Monday, August 13, 2012 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

FG to introduce duty waiver on IT components KUNLE AZEEZ

trong indications emerged at the weekend that the Federal

Johnson

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Government might soon introduce duty waivers on information technology hardware components imported by indigenous Original Equipment Manufac-

turers, OEMs. National Mirror gathered that the duty waiver, if introduced, would be directed at the indigenous CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

THE

BUSINESS

SECTION

Nigeria, most attractive for investment – World Bank

UBA appoints Okwechime, Duke as directors Free insi inside nsi siide de P.7,A5

Monday, August 13, 2012

FRONT PAGE COMMENT:

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Nigeria’s woeful performance at the London Olympics

he phenomenal failure of Nigeria to clinch a medal at the 2012 London Olympics, seen as the nation’s worst Olympics outing, was sealed with the defeat of Chika Chukwumerije in the men’s +80kg taekwondo event. Blessing Okagbare, an athlete on whom the nation banked heavily for medals, had performed disastrously in the women’s 100 metres event and failed to make it to

the final in long jump last Tuesday. Nigeria, however, broke the Olympic Games record of defeats with the 156-73 points bashing the country got from the United States men’s basketball team. The highest points in the game were posted in the 1988 Seoul Olympics when Brazil beat Egypt 138-135. The Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, last Thursday, expressed the Federal Government’s

disappointment at the dismal performance of ‘Team Nigeria’ at the event. Reviewing the disgraceful outing at the Nigeria House in Stratford, London, the minister was quoted as saying that poor preparations marred the country’s chances at the games. “Our inability to win any medal so far

Gunmen attack Catholic church ...as JTF kills 20 terrorists

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18>>

AYODELE OJO, INUSA NDAHI AND AZA MSUE

gain, gunmen yesterday attacked the All Saints Catholic Church, Kanoyel, Gombe State, killing a policeman who was on duty at the church. The presence of policemen on guard prevented massive casualties in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

INEC set for restructuring, says Jega P.13

Kogi: Low turnout of worshippers in churches P.4

Enforcement of Lagos traffic law begins next week P.8

Over 200 flagbearers at the closing ceremony of the London Olympics yesterday. Inset: L-R: IOC President Jacques Rogge, Prince Harry, the Duchess of Cambridge and LOCOG chairman Lord Sebastian Coe at the ceremony.

Budget: Reps reject FG’s explanation

P.2

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Monday, August 13, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Gunmen attack Catholic church CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

attack from the gun-totting terrorists. This attack came as the soldiers of Joint Task Force, JTF, in Borno State, killed 20 terrorists suspected to be Boko Haram sect members during an invasion and subsequent shootout in their hideout on Saturday night in Maiduguri, the state capital. It was learnt that the gunmen arrived at the church premises in Gombe when the parishioners were coming out of the early morning service and fired at the policemen. The source said the gunmen made futile attempts to gain entry into the church after the parishioners shut the gate. The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Williams Ochai, said that the gunmen opened fire on the policemen guarding the church during the mass. “As soon as the parishioners heard the gun shots, they immediately shut the gate to the church,” Ochai said. He, however, said one of the policemen died instantly while the other sustained serious injuries. Reacting to the incident, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Gombe State, Rev. Abare Kalla, described it as unfortunate. Kalla said CAN had information that there would be an attack, but did not know where it would occur. The chairman said that the aim of the attackers was to gain entry into the church but they could not succeed because of the fence. He confirmed that a policeman was killed in the incident while another sustained injuries. During the Maiduguri gun battle, one soldier was killed by the terrorists and two sustained bullet injuries in what appeared to be the greatest clampdown on the Islamic sect group, since the 2009 siege when scores were killed. A military source, who did not want his name mentioned, said that the invasion followed an intelligence report that the sect was meeting in one of their hideouts in the Maiduguri metropolis to plan an attack on the town. The meeting, the source said, was to map out strat-

egies for a massive attack, adding that if the JTF had not moved immediately, the town would have been on fire on Sunday. The JTF Field Operations Officer in Borno State, Col. Victor Ebhaleme, confirmed the siege on the phone to journalists yesterday. He said that 20 sect members were killed during the gun battle, one soldier was lost and two others sustained gunshot injuries. Ebhaleme said: “We got an intelligence report that some suspected Boko Haram terrorists were having a meeting at a particular location in the metropolis. “As we were approaching the venue of their meeting, the terrorists opened fire on the JTF, which led to a shootout and the killing of 20 of the terrorists, while we lost one soldier and two others who sustained injuries.” National Mirror recalled that the latest success followed the recovery of a cache of weapons which included nine rocket launchers from a hideout of the dreaded Boko Haram sect in the town late last week. As at the time of filling this report, checkpoints had been mounted on all major roads within the metropolis, just as there was no vehicular movement for almost two hours yesterday. Passersby were seen raising up their two hands as a sign of surrender. But the sect last night denied that the JTF killed 20 of its members. “They (JTF) only succeeded in killing innocent civilians. It is not possible for 20 of our members to sit in a volatile place and hold meeting...it is not possible,” said Abul Qaqa, the spokesman of the group. Qaqa, who spoke on the phone, said his group would not relent in its offensive until Sharia state “is established across Nigeria”. In Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, there was a clampdown by the JTF in the state on some hideouts of the Boko Haram sect yesterday, which caused panic in the town. The clampdown came just one week after a suicide bomber killed six soldiers and two civilians in the town. It was gathered from a military source that the

siege, which was on for about five hours, (between 6a.m. and 11a.m.), was on the sect’s hideouts at three locations – Bagandari, Powari and Pompomari. Though there was no official disclosure on the number of casualties, but some residents, who spoke to National Mirror claimed that about 20 persons, mostly members of the dreaded sect, were killed. A source, who did not want his name mentioned, said he saw over 10 corpses in a military truck on the way to the mortuary. Confirming the incident to newsmen, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Patrick Egbuniwe, said there was a shootout between soldiers and the sect members in part of the town.

The police commissioner confirmed that two suspects were killed during the shootout. He said: “Two insurgents were killed during an exchange of gunshots between the JTF operatives and suspected Boko Haram members.” The police chief added that calm has since returned to Damaturu and its environs. “As it is now, people are going about their normal activities,” he added. Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigerian, CAN, in the 19 northern states and Abuja yesterday called on President Goodluck Jonathan to resign from office over his alleged failure to stem the activities of the Boko Haram Islamic

sect in the region. “Jonathan has failed us Christians, he has failed Nigerians and he should resign as President because it is very clear that he is not capable of handling the danger posed by the Boko Haram insurgency,” CAN said. The umbrella body of the Christians alleged that the Federal Government had sacrificed Christians for Boko Haram and called on the international community to come to the aid of the northern Christians before they were exterminated. Boko Haram had at the penultimate weekend asked President Jonathan to resign and embrace Islam as one of the preconditions to end the insurgency in the North.

Jonathan, in his response through the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Dr. Reuben Abati, said he would not buckle to the demand of the sect, which he described as blackmail. CAN was reacting to President Jonathan’s comments explaining why the government could not crush Boko Haram. Jonathan was reported to have said that the members of the dreaded sect “are our siblings and you cannot set the Army to wipe out your family.” While expressing shock and disappointment at the statement, the Northern CAN, in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sunday Oibe, CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

L-R: Bishop of Zonkwa Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Jacob Kwashi; Bishop of Egba, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ogundeji; Bishop of Katsina, Rt. Rev. Jonathan Bamaiyi and Diocesan Bishop of Kaduna, Rt. Rev. Josiah Idowu-Fearon, at the first session of the 19th Synod thanksgiving service of the Diocese of Kaduna, in Kaduna State, yesterday.

Budget implementation: Reps reject FG’s explanation SOLA ADEBAYO WARRI

he House of Representatives yesterday insisted that the explanation of the Presidency on the implementation of the 2012 budget was unsatisfactory. Consequently, the lower chamber of the National Assembly described the statement by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, over the 2012 budget as “arrant rubbish.” The House, however, lamented that the Presidency was blackmailing the federal lawmakers, insisting that the National Assembly

would not succumb to intimidation and prevent it from compelling the executive arm of government to take the right steps to ensure the greater well-being of Nigerians. The House said it would review the position of the Presidency on the controversial budget as espoused by Okonjo-Iweala when it resumed from its vacation on September 16 and chart the next course of action. It will be recalled that the House had on July 19 threatened to impeach President Jonathan if he failed to achieve 100 per cent implementation of the 2012 budget by September. The House had also condemned alleged poor and

selective implementation of the 2012 budget by the Presidency. Okonjo-Iweala had appeared before the Senate on August 2, where she explained the position of the Presidency on the festering issue. A principal officer of the House, who spoke with our correspondent yesterday, said the House was not persuaded by the explanation offered by the finance minister during her appearance in the Senate. The principal officer, who did not want his name mentioned, said OkonjoIweala was being economical with the truth, adding that the Presidency had violated the law by not

faithfully implementing the budget. He also said it was cheap blackmail to allege that the House was demanding faithful implementation of the budget because the funds for the execution of the constituency projects had not been released to the federal legislators. He said: “The fact is that the explanation by the executive is not satisfactory. The explanation by the finance minister is not in tandem with the physical development statistics on the ground nationwide. “The minister is obviously not saying the truth. But we (Reps) are going to look at the minister’s preCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, August 13, 2012

Photo News

Monday, August 13, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Executive Director, Human Resources, Globacom, Mr. Adewale Sangowawa; author of the book, Mrs. Ugochi Oshai; Mrs. Uto Ukpannah and her husband Anieka, at the launch of the book, Bumps of Life: An African Tale, in Lagos at the weekend.

L-R: Chun and Retention Supervisor, Multichoice Nigeria, Ms. Dayo Otinwa; Best Active Subscriber, Rev. Father John Aniagwu and Branch Supervisor, MultiChoice Nigeria, Ms. Abisola Okunromade, during the Knock and Drop with Gift to DStv Loyal Subscriber, in Lagos at the weekend.

L-R: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Enterprise Bank Ltd, Mallam Ahmed Kuru; Commissioner of Police, Special Fraud Unit, Mr. Ayotunde Ogunsakin and Enterprise Bank Chief Inspector, Mr. Chuks Ekpunobi, during the commissioner’s visit to Enterprise Bank, recently.

L-R: 1st Deputy Vice President, Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria, Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu; doyen of accounting, Mr. Akintola Williams; ICAN President, Mr. Doyin Owolabi and Vice President, Mr. Kabir Mohammed, during the 93rd birthday ceremony of Akintola, in Lagos at the weekend.

National News

Okene massacre: Low turnout of worshippers in churches O MEIZA A JAYI ABUJA

ost churches in Okene in Kogi Central Senatorial District, where many people have been killed in recent times were deserted by worshippers yesterday for fear of attack from both hoodlums and men of the Joint Task Force, JTF. Apart from Okene, which has been in the heat of the crisis, churches in the nearby town of Ihima in Okehi Local Government Area were also deserted. At the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Oboroke-Ihima, which still conducted a one hour service, there were only about 60 worshippers in contrast to the average of 600 people that normally attend Sunday service at the Parish. In a related development, the political class in the zone has been thrown into confusion since the arrest of some politicians, including

•Fear grips Kogi politicians over arrest of colleagues

some aides of the state governor, Idris Wada over the killings. Some politicians are being fingered as the sponsors of the crisis, including some who were recently appointed by Governor Idris Wada. A former council boss in the area, who would not want his name mentioned for fear of possible attack, particularly fingered some politicians of being responsible for the recent upsurge of violence in the area. These politicians, he said, empowered thugs and placed them on their payroll, even as he urged security agents to arrest all those involved. According to him, most of those who should be questioned are mainly from the three local governments of Okene, Adavi and Okehi. “If they do not have anything to hide, why are they running? Some have fled the state to Lagos, Abuja and Benin,”

he added. Meanwhile, veteran broadcaster and pioneer Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Dr Aaze Tom Adaba has urged men of the JTF deployed in Okene, in the wake of the attack on the Deeper Life Church, to exercise restraint in its bid to smoke out the perpetrators of the at-

tack. Dr. Adaba, who is also the Ohi-etohueiyi of Ebiraland made the call yesterday in a chat with National Mirror. His call came amid growing resentment of the JTF by the residents who accuse the security operatives of looting their properties and beating up law abiding residents.

“It is not all of us that looked for trouble. So, we have pleaded with them to work with a human face and they have assured us that they will. However, we are still pleading with them to exercise restraint in the discharge of their duties,” he said. Another indigene of the area, Shaibu Stephen accused the secu-

rity operatives of trying to annihilate his people. He said: “I enjoin prominent people in Ebiraland to rise up and call the soldiers deployed here to do their work without causing harm to our people. Findings from a reliable source have it that the present soldiers in our locality do go along with a poisonous substance.”

Jega says de-registration of political parties is a continuous process

he chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said in Abuja yesterday that the Commission would continue to de-register political parties that failed to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act. Jega, who made the declaration at a forum of the News Agency of Ni-

geria, NAN, said that the Commission was empowered by law to de-register political parties. “The Constitution and the Electoral Act gave INEC the power to de-register political parties and we have commenced that process and it is ongoing. “So, until there is a change in the legislation, obviously, any political party that does not comply with the pro-

visions of the Electoral Act, we are obligated to de-register them. “So, it is an ongoing process. It’s a continuous process and we will do it. “I think there are very useful models of registration of political parties in other countries that we can learn from.” Jega said the Commission was determined to review the process of

registering political parties to ensure that they met certain conditions before they could field candidates for elective positions. According to him, INEC has already proposed some recommendations for constitutional amendment to vary the process of registration, while maintaining multiparty system of democracy.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Monday, August 13, 2012

FG set to introduce duty waiver on IT components CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

KUNLE AZEEZ

trong indications emerged at the weekend that the Federal Government might soon introduce duty waivers on information technology hardware components imported by indigenous Original Equipment Manufacturers, OEMs. National Mirror gathered that the duty waiver, if introduced, would be directed at the indigenous computer manufacturers, including Zinox, Omatek, Beta, Brian and Veda on their Complete-

ly Knocked Down computers parts shipped into the country for assembly. The indigenous OEMs have over the years been facing fierce competition from the foreign brands such as HP, Dell, Acer, among others, resulting in loss of substantial market share to the foreign brands. It was gathered that the impact of a harsh operating environment of the Nigerian computer makers, which had also shot up the cost of production, had made it extremely difficult for them to have competitive pricing for their products. Foreign brands, how-

ever, ship their computer brands into the country for sale, having enjoyed favourable government policies in their respective countries during production. Our correspondent learnt that as at 2011, about 500,000 computers had been manufactured and sold in Nigeria by indigenous firms, whereas foreign brands were said to have sold millions of their personal and desktop computers in the country. However, the indication that government was on the verge of introducing duty waiver for indigenous OEMs was given by the Minister of Communications

Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, in an interview with National Mirror in Lagos at the weekend. The minister, who was on a tour of Computer Village market in Lagos, reputed as the West Africa’s largest IT hub, expressed regret that most traders in the market still stock foreign computer brands. She told the traders that government would revive duty waiver for local OEMs, standardise their production and engender their patronage. Speaking with National Mirror on the phone yesterday, the Secretary-General

L - R Chief Imam of Apo Legislative Quarters Juma’at Mosque, Sheik Nura Khalid; Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Rev. John Onaiyekan and Most Rev. Donald Hanchon of Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit, United States, during the Inter-faith Peace Prayer and Iftar (breaking of fast) in Abuja, at the weekend. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Budget implementation: Reps reject FG’s explanation CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

sentation vis-à-vis the releases to the ministries and agencies. “A budget is a law of the country and we are bothered about how this government is violating the appropriation law. “The House of Representatives is not impressed about selective releases of the budget by the executive. We are not cajoled about the arguments of releases without cash-backing. It is the releases with cash-backing that is going to guide the House. “The House totally disagrees with the finance minister that the ministries and agencies lack the capacity to implement the budget. The truth of the matter is that the contractors are not being funded. “The House is not satisfied with the level of implementation of the budget. In as much as I’m quick to add that nobody is interested in impeaching Mr. President

but the law of the land must be implemented. “The issue of budget is the law of the country. The masses are bothered about the law of the country and it is absolute rubbish for anybody to insinuate that the House of Representatives is being used to achieve some pre-meditated motives, particularly to make the country ungovernable for President Jonathan. “The House comprised of capable hands and men and women of integrity who have sworn to an oath of allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and cannot be used by anybody for any self-seeking purpose.” According to him, “the priority is that we must differentiate good governance from blatant blackmail. The demand for thorough budget implementation is not only about constituency projects, it is about moving this country forward. “Nobody is interested

about impeaching him (Jonathan) but people are worried that the ministers decide to implement the appropriate law selectively, which is against the law and specifically the Appropriation Act. “Mr. President should call the minister of finance to order. Why is the finance minister withholding the funds meant for development projects by the various ministries? “The argument by the minister that no country has ever achieved 100 per cent implementation of the budget is the greatest joke of the year. So you abandon the implementation of the appropriation law because no country has ever achieved 100 per cent budget implementation? And because of that myopic excuse, you leave half of the budget. “The fact is that the executive is running out of steam. Nobody wants to impeach Mr. President but

Mr. President must touch the lives of Nigerians that voted us into power. “We are going to look at their (Presidency) arguments holistically when we resume on September 16. We are going to examine if their actions respect the rule of law and due process. Nobody is desperate to impeach Mr. President but Mr. President should counsel and warn some ministers, who are behaving as if they are above the law,” added the principal officer, who pleaded that his name should not be mentioned in print. It will be recalled that that Okonjo-Iweala while at the Senate on August 2, admitted that the 2012 budget had only been implemented by 14 per cent. But contrary to her earlier position that it was impossible to implement a budget 100 per cent, she assured that the budget would be implemented fully by year end.

of the Computer and Allied Products Dealers Association of Nigeria, Mr. John Oboro, attributed the slow growth of indigenous computer brands to government’s failure in introducing favourable policies to engender the growth of the

OEMs. Oboro argued that in other countries, such as the United States, in spite of their development, zero duty regime was placed as part of measures to sustain the growth of indigenous IT firms.

Gunmen attack Catholic church CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

said Nigerians should now know better why the notorious group had continued to thrive and get away with their murderous activities. “So the President is not bothered about the killing of Christians and other Nigerians! Is it because Christians are not members of this family he is talking about? So, the security agents who are being killed by the Boko Haram are not members of this family?” the Christian association asked. CAN recalled that during the Obasanjo administration, decisive actions were taken when soldiers were being killed in some communities. The association, therefore, decried the approach of the Jonathan government in this regard. The statement reads in part: “Every Nigerian can recall how former President Olusegun Obasanjo reacted when the Niger Delta militants attacked the Army in Odi in Bayelsa State. “Even though the militants were asking for their legitimate rights, Obasanjo dealt with them squarely for resorting to criminality in agitating for their rights. “No country in the world will allow its soldiers, trained to defend the territorial integrity of the nation, to be killed by a gang of criminals and get away with it. “Nigerians can also recall that in Zaki-Biam, Benue State, the same Obasanjo as President sent troops to deal ruthlessly with the people there for allegedly killing soldiers. “Now on a daily basis, soldiers, police and other security personnel are being killed by Boko Haram members and the President has the effrontery to tell us that these murderers are members of the family and he cannot mobilise the Army to deal with them. “So, the President is not bothered about the killing of Christians and other Nigerians!

“Look at the reasons the Federal Government gave for insisting that Boko Haram should not be branded as a terrorist group during the visit of the American Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton. “They claimed if the Boko Haram sect should be designated as a terrorist group, the country may be placed under sanction which will hurt Nigerians in addition to the fact that it may scare away investors as well as lead to visa restriction and subjection of Nigerians to maltreatment at airports all over the world. “But are we not hurt already? Are Nigerians not suffering? How many investors are coming to invest? “There are so many business premises in Yobe, Maiduguri, Kano, Kaduna and Jos that have closed shops. Nobody is coming up North to set up any business. “People are selling off their houses and relocating from the North. Our churches are being closed down on a daily basis. So, what investor is the government talking about? “We call on the international community to come to the aid of northern Christians. It is now obvious that the Nigerian government has made Christians the sacrificial lamb for Boko Haram.” Also, the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, yesterday told National Mirror that President Jonathan had no business being in government. El-Rufai said the President should tow the path of honour and resign from office, having failed to solve the security challenge confronting the country. He said: “For me, the number one duty of any government is to provide security of life and property. And if the government cannot do that, they should find a way to go.”

News

Monday, August 13, 2012

State police: Senator decries northern govs’ volte-face GEORGE OJI ABUJA

enator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, representing Ekiti North Senatorial District, has chided the northern governors for jettisoning their earlier position supporting the creation of state police. Adetunmbi, who recalled that earlier in the year the Governors’ Forum unanimously resolved in favour of state police, said he was surprised that the northern governors later abandoned their earlier consensus position on the issue for another position which had all the trappings of a regional colouration. Fielding questions from journalists in Abuja at the weekend, the lawmaker said that if there was any part of the country where state police was more needed, it was in the North where there were security challenges. Adetunmbi urged the governors not to be beclouded by anticipatory

presidential power in the form that it was now being practiced in the country as the basis for opposing the establishment of state police. The legislator, who also cautioned against the idea of using the narrow opinion of a few governors to reflect the stand of the larger population of the people, called for the input of Nigerians on the matter through a referendum. He said: “In any case, what is wrong in conducting a referendum? Why can’t we find out from ordinary Nigerians in this part of the country, the civil society in those parts of the country whether indeed state police is something they consider healthy or not. “It is a call for more work, more consultation so that we don’t dance to the tune of gatekeepers who are interpreting a completely different music in the ears of the people in the name of governors or whatever they are called.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG sets aside N30bn for Second Niger Bridge –Onolememen DAYO AYEYEMI

he Federal Government said it had kept aside over N30bn for the construction of the Second Niger Bridge. The Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, who disclosed this at the weekend, said the groundbreaking for the bridge project would be done by third quarter of next year. Briefing newsmen after his assessment tour of the ongoing repairs of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, the minister said the amount kept so far formed the 30 per cent counterpart-

funding of the bridge, while the 70 per cent would come from private investors. Onolememen disclosed that the counterpart-funding for the Second Niger Bridge would come from the Subsidy Rein-investment Empowerment Programme. The minister said that the Federal Executive Council, FEC, had approved the Transaction Advisory Consultancy Service which would drive the project to success. “If you look at the schedule, we have kept over N30bn for the construction of the bridge. This represents Federal

Government’s 30 per cent counterpart-funding for the project. The remaining 70 per cent is going to be raised by the private investors who will be handling the project. “I want to tell you that this time around, the project is for real. We are determined to jumpstart the Second Niger Bridge’s construction by the third quarter of next year. We have our programmes of work well laid out,” he said. The minister also disclosed that many international investment consultants from Italy, Germany, Australia and France had indicated interest in the

concession of the bridge. He said: “As you can see, many international investment consultants have indicated interests in the concession of the Second Niger Bridge and many of them are people who are very vast in concession. “In fact, big names from Germany, Australia and Italy have indicated interests. You will discover that the procurement system has come a long way since December 2007. The advertisement was placed by both local and international newspaper for expression of interest in concessioning consultancy services.”

May/June: Don’t blame WAEC for poor results – new Registrar

he West African Examination Council, WAEC, has said that it had no blame in the poor performance of candidates in its May/June Senior Secondary School Examination, SSSE, whose results were just released. WAEC said although its own duty was to conduct examinations for SSS 3 students based on the syllabus made available to schools with which to prepare their students, it still engaged schools in workshops and seminars and many other useful tools to aid success of its candidates over the years. The Head of National Office in Nigeria, Dr. Iyi Uwadiae, said this in Lagos at the weekend while announcing the results of the May/June examination conducted about three months ago. A total of 649,156 candidates representing 38.81 per cent of 1,695878 who sat for the examination obtained credits in five subjects and above, including English and Mathematics. Uwadiae, who has been appointed as the Registrar of the council and to re-

sume in October, said despite the poor performance, WAEC could still recognise what he called ‘significant improvement’ in this year’s results over the past two years in its May/June and November/December examinations. He said only 23.71 per cent and 25.16 per cent of candidates in May/June and November/December examinations passed in five subjects including English and Mathematics at credit level and above in 2010, while their number rose to 30.91 per cent and 36.07 per cent in the two examinations last year. Uwadiae noted that although the council would have preferred a better performance, he attributed the steady progress made so far to the interventions of various state governments in the education sector. He decried the spate of malpractice by candidates in the council’s various examinations which he said was also on the decline and called on stakeholders to join WAEC in fighting the ugly trend. Uwadiae added that the council’s sole aim was to arrive at zero malpractice in its examinations.

L-R: Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola; celebrant, Baba Adinni of Lagos, Sheikh Hafeez Abou, and a representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, Ambassador Hamzat Ahmadu, during the special Jumat service to mark Abou’s 90th birthday in Lagos, at the weekend.

Fuel subsidy hits N72 per litre despite deregulation UDEME AKPAN

he Federal Government subsidy on petrol has risen from less than N70 to over N72 per litre, despite partial deregulation, targeted at reducing huge subsidy payments on the product. The development is mainly attributed to high prices of crude oil, including the country’s Bonny Light, now in excess of $113.9 at the international market. Latest statistics of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, showed that total cost of importing petrol into the country amounted to N169.13 per litre while

subsidy stood at N72.31 per litre. The agency puts the landing cost, including cost and insurance, trader’s margin, lightering expenses, Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, charge, financing, jetty depot through put charge and storage charge at N153.64 per litre while distributors margins, including retailers, transporters dealers, bridging fund, marine transport average and administrative charge added up toN15.49 per litre. The Executive Secretary of the PPPRA, Mr. Reginald Stanley, did not pick calls or reply text messages over the weekend, but a source in the agency said the high government subsidy remained a source of worry

to the organisation. He said: “The partial deregulation was carried out to, among other things, enable government reduce its commitment into subsidising petrol. But the government still commits more funds into funding the subsidy because of rising crude oil prices at the global market. “Rising prices of crude enables the nation to generate more foreign exchange, but it also leads to high prices of petroleum products, part of which is imported from the global market.” Consequently, fears have heightened again that the funds set aside for payments of fuel subsidy in the 2012 budget may be exhausted before the end of

the year. The Central Bank Governor, Mr. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, had warned that the amount set aside for fuel subsidy in the 2012 budget would run out before the year ends due to high oil prices. He said: “If I was asked for advice I would simply say pay what you have in the budget and simply stop paying. (If not), take the money from the excess crude account (or) you’ve got to borrow money.” Meanwhile, the Federal Government has directed banks to refund excess charges on loans collected from importers of petroleum products under the Petroleum Support Fund, PSF, scheme.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

National News

Monday, August 13, 2012

Jonathan urged to resign in Nigeria’s interest KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

ormer governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Lam Adesina, yesterday said if it is the resignation of President Goodluck Jonathan that will bring peace to the country, then he should resign for the sake of peace. The former governor, who was speaking at a Ramadan lecture organised

by the Adesina Memorial Mosque, held at Felele, Ibadan, the state capital, said Nigeria must achieve peace at all cost, irrespective of who will go and who will stay. He said the Boko Haram sect is not fighting any religious cause but a political one, urging President Jonathan to concede to the sect’s demand and resign for the sake of peace. His words: “If there is

UBA appoints Okwechime, Duke as directors MESHACK IDEHEN

nited Bank for Africa Plc has announced the appointment of Mrs. Rose Ada Okwechime and Mrs. Owanari Duke, into the group’s board, a development that brings to four the number of women on the board. The appointments, which have received the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the UBA said was geared towards the drive to grow shareholder value and delivering on the bank’s objective of being a leading African financial services institution. In a statement made available to National Mirror, Chairman of UBA, Chief I. C. Ogbue, said the board is looking forward to benefiting from the wealth of experience of the new directors. According to the statement, Okwechime is the Managing Director of Abbey Building Society; a multi-billion naira mortgage institution, and has served as a public company director for over 20 years. UBA said Okwechime comes on board with experience in the financial services sector, which includes

service at the Bank of England. She was formerly a non-executive director on the boards of Standard Trust Bank Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc. The new UBA board member is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria; (CIBN) the Chartered Institute of Bankers, London; the Institute of Brand Management; the Institute of Direct Marketing of Nigeria and member of the Institute of Directors of Nigeria. Duke is the former first lady of Cross River State, a legal practitioner, a specialist in mediation and dispute resolution and a philanthropist. She has been the managing partner of the law firm of Duke and BobManuel, and also the executive chairman of Allied Merchants and Brokers Limited. Duke is a member of the board of United Nations Centre for Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the country director of EMPRETEC Nigeria Foundation; an UNCTAD private sector support initiative to assist Nigerians achieve higher levels of productivity and competitiveness among Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises SMEs.

Adesina

no peace, Nigeria will collapse and there is the need to achieve that peace now.”

takeholders in the Nigerian capital market have enjoined the Federal Government to persuade all companies indicating interest in the country’s power sector privatisation programme to list on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). They also said that government-owned com-

panies’ seeking to participate in the programme should be certified by independent auditing firms before taking part in the process. Speaking to National Mirror, the stakeholders faulted the failure of the previous government to make it a pre-condition for telecommunications firms before giving approval for operations in the country, noting that if the condition was giv-

“But definitely, I don’t think this situation can continue for any length of time, every peace loving Nigerian is tired of what is happening, there must be achievement of peace by all means, if it is his resignation that will bring peace, let him resign.” On the proposed fiveyear single term, he described the idea as a deceit, asking if there is any difference between four-year

tenure and five-year tenure. The chieftain of the ACN said that the one year difference cannot make any change, urging the National Assembly not to concede such an idea. “I don’t support fiveyear single tenure, they should leave it at four-year and give option for second term, whoever now claims eight-year is not enough to execute his plans then it become absurd,” he stated.

Security: Stop sending false messages, Lagos warns residents MURITALA AYINLA

orried by the spate of false emergency messages and calls placed through its command call centres and the rumours disseminated through social networks, the Lagos State government yesterday cautioned residents to verify information before calling the emergency command. The warning was coming on the heels of infor-

mation making the rounds in social networks at the weekend that a flyover bridge in Isolo along Oshodi-Badagry Expressway had collapsed, killing three persons. Reacting to the report, General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, who gave the warning, described it as baseless and capable of generating needless anxiety. His words: “The information is false and mis-

leading. Some disgruntled element over the weekend, were circulating false messages on a social network of a collapsed bridge leading to the death of three persons, thereby creating panic and unnecessary tension across the state.” Oke-Osanyintolu said the message was not only misleading but also a criminal offence that was not in the interest of the state. He said the state government is so much concerned with the safety of Lagosians and as such put in place

the mechanism for the management and dissemination of information during disasters, through the establishment of Emergency Call Centre, 767/112 and Traffic Radio for receiving and dissemination of vital information. The general manager therefore, advised Lagosians and motorists not to panic but to disregard the messages, as the state government will continue to engage in the maintenance of infrastructure across the state.

L-R: National Auditor, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode Mustapha; member, Ogun State Caretaker Committee, Mr. Ireti Oniyide; state Chairman of the party, Chief Dipo Odujinrin and Hon. Fasiu Bakene, during the party’s state congress, in Abeokuta, at the weekend.

Stakeholders want power sector investors listed on NSE JOHNSON OKANLAWON

Adesina said, “It has become clear that President Jonathan might not achieve the desired peace and Boko Haram is bent on spreading violence to the whole of Nigeria and if that happen, it will result in fighting against each other. “If there is a way by which the President can stop this shedding of innocent blood every day, I support his remaining in office till the end of his tenure.

en, the companies would have been listed. The Managing Director of Lambert Securities Limited, Mr. David Adonri, said all the market operators have been deliberating on the need for government to make listing one of the conditions to be fulfilled before being given approval to participate in the power generation or distribution.

Senate to decide on viability of existing states KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

hose agitating for the creation of more states in the country may have to wait longer as the Senate would first decide on the viability of the existing 36 states before deciding on whether to create new ones or not. Senate Deputy Whip, Senator Hosea Agboola, made the disclosure in Ibadan, at the weekend

while speaking with journalists. He said the Senate cannot for now conclude on the issue of state creation, but needs to put certain things about the existing 36 states into consideration. His words: “What is to be considered most paramount is the viability of the existing states. If we assess the viability of the existing states, we will then know whether to create new states or not.”

The senator, who is representing Oyo North senatorial district, said the upper house would be in a better position as to what to do on the planned creation of new states in the overall interest of Nigerians and the nation at large. “It is when we finish the assessment that we can now make a pronouncement on whether we are going to create new states or not, by now we cannot be categorical on it,” he stated.

South West

Monday, August 13, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Enforcement of Lagos traffic law begins next week’ MURITALA AYINLA

agos State Government said it would begin the enforcement of ‘certain aspects’ of the new traffic law next week with the ban on the activities of members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, on highways and motor parks. The government also said it would soon commence the arrest of commercial motorcyclists popularly called

Okada riders plying prohibited roads and bridges in the Lagos metropolis. The government had on August 3 announced the prohibition of collection of tolls and fees from commercial motorists by the NURTW members, particularly the touts referred to as “Agberos” on the highways and the motor parks across the state. The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, told our correspondent yesterday that the police and other law

enforcement agents would begin to enforce some aspects of the law next week. He said: “Certain aspects of the law ought to be enforced by now, where the rules are already well known before; we are just waiting for the public enlightenment. The police will probably in the coming week, go all out to enforce the law. You know, the police cannot be everywhere. But at least, the effect will be felt when they really go all out to monitor and enforce. The same thing goes

for commercial motorcycle riders who are still plying the roads prohibited by the law.” He said the government was embarking on an array of seminars to educate the public and the law enforcement agents on the provisions of the law. On the incessant attacks on officials of the Lagos State Transport Management Authority, LASTMA, Ipaye said no traffic offender would go unpunished. The commissioner added that offenders would be

caught through the auto device inspectors and the newly issued number plate which had the data of owners. He said: “We have been encouraging LASTMA officials to be more vigilant rather than standing on the road to enforce law. They just need to take the detail, the picture of the erring motorists. They don’t have to physically obstruct the offending vehicle because that could put their lives in danger. “They don’t need a gun to

arrest, police men arrest everyday; not all of them carry gun to do that. The law is not the kind that if you don’t have a gun, you can’t arrest or enforce it. Gun is not supposed to be used for the enforcement of civil law, policemen are not supposed to be carrying gun all around.” Also, the LASTMA General Manager, Babatunde Edu, who spoke on the preparedness of the agency to enforce the law, flayed the callous killing of two of his men by reckless motorists in one month.

