Friday, September 28, 2012

Slain groom: IGP sets up investigative team 50 policemen arrested over killing of Okada rider T he Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, has constituted a team to take over the in-

OMEIZA AJAYI AND FRANCIS SUBERU

Abubakar

Vol. 2 N0. 458

FIRST LADY’S LA ADY’S HEALTH HEALTH::

‘First Lady fit, returns soon’

P.51

vestigation of the killing of Mr. Ugochukwu Ozuah from the Lagos State Police Command.

P.2

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4>>

Friday, September 28, 2012

24-hour ultimatum:

DAY 34

N150

S’Arabia shuns Nigeria, deports 612 pilgrims Hajj commission suspends airlifting

AYODELE OJO, ROTIMI FADEYI AND PRISCILLA DENNIS

D

espite the 24-hour ultimatum issued by the Federal Government to the Saudi Arabian authorities to redress the maltreatment of Nigerian pilgrims in Jeddah to avoid a diplomatic row, 612 intending pilgrims were again deported yesterday CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

COUNTDOWN TO

ONDO GUBER POLL October 20, 2012

22

DAYS TO GO Flood at Amuwo-Odofin area of Lagos after a downpour, yesterday.

PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

N40bn property lost to flood in Kogi –Gov Food crisis, outbreak of epidemic loom

Court sentences killer cop to death P.?

P.5 P.9

STORIES ON PAGE 15>>

L-R: Treasurer, National Council for Women Society, Hajia Hasiya Ahmed; Wife of the Deputy Senate President, Nwanneka Ekweremadu and Director-General, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe during the distribution of sewing/grinding machines to widows to mark 50th years of the corporation in Abuja yesterday.

2

News

Friday, September 28, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

S’Arabia shuns Nigeria, deports 612 pilgrims CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

in two batches.

The first batch of yesterday’s deportees were made of 102 female intending pilgrims from Sokoto State who arrived Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto, about 3a.m. aboard Max Airline.

Another batch of 510 intending pilgrims from Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, and Zamfara states arrived Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, about 8.30.p.m aboard Max Airline.

The spokesman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Alhaji Uba Mana, confirmed the development to National Mirror last night.

The deportees, made up of 509 women and a man whose wife was not allowed to perform the pilgrimage, were repatriated yesterday from Jeddah.

The deportees were conveyed out of the airport in two vehicles with registration numbers KT 41 A28 and KT 40 A28 that were stationed at the airport before their arrival.

The development has brought the number of women so far repatriated from the Holy Land to more than 1,000 since the transportation of pilgrims to this year’s Hajj began on September 19.

Mana explained that the man, who was being repatriated along with the 509 women, said he decided to join the deportees because the Saudi authorities refused to allow his wife to gain entry into the Holy Land.

He expressed reservation over the refusal of the Saudi authorities to allow the woman who was with her husband from participating in the pilgrimage.

This has raised fresh fears about the motive of the rejection of Nigerian women.

Already, 24,886 Nigerian pilgrims have been transported to the Holy Land in 49 flight operations. About 59, 000 Nigerians are expected to participate in this year’s pilgrimage.

The female pilgrims were denied entry into the Holy Land because they travelled without a ``Mahram’’ (male companion) as prescribed by the Shari’ah.

In a related development, the Niger Pilgrims Welfare Commission has suspend-

ed airlifting of pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Hajj operation in line with the directive of the NAHCON to shelve all pilgrims’ transportation in the nation.

A total of 4,355 pilgrims are expected to perform the pilgrimage from the state, including 22 officials, but had to be stopped due to the female companion crisis.

The spokesman of the commission in Niger State, Alhaji Sani Awwal, who stated this in Minna, said the state had to abort the airlift to comply with the order of NAHCON. According to him: “We had finished the screening of the 500 intending pilgrims from Mashegu, Paikoro and Mariga local government areas, including the medical officials and the commission’s staff, when the message of the suspension reached us.

“In fact, the pilgrims were already at the Minna International Airport after the completion of their screening at the Hajj Camp, while the carrier, Max Airline had stationed its plane on the tarmac waiting, when the suspension came into effect.”

He assured that as soon as the issue concerning the female pilgrims was resolved, all intending pilgrims from the state would be transported.

The commission’s spokesman also commended the pilgrims for demonstrating discipline and good manners, when the issue of their transportation to the holy land reached them.

As part of the move to resolve the impasse, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Khaled Abrabuh, yesterday expressed optimism that the issue would be resolved today.

Abrabuh gave the assurance after he met with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.

The duo met behind closed-doors.

Tambuwal is the leader of the Federal Government’s delegation to Saudi Arabia on the crisis.

The Presidency has set up a special committee to meet with King Abdullah Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia on the detention of about 1,200 female pilgrims from Nigeria at Jeddah Airport.

The closed-door talks between the Speaker and the Saudi Arabian envoy, National Mirror gathered, thrashed matters of security and sundry untoward reasons that might have been behind the detention of the pilgrims by the country.

The House of Representatives had written President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene in the detention of 908 female pilgrims by the Saudi Arabian authorities yesterday.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Tambuwal disclosed that the Nigerian mission in Riyadh was holding talks with the Saudi authorities to resolve the controversy.

Also, NAHCON yesterday said it would transport back to Nigeria all the 908 female pilgrims detained in

Saudi Arabia.

Alhaji Abdullahi Muhammad, the National Commissioner, Operations, disclosed this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said that the commission had no choice than to bring back the affected pilgrims as the Saudi authorities had insisted that they must be brought back.

Muhammad, however, insisted that the commission had complied with all the rules on pilgrimage as agreed with the Saudi authorities.

The Chairman of the commission, Malam Muhammad Bello, had on Wednesday told the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs that the Mahram issue was never discussed before now

with the Saudi officials.

He said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with the Saudi government for the 2012 Hajj had no provision on the issue.

Bello said the issue only came up when some Nigerian pilgrims arrived the King Abdul’azeez Airport, Jeddah on September 23, adding that only Nigeria pilgrims were subjected to such treatment.

Muhammad expressed regret that the Saudi authorities had rebuffed all diplomatic moves by the commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Meanwhile, the commission on Wednesday suspended the transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for 48 hours to resolve the matter..

With the new develop-

ment, Nigeria is set to take action on the issue of the detention and deportation of Nigerian female pilgrims as the 24 hours ultimatum given to the Saudi Arabian authorities expires today.

Vice-President Namadi Sambo gave the ultimatum on Wednesday after he summoned Abdrabuh to his office over the issue.

Top government officials at the Presidency told National Mirror yesterday that the ultimatum expires today and the Federal Government would have no option than to take action.

The action to be taken was, however, not disclosed The vice-president noted that reports available to him suggests that only Nigeria pilgrims were subjected to such dehumanising treatment and requested CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Aerial view of a flooded area visited by Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, yesterday.

‘First Lady fit, returns soon’ ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

T

he First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, is due back in the country soon as doctors at the Wiesbaden Hospital in Germany, where she is being treated for undisclosed illness, have certified her fit to return to the country.

National Mirror reliably gathered that Mrs. Jonathan successfully underwent surgery for appendicitis at the German hospital.

“The First Lady is in a stable state. The doctors at the hospitals have confirmed her fitness but she needed more time to rest.

“I can tell you that she is now in good state after a successful surgery,” the source closed to the Presidency said.

The source could not, however, confirm the exact date Dame Patience would arrive Nigeria. She has been away for 34 days.

“It is very soon. The date I can’t confirm,” the source said.

Competent sources close to the Presidency told National Mirror that she would have accompanied her husband to the 67th United Nations General Assembly in New York but doctors advised her to rest.

The sources said that the doctors warned of dire consequences on her health if she

embarked on any long trip It was also gathered that President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife had planned to use the trip to New York to prove critics wrong and end speculations about the health of the President’s wife.

However, since it was not possible for Dame Patience to attend the UN Assembly with her husband according to doctors’ advice, President Jonathan had made a stopover in Germany during his trip to New York for the UN General Assembly to see his ailing wife who had been out of the country for over one month.

At the 66th General Assembly of the Session last

year, Jonathan was accompanied on the trip by his wife, governors and other top government officials.

The Presidency had kept mum over the health condition of the First lady and had not issued any official statement concerning the issue However, her Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Ayo Osinlu, said that the First Lady was on vacation and had taken time to rest abroad after hosting the First Lady’s Conference in Abuja.

He also said that he could not ascertain when Dame Patience would come back from Germany as there was no fixed date for her return to the country.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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PAGE

Friday, September 28, 2012

Good Health

Bothered by high blood pressure?

Try non-alcoholic red wine!

SAM EFERARO

Y

ou’ve probably heard the claim that red wine could be good for your health.

Although it has not been conclusively proven that it is better than other forms of alcohol when it comes to possible heart-healthy benefits, some studies over the years have shown that it could protect the lining of blood vessels in the heart because it contains an antioxidant called polyphenols or resveratrol.

Those findings were however reported only in mice, not in people and it has been suggested that an individual may have to drink over 60 litres of red wine every day to achieve the kind of result found in mice. Even at that, doctors are wary of encouraging anyone to start drinking alcohol. That’s because too much alcohol can have many harmful effects on the body.

But there’s encouraging news that doctors may not find too difficult to relate with. A new study has revealed that red wine could indeed be good for your heart – but it’s got to be nonalcoholic.

The research conducted at the University of Barcelona, found that red non-alcoholic wine reduced blood pressure in men at risk for heart disease better than alcoholic red wine or gin. The study included 67 men who had diabetes or three or more heart disease risk factors, according to WebMD Heath News.

The researchers say drinking moderate amounts of non-alcoholic red wine for four weeks was able to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Drinking alcoholic red wine, however, did not lead to any significant changes.

In the study published online on Sept. 6 in Circulation Research, researchers asked 67 men with diabetes or three or more cardiovascular risk factors - including high blood pressure, high

cholesterol, being overweight or obese, smoking or a family history of coronary heart disease - to spend four weeks drinking either 10 ounces of red wine, 10 ounces of non-alcoholic red wine or 3 ounces of gin daily. After the four week period, they switched to a different beverage and then switched again until they consumed all three beverages.

Each participant followed a common background diet and also drank red wine (30 g alcohol/day), the equivalent amount of dealcoholized red wine, or gin (30 g alcohol/day).

Blood pressure and plasma nitric-oxide (NO) concentration were measured at baseline and between each intervention. The men were moderate alcohol consumers before the study, but they abstained from drinking any alcohol for a two-week run-in period at the start of the study.

Results showed that both systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly after the dealcoholized red wine intervention, and these changes correlated with increases in plasma NO. During the red-wine phase, the men had a small reduction in blood pressure and a small increase in NO, while there was no change in blood pressure and a small reduction in NO while drinking gin.

“The non-alcoholic part of the wine -namely polyphenols -- exert a protective effect on the cardiovascular system,” researcher Dr. Ramon Estruch, senior consultant at the

internal medicine department epartment of the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona ona in Barcelona, Spain, told WebMD. “Polyphenols henols also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant tioxidant properties that may be useful to prevent event other disease such as diabetes.”

Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, nbaum, attending cardiologist and the Director ctor of Women and Heart Disease of the Heartt and Vascular Institute of Lenox Hill Hospital tal in New York City, believes the research will be welcome news to people who can’t an’t or don’t want to consume alcohol. cohol. She was however not involved volved in the study.

“Certain people don’t want to drink alcohol, hol, so here we have an alternaternative way for them to get the heart health benefits,” efits,” she said. “It’s not so much the alcohol as it is the e polyphenols in red wine.” e.”

However, Dr. Sharonne aronne Hayes, a cardiologist gist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, warns that at people shouldn’t start stocking up on non-alcoholic oholic red wine just yet. Calling the work “a hypothesisthesisgenerating study,” she he added that the small number umber of subjects and the lack ck of control group may have ave skewed the results. Also, it’ss a known fact that blood pressure ssure goes up when people stop p drinking alcohol, even when n the person isn’t a heavy drinker. inker. Because there was a two week detox period before the start of the trial and no detox periods inbetween drinking each group of beverages, rages, the previous activity could ould have influenced the results. lts.

YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

Early menopause associated with increased risk of heart disease, stroke, study suggests

W

omen who go into early menopause are twice as likely to suffer from coronary heart disease and stroke, new Johns Hopkins-led research suggests. The association holds true in patients from a variety of different ethnic backgrounds, the study found, and is independent of traditional

cardiovascular disease risk factors, the scientists say.

“If physicians know a patient has entered menopause before her 46th birthday, they can be extra vigilant in making recommendations and providing treatments to help prevent heart attacks and stroke,” says Dhananjay Vaidya, Ph.D., an

assistant professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and leader of the study published in the October issue of the journal Menopause.

“Our results suggest it is also important to avoid early menopause if at all possible.”

— ScienceDaily

Chocolate: Sweet method for stroke prevention in men?

E

ating a moderate amount of chocolate each week may be associated with a lower risk of stroke in men, according to a new study published in a recent online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

“While other studies have looked at

how chocolate may help cardiovascular health, this is the first of its kind study to find that chocolate, may be beneficial for reducing stroke in men,” said study author Susanna C. Larsson, PhD, with the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.

For the study, 37,103 Swedish men

ages 49 to 75 were given a food questionnaire that assessed how often they consumed various foods and drinks and were asked how often they had chocolate. Researchers then identified stroke cases through a hospital discharge registry.

Over 10 years, there were 1,995 cases of first stroke.

4

PhotoNews

Friday, September 28, 2012

L-R: Minister of Interior, Mr. Abba Moro; Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun and Zonal Coordinator of Nigerian Prisons Service, Mr. A. A. Bunu, during a visit by the minister to the governor in Abeokuta, yesterday.

L-R: General Manager, Production, Upperlink Ltd, Festus Ugwu; Country Manager, GOOGLE Nigeria, Juliet Ehimuan; Head, Enterprise Emea and Emerging Markets, Google, Abdel Wahed Bendaoua and Managing Director, Descasio, Dele Nedd, during the Google business APPS conference in Lagos, yesterday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Trade and Investment Minister, Segun Aganga,President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, at the Nigerian Investment Summit in New York, United States, yesterday.

L-R: Principal Consultant, Shortlist Writing Academy, Mr Ayodeji Ayopo; Director, Human Resource/Public Service Staff Development Centre, Magodo, Mrs. Motolani Oshodi and resource person, Mr. Wale Fatade, at the Improving Writing Skills Workshop for public service workers in Lagos, yesterday.

National News

Slain groom: IGP sets up investigative team CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Ozuah was allegedly shot dead last week Thursday, barely five days after his wedding, by yet yet-to-be identified policemen.

The 36-year-old Ozuah was shot on the Gbagada Expressway in Lagos by those alleged to be men of the Nigeria Police Force, an allegation that has pitched the deceased’s family against the police.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, said the IGP’s directive was necessitated by the need to maintain neutrality, professionalism, speedy and holistic dispensation of justice.

“While commiserating with the family, friends and relations of the deceased, the IGP reassured the nation that the Force will do everything humanly and operationally possible to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime are unmasked and

eventually brought to book.” The IGP appealed to members of the public, especially those who may have witnessed the crime, to come forward with useful information that could aid the police in tracking the felons.

He reminded members of public that they are at liberty to use the special police email: policemonitor@npf.gov.ng in relaying useful information touching on this case.

The police chief also promised that the Special Investigating Team charged with the handling of this case will be releasing special dedicated phone lines for purposes of interaction with members of the public.

The statement, however, dismissed rumours making rounds, especially on the social media that the IGP had earlier made a definite statement concerning the incident.

The statement reads: “As a matter of fact, this is the first and the only statement so far made

by either the IGP or the Force Headquarters on this subject matter. As the Chief Investigator of the nation, it is not in the character of the IGP to jump into hasty conclusions before initiating investigations.”

Meanwhile, the family of the slain groom accused the police of attempting to scuttle investigation into their son.

The elder sister of the deceased, Nkechi Nonyelu, who spoke for the family, said the police are only chasing shadows by saying that the deceased friend, Irikefe Omone, who was with him while he was shot dead was a prime suspect in the matter.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos State, Ngozi Braide, had in a live telecast on Channels television on Wednesday accused Irifeke of complexity, saying he did not allow police to complete investigations into his friend’s murder before travelling out of the country.

She also alleged that Irifeke did not write any statement with the police, saying his premature departure from the country was suspicious, even as she said the matter had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department, SCID, Panti Street, Yaba Lagos for further investigations.

Reacting to the PPRO’s allegations, Nkechi said Irifeke’s departure had nothing to do with facts on ground, challenging the police to direct their investigations in proper quarters.

She said the Divisional Police Officer of Anthony Police Division, Mr. Deolu Raji, told the family while at the hospital where the deceased was confirmed dead that Irifeke had written his statement, adding that police’s denial of the statement was an indication that they were not ready to open thorough investigations into the matter.

Nkechi said: “I have

just taken my time to dissect the statement by the PPRO and it is most disheartening and disappointing that such statement is coming from a senior police officer.

“Nevertheless, I still think that there are still very credible people in the police who can carry out thorough investigation into the matter.

But, it shows that the PPRO is doing what she should have done in the first place. Her initial reaction was denial and she even went on air to make denial until she now came up again to say that the police would investigate the matter and also finger the deceased’s friend.

“The deceased’s friend here is not the issue.

With all due respect to her, I am not supposed to teach her, her job, but I suppose that she should have before now set up an investigation into the matter because the DPO had confirmed to us that the guy they said had made his statement with

them.

“On the day of the incident, the guy went to the station, Anthony Police Station and made a detailed statement. All of a sudden, the statement disappeared. So, I think they should have started from that point to ask how come the statement disappeared. And if you are insisting that the guy did not make a statement, how then did you get to know about his address because police went looking for him in the address he gave.

Those are the questions to be answered.

“The guy supposed to be police’s chief witness but now you are laying all these acquisitions against him, are you now taking him as a culprit?

He came all the way from England for his friend’s wedding. He came on the eve of the wedding, on a Friday and after the wedding he has to go back.

He is still traumatized as a result of the incident and now the police are trying to indict him.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Friday, September 28, 2012

5

N40bn property lost to flood in Kogi –Gov WOLE ADEDEJI, EMMA GBEMUDU, AMOUR UDEMUDE AND ADEMU IDAKWO

K

ogi State Governor, Idris Wada yesterday said that property valued at over N40bn had been lost in the recent floods in four local government areas of the state.

A statement issued in Lokoja by the Deputy Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Michael Abu, said preliminary report on the disaster showed that over 100 communities were affected.

The governor said this when officials of the state Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, briefed him on the disaster.

Represented by his deputy, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, Wada said that the government was still taking inventory of the damages.

“We have about 100,000 registered displaced persons who are currently camped in nine centres across the state.”

Wada described the floods as the worst since 1936 and expressed fears that it would create food scarcity in the state.

He said the government would take inventory of farms lost to the flood and compensate the affected farmers.

“We have directed the Ministry of Agriculture to take inventory where possible for government to buy off such crops.”

Wada described the floods as unimaginable and unfortunate, and assured that the Federal and the state governments would collaborate to cushion the effects of the disaster.

Residents of Lokoja, the state capital, are now faced with looming epidemics as the flood has completely taken over the water stations, resulting in shortage of portable water.

Though, the state water board has been offering skeletal services to the residents since the incident about two weeks ago, the situation has now reached alarming stage.

Wada went round the state capital and its environ yesterday, accompanied by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Hadiza Onotu, to assess the situation on ground.

He urged the residents to start storing water in the

face of overwhelming challenges from the threat posed by the flood to the water stations in the state.

The governor, who visited the Lokoja water works, said the situation was gradually getting out of control despite efforts being put in place.

He warned the residents of Lokoja and other riverine communities to move to high land.

“Don’t say you can’t be affected, the situation in our hands is very frightening and everybody should think ahead. Don’t give in to chances,” he stated.

The governor, who was visibly shocked by the high volume of water pushing through the river to the plain land in Lokoja, said the government would ensure the situation was adequately controlled.

In Edo State, officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and members of the Journalists Against Disaster, JAD, group were yesterday attacked by robbers on the Okpella-Auchi Road in Edo. The incident occurred at about 8:30a.m. when the officials and journalists were travelling on a solidarity visit and rescue mission to victims of flooding in the state.

NAN said that policemen attached to the bus, Jackson Gyobe, Ayuba Danbauchi and men of the local vigilance group, rescued the team and other commuters from the thieves.

The attack led to the suspension of the journey.

Other senior officials of the agency had been in Auchi waiting for the others to join them.

During the attack, a driver with Big Joe Transport Company was killed by the robbers who had laid ambush at a bridge before the Okpella junction.

The spot was less than five kilometres away from a military checkpoint.

The ravaging flood has, however, spread to Kwara State, displacing about 90 communities on the banks of Rivers Niger and Kaduna in Patigi Local Government Area.

The development was the effect of downpour in the last few days in the state and the alleged release of water from the Jebba dam that was swelled up with the water volume discharged into River Niger before Pategi.

Already, not less than 5,000 people have been displaced in Edu Local Government, a Nupe council on the banks of River Niger.

In Patiegi, houses, farm lands, especially rice fields and properties worth several millions of naira have been submerged.

Chairman of Patiegi Local Government, Alhaji Taoheed Makun Lata, described the flood as a major disaster which, he said, had wreaked havoc on the people of the area.

“It is a great calamity and loss not only to the council but also to the state and to the nation in general.

“Many communities, almost 75 of them, were submerged by water and their residential buildings, worshiping centres and schools were pulled down by the flood.”

In Bayelsa State, the state government has commenced the distribution of relief materials to commu-

nities affected by the flood.

Investigation by National Mirror revealed that several communities, including that of Governor Seriake Dickson, Toru-Orua in Sagbama Local Government, had been submerged.

It was gathered that two prominent traditional rulers in Sagbama, King Ekadi Aziza and the Ebidaowei of Kabowei Kingdom, King Hope Torruo, also had their homes submerged.

The flood situation has rendered over 700 persons homeless in Ebelebiri, Edagbabiri, Torufani, Ekperiware, Gbrain Tungbo, Ebedebiri and the Governor’s home community of Toro Orua, Odi, Anibeze and communities in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

Special Representative of the Governor in Sagbama Local Government, Collins Cocodia, disclosed this to journalists yesterday in Yenagoa.

He said that it was discovered that a shoddy job done by the contractor handling the dredging of the River was responsible for flood submerging communities in the state.

“Instead of dredging the river to the land, they were poorly dredging from the river into the river. It blocked the natural drains,” Cocodia said.

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Sylvanus Abila, expressed concern over the flood, stressing that the situation was getting worse as people were relocating to the upland.

In Asaba, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan yesterday appealed to all religious leaders, non-governmental organisations and human rights groups in the state to join government in bringing succour to the flood victims even as he assured of adequate measures to curb the situation.

Uduaghan, who made the appeal yesterday during a state-wide broadcast following the flooding of many parts of the state, stated that as part of the initial steps to give relief to the people, “We are setting up temporary camps in some local governments in the state.

“The first camp will be at St. Patrick’s College, Asaba.

We will also set up other camps in the following areas: Tuomo in Burutu, Bomadi in Bomadi, Okwagbe in Ughelli South, Patani in Patani, Aboh in Ndokwa East.”

According to the governor: “As many of you know, the latest disaster was triggered by the unusually heavy rainfall that was recorded this year and the opening of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroun, which was thought to be a proactive step to contain what, if they had delayed further, would have been a major catastrophe.”

Vice-President Namadi Sambo (right) with the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Khaled Abdurabuh, during his visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.

S’Arabia shuns Nigeria, deports 612 pilgrims CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

the Saudi authorities to apply caution and flexibility to allow the pilgrims undertake their sacred religious duties.

Sambo added that if the Saudi authorities did not want our pilgrims to perform this year’s hajj, they should let the country know, stressing that no reasonable and responsible government would fold its arms while its citizens were being manhandled.

He, therefore, requested the Ambassador to ensure that the issues were resolved within 24 hours and the outcome of such resolution should be communicated to him.

But explaining the position of the Saudi Arabian government, Abdrahuh said that Nigerian female pilgrims were not treated in isolation, saying that it also affected all countries around the world.

He said that it was not a new policy but that the Saudi government decided to be flexible in previous years but was strict this time around.

As more of the deported women pilgrims return home, a pilgrim official has suggested that Nigeria and Saudi authorities should work out laws to accommodate elderly women who have lost their husbands.

“The laws should also

work out ways to accommodate rich women who are capable of sponsoring themselves to the Holy Land without depending on any man as guide,’’ Alhaji Salisu Musa, Executive Secretary, Plateau Pilgrims Welfare Board, said in Jos on Thursday.

Musa, while reacting to the deportation of the women said that such agreement was necessary to avoid a repeat of the embarrassment and trauma the women had been subjected to.

Noting that no Plateau pilgrim had been affected since the state’s contingent would begin the journey next month, he said that

the board had taken steps to ensure that none of its women became victim.

“There are more than 400 women expected to participate in the exercise from Plateau; most of them were sponsored by their husbands or relations.

“Male relations have been attached to all the women not travelling with their husbands to serve as their Muharrams.’’

Musa suggested that the Saudi Arabian government should accept that the individual state Muslim Welfare Board should serve as the trusted contingents to protect the women during the exercise as it had always been the practice.

6

News

Friday, September 28, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Again, Reps reject 2013 budget from President TORDUE SALEM

T

L-R: Former FCT Minister, Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni; President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture, Mr. Solomon Nyagba and former Deputy Governor, Abia State, Dr Chris Akomas, at the opening ceremony of 7th Abuja International Trade Fair in Abuja, yesterday.

Babangida, others destroyed civil service –HOS TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

T

he Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Isa Bello Sali, yesterday blamed the regime of former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, for laying the foundation of the rot in the civil service.

He said the reforms carried out between 1985 and 1988 were largely responsible for the dearth of professional and committed public officers in the service.

The HOS, who spoke through the Director of Human Resources, Dr. James Obiegbu, made the allegations in his paper at the opening session of the 36th Annual Conference of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, ICSAN, in

Abuja.

He explained that the implementation of the Professor Dotun Philip’s report and subsequent promulgation of Decree 43 to give legal backing to the implementation of its recommendations largely eroded the vitality, standard of performance and cohesion of the public service.

Sali disclosed that the ongoing reform of the public service was part of the sustained efforts by subsequent administrations to restore the efficiency of the service and reposition it for a more efficient service delivery and contribution to national development.

Although the HOS linked other military administrations to the damage suffered by the service in terms of inability to sustain its capacity, ethos and values,

he described the eagerness of post-war successive military governments to increase salaries and emoluments of workers rather than to promote value-adding policies as a major factor that eroded professionalism of the service.

He said: “The subsequent reforms of 1985-88 which arose from the recommendations of the Dotun Philip report were given legal effect through Decree 43 of 1988. The legislation paved the way for all comers into the top echelon of the civil service.

“It also led to the abolition of the Office of the HSCF, whose functions were subsumed under those of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the incapacitation of the Federal Civil Service Commission which had most of

NAPEP’s N11bn idle –Coordinator GEORGE OJI AND EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

O

ver N11bn appropriated to the National Poverty Eradication Programme, NAPEP, to reduce poverty in the country is lying idle in different commercial banks.

The National Coordinator of NAPEP and Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Poverty Alleviation, Alhaji Mukhtar Abubakar, disclosed this during a presentation on budget

performance before the Senate Committee on National Planning, Economic Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

Out of the N11bn, he said N200m was domiciled in various banks, while N4.2bn was the agency’s 2012 budget which had not been utilised owing to a suit against the agency. He added that N7bn was accumulated fund.

The coordinator also disclosed that “some of the revolving funds which NAPEP disbursed were never returned and these funds

are quite large funds.”

He informed members of the committee that the agency had advertised for procurements in various areas of its mandate.

On why the intervention agency has remained largely comatose despite the huge budgetary approvals made by the National Assembly in the last three years, Abubakar explained that it was owing to the lingering suit instituted against NAPEP by a contracting firm, known as Autoban.

its functions transferred in the main to the ministries, extra-ministerial departments and agencies.

“The aftermath was the unbridled influx of low quality personnel into the civil service at career levels far above their competencies, knowledge, experience and capabilities. The cumulative impact of these influxes was the loss of civil service vitality, standard of performance and cohesion.

This further paved the way for the culture of sidelining time-tested procedures and processes and the loss of officers’ self respect and integrity.”

he House of Representatives has once again rebuffed entreaties by President Goodluck Jonathan to present the 2013 budget.

The President wrote both arms of the National Assembly of his intention to bring the 2013 Appropriation Bill before a joint session, but the House said both chambers had agreed to defer the receipt of the bill until they returned from their oversight of ministries next week.

The House had announced that it would suspend sittings till October 9, to audit the 2012 budget performance of ministries.

The President had on September 25 informed the House of Representatives through a letter to the Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, that he would present the 2013 budget proposal to a joint session of the National Assembly on October 4.

But the House rejected this, saying it would not accept the 2013 budget from the President until the 2012 budget was adequately implemented.

The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, held an interactive session with chairmen of committees in the National Assembly a fortnight ago to brief them on the level of budget implemen-

tation.

At the end of the interaction, she expressed a resolve to send the draft budget proposal for the 2013 fiscal year to the National Assembly to avoid a repeat of the past where budget estimates were sent late.

The minister claimed that the Presidency had already engaged the relevant committees of the National Assembly on the budget.

The House had earlier resolved to tie the passage of the 2013 budget to the implementation of the 2012 budget, which means that it would not consider the budget of the coming year if not satisfied with the performance of the current one.

Addressing the matter at a weekly press briefing, the spokesman of the House and Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Zakari Mohammed, said the House needed to go to the field to confirm the reports of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, on this year’s budget implementation to ensure a tally between the information given by ministries and the actual amount implemented.

Mohammed, however, said a later date would be arranged for the President to present the budget.

He also said the House was simply performing its constitutional function and not “flexing muscles”.

Attracting FDI, my administration’s priority –Jonathan ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

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resident Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday in New York that the major focus of his administration’s foreign policy was to attract greater Foreign Direct Investment, FDI, to accelerate domestic growth and create more jobs.

Speaking at a dinner organised in his honour by the Corporate Council on Africa, Jonathan said his administration was wholly committed to promoting the development of a knowledge-economy that would enhance the security of lives and property, thereby accelerating growth to provide more employment and reduce youth restive-

Jonathan

ness.

The President told the gathering of leading American businessmen and investors that attracting foreign investment to support the realisation of the Federal Government’s Agenda for National Transformation was now the priority of Nigeria’s diplomacy abroad.

He said: “Let me restate here that Nigeria’s foreign policy is now anchored on the realisation of this Trans-

formation Agenda through the attraction of Foreign Direct Investment. Under the new policy thrust, our Diplomatic Missions abroad have been directed to focus more on attracting investment to support the domestic programmes of government with a view to achieving not only our Vision 20:2020, but to bequeathing an enduring legacy of economic prosperity.”

Jonathan assured guests at the dinner that adequate safety nets had been established to protect all foreign investors in Nigeria.

Such measures, he said, included the establishment and strengthening of the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission and the Bureau of Public Procurement.

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Presidency, Reps to establish Diaspora centre TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

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he Presidency and the Diaspora Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives yesterday agreed to establish a Diaspora Centre in Abuja as one way of attracting investments from resourceful Nigerians resident abroad.

The centre, both arms of government also agreed would serve as a convergence unit for all ideas on how to harness the potentials of Nigerian nationals living and working abroad.

Both arms of government also agreed to set up a committee of lawmakers and executive functionaries to work together on establishing the centre before the end of the year.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, announced the intention of the government to work with the lawmakers on the initiative during a courtesy call on him by the Committee on Diaspora chaired

by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa (ACN/Lagos).

“I want to use this opportunity of your visit to my office to ask your committee to collaborate with my office and set up a committee to es-

tablish a Diaspora Centre,” Anyim said.

He assured the lawmakers that he would take up the issue of the Diaspora centre with President Goodluck Jonathan, as he disclosed that the President was about to appoint a new special adviser on Diaspora matters to underscore his desire to work with Nigerians abroad.

Earlier, Dabiri-Erewa has decried the country’s lack of a Diaspora policy; saying that it was a big setback for the economy.

“Nigeria remains one of the few countries without a Diaspora policy and this has not helped our economy,” she said.

According to her, “We cannot talk of development without talking of people in the Diaspora. The government has not shown interest in a Diaspora Day Celebration, and it seems government is no longer interested in the celebration.

But what I think is that, rather than cancel a Diaspora Day; we should strengthen it and encourage it.”

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bout 100 years after the tragic incident of the Titanic, which claimed the lives of 1,502 persons out of the 2, 224 passengers and crew members on board the ill-fated ship, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) yesterday held a global event to commemorate the death of some of the passengers and crew.

The Royal Majesty Ship,

OMEIZA AJAYI

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he Federal Government has declared Monday, October 1, public holiday to allow Nigerians commemorate the country’s 52nd Independence Anniversary.

Interior Minister, Comrade Abba Moro, who made the declaration on behalf of the government in a signed

Titanic, a British passenger liner sank in the North Atlantic Ocean on April 15, 1912 after colliding with an iceberg during her maiden voyage from Southampton, the United Kingdom to New York.

Secretary-General of the IMO, Mr. Koji Sekimizu, who spoke at the World Maritime Day celebration with the theme: 100 years after the Titanic, which held in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, said the essence of the event was to draw attention to the death of the passengers and

crew members.

Sekimizu, who was represented by Nigeria’s alternate representative to the IMO, Captain Ibrahim Olugbade, noted that the event was also to find means of minimising or eliminating completely the issue of such occurrence.

According to him, unfortunately, the introduction of new technology in shipping brings about new challenges, but assured that the world maritime regulatory body would continue to adopt more measures to combat the challenges.

GEORGE OJI

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peaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has called for the enhancement of the jurisdiction of the ECOWAS Court of Justice to help it address the challenges of military coups and terrorism in the West African sub-region.

Ekweremadu stated this at the opening of the 2012-2013 Legal Year of the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja, yesterday.

The Speaker regretted that national parliaments

of some member states of ECOWAS were prevailed upon by local exigencies to make provisions that pardon coups plotters.

He noted that with the enhancement of the powers of the Community Court, it would be enabled to ensure that such usurpers of constitutional powers are eventually brought to book.

He said the trial and punishment of coup plotters at the sub-regional level will be necessary tools for forestalling unconstitutional attempts at power, which usually results in instability, wars, and under-development.

wherever they live.”

The minister, however, noted with concern the practice where some foreign organisations and companies deny Nigerians the right to observe and enjoy work-free days by government of the federation.

He reminded such organisations of the Public Holi-

The Speaker, who also doubles as the Deputy-President of the Nigerian Senate, said though, the 2005 Supplementary Protocol on the Community Court of Justice had improved on the judicial welfare of individuals, groups and corporate bodies in the subregion, the ECOWAS Court needed to be repositioned in terms of scope and effective enforcement of the court’s verdicts to promote democracy, integration and development.

Ekweremadu’s words: “It is the desire of the ECOWAS Parliament to see a Community Court of Justice whose powers and jurisdiction covers the trial and punishment for crimes against humanity, especially genocide; cross border terrorism in the sub-region; violation of ECOWAS conventions and protocols; sea piracy on West African waters; and cross border money laundering, drug and human trafficking in the sub-region.”

Declaring open the 2012-2013 legal year of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, the President of the Court, Hon. Justice Awa Nana, regretted the non-referral to the community court by national courts of member states’ cases that border on the interpretation of ECOWAS Community texts of Protocols.

Presidency warns Aregbesola over ‘State of Osun’ TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

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he Office of the Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF) has warned Osun State government over the controversy surrounding the reordering and renaming of Osun State to ‘State of Osun’ by Governor, Rauf Aregbesola.

Anyim, who declared the reordering as illegal and unconstitutional, warned Governor Areg-

FG declares Monday public holiday statement yesterday, congratulated all Nigerians both at home and abroad, urging them to resolve to build a more united and virile nation.

Signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Daniel Nwaobia, the government urged Nigerians to build a system “that would be the pride of all Nigerians

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ECOWAS seeks powers to try coup plotters, terrorists

L-R: Guest of Honour, Dr. Francis Adeniran; guest speaker, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin; President, Youth League for Change, Mr. Sunday Abbah and PRO, Barrister Melvin Daji, at the change summit on: Finding the Formula for Ending Irresponsible and Corrupt Leadership in Lagos, yesterday.

Maritime body remembers victims of Titanic 100 years after FRANCIS EZEM

News

Friday, September 28, 2012

day’s Act, CAP P40 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (2004) and the right of all Nigerians to freedom from discrimination.

While wishing all Nigerians happy Independence celebration, Moro enjoined organisations and individuals to observe the public holidays as declared by government.

besola to desist from what would cause a crisis in the country.

Anyim made the remark during a visit to his office by the House of Representatives Committee on the Diaspora, when a member of the committee, Hon. Ajiboye Famurewa (ACN/ Osun) introduced himself as member from ‘the State of Osun.’

“That is unconstitutional,” Anyim fired back as soon as the name dropped from a jolted Famurewa.

“Let me also say that, even though in a lighter mood, that the ‘State of Osun’ issue should be a serious matter. We should not trivialise issues regarding our nationhood.

Particularly, where it could be misinterpreted and where it could affect the unity of the country.

“The constitutional name for each state should be upheld more particular by parliamentarians. Ordinary local politicians can try to politick with it, but not those of you who are to keep the country in shape and in fir m stand.

“But, I think that there is nothing like the ‘State of Osun’ in the Constitution, we have Osun State, just like any other state.

And we should honour our constitution that is the foundation of the basis of patriotism in the first place.

“We must have faith in our nation; we must have faith in our constitution. We must live it, we must preach it and we must act it.

“The ‘State of Osun’ is not in the constitution, it is Osun State,” he concluded.

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Police arrest three bank officials over couple’s missing cash

Nigeria to attain 10,000mw by 2014 –NDPHC boss

ABIODUN NEJO

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ADO EKITI

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he police have arrested four persons, including three officials of a new generation bank in Ado-Ekiti over their alleged role in the theft of N450, 000 of a couple.

The couple withdrew the money from their bank account on the day the incident occurred.

The couple, Dr Tunde Akindele and his wife, Josephine, told journalists yesterday in Ado-Ekiti that the behaviour of the bank officials, while the transaction lasted, and the fact that a car trailed them from the bank made them suspect foul play.

The husband said it was surprising that only the money was removed from his car where it was parked, adding that other valuables were left behind by the thieves.

