Monday, 15th february, 2016 small by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

FG’s N6.08trn 2016 appropriation stands –Reps

EFCC uncovers N3bn in NAMA officials’ accounts

•Senate will pass budget before March ending –Ndume ubong ukpong AbujA

Dogara

Vol. 5 N0. 1307

ouse of Representatives at the weekend said it

would not tamper with the N6.08trn appropriation submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari for the 2016 fiscal spending. Addressing journalists

Monday, February 15, 2016

over issues surrounding the budget, Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Abdulrazak Namdas, said the

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PDP, Ohanaeze behind Father Mbaka’s transfer –Parishioners EmmanuEl EzEh ENugu

embers of Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria, AMEN, yesterday accused the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Calistus Onaga, of bowing to pressures from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, over the recent transfer of Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka. Mbaka is the priest in charge of Adoration Ministry, which has millions of followers drawn from Continued on Page 2>>

Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson being sworn in by the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Kate Abiri, in Yenagoa, yesterday. With him is his wife, Rachael. PHOTO: NAN

Jonathan’s PhD irrelevant to governance –Esiemokhai

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News

Friday, February 15, 2016

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PDP, Ohanaeze behind Fr. Mbaka’s transfer –Parishioners CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

various churches. In a statement signed by Kingsley Eze, (Igbo Youth Kaduna), Sunday Ukam, JP; ( Enugu Adorer) Adedije Wale (Osun State, Adorer), and twenty others, they maintained that the transfer of Mbaka out of the Christ the King Parish, GRA, Enugu, fell short of the routine transfer of priests in the diocese. They alleged that whereas former Bishops in the diocese gave Mbaka all the support needed for the ministry to flourish, Bishop Onaga had been acting a script aimed at bringing the fiery priest down. “What Bishop Michael Eneja saw and allowed, Bishop Gbuji protected and watered, but Bishop Onaga uprooted in a most barbaric and despondent manner. “How? Sometime ago, he gave impromptu directive that the Ministry should stop the Wednesday allnight Adoration prayer, which Fr Mbaka complied with. “The directive would have blown out the fire of the ministry and brought it to a painful end if not for the intervention of the Holy Spirit. “Is Bishop Onaga angry that Fr Mbaka is prophesying? Was it not from the seat of the Bishop he occupies that Fr Mbaka was ordained a priest, a king and prophet? How then can the Church become worried when he begins to prophesy? Does the Church contradict itself ? “We are not happy with the manner the wind of the transfer blew and many of us feel bad about it. “Fr Mbaka is holding the brake for some of us and we implore him to keep matching the brake and hold the steering firmly because all eyes are on him. “He should not be discouraged. We are behind him. Even if they post him to the moon, there we shall be with him. “Where are those behind this transfer? Let them come out from their hidings so that

they will compete with Fr Mbaka for us to see, in area of preaching the gospel, in prayers, in fasting or in charity. “Some of us who are not from Enugu Diocese didn’t believe it that Fr Mbaka was transferred in this manner. The transfer is not our problem but the manner it was done. “It struck us like thunder and we have been inundated with calls from our people residing outside the country, UK, Spain, USA etc. “We are dumbfounded and we can’t help asking- Is this the fight of faith that the diocese is enjoined to fight? Is this how the diocese wants to win souls? “While the true lovers of the Catholic Church are thinking of how to protect Fr Mbaka as gift to the Catholic Church, his own diocese just exposed him and left him without shelter. “Most Nigerians know that the uncommon silence of Bishop Onaga over Fr Mbaka’s prophesy of the defeat of the Goodluck Jonathan’s PDP-led government by President Muhammadu Buhari was not really for nothing. “He was just waiting for the time to carry out the script of the stalwarts of the overthrown party. “Barely few weeks before the posting, the voice of a faction of the Ohaneze ndi Igbo, a socio-cultural group that fell out with the party was heard barking at Fr Mbaka to ‘shut up’ over his prophesies. “And now comes the posting done in such a manner as to really shut Fr Mbaka up. “Source close to Bishop Onaga disclosed to us that the Bishop said he transferred Fr Mbaka out of pressure from Ohaneze and PDP. The posting is not Holy Ghost oriented but PDPnized and Ohanezenized, and any cleric be him Pastor, Bishop or Cardinal that supported this is enemy of the Holy Spirit. “How can the Bishop just wake up and tell Fr Mbaka to pack into a parish that cannot comfort-

L-R: Vice Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Ibrahim Garba; Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Idowu Olayinka; his wife, Dr Bolutito Olayinka; President, Nigerian Mining and Geo-Sciences Society, Prof. Gbenga Okunola; Vice Chancellor, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Prof. Isa Funtua and Vice Chancellor, Mountain Top University, Prof. Elijah Ayolabi, at an appreciation dinner of the Society for Vice Chancellors and Corporate Sponsors in Lagos, at the weekend.

ably contain two priests as a third priest? “Is he meant to punish him? Is that the way the Catholic Church in the diocese is meant to reward and encourage him for the glory and honour he had brought to the Catholic Church in this part of the divide and for his unalloyed humility and total obedience to the Church?

“Is that the way the Church is meant to reward him for taking care of the flock of the Catholic Church both within and outside the dioceses?”, the statement read. They equally warned the Secretary, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Raph Madu to stay out of Mbaka’s ministry, “otherwise, we shall ex-

pose his questionable life as a priest to public glare. “He should learn the wisdom in the adage that he who lives in a glass house should not throw stones and keep silence. He lacks the moral rectitude as a priest to talk to Fr Mbaka and we are ready to confront him with those facts if he doesn’t mind his lan-

guage. “We are ready and determined to carry out a religious revolution in Nigeria if the stage-managed defamation and character assassination sponsored by enemies of the Holy Spirit in the garb of clerics against Fr Mbaka persists. “We have been silent Continued on Page 5>>

FG’s N6.08trn 2016 appropriation stands –Reps CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

amount would remain in spite of the controversies and discrepancies in the figures of almost all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs. There have been issues arising from over bloated figures, replication of budgets, double allocations to capital projects, suspicious projects amongst others brought by the MDAs. Consequently, the committees have had to send some government officials away to go and effect corrections before their budgets could be approved. It is believed that with these corrections, the total budget figure ought to drop to a reasonable extent. But Namdas said the N6.08trn was unchangeable, even as he acknowledged that there were issues that came up in the budget. Despite the issues, he said standing committees

were advised to abide by the scheduled timeline for the budget defence, adding that the leadership of the House was working with the executive to fix them. He noted that the National Assembly may or may not meet the February 25 date earlier set for passage of the budget. He said: “If February 25 is not met, Nigerians should bear with us. We may, we may not meet the deadline.” He clarified that lawmakers were not given any money to carry out constituency projects in the budget as all constituency projects were appropriated to relevant agencies. Meanwhile, Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, yesterday said the Senate would strive to pass the budget before the end of March. In an interview, Ndume said March was the deadline for the implementation of the 2015 budget; as

such it was the desire of the Senate to pass the 2016 budget before that time The leader said contrary to reports in the media, the Senate did not suspend its passage indefinitely, but only said the 25th of February may not be feasible. He said it was the wish of the National Assembly to pass the budget five weeks before the expiry of the period set for the implementation of the 2015 budget, but that was not possible due to some errors. “We have not postponed it indefinitely; we are saying that with the developments that we are seeing as the time goes on, the 25th February deadline we gave ourselves may not be realistic. “That is why we now said that going by this, it is not possible to say we will come back on 25th and say this is the budget; we are not saying that we have

suspended it indefinitely. “The reason we fixed 25th was because we wanted to have a gap of five weeks,” he said. He said the gap would have enabled the Senate fix whatever issues that needed to be handled before the lapsing of the March 31 deadline for the implementation of the 2015 budget. Ndume said the leadership of the National Assembly had met with ministers to iron out the grey areas and make corrections to the contentious areas as well. The Leader also assured that the Senate would ensure strict compliance with the implementation of the budget. He said that once funds were available, he was convinced that the present administration would ensure thorough implementation of the budget.

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Monday, February 15, 2016

Good Health

Don’t let stress spoil your moments …It can kill, researchers say

Franka Osakwe

f you are looking for a reason to unwind this valentine period, this latest discovery will provide you with many. Various studies now prove that everyday stress gradually causes premature death, mental sickness and chronic ailments. One of the studies found that worrying causes premature death. The study by Purdue University tracked 1,663 middle-age and older men over 12 years. Those whose worrying worsened by 50 per cent over the years were 40 percent more likely to die during the study period than those men who did not worry. The study also indicated that those who got their worry under control had about the same mortality as those who scored high in emotional stability. Other studies have also linked worry, anxiety and depression to disease and diminished mental health. A study by Chicago’s Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center found that older people who worried or were depressed were more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, which is a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease. Israeli researchers studying workplace stress also found it can lead to increased rates of flu virus, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. It can also lead to mental health problems, according to a psychology study by UC Irvine. The researchers looked at how 711 men and women in the US reacted to daily stressors, such as being stuck in traffic or arguing with a partner. They found that negative emotional responses today can accumulate into anxiety or mood disorders 10 years later. Susan Charles, UC Irvine professor

of psychology and social behavior, says: “It’s important not to let everyday problems ruin your moments. We’re so focused on long-term goals that we don’t see the importance of regulating our emotions. Changing how you respond to stress and how you think about stressful situations is as important as maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine.” At the National Institutes of Health and the University of California, San Francisco, researchers linked stress, anxiety and depression to a host of maladies, including high blood pressure, strokes, cardiovascular disease, compromised immune systems, ulcers, headaches and more. According to them, stress can even lead to behavioral changes resulting in obesity and alcoholism. However, other researchers say stress can have a positive impact to our lives.

“The sweaty palms, dry mouth and butterflies in your stomach can be turned to your advantage – if you just think about stress differently”, researchers from University of Rochester, say. “Stress symptoms before speaking in public, for example, can be just the same as an extreme ‘fight or flight’ reaction. It can feel like something bad is about to happen. “But those feelings just mean that our body is preparing to address a demanding situation,” says Jeremy Jamieson, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Rochester. Stress, is an internalized response to external or internal triggers that causes heightened sensitivity and a possible need for adaptation, says Dr. Robert Olsen, a psychiatrist with Presbyterian Medical Group. According to him, stress and anxiety

are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, and they are related. “Anxiety in psychiatry is a physiological response to stress and can become a disorder. More than 50 percent of the people I see in my practice have anxiety or an anxiety component. Less than half of everybody will have a diagnosable anxiety disorder that may or may not require treatment at some point in their lives. But 100 percent of human beings will experience anxiety at some point in their lives--situational or otherwise”, he said. Normal situations that may cause stress are things like taking a test, preparing taxes or planning a wedding. In extreme cases, those stresses become magnified and cause anxiety and illness. “If a thought process consumes an inordinate amount of brain space so that it negatively impacts your social life, professional life or otherwise your wellbeing, then we would consider that pathology”, he said. According to Olsen, some people try to waylay their stress and anxiety through alcohol, drugs or food. Others try to suppress it, taking it out on their loved ones by fighting and having dysfunctional families. If there is no underlying medical reason for those feelings, medications can help in the short term or longer, Olsen says. Other coping mechanisms include getting better sleep, doing daily exercises to release endorphins in the brain, practicing meditation techniques, reconnecting with spirituality and taking regular breaks and vacations. “It’s OK to be a little selfish and take time out for yourself. We’ll always have something to cause anxiety, but when it goes from worry to nonstop worry, then we really should evaluate what’s going on around us and seek to make positive changes. “Olsen says.

DiD you Know?

Pencil can cure your headache?

eadache has a habit of striking at the most inopportune moments, but the solution to your pain may be much more accessible than you think. According to an expert, holding a pencil between your teeth - but not biting it - can help relax your jaw muscle. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache people experience and can be incredibly debilitating. They’re characterized by a band-like pressure across the forehead that tends to last about half an hour. But that dreaded pain can be avoided if you have a pencil handy. The Aesthetic specialist Dr. Jane Leonard, said the main causes of tension headaches are stress, anxiety, tiredness and emotional upset. “They are typically caused by spasms of the muscles in the face, neck, jaw and scalp. Patients often hold their temples to

indicate where the source of the pain is. This is due to spasm of a fan-shaped mus muscle found across the temples spreading the back of the head called temporalis. These spasms are also related to the jaw muscles. “Temporomandibular dysfunction, or TMJ dysfunction can also cause tension headaches. The main cause is jaw clenching and teeth grinding during sleep. This causes spasm of the chewing muscles, which causes a tension - like pain. TMJ dysfunction is best managed by tackling the underlying cause of stress”, he said.

Eating barley reduces risk of heart disease

ating barley can reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases, the latest research has found. The study - from Lund university in Sweden - revealed that the super grain can rapidly improve health by reducing people’s appetite and risk for cardiovascular disease. The wonderfully versatile grain is used in breads, puddings, porridges, strews, soups and cereals. It can also be used on salads and as an alternative to rice or potatoes. Anne Nilsson, associate Professor at the Food for Health Science Centre and one of the researchers behind the study said: “It is surprising yet promising that choosing the right blend of dietary fibres can - in a short period of time - generate such remarkable health benefits.” The incredible health benefits occur when the barley reaches the gut and encourage the release of good bacteria and important hormones.

The study saw healthy middle-aged participants eating bread largely made out of barley kernels for three days - at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Around 11-14 hours after their final meal of the day, participants were examined for risk factors of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The researchers found the participants’ metabolism improved for up to 14 hours, blood sugar and insulin levels decreased, insulin sensitivity increased and appetite control.

Photo

Monday, February 15, 2016

NEWS

Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Nikolay Udovichenko (right), welcoming the Editor-In-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Lawal Ado, to the inauguration of the New Russian Embassy Complex in Abuja, recently.

L-R: Buisness Development Manager, Innovative Technology Literacy Services Limited, Taiwo Bello; Director of Resources Centre, Ministry of Education, Zamfara State, Hajia Hauwa Ibrahim; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Zamfara State, Alihaji Lawan Abubakar and MultiChioce Nigeria Branch Manager, Kano, Hadizah Isah, during the launch of 10 MultiChoice Resource Centre at Government Girls Arabic Secondary School, Gusau, Zamfara State, at the weekend.

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L-R: Manager, First Bank Plc, Abakpa branch, Enugu, Chinenye Okoli; Chairman on the occasion, Chief Uche Nnadi and Managing Director, Ksley Mega Micro Finance Bank, Mr Ubenyi Ameachi, during inauguration of the Micro-Finance Institution In Enugu, recently.

L-R: Gabonese Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Coretin Hero Akendengue; Chairman of Arik Air, Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Gabon, Ambassador Bassey Archibong, during a visit of the ambassadors to Arik Air, at the weekend. PHOTO ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA.

National News

Inflation rate stabilises at 9.6% in January Tola akinmuTimi

ational Bureau of Statistics, NBS, yesterday reported that the nation’s Consumer Price Index or inflation rate stabilised at 9.6 per cent, the same rate recorded in December 2015, after sustaining upward swings for several months in the past. The Bureau attributed the general price trend recorded in the month to slower increases in major divisions such as housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels; and furnishings & household equipment maintenance even when food and non-alcoholic beverages, clothing and footwear, and other divisions increased at a faster pace during the month. During the month under review, the Bureau reported that the pace of increases in food prices was at the same pace as in December, increasing by 10.6 per cent (year-onyear), with all the major food groups, which contribute to the food sub-index increasing at a faster pace in January

with the exception of fruit vegetables; potatoes, yam & other tubers; sugar, jam, honey, chocolate and confectionery groups. Similarly, NBS noted that after increasing at the same pace for the third consecutive month, the “All items less farm produce” or core sub-index edged marginally higher, increasing by 8.8 per cent in the month from 8.7 per cent recorded in the preceding month. According to the national official statistics producing agency, “All items less farm produce” core sub-index was supported by multiple divisions which contribute to the index such as transport, communication, education and others. A further analysis of the general price level trend as reported by the Bureau, showed that on a month-onmonth basis, the headline index increased at a slower pace in January relative to the preceding month, increasing by 0.9 per cent, mar-

ginally lower from 1.0 per cent in December as most contributing divisions slowed with the exceptions of the education; housing water, electricity, gas and other fuels; and health divisions. On the urban and rural prices trend, the NBS stated that in January, the urban index grew at the same pace relative to November, increasing by 9.7 per cent (year-onyear), while the rural index increased marginally for a third consecutive month, increasing from 9.4 per cent in December to 9.5 per cent last month. It also reported that on a month-on-month basis, both the urban and rural indices increased at a slower pace, both increasing at 0.9 per cent in the month under review, a rate that is marginally lower from 1.0 per cent recorded in December. NBS said: “The percentage change in the average composite CPI for the twelve month period ending in January 2016 over the average of the CPI for

the previous twelve-month period was 9.1 per cent, marginally higher from 9.0 per cent recorded in December. “The corresponding twelve-month year-on-year average percentage change for the urban index increased from 9.1 per cent in December to 9.2 per cent in January, while the corresponding rural index also edged higher from 8.9 per cent in December to 9.0

per cent in January.” On the “All items less farm produce” or core sub-index, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce, the Bureau noted that after increasing at the same pace for the previous three months, the sub index increased at a faster pace in the month under review, increasing by 8.8 per cent from 8.7 per cent recorded in the preceding

month. It stated that on a monthon-month basis, the core subindex increased at the same pace for the second consecutive month, increasing by 0.8 per cent in January, with the highest price increases recorded in the passenger transport by road, and books and stationery groups as a result of the start of the new educational sessions across the country.

Why courts gave conflicting judgments –Lawyer

n Abuja-based lawyer, Mr. Abdul Mohammed, has said two seemingly similar cases could get different judgments as a result of different facts made available to the courts. Mohammed stated this yesterday in Abuja in an interview on recent criticisms of the judiciary over conflicting decisions. “On the street, the way a case is viewed can be different because there may be some basic information the court will or will not be privy to.

“So, those outside might not be privy to these facts, which will be the basis on which different decisions will be given in two seemingly similar cases. “Also, sometimes when the outcome of a case is different, it could be as a result of changing circumstances at the time,” he said. He said that judges could not determine a case with information outside of what was presented before them by parties to the case. Mohammed also noted that judges were not infallible, add-

ing that a judge could make mistakes. In criminal cases, the lawyer said it was imperative for investigators to do a thorough job before bringing the defendant to court. He lamented that judges were working under very poor conditions with no infrastructure in the courts and inadequate prosecutors. He expressed confidence that the enactment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 will help to fast track justice.

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News

Friday, February 15, 2016

EFCC uncovers N3bn in NAMA officials’ accounts …to make more arrest this week

Olusegun KOiKi

here are strong indications that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, would this week arrest more officials of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, over massive fraud. As at now, three senior officials have been in custody since last Friday when EFCC personnel stormed the agency. The three officials in the EFCC net are the Managing Director, Mr. Abdulsalam Ibrahim, Mr. Adegorite O.M, and Assistant General Manager, Procurement, Mr. Amos Akpan. A source close to the anti-graft agency confided in our correspondent yesterday that preparation was in top gear to arrest at least five additional principal officials this week. Some of the officers to be arrested are the Director of Finance and Admin, Mrs. Aliche Clara; General Manager, Finance, Mr. Agbolade S; Assistant General Manager, ICT, Akinribido Bolaniran; Assistant General Manager, EMS, Atiku Abubakar and Project Manager, (Mrs.) Felicia Agubata. The source hinted that at least, N3bn was jointly discovered in the accounts of top officials of the agency, while N800m was discovered in the account of one of the culprits. As at present, the accounts of the suspects, including those to be arrested this week had been frozen. The source claimed that the arrest may not be unconnected with some frauds allegedly committed in the industry about four years ago. When our correspondent contacted the General Manager, Public Affairs, NAMA, Mrs. Olajumoke Adetona for her comment, she simply said: “I don’t have

much details of the EFCC visit.” It would be recalled that EFCC had stormed the headquarters and annex offices of NAMA last Friday and shut down operations in the agency for hours. The officials stormed the agency as early as 10am, ransacked the office of the Managing Director before moving to the annex office to continue their search. Two major departments; accounts and procurement units were also combed. EFCC had quizzed Mr. Abdulsalam and some general managers for several hours. The officials left the agency around 7pm and whisked away the three personnel.

L-R: Minister of State agriculture, Heineken Lokpobiri; Jigawa State governor Badaru Muhammed abubakar; President/CEO, Dangote group, aliko Dangote, presenting seeds of rice to one of the beneficiary farmer, at the launch of Dangote Rice Outgrowers Scheme in Hadejia, Jigawa State, on Saturday.

PDP, Ohanaeze behind Fr. Mbaka’s transfer –Parishioners CONTINUED FROM PagE 2

because Fr Mbaka has been calming us down to protect the image of the Church in Enugu Diocese , but this time, we cannot continue to hold our peace for we believe that respect is reciprocal,” the statement added. Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, has warned its priests against “market place prophecies and visions, charismatic display of talents and material salvation.” President of the Conference, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama gave the warning yesterday in Abuja during the Catholic Bishops Conference at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral. He admonished priests to shun worldliness and materialism. He charged them not to succumb to the temptation of importing unwanted doctrines that would promote personality and curry favour. “We must not be frightened into believing in God of ‘now, now’, cajoled by mouth watering material attractions or ostentatious living of some min-

isters of God. “We should emphasise the need for sober Christianity without tricks, rhetoric, fanfare and the craze for social media publicity. “All priests must not compete with trendy pastors to see visions and utter prophecies because they sometimes cause psychological disposition. “We should help people

to interior conversion and attitudinal change,” he said. He urged Christian religious leaders to admonish Christians to pray ceaselessly and evangelise through genuine witnessing and not wooing people with material things or any form of moral coercion. “We must avoid melo-

dramatic displays that look like modern broadway shows. “Catholic priests should avoid flamboyant spirituality and noisy liturgy and teach the people values of internalised prayers from the heart. “The gifts of speaking in tongues, miracle and prophecies are good as long as they are genuine,”

he said. Kaigama further urged Christians to help humanity in love to conquer poverty and narrow the yawning gap between the rich and the poor. “It is only when we engage in works of mercy in favour of the needy that we can hope for a stable, peaceful and safe world,” he added.

Onaiyekan urges FG to remain steadfast in restoring sanity to Nigeria

atholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has urged the Federal Government to remain steadfast in restoring Nigeria to the path of sanity, probity and accountability. Onaiyekan said this at the opening ceremony of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, held at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria yesterday in Abuja. “This is not a smooth and easy process we all are going through, but we need to go beyond the legal processes, to a serious national moral spiritual rebirth. “We need to explore alternative and paral-

lel strategies, based on the moral principles of repentance, reparation and reconciliation,” he said. He assured the government that the Catholic Church and some other religious groups of like minds, were prepared to play a positive role in the on-going war against corruption. Onaiyekan recalled the efforts of the Church towards eliminating corruption, with the help of prayers, warnings and exhortations. “We have to put concrete structures of collaboration in place in the on-going war against corruption. “The religious institu-

tions of the nation cannot remain aloof while a moral spiritual battle is raging in the country,” he added. Onaiyekan also commended the government for the success recorded so far in the fight against the Boko-Haram insurgents. “It is hoped that the alleged criminal diversion of funds meant for arms into private pockets has now stopped. “Our gallant troops must never again be left with inadequate resources to carry out the dangerous task imposed on them on our behalf,” he said. He also urged the government to encour-

age dialogue across and within religious communities in order to bring about a lasting reconciliation among diverse groups in the country. The Cardinal pointed out that the insurgency in the North-East had revealed the significant presence of Christian population in the zone. “We still have on our hands, a lot of healing and reconciliation to do before our displaced people can safely return to their homes, farms and grazing land. “They deserve special attention in the programmes of reconstruction and rehabilitation,” he stressed.

News

Monday, February 15, 2016

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Health workers vow to ground hospitals nationwide Wednesday Marcus FatunMole ABUJA

eeved by allegedly unmet demands from the Federal Government, unions of health workers in Nigeria, under the umbrella of Joint Health Sectors Unions, JOHESU, and the Assembly of Health Care Professionals, AHPA, have threatened to proceed on strike from Wednesday this week. A copy of the associations’ warning note, addressed to Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Head of Civil Service of the Federation and

copied some of the security agencies, was signed by JOHESU Chairman, Biobelemoye Josiah, and was made available to National Mirror at the weekend. In the letter, JOHESU and AHPA said their decision was taken at a joint meeting they had a fortnight ago in Abuja, where the unions said they gave the government a 15-day ultimatum, which expires this Wednesday. The unions said the strike could only be averted if government meets their demands. Nigerian health sector has been characterised by incessant strikes by medical

and non-medical workers, with 80 of such recorded within eight months in 2014, according to former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu. This is the first time the unions would jointly threaten strike since President Muhammadu Buhari assumed power in May last year. Should the strike holds, government’s campaign against Lassa fever, which has killed about 110 people across the country, will be dealt a great blow. Government has also hinted on the possibility of Zika virus hitting the nation. It needs

the workers to prevent the disease. The unions alleged that non-medical doctors contribute 95 per cent of health care providers in the country, and that its members have long been marginalised in both the administration of the nation’s health systems and as workers in health facilities. The groups are calling on the Federal Government to meettheir demands, which include the implementation of a new circular on promotion of its members from CONHESS 14 to 15 as directors “which places premium on the need to sanction

defaulting hospital managements.” They also said the Head of Service of the Federation should ensure expedited issuance of an enabling circular authorising consultancy cadre for health professionals that have adhered to due process - to be vested with consultancy status; and payment of arrears of specialist allowances to qualified hospital-based health professionals with effect from

Boko Haram: FG, global agencies complete assessment in N'East

• Military winning against insurgents –GOC rotiMi Fadeyi and inusa ndahi

Former Director of Information, Naval Headquarters, Commodore Kabir Aliyu (R), handing over to his successor, Commodore Chris Ezekoba, in Abuja, at the weekend. PHOTO:NAN

Electricity tariff: Ndume wants power pivatisation revoked

enate leader, Ali Ndume (APC-Borno South), has expressed displeasure over the recent hike in electricity tariff, calling for the revisiting of the privatisation process and its possible revocation. Ndume told newsmen in Abuja yesterday that the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has no reason to increase tariff. The senator said the generating and distribution companies bought the nation’s electricity infrastructure for almost nothing and rather than investing in them, are

calling for a hike in tariff. ``These people took over these companies for peanuts and they have not invested; I have not seen how they will just come and be charging people indiscriminately like that. ``This is not a competitive market where you say market forces determine the price; they just want to take advantage of Nigerians; I am against that completely. ``In fact, I am against the privatisation completely, because there is no competition; they want to start charging whatever they like. ``In fact, left to me, pri-

vatisation of the power sector should be revisited and revoked,’’ he said. Ndume said although the NERC has power to set prices, the recent increase is indiscriminate. He said the law establishing the commission might also have to be revisited if the NERC continues to increase prices while the common man suffers. ``Even if it is the Senate that gave the power to those people to fix the price, it is wrong and even if I was part of it, I was wrong. ``If I can, I will cancel their power to fix prices,

how can they be charging us so much,” he wondered. Ndume recalled that the new electricity tariff regime which took effect from February 1, has generated a lot of controversies with labour unions across the country threatening to go on strike. Meanwhile, the lawmaker has said that he supported the recent N50 stamp duty introduced by the government. Ndume said government needs to source money through legitimate tax to be able to finance most of its projects.

January 1, 2010 without any delay whatsoever. Others are immediate and full payment of arrears of the skipping of CONHESS 10 which it said has remained outstanding since 2010; that the Federal Ministry of Health should come up with a circular on residency programmes for all health professionals to ensure professional capacity development in the health sector, among others.

ederal Government, the World Bank, European Union, and the United Nations have concluded a two-week recovery and assessment mission in the North East states ravaged by insurgency as part of ongoing Recovery and Peace Building Assessment, RPBA, programme. Led by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, Dr. Mariam Masha, the recovery and assessment team visited Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, Borno and Yobe states during which the team actively engaged with governors, decision-makers as well as top government functionaries, civil society organisations, private sector players, traditional rulers, IDPs, emergency management, humanitarian and relief agencies and other active partners in the recovery efforts in the affected states. A statement issued by senior special assistant to the Vice President on media and publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, said in the course of the tour in the affected areas, the team of officials visited several camps and resettlement centres for the IDPs in different states as well as insurgency-ravaged public institutions like hospitals, markets and military formations. The team was also able to have first-hand knowledge of human and physical conditions in the camps and resettlement centres which afforded them the opportunity to empathise with the people and also reassured them of the commitment of

the President Muhammadu Buhari administration towards addressing their challenges. In furtherance of the importance of the recovery and assessment mission, the team's top level engagements with relevant stakeholders centred on sector recovery and needs assessment strategy in the three major components of infrastructure and social services, peace building, stability and social cohesion as well as the economic recovery of the affected people in the six states. The field visit by the technical and humanitarian experts from these critical global institutions primarily focused on validating the processes through which data are to be collected and how to develop internationally-acceptable mechanisms to maintain contact with focal points in all the states. It would be recalled that the Federal Government had last month unveiled this assessment programme which was a joint, high-level collaboration between the government of Nigeria and development partners - the World Bank, EU and the UN. This collaboration is aimed at supporting government in its short, medium and long-term efforts towards peace building and sustainable recovery in the North East region of the country. It was a follow up to the agreements reached with the North East states in respect of the sector and component work plans, data collection modalities and timelines and provision of quantitative and qualitative information by the states.

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News

Monday, February 15, 2016

Jonathan’s PhD irrelevant to governance –Prof Esiemokhai Marcus FatunMole ABUJA

enowned Professor of International Law, Emmanuel Esiemokhai, has said the reason the last administration failed was because former President Goodluck Jonathan lacked requisite knowledge and exposure for governance. The veteran teacher, who spoke with our correspondent in his office at the NICON Insurance Building in Abuja at the weekend,

said Jonathan and the late President Musa Ya’Adua were imposed on the nation by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as a “punishment” over his inability to secure third term in office. Esiemokhai, who claimed he had worked with Chief Obasanjo before he became President said: “He (Obasanjo) imposed Jonathan, a man who studied fisheries, although he got a PhD, but totally irrelevant to governance; no philosophy, no law, no economics, no sociology. How can you run a country

without knowledge? “Then, Obasanjo and E. K. Clark were in a race to influence Jonathan. Obasanjo would tell Jonathan: ‘this is what I think should happen.’ E. K. Clark would tell Jonathan: ‘this is what should be done.’ “As a result, there was total misguidance. The young man was confused. Since he didn’t study relevant subject; that was why we got the mess.” When reminded that the Bayelsa-born President had held prominent positions

of leadership in the country before his ascension to the Presidency, the Edo-born septuagenarian said: “No, I disagree totally. Knowledgebased governance is different from guess work. It is different from the advice of advisers. It is different from guessing. “What experience did Jonathan have? He finished his PhD (in Port Harcourt). He studied primary school in Port Harcourt, secondary school in Port Harcourt. The only time he left his enclave was when he went

Representative of Civil Society for Malaria Control Immunisation and Nutrition, Mrs Uzoamaka Akporotu (left); Acting Programme Manager, Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria, Dr Hassana Adamu (second left) and participants at a consultation meeting for Ministerial Conference on Immunization in Africa, in Abuja, on Saturday. PHOTO:NAN

gun State government has demanded a refund of N100bn from the Federal Government over the construction and rehabilitation of federal roads within the state. Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Olamilekan Adegbite, who disclosed this, said although the state plans to spend about N200bn on general roads, it has so far expended N100bn on the projects. Adegbite, according to a statement signed by spokesman of his ministry, Mr. Ayokunle Ewuoso, stated this while featuring on a radio programme in Abeokuta. “What we have spent now and what we are asking for is just N100bn. But I don’t think the Federal Government has the money to pay every state. “I think Lagos State has the highest pay in terms of federal roads constructed. What the Federal Government is doing is a good start; at least, it should pay something reasonable. “Before I came in as commissioner, there was a verification exercise in 2011,

Ogun seeks refund of N100bn from FG on roads projects which, of course, dealt with the roads that were done in the past in parts of the state. “As at that time, what was ascertained then was about N4.5bn that is yet to be paid and inclusive of this, the Federal Government is to pay us N100bn,” Adegbite added.

He assured that as soon as the money starts coming in, the state government would plough it back into the ongoing road projects in the state, adding that the Governor Ibikunle Amosun administration is committed to making sure that all the projects are completed

before the expiration of its tenure. The commissioner pointed out that the dividends derivable from the massive road construction works have began to manifest as more local and foreign investors are showing interest in doing business in the state.