Ajimobi raises workers’ housing loans

L-R: Wife of the Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, Mrs. Modupe Owolabi, President, Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria, Alhaja Fausat Yusuf and Ekiti State governor’s wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, during the Second Annual Iftar and Dinner at the Goverment House Mosque in Ado-Ekiti.

Akande lacks respect for elders –Afenifere

HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

he Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, yesterday lashed out at the National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Chief Bisi Akande, for calling its leaders “glorious beggars”. The group also said Akande’s statement lacked respect for elders which was a core value of the Yoruba culture. The General Secretary

of Afenifere, Chief Seinde Arogbofa, who said this in an interview with journalists in Akure, noted that Akande had thrown the Omoluabi virtues overboard on the altar of politics. Arogbofa recalled that Akande and some of his followers opposed reconciliatory moves by some leaders of Afenifere to put the house in order. He said: “It was the action of Akande and his cohorts in ACN that made

the reconciliation of the Afenifere members impossible because of their selfish agenda.” Arogbofa described Akande’s statement painting the Yoruba leaders in bad light as regrettable, saying the former governor insulted the elders. He said: “I do not expect Chief Akande, a former state governor and once a jolly good Afenifere brother, to have gone to town to call his elder brothers unprintable names.

“I expect that even if his public relations officer went out of his way to insult and be rude, he should still have called him to order.”

OSOGBO

sun State Government has lambasted former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola over his criticism of the appointment of the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, as the chairman of the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, CBCIU. In a statement issued in Osogbo at the weekend, the Director of the Bureau of Communications and

Strategy in the Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, described Oyinlola’s reaction as “mere hogwash”. Okanlawon added that Oyinlola’s claim that the CBCIU did not belong to Osun State was the most despicable comment to have emanated from the former governor. He said: “If the centre does not belong to Osun, how was the law that set it up passed? How has it been funded since its establishment? Just in case Oyinlola has forgotten, he delivered a speech on

Wednesday January 7, 2009 at the commissioning ceremony of the centre where he stated as follows: ‘As you all may be aware, we have taken delivery of the archival materials which is (sic) forming the nucleus of this centre. The collections procured from Ulli and Georgina Beire at a cost of six hundred and eighty thousand United States dollars was provided by the Government of Osun State.’” According to Okanlawon, for Oyinlola to have personalised the centre by

ers, ensure that a three-bedroom flat was available to civil servants in the state for between N3m and N3.5m. It said with the review of housing loans, civil servants on Grade Levels 1 to 6 who hitherto enjoyed a loan of N500,000 were now entitled to a maximum of N800,000, while the loan for workers on GLs 07 and 08 was increased from N600,000 to N1m. According to the statement, workers on GLs 09 and 10 whose loan ceiling was pegged at N800,000 are now entitled to N1.5m, while the loan for those on GL 12 and above, was jacked up from N1m, to N2m. Explaining the rationale behind the increment, Ajimobi said it was in tandem with his administration’s policy of restoring the pride of the state public servants, adding that “the dignity of a man begins from his ability to have a decent roof over his head”.

Emergency: Tertiary hospitals’ inefficiency responsible for poor response –Provost ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

Akande

Aregbesola’s aide knocks Oyinlola over criticism of CBCIU headship WALE FOLARIN

yo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has approved an upward review of housing loans to civil servants in the state. This is contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the governor on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo. The statement said the review, which was communicated to the workers via a circular reference no HB.308/22 and signed by the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Survey, Hon. Ajiboye Omodewu, last week, was part of government’s plan to restore the dignity of the civil service in the state. It added that the government had finalised discussions with private developers to produce massive houses for civil servants at the Ajoda New Town and on another expanse of land on the Ibadan – Oyo Road. The statement said that the housing development schemes would, among oth-

making himself the chairman either in or out of office through the law setting it up was another height of impunity for which his administration was notorious. “This was a major odium that was passed under Oyinlola and yanked off through an amendment signed by Governor Rauf Aregbesola in July, this year, now called State of Osun Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (Amendment) Law 2012,” he said.

he Provost of Ekiti State University College of Medicine, Prof. Fola Esan, has blamed the poor response to emergency cases in Nigeria on the inefficiency of the country’s tertiary hospitals. Esan also advised that the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, should be adequately equipped to be able to respond to emergency situations before they were brought to hospitals. This is as the Chairman of the Management Board of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, EKSUTH, Dr. Kayode Akinlade, said Life Support

Centre would soon be established in the hospital to handle critical cases. He added that the proposed state-wide Ambulance Service of the state government would aid response to emergency situations. The medical experts spoke at the weekend while briefing journalists on the outcome of the probe of the N1.9m stolen from EKSUTH recently. Akinlade said the EKSUTH management had directed the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Sotonye Wakama, to commence fresh investigations into the matter, following the discrepancies in the outcome of the management and police probes reports.

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South West

Monday, August 13, 2012

I’ve no reason to influence judiciary, says Fayemi

kiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has said that his administration has no reason to interfere with the dispensation of justice in the state because of his strong belief in the rule of law. The governor said this in Awo Ekiti, during a thanksgiving service for Justice Ayodeji Daramola, who was appointed the chief judge of the state. Dr. Fayemi, who spoke on

the series of court cases the state government lost at the Ado Ekiti high court, reiterated the commitment of his administration to upholding the rule of law; adding that he would never do anything that would undermine it. He said it was normal for the state government to lose court cases if its facts on the cases are not well presented before the judges, but expressed optimism that judges would always at-

tend to cases in fairness and justice in accordance with the rule of law, “regardless of whose ox is gored.” Governor Fayemi said if government is dissatisfied with the verdict of a lower court, there is room for it to appeal the verdict and follow the process until it comes to a logical end. He added that the state government under his leadership is not afraid to approach the court to seek

redress on any issue it is dissatisfied with as well as subject itself to “the court of public opinion,” because the administration is out to serve the people and everything must be done in accordance with the rule of law. On the appointment of Justice Daramola, Governor Fayemi said no one on the state bench was more qualified than Daramola who has been a judge since 2000; adding that the chief judge has

shown competence and integrity during the period he was acting chief judge. Delivering his sermon at the Emmanuel Anglican Church, Awo, where the thanksgiving was held, retired Archbishop of the Ecclesiastes Province of Ondo and Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Bishop Adedayo Abe, charged judges to always uphold the rule of law in the fear of God and shun bribery and corruption.

Bishop Abe, who lamented the high moral decadence in the country, said this accounts for resistance in some quarters whenever there is a move to sanitize a sector; adding that beneficiaries of the system are bound to describe the sanitisation as a witch-hunt. He, however, urged the chief judge to discharge his duties in the fear of God and sanitise the state judiciary.

Former SSG denies dumping Ladoja camp before 2011 polls KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

L-R: President, National Association of Ondo State Students, The Polytechnic, Ibadan chapter, Comrade Daso Feyiropo; social critic, Mr. Femi Aborisade; guest speaker, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin and Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Niyi Osundare, during a lecture on ‘’The Role of Youth in Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria,’’ in Ibadan, Oyo State, at the weekend.

Telecoms masts, towers harmless, says NCC HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

he Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), at the weekend, clarified that radiofrequency radiation from the masts and towers used in transmitting signals are not hazardous to human health. The commission also allayed the fears of the people who were apprehensive about the likely hazards that the proximity of telecommunications masts and towers could cause. This was disclosed by the NCC Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management, Mr. Okechukwu Itanyi, during the 51st edition of its Consumer Outreach Programme held in Akure, the Ondo State capital titled; “Telecom Masts and Towers: A Necessity or a Nuisance.” Itanyi said a recent research conducted on this revealed that radiofrequency radiation from masts and towers are non-ionising radiation that cannot create any positively and nega-

tively charged particles that can cause any adverse effect on people. He stressed that the importance of masts and towers in transmitting radio frequency signals to GSM mobile phone users in providing effective communication; adding that the NCC as a responsible regulator, would always abide by international standards. He said there are guidelines set aside by the commission for the installation of telecommunication

masts and towers which are designed to enhance public safety and ensure the well being of consumers. The commissioner said the NCC, in order to ensure compliance with internationally accepted standards on health and safety, ensures that all telecommunication equipments coming to the country are the types approved by the commission. The NCC boss also disclosed that a research conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and

other organisations has not yet shown any risk to human life as a result of radiation emanating from telecoms equipment. The programme, which was attended by various stakeholders in the telecommunications industry, including the providers, consumers, marketers and regulatory agencies, provided opportunities for subscribers to seek explanations to various issues on services being rendered by various telecoms providers.

Ekiti TUC leadership crisis deepens ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

he leadership crisis rocking the Ekiti State chapter of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has taken another dimension as its former Chairman, Comrade Kolawole Olaiya, has threatened to sue the national leadership of the labour union. This followed the allegation that the TUC national leadership has ordered a vice-chairmanship candidate in the aborted state con-

gress of the union, Comrade Ayodeji Ladeji, to assume the position of acting chairman. Olaiya, who told journalists in Ado Ekiti, at the weekend, that he remained the authentic leader of TUC in the state pending when a new congress would be conducted, urged Ladeji to stop parading himself as acting chairman since “he is a product of a sham election.” The former chairman, who is also the chairman of a three-man panel set up to oversee the congress in Eki-

ti, following the stalemated delegate election in May, said the resolution reached on August 3, in Akure, the Ondo State capital, was that no election had been held in Ekiti and few other states. He vowed to approach an Ado Ekiti high court to seek for an interlocutory injunction restraining Ladeji from parading himself as acting chairman and to prevent the national leadership from taking further steps pending when a fresh election would be conducted.

ormer Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Chief Sharafadeen Alli, at the weekend, denied leaving the camp of his uncle and political boss, former Governor Rasheed Ladoja, for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), prior to the 2011 general elections for selfish reasons. He described the insinuation as wicked lies and misguided notion aimed at discrediting him. Alli, who spoke with journalists at his New Bodija, Ibadan residence, said, “I left Ladoja for Ibadan agenda, purely for the progress of the state as against the widely held rumour of selfish interest and personal gains.” He continued; “Many did

not know what led me to leave Ladoja camp prior to the said tension-soaked and energy-sapping elections. I never abandoned Ladoja during the last polls. We had a project at hand and the project was that Alao-Akala must go. “I was called by some Ibadan leaders and eminent personalities across the state, who gave me along with some other people this assignment. It was apparent that there was problem in the state and I was part of it, owing to the posts I held in the previous government. “It would have been better if he (Ladoja) had allowed us to join forces with other like minds to make the fight easier and better, because we needed to get Otunba Alao-Akala out of office”.

Osun Osogbo: Aregbesola restates commitment to tourism WALE FOLARIN OSOGBO

sun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, has said that his administration would turn the state into a world class resort that would attract the attention of tourists and boost the economy of the state and its people. Aregbesola, who spoke yesterday in Osogbo, through his Special Adviser on Home Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Ladipo Soyode, at a press conference organised to announce the commencement of the 2012 Osun Osogbo festival which kicks off today, said that his administration would do everything possible to make the tourism sector a veritable alternative to diversify the state economy. He said in line with the policy trust of the administration, the state govern-

Aregbesola

ment would use the Osun Osogbo cultural festival as a unique avenue to showcase the tourism potentials of the state. His words: “The intention of the government is to repackage the festival and give it international status rather than the ritual or fetish aspect that is completely left in the hands of the traditionalists. “The main objective is to make Osun Osogbo world heritage site go beyond yearly visitation to an allyear round one.”

South East

Monday, August 13, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Invest in Abia, Orji begs indigenes in Diaspora GEORGE OPARA ABIA

overnor Theodore Orji has called on indigenes of Abia State in the Diaspora to come home and invest. The governor made the call in Houston during a town hall meeting with the

citizens of Abia State resident in the United States. The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ugochukwu Emezue said Orji told the Abia citizens at an interactive session that he was in a haste to develop the state after years of neglect by the previous administrations.

The governor said he was laying a solid foundation as shown in the numerous projects his administration had embarked in the last one year. He listed such projects to include the Diagnostic Centre, International Conference Centre, the new secretariat, the new Government

House, high court, Ubani and industrial markets in Umuahia. Orji told his audience that his government had embarked on road projects in Aba and Umuahia with a special emphasis on Ukwumango Road. The governor promised to continue to focus on Aba

in terms of roads despite the lean resources available to the state. He said some of his greatest achievements was the liberation of Abia from the clutches of darkness and the restoration of security, having fought kidnapping to a standstill. Orji said with the high

network in place, Abia was now one of the safest states in Nigeria. Explaining that many investors now come to the state to invest, the governor pleaded with Abia State indigenes in the Diaspora to channel their resources back home to help in the transformation of the state.

Obey traffic law, Imo urges citizens in Lagos CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

mo State Governor Rochas Okorocha’s administration has called on Imo citizens residing in Lagos to adhere to the new traffic law recently signed by Governor Raji Fashola. The Special Assistant to the Imo State governor, Lagos Liaison, Hon. Lisa Asugha, who made the call at the Imo State Liaison Office in Lagos, said the survival and development of any society must be rooted in strict adherence to law and order. She said obeying law would make the citizens live better, make the roads safer, improve life expectancy and solve environmental, public

health and safety issues. “If we cooperate with the new Lagos traffic law, the state will change for the better,” the special assistant counselled the Imo citizens. The new traffic laws prohibits driving on the BRT lane, parking within 15 metres of road intersection, using sirens and other noisy devices in a vehicle, failure to wear prescribed uniform or identification tag by drivers or conductors, driving or being driven on unauthorised routes, and herding cattle, sheep, goats or other animals on the road. While assuring the government of Lagos State of the people’s orderliness, Hon. Asugha also urged the Imo citizens to see the law as a

Suspected kidnappers paraded by the Anambra State Police Command in Awka, at the weekend.

way forward for a better Nigeria. Allaying the fear of those who said the new traffic law was too stringent, the special assistant said it would be friendly to law-abiding citizens.

Govt too corrupt to revamp energy sector –ANPP OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

he All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, has called on the Federal Government to save Nigerians the agony of labour strike, saying the government was too corrupt to achieve any meaningful result in the privatisation of the energy sector. The party also called on the National Assembly to thoroughly examine the issue of minimum wage before expunging it from the Exclusive List. In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Emma Eneukwu, the ANPP advised that the primary concern of the lawmakers should be the elimination of the gaping chasm between workers and the political class to entrench an equitable remunerative framework and compensation system. The party said that in as much as the Federal Government was in a hurry to

revamp the dying power sector, it would be instructive to consider the ‘bigger picture of the human engine that drives any transformative process.’ The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, last Thursday threatened to embark on a nationwide strike within seven days, if the government failed to begin payment of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, workers’ severance benefits in line with the 25 per cent contribution to their pension scheme (Superannuation Fund), as well as withdraw soldiers from the company’s headquarters in Abuja. Eneukwu said: “The ANPP believes that the singular battle facing the government is the fight against corruption, and not against Nigerian workers. Corruption has permeated our national life; exemplified by the squandering of the nation’s Pension Fund, which is actually the root of the PHCN versus labour

brouhaha. “Therefore, the task before the government is to unravel it without further aggravating the fragile state of the nation, starting with decisive punitive action against the pension thieves. “No nation can carry through any reformative agenda without the people, no matter how potentially beneficiary the policy might be. “Moreover, in a nation like ours with a peculiar malady of institutionalised corruption, it would be foolhardy for the government to match roughshod over the staff in the power sector while workers in other sectors are watching, and reading the unmistakable message that they are next to be trampled upon. “History is replete with great leaders who found out too late that their visionary projects were truncated by an aggrieved, corrupt or unsatisfied bureaucratic workforce.

Obi donates N10m to Nwiloh Heart Centre

overnor Peter Obi of Anambra State has presented another cheque of N10m for the continuation of work on Dr. Joe Nwiloh Heart Centre at Saint Joseph Hospital, Adazi-Nnukwu. Speaking after inspecting the project at the weekend, the governor said his administration embarked on the centre in honour of Nwiloh, the renowned world surgeon, to encourage the coming generation to emulate positive role models who had contributed to the growth and devel-

opment of the society. Obi said his administration would continue to recognise and honour those who had distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavour. The governor, who said he was encouraged by the pace and quality of work, promised to initiate more projects in the area soon. Receiving the cheque, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, thanked Obi for the gesture. He noted that people of

the area were major beneficiaries of the project. Ezeokafor, who described Obi as the best governor Anambra ever had, observed that the governor had remained steadfast in his drive to develop rural areas and provide them with basic necessities of life with his policy of pursuing the common good of all. The bishop promised that the funds would be judiciously used, adding that the church would sustain the existing partnership with the state.

Police arrest fraudsters for duping American of $200,000 SAM OLUWALANA

wo young Nigerians, who successfully defrauded an American businessman of $200,000, have led themselves into the waiting hands of the law over a disagreement on the sharing of the loot. The fraudsters, Okechukwu Dennis Mike, who claims to be a Law student at the University of Wales, United Kingdom and Kelvin Ewuzie, collected the money under false pretence from an unnamed American.

The duo promised to supply the businessman a large consignment of computers from a supposed business outfit based in Hong Kong. The businessman paid the money into a Hong Kong bank, HSBC, of 1, Queens Road, Central Hong Kong in favour of Luck-IN Investment Limited of Hatton Garden, Clarkewell, London. The fund was transferred from a Connecticut bank, Bankers Bank, of 43, Western Boulevard, Glastonbury, CT. The accused, now be-

ing detained at the Special Fraud Unit, Milverton, Ikoyi, Lagos, exposed themselves over disagreement in sharing the money. Okechukwu accused Ewuzie of cheating him in the sharing of the loot deposited into the latter’s account. According to him, Ewuzie did not make full disclosure of the funds received to him and he reported the case to the SFU through a petition of August 1, entitled: “Obtaining money under false pretence/fraud against Kelvin Ewuzie.”

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South South

Monday, August 13, 2012

‘Nigerian investors in the Diaspora home bound’

L-R: Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan; his wife, Roli; Mrs. Elobe Ebami and her husband, Roland, during the outing/ thanksgiving service for the governor’s mother-in-law, Madam Rebecca Ayonmike, in Warri, yesterday.

Lawyer sues FG, minister, gov, others over LG poll AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

or what he described as the failure to conduct local government council elections, an Asaba-based legal practitioner, Mr. Chukwuma Ebu, has dragged the Federal Government, the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State and the state independent electoral commission to court. In suit number: FHC/

ASB/CS/110/2012, filed on behalf of his client at the Federal High Court, Asaba, Eloka Asiana Esq; said the failure of the 3rd to the 5th defendants, Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State and Delta State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct local government council election since May, 2011 is a violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ebu has prayed the court to declare the followings: “That by reason of section 7 of the 1999 Constitution and

section 4 of the Delta State Local Government Law, 2004 as amended, vacancy of democratically elected local government council office holders is not permitted to exist in council administration in the state. “A declaration that failure of the 3rd to the 5th defendants to conduct local government council election since May, 2011 is a violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and the Delta State Local Government Law, 2004 as amended, which the 3rd to the 5th defendants are bound to uphold, observe and enforce

and to restrain the 3rd defendant from receiving revenue allocation from the 1st defendant. “A declaration that the allocation of revenue by the National Assembly which is an arm of the 1st defendant (Federal Government) from the Federation Account to the local government councils of Delta State since May, 2011, and the receipt of the said revenue by the 3rd defendant in the absence of a democratically elected system of local government council in Delta State is a violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, and therefore illegal.”

Oghiadome not yet Edo PDP leader, says Itulah OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

member of the House of Representatives from Edo State, Hon. Friday Itulah, has rejected suggestions that Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadome, has been endorsed as the new leader of the party in the state. This followed speculations that there was a race to replace, as Edo PDP leader, former Chairman of PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih, over his inability to lead the party to victory against incumbent governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. A meeting was reported to have been held at the Abuja residence of Chief

Oghiadome to discuss a range of issues affecting the party following which the stakeholders purportedly endorsed him as the new leader of the party in the state. The meeting was said to have blamed the defeat of the PDP by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) on Chief Anenih, whose perceived overbearing personality was thought to have worked against the party in the election. But, speaking to journalists on phone from Hanover, United States of America, where he is currently attending a meeting of Esan sons and daughters worldwide, the former two-time Speaker of the state House of Assembly, who was reported to be part of the

meeting endorsing Chief Oghiadome, denied the existence of such an endorsement. The lawmaker said he could not have attended the meeting since he has been out of the country beside the fact that he has no close relationship with the President’s Chief of Staff, who he observed has not really related well with party members. According to him, “I only hear about him (Oghiadome), but I have hardly had anything close contact with him as an Edo politician. I have been away from the country. So, I could not have attended the meeting, talk less of endorsing him as leader. “He does not talk to anybody. From time to time, you

hear that he is talking of a meeting but you don’t get to see him. I could not have been part of the meeting that endorsed him,” he said.

group of investors in the Diaspora have shown interest in coming home to establish some industrial concerns in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria as a whole. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio while answering questions, at the weekend, from Government House Correspondents at the Governor’s Lodge, Uyo, said the investors are interested in the power sector, refinery, Ibaka Seaport and agro-allied industry, among others. Governor Akpabio, who had one week ago attended Akwa Ibom Economic Summit in Houston, United States organised by ‘Akwa Ibom Diaspora Network’ noted; “I was amazed by the number of people who

showed interest to come and invest in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria in general.” He recalled that the organisers of the summit brought investors from Europe, Middle East, United States of America, United Kingdom and Canada, among others, who made different presentations with the Nigerian Ambassador to Canada, Chief Ojo Madueke, serving as chairman of the occasion. “We had presentations from people who are coming into the power sector. We had one registered company called ‘Ikot Abasi Power Generation Plant’ and they made a presentation. And we also have a group that was interested in building a refinery, a group that was also interested in seaport construction.”

Ogoni autonomy group promotes bank CHINEDUM EMEANA PORT HARCOURT

he faction of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) which recently declared autonomy for the people of Ogoni has resolved to establish its own Ogoni Savings and Investment Development Bank (OSIDBANK). According to the faction’s President and spokesman, Dr. Goodluck Diigbo, who sent an e-mail message to National Mirror yesterday, the purpose of setting up the bank is to encourage savings, investment and development in Ogoniland. Apparently, he did not seek nor received approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to establish such a financial institution as he said that OSIDBANK was possible through the invocation of Article 5 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

(UNDRIP), which authorizes indigenous peoples to maintain and strengthen their own distinct political, legal, economic, social and cultural institutions. “Individual Ogonis, villages, groups and farmers’ and traders’ co-operatives in Ogoni, will become shareholders in OSIDBANK with branches in cities, towns and villages throughout Ogoniland,” Diigbo said. He added that finance experts, including retired bankers drawn from Ogoni are working on the basic document for an agreement on bye-laws; shareholders, rules for staffing, operations, reporting procedure and setting up of management board. The MOSOP faction president said those drafting the document will meet with the Ogoni self-government before the end of August 2012, to review its content in order to formally establish the bank.

Cleric berates judiciary over poor handling of cases TONY ANICHEBE UYO

he Nigerian judiciary yesterday came under criticism for poor handling of corruption cases brought before it and has been considered as playing a role in legitimising corruption in the country. This was the position of Rev Emele Uka, at the weekend, while fielding questions from journalists in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on issues adversely affect-

ing the development of the country. Uka, who is the prelate and moderator of the general assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN), noted that the judiciary has been sloppy in sanctioning and disciplining persons who are corrupt. “We are legitimising corruption, especially the judiciary. How come Nigerian judiciary will set a criminal free and he is in jail in London? “How come a bank direc-

tor will have such amount of money to buy a house in England while the people who are here and saved money in the bank are suffering? What punishment have they inflicted on him? It is not an executive problem, it is a judicial problem,” he asserted. The cleric also considered the problem to be linked with the constitution, reasoning that all the people caught with ill gotten money are not punished and without recourse to the constitution.

North

Monday, August 13, 2012

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‘95 killed, 893 houses burnt in Bauchi since 2011’ EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

he Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Tafawa-Balewa, Bogoro chapters in Bauchi State have said that about 95 people were killed, 98 badly wounded, and 893 houses, shops, including places of worship were destroyed since January 27, 2011 to date. The body also said at least 9, 695 persons were displaced in the area during the period

under review. This was contained in a press statement made available to National Mirror in Bauchi at the weekend. The statement, signed by CAN Chairman in the area, Pastor Isaac Istifanus, chronicled attacks on Sayawa ethnic group by suspected minority Fulanis in the area. The chairman said these destructions took place severally in over 33 villages in the two local government areas of the state with loss of properties worth several

millions of naira. Among the villages are; Tafawa-Balewa town, Arewa, Minghil-Fadfa, Gongo, Malanchi, Mallanchi-Zwall and Farre-Fada. Others are; Tafare-Sabon Gida, Pekman, Gumrl and Goshe, among others. The association blamed the recurrent attacks on security lapses and government’s lack of will to demonstrate its commitment towards the plight of people dominated mostly by Christian with a charge on people

to remain law abiding and not to take the law into their hands. “Honestly, our areas had been consistently under attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen and the development has brought poverty to the people, especially when economic activities were paralysed. A development that makes people to sleep with their two eyes open, yet government was silence to address the issue, talk less of creating IDP centres as done

in other areas dominated by the Fulani aggressors,” Pastor Isaac said. He decried the attacks and described them as ethnic cleansing and a deliberate plan to exterminate the Sayawa ethnic nationality while charging Governor Isa Yuguda, to expedite action on the issue and bring an end to the killings in the area. The chairman said presently, close to 10, 000 have been displaced in the area as their houses have either

been burnt or destroyed by the hoodlums; lamenting that none of the officials of the national and state organs of the emergency agency has visited the area to provide relief materials to the affected victims. But, in a telephone interview with the Permanent Secretary, Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Alhaji Mahmood Garba, on the development, he denied the report, saying that all the victims were given relief materials.

JTF destroys seven bomb factories in Kano AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

Czech Republic Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jaroslav Siro (left), presenting textile materials produced in his country to the children of the Poorest of the Poor Anawim Home, during his visit to Gwagwalada, in Abuja.

Case against Olofa goes to Appeal Court WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

he legal battle for the right to the throne of Olofa against the incumbent, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, at the weekend, went to the Appeal Court, Ilorin Division. The Olugbense Ruling House of Offa, Kwara State has approached the court, appealing against the judge-

ment of an Ilorin High Court, which declared Oba Gbadamosi as the Olofa of Offa. The judgement was delivered by Justice Suleiman Akanbi. National Mirror gathered from the court papers yesterday that the appellants included Alhaji Sheu Oyeniyi, Alhaji Abdulrauf Adegboyega and Prince Saka Keji, on behalf of themselves and the

Olugbense Ruling House. Joined in the appeal as respondents are Alhaji Yunnus Bukoye, Essa of Offa; Alhaji Kadir Bello, Ojomu of Offa; Alhaji Oseni Olaniyi, Balogun of Offa; Alhaji Zikrullah Sanni, Olaboye Shawo of Offa; who are the kingmakers; the Attorney-General of Kwara State and the Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed The counsel, Mr. John

Alkali lauds Jonathan’s parley with Plateau leaders OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

ormer National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, has applauded the recent parley between President Goodluck Jonathan and leaders of the various camps involved in the sectarian crisis in Jos. It will be recalled that last week President Jonathan met leaders of Berom ethnic nationality and Hausa/Fulani leaders in Pla-

teau State in two separate meetings at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with a view to finding a lasting solution to the crisis in the state. Speaking on this development in Abuja at the weekend, Prof. Alkali described the meetings with the leaders as another opportunity given by government to the people to restore peace to the state. According to him, the time for the ‘blame-game’ is over and the leaders, who are representing the various interest groups in the state, must be very frank

and honest to enable government get to the root of the crisis. “What the Federal Government has done in recent past is very good, especially the parley with the leaders, inviting stakeholders, talking to them dispassionately, listening to their views, listening to their opinions, understanding their positions, understand their views, understand their fears and then listening to the other side, understand their problems and plight and subsequently bring them together as they are trying to do.”

Baiyeshea (SAN), sought for an order setting aside part of the judgment of the learned trial judge, especially his findings that ascension to the throne of Olofa of Offa is not rotational between the two ruling houses of Offa. He prayed for a declaration that Keji, is the proper person to be installed by the Attorney-General of the state and the Governor as the Olofa of Offa.

he Joint Task Force (JTF) in Kano has destroyed no fewer than seven bomb factories discovered in the state recently. It will be recalled that seven bomb factories were uncovered in various parts of the state lately while assorted explosives intercepted in the raids were either defused or detonated by police antibomb experts, according to investigations carried out in Kano at the weekend. National Mirror learnt that some of the bomb factories were discovered in Hotoro, the university town of Rijiya Zaki, Sharada industrial estates, Tukun Taya, Bubbugaje, all in the suburb of Kano. The Kano State Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Idris, said the bomb unit of the command has detonated large quantities of explosives; some intercepted by the JTF during the raid on identified arms and gun factories, while others were moped up from places where they were abandoned by fleeing gunmen.

He said the bomb experts have also been combing the nooks and crannies of the city for explosives left behind by fleeing terrorists after confrontation with security agents. The spokesman for Kano JTF, who is also the Army Public Relations Officer for 3 Brigade Kano, Lt. Ikedichi Iweha, confirmed that a number of bomb factories have been demolished; adding that he could not ascertain the number so far discovered and demolished by the JTF. The operation is a continuous exercise, Iweha told National Mirror in a chat. It will also be recalled that army headquarters have sent more officers to Kano to strengthen security in the commercial city. Just last week, men of the JTF raided a Kano suburb of Tamburawa, where they uncovered a bomb making factory. Three suspects were also arrested by the military men who also uncovered assorted dangerous weapons in the arms factory which was later demolished by the JTF.

Kano to set up health institutes AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

ano State Governor, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said that his administration is establishing two health institutes namely; Post-Basic Midwifery, Gezawa and College of Nursing, Madobi, as part of efforts to enhance healthcare delivery across the 44 local government areas of the state. Governor Kwankwaso, who said this while taking delivery N1.175bn worth of drugs, medical equipment,

consumables and generating sets donated to 200 health facilities by the Department for International Development (DfID) under its PATHS 2 Project, said preliminary work on the projects have commenced. He said the government is working with the MDGs office to renovate and furnish hospitals across the state and expressed the determination of his administration to ensure quality healthcare delivery in the state. The governor promised

to ensure that the drugs and medical consumables donated by PATHS 2 reach the targeted citizenry by putting measures in place to monitor their preservation and distribution to all healthcare facilities in the state. Governor Kwankwaso thanked DfID for their gesture and promised to continue to show support to the DfID/PATHS 2 programmes not only in the health sector, but also in other areas like education, water supply and poverty alleviation.

Monday, August 13, 2012

As president’s ‘attack dog’ bares his fangs

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Politics

Why I called for Jonathan’s resignation – el-Rufai

I’m not behind plot to sack Akume, says Mark • As ACN passes vote of confidence on senator GEORGE OJI AND SINA FADARE

resident of the Senate, David Mark, yesterday washed his hands off the alleged plot to remove Senator George Akume as the Minority Leader. Reacting to the claim that he was in the know of the plot, which is being hatched

by Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) senators, Mark in a statement in Abuja advised the party to refrain from name-calling and instead find ways of putting its house in order. Mark, the statement said, described the allegation as crude and shocking and noted that as a senator elected on the platform of the majority party in the Senate, the Peoples Demo-

cratic Party (PDP), he does not attend the meetings of the minority parties. “I am not a member of the minority parties. I do not attend the meetings of the minority parties. How then do I get involved in the plot to remove the minority leader”? Mark queried. The Senate President said, “election or nomination of officers of the party in the National Assembly

is the exclusive preserve of the political parties,” wondering “how then would a non-party member get involved?” He said: “The ACN or its megaphone Lai Mohammed should do something more positive and progressive rather than the consistent mudslinging and lies to mislead Nigerians and put its house in order if it smelt a rat. “The Senate as a body is cohesive and united in en-

L-R: Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega and Managing Editor, Political Affairs, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Herbert Okpi, during a NAN forum in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

INEC ready for restructuring – Jega

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has started the restructuring and reorganisation of its workforce for efficient and effective delivery on the electoral process, its National Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has said. Jega, who made this known yesterday, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the commission also planned to put in place a workforce that could keep on giving its best and making enormous sacrifices both for INEC and for the country. He said in the next two months the exercise would be completed resulting in actualising the vision of

having the best election management body in Africa. Jega said the exercise was being handled by some of the best management consulting firms. He said the exercise had nothing to do with retrenchment, but rather it was a matter of placing the right peg in the right hole. “The problem is that in Nigeria anytime you talk about restructuring and reorganisation people think you are talking about retrenchment; it needs not be so. In INEC, our restructuring and reorganisation is not synonymous with retrenchment. We are doing everything possible to bring efficiency and ef-

fectiveness and it can be done without the kind of massive retrenchment that people fear and expect. “We also need to motivate people so a lot of the reform efforts we are trying to bring has to do with what levels of motivation and adjustments in the conditions of service. Jega said his 23 months in office had been very challenging, but that he was fully determined to take INEC to a greater height. He said the enormity of the challenges could not be underestimated as a lot still needed to be done mostly with the ways elections were conducted which made many Nigerians still very disappointed in what-

ever INEC did. Jega noted that that some politicians were still unhappy with the conduct of 2011 elections in spite of the improvements recorded in the electoral system, adding that such politicians expected 100 per cent perfection in the conduct of the exercise. He said: “We believe we have done quite a lot to lift the bar in terms of transparency and credibility of the electoral process. “The challenge for us as we move toward 2015 is to learn the lessons of all the elections which we have conducted and to continue to plan and improve upon the conduct of subsequent elections.

acting laws that will continue to improve the standard of living of all Nigerians.” Accordingly, Mark warned ACN not to create disaffection in the “one united Senate family of very committed statesmen and women with its parochial and narrow-minded views.” Meanwhile, the ACN has said that the plot to replace Akume as the Minority Leader in the National Assembly was the handiwork of anti-democratic forces, saying the party has passed a vote of confidence on him. The party disclosed this yesterday in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, noting that Akume has distinguished himself to the satisfaction of the party who has the exclusive right to determine who becomes the minority leader. Mohammed said that no amount of political intrigues can change the party’s mind on the issue. While exonerating its members from what it described as a ‘political coup’ being plotted by antidemocratic forces,” ACN noted that the Senate would prefer a stooge rather than “our principled and disci-

plined Senator Akume.” The party alleged that the forces of reactionary in the hallowed chamber decided to venture into such uncharitable venture because of its growing popularity and the battle for the soul of Benue State. It noted that what the ruling PDP was trying to do was to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it, adding that it is very unfortunate for the party to have described ACN as a tribal party recently. “Is the plot to remove Senator George Akume as the party’s senate minority leader not part of the desperate plot of the ruling People’s Democratic Party’s to give the impression to Nigerians that we are a tribal party, especially when we remove Senator George Akume and replace him with a senator from the South West,” the party queried? The sack of Akume is expected to be announced before the Senate resumes on September 17. Akume is accused of not only providing weak leadership for the minority senators but also exhibiting high degree of unseriousness and truancy.