He said: “Our handsets, my handbag and some cash were all on the car seat, but none of these were touched by the thieves and that sparked our curiosity.”

Akindele said he and his wife came from Ife in Osun State on a visit to their relations at Ijelu farmstead in Ado-Ekiti, adding that they visited the bank for cash

stations under the NIPP to join the over 4,000 already IBADAN police stations.” withdrawal on the day the think that the occupants of generated by the Power However, the couple’s the car could have been burincident occurred. he Managing Director Holding Company of NigeAccording to the wife, “At glars as anyone could be lawyer, Mr. Niran Owoseni, and Chief Executive ria (PHCN), stating that the said the matter was reportthe bank, I asked for a with- heading anywhere”.

Officer of the Niger country will attain the 10,000 The wife said to her sur- ed on the day of the incident drawal form, but a lady at the Delta Power Holding Com- megawatts by 2014 as promcounter said I should use the prise, her husband’s car at the Odo-Ado Police Stapany of Nigeria (NDPHC), ised by the Federal GovernAutomated Teller Machine was vandalised where it tion and that it was transMr. Abiodun Olotu, yesterday ment.

(ATM), but the machine did was parked and the money ferred to the State InvestigaOlotu spoke with journalsaid the remaining six of the tion Bureau (SIB) the day inside it removed. not dispense cash.”

10 power stations under the ists in Awe, Oyo State, after The couple said they re- after.

She said she kept the National Integrated Power commissioning 1 and 7.5 While Owoseni exmoney in their car safe after turned to the bank to lodge Project(NIPP) would be de- MVA 33/11 KV injection subit was eventually paid across a complaint, but could not pressed hope that the suslivered by the first quarter of station. get the necessary atten- pects would appear in court the counter by the cashier.

He said NDPHC would 2014 today, the police spokesman, She said: “We left the tion, alleging: “The Chief He said the NDPHC is deliver some of the power bank premises and headed Security Officer of the Mr. Babayemi Victor Olu, expected to deliver 4,774 stations in the first or second for Ijelu, but noted that a bank delayed us in his of- told journalists on phone megawatts with the on-going quarter of next year, while the green Honda car trailed us fice and was making futile that he had not been briefed commissioning of the power rest would be finally delivered from the bank. We did not telephone calls to various on the matter. in the first quarter of 2014.

According to the NDPHC boss, four of the power stations had been commissioned by the company.

Stressing that NDPHC is partnering ministries of Power and Petroleum, the Nigeria Gas Company (NGC) on the supply of gas, Olotu said the development would allow the company to properly power the stations He said: “If we deliver the stations and we don’t have gas to run them, it will not give the value expected and that is why we are partnering the ministries and the NGC.” Olotu, who said that the 10 power stations were gas fired, added that the company had several thousands of transL-R: Niger State Governor/Guest Lecturer, Dr. Babangida Aliyu; Ekiti State Governor/Chairman, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Member Governing mission lines, thousands of Board, Obafemi Awolowo Institute of Government and Public Policy, Mrs. Francesca Emmanuel and Representative of the Lagos State kilometres of 33 and 11 KVA Governor, Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey, at the Institute’s public lecture held in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI injection sub-stations.

KEMI OLAITAN

Lagos to check drunk Amosun gets Assembly’s nod to raise N7.5bn loan drivers with breathalisers F O MURITALA AYINLA

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he Lagos State Government is still pushing its campaign to make roads safe for motorists and residents.

The state government has, therefore, planned to begin the administration of breathalyser - a drunken driving testing device to checkmate excessive consumption of alcohol and other drugs by drivers while on the wheel.

The move, Governor Babatunde Fashola said, was to curb needless death resulting from road accidents by drunken drivers.

Speaking at a health safety screening exercise held at Iyana-Ipaja Motor Park, Fashola said he owed it a duty to protect lives of people, even if the

person decides to commit suicide.

He explained that the use of breathalysers became necessary due to the increasing rate of accidents caused by drunken motorists.

Fashola said after the on-going sensitisation exercise, law enforcement officials would administer breathalyser on motorists.

The governor said: “This is the season we are going on pilgrimages in Mecca and Jerusalem , how would we feel when if you board a plane going to Jerusalem or Mecca the pilot had already drank one carton of beer, put paraga local gin on top, added washing and setting and spice it with a generous dose of Indian hemp.

Will you board that plane?

That is air transport, why should road transport be different?”

EMI YEWESO ABEOKUTA

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hen Ogun State House of Assembly yesterday approved Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s request to raise N7.5bn loan to finance the construction of 11 roads across the three senatorial districts of the state.

The loan is to be raised from First Bank of Nigeria, Guarantee Trust Bank, Skye Bank and United Bank for Africa Plc. Part of the loan is to be used to compensate those whose property will be demolished so as to pave the way for the construction of the

roads.

Presenting the House resolution at the floor of the Assembly yesterday, the Majority Leader, Hon. Olujobi Israel Jolaoso, said the loan would be spent on the execution of the road projects.

Jolaoso said the resolution was necessary be-

cause of the poor condition of roads across the state.

During debate, however, the Assembly, through the House Resolution 114/2012, resolved that the government should obtain the loan for medium term financing of 11 major roads across the state.

es included the project administration, spare parts and the stay of Korean expatriates in the country for one year.

The statement also said that the government insisted on bringing the Korean expatriates to train the state technicians so as to increase the workers in the employment of the government’s technical know-how.

According to Adedayo, the buses would be supplied in three phases of 30,

30, 40, with the first batch arriving the state in November 2012.

He explained that the project would also include training, support, design, implementation and maintenance of the project so as to enable the state derives maximum value from the mass transit project.

The governor’s spokesman said a workshop would be constructed and maintained by the firm for one year during which

technicians and engineers of the state-owned Trans City Transport Company (TCTC) would be trained on the handling and maintenance of the buses, while parts of the vehicles would also be supplied by the company.

Adedayo, who said some of the technicians and engineers would also be trained in Korea, added that the procurement of the buses was part of government’s comprehensive transport policy for the state.

Oyo to boost transport with 100 43-seater buses

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he Oyo State Government has approved procurement of 100 mass transit buses to ease transportation problem in the state. The project is to cost of N1.8 billion.

A statement issued yesterday in Ibadan by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said that the vehicles are Daewoomodel 43-seater buses to be purchased from Korea.

He said the cost of the 100 units of 43-seater bus-

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Friday, September 28, 2012

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Court sentences killer cop to death by hanging WALE IGBINTADE

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n Ikeja High Court presided over by Justice Olabisi Akinlade, yesterday sentenced 35-year-old former police corporal, Okechukwu Nwabueze, to death by hanging for killing a three-year-old girl, Kafusara Muritala.

In pronouncing the death sentence, the court averred that the prosecution had established and proven a case of culpable homicide.

Justice Akinlade held that the weight of evidence before the court showed that Nwabueze

had the intention to kill.

“Nwabueze is guilty as charged and I so hold.

“The sentence of the court upon you is that that you be hung on the neck until you are dead. And may God have mercy on your soul,” the court ordered.

Nwabueze was alleged to have in April, 2009 shot at a car in which the parents, the three-year-old Kafusara and her siblings were commuting at Mr. Biggs Junction, Alapere, Ketu.

Nwabueze and his colleagues were said to have taken to their heels when they discovered that there was a casualty.

When arrested, the for-

mer police office was said to have confessed during investigation that he shot dead the deceased little girl which led to his dismissal from the Nigeria Police.

But, during the trial, Nwabueze maintained that he was coerced to make that confessional statement by the police officer who investigated the case.

He also claimed that he was not the only one that fired shots into the air and that other members of his team also did same.

During the trial, three witnesses, including the deceased’s father, a police officer and a pathologist, Prof.

John Obafunwa, testified

against the accused person.

In his defence, the convict gave contradictory account of what happened on the fateful date, but admitted that he expended two rounds of ammunition that day.

He again claimed that he shot into the air to scare the driver of the car who allegedly refused to stop to a halt as ordered.

But, the deceased’s father, in his testimony, told the court that they were never stopped by the police, adding that he was shocked when Nwabueze (the convict) shot at them few metres away from the checkpoint.

NDLEA arrests grandmother with 1.740 kg of cocaine OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) attached to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos yesterday announced the arrest of a 65 years old grandmother for attempting to smuggle 1.740 kg of cocaine into London, United Kindgom, in herbal syrup.

The suspect, identified as Hassan Fatimat Abike, who is also known as Chika Okoye, was to board a British Airways flight when officers of the NDLEA arrested her at the MMIA, Lagos on Wednesday.

A statement signed by the Head, Public Affairs, NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju and made available to journalists stated that the suspect packed the drugs in balloons and inserted them in 10 plastic containers of herbal syrup.

Ofoyeju said the sus-

pect had two international passports that bear Hassan Fatimat Abike with passport numbers A03348648 and A3771781A. “She was caught during the screening of British Airways passengers to London. The cocaine found in her possession was packed in balloons and prepared into the shape of the plastic bottles. It was also wrapped in black polythene inside 10 plastic bottles of local herbal mixtures. Each bottle was neatly sealed to avoid suspicion,” he said.

Preliminary investigation, Ofoyeju said, revealed that she is also known as Chika Okoye and that she speaks Ibo and Yoruba fluently.

“Her father is a native of Abeokuta while her mother hails from Owerri, Imo State. She was said to have six children and many grandchildren. She currently lives alone in Owerri and sells clothes to earn a living.”

The drug found in her bag tested positive for cocaine and weighed 1.740kg.

According to NDLEA, the suspect in her statement claimed ownership of the drug, stressing that it was given to her by a friend.

“I live in Owerri alone because my children are grown up and now have their families. I sell clothes to take care of myself. I met an old friend two weeks ago and during our discussion, I told him I will soon be traveling to London.

“He asked me to deliver some herbal medicine to his sick relative in London. I was only trying to assist an old friend. I blame myself for everything because I should have turned down his request. The drug was detected during a search at the airport,” she reportedly confessed.

Chairman of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, while commenting on the arrest, said that the agency is investigating her claim.

According to him, “The

Aregbesola appoints 29 permanent secretaries WALE FOLARIN OSOGBO

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sun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has appointed 29 new permanent secretaries in the state, even as he announced the names of three tutors-general.

Director of the Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, made this disclosure in a statement issued yesterday.

According to him, the new Head of Service (HOS) in the state will emerge via an electoral process that

will involve civil servants on grade level 14 and above.

He said the affected civil servants will elect three of the newly approved permanent secretaries and forward their names to the governor, who will in turn select one of them as the HOS. The names of the permanent secretaries are, Owoeye Olayinka; Akinyemi Obafemi; Oluwadamilare Oyeleke; Adewunmi Adelowo; Adegoke Kayode; Aina Ayanleye; Olajide Festus; Adesina Olajide; Aduroja Richards; Adeagbo Nurudeen; Kola-

wole Adesina; Olorunsogo Olusegun; ; OJo Adewale and Fawole Olufemi.

Others are, Ajayi O; Dr. Adeyinka Eso; Dr. Oladele Olalekan; Adewemimo Abiola; Oyeniran Bamidele; Odediran Soladoye; Olaluwoye Dayo; Olayode S; Oyeniran Oyelade; Olayinka M. O; Bello Olajumoke (Mrs.) and Kolawole Olufunke.

Okanlawon also gave the names of the new permanent secretaries from the Local Government Service as; Agbedaunsi Abimbola; Afolabi Aliu and Dr. Oyebade Festus.

case is under investigation to ascertain her role.

This is very worrisome considering the fact that she is a grandmother.”

He urged members of the public to be vigilant because drug barons are desperate to smuggle drugs and are prepared to use anybody, adding that the suspect will soon be charged to court.

Nwabueze was also charged with the attempted murder of Kafusara’s father, Mr. Saliu Muritala.

The accused committed the offence at a checkpoint on Alapere Road, Ketu, Lagos, on April 5, 2009.

But, Justice Akinlade, agreed with the evidence given by the prosecution witnesses; the father of the deceased, Sergeant Adeboye James, of the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Panti, Yaba, the pathologist, Prof. John Oladapo, who performed the autopsy on the deceased and Atunbi Jeremiah, a police ballistician.

Justice Akinlade, who noted some inconsistencies in the testimony of Nwabueze, also held that a recanted confessional statement does not necessarily cancel its relevance.

“It is trite law that the confessional statement of a defendant is relevant regardless of the fact that it is recanted. It is also trite that a person can be convicted on the basis of the confessional statement.

It is my opinion that the

evidence of PW1 is consistent with the testimonies of PW 2 and PW 3.”

The judge said the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses were not discredited during cross-examination unlike that of the defence.

She said that; “By his training as a police officer, he, (Nwabueze) cannot claim ignorance of the probable consequences of shooting at the vehicle. I therefore hold that the defendant had intention to kill or cause bodily harm to the occupants of the car.

I find the defendant guilty as charged.”

At this time, counsel to the defendant, A. O. Omodele, made an allocutus for the judge to temper justice with mercy on the grounds that he was at his duty post when the offence was committed and that he was a first offender.

He also said that he was a young man who was yet to be married and had a lot to contribute to the nation.

The judge while passing out her sentence said she was not convinced of any reason why she should show leniency.

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Sisters, man killed in Abia Miners’ activities endanger Imo communities •Gunmen snatch three-week-old baby GEORGE OPARA ABIA

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bduction and murder have, in recent times, become rampant in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, and Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state.

At World Bank Police Station in Umuahia, one Azubuike Okoronkwo reported that his two sisters - Nwachi Okoronkwo and Ezinwanne Okoronkwo - all residing at 5, World Bank Housing Estate, were killed by unknown people.

However, it was reported that a note was dropped on Nwachi’s corpse, claiming that the deceased was owing her killer N100,000. A GSM number 07036443472 was added to the note.

The corpses were said to be decomposing in their rooms while the matter is being investigated by the police.

Also, at a shopping centre in Aba, blood was reportedly gushing out of a sack. Inside the sack was a corpse of an unidentified man. The deceased was suspected to have been

APGA suit: Umeh petitions NJC over CJ’s failure to disqualify self D ENNIS A GBO ENUGU

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he National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, has petitioned the National Judiciary Council, NJC, over the refusal of the Enugu State Chief Judge, CJ, Justice Innocent Umezulike, to disqualify himself from a suit over alleged bias.

In the petition, Umeh alleged that Umezulike erred in his handling of his case before him, especially by refusing to rule on the preliminary objection which he (Umeh) brought before the court, and was duly argued by both counsel.

The APGA chairman said the CJ extended the life span of the ex parte order he (the judge) made against him on July 25 by extra 48 days against 14 days recommended by the High Court Rule of Enugu State.

He said: “By the action of the CJ, the ex parte order which ought not to last more than 14 days was extended to 55 days without any request by any of the parties in the matter.

“By 31st July 2012, the CJ took full argument on notice of preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the case. The CJ adjourned the matter to 17th September 2012 for a rendition of the considered ruling of the court on the notice of preliminary objection.

“In adjourning the

matter, the CJ stated that ‘if this court accedes to the contentions of the defendants/ applicants on any of the above issues, this suit shall legitimately come to an end... In the event, I shall adjourn the case for a considered ruling on the merits. In the circumstances, the interim order of this court shall endure against the parties and against the convention of any APGA Executive Committee meetings as stated under the order until the court’s rendition of a ruling which I now fixed for the 20th day of September, 2012.’”

However, on September 17 when the ruling ought to have been delivered by the CJ, Umeh said: “To the amazement of the people gathered in court, the CJ declared that he has remanded his ruling and would instead hear the main suit and deliver judgement on the preliminary objection and the main suit together.”

“This,” Umeh contended in his petition, “has exposed the CJ as being desperate to get into the main matter and deliver judgement against me, knowing that the notice of preliminary objection was strong enough to have legitimately terminated the suit, the suit being grossly incompetent, as APGA was not a party to the suit.”

He urged the NJC to call Umezuruike to order, and ensure that the due process was followed.

killed in the night. His remains, however, have been deposited in the morgue of the Abia State Teaching Hospital, Aba. In Ugwunagbo Local Government Area, one Sunday Egbo was kidnapped at Aloji with his sport utility vehicle. However, investigation showed that the vehicle has been recovered.

At press time, it was not clear whether Egbo’s relatives have been contacted or ransom demanded.

Similarly, gunmen stole a three-week-old baby, Master Chinonso Azuzu, from its mother in the night at Amaogwu Uratta village in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area. Police are still investigating the case.

CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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ctivities of miners have put the lives of the residents of communities around Ota Mmiri River in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State in danger.

Major roads, residential areas and farmlands have been devastated by gully erosion and flood caused by deep trenches dug by the miners, who have intensified their activities despite the people’s complaints.

A visit to Umudibia and Ihiagwa autonomous communities in Owerri West Local Government Area showed that the miners’ activities, apart from posing environmental hazards, have also polluted the River, which has been the only source of potable water for the people as pipe borne wa-

ter has ceased for more than two years.

Another looming danger is that the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, power lines carrying high tension wires may soon collapse if urgent steps are not taken to check the miners’ activities.

The miners allegedly paid huge amount of money to officials of the power company to allow them dig sharp sands, granites and red mud used in road construction on the PHCN right of way.

When our correspondent visited the area, the base of some of the power lines had already caved in, showing signs that they may collapse any moment.

Some of the villagers, who spoke with our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, said they were scared the power lines might collapse.

“It will be a great calamity if the people are electrocuted as a result of these illegal activities by the miners, while the government keeps mum,” they complained.

When our correspondent visited the PHCN head office on Egbu Road in Owerri North Local Government Area, the officials declined comment, saying they were not in a position to speak to the press on the matter.

However, when contacted, the state Commissioner for Environment and Petroleum, Emma Ekweremba, a legal practitioner, said the miners were duly certified by the government to carry out mining activities in the state.

He said: “The miners are not illegal. They got the authorisation of the state government to operate but their activities will be under supervision.”

L-R: Economic Adviser to Enugu State Governor, Prince Ogbogu Asogwa; Conference Coordinator, Mr. Gabriel Agunwa and Representative of the Enugu State Governor, Mr. John Egbo, at the opening ceremony of a Two-Day Non-Oil Sector International Trade Conference, at the Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu, recently.

N13bn Enugu secretariat complex’ll raise productivity –Govt D ENNIS AGBO ENUGU

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nugu State Government has said the N13 billion secretariat complex under construction was embarked upon to create a conducive work environment for workers to boost service delivery.

The Head of Service, HOS, Mr. Dennis Eze, said this while speaking with journalists on what informed the decision to demolish the old secretariat buildings to build a modern complex.

Eze said the construction of the new secretariat complex also became

necessary since the structures at the old site were dilapidated with leaking roofs and poor public conveniences.

The HOS explained that before embarking on the construction, the government disc overed that the ol d buildings c ould n o long er be maintaine d.

He added that th e c os t of maintain in g one of the old s tr u ctures c ould build two moder n buildings.

Ez e s aid apar t from g etting the approval of the State Exec utive Counc il, the lab ou r unions and oth e r s takeholders als o saw

th e n e e d for a mode r n se cre tariat compl e x for pu bl ic se rvan ts.

A ccordin g to h im, th e n ew se cre tariat compl e x w il l help to sol ve th e pre se n t probl e m of office accommodation f acin g some Min istrie s, D e par tme n ts an d A g e n cie s, MDA s, wh il e mode r n of fice e qu ipme n t w il l be in stal l e d.

He, th e re fore, appe al e d to worke rs to be ar th e te mpo rary inconvenience of the relocation exercise from the construction of the new secretariat, saying the project was

in their own interest.

Also in his contribution, the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Goddy Madueke, said the new secretariat was a onestop complex.

Madueke explained that the building of the new secretariat became necessary since it would reduce the man-hour being wasted by moving from one department or agency to the other.

The commissioner said the state-of-theart secretariat would be completed within two years with modern building materials that were not harmful to the health of the people.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Friday, September 28, 2012

A’Ibom Assembly passes supplementary budget TONY A NICHEBE UYO

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he Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly yesterday passed into law a bill seeking a supplementary budget for this year.

The House passed the bill after it was present-

ed by the executive.

The supplementary budget is made up of N125 billion for recurrent expenditure and N11.8 billion for capital projects.

Before passing the bill into law, the Assembly’s Speaker, Hon. Samuel Ikon, commended the

state governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, for what he described as “believing in what the 5th Assembly stands for.”

Ikon said: “The projects captured in the supplementary budget shows the interest of the government in the development of the state

and the wellbeing of the people.”

He lauded the Appropriation and Finance Committee for doing a thorough and speedy job as well as thanked members for their support.

The bill was read for the third time and passed into law, after the report of the

committee had been read and adopted by the House.

In a chat with journalists shortly after the plenary session yesterday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation and Finance, Hon. Onofiok Luke, said the committee painstakingly did its

Jonathan yet to approve proposed ex-militants’ training EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

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resident Goodluck Jonathan is yet to approve the proposed 3,642 former militants scheduled for the Third Phase Amnesty Programme, it was learnt yesterday.

Head of Media and Publicity of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Daniel Alabrah, told National Mirror yesterday that Chairman of the Amnesty Committee, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, had written a proposal to the President to consider the 3, 642 former militants to make the total beneficiaries 30,000.

But some former militant leaders are appealing to the Federal Government to increase the number of the beneficiaries to 17, 000.

Factional Chairman of the Third Phase Amnesty, Gen. Ramsey Umukoro, said that his 30,000 followers had surrendered their arms, stressing that en-

listing only a few of them in the programme would generate crisis in their fold.

Insisting that there is no Third Phase Amnesty programme, however, Alabrah said some of the former militants were not captured after surrendering their arms to security agencies, noting that government intended to consider the 3,642 former militants in order to ensure peace in Niger Delta.

He said: “There have been no pronouncements whether there will be third phase of the amnesty programme .We don’t have third phase. It is an addition on those that have not been captured in the programme. What the Chairman of the amnesty programme said was that the office was considering bringing an additional 3,642 to make it 30,000. It is a proposal that has been written to the President.

The President has not granted his approval.

“You will recall that not everybody was cap-

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power, agriculture, trade and tnvestment promotions, as well as nfrastructure development.

Akpabio said: “It is significant that this investment summit is taking place at a time when Nigeria, under the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan, is on the path of transformation and rebirth.

In consistency with Mr. President’s transformation agenda, my administration has, in the last five years, sought to transform Akwa Ibom into a prosperous, highly educated, technologically driven and ethnically harmonious state. “To achieve this, we embarked on a radical infrastructural development programme. Today, the in-

constitutional function as required by law, thus its recommendation that the reports be adopted by the House.

He said that the committee was motivated by the need to complement the governor’s effort in developing the state and to meet the deadline given to the committee by the House.

Rivers State Government House Chief of Staff, Tony Okocha (third right), flanked by the state security chiefs during the handing over of 35 Hilux patrol vehicles to security formations at the Government House in Port Harcourt, recently.

tured because some people didn’t submit their real names when they disarmed.

“So, the government now considered that, for there to be absolute peace in the Niger Delta, we need to bring in those who didn’t disarm.”

Agency to provide 100 boreholes in four states

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he Benin-Owena River Basin Authority yesterday said it would provide 100 solar-powered boreholes in four states including,

Governor Akpabio woos investors

overnor Godswill Akpabio has wooed investors to Akwa Ibom State.

Akpabio, who was on the delegation to the United Nations 67th Assembly in New York, United States , spoke at the Nigerian Investment Summit and Exhibition organised by Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations and the African Business Round Table.

He said his administration had laboured in the last five years to put in place the requisite infrastructure that would form the basement of the economic growth of the state.

The governor commended President Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda, especially in the

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frastructural basis that will unleash the economic potential of the state has been put in place. We have built more 1000 km of new roads, built an international airport, completed our independent power plant and put in place sound policies to promote investment.”

Stressing that the economic potentials in Akwa Ibom State are huge, Akpabio said: “Although our state is known for its substantial oil and gas resources, other endowments such as solid industrial minerals include kaolinite and ball clays; glass and silica sand; betonies, limestone, gravels, sodium chloride, gypsum, salt, silver nitrate and silica sand.

He added that the strategic location of the state on the Gulf of Guinea offers it great opportunities for lucrative investments in maritime and allied activities, including commercial fishing and sea food processing, among others.

The governor said: “With impeccable infrastructure put in place by my administration, my state is a prime target for tourists and investors. We have a clement weather and a fertile landmass measuring 8,412 square kilometres. The hospitable disposition of our people has become a global refrain. We are also noted for salubrious cuisines, exotic culture; arts and craft.”

Edo, Ondo, Ekiti and the North Senatorial District of Delta.

The Managing Director of the agency, Mr. Ajibade Ijasan, made the remark while inaugurating a solar-powered borehole in Oba-Ile Housing Estate, Akure, Ondo State Ijasan said the Oba-Ile project was part of the 100 bore-holes attached to the 2011 Appropriation Act in the zone.

The managing director said the Authority was always ready to execute projects to specified standard.

He commended the support of the Federal Government and the benefiting communities toward the successful completion of the projects.

“Most of these projects cost between seven and eight million naira. It is a very useful provision, as the power used is Godgiven.

“The facility just requires monitoring and maintenance, so that the

machine will not be vandalised,” Ijasan said.

He urged the residents of the estate to handle the project with care, like a personal property.

Pastor Tunde Fadahunsi, the Chairman, Oba-Ile Housing Estate Residents Association, commended the Federal Government for the provision of the water facility.

He pledged to cooperate with the authority.

“This is a commendable project, and we, the residents, promise not to disappoint the authority by maintaining the bore-hole and its accessories,’’ Fadahunsi said.

The project was later handed over to the Ondo State Government through Mr Olufemi Fagboroye of the state water corporation, who in turn handed it over to the chairman of the estate.

Fagboroye congratulated the people of the community and advised them to protect the facility from vandals.

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North

Friday, September 28, 2012

45 sect members surrender to JTF in Adamawa OWOLABI ADENUSI

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bout 45 members of the dreaded group terrorising parts of the country yesterday voluntarily handed over their weapons to the men of the Joint Task Force, JTF, in Adamawa State.

The move may not be unconnected with the houseto-house search embarked upon by security operatives in Mubi to flush out terrorists, following the 24-hour curfew imposed by Governor Murtala Nyako’s administration.

Also, more Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, were recovered by the JTF

in some strategic locations in Mubi metropolis.

Investigation showed that some kingpins of the sect, who surrendered themselves to JTF, have already made useful statements leading to the arrest more of the sect members in the North-East region.

A JTF source told our correspondent that members of the sect opted to surrender because of the apparent military strength of the task force, and especially because they knew they would be caught.

The source disclosed that based on a tip-off and combined efforts of men of the State Security Service, SSS, Military Intelli-

gence and the police, more than 100 IEDs were recovered through the houseto-house search and intelligent gathering in Mubi metropolis.

It was learnt that some weapons were buried in farmlands.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Muhammed Ibrahim, confirmed that some IEDs were recovered by JTF. However, Ibrahim could not give the number of IEDs or the suspects who have voluntary surrendered.

He said: “Tremendous progress is being made

by JTF, following arrests made and recovery of IEDs

but I cannot ascertain the number of persons that have surrendered themselves to JTF. Intelligence reports are tremendously helping the JTF to track down the suspects.”

The police spokesman, however, appealed to Adamawa citizens to give useful information to the JTF, adding that community leaders must keep an eye on new people in their areas.

He said from the information gathered, the 24hour curfew imposed by the government had been yielding results as the JTF embarked on the house-tohouse search in Mubi metropolis and its environs.

Women and their children at the camp for people displaced by flood in Makurdi, Benue State, yesterday.

Police discover another bomb factory in Kano AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

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olice in Kano State yesterday discovered another bomb factory in Hawan-Hotoro, a remote part of the state capital.

Assorted bomb-making materials were also intercepted in the operation, which was carried out by the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Idris.

Idris said the local bomb factory, now cordoned off by mobile policemen, would be demolished.

Three vehicles, suspected to belong to the terrorist group, were intercepted and taken to

the police headquarters in Bompai.

The commissioner told journalists that some of the materials discovered in the bomb factory were 100 detonators, concentrated salt which they mix with ammonium nitrate, T and T which is a high calibre military chemical for bomb making, battery charger, laptops, IEDs, four AK 47 rifles and about eight fully loaded magazines.

Idris commended the people for their useful information to the police, adding that the raid on flash points would continue until peace was restored to the commercial city of Kano.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NECO records 50% passes in Mathematics

Sanctions 13 schools for malpractice

PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

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he National Examination Council, NECO, has released the Senior School Certificate Examination, SSCE, for 2012 with 50 per cent of the candidates passing Mathematics while 49 per cent passed English Language.

This shows a significant change in the sessions of mass failures in NECO results in the last five years.

Last year, only 22.34 per cent recorded credit pass in English Language, while 25.14 per cent made similar credit pass in Mathematics. One per cent of the candidates who sat for the examination last year made credit level in Biology.

NECO also disclosed that 13 schools in seven states of Imo, Benue, Rivers, Anambra, Kano, Nasarawa and Cross Rivers had been blacklisted or duly sanctioned for involving in examination malpractice.

The NECO Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Promise Okapala, who made the disclosure during the release of the results in Minna, told journalists that no fewer than 1,124,879 registered for the examination out of which 1,087,627 appeared for the examination across the country.

Giving the breakdown, the registrar explained that

out of the 1,088,530 candidates who sat for Mathematics, 567,011 passed at credit level, representing 50.41 per cent and 1,078,627 candidates sat for English with 554,884 passes, representing 49 per cent, Biology had 579,683 passes, representing 51 per cent, Government, 322,283 passes, representing 49 per cent, and Physics, 215,416 passes, representing 49 per cent.

Others are Geography (49 per cent), Islamic Studies (50 per cent), Financial Accounting (50 per cent), while Efik and Edo languages had the lowest scores of two per cent and three per cent, respectively.

Okapala also hinged the good performance recorded in the examination on the Federal Government’s reforms in the education sector.

The registrar said to maintain the performance, students, parents, NonGovernmental Organisations, NGO, teachers and other stakeholders must work together.

He said: “We have always said our reforms will take years to manifest, the result is what we are seeing today. All stakeholders should not relax for continuous improvement. We should be focused in our responsibilities. We are making progress, but the journey is still far, it takes longer to repair what has been damaged.”

Lokoja - Abuja highway may be reopened today

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here are indications that the Lokoja - Abuja highway, cut off by flood water from River Niger, will be re-opened to traffic today.

An engineer with Gitto Construction Company, Mr. Ajani Adeyemo, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that the diversion being created for motorists would be completed by yesterday’s evening.

He said: “By Friday (today), motorists will start plying the road.”

As at yesterday morning, work had reached an advanced stage at Banda, where the three contractors engaged by the Federal Government to create a diversion to allow

free flow of traffic were working.

The three contractors, Julius Berger, RCC and Gitto, had deployed full complement of staff to the site and were working to ensure that the job was completed on time.

At the section of the road, which was completely submerged by flood, the contractors had placed big stones to block further flow of water from the river to the road, while men and equipment such as caterpillars and excavators were working to create a diversion.

Adeyemo said he and his colleagues working on the site had realised that the water level in River Niger had been in-

creasing daily.

He, however, promised that the diversion being created would not be submerged by flood.

The Kogi State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mr. Mohammed Garba, said the highway, closed to traffic since September 23, would be reopened to traffic as soon as the contractors gave the go ahead.

He acknowledged the extent of work done on the diversion, but said he would not want to be categorical on when the road would be re-opened to traffic.

Meanwhile, long queues of articulated vehicles were still on both

ends of the road while owners of cars and buses paid between N13,000 and N15,000 to ferry their vehicles across the river.

Also passengers boarding the ferry from Lokoja to Jamata and Jamata to Lokoja paid as much as N500 per head against the N300 per person the operators charged on Wednesday.

Minister of Works, Mike Onoiememen

Friday, September 28, 2012

No plan to impeach Jonathan – Ogene

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

‘Mimiko colludes with security agents to attack, arrest ACN leaders’

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Tribunal strikes out Airhiavbere’s forgery claim SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN

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he Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Benin, yesterday ruled that it lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the claim of non-qualification in the petition filed by Major-General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd), the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the July 14, 2012 governorship election.

Technically dismissing the claim after striking out some paragraphs of the petition, the chairman of the tribunal, Justice Suleiman Ambrusa, said the issue was a pre-election matter that should have been determined in the court of law and thereafter proceeded to schedule the other claims of electoral malpractices for trial.

Ruling on the application that was brought by Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole’s lead coun-

sel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), the tribunal said Airhiavbere merely embarked on a wild goose chase by approaching it instead of the Federal High Court.

Ambrusa, however, added that the tribunal has the jurisdiction to entertain the claim of noncompliance of the election with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended). It stated that the petitioner should have contested the non-qualification of the respondent in the regular court before the conduct of the election, emphasizing that the Act clearly mandated parties in an election to challenge an alleged false documents of candidate before an election is conducted.

On the issue of joinder of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and the Returning Officer in the suit, the tribunal further ruled that the officers and agents of the Indepen-

Lack of devolution of powers, bane of national security – Aliyu SINA FADARE

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he Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has said that lack of devolution of powers from the Federal Government to the states is one of the greatest impediments to national security in the country.

The governor of Niger State, who disclosed this yesterday in Lagos at a public lecture organised by the Obafemi Awolowo Institute of Government and Public Policy (OAIGPP), said that if concerted efforts at all level of government are not made towards a holistic solution to the issue at stake, the country will not get out of the wood.

Aliyu, who spoke on the topic ‘The Search for National Security in Nigeria; Challenges and Prospects’, pointed out that the Federal

Government has saddled itself with lots of responsibilities which have created a wide gap between the people and the government and has resulted to security threats.

According to him, corruption and elites conspiracy also contributed immensely to the state of the insecurity which the country is experiencing today, adding that “We need to have pro-poor policies that address the fundamental social problems directly affecting the people like free education at all level, free healthcare, abolition of food importation, affordable housing for all the citizens and stable electricity in order to combat national security.”

He argued that corruption has created an unending vicious circle of poverty, deprivation greed, exploitation, unemployment and underdevelopment in the country.

dent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are parties to the election for reason they must be joined in the petition.

Reviewing the ruling with National Mirror at the tribunal, Airhiavbere’s counsel, Mr. Efe Akpo-

fure (SAN) said he would only react after properly consulting with his client to know the next line of action concerning the academic qualification of Governor Oshiomhole.

He further expressed the optimism of success of

the petition on the ground of electoral malpractices.

However, counsel to Oshiomhole, Mr. Omoruyi Omonuwa (SAN) laughed off the expectation, saying the tribunal’s ruling and striking out of some paragraphs of the petition have

now made it more or less a matter that is dead on arrival.

According to him, the allegation of electoral malpractices which is the main issue left in the petition cannot give the petitioner the anticipated victory.

L-R: Member, House of Representatives’ Committee on Diaspora, Joseph Akinlaja; Deputy Chairperson, Betty Apiafi; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim and Chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa during the committee’s visit to the SGF in Abuja yesterday.

PDP has run out of ideas, says ACN FELIX NWANERI

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he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has called on Nigerians to brace up for tough times ahead, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government has completely run out of ideas.

The party in a statement signed by its National Pub-

licity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, yesterday, said that rather than address the issues raised in its criticism of the Federal Government’s inept handling of the multiple tragedies the country is currently reeling under, the PDP has characteristically embarked on a flight of fancy and daylight hallucination.

It said: “The PDP’s re-

sponse is nothing but a recklessly rabid disposition to repel at all times any criticism no matter how constructive. We are not even sure whether Olisa Metuh and his ilk read or understood the whole point made in our statement which is that only an incompetent and trainee government could have gotten Nigeria into the present mess.

Tukur denies N1bn donation claim OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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he national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Bamanga Tukur yesterday denied report that four PDP governors from the North East donated N1 billion for his 77 birthday and biography launch.

An on-line news service had reported two days ago that Governors Murtala Nyako of Adamawa, Dan-

baba Suntai of Taraba, Isa Yuguda of Bauchi and Ibrahim Dankwabo of Gombe donated N250 million each to offset the cost of Tukur’s birthday and launching of “the Global Villager,” his biography.

Special Assistant (Media Matters) to the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Ujudud Shariff, said in a statement made available to newsmen that the report is false and misleading as Tukur never asked for donation from the governors.

The statement stated that: “Dr. Bamanga Tukur had never, at any time, requested or solicited for monetary donations for the launch of the book whether from any state government, public officer or any private individual.

All donations were voluntary made by friends and associates of Bamanga Tukur whose family arranged and fully sponsored both his 77th birthday celebration and the book launch.”

“To accuse the ACN of politicising national disasters and calamities when it actually only criticised President Goodluck Jonathan’s lack of capacity, proactiveness, and coordinated response to these natural disasters depicts the paucity of the thought process of the PDP-led Federal Government.

“How can the attempt to draw the attention of Nigerians to the inept handling of the problems confronting the country be disparaged as attention-seeking? How long did it take for any minister or high ranking government official to visit the scene of the flooding for an on-the-spot assessment?”

ACN noted that in other saner climes where “a capable president and not a trainee president is in charge,” President Jonathan would have made a stopover with pronouncements about support, relief materials and expression of sympathy to the victims before jetting out of the country for United Nations summit.

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Politics

Friday, September 28, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

No plan to impeach Jonathan – Ogene Hon. Victor Ogene is the Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Media and Public Affairs.

In this interview with TORDUE SALEM, the lawmaker representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State, says there is no motion before the House to impeach President Goodluck Jonathan.

Excerpts: Before the House went on recess, so much noise was made about the impeachment threat against President Goodluck Jonathan over non-implementation of budget.

But now, it seems the House has suddenly developed cold feet towards that drive?

To begin with, there was no noise over any impeachment threat. As we speak, there is no motion regarding impeachment before the House of Representatives. What happened remained the issue of how far the 2012 budget has been implemented in terms of releases, cash, and award of contracts. A member, who happens to be the Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, in his own contribution said if the president fails to implement the Appropriation Act, being a law which he himself has signed, the House may consider drawing up articles of impeachment and of course, that session was shown live on television.

For a motion to be properly put before the House, there has to be a mover and a seconder and the question will be put and if the ‘ayes’ have it, then you can say that we have such a motion. Even, in her own response to this observation, the Majority Leader, Hon. Mulikat Adeola-Akande did promise that she was sure that before we resumed, the executive would have stepped up its act regarding the implementation of the 2012 budget.

