Wednesday, January 16, 2013 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

FG begins handing over of electricity companies TOLA AKINMUTIMI AND UDEME AKPAN Sambo

Vol. 3 N0. 536

he Federal Government has started finalising negotiations with the preferred bidders for the successor companies of Power Holding Company of Nige-

ria, PHCN, as the power sector privatisation programme enters its concluding phase. The government recently sold controlling equity in six power CONTINUED ON PAGE 6>>

DAYS TO GO Ethiopia targets giants’ upset P.29

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

N150

Armed Forces Remembrance Day:

Defence minister slumps Jonathan, Sambo, others lay wreaths Obasanjo advocates adequate care for families

ROTIMI FADEYI AND FEMI OYEWESO

inister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada,

yesterday slumped at the venue of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, in Abuja following a barrage of artillery fire by the Army to celebrate the event. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Presidency keeps mum over First Lady’s health ...returns to German hospital President Goodluck Jonathan inspecting the guard of honour at this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Abuja, yesterday.

Ex-gov Sylva docked over N2bn fraud

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Oil communities raise the alarm over 13% derivation

Appeal Court will decide Oyinlola’s fate –PDP

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PHOTO: NAN

Fire guts Ikeja shopping mall Fashola sacks contractors over road project

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Special Report

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

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Pakistan’s Supreme Court orders arrest of PM

akistan’s Supreme Court yesterday ordered the arrest of Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf and 15 others over corruption allegations, raising fears of a political crisis just months ahead of an election. Ashraf denies accepting bribes when approving power generation projects as minister for water and power in 2010. Analysts say that the move is unlikely to lead to his immediate removal. It comes as a populist cleric led thousands of protesters in Islamabad, demanding the government resign. There was a mood of mass euphoria as the news of the court’s order reached demonstrators, led by Tahirul Qadri. Some jumped for joy and others hugged, some crying. The Supreme Court’s order to arrest Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf comes in a case the court has been hearing for over a year. Ashraf is accused of accepting bribes in 2010, when he was the minister of water and power. This does not automatically lead to his unseating, but analysts say the timing of the court order is suspicious at a time of mass protest and just months ahead of an election The streets of Islamabad are clogged by anti-corruption protesters led by a Canadian cleric of Pakistani origin, Tahirul Qadri. Since his arrival in the country last month, his critics have been accusing him of trying to derail the democratic system just months ahead of polls. There has been speculation that he may be fishing for a role for the military and the judiciary when it comes to the appointment of an interim government which will preside over those elections, due in May. “So far we have not received anything from the Supreme Court in writing. The government, the law ministry and the prime minister have not received any order from the Supreme Court,” Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira reportedly told private TV channel Geo. “The timing of the decision should be noted. As far as I have been told, the prime minister’s name is not mentioned in the Supreme Court order and hype has been created,” he said. The BBC’s reporter in Islamabad says the timing may just be a coincidence - but to many observers it bolsters allegations that the cleric is backed by elements of the judiciary and military. In recent years Pakistan’s government, judiciary and powerful military have been at loggerheads. Ashraf’s predecessor, Yousuf Raza Gilani, was forced out as prime minister last June after the Supreme Court convicted him of contempt for failing to pursue a corruption case against the president. Ashraf was appointed in his place, but many predicted that his tenure would also be troubled. The Supreme Court order says the prime minister and the others should be arrested and produced before court within 24 hours. But correspondents say the prime minister’s lawyers may find ways of delaying any appearance. There was no immediate statement from the government following the arrest order. President Asif Zardari was holding a meet-

Ashraf

Members of the civil society hold placards during a protest against the Supreme Court decision to arrest the prime minister in Lahore PHOTO: AP

Qadri

Supporters of Pakistan People’s Party shouting during a protest against a Supreme Court decision to arrest the prime minister in Hyderabad PHOTO: AP

ing of leading figures in the ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in Karachi, according to state broadcaster PTV.

Ashraf is set to lead the party into general elections due in May. Most observers say they expect the balance of power in the

forthcoming parliamentary polls to broadly stay the same unless turnout is high, which could allow minor parties to translate popular support into seats. Ashraf has long been a senior figure in the PPP, and has twice been a minister in the government which has been in power since 2008. But it was his tenure as minister for water and power which is dogged by controversy. The government needed to generate more power to deal with electricity shortages, but there were accusations of corruption from the opposition about the so-called “Rental Power Projects” devised to solve the crisis.

France to send 2,500 troops to join Mali offensive

n official at France’s Defence Ministry says the country will “gradually deploy” a total of 2,500 troops to Mali, and the French president says the military operation will last until security has been restored and African forces are ready to take charge. A French Defense Ministry official who was not able to speak publicly about the total and requested anonymity said there were 800 troops currently in Mali and more on the way. In a news conference Tuesday in the United Arab Emirates, President Francois Hollande said France would remain to stop militants linked to al-Qaida from seizing the country, secure its capital and help the government regain control. He said France would take a lesser role “as soon as there is an African force, in coming days or weeks.” President Francois Hollande, speaking on a visit to the United Arab Emirates, said the number of French troops deployed would increase “so that France can make way as quickly as possible” for African forces. Forty French armoured vehicles arrived in the capital, Bamako, overnight from Ivory Coast, CNN affiliate BFM-TV

reported. Defence chiefs from the members of the West African regional bloc ECOWAS met yesterday in Bamako to discuss military options, said a spokesman for the bloc, Sunny Ugoh. Ministers will meet Friday to finalize plans that will then be presented to the heads of state Saturday in Ivory Coast, he said.

Word of the rebel advance on Diabaly on Monday came as the U.N. Security Council met to discuss the conflict in Mali, where Islamist rebels have been seizing territory for months. Leaders from a number of countries, including the United States, have said they’ll send troops or provide logistical support for the fight against Islamist militants in the West African nation.

A French army officer (R) talking to his Malian and Senegalese army counterparts outside the meeting venue for the ECOWAS intervention force, in Bamako, yesterday ` PHOTO: REUTERS

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Photo News

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY

L-R: Vice President Namadi Sambo; IGP Mohammed Abubakar; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Dele Ezeoba; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika; Chief of Defence Staff, Adm. Ola Ibrahim; Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada; FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed; Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Aloma Mukhtar; Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal and Senate President David Mark, at the 2013 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Adeyomi Ikuforiji, who represented the Lagos State Governor, going to lay wreath in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Oyo State Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Adeyemo; GOC, 2 Div., Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Abubakar; Commander, Nigerian Air Force Detachment, Ibadan, Air Commodore Olusegun Idowu and representative of the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Yero (left) and Commander, Air Officers Training Command, Nigerian Air Force, Avm Ishaiku Umar, releasing pigeons in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Anambra State Governor Peter Obi laying the wreath in Awka, yesPHOTO: NAN terday.

Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura releasing pigeons as in Lafia, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

A blend retired officer, Mr. Abdulahi Ogunsanya appealing for payment of his entitlements in Abeokuta, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, releasing the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pigeon of Peaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Abeokuta, yesterday

Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, inspecting the guard of honour mounted by Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and members of the Nigerian Legion, in Uyo, yesterday.

Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi laying the wreath at the in Port Harcourt, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

PhotoNews

Wednesday January 16, 2013

L-R: Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan; World Bank team led by its Country Director, Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly; Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and Representative of Governors’ Forum, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, at a meeting with Francoise in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shetima; Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Managing Consultant, A.I Development Services Limited, Alhaji Abubakar Gusau, during the signing of tripartite agreement for the establishment of Central Bank of Nigeria Entrepreneurship Development Centers in three geopolitical zones in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Joke Orelope-Adefulire; Acting Director (Special Project), Ministry of Works, Mr. Lateef Somide and Governor Babatunde Fashola, during the inspection of Ikorodu Jetty in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Consul General of the U.S.Consulate General, Mr. Jeffrey Hawkins; President Campaign for Democracy and Women Arise, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin; Vice Consul, U.S. Consulate General, Lagos, Mr. Kirk Donahoe and Political Officer United States Consulate General, Lagos, Mr. Ben Lazarus, during a reception in honour of Donahoe and Lazarus, organised by the U.S Consulate General in Lagos, yesterday.

National News

FG sacks immigration boss

2015: Reps, IBB mount pressure on Tambuwal to runcountry for Presidency “would soon form

OMEIZA AJAYI

ABUJA

he Federal Government yesterday directed the Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Mrs. Rose Chinyere Uzoma to proceed on retirement leave. Consequently, it has approved the appointment of Rilwan Bala Musa as the new acting Comptrol-

ler General. In a letter written to Mrs. Uzoma and signed on behalf of the Interior Minister by Dr. R. K Attahiru, Director and Secretary of the Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prisons Services Board, CDFIPB, the government wished the former Immigration boss a happy retirement. Part of the letter reads: “I am directed to convey approval of His Excellen-

cy, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for you (Mrs. Rose Chinyere Uzoma) to proceed on your pre-retirement accumulated leaves. “I am to further convey that you are to hand over the duties and responsibilities of your office on or Wednesday, 16th January, 2013 to the most se-

nior Deputy Comptroller General of Immigration in the person of Rilwan Bala Musa, who will act as Comptroller General of Immigration pending the appointment of a substantive CG of Immigration. “On behalf of the Hon. Minister of Interior and all members of the board, I wish to thank you for your service to Nigeria. The board wishes you good luck in your future endeavour.”

TORDUE SALEM

egional caucuses in the House of Re p r e s e n t a t ive s are scheming to adopt the Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal for the Presidency in 2015, National Mirror can authoritatively reveal. The chairman of a committee, who is from Benue State, told National Mirror yesterday that members from across regions in the

Boko Haram, other crises are results of unemployment –Sanusi TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

he Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has blamed the violent activities of the dreaded Boko Haram sect and other groups across the country on the failure of governments to create jobs and reduce poverty, particularly among women and the youths. Sanusi, who stated this at the signing of a tripartite agreement for the establishment of CBN Entre-

preneurship Development Centres, EDCs, in the three geo-political zones yesterday in Abuja, said the initiative of the bank to establish the centres was part of its efforts targeted at job creation and economic empowerment in the country. Sanusi said: “This is part of efforts to support the job creation initiative of government as you know the NBS in 2010 and 2012 has poverty rate of 60.9 per cent and unemployment of 23.5 per cent. As you know again poverty is highest in the northern part of the country and

Borno and Yobe has been ranked low as far as poverty index is concerned. “Indeed, the security situation in this part of the country is fundamentally linked to the absence of unemployment opportunities and to the quality of life of the people and unless these real economic issues are addressed we will not likely find a long lasting solution to the political and security problems. This is one reason why we have taken a strong interest in Borno state.” While lamenting the failure of banks to lend

money to entrepreneurs, Sanusi said the CBN has reviewed its micro finance policy banning state governments from owning micro finance banks, in order to improve access of entrepreneurs to bank credit. He said the new policy was approved in such a way that state governments will now be allowed to set up and own micro finance banks with an option to exit after a defined period. According to him, the measure became imperative owing to limited access to credit by graduates of the EDCs.

For instance, he said as at September 2012 the three EDCs in Kano, Onitsha and Lagos have trained 39, 110 people, counselled 92, 449 business promoters and created 7, 455 jobs. However, only 2.64 per cent were able to access loans valued at N220m from financial institutions and some state governments. Responding, the governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kassim Shettima, said the state was going through a difficult situation owing to the activities of Boko Haram.

a strong caucus to adopt the Speaker” for the number one slot. The source, who did not want his name mentioned said: “We have identified the qualities we need in a leader of the country in Tambuwal and we are ready to give him the support.” The lawmaker, who disclosed to National Mirror that his committee may likely begin the campaign, said he believed a Tambuwal presidency would give Nigerians a cause for celebration. The lawmaker, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, added: “I believe very strongly that IBB (ex Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida) is also behind Tambuwal for the presidency.” But the Speaker, who enjoys massive support from all parties in the House, may have a nut to crack: The Senate President, David Mark is also interested in Aso Rock. But Tambuwal, from feelers emerging from both Chambers may have an edge over Mark.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Ex-gov Sylva docked over N2bn fraud EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

he embattled former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, was yesterday docked at the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on a six-count charge of criminal conversion of N2bn belonging to the state government for private purpose and money laundering. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, which brought the charges, alleged that

Sylva looted public funds under false pretences of using same to pay salaries of civil servants. According to the charge sheet, the bank accounts of three persons were used to launder the money. They are: Habibu Sani Maigidia, a bureau de change operator with account number 221433478108 in FinBank, Plc; Enson Benmer Limited with account number 6152030001946 in First Bank, Plc and one John Daukoru with account number 04800250000418 in

United Bank for Africa Plc. Sylva looked calm as he sat in the dock throughout the proceedings yesterday. The six-count charge against the accused person reads: •That you, Timipre Sylva, as Governor of Bayelsa State, with others now at large, sometime between October 2009 and February 2010 at various places in Nigeria, including Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, did conspire to commit a crime to wit: conversion of

properties and resources amounting to N2bn belonging to Bayelsa State government.” •That you, Timipre Sylva, as Governor of Bayelsa State, with others now at large, on or about January 22, 2010, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, converted the sum of N380m through the account of one Habibu Sani Maigidia, a bureau de change operator with account number 221433478108 in FinBank Plc, which sum you knew represented the

Former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva (middle) with his lawyer in court yesterday.

proceeds of an illegal act with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds of the said illegal act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act) 2004 and also punishable under Section 14(1) of the same Act. •That you, Timipre Sylva, as Governor of Bayelsa State, with others now at large, on or about February 5, 2010, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, converted the sum of N50m, property of the Bayelsa State Government, through the account of one Enson Benmer Limited with account number 6152030001946 in First Bank Plc, which sum you knew represented the proceeds of an illegal act with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds of the said illegal act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act) 2004 and also punishable under section 14(1) of the same Act. •That you, Timipre Sylva, as Governor of Bayelsa State, with others now at large, on or about the 5th of February, 2010, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, converted the sum

of N20,000,000 (Twenty Million Naira), property of the Bayelsa State Government, through the account of one John Daukoru with Account No. 04800250000418, in United Bank for Africa, Plc, which sum you knew represented the proceeds of an illegal act with the aim of concealing the nature of the proceeds of the said illegal act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act) 2004 and also punishable under section 14(1) of the same Act. •That you, Timipre Sylva, as Governor of Bayelsa State, with others now at large, sometime between October 2009 and February, 2010, at various places in Nigeria, including Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court did conspire to commit a crime to wit: inducing Union Bank Plc, with the intent to defraud, to deliver to Bayelsa State Government the sum of N2,000,000,000 (Two billion naira), under the false pretence of using the amount to augment salaries of the Bayelsa State Government and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(a) and punishable under section CONTINUED ON PAGE 6>>

Defence minister slumps at Armed Forces Remembrance Day CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The deafening boom from of 21-gun salute by artillery fire began suddenly and caused a scare among the dignitaries at the venue. The minister slumped into the hands of her military aides who took her aside after which she regained consciousness. It was gathered that the firing of artillery pieces at such events is usually preceded by an announcement but that was not the case yesterday before the guns went off. After she was revived, the minister later came out to lay a wreath. Later on in the afternoon, Obada, who looked hale and hearty, was in the State House with the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala when President Goodluck Jonathan met

with visiting Vice President of the World Bank, Murkhtar Diop. The President had led other top government officials to lay wreaths in commemoration of this year’s Remembrance Day. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration is an annual event to recognise and appreciate military heroes who lost their lives in the cause of fighting to defend the sovereignty of the nation. The event, held at the National Arcade within Three Arms Zone, Abuja witnessed a parade by officers of the Nigeria Army, the Navy, the Air Force and men of the Nigerian Legion. Jonathan took the salute at the parade in which the national colours as well as the three regimental colours of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force were dis-

played. The President later led the leadership of the legislature and the judiciary to lay wreaths at the ceremony. Vice-President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed also participated in the wreath laying ceremony. All the Service Chiefs including the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim; Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Alex Badeh and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba also laid wreaths. The 21-gun-salute in honour for the remembrance of the fallen heroes was

followed the release of pigeons by the President to signifies peace and unity of the nation. Jonathan later signed the anniversary register to conclude the event. Meanwhile, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has charged Nigerians, particularly those in positions of authority to make it a priority to cater for the families left behind by the fallen members of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Obasanjo gave the charge yesterday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, while speaking with newsmen shortly after the celebration of the Remembrance Day held at the Arcade Ground of the state secretariat complex in OkeMosan. The former president, who recalled that Nigeria’s security forces has been losing its personnel since

the colonial era either in support of civil authority or in fighting local wars, also stressed that Nigerians must strive towards ensuring that whatever could have led to such loss of lives does not repeat itself. “For us in Nigeria, even when we were fighting along with the colonial power, we lost Nigerians in Burma, in East Africa. But since the days of the constabulary, because that is where the Nigerian Army started from, Nigerian security forces have been losing lives either in support of civil authority or in fighting local wars. “The aim of this is to constantly remember the sacrifice that they have made, constantly remind ourselves that they left families behind who need to be cared and catered for.” Emphasising that war

situation was never a picnic, Obasanjo stressed that Nigerians, particularly civilians as well as members of the Armed Forces must constantly remind themselves of history of the country. “We learn from history by constantly reminding ourselves of the history of our country. Unfortunately, war is not a picnic; when you engage in wars, lives are bound to be lost. That is why, as much as possible, wars should be avoided.” The four paramount rulers from Egbaland, Ijebuland, Remoland as well as that of the Yewaland all joined the state governor, Ibikunle Amosun, to lay wreaths at the arcade ground in memory of the fallen soldiers. Amosun also released white doves to symbolically demonstrate the return of peace at the event.

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Wednesday, January 16, 2013

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FG begins handing over of electricity companies CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

generation companies, GENCOS and eight distribution companies, DISCOS to private investors under the privatisation programme being implemented by the Bureau for Public Enterprises, BPE. The privatisation of two distribution firms is yet to be resolved while the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has been handed over to a management contractor for an initial period of three years. The Acting DirectorGeneral, BPE, Mr. Benjamin Dikki, said at a prenegotiation meeting with the bidders in Abuja yesterday, that the government is “working assiduously to ensure effective handover of these enterprises.” The BPE boss, who spoke on the power sector privatisation programmes over the past few years, said that having verified and confirmed that all the bank guarantees provided by the preferred bidders were genuine; the bidders were qualified for the finalisation of negotiation stage. Dikki said: “It is important to remind you that 15 business days after signing of the sale and purchase agreement or the shareholders’ agreement, whichever is earlier, or at a mutually agreed earlier date, the bidders shall make a down

payment of 25 per cent of the share sales purchase price. It is also in order to mention that it is after finalisation of negotiations that transaction documents will be executed.” He explained that the race, which began in 1999 with the creation of the Electric Power Sector Implementation Committee, EPIC, by the National Council on Privatisation, NCP, to carry out a comprehensive study of the electricity power industry would soon end. The acting DG noted that one of the main objectives of EPIC was to prepare a power policy blueprint that would define government’s new direction for the electric power sector. He stated that one of the key outcomes of EPIC was the preparation of a draft National Electric Power Policy, NEPP, in March 2001. Dikki said the approved NEPP document and the EPSRA 2005 were targeted at liberalising the electricity industry, attracting private sector investment and creating competition amongst participants in the electricity market. He said: “It was expected that with the introduction of a better operating environment that is efficient, effective and well-regulated, private sector participants would be encouraged to invest in the sector.

“The fact that we shall be executing the transaction documents for all the Gencos and Discos, except Kaduna and Afam, attests to the success of this voyage and the commitment of the Jonathan/Sambo administration to continue implementing reforms in the power sector and other sectors like the oil and gas, transport and the postal sectors in the dogged pursuit of its transformation agenda.” He explained that some measures had been completed or are presently being pursued to enable the dream fully come true, including the signing of an agreement between the government and labour that guaranteed the cooperation of labour in

the handover process. The BPE boss, who pointed out that the Federal Government was working to raise the finance to effect payment of staff entitlements, said: “Just last Saturday, Vice-President Namadi Sambo presided over a meeting of ministers and top ranking government officials to address the funding implications of the agreement.” Dikki also noted that title documents to landed properties were being vigorously pursued, adding that BPE has also collaborated with the Ministry of Lands and Housing to ensure resolution of land and property titles. He said measures have been taken to improve fund-

ing for operations pointing out that “high level government organs are discussing the funding of NELMCO and the Bulk Trader in order to ensure financial stability of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, NESI.” The Acting DirectorGeneral also said that outstanding bills falling due to the management contractor of Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, have either been paid or are at an advanced stage of processing for payment. He said avenues are also being explored to provide adequate funding to improve TCN infrastructure on a sustainable basis and that a lot has been achieved and more will be done to

stabilise gas supply on a sustainable basis. According to him, “All these measures should assure all preferred bidders and their financiers that everything is being done by government to provide a conducive atmosphere for their investments.” Dikki, who expressed the appreciation to investors for their participation in the privatisation process said: “The Federal Government is grateful for your faith in its reform programmes and looks forward to the successful conclusion of these transactions. We ho pe to see most, if not all of you, when the PIB, Transport and Postal Bills are enacted.”

Commercial drivers protesting the stoppage of green cabs from the Federal Capital Territory in Mararaba, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Ex-gov Sylva docked over N2bn fraud CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2004. •That you, Timipre Sylva, as Governor of Bayelsa State, with others now at large, sometime between October 2009 and February, 2010, at various places in Nigeria, including Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court induced Union Bank Plc with the intent to defraud, to grant an overdraft facility of the sum of N2,000,000,000 (Two billion naira) to the Bayelsa State Government under the false pretence of using the amount to augment salaries of the Bayelsa State Government and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2004 and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act.”

In adopting his written address to the counteraffidavit filed in response to the charge, the counsel for the embattled former governor, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the charge. Fagbemi argued that the prosecution did not attach the proof of evidence to the charge against Sylva. The lawyer noted that non-disclosure of proof of evidence was at variance with Section 33 of the Federal High Court Act as well as Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution as amended. He added that by nondisclosure the proof of evidence makes the case “an abuse of court process”. The defence counsel therefore urged the trial court to dismiss the charge and discharge the accused person. Prosecuting counsel, Mr.

Festus Keyamo, however opposed the application by Sylva. Keyamo admitted that Sylva’s application revolved around whether by the absence of proof of evidence the prosecution is precluded from leading any further evidence during trial. The lawyer noted that by virtue of Section 33 of the Federal High Court Act the prosecution was at liberty to lead further evidence. He added, however, that the only requirement expected of the prosecution, was to put the defence on notice. He added that Sylva did not take advantage of Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution as amended to request from the prosecution the proof of evidence. “It would do violence and amount to shutting out the prosecution if we are not heard.”

After listening to the submission of the respective counsel, the Presiding Judge, Justice Adamu Bello, adjourned the matter till February 20 for ruling. Meanwhile, Justice A. R Mohammed of a Federal High Court, Abuja yesterday, extended his order of forfeiture of Sylva’s property spread around Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. The court had on December 21, 2012 granted an ex parte motion brought by the EFCC, for an order of interim forfeiture of the former governor’s assets. At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, prosecuting counsel, Keyamo had moved an application praying the court to grant an extension to the life of the interim order, saying that will prevent the former governor from selling-off the properties. According to the prosecu-

tor, it will pose serious challenge to the EFCC to possess the contentious property, in the event that the accused person is convicted of a sixcount charge of criminal conversion of public fund, by another court. In opposition to the EFCC’s request, Sylva’s counsel, Mr. Ibezim Ibezim argued that there was, indeed, no basis for any extension of the interim order, more so that the court had made same in error. Ibezim told the court that he had filed a motion challenging the competency of the suit brought by the commission. Also, counsel for an interested party, O. Olowo, who filed processes on behalf of an interested party seeking to be joined in the suit, raised objection to EFCC’s move for time enlargement. This is even as the prospective “interested

party” was yet to be joined. Justice Mohammed held that since the forfeiture order formed the basis of respective counsel’s arguments before the court, it will only be expedient to accede to an extension of the order, with a view to preserving the subject-matter (res) of the suit. Accordingly, the trial judge adjourned till January 24, and directed Keyamo to put all the parties on notice. Over 40 properties said to belong to Sylva were recently confiscated by the anti-graft agency. Among the assets traced to him in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, are a duplex at Cachez Estate valued at N310m. Another property is a N700m mansion in Wuse, Abuja, allegedly acquired in the name of Marlin Maritime Limited; a company owned by Sylva.

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News

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Recruitment scam: Senate, Reps query Army, NNPC, CBN • Seek stiffer penalties against federal character breaches

GEORGE ORJI AND TORDUE SALEM

joint committee of the National Assembly yesterday alleged recruitment imbalances in the Nigerian Armed Forces, the financial, petroleum sectors and several agencies and paramilitary establishments. The Chairman of the joint committee, Senator Awaisu Dahiru Kuta (PDP, Niger), said from the

committee’s findings, the affected sectors and the Federal Civil Service in general risked sanctions for breaching sections 14 and 15 of the 1999 Constitution on observance of the federal character principle in recruitments. He said: “Section 14(4) and 14(3) has not been complied with, in terms of employment or recruitment exercises. We feel we should come together and discuss this matter. Corruption has eaten deep into our fabrics.

“Section 15, has spelt out penalties against any agency that goes against the federal character principle, jobs are going the highest bidder. The issue of marginalisation has frustrated and angered Nigerians. “Many people are no longer ready to put in their best, because their bosses give undue favour to people from their immediate environment; their ethnic groups, when it comes to the issue of appointments.” Earlier, Kuta said the

committee also found that there were “indiscriminate waivers on appointments from the Federal Character Commission”. A member of the committee, Senator Uche Chukwumereije (PDP, Abia), in his contribution, advised the National Assembly to include a clause in the Federal Character Act to prescribe stricter penalty for people who take bribes to employ. “Taking bribe from an applicant is unpardonable,”

he said. The Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Alhaji Bello Kofar, who appeared at a joint hearing of the National Assembly on the issue with some representatives of the affected agencies, regretted that the “chief executives who are responsible for answering these questions are not here”. He said: “One of the problems of the commission is the inability of the affected agencies to honour invitations to public hearings. “The decision of the

agencies not to appear here today should be noted strongly. “The Federal Character Commission has challenges in supervisory and regulatory role. “There is a big problem with Armed Forces, Police, health sector, education sector, civil service sector, judicial service sector, financial sector, petroleum sector, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, especially. “We don’t get compliance from these agencies on the provisions of the Federal Character Act.”

We’ll resolve NASS, SEC face-off –Board TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

he newly inaugurated board of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, yesterday promised to collaborate with the National Assembly to ensure successful implementation of ongoing reform in the capital market. Giving the assurance in a post-inauguration parley with the media, the Chairman, Dr. Suleiman Ndanusa, said the board would work in collaboration with the coordinating minister for the economy to address whatever problems that existed between the National Assembly and SEC for the benefit of the market and the economy. He said: “We will work with the honourable minister of finance to reconcile the commission with the National Assembly to ensure understanding of the operations of the SEC.

“I believe that nobody would want the market to suffer unnecessarily. So we are all putting our hands on the table to look for whatever problems and resolve them.” Ndanusa added that the new board would “work on the modernisation of SEC a lot further. Things like the demutualisation and dematerialisation have to be done. Enforcement of rules and regulations would also be taken more seriously. Speaking during the inauguration, the Finance Minister, Dr Okonjo-Iweala, explained that members of the board had been charged with an extraordinary duty of ensuring that capital market activities in the country proceeded in a manner fundamentally beneficial to the country. She harped on the importance of the capital market in the nation’s economy in view of its strategic roles in contributing materially to the direction of the economy.

Nigeria among world’s fastest growing economies –World Bank ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

he World Bank yesterday said that Nigeria is one of the fastest growing emerging economies in the world despite the current global recession. This was as President Goodluck Jonathan reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the implementation of reforms necessary for accelerated economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation. Speaking when he met

with Jonathan at the State House, the World Bank Vice-President for Africa, Mr. Mouktar Diop, disclosed that by the bank’s own criteria and assessment, the level of poverty in Nigeria had actually declined from 48 per cent to 46 per cent under the current administration. Diop commended ongoing reforms in Nigeria and the management of the economy while assuring Jonathan that the World Bank would use all instruments available to it to support Nigeria’s power sector reforms.

L-R: President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Okey Wali: Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayo Philips: Solicitor General, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN) and wife of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Ganiat, at the Chief Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture/Symposium organised by the NBA Ikeja branch, in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Stop paying 13% derivation to govs, Niger Delta warns FG TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

eaders and the people of oil producing communities in the Niger Delta region yesterday warned the Federal Government over the continued payment of the 13 per cent derivation fund directly to state governments. The people said they would no longer wait to see the flagrant violations of their

rights as enshrined in the constitution on the matter. Giving the charge in a communiqué jointly issued by the Oil and Gas Communities of Nigeria in concert with Izon Ikemi (the grassroots of the Ijaw nation), the leaders of the communities in six states in the region, said that despite a series of proposals made to the relevant agencies of government to get a legal solution to the fiscal anomaly.

They urged the Federal Government to urgently find a lasting solution to the problem in order to avert any breakdown of law and order in the region. The leaders vowed to continue to mobilise the people for massive protests against perceived injustice against their communities. In the communiqué jointly signed by Tony I. Uranta (Vice-Chairman), Akpos Mezeh (Secretary) and other leaders of Izon

Presidency keeps mum over First Lady’s sudden trip

he Presidency yesterday kept mum over the health status of the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, as she was reportedly flown to Germany on Sunday night for treatment. There was no official statement from the Presidency on the matter and efforts to get reactions from Mrs. Jonathan’s Media Aide, Ayo Osinlu, were not successful as there was no

response to calls made to his phone. But President Goodluck Jonathan went about his official activities as he led other top government functionaries to lay wreath to commemorate this year’s Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebration in Abuja. He later met with the World Bank Vice-President for Africa, Murthar Diop, and some minis-

ters at the State House. An online news portal, Shara Reporters, had on Monday said that Mrs. Jonathan was flown out to Germany on another emergency health issues. The First Lady attended the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Church Service with her husband at an event held on Sunday afternoon at the National Christian Centre.

Ikem and leaders of Oil and Gas Communities of Nigeria, including Chief William Igere (Delta State), Berry Negresse (Bayelsa) and Comrade Samuel Ebiwanno (Ondo), among others, they said the 13 per cent derivation fund should be deployed to benefit their people in line with the original intention for the creation of the fund. The communiqué reads part: “Already, tension is building up in the oil producing communities and we may not be able to hold the people down for too long and that is why the Federal Government and the relevant agencies need to act fast to prevent any untoward circumstance. “Our people are becoming increasingly restive, agitated, and frustrated, by the seeming nonchalant attitude of government to our very urgent and legitimate demands for equity and our rights.

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Wednesday, January 16, 2013

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ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY

Akpabio preaches against bloodshed Bamidele seeks special fund for fallen heroes’ families

kwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, has called on Nigerians to avoid creating conditions capable of leading to further bloodshed and to work towards sustaining democracy in the country. The governor, who made the call yesterday at the grand-finale of this yearss Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at the Cenotaph, Off Nsikak Eduok Avenue, Uyo noted; “As we honour them, our commitment must be to protect democracy and ensure we do not create conditions that further bloodshed anymore.” Governor Akpabio, who laid a wreath at the cenotaph noted; “In 1966, some majors attempted a coup.

An act of indiscretion on the part of top military men led to a civil war and again we lost our precious sons and daughters. “It is a lesson for the military and civilians alike to learn from. We must do everything to ensure the sustenance of democracy on our shores. “If we let the power of love overcome the love of power, we will have peace in this country and see the end of conflicts in our shores. We must remember always that soldiers belong to us. They are our fathers and mothers, uncles and aunties, sons and daughters. They must not be made to die in situations we could avoid simply by the application of sanity,” he pointed out.

The governor commended members of the Nigerian Legion for always taking care of the families of their departed colleagues, saying; “Our partnership with them would only get better this year. I urge them to remember that my dear father was one of them and I have special interest in them.” He enjoined them to; “Let courage and bravery of the Unknown Soldier challenge us and leave us with a deeper faith in our country. Let the sacrifice spur us to respond to the call of our country and build a nation bound in freedom, peace and unity. The Unknown Soldier is not dead, he marches on in our conscience.”

ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

he Federal Government has been urged to set up a special intervention fund to cater for the families of fallen military officers in the country. House of Representatives member, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, said such is necessary to alleviate the sufferings of the families left behind by the fallen heroes. Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central 1 Federal

Constituency at the National Assembly, said in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Salami Ahmed, in Ado Ekiti yesterday in commemoration of the yearly Armed Forces Remembrance Day, 2013 that staging annual parades in honour of the officers was not enough show of respect. While appealing to the Federal Government to take steps further by directly dealing with their families and intervening in areas where their shoes pinches, the lawmaker said; “The fallen heroes are bread winners in their respective families,

whose demise could not but engender sufferings.” His statement reads in part: “The nation should be conscious of the fact that these fallen heroes are no longer entitled to any benefit on the strength of death and needed to be given a special care as a mark of solidarity and love. “I am not against annual honours for these men, but the Federal Government should do more. They should provide for their families who are suffering.

We owe ex-servicemen a duty, says Uduaghan

elta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has called on Nigerians to take to the welfare of ex-service men in the country as a national challenge with everyone contributing to it.

The governor, who made the call at the 2013 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Ceremony yesterday in Asaba, said the care of ex-service men should be seen as a responsibility for all, adding that all hands should be on deck to support the ex-service men. Dr Uduaghan said his administration will rehabilitate the ex-service men and their families, especially those who lost their dear ones while serving the nation. “It is my belief that ex-

service men who served this great nation should be taken care of adequately. My administration will ensure that ex-service men in the state are exposed to some job opportunities and all promises made for their welfare will be implemented,” he added. He said the Remembrance Day was a day set aside to pay homage to the ex-service men who laid down their lives for the unity of the nation and enjoined Nigerians to contribute generously towards the welfare of ex-service men.

