Monday, july 20, 2015 (new) by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

LCCI cautions banks on planned publication of debtors' names A BOLAJI A DEBAYO

agos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, has cautioned Deposit Mon-

Bello

Vol. 5 N0. 1159

ey Banks, DMBs, in the country to reverse its decision to publish names of debtors, saying there is need to distinguish between two categories of loan defaulters.

Monday, July 20, 2015

THE

The DMBs have in the last couple of weeks, served notices of their intention to publish names of ‘Delinquent Debtors’ in at least three

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US to trace Nigeria's stolen assets, fight Boko Haram Military launches ‘Operation Zamman Lafiya Dole’ Troops detonate four bombs on Damaturu-Biu road

PAUL ARHEWE, INUSA NDAHI AND UBONG UKPONG

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

he United States has offered to help the new government of President Muhammadu Buhari track down billions of dollars in stolen assets and increase CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Monarchs want Ondo indigene as NDDC boss P.8

President Muhammadu Buhari (middle) during his departure to Washington D.C, US, in Abuja, yesterday.

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Monday, July 20, 2015

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US to trace Nigeria's stolen assets, fight Boko Haram CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

her military assistance to fight the Boko Haram militants, U.S. officials said yesterday. This offer is coming amid Washington’s stance to boost ties with Nigeria, Africa's biggest economy. Today’s visit to Washington by President Buhari is viewed by the U.S. administration as a chance to set the seal on improving ties since he won a March 28 election hailed as Nigeria’s first democratic power transition in decades. U.S. cooperation with Buhari’s predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, had virtually ground to a halt over issues including his refusal to investigate corruption and human rights abuses by the Nigerian military. “President (Barack Obama) has long seen Nigeria as arguably the most important strategic country in sub-Saharan Africa,” U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Tony Blinken told Reuters. “The question is would there be an opportunity to deepen our engagement and that opportunity is now.” The improving ties with Nigeria come as U.S. relations have cooled with two other traditional Africa powers - Egypt and South Africa. U.S. officials have said they are willing to send military trainers to help Nigeria counter a sixyear-old northern insurgency by the Boko Haram Islamist movement. Since Buhari's election, Washington has committed $5m in new support for a multi-national task force set up to fight the group. This is in addition to at least $34m it is providing to Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger for equipment and logistics. Buhari’s move on July 13 to fire military chiefs appointed by Jonathan clears the way for more military cooperation, U.S. officials said. “We’ve made clear there are additional things that can be done especially now that there is a new military leadership in place,” a senior U.S. official said. Another senior U.S. official said Washington was urging Buhari to step

up regional cooperation against the militants and to provide more aid to afflicted communities to reduce the group's recruiting power. Buhari has said his priorities are strengthening Nigeria’s economy, hardhit by the fall in oil prices, boosting investment, and tackling “the biggest monster of all” - corruption. “Here too he is looking to deepen collaboration and one of the things he is focused on is asset recovery,” the official said. “He is hopeful we can help them recover some of that.” In 2014, the United States took control of more than $480m siphoned away by former dictator, Sani Abacha and his asso-

ciates into banks around the world. Washington has broad powers to track suspicious funds and enforce sanctions against individuals. Jonathan fired CBN governor, Lamido Sanusi, in February last year after he raised questions about the disappearance of about $20bn in oil revenues. Johnnie Carson, a former assistant secretary of state, said Washington should not let security issues overshadow the need for closer trade and investment ties. “Nigeria is the most important country in Africa,” said Carson, currently an adviser to the U.S. Institute of Peace. Now more than ever,

“the relationship with Nigeria should not rest essentially on a security and military-to-military relationship,” he added. Lauren Ploch Blanchard, an Africa specialist with the non-partisan Congressional Research Services, said the U.S. challenge was to work with Buhari while giving him time to address the country’s vast problems. How Buhari will handle the campaign against Boko Haram is still unknown, Blanchard said. And as parts of efforts to rein in the Boko Haram’s reign of terror, Chief of Army Staff, Major General Tukur Buratai has launched ‘Operation Zaman Lafiya Dole’ (Operation living in peace is a

must) in Borno State. Buratai has been visiting troops confronting the insurgents in the North East during the Sallah break to boost their morale. And yesterday, he launched ‘Operation Zaman Lafiya in Konduga local government area of Borno State. Buratai said he took time to spend the Sallah holiday in Borno and Yobe states to meet with troops who have sacrificed their lives in the fight against the insurgents in the region. The Army Chief, who was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Zannah Umar Mustapha and other service chiefs to the 103 battalion Konduga,

appealed to troops and other security agencies as well as the general public to collaborate with one another to end the menace of Boko Haram and other criminal activities in the region and the country as a whole. He emphasised that without cooperation, determination and discipline among all and sundry, it would be difficult to defeat terrorism, and therefore solicited the necessary support from the troops to crush the insurgents. He said: “The ongoing activities of Boko Haram are assuming alarming dimensions in Borno and other parts of the north east. We will not tolerate CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Protesters at the ‘anti-gay marriage’ rally organized by Project for Human Development in conjunction with other civil society groups, in Lagos, yesterday.

BVN: CBN sets up centre in South Africa N igeria’s ConsulGeneral in South Africa, Ambassador Uche Ajulu-Okeke, yesterday said the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has approved a centre to conduct biometric verification for indigenes in South Africa. Ajulu-Okeke told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Johannesburg that CBN was worried about the number of Nigerians abroad not captured in the Bank Verification Number,

BVN, exercise. She said the bank approved the centre, located in Johannesburg, to carry out BVN to enable Nigerians in South Africa with accounts at home to be captured for the exercise. “The good news is that from South Africa, Nigerians can monitor their accounts at home and feel relaxed that their accounts would not be closed because they were not captured for the BVN,” she said. The consul-general add-

ed that the consulate, with the approval of Nigeria Immigration Service, had set up a new passport and visa processing centre in South Africa. According to her, the centre was in the same building with the one approved by the Central Bank to carry out biometric verification for BVN. “The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, has become aware of the difficulties faced by Nigerians who do not have credit

cards and who cannot pay for passport and visa services. “The NIS has engaged a company, OIS Services, to process passport and visa. “The company has brought an officer as a Centre Manager of the new passport and visa service centre. “They are now working in secured format with the consulate. “The NIS has set up similar passport centres in London, Beijing, New

Delhi, Dubai, New York and is now setting up centres in Washington DC and Atlanta,`` she said. Ajulu-Okeke urged Nigerians to use the new centre to process their passports and avoid using agents who might fleece them in the process. She said the Consulate had been working with the Nigeria Union in South Africa to protect the interest of Nigerians and promote their welfare.

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Monday, July 20, 2015

Good Health

Odd things women do when pregnant SAM EFERARO

rs James is carrying her second pregnancy, now six months old. That is however not the news. Unlike her first pregnancy when the first trimester (the first three months) was turbulent and she could hardly eat, the crave for food started very early but, wait for it, no food cooked by her or in her house, no matter how delicious ever appeals to her. On a daily basis, she sends her house help to buy food – the real local stuff - from a nearby buka. For Alhaja Tope, her problem is with fragrance. Since she became pregnant she now hates the smell of perfumes, cream or even the aroma of those mouth watery foods she used to love so much in her pre-pregnancy days. It’s however not all fragrance that are so repulsive these days. She has since discovered that she savours the pungent odour from dustbins and garbage dumps! As for Mrs Ojo, her mouth has to be kept busy every minute of the day. She just can’t resist eating for two. Believe it or not, these are just a few of the outrageous things some women do when they are pregnant. Experts say it’s what some of them have to go through as their body adjust to the development of the new life growing inside them. Indeed, a gynaecologist confirmed to this reporter that it is not uncommon to see a woman who had always cooked with palm-oil to suddenly discover that she cannot stand it when she is pregnant and anything cooked with it makes her sick. For others, according to the specialist, the feeling may just be emotional. This was confirmed by Eunice who says she just loves to be pampered by her husband. Now in her seventh month, Eunice cannot imagine not having her husband around her most of the time.