There was never an impeachment threat. What we had was a directive to the executive that we are not happy with the slow pace of implementation of the budget and that all efforts should be put in place to ensure that we have 100 per cent implementation by September. We have also heard people say how can you get 100 per cent by September? I am not a Mathematics student, but by the law of average, 100 per cent by September is based on the expected releases.

If you are expected to release N3 trillion by September, we expect that by September, you should have judiciously used the N3 trillion. We are saying that if the budget is N4.4 trillion, you should spend everything by September, we are saying that releases are made quarterly and by September, we will still be in the third quarter, so all the releases meant for the third quarter, from the first, second and third quarters should have been fully released and expended.

That is simply what we meant. And talking about cold feet, you would also realise that the executive soon after, has moved on along the line we suggested. We could see ministers hold press briefings, giving updates on how much they have gotten, how much has been cashed back, what they have done so far in terms of prequalification and award of contracts and even the Finance and the Coordinating Minister for the Economy has also taken it upon herself to ensure timeous releases of funds.

So, our observation was not made out of devoid, it was made out of the genuine concerns to serve the Nigerian people, who are our employers in the first place and in whom resides ultimate power in a democracy and if we are getting positive response from the executive, then I don’t see how we have developed cold feet.

How would you rate the response of the executive to that motion on non implementation of the budget so far?

Of course, you know that they took it seriously. If they didn’t take it seriously, they wouldn’t come out to say they have met 56 per cent implementation. Even though we quarrelled with those figures, you can see, like I have said that ministers are falling over themselves, including hav-

the river does not mean that other children would not go to that same river to fetch water. So if you keep shying away from something as serious as state police, then we will never get it right. It is better that we begin by test running the process; we will have pitfalls here and there but as we go on, the process will be strengthened. Already we have state high courts and I don’t know of any governor who because he appoints judges for those courts would hold any opponent by the collar of his shirt and drag him to prison, it doesn’t happen, because there are other layers upon which the offended person could seek redress. The state police will not just drop from the sky; there must be guidelines on its use and abuse. That we have state police does not mean the obliteration of the federal police, but I think that given our current security challenges, we need state police, but the governors themselves have not behaved too well with the way they have managed the third tier of government, the local government, which is directly under their purview and that is why people express such fears. There is no governor that will be in office forever and if you have misused the police in your own time, chances are that you can also be a victim of such abuse when you leave office.

So, that should even serve as a worthy deterrent.

Ogene

WHAT WE HAD WAS A DIRECTIVE TO THE EXECUTIVE THAT WE ARE NOT HAPPY WITH THE SLOW PACE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BUDGET ing to sign a performance bond with the President. That didn’t happen before; it came as a result of this oversight function by the House on the activities of the executive which is the way to go.

It is nothing personal, it doesn’t indicate any friction in the running of the government; all it signifies is that the legislature, especially the House of Representatives is alive to its oversight function. As for the percentage implementation, it will be a topical issue.

What is your take on the currency restructuring which has been put on hold?

You see, for somebody who has been named the banker to the government to unilaterally go ahead and say I want to introduce or re-design, I think it is procedurally wrong and that is why even in the process of law-making, before we make any law, we have public hearings where everybody would debate and dissect the issue, the pros and the cons. Assuming the Central Bank as an institution has regard for the National Assembly as the law-making arm of government, they would have brought that proposal before the relevant committees of the National Assembly, in this case, the Banking and Currency Committee, which might even help them in coordinating public hearing during which people who are knowledgeable about micro economics, inflation, acceptability would contribute, because there are a whole lot of things and not just the economy, even the culture of the people will impact on how well they receive or reject a particular currency.

So, my take is that the CBN was wrong from the start, to have gone ahead the way it wanted to.

Would you support state police?

The only fear that the opponents of state police have is the likelihood of it being abused by the governors. But I think that is not enough to scare off anybody from a good venture. Yes, from the past, the native authority police, we saw instances where they were misled and misused against political opponents, but the fact that a child gets drowned in

What is your take on Local Government autonomy?

It goes back to the people, I remembered that during the last constitution amendment process, there was a proposal for even the state assemblies to be placed on the first line charge so that they could have certain level of autonomy to operate independent of the state governors in their respective states, but the governors breathed down their necks and that didn’t sail through at the end of the day, but that should not stop us from trying. All we are aiming at is true federalism. If we are truly a federal state, we should run our country as such. For the local government, it is on the concurrent list, there is a provision in the constitution that says that the local government should get their allocations directly from the centre from the consolidated revenue fund but of course, the states have also gone ahead to put in place a joint state-local government account committee and so you see a situation where actually it is the state government that runs this same account. I think what we should do is to strengthen the provision regarding funding such that the funds go directly to the local governments and even ensure that any state that does not have elected local government officials is denied such resources.

The President recently declared Anambra State the 10th oil producing state, how do you feel about that?

It is a positive development but it doesn’t end with the declaration. We have always known that Anambra has huge crude and gas reserves; in fact, we even have more gas than crude. There are areas where seismic work is already on going. Some part is being concluded like my local government, Ogbaru, seismic work on oil and gas deposit were concluded by SINOPEC, a contracting firm working on behalf of Sterling Global, they completed that work two years ago, but the one in the Anambra Basin which the President commissioned on August 30 is something that would point the way forward in the management of Nigeria’s oil resources because this is a private company, Orient Petroleum, that was supported by Anambra State government. As we speak, Anambra State government under Peter Obi has put in N4 billion in that project besides the N1 billion road that he is constructing to the site. It shows that Nigeria is further endowed much more than we even thought, but the challenge would be in the management of that same resource so it doesn’t turn into a source of acrimony for the immediate people.

Already there are contentions as there are claims from Kogi and Enugu states. Some parts of the oil well from which Orient is drilling falls within these boundaries and if that is proven, there is nothing wrong about that. It is only for them to stake a claim to being oil producing states, but besides the President’s pronouncement, the challenge really is in the National Assembly to get the relevant act amended to ensure the inclusion of Anambra as an oil producing state.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Friday, September 28, 2012

15

‘Mimiko colludes with security agents ONDO to attack, arrest ACN leaders’ COUNTDOWN TO

GUBER POLL October 20, 2012

22

DAYS TO GO

ACN, LP trade words over absence of Deputy Governor OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

T

he Akeredolu Campaign organisation (ACO) yesterday described the absence of the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, at the Deputy Governorship Debate organised by the Nigerian Election Debate Group, (NEDG) and Independent Broadcasting Association (IBAN) in Akure, the state capital, as not only a sign of contempt for the people of Ondo State but an indication that the Labour Party (LP) had nothing to show for its three years of governance in the state.

But the Mimiko Campaign Organisation (MCO) debunked insinuations that the Deputy Governor shunned the live debate, saying that unfavourable security reports made him to stay away.

A statement by the Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy of ACO, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, said the absence of Olanusi at the debate had robbed the LP government the golden opportunity to enumerates its achievements and convince the people of Ondo State on why they should vote for the party, saying it was clearly an admission of failure by the government.

Ajanaku said: “Akintelure was able to expatiate on the programmes of the ACN on agriculture which would be implemented utilizing the different climate in the state suitable for fish farming, rice and cocoa cultivation; the promised 30,000 job creation within 100 days which he said will be generated through Public Private Partnership (PPP) and various need-based agencies.

But, according to a press statement issued by MCO’s Director of Publicity and Media Relations, Mr. Kolawole Olabisi, the Deputy Governor did not deliberately shunned the debate, but had to be prevailed upon by unfavourable security reports which pointed to the fact that the opposition was planning to unleash violence on his person.

Kolawole said: “We have since been justified by the high level of indecency, foul languages and brazen hooliganism displayed by supporters of the opposition at the venue.

he Akeredolu Campaign Organisation (ACO) has raised the alarm about plans by the ruling Labour Party (LP) and Governor Olusegun Mimiko to destabilise the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) by conniving with security agents to arrest notable leaders of the ACN across the state.

ACO also disclosed that it had it on good authority that “the alien LP chairman, Dan Nwanyawu, has mobilised hordes of Bakassi

boys to the state to unleash violence on the leaders of the ACN.” Speaking through its Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy, Idowu Ajanaku, the ACO alleged that meetings were held between the state government and some security agents who arrived the state about two weeks ago to perfect the plan.

It alleged that prominent leaders of the ACN listed for such arrest and intimidation include: the state chairman of the party, Chief Nathaniel Adesoji; Senator Ajayi Boroffice, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, the Director-General of the ACO,

Chief Tayo Alasoadura; Chief Wumi Adegboro, Chief Olu Adegboro, the ACN leader from the United States of America (USA), Olu Adeyan, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, ACN state secretary, Mr. Adegboyega Adedipe, Mr. Femi Johnson, Mr. Timehin Adelegbe, the state Women Leader, Mrs. Erelu Johnson, amongst others, adding: “It is such that our leaders can no longer sleep in their houses.”

ACO said that the latest antics of the LP-led state government is an indication of a desperate man, “who is determined to cling to anything to retain power.”

Mimiko

Akeredolu

Oke

The Hope, had, on Wednesday, carried a report alleging that Akeredolu committed fraud when he was the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice during the administration of the late Mike Onyearugbulem.

The report, which was published on the front page of the paper, said that the ACN candidate was indicted for mismanaging N9.2 million by the Justice Rasheed O. Fawehinmi-led judicial probe.

The newspaper added that the former President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) had been

banned from holding any public office for 25 years.

But the Akeredolu Campaign Organization (ACO) described the allegation as “fruitless, fallacious and of no effects.”

The organisation, in a statement by its Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, said Akeredolu had challenged the report of the probe panel in a suit filed at the state High Court in Akure presided over by Justice P. I. Odunwo.

It said the suit was withdrawn after the Ondo State Government

OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

T

Ondo guber race gets dirty OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

B

arely three weeks to the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State, the race to the Alagbaka Government House is getting hot and dirty.

There have been attempts to smear the personality of the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Barrister Rotimi Akeredolu, and that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olusola Oke. The state-owned newspaper,

Sambo to lead Presidential flag off campaign HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE.

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said that Vice-President Namaadi Sambo will be leading other national leaders of the party to the presidential flag off of the party’s governorship on Tuesday, October 2 in Ondo State.

Other notable leaders expected at the rally include former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President David Mark, National

Chairman of the PDP, Bamanga Tukur, speaker of House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, PDP governors and other dignitaries across the nation.

The Director-General of Olusola Oke Campaign Organisation, Dr. Dare Bada who disclosed this in Akure yesterday during a press conference said the essence of the rally is to display the seriousness of the party in winning the forthcoming election in the state.

Bada said the rally will also be

used to clear air on speculation that the national leadership of PDP will be supporting another party’s candidate against its governorship standard bearer in the state.

He said: “It is important to underscore the fact that puerile specifications to the effect that a particular party is an appendage of the PDP and enjoys Abuja’s support is all ruse and unclever manner to hoodwink and confuse the good people of the state.”

The ACN campaign organisation ACO accused Mimiko of “wasting Ondo State people’s money on frivolous propaganda, renting crowd to rallies and paying for fictitious opinion poll despite the complete failure of governance under him for the past three and half years.”

Ajanaku reminded Mimiko of former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, who went on the same spending spree with Delta people’s money for eight years with reckless abandon, but who is today languishing in a foreign prison for all the atrocities he committed against the people of the state, adding that Mimiko should note that whenever he leaves office, he would be held accountable for the billions of naira of Ondo State people’s money he frittered away on “frivolous projects which has not benefited the people of the state.”

Warning that being a peaceful party but not a weakling, the ACO said that ACN members in the Sunshine State are battle ready to defend themselves in the face of bias by security agents who are supposed to be neutral in the political firmament of the state, who had hitherto been standing akimbo, while LP thugs have continued to unleash terror on ACN members.

had decided to settle out-of-court, following apologies by the late Adebayo Adefarati-led government, as agreed upon on December 10, 2002.

The statement said: “ACO wishes to educate Governor Mimiko with the case of Atiku Abubakar vs the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2007, in relation to the Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF). In it, the Supreme Court gave a final judgement that boards of enquiry have no such powers.

Meanwhile, Akeredolu has promised to submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and security agents for probe if the need arises.

A group last week had also said that the governorship candidate of the PDP, Chief Oke, was not qualified to contest the forthcoming election because he was allegedly indicted over his activities in OSOPADEC and NDDC by security agencies.

But the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to the PDP candidate, Mr. Kunle Adebayo, said the purported security report was concocted and existed in the mind of the group.

Editorial

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Friday, September 28, 2012

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Outrageous fees in public universities: The LASU example

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ublic schools at all levels in Nigeria were once a ‘safe academic haven’ for the less privileged because they were affordable. Public universities in particular were citadels where the bright but poor sought their intellectual nourishment and secure their future.

The institutions were not only of great quality, the school fees were also good enough to see both indigent and rich students through. But recent reports about the jacking up of school fees by 100 percent, 200 percent; and in some cases 500 percent in some public universities are as alarming as they are scary. The case of the Lagos State University (LASU) is particularly disturbing. We learnt that LASU authorities, on the instruction of the state government, has increased tuition fees from N50,000 to between N200,000 and N350,000, depending on the course in question. While tuition fees for courses in the humanities range from about N180, 000 and above, medical and engineering courses attract as much as N350, 000 per session. This is way over the top!

The hike in fees is of much concern because just recently,

the university threw its gates open to 4,000 new students for the 2012/13 academic session.

Of the 4,000, only about 2,000 have resumed. The other half is said to be finding it difficult to pay the prohibitive tuition fees. This is worrisome, since it implies that 50 percent of the candidates offered admission that are unable to pay most probably represent those who do not have the financial means. The doors of LASU are thus firmly shut against the poor. And just as it used to be the case at the primary and secondary school levels, where private institutions offer quality education only to the rich, public universities may as well be patronizing only the wealthy and denying the poor access to quality education.

Our concern is that university education is on the verge of being taken out of the reach of the poor. Yet, majority of those who apply to go to the higher institutions in the country are from the poor section of the population; as the rich prefer educating their children and wards abroad or in private universities in the country. Worse still, the rate state-owned public universities (such as LASU) are charging

ONE OF THE MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES OF ANY RESPONSIVE GOVERNMENT IS THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN CAPITAL.

LAGOS STATE

CANNOT BE AN EXCEPTION prohibitive tuition fees could serve as potent basis for private universities, majority of which depend on tuition for survival, to charge even more. Indeed, is the condemnable LASU example not a sound rationale for private universities to justify their current outrageous fees and even add more? If a public university run by tax-payers’ funds and state resources could be so heartlessly expensive and unreasonable, then primarily profit-oriented private universities are being told to lead their students to the slaughter slabs, tuition fee wise.

We think that it is anti-people for public universities to be on the same page with private universities in charging ultra high tuition. Whither then the social

responsibility of the Lagos State Government to the people?

Would this posture not result in forcing more youths into desperation and destitution? Is this not tantamount to disempowering the same people that the state is supposed and has vowed to empower?

It is, in fact, becoming a notorious trend in Lagos State for the government to come down heavily on low income earners such as traders, residents of slums, okada riders, and so forth, without adequate measures or palliatives to mitigate their pains.

Lagos State Government has shown an insensitive and unflattering example with the recent astronomical hike in school fees it permitted in LASU. If the government has not consciously elected to be anti-people and damn the consequence, it should call LASU’s authorities to order.

Our thinking is that one of the major responsibilities of any responsive government is the development of human capital.

Lagos State cannot be an exception. We candidly advise that LASU should review its scary fees and keep them low. The students of LASU deserve humane tuition fees.

ON THIS DAY September 28, 2009 The military junta in Guinea, headed by Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, raped, killed and wounded protesters during a protest rally in a stadium called Stade du 28 Septembre. Mainly opposition party members demonstrated in Conakry and demand that Camara, who seized power in a military coup d’état on December 23, 2008, after the death of long-time President and dictator, Lansana Conte, should step down.

September 28, 1996 Former president of Afghanistan (1987 – 1992), Mohammad Najibullah Ahmadzai, was tortured and brutally murdered by the Taliban. Najibullah (1947 – 1996), was the President of Afghanistan from 1987 until 1992 when the Mujahideen took over Kabul. Najibullah was at the United Nations compound in Kabul where he took refuge following the Taliban insurgence when Taliban soldiers captured, castrated and dragged him to death behind a truck on the streets of Kabul.

September 28, 1951 The CBS made the first set of colour televisions available for sale to the general public, but the product was discontinued less than a month later. CBS Broadcasting Inc. (CBS) is a major United States’ commercial broadcasting television network which started as a radio network, and continued to operate a radio network and a portfolio of large market television and radio stations. The name is derived from the initials of the network’s former name, Columbia Broadcasting System.

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Views

Friday, September 28, 2012

17

Before the fire next time DENJA YAQUB

F

ollowing the January 2012 week long national strike and mass protests spearheaded by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and their allies in the Labour and Civil Society Coalition (LASCO), there have been a lot of reviews in the mass media about how the actions were managed. Indeed, even President Goodluck Jonathan has also joined the fray recently with the insensitive claim that it was food, music and comedy that attracted people to join the protests.

We recall that the trade unions, as represented by the NLC and TUC, were specific in their demands that culminated in the national strike and protests, following the mindless sudden increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) from N65 to N141 per litre on January 1, 2012. The decision to embark on the action was taken at the National Executive Council of the two apex labour unions and it was meant to protest the price increase and removal of subsidy on petroleum products. The leadership of NLC did not only consult with LASCO, the coalition was indeed represented at the NEC meeting where the strike and actions were declared based on these two demands.

When the national strike and protests started as planned, civil society groups

organized rallies and protests, particularly in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna and Ibadan. These groups had various names and nomenclature. Prominent among them were the Save Nigeria Group, led

by Pastor Tunde Bakare and the Occupy Nigeria Group. The demand common to these groups was regime change, which was not part of labour’s demands.

Before anyone can call for regime change, there must be an alternative regime clear, popular, dependable and acceptable by all opposition groups. There must have been several discussions based on the programme or agenda good enough and acceptable as a viable alternative to the regime that needed to be changed.

These were clearly absent. But leaders of these groups kept playing with the slogan, encouraged perhaps, by the events in North Africa where popular and well coordinated mass protests uprooted sit tight regimes. The Arab Spring is not artless either. It took years of protests and good planning, albeit clandestine.

Without the strike and mass participation of workers across the country, it would have been near impossibility to have a crowd as large as the ones seen in Lagos and other major protest centres. It was certainly not the attraction of free food or music, as espoused by President Jonathan, in an attempt to detract from the import of the protests. The unemployed will not require food to join a protest that ultimately will lead to policy re-

THE UNEMPLOYED WILL NOT REQUIRE FOOD TO JOIN A PROTEST THAT ULTIMATELY WILL LEAD TO POLICY REVERSALS THAT WILL GUARANTEE HIM A BRIGHTER FUTURE versals that will guarantee him a brighter future.

Mr. President clearly exposed the extent of his little knowledge of the worries and aches of the rest of the country as majority of our people groan in hardships inflicted on them by anti people policies of not just his government, but all others before his.

The civil society groups, certainly not those in LASCO, also can’t do an honest self appraisal of the January actions, reading through some of the articles in the media. And if we can’t do this, we will be farther than we think from liberation.

Rather than do an honest appraisal, some people have opted for the convenience of heaping all blames on the trade union movement, which didn’t make such demands as regime or system change.

For instance, when National Union

of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), an affiliate of NLC, blocked supply of fuel to Abuja in August, it was interpreted to mean they were fighting for subsidy thieves, whereas the union’s demands were five and not just on fuel subsidy payment. The union’s demand for payment of subsidy to genuine companies was based on the fact that there were threats to the employment of their members in those companies. Aside this, the other demands were on: state of the nation’s refineries and roads; labour issues in Shell Petroleum and Chevron; and restructuring of loans of depot owners and oil marketers.

So, when one read a piece written by Ijeoma Nwogwugwu, which was mischievously titled “Economic Saboteurs in Our Mist” in ThisDay newspaper of 27th August 2012 where she accused the NLC and NUPENG of sabotage and also implied that the duo have become a burden on the Nigerian economy, it was very obvious that she was writing from two perspectives. One is that she has maintained a pathological disgust for the NLC and the entire movement since the struggle against fuel price hike started under the leadership of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. The second is that she lacked understanding of the movement.

To be continued Yaqub, an Assistant Secretary with the Nigeria Labour Congress, wrote from Abuja

Orelope–Adefulire: An Amazon trudging on at 53 TUNDE ABATAN

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rincess Victoria Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, will be 53 tomorrow.

Attaining this political height in a society that is preponderantly dominated by men is without doubt, a powerful statement that Nigerian women have come off age.

She has actually re-written women’s role in contemporary Nigerian political history and changed the perception that women could only serve as ushers, backbenchers and professional praise singers at political events. ‘I have used the opportunity given me to serve in a responsible way because opportunity often comes with responsibility’, is her own way of appreciating the confidence reposed in her by the system.

Princess Orelope–Adefulire has been socio-politically visible in the past two decades. She was variously state electoral commissioner, member of Lagos House of Assembly and commissioner of women affairs and poverty alleviation in the state for eight years. The icing of the political cake is being deputy to Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN). These are no mean achievements for a woman; they are a proof of her solid dependability, suitability, diligence and intelligence.

Let us capture some of her social crusades. The Amazon fought hard and got the Lagos State government to enact the Child Rights Act because she believes it is what is needed to enforce the rights of the child and protect the girl child from con-

SHE HAS EXPRESSED CONCERNS ABOUT THE COUNTRY AND WOULD WISH THAT

NIGERIA

BECOME A HAVEN OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL stant molestation and deprivation. For due diligence and efficient implementation of the law, she caused the installation of dedicated phone lines to facilitate the report of such cases of abuse against children and wives, and followed it up with the provision of suggestion boxes in public secondary schools in the state for the same purpose .

It is also to her credit that 17 vocational centres are in functional state across the state. They are to provide short and longterm vocation training, skill acquisition and technical education to housewives, students and unemployed graduates to reduce the pangs of unemployment and poverty in the state. She has equally used her supervisory role at the Ministry for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to empower women and house wives through skill acquisition in soap and detergent making, fashion design and decoration, tie and dye, bead making, hairdressing, rat poison production, stove wicks making, catering and hat making. The essence

of this, Princess Adefulire has said, is to empower the womenfolk “to contribute to the development of the home, assist their husbands and support their children”.

Her activism in ensuring a better Nigeria and stable family life has attracted the attention of the Minister for Women Affairs, Hajia Zainab Maina. Last July, she was in Lagos with a 20 member delegation to see things for herself. Impressed by the Lagos State’s efforts to reduce poverty through the series of empowerment programmes, Hajia Zainab Maina has recommended the state model to many of the states in the country. Her visit to Lagos was preceded by teams from Osun and Ekiti states, which also toured the various facilities and vocational centres at Mushin, Ikorodu, Ojodu to get acquainted with operations of the poverty intermediation programmes of the state.

Testifying to the ‘Lagos wonder’, the Osun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Mofoluke Adegboyega, had declared during the tour of the state that “Lagos State is doing a lot of work not just because of the population. In Osun State we do things like this, but not as good as what we have seen in Lagos...Our intention is to go back and replicate what we have seen in senatorial districts and constituencies of our state”.

She has expressed concerns about the country and would wish that Nigeria become a haven of equal opportunities for all and a land where social justice, fairness and equity prevail. Recognising the prevailing infrastructure deficit in the coun-

try and the other challenges of social provisioning to improve the life of Nigerians, Princess Orelope–Adefulire’s wish during the 52nd Independence Anniversary is that stakeholders in the Nigerian Project should be preoccupied with how to make the country work to ensure the realisation of Vision20-20-20.

Underscoring her drive for a stable family life, reduction of poverty, empowerment of women and emergence of a better Nigeria, is the commitment that she would not just be a bird of passage as a creator of Almighty God. This is why she has made as essence of her living service to humanity, hard work and mentoring of people. ‘’Focus, hard work, efficiency and the urge to do better has been my driving force and I give all the glory to God for this’, she once declared.

For two decades of commitment to putting smiles on people and making herself relevant to her state and indeed Nigeria, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Deputy Governor, Lagos State, deserves 53 happy cheers in this day of her glory!

Abatan, is S.A (Media) to Her Excellency, Deputy Governor of Lagos State Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs.

Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

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Friday, September 28, 2012

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Abuse of Ramadan Lessons T On Amosun and Ogun State

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thank National Mirror for being the true voice of the people.

I want to join Soni SAsuelimen in accessing the administration of Senator Kunle Amosun, the incumbent governor of Ogun State.

It is true the state government has been giving textbooks to pupils in public primary and secondary schools, but what are given out are fairly used textbooks. Moreover, what happened last year has begun to repeat itself. Most pupils got just three or five textbooks. Even some that got English textbook were not given Mathematics textbook, and yet the list of recommended books was not given to pupils to give to their parents so as to know the recommended books they are to buy as complements.

he month of Ramadan is the most sacred month in Islamic calendar. It is a time for spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship, sanctification and piety. It is a period of fasting, when participants abstain from eating and drinking between dawn and sunset. This is done for spiritual intimacy with God and an uncommon commitment and dedication to God through prayers. It is a time to listen to sermons and for the reading of Quran. Participating in these activities, help to reduce the gratification of the flesh with its passions and other worldly impurities.

The practice of self-discipline, self control, sacrifice and solemnity become the order of the day. And the faithful, during this period, restrain themselves

from sexual sin, debauchery, and frivolous sexual relations and generally sinful thoughts and behavior. The Ramadan period encourages empathy, compassion, generosity and general charity to one another, especially to the less privileged.

However, it is expected that the piety observed and lessons learnt during the fasting period be extended to other months otherwise the exercise would not be impactful on participants and worth the while. More often, it has been observed that some Muslims don’t carry this piousness beyond the month of Ramadan; they live the tenets like a shadow, forgetting that it would have been a wasted effort after all if they don’t continue their spiritual devotion to God on a sustainable basis.

People who initially ab-

stained from the intake of alcohol, promiscuity, lasciviousness, debauchery, obscenity, idleness, vandalism and sinful discussion go back to them immediately after the period declared for Ramadan without an iota of guilt.

The prior 30 days of deliberate effort of soul edification and sanctification, will be a waste of time; it would be as if the exercise was meant to please man and not God. If it was to God, are they not expected to continue in that spirit that permeated the observed Islamic rites?

It simply means that people who fall into this category do not have a proper understanding of the concept of Ramadan, if the purging observed during that period is not made a continuous process. What this sect of people does at the end of Ramadan is like going back to one’s vomit.

Ola Ago, Oko Abeoukuta

Bakassi and the Senate’s resolution

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hy would the Senate ask of the impossible from President Goodluck Jonathan? Its resolution of last Wednesday compelling the President to file appeal against the 2002 International Court of Justice ruling that ceded the Bakassi Peninsula to the Cameroon is like forcing an unwilling horse to the stream.

President Jonathan has said the chapter on the issue was close, why don’t we allow the people of Bakassi to take their destiny in their own hands. Very soon, an exasperated President Jonathan would ask whether he was the one that ceded Bakassi to Cameroon. The man simply does not like challenges of governance. Have you asked why he seizes every opportunity to jet out of the country?

Aigboje Ohiomoba, Sabogida Ora, Edo State

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r. Soni Asuelimen, who wrote the piece with the above title in his last Monday column of this paper, should know that all the ACN governors are doing their best to rewrite the story of their respective states within the limit of resources available to them and without putting additional yoke on their people. Mr. Babatunde Fashola has utmost regard for his brother ACN governors and will consider the writer’s compliments as gratuitous.

There is no problem in Governor Ibikunle Amosun having a dream of turning Ota into the London of Nigeria in less than 16 months in office. But after

Oil subsidy.

Photo: BAYOOR EWUOSO

Re: Amosun, ACN and the decay of Ota waking up, you still have to face the reality that no magician can fix the state-wide rot of eight years in less than one and half years.

I am quite sure Mr. Asuelimen has been to Abeokuta. He wants Amosun to replicate the international standard of IbaraTotoro Road in Ota and build simultaneously in Abeokuta and Ota, the first flyover bridges in the state. The residents of Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu and Ilaro also want the same thing. And the governor has promised to build durable roads in all the senato-

Letters to the Editor

rial districts of the state. But no manna is going to come down from heaven to accomplish all these at the same time.

Through prudent financial management and blockage of loopholes inherent in the old system, Amosun has raised the IGR from the paltry N700m he inherited to over N2bn monthly.

He inherited a state of insecurity which cost him over N3bn to contain, not talking of the running cost. He inherited a debt of over N80bn which he is paying back. He is also paying, piecemeal, months of salaries

owed workers by the last administration. He is building 26 world standard model schools and renovating, phase by phase, the dilapidated public school buildings he inherited, among others.

I live in Ota and I have seen the major repair work on the Atan-Agbara Road, which, unknown to the writer, is a federal road. The industrialists in Ota/ Agbara axis have openly lauded the intervention of Amosun; and there are many of such repair works on strategic federal roads across the state.

The people of Ifo and Ota lo-

Islamic religious leaders should please look into this matter and address it. They need to organize a re-orientation seminar concerning this issue, with emphasis on the fact that if they could bridle their flesh from yielding to corruptible sensations during the Holy month, they can still put their passions under control throughout their entire life in the honour of God, if they are willing.

Individuals should also take time for self appraisal and reassessment of the whole idea. With the help of God, amelioration is certain.

Oluwasegun Ijabiken, Lagos

Partial submergence of Nigeria in water

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s a human being it pains me to see fellow Nigerians battling unsuccessfully with nature as is currently happening in parts of the country. Sad stories of communities washed away by flood, or of several lives lost to the same factor, or of many properties and means of livelihood destroyed by flood, daily assault our sensibilities.

Sad is also the fact the FCT, Abuja can only be accessed now after tortuous and hazardous journeys by people from the southern part of the country.

While it is true that flooding is a natural disaster, the one we currently witness is exacerbated by many years of neglect. The rest of the world is catching up with climatic change and climate warming with well thought out intermediation measures, while here in Nigeria there is no coordinated national effort to fight the scourge.

Some governors who have shown lack of creativity in combating the menace are calling on the federal government to come to their aid with dollops of funds that will not be used for the purpose it is released. Let them try to carry their burden first before calling for assistance from FG, foreign donors, or other voluntary agencies.

Sad Man, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State.

cal government areas recently expressed confidence in the ACN government in Ogun State.

We know that Amosun that promised us free education and is implementing it with gusto and felicity such that we no longer worry about school fees, textbooks and writing materials, will also construct not just the Ilo-Awela Road, but the over 30km Sango-Ijoko-Akute-Ojodun Abiodun road as he promised.

The writer should be assured of that. The hope of Ogun and indeed Nigeria rests on our party, the ACN. Temilade Salako, SangoOta

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

The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject letters or photographs. Psuedonyms may be used, but must be clearly marked as such.

Your

FRIDAY

For Oct 1: A melting pot of arts IN TWO YEARS, IT WOULD BE A

100 YEARS SINCE AMALGAMATION; NIGERIA HAS GONE BEYOND A FOOL AT

Idakula

Davies

country. There are people with the right values and qualities to lead this country successfully. Nigeria is our only country, so we must do the best we can to save it”, Ferdy Adimefe said while explaining the motivation behind this project.

Local and international music artistes such as Onyeka Onwenu, Yinka Davis, Bez Idakula, Timi Dakolo, Segun Adefila-led Crown Troupe of Africa, Jodie and many more –spanning Afrobeat, Neo-soul, Alternative Rock, Jazz, Afro Reggae, Hip Hop, R&B and a dash of classical music, will collaborate in musical and theatrical performances all for the love of country. “We’ve carefully selected songs which are key to

each era and capture the periods in our performances; songs which promote unity and nationhood”, Adimefe revealed.

“What makes this event extraordinary is that it is part of a cultural renaissance set to awaken social consciousness. “We are using theatre as a social medium to engage people”.

CNP is hoping that after Sunday’s event, the campaign to change people’s perspective about the country would continue with the drive to raise 52,000 revolutionaries’ signatures, who will subscribe to the vision of The New Nigeria by endorsing the “We Believe” creed as formulated by the group (We believe it is unjust to define every Nige-

rian upon the personalities of the corrupt few or our broken past; We believe that the true spirit of Nigeria is in possessing true values and a zeal that is with ethical standards consistent with high morality and principles).

This campaign is to redefine Nigeria and salvage it from battered perceptions, using compelling messages and empowering voices of ordinary people.

Ahead of Sunday’s feverishly anticipated production, Friday Flavour spoke with Segun Adefila, a young creative Nigerian who has spent the past decade creating dance pieces and winning laurels for the country with his dance troupe. For Sunday, Crown Troupe would be presenting Oti Ya (it is time) “because it is time for Nigeria to wake up to her responsibility before it’s too late and it’s almost too late. In two years, it would be a 100 years since our amalgamation; Nigeria has gone beyond a fool at 40 to a fool at a century”, Adefila fumed.

“But we can do it and it takes all of us to work together. We are excited about this, particularly since it’s coming from young people who are dreaming of a great future for Nigeria”.

Denrele’s Day

CENTURY

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40 TO A FOOL AT A

Onwenu

P. 24

he movement to spur beneficial change in Nigeria’s public and government life gains further impetus on Sunday, September 30 –the eve of Nigeria’s 52nd anniversary- in an exclusive theatre musicale event themed; “For the Love of Country” brought to stage at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Produced by the Creative Nigeria Project (CNP) in conjunction with Terra Kulture and Freedom Hall, the musicale’s aim is to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary with a socially conscious project. The organisers’ intend, through an eclectic fusion of sight, soul and sound by Nigeria’s most talented music artistes alongside dynamic performances by exceptional actors, to jar people into a sense of self and responsibility.

According to CNP’s Ferdinand Ladi Ademefe, “For the Love of Country” is about fanning the flames of patriotism, deepening our sense of unity and celebrating the beauty and diversity of our tribes without the pains of tribalism.

“We plan an artistic reflection of Nigeria that draws from our diverse talents, boundless energies, rich cultural heritage and creative rhythm. It is about striking the chord of that indomitable Nigerian Spirit which binds us together in spite of our broken past”, he stated during an interview with Friday Flavour.

The performance takes flight from the 1960s when Nigeria gained her independence, capturing the whole essence of that era –the joy and fulfilment of a promise. Then, it goes to the 80s and 90s when incessant military coups fragmented the morale of Nigerians, climaxing in 2020 when a new Nigeria emerges.

“There’s a general apathy among Nigerians where we remove ourselves from what is happening outside of our influence; they see the country as failed, forgetting that the people are the

P. 33

FOR THE LOVE OF COUNTRY

ADENRELE NIYI

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

Mirror Mongers

Friday, September 28, 2012

Flavour

Inside FCT

VOL. 2 No. 458

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oethe-Institut, together with the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) and iREP (the Documentary Film Festival) presents Kinshasa Symphony at its monthly film-screening of German, Nigerian and African films at the NFC office, Ikoyi, by 3.00 p.m.

Kinshasa Symphony, the 2009 documentary

by German directors Claus Wischmann and

Martin Baer, is a film about Congo, the people of Kinshasa and music.

It shows how people living in one of the most chaotic cities in the world have managed to forge one of the most complex systems of human cooperation ever invented; a symphony orchestra.

o mark the 52nd Independence anniversary of Nigeria, a three-day musical carnival co-sponsored by foremost Nigeria’s aluminium company, First Aluminium Nigeria Plc, which is the same age as Nigeria, holds at the Oniru Beach

in Lagos from Saturday, September 29 to Monday, October 1.

On Saturday, the event will feature Ice Prince, Terry G, Weird MC, Seun Kuti while Ali Baba and Julius Agwu will anchor the Saturday event. Sunday will feature gospel

artistes Keffi, Sammy Okposo, Yinka Ayefele, Buchi and Righteousman while comedians MC Abbey, Gordons and Obus will also be on duty.

The grand finale, which holds on Monday, October 1, will feature M.I, 2face Idibia, Mocheddah, Banky W, Whizkid, Femi Kuti and

Phenon while the he day will ll also be feaaturing comedians I go die, AY and I M.D First Aluminigo save. um, Mr. Ben Elfrink

Debate on film perspective in Lagos

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he three-day “Lights, Camera, Africa 2012 Film Festival” holds a discussion event tomorrow tailored around this year’s festival theme –

“Shine Your Eye: Film as Eyewitness”. The venue will be the Southern Sun Hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos between 3.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. This discussion, anchored by

Cora Art and Cultural Foundation and TheLifeHouse, is targeted at film-makers, students of film and general film and culture enthusiasts.

Escape

3-day Oniru Carnival starts

Kinshasa Symphony screens

P. 34-35

WEEKEND STARTERS

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Artman In The House

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, September 28, 2012

What production are you working on right now, the one for which you are holding rehearsals?

An Ordinary Legacy by Sefi Attah for the MUSON Festival this year. The play is to be staged on October 27.

Have classes at the Theatre Academy of the Centre for Media Development (CMD) resumed?

No, we are starting in January.

You also have a school?

My private one, yeah.

Isn’t there a conflict considering that you are the lead instructor at the CMD Theatre Academy?

For now, I have suspended mine because I’m more engaged in the CMD one.

Do you think what you are doing at the CMD will affect the entertainment industry considering that so many other people are not going for training?

Why I went into training in the first place was for it to affect the industry. By industry I’m generally thinking that you mean Nollywood. I don’t have problems with the stage people; it is the television and home video actors that I have problem with. What we have had over the years is just a kindergarten kind of acting. That is a lot of pain to me; that is why I went into training. And, yes, I have spent like seven years now basically teaching actors. I’m proud to say that some of the actors that I have taught, including the ones from AMBO house, they have gone ahead to do great jobs. I’m proud of their work and I think that as time goes on, they will continue to influence other actors that they work with on set. Definitely, my training is yielding positive results, and I’m happy about it.

There are more television and film productions than stage. Does that worry you?

It’s like that all over the world and it doesn’t worry me. That does not in any way say that stage is dying, it is still alive.

I’m not worried about stage actors because most of them who work on stage get training on the job. You work every day for like one or two months before you go on stage and by that time, you would have nearly perfected your act. You know exactly what you are doing as compared to the film or home video where you just have one day on set being directed by people who don’t know what they are doing in the first place. So, there is no development there. But on stage, you must be trained to be able to direct other people on stage.

You have crossed over…

I’m an actor in any medium.

Is that something that is easy for everyone to do?

It is not a matter of being easy or difficult; if you are an actor, you should be able to act in any medium, as a swimmer, you should be able to swim in any water.