Akeredolu dissociates self from commentators SINA FADARE

he Akeredolu Campaign Organisation has dissociated itself from the comment made on Channels Television on behalf of the organisation by Messers Goke Ijatuwase and Olugbenga Omole who referred to themselves as chieftains of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). The Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy of the organisation, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday, saying that “we wish to state unequivocally that these two individu-

als are not known to us and were not authorised to speak for us in anyway. We hereby disown them and their sponsors and do not take responsibilities for whatever claims they have made.” Ajanaku, therefore, appealed to media organisations not to give audience to any individual who may claim to be from the campaign organisation in the future without clearance from his office as opposition parties are ready to go to any length to tarnish ACN’s image. “We will duly write and send names of the nominees of the organisation for programmes,” he said.

Politics

Monday, August 13, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

As president’s ‘attack dog’ bares his fangs The Office of the Public Affairs to the President, true to prediction, is gradually turning into that of an ‘Attack Dog’ of the President. The newly-appointed Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, is not sparing Goodluck Jonathan’s opponents with the invectives he has started pouring on critics of the administration. AYODELE OJO writes on the development.

r. Doyin Okupe is not new to crisis. Critics even said he was signed on as an ‘Attack Dog’ of President Goodluck Jonathan with his recent appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs. To his critics, he is seen as a “bully” of opponents of Jonathan’s government that has always been at the receiving end. Okupe, a medical doctor and one-time Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo on Media and Publicity, has dismissed the insinuation. “Somebody said Okupe has been hired as an attack dog, if President Jonathan hires a 60-year-old man as an attack dog, then he is employing a weak attack dog. I am not an attack dog. My job basically is public advocacy. The opposition in Nigeria is a strong one, we must admit that, very boisterous. We need to engage the public, we need to engage opposition to deepen the understanding of the opposition on what government policies are,” the presidential aide said. He insisted that he was not appointed to be the attack dog of President Jonathan as some people are made to believe, stressing that his duty is to engage the opposition and the general public on issues, matters and debates regarding the administration of the administration. “I am also to monitor development both in the media and the nation and to advise the Presidency and other relevant organisations as to what we are hearing. We are to interface between the Presidency and the public. That is the job,” he said. But events in the last one week point at the mission of Okupe in Jonathan’s government. He took two major opposition figures and critics of the President to the cleaners. First, he pounced on former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir el-Rufai for calling on President Jonathan to resign because of his failure at solving the security challenges confronting Nigeria. To the presidential aide, the call was too much for el-Rufai. “Politics is more or less derailing or deranging him,” Okupe fired back. “Everybody knows that insurgency is a very difficult national problem. It is not anything peculiar to Nigeria. No responsible citizen of any of those countries affected by insurgency before, called on their Presidents to resign,” he noted. The presidential aide defended his prin-

PRESIDENT

JONATHAN HIRES A 60-YEAR-OLD MAN AS AN ATTACK DOG, THEN, HE IS

EMPLOYING A WEAK ATTACK DOG.

I AM

NOT AN ATTACK DOG cipal and accused the former minister of politicising the security issue. His words: “I am sure that my brother, el-Rufai is hopeful to be a presidential candidate of one of the parties very soon. What I will expect him to do with the level of intellect, intelligence and the resource that has been given to his personal education is to come out with some reasonable plans, some suggestions, not just criticising government for criticising sake. “If el-Rufai was President of Nigeria, what will he do? Why don’t he say that? Or is he keeping that until when he becomes the president by which time the whole country is wiped off ? “When tragedy befalls a country, responsible men and women of that country forget partisanship and rally round their nation and they try their best to help existing government to tackle that. Once that is over, they go back to politics. The former minister has fired back at Okupe. El-Rufai described his outburst as “excessive enthusiasm” of someone seeking “to impress in his new job.” El-Rufai in a statement issued by his Media Advisor, Muyiwa Adekeye, stated that, “After the needless drama at the Lagos airport when the SSS tried to truncate his trip abroad, Malam Nasir el-Rufai was greeted at his destination with evidence of further misguided action by the Jonathan government. That was the spectacle of the recycled Dr. Doyin Okupe providing a specious political thesis that confirms the crisis of thoughtlessness in government. Dr. Okupe asked that critics of the government should tell it what to do, wrapping his defence of incompetence around a false patriotism.” The former minister, a chieftain of the Congress for Progress Change (CPC), noted that the best response the government can give its critics is performance, not cheaply questioning their patriotism. “The Jonathan government cannot outsource to others the duty to provide good governance and the quality of leadership that can inspire the country,” he said. Okupe did not also spare Pastor Tunde Bakare, the vice-presidential candidate of the CPC in the 2011 election, either. He advised him to desist from using the pulpit for anti-Jonathan politics. He called on Nigerians to ignore Bakare’s prediction that the Jonathan’s administration will crumble, saying that he is not God. Okupe said Bakare falls into the category of people politicising Boko Haram. “It is shameful. You cannot convert the pulpit to a podium. If you want to be a politician, please come out,” he snapped. He even brought to the fore Bakare’s

Jonathan

Okupe

scathing remarks on respected Christian leaders like Pastor Enoch Adeboye and Bishop David Oyedepo, saying that the presiding Pastor of Latter Rain Assembly sometimes exhibits “unusual traces of deep-seated hatred quite uncommon with Christian leadership of his status.” The presidential aide gave reasons Bakare hates Jonathan. He said the expected failure of the Buhari/Bakare ticket in the 2011 presidential election was responsible for the pastor’s obsession to disparage and insult Jonathan, which he said had been “limitless and boundless.” His words: “There is no doubt that Pastor Bakare has crossed the line of decency and civility in his unrelenting attacks on President Jonathan... I will seriously advice our respected Pastor, to drop his jaundiced views... “As for insecurity brought about by the advent of Boko Haram, Pastor Bakare is just playing to the gallery and being uncharacteristically insincere and dishonest. “What is shameful is the armchair critics like our pastor who at moments of several national distress and tragedy will prefer to play the ‘ostrich’ rather than rally round a legitimate government exploiting all avenues to save the precious lives of the citizens and stop the carnage in the land. “I wish to advise that if Pastor Bakare will be fair, he should come out properly to the political arena and stop using God’s pulpit to throw stones at God’s elect as no

leader will emerge in any praying nation like Nigeria without the blessing of God.” Okupe’s attack on Bakare is not new. In May, he had lambasted Bakare for criticising the Jonathan administration. He described his action then as “political activism.” To him, Bakare has no business being in politics. Before now, only the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has always come in defence of the Presidency. In rare cases does the presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, take on the opposition effectively on major issues. As a result, the Presidency has been the object of attack of the opposition, especially the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). With the appointment of Okupe, he is out to match the opposition voices. But has he really turned to an ‘attack dog’? His actions will reveal this shortly which has started manifesting. Indeed, the former occupant of the office, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode also took on the critics of the Obasanjo administration between July 2003 and June 2006 when he held forth as Special Assistant on Public Affairs. His performance earned him elevation as Minister of Culture and Tourism and later Minister of Aviation. Fani-Kayode was described as “Loudmouth” while carrying out similar responsibilities as Okupe. He held nothing back as he took opponents of the government to the cleaners just like Okupe is doing. “He [Okupe] has taken over my old job at the Presidency and I am very happy for him and the government,” Fani-Kayode said shortly after Okupe’s appointment, describing the office “as far more combative and complicated.” Fani-Kayode was reputed to have religiously attacked opponents of Obasanjo administration. For instance, in 2006, he took on renowned author, Chinua Achebe, for turning down a national honour. “No matter how distinguished and resourceful a person you are and no matter how brilliant and gifted an individual you are, if you feel that your country does not deserve to honour you, then we believe that you certainly do not deserve your country,” he revelled. But must the office of Public Affairs to the President be saddled mainly with the responsibility of fighting government’s opponents? In a civilised society, the public affairs departments of government are not meant for fighting opponents of government or engaging in roforofo (dirty) fight. For instance, the Public Affairs Offices of the U.S. Mission to Nigeria states its functions as: Engages Nigerians of all walks of life; empowers Nigerians to understand American life and culture; educates Nigerians about issues of mutual concern; enriches the dialogue between American citizens and institutions and their counterparts in Nigeria; listens to Nigerians about their concerns toward the U.S; informs Nigerians about U.S. policies in Nigeria; improves understanding between Nigeria and the U.S; and evaluates public affairs programmes for their effectiveness in reaching Nigerians. These are similar responsibilities Okupe or an occupant of the office should pay more attention to. How much of these duties is Okupe carrying out? Time will tell. For now, he is out to out-match Jonathan’s critics.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, August 13, 2012

Politics

Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir el-Rufai was nearly prevented at the Lagos airport from travelling outside the country last week by the State Security Service. In this interview with AYODELE OJO from his base in United Arab Emirates, he speaks on his encounter with the security agents, his criticism of the Goodluck Jonathan administration and other issues. Excerpts:

Monday, August 13, 2012

Why I called for Jonathan’s resignation – el-Rufai

president? For me, the number one duty of any government is to provide security of life and property. And if the government cannot do that, it should find away to go. This is what I said and I believe that strongly, if the president thinks that this situation is beyond him and has to start blaming others or start to ask other people to solve the security problem even though they don’t control the Army, they don’t control the police and the security agencies, I think it is time for him to consider to go back home and give way to those that can. You cannot as a government pretend to be the victim when you are the one in control of not only the financial resources but constitute instrument of power. They didn’t like that. I guess because I said that, they attempted to detain me at the Lagos International Airport. But I will continue to repeat it: anybody that is given a job and he cannot do the job, he should know the honourable thing to do.

It is becoming a pastime that each time you are travelling outside the country or you are returning, you always have issues with the State Security Service. How do you see the trend? I don’t think that is exactly correct; I travel a lot and this is the third time it is happening. So, I wouldn’t say all the time I travel but three times is enough. I think we will have to take legal action on this matter. I think the problem with the security agencies is that they do not understand that we are in a democracy; they still think we are in the military rule where they can do whatever they want. But we have a constitution that guarantees civil rights and we are going to pursue our right under that constitution.

So, you think the honourable thing for President Jonathan to do is to resign from office? If he cannot solve the problem, that is the honourable thing for him to do instead of blaming the opposition parties and Northern leaders. That is not the solution. You are the president, sit up and get the job done; don’t blame other people. If you can’t, get the hell out of the place.

Do you think you deserve this type of treatment? Of course I don’t think so. I don’t think any Nigerian deserves this kind of treatment. I think those in power forget that one day they will be out of power and they can be easily treated. Nobody deserves such treatment, that is why you have law that cross check everyone but those in power think they will be there forever and they will continue to have this power. This is not correct. But as I said, you know we have the legal system, we have the constitution and the court, so we will seek redress. Can you share with us your encounter with the State Security Service at the airport? They just held unto my passport and said their boss wants to see me, and I said I don’t want to see him. I said if he (SSS boss) wants to see me, he should meet me at the lounge. They asked for my passport and I refused to move from the immigration counter. Some 10 to 20 minutes later, the SSS boss at the airport came and collected my passport, gave it to me and said I could go. So, I asked him: why did you waste my time? What is this all about? He said I could go. It was just an incident. But it is a violation of my rights and I’m going to pursue that. Do you see this as an attempt to gag you? I mean your criticism of the government. Of course, it is an harassment and intimidation. And the mistake which the clowns in the government are making is that they think by doing that to me, I will keep quiet. Actually they are challenging me to be even more critical because I hate bullies, I fight bullies and this is what they are. They are nothing but bullies, and I have learnt how to deal with bullies right from the time I was in primary school and this government is not different. Is there anything you think the government is doing to make critics like you keep quiet? I don’t think we will keep quiet because this government is not performing. And as I said, the solution to critics, the way to respond to critics, is to perform. They are not performing, and I don’t think they will perform; I think this government is hopeless and I don’t think they will change anytime soon and we will not stop speaking up for the public interest, for the overall interest of Nigeria. It is not only about opposition; it is about having basic necessities of life like security, job opportunities for young people and so on, and this government is failing on all counts. You said the present government is failing on all counts, yet there is the transformation agenda. Is nothing being transformed? Well, I know things are being transformed but negatively. We have moved from a fairly secure society into

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el-Rufai

THE NUMBER ONE DUTY OF ANY GOVERNMENT IS TO PROVIDE SECURITY OF LIFE

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YOU CANNOT

AS A GOVERNMENT PRETEND TO BE THE VICTIM WHEN YOU ARE THE ONE IN CONTROL OF NOT ONLY THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES BUT CONSTITUTE INSTRUMENT OF POWER a transformed but insecure one. The transformation is there but it is negative. We have moved from N200 billion per annum payment of fuel subsidy to N3 trillion; that is the kind of transformation we are talking about and it is negative transformation. It is the transformation of poverty for Nigerians and wealth for those in power. I think it is very very sad. In the 2012 budget, security received the highest fiscal allocation like never before. Is there any meaningful change in the nation’s security with the huge budgetary allocation? Actually what has been voted for defence and security is over N1.3 trillion; it is not N900 billion. The figure the government announced was wrong. I have done the calculation, it is N1.3 trillion; we are spending N3.1 billion a day on security. I don’t have any comment on that, I think every Nigerian knows that we are far less secure now than we were a year ago and that we are far less secure now than we were a couple of years ago. So, things have been getting worse even though we have injected more money into security. Is that why you are calling for the resignation of the

At a time you are calling for the President’s resignation, the House of Representatives is threatening impeachment proceeding against the president if he fails to implement the budget optimally by September. That is a completely different matter. My call has to do with the degenerating security and the surrender by the president about the security situation; instead of solving the problem, he is calling on other people to solve it or blaming other people. This is the basis of my own comment. But the House of Representatives is upset because the president is not implementing the budget which is within their purview to pursue because not implementing the budget is violating the law of this country. So, they have the right to look into that and sanction him. But they are two different matters; I am concerned about the security failure, they are concerned about budget implementation. The two are both linked; because if they are implementing the budget, it will provide security as well. Do you think there is enough ground for the House of Representatives to issue that treat? Anytime there is a violation of the constitution by the executive, sanction should follow. I do not have enough details to know for sure whether they have enough grounds, but it is within their purview to issue such threat. It is within their power too to investigate those violations. So, wait till September and see what happens. In the heat of the crisis trailing the budget implementation, the Minister of Finance said there is nowhere in the world that budget is implemented 100 per cent. Do you share similar view? That is not correct. Even in my time in the FCT we have implemented our budget 100 per cent one or two years. So, it is not correct, even in Nigeria, budget has been implemented 100 per cent and she knows that. But that is not the point; the point is not to be defensive but to look at what are the problems in the budget and what to do about them not to be defensive and say nowhere in the world budget is being implemented 100 per cent. We should strive to do better and not to create excuses. I don’t agree with that. What is your advice to Nigerians? We need to be vocal about what is wrong and we need a lot of prayers. We need to hold our leaders accountable.

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Views

Monday, August 13, 2012

Still on unbundling Nigeria HeartBeat

CALLISTUS

OKE

Callistusoke@nationalmirroronline.net 08054103275 (SMS ONLY)

rofessor Anthony Kila’s masterpiece in last Monday edition of this newspaper titled: The Olympics and Great Britain’s magic wand, recommends itself as a seminal paper Nigerian leaders. For the knowledgeable, it is a treatise in public policy and decision making processes. The article is quite revealing in how a nation’s greatness is achieved through appropriate synergizing of all the stakeholders, if only it is understood that no stakeholder counts less. The piece reinforces my long held view that only the unalloyed patriotism makes it possible for the people of a nation to produce and contribute “not equally but in equal strength” (apology Senator Magnus Abe). Patriotism helps to galvanise the latent energy of a nation, brings out the selflessness of the people, and unites them in their common quest for greatness. Explaining Great Britain’s success story of the organization of the just concluded Olympic Games, Professor Kila wrote in part

thus: “This success, it must be said, is not a fruit of miracle or anything unforeseeable or unpredictable. The organizers worked hard and in details by planning and projecting ahead, they took into account possible problems and found solutions to them… Along the road whilst executing, there were real difficulties and imagined fears of failure, these were quickly acknowledged and promptly dealt with… No politician, public official or airport manager asked people to bear with them or live with the inconvenience; they simply rolled up their sleeves and found solutions to these problems. “The Britain of today has no big lucky or charismatic lone hero, it is merely a country where everybody does his/her little bit and together they achieve great things. Teachers teach, cleaners clean, coaches coach, the press reports, the police protects, auditors audit and hospitals treat the sick”. Senator Magnus Abe, as if acting intuitively, exposes Nigeria’s fault lines and put his thumb on the underlying factors for her numbing underperformance, in his piece, Time to unbundle Nigeria, published last Tuesday in this newspaper. His thesis is that ethnic particularism with high dosage of chauvinism accounts for the unproductiveness of Nigeria. I think Abe’s discourse is also a must read for Nigerian leaders and opinion moulders. Fifty two years of flag independence and richly endowed by God, why do we still belong to the global league of laggard countries? Pondering over this, I am tempted to

WORRISOME ALSO IS THE FACT THAT WE ARE A MONOCULTURAL ECONOMY, MAJORLY DEPENDING ON OIL, IN SPITE OF OUR ENDOWMENTS believe that Nigeria is one of God’s spoilt children! He has showered us with too much blessings to the point that we have become both lazy and uncreative. Let us count our blessings. Good arable alluvia land, so rich that it takes no effort for the seed of any fruit thrown away after sucking or munching to sprout and become fruit bearing tree again, or for the preponderance of wasteful shifting cultivation in our agricultural land use practice. Overflow of oil and gas resources, has only engendered a scandalous culture of waste and pillage. Illegal oil bunkering competes with official oil and gas exploration and exploitation with the former milking the nation of billions of dollars yearly. President Goodluck Jonathan recently personally publicly confirmed the unwholesome theft of our oil. Worrisome also is the fact that we are a monocultural economy, majorly depending on oil, in spite of our endowments. We are a nation of rich hydropower po-

tentials; abundance non-renewable energy sources (crude oil, natural gas and fuel wood), and overflowing with coalfields. Yet we can barely generate 4, 000MW of electricity from all sources, while demand is put at about 15, 000MW. We all know why. Records show that about 41 per cent of the world’s electricity generation is being achieved through coal, and this is projected to rise to 46 percent by the year 2030. The US relies on coal for almost half of her electricity needs. Why are we unable to optimally utilize our proven coal reserves of about 650 million metric tonnes (inferred reserves put at 2.75 billion metric tonnes)? The bulk of our coal is sub-bituminous, which possesses a high calorific value, low ash and sulphur content and good storage characteristics. Up to the late 1960’s, coal provided all the energy requirements for the nation’s first generation industries, and met the electricity needs of the Marines Department, Nigerian Railways and Electricity Corporation of Nigeria. Decline set in when the nation turned to hydropower as its main source of electricity following the coming on stream of the Kainji Dam in 1968. Today, there is no single coal plant in the country. What has been proven beyond all reasonable doubt is that all our current challenges as a nation – pervasive insecurity, rapacious corruption, deficit social infrastructure provisioning, ethno-religious crises, crass materialism and social decadence – are all traceable to our loss of faith in the country as an enduring project!

Security votes roguery and national insecurity

udgment day is coming when many state governors, presidency, and chieftains of local government councils and agencies would face trial for illegally expropriating billions of naira as security votes when there is no constitutional backing. The culture of impunity governing the pilferage of security votes has reached epidemic proportions so much that local government chairmen now commandeer, for largely personal use, sumptuous millions of naira under false pretense of security provisioning in their domain, which is often infested with high-grade criminality - robberies, kidnapping and terrorism. Investigations may reveal over one trillion naira per year illegal expenditure on doubtful security issues. This unwholesome malpractice has gradually worn the garment of legitimacy because there is not government yet in place to confront corrupt and theft of public funds, which has bedraggled an otherwise wealthy nation. The helplessness of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan to check this epidemic abuse made the nation’s Auditor General, Samuel Ukura to recently ask the National Assembly to deal with the imperial Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for illegally expropriating N30 billion security votes in 2010 without NASS authorization as mandated by the Constitution. Worse still is that the NNPC chieftains refused to respond to Accountant General’s queries on the breakdown of N30 billion security vote, especially in the face of the corporation’s helplessness in checking pipeline vandalisation, massive $7 billion yearly

crude oil thefts, subsidies roguery, etc. State governors are notorious because pocketed state lawmakers prefer to share the booty than check executive recklessness. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole allegedly incurred N900 million security vote in one month; Abia’s Orji plans to raise own from N450m to N700 million per month; yet all the states are crime infested. Lawmakers lack the muscle to demand security votes’ disbursement breakdown. The other day, Imo state Governor Rochas Okorocha had gleefully said he had slashed yearly security votes from N6 billion (N500 million per month) to N2.5 million and that he would deploy the money to redress educational infrastructure deficit in the state. Imagine governor of a rural Imo collecting N500 million every month for which he gives account to nobody! All some governors do is to cover up roguery by buying a few Hilux vehicles for the Police. However, Kano State Governor Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso is an exception. Last April, he abolished arbitrary security votes, adding that security funding would henceforth follow normal budgetary process. That is a disciplined governor who shields against judgment day. Said Kwankwaso: “Here in Kano, we do not set aside a kobo for security votes. If the Police need funding, they should come and tell us what they need the money for.” He said his decision to channel security votes through the budgetary process was to stop corruption perpetrated under guise of security votes. This move will promote transparency and accountability in governance. A Gani Fawehinmi disciple, Chief Nkereuwem Akpan, has an ongoing suit at

THE CULTURE OF IMPUNITY GOVERNING THE PILFERAGE OF SECURITY VOTES HAS REACHED EPIDEMIC PROPORTIONS a federal high court to stop the 36 states governors from expropriating security votes. Apparently working on the theory of the court likely dismissing the suit on technical grounds of locus standi or incapacity of an individual to sue a party when his personal interest is not injured, none of the governors has filed a defense. According to Akpan, once it is established that deducted monies were for purposes not prescribed law, without appropriation and due process as provided for in the Advanced Fee Fraud law, the EFCC can move in. Yet, the so-called Independent Corrupt Practices and Commission (ICPC) and EFCC that should apprehend this brazen theft of public funds turn blind eye. What has the grandstanding EFCC done to apprehend and prosecute ex governors, who were investigated and found culpable for security votes abuses but are no longer covered by immunity? Is the EFCC watching the body language of the President because the Presidency is also involved when Jonathan has said openly that only incompetent agencies would watch for his body swagger before doing their jobs? Trapped in the sordid expropriation of security votes is the Presidency that should

Roadmap SONI EHI

ASUELIMEN

soniasuelimen@yahoo.com, 08023459055 (SMS ONLY)

show exemplary example. Unresolved is the issue that billions of naira was smuggled out by unauthorized persons during the sick days of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, when President Jonathan was the VP. Currently, a former Inspector General of Police is facing trial over N560 million given to Police to buy weapons to secure Bayelsa State when President Jonathan was state governor. In effect, relevant agencies and institutions must stop the impunity of using security votes as money laundering slush funds for which rogue Ibori is languishing in British jail. It is crystal clear that national security challenge is not borne out of lack of funds but for unchecked corruption epidemic, which has turned oil wealth to curse by a blighted leadership. Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

Editorial

Monday, August 13, 2012

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

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Nigeria’s woeful performance at the London Olympics Continued from page 1

is as disappointing for my team and myself and for all Nigerians everywhere. But we must have the courage to see it as it is. This is a clear testimony to how far our sports have fallen behind… And I have not received a better lesson than in the last two weeks of London 2012. We have been hoping too much on luck, but for once, God is telling us He’s not a magician… According to a Yoruba saying, as you pose for a camera that is how you will appear. There’s no magic”, Abdullahi reportedly said. The minister said the woeful failure could be compared to crisis and had presented “an opportunity to rebuild.” He said he was appointed the Minister of Sports only two months to the Olympics. “I have had to learn very quickly and I have not received a better lesson than in the last two weeks of London 2012”, he added. Sadly, however, the minister reportedly stated that Team Nigeria was not at the Olympics to win but was there to better past performance. The journey to the nation’s dismal outing began with the nonqualification of both the country’s male and female football teams for the Olympics. The country had likewise failed to qualify for the only world cup tournament held in Africa in 2010; as well as crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations after being held to a 2-2 draw by Guinea in Abuja late last

NOTHING SHORT OF A SURGICAL OPERATION

IS REQUIRED, FROM THE SPORTS MINISTRY DOWN THE LINE year. It does not even look as if the country has a national team, Indeed, reports say Nigeria now occupies the 58th position on the Federation of Internatonal Football Associations’ (FIFA) new rankings for footballing. The Federal Government, according to reports, released the sum of N1.9 billion to facilitate the country’s participation in the London Games through the Ministry of Sports/National Sports Commission (NSC), but the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) said it was given a paltry N50 million out of the amount to prepare for the London Olympics. Secretary-General of the NOC, Tunde Popoola, told this newspaper exclusively in London that the funds were withheld and operated by the NSC, leaving the NOC, the bonafide affiliate of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the recognized body to enter Nigerian athletes for Olympic events and take charge of their participation in the games in the dark on how the fund went. “Quote me, the NOC only received N50m from the NSC

out of the N1.9bn released by the Federal Government and we don’t know what they did with it or how it was used. We have tried to manage the team with what is available to us,” Popoola said. Apart from underfunding the NOC, Popoola said preparation for the games was a write off. “We leave it till the last minute and this one (London Games) is not much of an exception… It’s still the same thing”, he said. Indeed, virtually all analysts of the shameful performance laid the blame on outstanding corruption in the nation’s sports administration which manifests through poor preparations and a dishonest athletes selection process. Trailing the failure of Team Nigeria at the London Olympics is not just corruption in the nation’s sports administration, but the salt often added to the injury of Nigerians by sports managers who always see every sporting event locally and internationally as a jamboree for merriment. Reports indicated, for instance, that despite the warning by the Minister of Sports that certain officials should not travel to London for the games; they defied the minister’s order and travelled to London. The dismal outing posted by the nation at the London Olympics is totally unacceptable and we reject the self-consolatory remark of the Sports Minister that Team Nigeria was not at the Olympics to win medals. The comment

represents a grave insult on the nation’s intelligence, especially when put side by side with the N1.9 billion the FG voted for the games. The Minister of Sports owes the nation explanation on how the money was utilized. The London 2012 Summer Olympic Games (the 30th Olympiad or London 2012) will be recorded in history as Nigeria’s worst since 1952 that the country first participated in the event. Those responsible for the huge failure must be fished out and punished. It is not just enough to always pounce on football coaches or technical advisers whenever the nation loses a crucial match. The entire hierarchy of the nation’s sports administration has failed and the FG should descend decisively on the officials that have turned the nation’s sports to a laughing stock. Nothing short of a surgical operation is required, from the sports ministry down the line. The London Olympics embarrassment is enough reason to take drastic measures in sanitising the nation’s sports management as presently constituted; as well as reviewing the sports policy and set an agenda for a more rewarding future for sports in the country. The nation’s chances in the Rio 2016 Olympics holding in Brazil is very slim except the FG addresses the embarrassing failure of London 2012 and redress the causes.

ON THIS DAY August 13, 2011 The main stage collapsed at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis during a hurricane-force wind gust ahead of an approaching severe thunderstorm, killing seven people and injuring 45. The Indiana State Fair stage collapse occurred during an outdoor concert by Sugarland (with Sara Bareilles as the opening act) at the Indiana State Fair in which a wind gust from an approaching severe thunderstorm hit the stage’s temporary roof structure, causing it to collapse.

August 13, 2004 About 156 Congolese Tutsi refugees were massacred at the Gatumba refugee camp in Burundi. A force of armed combatants, many of them members of the Forces for National Liberation (FNL), massacred at least roughly 156 Congolese civilians and wounded another 106. The FNL is a predominantly Hutu rebel movement known for its hostility to the Tutsi and the victims were largely Banyamulenge, a group often categorized with the Tutsi ethnic group.

August 13, 1978 Over 150 Palestinians in Beirut were killed in a terrorist attack during the second phase of the Lebanese Civil War. The Lebanese Civil War was a multifaceted civil war in Lebanon. The war lasted from 1975 to 1990 and resulted in an estimated 150,000 to 230,000 fatalities. Another one million people (a quarter of the population) were wounded, and today approximately 350,000 people remain displaced within Lebanon.

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Business Courage

Monday, August 13, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cover

Still in

dire straits Fifteen months down the line, Nigeria’s economy still hangs in the balance, bogged down by rising foreign and domestic debts, poverty, unemployment, decayed infrastructure and above all, serious liquidity squeeze. Yet, the government insists the country is not broke. So, what does the next 33 months of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration hold for Nigerians? By Bamidele Obafemi

t every opportunity, various government officials, including the Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala have mouthed the fact that the Nigerian economy is sound, not broke and not in any way fiscally impaired. But then, the same government officials would readily admit that the country has cash flow problem. “The country is absolutely not broke. And I want to repeat that again, because there are those who would want to push that idea. The country is not broke, (though) the country may have cash flow problems from time to time. That is normal and is to be expected because a person may be very wealthy, he may have a lot of assets but at a particular point in time the stream of income may delay,” Okonjo-Iweala had said recently.

Jonathan

“You are running a business, you can be assets rich therefore you cannot be broke but you may have a temporary month when the flow is not as it should be because the price of that product may be lower. The time for you to collect money from that product may take a little longer because you extended credit to people by selling to them and then telling them you will collect later. So, sometimes there may be temporary cash flow issues, but the country broke? The answer is no,” Dr. Okonjo-Iweala emphasised. The spirited defence notwithstanding, some analysts are of the opinion that what the country is presently going through is a sign of insolvency, which if not properly managed, may put the entire economy in serious mess. “The economy is tough; government is mopping up money through Treasury Bills to be able to have enough

to run the government as earnings from crude oil sales continue to dwindle. The cash flow problem we are experiencing is a sign of insolvency, a technical distress,” said a highly placed business executive who preferred anonymity last week. Indeed, the situation may be more precarious next year following the expected decline in the consumption of Nigeria’s crude in the international oil market. Oil presently accounts for over 90 percent of the country’s foreign exchange earnings and any disruption is expected to impair on the country’s income. Based on earlier expected improvement in oil consumption next year, the Federal Government said the 2013 budget which has, “Fiscal consolidation with growth and job creation” as its theme would be based on an oil reference price of $75 per barrel. The projection is slightly higher than its 2012 budget reference price of

$72 per barrel. But the Organisation of Petroleum ExportingCountries (OPEC), in its latest report, stated that the world oil demand may not be as high as many stakeholders expected. It maintained that, “There is considerable uncertainty surrounding the forecast for world oil demand growth in 2013, which remains unchanged at 0.8 mb/d. However, risks are

currently seen to be skewed to the downside.” The cartel painted a gloomier picture for Nigeria and other OPEC member states when it stated that “Demand for OPEC crude in 2013 is forecast to average 29.5 mb/d, a drop of 0.4 mb/d from the current year and representing a downward adjustment of 0.1 mb/d from the previous report.”

Business Courage A Publication of GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM, OFR  PUBLISHER SEMIU SALAMI BAMIDELE OBAFEMI ADEJUWON OSUNNUYI FESTUS OKOROMADU TAYO ADELEKE

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Business Courage

Monday, August 13, 2012

A3 21

Cover OPEC seemed worried about slow growth in some economies that import much oil from Nigeria and other producers. It remarked that “Growth has slowed not only in troubled OECD countries, but also in key non-OECD economies, such as China, India and Brazil.” However, beyond the issue of the gloomy forecast by OPEC, a combination of the rising incidence of oil theft and illicit bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region, may further negatively impact on the revenue earnings of the country and hinder the Federal Government’s ability to meet its obligations. Expectedly, this has raised eyebrows and fuelled speculations from certain quarters that Nigeria stands the risk of being confronted with a fiscal crisis. Nigeria is believed to have lost an estimated $7 bn to oil theft through illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalisation at $7 billion in the last one year. In April this year alone, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), reported that 17 per cent, about one fifth of revenue of oil production, was lost. The implication of this is that, Nigeria’s daily crude exports of 1.85 million barrels had fallen by 17 per cent from the 1.96 million barrels projected for April. The export figure put at 1.85 million bpd of crude oil represents a drop from the 1.87 million bpd loaded in March and the 1.96 million bpd projected for April. Also, 610,000 barrels per day of condensates are being exported, bringing total exports to 2.46 million bpd, which is marginally below the budget’s target of 2.48 million bpd, with analysts warning that though not threatening at the moment, it could pose a serious danger, especially if production is depleted further on account of theft and vandalism. Nevertheless, a source insisted that the situation portends a real threat because the projected revenue profile based on daily crude production of 2.48 million bpd may not be realised and the budget will record a deficit. He noted that the 2.48 million bpd budget benchmark was on the top-end of actual production in 2011, adding that if unchecked, shortfalls in output arising from crude theft, vandalisation and operators of illegal refineries may force the government to borrow money to finance the huge deficit. Though the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is yet to come out with its current figures on the performance of the economy for 2011 and 2012, present occurrences in the economy do not suggest it will fare better compared to 2010. Yemi Kale, Statistician-General of the Federation had noted in the NBS report for 2010 that more Nigerians became poorer

Okonjo-Iweala

between 2004 and 2010, putting the figure of those living in absolute poverty in the period at about 61 per cent. Absolute poverty, according to NBS, is measured by the number of people who can afford only the bare essentials of shelter, food and clothing. The Bureau in the report released early this year, noted that the rising trend of absolute poverty may persist. However, the worsening trend of poverty runs parallel to the beautiful figures churned out by both the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other relevant government institutions on economic growth on a sustainable basis. “Despite the fact that the Nigerian economy is growing, the proportion of Nigerians living in poverty is increasing every year, although it declined between 1985 and 1992, and between 1996 and 2004,” head of the NBS said. Interestingly, in spite of the gloomy picture painted by the NBS report, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala believes that the growth record of the Nigerian economy is sustainable. At the annual spring meeting of the World Bank held in April 2012 at Washington DC, Dr. Ngozi- Okonjo-Iweala, acknowledged that the Nigeria’s economic growth has been sustainable as she predicted that the target for 2012 may surpass the World Bank’s projection. While Nigeria hopes to achieve a growth in the range of 7-8 per cent in 2012, the World Bank had projected an average growth of 6.6 per cent for the 2012 fiscal year. Okonjo-Iweala boasted: “First of all, we need to look at the projection. They have their projections; obviously, we have our own where we are aiming at 7- 8 per cent growth in the economy in 2012. Let me say that 6.6 per cent growth in this current environment is regard-

Sanusi

ed as exceptionally good in the uncertain international environment which we are in”. Nigeria’s economic growth, according to the Minister, can only be compared with that of China and India in a period when the Euro zone is busy battling with recession. “So you should know that the projection for the growth in the global economy is 3.5 per cent done by the IMF; so if we are growing at something like 6. 6 per cent, I think it is something we need to be very proud of. Only few countries are doing well except for China and India, but be that as it may, we will compare notes with them because we are looking into our own growth to be slightly higher than that and we will see what the sources of differences are” she enthused. Lamido Sanusi Lamido, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), also believes that the foundation for sustainable economic growth has been laid for the country. “What we are saying is that a lot depends on how quickly the growth drivers we are working on steadily come into play. We already have fiscal consolidation, macro-economic stability. What is left is to make progress on the power and agricultural reforms”.