... some develop appetite for weird foods, strange fragrance and cravings for spouse’s attention!

“I’m lucky I have a husband that cares. He does the cooking most of the time now and does not allow me to go out. I must tell you I love every moment of this pregnancy apart from the morning sickness in the early weeks. She’s not alone. Mrs E who pleaded anonymity says her husband automatically assumes the role of a baby nurse whenever

DID YOU KNOW? Adult craze for human breast milk purchased online poses serious health risks

he recent craze for human breast milk amongst certain fitness communities, fetishists and chronic disease sufferers is ill advised say the authors of an editorial published by the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. There is a lucrative online market for adult buyers of human breast milk, with websites and forums describing it as a ‘clean’ super food that can lead to gains in the gym, and even help with erectile dysfunction and cancer. There are claims that it is more digestible and contains positive immune building properties.

The authors, led by Dr Sarah Steele, of the Global Health and Policy Unit, Queen Mary University of London, write that these purported benefits do not stand up clinically and raw human milk purchased online or in an unpasteurised state poses many risks. “Nutritionally there is less protein in breast milk than other milks like cow’s milk,” said Dr Steele. She and her colleagues write that the benefits of breast milk are being found in the lab, not in drinking a bottle ordered online.

she’s pregnant. The mother of four says: “I enjoyed being pampered. He even had to give me a warm birth every morning and night. Thank God he enjoyed it and this even led to something else sometimes,” she winked mischievously. For some women, the body reaction that accompanies pregnancy is not just the change in smell or food taste. They go

he chance of an obese person attaining normal body weight is 1 in 210 for men and 1 in 124 for women, increasing to 1 in 1,290 for men and 1 in 677 for women with severe obesity, according to a study of UK health records led by King’s College London. The findings, published in the American Journal of Public Health, suggest that current weight management programmes focused on dieting and exercise are not effective in tackling obesity at population level. The research, funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), tracked the weight of 278,982 participants (129,194 men and 149,788) women using electronic health records from 2004 to 2014. The study looked at the probability of obese patients attaining normal weight or a 5% reduction in body weight; patients who received bariatric surgery were excluded from the study. A minimum of three

through some real difficult time and are most of the time, so uncomfortable that they may think they are suffering from some serious illness. Mrs Aliu, for instance cannot eat anything solid in the first five months of her pregnancy. She vomits most of the time. For others, they have to cope with heavy salivation in the first few months. Mrs E actually salivated for the nine months of each of her four pregnancies, even up to the time she was being wheeled into the labour room! Experts say however that there’s no danger whatsoever in all these pregnancyassociated changes. They are all due mostly to the hormonal changes which the body must go through as the baby develops in the womb. According to them, pregnant women at this time require a lot of petting from people around them especially their husbands because they often feel irritated and very uncomfortable. This is because the hormonal changes bring about all sorts of feelings in women. Some feel hot, tired and weak. Although they are quite well, many feel sick. And because of these changes going on, some may actually feel that their husbands will consider them ugly. A gynaecologist tells National Mirror: “It is at this stage that the husbands have to be very receptive. For the woman to enjoy her pregnancy, the man has to make her feel wanted and in fact has to make her feel she’s getting more beautiful. “The man has to be aware that there are a lot of physical, mental and hormonal changes going on in her body and as such, needs a lot of rest. It is left to the man to help her enjoy the pregnancy.” Experts say the period of pregnancy stands out as a period to consider a balanced diet in the family. The family menu, especially for the pregnant woman, should consist enough protein, carbohydrates, plenty of vegetables and fruits. The pregnant woman also needs calcium which is good for the baby and iron which is usually given in supplements. “Pregnant women can eat anything they want but they should keep away from anything that makes them feel sick because, basically, when one is making a baby, anything one eats goes to the baby first and it’s the left over that goes to the mother,” the specialist further said.

Obese people have low chance of recovering normal body weight body mass index (BMI) records per patient was used to estimate weight changes.The annual chance of obese patients achieving five per cent weight loss was 1 in 12 for men and 1 in 10 for women. For those people who achieved five per cent weight loss, 53 per cent regained this weight within two years and 78 percent had regained the weight within five years. Overall, only 1,283 men and 2,245 women with a BMI of 30-35 reached their normal body weight, equivalent to an annual probability of 1 in 210 for men and 1 in 124 for women; for those with a BMI above 40, the odds increased to 1 in 1,290 for men and 1 in 677 for women with severe obesity.

Photo News

Monday, July 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Director, Enterprise Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Lucas Dada; EasyBusiness Millionaires Hunt Monthly Winner, Chinemenma Umeseaka and Head, Enterprise Marketing, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Bidemi Ladipo, during the 2014/2015 EasyBusiness Millionaires Hunt monthly winner prize presentation in Lagos, recently.

L-R: Manager, Media and Communications, ExxonMobil Nigeria, Mr. Oge Udeagha; Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, Mr. Austin Avuru; Upstream Treasurer, ExxonMobil Nigeria, Mr. Anibor Kragha and Executive Director/General Manager, Business Development, Mr. Enyi Onokala, during the 2015 Energy Outlook Series, recently.

L-R: President, Maryland Rotary Club, Rotn. Olufemi Akodu; 9110 District Governor, Rotn. Otunba Bolaji Onabadejo; his wife, Inner Wheeler, Aina Onabadejo and Club Charter President, Rotn. Bola Oyebade, during the district governor’s visit to the club, recently.

L-R: Former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Princess Sarah Sosan; Presiding Pastor, Trinity House, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; his wife, Ibidun; Special Guests, Diana and Ron Kenoly, at the 5th anniversary of Trinity House, in Lagos, yesterday.

National News

roject for Human Development, PHD, a civil society organisation, yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to listen to the US government on issues of gay rights, so as to protect the laws and values of Nigeria. The call was made at a rally in Lagos, against the backdrop of Buhari’s visit to the US today. The theme of the rally was, “Gay Marriage: Obama, Please, Leave Nigeria Alone.” Buhari is on a four-

Don’t listen to Obama on gay issues –Group urges Buhari day official visit to the U.S., during which he will hold talks with President Barack Obama and other senior officials of the United States government. PHD Director-General, Mr. Jerry Okwuosa, said the rally was to hint Buhari on the fears of Nigerians that Obama might ask him to decriminalise

“the Same Sex Prohibition Law of Nigeria.” According to him, this is a way for the US to promote gay rights, which is a part of American foreign policy. “The US is now the major exporter of gay rights in the world. It has recently pressurised Uganda for a reverse of its anti-gay law.

“Under the influence of the US, Mozambique has recently decriminalised its anti-gay law. At the moment, US is putting pressure on Kenya to legalise gay marriage. “President Obama is meeting with President Buhari tomorrow (today) to discuss issues, which include security, economy, Ebola and gay

marriage legalisation in Nigeria. “Fear is being entertained that Obama might trade off US assistance to President Buhari’s government with shooting down Goodluck Jonathan’s anti-gay law. “We are, however, urging President Buhari to reject such trade-off,” he said.

Also speaking, a director of PHD, Mr. Sonnie Ekwowusi, noted that the only way to avoid chaos in any society was for the legislature to make laws in accordance with the values and aspirations of the people. According to him, homosexuality is not Nigeria culture; it is a taboo or abomination.