But there seem to be few Nollywood actors on the stage?

It is because they are not actors. Simple.

If they are actors and they have got the will, the time and the general makeup, of course, they are invited.

Gloria and Nobert Young

I’m angry with Nollywood –Nobert Young A lot of people stumble into acting, but not Nobert Young, who consciously went to study Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan (UI) and later at the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

Nothing has changed about his passion for the stage. He took TERH AGBEDEH through this in an interview when he hosted Friday Flavour after a rehearsal for a play to be staged at the MUSON Festival this year.

One actress said recently that it is because of finance.

Is it everything you do because of money? What about the professional satisfaction? She is scared, she can’t act on stage.

Money is not everything.

The character you were interpreting on Family Ties, the running television soap is now being played by another actor. What informed that?

We had timing problems. By the time they were going back on set, I was engaged in CMD and I couldn’t leave CMD to go on set and work with them. So we agreed and somebody else took the role. I couldn’t leave the people I was training to go and do that job; the timing wasn’t good for me and they could not wait for me.

The impression was that most times, you are involved in more than one production simultaneously.

Well, I have never done more than two productions simultaneously. Sometimes you do a production and it does not come on air maybe until one year later and in that time, you would have done others. So, if incidentally, they both are on air at the same time, you would think that they were done at the same time. It depends on when the producers begin to air them but I have never done two at the same time. I finish with one before I go to another.

After Checkmate ran on TV in Nigeria, it went to the UK and it was said that those involved in the production got royalties. Is that true?

Very true. That’s why you must com-

mend people like Amaka Igwe, who don’t see themselves alone eating all the money.

It ran in England when it was still running in Nigeria. So, we were still shooting while we were receiving royalties in hard currency. Amaka Igwe is a good person; I’d say that about her anytime. It was the first time I received royalties for any job that I have done. The first and only time; I have not received any since then even though what I have done in the past is being shown all the time. Sometimes your contract does not say you will earn royalties. But other times it is specified in your contract, but would you go and start fighting producers to pay you? There is no time for that really.

People should just be true to themselves and do what they are supposed to do.

Actors, whether here or in Hollywood, prefer to work with certain directors. Is that the case with you?

I guess editors like certain reporters; I mean, you have your favourites, yeah. Every profession does it.

When you look back at that point when you got married, do you tell yourself it was the right time?

King Edward, when he attended a meeting that was supposed to start at 1.00 p.m. and he came in at about 4.00 p.m. and they said this meeting was supposed to start at 1.00 p.m., he said ‘when I come in, it’s 1 o’clock’. So, the right time is the right time. So, when I did it was the right time. I don’t feel that I lost anything. I did it when I’m supposed to have done it and I’m enjoying it. Family life is the best. No problems at all.

FACT FILE •

Fifty something year old Nobert Young is a talented actor who started acting at the University of Ibadan, after his Diploma in theatre arts.

•

He is married with a daughter to Gloria Young, who is also an actress.

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Some of his teachers include the late Professor Zulu Sofola, late Ola Rotimi, Bayo Oduneye, Professor Dapo Adelugba and Femi Osofisan.

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A household name in Nigeria viewers will not forget his performance in the now rested soap opera, Checkmate, where he played the role of a university teacher.

You and your wife are actors and you both have done well in your careers. When you go home, does the acting stop?

Work is work. We don’t act but we discuss; we talk about certain things if there are things to be talked about in terms of acting but it is not like we act at home. I always know where to draw the line.

If you were not in this industry, what would you have been doing, did you have a backup plan?

I never had any backup plan. I consciously went into school to study theatre arts and I didn’t think of anything else.

When my father was alive, he was telling me that I was going to be an engineer. I

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, September 28, 2012

L-R: Bob Okonedo Omokaro, Tina Mba and Nobert Young

I CONSCIOUSLY WENT INTO SCHOOL TO STUDY THEATRE ARTS AND

I DIDN’T THINK

OF ANYTHING ELSE tried to live his dream but before I even got into secondary school, he died. In secondary school, I tried to do sciences but it didn’t take me anywhere. So I just went into what I always loved, acting. I got the support of my mother and brother.

Perhaps if you didn’t go for that diploma course at the University of Ibadan…

That is very difficult to answer; I wouldn’t have known anything. I mean, I would have done something else and I would have been doing it with no regrets. I just liked theatre arts and I don’t know what else I would have become. When I want to do something, I acquire skills. That is the reason I’m angry with Nollywood; they think acting is an allcomers job and don’t think it is necessary to seek training. It’s wrong. Nobody should do that to him or herself. You should be good at what you do. I think it’s a basic human thing that when you decide to do something, then you must find out about that thing that you have decided to do and make the best use of it. So, going to Ibadan and UNIBEN helped me in doing what I’m doing.

But they say there are no teachers that can teach this.

That is not true. They have not looked for; they are all over the place. You don’t have to go to the universities, there are dance companies, acting companies scattered all over Nigeria being handled by trained actors and theatre persons. There are so many in the country. They are lazy and have not looked for these places.

Does one need to study acting under an expert like the apprentice would?

It is the same thing in most jobs that people do. The doctor for example does the Housemanship after the lecture hall.

Youth service is supposed to teach people certain things after school. Carpenters do the same thing; everybody does that. Lawyers practice under chambers when they are in school so those years of apprentice are very necessary. So you don’t just know the theory of it you know the practical aspect of it. You go to court while you are doing your apprenticeship and see how lawyers operate in court. Anything you do in life, after the theory in school, you must

Bimbo Manuel and Young in a scene from the new movie Heroes and Zeroes

seek the practical experience also. That is why it is good to train under/or with other actors. You learn from everywhere.

Do you find time to relax?

It is quite interesting, do you know that your job can be relaxation to you? I enjoy my job so much that I don’t feel any stress doing it. So, for me, it’s as if I’m on leisure because it’s not the kind of job you do carrying weight all over the place. You just sit down and align your brain to the things that you see around you, things that you’ve learned and heard. You bring everything together.

It’s like somebody composing music for example; you take the sounds around you to create music. The process of creation is so beautiful that you don’t even know that you are working. So, I relax all the time, what you may say is that I may not have time for holiday. Yes, because I have to work to make money. But inside work, I have leisure because by the nature of my job, we play and laugh a lot. Is it any wonder it’s called play? But again, to succeed at that play takes a lot of discipline and commitment. And I thank God I have both.

Which of the several stage plays you’ve been in would you say has left an impact in your life?

I remember all of them. You see, it’s difficult for me to answer that question because I’ve enjoyed all the plays I did on stage. It’s difficult to pick a particular one and say it has left a lasting impression in my mind. We did great plays in the University of Ibadan and University of Benin; plays that people would not ordinarily touch, except some very professional theatres outside Nigeria.

I’ve worked with so many foreign and local directors on stage and the intriguing impact is the directional approach; different styles, different people. When you do

Artman In The House one, you think this is it, but ut the next one you are doing may be better. r. In your mind you think it’s better but when hen you begin to sit down and look at alll the ones that you have done, they are great plays in their own right. But the direction is the intriguing part. Two directors ors will handle a play differently. That is what hat I like about it. I can remember directorss but I may not say one play is greater than n the others because each comes with its own wn challenges.

Having done some directing g too, what does it take to be a director? ?

I majored in directing. First irst of all, you must know what you are about. Why are you a director? What do you want to do as a director? You u take a script and look at it, what comes omes into your mind when you are reading the script. You firstt of all understand what the playaywright is saying; understand nd the direction, the subtext. t.

What is this person trying to say? When you convince yourself that you do understand that – a little consultation will not be bad also o – if you have the opportunity ty of meeting the writer, ask sk certain questions.

When you are now armed d with all these information, n, you begin to look at images, s, you take the script again n and begin to read it as a diirector. You begin to see immages, what kind of images es do you see? When you have ve formed that in your head, ad, this is a long process, you begin to think about the style tyle you are going to use to direct rect this to bring your message as conceived by the playwright ght and you, how to bring it to the knowledge and understandnding of an audience. And what hat class of audience are you talkalking about? You think aboutt all these things and you begin n to think about the principles of directing considering that the e stage is just a three dimension thing, ing, the breadth, the width and the height.

Locations have to be created ed there and the audience must believe eve that these locations are what they hey are supposed to be.

Then, you begin to think nk about reading pace, picturisation, balance, dialogue, placing the actorss in situation and all those kind of stuff. All those things come into yourr head and you begin to plot. Like they y say, the director is the jack of all trades des and master of all. Everything that iss seen on that stage is the thinking, the plotting otting and the idea of the director.

Now, if he has done a good ood job or not, is left to the critics, which is absent in Nigeria’s entertainment industry ustry. Which is an aberration and is responsible nsible for most rubbish going on. Critics don’t just come out, they must know the trade. ade. They must know the job of everybody y, so that when you criticise, you know exactly ctly what you are talking about. You must st situate it with particular principless that have been established long before re you were even born because those principles rinciples have not changed.

Nobert Young

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Critics

Friday, September 28, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Book

The phoenix syndrome It must be placed upfront that Rebuilding from Ground Zero is not another pennya-dozen motivational book. It is also not another of those get-rich-quick books written mainly by people who ironically, are not rich.

TAIWO O SUNSANYA

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his 234-page book by Seni Hazzan, a Nigerian with American inclinations and training, is in part his life’s experience and also his hands-on American experience of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center in New York.

Seni pulled his life from ground zero to the roaring success he is today. And as a respected player on Wall Street when 9/11 happened, he was drafted by the New York State Government among the team to set the tone for rebuilding from Ground Zero.

This is the book’s genesis and the 234-page book will yet be a classic. This is because Seni shows the trait of a voracious reader and a tireless researcher. He seems to have scoured every book ever written in search of corroboration for his original thesis. From the Bible which seems to have provided him so much inspiration, to all the great books you wished you had read, Seni proves to be a monstrous researcher.

But the book’s beauty is not in the quality of research that is apparent in it, ironically, but in the quality and originality of the author’s ideas. The book has a peculiar structure of 20 chapters broken into four parts. It starts with the exhilarating experience of the author on his journey to America and how he eventually conquered America, so to speak, by becoming the American dream. His rapid transformation from an indigent status in the rough and tumble of Lagos, to Yale University and then Goldman Sachs on Wall Street is in itself, a study in the phoenix syndrome.

From Ground Zero regales the reader with what it describes as the science of life which teaches that man is guided by nine divine laws that predict the

THE BOOK’S BEAUTY IS NOT IN THE QUALITY OF RESEARCH BUT IN THE QUALITY AND ORIGINALITY OF THE AUTHOR’S IDEAS

outcome of all his actions. How much of these laws a man knows readily would inexorably determine the quantum of success or failure one achieves in life. Though these are age-old facts and truisms embedded in books of life, the author has re-mastered and re-codified them to make them more applicable and to suit the exigencies of today.

Another important portion of the book is the chapter that treats what the author describes (and indeed copy-righted) as the power pyramid of achievement, also known as the ‘shortcut to wealth.

In this power pyramid is embedded such concepts as self-mastery, serving others, support system and the protective edge. According to the author, around this four pillars hang the make or mar design of every man. The power pyramid suggests that the amount of work one has to do is on oneself.

Would we allow ourselves to be shaped aright for the purpose for which we are created?

The effects of some of the author’s postulations can be almost magical to a first time reader but he suggests the need to internalise them and put them to sustained use. One more point that Seni brought poignantly to life is that the best kind of wealth is the one you make by serving others. According to him: “If you are in a vocation, or are pursuing a call

that will not provide you with endless opportunities to serve the greatest number of the people, you need to reconsider what you are doing…The men and women who have created great wealth are people who helped enough people to get what they want”.

Wealth as an end in itself is a mere heap of refuse. This is one key and pleasurable message of Rebuilding from Ground Zero. You can only do well by doing good to others is its sublime summation.

This book is capable of changing your life for good.

Uncannily, every man has a ground zero in his life: be a phoenix today and rise from your ashes.

Performance OYINKAN SOMORIN

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Crown Troupe in performance

ow seven years after his death, the Osanyin Foundation in conjunction with students from the Creative Arts Department came together to celebrate the 72nd posthumous birthday of the late Prof by featuring some of his works. The venue of this event was at the University of Lagos, Creative Arts Department and the evening started with high energy dance group Crown Troupe of Nigeria whose tribute to a man of Osanyin’s standing came via a performance of one of his poems titled Omodo (hired help). The drama sketch, which had a high Yoruba culture content, was choreographed by renowned Crown Troupe artistic director, Segun Adefila. Omodo presents the facts of life showing that individuals will have to work hard at their dreams and aspirations if they want to succeed; and according to Adefila, “Nobody can escape it, everybody is an Omodo as we all have a purpose to fulfill on earth”.

In treating the theme as written by Prof. Osanyin, the director revolves his story around a slave boy called Omodo whose life of servitude is with a family of four simply addressed as Mummy, Daddy and children known as Omolabake and Omodele. Mummy does not like Omodo and would subject him to physical and verbal abuse at any given opportunity while telling her children

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Critics

Friday, September 28, 2012

23

Video

Bitter-truth called Hold Me Back American rapper, Rick Ross takes reality in Nigerian slums to a controversial level.

But will this message be enough to motivate?

NGOZI EMEDOLIBE When I made this record, I wrote it in a mind of a N**** who may not have anything. You could stand in the rear, but that don’t determine where you end up”. – Rozay

I

t is good for every stride to leave footmarks. Rick Ross, in an apparent bid to rationalise his visit to Nigeria a few months back, has made a Nigerian version of the video to his hit song, Hold Me Back.

The song which is a motivating song about struggles and achieving results, which is the hallmark of hip hop in the United States, can in a lot of ways be likened to the realities of the Nigerian masses.

The video opens with the news of the end of the civil war that lasted for two and half years after claiming over two million lives and an address by the then military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, announcing that the end of the war was victory to reason. Then, gradually the scenes dissolve to the reality of everyday life in Nigeria’s city of Lagos. Scenes that are typically Nigerian like gun-wielding police men, militants, fighting youths, bad transportation system and poverty-stricken children competing for space with animals make the video true to its message about not letting economic hindrances hold anyone back.

But this is not likely to go down well with Nigerian people and their government, after all the billions of naira that have been spent on rebranding the nation.

While one would argue that Ross by shooting this

A still from Hold Me Back video

ONE GREAT ACHIEVEMENT THE VIDEO SEEMS TO HAVE RECORDED IS THAT ONLY

NIGERIANS CAN TELL THEIR STORY WELL video has told a partial story about Nigeria (by showing the negative aspect without highlighting the positive side), the paramount thing is the fact that Ross is in the business of shows. And to make an impact, he must take footages that his audience would like to see.

The kind of news story that show on foreign networks about Africa has always portrayed the negative aspect to the delight of their viewers overseas.

One great achievement the video seems to have recorded is that only Nigerians can tell their story well.

But this is lacking amongst our musicians who prefer to shoot their videos in South Africa, unconsciously telling the South African story, which has only spawned more appetite for South African locations in Nigerian music videos. The message is that the time is ripe for Nigerian musicians to embrace the challenge

Life goes on after 65 Bode Osanyin was a renowned Nigerian playwright, scholar and lecturer in the University of Lagos before his death in 2005. He specialised in plays and poetry and he also found the course AfriCaribbean Festival which exposes students to stark reality of Africans in the Diaspora. The Bode Osanyin Foundation was found after his death to appreciate his works of art and some of the late lecturer’s students came together to remember him on stage. not to have any form of personal interaction with the slave. However, unknown to her, the children and Omodo are best of friends, especially Omolabake who is in love with Omodo.

The slave boy is denied education by the family but fortunately, he is able to listen in on lessons being taught in a nearby school; thus, Omodo’s metal ability begins to develop. This he transfers to Omolabake, a dullard, who he schools on difficult subjects.

Unfortunately for him, when Mummy realises this she is enraged and Omodo is beaten to a state of unconsciousness –he also loses an eye to the assault. In a twist which shows unbelievable human resilience and optimism, the director’s portrayal shows the slave boy dreaming of himself being great one day and Omolabake by his side.

In this performance, Crown Troupe’s dramatisa-

tion does great justice to a classic piece from Osanyin. The drama, essentially more of miming than dialogue, shows the characters making adept use of the stage, a trait characteristic of Adefila’s troupe.

For a sad tale, comic relief and situational conflict resolution keeps the audience entertained and lighthearted.

Ikongio Jeremiah, who plays the role of Omodo, wows the crowd with his great performance as he actually makes the crowd feel sorry for him even as donations are made while the drama is still ongoing. Akrah Joy, cast in the role of mummy, interpreted her role as a very wicked person and Opeodu Maryann as Omolabake, showed that despite how things goes, there is always someone there to show love. The play really envisioned the title of the poem Omodo and it could be described as an emotional act of gratitude to the late professor.

of shooting their own videos to show the positive aspects that Ross failed to show in his video.

Some may hold the view that Ross shot the video out of strong aversion for what Nigeria represents, but that is not true, considering the fact that he has an American version of the video, which was also shot in an American slum, an admission that there is also hustling in the USA. Aside the moral implications of the video, technically it is good, just like one would expect from Ross.

The editor must be commended for the brilliant mixture of images, which made wonderful scenes in the video. Commendation also needs to go to the director of the video, considering that it was shot at Obalende and Marina, a portion of Lagos that would pose a challenge of crowd control to the crew. From the final footages, it is obvious that they battled with this challenge successfully.

While Rick Ross has told his story of Nigeria, the video should have also been a good avenue to tell his story of the bad business relationship he once had in Cross River State, which would have deteriorated to the same fate that once befell international stars like Eddy Grant and Jimmy Cliff. His Hold Me Back was mute on this, and this, may be unacceptable to his fans.

IN THIS PERFORMANCE, CROWN TROUPE’S DRAMATISATION DOES GREAT JUSTICE TO A CLASSIC PIECE FROM

OSANYIN

It didn’t end here; another performance by foremost Nigerian children’s theatre group, “Footprint of David”. They gave a short dance choreography directed by Seun Awobajo and titled “Mo di’gbo” meaning “I vote” in Yoruba context. The performance was about electoral processes and the electorate deciding who deserves its votes. Two ballot boxes were brought on stage; one of the boxes received more of the cast votes while the other a few cast by lethargic voters who couldn’t stand the rush for the popular box. The uproar and upheaval associated with political contests in Nigeria was well captured.

Although the choreographer did a terrific job with the children, some errors could be seen in the performance. However, there was not a dull moment at the event, which was signed off with the son of the late professor, Barrister Olaolu Osanyin, confessing that “even though my father is gone, his works will not die but shall be appreciated by all”. And Olaolu Osanyin showed this appreciation donating an air conditioner for the creative arts auditorium.

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Inside FCT

Friday, September 28, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FCT: Residents relish season of bountiful ‘fruitful’ harvests TOLA AKINMUTIMI

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ne of the long-held beliefs about natural occurrences in all climes is that every bad thing has its good side which may only be discernible by those with deeper insight into natural phenomena and their implications for living. In most cases, interpretation of such happenings depend more on the cultural and sociological backgrounds of the individual involved and location of such occurrences.

For millions of people in the temperate regions, particularly in Nigeria, rainy season is usually celebrated as the harbinger of good tidings in view of potential climatic succour it promises for famished lives and fauna. With it comes renewed hope of improved food crops and other benefits. In some cases and as it is becoming increasingly manifesting in recent times, the season has ironically become a season of anomie to many as its ugly side wrecks havoc of devastating proportions on people; destroying the planks upon which their hopes of a glorious future is built.

Today, what has turned out to be a ‘curse’ of some sorts for millions of internally displaced persons in Borno, Kaduna, Lokoja and many other towns under the scourge of heavy rain appears to be what fruit lovers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), are relishing.

As lorry loads of fruits, namely water melons, oranges, pineapples, peas and other species get to markets so are con-

sumers falling over themselves to get the best of these fresh, delicious and affordable fruits for their homes. Indeed, even the poor are not left out in the rush for these juicy fruits.

At the main markets in the Abuja metropolis and satellites towns and villages, the fruits sellers are doing a great deal of business as consumers continue to besiege their stalls daily, especially after office hours for choice fruits which people in other cities like Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt and Enugu are not likely to get with such ease.

At the various markets in Lugbe, Kubwa, Mararaba, Gwagwalada, Pape, Karu, Jikowoi and others, the fleet of cars at sideways on weekdays show the booming fruits business.

A civil servant and mother of three, Mrs. Angela Adigwe, who buys fruits almost on daily basis, told Inside FCT that nothing compares to fresh fruits in her family’s delicacies as the children even prefer them to other food items.

“This is the best time for my children since they like fruits so much that if you give them the fleshy types like pawpaw, water melon and pineapple, they will be as satisfied as taking the normal food. So what I do is visit the market daily for fruits to make the children happy.

“It is a fact that fruits have many benefits in the body and only a few people would not like to eat fruits if they are aware of their health benefits. In fact, I am not only just buying for my immediate family but to entertain our guests,

A fruit seller’s stall in Abuja

WE WANT GOVERNMENT TO HELP US BUILD A PLACE TO PRESERVE FRUITS

AGAINST DECAY; THIS IS THE PROBLEM WE HAVE NOW particularly at the weekends”, Adigwe said.

A fruit seller in Kubwa market, Mallam Shuiab Ali, told Inside FCT of the good time dealers in fruits and vegetables are experiencing now given the demanddriven profits.

“Oga, we thank Allah for this market now. People are coming to buy very well, especially women who have been our customers. We get supplies from Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue and other states everyday because this is the season and we are getting profit.

“But, we want government to help us

build a place to preserve the fruits against decay; this is the problem we have now.

The fruits go bad after three four days if we don’t sell. If we have a cool place to keep the fruits for up to two weeks, it will help us and the farmers.

“We reduce what we buy because we don’t want the fruits to spoil and this is not good for farmers who have more than enough to sell”, Ali said.

A truck driver, Adamu, who spoke with our reporter at Lugbe FHA junction market while trying to discharge his cargo of fruits and vegetables, confirmed Ali’s concern about farmers’ predicament, saying in pidgin English that, “the things dey spoil well well for farm. My oga dey buy from farmers in Nasarawa, Benue and Plateau states but the farmers dey complain because of the spoil wey their market dey spoil for farm”.

The question is how early will the ongoing transformation agenda in the agricultural sector help to arrest the seasonal losses of farmers which, in real terms, are national losses in terms of financial, health and other socio-economic benefits?

Traders bombard National Assembly grounds TORDUE SALEM

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nlike a few months ago when the annual vacation of legislators turned the vicinity of the National Assembly into what could be likened to a ghost town, last week’s resumption of the lawmakers has ushered in an expected rise in activities.

Before now, particularly from 2000 to 2003, decorum had been cast away as the immediate surroundings of the National Assembly encouraged ‘freedom to all’ with Nigerians basking in the euphoria of the air of freshness and freedom that are hallmarks of democratic governance.

The idea that all must have access to the people’s chambers in furtherance of the democratic concept was plausible.

But then, like every unregulated freedom, abuses have come in the environment with everybody, particularly traders and ubiquitous army of fortune seekers, extending the frontiers too far.

As the honourables and senators resumed last week with their primary leg-

WE ARE NOT DOING OUR BUSINESS ON THE FLOOR OF ANY OF THE

CHAMBERS SO, I DON’T THINK IT SHOULD BE A BIG DEAL islative assignments begging for urgent attention, so has the open spaces near the National Assembly complex been turned into trading havens by returnee vendors of recharge card, clothing, snacks and others in defiance of the security restraints and heavy rains.

“Everything is game for abuse in Nigeria. It is right to say it is a people’s parliament, but the people for whom it was built should know that there is a purpose to every institution. Their mission there must be clearly defined, otherwise, they will constitute a nuisance”, a staff of the National Assembly told Inside FCT.

For citizens who cannot draw the line between civic rights and unnecessary heckling, the idea that a thousand ‘fortune seekers’ and an unruly crowd would daily besiege the National Assembly is no “big deal”.

“We are not doing our business in the Lobby or on the floor of any of the chambers so, I don’t think it should be a big deal”, a regular trader at NASS, who is in the clothing retail business shrugged.

There are hundreds like her in the trade, slugging it out to eke out a living at the National Assembly. Besides the throng of GSM recharge card vendors, there is also a growing army of food vendors who have cast an ugly shadow on the landscape.

As you pull up at the parking space before the last gate, you are greeted by a cluster of kiosks and snack show glasses, opposite the last entrance mounted by security men before the Public Arena.

The food vendors extend their territory to the Annex, where a makeshift tent boasts of some of the most talented fastfood vendors and a dingy and gloomy Buka

(local eatery) always filled with people.

An extension of the new parking lot has new makeshift guests. This time the sight an eyesore. As one drives into the parking extension, a sprawl of ‘Bukas’ dot the roadside from the Annex to the junction that links the first gate. But it appears the rules are taut on one end and loose on the other end. While security has been tightened recently in terms of visits and appointments, the trading community is unhindered.

“People have to eat and at affordable rates too. Though we at first thought we wanted to stop them (the traders) from coming, but we decided that the decision should be reviewed”, a security staff submitted.

Doubtlessly, as some analysts have noted, some recent changes noticeable in the hurly-burly of trading activities near the hallowed chambers of the legislature could be attributed to a change of the security baton at the NASS. One feels strongly that even when democracy thrives on freedom, its excesses must be curtailed.

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

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

25

Call to Worship

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

RELATED BY BUKHARI AND MUSLIM

Baitul Futuh mosque opens in Morden

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he Baitul Futuh mosque is the largest mosque complex in Western Europe. It can hold up to 10,000 worshippers and it is owned by Ahmadiyyah Muslims, who constructed the first London mosque in Putney, South-West London, almost 80 years ago.

The new structure, which is adorned with a 15.5 meter dome, is named the Baitul Futuh mosque. Its construction was funded entirely by voluntary donations from individual community members.

The inauguration ceremony is expected to symbolise how the community, which condemns any form of extremism, has peacefully co-existed and integrated in Britain for almost a century.

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the new world wide supreme head of the community, will inaugurate the mosque with Friday prayers.

British devotees, together with representatives from about 50 other countries, are expected to fill the mosque to its capacity.

Rafiq Ahmed Hayat, president of the UK community, said: “It’s a second historic occasion for the Ahmadi Muslims to add to the heritage of British culture and to the presence of the Muslim community in Britain.

“We built the very first London mosque in 1924, which has become a tourist landmark of South-West London.

H

adhrat Khalifatul Masih began his Friday sermon by reciting the following verses of the Holy Qur’an. The translation reads: ‘Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet. O ye who believe! you also should invoke blessings on him and salute him with the salutation of peace.

Verily, those who annoy Allah and His Messenger — Allah has cursed them in this world and in the Hereafter, and has prepared for them an abasing punishment.’ (33:57 – 58) These days, an intense wave of indignation has swept through the Muslim world; in Muslims countries, as well as among Muslims living in different countries of the world in response to an extremely crude and offensive act of antiIslam elements. Whether or not a Muslim has proper insight of the real station of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him), he is ready to give his life for

‘You can protest, but protest without being violent’ 27

The Baitul Futuh mosque.

Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya

Upholding the honour of the Holy Prophet (saw) his respect and honour. Indignation of every Muslim is natural at the crude and offensive film made about the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him)

Sports hijabs help Muslim women 31

and the wicked way in which affront has been directed at him in it. He, who was a benefactor of humanity, mercy for all the worlds and beloved of God and who stayed

awake at nights in his sorrow for humanity, who expressed so much anguish to save humanity that God in the heavens said: The extremely insulting film about this great benefactor of humanity was surely going to make a Muslim’s heart bleed and it did. And more than anyone, it pained Ahmadi Muslims for we are the followers of the true and ardent devotee of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) who gave us the insight and perception of the great station of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). Our hearts are torn at this gross act and we are extremely hurt and wounded.

We prostrate before God to contend with the perpetrators and make them a cautionary sign that would last till the end of the world. film. It is said that he has a criminal background and was imprisoned in 2010 for fraud. The person who has directed the CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

The problem of the country is bad leaders 29

26

Call to Worship

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

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Preparing for Hajj (Pilgrimage) D B …

“

y performing pilgrimage to Makkah, you will transcend yourself from being nationalistic, sectarian or denominational into being universal, you will be a part and an essential constituent of the Rainbow of Islaam.

You will also be part of the brotherhood of Islaam with those who already submitted themselves to the Creator. At the same time, you will get rid of (if any) inferiority or superiority complex. You will find yourself in synchrony and harmony with all the prophets and messengers of Allah since the creation of Adam and Eve until the last and final Messenger to Mankind, Prophet Muhammad ((SAW). While at Makkah, you will be able to visit the places of revelations of the Qur’aan as well as the places visited

by Prophet Abraham and members of his family such as Hajar and Ismaa‘il. You will visit the first house of worship to God on earth, the Ka‘abah. In addition, you will visit the place where the first astronauts – Adam and Eve landed on earth.”

To experience or feel the above quintessence of Hajj, you must get its perspectives right and carry out its rites rightly. The first step is the intention. It precedes every action in Islam. It is the core determinant whether a deed will be accepted or not.

O NOT EMBARK ON IT

FOR POLITICAL REASON

GO ON HAJJ TO WORSHIP ALLAH (SWT) ALONE, TO PLEASE HIM, TO WITNESS TO HIS ONENESS AND UNITY OF HUMANITY

Hence, a Muslim who intends to perform or renew his Hajj cannot but purify his intention. He should from the point of decision commit everything he wants to do to please Allah (SWT). It is such a serious thing that it is only during Hajj one is to make one’s intention aloud at the point in which one is to assume the Ihraam (wearing hajj dress).

In all other worships in Islam, intention is made in the heart without pronouncing it aloud.

Do not embark on Hajj because you want to be called Alhaji or Alhaja. Do not even embark on Hajj because you want to go and pray for a particular problem or ailment you have to be solved. Do not embark on it because you want to transact some businesses. Do not embark on it for politi-

cal reason…Go on Hajj to worship Allah (SWT) alone, to please Him, to witness to His oneness and unity of humanity. Embark on it to renew your servitude to Allah (SWT). Thereafter, you can then supplicate for anything you want.

Every Muslim should have intention for Hajj at all time. Money should not be a barrier. Just intend it and pray to Allah (SWT) to assist you. If at the long run you do not go, you will still be rewarded for your good intention. You should be in Hajj mood throughout the Hajj period. You should interact in your mind with all the Hajj rites.

The next thing you do is preparation. This includes intellectual, spiritual, financial and psychological preparations. An intending pilgrim should read about Hajj and meet those who have gone for enlightenment. You should attend seminar on Hajj for further clarifications. The resources committed into Hajj are so huge that one cannot afford to waste it by failure to know how to carry out the rites as directed by our noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

We read from the traditions of the Prophet (SAW) that spread of ignorance is one of the signs of the Last Day. This is very manifest in the performance of Hajj today.

This does not exclude even the Hajj bodies

or operators who convey others for Hajj.

One who does not know and understand these Hajj rites definitely think all that people do there is part of the rites especially if one is a first timer. For example, the only place one kisses at the Ka‘bah is the Hajar Aswad. But you will see ignorant pilgrims kissing almost every part of the Ka‘bah because they see others doing so and think that it is right. There is a part called Ruknu Yamani(the corner before the black stone), one is only expected to rub over it with one’s palm and nothing but that. You are not to kiss the palm, but you will see the ignorant pilgrims doing this. Another thing you will see is people who bring the so-called ‘tesbiu’ (the real name is subkhah, that is rosary), handkerchief, turban and the like and using it to rub over just any available part or space at the Ka’bah thinking that that will make it blessed.

Dr. Zafaran is the Director, Vanguards Academy

Islam and Peace

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L-R: Editor-in-Chief/Managing Director, Deen Communications Limited, Mr. Mudathir Olaniyi Sanuth; Chief Marketing Officer, MTN, Mr. Larry Annetts, and Chief Executive Officer, Fun Mobile Limited, Mr. Yahaya Maibe, at a raffle draw conducted by the MTN to sponsor 18 muslim faithful/ MTN subscribers to Hajj in Lagos recently.

Hajiah Risqoh and Mallam Yusuf Tijani during their Nikkah ceremony last weekend.

any non-muslims regard Islam as a religion that promotes violence, terrorism and war.

Unfortunately, their view of Islam is based on the general media, which is not always accurate in reporting the news.

Many media outlets, such as TV, radio, newspapers and magazines, are influenced by their investors or owners who have certain agendas and who want to promote certain values. Majority of these media outlets are simply after the “big story” in order to make more money.

Others are simply “followers”, who only gather news from other sources, repackage it and try to sell it again purely as a business.

In all these cases, the news reporting is not accurate, but is driven by ulterior motives or simply by profits. Only very few media organizations are committed to providing accurate and true information, regardless of financial gain. Therefore, people today should be very careful in what they take from the media.

Islam is in fact a religion that promotes peace and understanding among people of all faiths, and it strongly prohibits all forms of violence and aggression against all people regardless of their faith or race.

Islam clearly prohibits all kinds and forms of aggression and violence against anyone. Islam is a practical religion and is meant to be implemented in every aspect of our life. Therefore, it realizes the fact that a person who commits aggression and violence against others will not cease these actions unless they are deterred by similar actions taken against them.

Islam also places very high importance on justice, and allows for aggressors and unjust people be punished accordingly unless they repent before they are brought to justice. At the same time, Islam encourages people to forgive those who have wronged them whenever possible.

Arikunkewu

IN ALL THESE CASES, THE NEWS REPORTING IS NOT ACCURATE, BUT IS DRIVEN BY ULTERIOR MOTIVES OR SIMPLY BY PROFITS Evidence of these ideals can be found in the Holy Qur’an and Hadiths.

Ideals of Islam are but not limited to pursuing of peace with everyone including past enemies, ensuring that we always apply justice and never transgress against others even if they are our enemies, repelling evil actions with good actions in order to replace hatred with an intimate friendship and responding to punishment with the same punishment, but that forgiveness and patience is even better than retaliation.

Sheikh Abdul Ganniyy Umar Arikunkewu is the Founder/National Chief Missioner of Jublatu Rohfatu Llahi Islamic Society Of Nigeria (JUBFAT)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, September 28, 2012

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Dhul Qaddah 14, 1433AH

Call to Worship

27

‘You can protest, but don’t be being violent’ L ATEEFAH IBRAHIMANIMASHAUN

H

aving observed the global protests triggered by a film produced in the US which reportedly tarnished the image of Prophet Muhammad, the Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), an Umbrella group for Muslim organisations in Nigeria has recommended that Muslims maintain caution in reacting to the film. ”We condemn the film, “Innocence of Muslims”

in the strongest possible terms and describe the producers and promoters as pathological haters, enemies of international peace and security and agents of the devils”, he said.

Sheikh Abdur Rahman Ahmad said this during a press briefing at the World Press Conference/ General Meeting of Conference of Islamic Organisation, held recently, at Beleke Smith Memorial Central Mosque Hall, Surulere, Lagos.

“Muslims will never accept that the symbols

of Islam, such as our Creator, Allah, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and all other prophets sent

by God, the Qur’an, and our places of worship are subjected to ridicule, insult and attack in the name of freedom of expression”, he said.

The film was said to have been produced by an organisation called Media for Christ and that Muslims have not, as a result of this issue, given unhealthy attack on to Christians based on this event.

He stated that Islam abhors taking of lives of

innocent and guilty as any country (as in the US) and a people (as in the Muslims or Islam) will be punished over the offence committed by a misguided and mischievous individual or group.

“That is why all wellmeaning Muslims and members of CIO condemn, unequivocally, the deplorable death of the US Ambassador to Libya and three other US Embassy staff. This has no place in Islam”, he said.

He said as a result of public outbursts of rage and indignation expressed

sacred by other religions and cultures.

CIO commended the US government for its effort to seek the views of Muslims on how to promote better relations between the Muslim world and the US, following the protests over the film produced by a US citizen.

He stated that even though Muslims the world over are absolutely enraged by the provocative film, majority of them are being cautioned in their reactions by the teachings of their prophet (SAW).

‘Nigeria pilgrims should represent the country well’

Islam against violent campaign, says Oloyede

L ATEEFAH IBRAHIMANIMASHAUN

N

T

he Chief Imam of the University of Ibadan Mosque, Prof.

Abdurrahman Oloyede has said that violence and other forms bombing of churches and mosques in the country is against the tenets of Islam.

He said incidents of bombings and unwarranted killings associated with the Boko Haram sect were against Islamic tenets which were anchored on peaceful coexistence.

The cleric emphasized the need for secular education among Muslims to further equip them for social development and economic emancipation.

Oloyede charged clerics in the country to focus on areas that could develop their followers.

He also urged leaders in the country to see democracy as an opportunity to uplift the status of their followers through provision of basic amenities.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) in Oyo, Mr Gbenga Opadotun, said there is need for unity and peace among all religious adherents in the state.

He stressed the need for peaceful co-existence among Nigerians irrespective of ethnic and religious differences.

by Muslims across the world, the organisation has decided to take steps to correct the unfortunate situation through a meeting between the representatives of CIO and the officials of the US Embassy in Lagos.

He said the Consul General, Mr Hawkins, acknowledged and appreciated the non-violent and constructive dialogue approach adopted by CIO and most Muslims in Nigeria and condemned the film, as well as any deliberate effort to ridicule, insult or attack symbols considered

Convener Sheikh Abdurrahman Ahmad flanked by CIO Mufty, Shiekh Dhikrullahi (right) CIO Coordinator Imam Abdullahi Shuaib during a Press Conference held yesterday at Beleke Smith Memorial Central Mosque Hall, Surulere, Lagos.

Agency transports 2,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in 3 days

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he Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency said it had transported 2,000 out of the 5,670 pilgrims registered for this year’s Hajj in the past three days.

Alhaji Usman Suru, the Executive Secretary of the agency, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Monday that pilgrims from Aliero, Augie, Bagudo and Koko/Besse local government areas had departed.

He said the agency had prepared adequately for the accommodation, welfare, medical and transportation needs of the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

“For the 2012 Hajj, Kabo and Max Airlines will transport the pilgrims to the holy land and back with their lug-

gage on time.”

He said in addition to logistics and other arrangements for a hitch free exercise, the pilgrims had been sensitised to the consequences of engaging in illegal acts.

“The agency had also emphasised to the pilgrims the need to be good ambassadors of Nigeria by avoiding acts that could tarnish its image. “ Suru commended Gov. Saidu Dakingari for releasing N450 million to enable the agency secure befitting accommodation, feeding and medical care for the pilgrims.