As a matter of fact, Lamido believes that a growth of between seven and eight percent for the economy could be too small for the country if the present administration is able to make considerable progress in the aspect of power generation and agricultural production. “I do not think that the seven to eight per cent numbers that have been forecasted by the Finance Minister will be unachievable. We might as well surpass this number. Really, it is the structural reforms that will determine the pace of growth. The foundation has been laid in terms of stability”, said Sanusi Lamido. Sanusi Lamido said that the difficulty in getting cash to run the economy is due to the unfavourable market price for the country’s crude oil in the international energy markets. “Falling oil prices and domestic energy output due to declining global demand were a concern for Nigeria’s economy”, he said. The CBN Governor expressed worries that Nigeria exports most of its domestic output and that figures show exports have been falling, suggesting falls in output also. He noted that exports are set to fall to 1.81 million barrels a day (bpd) in

September, a provisional loading programme showed in July. “The budget is based on assumptions of output of 2.4 million barrels per day (bpd), and output has been underperforming... so $72 may not be an effective benchmark. Long before you get to $72, you will have major strains on government revenues, so long as output does not improve,” Sanusi said. While the country contends with the issue of liquidity squeeze, the external debt which in 2005 was significantly paid down is gradually taking a flight again. External debt according to the Debt Management Office (DMO) stands at over $6 billion as at June 30, 2012 while domestic debt or internal debt amounted to about N6.15 trillion. Breakdown of the domestic debt showed that the government, as at June 30, 2012 had borrowed about N3.71 trillion through issuance of bonds, which represents 60.37 per cent of the total local debt while borrowings from Treasury Bills and Treasury Bonds amounted to about N2.08 trillion and N373.73 billion, representing 33.88 per cent and 5.75 per cent respectively. Curiously still, Nigeria’s economic managers insist that the level of the country’s indebtedness at the moment is nothing out of place. But as assuring as that would appear, various stakeholders including private sector operators, the political class and even the academics have faulted government position about the country’s debt profile. The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in its first quarterly briefing in Lagos this year, declared that the current debt profile of the country was not sustainable, taking into account that the current debt service is about 20 per cent of total revenue of government. Goodie Ibru, President of the Chamber noted with dismay that the fact that only about N1.5 trillion is ear-marked for capital project while N560 billion is earmarked for debt service in the 2012 budget raises issues of prioritisation of resource allocation. The chamber’s grouse is that, the cost at which the government is borrowing is too high and creating distortions in the credit market. Even Okonjo-Iweala agrees that the country needs to exercise caution. “Our domestic debt is about 15 per cent of the GDP. We need to watch it so that we do not overdo things and have a borrowing that is above what we can sustain. We need to bring down the over N5 trillion we have in domestic debt so that what we use in the budget to pay our debt do not escalate. Our foreign borrowing is about two per cent. The bulk of the external debt is concessionary,” she said. BC

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News

Allison-Madueke

Hope dims for 2013 budget as OPEC reviews oil forecast By Udeme Akpan

he nation may not be in a position to generate sufficient foreign exchange for the implementation of its 2013 budget following dwindling hope for improved demand next year. Based on earlier expected improvement in oil consumption next year, the Federal Government said the budget which has, “Fiscal consolidation with growth and job creation” as its theme would be based on an oil reference price of $75 per barrel. The projection is slightly higher than its 2012 budget reference price of $72 per barrel. But the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), in its latest report, stated that the world oil demand may not be as high as many stakeholders expected. It maintained that, “There is considerable uncertainty surrounding the forecast for world oil demand growth in 2013, which remains unchanged at 0.8 mb/d. However, risks are currently seen to be skewed to the downside.” The cartel painted a gloomier picture for Nigeria and other OPEC member states when it stated that “demand for OPEC crude in 2013 is forecast to average 29.5 mb/d, a drop of 0.4 mb/d from the current year and representing a downward adjustment of 0.1 mb/d from the previous report.” OPEC seemed worried about slow growth in some economies that import much oil from Nigeria and other producers. It remarked that “Growth has slowed not only in troubled OECD countries, but also in key nonOECD economies, such as China, India and Brazil.” A Presidency source said the budget, presented to the Federal Executive Council was being reviewed for onward delivery to lawmakers in October, this year. He said

“The legislators and other stakeholders would review the budget in the light of new developments in the oil market. I am sure they would also consider relevant reports in making final decisions on the budget.” But the nation may not have problems meeting set production targets as the implementation of Amnesty programme, involving rehabilitation, training and capacity building of former militants has assisted to create an improved socio-political climate for oil production in the Niger Delta. The Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mr. Andrew Yakubu said that has made it possible for the nation to raise its oil output from 2.4 million barrels per day (bpd) to 2.7 bpd. He said “We want to thank the president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, for his great initiative to restore security with regards to pipelines and our crude oil production facilities and we thank the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani AlisonMadueke, for driving the process.” Yakubu called on many stakeholders, especially state governments, local governments and communities to assist in ensuring that oil and gas operations are sustained in the country.

Orya

Romanian envoy, NEXIM Bank parley on export-import trade potentials Stories by Tola Akinmutimi (Abuja)

he Romanian Head of Mission in Nigeria, Nicolae Moldoveanu, has opened discussions with management of the Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM) to explore the possibility of opening up trade ties between Nigerian exporters and Romanian. The envoy, who led a team of Embassy officials to the Bank in Abuja, expressed the keen interest that Romania has

in Nigerian products especially in the areas of solid minerals, agricultural products and textile materials Moldoveanu, who was impressed with the laudable initiatives of NEXIM Bank, pointed out that most Romanian businesses have little knowledge of the Nigerian business landscape whilst many are skeptical of doing business in Nigeria due to the risk of being defrauded. The ambassador also extended an invitation to NEXIM Bank and exporters of Nigerian products to attend the Romanian International Trade Fair that will take place in October this year. According to him, the Fair will boost trade between the two countries for the creation of jobs and earning of foreign exchange. Managng Director of NEXIM Bank, Roberts Orya, said that the mandate, as the Trade Policy Bank of Nigeria, is to promote export-related investments in the Manufacturing, Agriculture, Solid Minerals and Services sectors of the economy. He also shared experiences on the bank’s activities to deepen trade with the West and Central sub-regions through the facilitation of Sealink Project which is expected to provide sea-going vessels for ease of movement of goods and persons and the ECOWAS Trade Support Facility which is targeted at financial documentation of commercial exchanges within the region. While thanking the Ambassador for his keen interest to collaborate with NEXIM Bank for harnessing investment opportunities in Nigeria, the NEXIM Bank boss expressed the hope that the visit would signal the beginning of mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries. According to Trading Economic’s website, Romania imports were worth 4,728 Million Euro in March of 2012. Historically, from 2000 until 2012, Romania imports averaged 2,690.24 Million EUR reaching an all-time high of 5,052.00 Million Euro in November of 2011 and a record low of 729.00 Million EUR in January of 2000. Romania imports machinery and equipment, fuels and minerals, chemicals, textile and products, metals and agricultural products majorly from Germany 16.1 per cent, Italy 11.2 per cent, Hungary 7.3 per cent, Russia 5.9 per cent, France 5.6 per cent, Turkey 4.9 per cent, Austria 4.8 per cent, Kazakhstan 4.5 per cent, and China 4.2 per cent. Romania saw an immediate change in its international trade scenario when it liberalized its trading system at the time of joining the European Union in 2007. Romania has been seeing a continuous

increase in exports since 2003. Despite negative GDP growth in 2009, due to the global recession, the country’s exports grew 22.54 per cent. It is expected that the visit to NEXIM Bank and discussions on the possibility of opening bi-lateral trade relations between the Embassy and the Bank if fully consumated would make Nigeria become a pioneer trade partner with the Romania.

Obi

World Bank rates Nigerian firms productivity low

firms. “This is twice as high as in South Africa, Brazil, Russia and Indonesia”, it added. On the greatest challenges confronting Nigerian businesses generally, the report noted that the “businesses’ biggest reported problem is the unreliable power supply. About 83 per cent of all managers surveyed considered electricity outages to be a serious problem—more than any other constraint. “Firms of all sizes, in all states and sectors, report average power outages equivalent to 8 hours per day. The average firm reported that outages lost them money equivalent to more than 4 per cent of sales. The report pointed out further that no comparator country experiences such severe business constraints. Meanwhile, Anambra state governor, Mr Peter Obi, who spoke at the forum, canvassed lower interest rate on bank credit as one of the panacea to the low productivity problem of the corporate entities in the country.

report by the World Bank on the nation’s investment climate assessment for year 2011 has rated the performance of corporate entities in Nigeria lower than those companies in other countries captured in the survey. The Investment Climate Analysis report launched yesterday in Abuja reviews the experiences of over 3000 surveyed business owners in 26 states of Nigeria in terms of how the business climate affected their businesses. The findings of the report indicated that Nigerian firms have low productivity, as measured by their output in relation to their labour and capital inputs. For instance, companies in Kenya were discovered to be about 40 per cent more efficient than their Nigerian counterparts, while those in Russia were almost twice as productive just as those in South Africa were almost four times as productive. However, Nigerian firms that export to the global market were so found to be about 90 per cent more productive than non-exporters. According to the report, although labour in Nigeria is inexpensive, it is not inexpensive enough to compensate for this low productivity. The poor performance of Nigerian companies reflects many factors. “This study focuses on constraints in the business climate and the serious costs they impose on Nigerian firms. Taken together, the total indirect costs of poor quality infrastructure, crime and security, and corruption amount to over 10 per cent of sales for Nigerian

Yakubu

NNPC increases sales outlets to 500 By John Uwe/ Abuja

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said that its retail outlets and affiliate stations have increased to 500 giving it over 16.13 per cent of the downstream sector. The Group Managing Director of the corporation, Andrew Yakubu stated this at the induction ceremony for 595 new employees in Abuja, saying that the NNPC’s target was to be a midtier company in the oil sector by 2015. According to him, the growth plan of the group is to increase its crude production through the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) from the current 120,000bpd to 250,000bpd by 2015. Yakubu said that with the recent expansion of the corporation “upstream activities via last week’s takeover of OML 34 and some other prolific fields by the NPDC, your future in the services of the corporation will be determined by productive challenges as your quota to the realization of the corporation’s core goals and objec-

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News tives”. The Group Managing Director regretted that despite the over 50 years of petroleum operation in Nigeria, local participation is still about 10 per cent of the total crude production. According to him, the recruitment process which started in 2010 was conducted in a transparent manner that gave equal opportunity to Nigerians to work in the corporation. He said “A breakdown of the figure shows that 132 personnel were hired under the experience hire category, 347 under graduate trainee programme while 116 were employed as operators”. “Furthermore, in line with Federal Character Commission (FCC) requirements, management engaged the commission for vetting of the recruitment exercise and after a series of interface; the commission issued a certificate of compliance to NNPC thus bringing the exercise to a successful close,” he said. Yakubu said that 269, 376 persons applied for the vacant positions of which 44, 239 were shortlisted for aptitude test with 36,479 participating in the test, adding that 4,432 candidates were interviewed with 595 of them adjudged successful and recruited.

Oduoza

UBA to collaborate with Benin Republic on infrastructure and economic development

n line with its policy of contributing to the economic development of host economies whereever it operates in, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is to collaborate and partner with the Government of Benin Republic in infrastructure and other key sectors of the economy. Facts to this effect emerged last week when the Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc, Phillips Oduoza and other Group executives met with the President of Benin Republic, Dr. Boni Yayi in Cotonou on Monday August 6, 2012. The President, who described the meeting

with UBA as a seal on the harmonious relationship between government and people of Benin Republic, called on UBA to explore several ways of helping in the realization of the objective of his administration to grow the economy. “We are currently growing at 3 percent but my plan is to achieve up to 7 percent growth rate” he stated. Speaking at the meeting, Oduoza expressed the Bank’s willingness to partner and invest in the infrastructure and economic development of the West African country, noting that as one of Africa’s leading financial services group, UBA has proven ability to finance big ticket transactions across the continent. “We will support the cotton campaign in Benin. But beyond the cotton campaign, we would today and in future assist in theother projects that will be beneficial and impactful to the people”. According to him, “UBA operates in 19 African countries and wants to assist all these countries to achieve development for their people and infrastructure. We would like to demonstrate to the Beninese government our capacity and decision to support the country, its development pertaining to infrastructure and other actions which will help in uplifting of the economy,” Oduoza said. Oduoza stated that UBA wants to be a catalyst for a fruitful partnership between Benin Republic and Nigeria particularly in their commercial sectors, with specific focus on the development of this precious cotton industry in Benin. UBA Group which currently has a subsidiary in Benin is one of Africa’s leading financial institutions and offers services to more than 7.5 million customers across 850 branches and over 2,000 ATMs in 19 African countries.

Nigeria has the most attractive environment for investment – World Bank Chief

he Country Director, World Bank, Nigeria, Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, has said that despite the current infrastructure challenge facing Nigeria, the country still remains the most attractive place for both local and foreign investors. Marie-Nelly stated this on the sidelines of the Launch of the World Bank’s Investment Climate Assessment (ICA) Report in Abuja , on Thursday. She however, said there

Aganga

was need for the country to improve its business environment in order to maximise the hugely untapped investment opportunities that exist across the country. Marie-Nelly said, “Nigeria has the most attractive environment for investment because Nigeria is a large market in the continent; it is the second largest economy in the continent. It is a market that any investor cannot ignore with over 160 million people and a gateway to the ECOWAS. For me, while we say the country’s current investment climate could be better in terms of providing electricity, access to finance and other things, you should also look at the huge opportunities for investment in Nigeria . “The basic lesson from the World Bank Assessment Report titled “ Nigeria, An Assessment of the Investment Climate in 26 states”, is that there are critical constraints in Nigeria that impede the development of the non-oil sector . Some of the critical issues include electricity, which affects the productivity and competitiveness of enterprises. However, the labour cost in Nigeria is actually lower than most of Nigeria’s competitors such as Brazil and South Africa. So, there is need for Nigeria to address some of the constraints in order to take advantage of the huge investment opportunities that exist in the country.” In his Keynote address titled “ Reforming Nigeria’s Investment Climate”, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, said his ministry had already embarked on far-reaching investment climate reforms in order to improve the county’s competitiveness ranking and attract more Foreign Direct Investment into the country. Specifically, Aganga stated that his ministry was partnering the Ministry of Power to for the provision of uninterrupted electricity to nine industrial cities by the first quarter of 2013. He said,

“very soon, most of our SMEs will start to feel the positive impact of our Investment Climate Reforms Programmes which we have embarked upon so far. In terms of electricity, we are working with the Ministry of Power to ensure that nine industrial cities have access to uninterrupted power supply by the first quarter of 2013 . But in terms of improving our Doing Business and Competitiveness Ranking, it will take at least a year for all the reforms we are implementing now to reflect because samples have already been taken in June last year before we began the reforms. In order to make Nigeria the preferred destination for investment globally, my ministry has already commenced an Investment Climate Reform Programme in October 2011 with support from the World Bank and DFID.

ACCA boosts online interactions with mobile apps Stories by Kunle Azeez

he Association of Chartered Certified Accountants has strengthened online interactions with accountancy professionals and students through the launch of webbased mobile applications that allow them to keep them organised and informed on key accounting issues. The new solutions are the Student Planner app, which is free to download and is available on the iPhone; and a free Research and Insights app has also been produced for the iPad, which keeps users upto-date with the latest reports that have been published by ACCA and allied reports. Explaining the functions of the apps, in a statement, ACCA said the two new apps for students and people working in the accountancy profession have been developed to help keep everyone in the know. According to the statement, the Student Planner app offers students advice on how to get started with the ACCA qualification, pass exams, gain experience and behave ethically and professionally and a countdown to key dates relating to exams and recording experience, with the ability to set alerts for these events and synchronise them with their iPhone calendar. IT also offers an interactive tool to work out when they might become an ACCA member, based on their progress and if they stay on track with their study and plans for gaining experience as well as providing an insight into how fast they are progressing and tips on how to

FLIGHT SCHEDULE Air Nigeria International (Lagos - London) Los- LGW (VK293): Tue, Thurs, Fri & Sat 11.55pm LGW-Los (VK292): Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun 10.50am

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

Aero Contractors Los-Abj: 06:50, 13:30, 16:30, 19:45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 12:30 (Sun) 16:45 (Sat). Abj-Los: 07:30, 13:00, 19:00 (Mon-Fri/ Sat) 10:30, 14:30, 19:30 (Sun) 18.30 (Sat) Los-Ben: 07:45, 11:00, 15:30, (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12:30 (Sun) 15:30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) Ben-Los: 09:15, 12:30, 17:00 (Mon-Fri/ Sat/Sun) 17:00 (Sat), 14:00 (Sun) move faster through to ACCA membership. The Research and Insights app also explores trends and issues crucial for business, economies, society and the accountancy profession, now and in the future. There are other features to the app such as exclusive video interview with ACCA’s leading experts and interactive infographics. Commenting, the Policy Director at ACCA, Mr. Ewan Willars, said the apps had been designed to make it easier to access information on technology that more and more people are now relying on, such as smartphones and tablets, in their busy day-today lives. “This is part of ACCA’s digital strategy, which is about making our products and materials available to the online community,” he said. BC

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Chronicling Business Courage @ One

One e year ea afte after deb debut, t Business B i e Co Courage, a e the t all business publication arm of the bourgeoning Global Media Mirror Limited, a subsidiary of the Global Fleet group has beamed its searchlight on some of the best and brilliant Nigerian business persons and organisations, providing stunning insights into their path of entrepreneurial and business development strategies By Salami Semiu

t started like an idea that would not fly. After several months of initial delays, occasioned by series of strategic realignment, Business Courage, the all-business publication from the stable of Global Media Mirror, subsidiary of the fast growing, multi-sectoral Global Fleet conglomerate owned by Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, OFR finally debuted on August 8, 2011. Though originally scheduled to be a stand-alone, all gloss business and economy publication, the debut of Business Courage as a weekly insert in the National Mirror Newspapers, was part of a strategic decision to leverage on the wide reach enjoy by the high flying National Mirror, preparatory to Business Courage’s final emergence as a separate business entity. Clearly, the journey to the August 8, 2011 debut was as exciting as it was tasking, largely on the account of the insistence of the publisher, Dr. Ibrahim that the concept and ideals behind the publication be properly understood. As the visioner and promoter of the Business Courage concept, Dr. Ibrahim had envisioned a publication that would provide strong platform to unearth Nigerian entrepreneurs, tell their stories based on the principles and strategies adopted to reach the peak of their chosen career. The logic is that young and aspiring entrepreneurs and business persons who read the publication will be able to use the knowledge gained in the process of building their own business model. That was the basis for Giant Strides, the three-page-detailed report and analysis on a particular entrepreneur.

As an outstanding businessman and entrepreneur of international standing himself, Dr. Ibrahim was very emphatic about what he wanted the Business Courage to do with Giant Stride. His original concept was indeed, to name the entire publication as Giant Stride and fashion it along the path of the popular Harvard Business Review. Though Business Courage is far from fully achieving the stated objective, one year after, the past 52 editions of the publication have no doubt strived to provide strategic insight into the world of some of the best entrepreneurs in the country. The debut edition beamed its searchlight on Wale Babalakin, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who has used the platform of a robust law practice to launch himself fully into the corporate world. The story titled: Wale Babalakin: From Courtroom to Boardroom” provided an insightful expose on Babalakin’s background and how he worked his way up the corporate ladder to become one of the leading investors and corporate strategists. The Wale Babalakin’s story was particularly instructive, given the age with which he accomplished some landmarks, which till date have remained point of reference on corporate strategy. Today, Babalakin is Dr. Ibahim more known for his busi-

ness interests, particularly the BiCourtney arm of his business even more than his law practice. The second edition took an insightful look at Abiodun Shobanjo, the man who started out as a journalist with the then Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation but who through uncommon courage, perseverance and determination, built a marketing communication conglomerate that is second to none in Nigeria. The story of Shobanjo captured under the heading: ‘Biodun Shobanjo: The

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Emperor of Nigeria’s Adland” was a classic reference point for would-be entrepreneurs, desirous of conquering all obstacles on their path to economic liberation. Shobanjo is the founder and chairman of what is today called the Tryoka Group, which includes the flagship, Insight Communications among several others. Atedo Peterside, chairman of StanbicIBTC bank and Cadbury Plc among several other companies was also a subject of Business Courage’s dissection in the last one year. Referred to as “The man behind the mega deals,” the story of Peterside was a stunning revelations of how the Rivers State-born corporate icon, deployed his sound knowledge of investment banking to create wealth through sound and emotionless investment judgements. Though Peterside did not pioneer investment banking in Nigeria, he is today aptly referred to as the true face of investment banking in the country. The story of Adewale Tinubu and how he transformed the Oando brand into a world-class integrated energy services company also received special treatment in the Business Courage’s November 14, 2011 edition. The story, which captured Tinubu as Nigeria’s oil Sheikh, provided a comprehensive insight into how Tinubu transformed what then used to be Ocean and Oil Company Limited, a company which started out with one second-hand tanker into a multi-billion dollar integrated energy company. In the last one year also, Business Courage had broken a story of how directors of Forte Oil Plc (formerly AP Plc), cornered N24.8 billion shares. Forte Oil is owned by Femi Otedola, who incidentally also received generous attention by the paper, which chronicled the rise to fame of the son of the former governor of Lagos, Sir Micheal Otedola. The story of Otedola, the controversial diesel magnate provided a graphic detail of how he walked his way up the corporate ladder, through the marketing of diesel oil, which he is today, the major supplier throughout the country. Afe Babalola, the legal icon also featured prominently in the paper, just like Ernest Adegunle Shonekan, the former boardroom guru who in the tumultuous era of Nigeria’s political era was appointed as head of the Interim National Government. The story of Shonekan

delved more into his business interests, tracing him from his era in the UACN Plc to other areas where he is either the owner or in which he owns substantial stakeholding. In one of the earlier editions of this paper, Tony Elumelu, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of UBA Plc also featured prominently. Incidentally, the story was not about Elumelu’s sojourn in UBA, but more of the strategic investment he made in Transcorp and how he emerged the single largest shareholder of the transnational corporation. Titled ‘How Elumelu sealed the Transcorp Deal,’ the story provided an insight into how the former UBA boss’ investment in Transcorp has helped to transform the mega investment company from the brink of collapse into an enterprise that is spreading its investment nets far and wide. Coincidentally, the same edition featured another banker, Aigboje Aig-Imhoukuede, Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc. The story titled: “The profile of an ambitious banker”, dwelt on how Aig-Imhokhuede with just about ten years, took the banking sector by storm, by transforming Access Bank into one of the globally competitive bank. The story also captured series of the bold initiatives embarked upon by Aig-Imhokhuede in his strong determination to properly situate Access Bank as a global brand. Interestingly, however, of all the individuals that were featured in the last one year edition of Business Courage, one person that was almost left out was Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim. The decision was strategic and does not in any way imply that Dr.Ibrahim does not qualify to be so considered for Giant Strides. It was deliberate because as the publisher and the brain behind this idea, he does not want it to be seen as if the platform was designed to feather his own nest. For the Business Courage team, this line of thinking was germane and we were compelled to follow this line of reasoning. For us, Dr. Ibrahim, were he not to be associated with this dream, ought to have been one of the first set to be featured on this platform. Incidentally, his 45th birthday celebration in February this year provided the unique opportunity to x-ray the Ibrahim phenomenon. Captioned the ‘Maverick Entrepreneur,’ the story of Dr. Ibrahim, a man who could have ended up as a common bricklayer in the rustic town of Igbotako, Ondo State will forever remain a lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs. Dr. Ibrahim, through uncommon courage, strong determination and exemplary character, waded through stiff competition from the sea of about 40 siblings, not only to conquer poverty but to emerge as one of Africa’s most prized business persons. Despite all the grounds we have covered in the last one year, the idea of Business Courage remains an evolving one. As part of the strategy to repackage the paper, effective September 3, 2012, Business Courage will assume a new character as it will be printed on a Salmon Pink paper, uniquely sourced newsprint like that will stand it out of the pack. Besides, as a gradual step towards achieving its ultimate objective, the paper, from that day, will come out in a 24-page all coloured package. This, no doubt, provides a unique advantage to discerning corporate organisations to explore for advertising purposes. BC

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Monday, August 13, 2012

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Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two ( ), congratulates Business Courage on its first anniversary.

... Celebrating five years of the first successful Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Nigeria

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Some of the best of Business Courage in the last one year

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Monday, August 13, 2012

The Tony Elumelu Foundation

ARE YOU ONE OF NIGERIA’S FASTEST-GROWING COMPANIES? The Tony Elumelu Foundation, Allworld Network and Professor Michael Porter of Harvard Business School are searching for Nigeria’s top 50 most promising non-listed companies led by the country’s most dynamic entrepreneurs. Apply for a chance to be a part of the “Nigeria50” and place your company on the world map. Gain global visibility, credibility, capital and opportunity!

Application Deadline: October 31, 2012

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In partnership with

The Tony Elumelu Foundation www.tonyelumelufoundation.org

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Pay less, talk more

In a bid to attract subscribers amidst fierce competition, GSM companies are rolling out different packages that offer subscribers opportunity to pay less and talk more. Stakeholders however warn that the offers may worsen the persistent complaints of poor quality of service By Adejuwon Osunnuyi

new twist is fast finding its way into the billing platform of most GSM operators in the country. Going away from the regime of high call rate which has seen most people pay more to make fewer calls in the past, most of the offerings being rolled out these days by the operators have been targeted at either tariff reduction or offering of free credit. These offers come in special packages that targets specific categories of subscribers, especially, youths and the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). In recent time, through its latest promo tagged Free Weekend Calls and SMS Bonanza, MTN Nigeria has been making it possible for its subscribers to make free calls as well as send free SMS on weekends. To enjoy the free calls, a prepaid customer on the MTN network only needs to recharge with N200 airtime or more during the week with customers getting 100 percent of the recharge as the more airtime that is recharged from Monday to Sunday, the more calls such a subscriber can make. The free calls and free SMS start from Saturday till 11:59pm every Sunday. As if that is not enough, the South African-telecommunication company also, last week introduced a new tariff plan tagged, ‘MTN Zone’, a service that enables subscribers enjoy as much as 100 percent discount on calls depending on where the calls originated from. With this plan, customers will be able to make significant savings on their phone calls and enjoy much more value for the money spent on the network. Larry Annetts, MTN Chief Marketing Officer said that MTN Zone is a service which offers attractive discounts to customers, depending on the prevailing discount rates available on the cell site from which the customer receives the signal. He said customers would be advised of discounts available in the area they are through a service called cell broad- Swaroop

cast while available discounts will also be displayed on the screens of their phones. “MTN Zone ushers our customers into another delightful era of control over their spending on calls. They can decide to delay certain calls till they get to their homes or offices where they usually enjoy generous discounts on calls,” he explained. Introduction of free calls dates back to 2006, when MTN introduced Extracool, which enables its numerous customers make free night calls. Targeted at capturing the youth market, the package offered users free calls from 12.30 am to 5.30 am every day, with a condition that they have N100 credit on the phone. To some extent, this was a hit as many Nigerians, especially the youths and adults who are young at heart jumped at this offer. The offer came with option of Extraconnect, which allowed subscribers to add some numbers as Friends and Family who can be called at the rate of 25 kobo per second. MTN also later replaced its Extracool and Extraconnect packages with a set of new offerings, which also came with free weekend calls. The new packages Smartlink, which was meant for accomplished individuals; Prolink for up and coming

professionals; Funlink for the young and trendy; Bizlink for active entrepreneurs and Happilink for the families and the working class. Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, Bola Akingbade, said the launch was to ensure that its customers enjoy more call time at highly discounted rates across various platforms. Airtel also in 2010 offered a 2Good package, a revolutionary offer that enable customers make calls to any network at 20 kobo per second after the first one minute of the day. In addition, 2Good offers 20 free on net SMS to every customer with only N100 recharge every month. Rajan Swaroop, Managing Director and CEO of Airtel Nigeria said that Airtel is driven by the vision to be the most loved brand in daily lives of Nigerians. “2Good offers freedom to our customers to make more calls to their loved ones. This is the

Mike Adenuga, Globacom Boss

first of the range of our exciting products, with superior network and service, which would redefine ‘Freedom’ to mobile communications for Nigeria,” he said. For Airtel, its resolve to further redefine ‘Freedom’ saw it introduced another tariff plan, the Airtel Big Family. The Airtel Big Family package allows existing and new customers to make On-Net calls at 15 Kobo per second and Off-Net calls at 30 Kobo per second, after the first minute call of the day at 60 Kobo per second, upon migration to the plan. Additional benefits of the new plan include 20 bonus SMS (Short Message Service) monthly after the first recharge of the month of more than N100. The free SMS applies to numbers within Airtel network. Another added value of the new tariff offer is attractive SMS rates. The wallet friendly SMS tariff plan includes N5 for Airtel to Airtel, N10 to other networks and N15 for international locations. The Airtel Big Family was later followed by the Airtel Big Family Xtra, which a build up that saw customers having the benefit of making free on-net midnight calls daily; getting 40 free SMS(s) and free data worth 4MB between 12.30 am and 4.30am. On

this platform, Customers are required to make one minute of local call between 8 am and 12 midnight to enjoy the free midnight calls, SMS and data offer Airtel also recently unveiled Quick Talk that allows a subscriber with as low as N50 on his mobile phone to make call with an offer of free 60 seconds of talk time to any network in Nigeria. The Airtel Quick Talk Package is available to both existing and new customers who are on the following prepaid platforms; 2good, 2Good Time, Airtel Big Family Extra, Club 10 and Valumax. For Etisalat Nigeria, the last three years has saw it introduced fantastic packages like – Easy starter, Easycliq, Easyblaze, Easybusiness and Classic Post-paid, which the company says are all tailor-made to meet the needs of its subscribers. Building on its entry packages such as ‘Easystarter’ and ‘Easylife, which took the first leap in crashing tariff in the country for the first time to about 25 kobo per minute across all networks, it rolled out other exciting package also targeted at the youths. The package came with innovative and exciting features like Unlimited SMS, Free Midnight Calls, Talk’n’share, Bonus on incoming calls, one cliq, one tune, Facebook update service by SMS and Cliq Ring Back Tune. The company said it believed that these features and freebies would excite young people and help them shine in their various cliques and communities of interest. Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Steven Evans, explained that

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Business Courage

Easy Cliq is tailored specifically to meet the needs and desires of the average Nigerian youth who values his friends, desires to constantly stay in touch with them and also desires to be on top of happenings in his funky world. “This product is further demonstration of our unflinching resolve to create a world where our customer’s reach is not limited by matter, finance or distance. We have loaded Easy Cliq with features and services that are sure to excite subscribers in the youth segment,” he said. Using the now compulsory SIM registration to lure more subscribers to be on its network, Etisalat Nigeria introduced its promotion tagged 9ja Free Credit Promo specifically designed to reward new and existing customers who register or have registered their SIMs with 30 per cent bonus credit to call any network in Nigeria. The promo which began June 1 last year offered subscribers on the Etisalat network the opportunity to benefit, regardless of their subscription plan. To enjoy the offer, new and existing subscribers are required to get their Etisalat SIM card registered. All registered customers had all their recharges in each monitored and got rewarded with 30 per cent of total recharges made during the particular month as free airtime up to a maximum of N10,000. For Nigeria’s indigenous telecommunication company, Globacom, just like other service providers, there have been various unique tariffs offers targeted at ensuring its subscribers talk more. One of the numerous tariff plans Glo has been offering its subscribers include its much talked about “Infinito No Condition” plan. This plan, just like others, ensures that tariff is slashed to 25 kobo per second. The unique selling point of the “No condition” tariff plan is the fact that it is without any rental payments, hidden charges, or conditions. Globacom said it made the 25 kobo per second charge a flat rate which applies for all local calls irrespective of which network is being called or time of day or which part of the country the call is originating from. The package also allows subscribers to call one Special Number at only 2 kobo per second. While the subscriber, however, has an option of registering five Glo numbers which he can call at 18 kobo per second, again, registration is said to be free as there is no rental charge. In addition, staying on the platform, Glo also offers up to 20 per cent bonus on recharges made by subscribers. N500 recharge attracts a 10 per cent bonus credit, while N1000 recharge will give the customer 15% bonus air time. On the other hand, N5,000 recharge gives a 20 per cent bonus credit to the customer. In addition, its subscribers have the opportunity of

having free calls from 12 midnight to 5 a.m. however; subscribers are expected to have used up to N200 air time in the previous week to qualify to make free night calls for the next seven days. But while many have hailed the on-going price war, describing it a healthy development, many keen watchers of the telecommunication industry are of the opinion that the hot contest might be a way to pacify the millions of GSM subscribers who have over the years been complaining of rip-off as a result of poor quality of service across the country or at most a battle to win more subscribers. Analysts also believe that the current rat race over rate cut may be a way of preparing the ground for the proposed Mobile Number Portability. No doubt, those reasons given by stakeholders cannot be said to be farther from the facts as Deepak Srivastava, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer Airtel agreed that with the prevailing challenges of poor quality of service, customers should not be left to be at the receiving end thus making them to go through more pains by paying more. “It is important to note that in spite of the numerous challenges we face in the course of providing these telecommunication services to customers across the length and breadth of the country, our single-minded approach to service delivery has ensured that we remain committed in ensuring that our customers get the best irrespective of class or financial status. This is because we understand that our customers are more than just a number and that we must offer them more than just a connection.” Srivastava said. But analysts warned that no matter how healthy and profitable the price war might appear to the customers, the consequence could be dire if not properly managed. While some believe that it may get to a point when the operators many not be able to sustain themselves, there are those who opined that the thorny issue of poor quality of service, which is now giving the industry serious headache may be get worse. For instance, while Chief Technical Officer (CTO), MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola is of the belief that “when you reduce tariff, depending on the elasticity, and the appeal to the customers, you find that people may make a lot more calls than they previously had, under a higher tariff regime,” he however warned that “this drives significantly more traffic on the network and as a consequence, if the traffic is more rapid than what was forecasted, it could lead to congestion on the network.” BC

Monday, August 13, 2012

Health workers at training oprganised by Intel

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this training is having in the lives of the health workers of the National orthopedic hospital who can now see how digital technology can be deployed to improved health care delivery through the trainings they have received.” He said.