Ogun Lassa fever patient dies

…govt discovers another pregnant woman FeMi oyeweso ABEOKUTA

gun State government yesterday declared that the victim of Lassa fever earlier discovered at a private hospital in Sango Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, is died. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, who made the disclosure yesterday in Abeokuta, also confirmed that the state has

recorded another victim, a 28-year-old pregnant woman. Ipaye, addressing a press conference explained that the 28-year-old first victim died of complication she developed less than 24 hours to the completion of her treatment yesterday. Identified as Patience Eze, the commissioner stated that the victim had prior to her death exhibited signs of recovery. “However, it gladdens my

heart to inform the people of the state that none of the 121 primary contacts that have been under our watchful eyes and that have been provided with thermometers have come down with any symptom suggestive of Lassa fever,” he said. Ipaye further stated that the late Eze has been buried according to World Health Organisation, WHO, guidelines as well as national protocol after securing the consent of her family.

to Osun State for National Youth Service programme. “This is very narrow for a man who will rule a big nation like Nigeria. He didn’t have that intellectual outlook. He didn’t have that historical connection. He didn’t travel widely; he didn’t meet people. He was just a small lucky fellow who wanted (to work at) NNDC, he didn’t make it. He taught at the University of Port Harcourt. “Luckily, he got into politics when Alamieyeseigha made him deputy. From there, he was lucky again to be governor, then Vice-President and finally President. “As for luck, he has abundance of it. But, he didn’t have that intellectual capacity to govern Nigeria. He didn’t; he doesn’t have it. “Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been kicked around like a football by all those political opportunists who surrounded him. I can say that he was not in charge. I have said in one of my articles that those who used him would stand by the wayside, the way Jesus was being led to the cross and will be watching from afar,” he said. Esiemokhai, who spoke

on various current issues relating to politics, economy and the Dasukigate scandal, advised that President Muhammadu Buhari must be more courageous to deal with high level crime allegedly perpetrated by the past administration. He also expressed support for trial and prosecution of persons indicted in the arms purchase scandal, as according to him, the law of the nation must take its course, regardless of looters returning funds. He also hinted that constitutional lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, might not have positive result from his litigation against former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at the International Criminal Court, ICC. According to him, Falana has low understanding of international law, and should not be the one filing the case. He noted that Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala did not act alone, adding that the woman acted on order of her superior, and that the case being pursued by Falana should be pursued by the Federal Government, and not an individual.

Olujinmi, Akeredolu petition UCH over woman’s death KeMi olaitan IBADAN

wo Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Chief Akin Olujinmi and Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, have written to the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, demanding the release within the next seven days, of the postmortem on a woman, Mrs. Funmilayo Adebayo, who died in the hospital three weeks ago. Our correspondent learnt that Mrs. Adebayo, aged 58, had on Monday, January 25, drove to the hospital in company of her househelp, Odunayo, to follow up on her medical check-up, which she had commenced a week earlier. She had done series of medical tests in the hospital to ward off any untoward ailment, but unfortunately died the following day. After her death, the husband, Aare Femi Adebayo, approached his lawyers and briefed them with a view to getting the full details of

what transpired through postmortem. However, the first letter written by the two legal luminaries to Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Temitope Alonge, on February 5, 2016, demanding release of the late Funmilayo’s postmortem within five days was not complied with. With that development, the lawyers again in another letter dated February 13, made available to journalists and titled “Independent Post-Mortem-Late Mrs. Adebayo Olufunmilayo”, said having reneged in making the result available, Aare Adebayo has resolved to engage an independent pathologist to conduct an independent examination into the cause of the death of his wife. They also demanded that such independent examination be conducted within seven days in view of the fact that the burial of the deceased has been fixed for between February 25 and 26th.

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Abiodun nejo Ado Ekiti

arents of the students of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), standing trial over their alleged involvement in last Sunday night protest which led to the destruction of property worth millions of naira and looting in the university, have pleaded with the university to temper justice with mercy. The sober parents appealed to the ABUAD founder, Aare Afe Babalola, to assist them by withdrawing the matter involving their children and wards from court and treat it administratively in the university. A statement from

South West

Monday, February 15, 2016

ABUAD protest: Parents seek out-of-court settlement

ABUAD head of corporate communication, Tunde Olofintila, at the weekend said the parents who paid a visit to the institution to assess the level of physical damage, spoke at the Owolabi Hall, where they expressed readiness to render financial and other forms of assistance in respect of the damaged facilities in addition to collectively writing a letter of apology to the police and the state Ministry of Justice. An Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrate Court had last week remanded in prison

custody 19 students of the university believed to have been actively involved in the violence and wanton destruction. Babalola, while responding to the plea of the parents, said upon receipt of the parents’ letter admitting the commission of the crime and apologising to the university, copies of which must be sent to the Ekiti State Ministry of Justice and the Inspector General of Police, the

university would see what it could do to ensure that the children did not end up in jail. The ABUAD founder said: “Cases of brazen arson, burglary and stealing are entirely criminal. The Supreme Court had decided that the university has no power to entertain or try students who commit criminal offence such as burglary, arson, stealing, attempted murder, etc.

“I set up this university to change the lives of your children and make them better than I am. We will try to see what we can do to make all parties happy,” he said, adding that the university would await the letter of apology from the parents and then decide on the next line of action. Vice president of the university’s Parents/ Teachers Consultative Forum, PTCF, Professor

Olusegun Oladimeji and Mr. Niyi Ogungbuji, who spoke on behalf of the affected parents, said they were in the university to condemn what the students had done and plead with the founder and management to temper justice with mercy. Oladimeji blamed the massive destruction on the failure of parents to inculcate good morals, character and civility in their children.

How varsities can prevent rape, drug abuse –VC Abiodun nejo Ado Ekiti

igerian universities have been charged to show more readiness and determination to eradicate incidences of drug abuse, rape and examination malpractices to prevent the ivory tower from being turned into den of criminals and haven for drug peddlers and abusers. Vice Vhancellor, Federal University, Oye Ekiti, FUOYE, Prof. Isaac Asuzu, advised every university in the country to fortify its intelligence unit so that necessary security information could be sourced on time with a view to foiling such tendencies. Asuzu also urged management of universities across the country not to deviate from the culture of learning and sound character, which universities are to inculcate in students. The VC, who spoke at Oye Ekiti at the weekend during matriculation of 1,200 fresh students for the 2015/16 academic session, advised the students against engaging in acts that could disrupt academic calendar, so that they could graduate within the time stipulated for their courses. Asuzu who said drug abuse and rape cases have never been reported

in FUOYE, cautioned that any student found indulging in rape, drug abuse, examination malpractices, willful and malicious damage to property, stealing and robbery, among other nefarious acts in the university would be expelled. “We have dismissed students for indulging in examination malpractices and other offences. We don’t condone indiscipline. You are here to study and don’t do anything that would jeopardise your future, because if you are court for any crime, you are gone,” he warned. The VC assured that more departments would take off in the institution to add to the existing 29 courses, immediately it receives the nod of the National Universities Commission, adding that efforts are in top gear to get approval to start-off the proposed programmes.

L-R: Managing Director, Lekki Concession Company, Lagos, Alhaja Shakirat Babatunde; Chairman, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Ikeja District, Mr Gbenga Adewole; ICAN former President, Mrs Mojisola Osiyemi and President, Otunba Samuel Deru, at the 3rd Entrepreneurship Symposium of the Institute in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Katsina: Traders to benefit from N2bn loan scheme jAmes dAnjumA kAtsinA

o less than 500,000 small-scale traders are to benefit from a N2 billion loan scheme in Katsina State. The money is Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s micro, small and medium scale development loan scheme to cooperative groups in the state.

Speaking during the flag-off of the disbursement over the weekend, Governor Aminu Bello Masari said the scheme would help boost incomegenerating activities in the state. Masari said the scheme launch was in fulfillment of campaign promise of the All Progressives Congress, APC, administra-

tion to source loans to empower majority of the populace. He assured that the state government would pay the required nine per cent interest on the loan, as doing so would reduce payment burden on beneficiaries. He, however, warned beneficiaries against defaulting in repayment,

‘Mad man’ arrested with 22 ATM cards, 2 mobile phones in Lagos FrAncis suberu

peratives of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a man whose sanity could not be verified, and who was in possession of 22 ATM credit cards, two mobile phones and a power bank in Victoria Island area of the state.

The man, Lanrewaju Jaiyeola, 39, was intercepted by the operatives when he was sighted carrying a backpack on Ozumba Nbadiwe Road. One of the police officers who arrested the suspect said: “When we sighted him, he appeared like a mentally sick person, but when we invited him for interrogation, he answered and responded in a normal manner.

“Afterwards, he started straying from the normal course of our enquiries. This raised further curiosity and we decided to check out his backpack. What we found was startling: 22 assorted credit cards, 1 Nokia phone with flat battery, a blackberry, a power bank, several bank tellers of recent bank transactions, and lots of invoices amid numerous pieces of papers.”

According to the police, on further scrutiny, it was discovered that eight of the credit cards recovered from the suspect are still valid. He added that three of the valid cards would expire in 2018; another three would expire in 2017; while two would expire in 2016, even as all the credit cards bore different names and were issued by different banks.

adding that prompt payment would enable others to benefit as the programme is a revolving one. Masari called on female beneficiaries to make judicious use of the loan to improve the living condition of their families. Special adviser to the governor on economic empowerment, Abdulkadir Nasir, said due process was followed in selecting cooperative and trade groups that benefited from the loan. Nasir commended the Speaker and members of the state House of Assembly for providing the legal backing which allows the securing of the loan facility from the CBN. He announced that 60 per cent of the beneficiaries are women, and that 4,902 forms were distributed to cover all the electoral wards in the state.

South West

Monday, February 15, 2016

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Ekiti to discourage strikes with ‘no work no pay’ rule Abiodun nejo Ado Ekiti

kiti State government has threatened to invoke the no-work-no-pay rule on workers who embark on strike without adhering to due process and the dictates of Nigerian labour law and other relevant acts of the Nigerian Constitution before taking such action. Governor Ayodele Fayose said although he held the state workers in high esteem, government would no longer tolerate

acts of indolence and unnecessary strikes that could further worsen the financial position of the state. According to him, the state would henceforth divert the salary of any group of workers who embark on strike to pay those showing concern and understanding about the parlous economic situation of the state. The governor, who spoke during a statewide television programme at the weekend, urged primary school teachers, who

have just returned to work after a two-day warning strike over non-payment of their outstanding September 2014 salary and 2015 leave bonus, to show understanding. According to him, the strike they embarked on last week could have been resolved without any crisis “if we had dialogued,” adding that “every worker in the state knows how much Ekiti takes after

FAAC in Abuja, because I lay it bare on the table.” The governor who said the award of contracts for the construction of Oja Oba and the Flyover in Ado Ekiti followed due process, clarified that none of his financial dealings had been shrouded in secrecy since he assumed office. He denied awarding the contracts and that of the proposed Ekiti Air-

port project to relatives, business associates and financiers of his election campaign. Speaking during the flag off of the Oja Oba Market, the governor expressed readiness for probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, if his manner of contract awards and financial dealings had fallen short of due process.

He said the market, which would replace the old one which was demolished in November last year would be a replica of the Tejuoso market in Lagos, adding that it would be ready in 18 months. The governor promised that all the market men and women who had suffered as due to the demolition would have cause to rejoice on completion of the project.

Appeal Court sacks Oyo monarch Kemi olAitAn ibAdAn

ourt of Appeal, sitting in Ibadan, has nullified the nomination of Jimoh Oyeyemi Oloyede as the Aresaadu of Iresaadu. The court in a unanimous judgement delivered by Justices Mudashiru Nasiru Oniyangi, M.B. Doing an-Mensem and Nonyerem Okoronkwo, also set aside the judgement of Oyo State High Court delivered on April 4, 2000. The trio of Princes Adeyeye Oyerinde, Adegbola Oyerinde and Oyeyemi Oyerinde, for themselves and on behalf of the Sunloye branch of Oshunbiyi ruling house, had approached the Appeal Court to set aside the decision of Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ogbomoso and delivered on April 14, 2000. The respondents, according to the ruling obtained from the office of the Registrar, Court of Appeal, Ibadan, are the Soun of Ogbomosholand, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III, Secretary, Surulere Local Government, Jimoh Oyeyemi Oloyede, governor of Oyo State, attorney general of Oyo State, Prince Bello Oloyede (for himself and on behalf of Oshunbiyi ruling house, excluding Sunloye branch), Chief Salami Amoo (for himself and on behalf of other Aresaadu kingmakers) and Surulere Local Government. The appellants who are principal members

of the Sunloye branch of the Oshunbiyi ruling house of Aresaadu, the other branch being Idowu branch, Latilewa branch and Okunola branch, are said to be entitled, to the exclusion of the others mentioned branches, to present a candidate for the vacant tool of Aresaadu. The appellants said: “It was the turn of Osunbiyi ruling house to fill the vacancy which the other branches had gotten their turn in this order of rotation: Idowu, Latilewa, Sunloye and Okunola. “That when pursuant to a letter written by the second respondent (secretary, Surulere Local Government) dated October 11, 1996, to the Osunbiyi ruling house, requesting it to a present candidate to the kingmakers of Aresaadu within 14 days, the Osunbiyi ruling house fixed a meeting for October 22, 1996 and the second respondent (secretary, Surulere Local Government) was present as an observer.”

Cross section of people with disability at Valentine Day for People with disability, organsed by Hon Olatoye Sugar Foundation in Ibadan, yesterday.

Criminal herdsmen not Nigerians –IGP

ojo oyewAmide AkurE

nspector General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase, has said most herdsmen committing crimes in the country are foreigners. Arase said they gained entrance into the country with their cattle through the porous borders. He disclosed this at the weekend during an interac-

tive section with stakeholders on community policing partnership in Akure, Ondo State capital. The police boss, who noted that most of the violent herdsmen were either from Mali or Chad, said Nigerians among them are not criminals. Urging farmers to be careful and take caution in dealing with them, Arase said the police and state governments

are working on how to build ranches for herdsmen. He added, “I have taken suggestions about how we can develop big ranches so that they can stop grazing on farmlands. We should also know about the history of migration. Most of these herdsmen are not Nigerians. “They are people from Mali and Chad who came into our system. That is

why we have to be very careful. Our borders are very porous. Predominantly, our own herdsmen are law abiding people. “But when people come from outside with their cattle, we should not deny them entry because of ECOWAS protocols, good neighborliness; but at the same time, we should not allow them to embark on criminal activities.”

You lied about your achievements, APC tells Mimiko ojo oyewAmide AkurE

ndo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has expressed doubt over Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s claims that his government has recruited over 3,513 people into the public service and constructed over 1,300 kilometres of roads across the state.

Mimiko made the claims while delivering his 2016 budget speech to the Ondo State House of Assembly. In a statement yesterday by its Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, the APC challenged Mimiko to identify the locations of all the roads and provide names of the over 3,513 workers. APC described the budget as an act of deception designed to make people of the state believe that the governor

was working and judiciously spending the state’s resources. It said: “Dr. Olusegun Mimiko in his 2016 budget presentation to the Ondo State House of Assembly claimed his administration has recruited over 2,000 youths into the agriculture entrepreneurs’ scheme, paid N350 million annually as external examination fees, recruited over 3,513 people into the public service and constructed over 1,300 kilometres of roads across the

state. “The All Progressives Congress however doubt these claims and challenges Mr. Governor to identify the location of all the 1,300 kilometres of roads constructed, names of the over 3,513 workers employed into the public service and make further verifiable details on the N350 million annual external examination fees paid. “The APC is appalled at the economic incompetence

of the government, profligate lifestyle, the alarming rate of unemployment in the state, the embarrassing shortage of teachers in all our primary and secondary schools, the bad roads that had turned into death traps across the state and the rationale for disallowing students in public and private schools across the state from gaining entry to their classrooms due to the inability of their parents to purchase government Kaadi Igbeayo.”

South East

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

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Motorists, commuters groan over deplorable roads in Imo CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

ajority of roads in Imo State are fast deteriorating as motorists and commuters have cried out for help over potholes that have now become a

source of frequent visits to mechanic workshops by motorists. The motorists, who spoke with National Mirror, were unanimous in their belief that nearly all the roads, including the link roads constructed

last year, have completely fallen apart just as the raining season is few months away. “Nearly all the roads, including the ones Governor Rochas Okorocha built last year have fallen apart, just only two months or so to rainfall.

This is creating misery, especially among hapless, helpless motorists, who visit mechanic workshops frequently,” they said. They recalled with grief that last year some people, including a Claretian Missionary Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Dennis Os-

L-R: New Commander, 14 Brigade Ohafia, Brig. Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu; Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and his Deputy, Ude Oko Chukwu, during a visit to the governor, at the weekend.

Police nab 2 undergraduates over murder

nugu Police Command, yesterday, said it arrested two undergraduates who are students of one of the stateowned universities in the South East over the murder of one Mrs. Stella Uhuo. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, disclosed this in a statement in Enugu. He said the suspects (names withheld) were arrested in Ebonyi and Kogi states by police operatives. According to him, the duo murdered Uhuo, who had just returned from a vacation in the United States by beating her to death after dispossessing her of her belongings. “It was gathered that on that fateful day, November 14, 2015, the deceased, Mrs. Stella Ohuo, had allegedly contacted one of the suspects, who usually assisted her in running errands, to inform him that she would be landing from the US through the Enugu Airport. “She requested the suspect to assist her convey some luggage given to her by some friends in the US to Abakaliki. “On the said day, the

suspect came to the airport with his friend in a Volvo car, alongside some family members of the deceased, who came to welcome her. “On arrival at the airport, the personal luggage of the deceased was said to have been put in the car brought by family members, while the ones to be taken to Abakaliki were loaded into

the boot of the Volvo car. ``Along the way, the suspect and his friend diverted the car off Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway at about 10am and dispossessed the victim of her belongings, beating her to death when she resisted. ``On noticing that the woman had died, they smartly took her to a dust-

bin located near the Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway, dumped her body there and left with the luggage,” he said. The spokesperson added that the deceased had been helping the suspect many years back before this incident and that was why she trusted him to convey her, as usual, to Abakaliki.

to complete the ongoing airport project and empower youths in the state. He disclosed that the airport project was 80 per cent completed, adding that diversification of the state’s economy would also be his priority. ``In the past four years the state has witnessed transformation and we are ready to do more. ``We will consolidate and expand security in the next four years; this victory is ours and I want us to build a strong synergy to accelerate the development of Bayelsa. ``I must say that my government is ready to work with the Federal Government in ensuring that the

issue of kidnapping and oil pipeline vandalism is properly checkmated. ``My advice to our people is to stop encouraging or covering-up criminal acts in the state and the Niger-Delta region,’’ he said. Mr. Charles Sambo, a youth leader, commended Dickson, assuring that the youths would help to promote peace and security in the state. Sambo called on youths in the state to support Federal Government’s efforts in fighting crimes, especially oil pipeline vandalism. According to him, the development of the NigerDelta would not be possible in an atmosphere of insecurity.

Dickson sworn in for second term

overnor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State was yesterday sworn in for a second term in office, with a promise to move the state forward. Speaking at the event in Yenagoa, the governor dedicated his victory at the poll to the people and assured that he would not play politics with the security of the state. “My victory as governor is victory for the people; this administration will continue to sustain the existing security in the state. “We must stand for good governance and light must always triumph over darkness in Bayelsa.” Dickson also promised

uagwu, were gruesomely murdered by unknown hoodlums on a lonely track road, while trying to avoid the Owerri-Nekede road, which was cut into two by life-threatening gully erosion. One of the motorists, Mathew Eke, advised Governor Okorocha not to give priority to creating his fabled factories, but build and rehabilitate roads to facilitate movement. While reminding the governor that there is need for urgent attention to the hopeless roads in the state, Mr. Eke particularly mentioned Ihiagwa-Nekede, the road leading to Nekede Federal Poly and Federal University Technology, Owerri, FUTO. “Imo State government should give urgent attention to these deplorable roads, so as to reduce the number of accidents and deaths on the roads,” the motorists insisted. Also, some residents of Nekede in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State decried the deplorable road condition in their community.

According to some of the residents, the road condition has negatively influenced economic growth in the community. Other residents noted that the several attempts made to call the attention of the state government to rescue the community have yielded no positive results. The residents added that the road, which has “deep potholes,” has placed untold hardship on vehicle owners. “Many residents are not happy with this road as a result of its deep potholes that are causing many vehicles to breakdown always,” Nze Nnadi said. The residents appealed to the governor to take action and maintain the deteriorating critical road leading to Eziobodo, Okolochi, Umuokpo and the link road to Obinze and Port-Harcourt road. “If the roads are not tackled now they will be impassable during the raining season which will soon set in,” they warned.

I wasn’t sacked –Ibidapo-Obe TUNbOSUN OgUNdaRe

ormer vice-chancellor of the Federal University, NdifuAlike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe, has debunked claim by the Federal Government that he was sacked alongside 12 other vice-chancellors of federal universities, saying his five-year tenure had already elapsed and he consequently handed over to his deputy on Friday, February 5. He made this disclosure yesterday while reacting to Minister of Education, Mr. Adamu Adamu’s statement, announcing the termination of his appointment alongside 12 other colleagues, including VC of the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, Prof. Vincent Tenebe. He spoke with National Mirror exclusively. It would be recalled that except NOUN, which has

been in existence for more than a decade, other 12 affected universities were established by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Prof. Ibidapo-Obe, who is a former vice-chancellor of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, Akoka, however, said it was an erroneous impression that he was booted out of office. According to him, “I have already completed my unrenewable five-year tenure of office as stated in my appointment letter and I have handed over as instructed still in the same letter to my deputy since Friday, last week. So, I was not sacked.” While disclosing that he is now back in UNILAG to continue with his work as a lecturer and researcher, Prof. Ibidapo-Obe said his administration has built a solid foundation that his successors could easily build on.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Monday, Febrnuary 15, 2016

Army arrests 4-man gang in Rivers Dennis naku

PORT HARCOURT

igerian Army yesterday said it has arrested a fourman gang who has been terrorising residents of Ulakwo community in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State. This is coming on the heels of rising cases of cultism, assassinations, armed robbery and kidnapping in some communities in the state. Assistant Director, Army Public Relations Officer, 2 Brigade, Port Harcourt, Capt. Eli Lazarus, made the disclosure, while parading

the suspects before newsmen. Lazarus said that following intelligence report, troops raided criminal hideouts in Ulakwo community and recovered arms and ammunition from the four all malemember gang. He said: “Following reports of criminal activities of some young men who had been unleashing terror on innocent citizen, troops from 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, conducted a raid operation in Ulakwo community. “The operation, which was successful, led to arrest of four young men aged be-

tween 23 and 35 years, who had been terrorising citizens in the community. “Two Pump Action rifles; a Dane gun and four cartridges of live ammunition were recovered from the suspects during the raid. “We assure the public that the army together with other security agencies is assiduously working to purge cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery and other crimes from the state.” Lazarus said the suspects would be handed over to the Department of State Service, DSS, for further investigation and possible arraignment in court. The spokesman further

said other raid operations were ongoing to rid criminals from other troubled communities to enable residents go about their lawful businesses without fear of molestation. He urged criminals and restive youths to have a change of heart and engage themselves in legal ventures otherwise, security agencies will come after them with full wrath of the law. Lazarus urged members of the public to continue to provide security agencies with information that could lead to arrest of criminal groups and individuals.

Sports Minister, Solomon Dalong, inspecting facilities at the Basketball Court of U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, slated for the 19th National Sports Festival billed for November 2016, yesterday.

Thompson & Grace Group performs ground breaking ceremony for Medical City

…. AkwaIbom Gov assures private sector of partnership

he serenity of the village of AfahaObong in Abak Local government area of AkwaIbom State was broken on Thursday when it received unusual number of guests who came to witness the ground breaking ceremony of the proposed Thompson & Grace Medical City projects by the Governor of the state Mr. Udom Emmanuel. Performing the ceremony, Mr. Emmanuel, represented by his deputy Mr. Moses F. Ekposaid that his administration would continue to partner the private sector towards boosting the economy of the state. He praised the ingenuity and patriotic spirit of the Group Managing Director of Thompson & Grace Investments, Dr. Isaac Amos for sitting the project in AkwaIbom State. He assured the proprietors of the Proposed Medical City of the State Government's adequate support to bring the project to fruition, adding that the present administration would constantly create enabling environment that would attract private sector to invest in the state. The governor noted that the project, apart from the medical solutions that the Medical City would bring to the entire African continent,

NOWA cautions girls on ‘negative’ celebration of Valentine’s Day

igerian Navy Officers Wives Association, NOWA, yesterday, cautioned young girls against having sexual relations during and after Valentine celebrations. Zonal Director of NOWA, Port Harcourt zone, Mrs. Sha’awaKashim-Ibrahim, made the call while distributing Valentine gifts to sick patients at Navy Medical Centre. Kashim-Ibrahim, wife of the Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, Commodore Sanusi Ibrahim, said most teenage girls face molestation from their male neighbours and relatives during the day. “The whole concept of Valentine day is to celebrate and express love with the less privileged in our society.

“It is not a day set aside for negative aspects of love as people, mostly young girls and boys perceive it to be. “Young girls should visit charity homes like the or-

phanage homes, old people homes and do charitable works instead of involving themselves in immoral act that is capable of ruining their lives.

“Valentine day should not be misconstrued by the youths, rather they should emulate St. Valentine, who distributed gifts to the poor and needy of his society,”

she said. Ibrahim said the association decided to share gifts to sick patients at hospitals nationwide to encourage and put smiles on their faces.

Akwa-Ibom recorded highest rainfall in 2015 —NIMET

cting Director, Applied Meteorological Services, Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NiMet, Mr. Joseph Alozie, said AkwaIbom State recorded the highest amount of rainfall in Nigeria in 2015. Alozie disclosed this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja yesterday. The director said the region recorded about 600 millimetres of rain

in just one particular month during the year. He said the volume was more than what was recorded in some states in northern region in a whole year, adding that the highest amount recorded in the north was 750 millimetres. Alozie stated that there were above normal rainfall in many southern coast and inland regions like Oyo and Ogun states, where NiMet predicted above

normal rainfall in its 2015 Seasonal Rainfall Predication. “There were serious rains around Anambra and northern part of Delta, that is, Asaba area and the area bordering River Niger in Onitsha had substantial rainfall. “There is a heaviest of all rainfall received in Akwa Ibom State, especially in parts of Eket. “There was a month that we got more than

600 millimetres (mm), which was unprecedented. “What some states in the north would have almost for the whole year was what AkwaIbom got in just one month,” he said. Alozie explained that rainfall recorded in the far north ranged from about 500 mm annual value, to the middle of the country, where it could be up to 1,200mm or 1,300mm.

"it is hoped that not less than 35,000 AkwaIbom State indigenes will assess employment opportunity when the project takes off." Thompson & Grace Medical City projects include the proposed Medical University, 505 Megawatts Combined Cycle Power Plant and Parenteral Infusion & Dialysis Concentrate Plant, all to be located in a vast expanse of virgin land in Abak, AkwaIbom State. Welcoming guests to the event, Dr. Amos said that "the justification for the establishment of the Thompson & Grace Medical University and its sister entities in the Medical City is part of his company's efforts at promoting and enhancing medical education, clinical research and delivery of health care." According to him, "through these projects, we the proprietors pledge quality health education standards for our people, employment for our youths and medical practitioners, some of who are currently forced to work in other nations." Dr. Amos who described the Medical City project as the centre of medical excellence in the world, declared that when it comes on stream, "we would have reduced the need by Nigerians to travel to the United States of America, United Kingdom, India, China, Germany, or any other nation in search of cure and healing." He added: "no more would our tropical diseases look to temperate regions for help and cure. And no more would our people be victims of preventable, treatable and curable diseases because of ignorance and non-availability of requisite medical training, equipment and infrastructure." One of project partners, Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Ruzicka, Director, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany said that promised to deploy experienced medical experts to support the project. ChieduNdubisi, Technical Adviser to the Director General of Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) who represented the DG, Mr. AminuDiko, pledged the support

North

Monday, February 15, 2016

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APC wins Adamawa Rep re-run poll

L-R; Executive Director, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Bank of Industry (BOI), Mr Waheed Olagunju; Head, SME South, BOI, Mr Abdulganiyu Muhammed; Deputy Director, National Board, for Technical Education, Alhaji Husaini Muhammad, with Participants at the Bank of Industry Vocational Skills Competition, Kaduna Centre, Kaduna State, at the Weekend.

Governors’ Forum sets up committee to fast-track collaboration with IDB

orthern States Governors’ Forum, NSGF, says it will soon set up a committee to facilitate its collaboration with Saudi Arabia-based Islamic Development Bank, IDB. NSGF Chairman, Governor Kashim Shettima, of Borno State, who stated this while speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri yesterday, said the collaboration with IDB would fast-track development in the zone.

Shettima, who returned to the country after leading official delegation to the bank’s headquarters for a meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, described the visit as fruitful. He said the committee would work towards implementing the outcome. “We went under the canopy of Northern Nigeria Governors Forum with my colleagues from Kaduna, Kano, Nasarawa and Jigawa states, all geared towards bringing develop-

ment to the north. “As you all know, the northern part of Nigeria is the poorest of the zones. “Luckily, the president of IDB, Dr Ahmed Ali, received us warmly; we had fruitful discussions with them,” Shettima said. The governor said discussions at the Jeddah meeting centered on three main areas of power, health and agriculture. “The president committed himself towards supporting northern Nigeria

in the area of solar power technology. “We are already working to set up an action committee on the issue; the names of the members will be announced in due course. “They will actualise all the plans because it is easy to talk, but we want to walk the talk,” he said. Shettima, however, expressed optimism that the planned collaboration would start yielding dividends in a short while.

Dangote launches 8,000 hectares of rice out-growers scheme

resident of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, at the weekend flagged off his multibillion Naira 8,000 hectares of Rice Outgrowers Scheme in Hadejia, Jigawa State, as part of his partnership with governments at all levels to reduce food imports. The launch marked with the distribution of rice seedlings to benefitting farmers is with potential to provide direct jobs for 5,000 farmers and another 5,000 indirect jobs for various scheme dependants. The project, being executed by Dangote Rice Limited and expected to be replicated in six other states of the federation, is a fallout of memorandum of understanding signed between Dangote and the Federal |Government, on one hand, and Jigawa State government, on the other. Speaking shortly before he made the distribution, Alhaji Dangote explained

that Nigeria depended on agriculture for economic development before the discovery of oil. He noted that oil was meant to complement agriculture, which has been abandoned. Justifying his decision to delved into agriculture, Dangote said Nigerian agricultural commodities and food imports bills has averaged over N1trn in, with foods like sugar, wheat, rice, fish accounting for 93 per cent of the total cost of imports, a situation he described as unacceptable for anyone who loves the country. He stated that the huge amount was being expended on food items that the country has potential to produce locally with attendant losses of employment generation and wealth creation opportunities. Dangote disclosed that the scheme has been designed as a one stop solution for the rice value chain.

Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heneiken Lokpobiri commended Alhaji Dangote for his intervention in the government efforts at providing food security for the citizenry, creating jobs and reducing dependency on importation. He expressed government’s readiness to provide

all the needed support to make the scheme a success. Governor Badaru Muhammed Abubakar thanked the Dangote Rice Limited for choosing Jigawa as the pilot state for the project. He pledged the readiness of his administration to provide all necessary support to the project.

Police arrest three kidnap suspects

auchi Police Command said yesterday it arrested four kidnap suspects, who abducted two teenagers in Bauchi metropolis. A statement by the command’s spokesman, Haruna Mohammed, named the suspects as Abubakar Mohammed, 27, from Jos, Plateau State; Sanusi Inuwa, 40, Wuntin Gobirawa village, Bauchi, and Danlami Abdullahi, 45, also of Wuntin Gobirawa. Mohammed said the suspects were arrested yesterday by detectives

attached to Bauchi State Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, led by Thomas Kwabika, following intelligence report. He said the suspects conspired and kidnapped two children, Yunusa Hussaini, 8, and Dare Yakubu, 7, all of Dungal village, Bauchi. Mohammed added that the suspects demanded N500,000 from parents of the victims. He said the police rescued the victims and handed them over to their parents in good condition.

ndependent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has declared Mrs. Talatu Yohan of the All Progressives Congress, APC, winner of Saturday’s Numan, Demsa and Lamurde Federal Constituency re-run election. INEC returning officer, Dr Pascal Timtere, made the announcement in Numan. “Talatu Yohana of APC wins the election with a total of 24,126 votes,” Timtere said. He said Michael Zidon of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, polled 11,513 votes and Dr P.P. Power of Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, got 6,320

votes. Others are - CPP, 222 votes; KOWA, 400 votes; and Labour Party, 154 votes. He said the total number of registered voters was 178,471, while 44,577 voters were accredited. “The total valid votes were 42,735 and total rejected votes were 1,293 while the total number of votes cast was 44,028,” Timtere said. It would be recalled that in November 2015, the Court of Appeal, sitting in Abuja, nullified the election of Mr. Kwamoti Laori of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, and ordered a rerun election.

