at stake. He said that the PDP under his care will be democratic, inclusive and transparent in all its dealings, with a promise to treat the petition with all seriousness and urgency it deserves. In a swift reaction to the allegation, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Richard Elesho, who spoke to National Mirror on the issue, said that it was a known fact that the so-called elders are mere birds of the passage in PDP in the state, who he alleged are actually working for the opposition, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). According to him, it was not a surprise that the self-styled Kogi elders forum of the PDP has simply transmuted as the fore runner of the state executive of the opposition, the ACN, adding that the statements from the said elders in their ongoing campaigns to malign Governor Wada, are constantly followed by a thumb up from the ACN state leadership. He pointed out that the real elders’ forum of the PDP, led by the respected Gen. Salihu Ibrahim, has come out not only to

Idris

deny the group but to also express confidence in Wada and his team. Elesho explained that the disgruntled elements in the party are not just whiping emotional sentiments on the altar of cheap political cleavage, but equally wanted to distract the administration of Wada on the good work it is doing in the state, adding: ”But they have failed woefully” However, there was a twist to the whole drama as one of the so-called elders that went to Abuja and the chairman of the purported elders’ forum, Gen. Salihu Ibrahim (rtd) has refuted his involvement in the petition. Ibrahim, who was speaking against the backdrop of reports ostensibly placed by some self-styled elders forum, led by former state chairman of the PDP, John Odawn and the former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Clarence Olafemi, criticising the Wada administra-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

tion, disowned the statement credited to the group and asserted that it does not represent the position of the elders’ forum. Ibrahim said: “The elders’ forum, which I have the privilege of leading today never went to the press or issued any press release against the governor. “That publication is not the view of the forum. Normally, for any important statement to be made by the forum, the executive ought to have discussed and endorsed it. But, no such thing happened. So, we dissociate ourselves from that publication. It is not the views of the elders’ forum.” National Mirror learnt that the aggrieved members of the party, who lost in the race for the governorship seat at the primary of the party in which Wada emerged as candidate, have not forgiven him and want to make sure that the storm that will consume the governor would start within the party. Credible sources told National Mirror that failure on the part of the governor to accommodate some of these people’s candidates in the sharing of the spoils of office further infuriated them and they seem prepared to take their pound of flesh by putting his administration on its toe. Speaking to National Mirror on the issue at stake on condition of anonymity, a chieftain of PDP in the state said that the crisis that is tearing the party apart cannot be separated from the fact that those who lost out in the race to the Lugard Government House and who the party failed to integrate back into the party are causing trouble. He admitted that although the party is not enjoying the best of times and many things are not going on well within the fold of the party in Kogi State “but instead of whispering into our ears and we will understand, they decide to go to the market with a trumpet to criticise us. That is not good enough for a family like PDP.” He explained that it is not possible to accommodate all members of the party when it comes to the sharing of positions, noting that it is not a good reason why “we should go and wash our dirty linen in the public.” However, the Director of Centre for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), Comrade Idris Miliki Abdul, saw what happened in the state as a good development, noting that he was impressed to read for the first time that such an agitation could come from members of the same party. “If the elders can come out and say that the governor is indulging in bribery and illegality in the state, then this lends credence to the position I have always expressed that the governor has been perpetrating illegality in the state,” the activist stressed. He pointed out that if the people from the ruling party who brought Wada to power can now say he has not performed; it is very commendable, adding that they should keep the spirit up to fight corruption in the country. But what is of concern to political analysts is: why is it that each time the PDP has any electoral success, the party always find it difficult to manage it? This seems to be the riddle the party has been grappling with and which it is yet to provide an answer to. However, political pundits are of the view that if the party fails to close their ranks in the state, the lingering crisis may consume it.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Views

Friday, December 7, 2012

Towards an effective disaster risk management IBRAHIM FARINLOYE Continued from yesterday

n the developed world, the private sector has been usually very generous after a catastrophe has occurred. However, their actions have been solely reactive-oriented, thereby limiting their overall potential for effectiveness and efficiency. Increasingly, the private sector has begun to demonstrate its commitment to such areas as risk transfer, corporate social responsibility in reducing the vulnerability of communities, better risk assessment and the overall reduction of the potential impact of disaster on their own businesses. In core business partnerships, insurance will be a common concept. It is a known fact that insurance penetration is low, and the idea of pooling a risk among several members of a community in an organized fashion is rare, especially in developing nations like Nigeria. Managing people’s risk is the core task of an insurer. So far, this principle has too often only been applied to well-off clients, neglecting those that are, in fact, most exposed to external shocks and risks. There should be greater emphasis on insurance in the light of increasing climate-induced weather events. NEMA has been Nigeria’s only structure at the fore front of bringing disaster risk reduction principles to the grassroots. It accomplishes with Grassroots Emergency Management Volunteers’ Schools’ NEMA Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), NEMA/NYSC Emergency Management Vanguards and Executive Emergency Management Volunteers. The stakeholders are

carried along in piloting these projects to help state governments make use of these structures in the management of emergencies. The members were trained on basic first aid administration, casualty handling techniques, community risk identification and assessment, identifying the traditional methods of handling such hazards in the community, and effective ways to communicate and liaise with NEMA at all time. Some international agencies were involved in these training programmes. At least, 100 volunteers were trained in each local government are and they were solely financed by NEMA. It is, however, saddening to note that some states have abandoned these all-important disaster structures due to change in the ruling parties. Cooperative societies, can on their part, promote capacity building within its members with bias for a proactive strategy that starts with the creation of awareness about risk assessment, risk reduction and risk prevention, while also examining potential threats or dangers to their members and their mitigation. Associations that have branches in almost all the communities in the rural areas can collaborate with any states’ emergency management agencies to organise workshops on efforts to sensitise members to the necessity of taking specific advance measures to protect themselves and their investments. This will encourage neighbours and friends to talk with one another about community disaster management and the necessary mediation actions. Local community residents should be encouraged to work with one another in identifying locations of evacuation shelters, fire stations, hospitals, and other facilities

IT IS A KNOWN FACT THAT INSURANCE

PENETRATION IS LOW, AND THE IDEA OF POOLING A RISK AMONG SEVERAL MEMBERS OF A COMMUNITY IN AN ORGANIZED FASHION IS RARE, ESPECIALLY IN

DEVELOPING NATIONS LIKE

NIGERIA

that would be important in the event of disasters. This way, the participants would learn about disaster management facilities. Such interactions would help residents locate households that might be vulnerable to disasters, such as the homes of senior citizens living alone, handicapped individuals, pregnant women, and infants. Simulations can also be conducted by the private sector in collaboration with the states’ emergency management agencies or NEMA. Considering the socioeconomic and cultural diversity of Nigeria, as well as its large population and differentiated culture, creating a national capacity building programme for disaster risk management, could be a huge challenge. Disaster risk management is a continuous process that can be divided into two major phases, namely the proactive or pre-disaster phase, which encompasses prevention, mitiga-

tion and preparedness; and the recovery or post-disaster phase, which is essentially about response, rehabilitation and reconstruction. The appropriate expertise of key figures in education, health, science, administration, the corporate sector and civil society to respond to and deal with man-made disasters is a critical focus in the risk management. It will take a joint effort to overcome the lack of awareness among industries, states and local authorities, including respective crisis groups, managers and planners of industrial estates, the populace and civil society organizations. NEMA is ever ready to collaborate with any institutions, be they in the private or public sectors, to build a resilient society. Apart from its various programmes for capacity buildings, the agency is extending its reach to the grassroots by opening more operational offices in each of the 36 states. However, this is influenced by the readiness of state governments to provide the needed enabling environment. The major tool for effective and focused disaster management is the use of the media. Raising the awareness on the discovery, identification and best ways of preventing hazards from developing into disasters and mitigation of such disasters, if it eventually happens, need the support of the mass media and the social media. However, it behooves on the media and stakeholders to partner for the disaster risk management in the collective interest of the nation. Concluded Farinloye is the Public Information Officer of National Emergency Management Agency, South West Zone, Lagos

The Faira story HANNATU MUSAWA Continued from last Wednesday

he marriage took place amid such pomp and ceremony. Mr. Raj was a very wealthy man and was considered one of the most eligible bachelors in the community. People from far and near came to see this very beautiful and lucky bride who had managed this ‘big catch’. He was tall, handsome and very lean. I often used to wonder why he was so thin. Apart from the three beautiful children I had with him and the material needs he provided for my family, my marital life was uneventful. He spent most of his time travelling for what he termed ‘medical check-ups’. In the times he was at home, he would regularly take a cocktail of medication. Whenever I asked him what was wrong with him, he would tell me that he suffered from hemorrhoids and sinus. By the time we reached six years of marriage, the condition that even I knew was more serious than hemorrhoids and sinuses regressed so much that he became so skeletal. He was hospitalized exactly two months before his death and, in the hospital, he refused to speak to me. The last

AS I SPEAK TO YOU WITH MY HEART AND SOUL

ON DISPLAY, INSTEAD OF GIVING MYSELF TO

THE DYING, I CHOOSE TO GIVE IT TO THE LIVING BY USING MY VOICE TO YELL THAT AIDS IS REAL!

time I saw him he was very weak, he took my hands and looked into my eyes with a sincerity I had never seen throughout our marriage, and he mumbled, “Faira, I…I’m sorry… you don’t deserve this”. And then he died. I was told that my husband died of AIDS two hours after his death. I tested positive for HIV 26 hours after his death; two of my children were declared HIVpositive 92 hours after his death, and my HIV status was upgraded to AIDS 732 days after his death. Apparently he had been diagnosed with HIV 15 years ago and was aware that he had it at the time he married me! When Mr Raj came to ask my parents

for my hand in marriage, he promised hope and a new life for a family of 10 that could barely feed themselves. But with that promise of a better life came a death sentence. I wonder if my parents would have so quickly given me away if they knew that the riches they sought came with such suffering. I am devastated, not for myself but for my beautiful children that have to bear this nightmare also. I feel cheated, not because I have AIDS, but because I was robbed of an opportunity to confront my husband before he died. Had I been able to ask him anything, it wouldn’t be why he did this; I’d ask him if he ever stopped for one minute to think about what his children faced. It was hard for me to come to terms with AIDS, I must have been through every emotion, but to know that there is no way back, only forward, must have been my greatest obstacle to overcome. Beauty, money, paltry issues, none of them really matters. In the end, it’s about what you make with the life you are given. As I speak to you with my heart and soul on display, instead of giving myself to the dying, I choose to give it to the living by using my voice to yell that AIDS IS REAL! For the sake of my children, I have chosen to find light and protection from

within myself so that I can focus on the ray of light that glimmers in the darkness that comes with my condition. I no longer shed tears, now I shed knowledge because that is the greatest power anyone can have against this cruel, un-discriminatory disease. I guess I’m telling my story, not for sympathy, but for it to serve as a lesson and a reminder of how important it is for people to have HIV tests before marriage. If the purpose of mine and my children’s life is to serve as a vessel of hope and caution to people all around the world, then I reluctantly embrace that burden. As we witnessed another World AIDS Day on 1st December, I urge every one of you to know your partner’s HIV status before marriage, not after, like me. Concluded. Musawa, a lawyer, lecturer, columnist and human and women’s rights activist, lives in London 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

Friday, December 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

STEVE AYORINDE

MD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

YELE AKINROLABU

ED OPERATIONS

SEYI FASUGBA

DAILY EDITOR

BOLAJI TUNJI

SUNDAY EDITOR

GBEMI OLUJOBI

SATURDAY EDITOR

DOZIE OKEBALAMA

COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD

ADESOYE ADEKOYA

CONTROLLER, PRODUCTION

CALLISTUS OKE

EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

ISE-OLUWA IGE

ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

KAYODE BALOGUN JNR

SM, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

FRANK OBOH

HEAD, GRAPHICS

Works Ministry and bad roads

embers of the House of Representatives took the Minister of Works, Michael Oziegbe Onolememen, to task lately over the poor state of roads nationwide, despite the huge sum of money appropriated for his ministry in the 2012 budget. They lambasted the minister when he appeared before the Works Committee of the House penultimate Thursday over the ministry’s implementation of the 2012 budget, and its 2013 budget estimates. The Reps observed that virtually all Trunk A roads in the country were in terrible conditions and, in some cases, impassable. Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi, particularly lamented how pathetic it was for the works ministry, which always enjoyed priority attention in the budget, could be so deficient in handling the country’s problem of road infrastructure. It is, indeed, irksome that most Trunk A roads in the northern and southern parts of the country, which constitute the major network “for driving commerce and propelling economic development”, are in deplorable conditions, replete with craters and gullies. Some of them that are literally death traps requiring immediate attention are the Abuja-Lokoja, Enugu-Onitsha, Enugu-Port Harcourt, Kano-Maiduguri, Shagamu-Ore-Benin, and the

Lagos-Ibadan highways. It was just recently that hope was rekindled that the Lagos-Ibadan Express Way was receiving attention, having been re-awarded to Julius Berger Construction Company a few weeks back. Before now, the strategic road contract was frivolously and, perhaps, corruptly awarded to political cronies who lacked the capacity to do the job. As we speak, greater portions of the Shagamu-Ore-Benin road, which left many commuters stranded for days last Yuletide, is still in bad shape. Besides, quite disappointing was Onolememen’s hypocritical optimism that with the meticulous approach of the Reps, indeed, the National Assembly, to the performance of their oversight functions presently, public office holders would depart from their past ‘business as usual’ culture and show commitment to the success of the transformation agenda of the President Goodluck Jonathan government. Must the NASS chase the works ministry under Onolememen about with horse whips for it to satisfactorily perform its statutory responsibilities? Very distressing and roundly unacceptable is the fact that since the inception of civil rule in 1999, the federal works ministry, with all its huge annual budgets, has not been able to properly maintain existing Trunk A roads, let alone constructing brand new

THE NASS SHOULD SUSTAIN THE TEMPO OF ITS OVERSIGHT FUNCTIONS AND PUT THE HIGHLY CORRUPT AND FLOUNDERING

MDAS ON THEIR TOES ones. So-called repair works on the roads have always been apologetic, too. The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), for instance, became dormant after the exit of Adeseye Ogunlewe, a former senator, as works minister. Most of FERMA’s expansive offices nationwide have been overrun by thick bushes, and serve as sanctuaries for reptiles and rodents. Despite the mournful road infrastructure deficit in the country, the works ministry generously features in incessant, mind boggling reports of corruption involving public functionaries, government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). It is on record, for instance, that the works minister in the early years of the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, Tony Anenih, has not been able to give an acceptable account of the N360 billion voted for Trunk A roads while he was in office. A couple of days ago, the House of Representatives

Committee on Public Accounts complained about N2.3 billion purportedly disbursed for an abandoned road project in Nassarawa State allegedly during the Anenih era. The laxity of the works ministry, the Presidency, and until most recently, the ineptitude and active connivance of the National Assembly in denying the populace the dividends of democratic governance, complicated the sorry state of Nigerian road infrastructure. The NASS should sustain the tempo of its oversight functions and put the highly corrupt and floundering MDAs on their toes. It seems clear that they have been blinded by corrupt escapades and frauds and therefore, can scarcely perform without effective supervision. In addition, we draw attention to the nation’s fine crop of military engineers whose services can be enlisted by the works ministry in upgrading and maintaining the highways. We also think the nation’s constitution should make all roads in the country – Trunks A, B and C – the responsibility of the state and local governments. This will require the reallocation of the resources hitherto held by the Federal Government in respect of such roads to the state and local governments, which are closer to the people and can be squarely held accountable for the state of the roads.

ON THIS DAY December 7, 2007 The Hebei Spirit oil spill occurred in South Korea after a crane barge that had broken free from a tug collided with the Very Large Crude Carrier, Hebei Spirit. The MT Hebei Spirit oil spill was a major oil spill in South Korea that began on the morning of December 7, 2007 local time, with ongoing environmental and economic effects. Government officials called it South Korea’s worst oil spill ever, surpassing a spill that took place in 1995.

Letters to the Editor

December 7, 2005 Rigoberto Alpizar, a passenger on American Airlines Flight 924, who allegedly claimed to have a bomb, was shot and killed by a team of United States federal air marshals at Miami International Airport. Alpizar lived in the central Florida town of Maitland and worked in the Paint Department of a Home Depot. He was supposed to fly with his wife, Anne Buechner, to Orlando, Florida, returning from a missionary trip to Quito, Ecuador. The shooting took place on a jetway.

December 7, 1988 Yasser Arafat recognized the right of Israel to exist. Mohammed Yasser Abdel Rahman Abdel Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini (August 24, 1929 – November 11, 2004), popularly known as Yasser Arafat or by his ‘kunya’ , Abu Ammar, was a Palestinian leader. He was Chairman of the Palestine President Jonathan Liberation Organization (PLO), President of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), and leader of the Fatah political party and former paramilitary group, which he founded in 1959.

Your

FRIDAY

Friday, December 7, 2012

K-1

Wright

LOC IS

PUTTING

TOGETHER A CLOSING CEREMONY THAT WOULD REMAIN IN THE MIND OF

NIGERIANS

AND

THE REST OF THE WORLD their favourite meal in different flavours sizzling hot”, said Heartlinks’ representative, Kemi Otegbade who also confirmed to Friday Flavour that getting into the arena for this

Wande

supportive, which we are generously grateful for”. On Sunday, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, the LOC will also be showcasing an array of performers, to thrill the audience who would be

WEEKEND STARTERS

Lagos Live continues at Freedom Park

he Goethe at 50 Lagos Live Art Festival that started on Thursday continues today till Sunday. It features people in art and entertainment from all over the world. To perform today is Kuku, while Ade Bantu will be having a musical ‘Conversation with the Elders’ like: Fatai Rolling Dollar, Orlando Julius and Paulson

Ella & Gabby’s cocktail party

Kalu tomorrow. Ntone Edjabe will Nouah close the festival on Appiah Sunday. Nollywood @20th in Aside the concerts, there are per- Germany formances and exhio l l y w o o d p.m. Mama G, Jackbitions from Segun is celebrat- ie Appiah, Ramsey Adefila and Crown ing 20 years Nouah, Monalisa Troupe of Africa, this month and the Chinda, Zik Zulu Monster Truck, discovery of future Charles and many Mudi Yahaya, Flinn stars via Nollywood others will be presTheatre, Jelili Diaspora Talent ent while there will Atiku, Theatre im Hunt – NDTH holds be entertainment Bahnhof Graz, Eme- tomorrow at Efes of Afro catwalking, ka Udemba, Edson Festsaal, Riedinger- comedy, live music Chagas and VAN La- str 10, 45141, Essen, acts on stage and gos, among others. Germany by 8.00 lots of surprises.

ashion enthusiasts have the opportunity to interact with their kind this weekend at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Victoria

Island, Lagos as contemporary Nigerian design label, Ella & Gabby hosts its exhibition and cocktail party tomorrow and Sunday. The show starts from 10.00 a.m and ends at 6.00 p.m.

P. 34

Denrele’s Day

PSquare on MTV’s Big Friday Show

ultiple award winning duo, Paul and Peter Okoye, better known as PSquare, will take over Nigeria’s favourite TV programme, Big Friday Show on TV tonight by 9:00pm. The dynamic duo will co-host this week’s episode with comedian and host, Basketmouth.

Abuja Expo enlists celebrities

agle Square, the venue of Abuja Expo 2012, will come alive this weekend as the three-day expo holds. The event is aimed at creating awareness about food and the agricultural sector.

P. 32-33

converging to herald the end of the fiesta which kicked off nearly two weeks ago. According to a statement from the Local Organising Committee, so much has been put into the fiesta to make it part of the annals of sports history. Save from calisthenics, a carnival is expected at the closing ceremonies which will start at 5.00 p.m. Kweku Tandoh, secretary general of the LOC, disclosed that 2face, Wizkid, Wande Cole and King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K-1 de Ultimate) are some of the reigning Nigerian musical acts that would also be on hand to entertain the guests. “The opening ceremony, like closing ceremony of such event is usual a bit more carefree in terms of it being more fun, more of a party, more of a carnival atmosphere that notwithstanding, the LOC is putting together a closing ceremony. That would remain in the mind of Nigerians and even the rest of the world”, he said. According to Tandoh, the closing ceremony is being packaged to highlight the tourism potentials of the state. “In the history of sports festivals in the country, Lagos has been able to retain the scheduled date, without any postponement and beginning preparations in just one year. I believe we have been able to break new grounds and set new standards that subsequent festivals and hosts will build upon to take Nigerian sports to where it is supposed to be”.

Escape

event is free, so long as the person is dressed in green ankara in the spirit of patriotism. “Yes, it is free, so long as the person is well-dressed in ankara fabric that reflects our national colours, which is green and white. The person has to be creative about the way he or she would appear because prizes would also be given to the best-dressed people as well. But essentially the idea is to promote what holds us together as a nation. The sports festival was conceived to promote unity, and the NISEV has the same objective. It is always done whenever there is an event of this nature. I guess it is in this spirit that some of the partners have been

P. 31

Entertainment meets sports at Eko 2012 finals

Mirror Mongers

s the 18th National Sports Festival, Eko 2012, ends in Lagos this weekend, residents, participants and enthusiasts have more than the various categories of medals to look forward to. This is coming on the heels of several arrangements that have been put in place by the Local Organising Committee, LOC, and other partners to showcase an array of entertaining performances to make the event a memorable one. Friday Flavour gathered that one of such events being put together is Nigerian Sports and Entertainment Village Nite, NISEV, coordinated by Heartlinks Events. It comes up today at the Eagle Club, Surulere, Lagos at 4.00 p.m. NISEV, whose primary motive is to showcase ‘Nigerian talents through the generations’, will be presenting sessions like ankara competition, ewii rendition, dance, drama and the Nollywood surprise act. Some notable artistes who would be part of the Nollywood surprise act event are: Fred Amata, Benita Nzeribe, Chico Ejiro, Charles Novia, Bunmi Nelson (Sexy Choco), Segun Arinze and Saidi Balogun. Dejumo Lewis of the Village Headmaster fame will also be available in a special appearance where he would talk about Nigeria today, yesterday and the future. Paul Adams and Bukky Wright would anchor the event as hosts. Highpoints of the evening include prizes for the Best Dressed Guest in ankara and the Best Dancer. The event, which is endorsed by the Eko 2012 LOC with support of the Lagos State Judo Association, is also being sponsored by Indomie noodles, Eagle Club and Dansa Juice. “Indomie is providing a mobile kitchen where guests will be served

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

There would be loads of activities including young entrepreneur challenge and a celebrity cookout with Stella Damasus, Timi Dakolo, Nse Ikpe-Etim and Chigurl. It holds today and Ikpe-Etim tomorrow at 6.00 p.m.

P. 24-25

NGOZI E MEDOLIBE

Flavour

Inside FCT

VOL. 2 No. 508

Artman In The House

Friday, December 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

African artists don’t know each Bisi Silva is an independent curator and the founder/director of Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos, which opened in December 2007. When the doors to CCA, Lagos open today, it will be to commemorate five years of the organisation’s existence. The celebration will close on Sunday, December 9, having featured discussions among artists and curators, exhibition and literary presentations, among other activities. She welcomed Friday Flavour into her world in this interview with TERH AGBEDEH at the CCA office. Like any Nigerian that has run an organisation successfully for five years with all the attendant challenges you must be on top of the world. Oh yeah. It’s been tough but it’s been fun because I’m doing what I love and what with absolutely committed and dedicated staff and the artistic community has been extremely generous in their support and encouragement of what we do not only locally, but also across Africa and internationally. We are extremely lucky to have this sort of network of people that allowed us to exist for so long. You had goals when you set out, perhaps even set targets for five years down the road. Do you think that has been achieved? I think so because I’m not a business person so, I just have ideas of what I’d like to do and I tend to follow that. The main thing was to try and see how long we’d remain open for. That was a challenge in itself. When we opened, I thought if we can remain open for a day, then we’d have achieved our objective. I think the kind of work that we do is not commercial, so we are not selling paintings. It’s educational, challenging, provocative and sometimes confrontational and you never know what kind of support you are going to get. For me, this is a dream, this has been an ambition; I’ve been able to fulfil it and nobody can take that away. Was it a challenge working with artists, particularly Nigerian ones since you were coming from a culture where such things are more organised? All my professional life I’ve looked at the kind of artists that I’d like to work with and I think working with an artist is about synergy, there needs to be some kind of symbiosis. I try to not work with artists who will not be thinking on the same level whose goals and vision are the same. I’d say that I’ve been fortunate, extremely fortunate, I haven’t had any challenges and also because I think one isn’t dealing with money. I don’t owe you anything and you don’t owe me anything. How can we exchange ideas? With that you either agree or you don’t. If you don’t everybody goes their own way. I don’t, have the challenges that other galleries have where they feel you didn’t sell enough work or you didn’t bring this collector. I don’t operate on that level, I operate on what are the interesting ideas that you want to articulate in your work. What are the best ways we

can present these ideas? My challenge is how can I make you realise your artistic vision? Do you have new plans for the future at CCA? We have new plans everyday and that fits into our long-term plan but I‘d say that the areas we want to highlight or foreground a lot more on is this idea that in the 21st Century, we live in a knowledge society. It’s about information, what you know and access to information is now available at our fingers. So, I still think that there is a lot more that needs to be done within the visual arts sector to produce knowledge. We want to use, in an active way, our library at CCA as a starting point for a lot of our programmes. How do you bring knowledge to the forefront? I find less challenging exhibitions where you just put stuff on the wall, to me it becomes easy so I want to push myself, I want to push art- Silva ists and I want to push the audience. How can we bring more action, if you want, to run till January 27. The Pulitzer Art into the gallery, which we have already Foundation started on November 16. We started with the exhibition we are doing had a performance here on the 17th with now in which we have performance art. Wura Natasha Ogunji and then the third It’s more interactive, engaging on differ- venue opened last weekend on Saturday, December 1. We now have one exhibition ent levels. One of the areas we feel is the most running across three venues and it’s all important is the area of documentation, about love which is absolutely fantastic writing and publication. We want to in this festive period. But for me, it’s been fulfilling because prioritise knowledge production doing unconsciously , I feel it will lead my curadifferent projects in the format of pubtorial practice in a different direction. lication. Encouraging more artists to do Most exhibitions on African art always critical publications about their works, deal with identities, the post colonial, real stuff that tell us about what is hapthe environment, women this, that and pening with contemporary art in Nigeria the other, poverty alleviation blah blah and how what we are doing today relates blah as if Africans don’t love. But love is with what is happening across the contithe universal emotion irrespective of the nent and across the world. We cannot isocolour of your skin, geographic location late ourselves anymore. I just think that it’s unacceptable that we remain very and creed, we all love. comfortable in a kind of very parochial, very local context. We need to open up These days there is even the same-sex our minds and the parameters of our ar- issue. Exactly, there is the same-sex astistic faculties. pect which is also part of this project because throughout the three venues The exhibition you mentioned, is it The we are looking at the different ways Progress of Love? Yes and we are happy to be doing this in which people love. I think it would project because it’s a transatlantic col- be hypocritical to show one aspect and laboration by three institutions. The first not show the other. I think that is the is the Manil Collection in Houston and I beauty of art. Art allows you to chalwas invited to be part of the project by lenge stereotypical notions of what the curator then so I’m actually the co- life is about, break boundaries, push curator for this project between The Pu- frontiers. And I think even with the litzer Art Foundation in San Louis, Mis- simple subject like love, there have souri and CCA Lagos. CCA started first been some incredible poetic works of on October 13 and the exhibition is going art. We want to show that.