Etisalat’s extends its 3.75G easyblaze to more cities Intel offers digital training for health workers Stories by Adejuwon Osunnuyi

ntel, world’s leading technology company, has provided free computer training for all key staff of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi. The training which was essentially on basic computer skills is to enable the workers use digital technology in the everyday delivery of healthcare in Nigerian hospitals. While the National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi is the first in the series of hospitals that will benefit from Intel’s Easy Steps training, to this end, Intel is partnering with a medical network company, Synapses Ltd to facilitate the training. With its plan to completely digitalise the Nigerian Healthcare delivery System by 2015, Synapses has been deploying appropriate ICT infrastructure in major hospitals across the country starting with the Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi. The company’s Managing Director, Dr. Segun Ebitanmi said the move was in response to the poor state of ICT infrastructure in most hospitals. He said in this information age, access to information through internet connectivity has become imperative to keep doctors abreast of latest developments and technologies in health care delivery. Dr Ebitanmi disclosed that Synapses medical Network has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Ministry of Health to deploy adequate ICT infrastructure for all teaching hospitals across the country. According to him, a major challenge faced in the pilot phase of the project at the National orthopaedic hospital was the fact that a number of the Health workers need to improve on the ICT skills in order to optimally utilize the solutions being deployed. “Since we know Intel’s pedigree in ICT training in Education, we approached them to facilitate the Easy Steps training for all the strategic staff of the Igbobi hospital. We are glad that Intel has agreed to partner with us in providing this training free to all the health workers here” Dr Ebitani said. Corporate Affairs Manager of Intel Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Ogunbor described Intel as a company with a long track record of bringing different companies with different philosophies together to find mutually beneficial solutions to a myriad of problems. “We are glad that by this training, we are able to contribute significantly to the improvement of the Health care delivery system in Nigeria. That’s because Intel sees problems as opportunities; opportunities to solve the unsolvable; to collaborate in new and unexpected ways. We are excited at the impact Ammar

n its bid to make more people enjoy high speed data access on its network, Etisalat has announced the extension of its 3.75G easyblaze service to more cities including Abeokuta, Jos, Ilorin, Calabar, Akure, Oshogho, Uyo and Asaba. The easyblaze service which offers speed up to 42Mbps allows Etisalat subscribers achieve high speed internet access, faster file downloads, video calling and streaming and other related activities. Speaking on the roll-out to these new areas, Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Wael Ammar said customers who have experienced the uniqueness of the internet service in other cities have been commending the company saying it has proven to be the fastest and most reliable internet mobile broadband service available in the country. While thanking the customers for the commendations, Ammar said, “We are not surprised by the comments because we have gone to great lengths to provide seamless internet service to our customers across the country.” According to him, “The eazyblaze service is built with the High Speed Packet Access + network with Dual Carrier technology which enables customers a download speed of up to 42Mbps, giving customers’ access to fast, high quality, and efficient internet service at affordable cost.” “This is another way of reassuring Nigerians that we have their needs at heart and are working to provide solutions. Currently, we have internet and mobile data bundles available on mobile phones, MiFi and WiFi devices, USB modems, smartphones etc. which customers can subscribe to. We are also in the process of expanding these platforms so that more customers can have access and enjoy the service. The most recent development is the Facebook data bundle and Opera mini data bundle which allows customers subscribe to a particular data bundle and have access to either Facebook or Opera mini for a period of time,” he said. Easyblaze internet broadband service was launched in September 2011 in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Kaduna, Zaria, Warri, Enugu, Aba, Awka, Nnewi, Onitsha and Benin, with an array of data plans 200MB, 500MB, 1.5GB, 3GB, 6GB, 10GB, 15GB, 20GB, available to both prepaid and postpaid subscribers. Also available are Facebook and Opera mini bundles which provide users access to their favourite sites at very affordable rates. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage A15 33

Monday, August 13, 2012

Reflections with Semiu Salamii 07043280449 sms only

Journey of a thousand mile

he month of August is significant in many ways, both for us at the Business Courage and the entire Global Fleet Group generally. It was in August that the seed of what has today grown to become a world class conglomerate, Global Fleet was planted and it was in the same month that Business Courage debuted. The journey of the last nine years for Global Fleet has been that of great excitement, anchored on the realisation of the vision of one man, who out of sheer determination, uncommon courage and resilience, planted a seed and nurtured it into an institution, whose tentacles is spreading even far beyond the imaginations of the visioner himself. That Global Fleet has become a test case in the study of entrepreneurial endeavour is to say the least. In just nine years, the group has become an established institution, with remarkable and respectful presence in oil and gas, aviation, insurance, banking, hospitality, real sector and the media. The group remains one of the few Nigerian companies with presence in major

continents of the world. Yet, the journey to greater height has just begun. It is in view of this that the dictum, the journey of a thousand mile, starts with a step aptly describes the mood within the group. Nine years after, it does appear like the group has indeed, just started, given the undying commitment of the visioner, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, the acclaimed corporate surgeon to constantly drive his entrepreneurial spirit for the purposes of advancing the course of humans. Like the group, Business Courage too, irrespective of the ground that might have been covered in the last one year, has indeed, not started in its quest to continuously beam its searchlight on the best and brilliant Nigerian business persons and organisations. As we begin another journey into providing stunning insights into the path of entrepreneurial and business development strategies, the next 52 editions certainly will be more rewarding, particularly to our readers. Of course, we are not unmindful of the fact that the task ahead would be very challenging, but we are buoyed

by the resoluteness of the driver of this initiative and his desire to spare no cost in ensuring that we deliver value to our vast readership base. For the purposes of emphasis, the visioner and promoter of the Business Courage concept, Dr. Ibrahim had envisioned a publication that would provide strong platform to unearth Nigerian entrepreneurs, tell their stories based on the principles and strategies adopted to reach the peak of their chosen career. The logic is that young and aspiring entrepreneurs and business persons who read the publication will be able to use the knowledge gained in the process of building their own business model. That was the basis for Giant Strides, the three page detailed report and analysis on a particular entrepreneur. As an outstanding businessman and entrepreneur of international standing himself, Dr. Ibrahim was very emphatic about what he wanted the Business Courage to do with Giant Stride. His original concept was indeed, to name the entire publication as Giant Stride and

fashioned it along the path of the popular Harvard Business Review. This vision, we pledge to further work towards its full realisation. In the next few weeks, Business Courage will have a somewhat distinct identity, even as it will still come as insert in the National Mirror. It would henceforth, be printed on a Salmon Pink paper, high grade newsprint along with other exciting additions in the content. We also intend to raise the stake by increasing the pagination from the current 20-page pull-out to 24 pages, all colour publication and by January 2013, we expect to hit the 32-page mark. All these are with the expectations that corporate organisations will continue to identify with us and use the wonderful platform provided by Business Courage to pass their messages across to their customers. As we strive to improve both the content and outlook of Business Courage going forward, we expect maximum support from our friends, even as we extend hands of fellowship to those that are yet to key into our vision. BC

BELIEVABILITY INDEX

Costain West Africa Plc: Another sleeping giant? By Festus Okoromadu

launting what it regards as a rich historical background, Costain West Africa Plc persuaded the investing public to subscribe to its public offer in December 2007. The company promised to, in return, reward investors with a quality buffet in the form of good returns on investment. There is no doubt that every discerning investor who take into cognisance the vital role a construction company is expected to play in an emerging economy like Nigeria with huge infrastructural challenges and would see a prospect in subscribing to such offer. Suffice to say that, the offer came at a time when the market was booming and going for just N13 per share, Costain was considered a reasonable buy. In addition, the purpose of the offer was good enough to entice any investor. It simply says, “The offer is an important step towards scaling up the operational capabilities of its construction business and diversifying its revenue base through the establishment of strategic business units with distinct competencies along the value chain, thereby, capturing cost advantages”. More importantly, it was proposed that, the offer will transform Costain into a first class construction company with a robust and diverse revenue base. As part of the transformational agenda, the company fashioned a new vision and mission statement. The vision according to the company is “to be the leader in the delivery of sustainable engineering and construction solutions that meet our customers’ needs” while the objective is, “To develop a sustainable business through growth, which delivers profitability to our shareholders and a rewarding career for our staff”.

However, the financials reports of the company in recent time appear to be at variance with the rejuvenation of the company as promised in the post recapitalisation era. Apart from the fact that the figures for the financial year ended March 31, 2011 directly ran contrary to the expectations of investors, the decision to hold back the result from the public for as long as 15 months has left many bitter tales in the mouth of investors. The question is, why hold back a result because it is not good and wait till you have one that is considered favourable to investors before presenting both? Is this not an indication there is a deliberate design to deceive the investors? Why is the board still holding back the results for the 2012 financial year, five months after the close of the year in March 31, 2012? Better still, the 2011 financials presented to the market on Friday, August 3, 2012 has lot of questions begging to be answered. The result shows that the company’s turnover for the year was N9.197 billion as against N9.65 billion recorded in similar period of 2010. The company posted lost after tax of N1.247 billion as against a profit after tax of N33.402 million in 2010 and all these runs contrary to the projection that the company would generate N100 billion profit in a couple of years. Its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ayodeji Karim had told journalist at a press conference held in Lagos on Thursday June 17, 2010 that he has perfected plans to “Double our revenue base to over N100 billion by the end of 2011 and triple it in subsequent years”. To further buttress the point that the company was committed to actualising the dream of achieving the projected

revenue, Karim had explained that the company was hoping to draw considerable income from various infrastructure projects, for which contracts had been awarded. “Costain has already commenced work on some of the contracts which would significantly improve its fortunes. In addition to the jobs already signed on, Costain is banking on a number of other deals expected to yield considerable revenue to the company’s coffer,” he had boasted then. Going into specifics, Karim said that the company was working on the rehabilitation of the 650 kilometre Jebba-Kano tracks project of the Nigerian Railway Corporation tracks, which he said, is worth N12 billion. The company he said was also working on the construction of The Nigerian Stock Exchange building in Port-Harcourt, the construction of a multi-storey block for Cityscape in Rainbow City, also in PortHarcourt as well as the expansion of of the residential buildings for the Watch Tower Branch Office, Igieduma, Edo State and a water treatment plant in Kano State. Glowing as the projects were, market statistics reveal that investors have refused to bulge, as the share price of the equity has not made any remarkable improvement but rather, depreciated from N7.99 it closed trading in midJune 2010 when the announcement was made to about N6.88 at the close of that month. However, the stock recorded some gains in the first week of July 2010 after which it started its downhill journey until early October. But by the last week of February 2011, it left its two year peak price of N7.30 and continued the downward slide until

it finally stabilised at its current rock bottom price of N2.66. To further complicate investors’ plight, available records show that the last time the company paid dividend was in July 1997, when it paid 20 kobo. However, a good number of market watchers remain optimistic that the company has what it takes to become a dominant player in the construction industry. Such assumption is based on the believe that the company can leverage on its experience of over 60 years, executing a wide range of building and civil engineering projects throughout the country, for the public and private sector clients. As stated in the company’s objective, it intends to deliver value to the core stakeholders: The shareholders, the customers and the staff of the company. For now, however, only the customers and the staff including board members are reaping the reward, while ordinary shareholders continue to stand by. While it is not clear how long the shareholders would continue to wait for the company’s fortune to turnaround, the unaudited financial reports for the third quarter ended December 31, 2011 submitted along with three other accounts, offer some hopes for investors to hold on to. Perhaps, in the very near future, dividend will start rolling in. Until then, Costain remains a sleeping giant, having all it takes to deliver value to stakeholders, if it re-awakes to face the challenges confronting it properly. After all, its peers like Julius Berger are on top of the game and putting enviable returns into the purse of their investors without much ado. So, why can’t Costain, which is now wholly owned by Nigerians do better? BC

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Business Courage

Expert advocates African oriented financial culture to rescue Nigeria’s economy By Festus Okoromadu

n investment expert, Osita Iroku, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Enlil Investment Limited, has called on Nigeria’s economy managers to reject the Western financial culture which has failed them if the country must make progress in developing her financial market. While he agreed that the current financial crisis in the country can be attributed to corruption, he is quick to point out that the lack of accuracy, transparency, corporate governance and auditing is not unique to Nigeria. Speaking in an exclusive chat with Business Courage in Lagos, on the role manipulations of accounts played in the collapse of the Nigerian financial market, Iroku said, “I don’t think inaccurate book keeping is uniquely a Nigerian feature. As a matter of fact, I will say it is something we learnt from the West because our institutions and our educational systems were all really adopted from Western knowledge”. He stated that it is not just enough to blame auditors and bookkeepers for financial manipulations in corporate organisations but that consumers of financial products need to be very careful, conscious and slow in adopting the Western model that has already failed. Offering solution he said, “If we look inward into the strength of our own nation’s culture, I think that we can evolve our own suitable financial culture and discipline for our auditors and bookkeepers that has more to do with the African culture and values than simply trying to mimic the Western models that has failed”. Speaking on why the Nigerian capital market remains down despite efforts to revive it, Osita said, the culture of investing through the capital market became popular nationwide only in the last 10 years. He noted that just when the regulators and operators were trying to educate the masses on the importance of investing

in the market that the threefold issues of the new economic regime resulting from the post-August 2008 financial crisis in the Nigerian banks, the global economic meltdown and the rise in the activities of Boko Haram which he stated has made it very risky investing in Nigeria. “Over the last 10 years, the Nigerian Stock Exchange, operators as well as other regulators of the market has been trying to carry out campaign to educate Nigerians about the investment opportunities in the market but unfortunately, the global economic downturn and some incidents that happened in Nigeria has caused the Nigerian capital market to continue to struggle and therefore, even the confidence of the Nigerian investor is threatened even at a time when we as a people are just about understanding the stock exchange”, he said. Speaking on the Nigerian investment environment, Osita said, “I think the most dramatic thing that has happened in the last three years that has had impact in business activities, I would like to classify into three, number one is the new banking regime, that is the overhaul of the banking sector, the second is the removal of fuel subsidy and the third is the rise in terrorist activities”. BC

Iroku

NASCON declares N1.36bn profit in six months By Tayo Adeleke

he Management of National Salt Company of Nigeria Plc (NASCON) recorded an impressive earnings performance in the second quarter of its financial year ending December 31, 2012. The company recorded a 63.9 percent rise in its profit after tax, while earnings per share grew to 103 kobo, as against 63 kobo for the preceding period. According to a data obtained from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the company posted a profit after tax of N1.36 billion compared with N831 million in second quarters 2011 while pretax profit moved from N1.22 billion in 2011 to N2.0 billion in 2012. Turnover hit N6.35 billion for the period under review as against N4.62 billion, a 37.4 percent increase while gross profit was N2.56 billion, from N1.73 billion, a 47.7 percent growth. The profitability ratios indices of NASCON for the period also improve over 2011 period. Return on

Equity (ROE) up by 11.66 basis point to 26.33 percent from 14.7 percent in 2011 while gross profit margin stood at 40.2 percent. Similarly both the profit before tax margin and profit margin for second quarter 2012 rose by 5.1 and 3.4 basis points to 31.5 percent and 21.44 percent respectively. Details of the results shows that the company balance sheet also improve during the period. As at half year 2012, fixed assets grew to N3.57 billion compared with N3.31 billion in 2011 while inventory closed at N984 million. However, the shareholders’ funds shrunk to N5.17 billion from N5.7 billion in 2011 while working capital drop to N2.42 billion against N3.16 billion. The company’s Cash at hand stood at N2.71 billion, down from N3.5 billion in the previous year while total assets experienced similar trend having drop to N9.37 billion in the review period. BC

Monday, August 13, 2012

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Power reforms: Labour’s black hand

n spite of all the criticism and hiccups that have trailed the on-going power sector reforms, this is still the clearest signal yet that the crippling energy crisis, which has stultified efforts at developing the nation’s economy, especially the non-oil sector, is being addressed. The reforms, which were started under the OlusegunObasanjoregime seek to replicate the massive transformation seen in the telecoms sector over the last 10 years, as a result of the liberalisation of that sector,which allowed private sector investors to come in and provide services. The result, which we are now familiar with, is that almost every Nigerian adult now owns or has access to a mobile telephone – a world away from the NITEL days when we just had 500,000 lines, and NITEL officials acted as demi-gods and treated customers like trash. As it is, much progress has been achieved in the power reforms with the establishment of a legal and regulatory framework that will guide the interaction of the players; creation of a commercial tariff regime to attract investors; commencement of the privatisation process of the 17 power distribution and generation companies and new investments being made in critical gas infrastructure needed to fire the thermal stations. Things look good, at least on paper, which is why it is rather difficult to understand what exactly what role the labour union is playing in this process. Granted that the interest of workers need to be protected in these circumstances against the backdrop that government itself has not shown that it can be totally trusted to honour its obligations in the privatisation scenario, but I believe that so far, government has shown considerable good faith regarding the labour issues. For almost a year now, government, through the Bureau of Public Enterprises has engaged the electricity workers unions in negotiations on the exit packages that would be given to those that would need to go when the power companies are sold. Virtually all the workers’ demands including a 50 per cent pay hike and inclusion of casual workers among beneficiaries of the redundancy payments have been agreed to by the government, yet the unions are still at loggerheads with the Ministry of Power threatening fire and brimstone at every turn. Things came to a head recently, when troops were deployed to drive away PHCN workers that were threatening to prevent the management contractor appointed for the Transmission Company of Nigeria to take over the place on the grounds that TCN workers must be paid severance packages, even when the company is not slated for privatisation. Signals that have emerged from the labour movement is that while their lead-

ers claim that they were not opposed to the power reforms, the body language speaks differently. Indeed some of them have claimed recently that the power companies are not “ripe” for privatisation and that “issues” with PHCN need to be resolved before the power companies are sold. My take here is that the labour unions are either just too myopic and unable to come to terms with the new realities or that they are acting as agents of those vested interests that that held Nigeria by the jugular for eons, milking the nations treasury through the three cash cows – the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, the Power Holding Companyof Nigeria and NITEL (deceased). Indeed, I am tempted to agree with the Minister of Power, Prof Barth Nnaji, who has accused the labour unions of being agents of generator importers (widely believed to opposed to any effort to provide steady power supply). I want to stress thatI am in total support of agitations for payment of all due severance benefits, gratuity and pension due to the workers as stipulated under the terms of their engagement,but government or indeed Nigerians must not succumb to any attempt by labour to truncate the power reform process under any guise. Inasmuch as electricity sector workers are entitled to their rights, I doubt electricity consumers have any sympathy for them. PHCN staff have been rated as about the most corrupt set of Nigerians, even worse than the Police, and the current system where people are forced to pay for services not rendered and subject to extortion every now and again cannot continue. A colleague of mine paid about N50,000 for a pre-paid meter recently and after waiting for three months, he was made to part with a N15,000 bribe to get it installed after been inundated with estimated bills. Apparently, what the workers do not want is a situation where private sector management would restore sanity into the system and end the regime of brigandage that pervades PHCN operations. They also have allies in the big fish that have made billions from government power contracts that have not yielded the required results. One recalls that Obasanjo threw billions of dollars at the PHCN which all went down the drain (or private pockets). The oil companies operating inNigeria and others have shown that there is no magic to power generation. Nigeria flares enough gas daily to power half of Africa. The situation we find ourselves today; the unholy paradox of a resource rich nation, whose people wallow in want and misery, can be reversed if the wheels of industry are allowed to turn once again. For this to happen there must be power. Labour must be a partner in this BC effort, not an antagonist. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage A17 35

Monday, August 13, 2012

SCOA profit grows by 186 percent By Tayo Adeleke

COA Nigeria Plc has recorded a profit after tax of N89.4 million in the first six months of its financial year ending December 31, 2012. The figure represents an increase of 185.6 percent or N58.1 million compared to N31.3 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2011. According to the Nigerian Stock Exchange’s report for the week ended August 10, 2012, the company’s turnover rose by 178 percent to N3.17 billion, from N3.25 billion recorded the preceding period. The report noted that the firm’s gross profit stood at N684 million, an increase of 111.6 percent while company’s net asset value stood at N2.82 billion in the period under review, compared to N2.797 billion recorded in June 2011. Other area of the results that recorded a significant improvement in the review year is cash & Cash equivalents, inventories, fixed assets, and total as-

Henry Agbamu, SCOA Chairman

sets. Cash & Cash equivalents grew by 292 percent to N314.7 million, inventory close at N2.41 billion from N1.6 billion while fixed assets rose by 15 percent to stood at N248 mil-

lion. Total assets for the period stood at N5.99 billion compared with N5.53 billion in 2011. In a related development, Austin Laz Company Plc recorded a profit after tax of N15.8 million in its first quarter result for the period ended March 31, 2012. The company’s PAT rose by four percent in 2012, from a position of N15.16 million recorded in previous year. Its turnover stood at N180.4 million, up by 45.8 percent from N123.77 million a year past. However, the NSE report stated that the company gross profit fell by 18.1 percent to N45.15 million from N55.13 million in 2011. The company fixed asset was down by 5.4 percent to N1.57 billion while total assets drooped to N1.998 billion from N2.051 billion. Cash available grew by 110 percent to N1.69 billion while nets assets value also increased to N1.9 billion in 2012, up from N1.83 billion recorded the previous year. BC

Food price index rises by 6 percent in June By Stanley Ihedigbo

he Food Agricultural Organization (FAO) has announced it monthly food price index as the July 2012 after three months of decline recorded six per cent inrceases, the Index, which measures the monthly change in the international prices of a basket of food commodities, averaged 213 points, up 12 points from June. That was still well below the peak of 238 points reached in February 2011. According to information made available to Business Courage, the Index’s sharp rebound was mostly driven by a surge in grain and sugar prices. International prices of meat and dairy products were little changed. It stated that the FAO Cereal Price Index averaged 260 points in July, up 17 per cent, or 38 points, from June. That

was 14 points below its alltime high of 274 points in April 2008. The severe deterioration of maize crop prospects in the United States following extensive drought damage pushed up maize prices by almost 23 per cent in July. International wheat quotations also surged 19 per cent amid worsened production prospects in the Russian Federation and expectations of firm demand for wheat as feed because of tight maize supplies. However international rice prices remained mostly unchanged in July, with the FAO overall Rice Price index stable at 238, barely one point above June. July also saw a sharp increase in the FAO Sugar Price Index, which leaped 12 per

cent, or 34 points, from June to a new level of 324 points. The upturn, ending a steady fall since March, was triggered by untimely rains in Brazil, the world’s largest sugar exporter, which hampered sugarcane harvesting. Concerns over India’s delayed monsoon and poor rains in Australia also contributed. In contrast, the FAO Meat Price Index averaged 168 points in July, down 1.7 per cent, or 3 points from June and the third consecutive monthly fall. Market weakness characterized the four major meat sectors, in particular pigmeat, which saw prices fall by 3.6 percent. Dairy prices averaged 173 points in July, unchanged from June, after five straight months of decline. BC

Wema Bank divests from five subsidiaries

ema Bank Plc last weekend notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) of it decision to divest from five of its subsidiary companies. According to a statement from the NSE, the decision to divest is coming on the heels of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s proposal on Revised Banking Model that would result in Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) adopting a Monoline or Holdco structure for commercial bank’s business. The notification which was

sent to the NSE by Greenwich Trust Limited on behalf of the bank stated that upon reviewing the available options, the Board of Directors of Wema Bank Plc resolved that the Bank should obtain a Regional Banking License from the Central Bank of Nigeria in exchange for its previous Universal Banking License it held at that time. The subsidiaries where the bank has divested from include; Wema Registrars Limited (WRL), Wema Insurance Brokers Limited (WIBL), In-

dependent Securities Limited (ISL), Whyte Cleon Limited (WCL), and Great Nigeria Insurance Plc (GNI). The statement noted that the bank has gotten the CBN’s approval-InPrinciple (AIP). Meanwhile investors are still at a loss why the bank is yet to come up with its audited financial result for 2011. Wema Bank probably is the only bank left that has not yet made available its performance to its shareholders and the capital market community for scrutiny. BC

Market Indicators for Week Ended 10-08-12 All-Share Index 23,239.03 points Market Capitalisation N7,396,598,926,828.71 Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING PRICE

CLOSING PRICE

CHANGE

UBN

4.65

4.88

4.95

ETERNA

2.56

2.68

4.69

AGLEVENT

1.09

1.14

4.59

FLOURMILL

50.00

52.00

4.00

0.76

0.79

3.95

NEIMETH

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING PRICE

CLOSING PRICE

CHANGE

ARBICO

16.43

15.61

-4.99

BERGER

7.67

7.29

-4.95

PAINTCOM

2.23

2.12

-4.93

DANGSUGAR

4.73

4.50

-4.86

VITAFOAM

3.10

2.95

-4.84

Inter-Bank Rates TENOR

RATE%(PREV) 02-Aug-2012

RATE%(CURR) 02-Aug-2012

OBB

14.5000 – 18.0000

14.0000 – 30.0000

CALL

15.5000 – 18.2500

25.0000 – 34.0000

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

91-Days

32,057

RATE (%) 14.50

09-Aug-12

DATE

182-Days

50,000

15.30

09-Aug-12

364-Days

90,000

15.38

09-Aug-12

Open Market Operation TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

48-Days

17,315

14.10

RATE (%)

27-July-12

DATE

364-Days

60,000

15.60

26-July-12

182-Days

60,000

14.94

26-July-12

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$350m

MARKET DEMAND $319m

$319m

08-Aug-12

$250m

$200m

30-July-12

A18 36

Business Courage

Monday, August 13, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

STOCKWATCH Stock Exchange weekly equities summary as at Friday, Aug 10, 2012 SECURITY

PRICE (=N=)

AGRICULTURE/AGRO-ALLIED Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC NT OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. 29.60 PRESCO PLC 14.85 Fishing/Hunting/Trapping ELLAH LAKES PLC. NT Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. 1.37 CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. 1.14 CHELLARAMS PLC. NT JOHN HOLT PLC. NT S C O A NIG. PLC. 5.52 U A C N PLC. 33.52 CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Construction ARBICO PLC. 15.61 CAPPA & D’ALBERTO PLC. NT Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. NT G CAPPA PLC NT Non--Building/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. 26.25 ROADS NIG PLC. NT Real Estate Development PINNACLE POINT GROUP PLC NT UACN PROPERTY DEV 9.85 Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC NT UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INV NT CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC 0.50 Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. NT GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. NT GUINNESS NIG PLC 242.20 INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. 6.35 JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. NT NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. 119.00 PREMIER BREWERIES PLC 0.93 Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. 40.12 Food Products BIG TREAT PLC NT DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC 6.51 DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC 4.50 FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. 52.00 HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC 1.97 MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC NT N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. NT NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC 4.76 P S MANDRIDES & CO PLC. NT U T C NIG. PLC. 0.80 UNION DICON SALT PLC. NT Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. 15.06 NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. 500.00 Household Durables BETA GLASS CO PLC. NT NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. NT VITAFOAM NIG PLC. 2.95 VONO PRODUCTS PLC. NT Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. 24.07 UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. 35.50 Textiles/Apparel UNITED NIG. TEXTILES PLC. NT FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. 7.50 DIAMOND BANK PLC 2.71 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INC. 10.33 FIDELITY BANK PLC 1.31 FIRST BANK OF NIG. PLC 12.08 FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC. 3.09 GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. 17.70 SKYE BANK PLC 2.86 STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC 6.25 STERLING BANK PLC. 1.09 U B A PLC 4.30 UNION BANK NIG.PLC. 4.88 UNITY BANK PLC 0.50 WEMA BANK PLC. 0.50 ZENITH BANK PLC 15.00 Insurance Carriers, Brokers & Services AFRICAN ALLIANCE INS. COY. PLC NT AIICO INSURANCE PLC. 0.50 CONFIDENCE INSURANCE PLC NT CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INS. PLC 0.50 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC 0.63 CORNERSTONE INS. COY. PLC. NT CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INS. PLC 1.29 EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. NT GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC 0.50 GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC NT GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. 0.50 INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INS. PLC 0.55 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INS. PLC 0.50 INVESTMENT AND ALLIED ARN. NT LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. NT LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. 0.50 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC NT MANSARD INSURANCE PLC 1.65 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. NT N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. 0.50 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. 0.51 OASIS INSURANCE PLC NT PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. 0.50 REGENCY ALLIANCE INS. COY PLC NT SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC 0.50 STACO INSURANCE PLC NT STANDARD ALLIANCE INS. PLC. NT UNIC INSURANCE PLC. 0.50 UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC NT UNIVERSAL INS. COMPANY PLC 0.50 Mortgage Carriers, Brokers &Services ABBEY BUILDING SOCIETY PLC NT ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC NT RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC 0.50 UNION HOMES SAVINGS&LOANS PLC NT Other Financial Institutions CRUSADER ( NIG) PLC. 0.50 DEAP CAPITAL MGT & TRUST PLC NT NIG SEW. MACH. MAN. CO. PLC. NT NIGERIA ENERYGY SECTOR FUND NT ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. 0.53 HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers EKOCORP PLC. NT Medical Equipment UNION DIAGNOSTIC &CLINICAL PLC 0.50 Medical Supplies MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. 7.39 Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. 1.05 FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC 0.86 GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER PLC 29.05 MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. 1.71 NEIMETH INT PHARM PLC 0.79

NOTE NT=Not Traded on 10-08-12

QUANTITY

52 WK HIGH

52 WK LOW

SHARES OUTSTANDING

EPS

MOV. (%)

NT 40 350 219 218

0.64 33.00 16.15

0.50 14.53 6.40

2 200 000 000 476 955 000 1 000 000 000

0.00 8.23 1.69

N/A 0.00 -3.32

NT 29.60 15.36

4.26

60 000 000

0.00

N/A

1 133 566

1.49

0.48

1 199 549 736

0.04

0.00

1.37

126 848 NT NT 700 477 853

2.54 7.60 8.82 8.28 42.50

0.74 6.43 5.32 5.52 28.70

2 191 895 983 963 900 300 389 151 408 821 666 666 1 600 720 323

0.21 0.30 0.00 0.35 7.03

8.57 N/A N/A N/A N/A

1.05 5.81 NT NT 33.61

300 000 NT

26.00 95.49

15.61 95.49

148 500 000 196 876 000

0.00 4.50

N/A N/A

17.29 NT

NT NT

7.97 14.46

2.46 14.46

920 573 765 125 000 000

0.00 0.00

N/A N/A

NT NT

10 680 NT

62.26 8.69

21.55 3.01

1 200 000 000 20 000 000

4.11 3.66

0.00 N/A

26.25 7.21

NT 34 509

7.28 20.15

7.28 8.82

1 375 000 000

0.00 1.66

N/A 0.00

NT 9.85

NT NT

100.00 50.00

97.00 50.00

20 000 000 250 019 781

11.75 0.75

N/A N/A

NT NT

183 000

0.50

4 772 528 415

0.00

N/A

0.50

NT NT 93 347 334 000 NT 792 987 500 000

4.63 0.68 255.00 7.10 3.20 122.30 0.97

2.23 0.68 186.00 5.23 1.61 72.50 0.93

900 000 000 272 160 000 1 474 925 519 2 112 914 681 562 000 000 7 562 562 340 126 000 000

0.00 0.03 12.04 0.07 0.00 5.21 0.00

N/A N/A 0.00 N/A N/A -2.70 N/A

NT NT 242.20 5.93 1.61 122.30 NT

1 750

48.91

38.31

640 590 362

3.15

N/A

40.12

NT 952 358 3 089 888 426 853 221 780 NT NT 560 980 NT 162 350 NT

0.50 19.90 16.20 95.00 6.60 2.70 43.96 6.70 5.66 0.88 4.22

0.50 4.15 3.64 52.50 1.91 1.21 21.48 3.86 5.66 0.50 4.22

2 000 000 000 5 000 000 000 12 000 000 000 1 879 210 666 7 930 197 658 3 722 493 620 178 200 000 40 000 000 1 233 375 004 360 000 000

0.00 0.00 0.59 3.60 0.36 0.00 1.20 0.81 0.16 1.13 0.00

N/A 0.00 -8.91 -0.95 3.14 N/A N/A 5.78 N/A 19.40 N/A

NT 6.51 4.94 52.50 1.91 NT NT 4.50 NT 0.67 NT

309 336 31 783

29.20 500.00

9.15 367.83

3 129 188 160 792 656 250

1.24 21.21

1.07 0.00

14.90 500.00

NT NT 977 949 NT

15.58 42.66 6.75 3.67

10.03 36.19 3.13 2.66

63 360 000 819 000 000 300 000 001

3.90 1.61 0.54 0.00

N/A N/A -5.75 N/A

10.03 NT 3.13 NT

329 069 321 750

43.50 36.45

22.07 22.56

3 176 381 636 3 783 296 250

0.51 1.32

-3.72 -2.61

25.00 36.45

0.97

0.57

843 284 027

0.00

N/A

7 927 321 11 576 998 618 258 4 160 901 11 402 231 8 766 723 22 251 789 23 396 157 12 239 501 4 071 384 11 443 807 988 716 504 850 10 000 15 801 264

11.10 9.27 17.05 3.20 16.12 8.30 17.60 10.17 11.38 2.91 4.40 10.07 1.92 1.75 16.70

4.76 2.01 9.97 1.14 8.50 3.04 11.64 2.88 6.40 0.97 1.64 1.96 0.50 0.50 11.70

17 888 251 479 14 475 243 105 9 873 614 567 28 974 797 023 32 632 084 358 16 271 192 202 29 146 482 209 13 219 334 676 18 750 000 000 12 563 091 545 32 334 693 693 13 509 726 273 33 675 576 085 12 821 249 880 31 396 493 790