Boko Haram: Hunters union honours 12

•Normal business activities resume in Mubi

ssociation of Hunters in Adamawa State has honoured 12 of its members for their gallantry in the fight against insurgency in the state. Secretary of the association, Salisu Buba Wakinso, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Yola yesterday. Wakinso said the members were honoured during a general meeting of the union held recently. He said the gesture would boost the morale of beneficiaries and that of other members of the group, all of whom were assisting security agencies in counter-insurgency operation in the area. “Those honoured included two women selected on the basis of their outstanding performance. “We also hope the measure would go a long way in encouraging them and other members to do more for their fatherland. “While we laud the support and cooperation the association has been receiving from government and the public, we need more vehicles, guns and ammunition to enable us to be more effective. “Boko Haram has been dealt with in Adamawa, but we need more vehicles, guns and ammunitions to properly man local government areas bordering Borno in or-

der to check any possible incursion by remnants of the insurgents,” Buba said. It would be recalled that local hunters had played a vital role in dislodging the insurgents from Adamawa by assisting the military. Meanwhile, normal business activities have resumed in the commercial border town of Mubi, one year after its invasion by the Boko Haram insurgents Chairman, Mubi Chamber of Commerce, Alhaji Abdulkadir Musa, said this yesterday. He said traders were now coming to the town from Cameroon, Chad and Central African republics. He said the state government had commenced the reconstruction of parts of Mubi main market affected by fire that was ignited by the insurgents. The chairman said most banks had reopened in the town, while cattle and grain dealers, particularly those from the southern part of the country, had also returned. He thanked the state government for awarding 14 road projects to further open up the town, but urged the Federal Government to rehabilitate the federal road linking the area to other parts of the country to facilitate flow of goods and people to the market.

Friday, February 15, 2016

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Politics

Taraba: Supreme Court clears path for Ishaku to deliver on his campaign promises With election litigations now over in the Taraba governorship tussle, the path is clear for Governor Darius Ishaku to deliver on his campaign promises, writes JUSTIN TYOPUUSU

he people of Taraba State in the 2015 general elections went to the polls and unanimously voted Governor Darius Ishaku to preside over the affairs of the state in an election many Nigerians expected to produce the first female governor in the country. The sound of Ishaku’s victory at that election echoed from Karim Lamido to Takum, Wukari to Zing, Yorro to Kurmi and Lau to Donga. Ishaku’s victory which was later consolidated on April 25 after a run -off election following the cancellation of the election in some local governments clearly vibrated in Ardo Kola, Ibi and Ussa. In all, the governor clearly won in 11 local governments while his challenger and candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC Hajjiya Aisha Alhassan won in five local governments. As it is usual with politicians in Nigeria, the APC candidate, Aisha Alhassan went to court to challenge Ishaku’s victory and finally on Thursday February 11, 2016 the Supreme Court put to rest election dispute between Aisha Alhassan of APC and Darius Ishaku of PDP when it affirms the election of Governor Ishaku and threw out the appeal filed by Aisha Alhassan for lack of merit. Even when the litigations were ongoing, Governor Ishaku who has not left anyone in doubt that he is on a rescue mission in the state embarked on people- orientated projects to better the lives of Tarabans who overwhelmingly voted him to power. Less than 10 days on assumption of office he approved money for the overhaul of water facilities in Jalingo the state capital and immediately residents of Jalingo started enjoying the commodity. Before now, access to potable water by residents of Jalingo, the state capital was a major problem forcing residents of the city to rely on local water vendors popularly called Mai ruwa and few streams stretching through the city and its environs for water, while public water supply remained exclusive for a few, despite efforts by successive administrations to provide water for the people. During his campaign, Darius Ishaku worried that this God- giving commodity to mankind could be so scarce in Taraba state sank boreholes in more than five communities even before elections were held. To further consolidate on this gain, within the first three weeks in office, he met with the African Development Bank, AFDB, where formalities were completed for the commencement of 47,273m3 per day of wa-

ter supply target by 2035, and the agreement for the contract was signed in 2012. Work on the multi-billion naira water project has reached 90 per cent completion as the engineers have completed major work on the project while laying of pipes in the city has reached advanced stage, says Engr. Musa Buba, General Manager, Taraba State Water Supply Agency. Buba explained that the Chinese companies handling the project Apex Height, CGC, Ghasalaz and China Zhonghao have finished drilling and rehabilitation of existing boreholes totaling 40 across three locations in Jalingo as well as laying of transmission channels for conveying water to reservoirs covering 250 km in Jalingo and other new Jalingo settlements.

Youth and women empowerment In a bid to check youth restiveness and empower women in the state, the governor in June 2015, few weeks after assumption of office went into collaboration with the Bank of Industries , BoI and signed a memorandum of understanding with the bank where both parties committed N700 million for disbursement to micro, small and medium scale entrepreneurs targeted at creating at least 10,000 jobs in the state, especially among youth and women. To the governor, the initiative is in line with his “Rescue Mission” for the state aimed at creating job opportunities to reduce poverty among people of the state and would stop at nothing to ensure the objectives of the scheme were achieved. Economic experts including the Managing Director of Bank of Industries Mr. Rasheed Ola-Oluwa have commended the governor for the initiative saying that the Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, MSME’s accounted for half of Nigeria’s labour force, contributing over 50 percent of the county’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and urged the beneficiaries to take the scheme very seriously to grow the country’s economy. The office of the First Lady through her pet project, “Hope Afresh Foundation” has already done a lot in women empowerment supported by the governor.

Aviation and tourism To unlock the keys of investment opportunities in Taraba and woo investors and tourists to the state, Ishaku opened up commer-

Ishaku cial flight at the Jalingo Airport, the first of its kind since the creation of the state in 1991. The Airport project which was conceived in 2005 by former governor Jolly Nyame’s administration did not commence commercial flight until Ishaku came on board in May, 2015. On December 7, 2015, six months into his administration, the governor in partnership with Overland Airways commenced commercial flight operations at the airport. “We are optimistic that air transport will greatly enhance the comfort of commuting passengers and facilitate the influx of tourists, business tycoons and investors by providing swift and safe access to the state for tourism, commerce and industrialization,” Ishaku told the people while flagging off the commercial flight operations. With Overland Airways now operating on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays every week, conveying passengers to and from Abuja and Lagos to Taraba has now been launched to the world. Now that litigations are over, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hassan Mijinyawa believes investors and some of the governor’s friends outside of the country would soon begin massive investment in the state, jumping in and out easily using the airport. The story of Kakara tea has changed. Ishaku pushed for the completion and commissioning of Tonga Dam Small Hydro Elec-

tric Power Plant which now supplies power 24 hours to the factory. Efforts are now on to replace the obsolete machines at the tea factory which were installed in the 70s with modern ones to maximise productivity. To get the best out of the tea project, experts advice the governor to push for a tea policy in the country to brighten the future of the company. Today, Nigeria as a country has no tea policy and is not recognise internationally as a tea producing country. A tea policy in the country will benefit Taraba more than any other state in the country as the Mambilla beverages remained the best in west Africa, experts argued.

Road construction In the area of road infrastructure, the governor who promised in his inaugural speech to consolidate on the projects of the Danbaba Administration that meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people mobilise the contractor handling Bali-Serti-Gembu road, PW Construction Company to site when he paid them N300 million. The Jalingo-Kona-Lau road which was awarded by the federal government eight months before Ishaku assumed power was still begging for attention. But on assumption of office, the governor took over the conCONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Politics

Monday, February 15, 2016

Group to Odigie-Oyegun, don’t cast aspersions on S’ Court’s integrity Abiodun nejo ADO EKITI

non-governmental group, the Nigerian Youth For Democracy, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to call the All Progressives Congress, APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun to order over the statement he allegedly made about Supreme Court’s verdicts on Akwa Ibom and Rivers’ governorship petitions. The National Chairman of the Group, Amb Moses Ademiloye charged OdigieOyegun that: “The APC should concentrate on core issues of governance and how to save our country from the current economic slide and its concomitant

effects rather than probing the judiciary and subject Nigeria to international embarrassment”. Ademiloye, in a statement in Ado Ekiti at the weekend, also appealed to National Judicial Council, NJC not to act on any frivolous and emotional petition written to smear the integrity of the Supreme Court justices, cautioning that doing so might erode the credibility of the judiciary and earn Nigeria international opprobrium. The group, which was reacting to a statement by the APC National Chairman, allegedly calling for the probe of judgements delivered by the Supreme Court in favour of Governors Nyesom Wike and Udom Emmanuel of Rivers and Akwa Ibom

states respectively, who had lost at both tribunal and Appeal Court levels. Ademiloye said that desecrating the temple of justice at that cadre because the APC National Chairman felt judgements were not favourable to his party was capable of endangering the country’s democracy. According to him, why did Odigie-Oyegun refused to make similar statement when the Supreme Court upheld the elections of Governors Ibikunle Amosun, Akinwumi Ambode, Rauf Aregbesola, Ibrahim Geidam of Ogun, Lagos, Osun and Yobe states respectively, and other APC-controlled states. “Chief Odigie-Oyegun’s call for the probe of the

judgements was least unexpected and we condemn this in strong terms. “The Supreme Court has reserved a date to give reasons for arriving at that decision, but instead of waiting for the outcome of this decision, APC subjected the apex court to unnecessary bashing in the court of public opinion. However, the group advised the Supreme Court Justices not to feel threatened by call for probe and that they should continue to dispense justice without fear or favour. It also congratulated the victorious governors and “urge them to begin with programmes that will be of immense benefits to the youths”.

PDP supporters at the swearing-in and thanksgiving service of Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State in Yenagoa yesterday.

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Make Ondo indigene NDDC boss, ONAC urges Buhari RobeRt Awokuse

ollowing the anticipation trailing the appointment of a new boss for the Niger-Delta Development Commission, NDDC, a Pan- Yoruba Group, CoaliO’odua Nationalist Coali tion, ONAC has enjoined BuPresident Muhammadu Bu hari to stick to appointing an indigene of Ondo State as the next Managing Director of the commission. ONAC said the call was necessary in order for NDDDC to break from its ugly past when armed groups have a strong stake in offithe commission through offi cials that placate them with the commission’s funds. In a statement signed by ONAC official, Suleiman Sanusi and made available to journalists on Sunday, the group said it was aware Nithat some indigenes of Ni ger-Delta other than Ondo State have been lobbying Northern politicians so as to take over the position. It noted that most of posithose lobbying for the posi Peotion are agents of the Peo ples Democratic Party, PDP even though they claimed to have decamped to the Conruling All Progressive Con gress, APC. The group said it would commube unfair if the Ilaje commu nity of Ondo State , which contributed to the success of the present government in the last poll and which has overnot had opportunity to over commissee the affairs of the commis sion since inception is not considered for the position.

“It will be extreme bad fate if the position of the NDDC does not go to Ondo State. The oil producing Ilaje community stood by President Buhari and the All Progressives Congress, APC during the last election. It will be quite unfair if the next NDDC Managing Director fails to come from the oil producing communities.” “Our support for an Ondo State indigene does not include politicians from the State jostling to take over the position for personal political ends. We think the new NDDC MD should be someone that will use the commission to develop the entire Niger-Delta region and bring a halt to violence, kidnapping and destruction of pipelines.” ONAC noted that in the past, the NDDC had been controlled by armed gangs and their surrogates who turned the commission into an avenue to siphon public funds, diverted to supporting criminals cells used for electoral malpractices and other related violence, adding that some of the militant groups in the region were on the pay role of the commission. The group further cautioned the government to beware of agents of the PDP who are plotting to take over the leadership of NDDC. According to ONAC, the PDP agents have been making efforts to hijack the commission in a bid to raise funds to revive and energize the PDP in the nearest future.

Taraba: Supreme Court clears path for Ishaku to deliver on his campaign promises CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 struction of the road because of its importance to the people of the state. The 6.5 kilometers single lane road awarded without drainage construction has now been taken over by the state government which has reviewed the contract and expanded it to a dual carriageway with super drainage system giving the volume of water and vehicular traffic that flow on the road. Another 6.5km Takum-Katsina-Ala road, a federal road is also receiving attention giving its dilapidated nature which has become a source of worry for people plying the road. To minimise cost, the state government engaged the services of the state own construction company, Taraba Road Construction and Maintenance Agency, TARCMA which is constructing the road. Today, work on the 6.5 km road has reached advance stage even as N154 million contract has been awarded for the assessment and design of Mararaban Baissa-Abong road. Jalingo, the state capital is today wearing a new look as the governor who himself is a professional architect has moved to restore the Jalingo master plan. Illegal motor parks and shops have been demolished and the monthly sanitation re-

store in the city which now hold every first Saturday of the month.

Digitisation of broadcast media The governor has awarded N1.7billion contract for effective switch over from analogue to digital broadcasting of the state own Taraba Television, TTV and Taraba State Broadcasting Service, TSBS. This, the governor said is to ensure that the state broadcast media outfits are not left behind in the planned digital switch over. Already procurement and installation of digital equipment has commenced and work on the TSBS transmitting station along Mile Six is in progress.

Health, Education and the Judiciary Health, education and the judiciary also enjoy the attention of the governor. The state specialist hospital benefited from the governor’s rescue mission as funds were approved to maintain the facilities at the hospital. During the outbreak of Lassa Fever in the state, the governor released funds which help in containing the spread of the virus. Judicial staff who were on strike before the governor took over office are now back and smiling to banks but the

governor also procured new vehicles for senior judicial workers. The story was same in the state university as lecturers down tools in protest for non - payment of their salary arrears. The lecturers are now back to the class. Now that the Supreme Court has put to rest the seeming distractions before the governor, political analysts and stakeholders are calling on Ishaku to put the distractions behind him and embrace all as a father to move the state forward. “Ishaku must work towards uniting the people of Taraba to achieve the goals of the rescue mission. He should go all out and ensure the security of lives and property and launch the state on the path of peace and development. “To me, he should personally visit the areas affected by crisis in the state and see things for himself and feel the pains of the IDPs. Time has been spent, so, he should quickly settle down to make real his campaign promises now that election litigations are over. “The people of Taraba irrespective religious, ethnic and political affiliation should join hands with the governor to develop the state. Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, Rev. Dr. Charles Hammawa said in an email to National Mirror in Jalingo in his reaction to the Supreme Court verdict.

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Monday, February 15, 2016

On the new electricity tariff regime SUNDAY ONYEMAECHI EZE

he federal government had on February 1 unveiled a new 45 percent increase in electricity tariff regime without recourse to the dissenting voices of Nigerians raised against it. This is coming on the heels of a subsisting court order of May 28, 2015 granted by Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court, Lagos in the case of Toluwani Yemi-Adeniyi vs NERC and others that there be no further increment pending the determination of the substantive suit. The moral fibre of democracy is resident in the temple of justice; therefore the decisions of the court in such clime must be seen to be strictly adhered to. Moreover, the increase was also carried out in contravention of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of November 1, 2013 signed between Nigerian labour unions and Federal Government to the effect that within 18 months gestation period, all consumers are to be metered. The NLC has declared a nationwide protest on the increase. The reason for the protest according to its president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, was that “due process in the extant laws for such increment was not followed in consonance with section 76 of the Power Sector Reform Act, 2005”. A resolution on the matter by the Federal House of Representatives urging NERC to shelve the proposed

increase was completely ignored. Almost all the increase in electricity tariff regime in Nigeria has been generally contentious since the introduction of Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO-1) in 2008. This current one like others before it suffers from lack of general consensus among all the stakeholders, especially the end users. With the executive pronouncement made by Babatunde Raji Fashola, the minister of power, works and housing at the 2016 Senate budget defence to the effect that the National Assembly cannot stop the increase in electricity tariff, the coast became clear for NERC to ensure immediate implementation of the increase by power distribution companies. In Nigeria, whenever any price of goods and services goes up, it hardly comes down. Nigerians are faced with the same scenario with the imposition of a pro-investor electricity tariff regime designed not to end soon. Both Fashola and NERC have painstakingly tried to justify the rationale behind the increase to no avail. It is clear that the approval of stakeholders “duly” considered and “taken into consideration” before this increase cannot be that of the majority of Nigerians, who find it difficult to feed on $1 per day. Has there been appreciable power supply which should have given rise to the increase in tariff ? Government and industry players have always contended that for a guaranteed stability of power supply; quick re-

BOTH FASHOLA AND NERC HAVE PAINSTAKINGLY TRIED TO JUSTIFY THE RATIONALE BEHIND THE INCREASE TO NO AVAIL turn on investment of local and foreign investors will be guaranteed with what they call “ a stable and cost-effective pricing structure to guarantee a modest return on investment for efficient industry operators”. This tariff regime is an unfortunate burden which will definitely compound the visible hard times currently facing Nigerians. Nigerians voted for the APC to right the wrongs of the past administrations and put the nation on the path of true development and not to impose hardship on them. For most electricity consumers in Nigeria, the new tariff which removed the contentious fixed charge amounts to selling a dog to buy a monkey. None is better than the other. The latter is even worse. It is laughable when one of the selling points of the increase was anchored on the removal of fixed charge. The so called fixed charge for all intents and purposes was a rip-off and big time fraud. It was an illegal and corrupt power sectorial practice qualified for investigation. According to africacheck.org, a 2011

World Bank survey of 3000 Nigerian businesses revealed that “the biggest problem was unreliable power supply. Businesses reported that they experienced average power outage of eight hours per day. About 88 percent of retail and manufacturing businesses surveyed showed that approximately 69 percent of their total electricity usage was produced by private generators. The expenses incurred running private generators cost the average business the equivalent of more than four percent of their sales.” Mr. Fashola should step up a robust monitoring and evaluation mechanism to continually report the level of services DISCOs provide with this and every other tariff increase, while a performance benchmark for power infrastructural development in the sector should also be in place to enable government and Nigerians to see and be able to appraise deliverable results and progresses made in the entire sector especially by the DISCOs. Nobody is against tariff per se, but it is unheard of for a service provider to confidently demand for an increase in price of an abysmal provision of service obviously in short supply. Nigerians will no longer entertain another increase in tariff Eze, a media and communications specialist, wrote via sunnyeze02@ yahoo.com and can be reached on 08060901201

Applauding NAFDAC’s change agent role MARTINS F.O. IKHILAE

he National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) created 22 years ago has become the most progressive step taken by Nigeria’s leaders in the fight against food and drug faking and adulteration. Its creation was inspired by a 1988 World Health Assembly resolution requesting membercountries’ help in combating the global health threat posed by counterfeit pharmaceuticals, and amidst concerns about the growing problem of fake and poorly regulated drugs in Nigeria. The agency has since been aggressive and innovative in designing and deploying regulation and control best practices in line with global trends. Nigeria is lucky to have in President Muhammadu Buhari a change-compliant leader. He and his economic team have demonstrated the panache for innovativenessfor-prosperity spirit, a remarkable departure from the platitudinous of the past. The new leaders have found in Nigerians the immeasurable appetite for a holistic change in virtually all segments of human endeavors, be it social, economic and political. And in this hunger for change, NAFDAC has been a willing ally. Towards meeting national expectations, the agency has embraced hi-tech approach to combating the age long menace of drug counterfeiting and adulteration in Nigeria. It is recorded and noted globally that this singular bold move has helped to reduce the prevalence of counterfeited and fake drugs syndrome in the country. This technology-

WE CAN SAFELY ASSERT THAT THE AGENCY HAS LIVED UP TO THE EXPECTATIONS OF ITS FOUNDING FATHERS

driven dynamism brought to bear on the agency by the Dr Paul B Orhii-led management is unprecedented in the annals of the nation’s healthcare regulation. The wisdom in NAFDAC’s adoption of the Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) system to authenticate pharmaceutical products so as to combat counterfeiters, as well as protect the safety and quality of medications sold in Nigeria, is to successfully conscript the teeming Nigerian mobile telephone users into the war against drug counterfeiting. This useful technology also known as scratch and text messaging system, which is registered with Nigeria’s major telecommunication networks like Glo and MTN, enables consumers to confirm whether the drug they intend to purchase is genuine or not through the use of a mobile phone. This life-saving innovation launched by Dr. Paul Orhii has put the power of detecting counterfeit medicines in the hands of over 100 million Nigerian cell phone users. It is remarkable to the extent that it is all-inclusive. Taking it further and to ensure that consumers buy only drugs that are of high quality, wholesome and safe, NAFDAC directed all manufacturers, importers and marketers to provide only drugs that are MAS-enabled. To further enhance the level of publicity, the

agency has had to take the campaigns on MAS down to the grassroots, schools, hospitals and the general public. The agency has also launched mobile application to help increase consumers engagement. These device types include smart phones, palm tops, table personal computers, personal digital assistant (PDA) and Enterprise Digital Assistant (EDA).The ‘mobile app’ engages consumers and the general public with rich features that keep them updated about the latest news, events, guidelines and safety alerts from NAFDAC right in the palm of their hands. The application can be downloaded on all devices running on the android operating system from the online store at www.play.google.com. Worthy of mention is the deployment of Truscan (hand held device for instant detection of fake drugs}; Radio Frequency Identification System [for verification of NAFDAC regulated products and documents, while simultaneously preventing forgery of sensitive documents]; Black Eye machines (for detecting counterfeit medicines), as well as the mobile mini laboratory kits. Through them, the agency has ensured that Nigerians have unhindered access to efficacious, qualitative and very safe medicines. Their success has become a reference point in the global community. Testifying to the efficacy of the deployment of hi-tech in the global fight against drug counterfeiting, the Director General of WHO, Dr. Margaret Chan, once asserted that there was a drastic reduction of the failure of anti-malaria drugs from 64 percent to 20 percent in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2008 to 2011, while it has reportedly

declined to about three percent in Nigeria. Strengthened by the Food and Drug Act CAP R32 LFN of 2004, NAFDAC has lived up to its core mandate of regulating the manufacturing, production, sales, distribution and importation of processed foods and drugs in Nigeria. It does not take rocket science to imagine the millions of lives saved daily by these laudable innovations. Undoubtedly, NAFDAC would be one of the national agencies to be relied upon in the current crusade by the Buhari administration to transform Nigeria through the change mantra. We must not be unmindful of the fact that fake and counterfeit drugs deny people their right to healthy living; and in the most extreme, they could cause untimely death. The professionally dynamic efforts of NAFDAC have drastically mediated such risks. So, we can safely assert that the agency has lived up to the expectations of its founding fathers. At the most critical time in the nation’s evolution, Dr. Orhii received the baton of management of the agency, and he has remained on top of his mandate. Ikhilae, is a Lagos-based public affairs analyst, wrote via martinsikhilae@ymail.com and can be reached on 08023405821

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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SUNDAY OLAJIDE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO BEN MEMULETIWON ACTING DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN SUNDAY EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR OBIORA IFOH ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

Imo workers’ sack: Okorocha bites the bullet

overnor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, last Wednesday, recalled more than 3,000 workers precipitately relieved of their jobs at the dawn of the New Year, 2016, courtesy of a three-day warning strike staged by organised labour to protest the sack of the workers. “The Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, has accepted to recall the over 3,000 innocent workers he summarily terminated their appointments without following due process,” President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, said, stressing that the warning strike had been called off as a consequence of the governor’s gesture. Before the warning strike, however, the Imo State Government tried to stave off protests by organised labour. It had, for instance, set up what it called a ‘high-powered’ 18–member committee to purportedly review the cases of the affected staff, which organised labour ignored. The Okorocha-led government relieved the embattled workers of their jobs effective from January 4, this year. Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Jude Ejiogu, had listed the government establishments affected in a widely publicised statement, which said the state government was satisfied that it was no longer in public interest to keep run-

ning the agencies, parastatals and departments (where the workers worked) with huge cost on public revenue and no services to the public under prevailing economic realities. The Imo workers’ sack trailed the heels of threats by Nigerian governors last December to either reduce the N18,000 national minimum wage approved by the Federal Government in 2011, or downsize their staff. Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State, had insisted that irrespective of public outrage against the plan, it would not be economically feasible for most states to retain the same workforce and minimum wage. The funds now being allocated to states from the Federation Account, according to Yari, could no longer sustain the expenses of most states, as their internally generated revenues were still below par. The NGF argued that the price of oil had not slumped when the N18, 000 minimum wage law came into being in 2011. It is by no means surprising that Governor Okorocha has bitten the bullet, having met a brick wall in the sack bid. Nothing may be wrong in giving workers whose services are no longer needed by the government the boot. But just as there is a legitimate process of

STATES ANXIOUS TO

SACK WORKERS SHOULD, AS A FIRST STEP,

EMBARK ON A DILIGENT AUDIT OF THEIR WORKERS

recruiting workers into any state’s civil service, there are also lawful processes for terminating their appointments. It is obvious that Governor Okorocha took such processes for granted, perhaps buoyed by the drum-beats of the NGF over no-payment of N18,000 minimum wage and workers’ lay-off. Had the Okorocha-led government acted in good faith, indeed, had it approached equity with clean hands in sacking the workers, it probably would have no business setting up an 18–member high-powered committee to review the cases of the sacked staff. Yes, the majority of states in the country now find themselves in precarious financial conditions. We agree equally that public sector ineptitude, laziness, redundancy, non-productivity and corruption are pervasive enough to warrant a clean sweep of workers away from their jobs. But leaders aggravate the woes of the public sector with corrupt management of public coffers, profligacy, brazen theft and visionless leadership. Had

ON THIS DAY February 15, 1972 Jose Maria Velasco Ibarra, serving as President of Ecuador for the fifth time, was overthrown by the military for the fourth time. Ibarra (March 19, 1893 – March 30, 1979) was an Ecuadorian politician. He was elected five times to the post of President of Ecuador: 1934–1935, 1944–1947, 1952–1956, 1960–1961, and 1968–1972. But only once (1952–1956) did he complete the constitutional mandate.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

February 15, 2003 Protests against the Iraq war took place in over 600 cities worldwide. It was estimated that between eight million to 30 million people participated. The protest in Rome involved around three million people; and is listed in the ‘2004 Guinness Book of World Records’ as the largest anti-war rally in history. The series of protests and political events had begun in 2002 and continued as the war took place.

states been creative in developing alternative sources of revenue, their financial quagmire would not be as crushing as it is presently. Consequently, what the prevailing situation demands is mutual sacrifice by both the rulers and the ruled, not convenient options. Besides, elaborate consideration should be given to the problem of widespread unemployment in the country and its consequences before a huge number of people are thrown out of job. Again, states anxious to sack workers should, as a first step, embark on a diligent audit of their workers, considering the grave menace ghost workers now constitute to the system. If the FG, through the Integrated Payment and Personnel Information System (IPPS) and Bank Verification Number (BVN), can detect 23, 000 workers in its employment in less than nine months of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, it is most probable that similar outrageous discoveries are waiting to be uncovered in most states. Instead of relying on cheap and lazy measures to wriggle out of their financial stress, states would do better with creative and good governance that can grow their internally generated revenues. They should make haste and diversify their economies.

x February 15, 2014 Renaud Lavillenie of France broke Sergey Bubka’s world record in pole vault with a 6.16 metres mark. The first world record in the men’s pole vault was recognised by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) in 1912. As of June 21, 2009, 71 world records had been ratified by the IAAF in the event. The introduction in the early 1950s of flexible vaulting poles made vaulters to achieve greater height.

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Cover

Growing Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SMEs through CSR initiatives

As many African countries grapple with economic uncertainties, resulting in increasing rate of unemployment, business leaders believe that the sure way to reverse the ugly trend is to train future entrepreneurs that will help leapfrog the continent through enterprise and innovation. David Audu reports on Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, concept as one of the components of such social enterprise initiatives.

s global unemployment rate soars, with the International Labour Organisation, ILO, projecting that an estimated 212 million people may be jobless by 2019, most countries are adopting remedial policy measures to avert the looming crisis and by so doing, mitigating the socio-economic damages to their economies.