Aregbesola bemoans neglect of discharged soldiers

L-R: Commissioner of Police, Plateau State, Mr. Chris Olakpe; Commander, 330 Nigeria Air Force Station, Air Commodore Emeka Ozoemena; Commander, Special Task Force, Maj.-Gen. Henry Ayoola and GOC 3 Div., Maj.-Gen. Jack Nwaogbo, at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony in Jos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Orji urges Nigerians to be patriotic GEORGE OPARA ABIA

bia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, yesterday lauded the Nigerian armed forces for their patriotic zeal and selfless service, saying that the Nigerian nation would attain the expected greatness if other Nigerians could imbibe such brand of patriotism. He asked the Federal Government to expedite action in implementing the special grant promised to be paid the families of the fallen heroes. Speaking at the conclusion of the Armed Forces

Remembrance Day celebration held at Aguiyi Ironsi Cenotaph, Umuahia, Orji said that every Nigerian should pause and reflect on how best to contribute to the growth of their fatherland. “The theme of patriotism and self-sacrifice which the Nigerian Armed Forces epitomises should be uppermost in our lives, for these will create the glowing tomorrow that we seek to bequeath to our young generation,” he said. The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Emeka Ananaba, em-

phasised that the Nigeria of today demands “unity of purpose, limitless sacrifice and patriotism” from the citizenry for the country to survive as a prosperous, united and indivisible nation. “No sacrifice made by our citizens to secure and move the nation to the path of peace and predictable development will be forgotten by generations yet unborn,” Governor Orji said. To appreciate the sacrifice of the members of the Armed Forces, Orji called for the empowerment of the Nigerian Legion to make them

stronger and self-sustaining in coping with the responsibilities of caring for the dependents of bereaved members.

sun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has bemoaned the attitude of concern authorities in neglecting some discharged soldiers, who fought in defence of the nation. He spoke in Osogbo, the state capital yesterday during the wreath laying ceremony and commissioning of the newly renovated military cenotaph as part of the activities marking the 2013 Arm Forces Remembrance Day. The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Otunba Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, regretted that there are reports that the families of some soldiers that died in

defence of the nation are yet to get their entitlements. According to the governor, “Given the nature of the soldering profession as an organised armed service called upon to defend society to the death, how does the society respond to this ‘special calling’ through its treatment of the military and its members? “Does the society cater to its needs as an institution to be able to fulfil the essence of its special calling? And as individuals, what does the society offer them for their ultimate loyalty and patriotism in answering the call to lay down their lives on society’s behalf?

Learn to appreciate military officers – Amaechi

ivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has appealed to Nigerians to show gratitude to officers and men of the Nigerian Army for the services they render to the country. Amaechi spoke when the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 82 Division in the Nigerian Army, MajorGeneral O. O. Oshinowo, paid him a courtesy visit

in Port Harcourt to bid him farewell, having reached retirement age. The GOC was accompanied by other senior military officers in the army. The governor thanked the GOC for his services to the state and the country in general. “We should show gratitude for the service you rendered to the country so that all others who are

coming after you will be glad to serve, knowing that people appreciate the services they are rendering. I congratulate you on the services you provided and be rest assured that though you are retired, I believe that this country will still need you. “One thing you must know is that you have served this country diligently.”

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Wednesday January 16, 2013

Fire razes Ikeja Shopping Mall MURITALA AYINLA

ire yesterday gutted a section of the multibillion dollars Ikeja Shopping Mall, which led to the closure of the mall for several hours. It was gathered that the fire, which gutted the section occupied by Mr Price, a clothing outfit, started around 11 am a as result of a surge in power supply. The National Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Na-

tional Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, security officials and workers at the mall helped to contain the inferno from spreading to other shops, including the popular Shoprite, which main supermarket in the mall. For hours, customers, including journalists, were barred from entering the mall until the fire was put out and the affected premises cleaned up for business. The State Director of Fire Service, Mr. Rasak Fadipe, told our correspondent that the fire was caused by the electrical

park which ignited all the bulbs and power connection in the affected section. He said: “There was a fire incident at the place this morning but we have been able to put it out. It was not a major incident because we were able to contain the fire on time.” Operations Manager, Ikeja Shopping Mall, Mr Steve Idornigie, said the management of the mall was alerted by Mr Price’s Store Manager about the fire about 11 am, adding that the rescue operation and evacuation were swift and well-coordinated.

Idornigie said the affected place was condoned off immediately, adding that the security personnel also ensured that the evacuation of the customers was done through the emergency exits. He said: “We responded swiftly and we tried as much as possible to contain the fire within the shop and the fire extinguishers were used, the sprinkler system designed for the mall came into play, the Lagos State Fire Service responded swiftly within five minutes, NEMA, LASEMA and NSCDC were also here to manage the fire.”

Ekiti won’t sack redundant LG workers –Commission ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

kiti State Local Government Service Commission, LGSC, has assured council workers said to be illegally employed or redundant of fairness as government would review their cases. The LGSC Chairman, Chief Ranti Adebisi, who said the government would not sack any council worker, debunked rumour making the rounds that salaries of the affected council staff had been stopped. Adebisi told journalists in Ado-Ekiti yesterday that those declared redundant for being engaged in wrong areas would be transferred to areas where they could function optimally, while the appointments of those illegally employed would be regularised. The state government had last year December pasted the names of 1,783 council workers, who were alleged to be redundant, illegally recruited, overstayed in service, or falsified their age or documents, among others, in

the 16 council areas. This created the impression that the government was planning to sack them. But Adebisi said: “The state government will not play politics with the workers. The issue would be looked at thoroughly and we will ensure nobody is unfairly treated.” He said the commission was also partnering with the chairmen of the 16 councils to resuscitate the moribund mechanic section in the different local governments to check redundancy among the workers and serve as revenue earner. Adebisi, who canvassed support for the Governor Kayode Fayemi administration’s restructuring programme targeted at engendering productivity, said: “We are not interested in sacking anybody because we are all Ekiti. All the workers affected are also indigenes of this state. “But if any worker is employed to come and play politics, you may lose your job and that was why I advised those interested in politics to resign.”

Ajimobi presents N152bn ‘budget of transformation’

Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III (left) his wife, Folasade (2nd right) arriving the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

Tension mounts as UI students reject ban on cooking KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

ension is now mounting at the University of Ibadan, UI, over the ban on cooking in halls of residence by the management which has been rejected by the students. The institution’s ViceChancellor, Prof. Isaac Adewole, who justified the new policy at a town hall meeting held with the students at the Trenchard Hall, disclosed that the management spends over N400 million on maintenance of halls in the school while it generates about N144 million from them annually. Adewole said the university was shifting to providing essentials of studying to students rather than spending on electricity mostly used for cooking in the halls. He said: “We will not allow the University of Ibadan to die. The problem

of accommodation in UI has to do with access and cost. The access deals with how many students can be accommodated. With about 21,000 undergraduate students, we can only accommodate 8,000 students. “Last session, we spent N317 million on electricity bill and power generation

alone. We have been subsidising the accommodation but that cannot continue. The Federal Government does not send any subvention for this.” But stunned by the new policy, the students have rejected the proposal. The Students’ Union President, Raymond Edo-

sa, who said they would continue to fight for their rights, insisted that cooking must be allowed. He added that buying food from cafeteria might be costly for indigent students. At the town hall meeting, the students booed the VC and accused him of behaving like a military president.

Group raises alarm over plot to destabilise Ondo PDP OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

group within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ondo Rescue Mission, ORM, yesterday raised the alarm on the alleged plan by some individuals to cause disaffection in the party in Ondo State with a view to destabilising it. A statement issued by the group’s Chairman, Otunba Rasak Isijola, and Secretary, Mr. Wale Ozogoro, said the Director General of the Olusola Oke Campaign

Organisation, OOCO, Dr. Oluwadare Bada, was the hatchet man of those bent on destroying the party. The statement reads in part: “We will not pretend to be unaware of the perfidy and chicanery surreptitiously orchestrated by this set of self-seeking individuals. “They have perfected their heinous intentions all aimed at causing disaffection among our party members. “We are aware that they have bought air time on radio and television stations and have paid for advertorials in many print media all aimed at distracting

our attention from our court case and bring down the state executive body that was legally and democratically constituted. “The plan of these charlatans have been exposed, therefore, party members and our national body should discountenance their flaw antics and knavery. “They have employed the services of Dr. Bada, who happens to be their latest captive. However, these traitors will continue to enjoy the comic exhibition of their hilarious outburst, as far as their integrity remains worthless to them.”

yo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has presented a N152 billion budget proposal for the 2013 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly. Ajimobi also restated the commitment of his administration in transforming the state. Making the presentation of the budget tagged: “Budget of Transformation,” on the floor of the Assembly yesterday, the governor said the proposal was guided by his administration’s desire to restore, transform and reposition the state to its former pacesetter status over the medium-term. While N82.97 billion representing 54.55 per cent is allocated to recurrent expenditure, the capital expenditure will gulp N69.15 billion, representing 45.1 per cent of the budget. The sectoral allocation consists of economy (including infrastructure) 36.26 per cent; social services (24.13 per cent); general administration (25.46 per cent) and regional development (14.15 per cent). According to the gover-

nor, the high percentage of 60.39 per cent allocated to the economic and social services sectors underscores his administration’s determination to pursue a people-centred, employment-driven economic agenda. He said: “We consider this strategy as the best antidote to the problem of poverty among our people.’’ Ajimobi also said that the 2013 budgetary proposal had been anchored on some policy thrust and philosophy, including realism of budgetary proposal, prioritisation and calendarisation of capital budget implementation and entrenching value-chain approach to sectoral development, especially in areas such as agriculture and investment promotion.

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Wednesday, January 16, 2013

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Get ready for prosecution, Lagos tells tax defaulters

Fashola sacks contractor over shoddy road project

MURITALA AYINLA

ax defaulters in Lagos State may begin to face arduous times as the state government yesterday said it would begin mass prosecution of tax defaulters in the state, saying everything have been put in place to ensure that those bent on evading taxes are constitutionally dealt with in the state. The state also announced that it filed 238 cases in the high court against recalci-

trant firms in the last year, adding that it also recovered N17 billion from tax evaders during the period. The state government said three million Lagosians pay taxes out of the estimated 20 million residents, describing the development as unfair in spite of the infrastructural development recorded in the state. Briefing journalists on the readiness of the state government to commence legal action against tax defaulters, state Attorney-General, Ade Ipaye, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation,

Mr. Bola Shodipo and the Lagos Inland Revenue Service, Mr. Babatunde Fowler, said government would henceforth begin the implementation of Personal Income Tax law on defaulters. Ipaye said the state government has taken its time in educating the residents in the state on the importance of paying taxes, saying that the next step therefore would be enforcement of the law. He added that the state has gotten the fiat to prosecute tax evaders. “We have refined our processes in terms of educat-

ing the people to encourage them on payment of tax, the next step is to go on and enforce the law. The situation where only three million pay taxes out eight million eligible tax payers is unfair and government will exercise its right as empowered by the constitution.” In his remarks, Shodipo, who described the defaulters as enemies of the state, noted that the state has recorded increase in its revenue which is constantly used in the development of infrastructure across the state.

CNPP tasks lawmakers over constituency allowance

MURITALA AYINLA he contractor handling the construction of Obafemi Awolowo Road project in Ikorodu Local Government, Segmahsen and Company, yesterday got the boot as the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, yesterday said he will issue a quit notice to the company for doing a shoddy job. The company’s fate was informed by protests from residents of the community who trooped out in their hundreds to register

KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

yo State chapter of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, has charged senators, members of the House of Representatives and state House of Assembly, to use their constituency allowances for the provision of infrastructural facilities in their respective constituencies. The conference, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Yinka Olona and Secretary, Deacon Samson Olalere and made available to journalists in Ibadan yesterday, urged the lawmakers to spend their constituency allowances on developmental projects such as the construction of roads, classrooms and health centres. The body condemned in strong terms, a situation whereby lawmakers use their constituency allowances to embark on petty and unworthy empowerment programmes which further impoverish the beneficiaries of such programmes. It, however, used the opportunity to call on the electorate to reject legislators who failed to bring any meaningful development to their constituencies come 2015. The conference also appealed to the Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration to use the opportunity of this dry season to repair and construct all bad roads across the state.

L-R: Congress for Progressive Change, (CPC), Chairman, Merger Committee and former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Garba Gadi; Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola; his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Action Congress of Nigeria, Minority Leader, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, during the presentation of the book ‘2015 Manifesto of Nigerian Opposition Politics’, authored by Salihu Mohammed Lukman, in Abuja, yesterday.

Ajimobi reads riot act to teachers KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

yo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, yesterday threatened to wield the big stick against any teacher found wanting in the delivery of quality education in the state. The governor gave the warning in Ibadan, while inaugurating the ‘School Monitoring and Supervision Project’ in collaboration with the University of Ibadan. He placed the blame of poor performance by students in public schools partly at the doorstep of

teachers, charging them to rededicate themselves to service. He said those who are found wanting, particularly misusing productive hours to sell wares in schools, will be dismissed. His words: “I feel sorry that education has deteriorated as this, so when you are asking for increment in salary even though you are not wholly responsible for the dismal performance; I know the environment is a factor and so many other things, I am challenging our teachers to please rededicate themselves to service. “When I drive around,

I see students roaming the streets and teachers selling gold, selling chains. I have seen teachers that even when they speak English, you will be ashamed. I am asking the Ministry of Education to develop a yearround training and re-training of our teachers. I will not tolerate truancy. Whatever is needed to help our teachers, we shall do it.” He said education is the soul of any society aspiring for development, assuring that the state will develop a knowledge-based economy. Ajimobi tasked the University of Ibadan to identify challenges facing the educa-

tion sector in the state and proffer solutions for overall socio-economic development of the state. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole, assured that the institution will develop and deliver a strategy to improve education delivery and enhance the ranking of Oyo State in national examinations. He said the premier university will partner with the state government to ensure quality improvement in all spheres of education delivery in the state. Adewole added that the school monitoring and supervision project will lead to the production of a data

their displeasure over the project. They lamented the shoddy handling of the project by the contractor, calling on the governor to proffer a lasting solution to the ‘abandoned road’. They also questioned the competency of the contractor, who they said had been on the project for over 35 months. Armed with placards of varying sizes, they accused the contractors of deliberately slowing down the pace of work on the project. Some of the inscriptions on the placard include: ‘Awolowo Road abandoned projects for 35months’; ‘Governor Please Save Us’; ‘Our children are afflicted with Asthma,’ among others. Addressing the governor, one of the residents complained that the dust on the road has seriously affected the health of residents, appealing to the governor to rescue the residents from health hazard as a result of the deplorable condition of the road. Responding, Governor Fashola urged the residents to be calm, saying that government, in the first place, awarded the project because it recognises the need to improve the road in their area. base of available manpower in public schools with a view to knowing the appropriateness of those teaching in state-owned schools. The vice-chancellor, who said the institution will deliver a map of resources available in schools in the state including strategy for continuous development, called on the state government to develop a data base of available resources in public schools. Project Coordinator and Dean of Education, Prof. Clement Kolawole, said the institution will ensure that teachers are more responsive to their duties in order to improve students’ performance.

Dana Air crash: ‘Ground victims can claim more than $100, 000’

he ground victims of the June 3, 2012 Dana air crash in Lagos, which killed all the 153 people on board are entitled to unlimited claims, which could run into millions of naira, it emerged yesterday. The crash killed 10 people on ground, while

also destroying some properties, including a warehouse, detached buildings, a furniture company, a bookshop and fish pond, among others. While the airline has started compensating the families of some of the victims of the crash, nothing

has been given to those on ground. But, a highly placed aviation source said this category of victims have unlimited claim in line with aviation rules and regulations because of the circumstance involved. According to him, while

the family of the victims have limited claims of more than $100, 000 in accordance with the law, ground victims have unlimited claim, adding that they must, however, go to court first. “They can claim more than $100, 000. In fact, their

claim is unlimited under the law. But they may have to go to court to claim those rights. A property owner may say it costs me N50 million to build my house and the airline may offer N5 million. The court is there to resolve such issues,” the source said.

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South East

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Ohakim’s govt misappropriated N62bn –Probe panel CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

ccount Reconciliation Committee headed by the Imo State Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso, has submitted its first report on the financial transactions of the administration of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim. The report says funds meant for the N62 billion projects executed by Ohakim’s administration were misappropriated.

Submitting the report to Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday, Agbaso said the committee observed irregularities from government officials, private companies and banks. He disclosed that the administration and the local governments received N420,215,108,265 during its tenure in addition to N18.5 billion bond proceeds, out of which N5.1 billion was utilised. The committee, which put the total loan collected

Man buried alive in Imo over as directed but land dispute dropped when one of the suspects CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

community leader in Eziali village in Mgbidi community, Oru West Council Area of Imo State, Chief Oliver Ononaku, has been buried alive over land dispute. The victim was abducted by gunmen suspected to be hired assassins on December 27, 2012 and was not seen until his body was exhumed weeks later, after the arrest of the suspects. A community source, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that the late Oliver had a land dispute with one of his kinsmen (names withheld), who hired a five-man gang of assassins to abduct him from his home and bury him alive in Ozara, a neighbouring village, under the supervision of the person that sent them. According to the source, the family reported the matter to the police promptly after the victim was abducted, but all efforts to get in touch with the kidnappers failed. But the deal burst when the abductors, in a bid to extort more money from the victim’s family, though they had killed their victim, contacted Oliver’s children and demanded N30 million ransom, which the children paid as advised by the police. The source said: “The money was made available and the suspects told them where to bring the money to. But a plainclothes policeman, who disguised as a mad man, was planted in the area. The ransom was

came out from the bush to collect the money, he was shot and arrested by the policeman. “The arrested suspect made confession that led to the arrest of the person behind the deal and other members of the gang. They later led the police to the scene of the crime where the remains of the victim were exhumed and deposited in a mortuary.” Speaking on the issue, a community leader, Chief Iroku Nduka, described the act as an abomination. He said: “We have never seen anything like this before, for a man to be buried alive over a piece of land. We are appealing to the government to ensure that justice is done to calm frayed nerves.”

by Ohakim’s administration at N63.9 billion, said out of this amount, N33.3 billion was not repaid thus forcing Okorocha’s administration to inherit N33.3 billion as debt from unpaid loans alone. According to Agbaso, Ohakim’s administration borrowed N6 billion from UBA without authorisation and spent same as security vote. The deputy governor said that while N1.746 billion was paid to Cypress Consult between February and July 2010, N49.612,500 was paid to Mr. Victor Konyeha, managing consultant, Cypress Consult Limited. The same Konyeha of Cypress Consult, according

to the report, was paid N49, 612,500 for the design of cottage industries in the 27 councils of the state in February 2011. “Unfortunately, these industries were neither designed nor built and therefore no evidence of job done,” the report added. The committee, according to the report, also discovered payment of N3,385,729,888 to Brickred Consult Limited MD, Chief Dan Okehi, in 2010; payment of N126,000,000 to FM and T Consulting MD, Chief Chris Asoluka; payment of N420 million to EF Networks Corporation; N1.1 billion to Boliv Limited and N1.1 billion to DBB under various vouchers.

Appeal Court grants Umeh’s prayer for accelerated hearing DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

he Appeal Court sitting in Enugu has granted an order for an accelerated hearing of the appeal filed by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh. Umeh is challenging the order of an Enugu State High Court restraining him from parading himself as the national chairman of the party. The Appeal Court, presided over by Justice Inyang Okoro, also granted Umeh’s prayers seeking to compile and transmit the records of the proceedings at the trial court to the appellate court, having alleged that the trial court presided over by the Enugu State Chief Judge, Justice Innocent Umezurike, had refused to compile and

transmit the said record of proceedings. This is coming even as notable leaders of the party who had initially championed Umeh’s removal as national chairman, including the former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Onwuka Ukwa, and leader of the defunct Stakeholders’ Forum of APGA, Dr. Mike Adams, said in Enugu yesterday that peace had returned to the party. They promised to prevail on those who initiated all court actions against Umeh to withdraw the suits. At the resumed hearing of the appeal, Umeh’s counsel, Chief Patrick Ikwueto, had prayed the court to grant accelerated hearing in the appeal, insisting that the restraining order was affecting APGA’s operations as a political party even when it was not a party to the suit.

Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma of Enugu Anglican Diocese (left) and others after the laying of the foundation of the N100 million ultra-modern diagnostic centre at the Good-Shepherd Specialist Hospital in Enugu, yesterday.

Teachers’ redeployment, a necessity –Anambra Remanded MASSOB CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

he administration of Governor Peter Obi has defended the redistribution and rationalisation of primary school teachers by the Anambra State Universal Education Board, ASUBEB, chaired by Chief Nzemeka Olisa. The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mike Udah, said in a statement that the exercise was meant to redress the situation whereby teachers clustered in urban areas of Onitsha North and South, Idemili North, Nnewi North and Awka South local government areas. The statement regretted that clustering of teach-

ers in urban centres had created distress in schools in educationally disadvantaged local government areas of Anambra East and West, Awka North, Nnewi South, Ogbaru and Orumba North. It said that henceforth, every school must have a minimum of eight teachers, irrespective of its location, adding that education delivery at the foundation level must be given adequate attention, to equip the pupils properly for the learning process. The government urged those affected by the exercise to accept the posting in good faith, “as children have right to quality education”. It reminded the head

teachers of their duty to ensure that staff posted to them were effectively deployed, and warned that those who colluded with teachers to cheat would face disciplinary action. In a related development, the Chairman of Peter Obi Campaign Organisation, Chief Sylvester Nwobu Alor, has commended the government for elevating education to a pride of place in Anambra State and as basis for human development and growth. Speaking to journalists in Awka, Alor expressed joy that for the first time, educational sector had received practical attention from government; a development he said had removed the pains of years of neglect.

chieftains regain freedom NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

wo High Courts in Onitsha, Anambra State, yesterday granted bail to three chieftains of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, remanded in prison custody since December 3, last year. The chieftains, Chief Arinze Igbani, Chikezie Ugwu and Chukwudi Udemobi, had been arraigned and remanded for allegedly aiding the escape of Ifeanyi Agbom and Friday Nwafor, who were standing trial for

alleged conspiracy and armed robbery. In his ruling yesterday, shortly after hearing the submissions of the counsel for the first applicant, Okechukwu Odimgbe, the presiding judge of Onitsha High Court 4, Justice A. O. Okuma, cautioned court duty police officers against unprofessional conducts towards accused in law courts. Okuma, however, granted Igbani bail in the sum of N200,000 with one surety who must be a senior civil servant in Anambra State and who must swear to an affidavit of means with two passport photographs.

South South

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Navy hands over 23 suspected oil thieves to EFCC

DESOPADEC donates security vans to police, E vigilance group

MMA

GBEMUDU

YENAGOA

AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

etermined to fight crime in the state, especially kidnapping that is going up daily, the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, yesterday donated security vehicles worth millions of naira to the state police command and local vigilance group in Ndokwa. Presenting the two Toyota Hilux vans to the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba and the local vigilance group at Obiaruku, headquarters of Ukwuani council area, on behalf of DESOPADEC yesterday, a representative of Ndokwa in the commission, Mr. Kenny Okolugbo, said the donation was to enhance the security situation in the council area by fighting kidnapping that has become a menace in the locality in recent times. According to Okolugbo, the commission was moved to assist the security agencies because mobility was their greatest impediment against effective crime fighting in the area. He warned kidnappers and other criminals to stay clear of the council area as the consequences would be very great. The DESOPADEC commissioner said the commission’s next point of call is Ndokwa West LGA, stressing, however, that the mandate of DESOPADEC, which is to fast track infrastructural development and build human capital in oil bearing communities would never be achieved without peace and security. The Ndokwa representative in the commission, while saying that he has reached a certain level that cannot be discussed publicly with the transition chairman of the council, the commissioner of police and the state assembly on the way to fight crime in the area, described as embarrassing the peaceful protest by the lecturers of Delta State University, Abraka, against the kidnapping of their staff in Obiaruku, which before now never experienced any form of kidnapping. Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, a deputy commissioner of police, thanked the commission for the donation, assuring that they would be put to judicious use.

he Central Naval Command, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has handed over 23 suspected oil thieves that include 10 Indians, two Ghanaians and 11 Nigerians to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for prosecution. The suspects, who were arrested last year on board two marine vessels, MT Eve and MT Ashkay along Akassa and Sangana Rivers

in Brass Local Government Area of the state, were transferred to EFCC officials from its Port Harcourt zonal office last Monday, in Yenagoa. A Deputy Detective Superintendent of the commission, Macaulay Olayinka, led the delegation of the anti-graft agency. The Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Johnson Olutoyin, disclosed this yesterday to journalists, saying that the suspects were intercepted by a naval ship, NNS Predator.

Also handed over to the EFCC were international passports of the foreigners and the seized vessels for further investigations. Olutoyin further said that the vessel, formally christened Wine Trader, was owned by Krishna Shipping Incorporated and operated by Veesham Shipping Inc. His words: “The product on board MT Ashkay is suspected to be stolen crude of about 157, 822 litres in her cargo tanks without papers to justify the cargo.

Moreover, the tanker is not listed in the NNPC Tanker Nomination Schedule and she does not have the Nigerian Port Authority’s Bunkering Permit or the Joint Task Force, ‘Operation Pulo Shield’ certificate of registration.” Olutoyin explained that the navy had granted MT Eve a permit to convey crude in Port Harcourt, but was later found at Akassa River in Bayelsa State. “The vessel was later found with Automative Gas Oil, AGO, suspected to have

been bought from illegal refineries in the area. The exact quantity of AGO on board the tanker as at the time of arrest is unknown but the captain maintains the quantity the tanker is carrying is 75,000 litres. “The captain of the tanker could not explain the source of the product but said that he loaded the product at Akasa. Laboratory analysis of the sample of the product from the tanker shows that the AGO product on board is of a poor diesel quality,” he said.

Four arraigned over forged certificate SOLA ADEBAYO WARRI

L-R: Minister of Tourism and Culture, Chief Edem Duke; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Pius Anyim; Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms. Aruma Oteh and Lagos State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Oyinlomo Danmole, during the private sector stakeholders’ engagement forum in preparation for the Centennial Project in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

Edo council poll guidelines, timetable out SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

do State Independent Electoral Commission, EDSIEC, yesterday released the guidelines for the forthcoming local government council election coming up on Saturday, April 20, in the state. According to the timetable, campaign by political parties will commence today and end on Thursday, April 18, while political parties’ primary elections will hold under the observation

•Non-indigenes ineligible –EDSIEC of EDSIEC between Friday, January 25 and Saturday, February 9, 2013. In the guidelines released, EDSIEC advised intending aspirants who are presently non-indigenes of the local councils or who are not registered as indigenes of the councils against contesting the election, especially as the issue of indigene was yet to be resolved as part of the on-going constitutional amendment. Between Tuesday, Janu-

ary 29 and Friday, February 15, political parties will have to collect EDSIEC nomination forms and submit same between Friday, February 8 and Monday, February 18. This will be followed with a display of all the names of chairmanship and councillorship candidates and the names of the persons nominating them at each council headquarters and wards the following day till Friday, February 22.

EDSIEC will thereafter screen all the candidates between Monday, February 25 and Friday, March 1. Political parties also have till Monday, March 4, to withdraw or change or substitute the names of their candidates even as the final list of candidates contesting the election will be published at the commission’s office between March 11 and 15. Election into the 18 councils will hold simultaneously on April 20, while run-off or re-run election will hold on April 27, if necessary.

Ere, who is a businessman in Information Technology, also tasked Governor Seriake Dickson to review these policies to enable private enterprises bounce back to business. The businessman said this yesterday in Yenagoa, at a media briefing, he said business owners in the state are promoting a N150 million investment initiative in partnership with Globacom

Nigeria Limited for new technologies that would open up internet business as well as reduce the cost of running business in the state. His words: “The state government must activate policies that will stop the death of small businesses in the state. My company has decided to unbundled the internet business because of the poor and unfavorable

policies of the state government towards small businesses in the state. “The present administration needs to change the fiscal policies and the empowerment plan of the state. The internet business that we started with over 500 clients at the beginning has been killed by a poor business environment as our staff strength has been reduced from 141 to 10 workers.”

Ex-lawmaker faults Bayelsa’s poor fiscal policies EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

former member of the House of Representatives from Bayelsa State, Ebikekeme Ere, yesterday faulted the poor fiscal and economic policies of the state government which he said had resulted in the closure of small scale business enterprises in the state.

our persons were yesterday arraigned before an Asaba Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly forging the West African Examination Council, WAEC, result of a former member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Olisa Imegwu. The suspects, including a septuagenarian, were arraigned on a 15-count charge bordering on certificate forgery, false publication, fabrication of evidence in judicial proceedings and giving false testimony on oath. The suspects were identified as Paul Chibogu, 63; Ossai Abey, 70; Mgbadike Godday, 52 and Raphael Nduka Opute, 68. Their actions, according to the charge sheet made available to National Mirror yesterday, were allegedly intended to facilitate the removal and substitution of Imegwu, as the candidate of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) for Ndokwa/ Ukwuani Federal Constituency of Delta State in the 2011 election. However, the suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges before the court presided by Chief Magistrate Sylvester Ehikwe. According to Suit No: CMA/615/2012, between the Commissioner of Police and Paul Chibogu, Ossai Abey, Mgbadike Godday and Raphael Nduka Opute, the accused persons and others now at large had on February 11, 2011 in Asaba, “fraudulently uttered a forged WAEC result credited to one Obi Olisa, with candidate number 15803/332” purportedly issued by WAEC so that it will be acted upon as genuine.”

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Transformation: Stakeholders set agenda at J9C lecture

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Hearing impairment: Al-Makura, PDP bicker over impeachment threat

Appeal Court’ll decide Oyinlola’s fate, says PDP ... Denies rift between Tukur, ex-governor OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

he National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that until the Appeal Court concludes the case before it against its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, he cannot be allowed to return to his seat. In a statement by the NWC, the party said that

as a law-abiding party, which bases its conduct and activities on internal democracy and rule of law, “whatever a court of competent jurisdiction decides on any matter involving the party, the PDP will have no hesitation in obeying and implementing the judgement. “In any event, reports have indicated that Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola has appealed against the Court judgement and the NWC

wants to say that as soon as the appeal is decided, the party will, in the same way as it did in the case of the Federal High Court ruling, obey the appeal decision.” The party also said that the National Chairman, Dr. Bamanga Tukur, contrary to newspaper publications did not sack the National Secretary but was merely exercising the powers conferred on him by the party’s constitution. The party said that the

reports create the impression that the change was occasioned by the personal desire of the National Chairman of the party to remove Oyinlola from the position of the National Secretary of the party. “The National Working Committee wants to make it very clear that what happened was nothing more than obedience of a court judgement, and the consequential application of the relevant sections of the party’s constitution under the circumstance,” the

statement stated. Section 45 of the party constitution states:“ (1) If a National Officer of the party is removed or resigns from office, he shall immediately hand over to the National Secretary all records, files and other properties of the party in his or her possession. (2) In the case of the National Secretary, he shall hand over to the Deputy National Secretary.” “Given the judgement of the Federal High Court, a situation was created for

invocation of Section 45 and this was done. The matter has absolutely nothing to do with any imagined rift between the National Chairman and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. “For the avoidance of doubt, we want to say unequivocally that there is no personal rift between Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, as the National Chairman of the party, and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola to warrant the sensational headlines that have been published in newspapers on the issue.”

ACN dismisses call for probe of Lagos Security Fund FELIX NWANERI

he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has dismissed the call by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for a probe of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), saying it smacks of PDP’s ignorance of the workings of government and demands of the security sector. The party, in statement signed by its Lagos State Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, said the PDP is suffering from idleness prompted by its greedy approach of governance in asking the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe an agency that has made Lagos safe in the face of the worst security crisis the country has experienced since its independence as a result of PDP’s misrule. It said: “For the avoidance of doubt, LSSTF is meeting its mandate, as prescribed by the state government. Its actions and activities have been hugely successful and accounts for why Lagos is comparatively safe from all the violent crimes that have overtaken Nigeria as the PDP slumbers and invents newer means of salting the national treasury. “The LSSTF carries outs its activities in very ac-

countable ways that meets the standards of the Lagos State government and all the corporate partners that voluntarily fund the agency. We want to assure Lagos PDP that it is slaving for nothing if it hopes to either curry the sympathy of Lagosians with such baseless and frivolous allegations against a pro-active security agency as LSSTF or get the EFCC to indulge in such frivolous adventures when EFCC’s table is overflowing with tons of evident scams the PDP has employed to rob Nigeria silly in these past 14 awful years.” Urging Lagos PDP to wisen up to the reality that its quest to loot Lagos will always remain a wild and unrealised dream, the ACN said: “It is absurd, ridiculous, tendentious and quite awkward that Lagos PDP attributes collapsed building incidences, fire outbreaks and all other cases of disaster in Lagos to the deficiencies of the LSSTF. “We challenge Lagos PDP to come out with credible statistics to show that Lagos, even with its huge population, recorded more crime than any other state in the period the LSSTF has been in existence, instead of displaying their well known idle and pedestrian reasoning in their so-called call for probe.”

L-R: Nigerian Legion Widows’ representative, Hajiya Rabi Bello; Chairman, Niger State chapter of Nigerian Legion, Warrant Officer, Abubakar Kutigi and Governor Babangida Aliyu, during the celebration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Minna, yesterday.

PDP berates ACN over Bode George • Says Bisi Akande also went to jail

OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West has berated the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) for their incessant media attacks on former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP (South), Chief Bode George over his conviction. The PDP, speaking through its zonal Publicity Secretary, Kayode Babade, in a statement yesterday, said that “the same way Bode George was convicted was also the way the ACN National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande was jailed for

fraud by the General Muhammadu Buhari military regime in 1984. How then, can pot continue to call kettle black?” Describing the criticism of George’s appointment as a member of a six-man panel to reorganise the PDP’s Board of Trustees as hypocritical, Babade said: “The PDP has the rights to give responsibilities to any of its members and imprisonment of anyone should be reformatory and not a stigma with which someone’s existence must be terminated.” The PDP said that rather than turning George’s conviction into a daily anthem,

the ACN should tell Nigerians “the propriety of having Akande, who was jailed for fraud in 1984 as its National Chairman and Femi Gbajamiala, who was convicted for professional misconduct by the Supreme Court of Georgia in the United States of America as the House of Representatives’ Minority Leader.” The statement reads: “While we do not want to bother ourselves with the propriety or otherwise of George’s conviction not for stealing a dime of public fund but for flouting procedure for award of contracts, we make bold to say that the ACN does not have the

required moral standing to chastise George or any other person for that matter, because its own National Chairman was equally jailed for stealing funds belonging to the old Oyo State. “Interestingly, Akande was only released from jail and not pardoned by the Ibrahim Babangida government, and Buhari, whose government jailed him is now his political mentor.” The PDP said that if Akande and Gbajabiamila, who were ex-convicts, can participate in political activities, George too, despite his conviction, reserved the right “to belong to, and participate in the activities of a political party.”