0.63 0.00 2.61 0.19 1.37 0.60 0.59 0.39 0.54 0.43 0.01 2.20 0.00 1.34 1.41

0.81 1.12 1.18 1.55 0.67 1.64 0.57 -2.39 -4.58 -0.91 -2.27 10.66 0.00 0.00 0.33

7.44 2.68 10.21 1.29 12.00 3.04 17.60 2.93 6.55 1.10 4.40 4.41 0.50 0.50 14.95

NT 10 991 429 NT 100 330 800 NT 1 287 070 NT 489 000 NT 7 100 86 200 100 NT NT 140 000 NT 155 000 NT 206 500 1 300 NT 5 776 NT 500 NT NT 112 000 NT 100

0.50 1.01 0.64 0.50 1.20 0.50 3.51 0.50 0.69 0.50 0.50 0.80 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.61 0.50 1.93 0.50 0.66 1.11 0.50 2.35 0.50 0.52 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

0.50 0.50 0.61 0.50 0.61 0.50 1.35 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.95 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

20 585 000 000 7 809 391 256 211 626 000 6 000 000 000 10 372 624 157 8 820 010 363 5 100 846 808 8 847 298 420 4 549 947 000 3 827 485 380 720 000 000 5 061 804 000 6 420 427 449 28 000 000 000 7 323 313 227 3 437 330 500 4 083 713 569 10 000 000 000 7 998 705 336 5 332 830 881 5 649 693 923 5 003 506 791 2 508 315 436 6 668 750 000 5 203 757 266 6 141 087 609 8 493 173 450 2 581 733 505 13 000 000 000 16 000 000 000

0.00 0.09 0.00 0.06 0.10 0.01 0.27 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.02 0.02 0.10 0.00 0.08 0.10 0.25 0.01 0.02 0.11 0.03 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00

N/A 0.00 N/A N/A 0.00 0.00 0.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.00 N/A N/A N/A 0.00 #VALUE! N/A 0.00 N/A N/A 0.00 N/A 0.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

NT 0.50 NT 0.50 0.61 0.50 1.35 0.50 NT NT 0.50 NT 0.50 NT 0.50 0.50 0.50 NT NT 0.50 0.51 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 NT NT NT 0.50

NT NT 398 000 NT

1.51 0.50 0.50 0.99

1.33 0.50 0.50 0.50

4 200 000 000 8 679 148 676 13 175 732 404 7 812 500 000

0.03 0.10 0.00 0.00

N/A N/A N/A N/A

NT 0.50 NT NT

22 430 NT NT NT 62 400

0.61 2.02 0.15 552.20 0.66

0.50 2.02 0.15 555.20 0.50

3 778 005 975 1 333 333 333 5 880 000 2 500 000 3 608 657 661

0.00 0.00 0.00 12.68 0.05

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

0.50 NT NT NT 0.60

5.31

5.05

498 600 908

0.12

N/A

NT 0.50

100

0.50

3 553 138 528

0.00

N/A

1 500

10.54

7.39

152 178 750

0.00

N/A

7.39

14 641 314 360 54 741 837 163 106 296

1.45 3.20 29.65 5.61 1.96

0.50 0.76 19.30 1.62 0.76

486 473 856 1 500 000 000 956 701 192 980 000 000 1 925 717 268

0.19 0.27 2.41 0.21 0.09

5.00 13.16 1.93 5.56 3.95

1.00 0.76 28.50 1.62 0.76

N/A=Not Avialable

SECURITY

PRICE (=N=)

NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. NT PHARMA-DEKO PLC. NT ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SLN PLC 0.50 Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC 0.50 Electronic Communications Services MTECH COMMUNICATIONS PLC NT IT Services NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. 13.12 TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. NT Processing Systems CHAMS PLC NT E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC NT Telecommunications Carriers STARCOMMS PLC 0.50 Telecommunications Services IHS NIGERIA PLC PREF SHARES NT IHS PLC 2.23 MTI PLC NT INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials AFRICAN PAINTS (NIGERIA) PLC. NT ASHAKA CEM PLC 9.46 BERGER PAINTS PLC 7.29 CAP PLC 24.12 CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC 4.38 DANGOTE CEMENT PLC 115.00 DN MEYER PLC. 0.54 FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC 0.50 IPWA PLC NT LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. 43.00 PAINTS & COATINGS MANFACT.PLC 2.12 PORTLAND PAINTS & PRDT NIG. PLC 3.31 PREMIER PAINTS PLC. NT Electronic and Electrical Products AUSTIN LAZ & COMPANY PLC NT CUTIX PLC. 1.66 NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. NT NIGERIAN WIRE IND. PLC NT Packaging/Containers ABPLAST PRODUCTS PLC. NT AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS 2.19 GREIF NIGERIA PLC NT NIG. BAGS MANFACT. COY PLC 1.78 POLY PRODUCTS (NIG) PLC. NT W A GLASS IND. PLC. NT Tools and Machinery NIGERIAN ROPES PLC NT STOKVIS NIG PLC. NT NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. 5.98 Metals ALUMACO PLC NT ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION IND. PLC. 10.55 Non-Metallic Mineral Mining MULTIVERSE PLC 0.50 Paper/Forest Products HALLMARK PAPER PRODUCTS PLC. NT THOMAS WYATT NIG. PLC. NT OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SER. PLC 0.61 Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC 14.01 Petroleum &Petroleum Products Distributors AFROIL PLC NT BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC 0.50 CONOIL PLC 23.00 ETERNA PLC. 2.68 FORTE OIL PLC. 10.42 MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. 116.49 MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. NT TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. 128.01 SERVICES Advertising AFROMEDIA PLC NT Apparel Retailers LENNARDS (NIG) PLC. NT Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. 1.70 Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC 2.65 TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. NT Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. NT Hospitality TANTALIZERS PLC 0.50 Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL PLC NT IKEJA HOTEL PLC 1.14 TOURIST COMPANY OF NIGERIA PLC. NT TRANSNATIONAL CORP. OF NIG.PLC 1.05 Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC 0.50 Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. 1.64 LEARN AFRICA PLC 1.81 STUDIO PRESS (NIG) PLC. NT UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. 4.20 Road Transportation ABC TRANSPORT PLCPLC NT Specialty INTERLINKED TECHNOLOGIES PLC NT SECURE ELECTRONIC TECH.PLC NT Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC 1.64 NIG. AVIATION HANDLING COY PLC 5.78 ASeM CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Property Management SMART PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC 1.08 CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC 1.02 Personal/Household Products ROKANA INDUSTRIES PLC. NT HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals AFRIK PHARMACEUTICALS PLC. NT INDUSTRIAL GOODS Electronic and Electrical Products NT ADSWITCH PLC. 1.63 NATURAL RESOURCES Metals W.A. ALUM. PRODUCTS PLC. NT OIL AND GAS Petroleum & Petroleum Products Distributors ANINO INTERNATIONAL PLC. NT CAPITAL OIL PLC 0.50 RAK UNITY PET. COMP. PLC. NT UNION VENTURES & PET. PLC NT SERVICES Apparel Retailers UDEOFSON GARMENT FACT. NIG PLC NT Food/Drug Retailers and Wholesalers NT JULI PLC. 2.76 ETF’s Sector ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND 2 638.00

QUANTITY

52 WK HIGH

52 WK LOW

SHARES OUTSTANDING

EPS

MOV. (%)

NT NT

12.91 4.28

8.59 3.50

153 786 012 100 000 000

0.00 0.00

N/A N/A

NT NT

10 000

0.52

0.50

2 960 000 000

0.08

0.00

0.50

500

0.50

2 941 789 472

0.04

N/A

0.91

4 966 666 668

0.00

N/A

33 850 NT

18.28 3.59

13.12 2.41

108 000 000 492 825 600

1.82 0.00

N/A N/A

13.12 NT

NT NT

0.50 4.97

0.50 4.04

4 620 600 000 4 200 000 000

0.00 0.00

N/A N/A

NT NT

2 307 692

1.47

0.50

6 878 478 096

0.00

N/A

NT 100 NT

2.25 3.50 0.50

0.00 2.46 0.50

4 400 000 000 4 893 594 400

0.00 0.00 0.00

N/A N/A N/A

NT NT NT

NT 399 800 562 213 21 349 93 954 454 849 5 000 10 374 NT 169 555 360 015 72 400 NT

3.32 30.00 12.57 43.98 15.49 132.51 3.51 0.75 0.99 48.05 3.36 5.28 13.40

2.86 9.10 8.06 14.50 4.20 95.00 0.93 0.50 0.91 37.00 0.52 2.27 10.93

260 000 000 2 239 453 125 217 367 585 560 000 000 1 241 548 285 15 494 019 668 242 908 200 2 109 928 275 513 696 000 3 001 600 004 792 914 256 400 000 000 75 000 000

0.00 1.60 0.15 1.76 1.83 8.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.74 0.16 0.39 0.00

N/A -2.97 -0.55 0.00 -1.57 -2.95 N/A N/A N/A -1.15 N/A N/A N/A

NT 9.75 7.33 24.12 4.45 118.50 NT 0.50 NT 43.50 2.16 3.31 10.93

NT 300 NT NT

2.00 2.50 0.73 2.58

2.00 1.33 0.50 2.58

510 396 608 2 220 000 000 15 000 000

0.03 0.11 0.00 0.00

N/A -4.60 N/A N/A

2.00 1.74 NT NT

NT 5 310 NT 1 383 481 NT NT

3.98 6.91 15.03 3.60 1.86 0.63

3.98 3.10 13.28 1.60 1.05 0.63

25 000 000 683 974 528 42 640 000 6 215 000 000 240 000 000 199 066 550

0.00 0.15 0.90 0.22 0.30 0.00

N/A N/A N/A -1.11 N/A N/A

NT 2.19 NT 1.80 NT NT

NT NT

8.69 0.14

8.26 0.14

265 409 280 2 918 000

0.00 0.00

N/A N/A

8.26 NT

1 550

9.20

5.70

393 120 000

0.93

0.00

5.98

NT 50

7.75 12.39

7.75 10.55

75 600 000 100 000 000

0.00 0.13

N/A N/A

NT 10.55

7 500

0.50

4 058 989 226

0.00

N/A

0.50

NT NT

3.22 1.38

50 000 000 220 000 000

0.04 0.00

N/A N/A

NT NT

3 321 014

1.87

0.54

6 262 701 716

0.16

-4.69

0.64

1 476 865

78.97

13.95

2 262 711 568

7.47

0.07

14.00

NT 10 300 17 754 1 714 971 7 860 344 075 NT 6 543

20.71 0.70 41.89 5.59 28.69 163.50 72.00 240.00

20.71 0.50 19.61 2.12 9.12 118.75 32.29 125.00

125 487 475 3 716 976 579 693 952 117 1 249 162 828 1 080 280 628 300 496 051 253 988 672 339 521 837

0.00 0.00 5.98 0.88 0.00 13.06 4.08 11.22

N/A N/A -9.80 26.42 4.20 -1.90 N/A -3.75

NT 0.50 25.50 2.12 10.00 118.75 NT 133.00

4 035 497 307

0.00

N/A

0.50

0.19

N/A

0.72

0.50

3.48

151 850

3.65

1.12

980 294 400

0.22

8.97

1.56

651 000 NT

3.67 6.40

2.11 3.28

589 496 310 198 819 763

0.63 0.26

-11.67 N/A

3.00 NT

1.64

0.85

865 808 912

0.20

N/A

0.50

300 000

0.75

0.50

3 211 627 907

0.01

N/A

NT 338 850 NT 12 999 854

8.00 2.59 4.76 1.82

3.00 1.16 4.31 0.50

1 548 780 000 2 078 796 396 1 772 884 297 25 813 998 283

0.18 0.92 0.00 0.22

N/A -1.72 N/A 1.94

NT 1.16 NT 1.03

100

0.50

0.48

8 000 000 000

0.00

N/A

1 000 65 000 NT 24 339

3.68 8.00 2.92 6.82

1.64 1.99 2.78 3.09

403 200 000 771 450 000 425 641 111

0.14 0.29 0.01 0.50

N/A N/A N/A 1.69

1.64 1.81 NT 4.13

0.80

0.50

1 507 000 000

0.00

N/A

0.50

NT NT

5.15 1.88

4.90 0.80

236 699 511 5 631 539 736

0.00 0.03

N/A N/A

NT NT

1 000 2 865 915

2.78 11.75

1.54 5.15

634 000 000 1 230 468 750

0.38 0.81

N/A -0.69

1.81 5.82

600

1.43

1.04

45 000 000

0.12

N/A

1.08

5 000

1.02

201 885 335

0.00

N/A

1.02

0.60

30 000 000

0.00

N/A

0.50

24 898 850

0.00

N/A

NT 14 000

1.88

1.63

125 005 250

0.00

N/A

NT 1.63

0.50

6 650 000

0.00

N/A

NT 5 000 NT NT

0.21 0.50 0.31 0.63

24 200 000 5 857 500 000 15 000 000 98 600 000

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

N/A N/A N/A N/A

NT 0.50 NT NT

NT NT 16 000

0.50

20 000 000

0.00

N/A

3.05

2.76

194 700 000

0.00

N/A

NT NT 2.76

100

2 706

2 422

0.00

2 638.00

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, August 13, 2012

Business Courage A19 37

Some of the best of Business Courage in the last one year

A20 38

Business Courage

Monday, August 13, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, August 13, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice nationalmirrorlaw@yahoo.com

“Where the freedom of an individual is curtailed or abridged, it must be shown that such act is brought within the confines of the law.”

FORMER CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA, DAHIRU MUSDAPHER

Controversies trail new Lagos road traffic law Decline in quality of judges traceable to military –Okulaja 42

Adesanoye’s thorny path to Osemawe throne 44

Lawyers, stakeholders flay govt, legislators

Fashola

Barely two weeks after the new Road Traffic Law was enacted by the Lagos State Government, the legislation has come under severe criticisms amidst the deplorable state of roads in the state, KAYODE KETEFE, Assistant Head, Judiciary desk reports.

A Murder: S’African youth bags 25 years imprisonment 41

new vista in public administration and social order was opened in Lagos State on August 2, 2012, when Governor Babatunde Fashola, SAN, signed a new Lagos Traffic Bill into law. The new law tagged: “Lagos State Road Traffic Law, 2012, repealed the Road Traffic Law Cap. R10 Vol. 17 Law of Lagos State, as amended, in 2004. The law seeks to eradicate diverse antisocial, abnormal and dangerous practices associated with the traffic operations in the state which incidentally is the most populous state in Nigeria; it envisages a condition of free flow and orderly transportation in the state as part of the megacity blueprint project for the state. It is a known fact that Lagos roads have

Ipaye

been adjudged the most problematic in Nigeria and even in the world, with driving eccentricities that have been described as a celebration of traffic anarchy. Ordinarily, a law meant to introduce sanity into traffic conditions in a state like Lagos should be welcome; however, the new Lagos traffic law had no sooner become law than it ran into trouble waters of severe and sustained criticisms from a number of stakeholders while others nonetheless still perceive it as one of the best laws ever made in the state. The criticisms being heaped on it are essentially based on some of the provisions of the law which are adjudged too severe. Another criticism is that the lawmakers did not reach out to major stakeholders before it was passed. Others still contend that the new law, which creates so many offences with diverse punitive measures, might constitute tempting opportunities for unscrupulous traffic officers to enrich themselves while unleashing terror on motorists and commuters.

THE LAW ALSO OUTLAWS ACTIVITIES OF THE

NATIONAL UNION OF ROAD TRANSPORT WORKERS

In broad terms, the law provides that any motorist caught driving against traffic is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to one year imprisonment as first offender and three years imprisonment for repeated offence or rendering community service for the same period in accordance with Section 347 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State. Driving of unregistered or unlicensed vehicle is also an offence punishable with N20,000 fine and for repeated offences, the fine increases to N30, 000. The law also outlaws activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, (NURTW), across the various motor parks in the state. Their activities have been confined to their offices well outside the vicinities of motor parks. It also provides that all drivers and conductors are now to have identification marks and all the vehicles for commercial operations are to be specially registered. Furthermore, it is now an offence to sell alcoholic drinks, herbal or pharmaceutical drugs within 100 meters of a bus stop, terminus or motor parks. The new RTL prohibits all commercial motorcycle riders a.k.a Okada from plying certain routes within Lagos metropolis and adjacent expressways to neighbouring towns. There routes include Apapa-Oshodi CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

Law & Justice

Monday, August 13, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘The traffic legislation is draconian’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39 Expressway, Lagos-Badagry Expressway Ikorodu Road, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Victoria Island/Lekki-Epe Expressway, Agege Motor Road, Funsho Williams Avenue, Eko Bridge, Carter Bridge, Third Mainland Bridge, as well as many other major bridges in Lagos State. Okada riders are also prohibited from carrying pregnant women and children below the age of 12, while adults are also conditionally restrained from mounting on okada with loads on their heads. In the First Schedule of the law, a range of activities which prevent or hamper a driver from making use of his or her two hands while driving are now criminalised. These include smoking while driving, making or receiving calls or eating of food items while driving and counting of money while driving! Expectedly, this provision should also catch up with drivers carrying children on their laps while driving. LASTMA officers are empowered under the law “to arrest, where appropriate, and allow alleged offenders pay the fine stipulated for the offence committed and prosecute any persons reasonably suspected of having committed any of the offences under the provisions of the law.” Some of the punitive fines recommended under the law for various offences are: Riding a motor cycle against traffic: 1st time offender – N20, 000; subsequent offender -N30,000 fine; smoking while driving -N20,000 fine.; Disobeying traffic control – N20,000 fine; riding motor cycle without crash helmet for rider and passenger N20,000 or three years imprisonment ; driving without valid driver’s licence – vehicle will be impounded; driving with fake number plate – N20,000 and six months imprisonment or both; driving on a one –way -- punishment ranges from one year to three years jail term. A number of stakeholders have started kicking against the new law. These included those directly affected like the NURTW, which had already demanded audience with the state government to dialogue on how the implementation of some of the provisions of the law would be done with human face. The area of conflict included the provisions that ban union activities from all the motor parks and bus termini throughout the state. The NURTW chairman in Lagos State, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, has condemned the law for seeking to dislodge the members of his union from motor parks. Agbede was reported to have said, “we have not done anything to warrant being sacked from the garages. If you are sacking us from the garages, where do you want us to go? The garage is the home of vehicles unless you are telling us to move our vehicles from the garages.” As controversial as this law is, it finds favour with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which described it as a good step in the right direction. The new Lagos State FRSC Sector Commander, Mr. Charles Akpabio, disclosed this dis-

Otteh

position to the law when he paid a visit to the governor shortly after the latter signed the law into existence. Akpabio said, “The Lagos State Road Transport Law 2012 is not meant to punish anybody, but to bring back sanity to the road. Lagos is very important to Nigeria and is home to a lot of tourists and the new law has come at the right time. We are prepared to partner with the state in that regard.” However, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Babatunde Edu, has admitted that the new law would pose serious challenge to implement. Edu said the enforcement officers would have to exhibit great discipline in the course of enforcing the law; otherwise, the purpose of the law could be defeated. The LASTMA boss said, “The personnel are urged to be alive to their responsibilities and ensure they contribute their quota towards free flow of traffic at all times in order to complement the state government’s efforts in resolving traffic congestion in the state. Officers found wanting would be shown the way out and face possible prosecution for any unlawful act.” National Mirror sought the views of some lawyers on this new law. The state Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, defended the new law in an interview with the National Mirror, saying although the law might be seen to contain some apparently strict punitive measures, the aim is to ensure compliance with the law and foster a better traffic regime for the betterment of the society. Ipaye, who also urged the citizens to comply with the new law as it was made in their best interest, added that government had delayed the enforcement of certain parts of the law. He said: “The law has already taken effect, but we are delaying the enforcement pending when we get the gazette and get more people aware of the new law. All of those streets and roads where we don’t want Okada to ply, we still need to publicise them. “As for the ones they know they are not to ply like the Third Mainland Bridge, Ikorodu Road, they can be arrested if they do. The other ones that we have included are going to be publicised.

Shittu

Edu

ONE THING I HATE ABOUT THAT LAW IS THAT IT IS A LEGISLATION THAT LOOKS LIKE A MILITARY DECREE As far as the law is concerned, it is in effect, it is just that the enforcement may not have full effect now. “They were banned from 470 roads out of over 9,000 routes, which is five per cent of the total roads in Lagos. We have left all the small streets and roads where effective public transportation are not available and they constitute the majority after the ones in the metropolis,” In his own view, the Executive Director of the Access to Justice, Mr. Joseph Otteh, said the law was controversial, he however, said that since such law could be tested in the court of law, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Philips, ought not to have attended the signing ceremony of the law by Governor Fashola on Thursday, August 2, 2012. Otteh stated: “The CJ’s presence at the ceremony may colour public perceptions that the Judiciary will be unable to independently adjudge any disputes arising from the enforcement of the aforesaid law if the question of the legality or constitutionality of the new traffic law comes before Lagos Judges for interpretation. “Can the Chief Judge’s conduct give the impression that the Lagos Judiciary would not be neutral arbiters if that law is challenged before Lagos Courts? We think that it could! Her conduct will be interpreted in the same way as if she showed up at a media conference convened to denounce or oppose the passage of the said law. “Nigeria’s constitutional democracy guarantees separation of powers among the three arms of government. This constitutional separation of legislative, executive and judicial powers reflected in both the form and substance is intended to assure citizens that all forms of disputes between citizens, or between citi-

zens and governments will be resolved by judges with nothing to hope for, or fear from legislative or executive influence.” A Lagos lawyer, and lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos , Mr. Wahab Shittu, told National Mirror that, “One of the basic requirements and the norm of legislative law- making is that whenever you want to make this kind of law, you should carry the stakeholders along. This is a controversial law, I don’t know to what extent the Lagos State legislators comply with this requirement. He said: “But it appears there was no wide consultation with the stakeholders that is why you see a lot of people kicking against the law already. Well, when a law is made, it remains a law. Anybody or groups who are not satisfied can challenge the law in the court but until the court pronounces otherwise, it remains the law.” Another lawyer, Mr. Stephen Ojuolape, said: “One thing I hate about that law is that it is a legislation that looks like a military decree. It provides for sanction that is not in the class with the alleged crime. Why sending an erring motorist to prison for three years for taking oneway? That to me sounds like what we have under the military when some journalists were jailed for life for criticising the military government! I think punishment should always be commensurate with the crime.” Beyond the enforcement of the traffic law, investigation by National Mirror showed that a number of major highways in the state, namely, Ipaja Road, Ikotun-Isolo Road, Liasu Road, all in Alimosho Local GovernmentArea, LGA, Alakuko-Ijaiye junction, Iju Road in Ifako Ijaiye LGA, and Post Office Road, Ladipo Road in Mushin LGA among others are in bad shape. Similarly, several access roads in GRA Ikeja linking Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Way, Ikeja, are also in deplorable condition. Some commuters who spoke with our correspondent urged the state government to rehabilitate these roads to ease the number of man-hours on the highways instead of churning out law at the expense of its responsibility to the people.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, August 13, 2012

Murder: S’ African youth bags 25 years imprisonment

Foreign

he South African man who drove a Swedish woman of Indian descent to her death after allegedly being hired by her British husband, also of Indian descent, to kill her on their honeymoon pleaded guilty last week to the slaying and received a 25-year prison sentence after offering chilling details about the killing. Mziwamadoda Qwabe, 27, described in a statement how he wore yellow gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints on the November 2010 night he and alleged accomplice Xolile Mngeni kidnapped and killed Anni Dewani. Qwabe said he helped carry out the killing of the 28-year-old bride for only 15,000 rand (about $2,100), and said he knew her accompanying husband Shrien Dewani paid for the slaying and wanted her dead. According to NDTV, while Shrien Dewani fights extradition to South Africa and continues to deny he orchestrated the killing, Qwabe’s testimony offers a second account implicating him in his wife’s death. Judge John Hlophe of the

Johannesburg Western Cape High Court accepted Qwabe’s guilty plea on charges of kidnapping, robbery, murder and illegal possession of a firearm, sentencing him to 25 years in prison. Lawyers and prosecutors also met with Mngeni, who will return to court on Monday for the possible start of his trial over Dewani’s killing, said Eric Ntabazalila, a spokesman for South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority. Qwabe and Mngeni’s trial has been postponed several times due to Mngeni’s poor health. Mngeni had surgery to remove a brain tumor in June 2011. The Dewanis were honeymooning in South Africa in November 2010, only two weeks after their marriage, when Shrien Dewani allegedly asked taxi driver Zola Tongo if he knew of anyone who could kill his wife, investigators say. A third man put Qwabe and Tongo in touch, where they planned to fake a car hijacking in Cape Town’s impoverished Gugu-

Kenya

enya’s Deputy Chief Justice, Nancy Baraza should be sacked after she was accused of threatening to shoot a security guard, a tribunal has recommended. Baraza allegedly pulled her pistol and pinched the nose of a female guard after refusing to be frisked when she entered an upmarket shopping centre on New Year’s Eve. The tribunal agreed with the guard’s account of events. Baraza was suspended while the investigation was carried out. “A judge who engages in lawless conduct and thereafter tries to explain it

Qwabe

lethu township, Qwabe said. “The kidnapping and robbery were part of the plan to make it appear that this was a random criminal act, unconnected to (Tongo) and the husband,” Qwabe’s statement read. The two men hijacked the car

money was hidden inside the car, Qwabe said. As Qwabe drove, Mngeni kept a 7.62 mm pistol pointed at Anni Dewani in the backseat until he pulled the trigger, the fatal shot going through her neck, the statement read. Panicked, Qwabe said he stopped the car and got out, helping Mngeni find the spent bullet casing. He threw the casing into a sewer as they ran away into the night. Officials at first thought the crime was robbery in South Africa, where violent crime is high but attacks on foreign tourists are rare. Later, however, Tongo testified that Shrien Dewani offered him money to organise the killing, pleading guilty to the slaying and receiving an 18-year prison sentence. Dewani has denied he hired anyone to kill his wife and was allowed by authorities to leave South Africa for the United Kingdom, where he was later arrested. In March, a U.K. High Court ruled that it would be “unjust and oppressive” to extradite Dewani to South Africa, as his mental condition had worsened since his arrest there. Dewani’s lawyer told the court in a hearing July 31 that he needed at least a year to recover from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder before being potentially sent back to South Africa.

Tribunal recommends top judge’s sack

Baraza

away with misleading testimony should not continue in office,” said the tribunal,

according to the Reuters news agency. The BBC’s Anne Mawathe in Nairobi said this is being seen as a David versus Goliath case, as many people feel that public institutions generally side with the rich and powerful against ordinary people. She said the decision might help moves to reform Kenya’s judiciary. The seven-member panel was headed by Tanzania’s former Chief Justice Augustino Ramadhani. Baraza now has 10 days to appeal to the Supreme Court - her lawyer told the

India court refuses to extend Nanda’s jail term ndia’s Supreme Court has refused to extend the jail term of Sanjeev Nanda, the son of a wealthy arms dealer, convicted in a hit-and-run case. According to BBC, the court ordered him to pay a fine of 5m rupees ($89,000; £57,000) and do community service for two years. In 2008, Nanda was sent to jail for five years for running over and killing six people in Delhi in January 1999 while driving under influence. In 2009, the Delhi High Court reduced his jail term to two years. Last week Supreme Court ruling

late at night and made a point to steal Anni Dewani’s Giorgio Armani wristwatch, a white gold and diamond bracelet, her purse and mobile phone, Qwabe said. As the two men dropped off the husband and Tongo, the taxi driver leaned over to whisper their

India means Nanda, son of arms dealer Suresh Nanda, does not have to spend any more time in prison. The court said the fine money paid by him would be utilised for paying compensation to hit-and-run accident victims on Indian highways. The so-called “BMW hit-and-run case” attracted a lot of attention in India, specially after several witnesses changed their testimony during the trial, amid accusations that they had been bought off by the wealthy Nandas.

Nanda

BBC that she had not yet decided what to do. Security has been stepped up in public places across Kenya since it sent troops into neighbouring Somalia last October. The militant group al-Shabab has threatened to take revenge and there have been numerous grenade attacks in Nairobi and elsewhere. It is now common practice in Kenya for people to be frisked or be scanned with metal detectors before they are allowed in shops, theatres and even places of prayer.

Law & Justice

Monday, August 13, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Decline in quality of judges

Mr. Yemi Okulaja (SAN), graduated from the University of Ife in 1973 and was thereafter called to the Nigerian Bar. He was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1998. In this interview with WALE IGBINTADE, he speaks on corruption in the Judiciary and the reluctance of the Presidency to reinstate the suspended President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami among other issues. Excerpts.

Could you give an insight into your background? Well, I was born over 60 years ago. I attended Ibadan Grammar School and Aiyetoro Boys High School for my secondary education. Thereafter, I proceeded to the University of Ife (Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1970 and graduated in 1973. I was called to Bar in 1974. In 1998, 14 years ago, I was elevated to the status of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. I have been in practice for about 38 years now. I have practised all over the country. I have been in the East for about three years, I spent 11 years in the North and of course, I am in the South. I have a good experience of practising all over Nigeria. I have been a legal practitioner all my life. The judiciary has been under attack in recent times because of allegations of corrupt practices against judicial officers in the country. How will you react to this? It will not be correct to say that the Judiciary is my constituency because I have never been a Judge but considering the fact that you cannot be a Judge unless you are a lawyer, I will regard it as my constituency but strictly speaking, I have never been a Judge. Certainly, I am not happy with a situation in which the Judiciary is being painted as corrupt. When I started practice, most of the things that are happening now were unknown. For instance, it was not common for you to just walk into Judges Chambers just as we do these days. The judges were high on top but these days, you find out that they have descended from their Olympian heights and started mingling with lawyers and other members of the public. In those days, if you became a Judge, you have sentenced yourself to a life of hermit in which you keep away from members of the public as much as possible. At that time, many of the judges were upright and if you went to court in those days you will know that any judgment that came down from the Bench was judgment according to the justice of the case. Sadly, many of the things that are happening now do not make us very happy. You find out that it is just a reflection of what is happening in the larger society. These judges did not come from the moon. They are our brothers, sisters, cousins, they are our uncles, and they are part of us. It is a corruption that has eaten deep into the society. For instance, when we were young, all the politicians at that time went into politics for the public good. The likes of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello and Nnamdi Azikiwe, you do not see them acquiring properties in the United Kingdom or Dubai in those days. Many of the politicians actually went to serve but can you say that about our politicians these days? When people went to the Bench in those days, it was to make themselves immortal. Many of the judges we are reading their judgments today died long time ago. But as far as we lawyers are, they are immortal because they speak to us from the grave through the judgments that they have written. That is the sense in which people went to the Bench in those days but it is no longer the case these days. One is not really happy about what is happening in the judiciary today.