Community says Shell failed to clean up oil spill

esidents of OrumaYibama, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, have alleged that Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, has yet to clean up an oil spill that occurred on June 2. Chairman of OrumaYibama Community Development Committee, CDC, Mr. Eliot Igbigikeme, raised the people’s con-

cern in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Oruma-Yibana yesterday. He said the spill had flowed from Odau into the community through the natural water channels in the area. He said the community was concerned about the negative impact of continued exposure to crude oil. Igbigikeme said the

spill had exposed the residents to health risks and devastated the environment. “Shell is a difficult company to understand. When there is a spill of this nature, instead of it to promptly take steps to clean-up it, the company will exhibit some delay tactics. “Perhaps Shell wants the crude oil to remain

and dry up during the dry season. But the crude will still come up when it begins to rain again. “This is not how it should be and that is why we want Shell to clean the impacted environment. We need immediate cleanup before more harm is done,” he said. SPDC’s spokesman Mr. Joseph Obari told NAN that the oil company had

received reports of the incident from Oruma-Yibama community. He, however, regretted that efforts made by the company to confirm the reported spill were thwarted by the community by denying the oil workers access to the site. “A team dispatched to the area was refused access by the people. “The company had

also tried to investigate another case in a nearby locality, Odau on June 9, 2015, but an armed gang prevented this. “Since then, repeated efforts to visit the site have been thwarted by the people who chased our personnel away. “SPDC is concerned that it has not been possible to conduct investigation visits to the sites.

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Monday, July 20, 2015

LCCI cautions banks on planned publication of debtors' names CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

national newspapers in compliance with the directive of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. The quarterly publications are said to include the names of the directors, subsidiary companies and related parties. In addition such companies and their subsidiaries will be barred from the foreign exchange market. The Chamber, in a statement by its President, Alhaji Remi Bello, pointed out that it was important to avoid sweeping generalisations and examine the context of default on a case by case basis, adding that there are varying causal factors for loan default which has to be taken into account in matters of this nature. According to the Chamber, there are defaults that have arisen as a result of genuine business failure (some of

which are irreversible) which affected the capacity to repay; and there are defaults that have arisen as a consequence of deliberate intent not to repay. It stated that the latter borders on character quality, which is what the Know Your Customer, KYC, concept is meant to address. “Given the adverse consequences of nonperforming loans for the stability of the financial system, the risk to depositors’ funds and the sustainability of the banks, there is perhaps a compelling reason to take some drastic actions to avoid the grave consequences of mounting bad loans. Non-performing loans in the banking system is currently estimated at over N400bn. “The second category of debtors have deliberate plan to default. This class of debtors took loans and from the very beginning did not in-

tend to repay. This is of course the more disturbing scenario which borders on criminality and impunity. “In some of these instances it may be difficult to exonerate the banks as the credit appraisal processes may have been compromised. The degree of banks’ culpability should be ascertained and this should attract appropriate sanctions. There are bad borrowers and there are bad

lenders! “The CBN should deal with both sides of this equation and be seen to have truly done justice. Corporate governance issues in the financial system should be fixed. There is need for better use of Credit Bureaus to reduce the incidence of serial debtors,” he stated. Bello also said some of the real business environment challenges to which investors have been exposed in recent

years could have resulted in unintended loan defaults. According to him, some of the factors included shocks and dislocations, which arose from the sudden depreciation in the naira exchange rate and the attendant shocks to business, especially businesses with high exchange rate exposure; sudden drop in crude oil prices; unavailability of power and energy; and

defaults caused by import duty waivers granted by government. Others are, rampant smuggling and counterfeiting of products as well as importation of fake and substandard products; sudden changes in fiscal policy especially import tariffs, import prohibitions, import duty waivers, policy reversals on incentives; security issues, and stock market collapse among others.

US to trace Nigeria's stolen assets, fight Boko Haram CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

the killing of citizens and destruction of property. In as much as we urged you (troops) to adhere strictly to human rights abuses, the time to crush Boko Haram and other criminal activities in this country is now or never. “As Chief of Army Staff, I will be actively involved in this 'Operation Zaman Lafiya Dole' to end the madness of Boko Haram if I will have your collective maximum support and cooperation. "My doors will always remain open to all of you for constructive criticism and advice towards restoration of peace in this part of the country. “Therefore, we are here to identify with you and to officially inform you that as from today henceforth, we have changed our Operational Code from Operation Zaman Lafiya to Operation Zaman Lafiya Dole.” Meanwhile, Army Headquarters, AHQ, yesterday, said its troops have detonated four explosives planted along DamaturuBiu road by Boko Haram

insurgents. A statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, DAPR, Col Sani Usman, in Abuja, further disclosed that troops cleared the explosives in concert with the police and local vigilantes. He said: “The Nigerian troops have cleared Damaturu-Biu road of mines by a team of Nigerian Army Special Forces, Explosives Ordinance Devices with support from Nigeria Police and members of local vigilante. “During the painstaking and thorough operation, four Improvised Explosives Devices, IEDs, planted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists were discovered and successfully detonated.”" He advised commuters to make use of the road as adequate security is being provided to ensure their safety. The Nigerian Army further enjoined the public to be more security conscious and report any suspicious persons and movements to the security agents.

L-R: Father of the triplets, Mr. Augustine; wife of Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs. Fausat Obasa; mother of triplets, Mrs. Abbey Augustine; wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode and Medical Director, Epe General Hospital, Dr. Mustapha Bamidele, during Ambode’s charity visit to the hospital in Epe, yesterday.

NLC praises Buhari for bailing out states

eputy President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. lssa Aremu, has praised President Muhammadu Buhari for the bail out of wage-debtor states. Aremu gave the commendation when he spoke with newsmen in llorin yesterday. The labour leader said the gesture had singled Buhari out as a laboursensitive President. He also commended the President for rejecting the N400m cars at a time the country was drawing on reserves to meet basic needs. Aremu noted that the nation needed comprehensive, systemic waste reduction programmes beyond the exemplary gestures of the president. “Regrettably, notwithstanding the appreci-

ated presidential gesture, thousands of workers still observed the concluded Sallah without full pay. “For many workers, it was sacrifice before Ramadan and continuation of deprivation after Ramadan. “This is unacceptable. Debt-owing governors of employers should pay up or face the wrath of workers everywhere,” he said. He urged the president to ensure that bailed out state governors signed performance/service delivery bonds with firm commitment to use the money for the purpose for which it was provided. He congratulated Nigerian workers on the successful observance of Eid-el-Fitr and the state governors and employers who paid their workers’ monthly salaries to cel-

ebrate the Sallah. Aremu pointed out that delays and non-payment of salaries had deepened the worsening poverty in the country. “Working poor have been turned to working beggars. Nigerians cannot guarantee productivity and prosperity with this level of deprivation and poverty of the workers. “Governments at all levels should immediately initiate sustainable policies to reduce the current worsening poverty,” he added. He noted that if the situation was not tackled, it could lead to mass uprising capable of undermining the Nigerian nascent democracy. “Unpaid workers are hungry workers. Hungry workers are angry work-

ers. “With already frustrated millions of the unemployed, and insurgency fuelled by suicidal desperately poor, Nigeria risks mass national revolt if nothing is done,” he said. He felicitated with the progressive world on the occasion of Mandela Day 2015. Aremu noted that the UN, which Nigeria subscribes to, encourages people to devote 67 minutes to helping others through one minute of charitable work for every year. He said Mandela was devoted to humanitarian service, stating that Nigerian leaders needed more than 67 minutes to reflect on how to replace existing corruption agenda with development agenda.