Politics

The nation’s quest to be among the world’s top 20 economies by 2020 dominated discussions last week as stakeholders converged in Lagos for the inaugural lecture of the January 9th Collective (J9C), writes FELIX NWANERI, who was at the event.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Transformation: Stakeholders set agenda at J9C lecture

he need for effective leadership for Nigeria to realise her target of being among the world’s most developed nations in 2020 was again at the front burner at last week’s 1st anniversary and inaugural lecture of the January 9th Collective (J9C). J9C is a non-partisan fusion of likeminded Nigerian professionals, whose unifying bond is the unwavering belief in Project Nigeria and an equalled passion to create the requisite awareness that will encourage and promote good governance at all levels via constructive engagement. Among the objectives of the group are: to build a body of Nigerian professionals, who are passionate about Nigeria and have a clear cut direction through constructive engagements on burning national issues; pursuing transparency, probity and accountability at all levels, promoting governance across all strata of governance and ensuring best practices and excellence in their various professions. It was against this backdrop of providing a platform for elite Nigerians to educate the people on true national transformation that J9C chose “Elite, Leadership and National Transformation,” as the topic of its inaugural lecture. A one-time gubernatorial candidate of the proscribed Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA) in Lagos State, Jimi Agbaje, who delivered the lecture, called for effective leadership, educated and well skilled healthy people if the country is to achieve its Vision 2020-20 goals. His words: “One of the biggest challenges facing our country today is effective leadership. This is so because over the years, our leaders, with the exception of a few, have plundered the trust that they hold for the people that they lead. Nigeria needs authentic leadership characterised by new perceptions, approaches and behaviours that begin with the individual, expand to the organisation and then extend to the community, the nation and the world, generally. “Transformative leadership emphasises behaviour that inspires and nurtures others towards achieving peak performance. Many have described it as going beyond individual needs, focusing on a common purpose, addressing intrinsic rewards and higher psychological needs such as self actualisation. It is a model of leadership that meets both the challenges of a rapidly changing environment and the need to emotionally engage everyone. It is not just an individual quality. It is a relationship between a leader and the led. “The leader is expected to have a vision and is guided by that vision in fashioning an agenda through which he/she leads. The led follow the objectives derived from the vision and support the leader in realising the objectives and the vision. Transformational leadership creates an opportunity for those following to demand accountabil-

L-R: Guest Speaker, Mr. Jimi Agbaje; Keynote Speaker, Ossai Ossai; Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu and chairman, January 9th Collective (J9C), Mr. Percy Ademokan, at the inaugural lecture of the J9C in Lagos, recently.

NIGERIA NEEDS AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISED BY NEW PERCEPTIONS, APPROACHES AND BEHAVIOURS THAT BEGIN WITH THE INDIVIDUAL... AND THEN EXTEND TO THE COMMUNITY, THE NATION AND THE WORLD

ity from the leaders. A transformative leader must therefore use every means possible to communicate the new vision and strategies.” He insisted that leadership must be by positive example, saying: “The country is crying out for leaders that model integrity, excellence, compassion and responsibility. The vision is to develop ‘no excuse’ leaders of integrity and exceptional organisational skills from both the private and public sectors in Nigeria and the Diaspora who will perform instead of just pronounce; give expertise and competence instead of title and position; initiate bold developmental programmes instead of seeking handouts; respect and honour our people instead of dictatorship, control and abuse; and, leave legendary positive impact in our country instead of failures and excuses.” Agbaje also stressed the need for the elite to get involved in politics, as progressive national transformation can only happen if the nation’s brightest and best get involved in the affairs of state. He said: “The elite are at the top of the social strata which almost invariably puts them in a position of leadership, whether it be expected or volunteered. Each time our country ‘sneezes,’ who catches the cold? It is the elite. The majority of our population is so down; conditions can hardly get much worse. When the ship of state is sinking, it is the elite that are the most affected yet he/ she is the least committed to a transformation process. It is this privileged group of people that should participate in providing transformative leadership so as to transform our economies, the politics and the different governments of our country. “Unfortunately, progressive national

transformation can only happen if our brightest and best (elite) get involved in politics. However, for majority of this sorely needed class, politics is not for decent people. It is not uncommon to hear statements like: ‘Politics should be left to charlatans, cowboys, cult members and the corrupt.’ ‘Christians/true Moslems are not expected to play politics because of all the fetish practices that go with it.’ ‘If you cannot kill and do evil, you cannot survive in politics.’ ‘Nigeria is not worth dying for.’ ‘You will end up spoiling your good name.’ If these statements are correct, where have the charlatans, thugs and such people led us? “Are we happy with the state of our nation? Are we happy that we can send our children abroad to the best of institutions transforming them to brilliant lawyers, pharmacists, economists, doctors etc. but not effective leaders in transforming our country? As society becomes increasingly more complex, it becomes extremely important that the elite class takes more active interest and where possible takes the lead in the different communities, be it in government or civil society. “The transformation process is not a tea party. The elite class is best suited and needs all hands on deck to bring it about. We privileged members must encourage ourselves to be more involved from the highest to the lowest of political offices. Financial support, technical know-how, ideas must be made available to the ‘brave’ who accept the challenge of leading change in the country. The polity comprising community, associates, associations, clubs and religious faithful must be awakened.” He decried the falling standard of education in the country, noting that a larger per-

centage of the country’s population is not contributing to the national wealth because the education system is in a shambles. Making reference to countries which were at a time at the same level of political and economic development with Nigeria, but have been able to restructure their economies and reduce poverty, Agabje noted that hope is not lost for Nigeria. According to him, “if national transformation could take place in countries like Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia and Malaysia with peculiarities such as ours, then I truly believe Nigeria is not beyond redemption.” He therefore stressed the need for an inclusive policy that will enable all Nigerians to contribute to nation-building. He said: “For us to be a true giant of Africa, we need to transform from being a people interested in just sharing the national cake as it is today to a people realising that the way forward is in baking a much larger cake. Oil prices may be high but the reality is that the citizen’s average share of the cake is not just getting smaller; his ability to bake a bigger cake is diminishing by the day. “Today, our citizens can be categorised into those that do not even know how to contribute to the baking (these are in the majority), those who cannot be bothered and the last group being those that know how to bake a much larger and tastier cake but are being edged out by the system in different ways.” Also speaking, the chairman of the event and member representing Ndokwa East/Ndokwa West/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ossai Nicholas Ossai, called on Nigerians to continue to fight for the positive transformation of the country. Ossai said the nation is yet to explore its potential because most of its leaders lack what it takes to steer the ship of state, as national transformation is an uphill task, which must tackle corruption, ensure security of lives and property and create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Politics

Is the Peoples Democratic Party in Nasarawa right to have called on the governor of the state, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, to resign or face impeachment proceedings as a result of alleged hearing impairment or is it a matter of taking politics to the level of the ridiculous? Asks IGBAWASE UKUMBA.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Hearing impairment: Al-Makura, PDP bicker over impeachment threat IT IS WORTHY OF NOTE THAT

GOVERNOR AL-

MAKURA IS NEITHER A DEAF NOR DUMB

he recent threat by the chairman of the Nasarawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Yunana Iliya, that the state governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura should either resign from office or face impeachment over his alleged hearing impairment, has continued to generate bubbles after that pronouncement, made in December, 2012. Iliya’s outbursts were triggered by what transpired last year during a town hall meeting to round off the good governance tour of the state embarked upon by the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku. According to Iliya, at the town hall meeting, which was the last aspect of the tour, observers and watchers of events in the state both from within and outside raised a number of questions that bordered on various areas of socio-economic and political development of Nasarawa State, demanding clarifications, explanations and answers. “Unfortunately, not a single answer could be extracted from the governor, save for the escapist excuse that the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) governor, Al-Makura, is physically disabled and incapable of answering questions due to hearing impairment.” Iliya added that the governor’s failure to answer questions at the town hall meeting of the good governance tour, confirmed the claim in different quarters that he lacks the capability to govern the state and conceded to the fact that he has physical disability. His words: “The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is very clear and unambiguous on this and indeed apt. I, therefore, wish to formally call on Governor Al-Makura to honourably resign his office in keeping with the relevant provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or the state Assembly bring to bear on him, the effect of the provisions of section 189 of the constitution,

PERSON...

GRANTED,

AL-MAKURA HAS

HEARING IMPAIRMENT, THAT ALONE IS NOT SUFFICIENT ENOUGH TO WARRANT A DECLARATION OF INCAPACITATION ON HIM Al-Makura

so as to stand our state on equal footings with the comity of states in the country.” But, reacting to the call by the state PDP that he should either resign or face impeachment process from the state Assembly, Governor Al-Makura told journalists who visited him shortly after returning from the United Kingdom where he had surgery on his hips that: “The greatest pedestrian thinking is that if a party chairman can have that attitude, then you can conclude that where is the conscience of the party? When for lack of anything to say a chairman will come looking for somebody with disability, who holds a position, that is inhuman, immoral and ungodly.” Al-Makura cautioned that the utterances of Iliya should tell the people of Nasarawa State what the PDP meant for them, saying: “They have started with the people of disability. What will become of the people that are disabled in the state? So, it is a good conclusion that the people of Nasarawa State should look before they leap.” He added that there are lots of things that are going on as the PDP has taken it

upon itself to sabotage his administration by looking for ways to kill “our desire to seek for loans and bonds to take the state out of this doldrums.” He argued that the reason behind the PDP’s sabotage is because the party has failed to develop the state. He was quick to add that the PDP failed because they squandered the monies from the loans they got during their era. For the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), the statement of Iliya calling for Al-Makura’s resignation or be impeached by the state House of Assembly on the account of hearing impairment is not only unfortunate but out of tune with democratic norms. The PRP reacted through a press release signed by its Nasarawa State governorship candidate in the 2011 polls, Abdullahi Yusif, who noted that Iliya and the PDP in Nasarawa State read the relevant provisions of the Nigerian constitution which deals with incapacitation to carry out official function by political office holders upside down. The PRP was bold to say that “hearing impairment is not among the types of incapacitation that section 189 is talking about

Transformation: Stakeholders set agenda at J9C lecture CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 “Nigeria has not got to its destination because some of our leaders lack what it takes to achieve the set goals of the country. Leadership should have listening ear to the people’s needs and desires,” he said. The lawmaker also called for adequate citizenship education by the government to bridge the information gap between the leaders and the led, even as he advised the masses on the need to be patient with those in power, as undue criticisms could heat up the polity and derail the government. On the need to hold public officials accountable, Osai said: “Nigerians should beam their searchlight to the oil sector where unprecedented corruption has robbed us off our commonwealth.” He recalled the unison with which the

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people spoke against the removal of the fuel subsidy in January 2012 and urged them to continue to raise their voices against antipeople’s policies of the government. Mrs Ranti Alebiosu, the Senior Special Adviser to Lagos State governor on Tourism and Inter-Governmental Relations, who also spoke, stressed the need for more investment by governments at all levels on human capital development, as the nation is heading to destruction with the continuous fall in the standard of education. She also admonished the leadership of J9C to educate the leadership of the various political parties on the need for them to field candidates that have the required leadership qualities to bring the desired change in the society, as the next general elections approach.

The traditional ruler of Owu in Ogun State, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu, in his remarks charged the masses not to give up in working for a better Nigeria. “The list of the nation’s woes is endless, but we will get there. Hope is not lost for Nigeria,” the Olowu of Owu averred. The chairman of J9C, Percy Ademokun, charged Nigerians, irrespective of their political and religious inclinations to work together for a better society. The lecture, held at the Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, was graced by Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Kayode Opeifa; Save Nigeria Group (SNG) spokesman, Yinka Odumakin and the national president of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Yerimma Shettimma as well as representatives of several civil society groups.

and above that, Governor Al-Makura cannot be declared incapable of carrying out his official functions on account of hearing impairment.” For the avoidance of doubt, the gubernatorial candidate believed that AlMakura is physically fit to carry out his official function as governor, saying: “It is worthy of note that Governor Al-Makura is neither a deaf nor dumb person, as any person who has course to associate with him could testify. Granted, Al-Makura has hearing impairment, that alone is not sufficient enough to warrant a declaration of incapacitation on him.” Yusif contended that advanced democracies of the world accommodate hearing or sight impairment in political office holders. Ready example, according to the party, is Britain where history has it that a blind man has once served as a parliament member, which is an equivalent to office of a cabinet minister in a presidential system. While commending members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly for being patriotic by standing above party considerations in the way they conduct themselves, the PDP chieftain advised the state lawmakers to continue to see themselves as members representing the good people of Nasarawa State and not the PDP. To persons with disabilities in Nasarawa State, Iliya’s pronouncement was quite lamentable and regrettable. They opined that it is unfortunate that someone of Iliya’s calibre would utter such statements credited to him and did not mince words to let him know that there is ability in disability and disability is not incapacitation. The Nasarawa State chairman of Persons with Disabilities, Andrew Awu, stated that: “The entire community of persons living with disabilities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria and indeed the whole world is angry with the statement made by the Nasarawa State PDP chairman for not giving a rethink before making the unguided statement.” He argued that Iliya’s reference to section 189 of the Nigeria constitution is not in conformity with the disability of Governor A-Makura. Accordingly, Awu told Iliya: “You have read it out of context; rather it talks about permanent incapacitation as the hearing impairment of His Excellency does not in any way hinder him from performing his duties effectively. I would like to draw your attention to section 42 of the Nigeria constitution, as amended in 2010 which guarantees freedom against discrimination to all citizens, including persons with disabilities.” The leader of the disables, however, referred the Nasarawa PDP chairman to the present Governor of New York, in the United States of America (USA), saying that he is a blind man and nobody talks about his disability negatively. The community of persons living with disabilities in the state wondered why it is only in Nigeria that negative things are said about disabilities. Nevertheless, the disabled asked Iliya what he would do if he has a physically challenged person in his family. Would he reject such person?

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Views

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Governors and LG autonomy PUBLIC DOMAIN

DELE

SETEOLU

deleseteolu@nationalmirroronline.net (08033137577 SMS only)

he governor of Rivers State and chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has critiqued the call for local autonomy in the context of the constitutional reform process. He argues that the local government is a subordinate institution to the state. To Mr. Amaechi, the local government is not a federating unit and cannot canvass for autonomy. He avers that the centre and states are the federating units in Nigeria. The third tier of government has, however, assumed a component form of the Nigerian federation. The Nigerian federation metamorphosed through the 1946 Richards, 1951 Macpherson and 1954 Lyttleton constitutions. The 1960 and 1963 Independence and Republican constitutions sustained Nigeria’s federal structure. Her First Republic was hinged on dual federalism when the centre and the regions were the federating units. The federation was largely competitive in nature and the federating units had relative autonomy informed by the derivation principle. The derivation fund enabled the regions to pursue development agenda and offered the plank for viable federal and regional relations. The dual nature of Nigeria’s federal-

ism ensured that the regions were involved in international trade and consular relations with the other nations of the world. The centre and regions were coordinate in a sense consistent with the federal principles. In January 1966, the assumed military relations perverted Nigeria’s federal arrangement. The military’s hierarchy and command structure were introduced into the federal system. The regions were devolved into states and the federation assumed a centralizing nature. The military introduced elements of unitarism into the country’s political structure, which detracted from its inter-governmental relations. It is noteworthy, however, that the military fashioned 1976 Local Government Reforms were meant to create uniform local government structure throughout the country to enhance its autonomy. Prior to 1976, the local government system in Nigeria was diversified. For instance, the North had the native authority system, which was stripped of elective principle as against elected local representatives in the western part of the country (South West). Essentially, the 1976 LG Reforms sought to democratize the third tier of government and deepen the level of local political participation. The elective principle was also designed to foster accountable and responsive leadership at that level of government. The 1988 Babangida Local Government Reforms adopted the principles of the presidential system of government. The legislative and executive functions were differentiated in distinct personnel and political structures. The presidential experience sought to discourage arbitrariness and encourage efficiency. Meanwhile, the local government system

THE FAILING NATURE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM IN NIGERIA HAS LED TO THE EXPANSION OF NON-STATE

ACTORS IN SOCIAL SERVICE DELIVERY AND SECURITY.

THE THIRD TIER OF GOVERNMENT HAS LOST ITS LEGITIMACY AS A RESULT OF ITS INCREASING INEFFICIENCY AND DECLINING SOCIAL RELEVANCE ought to reflect local interests, realities and aspirations. It ought to be the nearest to the populace through the reflection of their socio-economic and political interests. The renowned scholar, Prof. Alex Gboyega, discussed in his book titled: Political Values and Local Government, the contending theoretical arguments on the democratic nature of the third tier of government. The argument on the anti-democratic nature of local government contradicts the claim of democratic third tier of government. This article subscribes to the

democratic nature of local government despite its indirect form of democracy. In practice, the local government system, as currently practiced, is riddled in contradictions that spur the agitation for renewal and probably, a new fourth tier of government. These contradictions include the over bearing influence of states, political corruption and poor social service delivery. The failing nature of local government system in Nigeria has led to the expansion of non-state actors in social service delivery and security. The third tier of government has lost its legitimacy as a result of its increasing inefficiency and declining social relevance. In theory, the local government autonomy is sought on a continuous basis. It is desirable and critical to deepening the social relevance of this tier of government. The local autonomy includes administrative, political and financial. These attributes are mutually re-inforcing to determine the capacity of the third tier on social service delivery and political relevance. The overtly assertive influence of the state on local government has been a major impediment to local autonomy. The views linked to Mr. Rotimi Amaechi on local autonomy are ahistorical and self serving. The local government should be extricated from the ‘repressing’ states. There are, however, challenges that bother on diversion of public resources by elected local actors, poor participation in local elections thereby leading to minority leadership. The local government that ought to be nearest to the people has been distanced from the same people. These are germane issues that ought to be dealt with.

The silent epidemic HANATU MUSAWA Continued from yesterday

hey were poorly equipped and usually congested with not only addicts, but criminals as well. As a final resort my family was advised to take me to a remote clinic in the outskirts of town, far away from civilization itself. There were no bedrooms or proper running water. Instead there was a large unventilated cemented room where we were supposed to ‘sleep’. I spent 41 days seated with my back against the wall, without a place to stretch my legs or lay my head at night. The clinic was severely congested with a large number of boys and girls from privileged homes just like me. We were fed meagre and tasteless meals, often being beaten and counselled around the clock. We were chained to each other at all times not unlike the black slaves captured in the 19th century by human merchants. I ceased to feel completely human and saw myself as an object of ridicule and disgust. Sadly, even with the immense degradation I went through; I have been unable to turn my life around. The drugs and alcohol that I crave so much have become the sole purpose of my life. I exist within a black hole, in the drug infested gutter of my Ar-

THE DRUG EPIDEMIC SWEEPING OUR NATION CAN NO LONGER BE SWEPT UNDER THE

CARPET, AND CAN NO LONGER BE TREATED AS IF IT IS NOT A MONUMENTAL PROBLEM THAT IS PLAGUING OUR YOUTHS mageddon. When people see me now, they are afraid to approach me. My family is unable to look me in the eyes. I guess the emotional scars that I have burdened them with have cut too deep for them to ever forgive my sins or accept that I will never again be whole. I know what has become of me, I know what I am. But even within the backdrop of my desire to actually live a good life, I know with certainty that my cravings; my absolute need for my drugs and alcohol will continue to define me for the rest of my days. I know what I will be till my dying day…. I will forever be a chronic alcoholic and unrepentant drug addict…!” This is the harrowing, but true narrative of a boy who continues to go through

hell on earth. Tragically this is a familiar story for many families. One would be hard pressed to find one extended family whose lives have not been troubled with the epidemic of drug abuse in one way or another. Drug and alcohol abuse in our society is a frightening but real problem and it is no longer relegated to the throngs of the poor or to any specific gender. Substance abuse disguises itself in many forms, many of them not obvious. Seemingly harmless cough syrups, painkillers, glue or even petrol are being abused daily by our youths. Horrifyingly, addiction often begins with that innocent sip or sniff of some substance. Frequently, when teenagers or young adults begin this abuse, parents or teachers are unlikely to notice at the very early stages when counselling and intervention could make the most effective difference. Young adults can be very creative and convincing with their stories when suspicion is raised about their behavioural patterns. We, as adults, need to recognise the subtle warning signals and tackle the problem at its early phases. The drug epidemic sweeping our nation can no longer be swept under the carpet, and can no longer be treated as if it is not a monumental problem that is plaguing our youths. Because we are still growing and developing as a nation, support groups and free counselling sessions and therapy

are not yet provided by the government. As a result, parents need to play a more active role in ensuring children are educated about the ill use of drugs and alcohol. All learning institutions and the government also have got to address this epidemic that is ravaging our young generation by coming up with programmes that will begin to eliminate this scourge from our society. When we encounter tendencies of antisocial behaviour from teenagers, let’s choose not to ignore it or pretend it will go away. Show the addicts care and understanding. Show them that you are ready, not only to guide and give advice, but to listen too. And remember, just like the boy narrating his story said, the symptoms of abuse are not so obvious in the beginning. Let us strive to protect our children against this evil silent epidemic. Concluded Musawa, a lawyer, lecturer, columnist and human and woman 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

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

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

STEVE AYORINDE

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YELE AKINROLABU

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SEYI FASUGBA

DAILY EDITOR

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ISE-OLUWA IGE

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KAYODE BALOGUN JNR

SM, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

FRANK OBOH

HEAD, GRAPHICS

he claim being made since the past few weeks by leading cement manufacturing companies in the country, notably Dangote Cement Nigeria Plc and Lafarge WAPCO, is that there is a glut in the cement market. However, other cement manufacturing firms, led by the Ibeto Group, are hotly contesting the position. Hitherto, the fundamental reason that domestic production of cement had not met local demand for the product had been essentially due to policy inconsistencies and somersaults by the Federal Government. Undeserving cement companies were given tax waivers and concessions to import bulk cement on the understanding that they were going to set up cement manufacturing companies with clearly stipulated local content requirements in favor of the country. This economic policy, largely influenced by political considerations, had hardly helped cement manufacturing in the country. This realization persuaded the FG to inaugurate the Backward Integration Policy (BIP) backed by some incentives in 2002 to encourage the domestic manufacturing of cement with the use of local raw materials. But even then, most of the companies that bought into the policy merely pretended to be manufacturing cement, whereas they merely imported and bagged bulk cement.

FG and cement politics POWER PLAY AND INFLUENCE PEDDLING ARE THE BASIC PROBLEMS BESETTING CEMENT PRODUCTION IN THE COUNTRY;

AND UNTIL THEY ARE

RESOLVED, THE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT CANNOT COME DOWN The tragic consequence has been that Nigeria is rich in cement-manufacturing raw materials, essentially gypsum and limestone, which are abundant in the north and south of the country. Ten years on, however, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, said during a meeting he held recently with stakeholders in the cement industry in Abuja that though the BIP kicked off with two million tonnes capacity, the country has achieved about 28 million tonnes capacity of cement and investment of about $6 billion, with the industry providing direct and indirect employment for about two million people. The minister also said the BIP saved the country foreign exchange of about N210 billion per year,

stressing the need to carry out a deeper review of the cement sector to make it more competitive locally and internationally. This should be seen as an indication that a fresh cement policy is underway. But we dare say that power play and influence peddling are the basic problems besetting cement production in the country, and until they are resolved, the price of the product cannot come down. Despite the purported glut in the cement market, the product that shouldn’t cost more than N1,000 per bag had its price hovering between N1,500 and N2,000 per bag, or higher sometimes, since 2010. It is unarguable that manufacturers spend so much on Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) to run their plants, and this increases their overhead costs. However, the claim by the cement majors that there is a glut in the cement market appears a smart art in falsehood, considering the high cost of the product, presently. Besides, there is no evidence from market investigations that imported cement has flooded the market, as there is a preponderance of Dangote and Lafarge cement brands in most parts of the country. Curiously, too, there seems to be no concrete evidence that some cement products in the market sell below the unit price of Dangote and Lafarge cement. Under this circumstance,

a glut is difficult to defend. It is therefore, most probable that the main grouse of the cement giants is that the near oligopoly condition, which they used to enjoy, is being threatened by the entry of other firms into the market. Fortunately, the FG through Aganga at the aforementioned stakeholders’ meeting, promised that a favourable review of the BIP in ways that would encourage the growth of local cement production, was imminent. However the FG decides to resolve the impasse, cement glut can only be meaningful to Nigerians when it translates to a reduction in price. This the government can easily achieve by ensuring a level playing ground and free competition for all cement producers, not through new waivers for a select few. Nonetheless, the concessions already given by past governments and backed by law should be allowed to run. To ease the pain of cement majors, who have invested enormously in domestic cement production, we urge the FG to further subsidize the price of LPFO and eventually make the importation of bulk cement unattractive and unprofitable. Completely shutting down foreign competition, especially now that the country is working out a plan to enter the global market as net export of cement products, is out of it.

ON THIS DAY January 16, 2006 Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was swor n in as Liberia’s new president. She became Africa’s first female elected head of state. Sirleaf, (bor n October 29, 1938), is the 24th and current President of Liberia. She served as Minister of Finance under President William Tolber t from 1979 until the 1980 coup d’état, after which she left Liberia and held senior positions at various financial institutions.

January 16, 2001 Congoles e P res ident Laurent-Dés iré Kabila was as s as s inated by one of his own bodyguards. Kabila ( N ovember 27, 1939 – Janua ry 18, 2001) was P res ident of the Democ ratic Re public of the Congo from M ay 17, 1997, when he over threw M obutu Ses e Seko, until his as s as s ination by one of his bodyguards on January 18, 2001. He was s uc c eeded by h is s on, Jos e ph eight days later.

January 16, 1986 First meeting of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) took place. The IETF develops and promotes Internet standards, cooperating closely with the W3C and ISO/IEC standards bodies and dealing in particular with standards of the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP). It is an open standards organization, with no formal membership or membership requirements. All participants and managers are volunteers.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

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Health & Wellbeing Sedentary lifestyle, major cause of arthritis –Physiotherapist

Kano drug market was a theatre of death! –PSN Chairman

The 2013 health Agenda (2) SAM EFERARO

s stated two weeks ago, the year 2012, going by existing statistics, was not particularly a bad year for the nation’s health care delivery sector. However, progress remains very slow as health indicators still rank Nigeria among the worst in the world. We conclude our series on health issues that must be accorded top priorities in 2013 as the nation continues its efforts towards the achievement of the health related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Reducing maternal and infant mortality rate

Globally, significant progress has been made in reducing mortality in children under five years of age. For instance, in 2011, 6.9 million children under five died, compared with 12 million in 1990. This trend has continued in Nigeria. According to a World Bank report the country’s U5 mortalityt rate stands at 143 per 1000 live births. Also it is estimated that for every 1000 birth, one will die before reaching age five, if subject to current age-specific mortality. It is also estimated that 70% of child deaths in Africa, including Nigeria, are attributed to a few mainly preventable causes such as acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea, malaria, measles, malnutrition among others. According to UNICEF, more children die in Nigeria from these simple preventable and curable health conditions. Malaria alone accounts for about 24% of child deaths annually in the country. Every effort must therefore be made to drastically reduce these conditions or ensure proper management in every part of the country, especially the rural areas. Prevention will, of course, depend to a large extent on health promotion which seems to have been on the decline over the years.

This is why, for instance, exclusive breastfeeding rate has declined by 3% as compared to 1990 to 2003 when considerable progress was made from 1 to over 17%. It is estimated that there are about 31 million women of child bearing age in the country. with children under five years of age, they reportedly constitute a significant percentage of the nation’s population. Although Nigeria, constitutes just 1% of the world population, it accounts for 10% of the worlds maternal and under-five mortality rates. The nation ranks second in the world, after India, in the scale of maternal mortality with the rate of 545 deaths per 100000 live births. Annually, an estimated 52,900 Nigerian women die from pregnancy-related complications out of a total of 529,000 global maternal deaths. A woman’s chance of dying from pregnancy and childbirth in Nigeria is 1 in 13, compared with 1 in 35 in Ghana and 1 in 2800 in develop countries, and only about 40% of deliveries are attended to by skilled birth attendants. Common causes of maternal death in the country which must be receive attention in 2013 include: Severe bleeding infections, obstructed or prolonged labour,

unsafe abortion, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy especially eclampsia, among others. It’s also a known fact that most women ignore early warning signs due to lack of adequate knowledge and information about danger signals during pregnancy and labour and so delay to seek care. Again this should be another reason to embrace a robust health promotion in the new year.

Taking CVD to the front burner Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an umbrella term that refers to any of a number of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and non-communicable diseases in general are posing an increasing burden to the health and wellbeing of people around the world. Globally, it is estimated that nearly one in three adults over the age of 25 will have high blood pressure by the year 2025. According to the experts, CVD form the bulk of admissions in Nigerian academic (tertiary) hospitals. For instance, 25% of admissions into the medical wards of LUTH are reportedly due to heart failure. Also experts say no fewer than 40 million Nigerians suffer from hypertension. Unfortunately, only about 30% of this number (9 – 12 million people) are aware they suffer from the deadly condition. Also, only about 30% of the patients are currently on any form of treatment, while only one out of ten patients in the country has their condition well controlled .The story is the same with diabetes which, according to the Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) affects 4 -5 million people in the country. It is also estimated that about 10% of adults in the country are obese. Indeed, the trio of hypertension, diabetes and obesity aggravates one another and can similarly be pre-

Prof. Chukwu, Health Minister

vented by lifestyle changes which include exercise, healthy eating habit, cessation of smoking and consumption of alcohol. It’s another reason health promotion must be given a priority attention in 2013.

The Malaria Burden

According to the Minister of |Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, more than 90 per cent of Nigeria’s population, is at risk of malaria infection. According to the experts, it contributes 30 per cent to childhood mortality in the country and contributes 11 per cent of maternal mortality. It is also estimated that malaria-related illnesses and mortality cost Africa’s economy about $12 billion annually, Measures adopted in 2012 towards the control of malaria included distribution of free insecticide-treated mosquito nets and the reduction of the cost of treatment in government hospitals. The Federal government has also adopted a new policy which makes it mandatory for malaria to be properly diagnosed before treatment. This is a major shift from the earlier and WHObacked policy of presumptive diagnosis as the basis for first-line treatment of uncomplicated malaria. Unfortunately the new policy seems not to have been embraced in most parts of the countries especially in private hospitals and in the rural communities. For a proper control of malaria in 2013, the government will have to take a second look at the new treatment policy. Indeed, WHO acknowledges the fact that presumptive diagnosis allows uncomplicated malarial illnesses to be treated by village health workers, shopkeepers, or relatives in the home, and thus minimizes delays in treatment, especially for those living a long way from formal health facilities. Homebased treatment is a simple and effective initiative. It should be encouraged in 2013.

Health & Wellbeing

y attention was drawn to an interview granted to a Nigerian newspaper by one Chief Valentine Ikeh with the headline: Kano State government wants to send us out of business. Yes, not only the Kano State Government, the people of Kano State and indeed all well-meaning Nigerians want to send Patent Medicine Sellers that are operating illegally, out of business. This is because they are in the business of selling drugs without following laid down regulations and in the process harming the innocent citizens of the whole country. What the former Vice Chairman did not disclosed is that none of the 5000 drug dealers operating in Sabon Gari open drug market has permission to sell drugs. Three years ago, these same Drug dealers reported yours sincerely to the Emir of Kano, HRH Alhaji(Dr) Ado AbdullahiBayero. Their grouse was, my statements in the media were encouraging government to send the 10,000 of them out of the market, a place where they have been operating for over 40 years. They fear the action will cut their source of livelihood. I recall challenging them in the presence of HH the Wamban Kano, that if only one out of the 10,000 members (their claim on that day) can produce a Drug Sales permit, I will not make further statements against them. Not one of them could produce a sales permit. What he did not tell us was Azithromycin tablets donated to Niger republic was sold in the market at the rate of 200 naira for a pack of 60 tablets. When I made it known to the company that donated the drugs, they were surprised. Their representative confirmed from the US parent company that the batch in question expired three years ago as at that time, but there it was, in the market, revalidated and sold freely. He also did not tell us the story of one Tony Uche who used to have a shop number D 184 in the market. Uche was arrested with primary colors, dosing cap, unused packets and leaflets of Parkaline with codeine. He was producing fake products of another company. More than 2400 bottles were confiscated from his shop. Drugs bought by Kaduna State Government also found their way into the market. The Task Force on counterfeit, fake drugs and unwholesome processed foods bought one carton of expired Procold tablets, as an exhibit, at the rate of 4000 naira, when the price from the company at that time was 39,000 naira. There was a time when a peddler brought many cartons of codeine containing cough syrup (abused by some youths including girls and house wives) and was selling it in an open space in the middle of the market because he did not have a shop; more than 1600 bottles were confiscated by the Task Force. That was all in the past. Recently, the Task Force raided a house in one village in a Local Government Area in Kano where, water from a dug well, collected in rusted drums was used to produce Water for Injection(WFI). They were manually using cups and funnel to fill the ampoules and a camping gas to heat the pliers used to seal the ampoule. After which they will pack the ampoules in a sachet containing 100 and subsequently in 50kg grains sacks. Water for Injection is normally produced under

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

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Kano drug market was a theatre of death! –PSN Chairman Recently, the popular Sabon Gari drug market, known for its notoriety of fake drugs circulation was shut by the Kano state government. This has, however, been generating controversies. In this piece, the Chairman Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Kano state branch, AHMED GANA MOHAMMED, gives more insight into the closure; why it was imperative and admonishes other states to do same.