“The houses secured are located in close proximity to the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina, to ensure convenience of the pilgrims, “ he added.

igerian Muslims performing this year’s Hajj have been enjoined to live up to their spiritual, moral and social biddings on the life time journey and not tarnish the country’s good image by abiding by the Saudi laws so as to be worthy representatives of the country.

The National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) made this appeal at the commencement of airlift of pilgrims.

It was noted that Hajj entails discipline, affection, tolerance, perseverance, and good neighbourliness and, therefore, urged them to imbibe good virtues in order to maximize the gains of pilgrimage.

The statement reminded the pilgrims not to tarnish the country’s good image by abiding by the Saudi laws, noting that such compliance projects the good image of the country abroad. The apex youth body further implored them to pray for the country to surmount the peace and security challenges posing threat to her corporate existence.

‘Stop frustrating the course of justice’ L ATEEFAH IBRAHIMANIMASHAUN

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uslims have been called upon to uphold the principle of justice and to avoid frustrating the course of justice but to be rather fair in all endeavors to enhance good relationship between the low class and high class.

Chief Imam, Lagos State House of Assembly made this known at the Lagos State House of Assembly Central Mosque while speaking on the Concept of Justice in Islam as he said whoever frustrates justice will be frustrated before Allah on the day of judgement.

He said mankind needs to be just to their creator as a form of expressing

gratitude for his mercy on them which will serve as a form of recognition and appreciation.

“Allah wants us to be just. He is the Lord of Justice. If you worship Allah, the way you ought to do it, that means you are just to Him who has created you”, he said.

He decried lawyers who publicly declare that they are appeal lawyers and specialist on bad cases to desist from this habit before the creator of the universe punishes them for this offence.

He stated that the government is putting in place, in legislations to make life meaningful to Nigerians and that there are some people who are ready to frustrate these legislation as a means

of protecting their own selfish interest which usually affects the development of the country He said Allah has been just to human beings by sending books to serve as guidance to them on how they will live a befitting life and be free from the punishment of Allah on the day of judgement.

He said thousands of anti-Islam film cannot defame the personality of Prophet Muhammad as he said the prophet is a mercy to mankind.

“Do not kill, maim nor destroy in the name of Islam because during the life of Prophet Muhammad, he was stoned and there was no riot, which means that we have to emulate him in handling such matters as this.

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

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

38TH NATIONAL IJTEMA (CONVENTION) MAJLIS ANSARULLAH HELD AT JAMIA AHMADIYYA GROUND, ILARO-OWODE ROAD,ILARO, OGUN STATE

L-R: Sadr Ansarullah, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji Mikail Odukoya (right) and Alhaji Falilu Adalemo, at the presentation of posthumous award for the late Alhaji Adalemo, during the Ijtema.

L-R: Naib Amir, Special Duties, Alhaji Al Hassan Hameed; Amir, Dr. Mahhhud Fashola Adenrele; former Ogun State Military Governor, Gen. Saidu Balogun; Sadr. Alhaji Mikail Odukoya; Engr.

Ismail Daisi; Vice- Chairman, CAN, Most Senior Bishop G A Dada; Naib Amir, South East, Dr. Abdul Ganiyyu Enahoro and others, at the event.

L-R: General Overseer , Christ Saves Church, Oke Ibese Ilaro, Rev. J I Olowokere; Chairman, Jalsa Taribiyya, Alhaji Muhammed Shittu; General Secretary, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Mr. Raji Dauda, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Ilaro, Cafe Christ Felix Opeifa; Coordinator, Yewa South Zone, CAN, Very Revd I K Ajibode and Principal Jamia School, Maulana Z T Ayyuba, at the convention.

L-R: Chief Imam Ilaro, Alhaji Muhammed Tajudeen Adewunmi; Gen.Saidu Balogun; General Secretary, Admin. Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Uncle T O Shoboyede; Sadr. Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Rebulic of Benin, Alhaji Tokpo Maliek and Qaid Ummini, Pa Raji Sahibu.

PHOTOS: BAYOOR EWUOSO

Z&SF provides succour for Lagos residents Anti-Islam movie: Leave vegenance

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n Islamic Faith-Based Organisation, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (Z&SF), recently came to the rescue of some Lagos residents by addressing the severe deprivation suffered by the Migbewe, Ago-Egun community of Makoko, Lagos State.

The foundation provided three boreholes in three different locations within the community and the residents were full of praises and appreciation as they went into jubilation when the project was commissioned by the council chairman, Hon. Jide Jimoh recently.

According to the Executive Director of Z&SF, Alhaji Abdullahi Shuaib, the project is part of the activities of the foundation across the nation to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.

He explained that each borehole has a 2,400 litre capacity storage tank and a standby generator to ensure that the people have regular water supply.

“This initiative has highlighted the possibility of Public-Faith-Partnership (PFP) between the foundation and the government in the delivery of urban services to the poor and vulnerable people.”

Upholding the honour of the Holy Prophet (saw) CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 film is a director of pornographic films and the actors in the film are also actors of pornographic films. The excesses of pornography are beyond one’s imaginations and here they purport to criticize that person for whose high morals and purity even God bore witness. By perpetrating this obscenity they have certainly called on God’s wrath and they continue to do so. Similarly the sponsors of this film cannot avoid God’s chastisement including that Christian priest who time and again has tried to burn the Qur’an for cheap publicity in US. ‘Our Lord, break them in pieces, a complete breaking up and reduce them to dust. ’Some sections of the media have condemned this film

and have also condemned the Muslim reaction. It is correct, wrong reaction should be condemned, but it should be noted who initiated it all. It is the misfortune of Muslims that all this is happening due to Muslims not having any unity or leadership. They claim ardent love of the Prophet but are distant from faith with no knowledge of it and are also weakening in worldly sense. No Muslim country has fully protested to another country. If any protest has been made it was so weak that the media took no attention. If any news item was given on the objection of Muslims it was that 1.8 billion Muslims are reacting like children. In the absence of anyone at the helm it would be so, thus with this sarcastic remark reality was also brought to the fore.

to Allah –Amir Ahmadiyya

T

he Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji (Dr.) Mashhud Adenrele Fashola has condemned the violence that trailed the release of a film that disparage the character of the holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW).

He condemned the action in his opening remark during the 38th Annual National Ijtema of Majlis Ansarullah Silsila Aliya Ahmadiyya Nigeria that was held in Ilaro, Ogun state recently.

He reminded his listeners that Allah has charged all muslims to endure the insults of infidels and put trust in Him. In his words, “don’t let the statements, utterances or actions of infidels against the holy prophet or Islam bother you because Prophet Mohammed (SAW) was insulted more than that during his lifetime and he never reacted violently”. He said that prophet Mohammed (SAW) was attacked physically, but he only prayed to Allah to guide his attackers through the right path. This, he did, because Prophet Mohammed (SAW) is seen as mercy to all creations. He decried the number of lives already lost and charged all Muslims worldwide to put a halt to these killings.

He told his audience to pity the few rascals that are behind the release of this provocative film because Almighty Allah will deal with them accordingly at an appropriate time.

He told Muslims not to see these people as enemies, but rather as people that need enlightenment as he said, tolerance and righteousness are part of the objectives of any religion.

Meanwhile, in his lecture titled “Love for all, hatred for none”, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Folorunsho Alatoye told the gathering that humanity is one and we must be nice to one another, no matter the race, colour or religion.

He said that love for all will lead to eradication of poverty in the world, thereby addressing the sufferings among the masses.

He, however, said that love for all does not mean condoning evil things as he charged his audience to always say the truth without fear or favour.

He quoted various chapters of the holy Qur’an and hadith that support his chosen topic.

He concluded his lecture by offering prayers for our leaders so that they will do the right thing while in power, knowing fully well that power is transient.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

Call to Worship

29

The problem of our country is bad leaders As Nigerians celebrate the 52nd Independence anniversary on Monday, Islamic scholars and observers seem not to be happy with the current state of things in the country. In an interview with the the Chief Imam of NTA channel 10, Tejuosho, Lagos and also a popular presenter of Ramadan Diet on NTA 2 Lagos network centre, Ustaz Haroon Thani tells LATEEFAH IBRAHIMANIMASHAUN the way forward for the on country

Nigeria is 52; can you state some of the achievements of the country vis a Vis religion so far?

Linking religion to the nation’s 52 years after independence may be difficult to assess. But I think the point needed to be made here is that religion is expected to enhance the value of our lives. Many Nigerians, including our leaders do identify with one religion or another, but to what extent do we adhere to the teachings of the religion? Nigeria would be better if we take to the high moral standards set by the religion. It’s the absence of the fear of God that make leaders make promises that are not meant to be fulfilled. It’s the same problem that makes the people to indulge in anti-social behaviours and vices.

Corruption in Nigeria People are corrupt for many reasons.

First and above all, is the same the absence of the fear of God. Also, our value system has become deteriorated to the extent that many Nigerians tend to believe that life itself is about money and wealth, and anything could be done to become rich because that is what the government has made of them. As we all know, that every society is made up of two elements; the government and the family. The latter is the micro society and it produces for the former while the former moulds and shapes the products. Whatever result we get from Nigerians today, either home or abroad, it is as due to what the government wants.

Government has successfully made paper money the yardstick. Meanwhile, the family cannot play a significant role. Unlike in the past, nobody cares to know about the source of your wealth. People at the corridors of power continue to embezzle the people’s wealth because we fail to rebuke them. We cannot collectively condemn their evil acts, perhaps, because the offender is from our tribe or ethnic group or better still from our religion. There is no other time than now to stand and speak against all acts of corruption as Nigerians.

Have we utilized our potential as a nation?

Of course, not! No nation in the world seems to be as blessed as Nigeria. I repeat, with a capital NO. Despite our enormous human and material resources, majority of Nigerians are still living below the poverty line. We can build factories and employ Nigerians, but our leaders prefer to import almost everything we need in the country from abroad. That is why our Naira has

government. Government should positively and sincerely engage the youths and it should also be on top of every development using its different machinery.

What is the way forward?

Way forward? Some people profer revolution while others say we should evolutionize it.I belongs to the second school of thought of Evolution. Let all of us begin from our homes. The home is the foundation.

The home produces the greedy politicians and God fearing ones. If we nurture our children with high moral values, then the society will emerge strong and virile.

Ustaz Haroon Thani

lost its value. In the past, our currency used to compete favorably with many major currencies in the world, particularly Pounds. Today, it’s all stories. Nigeria can be great if we allow good leaders to emerge; leaders who do not only love their people, but are also benevolent, selfless and focused. By leaders, I do not mean political leaders alone, rather religious leaders are sometimes worse. I will borrow from the statement of the last prophet, Muhammad (PBUH), “two elements of the society. If they are good the people would be good and if they are bad the people would be bad; they are the political and religious leaders”.

The Nigerian society today epitomizes the pre-European revolution society where the poor were made to lick the booth of the rich before getting his daily bread. It is indeed a Serfdom!

Talk on Nigeria’s leadership – before, at and after independence.

It’s simple. Our past leaders (before, during and shortly after independence) are patriotic, benevolent and much more interested in the people they represented. As for our leaders today, they are opposite. Let’s say one and half decade after independence reverse is the case. That’s why I said we need God fearing, selfless and benevolent leaders who will seek public offices not for their selfish reasons and personal aggrandisement. Another feature in today’s leadership is what I can call ‘diplomacy lies’. They say what they’ll not do. And they do most of the things that please them and their party leaders regardless of the repercussions on the people.

Talk on Nigeria’s security – before, at and after independence. Can you say Nigeria has achieved a lot since independence?

I think those who keep records and statistics can give appropriate answers.

However, it’s obvious that no one is really secure in this country. We can only rely on Allah for security. In a nation where you have a very wide gap among the upper, middle and lower classes; a country where leaders shamelessly pocket public funds and nothing is done to punish them; a country where no one cares about your source of wealth, then, there is bound to be crimes, and consequently, insecurity.

Gone are those days when merchants, traders and tourists traveled at any time of

SOME PEOPLE IN THE GOVERNMENT WANT INSECURITY TO FLOURISH THAT IS WHY WE STILL HAVE THIS MESSY EXPERIENCE

the day. Gone are those days when salable products would be displayed without sales person or fear of theft. The state of today’s insecurity is seen in the mysterious death of men of clout like Abacha, Abiola, Bola Ige, Pa Rewane, Dele Giwa, Funsho Williams etc.

What can you say has been our main challenge so far?

Bad political and religious leaders. Our greatest challenge is that we have allowed wrong set of people to lead us. Our values are dented.

How do you think the Country can overcome these challenges? As soon as we have the right set of human beings as leaders: pious, selfless, enlightened, focused, all these challenges would become a thing of the past.

What is your advice to the country on the issue of insecurity?

Some people in the government want insecurity to flourish that is why we still have this messy experience. I am sure the government knows what to do. A Yoruba adage says, if a baby is crying and her mother pets her, then they both understand each other. Let the government initiate programmes that will have direct impact on the youth. This includes sustained education and job provision. In other words, the government should sincerely and positively engage the youths and dislodge the ‘godfathers”.

Some people have accused Muslims to be masterminds of violence in the Country, what can you say on this?

Let no group blame another. When did you hear religious leaders fighting fiercely for religion. The fact that today’s violence commenced from the North, a Muslim dominated region does not mean that Muslims are behind it. Reality shows that there are various versions of Boko Haram.

For example, the problem of poverty, unemployment is to be solved by the

How do you see the federal structure and what do you need to be corrected?

I won’t comment on this. Structure or no structure, what is vital is that a government that feels the pulse of the people and respond passionately is the best, be it strong and active federal or weak.

Do you see Nigeria remaining one with the quest for autonomy by the various component units?

We can still remain one. Division is not the solution but determination and willingness to do good. Another angle to this perennial problem of autonomy is the insensitivity of the Federal government.

Regions are calling for autonomy to achieve what the Federal refuses them. So, if the Federal is active both in revenue collections and discharging its duties, the regions would stop calling for autonomy. For now, we have a Federal that waxes stronger, collects revenues from all the regions and does nothing. Factually nothing. Do you think the National Assembly as well as the judiciary has performed to the expectations of Nigerians?

I don’t think so. We need people-oriented and people-friendly bills to be passed. We need bills that will ensure abundant food, water, electricity and good road networks.

To me, both Judiciary and legislative are part of the worrisome executive. The all connive together to plunder our wealth.

It would have been very difficult for a arm of the government to do corruption of the Nigerian magnitude alone without the support of the other two.

I must say that one of the fundamental objectives of the founders of Democracy is to curb corruption and to bring about balances in power of government is separation of power. This object has been long being flung in Nigeria democracy. They make corruption ‘ a national cake ‘ in such a way that it permeates all nook and crannies of the society.

Talk on Nigeria’s political system. How do you think Federal government can create employment for idle youths?

How? Our leaders travel around the world as they like. They are exposed! Let them build factories, refineries, companies that can serve local consumption and international needs, and then there will be employment for Nigerians. If government continues to import goods and services, perhaps because of the benefits that are involve, then unemployment would still prevail.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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Call to Worship

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

Uncalled for provocation of Muslims OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS, WE HAVE

LATEEFAH IBRAHIM-ANIMASHAUN

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he oft repeated mantra of free speech has been deployed to explain why Westerners are free to abuse and insult what others may hold dear and they also expect the same response from Muslims when they abuse Islam. However, the West does not apply the same standard of free speech when it comes to its own sensitivities. For example, topless pictures of Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, have been printed in a number of European magazines and newspapers. The British Royal family adopted a hard-line stance, condemning such publishers and threatening them with legal action. On this occasion, freedom of expression vanished into thin air! No doubt, the publisher will be pursued in the courts shortly. This example demonstrates that freedom of expression is a convenient instrument the West deploys as and when necessary to achieve political aims. It is clear that every nation has sensitivities and redlines, upon which limits are imposed to protect such redlines. Alas, the West preaches to Muslims that which it does not practise at home!

Over the past few days, we have witnessed yet another act of uncalled for provocation and repulsive assault on what Muslims hold dear – the final Messenger of Allah, Muhammad. The reaction from Muslims, as expected, has been one of utter disgust, anger and frustration. From Indonesia and Bangladesh, North Africa and Middle East to Europe, Muslims have protested against this latest caricature and distasteful depiction of Muhammad. The

WITNESSED YET ANOTHER ACT OF UNCALLED PROVOCATION AND REPULSIVE ASSAULT ON WHAT MUSLIMS

HOLD DEAR – THE FINAL

film, ‘Innocence of Muslims’, essentially depicts Islam as a religion of violence and hate and Prophet Muhammad as sexually perverse, a blood thirsty and power hungry man. It dishonours Khadija (ra) and further depicts the beloved Companions of Muhammad as savage killers, hungry for wealth and bent on killing women and children. Such repulsive portrayal of Muhammad and his Companions has outraged even many non-Muslims, who condemned this film.

There are, ironically, a minority of Muslims who, predominantly due to vested interests and infatuation with their liberal masters, have chosen to condemn the protesters for protesting against this film. One such comment said, “How can we expect non-Muslims to believe that Islam is a religion of peace, when Muslim mobs around the world make liars of us all, Muhammad included?” Such self-hating Muslims fail to address the real issues at hand and instead turn the table against the victims rather than the perpetrators.

The ‘War on Terror’ (aka War against

MESSENGER OF ALLAH, MUHAMMAD Islam):This film should not be viewed in isolation to the West’s war against Islam, which has manifested in the past decade differently across the world, namely, as military invasion, e.g. in Iraq and Afghanistan; as proxy war, e.g. in Somalia and Sudan; as diplomatic and economic aggression, e.g. in Iran and as intellectual and cultural aggression, e.g. in the West against their own populations.

Although the history of Western attacks did not begin with 9/11, the intellectual and cultural aggression has intensified in the past decade and the West’s bigotry against Islam has become ever more apparent, as though there is now a competition amongst the ‘Islam-bashers’ about who could win the trophy for being most daring and vociferous in their hateful anti-Islamic inventions.

Just to name a few, the Danish cartoon caricatures of Muhammad were published in 2006, followed in 2010 by a Florida preacher, Terry Jones, who called for the burning

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

of the Quran on the ninth anniversary of 9/11, and in February 2012, US soldiers at Bagram prison in Afghanistan burned 315 copies of the Quran and other religious materials. All of these had similarly outraged Muslims around the globe.

Western sponsored demonization Since the release of Innocence of Muslims, American politicians have made token gestures, supposedly condemning the filmmakers. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemned the film which gave rise to the protests as “disgusting” and “reprehensible”. As though the US was granting a favour towards Muslims, the White House merely “asked” YouTube to “consider” whether the film breaches its own guidelines but Google, which owns YouTube, said in a statement that the video was “clearly within our guidelines and so will stay on YouTube”. Yet, Muslims perceive such hollow statements as meaningless, especially when viewed in the context of the West’s aggressive history vis-à-vis Islam.

Whether or not directly sponsored by Western states, such provocative misadventures by Western groups or individuals are far from autonomous acts. Clearly, such perpetrators receive tacit support and ideological encouragement to carry out these provocative deeds. Bred on a daily diet of hatred and propaganda that seek to malign Islam and Muslims, there is no doubt in the minds of Muslims that these perpetrators are sponsored by the West directly or indirectly. Allah says, “Hatred has appeared out of their mouths, but what their breasts hide is far worse.” [Surah Al-Imran, 3:118]

The Problem of our Country is bad political, religious leaders CONTINUED FROM 29 What is your stand on the recent protest across the world on an anti Islam film that came up recently?

We can show our love for the Holy Prophet Muhammad by peaceful protests.

But it must not be violent and we must not kill, maim or injure any innocent souls. I don’t know the intentions of the makers of all these films but one thing that is certain is that they are provokers. Some of them have lost contents yet they want to remain in the industry the only way to remain is to be heard and to attack Islam and its edifices is to be heard. Salman Rushdie became globally known after his attack on the blessed prophet. The author of the caricature images of the blessed prophet became popular after his drawings and a host of them.

According to Islam what do you think Nigeria, as a nation, can do to achieve peace?

There must be mutual respect among all religious adherents. Our Prophet (PBUH) demonstrated this when he lived with the Jews and the Christians in Medina. There should be no provocation of any kind. Then, peace will be achieved and sustained.

What are roles of religious leaders in ensuring peace and stability in the country?

Religious leaders must preach peace. They should not sow the seed of hatred in the hearts of their congregation. The sanctity of the religion must be protected. And the sanctity of life must also be respected.

Religious leaders too primarily, have the bigger role of checks and balances of the political leaders. All our politicians belong to one religious sector and another. In most cases, a sizable number of them attend Friday Jumu’ah prayer and Sunday church services. Imams and Pastors should stop eulogizing them on the pulpit. They should leave eulogy for the people. The pulpit is to dish out thought - provoking sermon that touches on people’s demands and centres majorly on the role of Government.

Can you say the international media has been given fair report to Islam so far?

Media plays vital role in public orientation. I will only admonish them that individuals would be questioned on what he says or writes. There is no Western agenda that may surpass the agenda of God. Let journalists speak and write their reports (objectively) based on facts and not fallacies.

If yes, can u explain and if no, how?

The international media, most of them have their headquarters in the West, which has not been fair to Islam to Africa to the East and Mid- East. They mostly serve the interest of their masters. They should take a cue from Al-jazeerah. Journalism has its virtue; balancing opinion is the virtue.

Journalists should learn to hold on to this lofty virtue be them West, East or Mid East.

No matter how the truth is covered or kept from the public, it will rear its head in the future

Some Muslim Youths carrying placards expressing their disgust to the film, during a world press conference in Lagos, yesterday.

Impact lives by training people -Ansar-ud–Deen Missioner L ATEEFAH IBRAHIM-ANIMASHAUN

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uslims have been called upon to uphold the principle of honesty, integrity and forthrightness, impact lives by training people towards righteousness which will later steer them towards knowledge and good deeds.

This was stated by the National Missioner of Ansarud- Deen Society of Nigeria and overseas, Sheikh Abdur Rahman Ahmad during the 40 years remembrance programme organised for the first National Missioner of the organisation, late Imam Mustapha Kasumu Ekemode held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State.

He said the late Imam lived and died with outstanding qualities as he added that he initiated ideas that are beneficial to Islam and that whoever starts a beautiful practice will have a rewarded with almighty Allah. ‘’Muslims need a role model like him to look up to for advice and seek advice from and he should be emulated by Muslims today”.

The late Imam lived and died with some outstanding qualities like; honesty, integrity and forthrightness.”.

He urged Muslims to look back into his life history and recall that the great work of the late Chief Imam was still remembered 40 years after his death because of his outstanding character and devotion to the religion.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, September 28, 2012

Muhammad Rasulullah: The Apostle of Mercy Muhammad Rasulullah: The Apostle of Mercy

By S. Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi Hardback 484 Pages Published In India/Pakistan Translated into English By Mohiuddin Ahmad

Hajiah Aisha Idris Most of the time, I wake up around 4am for my Tahajjud and I do that till 4:45am After that, I start preparing food for my family

A

Islam Worldwide

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ew sportswear designed for women who want to cover up, and some important changes to the rules, are inspiring Muslim girls to take up sport – and compete internationally.

Amid the furore over the state of undress of one of the UK’s most successful female cyclists, the increasing acceptance of sportswear that allows Muslim women to compete has garnered little attention.

Earlier this month Fifa finally overturned its ban, brought in 2007, on women playing football with their heads covered.

The decision came too late for the Iranian football team. It had already prevented them from playing in their 2012 Olympic qualifying match last year and disappointed their female fans in the football-mad Islamic Republic, where women are not allowed to watch men’s matches and headscarves are mandatory for women. But the overturning of the ban was cheered by footballers around the world, some of whom, such as Australian Assmaah Helal, wear the hijab through choice.

London 2012 is the first Olympics where women will compete in all 26 sports on offer (although still in 30 fewer events in total), and Fifa is just one of several international bodies to relax clothing rules and so allow more Muslim women to compete in the Games. It’s impossible to know how many women will be competing with their head covered this year, but they include judo player Wodjan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim and Saudi Arabian runner Sarah Attar, as well as footballers.

Last year the International Weightlift-

31

My Friday

Book Review

t a time when mankind and human civilization were on the edge of destruction, the Lord and Creator of the word caused a man to be born in Arabia who was entrusted with the most difficult task: not only to rescue mankind from imminent destruction, but also to raise it to sublime heights, heights hitherto beyond the knowledge of historians and the imagination of poets.

If there were not incontrovertible historical evidence to demonstrate his achievements, it would be difficult to believe such greatness. This man is Muhammad (peace be upon him) who was born in the sixth century. He saved mankind from imminent danger, gave it new life, new ambition, fresh energy, a revitalised sense of human dignity and intellect, as also a new found idealism.

It was because of him that a new era came about, an era of spirituality in art and literature, of personal sincerity and selfless service of others, all of which produced an ordered, graceful and kindly culture.

His most precious gifts to man were his devotion to righteousness and aversion to evil, his hatred of false gods and a passion for establishing justice and morality, and a readiness to lay down one’s life for these

Call to Worship

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Dhul Qaddah 14, 1433AH

I go for my salat by past 5am while the meal is on fire.

After my salat, I start my Adhkar till 6:15am.

I bath for my baby till quarter to seven.

I serve my children’s meal and ensure they start eating by 7 while I leave for work by 7:15am.

I coordinate the assembly for my students at Oke Afa Junior College.

I start my class by 8am righteous goals. Such goals ultimately are the fountainhead and incentive for all reforms and improvements. Whatever great and sublime heights man has attained have been the result of such noble sentiments.

Indeed, all material resources, means and methods owe their existence to human will and determination. That great benefactor of humanity replaced barbarism and brutality with the milk of human kindness, magnanimity and courtesy. He struggled unceasingly for the propagation of his noble teachings with complete disregard for his own self, his life or prestige.

About the Author

Sheikh Syed Abul Hasan ‘Ali Nadwi, one of the most prolific writers and original thinkers of our time, author of well over 50 books in various languages, and a scholar of rare distinction, passed into the mercy of Allah in December 1999.

We close by 1pm and I mobilize students for Jumah which usually takes place by 2pm.

After the salat, I ensure that Muslim students get down to Oke Afa Central Mosque for Usrah.

I go home at this time and prepare my children’s meal, which is mostly heavy food like Eba/Amala By 4pm, I go for a weekly programme tagged Terbiyyah We finish this programme by 6:15pm I perform magrub around 7pm.

We eat bread and tea/noodles and go for Ishai by 8pm After this, I do little household chores and sometimes we do Quran memorization or I monitor my children as they read.

We send them off to bed by 9pm.

I stay up till after 10pm before going to bed.

Hajiah Aisha Idris The Public Relation Officer of Al-Muminaat Muslim Society of Nigeria

Thank God It’s Friday

Sports hijabs help Muslim women to Olympic success

ing Federation also began to allow female weightlifters to cover their arms and legs, which led to the UAE female team being the first to compete in hijab, represented by 17-year-old Khadija Mohammed. Reports suggest that the ruling has opened up the sport for /muslim women.

What female athletes wear should get less attention than it does, but for many women who want to cover up, sports clothing can be a barrier to competition. Egyptian pentathlete Aya Medany, who already had to deal with the disruptions caused by the Arab Spring, considered not competing at all in the Olympics because female swimmers in her event have to wear suits that leave their necks, arms and half their legs uncovered.

Fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, who will become the first person to represent the US at the Olympics wearing a hijab, says she chose her sport because it allowed her

to cover her body without altering the uniform.

Dr Emma Tarlo, a reader in anthropology at Goldsmiths, University of London, and author of Visibly Muslim: Fashion, Politics, Faith, says such barriers to participation should not be underestimated. “I have done research that shows that women have been put off sport because of clothing – that’s part of the problem with swimming for instance. Others have been excluded from sport because of what they wear.”

“Sports clothing has lagged behind school uniforms and street style in terms of diversity.” Which is why, she says, the new type of “sports hijab” has been so helpful.

She cites the capster, a hood-style hijab that was created by Dutch designer Cindy van den Bremen, who started working on the design back in 1999 after cases of girls being excluded from PE lessons for wearing the hijab. It is designs such as this, she says,

that have addressed health-and-safety concerns and allowed bans to be overturned.

It’s not just the practicality of the design, but the image it portrays that helps. “Traditional scarves stick out in sport and are not made from appropriate materials. Because the new styles look sporty, the wearer is not highlighted as different in the same way.”

Tarlo says the importance of hijab-wearing athletes as role models should inspire many Muslim women and girls. “If you are sporty it’s good to see people you can relate to, especially if sport has not been emphasised in your community. If you see sports people who share your values it can be a positive message. Especially as the Olympics is in east London, because this is a multicultural area with many Muslims, to have sportswomen the girls can relate to as role models is a positive thing.”

Culled from the guardian weeklyuk.

Call to Worship

32

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

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Muslims speaks on the state of the nation at 52 Nigeria will clock 52 after independence from the British colonial rulers on Monday, October 1 and the Country is still being faced with major challenges of insecurity, infrastructure, corruption, among others. In this interview with LATEEFAH IBRAHIM-ANIMASHAUN, Nigerians pour out their minds on the state of the ageing nation

W Alhaji Lanre Okeowo

I

am not willing to talk about this country because, I have recently been attacked by armed robbers, despite the fact that I have invested so much in this country. I have created a lot of jobs for unemployed youths in the country. There isn’t anything to celebrate about independence. I pray and advise the government to ensure that there is power in the country because this will allow businesses to thrive. The government should try as much as possible to empower Nigerians. They should invest more in the energy sector and go on to protect lives and property. A lot of people have been calling me to come and invest outside the country, but I say no, because I made my money from Nigeria. If our leaders and politicians are not self centered, I bet you, everything will go on smoothly for us in this country.

e women are not happy about what is happening in Nigeria at present and I don’t think there is need for celebration. Women are always at the receiving end. The Boko Haram insurgence is one of the most annoying things and those who are formenting trouble in this country have parents and children. Let’s talk to parents to take proper care of their children. Independence has not made much impact in our lives. All I just know is that, with prayer, everything will be normal for this country once again.

Ramot Idera Majek, school leaver

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elebration is not just the next thing for Nigeria. Look at everywhere, things are upside down, there is wide level of unemployment, there is no security of lives and property and you are talking of celebrating at 52?

Alhaji Tunde Taiwo, staff of BOC gasses

A Mrs Biliquees Dan Yahya, entrepreneur

S

o far, we thank God for everything in this country. I can’t say much without expressing the great disappointments we’ve had from our leaders. Years after independence, have led to democracy and we are yet to witness the dividends. There is scarcity of food and transport. We are suffering from different angles in this country. Today, I cannot say anything that is good about this country.

Mrs Bakare Sherifat, businesswoman

W

hat are we celebrating when the masses are suffering? We are hungry. The government should come to our aid. There are thieves every where due to unemployment and the suffering has gone so much that graduates are confused on what to do with their lives.

Let there be more jobs. We are suffering, but the clothes we put on may not make it obvious. It is as bad as a Muslim’s daughter going for dancing competitions to get money. If there is job, they might not venture into something of that nature at all.

W

e have to be grateful to God for Nigeria’s unity up till this moment. As a nation, if we compare ourselves with other contemporaries, we will see that we are not doing fine as a country. If you look at our infrastructure, including power, roads and other amenities, we will see that we are far from our destination. The issue of security is a temporary thing and we cannot remove it from what is happening in our political arena. Injustice is part of the reason for violence and since the issue of militants in Niger Delta was resolved, Boko Haram will also be a thing of the past.

Mr Akinwale Sabit, construction Engineer

Kayode Adeola, graduate of International Business Economics, Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge

s we can all see what is happening, I cannot say specifically, anything good about this country because I am not happy about everything going on.

All I know is that October 1, is my birthday and Nigeria as a country is not living up to expectation since independence. The Zonal Director of NYSC, during our Community Development Service (CDS) has always being making we corps members realise that there is no job anywhere in the country and that we graduates should just go out and look for something to do with our hands. This is very bad. I mean they stress the fact that we need to do more of entrepreneurship and business to help ourselves. My advice to the government is that they should invest more on we youths.

I

don’t think we need to celebrate anything from my own perspective.

This is because, before you celebrate anything, you must know the reason why you are celebrating. I left Nigeria four years ago to study. And when I came back, I still discovered that everything is still the same, which is not encouraging at all.

Apart from Lagos that has changed a bit.

Over there, the only news we get to hear about Nigeria is on corruption, killings, death and other horrible things. There is no light and people don’t get to follow rules and regulations. You never get to hear good news about Nigeria. Meanwhile, the people are nice, the family structure here is better than the one over there because you can walk on the streets and you see people who will greet you and feel concerned about you.

Fatimah Olowu, youth corper

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Political debate of absurdities

O

n Tuesday, political debating in Nigeria donned theatrical garbs during the Ondo State Deputy Governor Candidates’ debate aired live on Silverbird Television with a live studio audience.

The unfolding spectacle could best be described as a badlywritten movie script to mock politicians and the media; it was frightening to imagine real contenders for public office and broadcasters would play their expected roles that poorly. Big names such as the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Labour and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) were conspicuously absent; but rather than seize the spotlight moment to shine, represented parties like National Conscience Party (NCP) and All Nigeria’s People Party (ANPP) fumbled woefully. ANPP’s candidate chose to answer in Yoruba language though questions were posed in English; while NCP’s female candidate made a hash of English and responded to a question of how she intended to improve electricity saying; “We would do that by colliding with NEPA”. The whole set erupted in laughter.

A member of the panel of interviewers went at the candidates like a crime interrogator; perhaps transferring the anger at bad leadership on the aspiring leaders. Many Nigerians think this substandard outing from Ondo’s candidates is an appalling reflection of the state’s reputation in academic exploits... and of the country’s declining educational system.

Mirror Mongers

Friday, September 28, 2012

Onalamemen

Onalamemen’s on-air record

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he Federal Minister of Works, Mike Onalamemen is really ahead of the good governance tour being organised by the Federal Government to harp

their achievements in different regions of the country. While the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, is busy with the media, pointing at what the government has been able to achieve, Onalamemen made a fast detour on radio earlier in the week to highlight the number of road constructions he has been able to complete.

However, in an apparent fit of hysteria, the Minister counted the badly-damaged Enugu–Port Harcourt Express Way as one of his achievements. From his account, ‘contract has been awarded for the road and would soon be completed’. This assertion obviously did not go down well with motorists who spend hours on the road. From what they are saying, Mike Onalamemen has grown fond of making such assertions when it comes to roads in that zone. Earlier on, while inspecting the roads in the zone some months back, he promised that the Enugu– Onitsha Road ‘would be completed and has been awarded’, but work is yet to commence there. The residents are asking Onalememen to always come up with the names of companies handling such contracts, instead of making phantom guesses.

Otedola, Amperion Consortium and CBN

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emi Otedola, the billionaire oil magnate has been in different storms and only imaginations can explain how he manages to wade through these storms.

After being accused of offering bribes to Hon. Farouk Lawan to erase his company’s name on the list of indicted oil marketers, which incidentally has lost its steam, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) came up last week to announce his name as one of the biggest debtors to Nigerian banks.

The CBN also ordered banks to desist from granting him more credit facilities. This has, however, brought to question the recent announcement by the Committee on Privatisation of the Power sector, which announced his corporate interest, Amperion Consortium as one of those successful in the bid for power stations in Nigeria.

Of course, tongues are now wagging over

what that indictment by the CBN would do to his ability to obtain credit from banks in view of this new responsibility.

Otedola

ONE-SECOND Q&A

33

Ojukwu

Emeka Ojukwu’s last confession

O

bviously, late Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu had a premonition of the current tussle that is tearing apart his family while he was alive. During one of his last confessions to a highly-placed Bishop in Enugu, a few days before he was hit by stroke, he told the Bishop that his greatest regret in life was the fact that when he ‘talks outside, everyone listens, but right inside his house, there is fire’.

This seems to be playing out now with the different groups angling to have control of his vast business interests. While his son, Sylvester Ojukwu, fondly called Akpunwa, now controls the properties in Lagos, Bianca Ojukwu is said to have held tightly onto to the ones at Enugu and Nnewi for her sons. But the other siblings of Odumegwu Ojukwu who were afraid of confronting him while he was alive are also aligning to say that the bulk of the properties inherited by Odumegwu actually belonged to Louis Ojukwu, the patriarch of the Ojukwu family. While the drama plays out, the lesson herein is that that ‘there is always a weak aspect of bravery’.

TUNJI BRAITHWAITE

The clamour for the review of the present constitution in Nigeria has been receiving variegated reactions. Eminent lawyer and human rights activist, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite reacts to the issue.

What’s your take on the review of the 1999 Constitution?

No, the review of the constitution cannot be done by this National Assembly.

There has to be a national conference before 2015 to review the entire constitution.

There may be membership drawn from the National Assembly, from the state assemblies into that conference, but the group that I lead won’t subscribe to leaving the well-being of this country, such profound and significant matter in the hands of this National Assembly. Because the National Assembly, by and large, is a product of corruption. If you know how much corruption is going on in that place. If we have our ways, we will disband them overnight.

If you know how much they cost us. I am telling you authoritatively, in the House of Representatives alone, each of them cost us not less than N50 million a quarter, not a year. Multiply that with their number, what do you get? And that is why there is no cash; there is no capital for development. That is why there is decadence around. Not to talk of other corruptions in the executive.

34

Escape

Friday, September 28, 2012

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NTDC issues certificates to tour operators

Travel News

As Borgu Festival is elevated to national status TERH AGBEDEH AND IJEOMA EZEIKE ABUJA

L L-R: Mrs. Tinuke Nwakohu, Deputy President, National Association of Nigerian Travelling Agencies (NANTA); Mr. Hloni Pitso, SA Tourism Trade Relations Manager East & West Africa and Phumi Dhlomo, at the workshop.

Nigeria remains tourism hub for West Africa –SAT regional director

S

outh African Tourism (SAT), has reiterated that Nigeria will remain the hub of all its marketing activities in the West Africa sub-region.

SAT Regional Director for Africa & Domestic, Phumi Dhlomo, stated this at the annual SA Tourism West Africa Trade workshop held in Lagos last week. “Nigeria as a hub for South African Tourism marketing activities will cater for countries in the West African region including Ghana which has been identified as a tactical market for SA Tourism marketing initiatives”, he disclosed.

Dhlomo explained that SA Tourism held the annual workshop in Nigeria because the country is a core source market for arrivals into South Africa from the West Africa sub-region and it presented the opportunity to share SA Tourism’s marketing and activation calendar for the year with the trade, consumers and the media.