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Monday, July 20, 2015

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Common language for Africa underway –Anikwe A rrangement is on ground to establish a common language for Africa, says

Pan-Africa Cultural Congress Bureau, PACCB, of the Africa Union, AU, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

President of PACCB, who is also DG of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civili-

zation, ACBAAC, Ferdinand Anikwe, disclosed this yesterday to News the Agency of Nigeria,

NARD boss accuses UCH management of fraud KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

resident, National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan branch, Dr. Luqman Ogunjinmi, has alerted that management of the medical institution was “perpetrating financial mismanagement.” He raised the alarm while featuring on a radio programme in Ibadan, Oyo State capital. On the strike embarked on by members of the Association of Resident Doctors in the hospital, he said the industrial action would have been unnecessary had the UCH management led by Chief Medical Director, Prof. Temitope Alonge, been up and doing with financial resources of the number one medical insti-

tution in Nigeria. He said the current industrial action that started since first week of June may linger if well-meaning Nigerians do not join medical elders to convince the CMD to do the needful. He said: “We negotiated for over 17 months with UCH’s management. Alonge and others insisted that they were not going to meet us at our points of need despite that we shifted grounds so that we would not look like trouble makers. You know, we are constantly aware that the well-being of our patients should be more important. But when management cannot provide basic amenities for us to function well, what do we do? “Firstly, our members on call duties are molested and robbed constantly and each time we lodge official complaints, all we hear is:

‘We will take stringent measures’. “Of course, nothing tangible is being done. Our female members are the most affected. And the CMD has at least five policemen who go about with him, while our members are exposed to danger within UCH. “Alonge and his people also refused to acknowledge that we have sacrificed so much so that we would not have to go on strike. The other time other workers went on strike, resident doctors did not join in. But when it was resolved and money was allocated, those who went on strike were paid, we were not. “This year, the personnel budget for UCH was increased by N1 billion. We asked Alonge what he wished to do with it. He did not give us any answer except to give the excuse that there was shortfall last

year. We begged him to employ more House Officers. He refused despite that he had clearance to do it. It was not until April that he employed only 56 to make the total number 105. You know, House Officers have specific duties; 105 is not enough for an hospital as big as UCH. Does it make sense when you allocate a doctor to 42 patients? We asked him to pay us our dues from personnel account. He said it would amount to misappropriation.” Efforts to get Alonge to speak on the matter proved abortive as he was said to be outside the country on official assignment. However, the Corporate Affairs Manager of the hospital, Deji Bobade, while speaking with journalists, said the management is not ready to engage in any media war with the resident doctors.

NAN, in Lagos. Anikwe said the language would be known as Africa’s Major Medium of Communication, AMMC. “A language will be agreed upon to be used as a medium of communication at conferences,” he said. According to him, a motion was also moved at a meeting in Johannesburg in June that countries, which had no national dress should do so. “Every representative of a country will come in the country’s attire and not in suit, which is the western dress sense. An individual should be identified with his or her country’s attire,” Anikwe said. The PACCB president said these arrangements were aimed at having a united African continent. He also said Diaspora Africa Treasure Area would be sited in four regions of the continent

before end of the year. He explained that the treasure areas would be located in Eastern, Western, Northern and Southern Africa. According to him, the treasure areas are meant to exhibit the cultures of peoples of these regions. “Each of these centres would be staging exhibitions of each region’s cultures and traditional practices. “We intend to make it one of a kind in Africa; we would have representation of Nigeria’s various cultural practices, crafts, arts and every sector of our economy. “An individual can go there and see everything that represents a group of people from a particular country. “With this, our tourism sites will be easily advertised to all Africans who visit the regions. “Each of the centres will exhibit cultures of the entire African countries,” Anikwe said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, July 20, 2015

South West

Monarchs want Ondo indigene as NDDC MD Ojo Oyewamide AKURE

raditional rulers of oil-producing communities in Ondo State have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint an indigene of the area as the next Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. The call came at the weekend hours after the official dissolution of federal boards and parastatals.The monarchs said during an emergency meeting at Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area that it was time for Ondo State to produce managing director of the commission. The meeting was presided over by National Deputy Chairman of Traditional Rulers of Oil Producing Communities in Nigeria, TROPCON, and Alagho of Odonla, Oba Elias Ikuomola. The royal fathers lamented that Ondo had not produced a candidate for any of the principal positions of NDDC since inception 15 years ago. They said while Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Delta states had repeatedly produced the managing directors, Executive Director Projects, Executive Director Finance and Administration and chairmen of the Board, respec-

tively, and concurrently, Ondo as number five on the list of member states was yet to attain any of the key positions. Oba Ikuomola frowned at the domineering tendencies of the four states, making reference to the Act establishing the commission which stipulates that the appointment of MD, EDP and EDFA shall be rotated accordingly among member states of the commission based on their oil quantum. He said the meeting became imperative in order to draw the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari to the injustice meted on Ondo by previous administrations for possible solution. The traditional ruler further disclosed that they would soon send their position paper to the presidency for appropriate action, adding that some monarchs in the area had been delegated to meet with appropriate authorities on the need to zone the MD position to the state. The monarch, who appealed to Buhari to strictly apply the principle of equity and rule of law while constituting the new NDDC board, also called for the statistics and detail of appointments of previous principal officers on the board with a view to ascertain the veracity of

Monday, July 20, 2015

Aregbesola plans workers mass sack –PDP Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

sun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday said it has uncovered plot by the state government to retrench no less than 10,000 of the acclaimed 21,000 workers in its employment. Modalities to be adopted to downsize, according to PDP, is being handled by a stalwart of All Progressives Congress, APC, that allegedly did similar “job” during the tenure of Chief Bisi Akande, when workers were unceremoniously

ADO EKITI

eoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ekiti State has accused the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state of appealing to the Federal Government to prevent reimbursement of N22 billion the state government spent to rehabilitate federal roads. PDP State Publicity Secretary, Jackson Adebayo, said in a statement yesterday in Ado-Ekiti that the state’s APC leadership had written to President Muhammadu Buhari to withhold reimbursement of the fund in the interest of the future of APC in the state. Adebayo stated that APC’s decision to write

the letter was also “predicated on the need to cover up its earlier allegations that Governor Ayo Fayose had received the N22 billion refund for federal road projects executed by the state.” He added that “the request was meant to cover up the real amount the Federal Government was owing the state on federal road projects,” alleging that the immediate past administration had received some of the reimbursement, which it could not account for. According to Adebayo, the APC in the letter appealed to Buhari to protect the interest of their party in the state so it would not lose face with the people in future elections. The PDP spokesman al-

eased out of service. But Jibola Famurewa, lawmaker representing Ijesa South in the House of Representatives, said in a chat with newsmen in Ilesa, that Governor Rauf Aregbesola was not planning to sack workers at the moment. Although Famurewa admitted government would have to shore up dwindling revenue from the Federation Account to be able to meet its statutory obligations, he however, insisted Aregbesola would instead of sacking workers find means of growing its Internally Generated Revenue,

IGR. However, PDP in a statement issued in Osogbo by Prince Diran Odeyemi, its Director of Media and Strategy, copies of which were sent to newsmen, said: “We have it on good authority that a “situation office” reminiscent of the inglorious era of Alliance for Democracy, AD, government led by Chief Bisi Akande has been opened inside Osun Government House in Okefia to handle the retrenchment exercise. It added that the first phase of the plot to sack the hapless workers was to create division within the

labour movement to ensure no serious opposition is raised when the exercise begins. The party also told workers to brace up for moves by government to find fault and hide behind failure to report for work on Tuesday to sack them and should that fail, all level 13 officers and above, regardless of their age should be ready for retirement. It added that the kind of subject teachers handle and number of periods they have per week, would be used to determine those to be sacked, especially among teachers in secondary schools.