A section of the Sabon -Gari market

strict condition that ensures sterility (not only absence of microorganisms that can be seen but the metabolic by-products of the microorganisms known as pyrogen that cannot be seen); four shops in SabonGari market were found selling the product to the unsuspecting public. When asked why they were selling such product, they said it was meant for horses. The raid was carried out in April 2012, but the manufacturing date on the pack of 100 was August 2012, meaning it was manufactured in the future. The next was when the Task Force raided a ware house and confiscated fake drugs worth 500 million naira. Tramadol tablets (a drug massively abused by youths in the state) constituted 135 million naira, there was fake Analgin and Chloroquine injections which were later discovered to be ordinary water. Some labourers told us that when they felt thirsty and could not get water at a construction site, they broke the ampoules and empty the contents into a cup and drank. Fake Lincomycine capsules containing corn starch, fake Sildenafil tablets, fake Nimesulide tablets a drug that has been banned and so many expired drugs. The four alleged owners of the drugs have shops in the market which obviously is the final destination of the dangerous items. No wonder, according to NDLEA, Kano has been consistently taking the lead in Drug Abuse in Nigeria for the last five consecutive years, and Nigeria was ranked first on fake antimalarial product in a research by NAFDAC and WHO. A research done by the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, revealed that about 84.6 per cent of anti-malaria drugs tested were substandard. The research, which covered 13 brands of Artesunateamodiaquine combinations, also known

THE RAID WAS CARRIED OUT IN

APRIL 2012, BUT THE MANUFACTURING DATE ON THE PACK OF 100 WAS AUGUST 2012, MEANING IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN THE FUTURE as Artemisia Combination Therapy (ACT), retailed by pharmacies in the state failed to meet the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) specifications for one of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). Yet, all the 13 brands of ACT tested carried the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration numbers. This is the same everywhere in Nigeria. No wonder their drugs are cheap as claimed by Chief Valentine. But who wants these cheap drugs? Not the people of Kano certainly. Desperate to continue their nefarious activities they resorted to cheap blackmail, portraying the Government of Kano as anti-people, they also introduced ethnic dimension to whip up sentiment, to the extent it was reported in Nigerian hotline by AthanOguike that” The Imo State House of Assembly this week passed a resolution requesting the state governor, Rochas Okorocha to constitute a committee of eminent Imo citizens to dialogue with Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State over Igbo patent medicine dealers in Sabon Gari Market, Kano asked to relocate in few weeks time. If the

Kano government is allowed to carry out its policy of asking all patent medicine dealers to relocate to shops on the streets of Kano, the traders will become targets of Boko Haram attacks. He observed that the SabonGari Market is the only market where Igbos, Yorubas, Hausas and other tribes mix freely, thus making it difficult for any tribe or group to be singled out for possible attack. He regretted that if the traders should close shop by December 31, as directed by Kano State government, over 90, 000 families will be adversely affected by the policy. Amuka’s motion had earlier suggested that other South East governors be involved in the interface before reaching the Kano state government for dialogue. What is there to dialogue on? That the Governor should allow 10,000,000 people to be exposed to harm because of 90,000 families? There are about 650 shops carrying out the illegal activity of selling drugs in that market and Igbos constituted a negligible percentage, so how did they arrived at 90,000 families? When did Boko Haram announce that they will single out any tribe? How many Igbos owned electronic shops in and outside the market are carrying out their legitimate businesses without fear? What of Vehicle spare parts dealers, a business owned 100% by Igbos and the ladies that braid women hair, exclusively done by Igbos all within and outside the market? These Igbos were not asked to relocate and they are safely and successfully carrying out their businesses! What of the Igbos that currently owned registered Patent Medicine Shops and Pharmaceutical Premises outside the market and have been operating for years? This diversion from the main issue-illegal operation, will not lead us to anywhere. I reliably gathered that the Igbos constituted a mere 40% of the traders compared to the Hausas and almost all the shops revoked were originally owned by the Hausas, I am not saying that there is any harm in the South Eastern governors looking after their brothers up North, but let them critically look at issues before embarking on such ventures. We have ample evidence to show that, except for the drug dealers and their sympathizers, the good people of the South Eastern Nigeria, who are the majority, are in support of the action the Kano State Government has taken and are even hoping their Governors will emulate Kano State. The Editorial of Daily Trust on Friday, January 4, 2013 said it all. The support by Nigerian Medical Association(NMA) clearly indicates it is not the issue of Pharmacists alone but that it is about safeguarding the health of the Public.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Physiotherapy is the prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and management of various disease conditions such as arthritis, through the use of physical approaches. In this interview with TOBORE OVUORIE, National Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Physiotherapy Association, Mr. Chris Okafor, who is also a lecturer at the Physiotherapy Department, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, gives more insight about arthritis, a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints and how Nigerians could make healthier life choices. Excerpts: Over the years, there have been several myths about arthritis, but as an expert in managing this condition, what would you say is the actual cause? There are several causes of arthritis just as we have over 100 different forms of arthritis. The major complaint by individuals who have arthritis is joint pain. Pain is often a constant and may be localized to the joint affected. The pain from arthritis is due to inflammation that occurs around the joint, damage to the joint from disease, daily wear and tear of joint, muscle strains caused by forceful movements against stiff painful joints and fatigue. There are over 100 different forms of arthritis. The most common form, osteoarthritis – that is degenerative joint disease, is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age. Other arthritis forms are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and related autoimmune diseases. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. As someone is getting older, he could have conditions such as arthritis which has to do with degenerative changes in a joint. This is when a joint has been used for so many years; it naturally will begin to degenerate. Like we have spare parts for a machine or generator; the more you use the generator, the more the need to change some parts, so also the human body has spare parts. But unfortunately, in this part of the world, when the hand is getting weak, the shoulder joint is beginning to make some sound, it is not easy to just go and replace the joint and that is when arthritis has set in. What are the symptoms that indicate an individual as having arthritis? It would come with pains, swellings, joint crepitation that is hearing some funny sound when you move the joint. Such a person might not be able to climb the stairs, walk as fast as he should. Though there are several types of arthritis as mentioned earlier, the main thing that happens in them is that there is a change in the chemical constitution of the substances in the joints. When this happens, sufferers could have swellings of the joint, and it is because the substances which make up the joints are fighting against themselves, and

Sedentary lifestyle, major cause of arthritis –Physiotherapist BEFORE ANYONE GOES IN FOR ANY FORM OF EXERCISE, HE MUST BE ASSESSED BY A

PHYSIOTHERAPIST, AND A CARDIOLOGIST is one of the things that can cause arthritis especially in younger ones. Could lifestyle also be a source of arthritis in younger or older persons? Yes, it could be but rheumatoid arthritis which is found mainly in younger people has a lot of genetic inputs. If it runs in a family, there is the tendency that a child might pick it up. It might be from the father, mother, grandfather and so on. But what about sedentary lifestyle? Oh yes! Sedentary lifestyle is an important thing to note. It is one of the major causes of arthritis. When an individual is living a sedentary lifestyle, you go to the office and sit at one place for eight to ten hours, then the driver takes you to your home, you sleep and don’t do any form of exercise, these are the kind of things that can cause arthritis. What about young people who drink a lot of cold drinks, are they susceptible to developing this condition? It is important to stress that cold does not cause arthritis but is an aggravating factor that could bring up arthritis. For instance, someone who already has tendencies to have arthritis should avoid staying in the cold. It’s not that the cold would cause the arthritis but would spring up the arthritis pains because cold and pains don’t go together. Thus, such a person is not supposed to expose himself to cold. If exposed to cold, then he or she is likely going to have increased pains. Cold does not cause arthritis but can aggravate the symptoms and pains of arthritis. What about osteoarthritis? It is the arthritis that affects the aging population because of the over uses of body parts- the joints, due to what they have done over the years. That is the one I was describing that physiotherapy treatment is very imperative to. It is not easy to change the parts even though surgery could be used at times. But basically, what is needed is rehabilitation. That is trying to treat a joint, manage the joint to restore it back to as much maximal physical function. For how long does the rehabilitation or treatment last? The treatment is continuous. The important part is that there are some dos and don’ts that the individual must adhere to. If the arthritis is as a result of overweight for instance, or runs in the family, one need to know what must have caused it thus the

Okafor

health personnel needs to explain to the person what could have led to the condition. For instance, if the individual’s arthritis was caused by sedentary lifestyle, he or she would then be advised to do a lot of exercises such as walking and this could be within his or her environment or undergoing physiotherapy exercises by going to physiotherapy clinics and enrolling in exercise programmes. So, if the individual understands what he should do, such as if he is supposed to shed his weight, if he is able to work on that, within a timeframe all will be well with him. But it is not something that can be achieved within a week or two, it takes time. What is the minimum time frame for the positive changes to start occurring? There is no minimum time frame. First, it depends on the physiotherapist that is attending to the individual, the extent of the arthritis, and a lot also depends on the patient himself because the extent which he complies to instructions will determine how fast he will become okay. For instance, if I tell him, do this exercise three times a week and I am not there with him and he does it only once a week, he should not expect to have the same result as someone who sticks religiously to whatever instructions he is given. Hence, the patient is the major determinant of how fast he can recover from the arthritis. In the medical field, self medication is never encouraged. Can anybody join a physiotherapy class or must it be pre-

scribed as well? Yes, it must be prescribed. The problem is that in our society, just anybody can wake up and decide to do anything. For instance, someone can just decide all of a sudden that he wants to burn his fat and just go on the field to start jogging and doing all sorts of exercises. The person wouldn’t have even done a test to check his blood pressure level, heart rate, complete check up to know if he is able and fit to even do the exercises . In a normal working system, before anyone goes in for any form of exercise, he must be assessed by a physiotherapist, and a cardiologist, to know the state of the heart andto know the actual type of exercises to be done. There is a formula to calculate what type of exercise to prescribe. Really? Yes, because a man who is 70 years old cannot do the same exercise as a man who is 30. Also, a young man who is 20 years and who is an athlete cannot be subjected to the same exercise as an elderly man who is probably a grand or great-grandfather! But you find out that a lot of people go to gyms and the same exercises that a young man is doing is recommended to a man who is suffering from high blood pressure and possibly diabetes. It is not possible! And that is why you see a lot of people go to the field wanting to play football or take part in a race and they slum. Unfortunately, this incidence is increasing in Nigeria and it is becoming a great source of worry to those of us in this field.

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG to distribute drug verification equipment to hospitals –Minister L ATEEFAH IBRAHIMANIMASHAUN

he Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu has said equipment used for verifying the genuineness of drugs by NAFDAC would be distributed to hospitals. The minister made the statement when he paid impromptu visits to National Agency for Food, Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Devel-

opment (NIPRD) in Abuja. While at NAFDAC, the minister said it was pertinent to ensure zero tolerance for fake and counterfeit drugs. He said the equipment, such as the TruScan, had helped in tackling the issue of counterfeit drugs. Chukwu, However, said people involved in the act of manufacturing fake and counterfeit drugs should be enlightened on the right steps to take to manufacture good medicines. “We need to intensify efforts to ensure that we achieve zero

tolerance for fake and counterfeit drugs and Mr President is working towards ensuring that it is achieved. “While we are trying to curtail the issues, the people involved in the act should be shown the right thing to do so as to create jobs for them,’’ he said. Chukwu noted that drugs had been commonly abused by people needed to be regulated and controlled to avoid easy access to them. He said the issue of drug hawking should be looked into by the agency because drugs were not commodities that should be

hawked. Chukwu, who went round the facilities of the agency, addressed the workers and assured them that all matters affecting the smooth running of the organisation would be addressed. The Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii, appreciated the support of Ministry of Health to the organisation and pledged the commitment of the agency to safeguard the health of Nigerians. While at NIPRD, the minister commended the workers and urged them to take care of government

property. He said it was the responsibility of the institute to ensure that pharmaceutical industries in the country met set standards and requested that proper monitoring be duly conducted. Chukwu promised that the issue of promotion, which was raised by members of staff of the agency, would be looked into and addressed. Chukwu also advised the Director-General of the institute, Prof. Karniyus Gamaniel, to put up proposals for projects and forward to the ministry.

LUTH to recommence IVF programme TOBORE OVUORIE

United Nations Women Executive Director Madam Michelle Bachelete 2nd right arriving at the venue of the private sector interactive session in Abuja last week. PHOTO: NAN

36 states, FCT, to get mobile cancer screening centres in 2013 TOBORE OVUORIE

n a bid to make it easy for every woman in Nigeria to access breast and cervical cancer examination, Pink Pearl Foundation will provide a mobile screening centre in each state of the federation in 2013. This was disclosed to National Mirror recently by the foundation’s founder, Orode Ryan Okpu. “Cancer related death rates continue to rise across the country and this calls for mass advocacy. This is our engineering force in the foundation for wanting to provide mobile screening centres in the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria” Okpu stated. According to her, besides the mobile screening centres, the foundation would be conducting cervical cancer mission in three states this year. It would also hold rural area mission for Riverine areas and creeks in 2013. Pink Pearl Foundation is a public service charity organization designed to empower women in the fight against breast and cervical cancer. In the past five

years, the foundation has been committed to saving the lives of Nigerian women through various awareness campaigns and provision of breast, cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services for women who are underserved. To further increase public awareness about cancer through mass media education, Okpu also disclosed that “This year, we would be producing a cancer based movie in pidgin and English language. This movie would give people a deeper understanding of breast and cervical cancer; the causes, symptoms, the need for regular checkups for early detection, the danger of late detection, and other facts about breast and cervical cancer”. Other cancer related projects it would be carrying out this year includes the provision of a diagnostic centre in Delta state and women empowerment centre that would assist cancer patients and survivors. “The empowerment centre would organize skill acquisition programs for cancer patients, survivors, and their relatives. They would be able to learn arts

and skills that can fetch them money to earn a living and keep them busy. This would enhance their confidence, and help give them a sense of belonging in the society” Okpu concluded.

s part of her efforts to provide succour for couples with fertility challenges, the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Idi Araba, is recommencing its Invitro Fertilisation, IVF, programme this year. Already, work is nearing completion on the space provided for the project as infrastructure and equipment are on ground. National Mirror can reliably state that services are to take off within the next three months. It would be recalled that Luis Brown; the first IVF baby in Nigeria and Africa was born in LUTH on March 17, 1989. There are an estimated 4,000 babies born through IVF in Nigeria and five million globally. The IVF process entails

placing an egg and sperm together in a petri dish for fertilisation to take place. According to the management, her intention is to provide a complete package of services delivery in the country to both those who can get pregnant on their own, as well as couples who have difficulty conceiving. All these would be achieved with the use of highly skilled manpower and technology to ensure safety of patients. Besides recommencing her IVF programme, National Mirror can also reliably disclose that LUTH has acquired laparoscopic equipment for pinhole or minimally invasive surgery and developed one of the most sophisticated surgical skill centres in the country. The centre has been fitted with laparoscopic towers for training of residents and other health workers, in order to facilitate transfer of skills.

Artificial nails can pose serious health risk –Expert L ATEEFAH IBRAHIMANIMASHAUN

s more women across the country fix artificial nails to beautify themselves, a call has gone to them to be mindful of the health risk as it has been discovered to have ripple effect on the nails which brings about traumatic injuries that can affect the body. Dr Abdu Wasiu Busari said this during an enlightenment forum in Oshodi where he spoke on nail fashion and its health hazards as he said the prolonged time of the chemicals on the nail allows infections to worsen. He stated that the chemicals used to apply acrylic and gel nails are unhealthy and include resins and formaldehyde, which have been shown to cause cancer and that their exposures on

the nails over a long period of time can result in complete nail loss by destruction of the nail matrix. “The essence of nails is for human being to be able to use it to pick things comfortably and be save from accidents that can lead to serious injuries”. Also, an artificial and natural nail has a much stronger bond than the one between a real nail and nail bed and that if the nail rips from the nail bed, that gap, or space, provides a rich, moist, warm environment for infections from bacteria and fungi to grow. “Nail polish is a quick cover up for nail fungus but bare buffed nails are wanted underneath. Leaving the nails in its natural way enables it to receive the necessary air that is required for a sound health fixing of nails can block this air

giving it allergies.” He mentioned that several allergic reactions have also been reported with acrylic nails, resulting in inflammation and thinning of the nails resulting in pain and sensitivity. The founder Suki clinicallyproven natural solutions skincare, while commenting on artificial nail polish said some disreputable nail salons are now using a poisonous and illegal substance called MMA in their nail adhesives. “MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) can cause serious damage to the lungs as well as permanent damage to your natural nails”. She said MMA is an ingredient sometimes found in liquid monomers used to make artificial nail enhancements. MMA is considered a safe ingredient for dental prostheses but a health hazard in the salon.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge

‘Opolo Orin’ will accommodate even bus conductors, drivers -Candy

London Art Fair opens today

25 NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

he general belief is that many aspects of Nigeria’s culture are fast losing relevance. And the perception is that something needs to be done urgently to save the situation. In recent times, some of the ills trailing the nation, from terrorism and cultism to robbery and prostitution, have been blamed on the lack of cultural values. This has virtually left everyone with the desire to go back to the days of yore, when culture balanced most citizens’ psyche about good and evil. But the vehicle to drive this will always raise moral, religious and economic questions. This is evident from reactions to the recent announcement by the Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Rauf Aregbesola to introduce Ifa Studies in schools’ curriculum. Some basics about Ifa will be necessary in understanding the import of the subject as offered by Mary Hartman, an Iyanifa (Ifa priestess). Ifa is an earth based African spiritual tradition that was conceptualised by the Yoruba people in Nigeria, West Africa. According to oral literature, the practice of Ifa originated as far back as 8000 years ago, making it possibly the oldest monotheistic religion in the world. Ifa is balanced on three legs: Orunmila (Creator), Orisa (Nature Spirits) and the Ancestors. The Supreme Being, Orunmila, is without gender and is not an active participant in the affairs of living humans. Orunmila is benevolent and has provided a Universe with all that is needed for humans to be fulfilled and happy. Through the Ifa divination system, diviners invoke Orunmila, the deity of wisdom, prophecy, morality and ethics. Ifa divination is performed only by an initiated priest called a Babalawo (male Ifa priest) or an Iya n’ifa (female Ifa priestess). From this insight, it is obvious that Ifa Studies would mean reflecting and studying the ‘belief system’ of a people, which obviously is an integral part of the culture and history in schools. Aside Ifa, several other belief systems are available in other parts of Nigeria and all have been affected by the presence of Western influence which came with new religions and cultures. What will be the impact of studying Africa’s belief system in schools? Pastor Praise Nwachukwu of Dominion Ministry, Ikeja, Lagos, said the move is not different from idolatry because relating with deities is something God frowns at. “What the governor intends to do is not different from propagating the study of idolatry in schools. As a Christian, our reference point is the Bible and in Exodus 20: 23 it is spelt out there: Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold. An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings and thy peace offerings, thy sheep and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee and I will bless thee. And if thou

Ifa Studies: Panacea for Nigeria’s cultural rebirth? The intention of Osun State government to introduce Ifa Studies in her educational curriculum opens a new vista on the potency of driving cultural rebirth through Nigerian schools.

Prof Abimbola consulting the Ifa oracle

STUDYING IFA DOES NOT MAKE US FETISH

...AS OLD AS THESE

RELIGIONS ARE EVEN THE SO-CALLED

ELITE STILL VISIT

THE IFA PRIESTS FOR CONSULTATION Opon Ifa

wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it”. So if God has decreed this and we have been liberated from such practices: why do we have to go back to it now? Studying idolatry will not in any way promote culture. There is need to protect certain aspects of our culture and not to ask our students to study how to worship deities. Take for instance, in Igbo land, time was when twins were being killed; do we have to go back to that era because we want to preserve our culture?”. But Prince Gbenga Ademola, a culture activist, thinks it is a welcome development, because it connotes true freedom. “I don’t think it’s a bad idea. I think it’s high

time we changed our curriculum to suit our own culture and history. Studying Ifa does not make us fetish and if I must say this, believe it or not as old as these religions are even the so-called elite still visit the Ifa priests for consultation on a daily basis. An average Nigerian has at least two religions. They could be a muslim but will still have one pastor or Ifa priest they consult; same as Christians. Even Ifa is studied in foreign universities under African Studies. Professor Wande Abimbola is one proud scholar who has done that in so many universities across the world. It’s our culture. Africans are coerced by colonial masters to study only Bible and Quran”, he countered. Tunde Agbola, a Grail Movement advocate on radio, throwing more insight

into African Traditional Religion which Ifa is part of, says while reflecting on culture, many religions have been distorted and fraught with the shortcoming of having adherents who limit their interactions with elemental beings. “Something that is common amongst most African religions is that they lay more emphasis on the elemental beings, which is why you hear lord of the forests, lord of fire and the rest, but like other religions, over time the major message is distorted by the followers. When you examine the Grail Message you will see more light on this”, Agbola said. While there are discordant tunes abut introducing religion into the curriculum of schools, there seems to be resounding agreement about introducing cultural studies that would help Nigerian students become proficient in their history, so long as it does not have anything to do with religion. In Anambra State, efforts of the governor, Peter Obi, in making Igbo language regain its pride of place has led to an initiative called **Suwakwa Igbo Initiative**, which among other things makes scholarships available to students who excel in Igbo language studies. Already, the governor has signed into law a bill to enforce the speaking and writing of Igbo language among Ndigbo in Anambra and Diaspora. He has also stopped administering corporal punishment to students who speak Igbo in schools in the state; and he is determined to make proficiency in Igbo a prerequisite for employment into the state civil service. At the National Institute of Cultural Orientation, NICO, headed by Barclays Ayakoroma, the curriculum has also been expanded to accommodate the teaching of local languages during the holidays for students who do not have the ability to speak the language. While this is commendable, Archie Abia, an artist, said Nigeria will benefit a lot in the study of cultural studies the type that used to be handed down informally some years back because African culture is full of morals. “When we were growing up as kids in the village, we were taught the culture in an informal mode which usually came in the form of folk stories. Essentially these stories teach morals and good values. And that is what the nation needs at this point. If there is a way such can be brought to school, why not?”.

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VOICES

Ogundaisi

Distribution regulation must remain NFVCB’s mandate ‘YINK A O GUNDAISI Continued from last week

t is also my firm belief that whatever form of controls the practitioners’ need or desire can easily be achieved through their present various guilds and associations. Finally, to legislate an association to which anyone willing to make a film or movie must belong will automatically render the need for a Censors Board either unnecessary or ineffective. The need for a Censors Board by a country for films and all forms of motion picture is a component part of that country’s citizens’ right to freedom of expression and the protection of others from anything offensive in a film, video or any other form of motion pictures by an individual or group. It is one of the many manifestations of the aphorism of an individual’s rights stopping where those of the others begin. In other words, while I have the rights to express myself through a film, video or any form of motion pictures, the government too must protect the exercise of my rights not to infringe upon or offend the sensibilities of the others. Nigeria as a Commonwealth country and membership of many other notable global bodies cannot do without a Censors Board, but a Censors Board, particularly in Nigeria as the only DTH in the world cannot function effectively without the mandate to regulate or control the distribution of motion pictures. This is so because the distribution regulation is not a separate function but an important enabler for the Censors Board to enforce its classification and censorship decisions. A Censors Board without the mandate to regulate or control the activities of the distributors will only be classifying and censoring films and videos which distributors for economic reasons will either not obey or obey selectively only when it suits them.

This is the cruz of the matter. Those canvassing that the NFVCB be relieved of its distribution mandate are either acting out of ignorance or mischief or both. It is akin to removing the issuance of driving license from the Road Safety Corp’s functions. What makes the motorists dread the FRSC is the knowledge of their legal mandate to seize their driving licenses for any driving infraction and therefore deprive them of the legal right to drive. This is precisely why the NFVCB must continue to have the mandate to regulate distribution if it is to be able to effectively enforce its censorship and classification decisions. Any additional body to regulate distribution will not be to the advantage of the industry or the country. First, we will be multiplying rather than reducing bureaucracy and with the level of corruption in the polity, it is doubtful if the body regulating distribution will ever agree with the decisions of the Censors Board. The clamour in the industry now is for new anti-piracy laws but our statute books are already replete with these laws. It is easy enough to catch pirates, what has proven elusive is to successfully prosecute them. At the seminar of ANCOP and the FIAPF held last year in Lagos, it was made clear that all the Nigerian industry, like others in the world, requires to effectively police piracy is to enforce its laws on distribution. Without it we will all be dancing round issues. At the release of a film or music or video, two separate and distinct owners emerge; the Intellectual Property Owner, IPO, and Intellectual Property Distribution Owners; IPDO. In Nigeria, there is at present no ‘distributor’ in the real sense of it, so when a film, music or video is released, it becomes almost legally impossible to differentiate who the true owner is. There is also no enforceable distribution contract, which ideally must not only specify the duration but also the price and territory covered by the distribution contract. These are the issues covered in detail by the provisions of the New Distribution Framework, NDF, of the Censors Board. I am of the opinion that the industry should constructively engage the Board to agree to the full implementation of the policy but not to ask for its discontinuation or mount a campaign to relieve the Board of the distribution mandate just because of its perceived lethargy to successfully conclude the NDF implementation. That is like one spiting one’s face by cutting off one’s nose! Concluded Yinka Ogundaisi is a seasoned Nollywood practitioner and an advocate for lasting reforms in the local movie industry.

LET’S

T AL K FAD with

Fidelis Duker

fidelisduker@yahoo.com

Nollywood, get serious…

attended the ‘Night of Tributes’ for the late veteran actor, Enebeli Elebuwa on January 9 at the popular of O’Jez Restaurant at the National Stadium, Surulere-Lagos. The night was filled to capacity with family, friends, colleagues and the general public. It was an eventful night as the eulogies and encomiums came on the career, life and times of Enebeli Elebuwa who we all know as “Andrew”. Enebeli is a distinguished Nigerian who, in the eighties, was involved in a federal government campaign programme, the popular “Andrew is checking out” campaign, under the Babangida administration to dissuade the relocation of Nigerian youths abroad to seek greener pastures. It was this campaign that dissuaded most of us young school leavers, undergraduates or graduates from even leaving the country, even though some still left the shores of the country. It must still be noted that Elebuwa was not only an actor- he was a trained set designer, producer, director and musician who was good on the guitar, saxophone and keyboard. He was a complete entertainer and performer. So it was, therefore, a night of praise for this great Nigerian whose son said lived a fulfilled life. The subject of the column this week is not on the man Enebeli Elebuwa, but rather what I term the unserious nature of Nollywood as an industry. There is this wrong perception that we are the subject of attention and therefore, we should be given consideration when any of our colleagues falls ill or is on the cliff of death. We begin to scamper to government and Nigerians, hoping we must get help to solve our problems. But sadly, I ask why must we always go for help cap-in-hand? Why can’t we plan our future and why must we always deserve help more than other professionals in banking, education, aviation, journalism, medicine, law amongst several other professions? I, therefore, found it heart wrenching listening to Richard Mofe Damijo, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta state, on the embarrassments, problems and obstacles he encountered from office to office to get approval for the State Government’s support during the treatment of Enebeli. At a point, some of his colleagues in government had to ask him why must your colleagues always come for one support or the other? Are they the only sector that must always scamper to government for one help or the other? When you hear statements like this, it calls to question our seriousness as an industry. What makes an industry serious is how the sector has packaged itself; sadly, Nollywood has not seen the

IS NOLLYWOOD THE ONLY SECTOR THAT MUST ALWAYS SCAMPER TO GOVERNMENT FOR ONE HELP OR THE OTHER?

need to organise its house, but what you get is an industry in disarray where basic structures are ignored with impunity by those who should know. An industry where people use the name of the collective to collect peanuts from the government. A case in question was the embarrassing visit of a pseudo group called the “Nollywood G20” to condole the president last year when the former lost his younger brother. There is absolutely nothing wrong for an industry to visit and condole the president; but the outcome of that condolence visit was that they were given money or what is today called “Thanks for Coming” by organisers of the group. I almost passed out! I have never heard when you go to condole with a bereaved and he gives you money, this is not part of the African culture. The irony of this scenario is that I begin to wonder what our industry has turned into. Why have we suddenly turned Nollywood to an object of ridicule where we are now seen as poverty stricken people who will visit a bereaved man and collect money. However, blame must go to the guild and association heads that have shown lackadaisical approach to issues affecting the movie industry. They should get government, through the presidency, to address the issue of the $200million intervention fund which will invariably create jobs for practitioners and ultimately help to solve the problem of stakeholders running to government and Nigerians when any of us is ill or incapacitated. As I write, bottle necks attached to the loan for the creative sector must be addressed as was done for the agriculture sector (and recently the aviation sector) because every sector has its peculiarities. My position, therefore, is that the industry and its leadership structure must get serious and have a purposeful and courageous approach to tackle challenges facing the industry. This is only through a focused and well-articulated approach devoid of internally bickering and rivalry because seemingly, the President and government of the day has the interest of Nollywood if properly articulated.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

ARTISTE UNCENSORED

‘Opolo Orin’ will accommodate even bus conductors, drivers –Candy

After watching a music reality show audition on local TV and saw the pain of a contestant booted by the judges because he rendered a Fuji tune, Okikiola Ilori-Shabba decided to contrive her own reality show named ‘Opolo Orin’ to cater strictly for undiscovered, talented Yoruba singers. Personally, the 30-year old business management graduate and CEO of Candiva Signature Empire record label even has more compelling twists to her life story. ADENRELE NIYI

n October 2012, Okikiola, affectionately nicknamed Candy, celebrated her first birthday party ever- the party had been in the works since she was five. For a daughter born to two of Nigeria’s traditional music legends, Fuji icon, Alhaji Kollington Ayinla and Waka Queen, Salawa Abeni, birthday celebrations should not be hard to come by, but Candy had a dream. “I’ve been planning my party since I was five. When I turned 18, my mum was determined to do something, but it was more of her party. As a child, I had always dreamed of having a party and doing something no one’s done before. Sometime last year, I told my mum that I wanted a red carpet event; many people thought I was joking. My birthday is actually in May but I moved it to October so that my best friend who lives in England would be able to attend”, she explained. Not only did her ‘BFF’ make the handpicked-guest-list event, but music veterans like her mother, Salawa Abeni and contemporary stars such as Ice Prince, ‘Denrele Edun, Tillaman and JJC turned up for Candy’s themed celebration. It is the same flair Candy brings to her show ‘Opolo Orin’ (Talent for Music), an initiative which sprung out of the urge to create an environment where contemporary indigenous music talents can find expression and realise their dreams of making music. Like a dazzle, the project came from an overnight flash of inspiration and Candy pointed out that is how most of her best ideas arrive. “After seeing ‘Baba Panorama’, an elderly man, being asked to leave an audition venue because he was singing in Yoruba, I laughed so hard and kept sharing the hilarious story with friends. Until one night, it struck me in the middle of a conversation with a friend about Baba Panorama that here was exactly what I should do; create a platform for budding artistes across all genres of music, the

Candy

only thing is that they are singing in Yoruba language”, Candy stated Candy immediately set to work sharing the vision with family, friends and just about anyone who could buy into the project. “My mum said if you want to do something in Yoruba music you can’t call it the ‘Next Fuji Star’. She suggested ‘Opolo Orin’ to accommodate even the bus conductors and drivers whom she described as receptacles of talent”. Despite her ongoing conversation with corporate organisations for sponsorship, a lot of Candy’s personal funds have gone into the project alongside the backing of her parents. However, she finds encouraging Facebook messages received from radio stations which want to be a part of the initiative. “It’s been amazing because virtually everyone who’s been involved on this project has been supportive. My presiding judges are Dele Abiodun, Laolu Akins and Salome Akintunde”. Lagos audition starts on Sunday, January 20 at Lagos Television Studio, Agindingbi, Ikeja after which the audition train moves to other Western states. Open to all ages of contestants, “Opolo Orin” will be televised live on LTV and there is a fixed re-

Queen Salawa Abeni and Candy at her birthday event

I’M CREATING A PLATFORM FOR BUDDING ARTISTES ACROSS ALL GENRES

OF MUSIC, THE ONLY THING IS THAT THEY ARE SINGING IN

YORUBA

ward for the first prize winner –N1m cash, promotional deals and the cost of producing the first album covered by the organisers. There will also be all-expenses paid tour encompassing the winner and 9ice or Olamide in the Hip-Hop category or K1 the Ultimate for Fuji. According to Candy, the opportunities are boundless because the reality show will witness a lot of promoters and marketers in the audience. “Every week is a different journey. For Juju music week, we have Sir Shina Peters as a guest judge and for hip-hop week, we have Olamide and LKT. For Fuji music week, we have K-1 De Ultimate and for Af-

MIDWEEK JUMP

Jan. 30 deadline for Afrinolly short film entries

ubmission for the MTN Afrinolly Short Film Competition on the official website is still open till January 31. Tagged – ‘Afrinolly Short Film Competition’, the initiative is a video-based competition targeted at budding film-makers and documentary/animation content creators. Candidates are expected to submit a sub-15 minutes film that can be easily assessed on

mobile devices. The competition is targeting over 1,000 film makers across Africa and ultimately provides the right push to some of the most talented creators in the continent. Winners will be rewarded with prizes worth $100,000 in cash and prizes across two categories; Short Movie and Documentary. Members of the panel of judges include renowned experts in the film

and entertainment industry globally. Among them are award winning Nollywood movie producers – Tunde Kelani, Emem Isong, Obi Emelonye and Femi Odugbemi. Others include Mahen Bonetti (USA), Franklin Leonard (USA), Bongiwe Selane (South Africa), Juliet Yaa Asante (Ghana), Carol Kathurima (Kenya), Tolu Ogunlesi and Nmachi Jidenma (Nigeria).

robeat week, Femi Kuti. And then, there is a beautiful grand finale but that is going to be a surprise”, Candy revealed. The England-trained business graduate is also excited about Sherriff, her younger brother, whose fledging music career is about to take off soon. Singed onto Candiva Signature, Big Sheff’s career had to be put on hold until he fulfils their mother’s wish that he bags a University degree before launching fulltime into the industry. Already, Sheff is in his final year and working on some music behind the scene including a guest feature on Rick Ross’ “Hold me Back” video shot in Nigeria last year and recording the theme song for “Opolo Orin”. Sharing her insights about the entertainment industry as whole, Candy admits the industry is growing, but not without its pitfalls. “If you are a business-oriented person, you will get it right. I have a lot of respect for Banky W, he is a fantastic business man because I think of something and he does it and I ask myself, ‘is someone leaking the information to this dude?’ That’s a business man; he gets paid to do what he loves. Some people just want to be recognised and that’s all. They’ve got nothing to show for it; but I’m different”.