From January to December 2011, about 64,402 Nigerians visited South Africa. The figure compared to the 2010 Nigeria tourists arrivals for same period represented 37.5% increase. So far this year, there has been 21.4% increase on Nigeria arrivals in South Africa from January to May 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.

Over a 150 West African trade partners from Nigeria and Ghana attended this year’s South African Tourism Trade workshop alongside South African product owners which includes hoteliers, Inbound Tour Operators, Provincial Tourism Boards and Airlines.

The purpose of the workshop was to introduce South African products to the West African travel agents, with South African product owners exhibiting while the West African Trade attended the workshop to shop for products, negotiate rates and conclude deals.

Declaring the workshop open, the South African Consulate General in Lagos –Ambassador Mokgethi Sam Monaisa, stated that Africa must introduce standard of excellence in order to compete globally in the tourism industry.

The diplomat further challenged Africa to ensure the tourism industry in the continent grabs the increased market share of tourists’ arrivals as predicted by the World Bank.

In executing the new regional strategy to include Ghana trade, SA Tourism invited top performing travel agents from the country to attend the workshop in Lagos on an all-expense paid trip.

Over the years, SA Tourism has developed a reputation as an innovative DMO in the travel and tourism space characterised by its partnerships and presence on the largest tourism awareness platforms.

ast Friday in Lagos, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), issued certificates to registered and licensed tour operators.

NTDC Director General, Otunba Segun Runsewe, was on hand to present the certificates to the members of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP); partners in the “development of Nigerian tourism”. Runsewe, who said there are a lot of things that need to change in the sector, explained that issuing the certificate was all about marketing the country.

“The certificate has the seal of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which means that it is legal”, he said, while encouraging the tour operators to display it where everyone can see it in their offices. Runsewe thanked the President of NATOP, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, for doing a good job of keeping the members together in the goal of making tourism in Nigeria better.

“This man has done a lot of work. Do not be surprised when his name comes up to be awarded a national honour”, he said.

Runsewe revealed the introduction of the biometric system by the NTDC for staff in the tourism industry as a measure in arresting future problems associated with unwholesome and corrupt practices, but also a reference point for an employer who maybe hiring a worker changing jobs. “Once you are in a data

base, you cannot lie about yourself, your profile, qualification or personality”, he said.

The use of biometric system involves the data of all staff in the industry to be stored in the system with a control centre holding the master details as backup.

“The era of fraud in tourism in Nigeria is gone”, Runsewe declared.

Expected to be a prelude to another sensitisation interactive session between tour operators and some foreign experts later in the year, the meeting also had one of the tour operators, Remlords Tours, do a presentation of its online portal.

Tour operators were also presented a copy each of the glossy pictorial book, Nigeria: Tourism is Life, which the NTDC launched earlier in the year. Each of the operators also got a mini calculator and cardholder to display in their offices.

Among the tour operators who were at the meeting are: Remlords Tours, Divine Tour Brokers, Tour Brokers International, Leisure Afrique, TTL Tours, Speedy Tours, ATQ Tours, Jethro Tours, Mactee Tours and Global Link Tours.

At the beginning of the event, Ahaoma Kanu of the National Daily newspaper, who emerged winner of the CNN/ Multichoice Journalist of the Year Award for a report he did on tourism this year, presented his award to the NTDC DG. A very impressed Runsewe had said for doing tourism proud, the journalist would be unveiled during Akwaaba: The African Travel Market to

2012 Nigeria-S’Africa Week: The enticing ADENRELE NIYI

T

wo days after Nigeria’s 52nd Independence celebration on October 1, another grand event of opulent cultural undertones and multifaceted business opportunities will hold sway over the city of Lagos. Tagged “A Tale of Two African Cities: Lagos and Johannesburg”; the fusion/showpiece of these legendary African cities slated for October 3 to October 6, is an ambitious idea conceived and produced by Nigeria-based Inspiro Productions and committedly endorsed by the South African High Commission, Lagos.

It is an initiative fashioned out to connect both countries in the culture, tourism, lifestyle, business and arts realm. It will explore music, fashion, jazz, literature, food and wine by creating platforms for exchange which will open up insights into both cultures vis a vis their heartbeat and dynamism.

These and a lot more enticing information were made known at a press conference held on Tuesday, September 25, at the Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos to officially herald the 2012 Nigeria-South Africa Week. Present at the meeting with

representatives of media houses in the country were South African Consulate General in Lagos, Ambassador Mokgethi Sam Monaisa; CEO Inspiro Productions, Mr. Ayoola Sadare; Counsellor Political/ Head of South African Consulate Lagos Office, Thandi Mgxwati and representation from Diamond Bank, Pomat Peters, MTN Nigeria, Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce, StanbicIBTC Bank, Barcelos, Classic FM, South African Airlines (SAA), Smooth FM and Federal Palace Hotel, all sponsors of the event.

Scheduled for two main venues, the expansive Federal Palace Hotel (Sun International), Victoria Island and the history-steeped Freedom Park, Broad Street, the four-day extravaganza will feature products and service exhibitions by 10 corporate organisations from both countries respectively; five (apiece) Nigerian and South African visual artistes showing works of arts in different mediums to reflect the mood and magic of the cities and a similar number of fashion designers showcasing the latest collection of ethnic/indigenous styles.

Similarly, four celebrated authors (two Nigerians and two South Africans) will be reading from their books that reflect

L-R: CEO inspiro productions, Ayoola Sadare; Ambassador Mokgethi and Thandi Mgxwati

their views on the cities. South Africa’s rich wine making history is part of the proceedings and Wines of South, an umbrella organisation of wine producers from that country, is expected in Lagos with 18 of its members.

In music, internationally renowned Jazz performers of South African and Nigerian origin including the Soweto String Quartet and Agboola Sadare will bring alive the cultural sounds and artistry of both cities which have influenced their music. Film aficionados will enjoy screening of top Nigerian movies and as Ambassador Kingsley Mamabolo, S/A’s

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hold in October.

Also at the event were stakeholders in tourism like: Hajiya Fatima Garbati; Director of Marketing and promotion NTDC, Hajiya Abdurahman Mohammed; the NTDC South West Zonal Coordinator, Alhaji Nasiru Kaka and the corporation’s Director of Information Mr. Akin Onipede.

Meanwhile, NTDC has elevated the status of the Borgu Festival in Niger State to national prominence.

According to the Director-General, the festival will now be included among the over 160 festivals across Nigeria currently enjoying the support and promotion of the corporation.

Runsewe made this pronouncement while receiving a delegation from Borgu Kingdom led by Alhaji Mohammed Baba Abdullahi, the Galadima of Borgu at the tourism village in Abuja last Wednesday.

Speaking during the meeting, the Galadima said Borgu, which is an Emirate in Niger State, is blessed with many tourism potentials and expressed his desire to work with NTDC to harness these potentials.

Alhaji Abdullahi extended an invitation to Runsewe to attend the 45th anniversary of Borgu Kingdom which is scheduled for April 2013 and will feature among other things, a Durbar Festival.

Responding, Runsewe observed that Borgu Emirate is one of the peaceful areas at the moment and encouraged the leadership to sustain the atmosphere of tranquillity stressing that it was necessary for tourism development in the area.

The NTDC boss promised to attend the anniversary slated for next year while assuring of the corporation’s support through provision of promotional materials and life jackets to ensure casualty-free boat rides by tourists and visitors during the event.

tale begins High Commissioner to Nigeria puts it; “Nollywood films are very popular in the townships because it talks to the heart of the people; our people can associate with the African stories”.

Ahead of the event, the Lagos State government has also given its endorsement even as A Tale of Two Cities organisers had a closed door meeting with the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Disun Holloway on Tuesday to fine tune details of the endorsement by the coastal city’s administrators.

Speaking about the long term plans for this landmark event, Ms. Thandi Mgxwati explained that there is every intention to make it an annual event while also building on the successes and headway gained from this edition. Sometime in the first half of 2013, Johannesburg will host the second leg of this cultural/business showcase.

However, Lagos appears ready with characteristic vibrancy and warmth to welcome visitors from within and outside for the four days of entertainment, cultural interaction and business networking.

Escape

Friday, September 28, 2012

Duke

2012 WTD: Advancing the use of sustainable energy EDEM DUKE

T

he World Tourism Day (WTD), is held annually on September 27.

This day is set aside by the United Nation’s World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to create worldwide awareness on the significance of tourism to economic development, promotion of international understanding, world peace and universal respect for, and observance of human rights/fundamental freedom for all without discrimination to race, sex, language or religion.

Its purpose is to foster awareness among the international community on the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.

The event seeks to address global challenges outlined in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (Goal 7) “ensuring environmental sustainability”, and to highlight the contribution of tourism sector in order to reach these goals.

The rapid growth of the modern tourism industry shows that International tourist arrivals grew by over 4 percent in 2011 to 980 million, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. With growth expected to continue in 2012, at a somewhat slower rate, international tourist arrivals are on track to reach the one billion mark later this year. The unique characteristic of the tourism industry is that while it has grown in numbers, it has also grown in variety of destinations, as there has been a continued geographical spread of tourism to all parts of the world making it possible for many countries, especially developing countries, to develop tourism as a viable engine for socio-economic development.

Tourism is leading the way in some of the world’s most innovative sustainable

energy initiatives such as energy efficient upgrade to aircrafts, the shift to renewable fuel for aviation and cruise liners, energy technology solutions in hotels, as well as countless other initiatives are placing tourism at the forefront of the clean energy transformation. These initiatives are crucial for sustainable development, helping to cut tourism’s carbon emissions, enabling businesses to grow and create jobs, and bringing modern and affordable energy services to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities – goals in line with the 2012 United Nations International Year of Sustainable Energy for All. The theme of the World Tourism Day (WTD) celebration 2012 is “Tourism & Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development”. This is in recognition of the fact that tourism is one of the world’s largest economic sectors which has taken important steps towards the future by improving energy efficiency and increasingly using renewable energy technologies in its operations. These steps are creating jobs, lifting people out of poverty and helping to protect the planet.

This year, UNWTO is inviting everyone to visit the ‘online energy school’ as part of Hotel Energy Solutions. It is a UNWTOinitiated project designed to help hoteliers cut their carbon emissions and costs.

Tourism has to adapt to the conditions of climate change by reducing its emissions of hothouse gas, which at present represents 5 percent of the total emission.

However, tourism not only contributes to global warming, it is also a victim of it.

Tourism is leading the way in some of the world’s most innovative sustainable energy initiatives. However, we are also convinced that there is still much work to be done because energy efficiency has the least environmental impact possible and

35

leads to using renewable energies. This needs to be promoted and supported thereby promoting the saving of resources and avoiding contamination.

I wish to invite stakeholders in the tourism sector from governments to businesses and tourists themselves to learn more about the sustainable energy initiatives that have been put in place in the tourism sector, debate on what should be done and advance the use of sustainable energy in tourism.

Suffice it to mention some notable keystone initiatives which the Federal Government of Nigeria has undertaken under Mr. President’s Transformation Agenda with respect to the Tourism Sector.

These milestones include the Presidential approval granted for the establishment of the Tourism Development Fund.

When operational, this will provide the necessary funding mechanism for stakeholders to improve infrastructure and ancillary services in the sector. Additionally, is the introduction of a new visa regime.

This new Federal Government policy allows visitors to be granted visas on arrival at our border points, i.e. airports, land and sea borders etc.

This measure policy will surely boost tourism in all ramifications as obtains in other climes. Let me also mention the benefit of Tourism from the SURE-P Program. The Tourism sector is to benefit through the training of about 5000 youth in different aspects of tourism skills acquisition. These youth will be drawn from all parts of Nigeria and trained before 2013. This has never been done before and deserves commendation. Also, the Tourism Development Master Plan implementation in on course to providing the catalyst for proper tourism development across the different clusters identified in the Master Plan document.

All stakeholders are keyed into this very crucial process.

Finally, my ministry applauds the initiatives and commitment of the Benue State Government towards the development of tourism particularly in transforming the “Food Basket of the Nation” into a desired tourism destination. Such initiatives would obviously promote domestic tourism in the country. However, the success of the effort depends on its sustainability, and the ability to engender the necessary peace and security to attract tourists and potential investors to the tourism sector of the state.

I implore all tourism stakeholders to play their part in reaching the United Nations Goal of achieving sustainable energy for all by 2030. Endeavour to visit as many tourist sites in the state as may be possible and purchase at least one of the colourful textile materials/various promotional souvenirs available.

Being an excerpt of the keynote address by the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Duke on the occasion of the 2012 World Tourism Day (WTD) celebration on Thursday at IBB Square, Makurdi, Benue State.

Denrele’s Day

36

Adenrele Niyi Denrele’s Day is a collection of witty & sincere articles inspired by a zany imagination denrele@nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, September 28, 2012

Naughty Notes

CLAPPERBOARD with

08059100422 (SMS only)

Eddie Ugbomah

What’s new or exciting a at 52?

Not much I suppose...except these fly Independence flip flops perhaps!

www.edifosafilm.com

Film and music are our export

F

un fact: Did you know that 52 (written in nummbers) is an anagram of 25? Sounds like trivial infornformation, abi? Put against nst the backdrop of Nigeria’s 52nd d Independence anniversary next Monday, day, no it is far from irrelevant.

In 1985, Nigeria was 25 years — our momentous Silver Anniversary.

My memories of that period were of laughter, playfulness, schooling and childish adventure; a quite illusional lifestyle for the simple reason that the world outside my immediate environment had minuscule bearing on my thoughts.

Luckily, my guardians then didn’t allow me totally blank out the high price of being a growing Nigerian child. My uncle and aunty were hardworking mid-cadre civil servants in the medical line who griped endlessly about rising costs of everything (in retrospect, saddled with six children and three wards to feed, clothe, educate and shelter, I could imagine the pressure on their pocket). Unaware the little ones eavesdropped on adult conversations, when friends and work colleagues visited, they also moaned about the fight to stop the brain drain which was robbing institutions, medical facilities and corporate Nigeria of the finest crop of professionals.

I suppose our government back then had a conscience which pricked them to produce the loved ‘Andrew’-syndrome campaign. The short TV sketch, a national orientation drive, featured two characters in a parody of wannabeAmerican citizens at the peak of emigrations in the 80s. Veteran actor Enebeli Elebuwa who is presently battling a debilitating health challenge, was the young actor who interpreted Andrew’s American ‘phoné’ (local term for an affected accent). I can’t readily call to mind the full dialogue, however, I do remember the scene showed Andrew at the Murtala Muhammed Int’l Airport, Lagos apparently on his way

I SUPPOSE OUR GOVERNMENT BACK THEN HAD A CONSCIENCE WHICH PRICKED THEM TO PRODUCE THE LOVED

‘ANDREW’-

SYNDROME

CAMPAIGN.

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I to catch ch a flight out of Nigeria and reeling off his frustrations with ith “no light, ligh no water, no good roads; mehnnn, hnnn you can’t even get one li’l bottle of soft drink!”.

The second actor (I drew a blank on who he was) appeared as the ‘voice of reason’ —or more accurately as government’s spin agent, to dissuade Andrew from ‘abandoning the national ship’. “Andrew, Nigeria is our country, we have no other one, let’s stay here and salvage it together”, were his persuasive words. Hearing these, Andrew sheepishly nods in agreement in a manner which suggests he likely didn’t have a travel visa or flight ticket. A determined-to-leave-Andrew and one to whom ‘nation building’ sounded more like a political refrain by self-seeking leaders than a sincere and patriotic appeal, would have responded thus: “You know this Americans might not give me visa again if I don’t use the one I have now and my ticket too will waste. Let me go and even see this America; I will spend only two weeks, I swear!”.

The reply becomes more dramatic if Andrew’s world view is coloured by a radical cultural lens. His words: “Ha!, they have sent you to put a charm in your mouth and lure me back to that godforsaken village, abi? I know some people are not happy I’m going to America. Tell them o, that you didn’t see me to deliver their message. The charm has failed!”.

Our non-severable tie to this country is one truth I’d believe in the Andrew’s story, but that we have no other one is a fallacy! Hundreds of thousands of people in the world possess dual citizenships and if one isn’t working out for you, heck, explore your other option! Andrew’s frustrations with Nigeria in 1985 are probably still his headache in 2012; thanks to present day suicide bombings, the poor guy’s headache is now a blinding migraine.

For me, an undaunted and hopelessly optimistic Naija girl, on Monday, I’ll rock my spanking new green flip flops embellished with Nigeria’s coat of alms (designed by Breeze36 Urban) in my patriotic way of wishing this country better utilised and productive years ahead (Amen o!).

n the good old days when Nigeria bands used to tour Europe, America and Canada, all the band boys used to look forward to when will they return home. Today, most band leaders worry of what might happen to the boys who have another plan to stay behind.

Now people are organising a non-oil export goods event and they were so stupid to invite Nollywood for participation. They want Nollywood people to come and advertise in their brochure, take a stand and end up as spectators. Tell me what have ministers, senators and these book worm professors and lawyers got to offer? Nothing but grammar!

The same thing happened in the days when Emeka Mba was Director General of the Censors Board. He would organise seminars and workshop without these powerful financiers -film marketers. When home video was booming; you are not in the deal if you ignore the marketers. These are the major investors in Nigeria films and music. The only man who totally ignored the marketers was Eddie Ugbomah and he survived. Eddie Ugbomah told them he will live to see all of them die film or video-wise.

Today, the entire Nollywood, Yorowood and Kanowood are all deadwood. Those that can survive are the ones that shoot good film, good story and are technically good, not those that use camcorders or umbrella with hose pouring water to create rain. Now, I want to give this free advice to Bank of Industry and NEXIM Bank that the fastest export is entertainment. Most sane countries like America, Europe, China, and now Japanese, use entertainment to entertain people in their country. The greatest earner of foreign cash for France is tourism. They start in March to October with the Monaco Grand Priz, Tour de France, Cannes Film Festival to the French Jazz Festival all making billions of dollars for France.

I remember when Ipitombi was based in England for six years making money for South Africa. The two-day NottingHill Carnival makes millions for London and Nigerians go there to waste cash because they usually go there with nothing and come back with nothing. To export Nigeria’s entertainment, BOI, NEXIM and Ministry of Trade need my world entertainment experience.

I want us to judge the standard of Nigerian films; we have good stories, our acting is good, but technically we are very bad, cheap and sometimes embarrassing. How can you compare a Nigerian set and special effects to a N100m Indian film or a N4bn American epic? We just have to make up our minds to quit this industry or grow up.

People have to be able to watch good and well-shot films more than once. All Yoruba films must involve juju or witchcrafts and most of the so-called English films are just

NIGERIAN FILMS HAVE GOOD STORIES, OUR ACTING IS GOOD, BUT TECHNICALLY WE ARE VERY BAD, CHEAP AND SOMETIMES EMBARRASSING exhibiting boobs, bleached skins and the producers seem to believe that if you are not light-skinned, you are not an actor.

I want to see a well-written Nigerian script so that we can use the film to exhibit our culture, locations, landscapes and festivals and pure original Nigerian music to show the world. We must be able to get distributors to buy our films and pay upfront.

Films are distributed by the production house in line with cinemas, video clubs and private outlets. The Indians attacked this stumbling block by putting money into their films, financed by the Indian Export and Import Bank. They then went into buying old buildings in Europe and America to convert into cinemas to show only Indiamade films. They created awareness for Indian films and made world stars of Indian actors. When we get to festivals, we see the Indian razzmatazz, publicity and presence and you just have to watch and listen.

If we shot a big budget Nigerian film dubbed in French, German and English but shot in any other major Nigerian language, it will sell. America used entertainment to re-colonise the world. See what football in doing in the world today. People wanted to know Nigeria in the days of Hogan Bassey, Dick Tiger, Shelly Bassey, Shake Adie, and J.J Okocha, these were our national exports. Today both Kanu Nwakwo, Okocha, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, etc. have invested the export earnings. So I beg somebody to tell NEXIM and BOI that I can make films one of our biggest exports for propaganda, information and encourage tourism. This is the power of entertainment. D Banj has exported himself to America and Europe; has anybody in government cared to give him moral or political support?

I sold my house in London to make two of my big movies **The Mask** and **Black President**. My only regret is that I did not have foreign distribution so these films were shown in the black universities in America and shows supported by Black groups. I have been shouting these two names as exportable epics; **Aba Women Riot** and **Uthman Dan Fodio**. These are historical action packed epics that show our glamour, culture, costumes, music and gallantry. For God’s sake, the world is waiting to devour enjoy our film and music.

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Arty News

Friday, September 28, 2012

Desperate Naija woman to sign her diaries

Femi Jacobs lands lead in The Meeting

F

TERH AGBEDEH

B

estselling author of the Diary y of a Desperate Naija Woman n series, Bola Essien-Nelson, willl sign all three books in the series to the e delight of guests at Laterna Bookshop p on October 4.

This is the first time the author,, who recently released the third diary y series work titled: Diary of the Des-perate Naija Woman in the Year 2011,, will be signing her books in the coun-try. The event, which is organised by y Laterna Ventures, is open to the pub-lic and guests who arrive at the 12.00 noon kick off time will get souvenirs to take home. However, the biggest prize for the day will be signed copies of Essien-Nelson’s books, which have been selling at the bookshop since release.

The Diary of a Desperate Naija Woman in the Year 2011 is a collection of random blogs written by the author in the year stated. It takes the reader into the life of the author. Everyday ordinariness viewed through her pen assumes an extraordinary stance embedded with life lessons. There is a lesson to be learned from every blog in the book that reads like a conversation with the author during which she celebrates her joys or analyses her losses. She is an ordinary person, like

Essien-Nelson

most of the people who will read her books, desperately chasing after an extraordinary God. Laterna, located at 13, Oko-Awo Close, Off Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, is a leading distributor of books, supplying to a wide range of retail and wholesale clientele throughout Nigeria and neighbouring countries. The famous bookshop supports authors by organising book readings and book signings and only recently organised a book signing event for Pastor Nkoyo Rapu on June 28. The DNW book-signing is co-sponsored by Freolpere Nigeria Ltd. and Friends of the Author.

emi Jacobs, an award-winning recording artiste, songwriter, marketing communication professional, former banker, blogger, entrepreneur and actor, is now a budding Nollywood leading man in The Meeting, a romantic comedy directed by Mildred Okwo and to be released on October 19.

The Meeting brings together a stellar cast of Nollywood heavyweights such as Rita Dominic and Jide Kosoko, featuring cameo appearances by Kate Henshaw, Nse Ikpe Etim and Chinedu Ikedieze and introduces Tinsel actor Linda Ejiofor.

In The Meeting, Jacobs plays Makinde Esho, a Lagos-based Corporate Executive who finds himself at the mercy of political patronage, bureaucratic red tape and Cupid’s arrow while in hot pursuit of a ‘meeting’ to secure a government contract.

Jacobs, originally from Osun State in South West Nigeria, describes himself as a lover of solitude and a voracious reader, who can be very intense and sometimes unpredictably frivolous.

Although Jacobs’s first feature was a 2006 film Choices directed by Don Pedro Obaseki, he is better known for his role of criminal lawyer, Eddie Edoma, in Tinsel. “It was the biggest role I had then in film or television so I poured myself into it,” Jacobs said.

The road from banking to Gospel music to Nollywood via TV may be an arduous journey for many, but Jacob’s reminiscence of how his acting career began makes it sound almost too easy. “I was rounding off the shoot of the drama series Tango for my church in 2008 as the lead actor when the director Solomon McCaulay called me aside and, among

...due October 19

Jacobs and a female cast member in a scene from the movie.

other things, asked me to consider acting full time”, Jacobs explained.

“The joke is on Makinde”, Jacob said of his character. “After he loses his wife in tragic circumstances, he shut himself up in his work and his kids, almost totally oblivious to what was going on in his world, much less in the bureaucratic world of government workings. A downsizing at his firm forces him to collide with this world for the first time. An engineer, a man addicted to exactitude gets lost in the chaos of Abuja politics and the stage is set for some hilarious confrontations, chance encounters with eccentric characters and of course a love affair, all of which jolts him back to life.

For the first time in a long time, he feels and says things he didn’t realise he had in him”.

The Lagos State University (LASU) Mass Communications graduate has three albums to date spanning nine years in music, roles in numerous soaps including Tinsel and runs his marketing company, NooceThematics.

Cruel Passion gets positive reviews O YINKAN SOMORIN

A

new novel, Cruel Passion published

by Learn Africa Plc, Nigeria’s foremost Learning Resource Company, was launched in Lagos last weekend during an event themed, ‘Blaze the Passion’ at the Renaissance Hotel, Ikeja.

The 184-page novel, written by Dayo OladeleIlori under Learn Africa’s Echo series, is an interwoven experience of friendship, naiveté, deception, love and revenge. The novel is set in three major cities: Lagos, Sicily and Portof-Spain.

Chairman of the occasion, Gbenga Arojo, while speaking stated that the book was an inspiration to young, aspiring Nigerians as it portrayed the country’s rich culture and taught moral lessons. “This is a book everyone who has ever been in love, everyone

who has ever been wronged and everyone who has ever been heartbroken ought to read”, he said.

Also speaking at the event was Gbola Aiyedun, Publishing Director, Learn Africa Plc., represented by Sarah Anammah, Senior Editor at Learn Africa, who narrated the tireless efforts the author put into the realisation of the novel.

One of the book reviewers at the occasion, Salif Adjokoto, an Editor with Tell Magazine, said: “Dayo very well knows how to spin a yarn. With her simple writing language, one readily wants to wine and dine with the colourful and solid characters in Cruel Passion”.

Oladele-Ilori, the author of You Shall be Fruitful, is a seasoned management consultant and a life coach.

Her collection of poems includes Ashes, Friendship, The Dance and Disillusioned, amongst others.

37

L-R Broadcaster and movie personality, Gbenga Adewusi and Dayo Adeneye at a previous edition of the party

Super stars prepare for annual Green and White gig ADEBIMPE OLATUJA

A

s Nigeria clocks 52 on Monday, October 1, Encomium Weekly and Primetime Entertainment are rolling out the green carpet for the annual Green and White Groove.

The famous Independence party,

put together to celebrate Nigeria and Nigerians has become one of the most important events on October 1 and organisers say it promises to get better this year with more star performances and attendance.

Titled, Superstar Edition, even the venue is an improvement on previous editions; the Green and White Groove will hold at Anchor Event

Place, Agidingbi-Ikeja, Lagos.

“It is the biggest, most exciting party celebrating the most populous Nation’s Independence Anniversary”, says Encomium publisher, Kunle Bakare.

“There are challenges, but every year, we move forward. This year, we’re celebrating our nation and the positive-minded citizens who are determined to make Nigeria great, in spite of the many hurdles on the way”, he added.

Already confirmed for the Monday event are popular DJs Jimmy JATT and Vinnie, as well as the Kennis Music All Stars. Guests are drawn from pillars of comedy to giants of music and movies, serious professionals to incorrigible activists, super stars, uncommon entrepreneurs, to proud, positive Nigerians in all fields.

“We’re having a dance and a party”, said Primetime’s Keke Ogungbe who adds that the event will be broadcast live on the Kennis Channel on Startimes. “Lagos will rock for six hours uninterrupted on Monday”, added Keke’s partner Dayo Adeneye.

It is believed that those who truly care about Nigeria will participate in this event which renews hope and calls for greater dedication in nation building.

Cocktail

38

Friday, September 28, 2012

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

WITH DR. DEJI FOLUTILE

Today's Tonic (12)

“Fear is that little darkroom where negatives are developed.” **Michael Pritchard * * * Fear Not! Fear of any kind is tyrannical. Fear of this and fear of that is the biography of most failures in life. Until we deal ruthlessly with fear, we will not fulfil our destinies.

I am always quick to tell the story of an angel of death visiting a city. He met the Angel of Life on the way. The Angel of Life asked the angel of death what he was up to.” To kill just 50 people.” The Angel of Life told him not to take more than that 50 people and they parted.

But alas, it was 5000 people that died in that city. The Angel of Life accused the angel of death of lying and wickedness. Whereby the angel of death played innocence. “I only killed 50 people as I purposed. “ The Angel of Life asked, “So who killed the remaining 4950 people?” The angel of death said, “It was FEAR that killed them, not me!”

What am I driving at? Fear is an enemy of progress. Fear is an enemy of good health. Fear is the real culprit in the story of most tragedies. Fear not! Trust in the perfect love of God which casts out fear of any degree.

You Will Succeed!

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

Women allegedly hid cocaine in hair

U

.S. Customs officials allege two women flying into New York from South America were smuggling cocaine under their wigs and hair extensions.

The officials said the women, who arrived Sunday at John F. Kennedy International Airport from Georgetown, Guyana, appeared nervous when they approached a cus-

toms checkpoint at the airport and officers felt bulges on the women’s heads when patting them down for potential contraband, the New York Post reported Wednesday.

The suspects, identified as Kiana Howell and Makeeba Graham, were taken to the airport’s medical facility, where their wigs and hair weaves were removed.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Banned politician proud of porn campaign

A

Bosnian man who was banned from running in next month’s local elections for using pornographic images on the Internet as part of his campaign says he will fight to be reinstated and get a chance to turn his town into “Hollywood”.

“Seven days after my campaign began, the whole planet is talking about me,” Mirad Hadziahmetovic told Reuters. “I think I have had a super campaign and proved to be the best market expert in Bosnia.”

The self-proclaimed “innovator” had been running as an independent candidate for mayor of Zenica, the fourthlargest city in Bosnia with a predominantly Muslim population, in the October 7 ballot.

The election commission removed him from the race last week over pornographic material accessible on his campaign web page.

After each question visitors to his web page

posed about local election issues, they were allowed to proceed to links with pornographic content, which had to be removed after the commission’s decision.

Hadziahmetovic appealed against what he said was a “shameful decision” to Bosnia’s state court this week and voiced confidence that it would

be overturned.

Unless he is re-instated as a candidate, he will file a suit to the Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights, he said.

In an open letter asking for support from Western ambassadors in Bosnia, Hadziahmetovic said he only wanted to turn Zenica into a Hol-

Mirad Hadziahmetovic posing for a photo after an interview in Sarajevo

lywood instead of a Tehran.

“I know boys and girls in my country want to make love freely, have fun and enjoy life. They all dream of Hollywood, not Tehran,” he wrote, referring to Zenica’s current mayor, who comes from a Bosnian Muslim party with postwar links to Iran.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Friday, September 28, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

39

Business & Finance The ability to readily change service provider emphasises the consumer’s power of choice which infuses a strong impetus for competition with attendant benefits of improvements in tariffs, quality and service delivery President, National Association of Telecoms Subscribers, Deolu Ogunbanjo

Rational investors will find it difficult to invest in a company they do not have adequate information about Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Oscar Onyema

Oil blocks: FG explains review of fiscal terms in PIB UDEME AKPAN

T

current level of 61 percent to a new figure of 73 per cent was necessitated by prevailing realities in the global oil and gas industry.

She said: “I like to state once again that the proposed increase of Government take to about 73 percent is not only competitive but considerate when we look at the scale of other entities around

the world like Norway, Indonesia and even Angola with even higher government take.”

Alison-Madueke stated that based on prevailing realities in the global oil industry it was only natural to review the terms of the PSC to reflect the current trend.

The novel 1993 PSC agreement was based on $20 per barrel price for

crude oil real time but records indicate that since the start of production in the PSC fields crude prices have been on the upward swing thus the consensuses to have a review of the terms.

The minister remarked that the new PIB provides for a refreshing fiscal regime which has strong incentives for enhanced exploration of new frontiers

especially in the Inland Sedimentary Basins as well as providing strong support base for the complete activation of the Gas Master Plan.

Under the new arrangement, fiscal regime is anchored on royalty and tax which is now predicated on production as opposed to terrain and investment as was previously done.

he Federal Government has attributed its quest for the review of the fiscal terms in the Production Sharing Contracts aspect of the Petroleum Industry Bill for deep water fields to present realities in the global oil and gas industry.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources and Chairperson of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke said this aspect of the Petroleum Industry Bill currently before the National Assembly needs to be reviewed in line with current trends in the industry.

Speaking at the 3rd Nigeria Investment Summit held in New York under the auspices of the African Business Roundtable, Alison-Madueke noted that the increase in govL-R: Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola; Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Seni Adetu, and ernment stake in the Deep Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, at the inauguration of Guinness Nigeria Plc’s Don’t Drink and Drive Offshore blocks from the initiative in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Health in Lagos, yesterday.

Demand for Nigeria’s debt instruments rising JOHNSON OKANLAWON WITH AGENCY REPORTS

I

nvestors bought $284million of structured notes tied to Nigerian government debt in the past six weeks in anticipation of the debt’s inclu-

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

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

sion in benchmark bond indexes and after Central Bank of Nigeria stimulus measures.

Standard Chartered Plc and Citigroup Incorporation led banks in selling N28 denominated creditlinked notes this year worth N64.08bn ($407m), with 70 per cent of issuance coming since August 23, according to data com-

piled by Bloomberg.

Only two such notes totaling $23.5m were sold in all of 2011.

Investor demand for the currency and debt of Africa’s biggest crude producer has surged since JPMorgan Chase and Company said in August it would include Nigerian debt in its bond indexes, said Yvonne Mhango, an

Lagos, Benin, Owerri airports to be ready in December- FAAN

40

economist for sub-Saharan Africa at Renaissance Capital.

Riskier assets became more appealing after the world’s largest central banks took action to spur growth in September, including a third round of quantitative easing in the United States, known as QE3.

“The increase in interest in Nigeria’s local

currency debt is due to QE3, which has boosted investors’ risk appetite, partly because interest rates are likely to remain low for longer and also because of the inclusion of Nigerian bonds in the JPMorgan government bond index,” said Johannesburg-based Mhango.

“That signals Nigerian debt is liquid.”

CRFFN: Doomed to fail before creation ?

FLIGHT SCHEDULE Arik Air

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

Aero Contractors Los-Abj: 06:50, 13:30, 16:30, 19:45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 12:30 (Sun) 16:45 (Sat).

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

EXCHANGE RATES WAUA

234.6271

USD

155.84

CHF

159.2642

SDR

235.0535

CFA

0.2924

GBP

244.1701

EURO

191.3715

OIL / GAS FUTURES

42

ICE BRENT

$123.39

-0.78

NYMEX

$108.45

-0.11

OPEC BASKET

$122.86

+1.16

NATURAL GAS

$2.83

-0.03

40

Business News

Friday, September 28, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lagos, Benin, Owerri airports to be ready in December –FAAN OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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he Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), yesterday announced that some of the airports under the ongoing remodelling exercise by the Federal Government will be completed and ready for use by December 2012.

Although, the airports were supposed to be commissioned by mid this year, but it was pushed forward due to some unforeseen challenges.

The airports to be ready for use according to the Managing Director of FAAN, Mr. George Uriesi are the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, Benin and Owerri airports.

He disclosed this yesterday while speaking at the 7th Safety, Security and Service Summit organised by the Travel and Business News held at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), MMIA, Lagos.

Uriesi, who was represented at the occasion by the General Manager, Safety, Mr. Peter Onyeri, explained that at the moment, the Benin and Owerri

airports remodeling project had reached 90 per cent completion and assured that they would be completed by the end of the year.

He assured that inasmuch aircraft take off and land within the country, FAAN would continue to rise to the challenges of providing airports with facilities for these activities to take place.

Uriesi, however, decried that the agency had observed that facilities at the toilets that were installed not long ago were being destroyed by some airport users who may not know how to use the modern facilities that are fitted with sensors.

He appealed to airport users to handle these facilities with care, adding that the facilities are the same as the ones used in other climes.

He insisted that the agency was committed to provision of modern facilities at airports across the country in line with the remodelling programme of the Federal Government.

According to him, “We want to transform from the era of receiving bashing from members of the public to the era of receiving awards.”

L-R: Assistant Director/Coordinator National Lottery Commission, Mr. Obi Iregbu; Vetting Officer, Advertising Practitioners’ Council of Nigeria, Mr. Owen Dadzie and Group Chief Marketing Officer, Tolaram GroupMr. Pawan Sharma, at the 1st draw of the ongoing Indomie Super Millionaire Promo in Lagos, yesterday.

Unions dismiss pension probe panel report MESHACK IDEHEN

T

he Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAE-

Lawmakers to fast-track back-up satellites for Nigeria KUNLE A ZEEZ

N

igerian lawmakers have expressed their determination to accelerate the procurement and launch into the orbit of two back-up satellites for the country.

The two back-up satellites would help Nigeria to have adequate redundancies which will guarantee seamless satellite operations.

To achieve the launch of the two satellites, the House Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has promised to look into the delay in the award of contract for NigComSat 2 and 3.

The committee said this during a visit to the Ground Control Station of the Nigerian Com-

munications Satellite Limited, NIGCOMSAT) Ltd along Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Way in Abuja.

Explaining their mission to the agency, the Committee Chairman, Dr. Ibrahim Gusau, said the committee was at the agency to monitor budgetary release as part of their oversight function.

Gusau stated that full implementation of budgetary allocation is critical to national development hence the need to monitor its disbursement and implementation.

According to him, the need for the two back-up satellites cannot be overemphasized in view of what happened to NigComSat-1.

He further explained that NIGCOMSAT LTD can fully win the confidence of its for-

mer customers and others if there is visible progress on the two back-ups.

Responding, the Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT Limited, Engr. Timasaniyu Ahmed-Rufai lauded the committee’s interest in the satellites, explaining that with the competitive business models in the industry today, the need for back-ups cannot be over emphasized.

While briefing the committee on the budget performance for this year, the MD said, as at two weeks the agency received the third quarter allocation and is awaiting the last allocation for the year.

He said all the monies released for 1st and 2nd quarter have been spent according to the budgetary allocation.

AC), said the association is dismissing the report recently submitted by the probe panel set up by the former Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji to probe the PHCN superannuation fund.

In a statement made available to National Mirror on Thursday, General Secretary of SSAEAC, Mr. Abiodun Ogunsegha, said, the association has observed with trepidation the report of the Ajiboye Committee instituted by Nnaji to investigate the alleged loss of over N200 billion superannuation (Pensions) fund of PHCN, and is noting that ever before the committee was set up, the then minister had predicted the outcome of the committee by alleging that the management and the workers’ unions stole the fund.

He said now that the committee had submitted its interim report that SSAEAC has seen that the committee was deliberately set up with a premeditated agenda primarily to water down or disclaim the legitimate position of the unions that the superannuation Fund was grossly underfunded by the Management of PHCN, and that workers con-

LCCI reiterates readiness to host 2012 trade fair STANLEY IHEDIGBO

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he Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, has reiterated its readiness to host the 26th edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair.