Okulaja

THESE DAYS, YOU FIND OUT THAT JUDGES HAVE DESCENDED FROM THEIR OLYMPIAN HEIGHTS

The immediate past CJN has suggested that the postcall years of appointees to the Bench in the hierarchy of courts should be increased to between 15 and 25 years. Do you share this view? The criteria that you laid down are things that are normally expected. Now, going down memory lane, when I became a lawyer in those days, they used to invite lawyers to be judges. Appointment of judges was more by invitation because they would have noticed your performance at the Bar and would have noticed your contribution that you are very good. There was no emphasis on whether you have been at the Bar for 15 or 25 years. People have seen you, they have seen your performance, and they have seen your character that you are upright and fit to be a High Court Judge. The money paid judges in those days was not much, so people went there to serve but it is not the case these days and I want to trace the decline of quality of judges from the time of the military. When the military came in 1966, they rubbished all our systems. They abolished our legislatures, they rubbished the Executive, the Judiciary and they started appointing their nephews, nieces, their cronies and friends to the judiciary without any regard or finding out whether these people were suitable for the Bench or not. So, it started with the military and after that, all sort of things started happening. It was Justice Akinola Aguda who said that the quality of justice depends on the men who administer it. If you bring people who are not competent to be judges of course, there will be a lot

of harm and damage to the Judiciary and that is what is happening now. What is happening to the judiciary is a direct reflection of the quality of people being appointed, the right people are not being appointed. They appointed children of Obas or children of big people in the society and of course, many of the Judges were appointed when they were quite young. Can you imagine somebody being appointed as a Judge at the age of 35 years, he or she is going to be there for more than 30 years so if you do a mis-appointment, it is not a mis-appointment that will disappear in five years or 10 years but it will last for 35 years, it will last very long. The result of the mis-appointment is now stirring us in the face. In that wise, the damage that is done from the initial stage when these judges were appointed will be with us for a long time. You can remove a Judge for being corrupt but you cannot remove a Judge for not being intellectually sound. Somebody who is not competent in knowledge in terms of the law, he will be there for 30 or 40 years and there is nothing anybody will be able to do if he doesn’t know law. Those are the judges that goes to court and when they don’t know anything, they keep on adjourning and that is the problem we have now. The leadership of the NBA recently criticised retired justices for engaging in consultancy with law firms. What is your view? Well, once you are a Judge, a judicial officer at the level of High Court Judge and you retired, you are not allowed to go back and practice as a lawyer. You can be a consultant but you see, this is part of what we are saying, you can be an upright Judge and when you retired you remained upright, you don’t involve yourself in any of these unwholesome practices. But where you have a corrupt retired Judge and then, he

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.neta

Monday, August 13, 2012

Law & Justice

traceable to military –Okulaja begins to mess around. That is the problem. It is a fact that these people are used to taking money, taking bribe and when they retired they still want to continue to live that opulent lifestyle. But is it bad for a judge to live a descent life? It is not bad for a Judge to live an opulent lifestyle but they are used to these easy money and they just continue after they retire. Before you can influence a Judge, you must have access to him. There was a particular Judge who was dismissed not because he sat on election panel but because he was the conduit pipe to reaching those who were sitting on the election tribunal. I know the former President of the NBA you are talking about because I told you I practised in the North. I was in Kano when he was in Zaria and from there he moved to Kaduna, I know him, I know he must have seen things before talking, I knew him ever before he became senior advocate so he must have seen certain things before talking and of course, we ourselves know. How do you see the enormous powers of the CJN as chairman of the National Judicial Council, National Judicial Institute and others? Well, I agreed that the power is too much but that again is a reflection of the quality of the people on the Bench. If you have a good man on the Bench, if you give him all the powers, he will exercise it with the fear of God, with a sense of fairness and you will not know that you have given him too much power. But when you have a corrupt man in a position of authority and you give him too much power, when he begins to exercise those powers, you will now start to regret giving him those powers. We have had judges in this country who were upright. I used to reflect in those days, there was a Judge in this Lagos State who was a Chief Judge in person of Justice J.I.C. Taylor. He was very, very powerful but when I look back now, some of the things that he used to do, you cannot do it now but, in those days because he was doing it out of correct and upright position, he did it and we were

IF YOU HAVE A GOOD MAN ON THE BENCH, IF YOU GIVE HIM ALL THE POWERS, HE WILL EXERCISE THE POWERS WITH THE FEAR OF GOD hailing him. For instance, as a young lawyer, I was in court and it was a criminal appeal because J.I.C. Taylor would have read the whole of the record and would have seen whether you have a good case or not. So, he just came to court and it was a criminal appeal and of course, the man from the Ministry of Justice felt that he didn’t have much to do, maybe it was the appellant who had all the work to do but when J.I.C. Taylor came to court he faced the prosecutor from the Ministry of Justice and said yes, Mr. man can you support this conviction? The man was astounded because he felt it should have been the appellant who should have been asked questions but no, he went straight to the respondent and asked can he support this conviction and the man was rattled. He said yes, he can support the conviction and the Judge said okay go to this particular page and read and after that, the Judge will say go to page 430 read lines two to 10 and say, can you now reconcile that with the judgment that was given? At the end, the prosecutor now said he cannot support the conviction and he would ask why can’t he support the conviction. At the end of the day, the appellant did not say anything and the appeal was allowed. You could see that we had a Judge there who had all the powers but nowadays, you will say I went to court but the Judge did not allow me to handle my case, he descended into the arena. Yes, a Judge can descend into the arena but it depends on his mind with which he descended into the arena. If he descended into the arena and did the right thing, nobody will complain. It was not so much the powers that was given to the CJN because by virtue of his position he should be the head but because these people now abused the power that has

been given to them, then you see people complaining. In respect of the National Judicial Council, you will see that most of the people were appointed by the CJN. For instance, if the council is made up of about 50 members, about 10 of them were appointees of the CJN and any position taken by the CJN, the loyalty of these people were to the CJN as a person rather than to the rule of law. If the CJN took a position like in the case of Justice Salami, Justice Salami had no chance with the CJN headed by Justice Katsina- Alu because Katsina- Alu had taken a position against him and all the other appointees were appointees of the CJN. So, if he wanted to roast Salami like he did, I mean there was nothing standing in his way because apart from the representatives of the NBA that were there and some other independent members of the NJC; others were virtually with the CJN. That was why people started wondering but what do you expect from these people? Spineless people who were there and could not vote according to their conscience and speak their mind. Look at the advanced countries, when something goes wrong, people take responsibility for it and resigned but in Nigeria when things go wrong, they are reluctant to take responsibility and if they take responsibility, they refuse to go, they stay there. That is the problem of our culture and our society. There was someone long time ago, this man was made the general manager of the Nigerian Railways with full powers. So when they say you are general manager with full powers, must you go there and exercise your full powers? You buy a car, they said the car can go 180 kilometres; do you now go there and be doing 170 or 180 kilometres with the car? They gave you that power for emergency or when you have circumstances when you need to go the whole hug not that you have power of life and death and you begin to exercise it of course, you do more damage than the people envisaged when they gave you the powers. Looking at it personally, if you have an upright man, a man with conscience, a man with the fear of God, a man with a high sense of justice, he goes there even if you give him the powers of executive and judiciary, the man will go there and do the right thing but if you are afraid that if you give him too much power he may abuse it, you will begin to think of reducing the power, reduction of the power will not cure anything, the man will still cause havoc. While I agree that many of these powers should be toned down, I still believe that we should try and see that only people of proven integrity, men of conscience, upright men should be appointed to sensitive positions and members of the press should call them to order whenever they are going astray. Despite the recommendation by the NJC that the former President of the Court of Appeal should be reinstated by the President, no step has been taken. How do you feel about this? I feel very, very sad and that is part of the corruption we are talking about. We are talking about the corruption in the judiciary, how about the corruption in the executive? When the executive refused to follow the law, when they refused to do what is right. When the man was to be removed, nobody talked about subjudice, he was just suspended like that and now when it was time to re-instate him, they begin to look for excuses. That is part of the corruption. Corruption can come in so many ways. Instead of the President to do the right thing, he is thinking of party faithful, and big people in the party who have been offended, who felt offended by what Salami did. Politicians are very genius when they want to do the wrong thing, they begin to invent all sorts of things and now for the first time, we are hearing that the matter is subjudice. What is wrong in putting him there and after if the judgment which you are now talking about says the man should not be there, you remove him again. That is what made me feel so sad after so many years at the Bar. They have messed up a career of a good Judge.

Law & Justice

Monday, August 13, 2012

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Adesanoye’s thorny path to Osemawe throne W

hen a one-time Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Itiade Adekolurejo joined his ancestors 21 years ago, the usual traditional rites heralding the selection of a successor to the throne were observed according to native law and custom. Few days later, the Secretary of Ondo Local Government wrote to the Leyo Ruling House to present a candidate to fill the vacant stool, among other candidates for presentation to the kingmakers who would appoint the next Osemawe. Three candidates were presented by the ruling house. They were a retired Permanent Secretary, Festus Ibidapo Adesanoye, Prince Francis Gbadebo Adewole, and Eric Adewole. The kingmakers at a special meeting convened for that purpose on October 11, 1991, elected Adesanoye, out of the three nominees of the Leyo Ruling House and presented his name to the then Military Governor of Ondo State for approval. Following the approval of Adesanoye’s name for appointment as the Osemawe of Ondo, Adewole filed an action at an Ondo High Court claiming two declaratory reliefs and an order restraining Adesanoye from parading himself as Osemawe- elect. At the hearing of the matter, Adewole’s case was that Adesanoye was, a great grandson/member of the Leyo Ruling House and that being so, he was not qualified to be appointed Osemawe and that his appointment was not in accordance with prevailing custom in respect of the chieftaincy and section 8(e) of the Chiefs Edict No 11 of 1984. But Adesanoye on his part, contended that his appointment as Osemawe of Ondo was in accordance with the prevailing custom in respect of the Osemawe Chieftaincy edict which was the enabling law at the time. In his judgment, Justice Obaremo dismissed the action and gave verdict in Adesanoye’s favour. The trial judge held that the Osemawe of Ondo (Chieftaincy Declaration) Order, 1991 had repealed the Osemawe of Ondo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1958 and that under the 1991 declaration, the persons qualified to be proposed as candidates to fill a vacancy in the Osemawe Chieftaincy were members of the ruling house of the male line only. Dissatisfied with this verdict, Adewole appealed to the Court of Appeal. The appellate court allowed his appeal and held inter alia that the Osemawe of Ondo Chieftaincy Declaration 1991 could not possibly repeal the 1958 declaration. Aggrieved by the appeal court decision, Adesanoye, High Chief Akingbule and the Attorney-General, Ondo State lodged a notice of appeal at the Supreme Court and formulated three fundamental issues in their brief. Adewole also cross-appealed and formulated two main issues among which was whether Adesanoye was qualified to be appointed Osemawe of Ondo under the native law and custom pertaining to the Osemawe of Ondo chieftaincy. The first appellant’s counsel, Mr. F. O Akinrele (SAN), argued extensively his client’s appeal and concluded that Adesanoye being a member of Leyo Ruling

Sometimes in August 1991, the Osemawe of Ondo Chieftaincy stool became vacant following the demise of the reigning monarch, Oba Itiade Adekolurejo. Two of the major contenders to the throne, Festus Adesanoye and Francis Adewole resorted to litigation. The Supreme Court eventually resolved the case in Adesanoye’s favour. FRANCIS FAMOROTI, Ag. Head, Judiciary writes.

Justice Tobi

FAMOUS CASES House of the male line was qualified to be appointed Osemawe of Ondo. Akinrele also submitted that Adewole, being a grandson of Aroworayi was not qualified to be appointed Osemawe of Ondo under the 1958 declaration as the declaration excluded grandsons from the throne. He also argued that Adewole lacked the locus standi in the matter as he failed to show or establish a direct interest in the throne. However, Adewole’s counsel, Mr. Adegboyega Thompson, submitted that the customary law applicable was the 1958 chieftaincy declaration at the time the cause of action arose on August 21st, 1991 on the death of the previous holder of the title. The Supreme Court panel of justices that heard the appeal comprises Justices Idris Kutigi, Niki Tobi, George Adesola Oguntade, Mahmud Mohammed, Walter Samuel Onnoghen. In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Tobi on July 14, 2006, the Supreme Court noted that the issue before the court was the absence of the date of registration in the determination of retrospectivity of the 1991 declaration. According to the apex court, ‘’Retrospectivity, the synonym of retroactivity, as it relates to statute, means when the date of commencement of the statute is earlier in point of time than the date of enactment.

Oba Victor Kiladejo, Osemawe of Ondo

Tobi further said ‘’The Court of Appeal merely restricted itself to the 1984 law on the issue of retrospectivity. That was where, with respect, the court fell into some error. If the court had examined the provisions of the 1991 order closely, it could not have arrived at the decision.’’ The jurist reproduced the Osemawe of Ondo (Chieftaincy Declaration) Order, 1991 and declared that by its provisions, the Osemawe of Ondo chieftaincy declaration of 1958 made under the appointment and recognition of Chiefs Law 1954 was hereby revoked. Tobi, however, observed that the Court of Appeal held tenaciously to the 1958 declaration and wondered why the court did not see the declaration as being revoked. In the instant case, the apex court said ‘’as the cause of action in this matter arose on 21st August 1991, the applicable law is the 1991 order, which commenced retrospectively from the 3rd day of January, 1984. The apex court considered Adewole’s amended statement of claim and concluded that he being a grandson of a previous Oba had no locus standi to institute the action. Tobi reviewed that the evidence inchief of Dr. Festus Olaniyi Adewole, the first witness for the 1st respondent, who confirmed among others, that both Adewole and himself were grandsons of Oba Aroworayi, who reigned as Oba of Ondo in 1900 and died in 1901. The apex court also observed that under cross-examination, the witness said his father was Prince Josiah Adewole adding, “the 1958 Declaration excluded grandson from the throne.” Tobi sai “It is clear from the above that the respondent being a grandson had no locus standi to institute the action. ‘’ According to the jurist, “I should take

IT IS CLEAR THAT ADEWOLE BEING A GRANDSON OF A PREVIOUS

OBA HAD

NO LOCUS STANDI TO INSTITUTE THE ACTION the issue a bit further. In the Amended Statement of Claim, the respondent averred that he is a prince of the Leyo Aroworayi Ruling House. I should say right away that being a prince of a chieftaincy house is by itself not enough to sue in respect of appointment in the chieftaincy house. The plaintiff has to go further to prove intimacy with the chieftaincy house to the extent and in the sense that he has the right to contest the chieftaincy if and when vacant. He must clearly state the extent of his interest in the chieftaincy and such an interest should be that he is, by his royal blood, entitled to the throne. A trial Judge will not accept a caricature of an interest or a bloated interest, which does not flow naturally from and to the chieftaincy. “Although the Chieftaincy institution has been commercialised in recent times, resulting in infiltrations by strange elements, the institution remains and maintains a class of its own traceable and, as a matter of genealogy, traced to a royal home or royalty. The word “royalty” conveys a King or a Queen‘’, the court added. By this verdict, Adewole lost the case at the apex court and Adesanoye’s installation as the Osemawe of Ondo was validated. Following his demise few years ago, Oba Victor Kiladejo now occupies the Osemawe stool.

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Law & Justice

Monday, August 13, 2012

Supreme Court’ll not disturb concurrent findings of fact unless… IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA HOLDEN AT LAGOS ON FRIDAY, THE 23RD OF MARCH, 2012 BEFORE THEIR LORDSHIPS WALTER S.N ONNOGHEN IBRAHIM TANKO MOHAMMED OLUFUNMILOLA .O. ADEKEYE BODE RHODES-VIVOUR MARY U. PETER-ODILI

JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT APPEAL NO: SC/190/2010 BETWEEN:

CHUKWUDI UGWANYI

.................................................... APPELLANT AND

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ........................... ..... RESPONDENT

oncurrent findings of fact are rarely disturbed by this court, but this court would be compelled to interfere if the findings are perverse or cannot be supported by the evidence before the court or there is/was a miscarriage of justice or violation of some principles of law or procedure. This was so held by a Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour whose lead judgment was supported by other four justices of the court. Facts: The facts are these. The appellant is a trader. On the 16th day of November, 2000, he boarded a lorry bound for Sokoto. On getting to Bodinga, the lorry ran into a team of NDLEA operatives patrolling the Sokoto/Birnin Kebbi Road. The lorry had to stop and all the passengers were ordered to disembark with their luggage. Bitrus Ajiku Damudn (PW1), A Chief Narcotic Agent was in the team of NDLEA operatives. He approached the appellant, demanding to search the luggage. The appellant said his luggage contained used video machine and parts. A search revealed twelve bundles neatly wrapped and stuck down with sellotape. PW1 tore open one bundle and saw a substance that he suspected to be Indian Hemp. The appellant was arrested by PW1 and taken to the NDLEA office for further interrogation. At the office, Ibrahim Musa (PW2), an Assistant Superintendent of Narcotic 1 used a United Nations Testing Kit to test a quantity of the substance from the appellant’s luggage (Dry leaves). This was done in the presence of the appellant, and it was found to be Indian Hemp. It weighed 26 kilogrammes. Exhibits, D1-D12. Forms on testing, weighing and packing the substance were signed by PW1 and PW2 and the appellant. A drug analysis report Exhibit E, E2 turned out to be positive. The dried leaves in the appellant’s luggage was Indian Hemp. Initially the case was before Akanbi .J. Trial commenced on the 16th of July, 2002. On the 18th of July, 2002 the appellant was admitted to bail, and on the 15th of May 2003, the court was informed that the appellant had jumped bail. On the 22nd of September 2003, the case was sent to Hobon. J for trial to commence de novo. It was not until the 13th of February, 2004 that the appellant was arrested and brought before Hobon.

Law Report

THERE WAS PROOF BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT THAT THE SUBSTANCE RECOVERED FROM THE APPELLANT WAS CANNABIS SATIVA J. He was nowhere to be found for over one year. He explained to the court that he went with a friend to Goronyo in Niger State in search of a man who had his money, but that he and his friend were arrested for possession of drugs and taken to prison in Niger Republic, and it was not until the 27th of December, 3003 that he was released from prison. Returning to Nigeria, he was arrested in Sokoto and brought before Hobon .J for the first time on the 13th of February, 2004. Issues Learned counsel for the appellant, Mr. A. Ogunsanya formulated two issues form the grounds of appeal. *Whether there was evidence before the trial court to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the substance allegedly recovered from the appellant was indeed cannabis sativa otherwise known as Indian Hemp and that same is a drug similar to cocaine, LSD or heroine. *Whether having regard to the totality of the evidence adduced as exhibits in this matte, the Court of Appeal is justified in affirming the findings of the trial court. On the other side of the fence, learned counsel for the respondent, Mr. E.O Okpoko presented two issues also for determination of this appeal. *Whether the Court of Appeal was right in law when it held that the case against the appellant can be said to have been proved beyond reasonable doubt. *Whether having regard to the totality of the evidence adduced the Court of Appeal was right in affirming the conviction of the appellant for being in possession of Indian Hemp. Justice Rhodes-Vivour delivering judgment: The issues presented by both sides ask the same question. I find it safe to rely on the issues presented by the ap-

Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, JSC

pellant to decide the appeal. The appellant was charged and arraigned on a one-count charge on 17th November, 2000 for being in possession of 26 kilogrammes of Indian Hemp otherwise known as Cannabis sativa, a narcotic drug similar to cocaine and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 10 H of the NDLEA (Amendment) Act No 15 of 1992. The appellant entered a not guilty plea. Two witnesses testified for the prosecution. They also tendered several exhibits A,B,C, D1-D12, E, E2, and F1-3 . At the close of prosecution’s case, the appellant gave evidence as DW1. He did not call any witness or tender any document. In the judgment delivered on the 21st day of June, 2005, the appellant was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. He lodged an appeal heard by the Court of Appeal, Sokoto Division. In a judgment delivered on 13th day of January, 2010, the appellate court affirmed the verdict of the trial court. This appeal is against that judgment. At the hearing of the appeal on the 26th of January 2012, learned counsel for the appellant adopted his brief filed on the 16th of August, 2010. He urged this court to allow the appeal. Learned counsel for the respondent adopted his brief which was deemed duly filed on the 7th of April, 2011 and urged this court to dismiss the appeal. Udo.v.The State (2006) 15 NWLR pt. 1061 p.199. I agree with the learned trial judge. There was no miscarriage of justice. I fail

to see the relevance of Section 65 of the Evidence Act. Exhibits A, B,C, D1-D12, E, E2, and the testimony of PW1 and Pw2 are overwhelming in showing that there was proof beyond reasonable doubt that the substance recovered from the appellant was cannabis sativa, otherwise known as Indian Hemp. The Court of Appeal was justified in affirming the findings of the trial court. Finally, I must observe that the judgment of the trial court was on facts that were confirmed by the Court of Appeal. The facts are that the appellant was found to be in possession of 26 kilogrammes of Indian Hemp, Exhibit D1-D12 on the 17th of November, 2000. Concurrent findings of fact are rarely disturbed by this court, but this court would be compelled to interfere if the findings are perverse or cannot be supported by the evidence before the court or there is/was a miscarriage of justice or violation of some principles of law or procedure. See Cameroun Airlines.v.Otutuizu (2011)-2SC Pt 111 p.200, Alakija.v.Abdullahi (1998) 5 SC .P.1 , Oloke.v.Agbodiye (1999) 12 SC pt. 11. p 101. Ogbu.v.Wokoma (2005) 7SC Pt. 11. P. 123. The findings by both the court below were correct, moreso as the exhibits are conclusive that the appellant did have in his possession unlawfully Indian Hemp. There is no merit in this appeal. It is accordingly dismissed. The other four justices concurred with the lead judgment. Appearances: A. Ogunsanya for the appellant B. E. Okpoko for the respondent

Law & Justice

Monday, August 13, 2012

My thorough rehearsal helped me –Segun Fatoki

y first appearance as counsel appearing alone was before a Federal High Court in Ilorin in a matter involving Federal Polytechnic Offa. Our client then was Akeem Lamidi who was the former President of the Students Union. You know it is normal to be afraid, anxious or jittery in your first day in court. I had been apprehensive as the day approached. But a day to this my first appearance, I did a thorough and comprehensive rehearsal of the case. I put everything I wanted to say in court in writing. This rehearsal was so comprehensive that I even wrote down the way I would announce my appearance in court! Something like “With utmost respect to this Honourable Court, My name is Oluwasegun Fatoki…” I psyched myself up that if the worst came to the worst, I would simply

Bar Jokes A most unusual defence

lawyer defending a man accused of burglary tried this creative defence. “My client merely inserted his arm into the window and removed a few trifling articles. His arm is not himself, and I fail to see how you can punish the whole individual for an offence committed by his limb.”

“Well put,” the judge replied. “Using your logic, I sentence the defendant’s arm to one year’s imprisonment. He can accompany it or not, as he chooses.” The defendant smiled. With his lawyer’s assistance he detached his artificial limb, laid it on the bench, and walked out.

How long have I got

man woke up in a hospital bed and called for his doctor. He asked “Give it to me straight. How long have I got?” The physician replied that he doubted that his patient would survive the night. The man then said “Call for my lawyer.” When the lawyer arrived, the man asked for his physician to stand on one side of the bed, while the lawyer stood on the other. The man then laid back and closed his eyes. When he remained silent for several minutes, the physician asked what he had in mind. The man replied “Jesus died with a thief on either side, and I thought I’d check out the same way.”

Fatoki

read out everything I had written down in the open court.

That day, I was a bit anxious but the moment I announced my appearance, I was able to hold my own and all the anxiety that had mounted in me slowly dissipated and confidence gradually took its place. So, I would say my first day in court was not bad at all.

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Tricks of the trade

here was a loser who couldn’t get a date. He went to a bar and asked this one guy how to get a date. The guy said, “It’s simple. I just say, I’m a lawyer.” So the guy went up to a pretty woman and asked her out. After she said no, he told her that it was probably a good thing because he had a case early in the morning. She said, “Oh!!!! You’re a lawyer?” He said, “Why yes I am!”, so they went to his place and when they were in bed, screwing, he started to laugh to himself. When she asked what was so funny, he answered, “Well, I’ve only been a lawyer for 15 minutes, and I’m already screwing someone!”

The young attorney on vacation

or three years, the young attorney had been taking his brief vacations at this country inn. The last time he’d finally managed an affair with the innkeeper’s daughter. Looking forward to an exciting few days, he dragged his suitcase up the stairs of the inn, then stopped short. There sat his lover with an infant on her lap! “Helen, why didn’t you write when you

learned you were pregnant?” he cried. “I would have rushed up here, we could have gotten married, and the baby would have my name!” “Well,” she said, “when my folks found out about my condition, we sat up all night talkin’ and talkin’ and decided it would be better to have a bastard in the family than a lawyer.” Culled from Funny Lawyers jokes; Comedy zone

Senate and imperatives of Sovereign National Conference Continued from last week

IKECHUKWU IKEJI

n a republic like Nigeria (similar in many ways to the American system), sovereignty lies with the people through their constitution (the presupposition being that the people made the constitution themselves) as against a monarchical dispensation where sovereignty lies with the Crown as in Great Britain or military regime where sovereignty lies in the military hierarchy through their Decrees. True, the Senate in rejecting the call for sovereign national conference may be right in saying that there can be only one sovereignty -that derivable from the constitution. This is mere self-preservation. Sovereignty presupposes validity. It rests with the people as the fulcrum of the grundnorm, the constitution being the grundnorm. Where in a constitutional democracy, the grundnorm is self-declaratory without drawing its validity from the people then it cannot be said to be a grundnorm properly socalled. In other words, the Nigerian 1999 constitution was not and still is not a people’s constitution and as such is not the grundnorm properly so-called. It

lacks the legitimacy and by extension the validity required of a constitution properly so-called; so does everything drawing from it including the National Assembly. At best the present National Assembly is merely de facto legitimate lacking pure or puristic de jure foundation. Being de facto legitimate, it has a duty to the Nigerian people and to itself to ensure the enthronement of a de jure legitimate order. In consequence, it can stand on its de facto legitimacy to midwife a new constitution nay grundnorm properly so called by means of a sovereign or people’s national conference followed by regional conventions and a general referendum the final document of which the present government would implement without reservation. The resulting new order becomes the sovereignty properly so-called. Sovereign or people’s national conference does not do away with the present de facto order rather it places upon it the duty to ensure the emergence of a proper sovereignty not the imposed model we currently have. We have to go back to the Lord Lugard vision of 1914, locate our own vision and replace the Lugardan vision with our own vision. See why we cannot get it right with another person’s vision? We need our own collective vision.

WE NEED OUR OWN COLLECTIVE

VISION,

NIGERIAN

SOVEREIGNTY IS LOCATABLE OUTSIDE THE PRESENT CONSTITUTION Simply put, Nigerian sovereignty is locatable outside the present constitution. The situation in Nigeria today is similar to the situation in Australia some years ago when the issue of acceptance of the Australian Constitution by the Australian people became subject of serious discourse. Then, the question arose as to why Australians (like present day Nigerians) accepted their constitution as it is without question. Is it, like many other features of their (substitute Nigeria) national life, just apathy that explains this acceptance? Did Australians not really care: did they obey the Constitution because the police and perhaps the army would enforce its provisions against those in Australia who objected to it? Did Australians turn away from debates about their con-

stitution because they realise that “the people”, who are said to be sovereign, have only the slightest inkling of how constitutional democracy operates?. These are the same issues with present day Nigerian constitutional legal order. The Australians before their federal constitution felt safer with Parliaments, including the Crown, which they were pleased to call “sovereign”. The direct voice of the people, as the perceived excesses and instabilities of the French and American Revolutions had shown, might introduce dangerous elements of chaos and populism, with risks to property interests and, despite the rhetoric, with perils to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These are the same circumstances that exist today in Nigeria. But, we must discover ourselves for therein lies the very pride of freedom. We cannot exercise a freedom in chains, a freedom we know nothing about. Nigerians need to understand the real meaning of freedom. This freedom lies in the expression of their innermost desires subject to civilised standards. God bless Nigeria. Concluded. Ikeji, Lead Advocate, Constitutional Rights Advocacy Initiative (CRAI) writes from Lagos.

Monday, August 13, 2012

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Community Mirror Commuters decry dangers posed by timber trucks

“Our leadership must enthrone equality among ethnic nationalities that make up the country for us to solve the present security challenges.”

FMR. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, PROF. PAT UTOMI

Fake ‘doctors’ nabbed for performing illegal surgery OMEIZA AJAYI

fficials of the Health and Human Services Secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory Administration, have apprehended two fake “doctors” for allegedly performing illegal Caesarean Section on a woman in Kurudu Area of Abuja. The suspects, Solomon Iorhembe and Victor Bwakasam had allegedly carried out the surgery on a pregnant woman in a hospital and Ovarian Cystectomy on another girl on August 3, 2012. While Victor claimed to have trained as a Dental Therapist in Cameroun, his accomplice, Solomon confessed to be an administrative staff of Nyam Hospital where they both worked. Secretary of FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr Ademola Onakomaiya, said that

Nyam Hospital was legally registered by one Dr. Terwase Nyam, who then employed the quacks to work for him upon his relocation to Nasarawa State. “The hospital environment is untidy. There is no trained medical personnel such as nurses and medical laboratory scientists at the hospital”, Onakomaiya stated. He disclosed that the post operative patients had since been evacuated to Karshi General Hospital, under the care of the Medical Director, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist,as they are in good condition now. He added that the secretariat has zero tolerance for quackery and advised residents to be wary of where they seek healthcare services. While restating FCTA’s commitment to maintaining standard healthcare delivery to residents, the secretary disclosed that Nyam

Hospital has been sealed, while the proprietor would face relevant sanctions. In his reaction, one of the fake doctors, Victor could not mention where he studied medicine but claimed he operated a clinic at Gwarimpa which is now demolished, even as he claimed to

have qualified as a community health assistant more than 28 years ago. Also, Solomon, admitted not being a medical doctor but was given go ahead to perform surgery by the hospital owner. He claimed to have been trained by missionaries and ad-

mitted to having performed surgery before he was arrested by authorities. “I am not a medical doctor. I am not supposed to carry out operation. I was only employed as a staff and I didn’t do it on my own. This is not my first time”, he confessed.

Commercial sex workers jailed MURITALA AYINLA

hirty-two of the 52 commercial sex workers arrested by the Lagos State Taskforce on Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit two weeks ago have been sentenced to four months imprisonment each for engaging in act inimical to the public. A magistrate with the Special offences Court at Alausa, Ikeja, sentenced them on a three-count charge, while 20 others will be arraigned soon. The convicts were arrested on Toyin and Isaac John streets, Ikeja and sentenced to prison in accordance with the gravity of their offences. In the ensuing case, the state Attorney General stood as prosecutor while the sex workers stood as defendants, as the latter were convicted on one of the counts and sentenced to two months imprisonment without option of fine. The first count charge read: “That you, the above named defendants on August 2nd, 2012 between 12.01 am and 12:30 am at Toyin Roundabout, Opebi, in

Ikeja, being disorderly persons placed yourselves on the road for illegal purpose to wit an offence contrary to Section 166 (I) (h) Criminal Law 2011 and punishable under Section 162 (2) of the same law.” The second count charge reads that “you, the above named defendants on the August 2, 2012 between 12:01 am and 12:30 am at Toyin Roundabout, Opebi in Ikeja conducted yourselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace and committed an offence contrary to Section 166 (I) (d) of the Criminal Law 2011 and punishable under Section 166 (2) of the same law.” On these counts, they were sentenced to one month imprisonment with an option of pay N10, 000 fine each. On the third count, the victims were charged for unlawfully obstructing one Superintendent Taiwo and committed an offence punishable under Section 27 of the Environmental Sanitation Law and sentenced to one month imprisonment with an option of N10, 000 fines each. They were later led to Kirikiri Prison by the police and prison officials after the sentence.

A woman selling traditional mats at Mile 12, Lagos.

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Lunatic delivers baby on expressway KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

n insane pregnant woman has been delivered of a baby girl at Sanyo Junction, Ibadan, on the Lagos –Ibadan Expressway. The child weighed 2.8 kilogrammes. Community Mirror gathered that a Good Samaritan helped

the woman to deliver the baby, after observing that she was in labour. Later, a top functionary of Oyo State Government, alerted Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Mr. Ayodeji AbassAleshinloye on the incident. The council boss said immediately he was informed, a team of nurses were dispatched to the

scene to help the woman complete the delivery process. He added that he arrived with an ambulance and conveyed the mother and baby to the council’s hospital, stating that he has since paid the bills even as he noted that the state social welfare workers would take over the case as soon as they are discharged.

Community Mirror

Monday, August 13, 2012

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Commuters decry dangers posed by timber trucks BIYI ADEGOROYE AKURE

hey are heavy-duty trucks operated by timber merchants in the Southwest. Described in local parlance as Agbegilodo, they ferry logs of timber to sawmill far and near where they are cut into various sizes for domestic and industrial uses. These planks often come handy to furniture makers for local use and export. But in recent times, these timber merchants plying the roads have virtually turned killers on the highways. In such places like Ore-Ijebu Ode Road, OreAkure Road and within the Akure metropolis, these rickety and over loaded vehicles, drive with reckless abandon. Incidentally, many lack valid driving licences and

are far from being roadworthy. Often, they break down, causing accidents, or causing traffic gridlocks. Few months ago, on Oda Road, the bound logs on one of the vehicles snapped, throwing the logs to roll down one after another. Two taxi cabs that had the misfortune of driving behind one of the vehicles, were reportedly affected as two of the occupants lost their lives while others sustained injuries. On Monday, July 16, two of these vehicles, with logs of wood broke down on Arakale Road in Akure. They were left there for hours on end, thereby forcing other road users to meander around them. Despite extant government law banning them from moving any time from 6pm, with penalty of N100,00 fines, some still move at nights. In one in-

stance, on the Akure-Owo Road, before Oba Ile junction, a journalist narrowly escaped death at 8pm when he nearly ran into one of the trucks. Trouble began when the log-bearing truck emerged from the dark alley without head or hazard lights on the busy narrow road.

No sooner the journalist’s vehicle made to over-take an Owo-bound lorry, than the truck emerged. But for sharp eyes, the logbearing truck would have crushed him Some owners of the vehicles tried to defend the failure to fix their head lamps and windshields.

Alhaji Ilori Abegunde, said the vehicles ply bushy paths most of the time, hence, their head lamps and other parts get damaged. However, he could not justify why they drive with expired vehicle licenses. The motor park on Ondo Road was full of carcasses of these trucks.

Cop donates relief materials to community JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

police officer, Inspector Usman Dimka, has donated relief materials to indigent citizens of Kagbwir in Kanke Local Government Area of Platea State. The materials worth thousands of naira included clothing materials. In addition, the community has donated land for construction of a primary school and health centre. Speaking while handing over the items through the district head of Kagbwir, Nde Maurice Danbaba, Dimka said the donation was his token of assistance to the community and the less privileged. Dimka, who is officer in charge, CP Special Squad in the Oyo State Police Command, said that by the gesture, he was continuing a legacy inherited from his parents who were devoted philanthropists. He said, “I grew up to see my parents as always doing so. Moreover, my Islamic religion teaches me to share with the less privileged. Also my job has taught me the real meaning of policing , which is P, for politeness; O, for obedi-

ence; L, for leniency; I, for intelligence; C, for courtesy and E for efficiency and when combined, you have no option but to serve God and inhumanity to best of your ability.” If God permits, I will continue to serve my country and humanity”, Dimka said. The Inspector who was recently honoured by Oyo State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists for assistance to the less privileged, said in the course of his job, he has met lots of people who have benefitted from his philanthropy and prayed to God to fulfill the promise to build a school and health centre for his community. Danbaba, who applauded Dimka’s gestures, said the community had benefitted immensely from the police officer and prayed for strength to do more. Chairman of Rong Development Association, Kanke, Mr. James Gofor, said that the youths always look up to Dimka as role model and expressed the wish that he lives long to fulfill all his promises. He said many youths in the community had benefitted from Dimka’s generosity and prayed God to continue to sustain him.

Pedestrians crossing the road demarcation at Iyana Ipaja, Abeokuta Oshodi Expressway, Lagos.

Speaking on activities of these vehicles, an Akure-based lawyer, Mr. Leonard Okoye, called on the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, and Vehicle Inspection Officers to check their activities, as they constitute danger to road users in the state. “Many of the vehicles are not road worthy. They ply the roads with rickety vehicles having poor break system and without head lamps. They have no regard for other road users. In one particular case at Oke Eda, the winch holding the logs of woods cut in two, and the logs rolled down on a taxi killing two occupants,” he said. Okoye stated that, many of the vehicles operate in cahoots with forest guards and other government officials who limit themselves to approving the logs and receiving revenue to the state, without recourse to road worthiness of the vehicles. “Some of them do not have number plates and hazard lights. It is high time government sanitise the sector by enforcing appropriate road safety regulations, or even limits their movements to night time. In his reaction, spokesperson of the FRSC in Ondo State, Abiodun Ogunjimi, said the commission was aware of the dangers these vehicles pose to road users. “We have impounded many of them. Some are currently in our premises. On the other hand, we are holding enlightenment campaigns for all their units in Akure area,” he said.

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Group calls for relocation of beggars ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

group, Kogi Rebirth, KRB, has called on the state government to relocate the destitute and streets beggars in Lokoja, the state capital, to their various states of origin as they constitute health and security hazards to residents of the ancient town. Chairman of the association, Mr. Mark Salihu,

said in view of the prevailing security challenges facing the state arising from terrorism and other crimes, there is need for proper scrutiny of those seen around public squares and government buildings. He said, it is not enough for government to give directives and refuse to implement them as in the case of recent one to flush out suspected hoodlums in some of the undeveloped properties in Lo-

koja. Salihu alleged that some of the destitute in the town could be spying for their sponsors, given that attention of security agents may not be on them. According to him, one of such was an incident in Lagos State, where a man regarded as mad and living under the bridge later turned out to be a cannibal. When our correspondent sort opinion of the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social

Development, Mrs Mameh Memuna Patience, she said her ministry is already looking for way to tackle the situation. She expressed the determination of the administration to provide conducive e atmosphere for growth and development of the state. The commissioner who sympathized with women who lost their lives in the Otitte church bombings, called on public spirited individuals to come to their aid.