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

FAR AND NEAR

Okoh’s Gardens and Caves finally out

he UK’s largest art fair for Modern British and contemporary art begins today in London and runs till Sunday, January 20 at the Business Design Centre, Islington. The 2013 edition of the London Art Fair, which is also the 25th anniversary, features over 100 galleries displaying work from some of the great names of the 20th century alongside exceptional recent work, from leading figures to emerging talent. Today for the opening, “A Photography Focus Day” will examine contemporary photographic practice with debates, discussions and tours. For the final gallery line-up which looks to be exciting in content and substance, a total of 100 UK and international galleries have been confirmed for the Main Fair with a further 30 younger galleries exhibiting new work in the acclaimed Art Projects section. Photo50, a themed showcase for contemporary photography presented by a guest curator, will return for the seventh year. Contemporary galleries include Charlie Smith London; Galerie BRAUBACHfive; UNION Gallery; Danielle Arnaud; Flowers Gallery; SALON VERT; Pertwee; Anderson & Gold; Jack Bell Gallery; Scream and VIGO. Modern British specialists will once again form an important core of the Fair, including Agnew’s Gallery, Osborne Samuel, PIANO NOBILE, The Fine Art Society, Austin/Desmond Fine Art and Robin Katz Fine Art. Major artists represented include Bridget Riley, Barbara Hepworth, Eduardo Paolozzi, Sol LeWitt, L S Lowry, Elisabeth Frink, Helen Chadwick, David Hockney, Edward Burra, Kenneth Armitage, Marcus Harvey and Barry Flanagan. Now in its eighth year, Art Projects features London’s emerging

TERH AGBEDEH

Art Exhibtion Centre at Islington

London Art Fair opens today ...over 100 modern galleries featured contemporary artists and galleries presenting solo shows, curated group displays and large-scale installations, this year including Limoncello, COLE, Hannah Barry Gallery, The Sunday Painter, Ceri Hand Gallery and Poppy Sebire. Exhibiting at the Fair for the first time, the ArtistLed Initiatives Support Network (A.L.I.S.N) will present a selection of the most sophisticated of artist-led projects in the UK and also show as part of Art Projects Film and Performance Programme. Photo50 is an exhibition of contemporary photography and features

50 works – many for sale – this year curated by Nick Hackworth, Director of Paradise Row. Hackworth’s exhibition, titled “A Cyclical Poem”, will ask us to consider the idea of historical change through the work of photojournalists and documentary photographs from the 1970s to the present day. Those attending London Art Fair can visit The Macallan’s Masterclass lounge for an introduction to The Macallan and to view the third edition of their The Masters of Photography Series, featuring Annie Leibovitz’s photographs of Kevin McKidd.

Afolayan’s Isedale stirs audiences

isionary Nigerian filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, is at the centre of a hit new documentary series that has got audiences talking. Award-winning Afolayan’s Isedale Yoruba, which focuses on the Yoruba kingdom and culture, debuted on AfricaMagic Yoruba this January and has proven such a success that the channel has now moved the series to prime-time for the benefit of its DStv subscribers. “As soon as it was launched, we started getting calls”, says M-Net MD, Biola Alabi. “Viewers were saying that they loved the show and wanted to know when they could watch it, when we would rescreen it and so on. We soon recognised that there’s a special appeal to this series and have decided to re-screen the entire series, starting from episode 1, in prime time”. She also added, “There is no doubt that Kunle Afolayan is extremely talented. But what is really remarkable is that despite his relative youth, he instinctively understands

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Afolayan

the value of culture, tradition and legacy. I’m confident that through his work on the insightful Isedale he plays a vital role in keeping Yoruba culture alive for a new generation”. Starting on Monday, January 14, Isedale has been screened every weekday and on Saturdays. In total, there are 26 episodes, each 30 minutes in length, which will be screened over four weeks, running until February 12. Filmed in 2012, Isedale was shot across the south-western states of Nigeria in locations such as Oyo; Ado Ekiti; Idanre in Ondo State; Erin-Ile, Igbaja-Agbamu in Kwara State; Ila and Oke Ila; Ife; Epe; Ogbomoso and

Ibadan. Briefed by AfricaMagic for the series, Afolayan’s Golden Effects Pictures created and produced Isedale. Speaking about his commitment to making an entertaining, but informative documentary series, Afolayan explains that he has always been interested in spotlighting Yoruba heritage, traditions and language and that when the opportunity arrived to do so, it sparked his interest again. “I want to bring back the lost glory of our heritage and I am very pleased that Isedale is on AfricaMagic Yoruba. Audiences should watch every episode because it is eye-opening, plus there is a lot to learn about who we are as Yoruba and where we come from”. Having already gained praise and awards for his previous work, Irapada (Redemption) which he co-produced and co-directed, he also was instrumental in creating the highly acclaimed Figurine’ Araromire. Afolayan learnt the business of film from his late father, Ade Afolayan, and he later studied at the New York Film Academy.

unbird Books has published Emmanuel Uweru Okoh’s collection of poems titled: Gardens and Caves, which the publisher said will be available nationwide in stores and online this week. Emmanuel’s maiden book is a 94-page poetry collection bearing a rare mix of the opposites of life; joy and pain, success and occasional flaws, flights and awkward stumbles and all else that make humans who they are. The collection includes five sections, namely ‘Circle of Inspiration’, ‘Political Equation’, ‘Whispers of Nature’, ‘Living and Hereafter’ and ‘Haiku’. Each section in this poetry collection presents a stepping stone in the circle of life, as it strings together nature appreciation, inspiration, political power play and family life. The collection concludes with the famed Haiku poetry of the Japanese. Okoh lives and works in Lagos, Nigeria. His works have been published in NEXT, Saraba Magazine, Sentinel Nigeria and Naijastories. com as well as ITCH Magazine of South Africa and Mad Hatters’ Review of Iceland. Gardens and Caves has been receiving responses from renowned authors and poets like Toni Kan (author of Nights of a Creaking Bed and When a Dream Lingers Too Long); Ilyas Tunc (Turkish Poet, Author and Translator); Efe Paul Azino (Spoken Poetry Artist and Editor) and a magazine editorial comment from Saraba Magazine. “Poetry is essentially and at its core, a distillation of emotions and experiences; that which Wordsworth referred to as the ‘spontaneous overflow of powerful emotions recollected in tranquillity’. This is clearly true and evident in the poems of Emmanuel Uweru Okoh collected under the title, Gardens and Caves”, said Toni Kan. For Azino, “Poetry still walks and talks among the living - Gardens and Caves proves this much. Emmanuel writes poems his readers can own; good poetry. Here is a voice that will linger for a long, long time”.

Okoh’

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Wolves lay claim to Agbim, Mba

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Sport

Whatever happened at Inter Milan will not make me look back. I am a forward-looking person –Beleaguered Inter Milan’s midfielder, Wesley Sneijder

Heartland’s management challenges Okorocha

Action involving Heartland (in white) and Lobi Stars’ players in a match during the Super Four competition.

‘Abuja’ll be ready for Eagles in June’ EVEREST ONYEWUCHI WITH AGENCY REPORT

he Abuja National Stadium will be ready for use for the Super Eagles’ 2014 World Cup qualifying matches in June. Special Assistant to the Sports Minister and Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Julius Ogunro, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja yesterday. Ogunro said the ongoing rehabilitation work on the football pitch by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is expected to be completed and handed over to government by the end of May. Super Eagles’ will next play the Harambee Stars of Kenya in the existing round of qualifiers on March 22 before the return-leg match on June 7 in Nairobi. The Eagles will also play another away game against the Brave Warriors of Namibia on June 14. Nigeria is leading Group F with four points after two matches, while Namibia is second on three. Malawi is third in the Group with two points, while Kenya is last in the group with one point.

Ogunro, however, explained that the stadium would be ready for the Eagles’ return-leg World Cup qualifying encounter against the Flames of Malawi on Sept. 6, all things being equal. “You can see that work is going on

smoothly and hopefully it will be ready for use in late May or early June. The planting of the grass will be done in February and it will take additional three months to be nurtured to standard,” Ogunro said.

CAF picks SA 2013 theme song

he Confederation of African Football (CAF) has picked the song ‘Sela-Sela’ (Dance Together) by the international artistes, Wes Madiko and Zahra Universe, as the official song of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, tagged South Africa 2013. The U.S. media company, On-Spot Enterprises, through its record label, Arusa Music Entertainment, will handle all the various steps until the release of the single, a local PR firm told the press last weekend. “It is our goal to make the official song of the Africa Football Cup of Nations be heard around the world to share in the challenges, triumphs, and spirit of community that comes with the sport of football. “And especially in this, the largest tournament of football on the African continent,” says Rod On Jr, Chief Ex-

ecutive Officer and president of OnSpot Enterprises. The song, ‘Sela-Sela’, has lyrics in English and Bantu and talks about the celebration and joy among all people, breaking down barriers that would hinder peace and unity.

CAF boss, Hayatou

igeria Premier League (NPL) Super Four winners, Heartland Football Club, say they want solid financial support from the Governor Rochas Okorocha-led Imo State Government. Heartland edged fellow continental campaigners, Kano Pillars, Rangers and Lobi Stars, to emerge winners of the NPL preseason Super Four tournament in Kano last weekend amassing seven points from three matches. The side arrived at their base, Owerri from Kano on Monday to the warm embrace of appreciating supporters and government personnel. Heartland’s defensive midfielder, Julius Ubido, said his side’s victory at the Super Four tournament provided a convincing reason for the government to strengthen their financial support for the team. “This is the occasion we need government support more as we’ve been confirmed the best of the continental teams in the land. It’s a big honour to the state and they need to reciprocate the gesture by coming to our financial needs,” he said. Ubido added, “We’ll go

places if well motivated. Our salary comes as at when due but the government needs to ease the hitches delaying the payment of our signing-on fees. I believe we can bring the CAF Confederation Cup title to Owerri with the high spirit among my teammates and the quality of players, too.” Meanwhile, Heartland only received N275, 000, about a quarter of the prize money for winning the competition. The NPL interim committee headed by Mr. Nduka Irabor deducted a sum of N720, 000 from the prize money leaving the club with far less than the prize money of N1 million. The excuse given by the committee was that the deduction was meant to cover the team’s accommodation and feeding.

Gov. Okorocha

Eagles win 5-0, close Faro camp

he Super Eagles, yesterday, closed their training camp in Faro, Portugal in style when they trounced Portuguese second division side, Farense, 5-0, in a game described by Coach Stephen Keshi as a dress rehearsal for the team’s opening match against Burkina Faso next Monday. The match, which was played at the Browns Sports and Leisure Club in Faro, where the Nigerian side stayed throughout its sojourn in Portugal,

was barely five minutes old when right back, Efe Ambrose’s surging run into the danger area of the Portuguese side was met with a vicious hacking. Centre referee, Luis Costa, wasted no time in pointing to the spot. Chelsea star, Mikel Obi, stepped in to coolly slot home the opener. In the 75th minute Emmanuel Emenike’s furious onslaught down the left wing was clinically finished off by Ikechukwu Uche for one of his three goals of the evening

Sport

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

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AUSTRALIA OPEN 2013…

Federer cruises to 2nd round

umber two seed, Roger Federer, yesterday opened up his challenge for a fifth Australian Open title with a straightsets win over Benoit Paire. Federer, who won the title in Melbourne in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2010, was rarely troubled against his French rival as he breezed to a 6-2 6-4 6-1 victory. Paire, who is world number 46, simply had no answer to a glorious array of shots from Federer, who has never lost in the opening round in Melbourne. “I do have some options in my game and I used them well today,” Federer said. “I kept coming in at him as well to shorten the rallies and make him feel the pressure. I guess that was the good play today against him,” the Swede added. Federer faces Russian veteran Nikolay Davydenko in the next round after Davydenko came through his opening match in four sets against Dudi Sela. Former runner-up Jo-Wilfried Tsonga racked up a convincing straight-sets win-with the seventh seed seeing off compatriot Michael Llodra 6-4 7-5 6-2. Meanwhile, number three seed, Andy Murray, got his challenge off to a near-perfect start with a 6-3 6-1 6-3 straight-sets victory over Robin Haase. The Scot, looking to follow up his maiden Grand Slam success at the US Open last year, came out firing on all cylinders before slipping into cruise control on Rod Laver Arena. Haase remained undeterred and began to push Murray further back on the court, however the third seed coped seemed to enjoy the work our - breaking in games four and six en route to the second set. Murray made it three breaks in a row as he moved 1-0 up in the third set before he consolidated to win his seventh successive game, breaking to love in the eighth game to wrap up a convincing win. Murray will now play Joao Sousa in the second round after the Portuguese beat John-Patrick Smith 6-4 6-1 6-4.

Roger Federer

Mikel Obi (in green shirt) confronted Zambia in Angola 2010 AFCON and will confront the Chipolopolo again in South Africa on January 25

‘Eagles’ AFCON chances 50-50’ AFOLABI GAMBARI

igeria internationals, Ben Iroha and Moses Kpakor, are unanimous that the Super Eagles will go all the way in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations which kicks off in South Africa on Saturday. Iroha, who was in the cup-winning team at Tunisia 1994 finals, said the squad selected by Coach Stephen Keshi would do Nigeria proud. “I believe the best that we can get at the moment have been picked and I also believe they will prove equal to the task,” Iroha said yesterday. Kpakor expressed confidence in the current Eagles to excel, saying Nigerians had underrated the team unnecessarily. “A good number of the players have been tested either locally or abroad and I think they will perform at the AFCON stage,” the former Eagles’ midfielder said. “I believe that the team will also improve with every game and their best will be on display by the time they get to the knock-out stage,” Kpakor added. Former First Bank of Lagos defender, Jide Oloyede, however differed from the ex-internationals, saying the Eagles lacked the wherewithal to shine in South Africa. “The blend of home and foreign based players is yet to achieve the desired result and I think it will be unfair to rely on them to go all the way,” Oloyede, who is currently an amateur club coach, declared. “Until the much needed cohesion

is built around these players, winning a major tournament will be a tall order,” the coach added. “It is a possibility that if the team is kept together till Morocco 2015

Nations Cup, Nigeria will regain its past glory in African football. But at the moment, only miracle can make these Eagles shine in South Africa,” Oloyede further said.

T/Tennis: Adeniyi seeks greener pasture YEMI OLUS

ormer Asoju Oba champion, Kazeem Adeniyi, is hoping to join the list of his compatriots playing in Europe and other parts of the world soon. Adeniyi, who won the 2006 and 2010 editions of the annual table tennis championship, believes very little is left for him to conquer on the domestic scene, saying a European career would improve his international outlook. National players Seun Ajetunmobi, Jide Ogidiolu, Aruna Quadri, Bode Abiodun, Ganiat Ogundele and Kazeem Nosiru are plying their trade in different European clubs at the moment.

“I don’t expect to feature in domestic tournaments anymore because I have won different titles already,” Adeniyi said, addning, “I want to broaden my horizon and I hope it happens this year.” The former Union Bank Sports Club player, who currently represents the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, rated last year as having uplifted performance in the sport on the local scene while advocating support for the homebased players in the area of competition. “We need enough competitions to improve ourselves and there is no doubt about this,” he said. “Team Lagos won five of the seven gold medals up for grabs at the recent National Sports Festival and this resulted from the training tour to China.”

Kazeem Adeniyi

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Sport

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

espite having represented Ethiopia since they were founded in 1943, the Walya Antelopes have recorded minimal success as well as recognition in Africa, save for winning the Africa Cup of Nations as hosts in 1962. But a new dawn appears to beckon on one of the only two African nations that did not experience colonialism, the other being Liberia. Incumbent Antelopes Coach, Sewnet Bishaw, has brought fresh hope after helping Ethiopia end 31year wait to participate in South Africa 2013 Nations Cup finals and opening a new chapter in the East African country’s football history. Although ranked 102 in the world and a distant 28th in African football, Bishaw believes a massive turnaround is around the corner, notwithstanding that the Antelopes will compete in South Africa as “outsiders” in a Group C that comprises defending champion Zambia, two-time champion Nigeria and emerging West African power house, Burkina Faso. “I share in the belief that every country that qualified for this Nations Cup is a contender for the trophy,” Bishaw said last week as his charges fine-tuned strategy for the AFCON battle. “Be that as it may, I will say that we are quite aware of our place in history as a past winner of this competition and it is on this account that we will fight with everything we have got to defend our country in South Africa,” he added. Bishaw was reported last month to have downplayed the strengths of his group opponents and was short of proclaiming that Ethiopia would advance to the knock-out stage in South Africa. “My declaration was not out of nothing, contrary to what some people have believed. We have the desire to excel and we are equally motivated. Indeed, our strength lies in the fact that we are variously considered as underdogs in the group. So, it will be left to us to shed the tag once and for all. “This is not to say that we will consider ourselves as below the other countries. As far as I know, it’s anyone’s chance.” Ethiopia has not had the best of preparation going to South Africa. But Bishaw is unfazed. “While I would not draw any comparison, I would also feel confident to say that Burkina Faso, Zambia and Nigeria have not had fantastic pre-AFCON workouts. Things have not really been as they should. I think it’s just as well that we are targeting timely resurgence when the competition gets underway. “At the end of the day, purpose and resolve will count for everyone.” For Bishaw, however, the World Cup 2014 serves as a “bigger picture” and nothing will serve as a dress rehearsal than the AFCON 2013. Ethiopia tops the qualifying group that comprises South Africa, Botswana and Central African Republic after two games and will face Botswana in Addis Ababa when the qualifiers resumes in March. “It’s too hasty to dwell on the World Cup and the chances. We are all resolved that it must be first thing first. So, although the Nations Cup will help our preparation for the World Cup qualifi-

Ethiopia targets giants’ upset Walya Antelopes know their limit in a tough group that comprises defending champion, Zambia, Nigeria and Burkina Faso. AFOLABI GAMBARI, however, writes that the Ethiopians are not prepared to surrender easily

Ethiopian players posing before a recent friendly match in Addis Ababa

ers, our priority at the moment is simply the Nations Cup,” the coach said. The modest Antelopes edged fellow AFCON competitors Niger 1-0 last month in Addis Ababa and grinded out a tougher battle in another friendly with Tunisia which ended 1-1. According to Bishaw, the pre-AFCON games were aimed at helping to toughen his players’ mental alertness and he was satisfied with their competitive spirit in both encounters. “I wouldn’t really say that we achieved the desired perfection, but the players gave me cause to believe in their ability to deliver at the right time. The Antelopes opened their Group C account with Chipolopolo of Zambia on January 21 after which they will meet Burkina Faso four days later and round off the preliminaries campaign with Nigeria on January 29. It’s a tricky fixture, Bishaw reckoned as he assured of his alertness as the countdown to South Africa gathers momentum. “Until the last group games are played, no one would know for sure what the outcome would be,” the coach contended. “Only time will tell,” he submitted. Time will also tell if the Antelopes’ squad populated by young players averaging 26 years can be propelled by 24-year-old Saladin Said to obliterate the nation’s long absence from the Nations Cup finals. Strengths: The determination of the present squad of players to re-write Ethiopia’s football history will support the Walya Antelopes’ resolve in South Africa. The longer time that the players have stayed together is also another vital factor for the mainly young team. Weaknesses: Vulnerability in the

January 24 Vs Burkina Faso January 29 Vs Nigeria Prediction Ethiopia can become the surprise package of Group C, but only as far as the Walya Antelopes can defeat Zambia in their opening game and hold their own against Stallions of Burkina Faso in their second match before meeting Nigeria in the final group game.

Coach Sewnet Bishaw

face of stiff opposition, as exemplified by the manner the Antelopes crumbled against Tunisia in their friendly game in Qatar on January 7, could hamper the Ethiopians against Zambia,Nigeria and Burkina Faso in Group C. SA 2013 squad: Goalkeepers: Jemal Tassew, Sisay Bancha, Zerihun Tadele Defenders: Berhanu Bogale, Abebaw Butako, Aynalem Hailu, Siyoum Tesfaye, Alula Girma, Biadgelegn Elias, Degu Debebe Midfielders: Shimelis Bekele, Menyahel Teshome, Addis Hintsa, Dawit Estifanos, Yared Zenabu, Asrat Megersa Gobena, Mengistu Assefa, Yussuf Saleh Strikers: Saladin Said, Getaneh Kebede, Oumed Oukri, Adane Girma, Fuad Ibrahim The coach: Sewnet Bishaw Key player: Saladin Said 1st round fixtures January 21 Vs Zambia

Did you know? The number one position of Ethiopia in the Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifying group that comprises South Africa, Botswana and Central African Republic has had positive impact in the East African country’s football. Latest reports have revealed that a good number of Ethiopian footballers have attracted agents in Europe, America and Asia. NATIONS CUP RECORD: • 1957 – Second place • 1959 – Third place • 1962 – Champions • 1963 – Fourth place • 1965 – Round 1 • 1968 – Fourth place • 1970 – Round 1 • 1972 to 1974 – Did not qualify • 1976 – Round 1 • 1978 to 1980 – Did not qualify • 1982 – Round 1 • 1984 – Did not qualify • 1986 – Withdrew • 1988 – Withdrew during qualifying • 1990 – Did not qualify • 1992 – Withdrew during qualifying • 1994 to 1998 – Did not qualify • 2000 – Withdrew • 2002 to 2008 – Did not qualify • 2010 – Disqualified • 2012 – Did not qualify • 2013 – Qualified

Sport

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Nigeria N ig Premier League with

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Cricket

IIKENWA NNABUOGOR ikenwa.nnabuogor@gmail.com

Abawula, Nwokolo join Bayelsa

Chigozie Agbim

Wolves lay claim to Agbim, Mba W

arri Wolves have sensationally asked Enugu Rangers to back off on their two players – goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim and Sunday Mba, claiming they are still their players, close sources at the Rangers’ camp exclusively revealed to National Mirror. According to Warri Wolves officials, the players currently in the Super Eagles team preparing for 2013 AFCON have not been properly transferred to Rangers and they cannot be seen as Rangers players. Agbim and Mba, Wolves officials maintain, still have their clearances at the Warri-based side and are expected to return to Warri when they are done with the national team assignment. “Wolves are claiming that Rangers have not come to negotiate for the transfer of Agbim and Mba and there’s no way they can be seen as Rangers players,” the source added. “The players have only agreed on personal terms with the club with Agbim agreeing a fee of N8 million

and Mba, N7 million. “Wolves are saying that they only see them as players training with Rangers which is normal and until they come for their clearance and both club agree, that’s when they will release the players.” National Mirror’s investigations reveal that Rangers are yet to clear the players from their club. There is a clear indication that Rangers

will return to the negotiation table with Wolves over the transfer of the players buit will wait when the players return from AFCON next month. However, National Mirror also learnt that Rangers could still go ahead with the negotiation before the players arrive from South Africa should they come up with the cash when the two parties agree.

obi Stars central defender Tony Abawula and Plateau United strongman Obinna Nwokolo have joined newly promoted Bayelsa United. Both players arrived last month as the 2009 NPL champion continues to fortify its squad ahead of the new season which is expected to start next month. Abawula caught the eye of several clubs following his impressive displays last season but it was Bayelsa United that won the race for his signature. The stocky defender is expected to join forces with Nwokolo to keep things tight at the rear for the NPL returnees. Nwokolo made name playing for Enyimba and Heartland but his career experienced a bit of lull as the Enugu-born star managed to keep his career back on track. He played first division football with Plateau United as he refused to let his career nose dive before Bayelsa United offered him a chance for another shot at NPL top flight. Meanwhile, Bayelsa United has remained in its base since it resumed after the Xmas and New Year break training

Anokwute, Sheriff try luck in Thailand

igeria Premier League (NPL) veterans, Kanu Anokwute and Uche Sherriff, are in Thailand in search of clubs and fresh starts. Both players arrived in the Asian country fast improving in football league terms due to large influx of African players, to undergo trials with unnamed clubs. Towering Anokwute, who played for Heartland, Dolphins and Sharks, has been in Thailand for over two months trying to hook up with a club. Anokwute told National Mirror that he arrived on invitation from a top division side but couldn’t begin a trial because the league was still on. He had to hang on to wait for the transfer windows to open again rather than returning to the NPL.

“There’s no way I would love to return to the NPL again because I have had enough of it and I’m not prepared to continue my career there,” Anokwute assured. “I’m very convinced I would get a club here in Thailand. The picture will get clearer in a short time. Then I will know where I will be heading to.” Sheriff put his game back on track again at Rangers last season after he remained clubless some seasons ago. He would play sparingly under coach Okey Emordi last season but was determined to try his luck abroad. Sheriff would not reveal the identity of the Thai club having arrived last week to begin a trial but he’s optimistic he will tie up a deal in next coming days.

Okey Azubuike

ahead of the new NPL season. National Mirror learnt that the newly promoted side are yet to embark on pre-season tour outside of Bayelsa due to lack of quality opposition. New coach Ladan Bosso is holding on to preparing his wards in Bayelsa while negotiations are on for clubs they will engage for pre-season friendly games. New signing and Super Eagles invitee Okey Azubuike is looking forward to joining up with the Flying Eagles team ahead of the pre-tournament build-up in Tunisia. The Flying Eagles preparing for the African Youth Championships taking place in nearby Algeria are expected to spend three weeks in Tunisia before hitting the venue to defend their title. The 16-year old kid, who is also eyed by Golden Eaglets coaches, said he was expecting to receive his invitation from Coach John Obuh. The young midfielder is touted as one of the future players for the Super Eagles. He has also been invited twice by Eagles coach Stephen Keshi who has also tipped the former Niger Tornadoes star for greatness.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business & Finance We are developing Africa’s largest petrochemicals and manufacturing hub

In the old system, about N30 billion is usually spent for the procurement of fertiliser. But under the new system in 2012, the Federal Government spent only N5 billion and saved a whooping N25 billion

MD, Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Ltd, Mr. Munish Mundra

42-43

DR AKINWUNMI ADESINA, MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

LCCI faults FG’s rice mill importation plan MESHACK IDEHEN

he Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), has said recent report that the Federal Government would import 100 rice mills from China for distribution to states which is the outcome of collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, NEXIM Bank and the Central Bank of Nigeria, raises a number of concerns. According to LCCI, the decision by the Federal Government to import rice mills into the country is a negation of the current policy thrust in economic management canvassed by the members of the economic team that government would concentrate on the provision of enabling environment to support the growth of private enterprises. President of the Chambers, Mr. Goodie Ibru, in a statement on Tuesday, said such acquisitions should be done by the private sector with the support of government, and that this fundamental principle is also clearly elaborated in the

Vision 20 2020 document as an economic management philosophy that would guide the choice and direction of economic policy. Explaining that the decision to import rice mills is a negation of this principle, the LCCI president said that the story of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the petroleum refineries, NITEL, steel complexes, fertiliser plants, petrochemical plants,

Nigeria Airways, the railways, paper mills amongst others illustrate the tragedy of state owned enterprises in Nigeria. He lamented that these enterprises were managed by politicians and bureaucrats and that the cost to the economy was horrendous, adding also that similar scenarios played out in many states. According to Ibru, this is not a model of govern-

ment intervention that the economy deserves as had been proven by empirical evidence, adding such policies have not worked in most economies as it is typically marred by mismanagement and corruption. He added that direct government intervention is desirable in infrastructures, security, environment, public schools and hospitals as well as other

areas in which there are evident cases of market failure, while saying the proposed acquisition of rice mills raises a number of specific concerns such as how will the rice mills be distributed?, wow will they be managed?, and how will they operate alongside the existing rice processing mills owned by small scale operators without creating the challenge of unfair competition?

trong indications emerged that the Nigerian Ports Authority has carried out a massive shake-up of the top management hierar-

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L-R: Chairman of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr. Sam Amadi; acting Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Benjamin Dikki and Managing Director of Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company, Dr. Sam Agbogun, at BPE’s pre-negotiation meeting with preferred bidders of Power Holding Company of Nigeria successor companies in Abuja, yesterday.

NPA redeploys six GMs, others in massive shake-up

FRANCIS EZEM

Arik Air

chy in which six general managers and port managers were affected. Immediate past management of the authority headed by Mallam Omar Suleiman had in 2011 announced a similar shakeup, which was thwarted by the chairman of the authority, Chief Tony Anenih, who used the then three executive di-

rectors loyal to him. A source at the authority however disclosed that that the managing director, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, has approved the redeployment of all general managers and port managers. Affected in the massive shake-up is general manager public affairs, Chief Michael Ajayi,

Cyber attacks: SMEs urged to protect IT systems

who had had a frosty relationship with the managing director, who appeared unwilling to work with him, and who has been moved to head the administration department. Also, general manager, marine, Captain Ebubeogu Iheanacho, replaces Chief Ajayi while general manager,

Lagos-Abuja 7.30 8.30 7.45 8.45 09.30 10.30 10.30 11.30 12.30 13.30 14.30 15.30 16.30 17.30 Lagos-Kano 08.00 09.15 10.30 11.45 14.30 15.40 18.15 19.30 Los-Maid&Yola (Mon-Thur) 09.30 11.30 Fri- Sun 10.30 12.30 Kano-Lagos 07.30 08.45 14.00 15.15 17.30 18.45 Kano-Abj 10.45 11.30 Abj-Lagos 09.00 10.30 11.00 12.00 12.00 13.00

Western Ports, Mallam Mohammed Bulangu becomes general manager marine. Meanwhile, former acting executive marine and operations who doubled as general manager Eastern Ports Mr. Sotonye Etomi returns to the headquarters in Lagos as general manager, special duties.

NUEE accuses Power Ministry of misappropriation 34

FG moves to remove hurdles before new PIB 35

Business Finance

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cyber attacks: SMEs urged to protect IT systems KUNLE A ZEEZ

ith the level of cyber attacks rising by the day, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises in the country have been asked to safeguard their information system against security loopholes that can expose their businesses to cyber vulnerabilities and attacks this year. The Chief Operating Officer, Digital Encode, an indigenous information security firm, Mr. Adewale Obadare, gave the warning recently in Lagos as part of the company’s roadmap for SMEs in 2013. He decried that majority of SMEs in the country risked attacks owing to their exposure to

cyber threats. The economic risks, according to him, will be grave if SMEs remain insensitive to the security of their data and information infrastructure. Obadare said over 70 per cent of Nigerian businesses were SMEs with huge potential to contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product and job creation. “But with poor information security systems and constant exposure to cyber predators, it will be difficult for them to make meaningful contributions to economic development,” he said. The situation must be reversed in 2013 to forestall cyber attacks and ensure business continuity, Obadare said.

Though SMEs often complain about lack of access to funds and bank loans, the Digital Encode boss insisted that information security was also a serious challenge that must be tackled in order to avoid vulnerability as well as loss of information. He further explained that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s cashless policy, which had continued to gain traction, had made it compelling for SMEs and larger corporations to embrace e-transactions. According to him, any serious business that must move with the cash-fewer trend cannot afford to be careless with its data and information infrastructure. Speaking in the same vein, the Chief Technology Officer,

Digital Encode, Mr. Oluseyi Akindehinde, emphasised that it had become a must for businesses not only to protect their physical assets, but also their information assets and resources. Though stories about information security breaches often focussed on high-profile corporations and multi-national organisations, Akindehinde said SMEs were not insulated from cyber attacks. According to him, SMEs face the same challenges as larger organisations in protecting the confidentiality and integrity of their data and the availability of

Wetland MFB gets $.25m ADF grant for fish farming TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

L-R: Deputy Governor Economic Policy, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Sarah Alade; Minister of State for Finance, Dr Yerima Ngama; representative of the Chairman, West African Monetary Zone, Mr. Richard Dolrley and Acting Director, West African Monetary Institute, Mr. John Kitcher, during the 34th meeting of the Technical Committee of West African Monetary Zone in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Lagos recovered N17bn from tax defaulters MURITALA AYINLA

he Lagos state government yesterday said it had been able to capture additional 300,000 Lagosians into the number of regular 2.7million taxpayers in the state, just as it disclosed that a total sum f N17bn was recovered from tax defaulters last year. The Chairman of the Lagos Inland Revenue service, Mr Babatunde Fowler mad this known at joint Press conference jointly addressed by the Special Adviser to the governor on Taxation, Mr Abimbola Shodipo and the State Attorney General, Mr Ade Ipaye at the state secretariat, Alausa. Fowler said the state, prior to the discovery of the additional 300,000 garnered its Internally Generated Revenue

from 2.7 million Lagosians, adding that efforts are on going to get more people into the tax net. Shodipo hinged the state budget on regular tax payment, saying the many ongoing projects are funded by the tax payers’ fund “We have written several letters to those defaulters, we have their list, we shall begin the prosecution soon. For us to to progress as a nation, we must take tax payment as our civil obligation. “Part of the moves to get more people comply with tax remittance is the commencement of prosecution of defaulters by the state government.” Shodipo explained that every corporate entity in any state is constitutionally bound to pay some taxe which might vary from Federal,State and Local Government.

He added it would be erroneous to believe that whenever any level of government has charged for certain levies or the other, the other level should not charge what was constitutionally lawful to pay. He stressed that taxes are premised on law which are applicable to state or federal, adding that subsequent transaction on any service would also attract additional administrative taxes. Fowler however added that failure by banker to render returns books, document and information on demand within 7 days attracts penalty of N500,000 for Corporate organisations and N50,00 for individual. He added that making of false statement and returns attracts N500, 000 for corporate organisations and N50, 000 for individual in addition to 6 months imprisonment.

their resources. He therefore advised SMEs in the country to develop and implement their information risk management and security programme to reduce the risk of attacks in 2013. Akindehinde, who recently led the Nigerian team to the CyberLympics, a global information security contest, said one of the greatest challenges facing SMEs globally was lack of preparation for the increasing cyber threats. “Nigerian SMEs should not wait till they lose their resources to attacks,” he said.

etland Microfinance Bank Limited has secured a $250,000 (about N7,340,000) grant from African Development Foundation (ADF), an agency of the Government of the United States of America, to support fish farming projects in Ekpan community, Warri in Delta State in furtherance of its efforts to provide micro finance and advisory services to its customers in the country. In the letter conveying the approval of the grant to the Managing Director of the MFB, Mrs Justina Kpedi, and signed by the ADF President/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lloyd Pierson, said the grant was extended to microfinance institution after its application was said to have met the requirements set for such financial support as enunciated in the Foundation’s operational guidelines. The letter reads in part: “Pur-

suant to the authority contained in the African Development Foundation Act, the African Development Foundation (“ADF” or “Foundation”) hereby awards to Wetland Micro Finance Bank (“Grantee”), a sum of NGN 7,340,000, but not to exceed equivalent of US$250,000, for the sole purpose of supporting the project described in the attached Grant Agreement and its Appendices. “This award is effective and obligation is made as of the date of this award letter and shall apply to commitments made by the Grantee in furtherance of the grant’s objectives during the period beginning with the effective date and ending September 30, 2015”, it added. According to the terms of the Grant Agreement which is for the period September 14, 2012 to September 30, 2015, the ADF will transfer funds to Wetland Microfinance Bank Limited which will them for project activities in line with its application and the approved budget.

NCAA covers aerodrome, consumers’ rights with new regulations OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren yesterday introduced the newly promulgated Volume 11 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs) 2012 as amended. The introduction of the new regulations, the agency said would further improve its oversights of all the players in the industry. An online statement by the Media Assistant to the DirectorGeneral, Mr. Sam Adurogboye stated that the event was conducted at the boardroom of the agency at the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.