AFRICAN ART ALWAYS DEAL WITH WOMEN

THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER, POVERTY

ALLEVIATION BLAH BLAH BLAH AS IF

AFRICANS DON’T LOVE Your fifth anniversary programme is all encompassing with music, poetry and exhibition, is that the direction in which you are going? We’ve done it in the past. What is really great is that when we first opened, a young cultural producer, Aderemi Adegbite, created a programme for us called P.A.G.E.S. and the idea was that there should be an intersection of the different art forms, literature, music and visual art, which in Nigeria, they are usually always apart. And that shouldn’t be the case because everything is interrelated. The themes could be the same, they could be about Lagos, identity, love; music is usually about love so why not bring it into the space? So, we’ve never seen visual art just as painting and sculpture. We’ve seen it wider; video art, maybe we’ll start showing films. They are all interrelated and they should intermingle.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Artman In The House

Friday, December 7, 2012

other; they don’t travel –Silva

L-R Photographer Jide Alakija; a Japanese guest and Silva at the opening of Alakija’s exhibition in Lagos in 2011

Brochure for The Progress of Love threevenue exhibition xxxxxx

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Bisi Silva is co-curator of The Progress of Love, a transcontinental collaboration across three venues in the United States of America and Nigeria. (Oct. 2012 to January 2013).

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She was co-curator of ‘J.D. ‘Okhai Ojeikere: Moments of Beauty’, Kiasma, Helsinki (AprilNov 2011).

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She was co-curator for the second Thessaloniki Biennale of Contemporary Art, Greece, ‘Praxis: Art in Times of Uncertainty’ September 2009.

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In 2006 Silva was one of the curators for the Dakar Biennale in Senegal.

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At CCA, Lagos, she has curated ‘Fela, Ghariokwu Lemi and The Art of the Album Cover’ (2007); Ndidi Dike, ‘Waka-into-bondage: The Last ¾ Mile’ (2008); ‘Like A Virgin...’, Lucy Azubuike (NIG) and Zanele Muholi (SA) (2009); ‘J.D. ‘Okhai Ojeikere; Sartorial Moments and The Nearness of Yesterday’ (2010), All We Ever Wanted (2011) and Occupy Nigeria (2012).

An installation at CCA, Lagos, aftermath of the fuel subsidy removal protests in January

Recently, like never before in Nigeria, artists were involved in protest not just through their works. Do you think that that action diminishes them as artists in the same way that a commercial mass produce art work is perhaps not as germane as an original? You know I’m a curator, so for me, I prioritise. Art is not about being beautiful, decorative; art is about what is it saying about the world that we live in. And I find it problematic that an artist is not reflecting the society in which they live in because if we look at art throughout time, whether it is the renaissance, barouche or modern era; if we look at the great artists, they were all commenting on the immense changes and social upheavals that were going on in their society. So, I don’t think that an artist can be inactive in the face of injustices that are going on around him. I would challenge such an artist if he didn’t react to what was going on. So it’s not art for art sake for you? The reason I’m interested in art is because I see it as a window to the world. It’s my way of engaging with the society; if I’m just looking at colours and it’s not telling me anything, then what is the purpose? Okay, it’s beautiful, I can put it on my wall but I like the complexities that an artist can bring to his or her work and what it’s saying about the world. It’s like having the information age and hav-

ing the protest and in a 100 years time, somebody wants to see what was going on in Nigeria a 100 years ago and they look at a work of art and it’s just a colour, just mother and child or it’s just a Fulani milk maid. What does that say about the artist and our society? Why did you decide to come back home? So many different reasons. I’ve been abroad most of my life and I just felt that I was getting older and I didn’t really know ‘home’, didn’t know Nigeria or Africa well enough. My parents are getting older, my nieces and nephews are growing up without me knowing them. So, I came for one, personal reasons and I came for two, professional reason. In fact, at the time that I came back, Europe was also in a crisis, it was the dotcom burst. I was at that stage in my life where I had to make a decision on where I wanted to be and where I wanted to remain. I wanted to explore Africa because everybody said you are African but I didn’t know what that meant; the real essence of being African apart from coming from a geographical region. I wanted to travel around Africa, meet Africans. I wanted to say, ‘yes I’m an African because I know that there is this commonality with my brothers in Southern Africa, Eastern Africa, West Africa and North Africa. I’ve spent the last decade travelling around Africa and getting a good grasp of the continent. This allows me to challenge stereotypes of what the continent is be-

FACT FILE

from Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, Ivory Coast and Ghana. Maybe when I retire I’d write a book if my memory doesn’t fail me. We are documenting and that is why I say that now, we need to start publishing. We need to start writing about our experiences. Over the next two or three years I’ll say that 75 percent of our work will be in publishing. That’s a big portion of what we want to do which will come out in the first quarter of next year, a pocket monograph series of individual artists’ little books. We’d commission writers to do an extended essay on one artist essentially, young artists that may be having their first publication. The idea is for them to be affordable within Africa so that we can send it to Kenya or somebody there can buy it and send it to Namibia. Because what I find is that African artists don’t know each other because they don’t travel to other countries and others don’t come here. Any African country I go to, I tell them, ‘give me the names of five Nigerian artists’ but they don’t know. I ask Nigerian artists, ‘give me the names of five artists from Kenya’, they don’t know. That’s different with the musicians though. That’s because music travels; you do a DVD and you can send hundreds of copies anywhere but the art work is expensive. That’s another thing that we are thinking about; how can we get artists to know each other without necessarily transporting their works? Can they go and do a residency and create work there? Just thinking of different ways of making artists and their works travel around the continent without it breaking the bank.

Who can use the CCA library? Anybody can use our library; it’s membership only for the library for students and professionals. The library is not sponsored by anybody, we just look for a bit of money here, there and everywhere to keep it going. But most of • Silva has participated in several all, I think it’s something that is indisinternational conferences and pensible; it’s something that I’ll keep gosymposia and written essays for ing because I’m committed to it by any many publications as well as for international art magazines and is means possible. I feel that it’s imposon the editorial board of N Parasible to have an art scene without havdoxa, an international feminist art ing a resource centre for knowledge projournal. duction. So, art for me is not just about • She is the guest editor for the Af- the paintings, it’s about the knowledge rica and African Diaspora Issue of that paintings can carry. If the artist is not nourishing the mind, I feel the work N Paradoxa Journal (Jan 2013). may be beautiful, but it has little or no impact. cause that is the kind of information we keep getting abroad. But now, I can really Do you find time to rest at all? start up, show and tell people the reason I started finding time to rest by watchI’m proud to be African. ing television. When you are in the art Is there a book coming out of your findings perhaps sometime in the future? No, I think that the way that Africa sort of comes into my work is through the exhibitions that I do. We’ve worked with so many different African artists

world, your work is also your pleasure. So, I leave work and go to an opening so it’s interrelated. But I like travelling and I do so a lot for my work but I also try and find time to travel for pleasure where I don’t do any art. Then, I like to hang out with my family and friends.

Critics

Friday, December 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Literary arts

Awo, the original evil genius; Odia, his son CHIKE OFILI Continued from last week.

part from a cantankerous sense of contention with issues and individuals, there is also between Awo and his protégé, a calculated devotion to fighting the Igbo. Awolowo so contended with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe through and through in the 1940s to 50s that Awo’s autobiography, Awo, published in 1960, turned out to be his biography of Azikiwe. From page 133 at which Zik was mentioned: “When Dr. Azikiwe returned to Nigeria in 1937 with his ideas about new nationalism and new Africa...’’, the book stopped being about Awo, but about how his decades old career of the 1940s to 50s was all about fighting Zik’s perceived poor imaging of the Yoruba people with his newspapers. But his poor protégé and bad promoter, Odia Ofeimun, lacks the respect Awo showed to Zik all through Awo’s book as a fringe political player who brilliantly made it to the intellectual and political forefront of those ahead of him. Odia has so become the hireling and outsider who weeps and wails far more than the wailers in order to secure a cheap political advantage of a typical social climber. He has so imbibed the great old man’s ways that he has clearly become his misbegotten vomit of a son; a mere echo. Odia’s book, Taking Nigeria Seriously (2010) essays written and delivered at different time and places, turned out to be no more than the biography of Awolowo’s thoughts without the appropriate use of the biographical format. Ironically, in it, Odia solidly confirmed himself voiceless; an indisputable echo of his boss and mentor. That is the tragedy that became Odia in all of his much vaunted intellectualism. Since discovering and uncovering this, my respect for him has been shattered into smithereens. His approach to people and issues far surpasses the general Awoist tendencies; a major legacy of Awolowo himself that has made it totally impossible for them to so much as develop alliances beyond the Yoruba tribe or those ancestrally linked to them; as their ACN political

THE CONFLAGRATING ISSUES IN ACHEBE’S BOOK...IS UNHELPFUL TO THE PURSUIT OF AN IGBO PRESIDENCY

party still clearly manifests. This 63-year-old got so crude at the NLNG-CORA literary evening that he rained all manner of insults upon the Igbo in the presence of a far more elderly writer, 83-yearold Chief Onuora Nzekwu, NLNG shortlisted author of Troubled Dust (2011) and co-author of the children’s classic, Eze Goes to School; whose books Odia’s generation read as school text. A movie maker present at the occasion was sufficiently and sustainably provoked by this that he wrote his reaction for The Guardian, the same week. Matters arising from the Nigerian-Biafran War The conflagrating issues in Chinua Achebe’s book, There Was A Country: A Personal History of Biafra concerning the role Awolowo played during the war is totally undeniable even if uncomfortable and somewhat unnecessary at a time as this in our nation’s collective search for national coherence and unhelpful to the pursuit of an Igbo presidency. However, what Achebe has not stated well enough is that while the Hausa-Fulani in their zoolatry pursued an annihilation of the Igbo during the war that was partly provoked by the Igbo stock, Awolowo ingeniously pursued a far more diabolic economic scheme designed to make the surviving Igbos a living dead, thereby decimating his people’s national rival by giving them an unfair lead. That is his thank you gift to Ojukwu for not allowing him to rot or die in jail for treason in his Calabar prison. This strategic gesture gone ‘gaga’, became the price a people and generations after them had to pay and is still paying for showing Awo kindness; for releasing him from Gowon’s gallows; the man to whom he returned to undo Ojukwu and the Igbos, his benefactors. The dagger-stabbing betrayal after Awo assumed power as second-in-command to an undemocratic and illegitimate military head of state, Lt Colonel Yakubu Gowon, who deprived a legitimate Yoruba military successor,

Brigadier Bamidele Ogundipe from taking his rightful place, was for me, Awo’s most timeless crime against the Yoruba, Igbo, Nigeria and humanity. His war crimes of starvation as a fair means of war, the 20 pounds flat ex gratia payment to all Igbo survivors and the pursuit of indigenisation policy of empowering and localising foreign businesses through a buyout of their owners at a time the Igbo were least able to financially participate in the acquisition process let alone compete with their 20 pounds compensation no matter what they had in the banks before the war under his watch as the Federal Commissioner of Finance, were for me, Awo’s additional crimes. Even 42 years after, Gowon is still yet to understand the grand scheme of the evil genius of his government when he explained the decision most unintelligently and unjustifiably. “You could not have any proof of what anybody had in the banks because most of the books had, in any case, disappeared. And you could not allow people to make up figures of what they supposedly had in the bank”, he said to Mr. Basil Okafor this year as recorded in his essayed interview of Gowon in The Guardian of Sunday, October 14. If the banking records in Igboland, the theatre of war, could not be verified what about the records of Igbos in the North and the Middle belt, the Yoruba land and the Mid-West with some parts of Eastern Nigeria? Gowon and Awo, even in death deserve to be joined in suit for trial for war crimes at The Hague. Gowon’s inability to properly

Film

Dr. Bello: Waltzing with a star-studded cast It will not be incorrect to state that the much talked about collaborations between Hollywood and Nollywood are now reality but with films like the just-premiered Doctor Bello, can the Nigerian film industry be said to be putting its best foot forward? TERH AGBEDEH

f ever there was a star-studded movie it would be the film written, produced and directed by Americanbased Nigerian filmmaker, Tony Abulu, titled: Doctor Bello. In fact, many a star ended up as a mere extra whether on the American or Nigerian side. Perhaps one of the most anticipated movies of 2012, the crowd at the premiere event in Lagos on Sunday could not help but cheer all the way. The mix of American and Nigerian movie stars that took part in the film shot on location in the United States of America – if one were to base that

on the bountiful and fast-paced aerial shots – and Nigeria, also gives the choice audience of Nollywood stakeholders and lovers of the Nigerian film industry reason to jeer. Cancer specialist, Dr. Michael Durant (Isaiah Washington) is troubled emotionally, due to the traumatic loss of his 10-year-old daughter from the said ailment. He immerses himself in his work in the hospital, away from his wife (Vivica J. Fox) who blames him for their child’s death and eventually leaves him. Dr. Durant forms a bond with a sick seven-year-old boy Sam (Evan Brinkman), the son of a rich Jewish-American couple, who are major contributors to the hospital’s cancer research fund and are desperate for good news about Sam.

Unfortunately, Sam’s health deteriorates drastically and soon, he slips into a coma, with only a few days to live. Dr. Durant becomes desperate, willing to risk anything to save the child’s life. A Nigerian nurse (Ebbe Bassey) convinces him to seek the help of Dr. Tayo Bello (Jimmy Jean-Louis), an uncertified Nigerian doctor, known in the Brooklyn-African underground as a miracle worker. Dr. Bello, an introvert with a controversial past, secretly visits the child at night and administers a strange African potion replete with incantations and by the next morning, miraculously, the child begins to recover, the cancer speeding into remission. The hospital’s medical board immediately orders an in-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Critics

Friday, December 7, 2012

Reading

rationalise this evil act after he proclaimed ‘’No victor, no vanquished’’ followed up with his 3Rs of Rehabilitation, Reconciliation and Reconstruction, shows whose original idea it was, the original evil genius’: Awolowo. One now understands why my friend Suwa, a Plateau State classmate from Gowon’s place, once snapped at him shouting, “this man should shut up,” while we were watching a television programme Gowon featured in. But Odia not knowing how to extricate his Awo from this too-naked-a-crime sought cover under it being a Federal Government decision and not his Awo know-it-all initiative as often portrayed by him in his book Taking Nigeria Seriously and The Guardian October 14 interview. Even insinuating but cowardly holding back the truth that this constituted part of the ‘irreconcilable differences’ for which Awolowo resigned from Gowon’s cabinet. The Yorubas were generally known to have played a fringe role in the actual war until Gowon slot in the Yoruba quota of getting Major Benjamin Adekunle, ‘the Black Scorpion’ and Colonel Olusegun Obasanjo to lead the Third Commando in order to give a semblance of national character to the war according to Gowon in his interview with Mr. Mike Awoyinfa in the Entertainment Express of 2012; Gowon was stating a conspiratorial fact. He has in recent times begun portraying the Yoruba as partners when his much earlier views and interviews done by his biographer, Prof. Elaigwu revealed him seeing them as traitors with scheming and shifting positions. The Yoruba pride themselves on often saying that Awolowo won the war for Gowon, just as Obasanjo claimed My Command when he only took over from Black Scorpion, both under the direction of Gowon. They must by the same token, accept that where the Yoruba most played a prime role during the war was in the timely and privileged position of Awolowo as some Deputy Head of State and Federal Finance Commissioner, positions with which he undid the Igbo after Ojukwu freed him from Calabar prison under his Eastern Nigerian, and at the time, under his Biafran watch. Gowon had kept Awolowo far from his people for treason, as he did the luckier Mr. Wole Soyinka in dungeon for conspiring with traitor Victor Banjo for plotting a Third Force from his Yoruba stock but was promptly reported in military fashion by Major Olusegun Obasanjo to Gowon, his boss; who in turn, sent him into three years of solitary confinement; while Victor Banjo was militarily executed by Colonel Ojukwu along with his co-traitor, Emmanuel Ifeajuna for betraying the Biafran cause in the Mid-west. Ofili, biographer and author, was chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, Lagos

ONE THING THAT CASTS DOCTOR BELLO IN NOT VERY GOOD LIGHT IS THE CRAMPED SPACES WITHIN WHICH ACTION TENDS TO TAKE PLACE vestigation and soon the secret is revealed and Dr. Durant is suspended. Dr. Bello is arrested and charged with medical malpractice. Durant soon falls into depression after his wife leaves him. Meanwhile, Bello has fallen critically ill in jail and can only be saved by the ingestion of the same potion that can only be found in the mysterious Garden of Life, nestled on the peak of Idanre hills in Ondo State of Nigeria. It is the story of Durant’s quest to Nigeria for a cure for cancer where he finds much more than he bargained for. Doctor Bello is an interesting story no doubt and all the actors give a good account of themselves leaving no doubt that they are true professionals. Among them the

90 minutes of Ken Saro Wiwa ADEBIMPE ADETUJA

n artist might be dead, but definitely, his or her work will continue to live on. It was in this light that the 15th edition of the monthly Play Reading Party of the Arojah Royal Theatre held. Organised with the support of the Korean Cultural Centre, this edition, the last for the 2012 season, was dedicated to the memory of the slain writer and environmental activist, Ken Saro Wiwa, who was hanged by the military government of General Sani Abacha on November 10, 1995. Saro-Wiwa was born Kenule Benson Tsaro-Wiwa in Bori, Rivers State in 1941. The Nigerian author, television producer, environmental activist, winner of the Right Livelihood Award and of the Goldman Environmental Prize, first achieved fame with the awarded radio play The Transistor Radio in 1972. Tagged, Ninety Minutes of Kenule, the session began with a stage reading of Saro WIwa’s award winning play, The Transistor Radio, from his collection of four plays titled; Four Farcical Plays. The performance by Prince Zubairu Jide Atta (Basi); Jerry Adesewo (Dandy/Josco); Isaac Attah Ogezi (Alali) and a volunteer member of the audience who played Madam, drew loud applauses from the audience. Commenting on the play, Chiedu Eziana, a poet and editorial member of the Metropole Magazine said, “the play is comical by all standards, but I tell you, this is a stack reality of the society we find ourselves in. The fact that issues raised by the playwright are still fresh on our minds and relevant till this very moment, suggests that Ken Saro Wiwa was a great writer, a prophet, a philosopher and a commentator with great kindred spirit”. Poet after poet then took to the stage to read one commemorative poem or the other they have written in honour of Saro Wiwa. Mallam Denja Abdullahi, National Vice President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, an association which was once presided over by KSW, read from his latest collection, A Thousand Years of Thirst. Also read was Africa Kills Her Sun, titled after a prophetic short story written by KSW before he was killed for treason. It is a poetic documentation of the many deaths of some of Africa’s most brilliant minds who are still dying till today.

writer, producer and director, who does a very impressive performance as Dr. Lambo, Bello’s mentor. It is one of the reasons the audience cannot help but cheer. The angles from which the shots are taken also stand this film out. There is also the sharp pictures from start to finish not counting the aerial establishment shots that do not look original and tend not to establish but rather dazzle the viewer. One other thing that casts Doctor Bello in not very good light is the cramped spaces within which action tends to take place in most of the scenes shot in America except one counts the street/park scene where Helen finally finds Dr. Durant after looking for six months. The sound too does not come across in a number of scenes and subtitling is missing in all the scenes where the characters speak in a different language than English. Then there is that troubling police scene which leaves the viewer wondering what it contributes to the story and the MTN billboards that dot the movie’s landscape. But that is not to say that the movie fails, it has its moments and those who go to see it will make interesting discoveries. The filmmakers among them will learn how to play with a star-studded cast.

AFRICA KILLS HER SUN IS A POETIC DOCUMENTATION OF THE MANY DEATHS OF SOME OF

AFRICA’S MOST BRILLIANT MINDS

Among other readings at the event was that of Dr. Kabura Zakama, who though an award winning poet himself, chose to read The President is Dead Again, the work of another award winning performance poet -Benjamin Zephaniah. Taken from the Collection; Dance the Guns to Silence: 100 Poems for Ken Saro Wiwa, the anthology edited by Nii Ayikwei Parkes and Kadija Sesay was put together to commemorate the 10th year anniversary of KSW’s murder. Writing A Will, a poem by Kim Seung-Hee from her collection was read by Blessing Popoola, a staff of the Korean centre and representative of the Director. The poem, which describes the burden of trust on every writer, was well received by the audience in what becomes a positive appreciation of Korean literature. A short excerpt from Barrister Isaac Ogezi’s play on Saro Wiwa titled: Under A Darkling Sky, was performed by Jide Atta, Jerry Adesewo and the playwright himself. “This is so touching. Knowing the story and watching it now as dramatically depicted are two different things entirely. This short performance has offered us another opportunity to peep into the incident that ironically led to the arrest, detention, trial and eventual murder of KSW. An interactive session with the playwright which followed bothered on the dramaturgy of the play, the playwright’s style especially as it compared with the work of another playwright, Dr. Adinoyi Onukaba Ojo whose The Killing Swamp was the maiden play featured on the platform of the Play Reading Party and subsequently staged by Arojah Theatre to commemorate the 15th year anniversary of KSW’s death in November 2010. “The idea behind it is simple; giving honour to whom honour is due. Apart from bringing plays to the stage, part of our objective here at Arojah Theatre is to also take time out to celebrate our heroes”, said Om’Oba Jerry Adesewo, Founder and Artistic Director of the Arojah Royal Theatre.

Inside FCT

Friday, December 7, 2012

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Whither FCT’s battle against refuse, infrastructure decay?

Refuse taking over Abuja road.

CHIDI UGWU

espite spirited efforts to keep the Federal Capital Territory, clean and make it a city of choice for tourists that battle seems to be lost, as the reality of rural neglect becomes obvious found in the satellite towns. Inside FCT drove round some parts of Karu and Nyanya towns and reports that filth, mounting heaps of refuse and dilapidated infrastructure, including arterial roads and public schools have become common features in these areas. Inside FCT investigations reveal that though the Federal Capital Development Authority, (FCDA), is working hard to ensure a sustainable clean environment in the FCT, the volume of refuse generated on a daily basis is overwhelming, constituting eye-sore in certain areas, especially in the satellite towns. For instance, the activities of hawkers along some major roads in the city is cause for concern among residents and motorists who say the litter generated by traders is doing the city a great disservice regarding cleanliness. Some residents of Nyanya and Karu, who spoke to Inside FCT expressed displeasure over the dumping of waste by hawkers, especially fruit sellers on the highway. The residents urged the Abuja Municipal Area Council, (AMAC), to take urgent steps to address the situation, stressing that the activities keep the environment in a deplorable condition. One of the residents, Mr. Michael Akubilo, noted that the remnants left by these traders make the road impassable especially after rainfall. “Traders, who sell mostly cut pineapples and water melon, leave the waste products on the road not considering that this road is a major expressway used by people going in and out of the city. “Mostly, you find this mess on the junction that divides Jikwoyi and Nyanya and this does not help the traffic on these routes. “We are appealing to the Abuja Municipal Area Council to do something about this situation,” he said. Another resident, Mrs. Regina Omeke, said: “I don’t know how they manage to gather so much filth but this does not speak well of our environment and

TRADERS, WHO SELL MOSTLY CUT PINEAPPLES AND WATER MELON, LEAVE THE WASTE

PRODUCTS ON THE ROAD, NOT CONSIDERING THAT THIS ROAD IS A MAJOR EXPRESSWAY our state of sanitation in the FCT.” She said the sanitation authorities focus attention on the city centre, leaving the outskirts unattended to. “If the same attention that is being given to areas like Asokoro, Wuse II, Maitama is accorded to these other areas, the whole of Abuja will soon be that of a mega city the government had planned,” she said. Mr. Usman Bashir, a hawker, said low patronage lures them to the roadside. “Most people like to buy things from us because it saves them the stress of going into the market and the waste is not our fault because there is no place to dump refuse,” Bashir said. Ostensibly to curb the development, the Ministerial Committee on Clean and Green Greater Abuja Initiative recently deployed payloaders, bulldozers and high tonnes tippers to Karu, Nyanya and Mararaba in AMAC to evacuate the huge waste generated by residents of the satellite towns. The committee has also established five subcommittees namely: Publicity and Sensitisation, Enforcement, Mop-up Operation, Parks and Greening, and Monitoring to execute its mandate. It was gathered that the Clean and Green workers commenced aggressive evacuation of heaps of refuse in Afizere Road, Karu General Hospital, Karu Children’s Home and other parts of Karu. The Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister of State for FCT, Mr. Oluyinka Akintunde, said that the evacuation of heaps of refuse in Nyanya and Mararaba was ongoing. Akintunde, who is a member of the Committee on Clean and Green Greater Abuja Initiative, said it was assisting the area councils in the area of capacity to clean up the satellite towns and regional road corri-

dors. He explained that the area councils were expected to clean up the villages, including the minor settlements. Secretary to the Committee, Mr. Olusegun Olusa, who led the evacuation and mop-up exercise in Karu, Nyanya and Mararaba, said the refuse evacuation was part of the terms of reference of the committee and would be a continuous exercise. “You will recall that the Ministerial Committee on Clean and Green Greater Abuja was inaugurated by the Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, with the mandate of achieving the clean-up of the satellite towns and regional road corridors in the FCT. “We are putting together sustainable waste management and enforcement strategies in the cleaning and greening of the satellite towns. The committee has established five subcommittees: Publicity and Sensitisation, Enforcement, Mop-up Operation, Parks and Greening, and Monitoring to carry out its mandate of cleaning and greening the satellite towns.” He said the committee, through the Publicity and Sensitisation Subcommittee has undertaken an advocacy and sensitisation programme in the six area councils of the FCT. “We are creating public awareness through effective publicity and sensitisation campaign to foster the culture of cleanliness among residents of the satellite towns. We have held sensitisation campaigns for the chairmen of area councils, traditional rulers, religious leaders, district heads, market women, and National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, among others. “At the area council level, the Publicity and Sensitisation team has also begun end to end sensitisation of residents. We all have a role to play in achieving a clean environment in the FCT,” said Olusa. The Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, had on August 23, inaugurated the Ministerial Committee on Clean and Green Greater Abuja Initiative to ensure a clean environment in the satellite towns.