The Vice President and Chairman, Trade Promotion Board of the LCCI, Mr. Babatunde Ruwase, at a press conference in Lagos yesterday, said that they

are ready and committed to the upcoming trade fair scheduled to commence on Friday 2nd of November and promised of staging an improved and better fair that will deliver value to all stakeholders.

He added that the choice of Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, as this year’s venue is in keeping with the LCCI’s commitment to continue to provide economic and commercial bridges between

local and international investors through the fair.

He stressed that the fair will provide platform to broaden the horizon and scope of investment opportunities for the exhibitors and visitors alike.

He said this year’s theme, “Promoting trade for sustainable economic transformation”, is aimed at the manifestation of the chamber’s commitment to the development of both local and

international trade, towards the realization of a speedy transformation of the Nigerian economy.

Ruwase assured of provision of adequate security cover for all visitors and exhibitors as measures are be put in place to safe guard the venue with collaboration with the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force in addition to deployment of CCTV cameras for surveillance around the fair arena.

tribution by setting aside of 25% of workers emolument was a solid fact.

“The setting aside of 25 per cent of total emolument of the workers, was a novelty by then Management of ECN/NEPA, to cater for the gratuity, pensions of workers. It was a practice inherited by the PHCN when it transformed from NEPA and was never stopped up to this moment.”

“It is a wide joke and act of irresponsibility for anyone to claim as was told to the Nigerian people that the committee discovered a $2m in Barclays Bank in London when in actual fact the balance in the accounts of the superannuation fund in the bank which arose out of legitimate transactions that started way back 1958, when the expatriates were in charge of the Nigeria Dams Authority and Electric Corporation of Nigeria a precursor of NEPA/PHCN”.

On the Kado Estates in Abuja, the association said the estate is one of the several properties of the fund which were earlier ceded to the fund as non-core assets of PHCN, but which the then Minister of the FCT, Mallam El Rufai sold off.

“The Board of Trustees of the superannuation fund had since instituted a case in court to recover these properties. The case is presently at the Court of Appeal, Abuja. The pronouncement of government and the report of the eight member committee are arrangements put in place to water-down the demand of PHCN unions. Workers of PHCN that are to be severed from their present employers must be paid their entitlements,” the statement added.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, September 28, 2012

FG restates commitment to maritime safety, security FRANCIS EZEM

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he Federal Government has said it is more than ever before committed to ensuring safety and security of navigation within Nigeria’s territorial waters and her Exclusive Economic Zone.

This is against the background of increasing piracy and armed robbery incidents in Nigeria’s waters, which also informed the International Maritime Bureau of classifying Nigeria’s waters as second most unsafe after Somalia for two consecutive years, 2010 and 2011.

Minister of Transport, Mallam Idris Umar, who gave the assurance, spoke at the 2012 edition of the annual International Maritime Organisation World Maritime Day on the theme: 100 Years after the Titanic, which held in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

According to him, one of the challenges to safety of naviga-

tion is the threat posed by piracy and armed robbery in most territorial waters including Nigeria’s.

The minister noted that the government is worried by the increasing cases of piracy of the maritime industry and sea robbery both in Nigeria and across the global shipping community, but assured that the government is working out measures to address this challenge.

“Indeed, the issues of maritime safety and security of the maritime domain as well as cleaner oceans are major challenges that have continued to confront ships and their crew members”, he observed.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria under President Goodluck Jonathan has continuously placed the safety and security of the maritime domain in the front burner. In this respect, concerted efforts have been made to ensure adequate safety and security mechanisms in Nigeria’s maritime domain”, the minister further noted.

It was partly in response to this, that the President recently hosted a presidential retreat on the maritime industry with the theme: Harnessing the potential of the maritime industry for sustainable economic development.

The retreat centred on safety and security, ports and the Nigeria Customs Service, the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) and the Local Content Development as well as revenue potential in the maritime industry, among others.

The minister also disclosed that some robust strategies were being put in place to effectively contain these challenges, one of them being the setting up of an Inter-agency Maritime Coordination Committee with membership drawn from the Federal Ministry of Transport, the Navy, the State Security Service, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the Nigerian Ports Authority, the National Inland Waterways Authority and Customs.

IT firms partner on carrier-neutral data centre in Nigeria KUNLE AZEEZ

V

odacom Business Nigeria, a leading provider of total communication solutions has entered into strategic partnership with Rack Centre Africa, a data centre service provider, to provide a neutral data facility in the Nigerian market.

In the partnership, Rack Center Africa will provide Vodacom Business Nigeria with carrier neutral data center infrastructure enabling the first premium collocation facilities in Nigeria.

The Tier 3 Collocation data center will have a fully redundant system, provide 99.995 percent uptime and 96 hours Power Outage Protection.

Rack Centre Africa is a part of the Jagal Group, a leading Nigerian conglomerate with operations across a number of different industries.

According to Vodacom Business Nigeria, a neutral data cen-

MESHACK IDEHEN

R

Govt tasked over corporate governance, insecurity TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

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he Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) yesterday urged the Federal Government to prioritise the development of key infrastructure, entrenchment of corporate governance values in public administration and improved security as a strategic option of fast-tracking the ongoing transformation agenda of the country.

Giving the charge at the opening ceremony of the 36th Annual Conference of the Institute in Abuja, the President, Mr Olatunde Busari, noted that a committed approach in the entrenchment of corporate

governance and other business-friendly values in the public sector would go a long way in attracting the desired investments for sustainable growth of the economy and improvement in the socio-economic well-being of the citizenry.

The Institute’s boss, who lamented the pervasive level of corruption, decaying infrastructure and insecurity in the country, restated the Institute’s readiness to collaborate with government in tackling the myriad of problems.

Busari, who harped on the increasing importance of corporate governance to public policies implementation, pointed out that the ideals such as honesty, trust, ethics, integrity, openness, performance orien-

tation, responsibility and accountability, amongst others, were crucial to improving public and private entities’ performances in the country.

He explained: “Our Institute has always been at the vanguard of good governance practices and over the years designed its activities towards enlightenment and creation of awareness to all stakeholders and general public.

“As a professional body of repute and Practitioners in corporate governance, we are consolidating on the efforts that we have made towards entrenching excellent corporate governance practices and effective public administration”, said.

ter is integral in growing the Nigerian ICT industry.

The partnership, which will create a cost effective platform for network operators to interconnect in a neutral facility through collocation, will also encourage competition and diversity in the industry.

Vodacom will provide its premium Managed Hosting Services from this facility which will benefit its enterprise customers.

Speaking on the partnership, the Managing Director of Vodacom Business Nigeria, Mr. Guy Clarke said, “As an organisation, we continuously seek out innovations that will impact positively on the industry. By teaming up with Rack Centre Africa to build Nigeria’s first Carrier Neutral data centre we are recognizing the power of shared infrastructure which is key to supporting the growth of broadband and the adoption of cloud services in Nigeria.”

NUP calls for prosecution of taskforce chairman etirees under the auspices of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, (NUP), have called on the Federal Government to immediately arrest and prosecute the Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on Pension, Mr Abdulrasheed Maina, over unethical practice.

The pensioners said they are fed up with the care free attitude of the Federal Government towards the pension fraud unearthed by the Senate Joint Committee in the Pension unit of the office of

L-R: Chairman, University Press Plc, Dr Lekan Are; Managing Director, Mr. Samuel Kolawole; National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders’ Association of Nigeria, Sir Sunny Nwosu and Director, Chief Oluneye Okuboyejo, at the Annual General Meeting of the company in Ibadan, yesterday.

41

the Head of Service of Federation and other paramilitary pension schemes.

They said they were particularly worried that in spite of the startling revelation by the Senate Joint Committee that the Federal Government had not deem it wise to have disbanded its Task Force on Pension, let alone, prosecute its members for their alleged sharp practices.

In a statement by the union’s Sectoral Secretary, Mr. Clement Ogunrinde, NUP said the government should not only disband the Pension Task Force but arrest and prosecute its chairman.

LASAA to introduce Skype video app to strengthen operations ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

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fter trials spanning over four weeks involving its Human Resources, Client Services and Business Development departments, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), is set to introduce Skype video as part of the agency’s commitment to excellent customer relations and service delivery.

In a release yesterday, LASAA stated that, “the Skype video application is expected to ensure that response time to enquiries from LASAA stakeholders is quicker and faster thereby making service delivery more effective and efficient. The deployment of the Skype application which will come into effect from Tuesday October 2, 2012, is perhaps the first time such interactive platform is deployed by any regulator in the industry, in African continent.

The initiative, described as trail– blazing, has also received commendations from a wide spectrum of LASAA stakeholders.”

Skype allows users to communicate with individuals by voice, video, and instant messaging over the Internet. The service has almost 700 million registered users across the world. In Nigeria, it is estimated that over one million persons use the service mainly for personal communication, but LASAA says it will adapt it as part of efforts to improve its relations with its stakeholders including outdoor practitioners, customers as well as institutions.

Commenting on this new initiative, the Managing Director of LASAA, Mr George Noah, said Skype video application demonstrates the agency’s commitment to the provision of value-addition services, and raise stakeholders’ satisfaction and positive experience of LASAA.

42

Maritime

Friday, September 28, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CRFFN: Doomed to fail before creation?

I

t is a statement of fact to say that Nigeria’s freight forwarding practice, which is an integral part of the maritime industry, is synonymous with bickering and crisis. It is on record that this small segment, which is necessary in the distribution chain has over 10 associations both recognised and un-recognised. It might also be more interesting that apart from the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, which was formed in1954, other splinter groups emerged as a result of one form of crisis or the other.

One other major historical feature of most of these associations is that the founder or facilitator becomes the president for upwards of 10 years and out of the frustration, another senior member forms another association.

Over the years, it became obvious that the lack of cohesion on the part of these freight forwarders, who are also called customs brokers became a major hindrance to efficient cargo clearance at the ports and this no doubt constituted a major source of concern to operators. This is because the customs broker or licensed customs agent plays a crucial role in the delivery of imported goods at the air, seaports and land borders and also given that Nigeria is an import-dependent nation. It was against this background that some well meaning stakeholders came together and with the assistance of the Nigerian Shippers Council, the government was convinced on the need to establish a body to regulate, train and coordinate the activities of the customs agents in the country.

Thus, the National Assembly passed the CRFFN Act 16, of 2007, which created the council with the statutory powers to determine who is a freight forwarder and conditions for qualification as a freight forwarder.

The council is also to register and regulate activities the various freight forwarding associations, set standards for practice, train and re-train and also sanction erring practitioners, among several other functions.

Many operators had heaved a sigh of relief with creation of the council but little did they know that the problem in that segment of the maritime industry was just beginning.

The first pointer to the fact that danger loomed in was the fierce manner in which the first election into the governing council was conducted with several allegations of mass rigging and large scale fraud, as it was alleged that mercenaries were hired to vote n the election and no sooner than the elections were concluded than the then president of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Agents, one of the splinter associations Mr. Luck Amiwero rushed to the court and secured an injunction against the new council. Though the injunction was vacated shortly, the substantive suit, which challenged the election of the governing council lingered and the council could not take off effectively until two years after the inauguration of the governing board.

One of the major fallouts of the myriads of crisis rocking the council from inception was a blanket suspension placed on it by the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association.

This follows a petition by International Freight Forwarders Association, an unregistered association. FIATA had argued that the essence of the suspension was for the council to put its house in order before seeking recognition or affiliation with such international body.

However, another round of internal crisis broke out in the council when the vice- chairman of the council, Chief Sam Oyemelukwe, chairman of registration committee and the chairman of transport committee Chief Peter Obi and Chief Teddy Ifezue, respectively were suspended for allegedly engaging in activities inimical to the progress of the council.

Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Captain Adamu Biu

Umar

More than five years after its creation, the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria has been consistently enmeshed in one form of crisis or the other to the extent that government’s objectives of setting it up is far from being achieved.

FRANCIS EZEM examines the issues.

THE SCRAPPING OF THE CRFFN MIGHT NOT BE THE BEST OPTION BECAUSE THIS WILL CAUSE MORE HARM SINCE THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS

TO SANITISE THE INDUSTRY, WHICH WOULD FACILITATE EFFICIENCY OF THE SEAPORTS But Obi, who spoke to news men then had alleged that the suspended members were piqued by the way and manner the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, which had earlier taken the council to court was given full accreditation as a member of the council.

He had alleged that his committee, the registration committee was not carried along in the peace process that led to the pardoning and subsequent admission of NAGAFF, adding that instead of addressing the issues, the chairman of the council, Alhaji Hakeem Olarenwaju allegedly dissolved the committee unilaterally.

Consequently, it was gathered, Obi instituted a court action and also resorted to the use of the media as a war instrument to fight the council.

With this round of crisis, the council in January, this year inducted about 4,000 individual freight forwarders and 400 corporate members, who are now licensed and recognised to practice the profession in the country. With the conclusion of this induction, many believed that the council has finally been put on a sound footing.

Minister of Transport, Mallam Idris Umar, who spoke at the official induction of the accredited freight forwarders, noted that the vision of the council in becoming Nigeria’s leading logistics voice committed to the development of a modern globally competitive freight forwarding system in the country is in line with the world’s best practices and standards.

The minister had disclosed that government was

particularly happy that the council is now firm and repositioned to perform its statutory duty, but that is not to be.

Another round of crisis broke out penultimate week following the decision of government to introduce some new charges at the port as a means of providing funds for the council, since the ministry is no longer favourably disposed to giving it subventions.

Under the new fees, importers will now pay N1.50 per kilo of every air cargo, N1, 000 per 20-foot container, N2, 000 per each 40-foot container, N500 per car or Jeep imported into the country sand N1,000 per every truck or 20-foot equivalent.

Others include N2, 000 per truck or 40-foot equivalent, N3.50 per every ton of general cargo imported into the country and N1.00 per ton of every dry bulk cargo handled in any of the nation’s seaports The minister also approved various registration fees for freight forwarding practitioners including Nigerians and non-Nigerians, which range from N7, 500 to N50, 000 annually depending on the category of membership as well as annual subscription fees ranging from N10, 000 to N60, 000 for the various levels of the membership of the council.

In protest, a president of ANLCA resigned his membership of the governing board of the council, insisting that his members would not comply with the new charges.

To drive home his point, the association instituted a court action, which compelled the ministry to suspend the charges, an indication that the council will continue to be starved of funds, which had partly forestalled the achievement of the objectives for setting it up.

A frontline freight forwarder, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, noted that what is playing out at the council is that of greed and thirst for power.

On the calls for the scrapping of the council, he said: “The scrapping of the CRFFN might not be the best option because this will cause more harm since the government needs to sanitise the industry, which would facilitate efficiency of the seaports”.

Five years after the creation of the council, it is still crawling, thus almost negating the real essence for its creation. This is a clarion call for all concerned to make the CRFFN work.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Maritime

Friday, September 28, 2012

Onne Oil and Gas Zone worth N960bn, says FG

T

he Federal Government has said that private investors have invested a whopping $6billion (N960bn) in the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone, about 20 years after the project was conceived.

The Nigerian Ports Authority had in the 1990s conceived the idea of developing the Onne Ports Complex to accommodate the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) and Federal Lighter Terminal (FLT) which have today become the nucleus of Oil and Gas business in Africa.

Minister for Trade and Investment Mr. Olusegun Aganga, who spoke at the just concluded 2012 Oil and Gas Trade and Investment Forum, held in Onne, Rivers State, disclosed that the value of investment at the Onne Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone currently stands at over $6billion, with over 150 investors operating within the Zone.

While describing the zone as the number one investment destination in Africa and 25th globally, the minister commended the giant strides of NPA, the management of Onne Free Zone and all other stakeholders who have contributed to the success story of the zone.

“All over the world trade zones are catalysts for industrial development, while they are also good for Foreign Direct Investment, this zone has created a lot of jobs”, the minister asserted.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State at the event with the theme: “Harnessing investment opportunities in the oil and gas sector:

Oil refining facility

The Role of the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone in the Transformation Agenda, said that the theme was in line with his administration’s vision 20:2020, which projects that Nigeria will be one of the 20 biggest economies of the world year 2020.

While expressing confidence in the ingenuity and capability of investors at the zone, the president noted that there was urgent need to enlighten more investors on the availability of more investment opportunities in the zone with a view to attracting more investments.

According to the president, the government remains committed to the implementation of the economic reforms that are capable of transforming the Nigerian economy.

“Government has come up with policies, plans and programmes geared towards the reduction or elimination of bottlenecks and other encumbrances to business and investment through the harmonisation of Nigeria Trade Procedures and Documentations”, the president disclosed.

He disclosed that other efforts of the government to provide an investment -friendly environment include the setting up of Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI), public sector reforms through public -private sector partnership, and the empowerment of the private sector through the Nigeria Investment Promotion Act of 1995.

While re-affirming government’s faith in the ability and

commitment of the free zone operators to achieve the aims and objectives of the facilities, the president disclosed that the strength of his economic reforms agenda lies in a robust private sector support as well as a fast growing financial sector, among others.

Minister of Transport, Mallam Idris Umar, who spoke at the event, commended NPA, which conceived the project and Intels Nigeria Limited; the operators of the zone for their vision and tenacity in ensuring the success of the zone.

He also observed that the Minister for Trade and Investment has done well, given his zeal and drive in providing necessary platform for investors at the free trade zones in the country.

‘We invested N2.4bn in cranes to enhance efficiency’

P

orts & Cargo Services Limited has said that its decision to invest a whopping sum of N2.4billion on the acquisition 10 units of Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes was part of its measures to enhance efficiency and add value to its customers.

Ports & Cargo, a member of the Sifax Group and operators of Terminal C of the Tin Can Island Port Complex had acquired 10 brand new RTG cranes as well as two mobile harbour cranes to add to its existing fleet.

Managing Director of the company, Mr. John Jenkins, who spoke at the official commissioning of the 10 cranes, disclosed that five, which have arrived the country, represent the first batch while the remaining five will arrive in the next one month.

According to him, the acquisition of the equipment, is in line with the company’s vision of achieving excellence in all areas of its operations, which he said lay credence to the success story

Cotecna emerges best collateral firm

C

STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

of the privatisation programme of the Federal Government.

“We also want to use this medium to tell the entire shipping community, the importers, exporters and liners that they will now witness a more robust, faster and effective service delivery to all our customers’, he assured.

“It will interest you all to know that when we took over this terminal on May 11, 2006, it had a maximum of space of a little above 5, 000 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units with our continuous investments in state-of –the –art equipment, we have been able to double this figure and with this latest acquisition, we will increase storage capacity in our terminal to 17, 250 TEUs within the next 12 months”, he further noted.

According to him, the new RTG cranes are equipped with koncrane cabin and the latest digital global positioning system assisted technology for the container yard, which includes the auto-steering features, which keep the cranes

on a pre-programmed, straight driving path.

These features, it was gathered would greatly enhance safety and increase productivity.

Details of the features of the equipment also show that the all electric 16-wheel crane has a lifting capacity of 50 ton-stacking one over five containers high and seven containers wide plus a truck lane, which is a transition from reach stacker operation to RTG operation will lead to smoother and more effective operations.

The Port s &Cargo-boss noted that the acquisition of the equipment could not have been possible without the dedication of staff and management of the Sifax Group, the various regulatory agencies and other major stakeholders in the industry.

Managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, who performed the official commissioning ceremony, noted that the

event was a manifestation of the gains of public-private sector cooperation as typified by the port concession programme.

The NPA-boss, who was represented by the General Manager, Western Zone of the authority, Mallam Mohammed Bulangu, noted that the port concession programme has started yielding dividends for Nigerians and other port users.

He argued that the objective of the programme in attracting private sector funds to develop the ports was being realised unlike when NPA was entirely in charge of cargo handling when government would spend its lean resources to acquire equipment for port operations.

He also attributed the increase in cargo tonnage to the improved port infrastructure, arguing that bigger and more sophisticated vessels come to the seaports in Nigeria with the attendant reduced cost due to economy of scale.

43

otecna has emerged the best collateral management firm for the second year in a row in the 2012 annual Trade Finance Excellence Awards.

Cotecna, the parent company of Cotecna Destination Inspection Limited, one of the service providers under Nigeria’s Destination Inspection scheme, is a foremost testing, inspection and certification (TIC) company.

The company was last week recognised a second time for the quality of its services in the field of trade finance support services.

This latest award is in recognition of the fact that in today’s credit market environment, control and risk management are more than ever essential elements of success in structuring deals.

Chief operating officer of Cotecna Trade Services, Mr. Matthieu Delorme, said: “We are immensely proud to have been awarded recognition as the best collateral manager in 2012 by the readers of Trade Finance Magazine, and grateful to all our clients and other stakeholders for this vote of confidence and the dedication and competence of our teams, who work daily next to our customers and on-site to provide the best quality of services.”

“Going forward, the challenges and opportunities are significant.

We see that the model we have been advocating for some time whereby collateral managers constantly monitor pledged cargo for location, quantity, condition and quality, covered by solid legal documentation, logistical arrangements and property as well as liability cover arrangements, is gaining ground. Cotecna will continue to contribute to all stakeholders to the strength of these structures to the full extent of its expertise and innovation capabilities”, he stated.

According to him, with a dedicated office-to-field network of specialists situated in key locations around the world, Cotecna will continue to provide lenders with tools to ensure that disbursements are applied in conformity to the purpose of the credit and verifies that the transactions are performed in accordance with term sheets.

Thus, by strengthening lenders’ control over their transactions, the service provides a more favourable loan classification, allowing solid, cost-effective, Basel II and III-compliant financing structures.

The Cotecna-Inspection boss noted that all commodities as well as general cargo and consumer goods are covered; adding that reporting can be performed through the company’s web-based application developed to provide trading clients and financiers with a single source of data about posted collateral on a real-time basis.

44

Capital Market

Foreign investors account for 81% of NSE’s holdings, says Onyema JOHNSON OKANLAWON

T

here are approximately five million investors in the Nigerian capital market with foreign investors accounting for 81 per cent of inflows in our market, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema has said.

Onyema who spoke at an investors’ clinic in Lagos on Wednesday said that at the end of 2011, the local investment breakdown was that Nigerian institutional investors accounted for about 91 per

cent or N1.13trn, while Nigerian retail investors accounted for nine per cent or N111.6bn.

Total market capitalisation is currently N8.18trn, indicating that the foreign investors accounted for N6.94trn of the Exchange holdings.

He described the market as a goldmine yearning to be fully tapped as the fundamentals of the market are very strong.

“This is evidenced in the fact that the returns on investments of most of the companies quoted on this exchange remain one of the highest in the

emerging markets, yet most of our stocks are still grossly undervalued.

“The NSE constituted a board of trustees for its Investor Protection Fund (IPF). I must say that we are quite thrilled about this development as investor protection is one of the five pillars upon which our transformation agenda is built; we are pleased that investors will have this source of relief in applicable circumstances,” he said.

He explained that in conjunction with other initiatives such as investor education, revamp-

ing of the complaints management framework and implementing zero tolerance policy for violation of rules and regulations, the IPF will further strengthen the confidence of investors in the market.

Onyema added that the Exchange is already developing structures on new tradable instruments, new services to issuers and investors, new technology solutions for market participants and new best-in-class market rules in close cooperation with regulators.

He said that efforts are being made to provide growth opportunities domestically and transforming the NSE into one of the most vibrant capital markets in the world.

Royal Exchange posts N224m profit, equities shed 0.3% JOHNSON OKANLAWON

R

oyal Exchange Pls has declared a profit after tax of N224.9m for the period ended June 30, 2012, a decline by 6.1 per cent when compared to N239.6m recorded in the same period of 2011.

The company’s gross premium increased by 18.3 per cent to N3.43bn in the review period, from N2.90bn recorded in 2011 half year, while total underwriting income stood at N2.97bn in 2012, from N2.59bn in 2011 half year.

According to the result presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, net operating income rose by 12.1 per cent, from

N1.24bn in 2011 half year to N1.39bn in 2012.

Further analysis showed a total assets of N17.5bn in the review period, from N16.1bn recorded in 2011 half year, while its working capital stood at N9.68bn, from N9.32bn recorded in 2011 half year, an increase by 3.8 per cent.

Meanwhile, trading in equities continued on bearish note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investors took profit from the previous gains.

The All-Share Index increased by 0.25 per cent to close at 25,710.55 points, compared to the decline of 0.13 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 25,774.53 points.

Market capitalisation

depreciated by N20.4bn to close at N8.18trn, in contrast to the decrease of N55.1bn recorded the preceding day to close at N8.20trn.

Unilever Nigeria Plc led the gainers’ table with N1.91 or five per cent to close at N40.11 per share, followed by Livestock Plc with seven kobo or 4.76 per cent to close at N1.54 per share.

Meimeth Pharmaceutical International Plc gained five kobo or 4.76 per cent to close at N1.10 per share, while Transcop Plc appreciated by five kobo or 4.76 per cent to close at N1.10 per share.

Cutix Plc rose by 10 kobo or 4.59 per cent to close at N2.28 per share.

On the flip side, Fidson Healthcare Plc dipped by

13 kobo or 9.70 per cent to close at N1.21 per share, while Red Star Express Plc shed 28 kobo or 8.75 per cent to close at N2.92 per share.

Oando Nigeria Plc lost 64 kobo or 4.98 per cent to close at N12.21 per share, while Union Bank of Nigeria Plc fell 41 kobo or 4.93 per cent to close at N7.90 per share. Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc declined by 25 kobo or 4.85 per cent to close at N4.90 per share.

Transaction volume in equities dropped by 4.98 per cent, as a total of 329.10 million shares valued at N3.07bn were exchanged in 4,340 deals, compared to 313.50 million shares worth N2.61bn traded in 5,259 deals the preceding day.

US stocks record modest gain on China forecaast

U

nited States stocks eked modest gains yesterday, putting the Standard and Poor 500 on track to snap a five-day retreat, as hopes the Chinese government would take steps to bolster the giant Asian economy overshadowed a mixed bag of US data.

China has severely underestimated this year’s global economic slowdown, and further cuts to Chinese interest rates or bank reserve requirements will hinge on any new deterioration in the external environment, a central bank adviser said.

The comments under-

lined a confidence that global central banks were in lock step with regards to stimulating their economies, after monetary easing plans were put in place by the European Central Bank and the Federal Reserve.

“Ultimately, it is in everybody’s best interest that you not have a giant economic engine in the world malfunctioning and the central banks are getting on the same page,” said Tim Courtney, chief investment officer at Exencial Wealth Advisors in Oklahoma City.

A bright spot among the domestic economic data

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, September 28, 2012

released Thursday, initial jobless claims dropped by 23,000 to 359,000, significantly more than the 4,000 drop that had been expected.

But the final read on second-quarter gross domestic product showed growth of 1.3 per cent, weaker than an expected 1.7 per cent. And August durable goods tumbled 13.2 per cent, much more than the five per cent drop expected.

“There is not a whole lot of news driving the market right now other than the numbers that we are seeing confirming that we are not in recession,” said Courtney. “We are not in

any great growth, but that is all the market needs to stay where it is and potentially move higher,” The Dow Jones industrial average gained 10.87 points, or 0.08 per cent, to 13,424.38 points. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 4.36 points, or 0.30 per cent, to 1,437.68 points. The Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 14.89 points, or 0.48 per cent, to 3,108.59 points.

Pending home sales fell 2.6 per cent in August, compared with expectations for flat growth, due to a shortage of lower-priced inventory in most of the country.

Source: NSE NIBOR QUOTES 26 SEPTEMBER & 27 SEPTEMBER 2012 20.00 19.00 18.00 17.00 16.00 15.00 14.00 13.00 12.00 11.00 10.00 9.00 8.00 7.00 6.00 5.00

26-Sep-12

27-Sep-12

Source: FMDA

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

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

UNILEVER

38.20

40.11

1.91

5.00

LIVESTOCK

1.47

1.54

0.07

4.76

NEIMETH

1.05

1.10

0.05

4.76

TRANSCORP

1.05

1.10

0.05

4.76

CUTIX

2.18

2.28

0.10

4.59

RTBRISCOE

1.73

1.80

0.07

4.05

GOLDINSURE

0.50

0.52

0.02

4.00

UTC

0.76

0.79

0.03

3.95

HONYFLOUR

2.31

2.40

0.09

3.90

PRESTIGE

0.52

0.54

0.02

3.85

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

FIDSON

1.34

1.21

0.13

-9.70

REDSTAREX

3.20

2.92

0.28

-8.75

OANDO

12.85

12.21

0.64

-4.98

UBN

8.31

7.90

0.41

-4.93

CCNN

5.15

4.90

0.25

-4.85

CUSTODYINS

1.46

1.39

0.07

-4.79

AIICO

0.63

0.60

0.03

-4.76

LEARNAFRCA

2.11

2.01

0.10

-4.74

FLOURMILL

67.70

64.50

3.20

-4.73

WAPIC

0.64

0.61

0.03

-4.69

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Day

21,838.51

14.09

27-Sep-12

182-Day

59,081.14

15.05

27-Sep-12

364 -Day

-

-

-

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

297Days

7,878.70

16.40

27-Sep-12

289-Day

12,963.25

16.39

27-Sep-12

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$180m

N/A

$179m

19-Sep-12

$180m

N/A

$130m

17-Sep-12

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, September 28, 2012

45

46

Capital Market

Friday, September 28, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at September 27, 2012 1st Tier Securities Company name

1st Tier Securities No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Memorandum Quotation

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Friday, September 28, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

47

Community Mirror “No matter how much immunity we enjoy, we should note that one day, we would leave office and our immunity will expire” SPEAKER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AMINU TAMBUWAL

Fake police officer, rapists arrested in Abeokuta FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

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he Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man for impersonating as Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in Abeokuta, the state capital.

The man, identified as Tunbosun Adekunle Banjo, was arrested by the governor’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), Akindele Shola, while trying to gain entrance to the Government House.

Speaking at the police headquarters in Eleweran, Banjo, who confessed to the crime, said he was once a police officer, but was dismissed from service, after recovering from an accident that kept him away from duty for months.

The Commissioner of Police, Ikhemefuna Okoye, however, said that Banjo was under investigation at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and will soon be charged for impersonation.

In another development, a suspected ritualist, Jimoh Olorunwa, has been arrested in Ago-Iwoye with fresh human parts, after he allegedly broke into a cemetery at Iyalaje area of Ago Iwoye in Ijebu East Local Government Area of the state.

Confessing to the crime, Olorunwa said he was working for one Abore of Odosinusi area of the town, now at large.

He said, he was at the cemetery to appease the spirit of his dead mother, adding that it was his third trip before he was apprehended.

Also paraded were two sus-

pected rapists identified as Adebayo Tosin, 25 and Adebayo Opeyemi, 19, who were apprehended by the police in Imeko area of the state, for having the carnal knowledge of a young lady (name withheld).

The duo also confessed to the crime after alleging the lady agreed after being promised

An empty classroom at the Nursery and Primary School Orile Iganmu as Lagos State teachers embark on strike.

Customs impounds contrabands in Owerri CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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he Nigerian Customs Federal Unit, Owerri, the Imo State capital, has disclosed that it made a haul of seizure amounting to over N600 million just three weeks into a new administration at the border patrol of Owerri Zone C. Speaking when he received a delegation of transporters in his office in Owerri, the Zone C Comptroller, Mohammed Biu said it would not be business as usual as he warned the transporters not to collude with smugglers to sabotage the nation’s economy.

Attributing the success of his administration to the intensive border patrol in the zone, the comptroller said that concerted efforts must be made to save the country from been

the sum of N1, 000 from each of them.

The police further informed that three other members of the group are now at large, adding that efforts are on to arrest them.

Also, a suspected car thief, Dayo Ogundeyi has been arrested in Abeokuta, while a Toyota Solara car with registra-

contaminated with illegal items.

He explained that the contrabands which include 1 by 40 container load of second hand cloths seized at Eleme, along Port Harcourt Road, a container load of foreign Eva soaps and toiletries seized along Calabar axis, fake drugs among other adulterated products would be destroyed, while the vehicles conveying them would be impounded to serve as deterrent to other smugglers.

According to him, the zone which comprises Anambra, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Ebonyi and Cross River states, has been overhauled to tackle the menace of smuggling.

He disclosed that since assuming office three weeks ago, there had been massive redeployment of officers for more effective surveillance of the zone.

“You transporters should warn

your drivers not to use their vehicles to smuggle contrabands into the country because they will be impounded.

“If we make Nigeria a dumping ground, our economy will break down and once that happens it is going to affect everybody. In the first place, there will be crisis, people will be laid off their jobs and there will be high competition between locally made goods and the imported ones”, he said.

Responding, the leader of the delegation, Uchenna Maduakor, assured the Customs boss of their cooperation, adding that smuggling of sub-standard goods also affect the transport sector.

“We will take this massage back to our members and we assure you, we will put measures in place to checkmate our drivers.”

tion number, FA 171 APP and 30 master keys were recovered from him.

While assuring of the safety of lives and properties, the Police Commissioner said the achievements recorded are warning signals to hoodlums that Ogun State was no more safe for them.

PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Clearing agent arraigned for import duty evasion CAROLINE CHUKWUKA

A

clearing and forwarding agent, Emeka Ezenma, 34, has been dragged before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court over forged documents.

According to Police Prosecutor, SP Frank Emerho, the defendant forged the documents in order to evade payment of import duties.

The prosecutor stated that Ezenma, forged the document in August, 2011 to enable him to pay a duty of N606, 886 rather than N6.6 million.

He added that the duty was for the clearance of a container with Registration No. HR/1571764/001.

He said the defendant received N6.6 million from Mr Emeka Mozoba, owner of the goods and Managing Director of Good Rich Enterprises

Ltd, to pay the duty, but forged the documents to reduce tariffs. Emerho, said the police had been looking for Ezenma since committing the crime, even as he was arrested on September 20.

When the charge was read to him, he pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge and pleaded for bail. In her ruling, Magistrate A.F. Botoku, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N 500,000 with two sureties in the like sum.

“The Customs discovered that the document was forged, when it looked into the computer and realised that it was supposed to be paid N6.6 million as against N606, 886. Two other accomplices had earlier been arraigned in court before Ezenma’s arrest”, he said. The case has been adjourned till October 3 for substantive trial.

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Friday, September 28, 2012

Space for Sale

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Space for Sale

Friday, September 28, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

49

World News

Obama leads Romney as early vote begins

50

PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

T

he leaders of Sudan and South Sudan signed deals yesterday to secure their shared border and boost trade, including a restart of crucial oil exports, but they failed to resolve other conflicts remaining after the South seceded last year.

The deal, reached after more than three weeks of negotiations, will throw both ailing economies a lifeline and prevent, for now, a resumption the fighting that broke out along the border in April and nearly led to all-out war.

Sudan President Omar Hassan al-Bashir and South Sudan President Salva Kiir signed cooperation and trade deals to applause at a packed room in a five-star hotel in Addis Ababa, the seat of the African Union, which has been brokering the talks.

“We are convinced that what has happened, which culminated in signing of the agreements, constitutes a giant step forward for both countries,” AU mediator Thabo Mbeki said.

The defence ministers of both countries also signed a deal to set up a demilitarized buffer zone along the joint border.

Bashir said it was a “historic moment for building peace” between the former civil war foes.

The deal will allow landlocked South Sudan to resume oil ex-

“Ahmadinejad (Iranian president) do not even know the history of his Persian ancestors” – Israeli President, Shimon Peres

Sudan, South Sudan sign oil deals, boost trade

ports though Sudan, which will provide both ailing economies with dollars. The South in January had shut down its entire output of 350,000 barrels a day after the countries argued about transit fees.

Faced with the threat of U.N. sanctions and economic collapse, Bashir and Kiir, whose relation-

ship has been marred by years of civil war, agreed to set up the demilitarized zone.

But the two sides failed to settle the fate of at least five disputed, oil-producing regions along the 1,800 km (1,200 mile) border, despite pressure from the African Union, the United States and other Western powers.

They were also unable to reach a solution for the border region of Abyei, which has symbolic significance to both and is rich in grazing lands.

Kiir, who described the talks as “difficult”, thanked Bashir for his cooperation but blamed his northern neighbour for failing to reach a deal on Abyei.

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Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe wants to hold elections in March, court papers showed on Thursday, a timetable that could cause tension with his coalition partners and regional leaders who first want reforms to avoid a repeat of 2008 poll violence.

Mugabe, who has ruled the former British colony since independence in 1980, was forced to form a government with rival Morgan Tsvangirai, now prime minister, three years ago after the disputed 2008 election.

Under the terms of the powersharing deal, new elections must be held by next year. Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party wants the vote held as early as possible, while Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change says it should come after the adoption of a new constitution.

S’Africa police arrest three suspected killers of boxing champion

Sudan’s President, Omar al-Bashir, center-left, and South Sudan President Salva Kiir, right, celebrating after the signing ceremony of the deals yesterday. 2nd right is Mr. Thabo Mbeki, AU mediator who brokered the deal.

Senegal marks 10 years since Joola ship wreak en years after one of the worst maritime disasters in history, a handful of survivors gathered in Senegal on Wednesday to pay homage to the victims of the Joola, a Senegalese ferry that sank off the coast of

WORLD BULLETIN Mugabe wants Zimbabwe’s elections in March

Gambia, killing 1,863 people.

That’s 361 more than were killed when the Titanic went down nine decades earlier, claiming 1,502 lives. The MV Le Joola took off on Sept. 26, 2002 from Ziguinchor, the capital of Sene-

gal’s southernmost province. The government-owned ferry was carrying several times the maximum recommended number of passengers, and survivors say it was already listing from the excess weight when it ran into a storm.

Young relatives of people killed in the 2002 Joola ferry disaster praying as they visit a cemetery containing 140 unmarked graves of victims, in Mbao, outside Dakar, Senegal on Wednesday.

PHOTO: AP

Survivors wept at the graves Wednesday, most of which are unmarked in the Dakar cemetery that was created for the disaster.

The bodies were so decomposed that most could not be identified and one relative of the dead went from headstone to headstone, placing his hand on the white marker, as if to find his loved one.

Among the 64 who made it out alive was Victor Djiba, a soldier who was assigned to work on the boat. He got out only because he knew the layout of the ferry. But his friend, with whom he was sharing a cabin, perished.

“Since 2002, I have to use sleeping pills to be able to fall asleep.