Conscious of the negative effects of burgeoning unemployment in their domains, political leaders, businessmen and other development experts are consensual in their views that entrepreneurship, particularly among the youth population, remain the key to guaranteeing the future of the countries and people and laying enduring foundation for

their real social, economic and political transformation. They agreed that the only way to achieve this lofty dream is to increase the number of entrepreneurs so as to minimise the increasing rush for formal, white collar jobs by young school leavers and giving them the right orientation about entrepreneurship and its potential for their self ful-

filment. Besides, the new emphasis on entrepreneurship development assumes that entrepreneurs will in turn provide employment for others along the value chain. It has also become a known fact that small and medium enterprises are globally regarded as the backbone of any economy. According to experts, when

given adequate support, SMEs can spur significant economic growth. Continued on pg A4 UDO ONYEKA, EDITOR BUSINESS COURAGE udonyeka@gmail.com c

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Cover Continued from pg A3

Elumelu

scale business is the only penance to our economic growth. With this reality in view, a number of private organisations and individuals have taken it upon themselves to provide the necessary impetus to encourage young people to embrace entrepreneurship. One current example among others is the chairman of Heirs Holding Mr. Tony Elumelu whose foundation, Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme, TEEP, which in its current drive towards this end has earmarked about $100m as grants to about 1000 young people from Nigeria and other African countries to train and mentor in various entrepreneurship projects. According to Elumelu, “African destiny lies with us African to realise”. The project, though with an African wide focus, has about 50 per cent participants coming from Nigeria. Launched in December 2014, the TEEP project is a $100m initiative to discover and support 10,000 African entrepreneurs over the next decade, with a target of creating one million new jobs and $10bn in additional gross domestic product contribution to African economy by the end of the programme. Economic analysts have described the programme as the first of such initiative to be launched by an African philanthropic organisation targeting the entrepreneurial space designed to empower the next generation of Africans entrepreneurs. Areas of focus by the programme include agriculture with 30 per cent participants; commerce and retail have nine per

‘

Osinbajo

Olaoluwa

cent, while education and training have equally nine per cent each respectively. Other areas include ICT, eight per cent, manufacturing, eight per cent, while healthcare and fashion have five and four per cent each. Energy, power and construction have three per cent; waste management, transportation, financial services, tourism and hospitality have two per cent each. While the programme covered 51 African countries, 49 per cent are from Nigeria followed by Kenya with 16 per cent; Uganda, four per cent; Ghana 3.6 per cent and South Africa with 3.2 per cent. At the TEEP boot camp in Otta, Ogun State last year attended by dignitaries and government officials, the need to harness Africa potentials through creating conducive environment and empowerment for Africa entrepreneurs to thrive was highlighted. Vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, underlined the need for African leaders to pay attention to developing entrepreneurs to move the continent forward. Restating the plight of Africa as a continent, which he stand in the throes of poverty and disease, and having the highest ratio of unemployment, and therefore the need for concerted efforts to pull it out, adding that entrepreneurship and handwork are the instrument of growth and development. He enjoined all to embrace integrity, rule of law, transparency and self discipline to entrench enduring business ethics in Nigeria and on the continent in generals. He charged the aspiring entre-

With this reality in view, a number of private organisations and individuals have taken it upon themselves to provide the necessary impetus to encourage young people to embrace entrepreneurship

‘

According to the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, UNIDO, SMEs have a significant role to play in economic development. According to UNIDO, SMEs form the backbone of the private sector; make up over 90 per cent of enterprises in the world and account for 50 to 60 per cent of employment. “They also play an important role in generating employment and poverty alleviation”, It said. The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, put the total number of SMEs in Nigeria at over 17 million. However, because of some challenges in the economy, a lot of SME operators in the country find it very difficult to effectively play their role. Some of these constraints include competition, infrastructure, taxes, accounting, management, marketing, economic, planning and finance. Also, poor economic conditions, which also imply poor finance and inadequate infrastructure, have been identified as the most crucial limiting factors. Again, poor access to finance at relatively cheap cost is also one of the most crucial problems hindering SMEs to have significant contribution to national output in Nigeria. There is no doubt that Nigeria as a nation, since attaining independence in 1960 has tried out various economic policies in a bid to achieve meaningful economic development. Most of these policies, some analysts say, are centrally planned and government dominated. The resultant impact of this excessive government domination of the economy left much to be desired leading to massive divestment in the 1990’s by the government. This was done under the economic policy of “privatisation and commercialisation”. The shift of emphasis thus created a challenge of building capable, dynamic and resourceful entrepreneurs to take the baton of economic revitalisation from government. These entrepreneurs incidentally have to fulfil this onerous task through the establishment of business that could mainly be classified as small and medium scale in nature. However, over the years the task of creating a sustainable environment for SMEs to thrive was a difficult one, and for obvious reasons. One, the dwindling state of the economy has made it difficult for people to save and thereby little capital accumulation for investment. Further, the private sector was long undeveloped making experienced entrepreneur and small business managers scarce. Today, there is a growing consensus among policy makers, academia, industrialists and economic planners, that the development of local entrepreneur and encouragement of the establishment of small and medium

preneurs to embrace the spirit of trust, integrity, and consistency, reminding that enduring success comes from respect for the rule of law and commitment to set objectives He commended the Heirs Holdings for initiating the programme, noting that “economies cannot be developed without social entrepreneurs like Tony Elumelu”. He said Elumelu invoked the daring spirit successful enterprise by investing substantially in the ideas of entrepreneurship of the young Africans. By doing this he is shaping the future of the continent as he empower them to embrace entrepreneur to enable them direct the economic affairs of the continent in the coming years. He said government on its part will continue to provide enabling environment for entrepreneurs to thrive Acting United States Consul General, DI Gilbert likened the gathering to African Union meeting in Nigeria and described it as the ‘future Africa’. She said it is education that gives people the working tool that will make them productive. Asking how we can do things differently? She charged the beneficiaries to look for a creative new way of doing things to add value to society. To African leaders and business men, she reminded them of the potentials that lie in Africa. “With 30 per cent of your population under 30, the energy is there and therefore the need for you to get going through right economic initiatives such what the Elumelu foundation has done”. Guest of the occasion, Prime Minister of the Republic of Benin, Lionel Zinzou, lauded the initiative while describing every effort to boost entrepreneur in Africa as the urgent thing the continent requires for growth and development. He said every country in Africa and indeed Africa as a whole need innovative idea which young talents who are beneficiaries of the TEEP project will bring Kaduna state governor, Mal-

lam Nasir El-Rufai who was at the event urged the beneficiaries of the programme to convert their ideas into work that will make Africa proud. Speaking on what government can do to encourage entrepreneurs, he said only government through workable policies and good legislation can provide the level of trust that is required for successful entrepreneurship. “Nothing is possible without a functional government. No matter how rich you are, without a minimal functional government to provide the basics such as road, power and other infrastructure you are lost.” He therefore urged the federal government on the need “to take a pragmatic approach to policy redemption and investment in Africa”. He noted that Africa with it large population stands at a great advantage if it leverage on the huge demographic dividend but will be a disaster if it fail to do so, while urging African political leaders to boost their economies through appropriate policies and legislation that will encourage entrepreneurship. Managing director Bank of Industries, BOI, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, noted the impact the programme will have on the continent and Nigeria in particular. He said the bank will work with the candidate to help them evolve successful business that will enable them be employers of labour in the future. Explaining further his vision for Africa’s entrepreneurship project, Elumelu noted that only the present Africans can develop the continent for the future, stressing that “Africa needs multiple successful private sector business to make its mark on the world stage”. Advising the young entrepreneurs, Elumelu urged them to imbibe the spirit of hard work, discipline and the need to think long term in their vision. The entrepreneurs would receive $5000 seed capital each to enable them start their dream projects. BC

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News APPCON backs Fashola on alternative financing Lekan Adejuwon

he Association of Public Procurement Contractors of Nigeria, APCON, has lend its support for the move by the Federal Government to fashion new ways of tackling huge infrastructure challenges facing the country through alternative funding. The association in a press release made available to our correspondent, said the time is ripe for Nigeria’s leadership to embark on creative ways to source for funds with a long term repayment structure In a 3-paragraph statement with the theme: ‘Bridging the Infrastructure Gap, Heeding Fashola’s Advice’ and signed by its National President, Olusoga Owoeye, APCON lamented the growing debt burden of the public sector and the increasingly competing demands for the dwindling resources available to government, noting that the private sector should be expected to play an increasing role in urban infrastructure financing and its management in Nigeria. According to APCON; “There won’t be any other auspicious time than now for Nigeria leadership to look at a new and well proven creative way to source for funds with a long term repayment structure, to bridge the huge infrastructure gap. “In moving forward, however, government must begin to actively engage broad array of stakeholders, local communities and the civil society, in other to avoid the pitfall of the past. “We in APPCON are in complete agreement with the Minister of Power, Woks and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola on this alternative funding source. It is also our firm belief that in overcoming the infrastructure gap, Nigeria will require a new model of governance and active strategy of stakeholder engagement on a scale not seen in our recent history” The association however urged the members of public to key in to the laudable government policy through elaborate enlightenment and sensitisation. “Nigerians and especially our public affairs analysts must therefore, educate the populace on the need for a paradigm shift in the ways urban infrastructures are being financed globally. “With the availability of investable fund in the pension funds and various bankable projects in urban infrastructure, it is time for government to embrace this option and push forward aggressively to

L-R: Director Finance, Ms. Diana Okonta (left), MD/CE Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, assisted by Executive Director Operations, Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, making a presentation during the NDIC’s 2016 Budget defence session before the House Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters led by the Chairman Hon Olufemi Fakeye.

deliver world class infrastructure, generate inclusive economic growth and create jobs”

NCC to increase broadband penetration

he Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commissions, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said on Friday that the commission would increase broadband penetration in Nigeria from 6.5 per cent to 10 per cent. Danbatta made the announcement at an interactive session with newsmen in Kano to present the commission’s eight-point agenda. He said that the increase in broadband penetration was at the heart of the commission’s eight-point agenda. ``There is an existing broadband plan and the role of the NCC is to drive the deployment of the infrastructure to all parts of the country initially from major cities then to other parts. ``There is also a plan to license companies that will deploy broadband infrastructure to facilitate its penetration. ``Two zones in the country, Lagos and the North Central zone have been licensed. ``We now have five zones left to be covered, which are the South-west, South- east, south- south-south -west and north- east to be licensed for this project but we have begun that process. Danbatta said that telecommunications infrastructure in Nigeria was inadequate to carter for the needs of consumers. He urged telecommunications operators to invest in infrastructure deployment, saying that the NCC would support such initiatives. ``Such is the urgent need for telecommunication infrastructure in this country that is why

we have set aside money to encourage them.’’ He assured Nigerians of the commission’s readiness to improve communications services in the country.

Delta State to establish modular refineries

elta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa on Friday approved the establishment of modular refineries create jobs for its teaming unemployed youths in the state. The governor announced the approval when Mr Isaac Wright, the Managing Director of Wright Global Group, and his team paid him a visit in Asaba. Okowa said that establishing the refineries in the oil-rich riverine communities would place them close to source of their raw materials. He said that apart from providing job opportunities for the people, the project would also make petroleum products available and affordable. “Modular refineries will provide jobs for our people. It will bring job opportunities close to the people and also bring the product close to the people and to the market at a reasonable rate. “We will support this partnership, especially with the fact that it will provide job for our people and you are providing the funding 100 per cent. “It is our hope that everything works; the government of Nigeria is also supporting the establishment of modular refineries because that is the right way to go,” Okowa said. He assured the investors of adequate security, adding that the state was largely peaceful. The governor said that the state government was working hard to ensure that the youths

were employed and to create an enabling environment for investors. “We are investor-friendly people and we will give you the best of support we can give to you as a state government,” he said. Earlier, Wright said that his organization would provide 100 per cent funding for the modular refineries. He said that the organisation proposed to establish the refineries in Escravos and Koko communities in the state Wright said that the refineries would be established at no cost to the government. He said that the project, estimated to cost $400m, about N 78.8bn, would be completed in a couple of years.

Glo unveils new bumper data offers

lobacom has unveiled a new data plan that offers 6GB data for N3, 000 and 9GB data plan for N4000 monthly for its subscribers. Globacom Chief Regional Marketing Officer, Mr. Ashok Israni, said that the offers were given to encourage subscribers to keep browsing after the yuletide and festive season. “We know that our subscribers must have spent a lot of money during the yuletide season. As the New Year begins, we are giving more for less to our valued subscribers to keep them connected on the internet”, he said. He further noted that the new offers come with super-fast data experience, in addition to the huge extra data. According to him, the Bumper Data Offer rides on Globacom’s huge data infrastructure backed by the high capacity Glo 1 submarine cable, which brings direct connectivity between West Africa, Europe

and the rest of the world. The facility provides much faster and more robust connectivity for voice, data and video. Globacom recently launched the Twin Bash offer which gives subscribers bonus voice airtime for every data subscription. The package gives subscribers who recharge with N200, up to 200 MB of data worth N800, along with full value of the airtime recharged. The Twin Bash recharge, which is the best deal for voice and data in Nigeria can easily be done by dialing *223*pin#. Twin Bash is equally available on the N500, N1000 and N2000 data recharge plans. “This new Bumper Data offer is, therefore, the icing on the cake following the unprecedented Twin Bash gift to Glo subscribers,” Israni noted.

Visa opens payment technology to developers

or the first time in Visa Incorporated nearly 60 year history, software application developers will have open access to industry leading payments technology, products and services by Visa. The move is as a result of the launch of Visa Developer, a milestone that transforms the world’s largest retail payments network to an open platform that will drive innovation in payments and commerce. The new Visa Developer platform is designed to help financial institutions, merchants, and technology companies meet the demands of consumers and merchants, who increasingly rely on connected devices to shop, pay and get paid. At launch, the new platform will offer access to some of Visa’s most popular payment technologies and services including account holder identification, person-to-person payment capabilities, secure in-store and online payment services such as Visa Checkout, currency conversion and consumer transaction alerts. Visa plans to provide access to more of its payment capabilities over the next year. Chief Executive Officer, Visa Inc, Charlie Scharf, said, “As the leader in payments we have an opportunity to transform global commerce by opening-up access to our global network and supporting our clients, industry partners and innovators in their pursuit of creating new, easier and more secure ways to pay.” He said that Visa Developer represents not only a new access point to our network, but a new distribution platform for Visa products and services globally adding that over the

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News past few months leading financial institutions, technology companies, and start-ups have participated in beta trials of the new Visa Developer platform and many have already created innovative prototype applications using Visa technology. He said that the trial partners include Capital One, CIBC, Emirates NBD, National Australia Bank (NAB), RBC, TD Bank, Scotiabank, TSYS, U.S. Bank and VenueNext. According to a recent Accenture study, FinTech investments reached more than $12B globally in 2014.

Investors to receive dividends in 24 hours – SEC

nvestors in the Nigerian Capital market are now to get dividend payment within 24 hours through the e-Dividend Payment Platform. The Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission ,SEC, Mounir Gwarzo made this disclosure at the e-Dividend Sensitisation in Lagos. According to him, the proposed system will automatically allow dividends to be credited directly into shareholders’ accounts within 24 hours of payment by the company. Gwarzo stated that this was one of the initiatives being implemented by the Commission as part of its 10 year Capital Market Master Plan to encourage retail investors to return to the market and thereby deepen the market. He further added that “One of our strategy is to target the retail investor, the only way we can deepen the market and ensure that the market is within our own grip is to ensure that the retail investor comes into the market. It is only the domestic investor that no matter the condition of the market, will stay with us, what we have been experiencing in the market is the dominance of the foreign investor where anytime they want to move out of the market they get out and anything they want to come in they do so. Seeing what happens in the market, we decided that

Gwarzo

the best thing it to get the retail investor and our approach is not to go to them and be telling them to come back, but our approach is to identify the issues why they are not in the market and deal with such issues. If you meet any retail investor, he is going to complain about not getting his dividend. So how do we address some of these issues and that brought about the issue of Road Show where we meet the retail investors one on one and tell them why they need to key into the e-dividend. It has been quite successful so far”. Gwarzo expressed satisfaction with their achievements, he said “We have achieved something that is very unique, even South Africa they have t+5, where when you do transactions you cannot get payment until five days. But with this system, we are going to achieve t+1 settlement system. You sell shares by today, payment are effected within 24 hours which is going to be the first capital Market in Africa. No market in Africa has experienced that before and we are determined to ensure that it is achieved adding that it was because of the benefits Investors can obtain from e-Dividend registration that is why the Commission decided on embark on the sensitisation Campaign on the need for them to key into the e-Dividend platform by visiting their banks and registrars to complete the process. The DG assured that once the e-dividend platform is fully operational the issue of stale warrant will be of the past, the issue of travelling from one place to another to deposit the warrant will be a thing of the past; the issue of change of address will also be eliminated. “The issue of unclaimed dividend which according to our records is in excess of N80billion will also be a thing of the past. These unclaimed dividends came about from dividends of small stakeholders like you and me and we need to ensure that they are claimed, he said. He stressed that the era of proceeds not being remitted for shares sold will be a thing of the past. The e-dividend platform with the use of BVN is what will give us that. Once we register for e-dividend, we will also benefit from the Direct Cash Settlement. Another advantage of the e-dividend is that it will provide a very robust KYC to the operator, It is because of lack of KYC that we find a lot of infractions in this market. With the BVN platform which the e-dividend is leveraging on, the KYC will now be very robust. People will not be able to use all sorts of identifications to claim what does not belong to them. Gwarzo emphasised that the only way to attract retail

investors back to the market is to ensure that concrete steps are taken to adequately address their concerns, adding that there is no other place to invest our little funds than in our market and that is why we are trying to cultivate your appetite and the only way to do that is to address some of these issues. “The BVN platform that will be provided for the e-Dividend will also enable us to implement other initiatives in the market. For instance with the BVN platform everyone in this market that operates in this market as an investor will have his data within this system, so if anyone wants to defraud in this market, it cannot be done. People cannot impersonate others as the platform will expose them” He added.

Ali

Stakeholders lament abuses, discrepancies in Customs cargo inspection Francis Ezem

ort stakeholders under the aegis of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF have lamented the increasing cases of abuse of process and impunity by some officers and men of the Nigeria Customs, especially in relation to cargo examination processes at the nation’s seaports and Land borders. In a letter dated February 4, addressed to the Comptroller General of the service, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd.), and signed by the Secretary General of the association, Mr. Arthur Igwilo, the group raised serious concerns over alleged unethical and unprofessional manner in which some operatives of the service arrest detain consignments already inspected and duly released by designated units of the same service at the airport, seaport and land borders. The group observed that apart from breaching relevant provisions of extant trade laws in the country, such unprofessional practices also inhibit free flow of trade and therefore

hampers trade facilitation, which is a core element in the functions of any Customs Administration the world over. The letter reads in part: “We wish to draw your attention to what we consider unethical, unprofessional and illegal the manner with which some Customs officers arrest, detain and even seize goods duly and properly examined and released by the designated officers of the Service at the seaports, airports and border stations in Nigeria”, . “ It is an approved standard procedure that goods imported or exported through the approved entry points not only in the country but also elsewhere in the world undergo Customs examination at the recognised and approved examination bay of the area commands at these entry points”, the letter also said.. According to the group, a situation where by more than 95 per cent of imports are subjected to fresh alerts by the system audit unit the Area Project Manager APM, the Customs Intelligence Unit CIU and valuation units of the service only for the same consignments to be subjected to fresh examination and sometimes seizure, by operatives of the Federal Operations Unit constitute abuse of process. It also argued that Customs cargo examination is designed to ensure that what was declared in the single entry form for Customs purposes corresponds with the physical consignment in the container s to subject already cleared and duly released consignments to another round of examination. It was gathered that there have been several occasions where operatives of the FOU would arrest, detain and subject released consignments to another such round of interrogation and examinations, having made the importer to pay another examination fee only to find that nothing incriminating was on the consignments. Investigations showed that apart from paying the haulage firm for detaining the truck bearing the consignment for upward of two weeks, many importers have had their goods destroyed in the process, especially fragile and perishable after which they would be told by the FOU operatives ‘please we are sorry for any inconveniences you may have suffered’. The group also brought to the attention of the management the unbecoming excesses of the officers and men of the enforcement unit of the service at the various commands. “May we therefore ask the Comptroller General of Customs whether the rule for Customs examination and its objectives have changed in all these several and repeated situations where duly cleared and released consignments are

seized and detained for several weeks?’, the group asked rhetorically.

Amoda

Eko Disco to deploy 200, 000 smart meters

ko Electricity Distribution Company said that over 200,000 smart meters would be deployed to various categories of customers in a move to ensure customer satisfaction by curbing estimated billing. MD/CEO Oladele Amoda, explained that the company do not enjoy billing customers on estimation as insinuated by Labour Union. He said that the Eko disco have ordered for large quantity of meters for its customers as directed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission ,NERC, to ensure all customers are metered within the next five years. He further said that the company has taken delivery of over 76, 000 smart meters, while 100,000 meters are still being expected to be delivered by Mojec meter manufacturing company in the next three months. “We are trying to ensure that we install 200,000 smart meters between second quarter of the year to December 2016 having installed about 46,000 meters to date. We are patronising local meter manufacturers and they have promised to meet up with the delivery time frame to meet our customers’ mandate. We contracted our Maximum Demand meters (MD) to Atron of France so that indigenous contractors would concentrate on three phases and single phases and also we have ordered for 7,500 MD meters but taken have delivery of 3,000”, he said. Amoda said that the new smart metring would address challenges confronting the company as customers’ by-pass meter, energy thefts and other related criminal activities. He said that the technology would indicate in their office when customers tamper with the meter, adding that every customer would be metered before the stipulated five years directed by NERC. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, February 15, 2016

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Companies & Markets

MoneyGram, Walmart renew partnership deal Stories by Udo Onyeka

oneyGram has announced a new threeyear extension to its more than 17-year relationship with Walmart. This new threeyear agreement, which begins on Feb. 1, continues MoneyGram’s domestic and international money transfer service as well as its bill pay and money order products at Walmart’s more than 4,000 locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Walmart customers can also continue to access MoneyGram services through Walmart.com to send and receive money. “We are extremely pleased to extend our relationship with

Walmart for an additional three years,” said Alex Holmes, MoneyGram CEO. “For nearly two decades now, MoneyGram and Walmart have worked side by side to make money transfers and other financial services affordable and convenient for our customers.” “Leveraging our size and scale to take on big challenges and create better ways to serve our customers is something we’re always working on. MoneyGram is a great provider in helping us deliver results that matter to our customers, offering innovative products and services that help them better manage their finances for less,” said Kirsty Ward, Walmart

Holmes

Senior Director, U.S. Financial Services. The MoneyGram CEO gave as-

surance that both Walmart and MoneyGram are committed to ongoing innovation in order to meet the evolving needs of the customer. He added that both companies would continue to make investments in marketing, technology and product development, including the roll-out of a redesigned online experience. “MoneyGram is committed to fully understanding the expectations of our customers and agents and to enhancing their money transfer experience,” said Holmes. “This is a very dynamic industry and we are constantly looking to offer our customers new and better ways to send and receive money.” BC

Economic depression: Maersk Group profit dips by 82% Francis Ezem

he global economic downturn, which cuts across most sectors of the global economy including oil and gas, supply chain business and banking, among others is currently taking its toll on the Danish shipping and energy conglomerate Maersk Group, as its profit dips by 82 per cent for the year ended December 31, 2015. Maersk Line, the shipping subsidiary of the Group had late last year announced it was cutting its 2015 full year profit forecast for its container line from $2.2bn to around $1.6bn The group’s financial report for 2015 shows a profit of $925m for the full year ending December 31,2015, compare to the $ 5.2billion recorded in the comparative

Andersen

period of 2014, which represents a decline of 82 per cent. The Maersk Group’s Chief Executive officer, Mr. Nils Andersen, in a statement says Maersk’s underlying profit for full year reached

$3.1bn, also down from 2014 results when Maersk reported $4.5bn in underlying profit. The reports also show that despite the drop last year’s profit for Maersk Line, Maersk Oil and APM Terminals, Maersk Drilling and APM Shipping Services recorded higher profits. The Group recorded a satisfactory result in the first half of the year with a return on invested capital (ROIC) of 10.2 per cent. The CEO blames this sharp decline in profitability to the severe impacts of the widening gap between supply and demand across most of its businesses, a development that led to significant reduction in oil price and freight rates. The Group’s ROIC for the second half of the year showed a 6.3 per cent reduction, which

was largely attributed to the impairments of $ 2.5bn after tax in the Maersk Oil while there was an underlying loss of $9million in the fourth quarter of the year compared to the profit of $1billion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2014. “We delivered a strong cash flow from operating activities of $8billion for the year and $2bn ($ 2.4billion) in the fourth quarter , despite a significant decline in container freight rates and oil prices”, Andersen however said. “We are satisfied with the good operational performance across our businesses in 2015. Despite the very challenging market conditions in our industries, all business units delivered positive underlying profits and the Maersk Group achieved an underlying result of $ 3.1bn. BC

AXA, Jumia announce Euro 75m insurance deal

frica Internet Group “AIG”, a leading e-commerce group in Africa, and AXA, a worldwide leader in insurance and asset management have announced a partnership where AXA will become the exclusive provider of insurance products and services through Jumia and other AIG online and mobile platforms in Africa. Going forward, AXA’s African insurance companies plan to propose custom-made insurance products to Jumia and AIG’s ecommerce client base through its ecosystem of marketplaces and classifieds services. As part of the partnership, AXA will also become a shareholder of AIG, along with MTN, Rocket Internet and Millicom. AXA and Jumia view Africa as a fast developing market for financial services and insurance products, benefitting from strong

fundamentals such as low penetration rates, rise in middle class, urbanization as well as the youth of its population. “Internet is creating unparalleled opportunities for consumers and businesses in Africa to connect and do business in a new way. We continue to be very excited about the growth prospects of Jumia and this new partnership will enable us to capture them,” said Sacha Poignonnec and Jeremy Hodara, founders and co-CEOs of Jumia and AIG. “We expect Africa’s e-commerce and online businesses to develop rapidly as a result of the strong growth of the middle class coupled with the increasing mobile phone and internet penetration. With Rocket Internet’s extensive background in online business models, MTN as leading

mobile carrier with its broad African presence, and now the partnership with AXA in insurance products and services, we are in a great position to continue to innovate and connect businesses to the fast growing consumer demand.” “This transaction confirms AXA’s long-term commitment towards the African markets and represents another step in our development on the continent. Africa is home to some of the most dynamic and promising insurance markets in the world and our partnership with Africa Internet Group will enable us to accelerate materially our development by having access to their rich customer base and to their state-of-the-art e-commerce technology. Going forward, we aim to enable African consumers to better access insurance solutions

to create sustainable financial well-being throughout their lives and those of their dependants”, added Denis Duverne, Deputy CEO of AXA. As a result of the transaction, AXA will invest Euro 75m and own approximately 8 percent of the capital of AIG. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the closing of the previous investment round, and is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2016 The additional capital contributed by AXA will further strengthen the balance sheet and support AIG’s continued growth. Jumia, AIG’s main subsidiary, is currently present in 11 African markets and grew its transaction volume (GMV) by 265 percent during first 9 months of 2015 to reach Euro 206 million. BC

Siemens Nigeria hosts inaugural customer forum

iemens, one of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, hosted its inaugural Forum for Power and Gas Customers in Nigeria. According to a statement made available to National Mirror the objectives of the forum were to emphasise Siemens’ long term focus on Public-Private Partnerships for the development of Independent Power Plants, IPPs and provision of its associated services for such development to Siemens customers, to Promote Siemens’ in-country service capabilities in the Oil and Gas, Utilities and Manufacturing Sectors and explore sector growth through delivery of turnkey captive/Embedded Distributed Generation and LGT Power Plant solutions Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Nigeria; Mrs. Onyeche Tifase said Siemens has successfully delivered solutions for power generation, transmission and distribution for over 160 years across more than 190 countries. She said the company’s main objective today is to determine how these solutions can be adapted to our peculiar situation here in Nigeria. “Given our 45 year history in Nigeria, most of you here know us well already. We will however use this opportunity to reintroduce and highlight core aspects of our portfolio that distinguish Siemens with regards to our capability to provide efficient and competitive solutions through leading edge electrification, project financing and service capabilities and technology,” she said. Siemens strongly supports local content with a focus on closer customer repositioning, first response, after sales support, project financing and Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR. BC

Tifase

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Monday, February 15, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brand Watch

Guinness retains Reminisce as Orijin’s brand Ambassador Stories by David Audu

lternative rap artiste Remilekun Safaru, popularly known as Reminisce has signed a contract renewing his endorsement deal as ambassador for Orijin Bitters, a brand on the stable of Guinness Nigeria Plc. Speaking on the deal, Portfolio Director, Lager and RTD, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Ms. Eyitemi Taire, said the music artist had within his short stay as Orijin brand ambassador distinguished himself and become an integral part of the brand. Taire said the company recognises the importance and impact of a dynamic brand ambassador in maintaining its leadership position in the market. “Origin has been successful since its launch into the market and to further cement this success and take us to the next level, we needed an icon and that’s why we took him and we have been working to-

gether since then in a symbiotic relationship.” She added that Reminisce is not just a brand ambassador but an integral part of the brand and that’s why the brewing giant is renewing his contract for another two years. She said the choice of Reminisce is in line with what origin is. She noted that Orijin comes from a special blend of the old with the new, the traditional with the modern and these same qualities are epitomized by Reminisce, whose quality and depth of work as an artist makes him a perfect fit as brand ambassador. “He raps in local language and for us there is nobody else in that niche.” She said the company is confident that with Reminisce the brand will continue to further widen its appeal with the consumers. “Reminisce has been part of our brand campaigns. We have been very big on digital campaigns with him and we have done lots of trade activa-

Taire

tions with him. We have set up series of icons inform of emoticons with him” She continued: “We have been doing a day in the life of Reminisce which has drawn a lot of conversation around the Reminisce brand and Orijin.” Asked why the use of local stars to promote the brand as against international stars, Taire explained that origin is born here and so is Reminisce and the language that we speak is the language of

Reminisce

‘naija’. She described the contract renewal ceremony as a further demonstration of Orijin’s success in a short time. “We always want to be connected to our customers and our intention is to tell our story in a way that allows us to relate to our esteemed customers and consumers. Origin is now a phenomenon in the market, it comes from nowhere and is now everywhere” Responding, Reminisce

thanked Guinness for considering him worthy of being Orijin’s brand ambassador, promising to continue to make Orijin the brand that it should be. “I try to live as original as I can be. I don’t attach too much to me as a brand than my music. I want to be as original as I can be and representing Orijin I have to be as original as I can be. There is no sugar coating.” He noted that having been signed on as a brand ambassador in January last year, his success as a recording artiste and brand marketer motivated the company to retain him for two more years. Also present at the signing were brand manager, Origin, Gbemileke Otun, Corporate Communications Manager, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Olayinka Edmond, CEO Edge Records & Business Manager for Reminisce and entertainment,, Ibrahim Okulaja and a Lawyer, Demilade Olaosun who also represents the interests of Edge Records. BC

Cole re-appointed Quill Awards panel chairman

mbassador Patrick Dele Cole has reappoonted as chairman of the Panel of Judges for the 2016 edition of the Promasidor Quill awards for journalism. Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell Milk and organisers of the award announced the return of the former Ambassador of Nigeria to Brazil and one time Managing Director of Daily Times Nigeria Limited. According to the company’s Head of Legal and Public Relations, Mr. Andrew Enahoro, other members of the panel that will work with

Cole

Cole are Kadaria Ahmed, a

veteran journalist and television personality, Reze Bonna, a trained Architect and celebrated photographer, and Ray Echebiri, a British Chevening Scholar and seasoned financial journalist.Enahoro said their selection was based on their high profile, wealth of experience and integrity. He therefore expressed optimism that with the calibre of judges put in place, Promasidor is confident that the ultimate goal of the awards of rewarding excellence in journalism profession in Nigeria will be achieved again this year.He

said Promasidor Quill Awards is committed to setting the pace on rewarding journalists based on merit for their work and not a self-seeking approach to get accolades, but a professional platform of assessment, recognition and reward for outstanding journalistic work”. There are seven Award categories available for potential contestants to apply for. The categories are: Brand Advocate of the Year; Best CSR and Industry Report of the Year; Best Photo Story of the Year; Best Report on Children and Nutri-

Sunlight’s “Alarambara” radio drama returns

larambara, the Yoruba drama series from Unilever Nigeria, makers of Sunlight detergent, returns to Radio stations across SouthWest Nigeria for its second season, this month. The entertaining program is scheduled to run for 13 episodes of five minutes each and will feature entertaining

storylines centered around the lives of the lead character, Sisi Oge and her four friends, as they balance work, relationships, family life and social commitments in their everyday lives. Speaking on the drama series, Brand Manager, Sunlight, Ojeabuo Akhiojemi said that Alarambara would con-

tinue to provide entertainment and invaluable tips and advice on home management and relationships. “Sisi Oge and her close-knit circle of friends are young, fun-loving modern women who are always looking for some balance between their business and private lives. They share their tears, joys

and relationship issues in a realistic, down-to-earth style that listeners can readily identify with,” Akhiojemi said. He added that, “The first season of Alarambara was a success and we expect that this edition will be even better. The storylines are not only entertaining, they reflect everyday situations that ev-

tion; Education Reporter of the Year; Future Writer of the Year; and Best Online Reporter of the Year.For this year, Enahoro said though entries opened January 14, 2016, competitors could submit any of their works published between May 1, 2015 and April 14, 2016 via: http://quillawards.promasidor-ng.comHe said the organisers of the award have put together a panel of judges with vast experience and commitment to media excellence to ensure the standard of assessment is fair and thereby pick the best material. BC

ery woman can relate to, and of course, our listeners have a chance to win prizes when they call in to answer the trivia questions at the end of each episode of the show.” Alarambara which features notable Nollywood figure Mosun Filani as the lead role of Sisi Oge will air on various station across the south west. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, February 15, 2016

Ericsson unveils solution for 5G Stories by Isaiah Erhiawarien

ricsson has introduced four new solutions to support communication service providers in capturing the business opportunities created. The move is part of the preparation of the company to herald the era of the 5G technology, which will be show case at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Fuelled by the Internet of Things, 5G and the cloud, service providers will see a growing number of diverse network uses, which will bring new value chains, financial models and business opportunities. According to Ericsson, to capture the opportunities ahead, service providers will have to continuously transform and adopt new ways to create value for consumers adding that along with this development, network performance is becoming increasingly important and an increasingly challenging task. A new study, which will be published in the MWC edition of the Ericsson Mobility Report, revealed that a poor video

streaming experience can actually have a “double whammy” effect, since it not only leads to lower service provider brand equity, but actually helps competing brands to gain brand equity. The latest Ericsson Mobility Report forecasts that 90 per cent of the world´s population will be covered by WCDMA/ HSPA mobile broadband networks by 2021. At the same time, more than 50 per cent of the world’s population today still lacks internet access, especially in developing countries, the report noted saying that this provides a great opportunity for mobile operators. In support of the vision of making mobile Internet access available to everyone, Ericsson said it is addressing three different challenges namely, enhancing network performance, improving operations efficiency and lowering cost for mobile broadband coverage. Ericsson’s WCDMA Flow of users doubles network performance on existing site infrastructure, Zero Touch WCDMA increases network operational efficiency by a factor of three

and Mobile Broadband Expander drastically lowers TCO by up to 60 per cent while simplifying deployments of all the hundreds of thousands 2Gonly sites that already exist. Ericsson disclosed that as part of the evolution toward 5G, and to improve the performance and efficiency of today’s LTE technology while meeting the network demands created by growing data traffic, it is launching new Ericsson Radio System software and hardware noting that the launches support the world’s first commercial offering of LTE 1Gbps peak data rates, in addition to hyper-scalable radio access network architecture for Cloud RAN. The Ericsson Radio System is also being complemented with three new radio access products supporting 4x4 MIMO, and new spectrum bands. Efficiently addressing user demands for extreme app coverage will also drive requirements for multi-gigabit capacities and multi-band solutions in the backhaul, which Ericsson is addressing with new microwave additions to the Ericsson Radio System. BC

Minister tasks ZINOX on sustainability

he Minister of Communication, Mr. Adebayo Shittu has charged the founder and chairman of the Zinox Group, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, to take advantage of the enabling environment and government’s support to compete with the world’s most renowned conglomerates. Shittu, who gave the remark in Lagos during a visit to the headquarters of the company in Lagos lauded the huge capabilities, human capital potential and technological proficiency on display in the various facilities, while expressing confidence in the ability of the company to hold its own against ICT giants from other parts of the world. He witnessed first-hand the various infrastructure and facilities within the premises including the digital computer hardware manufacturing and assembly plant, telecoms e-Hub unit, Data Centre, bandwidth aggregation and digital security infrastructures, warehousing facilities as well as after-sales service and support centre, among others. “I have embarked on similar visits to organisations abroad but what I have seen today gives me huge confidence in the ability of our serious local companies to do the country proud even when bench-marked