First Lady bounces back

Villa workers, FCT residents in joyous mood

ROTIMI FADEYI

irst Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, made her first public appearance few days ago when she declared open the eight edition of the Abuja Carnival at Eagle Square after her return from Germany for medical treatment. During the weeks she was away in Germany, her absence was felt at public functions and other social events in Abuja, particularly those relating to issues concerning women and children. Though she is yet to attend other public functions after the Abuja Carnival, her return to the country in October has changed the mood amongst

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Inside FCT

Friday, December 7, 2012

Vehicles at a mechanic’s workshop

PHOTOS: ROTIMI OSASONA

Bumper harvest for car repairers as Xmas beckons OLUFEMI ADEOSUN

hristmas is in the air and all the nooks cranies of Abuja are aglow with the sights and sounds of the season. From the ‘Jingle Bells’ blaring on the streets, to the increasing spate of business activities at the satellite towns and area councils, the signs of approaching yuletide are palpable. The frenzy is electric and business activities have picked up as is the norm at this time. On the streets and in shopping malls – both within the city centre and satellite towns – consumers are seen making purchases. Players in the car repair subsector, especially panel beaters and vehicle mechanics, are also having their own share of high patronage. For instance, some of the shops Inside FCT visited were filled with different types of cars requiring different services. This increased patronage, occasioned by the approaching Christmas season, has also led to an increase in service charge. For example, our correspondent gathered that the cost for auto-base painting, which hitherto cost between N35, 000 to N40, 000, is now N50, 000. “Even at the high price, you cannot guarantee when you will have your car back,” said one

workers at the Presidential Villa. Before her return, there were apprehensions about her state of health and uncertainty as to when she would come back to the country but with the presence of Dame Patience at the Villa, most of the workers are in joyous moods and happy that she returned safely. On her arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, she was received by some top government functionaries, wives of governors, some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party and other well-wishers. There, she took the opportunity to express gratitude to God for bringing her back while denying that she went to Germany for cosmetic surgery. She also expressed her appreciation for the love, concern and prayers of many Nigerians for her safe return. For residents of the Federal Capital Territory, the return of the First Lady and her appearance at the Abuja Carnival was a welcome development. Speaking with Inside FCT, Ngozi Ezechukwu who was at the opening of the Abuja Carnival said she was happy to see the first lady again at public function after her medical trip abroad. “Her presence at the carnival added colour to the event because

IT IS CUSTOMARY TO OUR PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY ABUJA RESIDENTS, TO ALWAYS WANT TO PUT THEIR CARS IN GOOD SHAPE IN PREPARATION FOR TRAVELLING HOME of the customers at Jide-Ade Auto workshop in Apo mechanic village. Commenting on the high price, the Managing Director, Spotlight Auto-Workshop in Bwari, Mr. Tunde Obe, refuted the widely held view that those in the auto-repair sector rip-off customers during festive periods, stressing that the high cost being witnessed during the period is as a result of high cost of materials. “I have often heard that we in the auto-repair subsector do deliberately increase our charges to make brisk business during festive periods. Having been in the business for close to three decades, I can tell you categorically that it is usually not so. The high

cost you witness during the period is due to the corresponding increase in the cost of materials that we use,” he said. On why vehicles are being unduly delayed at the mechanic shops during the period, Obe explained that it is often caused by the number of people requiring service. “It is customary for our people, especially Abuja residents, to always want to put their cars in good shape ostensibly in preparation for travelling home. As a result of this, our shops are usually jam-packed with cars, each in need of one form of attention or the other,” he explained. He stated that since he and his counterparts were in business to make money, they were happy to have more customers. Sadly, this usually lead to disappointments because they are sometimes unable to meet deadlines. A civil servant, Mr. Frank Nbachu, said that the issue can only be put into proper perspective if seen within the ambience of the forces of demand and supply. According to him, the issue of high cost during festive periods is cross-cutting and not limited to auto-repair sub sector alone. He explained that in times like this, the cost of goods and services is usually high because of high demand, noting that contrary to what some people believe, everybody is a victor.

DAME PATIENCE’S PRESENCE AT THE CARNIVAL ADDED COLOUR TO THE EVENT BECAUSE IT WAS HER FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE AFTER HER RETURN FROM

GERMANY

it was her first public appearance after her return from Germany; I was happy to see her and I wish her well”, Ezechukwu said. Daniel Emmanuel and another resident who simply identified herself as Tochi also said they were excited the First lady was around to declare open the Carnival, saying that, “it is just a matter of time before she starts attending other public functions”. At the Carnival, the First Lady urged Nigerians to live together in peace and continue to promote and imbibe the good values of the country’s culture and tradition, stressing that the country’s diverse cultural values were too rich to be ignored and al-

Patience

lowed to go into extinction. She promised to use her position to ensure that culture and tourism create employment for Nigerians, particularly women and youths.

Arty News

Friday, December 7, 2012

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MI host’s Y! Magazine’s Blackball

Wizkid thanks fans with new single

LINUS KINGDOM

ap artist MI Abaga will host the Y! Magazine annual Black Ball scheduled for Sunday, December 16 at the Crystal Ball Room of the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. MI will be a host alongside the 3 Live Chicks singer and broadcaster, Tosyn Bucknor and broadcaster, Oreka Godis. “Y! Magazine has kept its promise as a cultural connoisseur –presenting the best and the finest of Nigerian entertainment, lifestyle and issues”, said its managing editor, Adebola Williams. “What this event does is celebrate another year for young trendsetters – great wine, fine dining, the best com-

Bucknor

Godis

pany delivered with the sophistication of the Y! brand. We are grateful to BlackBerry, continuing its tradition of driving connectivity and networking, for presenting this first edition”. There will be a black carpet hosted by Rare Fashion TV show and GlamSquad led by Style Editor, Latasha Ngwube. The event

will also witness the unveiling of the first edition of the Y! Magazine 2.0. A dress code of ‘Black with Masks’ is being initiated and organisers will present guests with masks at the venue. Also to be unveiled with the magazine is the Y! ‘Best Dressed List’ which will profile the 20 young celebrities who define the style and look of a generation.

Access Bank premieres HIV/AIDS advocacy film

n commemoration of the 2012 World AIDS Day on December 1, Access Bank Plc premiered the film, Inside Story: The Science of HIV/AIDS on Saturday at the Silverbird Cinemas, Lagos. The movie, captured in compelling story of sports, love and ill fate, has been developed to enlighten audiences about HIV/AIDS and raise the level of awareness about the disease among mankind in partnership with UNAIDS, Discovery Communications, Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership (DCGEP), Chevron, Management Sciences for Health and some other global organisations. Speaking on the collaboration further highlighting the bank’s commitment towards building a healthier world through its fight against HIV/AIDS, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Access Bank’s Group Managing Director said “the partnerships between organisations are essential, and Inside Story is one of such partnerships. The film will help ensure that

awareness and education about HIV/AIDS reaches the grassroots and shapes behaviour”. Also, Jeffery Hawkins, Consul-General of the U.S. Consulate in Lagos who attended the film premiere said, “Inside Story will be a valuable tool to inform people across Africa and the world about the science of HIV. With greater understanding of the virus people can seek to know their status, to protect themselves and to adhere to life-saving treatment if needed”. Stressing the importance of knowledge and awareness in the struggle against the HIV/AIDS, Aric Noboa, President Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership and Executive Producer, Inside Africa, said “Knowledge is power and with this film, we have a powerful tool with which to share the science of HIV. Noboa added that, Inside Story is an African film for African audiences that tackles a global pandemic. Following the premiere of the film in Jo-

hannesburg and United Sates of America in January 2012, a comprehensive rollout of the film - including national broadcasts across sub-Saharan Africa and distribution through grassroots efforts of NGOs, schools and governments will commence. Also, DCGEP will provide facilitator guides, DVD and online materials for use by community and public health organisations, as well as schools throughout Africa, to reinforce Inside Story’s messages in both urban and rural communities. Discovery World, the factual TV channel operated by Discovery Networks, will also support the project by airing the trailer and shorts across Africa in conjunction with the release of the film. The trailer for the film and regular updates on the project can be found on appropriate websites. Directed by Rolie Nikiwe (Tsha Tsha, The Lab, Intersexions), the film stars Kevin Ndege Mamboleo, Kendra Etufunwa, Hakeem KaeKazim, Fana Mokoena and Regina-Re.

igeria’s leading Afro pop star, Wizkid has released a new track in appreciation of his friends, family and fans all over Africa and beyond for all the support shown to him throughout the year. The track titled, Thank you talks about all he has been through and how fans and the media have been supportive. The track was produced by SPELLZ and was mixed and mastered by Suka. Right from his days of struggle on the streets of Surulere, the multiple award winning superstar has wormed his way to the hearts of many with his music. “It is always a great feeling to see my fans appreciate what I work so hard to create... I just need them to know I appreciate and love them all!” Wizkid said. Wizkid has bagged numerous achievements this year including winning “Artiste of the Year” at The Headies Awards and “Best International Act,” at the BET 2012 Awards.

2face treats kids to holiday fest A DENRELE N IYI

2face

enowned Nigerian singer, 2face Idibia, in conjunction with BM (Barnes & Molby) Epic Media and Now Muzik En.Core is creating a spectacular winter wonderland celebration for children this festive season. The Winter Wonderland theme party is entering its third instalment of funfilled holiday celebration that is geared towards kids between the ages of 2-12. It promises to be amazing as the international music artiste hosts 500 children at 10 degrees Event Centre, Oregun, Lagos on Tuesday, December 18. “Providing a form of servitude to children especially during the festive period is the little way of him giving back to Nigeria’s future generation”, said 2face. Also, Ronke Apampa, a UK-

based TV personality and partner at Barnes & Molby, expressed her excitement by saying; “It gives me a great sense of fulfilment to create excitement for children on this special occasion”. There will also be a plethora of seasonal winter effects on ground like ‘snow’, 9 foot tall 5 foot wide elves, amusement park rides and goody bags to truly make it representative of the winter holiday season. 2face and some of his invited friends will be at the venue to help with the soiree along with Santa Claus, UK’s number 1 children’s party entertainer- OBC Party Saints and characters from Flaming Fun UK. Aside from these, every child will be accorded star treatment and positioned for photo opportunities with known TV/Radio personalities, comedians, actors, musicians and other celebrities.

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Muharram 24, 1434AH Friday, December 7, 2012

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Call to Worship

On the authority of Anas bin Malik, the servant of the Messenger of All, the prophet said: “None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.” RELATED BY BUKHARI AND MUSLIM

Behold Bijapur’s Mosque

he Mosque is considered one of the finest architectural examples of the Adil Shahi period of Bijapur (14901686) which became one of the local sultanates after 1518 when the Deccan based Bahmanids were dissolved into five local sultanates. It is the largest mosque of Bijapur, covering an area of 54, 250 square feet. The ground plan is a large rectangular structure measuring 492 by 262 feet (150 by 80 meters) with a square courtyard of 164 feet (50 meters). A passage from the eastern gate leads into the courtyard, which has fountains and a large reservoir in the center. The prayer hall on the west side has a façade of seven bays, each bay having an arched opening. The arches are equal in size, while the central arch is delineated through delicate arabesque patterns in stucco. The prayer hall is crowned by an elegant, well-proportioned dome. It has a diameter of 57 feet (17.4 meters) and rises to 120 feet (36.6 meters) from the ground. The dome is given even greater vertical prominence by its small ornamental balustrade at the base. The interior of the mosque has refined clean lines with minimal decorative elements. The roof is supported by massive square piers. The multiple lines of arches reach the floor to form the surface of these piers, lending the prayer hall a gothic air. The mosque can accommodate 4,000 worshippers at a time. The floor was divided, on the orders of Emperor Aurangzeb, into 2,250 rectangular inlays that mimic prayer rugs.

Six Persian inscriptions found in mihrab are translated as: 1. Put no trust in life; it is short 2. The passing world has no rest 3. The world pleases the senses 4. Life is the best of gifts, but it lasts not.

Menace of the films 28

The Bijapur Mosque

Essential of Muharram (1)

e are currently going through the Islamic month of Muharramul-Haram which is the first month of the Muslim calendar. It is religious or other disagreements which are creating gulf between Muslim countries. In countries where a minority sect is in power, extremist reaction is forthcoming from the majority sect. Where the minority sect gets a chance, it attacks the majority sect and on this

Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya basis and in the name of fighting terrorism, governments too take innocent lives. Thousands of own countrymen are killed, as it is hap-

Fear the Day of Judgment 28

pening in Syria. This is also the reason why the anti-Islam powers are free to have their way. Israel’s attack on Palestine is because

there is no unity among the Muslims. There is no Muslim country where moral values are not trampled upon and oppression against each other is not taking place due to religious differences. In light of this, foreign powers too close in on them. If only the Muslim countries wised up and became one. If only they took lesson from their forefathers and observed history. The powerful anti-Islam Roman Empire tried to take advantage of the differences between Hadhrat Ali (RA) and Hadhrat Muawiya. In order to restore their repute CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

No sincerity in Nigerian Sharia implementation –Jimoh 29

Call to Worship

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Muharram 24, 1434AH Friday, December 7, 2012

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Menace of the films

very film has a message it wants to pass. Some films in an attempt to correct a bad situation end up propagating it. Of what value is a film showing a rape scene to the audience or a nude lady to the male viewers? Watching films has become a menace in many homes. Where the father is the chieftain of watching film, then the remaining family members may not be blameworthy. Not only are films of motions but magnetic in that a man who says he wants to watch it for a minute can end up spending several hours. The Nollywood and Hollywood are character killing industries. They distract life from its essence and divert humanity to a life of fantasy, sexiness, romance, nudity and crime. Watching films has become one of the greatest avenues by which time is uncontrollably wasted. Its horizon is continu-

Fear the Day of Judgment

ously expanded to engage the attention of man. Most of these films are deliberately made to promote promiscuity and crime. They utilize erotica to reduce man to a mere creature of lust. Sex is brought to the glare of all in varying ways. Invaluable academic times are wasted watching films which on the long run tell on student performance. We are all witnesses to erosion of our religious and sound cultural values consequent upon the kinds of films our children watch. The unprecedented rate of crime in the present time could not be completely unconnected with the films that are watched. These films are available in different storage forms. There are websites devoted to different kinds of film. There are cable television stations solely devoted to films. You can burn it on your flash drive, compact disc or other devices. You can watch it by different available means. These films are now grouped or collected in their series in a single CD as 50 in I or 100 in I; that is, you can watch one hundred films non-stop at a go.

It is really a global challenge. It is generally regarded as development in entertainment industry. The havoc it brings is downplayed while the momentary sensation derived is applauded. The fact remains that these films teach no new things. They derobe man of true religious consciousness. They teach artificial life and basal obsession. It is a very serious issue and of concern to a Muslim. It affects his souls, family and mission in life as Allah’s ambassador. This is not to say that some films are not good, or that the uses of these modern communication or information gadgets are completely evil, what one can say for the present is that their havocs overshadow their good aspects. So, the roadmap to proper utilization resides in having Godcommitted leadership that will censor all evil films. It will require every home to educate the children rightly. It will also require that every individual must address his or her mind as to what the gains have been since they have been watching these films. They should know that as they watch

CATE THE CHILDREN RIGHTLY these films, Allah (SWT) also watches them; as they waste precious time day and night on these films, the angels take account for the Judgement Day; as they watch nude, romantic or sexy scenes, they are sinning and will account for all that their eyes watch; as they make others watch what they have watched or shared the stories with them, they shall have the commission for promoting evil. It is never too late to repent for the past and chart a new course for the future. A Muslim who has no mission may be oblivious of the object of life, which is to please Allah (SWT) in all ways. A missionary fellow will be conscious of all his actions. Dr. Zafaran is the Director, Vanguards Academy

NASFAT flays Aregbesola’s critics over Hijirah holiday KUNLE A ZEEZ

he Day of Judgment or resurrection or the day of reckoning or the hour or the last day otherwise known as alQiyamah in Islam is a basic tenet of Islam as one of its articles of faith. Belief in the Day of Judgment is compulsory on all Muslims. It is the day in which Allah will resurrect all of mankind who had ever lived on the earth to judge them by their deeds and assign for them paradise (Jannah) or the hellfire (Jahannam). On this day, there will be a separation of the righteous and damned. During divine judgment, it is believed that each person’s Book of Deeds, in which every small and great thing is recorded, will be read. Throughout judgment, the underlying principle is of perfect, divine and merciful justice. The age of the hereafter or rest of eternity is the final stage after the Day of Judgment, when all will receive their judgment from Allah. Even the smallest acts will not be ignored. Chapter 99, verses 8 - 9 of the holy Qur’an says that “Then shall anyone who has done an atom’s weight of good shall see it And anyone who has done an atom’s weight of evil, shall see it”. The people will be gathered on a featureless, flat expanse of ground and the sun will be so near that some people will be submerged in their own sweat, the level of which depends on how evil or good they were during their life on earth. Meanwhile, some important aspects of the day of judgment include but not limited to the following thus: First and foremost, Muslims must believe that this day will occur. As Allah says in the Qur’an, Surah Al Hud, verse 103: “In that is a Sign for those who fear the penalty of the Hereafter: that is a Day for which mankind will be gathered together: that will be a Day

IT WILL REQUIRE EVERY HOME TO EDU-

L-R: United Arab Emirate Partner of E4glanx Group of Companies, Mr. Omar Bakhit; Group Chairman, Mr. Vitus Onyejiaku; other UAE representatives, Mr. Fareed Muhammedu and Mr. A. Abdulsalam, during a press conference on empowerment summit recently in Abuja.

Nasrul-Llahi- L-Fathi Society of Nigeria has condemned the criticism trailing the declaration of a public holiday by the Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Raufu Aregbesola, in commemoration of the new Islamic calendar, Hijirah 1434. Speaking during the weekly Asalatu programme at the Lagos State Secretarial Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja, Deputy Missioner, NASFAT, Engr. Abdul-Azeez Onike cautioned the critics to refrain from needless criticisms against the governor. “Currently, it is a known facts that there are more Christian-related holidays than there are in Islam and no muslim is contesting this. We wonder why a day holiday declaration to mark the beginning of an Islamic calendar.” The cleric also urged other Muslim leaders to be proud of their religion by ensuring that they identify with the religion in all that they do.

Qur’an 102: 1-4

Hajia Faoziah Bakare (middle) and other dignitaries at the Companion’S monthly lecture on Sunday.

of Testimony. Nor shall We delay it but for a term appointed.” Also, no one knows when the Day of Judgment will be, not even Prophet Mohammed (SAW) or Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), as mentioned in a narration in which the Angel asked Prophet Mohammed (SAW) when the Hour was, and the Prophet replied: “The person being asked has as much knowledge about this as the one asking.” Another important aspect is the fact that there are many signs that point to the Day of Judgment, and one of the biggest signs is the rising of the sun in the west. Once this happens, Allah will no longer accept any prayers.

For those who disbelieved, they will see for real what they had disbelieved in. Finally, the day will commence when Angel Israfil blows the horn. In view of the reality of this day, Muslims are urged to prepare for this day by following as closely as they can the teachings of the holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW) and worshipping no one but Allah because inhabitants of both paradise and hell will remain there forever! Sheikh Abdul Ganniyy Umar Arikunkewu is the Founder/National Chief Missioner of Jubatu Rohfatu Llahi Islamic Society Of Nigeria (JUBFAT)

“You compete in the accumulation of wealth… and it diverts you (from the welfare of the citizens)… until you go into your graves. Soon you will know…Very soon indeed you will know...”

Zakat Zakat Is 2.5% Of Your Total Wealth Known As Nisab After Having Fulfilled All obligations, pay your Zakat

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Call to Worship

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Muharram 24, 1434AH Friday, December 7, 2012

No sincerity in Nigerian Sharia implementation –Jimoh SEKINAH LAWAL

...Urges Nigerians to use their power of recall

This charge was also saying it is a big disap- lim elites not to say that He said government at uslim leaders in politics is a dirty game all levels should address given by the National pointment on the path of position of power the problem of corruption, Amir of the Companion, our security agencies as thus, running away from who are clamourinjustice and inequality Alhaji Tunde Popoola the economy cannot make it saying that even the ing for introduction of the and ensure true federal- wondered why we are progress when there is no Prophet (PBUH) said it is Sharia Law have been debetter to correct a bad situism in order to maximise still describing the Boko security. scribed as not been sincere He also called on Mus- ation with our hands. “It is Haram group as faceless the benefit of democracy. in the implementation of the divine laws because only the common masses are being vindicated while the “big thieves” are walking free. This was revealed by the Naibul-Amir of the Companion, Lagos District, Ustaz Nojeemdeen Jimoh during the monthly joint Usrah lecture organised by the Companion, Lagos District at the Lagos State House of Assembly Mosque, Alausa-Ikeja, Lagos. Ustaz Jimoh also called on Nigerians to make use of their constitutional power to recall their elected public office holders in order to ensure good governance. “If this is happening, politicians will sit L-R: Naibul-Amir, the Companion, Lagos District, Ustaz Nojeem Jimoh, the National Amir, Alhaji Tunde Popoola and Chairman, up.” Osun State Pilgrims Board, Ustaz Dhikrullahi Hassan at the Companion monthly lecture on Sunday.

No to Aso Villa Banquet Hall –MURIC

he Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the plan of the Nigerian Federal Executive Council’s recent approval of a whopping N2.2bn for the purpose of building a banquet hall inside the palatial Aso-Rock Villa. The Islamic group states that this approval raises more questions than answers. Is a dancing hall Nigeria’s next priority? Have we provided accommodation for the homeless thousands who sleep under the bridge? Are our roads motorable? Have we conquered the power monster? Is the gangrene sucking the blood dry in the education sector plugged out

yet? Do we now have drugs in the hospitals? Bombs are still exploding. Kidnappers are having a field day. What, therefore, does President Jonathan want to celebrate in a presidential banquet hall? In a press release signed by the Director of MURIC, Prof. Is-haq Akintola, he said that; “It beats the imagination of MURIC that a man who narrated his shoeless childhood to a sympathetic and gullible nation would turn around to propose N300m for plates and spoons in Aso Rock and N18bn for the maintenance of the presidential fleet of aircrafts. When will Nigeria grow? Saudi Arabia hosts

an average of five million people for two months annually without the lights blinking for a second. The taps run ad infinitum. The roads are bumpless and macadam. When will Nigeria grow?” Stating that it was this same Nigeria that was declared the 26th poorest and later 20th hungriest country in the world, 100,000 Nigerians dying of tuberculosis annually, another 300,000 dying of ordinary malaria, life expectancy, which was seventy as at independence, is now 47. Eighty million Nigerians live below poverty line. “Per capita income is less than $300 and the average Nigerian lives on less

L-R: Hajia Amina Jimoh and Hajia Fatimah Oyefeso at the Companion’s monthly lecture on Sunday.

than $1 per day. There is no hope of employment for Nigerian graduates. We therefore have every reason to declare the Jonathan administration as deaf, dumb and clueless.” Quoting the Glorious Qur’an which says, “Allah has set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing and put a veil on their eyes….” (Qur’an 2:7). MURIC reminds Aso Rock of the divine warning contained in Qur’an 102: 1-4 “You compete in the accumulation of wealth…and it diverts you (from the welfare of the citizens)…until you go into your graves. Soon you will know…Very soon indeed you will know…” he said that the proposed banquet hall is an exercise in frivolity, opulence, gross irresponsibility and executive insensitivity. “MURIC rejects this culture of reckless spending. The signals coming from Aso Rock confirm the fear earlier expressed by some activists in the country, namely, that Jonathan is out to out-Herod Herod.”

good to be within and show them the best way, hence, credible, knowledgeable and pious Muslims should partake in politics. If you don’t make your input, others’ input will be binding on us as Muslims.” In addition, he identified a true federal system and spirit of tolerance as essential factors in the realisation of the goals of the polity. “Poverty, hopelessness and corruption are visible among the populace. The most urgent task in my view is to address corruption.” He declared at the lecture which was entitled Islam, Leadership and Trust: Tripod for Good Governance. Popoola challenged the President Goodluck Jonathan government to spring into action to address the nation’s many ills and stressed the need to hold the leadership accountable and responsible. The event also witnessed free HIV screening for the audience.

‘Improve your spirituality’

he National President, Islamic Progressive Association of Nigeria (IPAN) and National Co-ordinator, AS – SALAM Praying Centre, Nigeria, Sheikh Abdul-Rahman Adegboyega Lawal has regretted the complacency and nonchalant attitude Muslim Ummah attach to their spiritual life, thus shifting priority to wealth accumulation. Sheikh Lawal who disclosed this at a lecture organized by AS – SALAM Praying Centre, Nigeria, Kwara State Chapter, in Ilorin last Saturday entitled :- “Muslims and Spiritual Life” said to live a worthy, meaningful and balanced life, one must be spiritually charged and awaked. According to him, “every Muslim must have unshaken faith in Allah, improve their reliance on Allah (God). Perform our obligatory prayers regularly, as, our prayers guard us against committing evils and acts of detestable things” He continued: “Muslims need to be spiritually immunizes against evil acts and

need to keep on reading the Quran regularly, so as to cement our relationship with Allah. Also, one fear Allah and revere Him, as, our rewards keep on increasing as we read, listen and use Quran” “To improve one’s spirituality, fasting, also injects faith in us, as, special paradise awaits souls fasting. Muslims are encouraged to fast every Monday and Friday. Late Night Prayers, especially in the last one-third, have tremendous benefits, as Allah has promised to answer prayers done at that time, as, according to Prophet Muhammad (SAW), such prayers make us enter the garden of bliss,” Lawal said. The Islamic leader added that constant remembrance of Allah is another way that improves Muslims’ spirituality, as, one would be counted among the inmates of paradise, and according to Prophet Muhammad, Muslims should always recite. “subhanallah wabihamdihi, subhanallahi azeem”

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Call to Worship

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Muharram 24, 1434AH Friday, December 7, 2012

Essential of Muharram (1) CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 and while considering the Muslim strength weakened, they tried to attack. When Hadhrat Muawiya came to know, he sent a message to the Roman king that he should not take advantage of their mutual differences and attack Muslims. He said in the instance of an attack, he would be the first general to fight them on behalf of Hadhrat Ali (RA). And today, they join forces with others and hatch plans against Muslim governments. Yet, they have agreement on one matter and that is planning against the Jama’at of the Muhammadan Messiah and to declare Ahmadis, who have sincere, heart-felt belief in the Kalima, outside the pale of Islam. They have no care what the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) in whose name they carry out all this said in this regard. In principle he said no one had seen what was in the other person’s heart as far as faith was concerned. If only they understood and those who are called Ulema (religious leaders) rather than lead the public astray, told them the truth based on justice and if only they associated themselves with the one who is sent from God so that all sectarianism along with oppression, could be stopped. So that the concept of religious war was eradicated and the beautiful teaching of Islam as given by the

Messiah of the age was disseminated and thus the enemy’s power was eliminated and people gathered under the banner of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih said he had begun with reference to Muharram and would present some extracts from the writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) so that hundreds of thousands of Ahmadis may hear, those who are new and the young may understand how the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) upheld the honour of holy persons. How he eradicated the Sunni/Shia differences and taught ways to be as one Ummah. Those outside our Jama’at who listen to the Friday sermons may also appreciate the true illustration of ‘…tender among themselves…’ (48:30). How long will they assume that they are paying the dues of Islam by posturing to hold conventions and through extremism? Whether the absence of peace and restlessness in the Muslim countries is due to mutual oppression or due to the antiIslam powers, its antidote and the power to restore the glory of Islam is now only in the hands of one commissioned by God, who is the true and ardent devotee of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him); who is appointed for the mission

L-R: Jalsa Officer, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’t Nigeria, Alhaji Mufalilu Bankole; Admin. Secretary, Uncle Taoheed Soboyede; Chairman of the occasion, Lagos State circuit President, Alhaji Mudathir Adefarati and Dr. Segun Fagbemi of General Hospital, Isolo, at the “A Day Marriage Talk Majlis Khuddam-ul Ahmadiyya Lagos State, in Lagos recently.

to spread his teachings. If Muslims wish to reclaim their unity, if they wish to save themselves from the attacks of the other, they will have to eradicate the Sunni/Shia differences and follow the Islam brought by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in which there was no division. The Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) were like guiding stars, the status of some of them excelled others. The status of Hadhrat Abu Bakr (RA) in the sight of God and the Prophet (RA) surpassed all others. The status of Hadhrat Umer, Hadhrat Usman, Hadhrat Ali, Imam Hassan and Imam Hussein (may Allah be pleased with them all) follows degree by degree. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) writes in his book ‘Sirrul Khalafa’: ‘I

IF MUSLIMS WISH TO RECLAIM THEIR

UNITY...THEY MUST

FOLLOW THE ISLAM

HOLY PROPHET (PBUH) IN

BROUGHT BY THE

WHICH THERE WAS NO DIVISION

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have been given the knowledge that Hadhrat Abu Bakr Sadeeq (RA) had the greatest glory and highest stature among all the Companions. Without doubt he was the first Khalifa and verses regarding Khilafat were revealed about him.’ He also wrote: ‘By God, he [Hadhrat Abu Bakr] was Islam’s second Adam and the first manifestation of the best among mankind (PBUH). Although he was not a Prophet, he had the strengths of Prophets.’ He also stated: ‘Allah the Exalted knew that Hadhrat Abu Bakr Sadeeq (RA) was the most valiant and righteous and was the most beloved of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He was a victorious general, who was completely absorbed in the love of the chief among creation. From the very beginning, he was his confidant and helper. This is why God assured His Prophet in time of adversity through him and made the title of Sadeeq [the truthful] specific to him. He was a close friend of the Prophet (RA) and God granted him with the robe of honour of: ‘…he was one of the two…’ (9:40) and included him in His special servants.’ Malfoozat record that the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said: ‘By becoming a Muslim at the time of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) the first Khalifa, who was a great merchant, gave incomparable help. He was granted the status of being called ‘Sadeeq’ and was the leading friend and first Khalifa. TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

L-R: Guest speakers, Dr. Zaid Timehin, Engr. Muhammed Shittu; National President, (Sadr) Khuddam-ul Ahmadiyya, Bro. Abdul Rafiu Abdul Qadir and Secretary for Matrimony, Bro. Bashirudeen Oyetunji.