Monday, August 13, 2012

World News “Our oceans are heating and expanding, we risk irrevocable changes in processes that we barely comprehend, such as the great currents that affect weather patterns.”

Iran quakes’ dead toll now 300, injured 2,600 50

UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL, BAN KI-MOON

Egyptian President sacks army chiefs

•Scraps military constitutional powers PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

gyptian President Mohammed Morsi yesterday dismissed the head of the armed forces and defence minister, Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, according to the country’s state news agency. President Morsi also appointed a senior judge, Mahmoud Mekki, as vice president. Yasser Ali, the presidential spokesperson, said in a news conference aired on state TV yesterday, that Morsi appointed a new defence minister, AbdelFattah el-Sissi. President Morsi decid-

ed yesterday to also scrap a constitutional document which handed sweeping powers to Egypt’s military, Ali said. “The president has decided to annul the constitutional declaration adopted on June 17” by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which took power last year from ousted president Hosni Mubarak, Ali said in a statement carried on local state television. Tantawi headed the military council that ruled Egypt for 17 months after Hosni Mubarak stepped down in February 2011. The decisions announced will go into effect immediately. “The other shock an-

nouncement was ‘the retiring’ of Sami Enan, the chief of staff. “There will be a lot of questions asked, especially if Morsi is able to do this,” Al Jazeera news agency has said. Tantawi was defence minister for nearly two decades under Mubarak. Under an interim constitutional declaration issued before Morsi was sworn in, the president cannot rule on matters

related to the military including appointing its leaders, the BBC has disclosed. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (Scaf), which issued the declaration, also dissolved parliament, which is dominated by the president’s Islamist allies. As head of the Scaf, Field Marshal Tantawi became Egypt’s interim ruler after President Mubarak was ousted following mass protests in February last year.

The presidential spokesman said General Enan and Field Marshal Tantawi had been appointed as presidential advisers and were given Egypt’s highest state honour, the Grand Collar of the Nile. Tensions between the Egyptian presidency and the military have been exacerbated since Islamist militants in the Sinai Peninsula killed 16 border guards in a raid last week. Both sides have tried to use the incident to strengthen their position.

Egypt kills seven suspected militants in Sinai

gyptian security forces killed seven suspected militants yesterday during raids on hideouts in two villages in northern Sinai, security officials said in a report from . Tensions in Sinai, the desert peninsula that borders Israel and the Gaza Strip, have escalated sharply over the past week after suspected militants killed 16 Egyptian soldiers near the border. Sunday’s deaths were the first reported casualties among suspected militants since Egypt launched a major offensive against the groups and sent reinforcements to the area following the attack last Sunday. Security officials said the raids by troops and police backed by armored vehicles targeted the villages near El-Arish of al-Ghora and al-Mahdiyah. They seized landmines, an anti-aircraft missile, heavy machineguns and grenades. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. They said the seven sus-

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pected militants were killed when the forces shelled a house in which they took cover after an exchange of fire. The shelling set the house on fire along with a car and a motorbike parked outside. In a separate incident, three policemen were killed and four others injured when their car turned over while chasing a group of criminals in central Sinai, Egypt’s official Middle East News Agency, MENA, reported. It also said that suspected militants fired at a security checkpoint before escaping in northern Sinai on Saturday. No casualties were reported. Large swathes of northern Sinai have plunged into lawlessness following Hosni Mubarak’s ouster in the uprising last year, with a massive flow of arms smuggled from Libya finding their way into the hands of disgruntled Bedouins. The lawlessness is coupled with the rise there of al-Qaida-inspired militant groups waging a campaign of violence against Egyptian security forces.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Libyan Senate President calls for coalition government

Magarief

Thousands gather for peace rally in Mali Up to 60,000 people gathered Sunday for a giant peace rally in Mali, a country split in two after Islamists wrested control of northern desert regions after a March coup in the capital Bamako. The meeting for “national peace and reconciliation” in Bamako’s main stadium was called by the country’s top Muslim body and drew several key politicians including Prime Minister Cheikh Modibo Diarra. “Let us pray for Mali, let us pray for peace,” urged Mahmoud Dicko, the head of Mali’s High Islamic Council, as he addressed a crowd that an AFP reporter estimated at between 50,000 and 60,000. Dicko recently met with the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), one of two Islamist groups, along with Ansar Dine (Defenders of Faith), occupying the north of the country. The groups -- which security experts say are acting under the aegis of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) -- seized key northern cities in the chaos following a coup d’etat in Bamako on March 22 that toppled president Amadou Toumani Toure.

Gabon opposition leader returns

L-R: Tantawi, President Mursi and Enan

ibya needs an inclusive government to build on progress made by those who have guided its transition from 42 years of one-man rule under Muammar Gaddafi, the president of a newly elected national assembly said in an interview. Mohammed Magarief, a veteran Gaddafi opponent picked by the 200-member congress as its head last week, said the North African country’s new rulers needed to improve security, promote national reconciliation, tackle “unacceptable” corruption and lure back foreign investors after last year’s civil war. “Satisfaction of regional needs or aspirations

WORLD BULLETIN

PHOTO: REUTERS

also has to be considered, but this should not be at the expense of efficiency,” Magarief, seen as a moderate Islamist, told Reuters on Friday when asked about the choice of the new prime minister. The national assembly, which began life on Wednesday, will steer Lib-

ya to full parliamentary polls once a constitution is drafted next year. One of its first tasks is to appoint a prime minister within 30 days. Calming regional rivalries is a tough problem for Libya’s new leaders. Discontent has long simmered in the eastern city of Benghazi, cradle of the antiGaddafi revolt, and recent violence there highlights the difficulties of restoring security. Since Magarief hails from the east, some say the new prime minister will be from the west, possibly the interim deputy prime minister, Mustafa Abu Shagour, who was born in Tripoli.

Gabon’s main opposition leader Andre Mba Obame arrived in Libreville after 14 months in France, saying the International Criminal Court would look into a 2009 “massacre” at Port-Gentil. Obame, leader of the now outlawed National Union (UN) party who claimed to have won the last presidential election, was greeted by up to 3,000 supporters on his return after his long absence for “health reasons”. He was not bothered by the authorities and went from the airport to his home although his followers had feared police action and even the arrest of their leader upon arrival. He told his backers: “The ICC will soon announce that it will send an inquiry here because people were massacred at Port-Gentil. They were thrown out of helicopters.” Some 60 people were killed at the western city in 2009 after the contested election win by Ali Bongo Ondimba, Obame said, “and they (authorities) said ‘it’s nothing’. But the ICC is coming, the ICC is at our doors.”

World News

Monday, August 12, 2012

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Iran quakes’ dead toll now 300, injured 2,600 O vercrowded hospitals in northwest Iran struggled to cope with thousands of earthquake victims yesterday and rescuers raced to reach remote villages after two powerful quakes killed nearly 300 people, Reuters has reported. Thousands huddled in makeshift camps or slept in the street after Saturday’s quakes in fear of more aftershocks, 60 of which had already struck. A lack of

tents and other supplies left them exposed to the night chill, one witness told Reuters. “I saw some people whose entire home was destroyed, and all their livestock killed,” Tahir Sadati, a local photographer, said by telephone. “People need help, they need warm clothes, more tents, blankets and bread.” The worst damage and most casualties appeared to have been in rural vil-

Iran threat dwarfs all Israeli challenges –Netanyahu

he threat from Iran dwarfs all other challenges the Jewish state faces, Israel’s prime minister declared yesterday, as high-level hints of a possible Israeli attack on Iran’s suspect nuclear program mounted. One indirect indication came yesterday, when Israel’s military began sending mock text messages to cellphones warning of incoming missiles, part of a nationwide experiment that is to continue through Thursday and reach hundreds of thousands of cellphone users. Last week, defence officials confirmed that Israel’s top-tier missile defence system has been upgraded. “All threats directed at the Israeli home front are dwarfed by another threat, different in its magnitude and substance, and so I have repeated and shall repeat: Iran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his Cabinet on Sunday. The prime minister’s

opening statement at the Cabinet meeting is open to reporters, providing him with a channel for a weekly public message. Sceptics say Israel is rattling its sabres as part of a diplomatic campaign but would hesitate to actually attack Iran, because of the real possibility that it could trigger an all-out war targeting Israel from several directions at once. Tehran insists its nuclear program is peaceful and designed to produce energy and medical isotopes, but Israel, like much of the international community, thinks it could be a cover to build bombs.

Netanyahu

PHOTO: AP

Thousands file claims after Chevron refinery fire

everal thousand Richmond residents have filed legal claims against Chevron Corporation, seeking compensation for a refinery fire that fouled the region’s air for hours and sent more than 4,000 people to seek medical care for breathing problems and irritated eyes, the Associated Press has reported. Hundreds of residents showed up at a makeshift claim center in Richmond on Friday, and many more submitted claims throughout the week by calling a special hotline Chevron established after Monday’s explosion and fire.

The company said a total of about 3,800 people had submitted claims through Friday afternoon. Most of the claims appear to be asking for modest amounts, reflecting the fact that there have been no reports of serious injury and nearly all seeking medical care were treated and released after a few hours in the hospital. “It’s not about the money,” said Chanel Harris, who was seeking reimbursement for the cost of taking her three young children to the emergency room of the nearby Kaiser Hospital. “It’s about holding Chevron accountable.”

Rescuers carrying a body during a search for victims in an earthquake-stricken village in an undisclosed location, northwest Iran yesterday. PHOTO: REUTERS

lages around the towns of Ahar, Varzaghan and Harees, near the major city of Tabriz, Iranian media reported. Tabriz resident Ahmad,

41, told Reuters his cousin living in a village near Ahar was killed and that his body had already been found. “Nobody knows what happened to his wife and

two daughters,” aged 4 and 7, Ahmad said. “We fear that if rescuers don’t get to them soon, they will lose their lives too if they’re still alive.” But Iranian officials said rescue operations had ended by Sunday afternoon and that all those trapped beneath the rubble had been freed, Iran’s English-language Press TV reported. Many villages are hard to reach by road, hindering rescue efforts. Hospitals in Tabriz, Ardabil and other cities nearby took in many of the injured, residents and Iranian media said, and there were long queues of survivors waiting to be treated.

“I wanted to go there last night to help but heard there was bad traffic and that it wasn’t safe enough,” Ahmad said. “People in those villages need help.” Aidin, a Tabriz resident, said he went to give blood at a local hospital on Saturday and saw staff struggling to cope with the influx of patients. Most patients had been taken there by their families, he said, indicating a shortage of ambulances. Ahar’s 120-bed hospital was full, said Arash, a college student and resident of the town. There were traffic jams on the narrow road between Ahar and Tabriz as victims tried to reach hospitals, he said by telephone.

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Ramadan Special

Monday, August 13, 2012

NASFAT charges Muslims on national development EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

he Nasrul-Lahi-LFatih Society of Nigeria, NASFAT, has urged Muslims the world over to dedicate their resources to development. National President of NASFAT, Alhaji Sheriff Yusuf gave this advice in a message to mark this year’s Iftar with Muslim Journalists in Lagos and LaylatulQuadri (Night of Majesty) both in Lagos and Abuja.

He stated that Islam is a religion of peace which encourages its faithful to live peacefully with their neighbours, irrespective of creed or belief. Alhaji Yussuf urged all of to devote more of their energies, intellect and resources, not only into shaping characters and comportments, individually and as society to present the best image for Islam, Muslims, and NASFAT to the outside world. “The night to us comes with high spiritual

and social importance, just like the value proposition of our mission in NASFAT. We must not let other opportunity windows presented in the night for mutual felicitations, reconciliations, for learning and most important, for charity that will impact on needy Muslims to pass us by. “The communities in our localities should equally benefit from our activities through interventions in matters of public inter-

est, social mobilisation, education, healthcare and public utility endowments. We held a world class symposium in May 2012 as our contribution to educating the general public on the prime position of Islam on peaceful co-habitation with other faiths in the face of popular misconception about Islam being the motive for criminal insurgencies and attacks on innocent targets that has been ravaging our country, Nigeria.”

‘Adhere to Islamic morals after Ramadan’

Day 25

HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

uslims across the nation have been advised to continue to adhere to the teachings of the Holy Quran and abstain from any indecent acts that could negate their faith during and after Ramadan. This advice was handed down by an Ibadan-based Islamic scholar, Sheik Ibraheem Ayede while delivering a Ramadan lecture titled; “Who is the Man of God” organized by Radio Nigeria, Positive FM in Akure the Ondo state capital pointing out that Allah forbids the killing of fellow human being. ‘Anybody that kills in the cause of propagating Islam could not be described as a real man of God. Islam preaches peace, love and peaceful co-existence”. He condemned the activities of the dreaded Islamic sects in the Northern part of the country noting that their activities contradicted Islamic injunctions and called on the federal government to find a lasting solution to the insurgence. Also speaking, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko called on the Muslim community in the state to use the Ramadan period to pray for peaceful coexistence across the nation. Mimiko who was represented by the chairman of Ondo Muslim Welfare Board, Alhaji Ibrahim Jimoh, commended Muslims and Christians in the state for their peaceful coexistence noting that the peace being experienced in the state led to some of the development witnessed in the state.

LET’S MAKE USE OF TAHAJUD!

L-R: Guest Lecturer/President of Purpose of Life Foundation Seattle, United State of America, Shaykh Khalid Yasin; Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, at the Ramadan Lecture in Osogbo, at the weekend.

Abu Hurayrah (RA), said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Allah descends each night to the earth’s sky at the final third of the night and says: ‘Who is saying a prayer to Me that I may answer? Who is asking something of Me that I may give? Who is asking forgiveness of Me that I may forgive?” Let’s make use of Tahajud even after Ramadan!

Courtesy: NASFAT National Women’s Committee

Yakowa donates 2.5m to FOMWAN A ZA MSUE KADUNA

K L-R: President, Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), Alhaji Sherif Yusuf; Past President, Alhaji Abu Salami; General Manager, Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC), Alhaji Ayinde Soaga; General Manager, NTA, Ilorin, Alhaji Mikhail Sarumoh and NASFAT PR Secretary, Alhaji Biyi Bamgboye, during the NASFAT Iftar with Muslim Journalists in Lagos on Saturday. PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO

Cross section of Muslims at the Iftar Soim organised by Zakat & Sadaqat Foundation held at Ijebu Ode in Ogun State recently.

aduna State Governor, Mr. Patrick Yakowa and his wife at the weekend donated N2.5 million to the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), during its Ramadan Lecture/ Fund Raising ceremony for skill acquisition. Represented by his wife, Dame Amina Yakowa, the governor noted that the activities of FOMWAN have assisted the state government’s efforts in bringing lasting peace, unity and development to the state. According to Yakowa, their efforts especially in the area of religious teaching, health and education have improved security and peaceful coexistence between Christian and Muslims. “I, therefore, urge all women in the country to give the association all

the necessary support and advises that will move the state and Nigeria forward from its current challenges” he stressed. The Speaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly, represented by member representing Kawo constituency, Mallam Muhammad Ali while donating N300,000 on behalf of Senator Sani Sale and N200,000 personal donation, also urged Nigerians not to allow enemies of this country to put disaffection between Muslims and Christians. “Skill acquisition especially in women is paramount because of the strategic role of women in the care and positive up-bring of children in the society,” he said. The Amira of FOMWAN, Hajia Saudatu Nuhu Maiwada said the association would continue to ensure that women are adequately empowered.

North

Monday, August 13, 2012

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Baboon robs man of N160,000 in Lokoja ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

ickpockets in Kogi State have introduced another method to trick their prey, as a suspected thief, with the help of a baboon, allegedly stole N160,000 from a victim in Lokoja. The animal, which was conveyed in a white Golf car on Ibrahim Babangida Way, close to the state police headquarters in Lokoja, was said to have alighted from the car with its owner. A man, who witnessed the strange incident which occurred at the weekend, told our correspondent that the baboon probably had the ability to sniff money in people’s pockets. He disclosed that the animal was sniffing around the people who gathered to watch it until he sighted the victim who was said to have money in his bag.

The unfortunate situation happened because the presence of such animals usually attracts spectators, especially in the cities since they are not usually found in the towns, except in the zoo. The victim, who had just withdrawn money from one of the new generation

banks in the area, was one of the people attracted by the baboon. On sighting the man in the midst of the crowd, the baboon ran towards him, and attempted to climb the man. But the man, who was frightened, ran into a nearby boutique for safety. But the baboon pursued its vic-

tim into the place and stuck to the man, who struggled to escape from the animal’s grip. After that, the baboon and its owner jumped into their car and drove off towards Abuja Road. A few minutes later, the man discovered that the N160,000 he withdrew from

the bank had disappeared from his bag. When the man contacted the policemen stationed at the gate of the police headquarters, a few metres from the scene of the incident, the policemen said they could not leave their duty post to pursue fraudsters.

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Sokoto State Ministry of Lands and Housing, Alhaji Abdulkadir Gada; representative of Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Wali and representative of Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Mr. Ishaq Yahaya, during the North West Fifth Phase, National Sensitisation Workshop on the implementation of the Public Procurement Act 2007 for stakeholders in the zone, at the weekend.

Primate blames political leaders for Nigeria’s woes WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

igerian leaders have misused their Godgiven grace which is responsible for the crises of underdevelopment bedevilling the country. The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh, said this in his sermon at the 102nd anniversary and dedication of the Cathedral of Saint Barnabas Anglican Church of Kwara Diocese in Ilorin.

The church, which has been the cathedral of the Kwara Diocese since 1982, was rebuilt recently by members led by the Bishop of the diocese, Rt. Rev. Olusegun Adeyemi. According to Okoh, who spoke through the Archbishop of the Province of Kwara, Michael Akinyemi, the Nigerian leaders always derail when they get to office which has made the country to suffer. He said: “Nigerian leaders misuse the grace offered them. The grace of leadership, they misuse it. They

have a series of manifestoes but they never followed them and that is why we are in a mess. “They refuse to follow and make use of the grace given them. They abandon it for canal and things not worthwhile. It is unfortunate and that is why we are in trouble.” The Primate, whose sermon was entitled: “Vision pursued is vision accomplished,” said rebuilding the church was accomplished because the members pursued the vision with reliance on God.

Fraudsters hack into Niger governor’s e-mail PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

overnor Muazu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has called on the public to ignore e-mail messages said to have emanated from him, requesting assistance from the people. Aliyu said he neither sent nor authorised anyone to send such messages on his behalf. The governor raised the alarm in an electronic mail signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mallam Danladi Indayebo. Aliyu disclosed that

his e-mail account was hacked into by some unscrupulous persons and were now sending messages to his contacts. He said: “My e-mail account has apparently been hacked by unknown persons who used it to send messages to many of my contacts, soliciting assistance from them.” The governor added that at the moment, he did not know the identities of the hackers or their mission. The fraudulent message sent to the governor’s contacts entitled, “Urgent Assistance,” reads: “I didn’t tell you

about our travel to Spain for a short vacation, but unfortunately we were robbed at the hotel where we lodged along with other folks. We didn’t bring our phones here and the hotel telephone lines were disconnected during the incident. So I have access to only e-mail. “Please I’m going to need some sort of loan from you for us to relocate to another hotel close to the embassy and also to get us another flight ticket... Please, let me know if you can help us out. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.”

He urged Christians to always pursue the vision given to them by God, saying that God is always there to make it possible for them to accomplish the vision. Okoh commended the Kwara Diocese bishop, Adeyemi the priests and the entire congregation for their commitment to the rebuilding of the church.

In his speech at the event, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State commended members’ efforts to reconstruct the church. The governor, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Bisi Fakayode, also thanked the Christian community for supporting his administration.

Forgery allegation: Sue your opponents, group urges Suswam AZA MSUE KADUNA

Kaduna-based group, Ayatutu Professionals Forum, APF, at the weekend called on Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State to use legal means to repair the damage to his reputation by political opponents through ‘malicious forgery allegation’. The group also urged the country’s legislative houses to enact laws which would punish people with false allegations against opponents. The group said failure to enact such stiff laws on offenders would create room for people to deliberately tender falsehood before election petitions tribunals just to malign the opponent’s

image and reputation. In a statement, the APF National President, Alhaji Suleiman Ahmed Akasawua, cited the recent Federal High Court ruling in Makurdi which struck out the certificate forgery allegation made by a petitioner, Mr. Terver Kakih, against the governor for lack of merit. The group stressed that if such laws were in place for his failure to substantiate the forgery allegation the petitioner should be held liable to pay punitive damages to Suswam whose reputation had been damaged. APF appealed to politicians not to damage opponent’s integrity for selfish interest but rather have concrete facts before approaching court.

Fertiliser: FG’s distribution system, a failure - Katsina JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

atsina State Government has said that the Federal Government’s ‘cellular system’ of selling fertiliser had failed because farmers were unable to get the product needed to boost farm yields. The Commissioner for Agriculture, Musa Adamu, who said this at the weekend when he received some dealers in agro-allied products, called for the adoption of another system. Adamu said as a stakeholder who contributed money to the programme, the state government would not accept a situation where fertilisers did not get to the end users as at when due. The commissioner observed that the dealers handling the system needed to use the voucher system where fertilisers would be delivered physically to the farmers at the redemption points. He said the slow process characterising the cellular system was making it difficult, if not impossible, for farmers to get fertilisers along with seedlings under the system. Adamu, however, described the system adopted by the state government for sale of fertilisers as the best, saying the process made it possible for fertilisers to reach the farmers. He said the state government ensured early sales and distribution of fertilisers to farmers during the rainy season and dry season farming, adding that a committee had been set up to ensure prompt delivery of the commodity to the farmers. The commissioner noted that the system of sales and distribution of fertilisers in the state had helped in reducing delay in distribution of the commodity.

Gov. Shema

Monday, August 13, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

I am the happiest today oday that the London 2012 Olympic Games have ded very well ended

AYC 2013: Nigeria scales Tanzania hurdle

- LOCOG G BOSS, SEB COE

XXXTH OLYMPIC SUMMER GAMES

London 2012

EVEREST ONYEWUCHI REPORTING

July 27 - August 12, 2012

Kiprotich wins marathon

ganda’s Stephen Kiprotich clinched a surprise gold medal in the Olympic marathon yesterday. The 23-year-old burst past pre-race favourites Abel Kirui and Wilson Kipsang of Kenya around the 38-kilometre mark to leave his two rivals trailing and claim Uganda’s second ever Olympic gold in athletics. Kiprotich followed in the footsteps of his compatriot John Akii-Bua, who was 400 metres hurdles champion 40 years ago, and crossed the line in two hours, eight minutes and one second. Kirui took the silver, 26 seconds adrift, and longtime leader Kipsang finished with the bronze. Kiprotich looked to be starting to struggle, holding the back of his leg, but he suddenly produced a big surge, leapt to the front and pulled away. In front of packed crowds rows deep all along the looped central London course, the Ugandan, who moved to Kenya as a teenager to train, started smiling and pointing his finger into the air as he closed in on victory before draping himself in the Ugandan flag as he crossed the line.

Team GB’s Mo Farah (l) and Jamaica’s Usain Bolt mimicking each other during their medals award ceremony

Farah, Bolt excite Olympic Stadium crowd

omalian-born Mo Farah paid tribute to Jamaican hero Usain Bolt after the latter celebrated another relay world record by mimicking the ‘Mobot’. Bolt performed the now-famous celebration after crossing the line for his third gold medal of the Olympics, anchoring his country to a time of 36.84secs in the 4x100m relay. The final track race of the Games came 75 minutes after Farah had completed his 10,000/5,000m double on what was another memorable night at the Olympic Stadium. “It is a big respect, the guy has broken the world record and is doing the

Kiprotich

‘Mobot’,” Farah said. “It is unbelievable, who would have thought that? The guy is a legend. I’ve known Usain for a long time and what he’s doing for the sport is amazing. “It’s what we need, he’s just a character. I think we take him for granted, we’re not going to see a legend like him again.” Bolt had promised Farah before the Games he would do the ‘Mobot’ but admitted he had forgotten when winning the 100 and 200 metres. “I said to him I was going to do that when I get to the Olympics, but it slipped the first two times because

I was so happy that I won,” the Jamaican said. On the Mexican wave, Bolt said: “I did that to thank the crowd for their support. I came here to become a legend and I was a legend too I was telling them thank you for the support.” Meanwhile, LOCOG boss, Sebastian Coe, has hailed Mo Farah’s double Olympic gold as an achievement of extraordinary magnitude. “What Mo did last night was of such an extraordinary magnitude,” Coe, who himself came up short in his bid to win the 800/1500m double in 1980 and 1984, said yesterday.

GB boxer clinches gold

ritish Super Heavyweight, Anthony Joshua, dramatically came from behind to win an Olympic gold yesterday as Team GB pushed for more medal haulage. London boy Joshua turned round a three-point deficit in the final round against Italy’s reigning champion Roberto Cammarelle to level it 18-18 after all three rounds. He then won on count-back of the number of punches landed and the roof almost came off the ExCeL arena as 10,000 largely local London fans celebrated. An exhausted but elated 17-stone Joshua, a strapping 6ft 6in, raised his hands in triumph while his cornerman and coach went wild along with the crowd. Joshua had started looking entirely undaunted by the reputation of the man in the opposite corner, and it was no surprise having beaten Cammarelle in their only previous meeting in the quarter-finals of last year’s World Championships. Still a relative novice in super heavyweight terms, Joshua

had improved enormously in every bout in the competition so far, and the left jab with which he dominated Ivan Dychko in the semi-final was once again in evidence here. After rounding off Britain’s most successful boxing performance at a Games for over 100 years, the 22-year-old also paid tribute to his fellow boxers in Team GB.

Joshua

Sport

Monday, August 13, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

AYC 2013: Nigeria scales Tanzania hurdle

FROM THE LONDON 2012 LENS

WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

XXXTH OLYMPIC SUMMER GAMES

London 2012

EVEREST ONYEWUCHI REPORTING

July 27 - August 12, 2012

Medals USA

104

China

Great Britain

Russia

Korea

Germany

France

Italy

Hungary

Australia

Japan

Kazakhstan

Netherlands

Ukraine

Cuba

New Zealand

Iran

Jamaica

Czech

DPR Korea

David Beckham and his sons Cruz (m) and Romeo during the Men’s Basketball final game between the United States and Spain yesterday

Great Britain’s Freddie Evans (l) trading punches with Serik Sapiyev of Kazakhstan during the men’s Welter (69kg) Boxing final yesterday

Bulgaria performing during the Group All-Around Rhythmic Gymnastics Final Rotation 2 yesterday. PHOTOS: www.london2012olympics.com

lying Eagles yesterday defeated the Tanzanian U-20 team 2-0 at the Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin to advance to the final round of the African Youth Championship scheduled for Burkina Faso next year. Nigeria, who emerged on 4-1 aggregate, will now meet South Africa who edged Congo at the weekend 2-2, although South Africa made it through by the away goal rule after winning 1-0 at home sequel to losing 2-1 in Congo. Abduljelil Ajagun scored for Nigeria in the 1th minute before Salihu Abdullahi sealed the win in the 65th minute.

Coventry wins IOC seat

imbabwe swimming star, Kirsty Coventry, was yesterday elected to the International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission, a day after she announced her engagement. Olympic athletes who are elected to the Commission take on eight-year terms as representatives for all athletes in the Olympic movement. Coventry joins Slovakia’s Danka Bartekova (shooting), Australia’s James Tomkins (rowing) and France’s Tony Estanguet (canoeing) as newly-elected members of the Commission. Her election victory came a day after Coventry became engaged to her boyfriend, Tyrone Seward. The visibly delighted 28-year old star and seven-time Olympic medalist, however, described the engagement as “better than a gold medal”. Coventry won back-to-back golds in the 200 backstroke in 2004 and 2008 but injuries and a year spent away from the water in 2010 kept her from the podium at the London games, although two 6th-place finishes in the 200 back and 200 IM proved a modest success.

Dream Team shoves Spain to gold

he Dream Team edged Spain 107100 yesterday to win the Men’s basketball event, but but there was huge honour in defeat for the European champion. The Spaniards-with the team’s big three of the Gasol brothers and JuanCarlos Navarrro- gave the USA plenty to think about and trailed only 83-82 going into the final quarter. But with James and Kobe Bryant producing big plays, and Kevin Durant-who scored a game high 30 points-continuing to find the basket from long range, USA eventually made it to the final buzzer.

Conventry

Spain might have fired only sporadically in the tournament so far but the side is a team packed with NBA stars and those who don’t play in America are nurtured in the ACB, the second strongest professional league in the world. Spain has a reputation of getting stronger as tournaments progress and that was the case in London. To stay competitive with USA, Spain, had to match the Americans physically but also match their three point shooting as the Dream Team can rake up points very quickly. On cue the Americans converted

Lebron James (l) and Kevin Durant celebrating a scored point druing the final yesterday

eight three pointers in the first half but the Spaniards waited for them as their skipper Navarro replied with four of his own, with Sergio Llull, Rudy Fernandez and Sergio Rodriguez also on target from down town. The result was a spectacular points scoring fest with USA leading 35-27 after an extraordinarily fluid first quarter. Spain made a strong nine point run to take a 35-34 lead early in the second but had their momentum slowed by a couple of bad calls, interestingly not the first in this tournament.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, August 13, 2012

WORLD RECORD

Most male dominated society Vol. 02 No. 424

N150

Monday, August 13, 2012

Mount Athos is an autonomous republic, with an area of just 336km² 129miles²and a population of 4,000 (1997 estimate). Included within Greece, which recognises its autonomy, the republic is a long, mountainous promontory occupied by 20 Orthodox monasteries and their dependencies.

Nigerians in Diaspora: Can we share in their glories?

ake a Nigerian and you have a survivor, take two Nigerians and you get two competing survivors, take three Nigerians and you get a series of contradictions. That in part is the story of Nigeria in the just concluded successful London Olympics. It is also in part the story of this Nigeria as a whole, this rich but poor country where things start great but end teeny, this land of many titles but little deeds, this nation full of places of worship but neither known as a haven nor for godliness. Although Nigeria might not seem godly to many from afar, we can assure them that extraordinary things happen in this land that turns soldiers into militicians and together with politicians they play politricks rather than politics with a resolve to make the best and brightest be led and

equel to the Champions League success for Chelsea and Super Eagles midfielder, John Obi Mikel, the club’s fans in Nigeria have unfolded plans to host the player on September 2 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. Chief Executive Officer of Pelican Breed Nigeria Limited, Paul Sambo, who made this disclosure

NOTES FROM CAMBRIDGE Anthony A. Kila

anthonykila@mail.com represented by the mediocre. All of these in a system where the simple is made complex and the obvious made mysterious. All of these in a system where the people, normally provident and ingenious in their private life, are in a perennial shock of the obvious when it comes to their public interest. It is all so fascinating for a scholar but sad and painful for a citizen. A cruel British friend and colleague casually called my attention to the fact that this might be the worst Olympics for Nigeria in the last quarter of a century. He was clearly rubbing it in, should I still be his friend? I have checked it is true: the last time we did not win a single medal was 1988 in Seoul. A look at the IOC records will make one think Nigeria’s best days are behind. “I reject it”, as they say in Nigerian parlance. Sadly it is nothing new; this is not the first time we take one giant step forward and many backwards. Do you know our world cup story? Students of sports management should be made to use it as a core case study. The Super Eagles entered the 1994 World Cup with a bang and after their first match they became everybody’s darling of the tournament but since then it has been backward: The Nigerian national squad’s trajectory in the global event has been from great to anonymous, to absent, to pathetic and then to annoying. Whilst the Nigerian flag and country may have little Olympic success to fly and

THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME WE TAKE ONE GIANT STEP FORWARD AND MANY BACKWARDS cheer about, that is definitely not the case for the people of Nigeria. The individual Nigerian, once freed from the shackles of the Nigerian system, becomes the unbridled and enterprising survivor capable of competing and excelling amongst his and her peers across the world. Like their parents that tend the sick and teach the young in different parts of the world outside Nigeria based merely on personal merits and interest, many young Nigerians now have a lot to cheer about in the just concluded Olympics, they are of course doing so cladded in non Nigerian colours and they are doing so whilst the country Nigeria is going home dejected. From day one of the games, I started making a list of these Nigerians and the list grew as the games continued. These brilliant stars shined thanks to their performance and I recognized them to thanks to their names. Regardless of their final results, it was a joy to hear people around me chant names like Margaret Adeoye, Danielle Alakija, Eniola Aluko,

Oluwadamilola Bakare, Peter Bakare, Ifeoma Dieke, Innocent Emeghara, Temi Fagbenle, Andre Iguodala, Ayodele Ikuesan, Christian Ohuruogu, Marilyn Okoro, Lawrence Okoye, Anyika Onuora, Ezinne Okparaebo, Abi Oyepitan and so on. I am sure they are many more whose name may not have given us the clue to readily recognize them. My personal star of London 2012 is 20 years old Liz Cambage born on the same day as my daughter Noemi Kila. Liz Cambage is commonwealth incarnate, born in England to Nigerian and Australian parents. Whatever happens in future, she will remain the first female player to complete a dunk in Olympic basketball. In the game against the USA, she racked 19 points in 20 minutes and made the USA coach call aside his team to say you must “stop her”. Conversations with others have revealed I was not the only one proud of these international stars and supporting their flags. Nigerians spectators were rooting for athletes not flying Nigerian flags. Nigerians names were present in almost every activity and almost any country you can think of. My favorite example comes from American based Nigerian Dr Ladi Adeniyi and his wife. They came to London for the games and they told me they were rooting for Fiji because of Danielle Alakija. All fantastic for globalization, but a question must be asked locally: Can we share in their glories? Truth be told: As a country, we neither trained nor encouraged these champions. We did not invest in them. The team Nigeria managed was awful, let us be clear; not because we lack talents but because of poor vision, bad management and an irritating inability to get simple things right. Innocent Egbunike was called in as head coach of Team Nigeria 200 hundred days to the games. We need to review our understanding of and commitment to sports. These are not just games they never have been, it is economy, nation building, image making.

Sport Extra

Chelsea fans plan ‘Night with Mikel’ in Lagos yesterday, said Mikel distinguished himself as the best Nigerian player in Europe last season. “We are proud for the fact that Mikel played every minute of the Champions League final and helped Chelsea to win the cup for

the first time in their history,” Sambo said. According to Sambo, the organizers chose Lagos to stage the “Night with Mikel” for strategic reason. “Over two million of Chelsea’s

3.5million fans in Nigeria live in Lagos and it’s just appropriate to stage this show here,” the Pelican Breed boss further said, stressing that the organizers would work with the Lagos State government to ensure adequate logistics for the event. NFF President, John ObiAminu Mikel Maigari

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