The statement said that the new NCARs Vol 11 covers the aerodrome and consumers rights. Speaking at the event, Demuren said that the introduction of the regulation would further boost the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 2006 and help to standardise the operational procedures, implementation and enforcement in the industry in conformity with Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) contained in the annexes to the Chicago Convention. The new regulations entitled: Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2012 [NCARs 2012 vol 11 comprises of parts 12 to 20 is promulgated to repeal and replace NCARs 2006, part 12 t0 18.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Business Finance

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NUEE accuses Power Ministry of misappropriation M ESHACK I DEHEN

he National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), on Monday accused the ministry of Power of planned misappropriation of over N109m from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) accounts to recruit about 500 engineers for PHCN through consultants. NUEE in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Comrade Joe Ajaero, also alleged that there is an “unholy intent of the Power Ministry to waste tax payer’s money in the name of wanting to recruit Engineers for the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN”. According to him, regrettable to state that the Power Ministry has concluded arrangements to draw N109m from PHCN accounts to recruit, adding this action is an aberration to standard practice as TCN, PHCN has full compliments of Human Resource Department (HR) in-charge of recruitments”. Ajaero argued that the power ministry has no constitutional power to use PHCN money to fund projects, wondering in the same vein what has gone wrong with the power ministry’s vote for the year. “When has it become the responsibility of PHCN to

L-R: Product Officer, Western Union International Money Transfer, United Bank for Africa Plc, Mr. Olusola Balogun; a UBA–Western Union customer, Mr. Shola Saheed; Head, Retail Products, Ms Osunyomi Olumide and a customer, Mr. Ogunfowokan Olusola, during the UBA-Western Union End of Year Promo Draw, to reward Customers who had received Western Union transfers through the Bank, held at UBA House in Lagos, yesterday.

fund projects undertaken by is of the view that the power Human Resource Department the Power Ministry, when the ministry has no business to of the company be encourministry has in its kitty ap- recruit for PHCN rather, the aged and made to carry out proved and allocated votes for its operations, why would the ministry tinker with the scarce resources of an ailing scribers. Now, 12 months later department with overwhelmKUNLE A ZEEZ we have added 4 million active ing challenges of effective, subscribers to our base, this is a efficient and constant elecigeria’s Global System phenomenal achievement” tric power supply to the popHe said the company had for Mobile Communicaulace? Even when some of shown an innate ability to turn tion operator, Etisalat the challenges are avoidable challenges into opportunities. said it has reached a subscriber given sound financial foot“With this mindset and our fobase of 15 million at the start of ing”, Ajaero said. cus on quality, innovation and January 2013. He explained that NUEE the customer, we have been able The milestone, the company said, represents a market share to listen, attract, reward, retain of over 15 percent in just over and expand our customer base four years of operations, mak- over the last 12 months. Our ing the network one of the most success now and in the future successful late entrants globally. will continue to rely on executSpeaking on the achieve- ing on this strategy.” Looking forward, Etisalat studied from afar and seen ment, in a statement made availplans to further upgrade and that he means well by all stan- able to National Mirror yesterexpand its network to improve day, Etisalat’s Chief Executive dards. on quality of service across Ni“He is well respected inter- Officer, Steven Evans said, “At geria. nationally; I have been at event the beginning of 2012, we were Evans noted that in just 4 where he was in attendance in the moving towards 11 million sub-

Etisalat Nigeria hits 15million subscriber base

Ex- Bank of America VP lauds CBN’s governor over reforms STANELY IHEDIGBO

he former Vice President of the Bank of America, Mrs. Remi Duyile, has commended the Central Bank of Nigeria, Governor, Mallam Lamido Sanusi, on the ongoing reforms of the banking sector. Duyile gave the commendation in an interview with National Mirror in Lagos at the weekend. She said the ongoing reforms and policy review in the banking sector were necessary in addressing the emerging and unforeseen issues and development in the operating environment. According to her, Sanusi has done very well , considering the system of operation in Nigeria . She said, “He is a man I have

its duties without extraneous manipulations and concerns. Ajaero, who is the Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), emphasised that there are seasoned and competent personnel who over the years have been exceptional in their responsibilities, adding all the PHCN zonal offices in the federation are well equipped with HR personnel who would carry out the responsibility with less cost”. “In our view, out sourcing such responsibilities can be entertained when there is dearth of adequate qualified personnel and manpower but in this instance, everything is in place”, he added. He said it is therefore imperative to call on the power ministry and all relevant authorities to stop this unwholesome practice that is capable of truncating the progress being made in the power sector reform.

United States of America. I saw the level of respect he commends from people because they saw his uprightness in wanting to make Nigeria a benchmark in financial scheme of things in the world. “I want to say well done to the governor for the great work he is doing. Nigeria is a unique nation that it takes a lot of leaders with passion to really bring out goodness that we need to create that brand and image the world is waiting for”. The former vice president however, urged the CBN governor to put adequate measures on ground to make the plan work effectively. She also extolled the CBN on the introduction of the cashless policy in the country.

years of operations, Etisalat Nigeria has become a major industry player with a growing subscriber base of 15 million in a highly competitive market. “Our portfolio of voice and data-centric products include – easy starter, easycliq, easybusiness, and easyblaze; all tailor-made to meet the needs of its customers,” he said. According to him, for the company’s outstanding performance since the launch of commercial operations, it has won the Nigerian telecoms industry’s first ever ‘‘Excellent Service and effective Collaboration with the Consumer Affairs Bureau to ensure access to Customer Care Help line’.

FG plans to boost water quality this year, says director

he Federal Ministry of Water Resources (FMWR) says it is focusing attention on water quality management as part of efforts to boost public health this year. Mr Samuel Ome, Director Water Quality Control and Sanitation in the ministry, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday in Abuja. Ome said water quality was an essential tool in the development of general water resources, adding that no matter the quantity of water made available, its quality had to be properly addressed. He said in ensuring water qual-

ity, hard water sources would be softened with chemicals to make the water wholesome, potable and safe for consumption. “What we are doing is to mainstream the quality and management into the activities of the general water resources development, whenever you mention water resources two attributes come up; one is quantity and another is quality, “What we have been doing has been on quantity, if you are building a dam it’s for quantity, if you are doing water treatment it’s for quantity for people to serve, access but the quality side of it has not been properly addressed

“What I consider primary now is to mainstream it so that when they are building dams they put it into consideration water quality component, “If you have hard water source, you have to put water softener to soften the water, quality of the water determines the scale of investment in the process, so these are the things we must mainstream.” According to him, there are diseases that chokes off marine life in the water know as Algae bloom through Euthrophication (a process where virtually all the oxygen component in a water body is reduced), therefore, hindering the practice of aquaculture.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Energy Week

udemea@rocketmail.com 07031546994

FG moves to remove hurdles before new PIB

Again, the Petroleum Industry Bill is under trial, thus raising doubts over its early passage. UDEME AKPAN examines recent issues and implications on the industry and economy of the nation.

Oil vessel

ith the successful review of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) last year, the Federal Government probably thought the executive bill would witness an early passage into law at least for a reason. Many stakeholders were familiar with not only the various issues, the relevance as well and the urgency for early passage. The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke who expressed optimism for the early passage stated that: “We have had to review it in great detail and rework the bill to reflect as much as possible the entire spectrum of what we considered will be the substantial strategic framework for the petroleum industry and the amalgamation of over 16 laws in the oil and gas sector, that will carry this sector for years to come.”

WE HAVE HAD TO REVIEW IT IN GREAT DETAIL AND REWORK THE BILL TO REFLECT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE THE ENTIRE SPECTRUM OF WHAT WE CONSIDERED WILL BE THE SUBSTANTIAL STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY Alison-Madueke who explained that the executive bill is targeted at restructuring the oil and gas industry in order to bring about improved efficiency, productivity as well as transparency added that: “This is, therefore, the definitive petroleum industry bill and we expect that it will receive due consideration in the National Assembly.” Expectedly, the important bill went through first, second and third reading at the House of Representatives as well as first and second reading at the Senate

with minor opposition over some critical issues contained in the bill. The disagreement however reached its climax a few days ago when some northern legislators came out to state that they would not support the PIB as it was packaged to enhance the cause of the Niger Delta. For instance, Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim of Yobe State was said to have argued that the granting of 10 per cent for oil producing communities would further widen the gap between oil bearing states and their counterparts in

the nation. In fact, the disagreement between Northern and Southern legislators got to the climax when the lawmakers suspended their consideration of the bill on December 18, 2012. From all indications, it was not a spontaneous action or reaction. Investigations showed that it was a well –thought out plan. Determined to understand and respond to various issues contained in the PIB, the Northern governors had established a committee to advise them on the contents of the bill. Specifically, the Ahmed Mansur-led committee was tasked to study, identify and advice them with implications of the PIB for the northern states. Specifically, the committee reported that: “on top of the 13.5 per cent statutory derivation from the FederaCONTINUED ON PAGE 36

Energy Week

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG moves to remove hurdles before new PIB

Abe

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35 tion Account, the mandatory Federal allocation to the Ministry of Niger Delta, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), levy of three percent of oil operations and the huge amount of federal funds being spent on the Niger Delta Amnesty programme, the new PIB is adding 10 percent of the profit of all oil and gas companies to the Niger Delta states and communities.” It noted that the PIB did not explicitly recommend the supply of gas to the region who desires to apply it for the socio-economic development. The committee also felt uncomfortable with the proposed establishment of a national oil company, the National Gas Company and the National Petroleum Assets Management Corporation. These have attracted the comments of some stakeholders. One of them is the President of the Arewa Alliance for One North (AAON), Dr. Allahmagani Baushe who is said to have remarked that the PIB failed to address the concerns of the entire nation. Baushe is not alone. The Chairman of Senate Committee on Housing, Sen. Bukar Abba-Ibrahim reportedly noted that: “Derivation is only one out of seven sources of revenue for the oil producing states. They have the Federal Government’s take home, the NDDC with over N500 billion being projects only in oil producing communities. They also have the Niger Delta Ministry with over N400 billion Federal Government grants in the name of amnesty and oil companies doing social corporate responsibility.” However, the National President of the Oil and Gas Service Providers Association of Nigeria (OGSPAN), Mr. Colman Obasi thinks differently. He remarked that the oil producing areas of the nation deserve to get more attention than it is presently the case for some reasons. First, Obasi stated that the Niger Delta has assisted to generate substantial revenue to the nation over the past 50 years. He said it therefore makes great sense to plough back the wealth of the nation to assist in developing the region as part of the federation. Second, the national president stated that oil and gas exploration and produc-

Alison-Madueke

tion has over the years culminated in the environmental pollution of the entire region. Citing the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), report on Ogoniland, Obasi stated that such pollution has resulted in environmental damage of the area. He maintained that the UNEP team who examined more than 200 locations, surveyed 122 kilometres of pipeline rights of way, reviewed more than 5,000 medical records and engaged over 23,000 people at local community meetings reported that: “Some areas, which appear unaffected at the surface, are in reality severely contaminated underground and action to protect human health and reduce the risks to affected communities should occur without delay says UNEP’s Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland. He quoted the UNEP report as stating that: “In at least 10 Ogoni communities where drinking water is contaminated with high levels of hydrocarbons, public health is seriously threatened, according to the assessment that was released. In one community, at Nisisioken Ogale, in western Ogoniland, families are drinking water from wells that is contaminated with benzene- a known carcinogenat levels over 900 times above World Health Organisation guidelines. The site is close to a Nigerian National Petroleum Company pipeline. Obasi also quoted the report as stating that: “UNEP scientists found an 8 cm layer of refined oil floating on the groundwater which serves the wells. This was reportedly linked to an oil spill which occurred more than six years ago. While the report provides clear operational recommendations for addressing the widespread oil pollution across Ogoniland, UNEP recommends that the contamination in Nisisioken Ogale warrants emergency action ahead of all other remediation efforts. He noted that: “While some on-theground results could be immediate, overall the report estimates that countering and cleaning up the pollution and catalyzing a sustainable recovery of Ogoniland could take 25 to 30 years.

Yakubu

Mark

I BELIEVE ALL NIGERIANS, IRRESPECTIVE OF TRIBE WILL WELCOME ANY LEGISLATION THAT WILL MAKE OUR OIL INDUSTRY MORE EFFICIENT, CREATE JOBS AND PROVIDE REVENUE FOR ALL STAKEHOLDERS This work will require the deployment of modern technology to clean up contaminated land and water, improved environmental monitoring and regulation and collaborative action between the government, the Ogoni people and the oil industry. The National President quoted the Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General and UNEP Executive Director, as stating that: “It is UNEP’s hope that the findings can break the decades of deadlock in the region and provide the foundation upon which trust can be built and action undertaken to remedy the multiple health and sustainable development issues facing people in Ogoniland. In addition it offers a blueprint for how the oil industry-and public regulatory authorities- might operate more responsibly in Africa and beyond at a time of increasing production and exploration across many parts of the Continent.” Despite the sharp disagreements or hurdles, some proponents of the PIB are optimistic that it would be passed into law. One of them is Senator Magnus Abe who called on the Federal Government to address the fears expressed by stakeholders in all parts of the nation. Specifically, Abe stated that the government should embrace and address issues raised by those who have expressed fears on the bill. Abe stated that the PIB is a bill everyone would like to support because

of its promise to make the oil and gas industry become more efficient, create jobs as well as boost revenue generation for the benefit of stakeholders. He said: “I believe all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe will welcome any legislation that will make our oil industry more efficient, create jobs and provide revenue for all stakeholders. Legitimate concerns must be addressed to ensure multi stakeholder buy in. Abe remarked that every stakeholder who has any strong position to express should be encouraged to come and state it enable the nation have a comprehensive law that represents the collective interest of the nation. He said: “The democratic process will allow Nigerians, companies among others who have issues with the bill to express them. Anybody who feels strongly enough should come forward must be encouraged. That is how we get the best.” The senator stated that every stakeholder would have the opportunity to contribute during the public hearing of the PIB which has already passed through second hearing. Meanwhile, many legislators seemed to be divided along ethnic lines because of different interests, especially revenue sharing. For instance, some lawmakers were divided on the proposed creation of a Petroleum Host Community Fund (PHCF) where oil firms are expected to pay 10 per cent of their net profits for the benefit of the oil-bearing communities. However, some groups have started engaging the society on the PIB. This is targeted at informing, educating and generating inputs towards adding value to the bill. One of the groups is Spaces for Youth Development and Social Change. The Executive Director of the Organisation, Mrs. Victoria IbezimOhaeri remarked that its policy dialogue scheduled for Lagos next week aims at promoting awareness and citizen engagement on the critical provisions of the bill. These and other engagements are expected to create the much needed opportunities for the sinking of sectional interests as well as mobilisation of massive support for the bill which is expected to attract new investments, capable of leading to the making of additional oil and gas finds and more reserves in the nation.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

UDEME AKPAN WITH AGENCY REPORT

he price of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC basket of 12 crudes crashed from $109.15 per barrel to $108.96 over the weekend, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela). The current basket price is still in excess of the 2013 budget reference price of OPEC member nations, including Nigeria. This means that the oil producers and exporters would be in a position to generate adequate funds for the imp0lementation of their budgets. The cartel, it was learnt had in its last meeting reviewed the oil market outlook, as presented by the Secretary General, in particular the supply/demand projections for 2013. The ministers noted that the price volatility witnessed throughout 2012 remained mostly a reflection of increased levels of speculation in the commodities markets, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and, latterly, exceptional

Energy Week

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Price of OPEC basket crashes to $108.96

though world oil demand is forecast to increase slightly during the year 2013, this is likely to be more than offset by the projected increase in non-OPEC supply and that projected demand for OPEC crude in 2013 is expected to contract to 29.7 mb/d. Given the demand uncertainties, the conference decided to maintain the current production level of 30.0 mb/d. The conference also agreed that member countries would, if necessary, take steps to ensure market balance and reasonable price levels for producers and consumers. In taking this decision, member countries confirmed that they will swiftly respond to developments that might have a detrimental impact on an orderly oil market. Since it is vital to remain vigilant in the face of the uncertainty surrounding the outlook for the world’s major economies, as well as the implications of the enduring weaknesses in the international financial system that are expected to continue to pose downside risks for both the global economy and the oil market, the conference directed the Secretariat to maintain its close monitoring of developments in supply and demand, as well as non-fundamental factors, such as macroeconomic sentiment and speculative activity, keeping member countries abreast of developments at all times.

El-Badri

weather conditions. The conference observed: the mounting pessimism over the global economic outlook, with downside risks continuing to be presented by the sovereign debt crisis in the Euro-zone; high unemployment in the advanced economies, especially the Euro-zone; and inflation risk in the emerging economies. Indeed, the biggest challenge facing global oil markets in 2013 is uncertainty surrounding the global economy, with the fragility of the Eurozone remaining a major concern. The conference further noted that, al-

Brent rises above $111 over supply concerns

rent crude oil edged up in choppy trading on Monday, seesawing with the U.S. dollar, as investors weighed a statement from Saudi Arabia disputing claims OPEC’s largest producer has altered its output policy. Traders also eyed the start-up of a key pipeline expansion in the United States, which should help reduce the glut of crude oil that has depressed benchmark U.S. prices in the Midwest relative to international rivals. Oil analysts said the dollar index was pressured and crude was boosted after Charles Evans, the Chicago Federal Reserve president, said in

a speech that the Fed “will provide the monetary accommodation necessary,” to help boost the economy. Brent February crude rose 62 cents to $111.26 a barrel by 2:08 p.m. EST (1908 GMT), having seesawed either side of the 100-day moving average at $111.02. The Brent February contract expires on Wednesday. The contract for March delivery was up 53 cents at $110.37 a barrel. U.S. February crude was up 3 cents at $93.59 a barrel, having swung from $92.95 to $94.29. Brent’s premium to U.S. crude CLLCO1=R expanded to around $17.70, having briefly narrowed to less than $17 a barrel on Friday for the first time since September, and narrowing to a fresh four-month low of $16.69 earlier on Monday before

reversing. The spread has narrowed from more than $26 a barrel in November, helped by last week’s start-up of the expanded Seaway crude oil pipeline that will now carry up to 400,000 barrels per day of crude away from Cushing, Oklahoma, delivery point for the U.S. contract. After last week’s news that Saudi Arabia’s crude output fell in December, a senior Saudi oil ministry adviser told the state news agency that the kingdom cut oil production because of lower seasonal demand. Tim Evans, an analyst at Citi Futures Perspectives in New York, said the Saudi statement had given traders “assurances that Saudi Arabian production cuts

Energy & Oil Prices

Source: Bloomberg

OIL ($/bbl) Nymex Crude Future Dated Brent Spot WTI Cushing Spot

PRICE*

CHANGE

% CHANGE

TIME

85.95 111.01 85.54

0.41 0.90 -0.74

0.48% 0.82% -0.86%

07:42 07:52 10/29

PRICE*

CHANGE

% CHANGE

TIME

310.55 275.30

-0.97 -0.38

-0.31% -0.14%

07:37 07:41

OIL (¢/gal) Nymex Heating Oil Future Nymex RBOB Gasoline Future

NATURAL GAS ($/MMBtu)

PRICE*

CHANGE

% CHANGE

11:19

New York City Gate Spot

3.77 3.43 3.57

-0.03 0.09 0.11

-0.84% 2.69% 3.18%

07:43 10/29 10/29

ELECTRICITY ($/megawatt hour)

PRICE*

CHANGE

% CHANGE

TIME

% CHANGE

09/24

Nymex Henry Hub Future Henry Hub Spot

Mid-Columbia, firm on-peak, spot Palo Verde, firm on-peak, spot

32.95 35.23

-0.40 -0.76

-1.20% -2.11%

10/26 10/29

BLOOMBERG, FIRM ON-PEAK, DAY AHEAD SPOT/ERCOT HOUSTON

30.25

2.04

7.23%

10/26

Source: Oilprice.com

were not a bid to push prices higher.” Saudi Arabia announced a price target of $100 last January. Wall Street was lower after shares of Apple were hit by demand concerns, while investors faced a busy week for earnings in what is expected to be a lacklustre quarter. Concerns about raising the U.S. debt ceiling also applied pressure on oil and stock markets, brokers and analysts said. U.S. President Barack Obama said on Monday that he would be willing to take over authority for raising the U.S. borrowing limit if Congress does not want to increase the debt ceiling. Obama was asked at a news conference about differences he is having with congressional Republicans over raising the $16.4 trillion debt ceiling that the country is expected to hit as soon as the middle of next month. He warned it risked tipping the U.S. economy into recession. “This is about paying your bills,” he said. “We’ve got to stop lurching from crisis to crisis to crisis.”

Energy Week

After 110 years of its discovery, the development of bitumen as one of Nigeria’s revenue earning mineral resource still remains a mirage. In this interview with CHIDI UGWU, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Musa Mohammed Sada, explains why these efforts have achieved little results as well as efforts made to revive the sector. What measures have been taken to ensuring that the exploitation of Bitumen becomes a reality in Nigeria? When I came as minister, I found out that many projects and programmes initiated in the past were not completed. Instead of going back to start from the beginning, we decided to continue with them. There was also a task force or committee that was created to work on blocking the bitumen resource and taking to a position. It never got to that stage before we came in. In fact, many people thought that bitumen was very easy to exploit. What they failed to realise was that bitumen has serious environmental challenges. Currently, there is a special technology used in extracting the resource without much difficulty in different parts of the world. If you go to Ondo State, where we have commercial reserves of bitumen to exploit it now, you are going to have serious environmental problems beyond the magnitude of the Niger Delta. So, this is one area that we concentrated in making sure that we take care of. This took us to Canada. That is where you have the best technology because one of their major resources is bitumen. They have the latest technology that can even extract certain types of oils from much lower level of the resource. We interfaced with them before signing a MoU with a company that will avail us with the technology. They are willing to avail us with the technology so that we do not have those environmental problems. Actually, the two resources that have the problem are bitumen and coal. But our concern is not on coal because we have what we call clean coal technology now. We do not want to start producing power from coal and still have all sorts of environmental problems. So, these are some of the things that we are trying to introduce in addition to what the committee I mentioned earlier was doing. Infact, we have gone far. For instance, we have prepared a document requesting for a proposal which we have submitted a draft to Mr. President for approval. We have already done the assessment of the companies. In the past, smaller sites were preferred. But we have since come to realised that it will not make business sense to have small sites because of the level of investment required. So we block it into three. But we still have legal issues with one. I was not a minister when it was cancelled, but, when it was cancelled, one of the three went to court. Instead of continuing to drag it in court, we have decided to involve the Ondo State government and a few other subsidiary companies that come together to do the business. We are discussing with them now because the Ondo State government itself will rather have the project going on, on site, than

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Negative environmental impact slows development of bitumen project’

Sada

CURRENTLY, THERE IS A SPECIAL TECHNOLOGY USED IN EXTRACTING THE RESOURCE WITHOUT MUCH DIFFICULTY IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD in court. We are much committed to community and environment. Everywhere in mining, these are the two problematic issues one must sort out if one wants to do effective mining. Community and environmental issues must be addressed before you can have a successful programme What is the estimated value of bitumen deposit, especially in terms of revenue generation? In term of revenue generation, I believe it can rival crude oil. The only thing is that you cannot put specific figures to it because bitumen is expensive to extract. But it is difficult to put a specific figure for now. Investors have to start looking at the type of equipment, cost the equipment and process of doing it and so on. But do not forget, bitumen can generate many employment opportunities. Once people can get employed, they can become more useful to themselves and the society. Is it right to say that once the President gives the approval the bitumen project will take? Exactly, once he assents to it, we will move forward. When we receive the proposals, we will analyse it and come up with the list of successful bidders who are expected to fulfill the conditions before taking over. This is a marked departure from the past when investors were expected to meet various expectations without success. This is what we are trying to avoid. At present, many major players including Chevron have indicated interest. So, if you have companies like that, you can be sure that they mean business. Are there local companies among the prequalified firms? At the moment, we do not have any local company with the right skills. We can

have the skills in terms of qualified Nigerians, but we do not have strong institutions with equipment and other essentials. It should be noted that most of the firms that qualified are actually joint ventures, including Nigerians. Infact, some are even international companies coming together to form the joint ventures. For instance, the one that we have legal issues with is actually a conglomeration of about twelve companies, half of them are Nigerians. We always encourage working with joint ventures groups because that will encourage Nigerians to participate. This will not allow what happened in some nations, including South Africa where the whites dominate to happen in Nigeria. What we are trying to do is to make sure Nigerian professionals are involved in the ownership structures of mining concerns. Like now, you do not get a mining lease if you do not have in your company directorship, a registered Nigerian geo-scientist or a mining engineer that is registered with Council of Mining and Geo- sciences Engineers. At the end of the day, the Chinese, Indians, Lebanese and others will not be able to operate without the involvement of indigenous investors. As directors, Nigerians strategic places in the organisations and sector that should also be expected to protect our national interest. Is it true that some Chinese nationals are engaged in illegal mining operations in the country? The Chinese are all over the world and many people complain about them. The Chinese are the people with the money. Most Nigerians go to China to look for funds and equipment. Everybody goes to China even America goes to China to borrow. So, this is why we cannot close our eyes to them. There may be a few cases. But

whenever that happens, there is usually a Nigerian. So, you are not likely to meet a foreigner but a Nigerian in the act. A Chinese company in a quarry operation will work for 24 hours, they will have three shifts, and they will be working for 24 hours, A Nigerian company will come and open in the morning and will close in the evening. Consequently, the Chinese will floodlight the place and continue to work, producing more products than the Nigerian. I agree with you, we have challenges in the inspectorate due to lack of capacity in terms of equipment. For instance, we have a federal mines office in every state of the federation. As I speak, I do not think we have up six states that have serviceable vehicles that can go into the bushes and do inspection. So, it becomes very difficult to say for sure that this thing is happening or not. But we are doing our best. If you check the budget allocation, this ministry is the least, even the Ministry of Women Affairs have more money than us. You will notice that we just bought three Landrovers, even when we require 50. We did the analysis to show that we need to deploy at least one in every state. We have a zonal mines office in each of the geo-political zone. Do not forget, we also have a Presidential Surveillance Task force that the president appointed. They do not even have vehicles to move about. If you go to Ghana, the mines inspectorates in Ghana have helicopters. Can you tell us about measures being taken to revive the coal sector? I believe that there are some mistakes in the privatisation process. The Federal Government decided to privatise the Coal Corporation. But the privatisation turned out to be just selling off the assets, without minding where it goes from there. I have in the mining corporation a colliery where coal is being processed to make ‘brickets’ to avoid deforestation, it was privatised. The person that bought it dismantled it, repackaged it and took it out of the country. I was not there as a minister but these are some of the findings I got. So you cannot continue to develop when you kill to prepare pepper soup. So what we are doing now? We are taking up that as a separate issue. We have a coal to power programme. I have sent a letter to the Ministry of Power because of these coal assets we now target a specific company that is set to boost power generation. We wrote to the President who has also approved the project. We have carried out further studies to find other locations where we have coal in the country. We have a full fledged coal mine currently in Kogi State that supplies coal to most of the cement companies. There is also another coal mine in Gombe State. What has become of the popular Enugu coal mine? The location was shut for a long time. This led to many problems, including corrosion. We are determined to get back to business through a comprehensive approach because of the need to boost power supply. Like I said we are not saying in 2013 or 2014 everything will be grand. But we will get there.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Week

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Uncertainty trails WAGP rehabilitation A

n air of uncertainty has beclouded the rehabilitation of the West African Gas Pipeline earlier scheduled for completion last December. Close officials contacted could not say exactly when the maintenance would be completed to facilitate gas supply from Nigeria to Ghana, Benin and Togo. Investigations showed that stakeholders in the affected nations have taken to alternatives to enable them have electricity while waiting for the completion of pipeline rehabilitation. It was also learnt that relevant government agencies in Nigeria and the West African nations have started negotiating the various issues that could culminate in the completion of work. This is said to be based on the recent engagement of President John Mahama of Ghana and President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja. Mahama had told Jonathan that the disruption of gas supplies was a source of worry to consumers, and by extension the government of Ghana. The Ghananian President told State House correspondents that he wants Jonathan to use his influence to get the pipelines back into operation. He said:“ I took the opportunity to discuss with him the issue of West Africa Gas Pipeline. As you are aware, it got broken and there was an accident when they were trying to activate it. So, I want President Jonathan to use his influence to get the pipeline back into operation as soon as possible so that Ghana can continue to receive Nigerian gas to power

our electricity generation.” President Mahama who said he was on his way to Equatorial Guinea for the African, Carrabian and Pacific Group of States conference also said the short meeting discussed the relationship between the two countries. “This has been a very short visit. I am on my way to Equatorial Guinea for the ACP African, Carrabian and Pacific Group of states conference that is taking place there.” The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) operator of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) system has shut down the pipeline system after experiencing a loss of pressure around the Lome segment of the pipeline this morning. WAPCo has subsequently stopped all gas deliveries to its onshore stations and is working closely with the government agencies and other relevant organisations to investigate the cause of loss of pressure and to ensure safety while rectifying the situation. The project has witnessed a lot of disruptions in the past few years as a result of pipeline vandalism and other challenges. For instance, early last year, it was shut for repairs. The operator of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) system that resumed gas receipts into its pipeline was forced to shut off gas receipts as the gas that was being received at the company’s Itoki Receipt terminal exceeded allowable gas specifications for moisture content. This situation led to a shortfall of gas available for delivery to its customers. As a result of improved gas specification

Power generation hovers at 4, 600 megawatts UDEME AKPAN

ower generation in the nation has hit a peak capacity of 4,600 megawatts (mw), one of the highest in recent times. The feat recorded this week showed an increase of 100 mw against an average of 4,500mw recorded in the past. The supply, excluding spinning reserves has culminated in improved supply to consumers nationwide. A source in the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) who confirmed the development attributed it to improved transmission, characterized by a significant in loss reduction. Authoritative data of the Ministry of Power showed that 4,250 mw are dedicated to transmission while 250 mw constituted the nation’s reserves which are not always for transmission and distribution. The Head of Press in the Ministry of Power, Mr. Greyne Anosike also attributed it to increased investment in generating plants and other infrastructure, located in different parts of the nation. He said the plants have enabled the nation to boost electricity generation and transmission which culminated in improved supply to some parts of the nation.

Spokesman of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Mr. Yakubu Lawal who confirmed such increased investments in the sector said the firm has commissioned 11 power injector sub-stations in Lagos alone. He said each of the 11 sub-stations is 1×15 MVA with the capacity of generating power for about 10,000 residents in Agbowa- Ikosi, Ipakodo, Ijede, Agbara, Ajangbadi, Orile-Coker, Fowler, Alagbon, Bekley, Apapa Raod and Tincan. Lawal said the firm also commissioned 500 transformers of 50KVA each to boost power supply. Lawal assured Lagosians and residents in other parts of the nation that the projects would boost the electricity supply, promising that supply would continue to improve as new plants and facilities come on stream. Incidentally, many consumers have started feeling the impact of improved supply. For instance, the spokesman of Union Bank, Mr. Francis Barde said in a telephone interview that: “We can confirm that there has been an improvement in power supply in recent times. In the past we used to have about two hours of public power supply which compelled us to overdepend on our plants, located in every branch to run our operations. But in the past few weeks, we hae about 10 hours of public power

WAPCo has resumed accepting gas made available at the receipt point for delivery to its customers. Officials said while there was improvement in gas moisture content, the

gas supply situation remained a challenge with WAGP receiving less than the contractual volume of gas resulting in a shortfall of gas available for delivery to customers.

MD, WAPCO, Charles Adeniji

Marketers plan fuel importation UDEME AKPAN

arketers of petroleum products have concluded plans to import petroleum products into the nation as the Federal Government continues to settle their debts. Investigations showed that some marketers have started placing orders for petrol and other petroleum products from the global market. It was learnt that the products would likely arrived in the coming weeks, thus assisting to boost fuel supply which was threatened because of the inability of the government to settle the N161 billion 2012 fuel subsidy arrears. The payment is targeted at encouraging major and independent marketers to import fuel, thus assisting government to guide against scarcity of the essential product. A source in the Minister of Finance said: “The government has started to pay the subsidy arrears because of its commitment to ensuring that marketers are empowered to sustain fuel importation into the country this year.” The source said this would go a long way to enhancing the movement of people and goods from one place to another as well as boost socio-economic development of the nation. The Executive Secretary of Major Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN, Mr. Timothy Olawore also remarked that many marketers have started to receive the arrears. He said: “I can confirm to you that our members have started to get the subsidy. This would enable us to embark on fuel importation.” Olawore said the marketers were not able to import fuel for some months because the huge indebtedness to them.

This, he said was worsened by the refusal of banks to provide funds which was also a function of their poor credit rating. Investigations showed that the present payment was made possible following the early verification of claims by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory (PPPRA). The Executive Secretary of the agency PPPRA, Mr. Reginald Stanley whose duties include determining the pricing policy of petroleum products; regulating the supply and distribution of petroleum products told National Mirror last week that it has completed the verification of claims. He said: “The era of shortage is over because the Federal Government has also made provision for the payment of N971 billion as fuel subsidy in the 2013 budget, meaning that it would be possible to sustain importation throughout the New Year.” Stanley said this showed the commitment of the government and other stakeholders to ensuring that the yearnings of people who have at various times expressed the need for government to ensure sufficient products are made available for consumption. Prior to the development, only the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), had the funds to import fuel into the nation. This, coupled with distribution problems affected efficient distribution to many parts of the country. For instance, the destruction of Arepo pipeline which enhances distribution from Atlas Cove to Ejigbo, Mosimi, Ibadan and Ore depots in August last year scuttled supply in some parts of the nation. The supply was also affected after the destruction of Ije-ododo pipeline.