L-R: Coordinator, Lagos State Missionary, Muallim Muhammad Qasim Oyekola; Lagos State L-R: Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Bro. Akinloye Qamarudeen; Alhaji President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Organisation, Bro. Abdul Ganiyyu Omopariola and Mission- Muhammed-Tajudeen Bonajo and Alhaji Mojeed Agoro, during the event. ary in Charge, Mulana Abdul Halique Nayyar. PHOTOS: BAYOOR EWUOSO

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Mirror Mongers

Friday, December 7, 2012

Dickson’s gift to Bayelsa youths

Tinapa

Cross River’s Paradise Park

ast week, the news was alive with stories about plans to bring life back to the Obudu Cattle Ranch. According to the buzz, a group, which arrived from the United States (Maryland to be precise), has concluded plans to enter into a partnership with the resort as

a way of getting American holiday-makers keen on the facility, which has largely remained underutilised. The rate of deterioration at the facility had often pitched loyalists of Donald Duke against those of Liyel Imoke, blaming Imoke for not continuing with the foundation

of his predecessor in this regard. While electricity at this facility goes off after midnight, it is ironic that the least room available there goes for N25,000 a night, a reason why the Aviation authorities are wondering if investing in an air terminal here would be fruitful.

Gbedu award for Cossy

Cossy

ONE-SECOND Q&A

ith busty Cossy Orjiakor, there can never be any surprises because anything can happen. When the actress got into the movie industry, fresh from the National Youth Service Corps orientation camp over a decade ago, she did not hide her plans to be the next big item. Evidences are available from the intimidating roles she has created for herself in the movie industry when the Idumota producers were not forthcom-

ing with leading movie roles. But that is by the way. For reasons best known to the organisers of Gbedu Awards, Cossy was, once again, honoured but in a category that does not really sound so apt… ’Most Promising Female Act’. The controversy, according to the buzz is where the ‘promising’ actually lies. Some are wondering if it is in movies or music …or the other one that Cossy is known for. Cossy knows her strengths indeed and the social media is already agog with this beautiful news about her honour.

overnor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State must have the people of the state deeply in his heart. Of course, he remains one of the few governors in Nigeria who have the grace (that’s the word) to publish what his allocation is and how he is spending it. He has done that for a couple of months since he succeeded Timipre Sylva. With the floods which ravaged the state gradually receding, Dickson showed the other side of his being when it comes to matters inside the bedroom. While joining other governors across the country (as the democratic tradition in Nigeria demands) to mark the 2012 World AIDS Day last week, the governor was seen freely distributing condoms as a way of putting an end to the HIV scourge which

statistics say is still on the rise. But this gesture is being interpreted in some quarters as …’yes you can always do, but do not multiply, let alone get infected’. How good is that for the youths of Bayelsa who probably got the free condoms as part of their dividends of democracy? Some opinions insist that the governor should have outrightly preached abstinence –like the Pope.

Dickson

Joy and tears the Kaduna way

cenarios in Kaduna and Benue states actually remind one of those days when results are announced at schools by the headmasters, something also called the Prizegiving Day. Some would be crying for failing, while others would be laughing for passing. But in Benue and Kaduna, those crying over the results of the local council elections are also threatening to follow it up with protests. In Kaduna State, the situation almost marred the swearing in of

the new executives, when protests erupted as Governor Patrick Yakowa was doing that. According to some contestants, they were not able to even cast their votes in their wards following what they called ‘tactical disenfranchisement’. But protests are hardly the way out when there are law courts. If the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), can lose some councils to PDP in court, nothing stops the trend from happening in Benue and Kaduna.

SULE LAMIDO

Insinuations are rife that Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, may join the race for Aso Rock come 2015. He reacts to the story making the rounds: Your name has been linked with the 2015 presidential race and with what you are doing, can we assume that you are preparing for the 2015 presidential bid?

Lamido

Again, if your question is genuine and sincere, devoid of any mischievous insinuations as to further distort and create an endemic problem, why do you ask? When Obasanjo (former President) became the president, did you ask him? Every human being would be what God says he would be. You cannot be what God says you won’t be. So, let us have faith so that we begin to remove these areas of friction of misunderstanding, of criticism. Let us distance ourselves from insinuation because you may be unavailable and somebody reading my answer to the question may misinterpret it.

Escape

Friday, December 7, 2012

Contingent from Yobe State during the street parade

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Nupe horsemen at the durbar

Abuja savours the magic of 2012 national carnival IJEOMA E ZEIKE

or the past seven years that the Abuja National Carnival has been in existence, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states have earned the record of most consistent participating states rendering joy to Nigerians. The two do so not only with their distinctive display, but attend each edition with the highest contingent which portrays their willingness in unifying Nigerians through culture. That is the culturally rich marvel of the annual National Carnival which started in 2005. Aimed at showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Nigeria and for promoting the country as a safe, warm and hospitable tourism destination, this year’s edition held from November 24 to 27 hosted in Abuja, was tagged “Carnival of Peace and Harmony”. Abuja streets covered by the 18 kilometre-route of the carnival were a splash of colours and crowded with people on Saturday and Tuesday, the opening and closing ceremonies of the carnival, as participating states paraded in resplendent costumes. Carnival floats were cynosure of all as they displayed extreme creativity in costumes, floats and dances complemented by contemporary music. Rivers and Oyo states won the award for the best costumes. At the opening ceremony at the Eagle Square, Abuja, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke urged the corporate sector and leadership at all levels of governance to develop passion for the nation’s carnival for a proper projection to the outside world. “It is important for our leaders to also see the carnival as a melting pot for cultures and identify with their respective states; this is the only way they can define their leadership roles. “The Abuja National Carnival is not just a street parade; the actual fact is that it is a catalyst for economic activities and an eloquent testimony for the possibilities of tomorrow”, he added. In a remark to declare the event open, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Culture and Tourism, Ben Nwankwo, noted that the Abuja Carnival is growing towards becoming the peak brand in the African region. He expressed hope that in the near future, it will become

the most preferred carnival in Africa. Aminu Tambuwal observed that there is evidence that Nigerian tourism will serve as a major contributor to the GDP of the country. He also called on participants to exhibit their talents with such agility as the diversity of the Nigerian culture specifies. “It is the carnival that will bring the Nigerian family together, to remind one another of their cultural background. It is a revelation that Nigeria is safe, visible and habitable”, he said. Other events of the day were the children fiesta which held at the Millennium Park in Asokoro, traditional food fair at the Parade Ground in Area 10, Garki and the cultural night at the same venue. The children featured drama sketches, fashion parades and music presentation with the theme of unity and harmony as focus. Contesting states were Akwa Ibom, Niger, Kogi, Benue, Kwara, Bayelsa Ekiti and FCT. During his speech at the opening ceremony of the food fair at the Parade Ground, the Minister of Culture and National Orientation, Edem Duke stated that Nigerian food is a major expression of the culture and tradition of the Nigerian people; adding that Nigerians have the most popular expression of African food anywhere in the world. “The Chinese have used their food as catalyst for development. That is why anywhere in the world, you will find Chinese food. Everywhere in the world, there is also a Nigerian restaurant signifying the presence of African food”, the Minister noted. ”The diversity of Nigeria, richness of the vegetation and food varieties in different areas of the country, give Nigerian food uniqueness in every part of the world. Today, Nigeria has a challenge in food production. This has called for expansion in food varieties, a part of the Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda”. In the exhibition at the food fair, participating states showcased food condiments and prepared dishes – fruits, drinks, snacks, garnishees, sausages and other delicacies. The Minister, in the company of dignitaries, food contest adjudicators, some participants and journalists conducted inspection on the exhibitions. He remarked after the inspection exercise that a lot of potentials and creativity were being implored by different states in the preparation of the dishes. He commended the governments of

Rivers State boat regatta team

the participating states for working hard to promote agriculture and food sufficiency. Activities marking the second day of the 2012 edition of the Abuja National Carnival commenced on Sunday morning, November 2012 with the procession of horsemen, camels and their gallantries from the Equestrian Centre in Yakubu Gowon Barracks through Aso Drive to the Eagle Square in Shehu Shagari Way where the Durbar march past was held. The Durbar, a competitive event was identified as culture which depicts the decoration of camels and horses to exhibit sportsmanship in acrobatics in an occasion of traditional chivalry, displaying military loyalty to the emirates. Participants in the Durbar Parade held on Sunday comprised horsemen from Minna, Nupe, Bida and Suleja Emirates of Niger State; the Fika Emirate, Machina Emirate, Kano Emirate, as well as riders from the palace of Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu land, Ijebu, Ogun State. One of the star attractions of the Durbar was the first time inclusion of a female rider from Nupe astride the horse in great bearing like one of the men. The cultural night, which also held at the Parade Ground in Area, 10, Garki presented traditional music, dances and choruses with choreographic and acrobatic displays. On Monday, day three of the carnival, the boat regatta came up. Though, the boat regatta event is currently losing its steam, as evident from the number of participating states which were just four, Niger; Akwa Ibom; Bayelsa and Rivers, which did not stop the crowd from enjoying the best of artistic performance and ingenuity of costumes on water.

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Escape

Friday, December 7, 2012

Travel News

Swiss hotels chain appoints Nigerian as MD

D L-R: Director of Culture, Ministry of Tourism Culture and National Orientation, Mr. Georg Ufot; Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Lincoln Douglas; Chief Edem Duke and Cross River State’s Obon Masquerade.

Faces of masquerades during the Abuja National Carnival

ONE OF THE STAR ATTRACTIONS OF THE

DURBAR WAS

THE FIRST TIME INCLUSION OF A FEMALE RIDER FROM

NUPE

Boat regattas are indispensable part of the annual traditional festivals in the riverine communities which involves the use of mounted decorated canoes and paddlers, with participation opened to both sexes. It was not surprising that Rivers state came top in the boat regatta in terms of performance and costumes adopted in their presentation. The masquerade event of the carnival also held the same day. It has always been the centre of attraction for many participants and tourists alike for the array of beautifully adorned masquerades with engaging dance steps. This year’s edition was not an exception as the participating states paraded masquerades to the admiration of the audience. Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Anambra and

Rivers states were delights to watch; of particular interest was the Ajikwu groups of masquerades from Anambra state. They sang, beat their drums and danced to folk music. They were indeed energetic and agile in their movement. It was a night of glamour and glitz at the banquet hall in Aso Villa as the carnival was taken to the presidency on Monday night. The Vice President, Namadi Sambo leading visiting delegates like the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Mr. Denzil Douglas, were treated to the best of performances by the national troupes from participating countries alongside selected Nigerian troupes. The court sound specialist from Laventille, Trinidad and Tobago with their steel band stole the night show with rendition of popular Nigerian music, not to be forgotten too were the performances of the Imo and Kano states troupes. Twenty three states were at this year’s event while foreign countries like China, Egypt, Namibia, Cub, and Trinidad and Tobago also participated. Tourists and Nigerians alike had the opportunity of savouring the country’s rich cultural heritage at close range.

r. Wasiu Babalola has joined Switzerland-based Swiss International Hotels & Resorts Group, as its Managing Director for West Africa. Dr. Babalola is bringing over 17 years of developing operational and growth strategies for multi-unit concepts, international and brand experience to the market. As Swiss International’s exclusive hotel development representative in the West African region, Babalola’s duties will include strategically expanding the hotel chain’s growing portfolio of new and unique hospitality concepts and franchise operations throughout its territory including performing hotel development and commercial representation functions for Swiss International Hotels & Resorts. Babalola will report directly to CEO and Managing Director, Henri (Hans) W.R. Kennedie. “We are in a key phase of growth and development”, said Henri. “We believe Wasiu’s demonstrated experience and knowledge of the growing West African market, plus his ability to implement effective controls will help us expand our portfolio in strategic and profitable ways for us, as well as our franchisor partners”.

Babalola

Besides his nearly 17 years including executive level experience in the hospitality industry, Babalola’s educational pedigree includes a PhD in Hospitality Management, a MBA and Higher National Diploma in Catering and Hotel Management among others. Babalola expressed excitement at the prospects of taking up the new challenge with the hotel chain. “Swiss International Hotel’s portfolio of brands are among the world’s most well respected and with our plans to become one of the largest, fully integrated multi-franchise companies in the region, we hope to also become one of the region’s most highly sought after franchises”, he said. The Swiss International Hotels brand portfolios include Royal Swiss, Swiss International Hotels and the Swiss Spirit Hotels.

Monopoly picks Lagos for first African city edition TERH AGBEDEH

here is no gainsaying that the city of Lagos is a tourism, entertainment and business capital. This is, no doubt, why Monopoly, one of the world’s most famous board games is set to launch the first African city edition, “The City of Lagos” edition on December 11. The City of Lagos Edition of Monopoly is brought to the market by Bestman Games with the support of the Lagos State Government, First Bank of Nigeria Plc. and GTBank Plc, among other partners. Millions of Nigerians grew up playing the iconic board game. The images of Mr. Monopoly, ‘Advance to Go’ and the ‘Free Parking’ spaces are etched permanently in the hearts and minds of people across the country. Several memorable family moments have been defined by the playing of the game. It is such moments that this special edition aims to revive among the youth and other segments of the population. But what Lagos landmark will make the Mayfair Square - the most coveted real estate in the familiar London edition? Lagos, one of the world’s fastest

growing mega cities is full of iconic buildings and landmarks, making the tussle for the ‘Mayfair’ spot a hot topic. The strength of the City of Lagos Monopoly board is that it further enhances the profile of Lagos and Nigeria presenting the megacity on the world stage in a fun and attractive way. More so, it is a powerful tool for children, as they grow up to play a board game that they can relate to and that captures familiar streets, neighbourhoods and leading brands, which other board games currently do not address. This is one of several reasons that the ‘City of Lagos Edition’ has enjoyed the full endorsement of the Lagos State Government. The Government aims to use this novel tool to educate people about some of the laws of the city that are so often overlooked, to promote financial literacy and tourism, allowing all those who love Lagos to have a piece of her in their homes and get a sense of the unique aspects of our daily life that are synonymous with this mega city. Approximately, 750 million people have played the game; making it “the most played board game in the world”. With just a few weeks leading up to Christmas, this is a perfect gift for all members of the family.

Denrele’s Day

Friday, December 7, 2012

unarguably the artiste who reinvented contemporary Nigerian music when he debuted (working with Don Jazzy, his Denrele’s Day is a maverick producer) a new Afro sound collection of witty & injecting elements of hip hop genre sincere articles inspired fused with Afrobeats. Initially, D’Banj by a zany imagination even attempted to convince us he was denrele@nationalmirroronline.net Twitter: @mizniyi an instrumentalist with his harmonica (which he has completely stopped using now). Definitely, D’Banj is not on the scale of Fela Kuti’s creation in Afrobeats, nonetheless, innovative work from the pair who have since gone their separate ways. In comparison, Tonto’s music is not setting new production standards, exwant to deal with a few realities today ploring applaudable techniques in makwithout fear or favour. ing music (auto-tuning is not innovative First off, we begin on a sad note. One by the way), neither is she belting out of the most dashing veteran actors in Niglass-shattering notes or hitting octaves geria’s film industry, 65-year-old Enebeli higher than Mariah Carey’s. So, what Elebuwa is dead. The film icon passed earth-shaking revelation is Ms. Dike ofaway in the early hours of Wednesday affering the music industry in her music ter lengthy and grueling spells in hospitals escapades to academically stimulate stu(at home and abroad), receiving treatment dents or aficionados of music..? After two for a debilitating health condition which singles, I’m yet to hear it. started off as a mild stroke, according Then, as an actor of mention in some to family sources. I remember Denrele’s Idumota-produced films, Tonto came into Day of September 28, 2012, referenced his wider interest after her sensational role career-defining portrayal of ‘Andrew’ in a in Theodore Anyanji’s Dirty Secrets. At national orientation campaign which ran the time, I wrote a review in National on the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Mirror of March 4, 2011 which was repronetwork in the 80s. duced by some online publications based At the time, the young and springy Eleon the movie’s submission for considerbuwa in his role as the about-to-emigratewanna-be-American became ingrained in ation for the 2011 African Movie Academy the consciousness of those mature enough Awards, AMAA. It is foregone that Dirty to assimilate the campaign’s message. His Secrets never made it past AMAA first acting was convincing and the message stage screening, however, Tonto made it into the lustful dreams of many a man; compelling. For others ultimately, her profile too young to decipher ONTO IKE HAS as a performer ‘who this first-class actor her back into any on his way to stardom ADAMANTLY CHOSEN puts task’ grew. in the local film indusIn that review, I try, we just enjoyed his TO LAUNCH A CAREER had written this about swagger and the fake IN MUSIC UNDETERRED the film: “...WhatAmerican accent he ever mental images mouthed. BY CRITICS Anyanji had when he Immense thanks to started developing the Delta State Government for providing their star indigene story of Dirty Secret must have been very with the financial support to get fairly lucid. The Nollywood director wanted to tell a story of incest, lust (for money, sex, good healthcare towards the twilight of his life’s journey. Thus, the light dims power), political intrigues and manipufor another creative Nigerian, one of the lations which he achieved —in a roundfew authentic thespians who didn’t hap- about sort of way. A movie buff would pen on the movie scene because of his pick on that plot line after 15 minutes of rippling six pack or good looks (which he trying to stay focused on the story. But had even till old age) but because he pos- the most conspicuous interpretation to sessed true talent and developed his craft this movie is in its erotica quality. Anyanji pulled off one of the biggest coups through the ranks. On this note of doffing my hat to wor- in Nollywood movie making history; he thy talent and skill, my creative analysis produced a ‘soft porn’ under the label of pendulum swings back to present day and a home video”. Regarding Tonto, these were my what obtains in artistic endeavours. thoughts as captured in the March reMore specifically, I’ve decided to dare view: “...I reserve the biggest awe for Tonthe wrath of a Nollywood actor turned to Dike who I never gave a second glance singer who prides herself on taking the in her previous acting productions. Yeah, battle to presumed detractors with claws she has a certain sparkle but that isn’t unsheathed. By now, anyone keeping up iridescent enough to enthrall me. Neither with the music industry in Nigeria is well has Dirty Secret done it for me, but I think aware Ms. Tonto Dike has ‘adamantly’ it might bring her into stronger reckonchosen to launch a career in music undeing in Nollywood; so long as she carefully terred by heavy criticisms which trailed her debut single and most recently, second choose her subsequent roles”. I still hold the above sentiments based single. Or put off by the simple, irrefutable on my extensive work in the arts. This is fact that she lacks the vocal cords of Nigethe age for taking our creative arts from ria’s answer to ‘The Voice’ (punning the the level of crowded mediocrity to globhit America TV show). ally competitive professionalism. Some Someone points out that this latter people are simply better wired for speciffactor didn’t stop D’Banj from being the ic roles than others -find your niche and wave-making music idol he is today. True, target excellence at it. but D’Banj isn’t celebrated for his voice; Love and peace for the weekend he is after all, the ‘tongolo master’ and

Adenrele Niyi

Truth hurts, death hurts more

‘

’

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CLAPPERBOARD with

Eddie Ugbomah www.edifosafilm.com

Movie box office in Nigeria

ntertainment in Nigeria has always been abused by people that cash into it because it has never been well-organised. The African Movie Academy Awards, AMAA, woman, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe who studied Law but dabbled into Nollywood; she’s been getting away with her shows and nobody cares. This is a woman who saw how gullible Nigerians are; she created her jamboree called AMAA with no background pedigree. Today this woman has the effrontery to say she will organise the 20th year anniversary of Nollywood. This name was given by an Indian MNET staff and it has come to stay, abused by every Tom, Dick and Harry. Five tele-movies were released into the cinema house and I don’t want to make comments but there is none you want to watch twice. Is it In the Cupboard or Doctor Bello or what? There’s nothing to talk about. None of these producers have the country’s image or integrity in mind; they just gather themselves to abuse our ears and eyes. These people have their lobbying and cunning style of raising cash to organise their programme, festivals, awards and have plenty change to show. Our officials should take time and vet people they deal with. My pain is that Figurine, Ije and Phone Swap, thrill audiences at the cinema houses. So I beg Dr. Bello, In the Cupboard and the Board meeting people not to mess up the good relations between producers and audiences watching Nigerian films. I am sure Zik Zulu Okafor, Andy Amanechi with Ibinabo Fiberesima will for once discipline none-card-carrying members of the Actors, Producers and Directors Guild. This is the only profession you buy your way into and it has always being abused. Those were the days of power galore when Ejike Asiegbu and later his friend Segun Arinze fought everybody to remain life president. Segun Arinze was no better because he had to be dragged out and until recently it was a war zone for K.O.K, Emeka Ike and Emeka Rollas. The easy access to meeting government officials and the pecks make these people ready to kill for the Actors’ Guild presidency. For the Yorubas, Jide Kosoko refused to go when his tenure expired. It is his personal property and only Jide can be the president of National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners, NANTAP. This type of nonsense cannot go on in the Producers or Directors Guild. If you can’t obey the rules and you want to become president, all you do is to get out and form you own that will recognised by anybody. The organisation of the Board

ARE FILMS MADE TO RUIN A COUNTRY’S

IMAGE OR PROPAGATE, GLAMORISE AND BRAND THE COUNTRY of Trustees for the Producers and Directors Guild are so solid, no power-drunk person can cause any confusion. This December, two atrocities will happen or have happened. Kanayo .O. Kanayo has organised his unrecognised team of artistes to greet the President; Peace has held a programme where she is celebrating what she never know how it started neither has she done or produced any documentary or film to write home about. I take the trouble to go and watch these soaps they call film on my own because they won’t invite me for the premieres. I am glad for them but their headache and greed is that their scripts are lacking in depth; some have good beginnings, then no middle and worthless endings. You regret the money spent and time wasted. My case is even worse; when I leave Badagry to attend an event in Lagos, I have to check into a hotel as the road to hell is better than the Badagry Express Road. I need N20,000 or N30,000 to go and punish my eyes, so don’t blame me if I don’t attend premieres. The film Doctor Bello is so sad. Here is a film that started well and suddenly died. We were told about ‘Cancer Medicine’ in Nigeria, the so-called stars from big America were flat and did more damage that carriage. Then big Jide Kosoko was used as a police degrading Nigerians which is very sad. Are films made to ruin a country’s image or propagate, glamorise and brand the country? If you were fortunate not to have been at the premiere, you did not miss anything. I pray that people will be inquisitive enough to watch the film so that Tony can pay back the $250,000 he borrowed from NEXIM Bank. Nollywood doesn’t need the agony of NEXIM and Bank of Industry to make a good dynamic film. A new dynamic film is now in the making by Tarila Thompson titled Up the Creek. I was also fortunate to be on the location watching the making of a world standard film which costs N140m. It will be better if people like Kanayo .O. Kanayo, Emeka Ike and Madam Peace will do us a favour by learning how to carry a car with the engine because we are making a big mockery of Nollywood, Yoruwood and Kanowood.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

People In The Mirror

Friday December 7, 2012

National Mirror, others shine at Media Awards The Celebrity Media Awards (CMA) which took place on Sunday, December 2 at the Theatre Hall, Lagos Country Club, Lagos, was a season of harvest for print, radio and television journalists, media icons and organisations who have distinguished media in Nigeria. National Mirror, one of the big winners of the night, took home the Best Designed Newspaper Award and Dele Giwa Prize for Best Editor.

Associate Editor, Entertainment Express Pastor Dimgba Igwe, presenting the Best Designed Newspaper Award to MD/Editor-in-Chief National Mirror, Mr. Steve Ayorinde

L-R: Former Chief Press Secretary, Lagos State, Mr. Sina Ogunbamwo; Publisher, Entertainment Express, Mike Awoyinfa and Associate Editor, Entertainment Express, Pastor Dimgba Igwe, during the presentation of the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Awards to the duo.

Executive Secretary, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria, Mr. Feyi Smith (right) presenting Best Female Editor awards to Saturday Punch, Kemi Ashefon.

L-R: Awardee, Deputy Managing Director, The Sun, Mr. Femi Adesina; his wife, Adenike and daughter, Dupe, at the event.

Foluke Daramola (left) presenting the Most Interesting Celebrity Interview Award to Publisher, Yes! International, Mr. Arinze Azu.

Executive Secretary, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria, Mr. Feyi Smith (left) presenting the Best Celebrity Story of the Year Award to Publisher, PHOTOS: OLUFEMI AJASA E-24-7 Magazine, Mr. Biodun Kupoluyi.