Shittu

against other companies on the world stage. It is clear with the huge investment I have seen here that the Zinox Group is highly focused and committed to raising the standards in the country”, he said. He further, “Although I have known Leo Stan Ekeh for a relatively short period of time, his story is one that I am very familiar with in the last 20 years, especially as it mirrors that of the Chinese tech giants Huawei.” According to him, like Zinox, Huawei’s amazing rise is down to the vision of one man who grew the company from a position of obscurity to one with a turnover of over $56 billion in 2015 saying that “one thing the founder did which proved to be a master-stroke was in

his commitment to his staff by making every one of them a shareholder in the company. Expressing his amazement at what he saw, he said:”I must commend Leo Stan as I have witnessed the relationship you enjoy with your colleagues and your commitment to helping them grow. From my tour round the structures, I have also seen enough to assure me that, with the right support from the government, the Zinox Group can be a name we can all be proud of as Nigerians. And on my part, you can count on me for support in any value-adding area that will enhance the lot of Nigeria and Nigerians.” Ekeh noted that the Zinox Group remains the single largest 360 degrees ICT conglomerate in the sub-region with advanced competencies in the entire spectrum of the sector, ranging from hardware manufacturing, distribution, integrated ICT solutions, Telecoms, retail, world class support and much more with offices in many other countries. He pleaded for more support and level playing ground for Nigerian companies and reiterated his commitment and support for the government’s drive to create more employment opportunities for millions of Nigerians. BC

Technotalk

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with Esther Ozue (ozueesther@nationalmirroronline.net) 08059234648 (sms only)

Mobile Business Intelligence Apps

ast week we discussed exploring Mobile Business Intelligence option but this week we are looking at Mobile Business Intelligence (MBI) applications in a broader dimension, focusing more on MBI tools with increasing relevance to businesses. MBI provide real-time sales, revenue and customer data in dashboards small enough to fit on an employee’s tablet or smartphone screen. Employees are using their smartphones to do their work often and as such, they need great MBI tools that will function when they are on the move. Here are few apps that can help you achieve this: Mobi Office: Mobi Office ia a free app which provide viewing capabilities for existing sharepoint reports and charts, as well as microsoft business intelligence. It offers additional functionality, including the capability to download and view reporting services reports from multiple reporting servers and bookmark and history features for quicker navigation. Yellowfin: Yellowfin provides mobile BI tools that are easy to customise and personalized dashboards. Based on its client-based business intelligence app, it lets anyone create customised reports and dashboards that can be published and accessed from any platform or device. The tool also incorporates enterprise collaboration capabilities within the mobile app, which let you collaborate and discuss issues relating to specific charts and associate a conversation with specific reports or data points. It provides both online and offline work modes. Jaspersoft: Jaspersoft has a browser-based architecture for the ipad, iphone and android devices. Features for end users include an ad hoc design environment that allows for on-the-fly creation of new reports or dashboards. IBM cognos mobile: Cognos mobile provides the capability to view BI content from many types of mobile devices, to create multiple dashboards and to push those reports to devices. Cognos mobile provides drill up, drill down and drill through capabilities on and offline. Cyfe: Cyfe is a small business tool of choice with its cloudbased service and mobile app which provides users with allin-one business dashboards for a monthly subscription fee. Dashboards are easy to set up and have ready-to-use widgets that connect to social media, marketing, monitoring and sales data sources such as salesforce, google analytics, twitter, gmail and feedburner. It also connects to internal databases and lets you combine internal and external data to create dashboards. Roambi: Roambi app is intuitive to use and easy to integrate with systems that range from salesforce and IBM cognos to microsoft excel and microsoft reporting services. Microstrategy: Whether on the road or in a conference room with a large LED display, Micro Strategy’s mobile app platform delivers users snapshot dashboards. The app provides interactive scorecards and the capability to use the iOS app airplay to present and control visualised data on to a TV. Microstrategy also includes transactional apps which provide real-time interactions designed to trigger business processes in an internal system. Microstrategy mobile differentiates itself from other mobile BI tools with its support for multi-language content, offline analysis capabilities, and customised alerts that use push notifications when specific thresholds or criteria have been met. TIBCO Spotfire: TIBCO spotfire is analytics software that is cross platform. It integrates with data source types, ranging from SQL server and SAP Business Information Warehouse to XML, Atom and RSS. Microsoft Power BI: Microsoft’s free app lets you browse your office 365 sites to easily find all your reports in the cloud and interact with your live reports by filtering, sorting, forecasting, and highlighting data. SalesClic: SalesClic is a sales management tool that integrates with salesforce, google apps and highrise. It leverages the historical data stored in a salesforce or other database to help fine-tune the sales process, identify risk opportunities BC BC and improve sales forecasts. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, February 15, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tonye Patrick Cole:

A quiet achiever Cole

He started as an architect with a construction company handling big ticket contracts in Nigeria, but two years after, he left the lucrative job to float an oil and gas company Sahara Energy Group, trading on excess fuel oil from the Port-Harcourt and Warri refineries. About sixteen years after, Tonye Patrick Cole has developed the company into a conglomerate, with operations spanning the energy chain in Nigeria and other West African countries. By Ademijuwon Osunnuyi

bout sixteen years ago, he started the company on a tripod and today, it is still firmly rooted on the same tripod but then, only one of the troikas is visible in the soaraway company that started out as oil trading company but has now grown into a group of companies with operations spanning the entire energy chain. The company is Sahara Energy and the face behind it is Tonye Cole, Son of the Kalabari-born Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Brazil, former President Olusegun Obassanjo’s Special Adviser on External Affairs and business magnate, Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole. Born in January 4, 1967, Tonye attended Corona School, Victoria Island, Lagos before proceeding to King’s School, Ely, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom. He returned to Nigeria to study architecture in University of Lagos and later Universidad de Brasilia, Brazil for further studies in architecture. A merit honours graduate of architecture, Tonye began his professional career with the frontline Brazilian architectural firm, Grupo Quartro SA in Goiania Brazil in 1990 where he was involved in the

design and implementation of the urban planning and city development of Palmas, the capital city of the newly created state of Tocantins. A city designed as a ‘green fields’ project and built up from the scratch. While working with Grupo Quartro SA, Tonye was said to have worked on the State Ministry of Justice headquarters and the City Hall. The youthful Tonye however, returned to Nigeria in 1993, after two years stint at Grupo Quartro and immediately joined EMSA S.A., another Brazilian civil engineering company, considered then to be the seventh largest engineering firm in Brazil. The company was then awarded the World Bankfinanced water projects for the Lagos State Water Corporation and the task to midwife the project fell on the young Tonye as the Director of Operations. Tonye incorporated and set up the Nigerian office, recruited local staff and managed the office. The company, which was a joint venture with Sakamori Limited executed three World Bank sponsored contracts valued at $58 million and one African Development Bank, AfDB sponsored contract for Anambra State Water Corporation valued at $15 million. Full of energy and strong desire, with an eye for serious money-

making deals, Tonye, despite the massive successes that came with his international engagements, saw a hidden treasure, not in his chosen profession, but in crude oil merchandising. As a Niger Deltaborn and bred indigene and with his father operating at the highest level of governance, Tonye probably felt he had everything at his disposal to make it real big in oil deals than work as an architect. So, after barely three years in paid employment, he decided to take a plunge into private practice. Today, the rest is history. However, Tonye didn’t do it alone though. In 1996, he along with his friends, the duo of Tope Shonubi and Ade Odunsi founded Sahara Energy Resource Limited. The company started out as an oil and gas company whose core business was in the trading of excess fuel oil from the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries. With a combination of dealmaking and stroke of luck, perhaps, helped by his father’s strong political connection, Sahara Energy, sooner than envisaged, advanced far above its original concept, transforming into a conglomerate with its hands in shipping and crude oil supply, storage, vessel management and upstream exploration with strong physical

presence in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Cameroun, Switzerland, France and Brazil. Those familiar with the story of Sahara Energy say the company, through a combination of hardwork, resilience, integrity and dogged determination, established itself as a convincing trading quarters such that it was able to secure a respectable trading line from two first class international banks, the BNP Paribas and the United European Bank in just three years of operation. This, they say, enabled the company to carry out transactions from the point of purchase from the refinery, chartering of vessels and shipping the products, to the point of sale and delivery to the end users. Not one to be taken in by the success achieved within a short period, Tonye and his colleagues further pushed the frontiers for the company, such that, within five years of operations, Sahara Energy had diversified into storage depot and vessel ownership, building depots in Lagos, Onne in Port-Harcourt and Abuja with a combined capacity of 70,000 metric tonnes and a fleet of five vessels moving products across the West African coast. Today, Sahara Energy has well over 600 direct employees in its`

payroll and also has a growing portfolio which includes upstream assets comprising of nine blocks including one deep-water block in Ghana, an equity partner in Block 5 of the JDZ awarded in 2005 and is deeply involved in developing the domestic gas infrastructure. Despite its massive diversification, Sahara Energy remains very strong in the trading sector and has set up a trading office in Geneva, Switzerland which actively trades in crude oil, gas oil, Jet A1, mogas and bitumen in various markets globally. The company also maintains a strong physical presence in Ghana, Ivory Coast and Senegal and representative offices in Cameroun, France and Brazil. Today, Sahara Energy remains one of the leading beneficiaries of the contentious fuel subsidy regime of successive government and has cleverly utilised the platform and its attendant opportunities to grow the business into one of the most diversified energy company in Nigeria. Those who know Tonye well enough say creativity, courage, commitment, learning and industry have remained his hallmark. For him, they say the drive was not just to prove that an indigenous firm can make an inroad into an industry largely dominated by foreign firms, but it was also a medium of creating hundreds of jobs for Nigerians and assisting immensely in halting Nigeria’s unemployment crisis. This, he has achieved and is still achieving through a group structure whose strength is attributable to dedication to its core values, loyalty and integrity to its in-

dustry partners, and experienced professionals with prescience and abilities to breakthrough obstacles. From its flagship, Sahara Energy Resources Limited, what is today Sahara Energy Group, an ‘incubator’ of companies made up of a collection of independent companies with operations spanning various segments of the energy sector, indeed started as divisions and as the divisions grew into veritable businesses and revenue generators in themselves, they were established as separate limited liability companies, each with its own management and organizational structure, all co-existing as a part of the larger Group. Although the companies function under a Group umbrella, each of these companies is set up as an independent limited liability company comprising of their own boards, managing directors and management team responsible for all aspects of its operations. Human resources, legal, finance and administration departmental functions are however centralized at Group level. In 2007, four fully autonomous companies were created as independent entities but today, about sixteen years after start-up, Sahara Group boasts of twelve affiliate companies namely: Sahara Energy Resource Nigeria Limited, the flagship; Sahara Energy Field Limited; Sahara Trade West Africa Limited; Sahara Bulk Storage Facilities Limited; Aviation Air and Land Services Limited; Sahara Sea Support Services Limited; So Energy Limited and P-Lyne Energy Limited. Others in the group include Sahara Power Resource Limited; Sahara Gas Limited; Sahara LNG Limited and Sahara Farms Limited. Sahara Energy Field Limited (SEFL), is the upstream exploration and production (E&P) arm of the group. Its core business is to explore and develop oil and gas assets in established and emerging frontiers. SEFL aims to create value for its shareholders through successful exploration, development and production of oil and gas reserves while contributing to the future and development of the countries where its operations are located. The company adopts a commitment and participatory approach of partnering through time and resources with employees, local communities and contractors that would help create and sustain vibrant communities which in turn would contribute to its success and the national strength of countries it operate in. Since it began operations in 2004, the company has succeeded in establishing a firm foundation in selected West African basin either as operator or partner. It has a 100 per cent stake in OPL 274 Western onshore Niger Delta, 26 per cent equity in OPL 286 in Deep Water Nigeria, 45 per cent stake in OPL 284 in Deep Water Nigeria and 51 per cent equity in Tsekelewu marginal field (OML 40). It also has 10 per cent equity in Block 5 in the Nigeria-Sao Tome Joint Development Zone as well as 35 per cent stake

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Monday, February 15, 2016

in OPL 332 in Deep Water Nigeria. It executed a seismic agreement with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and has exercised its right of first refusal on the ECTP Block B1 after acquiring 1,250 sq km of 3D seismic. SEFL also recently entered into a 50/50 JV with PGS/Azimuth which gives it access to the largest seismic database across the west of Africa (from Mauritania to Namibia). The other subsidiary, Sahara Trade West Africa (STWA), was incorporated in 1996, about the time the flagship company was incorporated and was established primarily to cover trade across West African States. As the volume of transactions handled by the original Sahara Group founding company grew rapidly, the need for separation of functions became even more evident and STWA was mandated to build, operate and manage a fully focused West African trading and marketing company. Today, STWA is active in Nigeria; Benin Republic; Cameroon, Ghana and Ivory Coast. It manages and operates a 30,000 barrels per day contract to Tema Oil refinery on behalf of the Government of Ghana, 40,000 barrels per day to Societe d’ Iviorien Rafinnage on behalf of Government of Cote d’Ivoire, supplies 2000MT each of gas oil and gasoline to the Government of Niger Republic and supplies 20, 000MT of gasoil; 30,000 MT of gasoline; 20, 000MT of Jet Fuel and 20, 000MT of Fuel Oil to Republic of Benin. STWA is active in the trading of products across West Africa, exporting steadily from Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria and importing into Ghana, Nigeria and Benin Republic. For Sahara Bulk Storage, its core operation is developing and operating state of the art bulk liquid storage. The company is ISO 9001.2000 certified, thus guarantees that all products received at its facilities comply with international standards. The company has a strong foot print in West Africa with a strong presence in Nigeria and Ghana and recently in Ivory Coast. All its facilities are specifically designed for the storage of all types of petroleum products and chemicals. With storage facilities at key seaports and airports in West Africa, the company maintains a healthy stock of refined products for major oil companies and airlines providing throughput services to the industry and also facilitating distribution through a fleet of tankers, trucks and Jet A1 bowsers. So Aviation is a Sahara Energy subsidiary which operates as a service provider to the aviation industry through the provision of dedicated infrastructure to offer uninterrupted aviation fuel supply. The company also provides buffered stock and management programmes that maximize the efficiency and utilization of the refuelling supply chain for airlines and their supporting operating vehicles. The company maintains an exclusive fuelling management portfolio for the Nigerian Presidential

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As the first indigenous company to partake in the successful lifting of Oso NGL, Sahara Gas has been involved for over five years in the NNPC/Mobil Joint venture, paving the way for other Nigerian establishments to follow

Air Fleet (PAF), and operates a full-fledged Into-Plane fuelling service for an expanding fleet of commercial and cargo airlines traversing the Nigerian and West African airspace. So Aviation operates in Nigeria’s three major international and domestic airports and it is also Nigeria’s first indigenous company to be awarded a license to supply Jet A1 fuel. Sahara Sea Support Services Limited has as its core business, the provisioning of bunkering services and was established primarily to service the vast number of ocean tankers, vessels and tugs plying the West African shipping lanes. However, a freeze on the renewal of bunkering licenses in Nigeria since 2000 has severely hampered bunkering activities in and around Nigerian waters and by extension, affected the operations and fortunes of this company. But then, the foresightedness of Tonye and his colleagues which saw them expanded the company’s portfolio to complement its bunkering operations with the acquisition of various sizes of oil tankers ranging between 5000MT and 30000MT deadweight has remained its staying power. All the vessels operate within the West African region with most of them under long-term charter leases. The company was also one of the earliest ship owners to implement the Nigerian Cabotage law and is

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fully active in the application of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) standard to all its vessels operating in the region. So Energy is the downstream, retail operation arm of the group. It is responsible for the management and operation of dealer owned and company owned petrol stations. So Energy introduces to each marketplace it enters, a new model of innovative stations, which centres on combining under one umbrella, striking architecture and a design which is distinctly African but yet modern, as well as new services positioned to meet the wide range of refuelling needs for the motorist. So Energy has begun an aggressive drive to establish a regional network of retail stations and now has operations in Nigeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast. P-LYNE Energy is a subsidiary established as a service provider to the upstream oil and gas sector. In the pursuit of its business, P- LYNE Energy provides technical and support services through Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Fabrication, Maintenance and Support Technologies. The company’s services are targeted at upstream infrastructure facilities such as pipelines, flow lines, storage tanks, terminals, platforms and composite plants. The company establishes service centres that support the government’s local content initiative and promotes technology transfer pro-

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grammes to the local work force. Another of its vast subsidiaries is Sahara Power Resource Limited, established in 2001 with core competences in the repair, maintenance and operation of power plants. Between 2001 and 2004, the company played an active role in the emergency power projects embarked upon by the then National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), now Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). In 2006, the company partnered with a major international power company, Korean Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to enable it to provide a wider range of solutions to the entire power sector throughout the region. The resulting company, KEPCO Energy Resource Ltd (KERL) carried out major repairs on two boilers in Egbin Power Plant, Lagos State. Egbin has an installed capacity of 1320mw, but in 2006 could only generate 880mw. The work carried out by KERL added 440mw and helped restored the plant to full capacity. KERL is presently engineering a 1350mw Power Plant, to be installed in the Lagos area. The plant when built will consist of 3 × 450mw combined cycle power blocks. Sahara Gas Limited is another in the league of the ubiquitous Sahara group established to operate fully in the gas sector of the oil and gas industry. The company is engaged in a variety of business activities from the acquisition of preferred stakes in gas projects to the marketing and sales of gas products for both the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) trades. Sahara Gas holds strategic stakes in the LNG sector with access to international gas markets and re-gasification facilities. Sahara Gas partnered with Sempra LNG to form a JV and secured 2.5 per cent equity in Olokola LNG (OKLNG) in Ogun State. Domestically, the company operates a 1000mt LPG depot in Calabar, Cross River State which is being upgraded to a 2500mt facility. Outside of its regular spot cargoes, the company is also involved in a two year contract for the lifting of LPG mix through the NNPC/Chevron Joint venture at the Escravos LPG FSO, a five year contract for the lifting of Oso NGL on behalf of NNPC, through the NNPC/Mobil Joint venture from the Bonny River terminal. As the first indigenous company to partake in the successful lifting of Oso NGL, Sahara Gas has been involved for over five years in the NNPC/Mobil Joint venture, paving the way for other Nigerian establishments to follow. Outside the regular business activities, Tonye is also noted for act of human kindness. He is believed to have embarked on series of philanthropic gestures that cuts across political, tribal and religious divides. He was credited for financing cleft, cataracts and other minor surgeries as well as free eye tests and provision of eye glasses for over 500 people in Lagos among others. BC

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, February 15, 2016

ThebuddingEntrepreneurs KLINIC

With Mamora Victor Mamora is a system thinker and advisor whose belief and activator leadership strengths are directed towards improving workers perspective for city and enterprise development.

e-mail: olusegunmamora@gmail.com

ecently, a team of researchers from Babson College and Baruch College interviewed nearly 6,000 U.S. adults as part of the 2012 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report. Most respondents were just starting out, but had taken significant strides, writing business plans and securing financing. Others had been running their businesses for less than three-and-a-half years, according to Donna Kelly, a professor of entrepreneurship at Babson College. According to the report, an increasing number of U.S. entrepreneurs (69 per cent) start their business at home, and many (59 per cent) continue to work from home, even after it is up and running. As far as launching a business goes, “it’s a lifestyle preference,” says Dona Kelley. “They are opportunity-driven. They see an opportunity to improve their income or to pursue independence.” In addition, the reports of the same research shows that only 16 percent of funding received by entrepreneurs surveyed came from banks, whereas 82 percent came from personal savings, family, and friends. Worthy of note is that about 23 per cent of the startup entrepreneurs rely on at least one unpaid family member for help, while another 21 per cent count one or more paid relatives among their staff. Dear prospective entrepreneur, the fact is that your family and friends are your point of advantage in life. Your starting point is from home because love begins at home. Some time a budding entrepreneur might be finding it difficult to market her products or get the require support doing a project successful but often time many people in that position have not realise the important fact that family, friends, and community are starting platform for venture success. The first set of your venture marketers, customers, workers, financier, work-

space agent, consultant, and constructive critics are in your family and community. When an entrepreneur careless about the importance of family and friends support it increase the startup cost and raise barrier to accessing the opportunity in family system. My encouragement is that you look inside your family and community for opportunity first before you run outside for support. This idea is also an extension of the law of progress that says “first within then without.” An example is my sister-in law who started her cake bake venture from home. She began with fund from her dad, uses her mum baking oven and kitchen utensil, market to her friends in the neighborhood and aunty for nephews birthday. She simply leverage on what and who she has to start her enterprise from home. Family and friends were the first marketer of her services, she never paid them in cash but kind. You too can start from where you are now. In many developed economies, entrepreneurs who received support from family members started the top businesses that have grown over years. They either use the car garage as home office, work-

Business expansion begins at home

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My encouragement is that you look inside your family and community for opportunity first before you run outside for support. This idea is also an extension of the law of progress that says “first within then without

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BUSINESS

shop, laboratory, or received their startup fund from parents, uncle and friends. The truth is that relationship is a form of capital that builds on the foundation of love and good attitude. If you cannot start your business from home, get support from any member of family, friends, and community member then you most likely have attitude problem. The danger there is that if you successfully raise interestbearing loan from bank or external party you may likely lose it. Now, let us see examples of entrepreneurs who started from home with family whose business have become global brands. Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard In 1939, Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard founded HP in Packard’s garage with an initial investment of $538. Their

first product was an audio oscillator and one of their first customers was Walt Disney, who purchased eight oscillators to develop the sound system for the movie Fantasia. The HP Garage in Palo Alto is known as the birthplace of Silicon Valley and HP is now one of the largest companies in the world. Dr David O. Oyedepo In May 1983, 29 year old David Oyedepo started the faith based organisation known as Living Faith Church with 3 people from his resident and on table tennis as official working table in Kwara state, Nigeria. Today, the organisation is rated as one of the wealthiest faith based organisations in the world. Through the leadership of Oyedepo Covenant University, Landmark University, Faith Academy and Kingdom Heritage Schools have been estab-

Motivational Business Quotes

f you did not look after today’s business then you might as well forget about tomorrow. – Isaac Mophatlane The great accomplishments of man have resulted from the transmission of ideas of enthusiasm. – Thomas J. Watson Yesterday’s home runs don’t win today’s games. – Babe Ruth Being able to touch so many people through my businesses and make money while doing it, is a huge blessing. – Magic Johnson Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness. – James Thurber

The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same. – Carlos Castaneda The great leaders are like the best conductors – they reach beyond the notes to reach the magic in the players. – Blaine Lee To think creatively, we must be able to look afresh at what we normally take for granted. – George Kneller To the degree we’re not living our dreams; our comfort zone has more control of us than we have over ourselves. – Peter McWilliams BC

lished to equip the youth for global influence. William S. Harley In 1901, 21-year-old William S. Harley drew up plans to create a small engine to power a bicycle. Over the next two years, Harley and his childhood friend, Arthur Davidson, built their motor- bicycle out of their friend’s 10 by 15-foot wooden shed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was the equivalent of a garage because they didn’t have cars. They officially founded Harley- Davidson in 1903 and today it’s the most well-known motorcycle brand in the world. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak In 1976, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, ages 21 and 26 respectively, started Apple Computers by selling 50 units of Wozniak’s Apple I Computer at $500 apiece to a local retailer. Jobs took the purchase order to a parts distributor and ordered the parts. “The Steves” and their small team hand-built 50 computers in 30 days from a garage in Cupertino, California. Today, Apple is the most valuable technology company in the world. Larry Page and Sergey Brin As Stanford Graduate students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin started what’s now known as Google from Susan Wojcicki’s garage in September 1998. Soon the project was interfering with their schoolwork, so they tried to sell it to Excite for $1 million. Excite rejected the offer and now Google is the most trafficked site in the world. My encouragement is to remind you that your present position is enough as your advantage to start the enterprise you have procrastinated and suspended. There is enough opportunity where you are and with what you have. If the room is too busy then get out and “create a corner of dream enterprise” outside your house to start planning and execution of your plan. Be courageous and enjoy freedom. BC

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Business Courage

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ThebuddingEntrepreneurs

The big retail shops need to patronise indigenous wines – Ogutuga Dolapo Ogutuga Managing Director of Deebee Wines Ltd, has been an innovative entrepreneur for over forty years. He developed his kola nut wine during his PHD studies in the United Kingdom. Oguntuga began the production of his wine in Ogun State when he came back to Nigeria. Today, he produces three kinds of alcoholic wines, including Holy Communion Wine, along with non-alcoholic products, such as Popapine, a sparkling pineapple juice, which is manufactured from his pineapple plantation. He also produces, Latropicana, a grape juice blended from an imported concentrate. He is also the chairman of Ogun State Manufacturers Association of Nigeria,(MAN). that of the wine industry for the 2014 business year? The wine industry specifically where we operate faces a lot of competition from imported wines, if you go into any market and take the statistics of what you have, you will verify that 80 per cent of what you have is imported wines and many of them are smuggled into the country. We have now discovered that the market trend is changing, the big supermarkets are coming into the country and they have a blanket approval from government agencies like SON, NAFDAC and others to bring many things into the country. The tendency is that they are leaving the local industrialists behind because of the preference of many Nigerians for imported products. They feel that the key products they need to store are the imported products. TheY need to be able to say that what you have in London, you could also buy it in Lagos, but the local industry cannot grow like that. In the wine industry, we are facing a lot of competitions from imported smuggled products. Also, the big retail companies that are coming into the country are not patronising the local wine industry, they still need to do more. Can you highlight other problems facing the wine industry? There are other issues like faking of products by people who don’t really produce. They fake the identity of very good products, and when this happens, it

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Ogutuga

really doesn’t help in the market because people want to buy at the cheapest and people are faking your products and offering it at a price that you cannot even afford to sell. The other issues like Common External Tariff that we are facing, which is to do with ECOWAS and this really encourage smuggling. The environment under which we are operating in Nigeria is tougher than most of these other West African countries. The electricity, the poor roads and so on are some of the issues that we are facing. So, smuggling is killing most of our local industries and rendering most of our young people jobless. How can you describe the government policy as it relates to the wine industry? The government does not really have any policy about wine. Wine is regarded as a luxury item and the government does not really have any policy about wanting to increase it or decrease it. If anything, I would say that the attitude of government is because the alcohol content is increasing government medical bill, they have slammed a 20 per cent excise duty on wine. Though, if anything, I would say that government policy is to discourage the local production of wine. Even though we don’t produce only wine, we are also into fruit juices, we are into production of water

Even though we don’t produce only wine, we are also into fruit juices, we are into production of water and so on, and the government would want to encourage more of these. No excise duties on these because these are avenues to create jobs which government want people to create

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ow would you rate the business environment and it impact on the purchasing power of Nigerians with reference to the wine market? The business environment is tough; it is tough in the sense that people don’t really have money to buy anything. There might be a lot of factors for this, if there are no jobs and the unemployment rate is extremely high, there is the need to really create jobs because when there is job, people earn money that they can spend. When they spend the money, they enable industry to circulate, to expand and to improve on the quality of their products and the economy becomes more buoyant. This is an area that I think the country need to work on; the infrastructure situation also needs improvement. There was a time, not too long ago that the electricity improved and we thought it would continue but all of a sudden, it deteriorated again. Without good infrastructure, nobody can do anything. So, we found out that in the industries, warehouses are empty because of the inability to produce. These are some of the things that should be sought out, but business environment is tough. What is your take on capacity utilisation of manufacturers in Nigeria today? One of the problems about statistics is the response of people to data, it may not be as one would expect, there is always a range, there are those who have done so well and have moved up so well, and there are those who barely come down from industry to industry. The food industry may be doing very well while the tyre industry is not doing very well. How would you assess the performance of your company and

and so on, and the government would want to encourage more of these. No excise duties on these because these are avenues to create jobs which government want people to create. I think the food and beverage sector is doing more than enough in this area. Are your raw materials 100 per cent sourced locally if not, can you tell us your sources? We started really from the reserve resort that we had and as much as possible, we are trying to look inwards in whatever we do, but some chemical ingredients and so on that we need to buy which are not made in Nigeria and which we cannot make, we do import. But largely, we would say that all our products are 95 per cent Nigeria. What mileage have you achieved with backward integration? I told you of what we achieved with pineapple, it was a success but as we grow, we contract out the supply of pineapple that we use now, that was an area we worked on. With cola nut, around Shagamu, we have more than enough than we need. These are the areas that we have worked on and they have been successful. We started our pineapple farm and we got more people interested, so we now have people who supply us along with the little that we are able to produce. What is your take on job creation and how many jobs have you created in the past five to six years? The unemployment rate in Nigeria is unacceptable, it could be better; all hands must be on deck. On our part, we have on our pay roll about 30 staff and considering our size, I think, we are mak-

ing our own token contribution, but I believe that more jobs need to be created. Many of the university graduates usually don’t get job; it is only very small percentage of our secondary school leavers who acquire university certificates get jobs. There is no magic line about this; it must be by some coordinated efforts between the industries, they must continue to rub minds together. It is the private sectors that can create most of these jobs and they need to work in a very good environment to succeed. There is this push and pull about the government, we are getting almost to a stage that the money government needs, they look into the book of the industries to see whatever the reserve you have, and just take whatever proportion of it that they want; forgetting that part of the income is required to buy new machines to replace the old ones. But if everything is taken off us, we are not able to play this role very well and I believe that government needs to encourage us through incentives to do more by way of job creation. A lot of these efforts like many of the empowerment programmes which very huge amount of money goes into are not productive. There was this programme that we no longer hear about, the one that they distribute tri cycle and things like Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP) which is a temporal solution. Solid jobs through industries are the things that can help the country. The industries produce, they create commercial jobs for people who want to sell, they create jobs for people who really want to produce and that circle has to go on. Until we have the environment to do this, it will continue to be tight, but we would continue to create more jobs. Recently, Ogun State MAN invited some Chinese investors which we learnt were interested in siting some of their industries in Ogun State. How fruitful has it been and what action has taken place since then? We feel excited that our state was chosen for some of these projects, and you know that land is an issue. Well, we have started with the MOU which we are following up and I believe that we are going to seal up some of the deals as there would be some follow-up meetings, just like we had with the Chinese. To transfer technology is important as the Chinese have demonstrated the ability to produce. 20 to 30 years ago, they were in a state that we are, we need to learn from them and by working with them, we would be able to achieve like them. BC

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Commerce & Industry

NEPC to optimise garment business to boost export earnings Stories by Abolaji Adebayo

he Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, has engaged Style House, a Fashion Creative Consulting Agency in Nigeria with years of experience in the fashion industry, to manage its Human Capital Development Centre, HCDC, Lagos, to develop capacity for the garment sub sector. Under the arrangement, Style House will manage the HCDC and run training programmes that meet international standards for developing the skills of practitioners in the garment-making sector to meet the requirements of the fashion industry for exports. Speaking with journalists during a tour of the facility, the Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, Mr Olusegun Awolowo said, “Nigeria is awash with creative talents in the fashion industry, whose designs can compete anywhere globally. However, there is a wide gap in production and finishing, which affects the marketability of garments made in Nigeria at the international market. “Nigeria needs to participate more in the global market for garments, which was about $800bnin 2015 and expected to reach $1trn by 2020. The purpose of this centre is to build capacity of Nigerian garment producers in apparel

production for local but particularly the export market.” He listed the objectives of the Centre to include creating of a pool of skilled personnel for employment in garment manufacturing; inculcating international best practices in apparel production; building capacity for entrepreneurs in apparel production thereby making the sector more competitive; and strengthening the existing sector for domestic production and export purposes. Awolowo also disclosed that

NEPC in the last two years has showcased Nigerian talents at Magic Las Vegas; the world’s largest sourcing show for apparels and footwear. He explained that the country had participated consistently since its initial exploratory outing at Sourcing at Magic 2014, where interests in Nigerian products contributed to the creation of Global Artisans at Sourcing MAGIC Show February 2015. He noted that the organisers of the show described Nigerian

products as ‘chic’ and ‘Hollywood’, adding that some of the participants obtained orders from stockists in the United States. Quoting Princess Peaceful Owoghiri, the Creative Director of Revamp, Awolowo said, “The event exposed us to other international designers. I had the privilege of discussing with designers from different part of the world and was able to learn a thing or two about international trade, the dynamics of the trade and intricacies

Textile company

of exporting to America.” Awolowo, therefore, appealed to national and international development partners to support funding requirements for training at the Centre. Already, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, UNIDO, is in talks with NEPC to collaborate on the Centre. In her remarks, the Founder of Style House, Mrs. Omoyemi Akerele said, “We are excited about this opportunity to partner with NEPC on developing capacity for the garment sector. We will bring our experience and knowledge of the industry to bear in the management of the Centre. Our testimonial speaks of successfully creating a revolution in the Nigerian Fashion Industry by using our powerful knowledge to brainstorm truly innovative concepts and execute them professionally with enthusiasm that is yet to be surpassed.” NEPC recently relocated the Human Capital Development Centre to its office complex at Apapa Lagos. The Centre was originally set up over 10 years ago in Ikoyi, as the AGOA Human Capital Development Centre, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development, USAID. The Centre is equipped with machines and facilities to enhance learning for skills development in the sector. BC

SMEDAN harps on rural communities’ investment opportunities

he Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, Alhaji Bature Umar Masari, has urged Nigerians to key into investment opportunities in rural areas for job and wealth creation. Masari, in a statement, said that the federal agencies involved in MSME development had done a lot to provide skills and jobs for millions of Nigerians but added that a lot of potential in the rural areas had yet to be explored. “But still there is a very huge employment need in that sector because of the potential in Nigeria. “There is no local government you go to in Nigeria that

does not have a product that we can begin to add value on and begin to produce for local consumption and for international markets. “We are imploring Nigerians

Masari

to begin to key into these opportunities in their localities so that we can continue to guide individuals and groups on how to key into the value chain additional lines of major product that are available in every local government area. He added, “Nigeria is hugely endowed and many Nigerians are equally enterprising. The challenges that have afflicted the MSME development in the country are being looked into by the Agency and by the Federal Government with a view to providing solutions to most of these problems.” Masari said that there was so much space in the MSME sub sector of the economy to absorb the jobless youth.