Energy Week

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bros é, Where you been go? Ossie

Esiemokai E-mail: anthonyossie52@yahoo.com Tel: 08023021212 (SMS only) his writer had a very early GSM number, procured three weeks after roll-out and when SIM card was still costing N30, 000 a clip. Only 21, 211 subscribers, mostly complimentary recipients in officialdom and the solicited corporate gifts to media practitioners by the premier carrier Messrs ECONET (Nig) Ltd preceded mine. ECONET, remember them? About fifteen months ago we went on assignment to a far-away place offshore Nigeria and the line went dormant largely from disuse and bad prompting. A couple of week’s back we returned to the country for the holidays and went and officially recovered the line on the ‘welcome back’ platform. Our first caller was our old friend Mr. Goddey Wariboko, who many of this column’s readers would remember for his salty, down to earth chats with this Columnist, who happened to be an old school mate in the mid-1960s. ‘Hey, Tony, Tony I don get you today. My Pastor prophesied that my phone would link me up this 2013 with somebody ‘important and influential’. Now it has happened! Bros, where you been ‘vamoose go’?’ ‘Goddey, this na you? Long time, no see! How go, dey go?’ ‘The last time we spoke, I hinted you about the existence of an ‘Oil Cabal’ and how even those of us in its periphery live very, very well off the ‘fat of the land’. That is the Biblical name for ‘crude oil’. Or you didn’t know?’ ‘Yes, Goddey my brother. You said you people would converge for a small celebration somewhere in Cross River State and thereafter proceed to your village to launch your multi-million naira mansion’

‘Who was talking about Naira? These days, I talk exclusively in US Dollars, you hear?’ ‘I hear you, loud and clear, my brother…’ ‘I called to invite you, but your phone was always telling me ‘cannot be reached at the moment, please try again later’ ‘Sorry, I was away from the country on assignment’ ‘Where dem carry you go?’ ‘Somewhere in the Gulf of Guinea …’ ‘That is the epicenter of the world’s present and future Oil and Gas!’ Wari, Wari you don dey blow big, big grammer . Which one be epicenter?’ ‘Tony, don’t forget that I went to school. Me and you attended what is probably the best secondary school in Nigeria and even

Anglophone West Africa – Stella Maris. And Wari no been dey carry last’ ‘Nna, gini bu Epicenter?’(My man, what is epicenter?) ‘You want me to say navel?’ ‘Oh, I have gotten the picture!’ “Ok, is it a clear picture?’ What were you doing in the Gulf that brings in money?’ Em, em …?’ ‘Were you bunkering?’ God forbid!’ ‘Were you refining with one of the mini Compact onTrailer Flat-bed Refinery - CoTFR?’ “Tufiakwa!’ ‘Were you lifting?’ No, No, No …!’ ‘You de do the other one?’ ‘Goddey, which one?’ ‘The one the Nigerian Navy is currently combating successfully’ ‘Abasi, mbom!’(Lord have mercy!) ‘Tony, you never change’ ‘How?’ ‘Your own is always ‘No, No and God forbid’ ‘Yes, Wari, Wari, righteousness begets a nation, …’ ‘But, sin begets cash! Lots of cash and in hard currency’ ‘Chineke, Goddey, you are blaspheming!’ ‘Tony, you were trying to impress me with your knowledge of the Scriptures. You remember we were both given the Knox Version of the Bible, same day, in 1965? You also skipped quoting to me that the Bible also said that: ‘Money answereth all things’? And also, that the poor would always ‘serve’ the rich’. Anyway, when did you return? ‘Three weeks ago’ ‘How you see the country. Our country? ‘From inside, or from outside?’ ‘Both, Tony you wan dodge’ ‘Well, from outside na so, so bad news those two ‘witch’ stations : CNN and Aljazeera dey wan show’ ‘Tony, dem lie? ‘No, No, No Goddey no bi so’ “How e bi from inside? ‘The condition ‘stretch’! ‘How elastic?’ ‘True, true, there is the good, the bad and the ugly’ ‘Tony, Tony as colorful as ever, Nack me the ‘ugly’ first’ ‘No, no Wari Wari, let start with the good ‘ Nke obula, ichoro’ (Which ever you wish) ‘For one, Lagos –Ilorin Road don fine, well well’ “That is true’ ‘Also, Lagos –Asaba Road don smooth like the top of formica table ‘

Fuel scarcity queue

‘Nkahu bu eziokwu’ (That is true) ‘And that armed robbers infected and occupied portion between Ofusu and Oluku Junction called ‘ECOMOG’ has disappeared!’ ‘How you know?’ ‘I passed there in the day time and in the nighttime and there was no ‘wahala. And I loved the discreet and effective police presence at strategic points on the highway. Kudos to the new IG’ ‘Tony, what about the power situation? No bi you been write about ‘Goodlight Jonathan’ at one time in your column?’ ‘Yes, Goddey, I still stand by that story and the evidence I met on ground suggests that ‘light hours’ continue to increase or rather improve?’ ‘Tony, Tony are you sure you are not looking for appointment in Abuja?’ “Goddey, what’s wrong with that? I go school, I obey the law and I pay my taxes. For the past 32 years, for that matter’. But on this light matter. Truth na truth! No, apology’ ‘Tony make we leave that one, what about fuel?’ ‘I saw fuel, plenty of it’ ‘Where?’ ‘In Lagos, Oyo town, in Ilorin, in Fugar, in Isele Uku’. ‘The problem is, at what price?’ ‘Goddey, it doesn’t matter! The important thing was that I could always fill up, anytime, anywhere ‘ ‘But, it was N120 per liter at Agbor’ ‘Goddey , how you take know?’ ‘I went to the village also. Christmas at the grassroot level, na only for you?’ ‘I am happy that you took ‘lifu’ from the hectics of 2012.’ ‘I took leave, and I did a lot of ‘lifu’ (unbridled spending) in the village’ ‘Wari, Wari . Are you smoothing the ground for 2015?’ ‘Yes and No’

‘How? ‘ ‘I am interested in who goes to the Senate’ ‘You are not running yourself ?’ ‘No way, I install people and then I pull the strings ‘ ‘Chei, Goddey, na you biko’ ‘Tony, you know me. I always like to control. From behind, for that matter’ ‘Wari , Wari don’t go there, my brother, I now an ordained Minister?’ ‘Praise the Lord! Anyway, the current Senator, I helped to install but the next one I want to exercise ’full monopoly’. That would be very great for my business?’ ‘Bros Wari Bee, which business are you into now?’ ‘The business of making money! In convertible currency, that is’. ‘Wari no sweat!’ ‘Add Chief – The Ezeahia nile, gburugburu I’(King of all Businesses, The First ) ‘But I thought the Gburugburu is proprietary and sacred? ‘It has been vacated, while you are away…’ ‘How?’ ‘The Occupant naturally elected to go and join his and our ancestors’. As for your word proprietary, only cash in hard currency is proprietary, full stop’ ‘Wari , Wari……!’ ‘Tony, add Chief and…’ ‘And what?’ ‘Always add ‘Gburugburu!’ ‘Next time Chief, we will discuss The Bad’ “Ko ruo, mgbe ahu( Until then )’ “Bye !’ Click. Dr. Ossie Esiemokai who holds a PhD, is the Resident Director, The Premier University, STP and author of the book: ‘The African Renaissance: Imperatives for Business Investment and Growth’.

NNPC, Ogun State to work toward ending pipeline vandalism UDEME AKPAN

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Ogun State government have started working toward tackling pipeline destruction of petroleum pipeline in the state. This aims at ensuring that fuel is supplied to parts of the state and beyond as well as prevent frequent loss of lives, especially those usually attracted to scoop the product whenever vandalism occurs. An authoritative source at the Ministry of Petroleum resources who confirmed

the development said while the NNPC would likely commit funds into execution of programmes and other issues, the state government would have create the enabling environment for the thriving of the programmes designed for execution. The recent destruction of Arepo pipeline scuttled fuel supply from the Atlas Cove to Ejigbo, Mosimi, Ore, Ibadan and Ilorin where major and independent marketers go to lift fuel to their retail outlets has been affected. However, the facility has rehabilitated. The NNPC that confirmed the development has expressed shock at the

renewed attack on the System 2B Pipeline at Arepo barely a month after it was fixed following a fire caused by products thieves who had ruptured the pipeline in August 2012. The Acting Group General Manager Group Public Affairs of the Corporation, Ms Tumini Green, in a statement made available to Journalists disclosed that product thieves hacked at the pipeline again yesterday causing fire that reportedly killed 3 persons. “The Corporation is appalled by the repeated attacks on the pipeline at the same spot in Arepo in Ogun State. A

similar attack on the pipeline in August last year and the difficulties the Corporation had in effecting repairs as a result of security issues caused a lot of hardship in product distribution which was responsible for the emergence of long queues at fuel stations across the country in the last quarter of 2012.” Green stated. She said the Corporation is further shocked by the statement credited to the governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, alleging that the incident was as result of negligence on the part of NNPC.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Executive Discourse

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

We are developing Africa’s largest petrochemicals TODAY, IEPL IS THE SOURCE OF RAW MATERIALS FOR OVER

200 COMPANIES ENGAGED IN THE PRODUCTION OF PLASTICS AND OTHER PLASTICS-BASED PRODUCTS.

WE ARE

SINCERELY COMMITTED TO THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRY

Mundra

The Managing Director of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, Mr. Munish Mundra, is a 20-year veteran in mergers and acquisitions, industrial and public relations in the petrochemicals industry. After taking an active part in the acquisition of the Eleme, Rivers State-based company, he was also saddled with the responsibility of nurturing the company in the post-acquisition period and implementing a complete turnaround. He recently spoke with some select journalists including SAM OLUWALANA, the acting Bureau Chief (South-South) on his professional and personal experience in the Nigerian business environment. Its five years since you became the helmsman of IEPL, the company has become a reference point as Nigeria’s best success story of privatisation. How did this happen in spite of the challenging economic climate in Nigeria? Yes, of course, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and the Senate Committee on Privatisation have declared that our company, Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, is the best success story of privatization in the county. We are humbled by such accolades being given to IEPL in so short a time by top government agencies and regulatory authorities. Some of the milestones we have recorded in the past five years include ensuring regular turnaround maintenance of our plants, effective handling of security challenges that almost scuttled our operations in 2007, above 100 per cent production capacity and capturing more than 86 per cent of local market demand for polymer resins, and many more. Of course, many people are really surprised about how we are able to achieve all these in spite of the global and local economic downturn. Our success could be attributed majorly to the strategic planning and visionary leadership of our Chairman and our Group Managing Director. Although they are not based in Nigeria, they have been quite instrumental to our success. Then, I

would say we have a great team of technical experts, engineers, HSE professionals, marketing specialists, finance and HR professionals, relationship managers, security experts, and what have you. It’s all a team effort. I am only the team leader. Our dedicated employees, both Nigerians and expatriates are our best assets. Today, IEPL is the source of raw materials for over 200 companies engaged in the production of plastics and other plastics-based products. We are sincerely committed to the industrial development of the country. IEPL is managed professionally. We always go for the best. No cutting of corners. Our facilities are world-class, so also are our systems and procedures. We maintain world-class standards and global best practices. We don’t condone indiscipline or slothfulness or laziness. We observe and practice good corporate governance codes. We cherish our integrity and our reputation and we strive to relate excellently with all our stakeholders, and remain good corporate citizens of Nigeria. You assumed office in the thick of heightened insecurity, especially kidnapping of expatriates in the Niger Delta. How did you overcome this challenge? In 2007, our company experienced its worst security challenge when 12 of our expatriates and some of

their family members were kidnapped. They could not be released for almost five weeks. We shut down our operations for two months. It was a harrowing experience. Again, our Chairman rose to the occasion, we appreciate him. It was at that perilous time that I was appointed as MD in acting capacity. It was not an easy task but God helped me. I did my best with the team and as they say, a leader is as good as his team. We all worked extremely hard to arrest the security situation. We put appropriate measures in place; we moved forward and have never looked back. Since then, we have done our second and third turnaround maintenance (TAM), we have developed more than 35 new grades of polyethylene and polypropylene, we have put Nigeria on the global export map, and we have been paying dividends to the Federal Government and Rivers State government and the NNPC. This amounts to more than N23bn in the past five years. Our taxes and levies paid to government are about N18bn and now we are also paying dividends to our employees and our host communities. I must also mention the role played by our host community people when we had our security challenge. They rallied around us. In fact, when our expatriates were kidnapped, they carried out peaceful protests and demonstrations that got the attention of the government and the international community.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

and manufacturing hub –Mundra Our excellent relationship with our host communities has indeed become a kind of security for us. Your company has claimed that it has the vision of building Africa’s largest petrochemicals hub in Nigeria. How do you and your team intend to actualize this vision? This is a vision that is dear to our hearts. The availability of hydrocarbons in large quantities in Nigeria strengthens our vision. Currently, we produce about 500,000 metric tonnes of polymer resins with so many customised grades of polypropylene, polyethylene, Virgin-C5, and many more. Last year, we built a new PET plant with production capacity for 86,000 metric tons. In 2015, our fertiliser project would come on stream with over 2.4 million tonnes capacity per annum. In 2016, we also expect our methanol project to crystallise. Nigeria would be a net exporter of petrochemicals, PET, fertilizer and methanol. Of course, our local demands would be met before exports. We are going to help Nigeria to conserve foreign exchange through import substitution. By 2016, we hope, not only to have built Africa’s largest petrochemicals hub in Nigeria aside from South Africa or Egypt, but also being Nigeria’s largest manufacturing hub. How is your company impacting on its host communities? We have excellent relationship with our host communities based on mutual respect and benefit. We started by having an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with them which spelt out the company’s responsibilities to the host communities and their own responsibilities also. It has worked very well. I can say that we enjoy the best community support in the whole Niger Delta. And in 2009, we made it possible for the Federal Government through BPE to allot 7.5 per cent of IEPL shares to the host communities. We also assisted them to acquire the shares. Now, they are getting the dividends on regular basis. This has impacted quite positively on socio-economic activities in the host communities. I was told that new buildings are springing up in the communities, young men and women are getting married, women are being empowered just as well as the other youths in the community and I was also told that this is the first of its kind and many companies want to copy this model of public-private partnership where the communities are part-owners of the organisation. Aside this, we are also carrying out various sustainable community development projects such as rural electrification, roads, schools, etc. Not long ago, we renovated the Nchia General Hospital and donated various medical equipment worth over N80m. This has become some kind of referral hospital for the whole of Eleme. Last May, we also organised an eye treatment camp in the area which more than 500 persons benefited from. We are very happy that we are impacting lives positively through our various corporate social responsibility programmes. The King of Eleme has even proposed to confer a prestigious chieftaincy title on me. What is also your relationship with your Nigerian employees? We have a very cordial relationship with our local workforce. As I stated earlier, our employees and indeed all workers in our complex are our greatest resource. They are stakeholders in Indorama Nigeria. We cannot achieve anything without our employees. In the last six years, we have maintained good industrial relations. We have not witnessed any serious issues with the workers or house unions. Of course, they demand better welfare packages all the time but we engage them effectively and resolve all

LAST YEAR, WE BUILT A NEW PET PLANT WITH PRODUCTION CAPACITY FOR 86,000 METRIC TONS. IN 2015, OUR FERTILISER PROJECT WOULD COME ON STREAM WITH OVER

2.4 MILLION TONNES CAPACITY PER ANNUM. IN 2016, WE ALSO EXPECT OUR METHANOL PROJECT TO CRYSTALLISE issues amicably. Every two years, the workers’ unions and management sign the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which regulates our responsibilities to each other. We have always faithfully implemented such CBAs to the letter. You are aware that through our efforts, our employees were allotted 2.5 per cent of IEPL shares by the Federal Government through BPE. We also assisted them to acquire the shares. They too have started enjoying the dividends on regular basis. This is also the first of its kind in Nigeria where workers are part-owners of the company. It makes all of us happy stakeholders; Indorama, Federal government, Rivers State government, NNPC, workers and host communities. I owe much of my success as MD to the hard work, diligence and commitment of all our employees, be they Nigerians or expatriates. As we move to actualize our new projects, we have appealed to them for renewed commitment, team work and tenacity to achieve our goals and aspirations. In the past seven years, I have related very well

Executive Discourse

with our employees. On daily basis, I receive many messages from many of them, telling me about their personal achievements and their families. I want to maintain this open-door policy. My philosophy is to keep an open door and a two-way communication. I want to maintain this direct relationship with all staff, whatever the issues are, I encourage them to walk up to me and talk to me and we always resolve all issues amicably. Also, as a responsive company, we believe in transparency and prudence. Even though we have a suggestion scheme in place, I like to have interactive sessions with employees on regular basis. I regard all employees as my friends and colleagues. They are our valued resources. Early this year, IEPL was awarded triple ISO certification for Quality, Environmental Management and Safety. How do you feel about these certifications, and how does your company plan to maintain such very high standards? Naturally, I feel happy and elated for the international certifications -- ISO 9001 for Quality, ISO 14001 for Environmental management and OHSAS 18001 for Occupational health and safety. The icing on the cake was the 5-star rating and Sword of Honour of the British Safety Council (BSC). To us, excellence and business leadership are part of our corporate vision and mission. What thrills me most is that we are the first in Nigeria to have the three ISO certifications (Integrated Management System IMS) in one clean swoop. However, the ISO certifications require greater hard work and commitment on our part - commitment to retain the certifications on yearly basis, commitment to apply the high standards in all our operations, products, systems and procedures on sustainable basis. All over the world today, the issues of quality, environment, safety and occupational health have become core business considerations that require serious attention. As we strive to be a world-class organisation, we cannot compromise on these standards. Indorama as a Group, wherever we operate these issues are taken very seriously. I commend all our HSE team and the IMS team for these achievements which I consider as major corporate milestones. Can you give us an insight into your person, vis-avis your business experience? I am a Management Graduate (MBA) in Finance and Marketing from the University of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. I have over 15 years professional experience in business strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions, opportunity and business development, corporate finance, industrial and public relations in petrochemicals (PTA, Polyethylene and Polypropylene), cement, ceramic insulators, fertiliser, copper smelter, copper mines and aluminium across six countries - India, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Dubai and Nigeria. I joined Indorama Corporation in 2002 in Corporate Strategy, reporting to the Group Chairman, Mr. S P Lohia. Prior to joining Indorama, I worked with Aditya Birla Group, a multibillion dollar Indian conglomerate. I also worked in Grasim Cement Industries, Indian Rayon & Industries, Indo-Gulf Fertilizers and Hindalco which a copper and aluminium company. I was transferred to Indorama Nigeria in 2005 as a Project Manager for the acquisition of Eleme Petrochemicals Company Limited. Post-acquisition, I was entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring smooth transition, developing and managing community relationship, industrial relations and general administration. In October 2006, I was given the responsibility of setting up the marketing team to develop domestic market and to venture into exports.

Global Business

Germany’s economic growth slows sharply in 2012

he German economy grew by 0.7 per cent in 2012, a sharp slowdown on the previous year, preliminary figures

show. The figure was well below the 3 per cent growth seen in 2011 and suggests the economy contracted in the fourth quarter. “In 2012, the German economy proved to be resistant in a difficult economic environment and withstood the European recession,” the federal statistics office Destatis said. Some analysts believe the German economy will enter recession itself. Destatis said economic activity “slowed down considerably” in the second half of the year, and particularly in the final quarter. “The full-year growth figure of 0.7 per centimplies a contraction of around half a percentage point in the fourth quarter,” the office’s top statistician Norbert Raeth said. Last month, Germany’s central bank, the Bundesbank, cut its growth forecast for this year to 0.4% and warned that the economy may have contracted in the final three months of 2012, and may do so again in first quarter of 2013. The eurozone economy as a whole is already in recession, having contracted in both in the third and fourth quarters of last year. For 2012 as a whole, Destatis said foreign trade was “very robust”, with exports up 4.1% on 2011. Imports grew by 2.3 per cent. The positive trade balance was “once again the main driving force for economic growth in Germany”.

Obama

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Obama, Bernanke call for US debt limit increase

irst up, the world’s biggest economy is facing critical choices over paying its bills. Political confrontations on the U.S. budget and borrowing ceiling loom between the Obama administration and the Republican-dominated Congress. On Monday, President Obama expressed his determination to raise the debt limit, a sentiment supported by Fed Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on the same day. Two weeks after U.S. leaders managed to stave off the fiscal cliff crisis, the battlelines are already being drawn for the next fight. The government needs to make more choices, and fast. The Republicans have said they will insist on spending cuts in exchange for raising the debt limit. But the President says it doesn’t work like that. Obama said, “Raising the debt ceiling does not authorize more spending, it simply allows the country to pay for spending that Congress has already committed to. And Republicans in Congress have two choices here, they can act responsibly and pay America’s bills or they can act irresponsibly and put America through another economic crisis but they will not collect a ransom in exchange for not crashing the American economy.” Also during a speech made on Monday, U.S. Fed Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke urged lawmakers to lift the country’s borrowing limit to avoid a debt default, warning that failure to do so will trigger

Obama

further economic risks. Bernanke said, “It’s very, very important, all these issues are important, but it’s very very important that Congress

take the necessary action to raise the debt ceiling to avoid a situation where our government doesn’t pay its bills.” Bernanke also painted a cautiously optimistic outlook for U.S. growth but gave no clear hints on when the Fed would curb its aggressive bond purchases, despite speculation that it will halt this year. The United States is due to lift against its 16.4 trillion borrowing ceiling as early as mid-February. If Congress fails to raise the debt limit, it means the Treasury Department will be unable to borrow money to pay for government spending obligations. A similar situation occurred in 2011, which brought the nation close to default, and resulted in a credit rating downgrade.

Japan PM meets ministers over monetary policy

n Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with his cabinet ministers earlier today to discuss the country’s monetary policy. Economics Minister, Akira Amari, said after the meeting that a policy accord will clearly state what the government and the central bank need to do, in order to boost the struggling economy. The government is also negotiating with the Bank of Japan to issue a joint statement later this month, to ensure the two percent inflation target will be

reached in the medium-term. The procedures for choosing the next central bank governor was also on the agenda, but no news has yet on who will likely succeed Masaaki Shirakawa at the helm of the BOJ. In the meantime, the incumbent Shirakawa says the bank will persist in easing monetary policy, and work to pull the country out of deflation. Shirakawa says risks from the European debt crisis and a territorial dispute with China are hurting Japanese investments and businesse.

TENDER NOTICE CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA ON BEHALF OF DMO NIGERIAN TREASURY BILLS Notice is hereby given by the Central Bank of Nigeria on behalf of DMO that the Federal Government of Nigeria Treasury Bills of 91, 182 and 364-day tenors amounting to N34,888,896,000, N50,000,000,000 and N80,000,000,000 respectively would be issued by Dutch auction on Thursday, January 24, 2013. All Money Market Dealers should submit bids through the CBN TEMENOS INTERNET BANKING between 9.00a.m and 11.00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 23, 2013. Each bid must be in multiple of N1,000 subject to a minimum of N10,000. Authorized Money Market Dealers are allowed to submit multiple bids. A bid may be for authorized Money Market Dealers own account, Non - Money Market Dealers or interested members of the public. The result of the auction would be announced by 11.30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 23, 2013. The Bank reserves the right to reject any bid. Allotment letters would be issued for successful bids on Thursday, January 24, 2013, while payment for successful bids should be made to your account with the Central Bank of Nigeria not later than 11.00 a.m. on Thursday, January 24, 2013. The Bank reserves the right to vary the amount on offer in line with market realities prevailing as at the period of auction of the Nigerian Treasury bills. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES OFFICE CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA ABUJA.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

NSE appoints Fixed Income Market Makers JOHNSON OKANLAWON

he Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), in preparation for the forthcoming launch of Retail Bonds trading in the Nigerian Capital Market announced the names of the selected Fixed Income Market Makers (FIMMs) on the trading floor of The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday. The six Dealing Members selected were: Capital Bancorp; Cordros Capital; ESS/Dunn Loren Merrifield; FSDH Securities; Greenwich Securities and GTB Securities. The unveiling of the

six companies selected was described by the Executive Director, Business Development of The Exchange, Mr Haruna JaloWaziri, as a major step towards making fixed income securities accessible to the investing public. According to him, “This is a great milestone and a major step in turning the market around as this will make the market more liquid in the retail side as well as promote portfolio diversification”. The Executive Director said further that the companies selected went through a very rigorous process and met the additional net capital requirement of N500

million. “We also examined their compliance history and looked into their operational capabilities, technology and processes”. “The selected firms were taken through exercises, debated the appropriate market structure to be used and The Exchange further went through the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the selection process”, Waziri added. Meanwhile the NSE in April last year approved 10 market makers to provide liquidity in the market. A market maker is a brokerage firm that accepts the risk of holding certain number of shares to facili-

tate trading in the security. The newly approved market makers are Stanbic IBTC, Renaissance Capital, Future View Securities, Vetiva Capital and ESS/ DunnLoren Merrifield. Others include WSTC, Capital Bancorp, FBN Securities, Greenwich Securities and CSL. The market makers were selected from 20 firms that applied to the NSE for the business.The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and NSE have emphasised the need for market makers following failed attempts to address the crisis in the market which started in 2008.

Index rises 1.3%; UBA, Sterling Bank lead gainers JOHNSON OKANLAWON

rading in equities continued on bullish note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as investors’ appetite on stocks with good corporate actions rose further. Specifically, the Allshare index appreciated by 377.25 basis points or 1.27 per cent, from 29,309.70 points recorded on Monday to close at 29,686.95 points. Market capitalisa-

tion rose by N121bn to close at N9.49trn, from N9.37trn recorded the preceding day. United Bank for Africa Plc led the gainers’ table with 9.83 per cent to close N6.59 per share, followed by Sterling Bank Plc with 8.64 per cent to close at N2.39 per share. Red Star Express Plc added 8.33 Per cent to close at N3.25 per share, while Academy Press Plc gained 7.87 per cent to close at N1.92 per share. Diamond Bank Plc rose

by 7.84 per cent to close at N6.60 per share. On the flip side, Cutix Plc lost five per cent to close at N1.52 per share, while BOC Gas shed 4.88 per cent to close at N6.24 per share. UTC Plc dropped by 4.82 per cent to close at 79 kobo, while John Holt Plc dipped by 4.68 per cent to close at N2.65 per share. Unilever Plc declined by 2.22 per cent to close at N44.00 per share. Financial sector led the equities transaction

volume with 734.21 million shares valued at N3.95bn in 4,987 deals, compared to 397.76 million shares worth N2.76bn traded in 4,377 deals the preceding day. The volume recorded in the sector was driven by transaction in the shares of Abbey Building Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, United Bank Plc and Fidelity Bank Plc. A total of 822.6 million shares worth N5bn were exchanged in 7,379 deals.

CBN to increase N300bn power fund JOHNSON OKANLAWON

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) plans to extend the N300bn Power and Airline Fund (PAIF) with a view to increasing available funds for power sector projects and further create amenable structures directly suitable to the peculiarities of the power sector. The extension is one of the major planks of the apex’s bank and banking sector’s economic development programme for this year. It will include the size, tenors, structures, projects, collaterals and other terms in a holistic approach to further align the financial system to the critical funding requirements of the power sector. The power sector transformation is a major thrust

of Federal Government’s Transformation Agenda with a major target of generating 40,000MW by 2020. However, it has been estimated that the power generation segment would require investments of at least $ 3.5 billion annually over the next 10 years to meet the target. The CBN launched the power sector fund in August 2010 with the objectives of addressing the critical finance needs and peculiarities and stimulate lending to the power sector. Managed by the Bank of Industry (BOI) under the technical assistance of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the power fund prioritises key power projects and provides funds at an interest rate of 7.0 per cent payable on a quarterly basis.

The fund covers refinancing of existing loans and leases as well as working capital for the sector. Impeccable sources in the know of the apex bank’s strategic financing thrust for 2013, said the extension is targeted mainly at increasing funding to the power sector but would also consider inputs from banks and other stakeholders on other structures and terms that would further improve the catalytic impact of the fund. The sources noted that the extension of the power fund was in line with the responsibilities of the apex bank under the founding charter of the power fund. Under the charter of the power fund, the CBN is saddled with articulation of clear guidelines

for the implementation of the fund, provision and determining of the limits of funds, specification of the lending rate and review of review of the fund guidelines as may be necessary from time to time. This initiative could help to quickly unlock the potential benefits of the power sector reform. The power fund’s objectives include accelerated development of electric power projects, especially in identified industrial clusters, serving as credit enhancement instrument to improve the financial position of banks, leveraging additional private sector investments in the power sector and down the line, improved power supply, employment, and enhanced living standard for Nigerians through consistent power supply.

Source: NSE NIBOR QUOTES 14 JANUARY 2013 & 15 JANUARY 2013 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

1 4 -J a n -1 3

1 5 -J a n -1 3

Source: FMDA

Market indicators All-Share Index 29,686.95 points Market capitalisation 9,494 trillion

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

UBA

6.00

6.59

0.59

% CHANGE 9.83

STERLNBANK

2.20

2.39

0.19

8.64

REDSTAREX

3.00

3.25

0.25

8.33

ACADEMY

1.78

1.92

0.14

7.87

DIAMONDBNK

6.12

6.60

0.48

7.84

FIDELITYBK

3.12

3.36

0.24

7.69

NASCON

8.30

8.90

0.60

7.23

DANGFLOUR

8.40

8.90

0.50

5.95

FCMB

4.80

5.08

0.28

5.83

AIICO

0.73

0.77

0.04

5.48

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

CUTIX

1.60

CLOSING 1.52

0.08

-5.00

BOCGAS

6.56

6.24

0.32

-4.88

UTC

0.83

0.79

0.04

-4.82

JOHNHOLT

2.78

2.65

0.13

-4.68

UNILEVER

45.00

44.00

1.00

-2.22

UBN

8.00

7.91

0.09

-1.13

BERGER

9.05

8.98

0.07

-0.77

ASHAKACEM

20.01

20.00

0.01

-0.05

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

90-Days

49,874.02

14.08

17-Jan-13

91-Days

97,481.64

14.10

17-Jan-13

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$50m

N/A

$11.8m

14-Jan-13

$100m

N/A

$43.2m

09-Jan-13

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

52 killed as bomb blasts hit Syrian university

“There is nothing higher than the exalted supreme leader’s fatwa to define the framework for our activities in the nuclear field.” – Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Ramin Mehmanparast

Train derails in Egypt, kills 19 PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

rain cars filled with Egyptian security force recruits hopped the tracks and crashed in Giza early yesterday, killing at least 19 people and injuring some 107 others, a local official said. The train carrying Central Security conscripts was heading from Assiut north to Cairo when it partially derailed around 12:45 a.m. Tuesday (5:45 p.m. ET Mon-

day) in Giza, National Railways Authority Chairman Hussain Zakaria said, according to state-run EGYNews. The partial derailment happened after two cars separated from the rest of the train, said Transportation Ministry spokesman Mohammed Shahat, according to the same news organization. Video aired by official Nile TV showed the crushed front and side of one detached train car on

a small embankment as throngs of people lingered nearby. Giza Gov. Ali Abdul Rahman, who offered the preliminary death toll, said the incident happened at Badrasheen station in the city just south of Cairo. The number of people injured in the incident is growing, said Dr. Mohammed Sultan, the head of Egypt’s ambulance service. He told EGYNews there were 66 ambulances on the scene to trans-

port the injured and dead. Deadly train crashes are not uncommon in Egypt. Last November, for instance, 51 died and 17 were injured when a train slammed into a bus in Assiut, a city about 320 kilometres (about 200 miles) south of Cairo. In October 2009, at least 15 were killed when two trains collided in Al-Ayyat, about 70 kilometres (about 43 miles) south of the capital.

Egyptian lawyer sentenced for drug smuggling

n Egyptian human rights lawyer was convicted yesterday by a Saudi court for smuggling drugs into the kingdom and sentenced to five years in prison and 300 lashes, Egypt’s state news agency reported. The case of Ahmed el-Gezawi caused an outcry in Egypt where his relatives and human rights groups claimed he was detained for allegedly insulting the kingdom’s monarch. Saudi authorities denied their claims and said he was found at Jiddah’s airport with more than 20,000 anti-anxiety pills hidden inside his luggage. Supporters and human rights groups claimed he confessed to the smuggling charges under duress. The agency said the Saudi court yesterday also convicted another Egyptian, who travelled to the kingdom with el-Gezawi, to six years and 400 lashes. Saudi prosecutors had requested the death penalty during an initial hearing. Saudi judicial sources said because el-Gezawi was not sentenced to death — that he received a prison sentence and 300 lashes — could be a good indication that his punishment could be further lessened in an appeal. The case caused brief diplomatic tension between Saudi Arabia and Egypt after protesters called for the expulsion of the Saudi ambassador. Saudi Arabia closed its embassy in Egypt for one week after hundreds of protesters outside the Saudi Embassy in Cairo and consulates in other cities demanded el-Gezawi’s release.

Egyptians railway workers attempting to remove debris from tracks following a train crash in Badrasheen, near Cairo yesterday. PHOTO: AP

South African miner closes shafts, cuts 14,000 jobs

nglo American Platinum has said it will cease production at four mine shafts in the Rustenburg region of South Africa, which could lead to the loss of almost 14,000 jobs. The world’s biggest platinum producer said lower demand for the precious metal and higher costs meant the shafts were unprofitable. Amplats said it proposed to create 14,000 jobs to balance the cuts. Last October, the company fired 12,000 workers af-

ter a strike over wages. It said at the time that weeks of illegal strikes had cost it 700m rand ($80m; £50m) in revenue. The workers were reinstated three weeks later following negotiations with unions. A number of South Africa’s miners were hit by a wave of wildcat strikes in which miners and officials were killed. Yesterday, Amplats said it had reviewed its entire business in response to a “number of structural

A man walking past a train carrying goods, at Anglo Platinum’s Khomanani shaft 1 mine in Rustenburg, Johannesburg. PHOTO: AP

changes” in the industry. “The platinum business has attractive underlying fundamentals, but we are facing tough decisions to restore profitability to our operations,” said chief executive Chris Griffith. “We must evolve to align the business with our expectations of the platinum market’s long-term dynamics and address the structural changes that have eroded profitability over time.” The company said the restructuring would save 3.8bn rand by 2015. This could affect 14,000 jobs, it said, 13,000 of which would be in the Rustenburg area. Any employees or communities affected by the changes would be provided with “a comprehensive package of support”. Mr Griffith said the restructuring would help create a “sustainable, competitive and profitable business” that would be in a better position to “continue substantial investment [and] provide more secure and stable employment”.

WORLD BULLETIN Somali journalist arrested after story on rape Police in Somalia have arrested a journalist who wrote a story about a woman who said she was raped by government security forces, prompting an outcry from human and media rights groups. Human Rights Watch is demanding the immediate release of Somali journalist Abdiaziz Abdinur Ibrahim, a freelance journalist who was arrested by police on Thursday after interviewing the woman. She was also briefly arrested and questioned by police before being released. “The Somali police are detaining a journalist and harassing a woman who says she was raped, while letting those accused of rape run free,” said Daniel Bekele, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “The new Somali government needs to ensure that the police are part of the solution to rampant abuses by the security forces, not part of the problem.” Tom Rhodes of the Committee to Protect Journalists said it is not a crime to interview someone, whether the rape allegations are true or false. “The Somali government must act quickly to rectify this situation and release him immediately and start looking for those who committed this alleged crime. Arresting the messenger is not the answer,” he said. Rape is rampant in Mogadishu, where tens of thousands of people who fled last year’s famine live in poorly protected camps. Government troops are often blamed for such attacks. Prosecution for rape is uncommon in Somalia because of weak government institutions and a general reluctance by victims to report rape for societal reasons.