MTVBase searches for VJ

Tee A Live concert rocks Lagos

The on-going MTVBase VJ Search competition, which held auditions in Lagos on Saturday, December 1 at Fantasy Land, Ikoyi, was attended by thousands of young hopefuls eager at the prospect of winning a job, representing MTVBase. Celebrities were also on hand to support the contestants. Presently, 32 lucky contestants have qualified for next round.

Tunde Adewale, popularly known as Tee A, brought Lagos to a standstill last Saturday with his Tyme Out with Tee A Special Live Edition Concert held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan. From hilarious comedy skits with Tee A, Princess and MC Abbey to musical performances from D’Banj, Sir Shina Peters, Sammie Okposo, Dammy Krane, Daddy Showkey, Capital FEMI, Tunde Ednut and Lynxx , fans could were thrilled beyond measure by their favourite performers.

Sammy Okposo and wife.

2007 MTVBase VJ Search winner, C-Von and Brymo shooting the ‘Breeze’ programme.

Comedian Princess in a comedy skit.

Skales performing

Tee A in character during a skit.

D’Banj dancing during Sammie Okposo’s performance

Basketmouth

Caroline Adeneye

One of the VJ Search qualifiers, Ada Ogunkeya

Another VJ Search qualifier, Osamogie Ekhaguere

Friday December 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mirror Drive

2013 Chevy Malibu: OLUSEGUN KOIKI

ophistication, refined ingenuity and now available in all trim levels - the 2013 Chevy Malibu is making waves whether optioned with LS, LT or top-spec LTZ trim, the Camero-inspired sedan has a bold and athletic stance that improves aerodynamics while turning heads wherever it goes. The smooth ride and quiet cabin go hand-in-hand to deliver a dynamic and enjoyable driving experience for shoppers. Great attention-to-detail throughout the vehicle’s design helps reduce drag coefficient, offering an impressive EPA-estimated 34 MPG on the highway making it a great option for drivers anywhere in the world. Like the 2012 edition, the precision continues on the inside of the 2013 Chevy Malibu with attractive styling, advanced technology, and entertainment options topped off with a level of comfort that is sure to be valued by any driver. The General Motors MyLink system offers an integrated full media experience and navigation via the in car infotainment system. Available features such as Remote Start and Keyless Access with Push Button Start improve convenience before the drive even begins. Drivers can start and set the temperature in the all-new Malibu before setting foot inside the car. With Malibu Eco, stylish superiority takes on intelligence with eAssist electrification technology that helps conserve fuelled power when it’s not needed. The increased torque provided by eAssist technology makes for a smarter fuel-efficient drive with 37 MPG on the

MALIBU EMBODIES THE AGGRESSIVE STANCE OF A SPORTS CAR COMBINED WITH

THE CLEAN, CLASSIC LINES OF A HIGH-END LUXURY CAR

highway. The Chevy Malibu Eco mild hybrid adds efficiency to an already resourceful power train. “The Malibu Eco is a smart choice for customers who want a great looking car inside and out with excellent fuel economy, but without the higher price of some hybrid sedans. In short, it’s an incredible value”, said the Director of Chevrolet Marketing, Mr. Russ Clark. As the first truly global midsize sedan for Chevrolet -design and technology from the American market is spreading worldwide. The 2013 Chevy Malibu Eco will go on sale in China, South Korea and Africa respectively -both counties producing their vehicles on home-soil. Globalisation of the GM brand has helped the American carmaker produce exciting and affordable midsize sedans people all over the world are happy to drive. Guaranty Chevrolet keeps an extraordinary inventory of Crossovers, Trucks, SUVs and cars such as Equinox, Malibu, Silverado and Spark in all trim levels from basic standard models to loaded LTZ and everything in-between. Expert craftsmanship can be found throughout Malibu whether in its refined surfacing with premium materials or the rich appointments available throughout such as chrome, wood grain or metallic accents,

depending on the model. The sleek interior features acoustic laminated glass for a superb level of quietness as well as low-gloss surfacing and soft-touch tactility to provide a luxurious appearance.

Technology The innovative technology of Malibu offers the driver the kind of comfort and convenience that counts. Available Chevrolet MyLink offers a variety of information, entertainment and an available navigation feature that you can easily control with the tap of your fingers or the sound of your voice. Sync your compatible Smartphone and enjoy your favourite Pandora® playlist or connect your own music library while on the go. Additional features such as available Remote Start and Keyless Access with Push Button Start take convenience up a notch before the drive even begins.

Worldly Style Embodying the aggressive stance of a sports car combined with the clean, classic lines of a high-end luxury car, Malibu has taken on all the right touches to attract attention. The vehicle has been redesigned to create a wider track and a shorter wheelbase along with available 19” inch wheels that makes for a bold yet unmistakably elegant presence in motion or standing still. Spaciousness Meets Sophistication While maintaining its sophisticated dual-cockpit design, the sport-sculpted seats have been highly bolstered for long-distance comfort. In addition to premium comfort, storage options have been enhanced to provide even more roominess for your practical needs. The easily accessible storage includes an area behind the

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mirror Drive

Friday December 7, 2012

Ford donates $50,000 for conservation in Nigeria

T available 7” diagonal colour touch-screen.

Ride and Handling To enhance the Malibu experience, ride and handling has been tuned and calibrated on rural roads, highways and at testing facilities around the world. The wider track and stiffer structure delivers more responsive, solid handling while the premium ZF steering components offer top-of-the-line precision and control. The four-wheel antilock disc brakes help ensure reliable stopping performance, the hydraulic ride bushings and tuned suspension also work together to give a quiet and overall smooth ride.

he giant auto company, Ford Motor Company last week announced the donation of $50,000 for its Conservation and Environment programme in Nigeria. The programme, which commenced in 1983 in United Kingdom, is being launched in Nigeria for the first time and the fund is expected to be used in an environmental education programme, which is focused on creating public awareness on how to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (RRR) waste materials. Present at the launch were the spokespersons for Ford, Nigeria, Ms. Laura Oloyede and the Managing Director of Coscharis Motors, Mr. Raju Sawlani among others. Oloyede informed that the $50,000 grant was expected to be used between November and December this year with

campaigns on radio, saying that the grant would be increased in 2013 and would accommodate more programmes. The radio campaign she informed would seek to enlighten and educate the people on how to preserve their local environment, heritage and natural resources. Oloyede observed that in Nigeria today, it is common to see dumps and refuse littered on the streets and major roads, stressing that these wastes end up blocking drainages with a resultant effect of flood. She said the litter affects us environmentally, socially and economically, maintaining that litter is a problem in our society, particularly along our highways, roads and neighbourhoods. It is believed that the RRR Campaign would enlighten the public on the importance of proper waste disposal and

would also educate them on how to properly care for the environment. Since its launch, Oloyede explained that tens of thousands had participated in the programme and has been expanded to over 40 countries worldwide including Nigeria. The Conservation and Environmental Grants sponsored by Ford underscore the auto company’s commitment to the market and its communities. She added that since its introduction, the grants programme had supported more than 150 projects with more than $1.2 million granted to date in key Ford export markets such as, the Middle East, South Korea, Puerto Rico, Central America and other markets within Asia Pacific. “The Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (RRR) Campaign by Ford is aimed at enlightening the publics on the importance of proper waste disposal; and to educate them on how to properly care for the environment. “We can all reduce our impact on the environment by making the right choices. We all have a role to play in helping to preserve our environment”, she said.

Stallion Motors opens Sokoto facility

tallion Motors Nigeria, has launched an ultramodern 3S (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) facility in Sokoto, Sokoto State. The auto company through a press statement stated that the centre will provide full scale support for all brands of vehicles distributed and marketed by Stallion Motors’ dealerships. The Group Managing Director, Stallion Motors, Mr. Parvir Singh, commenting on the new opening stated that the facility became necessary in view of its growing clientele spreading across the country’s geopolitical zones. He said that the auto company had crisscrossed every parts of Nigeria and reassured its clients that it was determined to help them derive the most favourable value for every product purchased from the company. The new Sokoto 3s facility, he explained, is designed to international standard and akin to other Stallion’s facilities in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Enugu and Kano, adding that the initiative is designed to restore customers’ confidence in the company’s dealerships, which cut across all strata of automobile class. He said, “As representatives of global brands with reputation for excellence, we will continue to invest in after sales support to meet our principals’ corporate identity for quality service and customer satisfaction. This is one of the reasons why we are always keen on expanding our network to cater for all customers irrespective of their locations. “3s phenomenon in automobile dealership gives existing and future customers the convenience of complete one-stop facility, covering all aspects of vehicle ownership and ensuring seamless access to global standard practice. “The facility also makes sure there is improved quality and speed of services orchestrated by powerful diagnostic tool that has several modern features such as Information Terminal that allows diagnosis 24/7 via wireless communication.”

Ener G Force

MAINTENANCE TIPS

How to take care of cooling system leaks in a car

hen you find a leak in your engine’s cooling system, you must decide whether to handle it yourself or to take it to a professional. The following sections cover the different types of leaks and give you a few pointers to help you decide. Radiator leaks: If the radiator is leaking badly, go to a reliable radiator shop and if they say it’s cheaper to replace it than to repair it, do so.

At the radiator shop, ask the radiator specialists what they intend to do and request a written estimate before they do the work. If the estimate seems high, call another radiator shop, tell them what needs to be done, and ask for an estimate. Leaks in the engine-block core plugs: On the sides of some engine blocks are little circular depressions called core plugs or freeze plugs. If you see leaks or rusty streaks leading away from the core plugs on your engine block or signs that leaks from them have dried, and you have been losing liquid lately, you may need to have the core plugs replaced. Your best bet is to seek professional help on this one. Internal leaks: Sometimes a leak right under the cylinder head can be the result of an ill-fitting head gasket or the fact that the bolts that hold the cylinder head on the engine block are too loose or too tight. If you try to tighten these bolts yourself, you may damage the gasket if you don’t have a torque wrench. The best thing to do is to get professional help here. If a mechanic only has to tighten the bolts, the cost should be minimal, whereas replacing the head gasket is much more expensive. Continued next week

Cocktail

Friday, December 7, 2012

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

WITH DR. DEJI FOLUTILE

Today's Tonic (58)

Begin with the end in mind. –Stephen Covey Life Is A Self Fulfilling Prophecy One of the profound wisdom that is helping me daily is the statement that the best way to predict the future is to create it. We are created to be co-creators with God! Whatever I won’t become, no one can make me become it. There is so much more I can be if I am willing to cooperate with my core being where impossibility is nothing. I can predict my future by creating the future I desire. I can imagine a better future no matter what I am going through right now. I can make positive choices. I can dream better dreams. I can make solid life impacting decisions. I can develop life changing habits. I can create a better me - starting NOW! TEL 08104942999 E-MAIL deji.folutile@gmail.com Follow me @TwitterOWOTIDE

Bus driver returns half a million dollars found in bag

Vienna bus driver who found a bag with 390,000 euros ($509,700) in cash inside handed the money over to police, who tracked down the elderly woman who had inexplicably left her fortune behind. The driver, identified by the Vienna transport authority only as Wolfgang R, was inspecting

his vehicle at the end of the line when he found the bag in a seat behind the driver’s. “At first I thought it was shopping or medicine,” the Krone newspaper quoted him as saying. However, when he opened the bag he found a collection of 500-euro notes staring back at him. Police in the Austrian

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

‘French men not producing as much sperm’

hen it comes to sperm counts, French men aren’t what they used to be, according to a new study. Researchers found that between 1989 and 2005, the number of sperm in one millilitre of the average 35-year-old Frenchman’s semen fell from about 74 million to about 50 million - a decrease of roughly 32 percent. “That’s certainly within the normal range, but if you think about it, if there continues to be a decrease, we would expect that we’ll get into that infertile range,” said Grace Centola, president of the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology in Birmingham, Alabama. And the French aren’t the only ones who should be concerned, the researchers said. “A decline in male reproduction endpoints has been suspected for several decades and is still debated all around the world. Geographical differences have been observed between countries, and between areas inside countries,” said

Joëlle Le Moal from the Institut de Veille Sanitaire in France, who led the study. Writing in the journal Human Reproduction, Le Moal’s team said global analyses have found decreases in sperm counts, as did recent studies in Israel, India, New Zealand and Tunisia. Centola, who wasn’t involved with the new research, told Reuters Health she had also found similar results in a group of young sperm donors from Boston in the United States. For the new study, Le Moal’s team used a data-

What relationship is this?

base of France’s 126 fertility clinics that recorded men’s semen samples from 1989 through 2005. They then narrowed their study to 26,600 samples provided by men whose female partners were later found to be infertile. That, they say, minimises the risk the men had a fertility problem. Over the 16-year period, the researchers found there was about a 2 percent annual decrease in the number of sperm in one millilitre of the average man’s semen. “One would look at that

and say it’s not all that much. It isn’t, but if it’s occurring on a yearly basis it can add up,” said Centola. “Clearly if this type of decrease continues, we’re going to find that we’re going to have young men that have low sperm counts,” she said. The World Health Organisation defines anything over 15 million per millilitre of semen as normal. However, the study’s authors suggest that it may take longer for men with counts in the lower range of normal to conceive.

PHOTO: CREATIVENERDS.CO.UK

Friday, December 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business & Finance The authority would no longer tolerate any form of accident or incident from any airline of the operating carrier, safety is everybody’s business Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Harold Demuren

Rational investors will find it difficult to invest in a company they do not have adequate information about

Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Oscar Onyema

Chevron budgets $36.7bn for capital projects in 2013 UDEME AKPAN

said: “Consistent with long-stated strategies, we’re investing in a portfolio of very attractive oil and gas projects that will deliver volume growth and real value to our stockholders.” He said: “Next year’s programme supports several projects currently under construction, including our Australian LNG projects and United States deepwater developments. As these and other projects come online, we anticipate pro-

duction will reach our 2017 goal of 3.3 million barrels per day. With our strong balance sheet and industry-leading producing margins, I further expect to continue our pattern of significant stockholder distributions.” Watson said approximately, 90 percent of the 2013 spending is budgeted for upstream crude oil and natural gas exploration and production projects. He said another

seven percent is associated with the company’s downstream businesses that manufacture, transport and sell gasoline, diesel fuel and other refined products, fuel and lubricant additives, and petrochemicals. The Vice Chairman of the firm, Mr. George Kirkland said: “While investment requirements have grown, oil prices, which directly impact the overall revenue stream, have increased byapproximately 80 per-

cent over the same time period. In addition, the LNG nameplate capacity has increased by 4 percent to 15.6 million tons per year.” Kirkland stated that: “Our exploration program continues to discover additional gas resources that could support future expansions of our Australian LNG developments. The Wheatstone LNG project is currently 7 percent complete and is on budget and on schedule.”

hevron Corporation has budgeted to invest $36.7 billion in Nigeria and other parts of the world in 2013. The budget is to be invested in capital and other projects targeted at stimulating sustainable growth of the global player in Nigeria and other parts of the world. In Nigeria, part of the funds would be invested to further develop the Usan and Agbami deepwater fields. The development of the offshore fields is targeted at increasing oil and gas reserves as well as production capacity of the nation. Part of the budget would also be used to construct and commission the Escravos gasto-liquids facility, thus assisting to boost gas development in the nation. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Mr. John Watson, who confirmed the development in a L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Pearl and Apricot, Mr. Ola Oyinloye; former Vice President, African Development Bank, Prof. Goke Olanrewaju and Rev. Ayo Richard of Chapel of Healing Cross, during the 1st Annual Infrastructure Conference of Pearl and statement yesterday Apricot in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

World Bank restates commitment to strengthen Nigeria’s statistical system TOLA AKINMUTIMI

he World Bank has restated its commitment to assist Nigeria in strengthening her statistical system as a desirable step towards

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

using the data as tools for improved contribution to the national transformation through evidencedbased policy formulation. Giving the assurance at the two-day Meeting of the National Consultative Committee on Statistics (NCCS) held in Calabar, Cross River State, the bank’s Statistician in the Development Data Group, Mr Alain Gaugris,

said the involvement of the Bretton Woods institution in the National Statistical System’s development agenda would through the funding support from the $10 million Statistics for Results Facility (SRF). Gaugris disclosed that the grant is targeted at capacity building at the Federal level for National Bureau of Statistics (NBS),

Huge public sector debt portfolio threatens insurance industry – NAICOM

and National Population Commission (NPoPC), adding that already, implementation of the capacity building initiative has started in six pilot states of the geo-political zones of the country. He listed the states as Anambra, Bauchi, Edo, Kaduna, Niger and Ondo. The World Bank statistician explained that the objective of the three-

year project which, he said, was already yielding tangible results, such as the revamped NPoPC and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) websites and a state of the art data portal, was to initiate the implementation of the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) by producing reliable statistics in the targeted states.

Government charges and worsening high seaport operating

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

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

Aero Contractors Los-Abj: 06:50, 13:30, 16:30, 19:45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 12:30 (Sun) 16:45 (Sat). Abj-Los: 07:30, 13:00, 19:00 (Mon-Fri/ Sat) 10:30, 14:30, 19:30 (Sun) 18.30 (Sat) Los-Ben: 07:45, 11:00, 15:30, (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12:30 (Sun) 15:30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) Ben-Los: 09:15, 12:30, 17:00 (Mon-Fri/ Sat/Sun) 17:00 (Sat), 14:00 (Sun)

EXCHANGE RATES WAUA

234.6271

USD

155.84

CHF

159.2642

SDR

235.0535

CFA

0.2924

GBP

244.1701

EURO

191.3715

OIL / GAS FUTURES ICE BRENT

$123.39

-0.78

NYMEX

$108.45

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$122.86

+1.16

NATURAL GAS

$2.83

-0.03

Business News

Friday, Decemeber 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Huge public sector debt portfolio threatens insurance industry –NAICOM TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

orried by the huge debt portfolio arising from public sector unpaid premium in many insurance companies’ books, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), yesterday appealed to senior officers of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs), to settle debts in order to save the industry from gradual relapse into depression. Giving the charge at the oneday sensitisation workshop on the implementation of “No Premium, No Cover” rule for insurance stakeholders in Abuja yesterday, Commissioner for Insurance Mr Fola Daniel, listed the Federal Government as currently the highest debtor in the books of insurance companies. Daniel, who expressed concern over the huge debt portfolio in the books of the insurance companies and the negative implications for sustainability of their operations and security of national assets, said the attitude of the MDAs conflict the provisions of the Insurance Act in relation to payment of premium for the insurances of strategic government assets and property by the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

He explained: “Most insurance companies make huge provisions for outstanding premiums in their books on an annual basis, which invariably affects their bottom-line and thus, their inability to make profit, pay dividends to shareholders and attract investments to enable growth. This avoidable situation is unhealthy and dangerous to the industry and it is time to put a stop to it.” “We have noticed the current budgetary provisions for insurance of government assets and properties were either inadequate or in most cases not made at all.” “Besides, where the provisions are made, payments of premium to insurance companies are either delayed for months or the fund redeployed to meet other needs by ministries, departments and agencies of government which is a clear breach of Section 50 (1) of the Insurance Act 2003. “The vexed issue of delayed or unpaid insurance premium has now attained an alarming crescendo, threatening to drive the industry into extinction if not curbed,” the industry chief regulator cautioned. Citing Section 50 (1) of the Act provisions which state that “the receipt of an insurance premium shall be a condition precedent to a valid contract of insurance and there shall be no cover in respect

L-R: Communications Manager, Nigerian Bottling Company, Mrs. Yomi Onakoya; prize winner, Mr. Gerald Nwokwocha and Public Affairs and Communications Manager, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Mr. Peter Muriuki, during the 2012 Awards presentation to CampusLife writers jointly sponsored by Coca-Cola Nigeria and Nigerian Bottling Company in Lagos recently.

of an insurance risk unless the premium is paid in advance”, to drive home his point, Daniel said it is a globally accepted principles of insurance that where there is no premium, then can never be cover for any asset. For the avoidance of doubt, let me state here clearly that the “NoPremium-No-Cover” policy is neither a creation of NAICOM nor is it a new regulation. It is indeed a statutory provision in the Insurance Act, 2003 which is obligatory on NAICOM to ensure its imple-

SON restates commitment on fight against substandard products STANLEY IHEDIGBO

he Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) yesterday restated its commitment to crash substandard products to less than 30 percent by 2013. Speaking at the Maiden Nigeria Quality Summit organized by the agency in Lagos, the Director General of SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, said that SON is determined to drive substandard goods out of the Nigeria market. He added that they must do it because not to do so imposes on the country a huge burden that they cannot bear. SON DG further added,” Nigeria without doubt has the potentials and indeed the capac-

ity to become vibrant and stronger to compete favourably with the developed economies of the world and a standard remains one of the key tools towards achieving this”. According to him, Nigeria had 85 percent fake and adulterated goods prevalence in consumer goods.” No country had anything close and we took it as a serious national challenge”. He lamented that the prices of substandard goods dominance include the collapse of many industries, adding that because of unbridled importation of Tokunbo clothing and shoes, 90 percent of textile companies and shoes manufacturers in Nigeria closed down. “It is the same for tyres and pharmaceutical companies and thousands of cottage industries

from Kano to Lagos and from Calabar to Sokoto. Aba in Abia had a thriving clothing, bags and shoes industries that are today dead “. In his remark, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said that,” Suffice to state that the imperative of standards as a tool for increased efficiency in all activities cannot be over emphasized”. He added that the case of developing economies like Nigeria is even more critical given the myriad of challenges confronting them, including the hydra headed dumping and circulation of substandard products which has led to avoidable loss of lives and properties, undermined the security of the nations, and impoverished the people and negatively impact on the economies.

Labour Ministry pledges to fully implement 2012 budget MESHACK IDEHEN

he Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu has said the ministry is assuring Nigerians that the year 2012 budget of the ministry would be implemented, even if it is just few weeks to the end of the year. A statement by the Assistant

Director (Press) of the ministry, Mr Samuel Olowookere, on Thursday, said the labour ministry was on track to achieve its target by the end of this year. Olowookere explained that the minister made the comments following the ministry’s defence of the 2013 budget and performance presentation of the current budget before a joint committee of the Senate and the House of Rep-

resentatives on Labour and Employment. According to him, It the ministry of labour and productivity have made some achievements in some areas as stipulated in the performance contract being driven by the key indicators, adding also that the ministry had achieved eight out of twelve per cent on the provision of industrial peace and harmony.

mentation. This is the provision of the law, and until such a time when government deem it imperative to amend the law, NAICOM, being the industry regulator has no other alternative but to implement the law.” On the increasing rate of fire incidents in public institutions most of which are not insured, the Commissioner said he suspected that some properties of government were not insured because of the number of government building burnt down and nothing was

being done to renovate them or construct others. “I have seen a number of government properties burnt down and the relics are left there for two to three years, why? If there is insurance over a place, the process of settling this claim to rebuild it should start immediately, it should not assault our sensibilities as Nigerians so it is my suspicion that they may not be insured. I suspect that some government properties may not have been insured, he noted.

New factory to enhance Omatek’s production, boost profitability KUNLE A ZEEZ

new factory being built by Omatek Ventures Plc., one of Nigeria’s indigenous computer manufacturing firms, will lead to enhance production output and profitability for the company in the years ahead. The company’s Managing Director, Mrs. Florence Seriki, disclosed this during the opening of the new factory and inspection of some of the newly-acquired state-of-the art production equipment situated at Alausa area of Ikeja, Lagos this week. According to Seriki, who described the building of the new factory as parts of the divestment agenda of the company, “The acquisition of its new factory would improve its production level, enhance profitability and deliver better returns to shareholders in the next financial year.” Noting that the company had been undergoing a lull in its business activities in recent past, Seriki maintained that the factory was part of the transformation project to boost the company’s profit-

ability. She explained that the acquisition of the factory was expected to generate huge amount of money for the company, which would subsequently impact greatly on the company’s share price and turnover in the stock market. Seriki, however, explained that the old factory located at Ojota area of the state, was given out to the company on lease, adding that with the new acquisition, the company would remain focused, innovative while expanding its business activities for improved value addition to the company. She said: “With this, the share price, value and turnover of the company would grow. The bottomline is that we are back to production and we are expecting billions of naira coming on a yearly basis. We started in a lease way before but now that we are fully settled in our own property. Business has started and we know the future is very bright and promising.” Speaking further, Seriki added that Omatek remains the first and only Completely Knocked Down factory in Africa that manufactures computers on a CKD process.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, Decemeber 7, 2012

FMBN mortgage deduction hits N1.3bn

he monthly 2.5 per cent National Housing Fund mortgage deduction has risen from N950 million to about N1.3billion, the Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Gimba Ya’u Kumo has said. The bank, according to the Kumo, has also attained higher grounds on request by contributors for refunds, which has moved up from N70 million to N1.5billion. The FMBN boss who spoke in Abuja, said the bank would soon complete the computerisation of its operations to make it easier for it’s over 3.7million customers to access its products and services. He said, “the process has become necessary to conform with globally accepted standards and also serve the bank’s customers better. When we came in, we saw

that the entire operations were being done manually and we reasoned that there was no way we could carry out effective and efficient banking operations if we continue to operate manually. “That led us to award some contracts that will entail entire computerisation of our banking operations and in doing that, the operations of the bank is now easier and customers have better services.” On the status of loan facility granted to Estate Developers and the Primary Mortgage Institutions (PMIs), he explained that the bank had recorded tremendous improvement just as he ruled out the option of sourcing loans for mortgage purposes from local commercial banks citing bank’s astronomical interest charges. Ya’u Kumo said the achieve-

ment recorded under his watch was a collective efforts of FMB staff as according to him, “it’s not about me, but a collective effort of FMBN team. Fighting corruption as it is today is joint task. To win war on corruption, we have to start it on individual level.” He debunked the insinuations going on in some quarters that estates funded by FMBN could be targeted for demolition by the Federal Capital Territory Administration squad, stressing that estates funded by FMBN go through thorough process of correctness of land allocations and urged FMBN estate occupant to be calm. Kumo, however, attributed the feat to the reform strategy implemented by the new FMBN management in line with the transformation agenda of the federal government.

French foreign trade advisors in West, Central Africa meet in Lagos

or the first time ever, Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria, will play host to the regional meeting of French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCEF) in West and Central Africa. The meeting will hold from Friday, December 7 to Saturday, 8. President of the Nigeria Chapter of Conseillers du Commerce Exterieur de la France (CCEF), Mr. Laurent Couderc, said: “This meeting, which is organised by the Nigeria Chapter of CCEF, will be the largest gathering of French businessmen in Nigeria in 2012.” Couderc, who described Nigeria as an unavoidable partner in Africa, explained that the meeting will discuss several issues including those relating to Nigeria as a central place for investments in West Africa; regional integration; professional train-

ing in Africa as well as land issues on the continent. The two-day meeting will be attended by the French Ambassador to Nigeria; CCEF members in West and Central Africa and France as well as representatives of Agence Française de Développement (AFD); the French Ministry of Finance and French Trade Missions in West and Central Africa. Also expected at the meeting are French business executives from France, South Africa, Senegal, Republic of Benin, Togo, Ghana and Nigeria. CCEF is a network of private business people, appointed by the French Prime Minister for their expert knowledge of the countries where they operate. CCEF has more than 1700 members in France as well as over 2600 members in 140 countries spread across all continents.