He said that the agency was ready at any time to guide the youths and make sure that it prepares them to go into enterprise creation or get an employment in an already existing enterprise. He explained that based on the agency’s new survey, the number of MSMEs operating in the country currently stands at 37 million as against 17.2 million in 2012. He added that the MSMEs now provide employment to over 59 million Nigerians. Masari said that the Agency in 2013 developed the National Enterprise Development Programme, NEDEP, to provide solutions to major challenges affecting MSMEs development in the country.

He said the challenges ranged from lack of access to finance to lack of access to market and the need for up calling of skills in Nigeria, providing vocational training to many Nigerians who wished to go into entrepreneurship but lacked the necessary vocational skills to go into it. “We started implementing the NEDEP programme in 2013 and in that year alone we were able to engineer the creation of over 263,000 enterprises. And if you multiply 263,000 enterprises by the number of people working in those enterprises it will translate to close to one million jobs provided in that sector by the agencies using the programme. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, February 15, 2016

A15 31

Stock market last week Equities turnover of 1.407 billion shares worth N17.277bn in 14,914 deals were traded this week by investors on the floor of the Exchange in contrast to a total of 5.087 billion shares valued at N18.488bn that exchanged hands last week in 16,711 deals. The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.252 billion shares valued at N7.169bn traded in 8,451 deals; thus contributing 88.98 per cent and 41.49 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Oil and Gas Industry followed with 50.714 million shares worth N5.338bn in 1,520 deals. The third place was occupied by the Consumer Goods Industry with a turnover of 37.534 million shares worth N3.117bn in 2,473 deals. Trading in the Top Three Equities namely – Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, FCMB Group Plc and Wema Bank Plc.(measured by volume) accounted for 667.292 million shares worth N4.256bn in 2,114 deals, contributing 47.44 per cent and 24.63 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

ETPs: Also traded during the week were a total of 115,641

NASD OTC REPORT

NSE trading hall

units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N1.285m executed in 28 deals, compared with a total of 34,089 units valued at N604,908.34 transacted last week in 34 deals. Bonds: A total of 39,340 units of both State (1) and Federal Government Bonds (2) valued at N44.246 m were traded in 3 deals, compared with a total of 4,190 units valued at N4.884m transacted last week in 5 deals. Index Movement: The NSE All-Share Index and Market Capitalization appreciated by 5.05 per cent to close the week at 24,689.69 and N8.491trn respectively. Similarly, all other Indices fin-

NASD OTC MARKET REPORT

ished higher during the week, with the exception of the NSE Banking Index, NSE Insurance Index and the NSE Consumer Goods Index that depreciated by 1.14 per cent, 1.28 per cent and 0.15 per cent respectively, while the NSE ASeM index closed flat. Summary of Price Changes: Twenty-six (26) equities appreciated in price during the week, lower than Thirty (30) equities of the previous week. Thirty (30) equities depreciated in price, lower than Forty (40) equties of the previous week, while one hundred and thrity four (134) equities remained unchanged, higher than one hundred and twenty (120) equities recorded in the previous week. BC

WEEK 6

1 OUTSTANDING OFFERS AND BIDS ON NASD OTC Outstanding deals for Febuary, 2016. Security SD ACORN PETROLEUM PLC SD ARM LIFE PLC SD ARM PROPERTIES PLC SD AFRILAND PROPERTIES PLC SD BGL PLC SD CAPPA AND D'ALBERTO PLC SD CENTRAL SECURITIES CLEARING SYSTEM PLC SD DUFIL PRIMA FOODS PLC SD FRIESLAND CAMPINA WAMCO NIGERIA PLC

Offers Industry Oil & Gas Financials Financials Financials Financials Industrials Financials Consumer Goods Consumer Goods

Nominal value (₦) 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.00 1.00 0.50

Offer Date 12-Feb-16 12-Feb-16 12-Feb-16 12-Feb-16 12-Feb-16 12-Feb-16

Bids

Volume offered Last Offer Price 400,700 0.35 500,000 2.16 860,212 2.60 112,974 63.00 48,495 6.49 3,970 114.90

SD FOOD CONCEPTS PLC

Consumer Services

0.50

12-Feb-16

SD FREE RANGE FARMS PLC

Consumer Goods

1.00

SD FUMMAN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES PLC SD GEO-FLUIDS PLC SD GOLDEN CAPITAL PLC SD INDUSTRIAL & GENERAL INSURANCE PLC SD JAIZ INTERNATIONAL PLC SD NIGER DELTA EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION PLC SD NIGERIA MORTGAGE REFINANCE COMPANY PLC

Consumer Goods Industrials Financials Financials Financials Oil & Gas Financials

12-Feb-16 12-Feb-16 12-Feb-16 -

1,294,500 15,000,000 95,151 -

SD PARTNERSHIP INVESTMENT COMPANY PLC SD RESOURCERY PLC SD RIGGS VENTURES WEST AFRICA PLC SD SPRING MORTGAGE PLC SD SWAP TECHNOLOGIES AND TELECOMMS PLC

Financials Technology Industrials Financials Technology Financials Consumer Goods

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.00 10.00 1.00 0.50

12-Feb-16 12-Feb-16 12-Feb-16

1,069,500 933,100 241,940 -

RUSTRUSTBOND MORTGAGE BANK PLC TP VITAL PRODUCTS PLC

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.00 0.50

1,000,000 -

2 DEMATERIALISATION AND CUMULATIVE TRADE IN OTC SECURITIES 12-Feb-16 Security SD ACORN PETROLEUM PLC SD ARM LIFE PLC SD ARM PROPERTIES PLC SD AFRILAND PROPERTIES PLC SD BGL PLC SD CAPPA AND D'ALBERTO PLC SD CENTRAL SECURITIES CLEARING SYSTEM PLC SD DUFIL PRIMA FOODS PLC SD FRIESLAND CAMPINA WAMCO NIGERIA PLC SD FOOD CONCEPTS PLC SD FREE RANGE FARMS PLC SD FUMMAN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES PLC SD GEO-FLUIDS PLC SD GOLDEN CAPITAL PLC SD INDUSTRIAL & GENERAL INSURANCE PLC SD JAIZ INTERNATIONAL PLC SD NIGER DELTA EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION PLC SD NIGERIA MORTGAGE REFINANCE COMPANY PLC SD PARTNERSHIP INVESTMENT COMPANY PLC SD RESOURCERY PLC SD RIGGS VENTURES WEST AFRICA PLC SD SPRING MORTGAGE PLC SD SWAP TECHNOLOGIES AND TELECOMMS PLC RUSTRUSTBOND MORTGAGE BANK PLC TP VITAL PRODUCTS PLC

Market Indicators for Week Ended 12-02-16 All-Share Index 24,689.69 points Market Capitalization 8,499,863,681,042.96

Industry Oil and Gas Financials Financials Financials Financials Industrial Financials Consumer Goods Consumer Goods Consumer Services Consumer Goods Consumer Goods Industrial Financials Financials Financials Oil and Gas Financials Financials Technology Industrial Financials Technology Financials Consumer Goods

Introduced by Meristem Securities Limited APT Securities & Fund Limited Mega Equity Limited APT Securities & Fund Limited Nigerian Int. Securities Ltd UBA Stockbroking Firm Greenwich Securities Limited Anchoria Investment & Securities Limited Capital Bancorp Plc Stanbic IBTC stockbrokers limited CSL Stockbroking Limited Integrated Trust & Investment Limited Icon Stockbrokers Limited Sterling Capital Market Limited Greenwich Securities Limited APT Securities & Fund Limited FCSL Asset Management Co. Limited Cordros Capital Plc APT Securities & Fund Limited APT Securities & Fund Limited APT Securities & Fund Limited Primera Africa Securities Limited Signet Investment and Securities Limited Prominent Securities Limited CSL Stockbroking Limited

Company Registrars CardinalStone Registrars Limited African Prudential Registrars Plc African Prudential Registrars Plc African Prudential Registrars Plc Unity Registrars Limited African Prudential Registrars Plc African Prudential Registrars Plc Nnenna Ejekam Associates First Registrars Limited Meristem Registrars Limited Meristem Registrars Limited PAC Registrars Limited Meristem Registrars Limited African Prudential Registrars Plc GTL Registrars Limited African Prudential Registrars Plc United Securities Limited Meristem Registrars Limited First Registrars Limited EDC Registrars Limited Mainstreet Bank Registrars Limited PAC Registrars Limited PAC Registrars Limited United Securities Limited Centurion Registrars Limited

Year end 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Mar 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec 31/Dec

0.84 -

Bid Price 6.00 9.80 100.01 -

Volume Bidded Last Bid Date 194,822 12-Feb-16 1,000,000 12-Feb-16 15,000 12-Feb-16 -

0.47 0.11 127.30 0.72

0.48 0.69 -

TRADE INFORMATION (JAN 2016) DEMATERIALISATION INFORMATION Total Share Capital Volume % '000 Dematerialised Dematerialised DEALS VOLUME 66,390,146 2,000,000,000 3.32% 8 38,600 606,000,000 5,785,673,000 10.47% 29,485,023 1,900,000,000 1.55% 3 3,900 66,909,758 1,249,000,000 5.36% 20 310,111 9,628,657,533 12,000,000,000 80.24% 2,684,711 196,875,000 1.36% 778,109,719 5,000,000,000 15.56% 102 27,074,726 6,753,333,334 0.00% 185,749,344 976,335,936 19.03% 138 1,976,802 110,811,770 5,650,000,000 1.96% 2 1,100 872,307 519,999,631 0.17% 69,369,303 1,200,000,000 5.78% 568,235,594 4,257,668,000 13.35% 4 93,100 252,655,056 1,170,324,536 21.59% 1,021,968,270 14,231,238,000 7.18% 9 42,370,500 315,227,809 11,829,700,000 2.66% 20,347,886 181,408,000 11.22% 11 503,109 125,000,000 1,762,500,000 7.09% 210,571,244 2,875,595,000 7.32% 1 400 520,000,000 2,576,686,039 20.18% 1 100 1,726,264,230 0.00% 7,138,199,210 0.00% 1,539,042,000 2,705,378,000 56.89% 118,258,505 10,945,334,000 1.08% 4 900 1,823,084,076 0.00% 106,454,595,992 16,236,345,978 15.25% 303 72,373,348

VALUE (₦) 13,885.00 8,424.00 754,408.72 154,148,334.65 247,673,379.56 825.00 48,367.00 5,050,755.00 52,578,263.40 328.00 48.00 621.00 460,277,639.33

A16 32

Business Courage

Monday, February 15, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Behind d Wheels This page is open to sponsorship

he Mercedes-Benz Eclass is not just a prototypical luxury sedan, it’s the embodiment of the Mercedes-Benz brand. While the E-class aims to remain the most comfortable sedan in its segment, the redesigned, 2017 version of this all-important model will make its debut at the Detroit show in January. Unlike previous generations of the E-class, however, the new model seems more willing to tackle twisty roads. Despite suspension tuning that hews toward comfort, the new sedan provides agile responses, and body roll is held strongly in check. The E-class will be available with 19- or 20-inch wheels. As is typical, the new Eclass will offer a wide range of gasoline and diesel engines internationally, but the choices will be more limited in the United States. Buyers are to expect an E300, an E450 AMG Sport, and the monster MercedesAMG E63 S with about 600 horsepower. Mercedes plans to once again offer a diesel version, as well, and a plug-in hybrid could be added down the road. Eventually, there will be hybrids with an integrated starter-generator based on a 48-volt electrical architecture. All models come with Daimler’s new nine-speed automatic; the AMG version will

get the “Speedshift” clutch pack in place of a conventional torque converter. 4MATIC all-wheel drive will be widely available. From the passenger seat, even the E300’s 2.0-liter turbo seems quick and responsive, and its lively character will be underscored by U.S.-specific tuning: What passes for Sport mode in Europe is actually used as Comfort mode in the States, with Sport and Sport+ sharpening the reflexes further. Mercedes has managed to cut weight by roughly 150 pounds and improved the car’s aerodynamics (the European base model, which won’t be offered here, is predicted to achieve a drag coefficient of 0.23). As a result, real-world fuel economy is expected to jump by close to

20 per cent. With its new bundle of driver-assistance systems, the new E-class will also up the ante in the field of autonomous driving. The “Drive Pilot” maintains lane position

and the distance to other cars at speeds up to 120 mph, and it doesn’t even need clear lane markings at speeds up to 60 mph. In a curve, there’s assisted steering. Car-to-X Communication

warns the driver of dangers lying ahead. In addition, when it’s in autonomous mode, the E-class will change lanes with a tip of the turn-signal stalk—a not-forAmerica feature that Daimler initially didn’t feel was essential but decided to include after the enthusiastic media response to its inclusion by other carmakers. What you can’t do is retire to the back seat: The Drive Pilot requires that the driver periodically touch a sensor on the steering wheel. As seldom as once every other minute can be sufficient. Inside, the E-class impresses with an opulence that comes close to that of the flagship S-class and in some cases even exceeds it. The seats can be specified with even more massage options, and the optional instrumentation includes a wide, configurable screen. The entry-level gauge cluster includes threedimensional dials, which are housed together under a somewhat aesthetically challenged chrome arch. One of the test cars was fitted with a Burmester audio system, and it was one of the best we’ve experienced. In terms of exterior design, the E-class takes a big step forward compared with its boxy predecessor, adopting the familial look of the smaller C-class and the larger Sclass. BC

Monday, February 15, 2016

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Law & Justice nationalmirrorlaw@yahoo.com

‘’A trial is not an investigation and investigation is not the function of the court’’

JUSTICE MODIBBO ALFA BELGORE, FORMER CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA xx

Let’s queue behind Presidency to fight corruption —Oshilaja 34

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Ambode

Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Atilade

Mixed reactions trail Lagos mobile court

Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, on February 6, 2016, inaugurated mobile courts to summarily try traffic offenders and mete out instant sentences to those convicted of traffic offences in the state. This innovation raises issues of fundamental rights of alleged offenders in the society. WALE IGBINTADE reports.

Zangon-Kataf clashes: How Lekwot was kept behind 37 bars

Supreme Court blocks Obama carbon emissions plan 38

arely few days after the Lagos State Mobile Court was inaugurated by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, the Mobile Court is reported to have convicted 41 out of 52 prosecuted Traffic and Environmental offenders arrested by the State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit Task Force. The Mobile court which now sits in open spaces simultaneously in Apapa, Oshodi and Agege Local Governments has in its convoy, Magistrates, Lawyers, Representatives from the Office of the Public Defenders (OPD), Registrars, Cashier, Policemen, Black-Maria and Towing vehicles. The convicted traffic and environmental offenders, were said to have violated “Section 10 (1) (a) Street Trading and Illegal markets prohibition Law of 2003” and were made to pay various fines as an options to three to six months imprisonment. During the inauguration of the Mobile Court, Justice Atilade, and the State’s Attorney- General, Kazeem Adeniji, had reinstated their

I suspect thIs MobIle court polIcy Is targeted at revenue generatIon, not reductIon of lawlessness on our roads. the Most lawless of road users are governMent and quasIgovernMent personnel. commitments to ridding Lagos of recklessness and impunity on the roads. Justice Atilade pointed out that flagrant disregard and violation of traffic rules with impunity was unacceptable and warned residents to desist the act. Specifically, offences to be tried by the Court include; driving against traffic, refusing to obey traffic signs like Zebra Crossings and Traffic Lights indications, crossing the highways where Pedestrian Bridges are provided, driving on the BRT by non-designated vehicle and parking at undesignated places, commercial buses on motion with their doors open thereby endangering lives of both their passengers and other road users, noise pollution and street trading amongst others.

The Mobile Courts would be presided over by Magistrates and that there would be prosecutors from the Ministry of Justice and defence lawyers from the Office of the Public Defender (OPD), who would be readily available to defendants who so desire. However, a cross section of lawyers who spoke on the issue described the initiative as commendable but also expressed apprehension on the possible violation of rights of offenders. Lagos lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana while he applauded the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for the initiative also warned that people should not be detained illegally. Falana was reported to have said “It is a progressive development. I have just advised the AttorneyGeneral that we would not allow

the police and the traffic officials to detain people illegally but I have been assured that the penalty for most of the traffic offences shall be community service which I think is a very progressive development. That is going to enforce discipline on our roads and sanity to the system.” The National President, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Mr Malachy Ugwummadu said ‘’ while there is need to curb excesses on our roads due to the rising incidence of traffic offences, there is need for a corresponding sensitisation by the enforcement agencies about the availability of these Mobile Courts. He said the project should be designed in such a way that whoever CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

Law & Justice

Monday, February 15, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Let’s queue behind Presidency

Babatunde Oshilaja is an urbane lawyer with 38 years’ post-call experience. In this interview with WALE IGBINTADE, he speaks on the on-going fight against corruption and the need for the judiciary to be in the forefront of the crusade. How do you see the call that lawyers should boycott the court following the refusal of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release accused persons granted bail by the court? Is boycotting part of court process? It was boycotting that caused Ken Saro Wiwa his life. May be some people have short memories. Gani Fawehinmi boycotted the trial, went out of courtroom and came to Lagos. When he landed in Lagos and realised that his client was still in Abuja, he immediately went back. It was at the airport that, they bundled Gani back to Lagos. So, boycotting is politics and not legal practice. It is neither in the criminal procedure law nor in the civil procedure. Why should lawyers boycott court? It is political, it’s not legal. If they want to exert the amplitude of fundamental human rights, they should file processes in court, argue it and let the court make a decision. If they are dissatisfied with the decision, the hierarchy of court has been established. That is what I know and that is what we are taught. But we have instances where accused persons were granted bail and they satisfied conditions attached with it, only to be re-arrested within court premises by the EFCC. How do you see this? If there are fresh allegations against an accused person, the police are entitled to seize his liberty at that point. The bail granted him earlier is not a currency that can be spent in every market. It is only in the market of the charge to which the bail is attached. It does not answer to other charges. Former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), has approached the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) seeking his freedom from security forces after he was granted bail by two separate high court. What is your take on this? That is not the end of the story. There is access to the court but lawyers are making political statements. The lawyers knew that Dasuki had been arrested on fresh allegations, but there is no charge preferred against him yet. Are they now saying he is immuned from answering fresh allegations of crime? If I were the Attorney-General of the Federation, and I know that a particular suspect because of the gravity of the allegation of crime levelled against him, is likely to jump bail; if I put all my eggs in one basket and prefer a single charge against him which is bailable and he is granted bail; even when his passport is impounded the level of corruption in this country does not guarantee that he cannot cross the border. And if he crosses the border for good, I will be left bare-handed, he would have escaped justice. So, what do I do? I will make my case piecemeal; it is my strategy as the chief prosecutor.

Oshilaja

Lawyers on the side of those who are impLicated for corruption and money Laundering have to be very

carefuL.

because, if they accept their

professionaL fees from the money that has been Laundered, they are guiLty of money Laundering.

I can break the charges down alphabetically from A to Z, in order to exhaust his intention and desire to run away from justice. We have precedence in this country, when people jumped bail. Did Diepreye Alamieyeseigha not jump bail? He dressed like a woman and escaped? Why do you think Ibori was not granted bail in the United Kingdom for a bailable offence? That is the difference between the British Bar and the Nigerian Bar. The judge simply said since he had convicted Ibori’s wife, his younger brother and junior sister, if Ibori is granted bail he may likely run away. Did we not study the same law with the British lawyer? Why is it that our criminal process has a hole that Ibori escaped justice in Nigeria but he could not get away in the United Kingdom and Dubai? It says a lot about our judiciary in Nigeria. Yes, they have been granted bail and have

satisfied the conditions attached. They can be re-arrested and their liberty may be curtailed. The only condition is that they must be taken to court within a reasonable time. So, why are we so emotional about it? We should note that all these sayings about ECOWAS and people condemning Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for refusing to release Dasuki is corruption fighting back. They are fighting back and we must concede to them that they have a right to fight back. But, we cannot be overwhelmed with that because the Nigerian public has suffered enough. Lawyers on the side of those who are implicated for corruption and money laundering have to be very careful. Because, if they accept their professional fees from the money that has been laundered, they are guilty of money laundering. Because, their fees are being paid from the money that been laundered

thereby helping the criminal to commit criminal offence. But lawyers are entitled to professional fees. Why should they be bothered about the source of the money? It has to be source from other means other than the money that has been alleged to have been stolen otherwise you are part of the money laundering scam. You are helping the suspect to launder part of the money. Go and read the law it is there, I am not bringing it out of my breast pocket. The fees must not come from the money alleged to have been laundered. That is the law. ‘Philosophically’, if you eat out of the forbidden fruit, you are part of the scam. When you are accused of money laundering, it behooves on me as a lawyer to defend you and to know the source of my professional fee. If it is going to come from the money that you are alleged to have laundered then I am assisting you to launder the money. If am accused of having laundered N400 million and I hired a lawyer who demanded for N5 million as professional fee. I issued a cheque of N5 million out of the N400 million as professional fees for my lawyer. What has the lawyer done? He has assisted me to launder N5 million out of the N400 million. If I am going to account for the money, I will say I paid N5 million as professional fees to my lawyer, which my lawyer is entitled to his fees. But, the source of the fees is my quarrel.

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Law & Justice

Monday, February 15, 2016

to fight corruption —Oshilaja Lawyers should not assist accused person charged for money laundering to launder the money or any part of it under the disguise of professional fees. Do you think the judiciary is prepared for the fight against corruption? It is better for the judiciary now that the political will to fight corruption is palpable from the executive side. It is time for judiciary to change the colour of the garment and align themselves like a chameleon with the environment of zero tolerance to corruption. I have always said that as long as human flesh is involved, there are weaknesses everywhere. Throughout the length and breadth of the hierarchy of the three arms of government, corruption is everywhere. Unfortunately, I had a classmate who committed suicide. He was a judge of High Court in Benue State and was appointed to mediate in election petition in Cross River state when Architect Obong Attah was the governor. They took Ghana-must-go bags of money to them in the middle of the night. In the suicide note left by my friend, he stated that they were three on the panel. The other two took the money and if he did not take, they will say he will leak out the secret. But, he was not the one that let the cat out of the bag, it was the orderly of the chairman who was used to pay the money in the bank that went back to his boss that his father died and that he needed some money. But, his boss refused to give him money, so the police man went and swore to an affidavit and state how his boss lodged the money in his daughter’s account. That was what let that cat out of the bag. In his suicide note, my friend rendered an account on how he spent the money and then took an overdose and slept and never woke up. It pains me every time I remember that, it was someone I sat in the same classroom in the Faculty of Law, University of Ife. He was compromised because he was part of a group and he was a minority. He had no choice but to play along. We all know what Nigeria was like at the time. My friend sacrificed his life because he cannot face the ignominy. Now come to Osun State, and the election, the tribunal and the senior Advocate of Nigeria that was implicated and the judges that were there. Are they not part of the judiciary? So, it is about time that they should play the chameleon and change the colour of their garments to suit that of Buhari. So, that we are all in it together in the fight against corrup-

tion. The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN was reported to have said that any judge found to be corrupt will not only be retired but will be prosecuted. How will you react this? Does crime has respect for anybody? The Managing Director of IMF, Dominique Strauss-Kahn was arrested in the plane over a criminal case relating to allegations of sexual assault and attempted rape made by a hotel maid. So what are we talking about? The law is no respecter of anybody. Don’t we have judges in Lagos State that have been dismissed because of corruption? If the Attorney-General says that next time, government will sue corrupt judges to court, so what stops him and what is wrong with that? It is about time, we all toe the line. Somebody in a regulated salary that we know his salary from the beginning of his service to the end will be buying Mercedes-Benz for their children on the streets of London, and their children of 18 years will be having pent-houses. Where is the money coming from? This is the time to sort ourselves out. We now have someone who has the political will, so we should queue behind him and fight this war to finish. Just recently, the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, was brought to court handcuffed. What is your view on this? The prison officials say that the days of hiring crowd to court singing and drumming are gone. If the man was not handcuffed, he can be whisked-away and he will create security problem. It is not a breach of his fundamental rights. When you are suspected of a crime, you are susceptible to arrest and you will lose part of your liberty. That does not remove the presumption of innocence. Don’t forget that some politicians went to Ekiti high court and tore the robe of a judge. If Metuh was not handcuffed, can’t he be whisked away? So, handcuff is at the discretion of the prison officials. If I were the Attorney-General, I will put a Bill before the National Assembly to amend the constitution to change the presumption of innocence. Let the accused prove that he is not guilty of the offence. So, all these people are not big, they are a college of criminals that have the same thread of shenanigans

Oshilaja

It Is tIme for judIcIary to change the colour of theIr garment and alIgn themselves lIke a chameleon wIth the envIronment of zero tolerance to corruptIon. around them. It is so sad that all these money picked up by “PDP’’ not one naira went to the account of the party itself. Yet, some people are claiming fundamental human rights while cheats are all about the place. It is so sad that money budgeted to fight Boko Haram ended up in private pockets. We should all stand and fight corruption; posterity will not forgive us if we failed now. How do we ensure speedy hearing of corruption cases? I read in the newspapers that the Acting Chairman of EFCC has gone to the Lagos Chief Judge of Lagos State to show appreciation for what has been done and to request for more hands to treat corruption cases. I think it stand to reason that our Chief Judges at the state and federal need no prodding. They should see that there is fire on the mountain; we should have more courtrooms and judges to address this problem. Sincerely, I am happy for Nigeria for the opportunity to have Buhari back at the helms of affair. This is a social revolution without carrying gunpowder. The 36-member committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has been inaugurated. Notable among the key amendments in the Fourth Alteration Bill, is the removal of presidential assent in constitution amendment. Do you support this move? The National Assembly can make the proposal and debate it but I don’t think it is the way to go. Constitutionally, we are running a democracy based on separation of powers. Also, there are interlocking mechanisms for the three arms to monitor each other. If

you don’t have anybody to supervise your legislative power, you can legislate that all male must be castrated. That is not good for Nigeria. Upon advice, the President may decline assent to a bill, but that is not the end of it. The bill will go back to the House and get debated. If the President has clout and charisma, he can use his contacts, his party men and their caucuses to incline with his position. So, the power of the legislature to override presidential assent would be properly exercised. But, to remove that assent and the mechanism of the relationship of cross supervision will lead to anarchy. That is dangerous and it is not good for our country. Those who are propagating that line of reasoning of legislative power are shortsighted. They should avail themselves of intellectual opinion, constitutional advice from seasoned professors of law and practitioners in the area of the constitution. Not long ago, when the 1999 constitution was still very fresh, virtually every lawyer in Nigeria says the court does not have jurisdiction over impeachment. Some of us went to court. I was the first person in Nigeria at the Bar to establish jurisdiction of court in impeachment matters, far away in Ekiti high court, Ado-Ekiti in the case of Fayose’s deputy governor, Surveyor Abiodun Aluko. The court says that if there are sub-sections one to ten, you must establish compliance with sections one to nine before you can say on section ten, the court lacks jurisdiction. It was that decision that was used in the case of Governor Obi in Anambra State and that of Rashidi Ladoja in Oyo State. Let the law reign supreme and you will see how healthy the country will be socially, economically and politically.

Law & Justice

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, February 15, 2016

‘Mobile court can’t guarantee fair hearing ’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

is arrested must be given fair hearing adding that fair hearing includes the opportunity for an offender to get a lawyer of his choice. Ugwummadu said ‘’as the President of CDHR, we are particular about that, knowing that whereas the motive may be well-intentioned, the operational details could abridge the rights of the citizen. We are going to be on the lookout particular on possible cases that will come to our attention’’. ‘’The alleged offenders have rights under the constitution and under the Universal Declaration of Peoples’ Human Rights and under the African Charter. They should be fully represented and have the cases adjudicated and not a one sided judicial process’’. In his view, a former General Secretary of the Lagos branch of the Nigeria Bar Association Mr Seth Amaefule described the establishment of mobile courts as a welcomed development. Amaefule however, noted that policy makers were usually divorced from the point of implementation due to the brutality of some law enforcement agents in the State. ‘’ When I first read the statement, my conclusion was that this is yet another avenue for the LASG to exhibit its raw, necked, brutish force against the same suffering and hapless people of the State who have been under its jack-boot for years now. Even if the Government means well by this policy, the policy makers are usually divorced from the point of implementation. The brutality and hardheartedness of law enforcement agents in Lagos State is legendary’’. ‘’I am simply concerned with the obvious abuses and violation of fundamental rights that would be unleashed in the State. For example, any person arraigned before the Mobile Court is constitutionally entitled to

Mobile Court Van If the government prosecutes an offender, the same government cannot defend

the offender, otherwIse there would be conflIct of Interest.

(1) the presumption of innocence, (2) access to a legal practitioner of his/her choice, (3) adequate time to prepare his/her defence, etc. How can all these be guaranteed in an extempore Mobile Court situation. What about the fines that would be imposed? Is it reasonable to expect that people will be armed with money either in cash or in bank to pay fines when it ought to be a known fact that over 90% of Nigerians are barely struggling to survive each day? What of the inhuman conditions of the places of detention. ‘’I suspect that this Mobile Court policy is targeted at revenue generation, not reduction of lawlessness on our roads. The most lawless of road users are government and

Bar

Jokes

You won’t go to jail

A man who had been caught embezzling millions from his employer went to a lawyer seeking defence. He didn’t want to go to jail. But his lawyer told him, “Don’t worry. You’ll never have to go to jail with all that money.” And the lawyer was right. When the man was sent to prison, he didn’t have a dime.

Consultation fees

A lawyer’s dog, running around town unleashed, heads for a butcher shop and steals a roast. The butcher goes to the lawyer’s office and asks, “if a dog running unleashed steals a piece of meat from my store, do I have a right to demand payment for the meat from the dog’s owner?” The lawyer answers, “Absolutely.” “Then you owe me $8.50. Your dog was loose and stole a roast from me today.” The lawyer, without a word, writes the butcher a check for $8.50. The butcher, having a feeling of satisfaction, leaves. Three days later, the butcher finds a bill from the lawyer: $100 due for a consultation.

Ounces of brain for sale

A man went to a brain store to get some brain to complete a study. He sees a sign remarking on

quasi-government personnel. It is the uniformed personnel of government that abuse the use of sirens, that drive against traffic, that jump lanes, that drive BRT buses not on dedicated BRT lanes but on the general lanes. The way draconian laws are churned out by governments without any public hearing or input by stakeholders is proof that the Bar Association both at National and Branch levels have long since abandoned their primary role of being gatekeepers for the rights of the common man. Another lawyer, Mr. Yemi Omodele, said that the judiciary arm of government has power to such directive under the provision of the constitution, but he insisted that an

the quality of professional brain offerred at this particular brain store. He begins to question the butcher about the cost of these brains. “How much does it cost for engineer brain?” “Three dollars an ounce.” “How much does it cost for programmer brain?” “Four dollars an ounce.” “How much for lawyer brain?” “$1,000 an ounce.” “Why is lawyer brain so much more?”

Lawyers take everything

A reporter outside of a courtroom asked a defendant clad only in a barrel: “Oh, I see your attorney lost the case!” The defendant answered, “No, we won.”

Lawyer and beautiful woman

A man died and was taken to his place of eternal torment by the devil. As he passed sulphurous pits and shrieking sinners, he saw a man he recognized as a lawyer snuggling up to a beautiful woman. “That’s unfair!” he cried. “I have to roast for all eternity, and that lawyer gets to spend it with a beautiful woman.” “Shut up”, barked the devil, jabbing the man with his pitchfork.