UN appeals for $131mn aid for Zimbabwe The United Nations says it needs $131 million in humanitarian assistance to meet food, water and emergency needs in Zimbabwe. The U.N. humanitarian coordinator, Alain Noudehou, said yesterday at least $110 million of the money will be used to provide food for more than 1.6 million Zimbabweans facing starvation this year. Noudehou said the appeal is less than the previous year’s $197 million because of “a steady improvement” in the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe brought about by an upturn in some sectors of the economy. The U.N. said this year’s food shortages are “worse” compared to the past three years due to drought, erratic rains and cash shortages to buy seed and fertilizers for impoverished farmers in the countryside, many who took over formerly white-owned farms.

World News

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

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52 killed as bomb blasts hit Syrian university A t least 52 people were killed and dozens wounded yesterday in two explosions that rocked the university in Aleppo, Syria’s biggest city, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Two explosions hit the university during the day while students were sitting exams. The cause of the explosions was not clear but the government and opposition activists blamed

each other. The Observatory said in a statement that its death toll was based on reports from doctors and students. State TV said two rockets hit the university, killing students and people who had fled fighting elsewhere in recent months and taken refuge on the campus grounds. It did not say how many people were killed, and blamed rebels for the attack. The Britain-based Syri-

US, Japan carry out joint air exercises

S and Japanese fighter jets have carried out joint air exercises, according to an official, just days after Chinese and Japanese military jets shadowed each other near disputed islands in the East China Sea. The five-day exercise involved six US FA-18 fighters and around 90 American personnel, along with four Japanese F-4 jets and an unspecified number of people, the official said on Tuesday. The drill was carried out over Pacific waters off the coast of Shikoku, the fourth largest of Japan’s islands. It came just weeks after Shinzo Abe became Japan’s prime minister after winning an election on campaign promises to reinvigorate his country’s security alliance with the US and take a more robust line against China. The exercise also coin-

Space for sale

cided with a dispute between China and Japan over the sovereignty of the disputed East China Sea islands shows no signs of letting up. Japan reportedly scrambled fighter jets on Thursday to head off Chinese military jets in an area adjoining the airspace of the Japanese-controlled Senkaku islands, which China claims as the Diaoyus. A Chinese defence ministry official later said two J-10 fighters flew to the area to monitor two Japanese F-15 fighters that had trailed a Chinese Y-8 aircraft, according to China’s official Xinhua news agency. Yesterday, one Chinese state-owned Y-12 plane flew close to, but not inside, the airspace of the disputed islands, triggering the scrambling of Japanese fighter jets, the defence ministry in Tokyo said.

an Observatory for Human Rights, which has a network of activists around the country, offered a slightly different account. It said 15 people were killed and “tens” wounded in two explosions near the university’s dorms, but said it was not clear whether the blasts were the result of shells or bombs. Aleppo, a former commercial hub, has been a major front in the country’s civil war since July. Since then, the fight in the Syria’s largest city has settled into a bloody stalemate

between regime troops and rebels, with ferocious street battles, sniper fire and frequent exchanges of rocket and mortar rounds. The city, along with the capital, Damascus, also has been hit by a wave of explosions in recent that have killed scores of people. Many of the bombings, which have largely targeted government buildings, have been claimed by Islamic extremists fighting on the rebel side. Violence raged in other parts of Syria as well on Tuesday, with clashes in

the suburbs of Damascus, and government air raids and shelling in other regions that killed dozens of people, activists said. The violence came a day after Syria’s deputy foreign minister said President Bashar Assad will not step down before scheduled presidential elections in mid-2014. Faisal Mekdad said Assad will run again for the post next year — a declaration which lowers already diminished expectations that a political settlement can be reached. Since Syria’s crisis be-

gan in March 2011, the opposition has said it will not accept anything less than Assad’s departure. Mekdad’s comments appear to contradict a plan proposed by international envoy Lakhdar Brahimi. Since starting his job in the summer, Brahimi has sought to advance an international plan that calls for an open-ended ceasefire between rebels and government troops and the formation of a transitional government to run the country until elections can be held.

Syrian security personnel and civilians gathering at the site where two explosions rocked the University of Aleppo in Syria, yesterday. PHOTO: REUTERS

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

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Community Mirror “We can no longer surrender any part of the globe to extremism, because it doesn’t pay.” PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN

Customs hand over contraband to NAFDAC CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

he Federal operations unit zone C Owerri, of the Nigeria Customs Service, has handed over seized cartons of unregistered drugs , tins of baby food and assorted energy drinks worth more than N3 million to the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC. Speaking at the ceremony, Comptroller of the Federal operations unit Zone C Owerri, Mohammed Biu, said the goods were impounded by officers of the unit from July and September 2012, on Onitsha road when it was discovered they were not certified by NAFDAC. Biu said, that in view of the inter agencies cooperation; the federal operation unit had to transfer the seized items for further investigations. He also reiterated the resolve of the zone to curb the nefarious activities of smugglers in the South East /South –South axis, as well as ensure the area was cleared of all contraband and illegal pharmaceutical products Mr. Victor Mmamel, who received the seized items on behalf of NAFDAC Director –General Prof. Paul Orhii, thanked the customs boss for their cooperation, adding that the agency would carry out further investigations on the contrabands.

Daytime Oro festival banned in Ogun FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

s part of efforts to avert religious crisis between traditional Oro Cult worshippers, Muslims and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Ogun, the state government has proscribed daytime Oro festival in Imeko town of Imeko – Afon Local Government Area. In a statement in Abeokuta, the Information Officer at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lateef Ositelu, representing the commis-

AWKA

gbo women under the aegis of Umuada Igbo, have vowed to deal with any man caught defiling or raping any girl in communities, states and local governments in the country. The National President and Cordinator of Umuada Igbo Nigeria and in Diaspora, Lolo Kate Ezeofor, made known their resolve to punish sexual offenders, at the launch of Nigeria Project on Grassroot Mobilisation for Community Sensitisation in Reproductive Health and Rights, being promoted in

Bashorun Oladipo, however, ordered that the 2013 edition of the festival running for three consecutive Saturdays from January 26 to February 9, 2013 should not hold in daytime but restricted to midnights. He said it was in line with the directive contained in a circular letter of September 27, 2012 and signed by the paramount Ruler of Yewaland. The commissioner urged representatives of the three religions to shun bigotry that could ignite communal unrest in the area. He reiterated that the govern-

ment desired peaceful co-existence and always responsive in resolving any crisis that would result in breakdown of law and order. “Traditional rulers in Yewaland should notify all their subjects of the government decision to outlaw Oro festival during daytime throughout Yewaland as highlighted in the Paramount Ruler’s circulation”. Urging the people to co-exist peacefully, Oladipo warned that failure to adhere to the directives would incur the full weight of the law on defaulters.

Ongoing work at the expansion of the Lagos Ikorodu Road at Mile 12, Lagos.

Women threaten to prosecute rapists CHARLES OKEKE

sioner, said the move became necessary in order to promote peace as well as halt the frequent violation of human rights in the area. In the statement, the commissioner stated that the prohibition of Oro festival in day time was sequel to collective resolution at end of meeting of Yewa Traditional Council, presided over by Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle. The meeting had in attendance, traditional Oro Cult Worshippers, Shams – Ud- Deen Al- Islamic organization and Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Imeko branch.

collaboration with Ipas-Nigeria, at Saint Christopher’s Anglican Church Obunagu, Amikwo, Awka. Mrs. Ezeofor said that IpasNigeria in collaboration with the association would prosecute any accused in court, even as she called on the men who engage in female abuse, defilement and rape to desist from such illegal act with immediate effect. Ezeofor, who observed that sexual offences were on the increase,especially in the south East and and other parts of Nigeria, warned that female lawyers would stand for such matters for free and ensure any accused is brought to book.

Police boss mediates transport faction crisis FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

he Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikemefuna Okoye, has called on warring factions of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) to embrace peace till the legal resolution of pending suits by a court of competent jurisdiction. In a meeting at Eleweran, Abeokuta, Okoye listened to submissions from the factions and human rights lawyer, Debo Adeleke on alternative approach towards solving the crisis. Okoye, reminded the factions led by Chief Lateef Arinola a. k. a Venus, and Alhaji Mugisu

Akinpelu that they should do everything within the law to ensure peace and harmony. Earlier, Arinola through his lawyer Adeleke, had petitioned Governor Ibikunle Amosun and the Police Headquarters in Abuja claiming that the authentic executive of Ogun State RTEAN is headed by Lateef Arinola under the national leadership of Chief Abubakar Sadiq. Adeleke added that the suit at the National Industrial Court, Kano, challenging the legality of the said delegate conference, was instituted by the said leadership of RTEAN and as such decried the fact that security agencies are being used to harass and intimi-

date his clients. He asserted that the rule of law should be respected, even as he presented documents and certificates indicating that Arinola and his executive are the legitimate representatives in charges of parks in the state. Following constant disregard of court orders and injunctions, Adeleke charged the CP to ensure amicable settlement, adding that failure on this could force a resort to self help by his clients. Earlier, Adeleke had met with officers of the Department of the State Services, DSS,where he secured release of five members of RTEAN arrested during a meeting at Ifo Local Government.

Cocktail

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

WITH DR. DEJI FOLUTILE

Today's Tonic (81) Everyday, tell at least one person something you like, admire, or appreciate about them. –Richard Carlson. There is power in praising people sincerely. There is even greater power in sincere appreciation of people. It is always easier to criticise than to appreciate. You will become a great influence among people by cultivating the appreciation habit towards God and man. Please appreciate at least someone today!

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Woman crashes train into house in Sweden

cleaning lady stole a train and drove it off the end of the tracks and smashed into a house in Sweden on Tuesday, injuring only herself in an incident police are investigating. It was not clear how the woman, around 20, got ac-

cess to the key needed to start the train. She was taken to hospital with serious injuries, but the train was carrying no other passengers as it was in the early hours and no one in the house was hurt. “The cleaner drove the train at high speed,

considerably higher than normal on that stretch, to where the rails end and crashed into a house,” said Jesper Pettersson, spokesman at Stockholm Public Transport (SL). The train ploughed past the end of the line and vaulted over a street

separating the house from the depot, crashing through a balcony and into a downstairs room in the upscale suburb of Saltsjobaden. SL and police were investigating how she had gained access to the cabin and been able to drive the train.

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

Deaff Belgian twins, 4 45, helped to die after losing sight

dentical Belgian twin brothers, born deaf, becoming blind and unable to bear not being able to see and hear each other, had their wish to die granted in a case testing the boundaries of legal euthanasia. Doctors gave the 45-yearold twins lethal injections after they had had a cup of coffee together and said goodbye to each other, a spokesman at the UZ Brussel hospital said on Monday. “It’s not simply that they were deaf and blind that

they were granted the right to euthanasia. It is that they could no longer bear being unable to hear or see the other,” he said. Belgium is one of few countries where euthanasia is legal. A patient must be an adult, capable of making a judgment, and the wish to die must be voluntary, overwhelming and repeated. The patient must also be suffering persistent and unbearable mental or physical pain beyond medical help.

The local train that derailed and crashed into a residential building in Saltsjobaden, Sweden.

PHOTO: REUTERS

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Wednesday, January 16, 2013

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North

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Abuja residents groan over ban on mini-buses

•Soldiers take over Nyanya OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

housands of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, residents were stranded yesterday following the partial restriction placed on the operators of minibuses from plying the main city. The residents were stranded for hours before they could get to their destinations. This was even as guntotting soldiers and men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, took over major streets of Nyanya and Mararaba, the two buffer towns between the FCT and Nasarawa State. The FCT Administration, FCTA, had on Monday commenced a re-routing of mini-buses operating in the territory, saying there was no going back on the policy. The Secretary of the FCT Transport Secretariat, Mr. Jonathan Ivoke, said the move would ease gridlock in the territory, adding that the FCTA had already rolled out 191 buses to ease the plight of the residents. Our correspondent, who monitored the situation, reports that it took an average of three hours to move from Nyanya to Wuse, a distance of less than 25 minutes drive. A worker at the Force Headquarters, who simply identified herself as Ngozi, said she left her house in Lugbe about 8am oblivious of the situation in town, only to get to the office by 11:30am. She said: “I did not come out yesterday and so never expected to experience this madness. In fact, I doubt if I will go to work tomorrow because my body needs to recover from this trekking I did today. “I left my house in Lugbe

around 8am and it is almost 11:30am and I am yet to get to my office. This madness has to stop. “People should ask the President if he has any grouse with the month of January. Last year, it was fuel subsidy removal and now, this. My worry is that after a week now, Nigerians will get used to this, rather than voice out their resentment.” Her colleague, who refused to disclose her name, rained curses on the Federal Government “for subjecting Nigerians to this annual ritual of sufferings”. She said: “How can it be better for people (government) who make life miserable for other people? God will surely punish them and they will surely vomit all our sweat that they have swallowed.” A woman, who sells roasted plantain at a structure beside the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, expressed fear that the day could be bad since she got to her shop around noon in contrast to the usual 8am. It was observed that some of the few mini-buses that plied the road yesterday from the Karmo-Jabi axis were stopped somewhere around Zone Six, Wuse while commuters going to Nyanya had to trek up to Zone Four to wait for the few available buses. The 191 buses said to have been rolled out by the Transport Secretariat were not visible. Usman Mohammed, a civil servant, said although he was on his annual leave, he had to go out with his Space Wagon to convey passengers and take advantage of the absence of the minibuses. He said: “As you can see, I am working at my pace because there are no competitors. I discovered this morning that fares have

increased and there were a lot of people stranded, so I came out with my car to convey them to their destinations and make some money. “However, I will go straight home when I drop these passengers because for me to come to Wuse earlier on, I spent almost three hours from Mararaba. I pity my fellow Nigerians too because I know this is just a plan to send some Nigerians out of Abuja. “They should have even made alternative arrangements before doing this. I think it is bad. In Nyanya,

I saw a bus driver weeping because he has not been able to work since yesterday.” Some of those selling bus tickets also condemned the development, claiming that the ultimate result of the policy would be an increase in crime. One of them said: “We learnt that they are doing this due to some security reports on the territory but it is not true. They just want to award more contracts to buy luxury buses after the ones they bought last year during the subsidy protests collapsed.

“If we do not get any job to do, then they should expect us to find new ways of feeding ourselves. They want to push people into crime. This is a bad government. This is the ‘fresh air’ you people voted for.” The FCTA had in 2010 promised to roll out Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, scheme and had even marked some lanes for the operations of the buses. It explained then that with the BRT, the operations of the mini-buses would be restricted. Later on, it launched an Operators Licensed

KANO

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will today arraign the eldest son of Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, Aminu, for money laundering.

Aminu will appear before the Federal High Court sitting in Kano to defend allegations of money laundering to the tune of $50,000. The accused was arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport late last year by EFCC officials while attempting to board an Egypt Air plane to Cairo.

Scheme which was meant to have also commenced in 2011. Both initiatives had not commenced before the mini-buses were banned. In Nyanya and some parts of Mararaba, soldiers and anti-riot policemen were trying to maintain order while some of the soldiers flogged erring motorists. Rather than calm frayed nerves and keep the peace, the deployment of the troops caused tension and sent shivers down the spines of the residents, who thought something sinister was about to happen. The mini-bus operators plan to protest the ban today.

L-R: Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda; Commander, Nigeria Army Armoured Corps, Bauchi, Maj.-.Gen. Ebiboewe Awalah; Brigade Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana and Commissioner of Police, Bauchi, Alhaji Mohammed Ladan, at the 2013 Armed Forces Rememberance Day wreath laying ceremony in Bauchi, yesterday.

Gunmen kill four in Plateau, two policemen in Kano AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST AND JAMES ABRAHAM

unmen yesterday killed four people in Plateau State and two policemen in Kano, the Kano State capital. The armed men struck at Fang village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State and killed four people. It was gathered that the victims were travelling in a bus when they were shot

about 5.30 pm. A resident of the community, Mrs. Mary Gyang, said the assailants just opened fire on the bus conveying the people and killed four instantly. Two survivors, who sustained serious injuries, were said to be receiving treatment at the Vom Christian Hospital in Jos South Local Government Area of the state. Gyang gave the names of those killed as Markus Davou, driver of the bus;

Gyang Pius, Yohanna Bature and Monday Kentong, while Samuel Umaru and Keneng Pius sustained injuries. The member representing Riyom Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Daniel Dem, confirmed the incident. He said it was barbaric and unacceptable, especially coming at a time when the state was experiencing peace. Last week, two youths were killed by gunmen in Du district of Jos South which sparked mass protest

police are still investigating the December 29, 2012 incident which left two persons dead, while over 25 suspects who the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adenrelw Shinaba, announced on January 7 to have been arrested, are yet to be arraigned. It was also learnt that the police are still hunting for

one Muhammed Musa, who allegedly used his cattle to overrun a farm belonging to one Danjuma Saidu, which led to the crisis. These were part of the report submitted by a committee set up by FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, and headed by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Anthony Ozodinobi.

Money laundering: Lamido’s son Gbagyi/Fulani crisis: Key suspects still at large appears in court today AUGUSTINE MADUWEST

OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

ndications emerged yesterday that the masterminds of the Gbagyi/Fulani clash in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, are yet to be arrested. It was gathered that the

by women and youths in the area. At press time, there was tension around the Vom Christians Hospital in Jos South and Riyom council as soldiers were battling to contain angry youths who accused members of the Special Task Force, STF, of complicity. The youths tried to pick the corpses of the victims to protest at the Government House. Meanwhile, the STF spokesman, Captain Salisu Mustapha, called on the residents of the area to remain calm. He said investigation was ongoing, adding that perpetrators would be brought to justice. Also yesterday, suspected members of Boko Haram ambushed a police patrol team in the ancient town of Kano and shot dead two police officers. Another policeman sustained gunshot wounds.

North

Wednesday January 16, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Be just to your subjects, Dankwambo tells new emir

50 arrested over Nasarawa violence

DANJUMA WILLIAMS

IGBAWASE UKUMBA

GOMBE

ewly installed Emir of Dukku, Gombe State, Alhaji Haruna Rasheed II, has been advised to be just to his subjects in order to succeed in his reign as the 17th Emir of Dukku. State governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, who equally advised other traditional rulers in the country to exhibit the fear

of God and be truthful in their dealings, said this at the Government House, Gombe yesterday, when the new emir paid a courtesy call on him. After congratulating the emir for ascending the throne, Governor Dankwambo urged him to embrace all, especially those who contested with him. The governor advised the emir to strive to leave a good legacy like his predecessors, adding that traditional rul-

ers must show justice to their subjects, in order to succeed during their reign. Dankwambo said people in such position must first show love to their fatherland and subjects, in order to gain their support and cooperation just as he commended the people of Dukku for peacefully selecting a new emir, after the demise of the former one. The governor urged the people of the state to live in peace with one another in

order to sustain the peaceful atmosphere existing in the state and enjoy the dividends of democracy. Speaking earlier, the Emir of Dukku, Alhaji Haruna Rasheed II, who led a powerful delegation of Dukku sons and daughters on the occasion, said they were in the Government House to thank the governor for confirming his selection last week. The emir, who commended Governor Dank-

wambo for sustaining peace in the state, also praised him for the provision of social amenities like electricity, schools and roads as well as upgrading the General Hospital in Dukku to a specialist one. He also thanked the governor for relocating the Gombe State School of Nursing and Midwifery to Dukku. He pledged his loyalty and that of his entire emirate to the Dankwambo administration.

Niger gov says poverty, hunger are ‘killers’ PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

iger State Governor, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has described poverty and hunger as ‘killers’, urging the 36 states of the federation to come up with policies that will reduce the problems caused by them. He said the issue of poverty has gone way beyond rhetorics and mere lip service, but must be given the needed attention it deserved. Aliyu, who stated this at the first graduation ceremony of the Abdulsalami Centre for Peace and Sustainable Development in Minna, stressed the need to improve on agriculture to serve as employers of labour and generator of revenue to farmers and the country. The governor also rated the performance of some state governors highly, such as those of Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta and Imo States, who he pointed out used funds allocated to their states judiciously to better the lives of their citizenry. Also speaking, Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, called for a collective effort at fighting the cankerworm of poverty that has no religious or ethnic limitation. He then challenged governors and other political office holders not to relent in serving the people who elected them, especially the less privileged in the society that way, poverty can be reduced.

Aliyu

L-R: Publisher, Press Gallery magazine, Mr. Isiaka Mustapha; Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe and Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Abuja chapter, Mr. Chuks Ehirim, during the commissioning of the Press Gallery House in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Nigeria won’t disintegrate, but... says cleric JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

he spiritual father and Chairman of the Holy Order of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, CSMC, Worldwide, His Grace, Most Reverend (Baba Aladura) Samuel A. Abidoye, yesterday allayed fears of a possible disintegration of the country. He said “the Nigerian nation will not disintegrate as year 2013 will usher in a new era of socio-economic development in the life of the nation.” The cleric how-

ever added that “we must immediately turn to God through fervent prayers for solutions to the myriads of problems facing us as a nation.” Abidoye identified high level corruption, insecurity, unemployment and infrastructure decay as some of the major challenges confronting the Nigeria as a nation. The CSMC spoke to journalists in an interview shortly after presiding over the ordination/ installation ceremony of Special Apostle Joshua Oyewale as chairman of Jos District of the church

and Special Apostle Solomon Adeniran as leader in charge CSMC, Jos subheadquarter at a colourful ceremony held in Jos. Jos district covers CSMC churches in Bauchi, Gombe and Plateau States. The cleric, who said most part of the world was facing one form of security problem or the other, said insecurity would not allow development to thrive. While calling on the government to properly identify the remote causes of the nation’s current security problems, he also stressed the need for more

attention to be paid to job creation for the teeming unemployed youths. He said efforts must be intensified to fight corruption and arrest infrastructure decay in the country, among others. “Nigeria will definitely be great again. Our God is going to take control of Nigeria and peace will return to the country again, all we need do now, both Christians and Muslims are to return to Him, be our brothers’ keepers and continue to tolerate as well as co-exist peacefully with one another, irrespective of our differences.

Plot to remove Yakowa’s loyalists thickens

A ZA MSUE KADUNA

acts emerged yesterday that there is secret plot to remove loyalists of the late Kaduna State governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, from strategic positions in the state. The House of Assembly was said to have started consultations for

possible replacement of the embattled Deputy Speaker of the house, Dr. Dogora Mato, over the N17 million Lere Local Government renovation contract fraud. Mato and six others, including the former Chairman of Lere Local Government Area, Kabiru Tahir Malali, were docked and remanded in Economic and Finan-

cial Crimes Commission, EFCC and prison custodies on Monday at the Federal High Court, Kaduna by Justice Marcellous Awokulehin, pending their bail application hearing on January 24, 28 and 29, 2013 respectively. Sources hinted National Mirror yesterday that while Mato is facing EFCC charges preferred on him, government machineries

have being drafted to effect his change with another loyalist of the present administration under Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero. One of the sources said yesterday; “Government has changed, people who want to remain relevant should make u-turn now or face the sack, but if you think it is still business as usual, that person is mak-

LAFIA

o fewer than 50 persons have been arrested in connection with the renewed violence that has engulfed Nasarawa State recently. State governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, disclosed this yesterday at Government House, Lafia, when briefing journalists at the end of an emergency meeting of the state security council in respect of the emerging security challenges that has enveloped the state in recent times. His words: “The suspects are giving useful information to help the process of investigation. And I commended security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders for their prompt response to the pathetic situation.” He warned that his administration would no longer tolerate any act of lawlessness from any individual or group of persons. He consequently directed security operatives to ensure that those arrested in connection with the violence are properly prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others. Al-Makura revealed that as part of measures to address the growing spate of communal violence in the state, government has resolved to put in place a security summit that would enable stakeholders brainstorm on the way forward. The governor, however, condemned the wanton destruction of lives and property in Ekye, Doma and other parts of the southern senatorial district of the state in the ongoing herdsmen/farmers clash, lamenting that; “The state which was known for its peaceful disposition is gradually metamorphosing into a corridor of violence.”

ing a mistake and will go.” Governor Yero had last week sacked his late predecessor’s Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Lawal Samaila Abdullahi; his Principal Private Secretary, PPS, Yohanna Alamagani, Chief of Staff, Aboki Galadima and Media Assistant, Mr. Reuben Buhari and replaced them with his political allies.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Tuesday, January 16, 2013

Nigerian government has failed to lift masses, says NBA President • Asks FG to sit up on democracy dividends KAYODE KETEFE

he President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr. Okey Wali, SAN, yesterday called on the Federal Government to “up its game” in its avowed bid to make the dividends of democracy

available to the populace. He stressed that the government has up till now failed to make Nigeria a better country. The NBA boss made this disclosure yesterday during a media chat with r journalist in Lagos. Wali accused the government of failure or negli-

Two girls, abducted in Abia community, released GEORGE OPARA ABIA

he two abducted daughters of Chief Samuel Ireke Agbai, a prominent Abiriba businessman and community leader murdered penultimate week have been released. They were released after the payment of unspecified ransom. The traditional ruler of Abiriba community, Enachioken, Eze kalu kalu Ogbu disclosed this yesterday at the Government House Umuahia, when he paid a courtesy call on Governor Theodore Orji. He was in the Government House with a delegation from his community made up of key leaders and other prominent sons and daughters of the area. However, another

Abiriba indigene, Mr. Sam Mang, who was kidnapped a day before Agbai was murdered and his daughters abducted is yet to be released, even after a ransom of N4m had been paid. Mang is a businessman based in Germany and came home for the yuletide celebration. Curfew is still active in the area. Military patrol starts from 7pm and ends at 6.00am. Movements are highly restricted and social activities have been paralysed. Despite the security challenges, the traditional ruler expressed gratitude to the governor for restoring pipe-borne water and electricity in the community. He said that the area had suffered lack of portable water and power for two decades, which made life unbearable for the people.

FG, others share N567.7bn in December TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

he three tiers of government shared a total of N567.7bn in December. Documents made available to the media on the distributions to the Federal, State and Local Governments as the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC, meeting continued late into the late hours of the night in Abuja yesterday showed that gross revenue of N581.06bn was collected during the month as against N569.5bn earned

in the preceding month. The FAAC attributed the increased revenue for the month to a rise in Company Income Tax, CIT, import duties and Petroleum Profit Tax, PPT, on Production Sharing Contract, PSC, and Modified Carry Arrangement, MCA. The distributions to the tiers of government include, N467bn from Statutory source, N57.5bn from Value Added Tax, VAT, N35.5bn from SUREP and the N7.6bn refunds from the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.

gence in its ability to meet the indices of development. Wali said: “There is unhappy situation in the land, the dream goals and aspirations are far from being realised. Our children still troop to foreign countries to get quality education; the health sector is epileptic. It is indeed a pity that we now send our children to Ghana to get quality education. We are suffering from the twin problem of corruption and insecurity. “Our country is not investment friendly. A lot of money had been sunk on the power sector, yet we have nothing to show for it. We still don’t have electricity to drive our economy.

If we don’t have electricity how can we attract local and foreign investment drives? “Something is fundamentally wrong with our system; the truth is that the Federal Government needs to up its game.” Reacting to the question of corruption in the Judiciary, Wali, said: “I don’t believe in class condemnation. I have been in the judicial system for more than three decades; I can authoritatively tell you that there are a lot of highly disciplined and morally upright and incorruptible people in the judicial system, including lawyers and judges.

Akpbio sacks commissioner, retires perm sec TONY ANICHEBE UYO

overnor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State yesterday sacked the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs., Helen Ukpabio barely one year after her appointment. The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Arit Okpo, was also asked to proceed on retirement. Mrs. Ukpabio, who was initially appointed commissioner for education was redeployed by the governor to the ministry of women affairs because of her inability to cope with the work load at the education ministry. A letter signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Aniekan

Umanah, on behalf of the governor read: “His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, has relieved the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Mrs. Helen Ukpabio of her appointment as Commissioner with immediate effect. “Similarly, the Governor has also approved the retirement of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Arit Okpo.” Mrs. Ukpabio, who replaced Mr. Nseabasi Akpan as the Nsit Ibom local government area nominee was brought by Air commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd), one of the trusted allies of Governor Akpabio.

Officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps at the scene of the vandalised pipeline at Arepo in Ogun State, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Yoruba council of elders commiserate with Alaafin on fire incident

he Yoruba Council of Elders, YCE, has commiserated with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the government and people of Oyo State on the fire incident that engulfed the palace of the monarch, describing the incident as unfortunate. In a statement on behalf of the Council, signed by its Secretary General, Chief Idowu Sofola, SAN, YCE expressed gratitude to God that no life was lost in the incident. The damage to invalu-

able property, particularly historical artifacts many of which are irreplaceable is a pointer to the extent of the damage by the fire according to the Council. It pointed out the need for greater alertness and consciousness on the part of all Nigerians particularly during the prevailing season when incidences of fire are usually common. Chief Sofola called on the Alaafin, the government and people of Oyo State to take solace in the Yoruba adage that says “the Palace of a King engulfed by fire

only tends to beautify it the more”. The Council also expressed sadness at the fire incident that engulfed the Plank market in Ebute Meta, Lagos where over 3, 000 people lost their homes and called for adequate preventive measures in such volatile areas to avert future occurrence. The General Secretary commiserated with the traders in the market, those who have lost their homes and the Government and people of Lagos State, praying that the losses be replenished by

God. He called on relevant agencies of governments and other well meaning people to provide urgent assistance to those rendered homeless by the unfortunate fire incident.

Oba Adeyemi

WORLD RECORD

Fastest crossing of the English Channel by single canoe (kayak) Vol. 03 No. 536

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

The voice of elders

he long held aphorism is that “the voice of elders is voice of wisdom”. So it was last week that a group of eminent citizens under the aegis of The Patriots, cried out over what they saw as the inexorable decline and descent of Nigeria into a nadir of despair and desperation. In fact, they acknowledged that if nothing radical was done to immediately arrest the situation, the country would become a failed state. They went on to enumerate what had gone wrong and even implored President Goodluck Jonathan to deploy every ‘revolutionary actions’ to halt the impending catastrophe. Fine talks! That is expected of grey haired nationalists who have not only the interest of their nation at heart, but are all too pained to see what they laboured for go up in flames due to the untamed behaviour of their compatriots, whose only reason

eports yesterday indicated that controversial multiple world cycling champion, Lance Armstrong, has confessed to using performing-enhancing drugs in an interview with chat show host Oprah Winfrey. Armstrong, who had

N150

The fastest crossing of the English Channel by a single canoe/kayak is 2 hr 28 min by Paul Wycherley (UK) between Dover Harbour, Dover, UK and Cap Griz Nez, France, on 2 October 2011.

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

and passion for relevance is to get and keep political power at any cost. Very gruesome is the fact that The Patriots made grim allusions to the spectre of a holocaust that could engulf the entire country if good governance is not given unfettered reign. Incidentally, they identified what can bring back sanity to political governance, which is “the initiation of the process for convening a national conference that will produce a peoples’ constitution”. Like Biblical John the Baptist, this group of concerned Nigerians has been crying in the wilderness for very long time with no one listening. Such uncouth attitude from past and present rulers may be a cause for concern, especially given the fact that what defines leadership in Nigeria is the cornering of the nation’s resources to serve the narrow and vested interests of a few political buccaneers and their surrogates. Definitely, what The Patriots have said is an iron clad truth, which every right thinking Nigerian sees as way out of the present political thicket. But fact remains that at the moment, the country is jinxed and cursed to be headed in the wrong direction due to the presence of those who believe that nothing will ever work without their desiring and conjuring it into existence. One can therefore, understand the frustrations of this group of Nigerians, especially when they interpose the present rickety situation with a glorious

THE PROBLEM WITH THE COUNTRY HAS TO DO WITH THE INTERMINABLE STRUGGLE FOR POLITICAL POWER AND WHAT TO DO WITH IT past, when the country its flag independence from Britain in 1960. Then, the national mood was upbeat and the founding fathers, who were in the vanguard for freedom, nursed the vision and ambition of seeing a nation of happy people that would be a beacon and pride to the black race. If they had any fears on good governance and how the ship of state would be steered on the right course, they never betrayed them. For them, service was the mantra for political leadership and that giddy era never suffered ethnic and religious bigots gladly as obtains today. Then suddenly, the nation went berserk as a result of military intervention and vicious civil war that not only left lasting scars on the psyche of people, the sheer scale of recklessness and impunity that followed, continue to haunt the nation till this day. Given this, it has been difficult to meld the aspirations of the disparate religious

and ethnic nationalities in the country to believe and see themselves as a people with common destiny. One therefore, can see and feel the frustrations of these patriots, considering the monumental efforts it would take to convince those within the confines known as Nigeria that they can rise above primordial pettiness. But rather than build bridges of trust, every day brings with it new intrigues and a determination to run rings round those seen and perceived as enemies. For a country where the inhabitants identify themselves by ethnic nationalities, the tendency is for groups to perpetually scheme and plan evil against opponents to the detriment of nation building. This is why we have not been able to define the type of federation we want and whether we need state police or even create more states. Reason is that we live in an atavistic society that detests the feeling of shared interests. It is a perfect zero-sum situation where one’s gain is another’s loss. It all entails exerting the maximum pound of flesh, while employing all manner of subterfuge to scupper the designs of others no matter how vaunted. A look around would convince anyone that the country is caught between Scylla and Charybdis, which is brought about by a festering mentality of those who think the gods have ordained Nigeria to be stratified into a political caste system of feudal lords and common serfs. The problem with the country has to do with the interminable struggle for political power and what to do with it. And because it is seen as a tool for domination of one group over the other, the tendency is for it to become a source of evil rather than force for good. How then to wean those fixated with dominating this political tool is a task that must be addressed if the prophecy of apocalypse would not eventually turn prescient. As The Patriots noted, time is running out. Given the dress rehearsal of what we are witnessing now, the road to 2015 may be arduous and hazardous.

Sport Extra

Cycling: Armstrong makes doping confession consistently denied the allegations, is said to have admitted the offence during a two-and-a-half hour interview at his Texas home on Monday. The 41-year-old Texan was stripped of his career

wins-including seven Tour de France titles-and banned for life last year after the US Anti-Doping Agency said he was at the centre of the biggest doping programme ever seen in sport. Armstrong’s admission

is likely to see him face legal and financial consequences with a number of corporate sponsors seeking damages from their association with the disgraced rider. “We would be more than happy for Mr. Lance

Armstrong to make any repayment of monies to us,” South Australia Premier, Jay Weatherill, said yesterday. The interview will be edited to 90 minutes and broadcast in the United States tomorrow.

Lance Armstrong

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