Expert urges Nigerians to embrace snail farming STANLEY IHEDIGBO

L-R: Sales Operations Manager, North, UAC Foods Limited, Mr. Bako Austin; Regional Manager, Grand Cereals Limited, Dr. Yomi Okunola; Public Relations Manager, UAC, Mr. Mike Asuquo; Director of Administration, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Zanna Mohammed and Principal Stores Officer, NEMA, Mr. Ayinuola Olu, during the donation of products to NEMA by UACN, for distribution to victims of flood in Abuja, on Wednesday.

NUPENG agrees to withdraw cases against Shell OLUFEMI ADEOSUN

ased on the intervention of the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), has agreed to withdraw all pending cases against Shell Petroleum Development Company. This is even as the petroleum workers suspended their ongoing strike to give room for further deliberations on all pending labour issues with the multinational oil company. The decision to withdraw the cases as well as suspend the strike was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a meeting between NUPENG and Shell management. Wogu broker the peace talk. Before the minister’s intervention, offices of SPDC, including the corporate head office in Lagos were picketed by

NUPENG officials NUPENG had declared a strike over dispute arising from victimisation and sacking of its members by the management of Shell. The union had also accused the SPDC and the embattled branch chairman of antiunion activities in SPDC recent sale of some oil blocks. Apart from the lingering issues of subsidy payment which has crippled the petroleum sector, especially the supply chain, the three-day strike has added more bite to it as long queues resurfaced in Lagos metropolis and its environs. In the communiqué, Shell and NUPENG- also resolved to open up a line of communication with a view to addressing other pending issues in the most amicable manner. While the communiqué was signed on behalf of Shell by the General Manager, Human Resources, C.I. Gbandi, the duo of Comrades John Ossal, Deputy President NUPENG,

and I.O.Aberare, Acting General Secretary, respectively. It reads, “That both parties would work harmoniously and consult on labour related matter to ensure industrial peace. “That based on the intervention of the Honourable Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, CON, Shell has reinstated the employment of Kingley Enomate and NUPENG has called off its strike action against shell. “That Fidelis Okandeji and NUPENG shall seek the leave of the court to withdraw all pending cases instituted by them. “That NUPENG shall deploy its internal mechanism to address the issue of Fidelis Okandeji to be facilitated by Shell. “That both parties would continue discussions on outstanding labour issues. “That both parties shall update the ministry on the progress made on or before Jan 31.”

he Chief Executive Officer of Obels Farm-Food and a snail farmer, Prince Emmanuel Obelikpeyah, has urged Nigerians to embrace snail farming, saying it is other way to create wealth and employment in the country. Speaking with National Mirror, he stressed the need for Nigerians to venture into snail farming as the country has the potential to lead the world in snail supply. He said that Nigeria snail farmers should be able to meet the growing demand for snail from Europe, with France eating two out of every three snails consumed in the whole world. According to him, United

States of American and the Netherlands demand is over 6,200 kg, while Ghanaian consume over 15,000 tones, but does not produce on third of that volume. Obelikpeyah enjoined individuals, churches, co-operatives, corporate bodies and associations to go into snail farming for the wealth that abound in it. In order to boost snail production in the country, Obelikpeyah has introduced a Giant African Snail (GAS) capable of laying over 100 eggs per clutch and does so three times in a season. He said, “The snails are hermaphrodites, and might be slow, but steadily fast in reproduction, surely reliable, and dependably resourceful, with a life span of 6 to 9 years. After 6 months, it grows to 35cm (1foot) long and sexually matured”.

Harp Lager takes responsible drinking promo to Eko 2012 ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

uinness Nigeria brand and the official alcoholic beverage for the 18th National Sports festival themed Eko 2012, is championing the cause for responsible drinking as fans celebrate with their teams during the festival. The brand is running a number of activities during the festival to create awareness and educate consumers about the benefits of responsible drinking. At the opening ceremony for the festival, artistes and key government dignitaries such as ace musician, Dare Art Alade, former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora,

Honourable Kayode Opeifa, the Commisioner for Transport in Lagos State and other personalities signed the ‘Drink Responsibly’ boards to show their support for the campaign. According to the Marketing Director, Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Austin Ufomba, the company through its brand has always played a leading role in promoting responsible drinking and safe driving. “To facilitate and promote responsible drinking, Guinness Nigeria Plc has three principles in its approach namely: combating alcohol misuse, setting standards for responsible marketing and innovation, and promoting a shared understanding of what responsible drinking means in order to reduce alcohol-related harm.”

Maritime

Friday, Decemeber 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Government charges and worsening high seaport operating cost Nigeria’s seaports are, no doubt, one of the most expensive in terms of charges, levies and other operating costs. Experts believe that apart from the imposition of arbitrary charges by private shipping companies and terminal operators, charges and levies by government and its agencies have worsened the problem, FRANCIS EZEM reports.

o say that Nigeria’s seaports are one of the most expensive in terms levies, port charges and other related dues is to state the obvious. Immediate past managing director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mallam Omar Suleiman had laid credence to this when he admitted that the cost of shipping in Nigeria is 10 times higher compared to what is obtained in other ports within the region. The managing director had, until he left office about three months ago consistently restated its resolve to transforming the Nigerian ports into a hub seaport for the sub-region, an aspiration most operators believe would be a herculian task, given the high cost of doing business at ports. This rather sad realty had continued to be a disincentive to prospective port users and therefore, fuels cargo diversion to perceived cheaper and more efficient seaports in West Africa. For instance, statistics show that while over 80 percent of goods imported into the West and Central African sub-region end up in the Nigerian market, due to her large population, less than 30 percent of that come through her seaport. This implies a huge loss of revenue that would have accrued to the Federal Government, which would have helped it in its current transformation programme. It was probably as part of measure to check this cargo diversion that the government decided to reform the ports. For the records, the programme adopted the Antwerp Port of Belgium model, which the land lord port system. Under the new system, NPA was divested of its cargo handling functions, which was given to private terminal operators. The main objectives of this programme was to bring about efficiency, attract private sector funds and above all, reduce the cost of operation, which most port users believe in highest in the world. National President of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Mr. Lucky Amiwero in a recent interview noted that that more than six years after the port reform programme, most of the objectives are yet to be reduced. According to him, Nigeria has failed to substantially reduce the cost of clearing goods at the ports even as the bottlenecks, which characterised the clearing of goods are still there. He warned that until these issues are addressed, Nigeria’s quest of achieving a hub seaport would continue to be dream-never come through. Many port users over the years have

been grappling with high cost of doing business at Nigeria’s seaports arising from the imposition of multiplicity of charges and fees, not only from private terminal operators and shipping companies alone, which they believe make the ports uncompetitive with their peers in the West and Central African sub-region, but also from the government itself. It is also believed that this imposition of levies and charges on imported goods by the government further help to reduce the purchasing power of the consumer since importers of these goods normally pass these additional costs to the final consumers through increased prices. For instance, government has a list of statutory fees and charges imposed on imported goods in the country, which include the Value Added Tax, Sugar Levy, National Automotive Council Levy charged by National Automotive Council, seven percent surcharge and the one percent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme. This one percent CISS levy is used for the payment of the five service providers under the current Destination Inspection scheme. There are numerous other port charges imposed by the government and its agencies like the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, among several others. President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Mr. Eugene Nweke, had while speaking on the imposition of these charges, especially the five percent VAT, noted that it was wrong for the government to impose VAT on imported goods. While observing that VAT is not illegal, the NAGAFF boss noted that VAT, which is duplicated, should be charged at a certain point in the process of clearing the consignments. Apart from these charges, the Lagos State Government had recently imposed the Wharf Landing Fee, which is now a subject of litigation between and the central government. Some local governments in the state also have one form of levy imposed on imported goods or the other. In addition to all these charges, the port users are meant to pay all manners of levies and fees by the shipping companies and terminal operators, who are private business outfits, who understand only the language of profit maximisation. It took the directive of former Minister of Transport, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to abolish some illegal charges

Minister of Transport, Idris Umar

NIGERIA HAS FAILED TO SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE THE COST OF CLEARING GOODS AT THE PORTS, EVEN AS THE BOTTLENECKS, WHICH CHARACTERISED THE CLEARING OF GOODS ARE STILL THERE imposed on port users by some of the concessionaires, which comprise of service charge, bank charge and commission on turnover (COT). Others include concessionaires’ service charge, tally clerks charge, port administrative charge and sorting charge. The directive of the minister followed the discovery that such charges were illegally and arbitrarily imposed on port users without recourse to the concession agreement, which is very clear on the issue of increasing charges. A ministerial committee headed by Otumba Kunle Folarin, two years ago had Cotonou and Ghana and had reported that charges at both countries had been stable in the last six years though the rate of hyper inflation in the two countries was far higher than that of Nigeria. Unfortunately, more than two years after, the report of the committee, which favoured downward review of charges and levies at the seaports is still gathering dust at the Ministry of Transport, Abuja, which set up the

committee. The overall effect of this is that Nigeria’s seaports would continue to be unattractive and uncompetitive. In any of these cases, the government loses more. It was probably worried by this trend that Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Mr. Pius Ewerido noted that the ultimate goal of the port reform should be to reduce the cost of operation at the ports Ewerido, who was reacting to claims by the Managing director of NPA, Mallam Habib Abdullahi during the committee’s recent oversight function visit that there has been a measure of efficiency in port operation, noted that there should also be a corresponding reduction in the cost of doing business. He had argued that only that can engender the achievement of a hub port status in Africa. This obvious reality calls for a rethink on the part of the government with a view to reducing the cost of doing business at Nigeria’s ports as a way of making them also work. This is the right time.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Maritime

Friday, Decemeber 7, 2012

We are ill-equipped to fight oil thieves, piracy, says NIMASA STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

he Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has said it is more than ever before committed to fighting piracy, oil thieves and other illegalities in Nigeria’s maritime but regretted that the government has not given it the need conducive operating environment to do that. Director-General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, who made the remark at the opening ceremony of the on-going 4th strategic Admiralty Law Seminar for judges, said that the agency has not been adequately empowered to perform its core function of providing safe and secure maritime domain. “We have arrested many pirates, oil thieves and vessels and that none of them has been pros-

ecuted and convicted is an indication that we desperately need the judiciary”, he noted. According to him, criminals have confessed without duress and implicated big names and next time they are back again into the crime because the agency lacks the statutory powers to prosecute them. While thanking the judiciary for its good support over the years, Akpobolokemi reminded the judges that much more still needed to be done to empower the agency with powers to prosecute pirates, oil thieves and all those that indulge in all sorts of illegalities on the waters including illegal midstream discharge. In terms of platforms and other necessary tools, he said: “When I resumed office as DG NIMASA, not even a Yamaha 45 Engine Boat was on the fleet of the agency and piracy had assumed a very wor-

risome dimension and there was no capacity to confront them”. He noted that despite the daunting challenges, the management under his watch decided to take the bull by the horn, first by providing five boats with which it confronted the pirates until they found a new haven in Cotonou. “Then, we had to liaise with the Republic of Benin and I can confidently state that the success in Cotonou is over 90 per cent, to the extent that even the President of that country attested to it”, he noted. The NIMASA –boss, who also disclosed that plans are underway to bring all the countries under the Gulf of Guinea in order to cooperate with one another in other to tackle the scourge of piracy and other related crimes on the waters. The agency had recently acquired six units of state-of the-art

L-R Mr. Chris Nwokocha, Deputy Manager and Zonal Head, National Copyrights Commission being briefed by CAC, Apapa Customs command, Mr. T.O. Aremu on the container laden with pirated copies of video CDs seized by Customs recently.

patrol ships even as another six units of motherships are expected to arrive Nigeria before the end of January next year. “So much oil is siphoned in the waters, Call us 120 nautical miles away, we will be there. We have fought the syndicate in piracy; many tank farms and filling stations have been shut so far. If the illegalities in our waters are curtailed, I can tell you that over 50 percent of corruption in the country would have been eliminated’, he assured. “We are also working in entrenching a workable legal framework to prosecute crime in our waters and that will be before the National Assembly soon. We are unequivocally committed to developing the maritime industry and we are continuously developing our in-house capacity. We are committed to securing the maritime domain and ridding it of illegal acts. We have been misunderstood in some quarters but we remain resolute with the belief that time will vindicate us”, he noted. The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Lagos, Justice Ibrahim Auta had while speakimg at the occasion, assured the agency of the support and cooperation of the judiciary, arguing that the maritime industry remains the backbone of the economy. According to him, the maritime industry could sustain the Nigerian economy in terms of revenue and foreign exchange earnings more than any other industry including the oil and gas sector if government could develop it. He cited the example of Singapore, which derives 90 per cent of her revenue from the maritime industry through the seaports..

Seme Customs loses N2bn to ECOWAS scheme in nine months

he Nigeria Customs Service, Seme command said it has lost whopping N1.9 billion revenue in nine months, which it would have collected from goods imported into the country under the Economic Community of West African States Trade Liberalisation Scheme. The 16 states that make up the ECOWAS had adopted a scheme in which goods manufactured within the community would be exported through member-states duty-free, as part of measures to facilitate trade and commerce. This scheme has however been grossly abused, as importers hide under that cover with the connivance of some unscrupulous Customs officers and other security agencies to bring in goods made in Europe and Asia through the borders without paying duty on them. Area Controller in charge of command, Mr. Othman Saleh, who spoke recently, hinted that the com

mand processed ETLS compliant imports with Cost Insurance and Freight value of N6.6 billion between January and October, 2012. According to him, the command lost a total of N1.9 billion revenue, which would have been the duty to be paid on the affected goods. He also disclosed that due to the increasing criticisms faced by the scheme, which borders on abuse, the command ensures that all consignments under the scheme go through scanning process to allay the fears of members of the public. He had also hinted that the command collected a total of N59.9 million from the Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme, from which the five service providers are paid under the Destination Inspection scheme. The command in terms of import duty, charges and other levies generated a total of N7.4 billion between January to November

out of the N8.4bn revenue target given to the command by the headquarters as part of the N1 trillion for the entire service under the 2012 fiscal year. He disclosed that within the first one month of his resumption as the head of the command, a total of N773.4 million was collected as revenue at the end of September in contrast to the N635.9 million collected in the previous month of August. It was also gathered that though the revenue dipped in October to N613.2million, this was however higher than the figures of 2011, which was N539.1million even as the figures picked up again in November, as a total of N824.3million was collected, which is higher than both the September and October revenue figures. The CAC had disclosed that on resumption of duty, he intensified the anti-smuggling campaign by holding meetings with the tradi-

tional ruler of the border communities as well as other sister security agencies operating at the borders. It was gathered that this measure, which has been described as reasonable coercion is currently yielding fruitful results as a total of 317 seizures have been made within the nine months under review with a duty paid value of N142.3million. Records also show that out of a total of 22 suspected smugglers arrested by the command, five have been convicted while other cases are at various stages of investigation and prosecution. The command had recently arrested a couple with substances suspected to be cannabis, which were loaded in a KIA Sephia car, the suspect and exhibits, which had since been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in line with inter-agency collaboration.

Information, Transport Minister, to grace MARAN Excellence awards

arring any last minute change of mind, Minister of Transport, Mallam Idris Umar and his Information counterpart, Mr. Labaran Maku have confirmed that they will grace the 2012 edition of excellence awards by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria. MARAN is an association of professional journalists, accredited by the Nigerian union of journalists, NUJ, which spans across both the electronics and print media and specialised magazines The award, code named Maritime Excellence Award of the association comes up on December 11, 2012, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos at 11 am prompt. A statement by the organising committee says while the Minister of Transport will deliver a keynote address, his information counterpart will be the chairman of the occasion. Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, national chairman of the ruling People’s Democratic Party of Nigeria, Dr Bamanga Tukar, chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Marine transport, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi will also grace the occasion. Top dignitaries from the various agencies under the Ministry of Transport are expected at the event. Others are the Managing Director of the Nigerian Port Authority and his Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, counterpart , Mr Patrick Akpobolokemi.

Council leader makes case for ship-building to remain in Portsmouth

he Leader of Portsmouth City Council today met the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable, and pressed the case for ship-building to remain in Portsmouth. Mr Cable was at Portsmouth dockyard, where he discussed various issues with members and directors of the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership, which brings businesses and local authorities together to drive economic growth and create jobs. Council Leader Gerald Vernon-Jackson, an LEP director, pressed the case for ship-building to remain in the city when work on the Royal Navy’s new carriers is finished. Cllr Vernon-Jackson said later: “I’m convinced that Portsmouth remains the most economic place for advanced warships to be built. Bearing in mind the threat of independence for Scotland, ours is the only shipyard outside Scotland with the skills and capacity to build advanced warships.

Global Business

ewer Americans than projected filed applications for unemployment benefits last week as disruptions caused by superstorm Sandy waned. Jobless claims decreased by 25,000 to 370,000 in the week ended December 1, Labor Department figures showed yesterday in Washington. The median forecast of 52 economists surveyed by Bloomberg called for a drop to 380,000. A Labor Department spokesman said there was nothing unusual in last week’s data. The mid-Atlantic region, which employs about 14 percent of U.S. workers, is recovering after Sandy. Apart from the storm- related damage -- which may also be reflected in the November payrolls report tomorrow -- employers will probably curb hiring until the risks from the global slowdown and looming U.S. fiscal tightening dissipate. “Sandy pushed up claims temporarily, and with this number we are pretty much back to where we were before the hurricane,” said Guy Berger, an economist at RBS Securities Inc. in Stamford, Connecticut, who accurately projected the drop in claims. “Layoffs are lingering at the same pace. Hiring remains relatively anemic.” Stock-index futures fell after Euro-

Friday, December 7, 2012

Jobless claims in US decline as sandy effect wanes

Obama

pean Central Bank President Mario Draghi said policy makers cut growth forecasts for the region and continued to see ‘downside risks.” The contract on

Depression deepens Greek middle class despair with crime

nastasia Karagaitanaki, 57, is a former model and cafe owner in Thessaloniki, Greece. After losing her business to the financial crisis, she now sleeps on a daybed next to the refrigerator in her mother’s kitchen and depends on charity for food and insulin for her diabetes. “I feel like my life has slipped through my hands,” said Karagaitanaki, whose brother also shares the one-bedroom apartment. “I feel like I’m dead.” For thousands of Greeks like Karagaitanaki, the fabric of middle-class life is unraveling. Teachers, salaries slashed by a third, are stealing electricity. Families in once-stable neighborhoods are afraid to leave their homes because of rising street crime. Her family can’t afford gas to heat their home this winter and will rely on electric blankets in the chilly northern Greek

city. They live on the 785 euros ($1,027) a month their mother collects monthly from their late father’s pension. Two years ago, Karagaitanaki sold her jewelry for 3,000 euros, which she gave to her two sons. Her blood sugar is rising because she can’t afford the meat and vegetables her doctor recommends and instead eats rice and beans she gets from the Greek Orthodox Church. “We are waiting every month for my mother’s pension,” Karagaitanaki said. “If my mother dies, what can I do? Everyone here is dependent on their parents’ pensions.” Even as Greece reduces its deficit and accepts a European aid package that may include a 34.4 billion-euro loan approved last month, conditions for Greece’s middle class are likely to worsen next year as austerity measures take a bigger bite, said George Tzogopoulos.

Australia jobless rate unexpectedly falls, boosting currency

ustralia’s unemployment rate unexpectedly dropped in November as a labor market driven by miningindustry hiring weathers a weaker global economy, sending the local currency higher. The jobless rate fell to 5.2 percent from 5.4 percent in October, the statistics bureau said in Sydney yesterday. That compares with the median estimate for unemployment of 5.5 percent in a Bloomberg News survey of 27 economists. The number of people employed advanced by 13,900, compared with the consensus forecast for no change. The data underscore the strength of the world’s 12th- largest economy, which expanded at an annual pace of 3.1 percent last quarter driven by resource investment. Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Glenn Stevens lowered interest rates by a quarter percentage point this week, bringing to 1.75

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stevens

points the cuts since Nov. 1 last year as he seeks to revive industries outside mining, where investment is expected to peak next year. “The labor market is still fairly tight,” said Annette Beacher, head of Asia-Pacific research for TD Securities Inc. in Singapore.

the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index maturing this month fell 0.2 percent to 1,405.7 yesterday. in New York. Claims dropped by almost 24,000 in

New Jersey two weeks ago and by 6,682 in New York, the two states most affected by the storm, the report showed. The state data is reported with a one-week lag. One state was estimated last week after computer problems in Oklahoma prevented it from generating the data, the Labor Department spokesman said as the figures were being released to the press. Last week also marked the period when the unadjusted data shows the biggest percentage jump in applications, the spokesman said. Industries such as construction and tourism typically start letting workers go at this time of year, he said. Estimates in the Bloomberg survey of economists ranged from 360,000 to 395,000. The Labor Department revised the previous week’s figure up to 395,000, from an initially reported 393,000. The four-week moving average, a less volatile measure than the weekly figures, rose to 408,000 last week from 405,750.

Draghi leaves rate-cut door ajar as ecb reduces forecasts

he European Central Bank cut its economic and inflation forecasts and President Mario Draghi said weakness will persist into next year, leaving the door ajar for further interest-rate cuts. “Weak activity is expected to extend into next year,” Draghi said today at a press conference in Frankfurt after policy makers left the benchmark rate at a record low of 0.75 percent. “Later in 2013, economic activity should gradually recover as global demand strengthens and our accommodative monetary-policy stance and significantly improved financial market confidence work their way through to the economy.” While Italian and Spanish bond yields have plummeted since Draghi promised to do whatever it takes to save the euro and unveiled an unlimited bond-purchase program, the 17-nation currency bloc fell back into recession in the third quarter. The ECB’s latest forecasts paint a picture of economic stagnation and inflation falling well below its 2 percent limit. The euro fell more than half a cent to $1.3031 as Draghi spoke. The ECB now forecasts the economy will shrink 0.5 percent this year, more than the 0.4 percent contraction it predicted in September. It cut its 2013 forecast to a contraction of 0.3 percent from 0.5 percent growth, and projected expansion of 1.2 percent in 2014. Risks to the outlook remain on the downside, Draghi said. The ECB reduced its inflation forecast for 2013 to 1.6 percent from 1.9 percent and predicted a rate of 1.4 percent for 2014. “Projections of undershooting inflation should keep rate- cut speculation underpinned,” Christoph Rieger, head of fixed- income strategy at Commerzbank AG in Frankfurt, wrote in a client note. Euribor futures contracts rose, signal-

Draghi

ing investors are adding to bets for lower borrowing costs. The implied yields on the contract expiring in December 2013 fell five basis points, or 0.05 percentage point, to 0.17 percent at 2:05 p.m. in London. The Bank of England today left its key interest rate at 0.5 percent and refrained from expanding its asset-purchase program. Asked whether ECB policy makers considered a rate cut today, Draghi said they had a “wide discussion.” Still, he said the outlook for medium-term price stability “hasn’t changed substantially” and highlighted “some positive aspects of the current situation,” such as an increase in German business confidence. “We will continue to look at the situation, but to some extent we have already done much,” Draghi said. “If you think from July to today, some countries’ spreads, or some sovereign bond yields, went down by 200 to 250 basis points. That’s much more than anything you can achieve by a reduction in the short- term policy rate.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, December 7, 2012

Nigerian Eurobond yields fall poses no threat to reserves - CBN JOHNSON OKANLAWON WITH AGENCY REPORT

he Central Bank Governor, Mallam Lamido Sanusi has said that the nation’s financial system is not under threat from the withdrawal of speculative investments. Borrowing costs on the $500m debt due January 2021 slid four basis points, or 0.04 percentage point, to 4.162 per cent yesterday, the lowest since it was issued in January 2011, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The yields have dropped 213 basis points from a high of 6.29 per cent on December 21, 2011. The country’s would still have $36bn in reserves if speculative investments of about $10bn

left the country, Sanusi said at a conference on Wednesday. The nation’s foreignexchange reserves have increased 35 per cent this year to $44.5bn as at November 30, according to data on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s website. “Strong external reserves boost the confidence of offshore investors in the nation’s debt,” Sewa Wusu, analyst at Sterling Capital Limited said. The CBN has left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at a record 12 per cent this year, increased lenders’ reserve requirements and limited access to money auctions to stop dealers from buying foreign currency using naira purchased from the bank at a discount.

The naira weakened less than 0.1 per cent at N157.18 a dollar on the interbank market yesterday. The currency has strengthened 3.2 per cent this year, the second-best performer in Africa, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The yield on 16.39 per cent naira debt due January 2022 fell eight basis points to 12.10 per cent, according to Wednesday’s prices on the website of the Lagos-based Financial Markets Dealers Association website. Meanwhile, treasury yields declined to the lowest in 14 months after investors bid for more than three times the total N127.97bn ($814m) sold. The CBN sold N32.48bn of 91-day bills at a yield

ASI rises 0.4% as bulls sustain hold JOHNSON OKANLAWON

nvestors’ appetite on stocks rose further on the Nigerian Stock yesterday, lifting the benchmark indices of equities. Specifically, the AllShare Index gained 0.42 per cent to close at 26,546.20 points, compared to the increase of 0.20 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 26,435.89 points.

Market capitalisation appreciated by N35.2bn to close at N8.48trn, higher than the rise of N17.04m recorded the preceding day to close at N8.44trn. AIICO Insurance Plc led the gainers’ table with five kobo or 8.93 per cent to close at N2.80 per share, followed by Conoil Plc with 93 kobo or 4.98 per cent o close at N19.62 per share. Eterna Oil Plc increased by seven kobo or 4.86 per cent to close

at N1.51 per share, while Bagco Nigeria Plc appreciated by five kobo or 2.17 per cent to close at N2.35 per share. Diamond Bank Plc rose by nine kobo or 2.07 per cent to close at N4.44 per share. On the flip side, DN Meyer Plc dipped by 31 kobo or 9.97 per cent to close at N2.80 per share, while UAC-Property Plc lost 54 kobo or 5.10 per cent to close at N10.05 per share. Mobil Nigeria Plc shed

of 11.95 per cent, the lowest since the September 29, 2011 sale. The bank also sold N24.15bn of 182-day debt at 11.98 per cent and N71.3bn of 364day bills at 11.98 per cent. Bids totalled N391.7bn, the highest since September 20. “Local and offshore investors are attracted to the bills by high yields that are equally positive relative to the inflation rate,” Tunde Ladipo, Chief Executive Officer of Valuechain Investment Limited said. Sanusi lifted a requirement last year for foreign investors to hold localcurrency debt for at least one year to attract capital, saying that the country’s financial system has speculative investments valued at about $10 bn.

N5.75 or five per cent to close at N109.25 per share, while Ashaka Cement Plc depreciated by 95 kobo or five per cent to close at N18.05 per share. MRS Plc declined by N1.31 or 4.98 per cent to close at N25.01 per share. Transaction volume in equities dropped by 16.8 per cent, as a total of 190.10 million shares valued at N2.43bn were exchanged in 3,758 deals, compared to 230.90 million shares worth N2.13bn traded in 4,132 deals the preceding day.