And even with the pills, I still don’t manage to fall asleep until 2 a.m.,” said Djiba, who attended an interfaith ceremony held at the cemetery on Wednesday.

“When the boat started to sink, I was in a cabin with my colleague.

I feel responsible for his death,” he said.

South African police have arrested three suspects for the murder of former world heavyweight boxing champion Cornelius “Corrie” Sanders, who died on Sunday after being shot by armed robbers who burst into his nephew’s 21st birthday party.

The suspects - all Zimbabwean citizens - are due to appear before magistrates in Brits, 80 km (50 miles) northwest of Johannesburg, on Monday on charges of murder and armed robbery.

“The police confiscated a cellular phone, vehicle key, purse and cash that were allegedly robbed during the robbery and belong to the victims,” police said in a statement.

Kenyan MP charged with hate speech Junior Kenyan minister Ferdinand Waititu has been charged with hate speech and inciting violence and suspended from his government post.

The MP denied the charges and was remanded in custody until a bail hearing on Friday.

The charges follow a speech he made against ethnic Maasais on Monday, parts of which were posted on YouTube.

He is the second minister to be suspended over allegations of inciting violence this month.

There are fears politicians may whip up ethnic tensions ahead of March’s polls.

Violence has recently claimed more than 100 lives in the southeastern Tana River area.

In order to prevent a repeat of the deadly violence which followed the 2007 election, the constitution passed two years ago says that any minister charged with an offence must stand down.

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News

WORLD BULLETIN German arrested over killing of five newborns A woman in northern Germany has been arrested and charged with manslaughter over the killing of five of her newborn babies.

The 28-year-old has already admitted to killing two of the infants in an earlier unsolved case, police said.

She turned herself in after they took a DNA sample, and confessed to killing the children, who were born alive, they said.

Her identity has not been released in accordance with German privacy laws.

The case had been under investigation for years, after a newborn’s body was found in a paper-recycling plant near the northern city of Flensburg in 2006.

A second body was found in a car park in 2007.

Facebook deleting fake ‘likes’ – Independent data Facebook has begun deleting fake page “likes”, independent data suggests.

According to Pagedata, many of the site’s most “liked” pages suffered large drops in numbers on Wednesday.

The move follows the social network’s admission that 8.7% of its users are not “real”, many having been set up by spammers who use them to artificially make pages appear more popular.

The issue poses a problem for Facebook as it seeks to expand its targeted advertising service.

Facebook’s shares have slumped from their initial public offering of $38 (£23) in May to $20.62 on Thursday.

In a blog post written in August, Facebook said: “A ‘like’ that doesn’t come from someone truly interested in connecting with a page benefits no-one.”

Technology news site The Verge, citing Pagedata’s statistics, noted that some of the most popular pages on Facebook had suddenly shed significant numbers of users.

US imposes sanctions on Japan’s crime family The United States yesterday imposed sanctions on Japan’s second largest yakuza crime syndicate and its leaders, freezing their U.S. assets and blocking their transactions with American entities.

The financial penalties against the Sumiyoshi-Kai clan and its two leaders are the second time the Obama administration has tried to disrupt the yakuza’s activities since it identified the Japanese group as a significant criminal organization.

Sumiyoshi-Kai’s leader, Shigeo Nishiguchi, and the clan’s deputy, Hareaki Fukuda, were added to the U.S. Treasury’s list of persons hit with asset freezes.

In February, the Obama administration imposed similar sanctions on the most prominent yakuza crime family, the Yamaguchi-gumi, as well as its godfather and deputy godfather.

Friday, September 28, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Obama leads Romney as early vote begins

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epublican Mitt Romney is struggling in swing-state Iowa at a perilous point: just as voters here start casting early ballots in the presidential race.

President Barack Obama has a clear lead in Iowa opinion polls, helped by the fact that the state’s economy is far more robust than other battleground states. The president’s polling edge is so wide it has prompted grumbling among Iowa Republicans who fault Romney for failing to take advantage of Obama’s standing, which had been weakened in the four years since Iowa launched his bid for the White House in 2008.

“There still is time to win, but we are in the fourth quarter,” said Nick Ryan, a veteran Iowa Republican strategist who was a top adviser to Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum’s caucus campaign.

Iowa is hardly the largest prize in the race for 270 Electoral College votes. But the six it offers could be pivotal if the race is close.

Iowans on Thursday can begin voting in person at early voting sites and returning absentee ballots they’ve requested by mail or in person. Iowa Republicans are mindful that the perception of Romney in deep trouble could sway voters already casting bal-

lots — or dissuade volunteers from encouraging backers to turn out at the polls.

The state knows Romney and Obama well; both competed here in 2008. And Romney came close to winning its caucuses in January.

“A lot of people I know are excited about Romney,” said Susan Geddes, a Republican from Indianola, just south of Des Moines.

“And a lot of people I talk to are

like me, and just want it over with.”

Since locking up the GOP nomination in the spring, Romney has visited the state six times and has poured $8 million into television advertising here. GOPleaning groups have tried to help, spending $20 million in TV ads criticizing Obama. But Romney hasn’t been to the state since Sept. 7, when he made a trip to the Republican-heavy northwest.

Election clerk Karl Althaus sorting through boxes of absentee ballots at the Polk County Election Office on Wednesday.

Spain imposes new austerity measures

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pain has set out its austerity budget for 2013, with new spending cuts but protection for pensions, amid a shrinking economy and 25% unemployment.

Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria called it “a crisis budget designed to exit the crisis”.

The new programme of savings, tax rises and structural reforms will be overseen by an new budget authority.

Expectations are growing that Spain will seek a financial bailout from its eurozone partners.

On Friday, results of a stress test on Spain’s banks are due to be released.

Ms Saenz de Santamaria said that efforts to close the government’s deficit would focus more on spending cuts than tax rises.

The only areas of spending to increase in 2013 would be pensions, student scholarships and interest payments.

Individual pension payments would increase by 1% next year, the government said, while the overall pension budget would rise by 4%.

Spending cuts would reduce the deficit by 0.77% of GDP in 2013, while revenue adjustments would yield 0.56%.

The government expects the

And he has paid scant attention to the blue-collar voters along Iowa’s eastern edge, where unemployment is running higher than in the state overall and where he needs a big turnout to overtake Obama.

The Republican’s team insists that he hasn’t given up on the state and that he and his running mate, Paul Ryan, plan to spend more time in Iowa in the final weeks of the campaign.

deficit this year to come to 6.3% of GDP, although many analysts expect this target to be overshot.

However, the government said that tax revenues were proving to be higher than budgeted for this year, and were expected to increase by a further 3.8% in 2013.

The deputy prime minister also said that the government would introduce 43 new laws to reform the country’s economy.

The reforms went further than what was required by Brussels, according to Economic Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn.

“I particularly welcome the ambitious plans to establish an

independent fiscal council, to further liberalise professional services, and to effectively reduce the fragmentation of the internal market in Spain,” Mr Rehn said.

Meanwhile, Castile La Mancha has become the fifth of Spain’s 17 regional governments to say that it will draw on a rescue fund set up by Madrid.

The central Spanish region said it would request 848m euros from the 18bn-euro Regional Liquidity Fund, joining Valencia, Murcia and Catalonia, who have collectively requested 3bn euros, and Andalucia, which has yet to specify how much it needs.

Spanish Treasury Minister Cristobal Montoro pointing to a document during a news conference in Madrid yesterday PHOTO: REUTERS

PHOTO: AP

Sanctions hitting Iran hard – Israel

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new Israeli government report, leaked to local media yesterday, concludes that international sanctions are hitting Iran hard — undercutting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s key claim as he heads to the United Nations to argue for tougher action against the Jewish state’s arch foe.

The report surfaced after Israel’s foreign minister predicted that Iran’s leaders would face an Arab Spring-style popular revolt within the next year — an argument that further counters Netanyahu’s charge that an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities may be the only answer to what he calls a fanatic and intransigent Iranian leadership.

Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but Israel, the United States and other Western countries reject that assertion.

The U.N. has already slapped four rounds of economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic, but Netanyahu has repeatedly cast doubt on the effectiveness of those measures, arguing that they have crippled Iran’s economy but have not convinced Tehran to halt its nuclear program.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Friday, September 28, 2012

51

Reps reject motion to withdraw JTF from Maiduguri TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

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motion that sought the withdrawal of soldiers from Maiduguri in Borno State was yesterday rejected by the House of Representatives.

The sponsor of the motion, Hon. Kyari Gujbawu (PDP/Borno), sought the withdrawal of soldiers of the Joint Task Force (JTF) stationed in the town over allegations

of excesses and breaches in their rule of engagement.

The motion, which came under matters of urgent national importance, was rejected through a voice vote without debate.

Gujbawu insisted that the JTF in Maiduguri had been brutal against the civilian population under the pretence of keeping the peace and hunting down members of the Jama’atu ahlu sun nah

Iil-da’wati wal jihad, also known as the Boko Haram sect.

Gujbawu, who represents Maiduguri Metropolitan Federal Constituency of Borno State, said the JTF has continued to terrorise unarmed civilians in the area in the name of hounding members of the Boko Haram sect.

His words: “Under this unwarranted strategy being deployed by the JTF, three major settlements

in Maiduguri, including Shehuri North, Kalari, and the most recent Gwange, were virtually ransacked and hundreds of thousands of inhabitants expelled forcefully from their homes and compelled to become refugees in their own country.

“In addition, major markets like the ones in Budum and Gamboru that are international centres of trade have also been burnt down either completely or in part under

the guise of retaliation against Boko Haram attacks.”

He alleged further that; “The JTF is also involved in wanton arrest, disappearance of mostly young detainees as well as their detention under inhuman condition and torture.

“This unbecoming acts of the JTF is capable of creating a new platform for enmity by otherwise peace loving Nigerians against the government side by side with the Boko Haram

sect that was before now a peaceful organisation, but was provoked into carrying arms against the state.”

Gudbawu warned that the reprisal of the alleged actions by the JTF could dash the hope of a dialogue between the government and the sect.

But, when the Speaker, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, put the question on whether the matter deserved to be urgently considered, the legislators voted against it.

Police arrest 96 suspects in Kano AUGUSTINE MADUWEST KANO

K

ano State Police Command yesterday said it has arrested 96 suspected criminals that have been terrorising residents of the state.

Addressing journalists in his office yesterday, the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Idris, said the suspects were apprehended during raids on flash points in the commercial city.

According to the commissioner, among the 96 suspects are notorious criminals, who had

served several jail terms in the past.

Items recovered during operations include AK 47 rifles, cutlasses, dane guns, locally-made pistols, house-breaking tools, a large quantity of Indian hemp, laptops and other items suspected to have been stolen.

The police boss said areas raided were Ungwa Uku Motor Park, Yan Awaki, among others.

The commissioner appealed to members of the public to volunteer useful information that can lead to more arrests of criminals in the state while commending them for their support.

Bomb-making materials seized by the JTF from Boko Haram sect in Adamawa State.

Zamfara spends N500m on Kaduna electricity company procures 50, 000 pre-paid metres relief materials for flood victims

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he Managing Director of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC), Idris Mohammed, yesterday said 50, 000 prepaid metres had been procured for distribution in the state.

Mohammed made this known during a courtesy call to Governor Patrick Yakowa, in Kaduna.

He said the procurement of the prepaid metres would resolve the issue of alleged over-billing

by the company.

He said a 24-hour service telephone number has been made available to customers to enable them access the staff of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to lay their complaints.

Mohammed said the distribution company was working with the transmission station in Mando to construct a substation in Saminaka, to improve on power supply in the southern part of

the state.

He appealed to the state government to intervene by fast-tracking the slow pace of work carried out by the News Engineering contractors in the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) in the state.

“The News Engineering contractors are drawing us back and decisions have to be taken. If they cannot perform, I believe it is time that the contract is reviewed,” he said.

He said the NIPP and

the 215 mega watts power plant project financed by the Federal Government would resolve the epileptic power supply in the state.

Responding, Yakowa expressed displeasure over the laxity at the NIPP sites in Kaduna.

He said the state government would continue to work closely with the company to provide electricity, which he said, would boost economic activities.

50 policemen arrested over killing of Okada rider AZA MSUE KADUNA

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o fewer than 50 riot policemen were yesterday arrested by the Kaduna State police command’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over the killing of a commercial motorcyclist along Ahmadu Bello National Stadium Roundabout in the metropolis.

The deceased, whom his colleagues identified as Umar Danmichika, was allegedly shot dead on Wednesday by riot policemen while waiting to collect money from a passenger he dropped off by roadside.

The incident had generated tension in the area when other Okada riders were mobilised to block the major roads, but were dis-

persed by heavily armed policemen to maintain law and order.

National Mirror gathered that the InspectorGeneral of Police, Abubakar Mohammed, had directed a thorough investigation into the incident.

However, some commercial motorcyclists, who did not want their names mentioned, called on police authorities to en-

sure justice by fishing out perpetrators of the criminal act.

Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adefemi Adenaike, confirmed the detention of the policemen while speaking with National Mirror.

“About 50 policemen are been detained here at the command’s criminal investigation department over the killing of the Okada rider.”

T

he Zamfara State government said it has spent N500 million to purchase and distribute relief materials to victims of flood and windstorm disasters in the state.

Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Atiku Maradun, disclosed this yesterday in Gusau while distributing relief materials to flood victims in Jengeru village in Shinkafi Local Government Area.

Maradun said relief materials worth about N150 million were distributed to victims of flood and other emergencies in Gusau Local Government Area between January and September this year.

He further said that the state government has provided N68 million to ameliorate the suffering of victims of windstorm and heavy downpour in Maradun Local Government Area, where at least three people died and hundreds of houses were de-

stroyed.

According to him, the government also donated N35 million to armed robbery victims in Maru Local Government while other flood victims in Birnin Magaji and Kauran Namoda, received N20 million and N50 million respectively.

The executive secretary further said that the victims of armed robbery attacks in Dangulbi received 1, 200 bags of assorted food items.

“The four communities affected by the recent flood disaster in Shinkafi Local Government Area have received cash donations amounting to N35 million to enable them have a reasonable shelter that could accommodate their families.”

He also said that the state government had rendered various other kinds of support worth millions of naira to emergency victims in the state.

52

TRANSITION

Friday, September 28, 2012

Prof. Kolawole Olu-Owolabi

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rof. Kolawole Olu-owolabi, former Dean of Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, is dead. The late professor of Philosophy died on September 16, 2012 at the age of 51 years. The late professor hailed from Igbogila, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State and had his Bachelor Degree in Philosophy from the University of Lagos in 1983. He joined the University of Ibadan in 1989 as a Lecturer Grade 11 and rose to become professor 13 years later. Late Olu-Owolabi was a member of the Nigeria Philosophical Association, Nigerian Bar Association, Council for the Devel-

opment of Social Science Research in Africa, Fellow of the Institute of United States Studies, Iowa University.

Before then, he had obtained the LLM degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in 2009 and was called to the Bar as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2007.

Professor Olu-Owolabi was an external examiner and assessor of Ph.D and professional promotions to the following Universities: University of Lagos, Lagos; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye; University of Ado-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko. He was at one time, Part time or Visiting Lecturer at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba; University of Lagos, Lagos; Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru-Jos, University of Iowa, Iowa-City, United States. He was also a Resource Person to the CODESRIA Governance Institute in 2006. He attended international conferences in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo; Ghana, Malaysia, Mozambique, Senegal, South-Africa, United Kingdom and the United States. Professor Olu-Owolabi has supervised over sixty Master’s students, 10 Ph.D. graduates, booth within his Department and at the Peace and Conflict Programme of the Institute of African Studies. He was married and blessed with children.

According to the Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Folrunsho Adewale, the late scholar was a wonderful and passionate administrator whose zeal for education as a whole was unrivalled. He said the deasth of Prof. Olu-Owolabi was a monumental loss not only to his family, but to the academic world in general.

Madam Elizabeth Obasa

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adam Elizabeth Omoladun Alari Obasa (a.k.a Mama Eleja), is dead. She died on Saturday, July 14, at the age of 91 years.

Late Madam Obasa was a consummate community and church leader, who invested in the education of her children. She was loved by all who came in contact with her, as she greatly impacted positively on the lives of those who came her way.

Madam Obasa’s remains will be committed to mother earth at her Apata, Ibadan residence, after a commendation and burial service, at Christ’s Warlords International Church, NNPC Area, and Ibadan.

She is survived by children, grand children and great-grand children, among whom are Mrs. Lola Akinfenwa, Dr. Joshua Obasa, Mrs. Titilade Iyun and Mrs. Kemi Babatunde.

Joshua Ogunleye

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Prof. Adeniji Adaralegbe

P

rofessor Adeniji Adaralegbe who was born into the family of Emmanuel Dada Akerele and Comfort Ojimi Adedegbe Adeniyi on March 20, 1928 at Ijero Ekiti , Ekiti died on September 13, 2012.

He attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka as one of its pioneer students in 1961, where he graduated with a BA Education (History & English) in 1964, with first class honours, winning the Joel Okongwu prize for the best Academic result for graduating class of ’64.

He proceeded to the New York University for a Masters degree. At NYU he led his class, earning MA in curriculum Administration, and winning the Edward R. Shaw prize in 1966 for a PHD programme, which he completed in 1968, majoring in Educational Administration.

Appointed at NYU as a Research fellow, he returned to the University of Ife in 1968, as lecturer, senior lecturer and then appointed professor of Education and Administration in 1975. He was appointed acting and later Head of department, Dean, Chairman Committee of deans, becoming Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University from 1969 – 1990. He also served as Dean, School of Educational Studies at the University of Port Harcourt for a brief period interspersed with visiting professorship in the USA. Adaralegbe, authored, co-authored and edited several books and articles and was editor to a number of academic journals and also, a Fellow of the Nigerian Academic of education.

Throughout his distinguished career, spanning six decades, he had the rare distinction of teaching at all the phases of learning and education; primary, secondary, modern, teacher training school as well as at university undergraduate and postgraduate level. He served as special adviser to late Prof. Aliu Babs Fafunwa (as a minister of education) 1989-1992.

Emmanuel Ojinnaka

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r. Joshua Adeyemi Ogunleye, popularly known as ‘Lord Bishop’ has died peacefully in his Bodija, Ibadan home on Monday September 10 at the age of 80.

He attended Ondo Boys High School and worked in the Premier’s office in the old Western Region as one of the confidential secretaries of the late Obafemi Awolowo. He worked with the Western State Civil Service and was the confidential secretaries to two attorneys-general: Dr. F.A. Ajayi and Dr. Lateef Adegbite. He was later transferred to the defunct Western State Court of Appeal as the personal secretary to the court’s Prsident, Justice Kayode Eso. When new states were created in 1976, he was posted to the Ondo State judiciary, where he seved as the personal secretary to the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Akinola Aguda, before retiring in 1977.

Ogunleye is survived by his wife, Ebunoluwa Ogunleye, and children, including Gbemiga Ogunleye of Television Continental, and many grandchildren.

He will be buried at his home town, Ayere, in the Ijumu Local government of Kogi State at a date to be announced later.

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he death has been announced of Mr. Emmanuel Emerenwa Ojinnaka on September 7, 2012 after a brief illness at the age of 72 years. He was a retired army officer and disciplinarian, who acquitted himself creditably, while devoting his life in the service of humanity. Late Ojinnaka was a member of the St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Ibafo, Ogun State and belonged to the Catholic Men’s Organisation (CMO), Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The wake-keep will hold at St Paul’s Church, Ibafo and funeral at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Umuoro, Uborji Okuku in Owerri-West Local Government Area of Imo State. He is survived by his wife, Veronica; children; grandchildren; brothers; sisters and other relatives.

Samuel Iroeche

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r. Ikechi Samuel Iroeche has passed on. He died the on July 25, 2012 in Soloniki, Greece after a brief illness.

There will be service of songs at his country home, Umochi Okauiga, Nkwoegwu, Umuahia, Abia State.

Late Iroeche is survived by his wife, children, brothers, uncles and other relations.

Friday, September 28, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

53

Sport

I think we need not panic over how we will beat the Lone Star. The coaches only need to stay focused

Racist slur: FA bans, fines Terry

- FORMER NFA TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, KASHIMAWO LALOKO

55

RON Tennis in quarter finals YEMI OLUS

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Governor Babatunde Fashola says international exposure will help develop football in Lagos State

Soccerex 2012: Fashola, Abdullahi hail seminar AFOLABI GAMBARI

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he Lagos Soccerex 2012 Seminar was launched yesterday with the organisers getting applause from Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, and Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi.

Fashola described the seminar as timely, saying the conveners had agreed with his philosophy of football development

through exposure of talents for future purpose.

“Our efforts at ensuring that adequate infrastructure is put in place across the state suggest our determination to leave a legacy of progress,” Fashola said, adding that the state would not relent in its quest to encourage the talents to flourish.

Abdulahi, who said the seminar could not have come at a better time, expressed hope that the country’s football would

Eto’o set for Cameroun U-turn

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atest reports said that Camerounian First Minister, Philémon Yang, has convinced stay-away captain and striker Samuel Eto’o to rescind his international retirement.

Eto’o was invited to the Lions squad preparing to upturn a deficit of two goals against Cape Verde to book a ticket to the Afcon 2013 finals in South Africa next January, but the Anzhi Makhachkala forward opted to ignore the call while telling his country that he was done with national service, citing irreconcilable difference with FECAFOOT officials.

The four-time African Foot-

baller of the Year award winner is the best striker in the history of Cameroon and of the Africa Cup of Nations, as well as being the only player on the continent with four UEFA Champions League titles.

He is the only player ever to have won two consecutive trebles (Championship, Cup, Champions League) for two different clubs (Barcelona and Inter Milan) and to have scored in all official competitions (Championship, Cup, UEFA Cup, Europa League, Champions League, Club World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations, Confederation Cup, Samuel Eto’o World Cup, Olympic Games).

exploit from the expertise of participants to redeem the sport.

“With the talent we are blessed with at the moment, we would cherish the managerial skills from those who administer our football to rank among the best in the world,” Abdullahi added.

Various speakers that include former Nigeria internationals and renowned world football stars administrators would take the podium at the seminar which ends today.

he men’s singles at the ongoing Reachout Nigeria Table Tennis Championship in Uyo, Akwa Ibom enters the quarter finals today as the top seeds battle for the semis slots.

Gbenga Anthony and Seun Ajetunmobi will rekindle their fierce rivalry in one of the games with eyes on the N500, 000 prize money.

Ondo State player and former junior international, Ojo Onaolapo and Edo State’s Kayode Adedeji will also contend in another game expected to draw huge attraction at the competition venue.

Number one seed, Seun Ajetunmobi of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) will take on seventh seed Gbenga Tony of Union Maritime while eleventh seed Kazeem Adeniyi of the NSCDC will take on teammate, Sola Oyetayo, who is seeded fourth.

In the women’s category, number one seed Edem Offiom of Cross River takes on unseeded Ezekiel Udofia also of Cross River, Edet Bassy Effiom of NSCDC takes on team mate Alimat Hussein, Cecilia Otu of Cross River faces Fatimo Kazeem of the Nigeria Police while Fatimo Bello of Lagos meets second-seeded Janet Friday of Cross River.

Onaolapo, who won the men’s singles at last year’s National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt, believes that he is up to the task.

“This competition has proved tough since we started and it is getting tougher by the day,” he said.

Glo urges Flamingoes’ focus

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eading telecommunications company, Globacom, has tasked the Flamingoes to remain focused as they aim to seal up their qualification ticket for the second round of the on-going FIFA U-17 World Cup in Azerbaijan.

The Flamengoes will take on Colombia in their last group game on Saturday after securing four points from the first two games, drawing one against Canada and winning the other by a massive eleven goals against the host nation.

“The Flamingoes must work hard to subdue the Colombians in order to consolidate their position in the group,” a statement from Globacom in Lagos said yesterday while praising the Nigerian team for its outstanding performance against Azerbaijan on Tuesday.

Globacom is the major partner of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and official sponsor of the country’s national teams.

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Sport

Friday, September 28, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I’m not competing with Messi –Falcao

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Racist slur: FA bans, fines Terry C

helsea captain, John Terry, was yesterday hit with a fourmatch ban and fined £220,000 by the Football Association.

Terry had been investigated in the past four days for allegedly making racist remarks towards QPR’s Anton Ferdinand in October last year and although he was cleared by the Magistrates’ Court during summer, has been punished by the FA. “An Independent Regulatory Commission has today found a charge of misconduct against John Terry proven and has issued a suspension for a period of four matches and a fine of £220,000, pending appeal,” an FA statement said.

“The charge was the result of The FA’s long-standing investigation into this matter, which was placed on hold at the request of the Crown Prosecution Service and Mr Terry’s representatives pending the outcome of the criminal trial.

“The decision of the Independent Regulatory Commission says Terry will be suspended from all domestic club football until such time as Chelsea’s First Team have completed four competitive matches and fined the sum of £220,000, although Terry has the right to appeal.”

Meanwhile, Terry has expressed disappointment with the decision of the FA’s Regulatory Commission, saying he would consider launching an appeal in the days ahead.

Both Terry’s management team and Chelsea issued statements yesterday saying they accepted the FA’s decision while also acknowledging the player’s right of appeal.

tletico Madrid striker, Radamel Falcao, has said that he is more concerned with helping his team do well this season than fighting Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the Pichichi award as the leading scorer in La Liga.

Falcao struck twice in last night’s 4-2 win over Real Betis to take his tally to seven in five league games this season, leaving him one clear of Barcelona ace Messi at the top of the scoring charts. Last season Messi won the Pichichi with an astonishing 50 goals, four ahead of 2011 winner Ronaldo, with Falcao third on 24 goals in his first year in Spain following his big-money move from Porto.

“I didn’t say I wanted to compete with Cristiano and Messi. I simply want to score goals to help my team, nothing more and at the end we’ll see where I am,” Falcao said yesterday.

“The most important thing is that the team fulfils its objectives. We are competing with 19 other teams, not only against Madrid and Barça.”

Atletico’s win over Betis saw the club move into second place in La Liga on 13 points, two behind leader Barça.

John Terry Jo

Tit Bits

Hazard

Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger, is happy for Chelsea’s new buy Eden Hazard for his success at Stamford Bridge.

According to Wenger, Hazard’s immediate impact at Chelsea has not come as a surprise.

“I am not surprised that he has gone to Chelsea and is straight away one of their stars,” the Frenchman said yesterday.

Governor’s Cup hotshot eyes goals IFEANYI EDUZOR

A

s the River State Governor’s Cup enters its crucial stage, one of the top strikers of the competition, Emenike Imabo, is optimistic of his side clinching this year’s trophy.

Imabo, whose lone strike helped his side Onelga to a 1-0 victory over Omuma, told National Mirror that he was prepared to score more goals to ensure the coveted trophy for his team.

“We started slowly especially in the game against Omuma which made us miss many scoring chances but I am optimistic we will do better as the championship progresses,” the forward said.

“Our first match against Bonny was difficult but after realizing that we could be out if we lost the second game, we gave it our all.

“I am assuring our fans that I won’t disappoint,” he submitted.

Nigeria Cup: Pros chase Heineken prize AFOLABI GAMBARI

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Walcott

Bayern Munich is eyeing Arsenal winger Theo Walcott’s contract situation.

Walcott is free to sign a precontract with a foreign club from January 1 and manager Arsene Wenger admits the Gunners are likely to sell if he fails to accept new terms before Christmas.

With PSG keen on Franck Ribery, Walcott could move to Bayern as a direct replacement.

Silva

Manchester City midfielder, David Silva, insists he’s happy at the club.

The Spain international has been linked with former club Real Madrid.

“I am very happy, I feel very comfortable in Manchester,” he insisted, adding, “I have no clause that allows me to join Real Madrid.”

Governor Amaechi

Radamel Falcao

ction gathered momentum yesterday at the Ikoyi Club 1938 (Golf Section) for the Heineken– sponsored Nigeria Cup 2012 as professional players Lateef Lasisi, Bashiru Bakare, Nojeem Sofela and Emos Korblah competed for honours on the 18-hole course.

Bakare, Femi Olagbenro and Chidi Tobias had engaged in a play-off last year before the diminutive Bakare emerged as the winner.

“I know all other contenders are poised to give me a stiff contest this time so I have got to tell my colleagues I still have the magic wand,” Bakare, who got his tour card in Heineken land Holland , said of his readiness to scoop the N2.5m prize.

Twelve-year-old Paul Coker won the ages 14-17 category with 99 gross C/B (18 holes) to edge Georgia Oboh who scored 99 gross (18 holes) and Ademilade Afolabi with 46 gross (9 holes) in second and third respectively.

The male category of the caddie competition was won by Peter Friday won the male category of the caddie’s competition to edge Emmanuel Segun and Segun Balogun.

Meanwhile, Media and Public Affairs Manager of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Edem Vindah, has said that the company will continue to identify with the Ikoyi Club on the independence anniversary tournament with a view to entrenching the history that the event represents in golf.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Friday, September 28, 2012

55

Wi Window on Nigerian players abroad

with IKENWA NNABUOGOR ikenwa.nnabuogor@gmail.com

I can lead Eagles’ attack –Dauda Nigerian striker Abiola Dauda announced his arrival in Sweden by winning the Swedish Premier League title in his first season at Kalmar. Now guning for the top scorer’s award this season, the relatively unknown striker tells IKENWA NNABUOGOR he can transform his impressive goal scoring form in a Super Eagles shirt.

What has been the secret behind your terrific form for Kalmar this season?

God is my secret and He has been helping side since I began my career in Sweden five years ago. It’s been a steady and sustained rise for me, a humble beginning so to speak. I started at the fourth division after I was not offered a contract at Danish top side FC Copenhagen. But I had to accept the fourth division club’s offer because I knew what I wanted. I knew my mission in Sweden and thanked God, things are great.

You are Kalmar’s top scorer with 17 goals in all competitions, a record at the club…

Nothing has changed! I’m still the same, good old Abiola Dauda. I have been doing my thing since I was snapped up from the lower league as the first African in their club history. I have also been doing the goal scoring acts very well. But I must confess that this season has been the best for me.

You’re also on track for the top scorer’s award in the Swedish top flight, with 13 league goals and trailing Ghanaian top scorer Abdul Waris on the scorer’s chart…

Well, it’s possible; you can’t take it away from any player. Waris of BK Hacken, on 19 goals, is a superb scoring form and I give him all his due respect. We still got six games to go and anything can happen.

Things have really been going well for me scoring wise and I hope to continue scoring and giving Waris a good run for the award. I must be very grateful for my team mates who have contributed immensely to the goals I have scored so far. I want to enjoin them to continue the good relationship in the remaining six goals and by God’s grace, things will happen for me.

Waris has proved he’s capable of scoring at least every two games and run away with the target. Does this worry you?

I don’t need to worry about this because I know my worth as a striker. I have also demonstrated I could score goals regularly. God has helped me score six goals in my last goals and should I continue like this anything can happen. Let’s see how it goes at the end of the season.

But your goals have not really lifted Kalmar from their mid-table spot. What’s responsible for this?

Most of the top players that played huge roles in the historic league title win were sold to bigger clubs and things have not been the same again. Kalmar are just a modest club and among the richest in Sweden. So, it hasn’t been easy for us.

Okwuosa loaned to Chippa United

F

ormer Rangers star James Okwuosa has been loaned to newlypromoted side Chippa United from Ajax Cape Town, for the rest of the season, in the South African Professional Soccer League.

Okwuosa penned a three-year contract at Ajax last summer and could not secure a work permit for one remaining foreigner’s quota, due to the later arrival of his international transfer certificate from Rangers.

His place had to be taken up as the transfer window drew close, leaving the strong defender with the option of continuity at the newly-promoted side. Five foreigners are allowed to be registered in the South Africa at a time.

Okwuosa’s compatriot George Akpabio had to also give way and was traded on loan to first division side Vasco Da Gama.

Okwuosa has since settled down at his new side and has yet to make his debut and could make his bow tomorrow when they visit league leaders Kaizer Chiefs.

Dauda celebrates one of his goals

But this season has been great for us and I know, with six games remaining, things will change for the better.

How do you feel about this current feat, considering the fact that you were playing amateur football in Nigeria just few years back?

I can’t thank God enough for the wonderful things he has done and still doing my career. Winning the league title was a huge honour for me and attendant interests from bigger clubs in and outside of Sweden, has also brought out the best in me. I will only continue doing my best and waiting to explode at the biggest scene.

Does that imply playing in England?

Well, that’s the wish of every player and I will be fulfilled if I sign for an English club.

Does playing in Super Eagles rank as your top priority at the moment?

My dream is to lead the Eagles’ attack in the near future and with God on my side, it will come to pass. I have always dreamt about playing for Eagles since I was a kid and I hope it will be a reality. I have also scored lots of goals for my club

to back up these big dreams of mine and I hope Coach Stephen Keshi will include me in his plans soon.

James Okwuosa (m) getting set for playing battle

Debut goal excites Akpala

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erder Bremen summer signing, Joseph Akpala, says he’s happy to register his name on the score sheet on Tuesday night as his new team pulled am impressive 2-1 away victory at Freiburg.

The former Club Brugge striker drew his team level in the 47th minute after the hosts had taken a 36th minute lead. Bremen would seal the victory in the 59th minute through German striker Aaron Hunt.

Akpala was on hand for his first start since joining his new team, having played two games from the bench, but was pulled out in the 67th minute.

He also bagged a yellow card.

With the victory, Bremen now moved to seventh place on the table with seven points from five matches.

Akpala told National Mirror that he was looking forward to scoring more goals.

“I was so happy when I scored my first goal for my new club,” Akpala said.

“I hope it will continue flowing because I was bought to score goals.

I have also done in Nigeria and Belgium and I hope to do it again here in Germany.”

Joseph Akpala

WORLD RECORD

Oldest tick

Vol. 02 No. 458

In April 1999, a team of American scientists unearthed a 90-million-yearold tick which had been preserved in amber. This blood-sucking parasite from the Cretaceous period was found in a vacant lot in New Jersey.

Friday, September 28, 2012

State creation champions at it again

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radually, the Constitution Amendment Committee set up by the National Assembly to amend the 1999 Constitution, which is obviously a practical demonstration of the NASS’ rejection of the popular clamour for a Sovereign National Conference (SNC), has come under intense heat. The said committee is headed by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu (Enugu State), assisted by his colleague, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha (Imo State); both from the South East geopolitical zone.

So far, the NASS has 57 requests for state creation pending before it, according to reports credited to the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba. But that is not the issue. The problem is that the infusion of passions in the quests for state cre-

FRIDAYS WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) ation is threatening to inflame the polity and discredit the entire constitution amendment process. And at the grave risk of being jettisoned are the knotty constitutional setbacks meant for amendment.

For this writer, it was an error of judgment on the part of NASS in the first place, to choose two people from the same geopolitical zone to be at the helm of its constitutional amendment project, keeping in view how robust the passions and sentiments of politicians have always been in the land.

While it is possible that precedence informed the choice of the duo for the job, I am not sure that anything exists in the statute books or the in-house laws of the NASS that makes such pairing compulsory. That seems to be the root of the bitterness and rancour being expressed in some quarters about the purported bias of the leadership of the committee in its consideration of state creation requests. Every step taken and every word uttered by the leadership of the committee seem tendentious and suspect; and come under thorough scrutiny. And while Ihedioha appears to have carried on more diplomatically, the same may not be said of Ekweremadu, who is now seen as championing the creation of more states in his eastern geopolitical zone at the expense of other zones.

In response to recent comments allegedly made by Ekweremadu on states creation, Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwank-

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SHOW MORE INTEREST IN BEQUEATHING GOOD GOVERNANCE TO THE NATION IF IT WANTS TO SUCCEED IN ITS JOB OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT waso, last weekend, accused Ekweremadu of having a sectional agenda. The Kano governor said Ekweremadu made a big mistake, trying to justify additional state for the South-East because the North-West has seven.

Drawing government closer to the people, addressing the fear of domination by minorities, being at par with other federating units, enhancing confidence in the Nigerian project, equity and justice, have often been canvassed as the major reasons behind the growing agitation for new states nationwide. In reality, however, the experience has been the carving out of states for “lazy politicians seeking to be kings in tiny islands”, in the words of President Goodluck Jonathan when he recently chided those he fingered as

Sport Extra

w orld number five David Ferrer has insisted that his fellow Davis Cup teammate and world number four, Rafael Nadal, could break 17time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer’s record on the ATP World Tour.

THE NASS SHOULD

plotting the disintegration of the country. This writer does not believe that the creation of more states or Local Government Councils has fast-forwarded development or addressed the quest for justice in the country. At best, it has yielded more oppressors and oppression, bloated the cost of governance and engendered a vicious cycle of more requests for additional states.

Those who blame the military government of General Yakubu Gowon for opening the flood-gates of state creation must try and make reference to the speech Gowon made on May 27, 1967, when he created 12 states out of the four regions then in existence. While the Gowon military junta took cognizance of the country’s long history “of well articulated demands for states”, as well as the fears of the minorities as was carefully set out in the report of the Willink Commission appointed by the British in 1958, the junta created more states not necessarily because of the said considerations, but because it saw “the creation of new states as the only possible basis for stability and equality”, in a country that was at the brink of disintegration and civil war. Subsequent state creation exercises that followed on February 3, 1976; September 23, 1987; August 27, 1991; and October 1, 1996 were measures taken by military juntas shopping for legitimacy to pacify the political elite. It remains deeply contentious that the reasons advanced for the creation of the additional states have truly been met.

Nor have requests for more states abated.

It is also doubtful that the current political dispensation can weather through the storm of state creation, considering the country’s ethnic temperament. The NASS should show more interest in bequeathing good governance to the nation if it wants to succeed in its job of constitutional amendment, instead of creating more unviable states that might end up as glorified beggars than can only be sustained by federally allocated revenues.

Ferrer tips Nadal to overrun Federer

“Rafael will return strongly than ever and play in the Davis Cup final next month in Czech Republic,” 30-year-old Ferrer said yesterday, although he also conceded, “Roger Federer

is one of the greatest players in tennis history.”

“But I still believe strongly that Rafael has ability to break records on the ATP World Tour to become the best player in

tennis open era,” Ferrer added.

Federer has been the leading player in men’s singles to hold number one spot for 297 weeks overall and 237consecutive-week

stretch at the top from 2004 to 2008. Nonetheless, Nadal, who has succumbed to series of injury since July, has played key role in the Davis Cup finals for his nation in 2004, 2008, 2009 and 2011.

David Ferrer

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