You’re late

The lawyer wandered home at 3 AM. His wife became very upset, telling him, The lawyer replied, “I’m right on time. I said I’d be home by a quarter of twelve.”

My honest opinion

Lawyer: “Let me give you my honest opinion.” Client: “No, no. I’m paying for professional advice.” Culled from Lawyers jokes.com

offender must have a legal representation of his choice and not counsel recommended by the government. ‘’If the government prosecutes, the same government cannot defend the offender otherwise there would be conflict of interest”. In order to avoid conflict of interest the alleged criminal or suspect should be allowed to have his own counsel”. He also added that the ideal of compelling the offenders to plead guilty should not be encouraged, so that it will not be an avenue of generating revenue for the government. Also in his contribution, Mr. Bunmi Opeola said that the mobile court prosecuting and as well defending the offender is allowed. He however, said that lawyers from the Office Public Defender or Legal Aid Council should have code of conducts and ethics which must be followed. Opeola, added that lawyers from Office of Public Defender and Legal Aids Council have won several cases at the Magistrate level and High Court level so if such had happen in the past it means they can leave up to expectation. In his view, Lagos based lawyer, Mr Anthony Makolo said that the setting up of such mobile courts will help facilitate the justice system. “This is indeed a step in the right direction; it is long overdue; the traffic situation in our roads is one that calls for rapt attention by the government. I must give kudos to the Lagos State government for this bold step aimed at checking the situation. I must also urge the magistrates as well as all those engaged in the mobile work to do so with dedication and zeal” he said Makolo also urged all road users to be good ambassadors of the state and ensure they obey traffic rules and regulations, so as not to run afoul of the law.

LEGAL TIPS Importance of Power of Attorney

Power of Attorney is a formal instrument by which one person empowers another to get for him or act in his stead for certain purposes. *The person giving the power is called the donor, while the person to whom the power is given is called the donee. *Power of Attorney is a written document in which one person (the principal) appoints another person to act as an agent on his or her behalf, thus conferring authority on the agent to perform certain acts or functions on behalf of the principal. *Powers of attorney are routinely granted to allow the agent to take care of a variety of transactions for the principal, such as executing a stock power, handling a tax audit, or maintaining a safe-deposit box. *Powers of attorney can be written to be either general (full) or limited to special circumstances. A power of attor-

Bar

ney generally is terminated when the principal dies or becomes incompetent, but the principal can revoke the power of attorney at any time. A special type of power of attorney that is used frequently is the “durable” power of attorney. A durable power of attorney differs from a traditional power of attorney in that it continues the agency relationship beyond the incapacity of the principal. With a durable power of attorney, a principal can appoint someone to handle her or his affairs after she or he becomes incompetent, and the document can be crafted to confer either general power or power in certain limited circumstances. Because no judicial proceedings are necessary, the principal saves time and money and avoids the stigma of being declared incompetent. Written by Francis Famoroti, Judiciary Editor. We welcome feedback and reactions from readers via our e-mail: nationalmirrorlaw@yahoo. com

Jokes

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, February 15, 2016

Zangon-Kataf clashes: How Lekwot was kept behind bars FAMOUS CASES

retired army officer, Major Gen. Zamani Lekwot was the Military Governor of Rivers State from July 1975 until July 1978 during the military administrations of Generals Murtala Muhammed and Olusegun Obasanjo. He had a successful military career from 1962 till he was retired in 1985 when Gen. Ibrahim Babangida became the Chief of Staff following the military coup of December 31, 1984 that brought General Muhammadu Buhari to power. After his retirement, he went into private business. Sometime in the early 1990s, there were civil disturbances in some parts of Kaduna State between the Christians and Muslims. There was unprecedented arson, large-scale destruction of property and loss of lives in the state. According to some press reports, as many as 3,000 persons might have been killed. The Police and military authorities responded swiftly and arrested hundreds of suspects while the Federal Military Government fingered Lekwot as the arrowhead of the crisis. By far, more worrisome was the May 15, 1992 violence which erupted between the mainly Moslem Hausa and Christian Kataf communities of the Zangon-Kataf Local Government Area in Kaduna State, with many deaths. Lekwot, a Christian leader of Kataf extraction, was arrested following the February and May 1992 Zangon-Kataf clashes. He was tried, convicted and sentenced on February 2, 1993. It was obvious that he had stepped on the toes of those in the corridors of power at the time. Lekwot and other Kataf leaders were detained without charge under Decree No. 2 of 1984 until July 29, 1992 when they were charged with unlawful assembly. Along with five other Christians of Kataf origin, Lekwot was brought to trial on four charges, including unlawful assembly with intent to subjugate the Hausa Community in ZangonKataf. The Babangida junta later promulgated a decree which established the Civil Disturbances Special Tribunal pursuant to Decree No 2 of 1987 (Cap 53 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990). The tribunal was vested with jurisdiction over a number of offences under the Criminal and Penal Codes, including the capital offences of treason and murder. Other offences covered by the Decree include: unlawful assembly, demolition of buildings during riots, insults to a religion, disturbing religious worship, membership in unlawful societies, and arson. The tribunal, chaired by a Supreme Court judge, convicted no fewer than 75 people. They were sentenced to terms of imprisonment, and, under the Decree, had no right to appeal.

Twenty-three years ago, Major-General Zamani Lekwot (rtd) and some of his Kataf kinsmen were sentenced to death by the Zangon-Kataf Civil Disturbances Special Tribunal in Kaduna. Their sentences were, however, later commuted to jail terms. FRANCIS FAMOROTI, Head, Judiciary writes.

Lekwot

The late Chief G.O.K Ajayi, SAN

Lekwot, a Christian Leader of kataf extraCtion, was arrested foLLowing the february and May 1992 Zangon-kataf CLashes. he was tried, ConviCted and sentenCed on february 2, 1993. Although the Civil Disturbances Special Tribunal acquitted Lekwot and five others on August 18, 1992, they were immediately re-arrested and detained in Kaduna prisons. Lekwot and the five others were charged on September 4, 1992 with culpable homicide, a charge which carries a possible death sentence, and other offences. Twenty others were also tried in connection with the riots, but were acquitted. The Civil Disturbances (Special Tribunal) Decree, No. 2 of 1987, gave the head of state the power to constitute a special court, presided over by a High Court judge, to try cases involving civil riots and disturbances. The decree specifically precluded any right of appeal to a higher court, and gave the power to confirm or disallow convictions and sentences to the military government. During the trial, the defendants had appealed to the High Court, complaining that their fundamental human rights were being denied and that the Special Tribunal was biased against them. In response, the government promulgated a new decree in late 1992, Decree No. 55, confirming that defendants before the Special Tribunal may not challenge any of its proceedings in the High Court. On January 4, 1993 the lawyers defending Lekwot

and the other defendants led by Chief G.O. K. Ajayi (SAN) withdrew from the trial in protest over the provisions of Decree No. 55. According to another account, On September 4, 1992, the government prepared a new 22-count charge for offences ranging from unlawful assembly to disturbing the peace and culpable homicide, the latter of which is punishable by death. Lekwot and five fellow Katafs in 1992 were charged afresh before the Tribunal in respect of communal riots that devastated the Zangon-Kataf community of Kaduna State. According to the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Lekwot was tried for being a non-violent vocal leader of the Katafs and a minority Christian leader. […] It is on record that while all the leaders and innocent Katafs were arrested and hurriedly hounded into detention, none of the Hausa Fulani, who engineered and ignited the riot, were arrested. Despite efforts to halt the tribunal proceedings on the basis that, due to the Muslim composition of the tribunal, a fair trial cannot be guaranteed for the detainees, and that the charges are triable in regular courts, the Kaduna High Court refused to grant an injunction. The ruling was upheld

Babangida by the Court of Appeal on November 20, 1992. Lekwot and five other persons were condemned to death by hanging on February 2, 1993. Their trial and conviction by the Civil Disturbances Special Tribunal in Kaduna attracted the interests and sympathy of the entire citizenry and the international community as the tribunal found Lekwot, a retired army officer, and five others guilty of “culpable homicide punishable by death”. But their sentences were later commuted to five- year jail terms. By December 1995, Lekwot had received a state pardon. When the Obasanjo civil administration set up the Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission (HRVIC) in 1999, Lekwot filed a petition before the panel alleging that the Babangida regime violated his constitutional rights. The petition by Lekwot, which was on request consolidated with the one filed by Aiyap Youth Forum from the same Zangon- Kataf, who complained of vandalisation of the community by the police, was adjourned to Abuja where a term of memorandum of understanding was expected to be filed. He, however, withdrew the petition and opted to settle his rift with the erstwhile military regime out- of -court. But Lekwot, in a recent press interview, explained that 61 Katafs were detained at the time. He said himself and 14 others among those tried for their alleged complicity in the Zangon-Kataf clashes were condemned to death. The retired army officer said he had, however, forgiven all his detractors, especially Babangida who treated him, a fellow general like a common criminal during the period.

Law & Justice

S’ African opposition asks court to rule on Zuma’s home upgrade

outh African opposition parties has asked the country’s top court to rule on whether President Jacob Zuma broke the law by spending 250 million rand (then $23 million) on a statefunded security upgrade to his home. According to BBC News, the constitutional court will decide in the next few days if it will hear a case to decide whether a report from South Africa’s anti-graft authority, accusing Zuma of misusing state funds, was legally binding. The 2014 report from the public protector said that Zuma had personally benefited from some of the refurbishments to his country home in Nkandla, which included a cattle enclosure, swimming pool and amphitheatre. After months of denying any wrongdoing, Zuma said that he would pay back money spent on improvements that did not relate to security and asked the auditor general and finance minister to decide an appropriate figure. The Democratic Alliance

JOHANNESBURG

South Africa President,Jacob Zuma (DA), the main opposition party, and the radical leftwing Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) do not believe Zuma’s concession goes far enough. They are hoping that a case in the constitutional court will put pressure on Zuma and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) ahead of municipal elections this year and help them win control of some cities, including the capital Pretoria. Thousands of EFF members, led by former ANC youth league leader Julius Malema, were expected to march to the constitutional court to protest against Zuma’s leadership.

East African court stops liquidation of Dubai Bank

KENYA

he Court of Appeal has temporarily stopped the liquidation of Dubai Bank until a case challenging an earlier ruling by the High Court ordering for the liquidation of the bank is heard and determined. According to the BBC News, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) is seeking a review of the ruling by Justice Eric Ogola that adjourned the liquidation process for 60 days. The Central Bank announced that it was placing Dubai Bank under receivership on grounds that it had failed or demonstrated inability to pay its debtors and for breaching regulatory rules. The lender had on August 14th last year been put under receivership following “violations of banking laws and regulations, including failure to maintain adequate capital

and liquidity ratios as well as provisions for non-performing loans and weak corporate governance structures”. Justice Ogola advised CBK to consider a proposal by a British Virgin Islands company to invest an estimate of 2.2 billion shillings into Dubai Bank to save the financier from liquidation. Judges Alnashir Visram, Wanjiru Karanja and Hannah Okwengu said that the liquidation of the bank will remain frozen until the ruling of the matter which will be delivered on the 16th of March this year. Following stark orders, the second respondent in the case, Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation (KDIC), was authorized to pay a sum of 100,000 shillings insured money to the creditors. KDIC also argued that the orders from Justice Ogola were unwarranted as they left depositors and creditors of the bank exposed to risks of losing their cash.

Monday, February 15, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

S’ Court blocks Obama carbon emissions plan

he United States Supreme Court has delivered a major blow to President Barack Obama by putting on hold federal regulations to curb carbon dioxide emissions mainly from coal-fired power plants, the centerpiece of his administration’s strategy to combat climate change. BBC News reports that the court voted 5-4 along ideological lines to grant a request by 27 states and various companies and business groups to block the administration’s Clean Power Plan, which also mandates a shift to renewable energy away from fossil fuels. The highly unusual move by the justices means the regulations will not be in effect while a court battle continues over their legality. The White House said it disagrees with the court decision but said it expects the rule will survive the legal challenge. “We remain confident that we will prevail on the merits,” the White House said, adding that the Environmental Protection Agency will continue to work with states that want to cooperate

WASHINGTON and that it will continue to take “aggressive steps” to reduce carbon emissions. The plan was designed to lower carbon emissions from U.S. power plants by 2030 to 32 percent below 2005 levels. It is the main tool for the United States to meet the emissions reduction target it pledged at U.N. climate talks in Paris in December. A senior administration official told BBC reporters that despite the court’s “procedural decision,” the United States can deliver those commitments and take “new and additional steps” to lead internationally on climate change. The Supreme Court’s action casts doubt on the long-term future of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s rule because it increases the chances that the conservative-leaning Supreme Court would take the case after a lower court issues a decision on the legality of the regulations and ultimately would strike it down. Recently in June, the high court ruled 5-4 against

the Obama administration over its efforts to regulate mercury and other toxic air pollutants. The states, led by coal producer West Virginia and oil producer Texas, and several major business groups in October launched the legal effort seeking to block the Obama administration’s plan. The states said the emissions curbs would have a devastating impact on their economies. West Virginia AttorneyGeneral Patrick Morrisey described the Supreme Court action as a “historic and unprecedented victory” over the EPA. Tom Donahue, chief executive officer of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said the high court stay “will ensure that America will not be forced to make costly and irreversible implementation decisions based upon an unprecedented regulation until judicial review is complete.” For Obama, executing his domestic and international climate change strategy would be a key legacy accomplishment as he nears the end of his time in office in January 2017.

US President Barack Obama House of Representatives Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said, “The Supreme Court’s deeply misguided decision to stay the implementation of the Clean Power Plan will enable those states that deny climate science to slow progress in reducing the carbon pollution that threatens the health of all Americans.” House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy welcomed the Supreme Court’s move, saying it “has now stopped this illegitimate abuse of power after 27 states revolted against the president’s antienergy agenda.” “This is certainly a surprise and it suggests the court has serious concerns” about the regulation, said Jonathan Adler, a professor at Case Western Reserve School of Law.

Court rules against deportation of refugees to Bulgaria

German court has ruled against deportation of refugees to Bulgaria if they had been registered there first upon entering the European Union because Bulgaria wasn’t a safe country of origin. BBC News report that the Administrative Court in Saarlouis, in the federal state of Saarland, ruled that refugees in Bulgaria were faced with the risk to remain homeless in the streets and were practically left without medical care, according to Deutsche

GERMANY

Germany President, Joachim Gauck Welle. The court also said that the refugees had no chance to work in Bulgaria and the

Protesters charged with rioting

hirty-seven people have appeared in court in Hong Kong, charged with rioting over violent street protests in Mong Kok. According to the BBC News, the violence broke out in the district as officials tried to clear an unlicensed New Year market. Scores of people, mostly

CHINA

police, were injured and 64 people were arrested as supporters of the food vendors tried to stop the operation. The 37 were released on bail and the case adjourned until April. A 15-year-old is appearing in a juvenile court.

country’s government was doing nothing for the integration of those people. The plaintiff in the case was a Syrian woman who had fled with her Lebanese husband and travelled through Bulgaria to Germany, where she applied for asylum. The request was refused and they were to be sent back to Bulgaria in line with the provisions of the Dublin Regulation. The Dublin Regulation establishes the Member State responsible for the examination of the asylum application. The criteria for establishing responsibility run, in hierarchical order, from family considerations, to recent possession of visa or residence permit in a Member State, to whether the applicant has entered EU irregularly, or regularly. With Bulgaria described as unsafe country of origin by the court a deportation is impossible, according to Saa-

rbrücker Zeitung. There are 16 similar cases in the federal state of Saarland which can be influenced by the decision of the Administrative Court in Saarlouis, Saarbrücker Zeitung said. The decision has already drawn fire from the governing Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The deputy chairman of the CDU faction in Saarland parliament Roland Theiss has told Saarbrücker Zeitung that other German courts had confirmed Bulgaria as a safe country to which refugees could be sent back. “While life is not easy for refugees in Bulgaria, Germany simply can’t accept all those who are persecuted in their homeland. Whoever is fleeing war is entitled to protection in Europe, but not everyone is entitled to the social benefits in Germany,” Deutsche Welle quoted Theiss as telling Saarbrücker Zeitung.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Augustine Alegeh

Law & Justice

Monday, February 15, 2016

t gives me great pleasure and honour to present this address on behalf of the Nigerian Bar Association [NBA] at this valedictory Court session in honour of Honourable Justice M.S. Muntaka-Coomassie JSC, CFR as he graciously bows out from the Supreme Court of Nigeria after having served the judiciary creditably well since his appointment as an Associate Magistrate in Kaduna State in 1978. My Lord. Hon. Justice M.S. Muntaka-Coomassie JSC, CFR can best be described as a quintessential gentleman, a legal colossus and a jurist per excellence who has contributed immensely to the development of the legal profession through a plethora of landmark Judgments and Judicial pronouncements on topical legal matters. Prior to My Lord’s sojourn to the Judiciary, My Lord had, in the early 60s ventured into the academia as an Arabic tutor at Sultan Bello Primary School, Anguwan Sarki, amongst other Schools in Kaduna State. He rose above the ranks to later become the Principal of Provincial Arabic School in Fada, Zaria, Kaduna State. He worked briefly as a Pupil State Counsel in the Ministry of Justice, Kwara State and later at the Ministry of Justice, Kaduna State before his elevation to the Bench as an Associate Magistrate. A cursory analysis of My Lord’s profile which has been eloquently reeled out by My Lord, the Chief Justice of Nigeria depicts him as a thorough bred jurist and gentleman per excellence for whom integrity, hard work, fairness and a desire to do justice at all times were articles of faith. My Lord, Hon. Justice M.S. Muntaka-Coomassie JSC, CFR is a recipient of several awards of excellence from distinguished bodies and associations in recognition of his outstanding achievements and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the legal profession and the promotion of the rule of law. In recognition of his selfless service to the Nation, My Lord, Hon. Justice M.S. Muntaka-Coomassie, JSC, CFR was conferred with the National Honours of: ‘Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR); Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON); And Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR)’ by the President and Commander in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2008, 2009 and 2014 respectively. My Lord was also appointed a Member of the Body of Benchers in the year, 2004. His firm belief in the dispensation of justice in accordance with law can be easily discerned from several of his Judgments; In M.W.T (Nig.) Ltd vs. P.T.F. (2007) 15 NWLR (Pt. 1058) 451 at 482, My Lord commented on the duty imposed by law on a part claiming the award of special damages. He opined thus: “The law, I think it goes without saying, is whoever wants special damages must endeavour to prove it strictly and specifically. There must be evidence in Court to establish clearly that he suffered such damages as he claimed. In other words, the person claiming such special damages must establish his entitlements to that type of damages by credible evidence otherwise the general acceptable law of evidence as to proof by preponderance of weight usual in civil cases operate. I am fortified by the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Oshinjinrin v. Elias (1970) 1 All NLR 153 at 156 per Coker JSC. In fact, what is required is qualitative and credible evidence in order to establish entitlements to special damages. Proof however of general damages does not require the strictness in proof of special damages. The only requirement in the award of general damages is that such award shall not be manifestly too high or manifestly too little or not erroneously assessed.” Furthermore in ONAFOWOKAN vs. WEMA BANK PLC (2011) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1260) 24 at 53, My Lord while considering the attitude of the Court on a finding or Order of Court not appealed against stated pointedly thus: “It is trite that the finding and Order of a lower Court not appealed against remain valid and subsisting, and without a ground of appeal challenging the finding and order of the lower court this Court would lack the jurisdiction to interfere with the said findings or Order. It is significant to state here that none of the grounds of appeal contained in the Notice of Appeal challenged the above stated findings and Order of the lower Court. It is trite that a finding not challenged by an appellant in any grounds of appeal remains, rightly or wrongly, the settlement of that issue as between the parties to the appeal. It follows that in the ab-

Renewing NBA’s commitment to FG’s efforts on corruption Justices of Nigeria be extended to ALL retiring Justices of the Supreme Court. We believe that this gesture accords with good conscience and fairness in light of several years of hard work and distinguished service by My Lords, Justices of th Supreme Court.

Security

Our Government has an obligation to provide an enabling and secure environment for Judicial Officers to work. Our Courts must be adequately fortified and made safe for both Judicial Officers and the litigants. Instances where Judicial Officers are threatened in open court by litigants or Counsel are highly regrettable and condemnable. The NBA will not hesitate to take disciplinary steps against Counsel who engage in this show of shame. Our Judicial Officers must be protected from such negative criticisms and should not be targets for violent attacks whatsoever in the course of discharging their judicial duties.

Judgments & Appeals

Alegeh sence of any appeal against the finding and Order of the lower Court this Court would have declined jurisdiction to consider and determine such an issue. Though the appellants raised the issue of sufficiency of the pleadings in Ground 1 of the Notice of Appeal, the proper thing for the Appellants to do is to first appeal or file a ground of appeal challenging the findings as to the competency of that issue. The lower court had found the issue to be incompetent, this Court could not hold otherwise unless and until there is a ground of appeal challenging the lower Court’s finding.” Similarly in INSTITUTE OF HEALTH, A.B.U UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL vs. ANYIP (2011) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1260) 1 at 17, the opportunity presented itself for My Lord to comment on the power of the Supreme Court to correct error in judgment of the Court of Appeal. In a most illuminating manner, My Lord posited as follows: “I must say, with tremendous respect, that the judgment of the lower Court is a little bit confusing, and as it is, it may be very difficult for the Respondent to execute the judgment and Orders of the Court of Appeal. That being the case and this Court being the final court of the land, something must be done to correct the situation. I invoke my powers under Section 22 of the Supreme Court Act to correct the judgment of the lower court thus….”

Relationship With The Bar My Lord, Hon. Justice M.S. Muntaka-Coomassie JSC, CFR has always maintained a pleasant and cordial relationship with the Bar. He was, on 31st January, 2009, presented with an Award of Excellence by the Nigerian Bar Association, Kaduna Branch in recognition of his immense contributions to the development of the legal system. The Bar remains eternally grateful to him for his fatherly role and constant advice to Counsel who have had the privilege of appearing before him. I want to place on record the profound appreciation of the Nigerian Bar Association to My Lord, Hon. Justice M.S. Muntaka-Coomassie JSC, CFR for his invaluable support to the Bar at all times.

Welfare Of Judicial Officers

The Nigerian Bar Association wishes to seize this opportunity to commend My Lord, the Chief Justice of Nigeria for his tireless efforts towards improving the working conditions of Judicial Officers in all Courts. The giant strides so far taken by My Lord, the Chief Justice of Nigeria to introduce the use of Information Communication Technology in our Courts is highly commendable. At the special session of the Supreme Court to mark the 2015/2016 Opening of Legal Year, we were informed by My Lord, the Chief Justice of Nigeria that the entire event was being streamed live online. This innovation is first of its kind in the annals of our Judiciary and we must all join hands to ensure that our Courts are revamped to meet up with the demands of modern legal practice. The NBA wishes to reiterate its appeal that the practice of providing a befitting house and vehicle for retiring Chief

The NBA wishes to commend the Supreme Court the recent decisions/Judgments on Election Petitions. We note with pleasure that My Lord CJN personally sat on some of these appeals and on one occasion sat until about 10pm. It is sad to note that some persons who commend the Supreme Court when decisions favour them deride the same Court when the decisions go against them. My Lords, the NBA will continue to defend the Supreme Court which remains the highest Court of our land as the Court has always dispensed justice in accordance with law. In a similar vein, the NBA notes with concern the worrisome issue of conflicting decisions of some of our lower Courts. Equally worrisome, is the failure to apply laid down judicial precedents by some of our lower Courts. We believe this should be stopped immediately. We restate our position that failure to follow laid down judicial precedents should be taken as serious misconduct for which there should be sanction.

Manpower In The Judiciary

The NBA wishes to reiterate its position on the issue of the present composition of the Supreme Court in view of the provisions of Section 230 (2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended). It is pertinent to note that it is impracticable for the Supreme Court as presently constituted to be able to timeously and expeditiously deal with matters brought before it. The further reduction of the number of Justices of the Supreme Court to 15 today is a clear indication of this fact. We appeal that there should be full compliance with the law and that the number of Justices of the Supreme Court be increased to complete the constitutional quota of 21. The NBA urges the National Judicial Council (NJC) to give full meaning and effect to the provisions of the Constitution , 1999 (As Amended) by ensuring that the Supreme Court has its full complement of 21 Justices at all times. We further advocate that the Supreme Court should consider setting up special Court sessions in various regions to deal with matters from that region. This step if implemented will help reduce the litany of appeals and workload of this Honourable Court.

Corruption

The NBA condemns in its entirety the generalization and/or categorization of the Judiciary as being corrupt and an impediment to the zero corruption policy of the present administration. Whilst acknowledging that there may be a few bad eggs in the system, the NBA restates unequivocally that the categorization of the entire Judiciary as corrupt is a misconception and will stand solidly behind the Judiciary in any attempt to intimidate or harass its personnel. The NBA however wishes to sound a note of warning to the few bad eggs in the system to desist from further causing untoward embarrassment to the Judicial arm of Government and will henceforth petition any Judicial Officer involved in or suspected to be involved in any corrupt or fraudulent transaction to the appropriate quarters for action. Alegeh, NBA President delivered this address at the Valedictory session of the Supreme Court in honour of Justice M.S Muntaka-Coomassie in Abuja recently .

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, February 15, 2016

World News The train accident is a huge shock for us. The authorities are doing everything to help the travellers, relatives and workers. –GERMAN CHANCELLOR, ANGELA MERKEL

Starvation: Somali kids on death row

WORLD BULLETIN

Deby set for fifth term

AFOLABI GAMBARI

WITH AGENCY REPORT

ore than 50, 000 children in Somalia face death due to the ongoing drought in the country, according to the United Nations. A stark warning issued by the UN’s humanitarian office yesterday described the malnutrition as alarming. “Nearly one million Somalis, one in 12 of the population, struggle to meet their food needs,” the statement said. Analysts believed the drought in Somalia had been partly caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon which has affected east and southern Africa. The worst-affected areas of the country are parts of Puntland and the self-declared republic of Somaliland. Many of those in need of help are people who have been displaced by years of conflict in

Somali children queuing for food at a camp inside the country the country. In all, 4.7 million people, nearly 40 per cent of the population, need some sort of humanitarian assistance. “As the drought is intensifying, many more people risk re-

lapsing into crisis,” the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator in Somalia, Peter de Clercq, said, adding, “58, 300 will die if they are not treated,” even as he appealed for more funds to help the needy.

In neighbouring Ethiopia more than 10 million people need food assistance following the failure of the rains and Zimbabwe has declared a state of disaster in some drought-affected areas of the country.

tive, Philip Agbese, said the action of the Iranian government was targeted at promoting insurgency and encouraging breach of peace. “Residents of Zaria in Kaduna State and its environs have been living under under the Shi’ites’ reign of terror,” Agbese said. “Human lives are sacred and for us in Nigeria, the lives of Nigerians and foreign nationals resident in Nigeria are more precious. “Countries and organizations issued statements in the wake of the crisis made the reasonable suggestion that a probe committee be set up to investigate the root causes of the unfortunate

incident and also to prevent a reoccurrence. “To some extent, one may assume that some of those who made such calls have history of assisting Nigeria in other areas and wanted to safeguard fundamental human rights. “But the Iranians have been strident in its interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs to the extent that they have chosen to use the Shi’ite-Army clash as a pretext to foist themselves on Nigeria as imperial masters. “Iran has through diverse avenues sought to bring Nigeria under undue pressure to compromise its own sovereignty and has done everything possible to

exacerbate the situation. Litter wonder, Iran recently resorted to warning Nigeria over what they described as “high handedness” of the Nigerian Army in handling an affair that is purely Nigerian and even called on members of the Shi’ite to attack strategic government institutions in revenge.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Godfrey Onyeama

marching to Tahrir Square to mark the revolution that toppled President Hosni Mubarak. The al-Yawm al-Sabi news website said the court had accepted an appeal filed by officer Yassin Hatim against his prison sentence and ordered a retrial. Some Egyptians condemned the decision on social media, with the prominent April 6 protest group saying “Justice is a right” (in Arabic). The 33-year-old mother was a leading member of the So-

cialist Popular Alliance Party and was among about 40 activists who had gathered to lay wreaths in Tahrir Square to commemorate those who died during the 2011 uprising. At least 18 people including three police cadets were killed in clashes the day after Sabbagh’s death. Dozens of police officers who stood trial over the deaths of nearly 900 protesters during the 2011 uprising have been acquitted or received suspended sentences.

Iran’s Shi’ite stand: CESJET petitions US Embassy

ADEOLA TUKURU ABUJA

he Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has petitioned the United States Embassy in Abuja, over alleged attempts by the Iranian government to promote insurgency and undermine the sovereignty of Nigeria. CESJET in the petition dated February 3 2016 said the Shi’ite group had constituted itself into a parallel authority with no regards for the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The organisation, through its Diplomatic Affairs Representa-

Egypt overturns death sentence

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi

gypt’s highest court has annulled a 15-year jail sentence for a policeman accused of shooting dead a protester. A retrial has been ordered over the death of Shaimaa elSabbagh in January last year. Images of the frail figure dying on a Cairo street after being hit by birdshot sparked outrage in Egypt and around the world. Sabbagh was with activists

Chad’s President Idriss Deby has announced he will run for a fifth term in April’s elections. Deby took power in a coup in 1990 and later introduced elections. A referendum in 2005 scrapped a clause restricting presidents to two terms, but Mr Deby said that if he gets re-elected he will reinstate it. In the last year, Burundi, Rwanda and Congo-Brazzaville have all changed their constitutions to allow their presidents to run for office again. Deby said yesterday that reinstating term limits would provide vitality to the democracy. “We must limit terms, we must not concentrate on a system in which a change in power becomes difficult,” he told the ruling party. “In 2005 the constitutional reform was conducted in a context where the life of the nation was in danger,” he added.

Republicans trade blows over debate The Republican candidates for president traded sharp blows over foreign policy and the future of the Supreme Court in an often unruly and chaotic debate. After Iowa and New Hampshire, the race has now moved to South Carolina before the 20 February primary. Front-runner Donald Trump repeatedly tangled with Texas Senator Ted Cruz and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush in a series of tense exchanges. The lively audience repeatedly jeered and booed the candidates. As the candidates shouted down and interrupted each other, CBS moderator John Dickerson warned: “We’re in danger of driving this into the dirt.” Trump said he would work with Congress to penalise companies, which move factories and jobs to Mexico. He also clashed with Bush over the war in Iraq and President George Bush’s role during the September 11 attacks.

Prison riot leaves scores dead Dozens of people are reported to have been killed in a riot and a fire at a prison in northern Mexico. The riot at the Topo Chico jail near the city of Monterrey broke out just after midnight on Wednesday. Smoke was seen billowing from the complex but officials in Nuevo Leon state say the situation is now under control and no prisoners have escaped. Crowds of people worried about relatives inside the jail blocked roads outside, demanding information. “I want to know that my daughter is OK. She is in the infirmary. There are children in there,” one woman said. The incident comes just days before Pope Francis is due to visit a prison in the northern city of Ciudad Juarez, an area notorious for violence between drugs cartels.

North

Monday, February 15, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Court summons INEC over PDP’s exclusion in Plateau re-run JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

Cross-section of some of the 275 detainees released by the Nigerian Army to Borno State government after being cleared of belonging to Boko Haram terrorists group in Maiduguri, at the weekend.

Katsina set to recover N5bn from tax defaulters

JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

special court has been set up by Katsina State government to recover N5 billion from tax defaulters in the state. Speaking with newsmen yesterday, executive chairman of the state’s Board of Internal Revenue, Aminu Danrabbati, said the measure was taken after several letters sent to defaulters to pay monies they owed. Danrabbati said except for a few that honoured the letters, several of the

defaulters were yet to settle their taxes, which had accumulated over months and years. He said when the court commences operation, defaulting individuals and organisations would appear before it, warning that those who fail to do so would be prosecuted. “We will soon start to invite defaulting individuals and organisations to appear before the court, and we have engaged a competent lawyer for recovery of the debt,” he said. He however lamented failure by some wealthy

individuals and organisations to pay taxes into the coffers of the state government. He said government could not provide needed social amenities if such shy away from paying their taxes as at when due. Danrabbati said the setting of the special court would assist the state government to meet its targeted revenue of N16 billion for this year. He said the board has engaged the services of a consultant for the training of staff of the board for better performance.