PZ Cussons profit rises, expresses concern over Nigerian market

Z Cussons Plc, the maker of Imperial Leather soaps, said it expected to report a higher first-half profit, but was concerned about business in its key Nigerian market. The British soap and shampoo maker said profit was likely to be about 10 per cent higher, driven by an improvement in the profitability of its Australian business and a strong performance in the United Kingdom. Revenue during the six months to November 30 was broadly flat due to difficult trading conditions in its key Nigerian market. The company said continued social unrest in

the north, severe floods and the removal of a fuel subsidy earlier this year impacted sales in Nigeria. However, it said margins had improved, helped by lower raw material costs. The country’s has been rocked by unrelenting violent religious clashes and the removal of an $8bn fuel subsidy in January that led to an eight-day national strike. “We would not expect market forecasts to change, but note that results of PZ Cussons are H2 (second half) loaded, and Nigeria remains a risk factor,” Numis Securities analyst Charles Pick said in a note to clients and cut his rating on the stock to reduce from hold.

PZ Cussons, which specialises in home-care, personal care and beauty care products, gets about 40 per cent of its revenue from Africa. “The outlook still remains clouded by uncertainty in Nigeria relating to ongoing unrest in the north and potential changes to fuel subsidies in the New Year,” Panmure Gordon analyst Damian McNeela said. However, McNeela added that the company was starting to see benefits of lower raw material costs and its supply chain optimisation efforts, and raised his price target on the stock to 335 pence from 315 pence.

Core brands such as Imperial Leather, Carex and Original Source had performed well in the UK in the first half, the company said. PZ Cussons said that it had taken measures to improve the performance of its Australian business. However, trading conditions in Australia remained challenging. The company had said in July that retailers in Australia had devoted greater shelf space to private labels, hurting PZ Cussons’ volumes and margins in the home-care business.The company is expected to announce halfyear results on January 29, 2013

Source: NSE NIBOR QUOTES 5 DECEMBER & 6 DECEMBER 2012 20.00 19.00 18.00 17.00 16.00 15.00 14.00 13.00 12.00 11.00 10.00 9.00 8.00 7.00 6.00 5.00

05-Dec-12

06-Dec-12

Source: FMDA

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

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

AIICO

0.56

0.61

0.05

% CHANGE 8.93

CONOIL

18.69

19.62

0.93

4.98

ETERNA

1.44

1.51

0.07

4.86

BAGCO

2.30

2.35

0.05

2.17

DIAMONDBNK

4.35

4.44

0.09

2.07

ZENITHBANK

17.31

17.65

0.34

1.96

SKYEBANK

3.83

3.90

0.07

1.83

JAPAULOIL

0.56

0.57

0.01

1.79

140.00

142.11

2.11

1.51

FBNH

14.79

15.01

0.22

1.49

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

DNMEYER

3.11

CLOSING 2.80

0.31

-9.97

UAC-PROP

10.59

10.05

0.54

-5.10

MOBIL

115.00

109.25

5.75

-5.00

ASHAKACEM

19.00

18.05

0.95

-5.00

MRS

26.32

25.01

1.31

-4.98

NCR

15.12

14.37

0.75

-4.96

MORISON

4.25

4.04

0.21

-4.94

UPL

4.55

4.33

0.22

-4.84

EVANSMED

1.09

1.04

0.05

-4.59

IKEJAHOTEL

0.94

0.90

0.04

-4.26

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

58-Day

16,631.94

14.20

06-Dec-12

59-Day

10,000

14.00

06-Dec-12

66 -Day

32,227.06

14.20

06-Dec-12

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91Days

32,057.31

14.50

06-Dec-12

118-Day

50,000.00

13.87

06-Dec-12

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$50m

N/A

$50m

05-Dec-12

$100m

N/A

$43m

06-Dec-12

Capital Market

Friday, December 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at December 6, 2012 1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

1st Tier Securities No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Friday, December 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror Ogun restricts trailer movements

“To think that a police station with arms could be attacked and the police could not gun down one criminal gives cause for worry.” EDO STATE GOVERNOR, ADAMS OSHIOMHOLE

How 10 doctors saved my life –Police Inspector MURITALA AYINLA

t was a memorable day for an Inspector of Police, Jamiu Adekoya who survived several gun shots by daredevil robbers while on duty in Lagos on September 9, 2012. The gallant Inspector was among the few police officers who confronted the armed robbers in gun duel that left many killed

and seriously injured, even as he was caught in a hail of bullets that were lodged in his stomach. But he survived to tell his story, courtesy of Governor Babatunde Fashola who ensured he was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. Speaking with Community Mirror, Adekoya said he owed his survival to the governor, who ensured he was given the best medical treatment.

He said: “In few days’ time I would have spent three months in the grave, but for the mercy of God and help from the state governor to ensure we survived. It happened in Oba Akran area of Ikeja. I was unconscious when I arrived at the Lagos State Teaching Hospital and 10 doctors battled to remove several bullets from my stomach.” Over 16 bullets were removed from my stom-

ach and everyone thought that I would not survive, including the robbers who left me in a pool of my own blood. But Governor Babatunde Fashola and 10 medical doctors ensured I live to see this day. I thank him for restoring hope to my family. The governor has demonstrated that police is a worthy profession. Unfortunately, two of my colleagues lost their lives”. Meanwhile, Governor

Fashola has awarded posthumous order of the fallen officers, Cpl Gift Obouwon and Spy Ifonlaja Ayoola, who drove the team to confront the robbers. He said:” their passion and dedication to duty is greatly admired and appreciated. They are just two of the several policemen who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Their loss is some of the real costs of security,” he said.

Robbers take over Ijoko community MUJAHEED LAWAL

are devil robbers have virtually taken over the Ogbaayo Ijoko community in Ogun State, even as they now operate with impunity, while terrorizing people and destroying properties. Meanwhile, the community has sent a distressed call to the authorities for help and protection of their lives. A resident, Mrs. Folake, told CommunityMirror that the hoodlums are causing a lot of mayhem in the community, as their activities are forcing people to flee in droves. “These robbers have taken over the entire town and constitute nuisance, even as they have continued to unleash mayhem on innocent victims with no one unchallenging them” She also said that the situation has affected commercial activities, even as most market women are afraid to go to the markets. ‘Shop owners no more open their business premises for fear of these robbers. The police in Ogbaayo Ijoko should be patrolling the area always to give people the confidence that they are safe.” The youth leader of the community, Azeez, said that the Baale has set up vigilantes to check the growing menace, even as many residents are accusing the youths of being responsible for the spate of robberies in recent times.

Suspected Indian hemp dealers being paraded by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, FCT Command, Abuja. PHOTO: NAN

Install CCTV cameras in offices, homes –Fashola M URITALA AYINLA

overnor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has urged Lagosians, particularly affluent ones to install Close Circuit Camera TV in their offices and homes to track criminals. “Let me use this opportunity to appeal to all businesses and residents who can afford it, to install surveillance cameras outside their premises. They help in no small way in other jurisdiction to track down

and apprehend criminals” He lamented the neglect of the Nigeria Police by the Federal Government, saying “This has not helped matters by seeming refusal to properly equip this agency to wit: in spite of the talk of police reform in the past decade, nothing substantial have been done beyond the rhetoric”. He said that in spite of continuous influx of people into Lagos with attendant security risk, the state had been able

to provide security to the people. The governor also raised the alarm over abandoned properties belonging to the Federal Government in the state, saying the buildings have become criminal hideouts. “These buildings attract criminals who use them as hideouts for planning criminal activities. An example is a 17-storey building abandoned since 70’s by the Federal Government at Okokomaiko area of Badagry, which has become hideouts for

criminals who terrorise the residents”, he said. Fashola added that those who broke into the house of his aide, Lateef Raji had been nabbed by the enforcement agents. “While we continuously review our method at our monthly security meeting to prevent crimes, we sadly cannot stop criminals from trying. But the clear message as I have always repeatedly, is that if you attack our citizens, we will relentlessly hunt you down, and bring you to justice.”

Activist blames constitution for poverty among women ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

uman rights lawyer and gender activist, Dr Mrs Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, has said the much touted economic growth in the country has not translated to any real socio-economic gain in terms of opportunity, poverty reduction and improvement in the living conditions of the citizens. Ezeilo said that 112 million persons out of Nigeria’s 167 million are living below the poverty line, thus making the country poor. The university don, who spoke in a keynote address at the 2nd Ekiti Gender Summit sponsored by Ekiti Development Foundation and Ministry of Women Affairs, Social Development and Gender Empowerment, blamed the rising poverty among women on the defective constitution. In an address entitled: Human Security and its Implication for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment”, he said Nigerian women were poverty-stricken, because their rights were not adequately protected in the 1999 constitution. Among the dignitaries were Mrs Bisi Fayemi (Ekiti), Dame Abimbola Fashola (Lagos), Mrs Foluso Amosun (Ogun), Alhaja Serifat Aregbesola (Osun), Mrs Omolewa Abdufatah Ahmed (Kwara) and Mrs Florence Ajimobi (Oyo). Declaring the summit open, Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, assured that women’s need would occupy more significant place in the 2013 budget, adding that his administration had always placed premium on women empowerment and protection. His wife, Bisi, said the state government, had broken the barrier of gender inequality through giving more women appointment into strategic positions in the Executive Council, senior civil service and boards.

Community Mirror

Friday, December 7, 2012

Ogun restricts trailer movements FEMI O YEWESO ABEOKUTA

gun State Government has placed restriction on the movement of trailers and other articulated vehicles weighing 20 tons and above within the state from 6am and 8pm daily. The state government has also set up a task force to check indiscriminate parking of trucks and other articulated vehicles on the LagosIbadan Expressway. In a statement by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Taiwo Adeoluwa,it said the

he Ojokoro/Ijaye Community Development Association, (CDA) has successfully elected new officers to run its affairs. The officers include Chairman, Mr. Akin Gbayesola; Vice Chairman, Mrs. Lawal; General Secretary, Mr. Felix; Treasurer, Mr. Semiu and Social/Welfare, Mrs. Adejumo. The CDA which was hitherto referred to as

decision became imperative in order to checkmate the recklessness of articulated vehicle drivers which had been responsible for most road accidents and traffic congestion in recent times. Adeoluwa, who met with members of Petroleum Tanker Drivers’ Association in his office at Oke – Mosan, Abeokuta, also said the task force was aimed at reducing the carnage on all state and federal roads in the state. He disclosed that members of the task force were drawn from the Association, as well

as government officials. Adeoluwa, who bemoaned the excesses of the drivers, however reiterated that government would not watch innocent lives wasted due to carelessness and avoidable mistakes of these drivers, particularly at this Yuletide period. “Government has approved the task force and it will take off very soon. It is in the interest of all to cooperate to have a saner environment. Government will continue to give you all the necessary support to make your business thrive, but we will not condone any act of indiscipline and

lawlessness”, the SSG said. The release further quoted the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Architect Olamilekan Adegbite as saying that the state government was already talking with some private investors to develop its proposed trailer parks. The Commissioner, who expressed optimism that work would begin on the Shagamu Trailer Park next year, challenged the union leadership to educate their members on the need to ensure sanity on the highways, pending completion of the trailer parks.

Millenium Housing Estate CDA elects exco Millennium Housing Estate Residents Association (MHERA) was officially inaugurated on November 10, 2012, when the new Chairman was presented with the Certificate of Inauguration by the Head of Agric/CDA Coordinator for Ojokoro/Ijaye Local Council Development Area, Mrs. A. Solo. In her address, Mrs. Solo

admonished the newly officers to work together and to put religious differences aside so as to carry to ensure unity and progress, even as she urged them to put aside personal interest, saying the work ahead will be tasking and challenging, as it would test their perseverance and humility. The Baale of Ojokoro,

Enebeli Elebuwa

Transition

eteran actor, Enebeli Elebuwa is dead. He died in an Indian hospital on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 after a protracted illness at the age of 65 years. Before his sudden demise, he was said to be recovering from the illness which left him paralyzed on a wheel chair for more than one year. His death comes shortly after those of other veteran actors like Akin Ogungbe, who died last week, as well as Pete Eneh, who passed on last month. Enebeli hailed from Ukpane in Otagunu Local Government Area of Delta State. He lost his dad at a tender age and moved to Lagos in search of greener pastures. He started acting in 1967 and premiered in the soap opera Mirror in the Sun. He also featured as a police officer in the Village Headmaster, which was the most popular sitcom back then. His first film which was on celluloid, was ‘Dinner with the Devil,’ produced by Sanya Dosumu, in 1974. Being one of the pathfinders in the Nigerian movie industry, Enebeli was credited with more than 125 movies including: Abuja Top Ladies, Queen of Hasso Rock, The Corridors of Power, Extra Time, True Love, Squad TwentyThree, Separate Lives, Dons in Abuja, Expensive Game, Bumper to Bumper,

Chief M.O Bello, praised the community for the peaceful way residents have been carrying their activities. He admonished the officers not to shy away from problems and responsibility, as there cannot be any meaningful development without challenges; even as assured them of his support and fatherly advice.

Mortal Sin, Together as One, the highlyrated 1999 blockbuster, Domitilla and a host of others. The deceased was formerly a producer/ Director with the National Television Authority (NTA). He was in the movie industry for over 30 years. Left to mourn him is his wife and four children.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Church holds Praise Night

he Redeemed Christian Church of God, Grace of God Sanctuary will hold its Praise Night today, December 8, 2012 at the church’s 3, Onifade Street auditorium, Koye Oke (via Olambe) Ogun State, by 9 p.m. till dawn. Tagged: Joyful Noise (Psalm 100:1), the programme is designed to thank God and give qual-

ity praise for His grace, mercies and blessings for the outgoing year. According to a release by the pastor in charge of the parish, A/P Pade Olapoju, the night will also witness, among others, drama sketches and songs from invited church choirs and music ministers, as well as prayers for the church and families by anointed men of God.

Enugu to proscribe substandard hospitals DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

he Enugu State Government has warned that any private hospital or laboratory in the state that fails to meet appreciable standard of operation will be shut down and the owners prosecuted, even as a task force has been inaugurated to arrest and prosecute defiant operators. The Commissioner of Health, Dr Fidelia Akpa, warned that the task force would not hesitate to take legal action against medical practitioners that reopened shut hospitals without approval. Akpa, who spoke shortly after an inspection tour by

the task force, stated that many of the medical operators got approval from the task force before reopening their hospitals, adding that the task force has means of monitoring the closed down hospitals. On the observations made by the taskforce during its visit to Balm of Gilead Hospital in Maryland, Enugu and Machuks Laboratories in Uwani, she disclosed that the taskforce discovered that there was improvement of facilities in the former, but still raised some concern. She also observed that the owner of MACCHUKS Laboratories was operating a clinic, even when he is not a doctor.

Pa Fredrick Akinfe

ate Pa Fredrick Olatunde Akinfe was born on September 8, 1928 into a Christian family of Chief Joseph Kupoluyi Akinfe, a customary court clerk and Princess Elizabeth Adebimpe Akinfe from the Royal family of Oba Arubiefin of Idanre kingdom. He attended Saint Stephen Primary School and later proceeded to Ondo Boys’ High School, Ondo (OBHS). He was one of the school prefects in his final year at the school. He later moved to Lagos in search of greener pasture and took up employment at the Federal Secretariat as a stores clerk. After passing the Cambridge Examination in 1947, he worked with the Federal Ministry of Information, which was then housed at the 25-storey Independence Building. He was later posted to the printing press at Coca-Cola in Ajegunle, where he was the chief storekeeper. Pa Akinfe was married to Late Mrs. G. A. Akinfe who also rested in the Lord in July 24, 1994. In 1978, Federal Government of Nigeria awarded him scholarship to the United Kingdom to study Purchasing and Supply. In 1979, he was posted to the National Security Organisation (NSO) now State Security Service (SSS) from the Ministry of Information. At NSO, he lectured at

various departments of the organisation and helped establish the organization on a strong footing. He came back to Ondo after retirement and took another wife. Pa Akinfe was described as a proactive self motivating individual who never gave up on challenges so easily. He was equally described as self-disciplined character; as he was loved and was highly respected by close and distant relatives. He was blessed with a son, Oluwafemi and grandchildren, Iyabo, Okikioluwa, Ajulooluwa and Oluwasponmile. He is also survived by sister, Mrs. J.M. Akinlade of Lagos, stepbrothers and step sisters.

Friday, December 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

Gambia sets pace for malaria eradication

PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

he Head of ECOWAS Observation Mission to Ghana, former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday called on all political stakeholders in the country, especially politicians and their followers to eschew bitterness and violence so as to ensure peaceful, free and fair, transparent and credible elections, as Ghanaians go to the polls today to elect a president and parliamentarians. “We are here as witnesses because Ghana matters to Ghanaians, Ghana is important to West Africa, Africa and the world at large,” Obasanjo said on Ghana national television on the eve of the election, which is being observed by a 250-strong ECOWAS Observer team. Repeating the same theme on a programme on national radio, he urged the country’s politicians and their followers to trust established institutions – the judicial, electoral and security systems – and build on the blocks and reputation of peaceful elections in Ghana. The head of mission, who has interacted with various stakeholder institutions, including political parties and personalities since his arrival on Monday, said his delegation “is reasonably satisfied,” with the level of preparation for Friday’s balloting by 14.7 million biometric-registered voters, who will be electing a president and a 275-seat parliament. As with most elections, Obasanjo said the country might be going through “an election fever,”

“There is a move to re-Sovietize the region (in Europe)” – Hillary Clinton, United States Secretary of State

Obasanjo calls for peaceful polls in Ghana • ECOWAS observers deployed which is expected, expressing the hope that Ghanaians would live up to the country’s reputation. ECOWAS observers have been deployed to the 10 administrative regions of Ghana to cover much of the 26,000 polling stations on polling day. The regional Observation Mission will issue a Preliminary Declaration on Saturday on the conduct of today’s elections. In continuation of his consultation with stakeholder institutions in Ghana ahead of today’s general Obasanjo met on Wednesday, with

officials of the country’s three political parties, the National Electoral Commission and security agencies. Obasanjo used the opportunity of the separate meetings with officials of the ruling National Peoples Party (NPP) and two opposition parties – the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Convention Peoples Party (CPP) of Ghana’s first President Kwame Nkrumah, to appeal for calm, civil conduct and a peaceful atmosphere for successful polling on Friday.

Obasanjo’s entourage, which included ECOWAS and African Union officials, also visited the Ghana Police Headquarters and met with the Inspector-General of Police, Paul Tawiah Quaye, who is also chair of the National Elections Security Task Force, which groups representatives of the country’s security services. Meanwhile, Members of the 250-strong ECOWAS Observation Mission have been deployed across the country’s 10 administrative regions to monitor the conduct of the polls.

Supporters of John Dramani Mahama, Ghana’s interim president and NDC presidential candidate, attending the candidate’s last rally in Accra, on Wednesday. PHOTO: REUTERS

Egypt’s army seals presidential palace against protesters

he Egyptian army sealed off the presidential palace with barbed wire and armoured vehicles Thursday as protesters defied a deadline

to vacate the area, pressing forward with demands that Islamist leader Mohammed Morsi rescind decrees giving himself near-absolute power and withdraw a dis-

Supporters of Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi, left, sitting as Egyptian soldiers lay barbed wire near the presidential palace to secure the site. PHOTO: AP

puted draft constitution. Inside the palace gates, Morsi met with members of his Cabinet and military leaders to discuss the expanding crisis after fierce street battles in an upscale residential suburb of Cairo killed five people and left more than 600 injured in the worst outbreak of violence between the two sides since the Islamist leader’s election. The intensity of the overnight violence, with Morsi’s Islamist backers and largely secular protesters lobbing firebombs and rocks at each other, raised the specter that the 2-week-old crisis that has left the country sharply divided would grow more polarized and violent. The army’s Republican Guard,

an elite unit assigned to protect the president and his palaces, surrounded the complex and gave protesters on both sides until 3 p.m. (1300 GMT, 8 a.m. EDT) to clear the vicinity, according to an official statement. The statement also announced a ban on protests outside any of the nation’s presidential palaces. But a group of several dozen anti-Morsi protesters continued to demonstrate across the street from the palace past the military’s deadline Thursday afternoon, chanting slogans against the president. And organizers called for a larger evening rally. Meanwhile, members of the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamists supporting Morsi withdrew from the area after an overnight sit-in.

WORLD BULLETIN South Africa’s military plane crash kills 11 A South African military aircraft on an unknown mission to an area near former President Nelson Mandela’s village crashed in a mountain range, killing all 11 people onboard, officials said yesterday in a report from the Associated Press. The Douglas C-47TP Dakota, a twin-propeller aircraft, had taken off from Pretoria’s Waterkloof Air Force Base on Wednesday morning, said Brig. Gen. Xolani Mabanga, a military spokesman. The aircraft encountered bad weather in flight and failed to make its 10 a.m. landing. Yesterday morning, soldiers found the wreckage in the Drakensberg mountains near Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal province, some 340 kilometers (210 miles) southeast of the air base, Mabanga said.

Congolese protest against weak army Dozens of Congolese demonstrated in the provincial capital of Goma yesterday against what they described as the impotence of the country’s armed forces, which allowed a rebel group to overrun the city a little over two weeks ago. They also decried the passivity of United Nations peacekeepers, who did little to stop the fighters saying it was not within their mandate. Goma, a city of about 1 million people and a major trading hub for minerals extracted from Congo’s lucrative mines, fell to a Rwandanbacked rebel group on Nov. 20. It took days of negotiations, intense international pressure, and the hammer of United Nations sanctions for the thousands of fighters for M23 to finally withdraw from the regional capital this weekend.

Africa enforces treaty to aid displaced people A treaty that African nations hope will lead to the fair and humane treatment of people displaced in their own countries went into force yesterday, more than three years after it was conceived by the African Union. Fifteen African nations have ratified the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa, praised by humanitarian groups as a groundbreaking legal mechanism that binds governments to protect the rights of and to help internally displaced people. Swaziland became the fifteenth country to ratify the treaty last month, pushing it past the threshold necessary for it to have legal force. The convention is the first treaty of its kind to focus on the protection and assistance of people displaced within their countries. It was conceived in October 2009.

World News

Friday, December 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

he Gambia is the only African country that is well on the part of effective malarial control and eradication, in keeping with the WHO malarial eradication target of 2020. Gambia has applied the two basic strategies through the use of its Medical Research Council on Malarial Eradication as well as the subsisting order, which emphasises the prevention and control of Malaria. Malaria is rampant in sub-Saharan Africa and effective control of the disease is being threatened by growing drug resistance in the malarial parasites and transmitting mosquitoes as well as resistance in insecticides used in control operations. In the Gambia, researches in 2008 supported by National Institute Allergy and Infectious Diseases – NIAID with support of the London School of Hygiene, sponsored by the Bill Gates Foundation and Beechams are testing an alternate strategy for malaria control; the use of Larvicides that kill Larvae of Anopheles gambiae the mosquito responsible for spreading the disease. According to researchers, larval control which historically successful has further progressed to determine if widespread use of microbial larvicides (i.e. toxin producing larvae killing microbes) will suppress the development of adult mosquitoes to such an extent that the prevalence and transmission of malaria will decline. Researchers on gambiae out of four study sites, have been able to identify the sources of malaria mosquitoes in each of the four sites and have established most effective strategy for killing larvae using BFi and BS (two bacillary agents whose toxins have been discovered to kill the larvae of mosquitoes). They also established the best combination of the two larvicides and the most efficient length of time before re-treatments. They have also developed a method of retreatment for large-scale application in the study areas. The latest results conducted over a distance of 100 kilometres, significantly reduced

fghan intelligence chief Asadullah Khalid has been wounded in a suspected suicide bombing in Kabul. The National Directorate of Security (NDS) head was injured in his lower body by the blast, interior ministry officials told the BBC. The explosion took place in the Taymeni area of central Kabul. The Taliban said they carried out the attack. An intelligence official said the bombing took place in one of many guesthouses used by Mr Khalid. Another intelligence official told the BBC that Mr Khalid was

Sukuta health centre in Gambia.

Gambia sets pace for malaria eradication ... consequences for Nigeria the abundance of anophelece mosquitoes in natural habitats. On the 8th of September 2011, the ecology of fishes and mosquitoes of the lower Gambia River flood plains where studied. Epiplatys and guineenis two Tilapia species, were discovered to be effective predators removing all late stage culine and anopheline larvae. Other related mosquito borne disease in Africa and inconsequence, the eradication target of WHO include denge fever, yellow fever, filariasis in the American Tropics, Africa and Asia Rift Valley fever etc. Fishes have successfully been used in other parts of Africa to control growth of larvae. Nothobronchius a small annual fish from the island of Zanzibar has been use to control mosquito larvae in temporary bodies of freshwater throughout Africa. The low point of this project is the low level of the introduction of the fish in fresh water in Africa. Mathias and Adraise in a recent issue of parasites and vectors

of malaria have concluded that Nothobranchius may become an ideal “tool” to be employed in the eradication of diseases carried by mosquitoes through vector control in the wild. Countries of South Saharan Africa, are richly endowed with many speices of Nothobranchius. However, it is important to mention that Nothobranchius also feeds on other forms of planton including mosquito larvae. Fish has been used successfully in controlling both culicine and anopheline mosquitoes. They are however used relatively in such Saharan Africa. Mosquitoes control using fish has focused on a limited number of species, primarily the Gambiasia in the Gambia. Fish was used as the part of an integrated control programme in more permanent sites. Microbial larvicides were used in temporary sites with astonishing results. Microbials in the Gambia killed about 95% of anopheles larvae.