Police arrest 8 over robbery, cultism in Ondo Ojo Oyewamide AKURE

en of Ondo State Police Command have arrested three students of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, RUGIPO, and five others for alleged robbery and cult activities. The suspects include Blessing Akinboun, Tolulope Fasanu and Oluwaseun Alabi, all of RUGIPO. Others in police custody are Wale Ilori, Abayomi Oluwafemi, Eze Ogokwe, Taiwo Segun and Ifeanyi Obi.They were said to have been arrested with guns, knives and axes, among other dangerous weapons. A police source disclosed

‘APC plotting to block N22bn refund to Ekiti’ Abiodun Nejo

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leged that the APC leadership had contacted some APC National Assembly members to ensure no provision was made for federal projects in Ekiti State to frustrate any means the refund could be included in the next budget of the federation. But Ekiti APC Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, described Adebayo’s allegation as mere face-saving antics that would not take the PDP government anywhere. Olatunbosun said APC had earlier alleged that N22 billion had been paid by the Federal Government to Fayose, saying it would be foolish on PDP’s part to now allege that the party had written to President Buhari with intention to block the payment.

that one of the suspects, Fasanu, confessed he was initiated into secret cult in 2013 by one Temitope Adeyeye and others. The source added that items recovered from Fasanu, who also reportedly confessed his involvement in various operations, including rape, were one locally-made gun with loaded cartridge, a battle dagger and

battle cutlass. While Alabi confessed that he was initiated into secret cult in 2013, Akinboun said he joined the group last year. Akinboun was alleged to have robbed students who live off campus of their properties, including laptops, ATM cards and raped female students. Items recovered from Ala-

bi included one dagger, a bag containing one locally-made cut-to-size single barrel gun, one battle cutlass and two cartridges. Police spokesman, Wole Ogodo, confirmed the arrests, saying all the eight suspects would soon be charged to court after investigation.

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Ladoja faults salary cut by Buhari, Osinbajo, others Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

ormer governor of Oyo State, Rasheed Ladoja, has faulted the salary cut by current political leaders in the country, describing it as “mere window dressing.” The gubernatorial candidate of Accord Party in the last election said this while speaking with journalists in Ibadan at the weekend. He stated that there were so many unknown bogus allowances not captured in the so-called salary cuts. It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and some governors have announced cut in their sala-

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ries to half in the light of economic realities in the country. Ladoja, however, maintained that if a member of the National Assembly earns N5 million a month and his allowances per quarter are in the region of N30 million and he decides to cut his salary by half, the exercise amounts to nothing. While calling for greater transparency in government, he called on the institution fixing salaries of political office holders to make the subject matter and its processes open so that Nigerians would know the allowances accruing to politicians so they could better appreciate their gestures.

Police begin Okoda riders arrest in Lagos Dare Akogun

agos State Police Command said commercial motorcycle riders popularly called ‘Okada’ plying restricted

routes should be ready for a tough time beginning this week. This was made known to National Mirror by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, yesterday.

Nwosu said with the expiration of 21-day ultimatum issued to commercial bike riders by the state government, it would now commence strict enforcement of the ban on their activities on restricted

routes. He, however, warned that any commercial motorcyclist caught flouting the orders by plying restricted routes would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Teaching hospital denies using salary funds for projects Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

ederal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, FETHI, has denied using money earmarked for staff salaries and emolument to execute capital projects. The hospital’s management said all FETHI staff, including striking members of the Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, have been paid May and June salaries as opposed to allegation of being owed salaries. Management of the hospital in a statement by its public relations officer, Mr. Kunle Adeboyejo, in Ado Ekiti, at the weekend, said: “Staff salaries are paid directly from Abuja into individual accounts. Also, payment for contract is done directly from Abuja for specified projects yearly. The Chief Medical Director, CMD, has no access to staff salaries and contract funds.” It refuted allegations of financial mismanagement levelled by the striking ARD members against the CMD, Dr. Majekodunmi Ayodele, describing it as spurious and an attempt to bring him to disrepute. The hospital consequently urged the doctors to resume work immediately in the interest of the

nation. It would be recalled that doctors in some institutions, including FETHI, are on strike over demand for remuneration accruing from skipping of a grade level and other issues bothering on their welfare. ARD members at FETHI had in a statement last week by their president, Dr. Otutoaja Uzoma, and general secretary, Dr. Ekundayo Oladeji, blamed the inability of the hospital’s management to meet their demands on an alleged financial management by the CMD. But the hospital management said “the CMD has been managing the financial resources of the hospital prudently.”

Suspected criminals being paraded by Oyo State Police Command led by Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Muhammed Katsina, in Ibadan, at the weekend.

Pipeline security: We saved NNPC N7bn daily –Fasehun …demands payment of N1.9bn

Olusegun Koiki

ounder of Odua People’s Congress, OPC, who is also chairman of New Age Global and Business Nigeria Limited, Dr. Frederick Fasehun, has disclosed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, was losing about N7 billion daily to

vandalism and disruption of pipelines in Mosimi, Ogun State, and some parts of Oyo State alone before the company took over surveillance of pipelines in March this year. Fasehun also urged the Federal Government through the NNPC to, as a matter of urgency, pay the security outfit N1.9 billion as agreed in the contractual terms for

Saraki, Ambode, NHRC boss to dialogue on Unity Schools

enate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, and chairman of National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, will be leading other alumni of Nigerian Unity Schools to examine the roles of their alma maters in nation building at a one-day national dialogue in Lagos on July 22. The 104 Unity Schools include all Federal Government Colleges, Federal Government Girls Colleges, Kings College, Lagos, and Queens College, Lagos. Organised by Federal Government College, Kano Old Students Association

(Lagos State branch), the dialogue will, among other things, examine how successful the schools have served as platform to mould future leaders that can advance the cause of unity, peace and progress in the country in line with the vision of the founding fathers. According to a statement by Dr. Olaseinde Eletu, chairman, organising committee of the event, Prof. Odinkalu will be keynote speaker, while Dr. Saraki and Governor Ambode would be special guests of honour at the event, which is being organised in conjunction with the national secretariat of Unity Schools Old Students Association,

USOSA. The event with the theme: ‘Role of Unity Schools in Nation Building,’ holds at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos, at 10am on Wednesday, July 22, 2015. “At this juncture in our national life, it is imperative that we, the products of the unity schools examine the role of our alma maters in nation building, particularly in addressing the need for national cohesion and unity in a culturally and religiously heterogeneous country. “There will also be a distinguished cast of the unity schools’ alumni who will be panelists for the dialogue,” he added.

three months before termination of the contract in June this year. He also berated National Assembly members for abdicating their primary duties since commencement of the current government, saying their action has led to President Muhammadu Buhari being the only arm of government that remains functional in the past two months. Speaking with journalists in his office over the weekend in Lagos, Fasehun explained that the security outfit engaged 4,020 OPC members to safeguard pipelines in Mosimi, Ogun State, and Ibadan in Oyo State between March 16 and June 16 before the contract was terminated by the new administration. He said throughout the period, the security personnel were not given any amount of money by the NNPC as claimed in some quarters and wondered why the agreement was not renewed despite efforts of the outfit in ensuring drastic reduction in

pipeline vandalism and disruption along the stations. According to him, before the company was engaged, NNPC stations along Mosimi and Ibadan were losing N7 billion daily to the dastardly act, boasting that within the period, such untoward acts reduced to the barest minimum. He explained that each of the 4,020 security personnel was supposed to be paid N1,500 daily, which amounted to N45 per month, declaring that none of them was paid any salary by the government from when they were engaged up to when they were disengaged last month. He appealed to the management of the NNPC to ensure the payment of the outstanding arrears as spelt out in the contract, stressing that government is supposed to be continuum. He however said that if all entreaties to resolve the matter amicably fail, the company would not hesitate to approach the court for succour.

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Monday, July 20, 2015

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Police confirm killing of bus driver by unknown assailants

L-R: Wife of General Overseer of Lord's Chosen Charismatic Ministry, Joy Muoka; General Overseer, Pastor Lazarus Muoka and Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, during a visit to the governor in Umuahia, at the weekend.