District head, 10 others injured in Gombe communal clash WILLIAMS ATTAH GOMBE

leven persons were yesterday rushed to Gombe State Specialist Hospital after a reported clash between Kinafa and Gwani villages in YamaltuDeba Local Government Area of the state over farmland. However, the district head of Kinafa, Mohammed Musa Inuwa, who has been severely wounded and unable to walk, told newsmen at the hospital that there was no clash between his people and the people of Gwani as there was no retaliation after they were attacked. According to him, all persons now receiving treatment at the hospital were from Kinafa village. He explained that after the two communities had a settle-

ment over the disputed land last week, the Gwani people mobilised over 30 youths, who pounced on him with assorted local weapons, insisting there would never be peace unless the district head of Kinafa was eliminated. But speaking on the matter, care-taker committee chairman of YamaltuDeba Local Government Area, Haruna Mohammed Samanja, said his attention was drawn around 9am over the dispute and on reaching Kinafa, he was told that eight persons, including the district head of Kinafa were brought to the hospital after the clash. He said, however, three people from Gwani village were also injured and taken to the hospital after the clash in which victims sustained machete cuts, adding

that two of the victims have been rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, for special attention, while two others would also be operated upon at the specialist hospital. While insisting that calm has returned to the area after their intervention, the chairman explained that the disputed land belongs to government but that two ends of the land fell on both communities. He explained further that government always allow the farmers to use the land for dry season farming but that with this development, the local government authority has put in measures, including establishing a police post in the area to bring to an end the lingering feud between the two sister communities who speak the same Tera local dialect.

He said the consultant would also commence the enumeration of tax payers across the state. He said: “The consultant would also conduct atomisation of the operation of the board to improve our performance in revenue generation.” He said the board has been able to block avenues of corruption among the staff, and that as a motivation, each revenue officer would be given two per cent of the amount of revenue collected.

ederal High Court in Jos, Plateau State capital, has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to appear before it within 72 hours and show cause why the court should not restrain it from excluding the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in taking part in the forthcoming re-run election for Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State, scheduled for February 20, 2016. The order was given by Justice D. V. Agishi at the weekend. PDP’s state organising secretary, Michael Dachom, who confirmed the development to National Mirror yesterday, said the court’s summons had already been served on the electoral body, while the case has been adjourned to Tuesday, February 16, 2016. It would be recalled that INEC had last week fixed February 20 for rerun and supplementary elections in three state constituencies, including Langtang South, Pankshin North and South state constituencies, but excluded the PDP in the case of Langtang South, a development which made the party to ap-

proach the court for redress. Meanwhile, the INEC has approved the use of continuous accreditation and voting during the rerun and supplementary elections in the state. With the approval, both accreditation and voting will take place simultaneously in the three affected constituencies of Langtang South, Pankshin North and Pankshin South local government areas of the state. Deputy Director/ Head, Voter Education of INEC, Mr. Osaretin Imahiyereobo, in a statement issued in Jos at the weekend, said the approved procedure shall commence at 8am and close at 2pm. The statement further reads: “The commission wishes to state that only voters with valid permanent voter cards and who voted at their polling units in the 2015 elections will be allowed to vote. “Card readers will be deployed for the elections and the use of temporary voter cards will not be allowed. “Security has been put in place to arrest and prosecute underage voters and those who impersonate by using cards not belonging to them.

NMA faults salary scam allegation against members PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

iger State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has faulted media reports alleging involvement of its members in salary scam by earning above their entitlement in the ongoing workers verification exercise in the state. In a statement jointly signed by state chairman of the association, Dr. Usman Abubakar Abdullahi, the secretary, Dr. Jibril, and public relations officer, Dr. Wey George, and made available to National Mirror, the state’s NMA said in what appears to be a preliminary report or findings of the firm handling the exercise, five permanent secretaries, four of whom are revered senior members of the as-

sociation, were alleged to have been involved in the allegation. The association explained that though it fully supports the conduct of the exercise to sanitise the workforce, as made known earlier through communication by the Forum of Health Workers in the state, the gravity of the allegations against its members needs to be clarified. It said, currently, none of the four permanent secretaries in question is earning up to N1.3 million monthly as alleged, but that they receive less than what they are supposed to be paid as the state government is still paying 80 per cent CONMESS since 2010 when the salary scale was approved for doctors. The permanent secretaries, according to the association, do not compute, involve or interfere with

the computation of their salaries as relevant circulars and guidelines are available to relevant authorities responsible for salaries. Aside from their administrative services as permanent secretaries, according to the statement, the four are engaged in other services, where they earn additional professional allowances outside their monthly salaries. Said the association: “That these medical elders and specialists, aside their administrative services as permanent secretaries also render clinical services diligently in both Ibrahim Babangida Specialist Hospital and the General Hospital, Minna, including call duty, teaching, surgeries, ward rounds, attend emergencies etc, are to earn, in addition, these professional allowances.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Formerly known and addressed as Alhaji Mudashir Ajao Jimoh Balogun, now wish to be known and addressed as Alhaji Mudashir Ajao Jimoh. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ADEBAYO: I, formerly known and addressed as ADEBAYO TEMITOPE EUNICE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MAJASAN TEMITOPE EUNICE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AKAMO BALIKIS OPEYEMI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AKANDE BALIKIS OPEYEMI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly addressed and known as Miss Francis Gift Modupe now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Otitoju Gift Modupe. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunmodede Lateefat Nike now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Popoola Lateefat Nike. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Solomon Oluwatosin Sunday Olubunmi Olutoki now wish to be known and addressed as Olayiwola Solomon Oluwatosin Sunday Bunmi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Sunday Atinuke Shola is the same person known as Miss Jegede Atinuke Shola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Lawal Atinuke Shola. All former documents remain valid. First bank, Sterling bank and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly addressed and known as Miss Gbadeyan Abigael Aderonke now wish to be known and called as Mrs Akinleye Abigael Aderonke. All former documents remain valid,National Youth Service Crops (NYSC) and general public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Jimoh Bukola Tawakalit now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Bamikole Bukola Tawakalit. All former documents remain valid, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTB), Access Bank Plc, National Youth Service Crops (NYSC)and general public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Mr. IGBOKOYI TAIWO SAMUEL now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. SAMUEL TAIWO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, former known and addressed as Miss Loretta Emiemiwe Oba now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Loretta Emiemiwe Iheanacho. All former documents remain valid. General public, please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Adegboyega Biodun Kemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Abiodun Elizabeth Olabode. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, MRS KEMASUODE AARON AARONBA TUBOBERE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN, CALLED AND BE ADDRESSED AS MRS KEMASUODE AARONBA TUBOBERE HENCEFORTH. FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. NYSC AND GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formaly known and addressed as Miss Rejoice Bayor Harrison now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rejoice Solomon Harrison A. All former documents remain valid, general public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME / CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Osifo Doris, now wish to be known and addressed as Adetoyinbo Doris. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS HASSAN ALIU BABATUNDE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN, CALLED AND BE ADDRESSED AS MOHAMMED JUBREEL HENCEFORTH. FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITY CONCERN AND GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeyemi. O. Olabisi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Sodiq Taiwo Basirat. All former documents remain valid. Access bank and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Known and addressed as Miss Bamgbose Suliat Ajoke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Idowu Suliat Ajoke Sarah. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Durosinmi Fatimo Adetoun now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Busari Fatimo Adetoun. All former documents remain valid. Nysc and General public take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to certified that Martins Ololade is the same one person as Komolafe Ololade Olajide, that henceforth wish to be known and called as Komolafe Ololade Olajide. All former documents remain valid,and general public should please take note.

This is to certified that Adelabu Oluwaseyi Michael is the same one person as Adelabu Oluseyi Mike, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Adelabu Oluseyi Mike. All former documents remain valid, First Bank of Nigeria Plc,Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public should please take note.

44 CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly addressed and known as Sylvester Madefa Morris now wish to be addressed and known as Sylvanus Hamza. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. OJIAKOR CHINENYE OLUEBUBE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EZE CHINENYE OLUEBUBE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, former known and addressed as Miss Loretta Emiemiwe Oba now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Loretta Emiemiwe Iheanacho. All former documents remain valid. General public, please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Monday, February 15, 2016

CHANGE OF NAME

ODOH: FORMERLY known and addressed as KINGSLEY FABIAN NOW wish to be known and addressed as MONDAY PADRO ODOH. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to confirm that UDUAK ETIM and UDUAK ETIM EFFIONG refer to as one and same person. All documents reflecting any of the stated names remain valid. General public should take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS JOLAOLUWA GBEMISOLA AYINKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLUWOLE GBEMISOLA AYINKE JOLAOLUWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

H ‎ APPINESS : FORMERLY known and addressed as HAPPINESS ETEUDO NKANTA NOW wish to be known and addressed as MRS HAPPINESS SAMUEL . All former documents remain valid. FIRST BANK PLC, UNION BANK PLC and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

MARTHA: FORMERLY known and addressed as MISS OKORIE MARTHA ONYINYE NOW wish to be known and addressed as MRS NWAGU MARTHA ONYINYE . All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Husein Karimot Oluwapomile, now wish to be known and addressed as sulaimon karimot Oluwapo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known addressed as George Igwe Chika Now to be known and addressed as Felix Igwe Chika. Former documents remain valid. General public take note

Formally known as Ibraheem Risikat Bolanle now wishes to be addressed as Ajao Risikat Bolanle. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Hellen Shedrack now wish to be addressed as Helen Ogecha Sani.All former documents remain valid,general public take note

Formerly DAWODU BOSEDE OLADUNNI ESTHER now want to be called, known and addressed as DAWODU BOSEDE OLADUNNI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Abel Ezekiel Onumiya, now wish to be known and addressed as Abraham Calvin Okafor. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY known and addressed as ADENUGA MOTUNRAYO NOW which to be known and addressed as MRS OGUNSANYA MOTUNRAYO. All former documents remain valid NYSC AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ajanaku Kafayat Temitayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Adaramaja kafayat Temitayo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEBAYO ADEBANKE FUNMILADE, now wish to be known and addressed as ODERINDE ADEBANKE FUNMILADE. All former documents remain valid. WEMA BANK PLC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

TEMITAYO : Formerly known and addressed as TEMITAYO OLUBUNMI ADEYEYE now wish to be known and addressed as TEMITAYO OLUBUNMI SERIKI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY known and addressed as MISS SOLIU LATIFAT OLADELE NOW which to be known and addressed as MRS HASSAN LATIFAT OLADELE. All former documents remain valid and GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to confirm that i am one and same person bearing Williams Cusmas and Akua Cusmas Fanen now Akua Cusmas fanen born on I5th of August 1997. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OTUNU HUMPHREY SUCCESS IJEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUAMANAM SUCCESS IJEOMA.‎ All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

This is to notify the general public and authorities concerned that my name was wrongly written as RAPULUCHUKWU PASCHAL AKUJIEZE instead of the correct name as RAPULUCHUKWU PASCHAL CHUKWUDI AKUJIEZE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

MERCY: THIS IS TO CONFIRM THAT MERCY BASSEY EFFIONG AND MERCY BASSEY ISONG REFER TO ONE AND SAME PERSON. ALL DOCUMENTS REFLECTING ANY OF THE STATED NAMES REMAIN vALID AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS ONE PERSON. BANKS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

SEKINAT: Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Sekinat Amope Okuwobi now wish to be known anf addressed as Mrs Sekinat Mopelola Okuwobi Dada. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME AKPEDE: Formerly known and addressed as Akpede Rita now wish to be known and addressed as EKO RITA EJIRO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

OLORIEGBE: Formerly known and addressed as Oloriegbe Stanley Afe now wish to be known and addressed as Stanley Afe Agunloye. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

The general qublic is hereby informed that No. 11, Okan Street, Chevron Housing Estate, Satellite Town, Lagos, was allocated to Mr Richard Ademola Owolabi, that the Deed of Assignment issued to him by CHEVRON OIL COMPANY LTD got lost in transit and all effort to trace the said document proved abortive, The general public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Bankole Azeezat Omowunmi now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Bankole Omowunmi Oluwajuwon. All former documents remain valid. General Public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to confirm and certify that Benson Oyedele AKINPITAN and Benson O. AKINPITAN refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Benson Oyedele AKINPITAN.All former documents remain valid.Eco Bank, General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY known and addressed as MR MUJAIDU SALAMI NOW which to be known and addressed as MR ONABANJO SAMUEL TALE. All former documents remain valid FIRST BANK.AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Onyemaechi Chukwuka Dickson, now wish to be known and addressed as Onyemaechi Moses Ogorchukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLORUNNISOLA:Formerly known and addressed as MISS OLORUNNISOLA TITILAYO BUSAYO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MAYAKI TITILAYO BUSAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note RECONCILIATION OF NAME This is to reconcile that I, ABEL NGOZI BLESSING is one and the same person as OHIAGBARA NGOZI CLARA, All former documents bearing the above names are mine and valid. GTBank, Access Bank and the general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

MUHAMMED: Formerly known and addressed as Miss MUHAMMED RISIKAT AYODELE now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. MUHAMMAD-LUKMAN RISIKAT A. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I,FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OMOTOYO SELINAH OMOLERE,NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS JONATHAN ABIGAIL OMOTOLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. PLEASE, GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

ODUMEGWU: Formerly known and addressed as ODUMEGWU CHINEDU OKWUDILI now wish to be known anf addressed as ODUMEGWU STANISTLUX OKWUDILI . All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS FELIX BELLO, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN, CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS FELIX AJILEYE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I,FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BRIMAH ALIYU, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS GARBA ABRAHAM ALIYU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. PLEASE, GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Gunmen kidnap commissioner’s mother in Rivers mation and Communications, Dr. Austin TamGeorge. Madam Tam-George was kidnapped at GeorgeAma, in Okrika, Okrika Local Government Area of the state on her way from church.

J ‎ IBRIL: FORMERLY known and addressed as JIBRIL ISHOLA MOHAMMED NOW wish to be known and addressed as JIBRIL DANJUMA MOHAMMED. All former documents remain valid. ECO BANK PLC, FIRST BANK PLC and General public should please take note.

HAMISU: FORMERLY known and addressed as HAMISU SAFIYANU NOW wish to be known and addressed as HAMISU SAFIYANU ZANGO . All former documents remain valid. FIRST BANK PLC and General public should please take note.

Confirming the abduction of his mother, the commissioner said the Septuagenarian was kidnapped at about 3.30pm. He said: “Yes, my mother was kidnapped on her way from church, at about 3.30pm. “She is 85 years old and her name is Patience. I am appealing to her abductors to release my mother unhurt. My mother is a harmless woman; she cannot hurt anyone.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ajibola Mopelola Abolore, now wish to be known and addressed as Olanlokun Mopelola Abolore. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as NGOZI USUWAH, now wish to be known and addressed as NGOZI USUWAH NDUBUISI. All former documents remain valid. UBA, DIAMOND, First Bank NIG Plc, and general public take note.

Dennis naku

Port Harcourt

unmen yesterday kidnapped the 85 years old Madam Patience Tam George, mother of Rivers State Commissioner for InforCHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Muhammed Abduladir now wish to be known and addressed as Mohammed Abdulqadir. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Miss Ayorinde Omowumi Mercy now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ojo Omowumi Mercy. All former documents remain valid. General public to please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OSHODI: I, formerly known and addressed as OSHODI ADEYINKA TAIWO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. KOMOLAFE ADEYINKA TAIWO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as JAYEOBA OLUMIDE VICTOR NOW which to be known and addressed as JAYEOBA AYODEJI OLUWASEGUN all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY MISS ABERUAGBA KEHINDE ENIOLA NOW which to be known and addressed as MRS ONYEAGU PETERS KEHINDE ENIOLA. All former documents remain valid GT BANK,ZENITH BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ODIA OTIBHOR TESSY, now wish to be known and addressed as OFONMHAN OTIBHOR THERESA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Miss Rejoice Adaobi Obi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Rejoice Debekeme. All former documents remain valid. General public to please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Afolabi Aminat Olajumoke now wish to be addressed and called as Mrs Lawal Aminat Olajumoke. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY known and addressed as MISS BAMIDELE TITILOPE ABOSEDE NOW which to be known and addressed as MRS OGUNLANA TITILOPE ABOSEDE all former documents remain valid NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ODELADE RUKAYAT ADUKE NOW which to be known and addressed as MRS OGUNSANU RUKAYAT ADUKE. All former documents remain valid and general PUBLIC NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss OLADELE RAFAT DASOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. ABDULRASHEED RAFAT DASOLA,. ALL former documents remain valid. general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ODIDI: Formerly known and addressed as MISS ODIDI ATIEME FORTUNE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UDUMORIE ATIEME FORTUNE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public take note

EGWEKHIDE: Formerly known and addressed as MISS EGWEKHIDE EVADUA HELEN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IDODO EVADUA HALEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss KUNNU THERESA AFOLAKE, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. GIWA THERESA AFOLAKE. All former documents remain valid. general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OMOLARA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Omolara Damilola Olowoake now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Omolara Damilola Lufadeju. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

AJOSE: Formerly known and addressed as Mr Ajose Oyediran now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Ajose Augustus Babatunde. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

ABU: This is to confirm that ABU KHAMA and ABU VICTOR KHAMASON refer to one and same person, now which to be known and addressed as ABU VICTOR KHAMASON. also my date of birth 16th December 1969 All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid.general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OLUFADEJU: Formerly known and addressed as Olufadeju Olusegun Ayotomi now wish to be known and addressed as Lufadeju Joseph Olusegun. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

NNAEMEKA: Formerly known and addressed as Nnaemeka Anuforo now wish to be known and addressed as .Nnaemeka Chekwube Essumai All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ADESHINA: I, formerly known and addressed as ADESHINA OLAMILEKAN LUKMAN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADESHINA LUKMAN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Emah Samson Augustine now wish to be addressed as Emmanuel Idoto Augustine.All former documents remain valid,general public take note CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY known and addressed as PASTOR OMOTAYO ADETOLA OLULANA NOW which to be known and addressed as PASTOR OMOTAYO ADETOLA OGUNLANA. All former documents remain valid . GT BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ofoh Sarah Omosioni , now wish to be known and addressed as Oluwole Sarah Omosioni. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as AKANJI BABATUNDE OLABISI, now wish to be known and addressed as AKANJI JOHN OLABISI. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank and general public take. note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ODULAJA : Formerly known and addressed as ODULAJA AMOKE now wish to be known and addressed as AMOKE AREMU All former documents remain valid. General public take note CONFIRMATION OF NAME

ABEL: This is to confirm that AMOS ABEL JUSTO and ABEL SEWEDO AMOS. refer to one and same person. Henceforth wish to be known and addressed as ABEL SEWEDO AMOS. All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid and should be treated as one person. Banks and the general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ECHEBIRI: Formerly known and addressed as Echebiri Ogechi Isabella now wish to be known and addressed as Echebiri Ogechi Joy All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and address as MISS ALIMI RAKIYAH ADEOLA, now wish to be known and address as MRS RAKIYAH ADEOLA ALIMI. All formal documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, February 15, 2016

Sport We can still get out of the relegation waters. It’s a matter of having selfbelief and keeping on fighting.

Martins joins China cash train

–Aston Villa striker, Jordan Ayew

Super Eagles’ Coach Sunday Oliseh (m) during his unveiling last year

‘Oliseh’s Super Eagles’ job intact’ RichaRd Ndoma Calabar

ports Minister, Solomon Dalung, yesterday said that the ministry lacks the power to sack Super Eagles Coach Sunday Oliseh, following the coach’s alleged outburst against Nigerians last week. Dalung, who made the clarification at the end of a three-day National Council on Sports held at Tinana Business Resort, said his ministry did not employ Oliseh. “It is not our responsibility to do that,” the minister said. “In any case, why do we need to do that? Is it for losing just one match. Let us not be too much in a hurry to always demand the sack of any coach. “I cannot agree that they

should sack him because of the alleged outburst on Youtube which, as you know, can be fabricated.” The minister also charged state governments to invest part of their security votes on sports development with a view to helping to curtail crime rates in Nigeria. “Any government that does not fully engage the youth especially in sports is at risk,” he further said, while cautioning sports commissioners and other administrators in the country to shun corruption in order that investors could be attracted. “We must do all that is possible to attract investors to our states and country to help us build sports infrastructure and train our sports men and women,” he concluded.

NSF: C’River may lose hosting right RichaRd Ndoma Calabar

ports Minister, Solomon Dalung, has threatened to withdraw hosting right given to Cross River State to host the 19th National Sports Festival if the state defaults in its preparation. Dalung, who bared his mind in Calabar over the weekend, warned that the lukewarm attitude of the state would no longer be tolerated. “From now on, we will monitor Cross River State’s preparation closely,” the minister said. “The ministry already has mechanism on the ground to grant the right to any state that is ready,” he added, stressing, “The state should inform us in time about their possible challenges so that we can see how to intervene.” The minister charged Cross River

government to source sponsors and marketers to help the state to host a successful competition. Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development in Cross River, Comrade Asu Okang, assured that the state was ready to host the sports festival. “We will not disappoint Nigerians,” Okang said.

Dalung

Sports

Monday, February 15, 2016

Why I chose Wolfsburg –Osimhen

EPL results Arsenal Aston Villa Man City Sunderland Bournemouth Crystal Palace Everton Norwich City Swansea City Chelsea

2-1 0-6 1-2 2-1 1-3 1-2 0-1 2-2 0-1 5-1

Leicester City Liverpool Tottenham Man United Stoke City Watford West Brom West Ham Southampton Newcastle

loden Eaglets star, Victor Osimhen, admits he chose VfL Wolfsburg over Arsenal. Osimhen, 17, has agreed to join the Bundesliga giants next January as he cannot sign a pro deal until he turns 18 in December. “It’s true that a big team like Arsenal wanted me and I feel honoured to be invited over,” Osimhen told BBC. “But personally I feel Wolfsburg is a ladder for me to reach my professional goals. “Yes Arsenal is a good team for young players but Wolfsburg is the best club for me. “This the best place for me to learn and develop because my heart is here with Wolfsburg. “The club’s plan for my career is very encouraging and I believe with God on my side I can grow to become one of the best players in the world.

Arsenal’s hero, Danny Welbeck, waving to the crowd after the match yesterday

Welbeck re-ignites Arsenal’s EPL dream

ack in action after 10 months out with a knee injury, Danny Welbeck yesterday made a decisive impact off the bench as the Gunners moved to within two points of league leaders Leicester City. In the dying seconds of added time, Welbeck rose high to glance in Mesut Ozil’s free-kick and send 60, 000 supporters into delirium as Arsenal came from behind to win 2-1. What a story for Welbeck, on as a secondhalf substitute for his first appearance since last April following a dreadful time with knee problems. His ecstatic celebrations reflected the release of that frus-

tration as much as the joy of such an important winner. As Arsenal celebrated at the final whistle as though they had just won the title, Welbeck was at the heart of it, mobbed by team-mates, his hair ruffled by coaching staff, a smile so genuine and infectious it would disarm even the most hardened cynic. The reality for Arsenal is that there is a long way to go, 12 games in fact, and they are two points behind Leicester, ready to pounce on any slip-up as the four-horse title race promises to continue for a while longer. This was far from a convincing performance against a Leicester side

forced to play with 10 men for more than 35 minutes after Danny Simpson was sent-off for two bookings in the space of four minutes. Yet results are all that matters in the run-in for Arsenal. Manager Arsene Wenger has been hampered by injury problems all season so it was significant that, with most of his squad now fully fit, two substitutes turned the game on its head. Theo Walcott was the first, sliding in from close range in the 70th minute after running on to a lovely cushioned header from Olivier Giroud. The fact that it was the Gunners’ first shot on target showed how the hosts had struggled

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Osimhen

Spurs ride City at Etihad T ottenham Hotspur yesterday moved to within two points of Premier League leader Leicester as Christian Eriksen struck a late winner at fourth-placed Manchester City. Visiting striker Harry Kane fired home from the spot in the second half after Tottenham’s Harry Kane striking his goal yesterday

Raheem Sterling was controversially penalised for handball. City midfielder Yaya Toure struck a 20-yard freekick against the bar before teenage substitute Kelechi Iheanacho levelled. But Spurs earned a fifth league win in a row as Eriksen slotted in.

The Dane was played through on goal by substitute Erik Lamela to coolly finish, after Iheanacho had shot high into the net to restore parity. City won 21 points from their opening nine league games but have claimed just 26 points from their subsequent 17 matches. They are six points off the Premier League summit after losing two consecutive home league matches for the first time since December 2008, and have lost ground to Arsenal and Tottenham, who are in third and second respectively. City know the gap is not insurmountable, having been eight points behind Manchester United in April 2012 before snatching the Premier League title on the final day.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Monday, February 15, 2016

Transfer

Martins joins China cash train

Nationwide clubs shun registration

Pinnick

majority of clubs mainly from the north have shunned registering for the new Nationwide League One season, demanding instead that a congress be called to study the finances of the league. It is almost a month since the January 18 deadline for clubs to register for the new season, but a good number of the clubs have ignored the deadline as they continue to cry out over a hike in registration fees and a lack of transparency in the accounts of the country’s third-tier championship. “The clubs do not have confidence in the league and that is why we have not bothered the register for the new season,” one of the club owners who

Martins

eports yesterday said former Super Eagles striker, Obafemi Martins, has joined Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua from Seattle Sounders in the Major Soccer League (MLS). The reports however said both Seattle Sounders and Shanghai Shenhua were yet to announce the move. Last season, Martins netted 15 goals for Seattle in the MLS. The much-traveled striker, who was recently linked with struggling English Premier League side Aston Villa, has also played for Inter Milan (Italy), Newcastle, Birmingham City (England), Rubin Kazan (Russia), Wolfsburg (Germany) and Levante (Spain). Several top African stars like Asamoah Gyan of Ghana and Gervinho of Cote d’Ivoire have opted for lucrative offers in China.

Venus clinches Taiwan Open title

Venus Williams

op-seeded Venus Williams overpowered Misaki Doi of Japan 6-4, 6-2 yesterday to win the Taiwan Open without dropping a set in the tournament. Williams saved six of nine break points in her first meeting against the second-seeded Doi. The seven-time major winner, a surprise first-round loser at the Australian Open last month, earned her 49th career WTA title. “I’ve had so much success in Asia,” Williams said after the match, having won her last two titles in China, adding, “I feel like it’s very lucky to play here.” The former number one won the final three games to take the first set and lost just two

craved anonymity said: “We have asked many questions and we have not received answers to these questions. “For instance, where are the audited accounts for the past four years?” Another top club official said the only way forward is for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to call an emergency congress for some of these salient issues to be discussed rather than for some individuals to try and sweep them under the carpet. “A congress has to be called for these vexed issues to be addressed fully,” the official said, stressing, “A handful of people can’t just continue to hold those who run these clubs with their hard-earned cash to ransom.”

more games to win the final in just under 90 minutes. “The last five days were so exciting, just to feel the enthusiasm and to play great tennis every day,” Williams further said, stressing, “It was perfect week for me and the tournament did an amazing job with everything; the players and fans felt so welcome, so it was perfect.” Doi was bidding for her second WTA career title following last year’s win in Luxembourg. In doubles, hometown favorites Chan Yung-Jan and Chan Hao-Ching won their first title of 2016, defeating Japanese duo Eri Hozumi and Miyu Kato, 6-4, 6-3.

WORLD RECORD

Most piercings in a lifetime (female) Vol. 05 No. 1307 Monday, February 15, 2016

N150

Since first receiving a skin piercing in January 1997, Elaine Davidson (Brazil/UK) has been pierced a total of 4,225 times as of 8 June 2006.

Nigerian democracy and the grey-haired arbiters

had always regarded American democracy as the most liberal and rule-compliant in the world until the 2000 presidential election, which pitted the then incumbent Democratic Vice President Al Gore against the then Republican governor of Texas George W. Bush. With the two candidates running neck to neck as the votes poured in, the final resting direction of the electoral pendulum was hinged on how the vote went in Florida, where Bush Jr.’s brother Jeb, was governor. With this apparent reality, ambition and base instincts replaced decorum and the pursuit of fairness, hallmarks of the US electoral process. Bush was helped by powerful vested interests to win that election. The rest is history. This short anecdote is always my consolation when putting electoral conflicts in Nigeria in context. “If the almighty America, the quintessential liberal democracy, could falter on the enforcement of and compliance with political

HeartBeat Callistus Oke

Callistusoke@nationalmirroronline.net 08054103275 (SMS ONLY) anthonykila@mail.com best practices after 224 years of independence, the failure of a political toddler like Nigeria, still being fed the nourishing milk of democracy, is excusable”, was my usual refrain. This refrain again came handy recently when the Supreme Court of Nigeria handed out its rulings in the Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Abia states’ electoral cases, and others brought before it. In these four cases in particular, the APC angled for the upturn of the gubernatorial victories of the opposition PDP. Indeed, the stakes were very high for the combatants. Victory for the belligerent APC would have consolidated both its unassailable dominance of the nation’s political space and provided it access to robust quantum of useful resources. The resource incentive for victory was not obvious to me until Chief John Oyegun, national chairman of the ruling APC, rued the loss of Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom states, all major oil producing states. Interestingly, the rulings of the apex court in the two APC dominated Yobe and Oyo states’ governorship tussle, which upheld the election of Governor Ibrahim Gaidem and Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Yobe and Oyo states respectively, attracted less contestation; perhaps, largely on account of their non-oil status, The mixed reactions that dogged the Supreme Court’s rulings are to be expected given the closeted mindset of Nigerians on our self-centredness driven competitive politics. Like many other discerning Nigerians, I was initially puzzled by the positions of the greyhaired arbiters in the nation’s apex court. They were not in sync with popular imagination on

DEPLOYMENT OF

THE CARD READER, IRRESPECTIVE OF

ITS SHORTCOMINGS, SIGNIFICANTLY MEDIATED LIKELY POST ELECTION IMPLOSIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY the much touted unwholesome conduct of the elections in those states. Of course, popular imagination in Nigeria is a product of selective perceptions arising from fixated mindsets on issues and events in the country. Even when conflicting results were coming out of the various election petitions tribunals and the appellate courts, any perceived damage done, many had reasoned, would be rectified at the Supreme Court. However, it was unexpectedly an anticlimax when the apex court ruled in favour of the governors of those states, where monstrous political chicaneries allegedly held sway. Dazzled and puzzled, I had raised my self-righteous indignations on the unexpected outcome with friends, some of who told me to think deeper in unravelling why the greyhaired arbiters in the apex court would affirm the victories of the four PDP governor rather than supplant them. This set me thinking.

I am a living witness to the palpable global anxieties and local worries over the 2015 general elections; there had existed doomsday prophecies waiting for fulfillment. The general election came and went, but Nigeria remained glued together against prediction, though weakened. I remember former United States ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Walter Carrington’s elation over what he called Nigeria’s “peaceful transfer of power through the ballot box”. To him, the development was “the most important milestone” on Nigeria’s march to an enduring democracy. If our American son-in-law could be passionate about the preservation of Nigeria, why not Nigeria’s topmost legal eggheads in the most sacred sanctuary of justice administration? So, it could be safely said that the higher ideal of national preservation offered better prospect for the nation than exacerbating the already unequal power equation in the country. On this, I doff my hat for our nation’s greatest legal avatars. However, having said this, I cannot but worry over the demonstrated readiness and willingness of our learned uncles and aunts to join the conspiracy to consign the card reader, one of our innovative contributions to continental and global democracy deepening process, to an irreverent contraption. This is how not to dampen the innovative spirit of our eggheads drafted from the academia to perfect our electoral management template. Not to worry Professor Attahiru Jega, the highly innovative immediate chairman of INEC. Both the permanent voter’s card and card reader will forever remain the legacy you bequeathed to your fatherland. Like you, our Supreme Court justices have proved to be innovative, but unlike you, they are conservatively innovative. Your invented card reader is too much for them to fully comprehend. Jega’s successor, Professor Mahmud Yakubu, has to move fast in engaging the relevant stakeholders on the way out of the circumscribed cul-de-sac. The deployment of the card reader, irrespective of its shortcomings, significantly mediated likely post election implosions across the country. It must not suffer untimely death.

Sport Extra

CAF Champions League: Enyimba blame bad luck for defeat

he People’s Elephants lost 1-0 to Vipers in their opening Caf Champions League fixture and Dare Ojo, midfielder, believes they would have won if

luck had smiled on them As reactions continue to trail Enyimba’s 1-0 loss to Vipers Sports Club in Friday’s CAF Champions League preliminary round, first leg tie, mid-

fielder has put the defeat down to ill luck at the Nakivubo Stadium.The former Kwara United defensive midfielder said the People’s Elephants actually deserved to beat the

Ugandans but feels luck let them down. Ojo, who netted eight goals in the last Nigeria Professional Football League last season stated that he relished the op-

portunity of making his continental debut and promised to always give his very best when called upon to star for the twotime Caf Champions League winners.

Anyansi-Agwu Emenike

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