In summary, at the start of the new millennium malaria is still deeply entrenched in Africa including Nigeria and effective malaria control, is under threat from drugs and insecticides resistance. Promising new formulations of microbial larvicides have recently been shown to give excellent control of the major vectors of malaria in Africa. The use of this biological control agents is better than chemical larvicides they are very species specific, environmentally safe and don’t induce resistance. The Gambia example stands diametrically opposed to the effects made to control malaria in Nigeria. In Nigeria, the effective word is control and not eradicate. Emphasis is on the use of insecticides both in and outdoors. This has been the practice all through the years and the end results have been negative. For one things insects have developed resistance to insecticides thereby depreciating the level of efficiency of the insecticides. This is reflected in the

Afghan spy chief injured in Kabul attack “safe” but did not elaborate on his condition. However, a Western diplomat told the AFP news agency that he had been seriously wounded. Afghan officials also told AFP that he was now in hospital receiving blood transfusions. Afghan President Hamid Karzai described the attack as “a cowardly act of terrorism”. He said that Mr Khalid is being operated on and doctors had told him that the intelligence chief “is doing well.” The attack is similar to a sui-

cide bombing in September 2011 that killed the chairman of the Afghan High Peace Council, Burhanuddin Rabbani, officials say. Mr. Rabbani was killed at his home by a suicide attacker carrying a bomb believed to have been concealed in his turban. He was meeting members of the Taliban at the time. Asadullah Khalid (file photo, May 2007) Mr Khalid is a close ally of President Karzai and a vehement critic of the Taliban Mr. Khalid has been in the job as intelligence chief since Sep-

tember. He has a reputation for being fiercely anti-Taliban and correspondents say that is why the insurgents wanted to kill him. “Asadullah Khalid was the main target,” said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid in a statement. “A number of spies have been killed and wounded.” Mr Khalid has been known to move regularly from residence to residence in Kabul for security reasons. He survived an attempt on his life in the volatile southern prov-

death toll as well as documented cases of malaria related diseases in Nigeria today. About 2.6million Nigerians are suffering from malaria related diseases while more than 5,343 deaths are officially reported. Undocumented cases may well double the figures stated. Nigeria operational plan for the control of malaria is a joint Nigeria/USA project. The US global malaria reflects collaborative discussions with National Malaria Control Programmes. This is the USAID/Nigeria strategy 2010 – 2013. The operational plan has been endorsed by the US Global malaria control coordinator and reflects collaborative discussions with National Malaria control programme and partners of affiliate countries. The present malaria initiative for the year 2012 lacks pragmatism because the result of initiative are clearly negative. It has not impacted positively on the reduction of death from malaria and malaria related diseases. For one thing malaria eradication is clearly not result oriented. For effective eradication of malaria, success already recorded in other places such as the Gambia must be closely under studied and implemented. Conducive and right atmosphere for work, data collection to determine most vulnerable areas, targeted technical approaches, committed leadership, total government support, sufficient monetary back up, total community involvement as well as adequate implementation strategy are some of the imperatives that can put Nigeria on the part of malarial eradication and control. A second type of malaria eradication can be contemplated. This is the use of sterile insects technique, in which sexually sterile male insects are released to wipe out a pest population. This technique brings hope as female mosquitoes mate once during their lifetime and in doing so with sterile male mosquitoes the insect population will decrease. Kamalu Igirigiri An ex- FRCN Staff wrote from Lagos. ince of Kandahar in October 2011 while serving as the minister of border and tribal affairs. He also survived a roadside bombing when he was governor of Kandahar in 2008. Mr. Khalid was nominated by President Karzai to head the NDS despite allegations he is guilty of human rights abuses. Amnesty International accused him of “involvement in numerous alleged acts of torture and other grave human rights violations” in the past decade while serving as governor of Ghazni province from 2001-05 and governor of Kandahar province from 2005-08.

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North

Friday, December 7, 2012

Kano targets N10.8bn from sales of houses to civil servants AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

he Kano State government is to realise a projected N10.8 billion from the sale of 1, 373 government residential houses better known as GPs to civil servants currently occupying them. The state governor, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, who announced this while giving out the offers of sale

of the houses to some beneficiaries at the Government House, Kano, said proceeds from the sale of the houses will be used to build more houses at Kwankwasiyya, Amana and Bandirawo areas, which are being developed by the government. The governor said the payment for the houses is to be spread across a period of one year so as to afford beneficiaries oppor-

tunity to pay conveniently, adding that in the event any house resident cannot or does not want to buy, government will sell such houses to any interested buyer in the state. “The whole idea is to ensure that civil servants have a home they can call theirs,” Governor Kwankwaso stated. He said beside this, his administration has introduced several measures aimed at boosting the mo-

rale of its workers. “Over the years, governments have defiled the original plans of the GPs by carving out plots from their compounds while some of the houses are in bad shape. So we better sell them to interested owners who will manage them well and build new houses for our serving workers,” the governor said. He cited the example of some houses a Kundila Housing Estate in the

state capital, which he described as an eyesore until the government took it upon itself to repaint them. The governor advised beneficiaries of the houses to take good care of the houses Chairman of the Government Quarters Residents Association, Justice

Boko Haram destroys 27 schools in Borno, Yobe -NEMA INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) yesterday disclosed that 27 schools were damaged in both Yobe and Borno States in recent Boko Haram attacks. Among the schools damaged, according to the agency, include 17 secondary schools and 10 Islamic schools. Speaking yesterday with journalists in Maiduguri, the agency’s North-East Information Officer, Abdulkadir Ibrahim’s assessment of the level of destruction on the schools have been made and that relief materials would be sent to them next week. He said among the mate-

L-R: Head, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Ralated Offences Commission, (ICPC) Kaduna Office, Mr. Abubakar Dutsinma; North-West board member, Mr. Abdullahi Ado Bayero and Emir of Birnin-Gwari, Alhaji Jibril Mai-Gwari, at the International Anti-Corruption Day celebration in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Workers’ strike: Unemployed youths storm LG secretariat JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

he industrial dispute between the Plateau State government and the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) over the full implementation of N18, 000 minimum wage has taken a new dimension in the state. Yesterday, a group called the Association of Unemployed Youths besieged the Jos South Local Government Area with application letters seeking to fill the vacant positions of workers that have refused to resume work. Spokesman of the group, Chuwang Ayuba, told journalists at the council secretariat that the unemployed youths are ready to occupy the positions of workers who

have declined to resume work as directed by the state government across the 17 local government areas with the approved 55 percent implementation of the N18, 000 minimum wage by the Jang administration. Ayuba, who pleaded with the government to give them the opportunity to serve, said those of them who are not on the pay roll of any tier of government have been suffering for so long a period and have been begging to earn a living. Meanwhile, the association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) yesterday warned the national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to be weary of its role in the ongoing local government workers strike in the state. The association par-

ticularly frowned at the 10-day ultimatum given to the state government by the labour union to resolve the strike or have the state shut down by the labour union. At a press conference yesterday, ALGON Chairman in Plateau State, Emmanuel Loman, said the organised labour should be held responsible in the event of any breakdown of law and order in the state arising from the union’s threat. But, the state AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Edward Pwajok, yesterday clarified government’s position on the lingering strike. He described the purported NLC letter to Governor Jonah Jang under reference as derogatory and disrespectful to the office and person of the governor. Pwajok while address-

ing journalist in Jos, described the letter as lacking in niceties of etiquette and diplomacy or respect for constituted authority which are part of all religions and culture and wondered what purpose it was meant to serve.

Wada Umar Rano, who thanked the government for its decision, said they had been struggling to own the houses since 2000 but to no avail. The chairman appealed for subsidy on the estimated cost of the houses, promising that each occupant will ensure their efficient maintenance.

rials to be delivered to the 27 schools include cement, zinc, planks and nails to assist in the rebuilding of the destroyed buildings. Ibrahim also disclosed that the agency have been able to come to the aid of the people affected by the recent flood in Tashan Alade of Hawul, Gwoza and Askira Uba Local Government Areas of Borno State. He told journalists that the agency has concluded the assessment of the flood on Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Council Area and that after taking stock from the national headquarters in Abuja, they would be dispatched to the affected areas. He said already in the zone, relief materials have also been dispatched to the affected areas in Gombe State.

‘We’ll boycott Benue LG poll tribunal’ HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

he Benue State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has vowed not to contest the outcome of the November 24, local government poll at the newly constituted election petitions’ tribunal in the state. The decision to boycott the tribunal was made known yesterday by Dickson Akoh, who vied for the chairmanship seat of Otukpo Local Government

under the umbrella of the ACN. He said the party’s decision was due to the lack of confidence in the entire process, saying the tribunal will still lack credibility just as the just held council poll across the 23 local government areas of the state. Akoh said most of the members of the panel are cronies of the ruling party, citing the case of one in Otukpo, who he alleged is one of the cronies of the present administration.

MAN identifies power supply, over-taxation, others as bane of manufacturing WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

he Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Kwara and Kogi States, Mrs. Omolola Olobayo, has identified epileptic energy supply, multiple taxation, lack of patronage for indigenous products as some of the challenges confronting manufacturers in Nigeria. She also said high interest rate, the monopoly enjoyed by some companies like the Power Holding Company of Nigeria

(PHCN) and the lack of competence by graduates from schools are factors inhibiting the country’s industrial growth. Olobayo spoke at the branch’s pre-Annual General Meeting (AGM) press briefing in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. The AGM is scheduled for Thursday next week. According to her, the association will also use the occasion of the AGM to further proffer suggestions that could enhance industrialisation that is geared towards the growth of the economy.

Her words: “The major area of concern to manufacturers is energy. It has been a very worrisome area for industrial revolution in this country. “It is sad to note that major industries in the country are pulling out from the country to even neighbouring African countries. “In the past there were many medium scale industries in some parts of the country but today, many of them are in terrible conditions; this has led to loss of many employment opportunities.

Friday, December 7, 2012

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Sport

I think Nigeria should bother more about Burkina Faso and Ethiopia than the Chipolopolo

Deltans are chess grand masters

–ZAMBIA CAPTAIN, CHRISTOPHER KATONGO

Eko 2012: A’Ibom, Lagos’ ladies for soccer final he Akwa Ibom female football team and their Team Lagos counterparts yesterday qualified for the final of the female football event of the ongoing 18th National Sports Festival (NSF). Akwa Ibom defeated Team Edo 3-0 via a penalty shootout, after battling to a goalless draw in regulation time. In the other semi-final encounter, Team Lagos crushed Team Osun 6-0 to also qualify for the final. Reacting to his team’s momentous victory, Akwa Ibom coach, Atta BelloUdofia, expressed joy, saying his team deserved to play in the finals.

Udia said that his side was battle ready to take on Lagos, irrespective of their status as the home side. “I am so happy that we will be playing in the final and my girls will do everything possible to win the gold medal on Saturday,” he said. In the same vein, Priye Nengia, captain of the Akwa Ibom side said that she was so excited at the outcome of the match. “This is one of the happiest days in my life and I am so excited. We promised the people of Akwa Ibom the gold medal and we will ensure that we keep our promise,” she said. The final match will come up on Saturday at the Agege Stadium.

nter Milan ace, Joel Obi, has assured that he will be fully fit for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations after he recently had a relapse of a muscle injury. In October, after being out since March, Obi returned to action with Inter in a Europa League game and even scored against Azerbaijani champion, Neftci PFK in a 3-1 away win. However, the injury relapsed against Catania in an Italian Serie A fixture on October 21, raising concerns over his chances of making the Eagles squad to next year’s Nations Cup as he has only played a bit role

in the qualifiers. “I’m happy I’m back in training, trying to get 100% fit and be ready for both my club and Nigeria. I will be fit for the Nations Cup. I still have more to give to Nigeria,” Obi said on a radio interview programme yesterday. Obi said he expects the fans to back the Eagles at the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa. “We won’t disappoint them but we would need their support.” Inter hosts high-riding Napoli on Sunday and Obi said he was looking forward to be available for the game.

IKENWA NNABUOGOR

Efeta Frank of Delta (left) and Richard Johnson of Cross River entangled during the men’s football semi-final yesterday. PHOTO: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

NPL crisis: NFF may endorse I’ll be fit for AFCON – Joel Obi Baribote’s board sack I

EVEREST ONYEWUCHI SPORTS EDITOR

he Executive Board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will hold an emergency meeting in Abuja today in response to Wednesday’s dissolution of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) board headed by Mr. Victor Baribote by majority of club representatives. National Mirror was authoritatively told yesterday by an insider in the NFF that the executive committee of the federation, who also on Wednesday, concurred with the angry club proprietors that yesterday’s scheduled NPL Congress in Kano be put on hold, would endorse the action of the club owners at today’s meeting. “NPL will be straigthened out, really. While things are going on smoothly here at the NFF because of our commitment, the board of the NPL can’t get their acts right,” the insider said. Our correspondent was told that the ineptitude and greed of the NPL board were the reasons for their inability to secure a title sponsor for the league in the past two seasons.

“Look Globacom was ready to commit about N450million into the NPL and asked Baribote and his people to state areas the funds would be channelled into for optimal utilisation for the game. But because they want to be funny, they have been dilly-dallying till date.” Eighteen club representatives had, after a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday passed a vote of no confidence on the NPL board. The group set up a six-member interim management committee

headed by Mike Idoko of the Sunshine Stars of Akure, to among other things, reschedule the congress in Kano to hold this weekend or next week. National Mirror was informed that the NFF executive committee members would align with the position of the aggrieved club proprietors because they are in the majority and had been ventilating their feelings about the shortcomings of the NPL board to the federation before now.

... As Idoko pledges ‘new dawn’ AFOLABI GAMBARI

he interim management committee of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) has promised to evolve a system that will attract investments to the league soon. Chairman of the committee, Mike Idoko, told National Mirror yesterday that the span of the board would ensure a legacy on which subsequent boards would build sustainable foundation for the league. “We are interventionists and we don’t intend to stay in office beyond the stipulated time and we will give all stakeholders open playing field while we try our best to enthrone

transparency,” Idoko said. Meanwhile, a member of the board, Alloy Chukwuemeka, has said that the decision taken by the clubs to sack the Baribote-led board was in the best interest of the league, saying the decision has been communicated to the National Sports Commission, Nigeria Football Federation and the Nigeria Premier League Secretariat. “We have the mandate of clubs to ensure that we restore order ahead of the new season and we are prepared to make necessary sacrifice to succeed in our task,” Chukwuemeka, who is General Manager of ABS FC, said.

Obi

Sport

Friday, December 7, 2012

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2face, K1 for closing ceremony IKENWA NNABUOGOR

P Female Edo, Delta and Lagos swimmers at the medals’ presentation ceremony yesterday

Deltans are chess grand masters YEMI OLUS

elta State emerged top last night at the chess event of the 18th National Sports Festival held at the Multi Purpose of University of Lagos with four gold, one silver

and two bronze medal to repeat the feat of the last sports festival in Rivers State. Oyo State, led by team captain Bunmi Olape, recorded three gold and one bronze while Rivers state came third with two gold and one silver. On the individual board order, Emmanuel Maduagwna of Delta won gold on board one in the male

...Lagos also shines

eam Lagos Chess yesterday won three medals from individual and team events Yemi Osundinakin, playing on Board 1, won the gold medal, beating opponents from Bayelsa and Benue states to Silver and Bronze respectively. In Board 5, Tumininu Oyewole of Team Lagos lost the gold medal to Oyo State’s player while Imo State settled for Bronze. Lagos won silver in the Team event behind Delta while Edo took the Bronze in the games completed yesterday at the University of Lagos venue. The Team Lagos Chess has Mr. Bayo Babalola as the Technical

Director. Chairman of the Lagos State Chess Association (LSCA), Fela Bank-Olemoh, commended Team Lagos for its performance, saying the won demonstrated the team’s preparation. “We are particularly enthused by the outstanding success of the women team which won three medals on Wednesday,” Bank-Olemoh said. The LSCA Chairman said the board would continue to create the enabling environment to encourage youths in the state to take to chess as their preferred game, even as he hailed the Lagos State

Delta hammers to hockey final IFEANYI EDUZOR

elta State continued its impressive performance yesterday when its female hockey team beat Lagos 3-1 to book a place in the final of the event. In a one sided encounter decided at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, Delta outplayed the host in all departments of the game which accounted for the high goal margin recorded at the match. Not even the vociferous supporters of Lagos could stop the

Deltans who railed into the final. “We are happy to defeat Lagos State because all their supporters were at the stand supporting them to defeat us,” one of the players told National Mirror. “This victory has confirmed that we are the best female hockey team in the country and we are going to justify that rating by winning the gold medal”. Rivers State defeated hard fighting Kaduna State 2-1 in the second semi final to set the stage for a final with Delta State.

section with Aniefiok Ekanem from Akwa Ibom and Magnus Ikpiken of Cross River won silver and bronze respectively on same board. Delta won the overall female team event with 30.5 points and followed by Lagos with 24.4 points and Edo state won bronze with 22.5 points. government for supporting the training and camping of the players ahead the festival.

opular musicians, Innocent Idibia (2face) and King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), have been listed by organisers of the 18th National Sports Festival to perform at the games’ closing ceremony on Sunday. Other artistes that will perform at the occasion are wavemaking duo of Whizz Kid and Wande Cole. Secretary General of the

Local Organising Committee (LOC), Kweku Tandoh, said the body had fine-tuned strategies aimed at making the day memorable. “We have put together an event that would remain in the minds of Nigerians and the rest of the world,” Tandoh said. “We would have the gates open about 2pm and between that time and 6pm when the ceremony begins, and we hope to leave every one with a long lasting impression,” he added.

Aigbefoh gets medal reprieve YEMI OLUS

do State weightlifter, Godwin Aigbefoh, will no doubt heave a sigh of relief after the jury of the Games Sevices Sub-Committee of the main Organising Committee (MOC), asked that his three gold medals, which had earlier been withdrawn, be returned to him. Delta State had earlier claimed that the weightlifter was under

its employment and going by that revelation, Aigbefor who won three gold medals in the 87kg category was stripped of his medals. However, the secretary of Edo State Weightlifting Federation lodged an appeal and the jury invited both parties and the athlete in question. The jury investigated and came out with the verdict. Aigbefor won two gold and a silver medal for Edo in the 2009 NSF and a gold medal in 2011 in Rivers.

Adeloye Oluwatosin of Ekiti State collapsing on the track after winning gold in the women 400m

PHOTOS:ADEMOLA

Victory excites Rivers’ volleyball coach IFEANYI EDUZOR

oach of Rivers State volleyball team, Harry Opakiriba, has expressed delight with his team after it defeated Delta State to pick the gold medal in the female event, even as he said it is a confirmation of the team’s superiority. Team Rivers beat Delta in three straight sets to grab the gold in an entertaining encounter decided at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, while Lagos State won the men’s event after edging Ondo 3-2. Opakiriba, whose team also

defeated Delta State in the final of the volleyball event at the 17th National Sports Festival, said his team had responded to training. “I am happy that my team has prevented Delta State from picking the gold in two successive sports festivals,” the coach said. Meanwhile, Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Fred Igwe, has expressed concern over poor officiating at the ongoing National Sports Festival even as he accused technical officials of the Games of working against Team Rivers to ensure it does not emerge the overall

winner of the festival. “One of our swimmers who should have won nine gold medals for us was disqualified and was allowed to take part in this festival only after we lodged a protest, although the events had been concluded,” Igwe said yesterday. He, however, advised the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) to employ credible technical officials in future festivals to make the competition more attractive and competitive. “The MOC is doing a good job but there is the need to balance the technical crew with unbiased officials,” Igwe said.

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Sport

Friday, December 7, 2012

T/tennis set for ‘all-Lagos’ final YEMI OLUS

t was a Lagos affair in the men’s table tennis semi final event which took place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium yesterday as all four players fielded were members of the host state. Team captain, Ayo Omotara, played against Ahmed Adeyinka but lost 3-2 while reigning Asoju Oba Table Tennis champion, Mojeed Olayiwola, overcame Ganiyu

Ashimiyu 3-2 to set up a final clash against Adeyinka. The same scenario almost played out in the women’s category as three of the four players, Aminat Fashola, Sidi Yahaya and Funke Hassan were from Lagos state while defending women’s singles champion, Rashidat Ogundele, was the sole player from Team Delta. She overpowered Yahaya by a 4-0 margin while Fashola, who is the tournament favourite, defeated team mate Hassan 4-1.

An exhausted Olayiwola, who is making his second appearance at the National Sports Festival, attributed his current form to training and focus. “I had to work on my confidence level in order to score more points and I was disciplined. I hope for the best tomorrow (today),” he said. Olayiwola is on his way to a fourth gold medal having won the men’s team event, men’s doubles and mixed doubles where he partnered with Yahaya.

Oranyanka Orukpe of Edo State during the pole vault event. PHOTOS: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

18TH NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL MEDALS TABLE YESTERDAY SN

Edo State goalkeeper (down) and her defender, making frantic clearance during their semi-final match with Lagos ladies yesterday

Female footballer gets life ban

he Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the 18th National Sports Festival (NSF) has slammed a life ban on a female football player of Team Enugu, Chikodi Nwachusim. Co-ordinator of the football event of the festival, Sola Ogunnowo, said the committee also cancelled all results of matches involving the Enugu State female football team at the festival. “The player, who represented Enugu State in the female football

event as Onu Peace was discovered to be Chikodi Nwachusim who had played professional football and was no longer qualified to feature at the festival,” Ogunnowo said yesterday. He said the development came as a result of an appeal lodged by Team Akwa Ibom against Enugu, who was in Group B of the competition as the Enugu team. “Akwa Ibom had earlier protested against Enugu over the player but could not substantiate its claims and the protest was dis-

missed. “But they went back and came up with evidence that she had earlier played for Standard Babes and the Ibom Angels, showing her 2009 licence with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). They also showed the payment vouchers involving her when she was with Ibom Angels, while the NFF was able to authenticate from its records that the player in question indeed played in the 2009 league.”

Golden Dr. Okorie revels in win

medical practitioner, Dr. Henry Okorie, who on Wednesday, won the gold medal in the 400m hurdles event, yesterday described sports as an effective way to curb diseases. Okorie, who is currently serving the one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urged Nigerians to engage in regular exercises, saying it would help to reduce fat which could lead to obesity and other related diseases. “I am an advocate of regular exercises because I know the health implications of obesity

which can lead to other diseases,” the medical practitioner said. He said his victory was earned through hard work, noting that it was a stepping stone for him to build his sporting career alongside his medical calling. “I will combine both professions because I know that after my sports career is over, I have my certificates to fall back on,” he added. Dr. Okorie of the FCT returned a time of 53.16secs for the gold medal. Frederick Anyadike of Imo came second with 54.30secs and Thomas Bello of FCT was third with 54.75secs.

Dr. Okorie

MEDALS WON

STATE Gold

Silver

Bronze

TOTAL

Delta

163

Rivers

115

Lagos

Edo

Bayelsa

Ondo

Plateau

Ogun

Akwa Ibom

Oyo

Ebonyi

Niger

Imo

Cross River

Kano

Nasarawa

Jigawa

FCT

Kaduna

Bauchi

Abia

Benue

Kwara

Osun

Kogi

Kebbi

Enugu

Anambra

Zamfara

Yobe

Borno

Taraba

Ekiti

Adamawa

Gombe

Katsina

Sokoto

TOTAL

234

233

335

802

WORLD RECORD

Largest Toga Party Vol. 02 No. 508

Friday, December 7, 2012

Terrorism: Jonathan’s enemies winning

n two of their most recent lightning operations that caught the nation’s security agencies snoring penultimate week, suspected terrorists on a Sunday, attacked St. Andrew’s Military Protestant Church right inside the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, Kaduna State, killed a lot of people as usual and injured many more. The following Monday, they invaded the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) detention centre in Abuja and freed over 150 detainees, according to reports. It was, indeed, a dumbfounding confirmation of earlier observations that ‘a strange enemy has castrated the Nigerian state, and is mocking its manhood before the world’. But President Gooluck Jonathan, commenting on the mayhem through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Doyin Okupe, stated last Sunday that Nigeria was safe in spite of the embarrassing, roundly successful terrorist onslaughts on security installations in Jaji and Abuja.

FRIDAYS WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) With the benefit of hindsight, however, as well as the honest observations of members of the House of Representatives that nowhere is safe in the country, such hollow and illusory promises of safety from the highest authority in the land have neither translated to securing lives and property, especially in the North, nor deterred insurgents from inflicting additional maximum harm on their targets. Rather, they convey the grim message that the government and all its security apparatus are still helpless and need to do more to be able to subdue the murderous group. The regrettable implication is the fact that the military might approach, represented by the Joint Task Force (JTF) and its activities in parts of the North, has yielded no meaningful result in freeing that portion of the country from the scourge of terrorists’-inflicted violence. In strategies, tactics and operational dare-devilry, the insurgents have steadily out-smarted the nation’s security operatives. Indeed, Jonathan’s detractors appear to be succeeding. Consequently, instead of embarking on panic-stricken measures, like the removal of Army commandants from office; and the recent Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Azubuike Ihejirika’s order which directed that ‘all illegal civilians’ residing in army barracks nationwide be ejected with immediate effect, the nation’s security apparatus should soberly retreat,

ormer world number one, Tiger Woods, yesterday expressed delight at getting back to winning ways on the PGA Tour in 2012, but admits he is now looking forward to “a meaningful rest”. Wood’s victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March ended a three-year wait for a title

THE NATION’S SECURITY APPARATUS SHOULD SOBERLY RETREAT,

BRAINSTORM AND RESTRATEGISE brainstorm and re-strategise on how best to save the country from the vice grip of terrorism. And since it has been widely acclaimed that the insurgent group is several kilometers ahead of Nigeria’s security agencies in sophistication, strategic planning and gallantry, I suggest the nation’s security agencies should take a look at the United States’ National Strategy for Combating Terrorism, which was made public in 2006. Instructively, the said strategy says: “The long-term solution for winning the War on Terror is the advancement of freedom and human dignity through effective democracy. Elections are the most visible sign of a free society and can play a critical role in advancing effective democracy. But elections alone are not enough. Effective democracies honour and uphold basic human rights, including freedom of religion, conscience, speech, assembly, association, and press. They are responsive

to their citizens, submitting to the will of the people. Effective democracies exercise effective sovereignty and maintain order within their own borders; address causes of conflict peacefully, protect independent and impartial systems of justice, punish crime, embrace the rule of law, and resist corruption. Effective democracies also limit the reach of government, protecting the institutions of civil society. In effective democracies, freedom is indivisible”. This, perhaps, vindicates the position of former National Security Adviser, Andrew Azazi, that political wrangling, particularly internal power tussle by the leadership of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), was at the root of terrorist incidents in the country. Therefore, the Jonathan government can only discountenance the truth as was bitterly told by Azazi at its own peril. But in the short term, the American strategy concentrates more on preventing attacks by terrorist networks against the premise that “a government has no higher obligation than to protect the lives and livelihoods of its citizens”; attacking terrorists and their capacity to operate through the use of all elements of state power to neutralize their leaders, who provide the vision, direction, discipline, and motivation for accomplishing given tasks; as well as the ‘foot soldiers’ - the operatives, facilitators, and trainers in a terrorist network. The US equally pays special attention to the sources of weapons and other instruments of violence; as well as funds, “which provide the fungible, easily transportable means to secure all other forms of material support necessary to the survival and operation of terrorist organizations”. Equally obvious is the fact that without quality intelligence, surveillance, investigation, being proactive in tactics/strategy, and sophistication in weaponry and modern communication, etc.; fighting terrorists becomes an effort in futility. The FG and its security apparatus should learn and review their measures.

Sport Extra

N150

The largest toga party consisted of 3,700 participants in an event organised by UQU (University of Queensland Union) and QUT (Queensland University of Technology) Guild, at Riverstage (Australia) in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia on 24 February 2012

Golf: Woods seeks rest from course on American soil and he followed it with further successes at the Memorial Tournament and the AT&T National. Major glory still eluded him despite getting himself into contention on more than one occasion,

but the 36-year-old insists there were plenty of positives for him to take from the season. He signed off for the year by finishing fourth in the World Challenge over the weekend-a tournament he hosts in California-but

revealed he was struggling for his best form at Sherwood Country Club after a long and hard year. “I didn’t quite have it. But I’ve come a long way in hitting the ball as I would like,” Woods told reporters yesterday.

Tiger Woods

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