NGO to partner FG on youth employment Chris Njoku OWERRI

leen Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, NGO, has indicated intention to partner with the Federal Government in tackling corruption and the problem of youth unemployment in the country. According to programme officer of the NGO, Mr. Ifeanyi Anyanwu, the organisation has already initiated the construction of a multi-million naira skills acquisition centre at Obinze, Owerri West Council Area of Imo State, which would upon completion, offer jobs to numerous unemployed youths mainly those of the South East. Anyanwu disclosed this

at a one-day ‘Governance and Security Forum’ organised by the NGO for the people of Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State. He said the project, which would hopefully be completed in the first quarter of next year, arose because of the challenges in governance in which unemployment among youths in the country was a major one, stressing that the project would strengthen selfeconomic reliance among the targeted beneficiaries and thus reduce the problem of insecurity to the barest minimum. Anyanwu added that the NGO has already facilitated 15 local governance and security fora in Oguta and Ahiazu Mbaise coun-

cil areas, disclosing that the NGO was looking for donor agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, ISOPADEC, and other institutions to bring in youths for training. Established in 1998 with offices in Abuja, Lagos and Owerri, Anyanwu said the organisation has a mission of promoting public safety, security and accessible justice through the strategies of empirical research, legislative advocacy, demonstration programmes and publication in partnership with governments and the civil society. In a lecture on how to curb the corruption ef-

fects of governance, the executive director of Development Dynamics, Dr. Jude Ohanele, identified corruption as the abuse of power for private gains, adding that corruption is a complex social, political and economic phenomenon that effects all nations, undermines democratic institutions, slows economic development and contributes to governmental instability. Dr. Ohanele who equally shed light on security, governance and community mobilisation, said good governance must be participatory, consensus-oriented, accountable, transparent and open (open budget); responsive, effective and efficient equitable and inclusive, applying the rule of law.

VC tasks UNIZIK alumni on excellence Charles Okeke AWKA

ice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. J. E. Ahaneku, has charged members of the university’s alumni to strive for excellence in their chosen fields. Ahaneku said he was happy that UNIZIK Alumni Association, which passed through some years of tortuous journey, has come to stay and is now strong. Speaking at the 2015 national convention of the university’s Alumni Association held in Awka, yesterday, Ahaneku urged its members to be as visible as possible in whatever they are doing

now and find ways of contributing to the growth of the institution. He promised that the university would continue to recognise and patronise UNIZIK products performing exceedingly well. Expressing joy that UNIZIK has grown tremendously over the years, Ahaneku disclosed that no fewer than 80 former students of the institution are now studying in China on scholarships that were made possible by the linkage language programme it has with China. Earlier, Prof. Emeka Ezeonu, and alumnus of the university, who spoke as guest lecturer, chronicled all the challenges that confronted the association in its forma-

tive years. Ezeonu called on influential and responsible graduates of UNIZIK to come in and take leadership posts in the association. The 2015 convention that was attended by delegates from various states and cities, witnessed the amendment of the constitution of the association to give the national executive committee and the branch executives uniform three-year tenure and the election of a fresh national executive committee led by Barrister Nwafili M. Okwuosa as national president. Nwafili who retained his position after he was returned unopposed, said he took over control of the

association on June 22, 2013 when it was in a critical state with a court case but which has long been resolved. Nwafili urged the vice chancellor to come to their assistance by actualising their wish to have the national president of the association occupy the seat reserved for him in the UNIZIK/NAU governing council. He also appealed to the vice chancellor to ensure that, henceforth, three -quarters of new employees in the institution are products of the institution, adding that it should also help to accommodate the association in admission privileges each year.

bonyi Police Command has confirmed the killing by unknown men of Mr. Augustine Obaji, a commercial bus driver in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state. The command’s public relations officer, Mr. Chris Anyanwu, made the confirmation yesterday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN. He said Obaji was killed on Saturday at Okwor-Idiokpo Market road. According to him, the victim was found with severe injuries inflicted on him by his assailants. “We have commenced investigations into the matter and assure the public that the perpetrators would be brought to book. “We also want to assure the public that the command is determined to rid the state of crimes and criminals and we solicit assistance through provision of useful information,” he said. NAN gathered from sources that the victim picked passengers at Odumoke market en-route Okwor Mgbo market, but did

not return home. His wife called him on his phone to no avail. “The following day, his relatives commenced a search for him and saw his bus at Idiokpo road, and on drawing closer, discovered his lifeless body on the vehicle’s steering. “They contacted the police station at Okwor Mgbo and officers evacuated the corpse and bus and deposited his corpse at Mgbo General Hospital,” the source said, alleging that the victim had a quarrel with another driver over who would pick passengers first on the fateful day, an action that drew exchange of abusive words from both men. “We are also hearing tales that he might be a victim of armed robbery as the rate of robbery attacks, especially on motorists along that road has increased in recent days. “The onslaught of these robbers has affected business activities in the area and we call on security agencies to provide more security in the area to protect lives and properties,” the source said.

Umahi gives 2 months ultimatum to traders Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

bonyi State Governor, Chief Dave Umahi, at the weekend gave traders in the state two months’ ultimatum to relocate to the new international market. Umahi said this in Abakaliki shortly after his second round of inspection of the multi-billion naira international market at the weekend. He noted that the relocation of traders from Abakpa Market to the International Market in Abakaliki would commence in September. He also directed that work on the re-awarded contract of Lot 2 and all other new projects in the International Market should stop immediately, and that the contractor for Lot 2, COSTAIN, be invited for evaluation of work done. He said the inter-min-

isterial committee should also ascertain the amount of work done or not done. He, however, commended the contractor handling the external work, but directed the Ministry of Works to “get up with its team of engineers or consult higher engineers to find out if asphalt would not fail if used to do the surface of the open spaces in the market. The governor ordered all the contractors handling projects at the international market to come back to site and liaise with the inter-ministerial committee. He stressed that the state government would no longer pay contractors for earth work done, and directed that further work on the two towers in the market should stop. He charged his special assistant on ICT to open discussions with telecommunication providers on whether they could take the towers on lease.

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Tension mounts in Itsekiri community over IRDC rep Theophilus Onojeghen WARRI

alpable tension is brewing in Itsekiri community of Omadino, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, over unresolved issue of who represents the community at the board of Itsekiri Regional Development Council, IRDC. National Mirror learnt that one Mr. Austine Oniyesan, who had been representing the community for the last nine years and whose tenure has expired, is at loggerheads with the new representative, Dr. Robinson Eyekosi-Uwatse, who was nominated by elders of Omadino community. Eyekosi-Uwatse, who is to take over from Oniyesan at the board, has raised alarm of threat to his life over the post. He told newsmen at the weekend in Warri of looming crisis in the community, claiming to have been nominated by t Omadino council of elders to replace Oniyesan, who the council nominated in 2006 for the same

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Monday, July 20, 2015

position. He said Oniyesan refused to hand over to him as the new representative. According to him, the constitution guiding the IRDC, an interventionist agency for oil-bearing communities in Itsekiri land, does not provide for any executive to be returned either by election or selection. Reacting to the allegation, Oniyesan refuted claim that the life of Eyekosi-Uwatse is under threat. He admitted that his tenure at IRDC had expired but appealed to warring factions to be calm until the board officially writes the community to send a new representative. Oniyesan claimed that “having served in the council for nine years, we know that our tenure has expired. However, everyone should remain calm till IRDC writes to the community to say the tenure of its executives on the council has expired after which new representatives are inaugurated and we leave office. “As for the allegation of threat to life, I do not threaten people. Besides, I am a leader in my community hence see no reason to threaten my subjects.”

N637bn debt: Probe Uduaghan, lawyer urges EFCC Theophilus Onojeghen WARRI

ational Coordinator, Conference for the Actualisation of Human Rights, CAHR, Omes Ogedegbe, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to immediately commence probe of the former Delta State administration led by Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. The call for probe was sequel to recent revelation by Uduaghan’s successor, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who said Delta was indebted to the tune of N637.22 billion by the previous administration. Others, who Ogedegbe also demanded to be probed include former House of Assembly Speaker, Peter

Onwusanya, and clerk of the house for alleged shoddy deals during the past regime. Ogedegbe, who had lingering issues over affairs of state with Uduaghan, however, threatened to institute legal action against EFCC and the state government within 14 days if the commission fails to commence investigations. The Warri-based human rights lawyer in a letter to the commission made available to National Mirror yesterday in Warri, claimed he has documents that show the former governor collected loan amounting to N13 billion on the eve of his handover, which was not approved by the state legislature. The letter specifically addressed to EFCC chair-

man said, “We have official documents that show the Delta State House of Assembly on May 28, 2015, approved a loan of N13bn for the governor, claiming same arose from its May 28 deliberations/sitting. Whereas in the entire House’s deliberation of May 28, no issue of a loan of any form was raised for the consideration of Assembly members as same was only a fraudulent loan approval by the speaker and communicated to the governor via the clerk.” The letter which demands Uduaghan’s persecution was titled ‘In The Matter Of Delta State Indebtedness of 637.22bn, a demand for the Prosecution of Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, the Former Speaker and Clerk, Delta State House of Assembly.’

It stated, “We have painstakingly read the House’s deliberations of May 28, the day the said loan was granted, only to discover that the House never deliberated on any issue relating to loan approval. “This no doubt must have been the pattern in which the state now has a debt profile of N637.22 billion only, which we call on the EFCC to investigate. And as a guide to the EFCC investigation, the commission must know that all loan requests must be discussed and approved first by the state executive council before same is forwarded to the House of Assembly by a letter, which must be deliberated upon by the Assembly at its plenary. Anything short of this qualifies as an economic crime.”

A’Ibom gov seeks prayers for development

overnor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has called on the church to partner his administration in its quest to redeem the state from the shackles of poverty for sustainable development. The governor made the call yesterday at Destiny International Mission where he worshipped. He said it was in the spirit of such restoration that his administration initiated projects and programmes such as the Vehicle Assembling Plants, which he said have the potential to generate employment and create wealth for people of the state. He enjoined Christians to rid themselves of hypocrisy and focus on God for divine revelation, adding that prayer was the key to unlock the hidden treasures of the land. Emmanuel, who based his submission on Nehemiah 5:11 and Psalm 7:9, stressed that God can make something out of nothing, and urged the people not to

be discouraged by the prevailing economic situation but look unto God, saying that without faith, there is no manifestation. He equally sympathised with victims of flood disaster in the state and said measures were in place to forestall further flooding. The governor pledged to create more employment opportunities, saying his administration has concluded plans to reactivate ailing industries. He said plans were in top gear to establish a petrochemical industry in the state. In a sermon, Commandant Ezekiel Duke said it takes an altar to counter another and that engaging in fervent prayers and fasting uproots strongholds. He described the governor as a child of destiny ordained by God for a specific purpose in Akwa Ibom. The Prelate, Bishop Cletus Bassey, prayed God to destroy strongholds that rise against leadership for the restoration of God’s glory in the state.

L-R: Director, Malaria and Disease Control, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Sir Abiye Abere; Medical Director, St. Peters Clinic, Bonny Island, Rivers State, Dr. Peter Arome; mother of Mortein Baby, Mrs. Uduak Isaac Pollyn and Area Sales Manager, Mr. Nwanah Ugochukwu, during presentation of gifts to the first baby born in Bonny Island during Mortein Anti-Malaria Campaign flag-off, recently.

C’Riverians greatest petition writers, says Unical VC Richard Ndoma CALABAR

ice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. James Ekpoke, yesterday decried the high rate at which people of Cross River State write petitions against one another. Ekpoke raised the alarm while fielding questions from journalists in Calabar shortly after his return from Abuja. The vice chancellor was reacting to rumour that he had been whisked away and

detained in Abuja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for alleged financial racket in the school. "Our own petitions are against ourselves. This is why they say we are in an atomistic society,” he said. Ekpoke admitted he was invited to the nation`s federal capital to answer some questions based on petitions written against him by certain unscrupulous individuals. "Yes, I was invited to Abuja to appear before EFCC to answer certain questions, which I did. I was also asked

to declare my assets and later returned to Calabar and not detained as rumoured,” he said. Ekpoke charged lecturers in the university to remove unnecessary hurdles put in front of students pursuing postgraduate and masters’ degree programmes to enable them pass out in flying colours. “I do not know whether it is inferiority complex that is worrying some of the lecturers. You don`t need to un-necessarily create hurdles before the students just to prevent them from finishing their course on time,” he lamented.

The VC pointed out that Unical remains the school whose students carry their certificates to National Youth Service Corps orientation camp. "If you don’t carry your certificate with you, NYSC would say you are not from Unical,” he said. Ekpoke maintained that though his administration met a landscape where results were allegedly sold and certificates delayed, with cultism, school fee and admission racketeering at the zenith, his administration fought very hard and overcame the malaise.

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Monday, July 20, 2015

Police record zero crime in Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara at Sallah

ssistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, in charge of Zone 10, Mr. Bala Hassan, has commended residents of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states for their peaceful conduct during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations. Hassan told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Sokoto yesterday that crime or violence was not recorded in the three states during the festive period. He said this was made possible by the cooperation received from residents. He said it paved the way for smooth traffic control in all the designated praying grounds across the three states. He added that police in the zone would continue to initiate various forms of security

measures to sustain the peaceful nature the area is known for. Hassan called for more working understanding from members of the public by coming out with intelligence reports on the movement of suspicious characters in their midst. He also solicited the support of the sultanate council towards mobilising the people to be actively involved in community policing. He commended the men and officers of the zone for demonstrating high sense of professionalism. “We need useful information on suspected characters. It would enable us apprehend and bring them to justice in order to ensure peace, progress and political growth of the caliphate,” Hassan said.

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Police arrest 4 kidnap suspects in Kwara

our members of a suspected kidnap gang that had been terrorising residents of Omu-Aran, Kwara State, and environs have been arrested by the police. News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that there had been incidents of attempted kidnaps and threat to life in the area in the last couple of months. NAN further reports that residents, especially community leaders, have hailed the latest arrest of the suspects as a major breakthrough in the fight against crime in the area. Divisional Police Officer of Omu-Aran Police

Command, Mr. Adamu Zawah, who confirmed arrest of the suspects to NAN, said the force headquarters in Ilorin had been notified for further investigations. One member of the gang, who is believed to be the ring leader, was said to be at large. NAN gathered that the suspects had on July 9 at about 9pm kidnapped head of the Fulani clan in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara, Alhaji Aliyu Harande. He was later freed by the suspects after payment of an undisclosed amount of money as ransom. NAN also recalls that a

kidnap attempt was also made on a renowned Islamic cleric and community leader in the area, Alhaji Isa Olabola, on July 4 while on his way to early morning prayers. The suspects were said to have fled in an unidentified vehicle when the victim raised an alarm. One of the arrested suspects was alleged to have been a Quranic pupil under Olabola before he left the town. Nemesis was said to have caught up with the suspect when another victim resident in Rore community, a suburb, reported an attempt on him and the four were eventually arrested.

NAN learnt that a Toyota Camry car marked JJJ 795 AL was recovered from the suspects. Meanwhile, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye, has lauded the men of the command for their courage and steadfastness that resulted in the arrest. He urged the people of the community to always support the police and be ready to volunteer vital information that could assist the force and other law enforcement agencies in their assignments. Ibitoye also called on residents to be vigilant always in order to check crime in the area.

Eid-el-Fitr: Abuja residents throng fun spots

buja residents y e s t e r d a y thronged fun places as they joined Muslims in celebrating Eid-el-Fitr following end of Ramadan fast on Thursday. News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, recalls that the Federal Government had declared Friday and Monday public holidays to mark the end of the fasting period. Residents enjoyed themselves at many recreation parks in and around the territory. At Magicland, formerly known as Wonderland in Abuja, people turned up in large numbers for fun. Personnel manager of Magicland, Mr. Paul Oko, told NAN that the management team had put a lot of security measures in place for the long weekend celebration. “We knew that Nigerians are becoming wary of taking their families

to public places; that is why we took particular care in preparing for this big celebration. “In addition to the very heavy FCT security arrangement, we went further to make our own arrangements. “We also recognised the fact that a lot of people would not want to compromise on their leisure and safety. “We clearly owe them a duty to care; even if it means going out of our way to ensure that they have their fun in safety,” Oko said. Amina Abdullahi who came to the park with three children, said: ``In addition to the big occasion of the Eid-el-fitr, this is also a long weekend. “It is not only Muslims that turned up to cool off this weekend. People of different faith are also here to join their Muslim friends to enjoy the day,’’ Abdullahi said.

L-R: Director of Planning, Research/Statistics, Kwara SUBEB, Hajia Raudat Yusuf; Ojomo of Offa, Chief Joseph Akinola; Permanent Secretary, Kwara State Ministry of Education, Mr. Lamid Alabi and Chief Sales Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Godfrey Efeurhobo, during the commissioning of Iyeru-Okin Primary School 1, Offa, at the weekend.

Unilorin seeks FG’s intervention on ceased property

niversity of Ilorin has appealed to the Federal Government to assist it retrieve its mini campus forcefully and illegally ceased by Kwara State government. The appeal was contained in a letter dated June 26, signed by the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali, and addressed to permanent secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education. A copy of the letter was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja yesterday. It alleged that on June 25, “armed personnel” of the state government “in-

vaded the mini campus,” the university’s Institute of Education, which is designated for its Sandwich programmes. It said the armed men broke into and demolished property in the facility as well as harassed its occupants. “Following the development, Governor of the state, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, was contacted on telephone and the incident duly reported to him, the letter said. It said the governor apologised for the action and assured that the premises would be vacated within one month with effect from June 25.

“However, on-the-spot assessment of the premises belies the governor’s assurance. “The entire Institute of Education, including classrooms and office accommodation for staff has been full taken over by the state government, thereby paralysing all the activities of the institute. “Indeed, we found truck loads of sand, blocks, furniture, paper and records deposited in the premises which suggest restructuring of the place for permanent occupation,” the letter alleged. It will be recalled that the state government, in 1975,

donated the facility as a temporary site to meet part of the condition to site the institution in Ilorin. There was, however, no agreement that the university would relinquish the property to the state government. Speaking with NAN on the issue, the chief press secretary to the governor, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, said the building was not being forcibly taken over. He said part of it would be used to temporarily accommodate the state’s Board of Internal Revenue pending the completion of its permanent building on Ahmadu Bello way, Ilorin.

Monday, July 20, 2015

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Politics

Buhari in America: Matters arising

Wole Oladimeji

n February 2013 when the All Progressives Congress, APC, was formed by a merger of defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, Congress for Progressive Change, CPC and a faction of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, the South West, where the ACN held sway, must have seen itself as the senior partner in the merger that was consummated. It was later that disgruntled members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, also joined what became a movement and a mega party that gave the PDP a bloody nose in the 2015 general elections. Given that the defunct ACN brought six states it controlled to the APC, as opposed to CPC and ANPP which brought one and two states respectively, the leadership of the ACN rightly felt that the bloc should have been rewarded, since it conceded the presidency to the CPC because of Muhammadu Buhari’s factor. This unexpressed assumption might have informed the grumbling in certain quarters about the turn of events, especially the election of National Assembly leaders on June 9. It is a truism that the Vice Presidency is an inconsequential position commonly referred to as “spare tyre”. Having gotten the Vice President slot, the ACN bloc in the APC wanted the Speaker of the House of Representatives. However, other blocs in the party were also determined to get their own share of the booty because in their reckoning, they also contributed immensely to the success of the party at the polls. Like a polygamous family, every member of the family wants a piece of the action. But as it appears now, the PDP renegades have outpaced and outmanoeuvred the ACN bloc. Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara who emerged Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives respectively, belong to the breakaway faction of PDP. Femi Gbajabiamila, the anointed and the favourite candidate of the ACN bloc was roundly defeated. Curiously, this bloc did not have a plan B, because it took everything for granted. But by divine intervention, Hon. Yussuff Sulaimon Lasun, representing Osun State was elected the Deputy Speaker. But for his emergence, the ACN bloc would have suffered catastrophic humiliation from a party it helped to build and nurture to a winning spree. To many therefore, the election of Hon Lasun should be seen as God’s ar-

Dare Akogun

eputy Speaker of Kwara State House Assembly, Hon. Mathew Okedare has emphasised the importance of prayer in solving the numerous challenges bedevilling the country. Okedare, who spoke with newsmen in Ilorin on Saturday congratulated the Muslim Ummah for witnessing another Sallah in good health, adding that despite all the challenges in the country, one still needs to thank God for his goodness, forgiveness, blessings and favour. Enjoining Muslim faithful and Nigerians generally to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan and

NASS crisis: Why Lasun must not be crucified Has anyone from the ACN bloc given a thought to what would have happened

Hon Lasun in the equation? The entire South-West would have been sidelined.

if there is no

Lasun

rangement for the South West. He should be supported to succeed rather than be made a villain. His calculating approach that as a people, the South-West should not put its eggs in one basket, at least earn the zone a Deputy Speakership slot. Apart from his eligibility to contest for the position, he has what it takes, including character, to represent his people well in the green chamber and the country at large. Why then must he be crucified due to the frustration of his bloc? As it stands today, the South-West has not been totally short-changed in the scheme of things due to the political sagacity of Hon Lasun. Has anyone from the ACN bloc given a thought to what would have happened if there is no Hon Lasun in the equation? The entire South-West would have been side-

lined. Although the South-West will grumble, sulk like little baby and cry of marginalization, but the Buhari administration will continue to function. So, let the SouthWest embrace what it has now and help him to succeed. Anything to the contrary will amount to progressing in error. The consequence of which will only alienate the South-West from the unfolding political equation in APC. On the issue of the Majority Leader which the party allegedly gave to Gbajabiamila and by extension the ACN bloc, much as it is a compromise of a sort, there is the issue of equity. It is said that “he who comes to equity must come with clean hands” and the interest of justice and fairness won’t be served if the South-West held onto the Deputy Speaker and the Majority Leader. The principle of Federal Character, as enshrined in the 1999 constitution would have been grossly abused and violated by this appointment. Instead of being fixated on the National Assembly, the ACN bloc could be compensated in the appointment to be made by President Buhari. In this era of change, things must follow all the tenets of rule of law, justice, equity and fairness. Otherwise, the change that the APC preaches would remain an empty catch phrase. •Oladimeji is Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to the Deputy Speaker

Only prayer can solve Nigerian’s problems –Kwara Deputy ..says better days ahead for Kwarans always be guided by the tenets of the Holy month with emphasis on good deeds, sharing, offering supplication to God and giving alms, he said: “With all these numerous chal-

lenges we still have cause to celebrate. It is only prayer that can help turn the tide of insecurity, unemployment, infrastructural decay etc. “We must not abandon

all the good deeds and sacrifices after Ramadan, though Ramadan is gone all the lessons and tenets of the month must however abide by us for maximum benefits, we must

continue to offer supplications and help the needy, also, we should continue praying for our country and leaders,” he added. Meanwhile the Deputy Speaker has assured

Be patient with Buhari –Kogi APC guber aspirant Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA

chieftain of Kogi State All Progressives Congress, APC, and gubernatorial aspirant, Prince Rotimi Obadofin, has urged Nigerians to be patient with President Muhammadu Buhari to enable him tackle the plethora of

problems confronting the nation now. Obadofin, who made this call while speaking with newsmen in Lokoja yesterday, stated that President Buhari should not be stampeded to take actions in haste that will back fire again. He said: “With the litany of problems inherited by his administration, there is

need to be patient with the President to study the situation and find lasting possible solution to the problems.” He pointed out that every Nigerian both old and young were aware of the problems left by the previous administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, saying that solving the problems require

gradual process. On recent bailout, the gubernatorial aspirant commended the Federal Government for taking such action, stressing that it was a right step in a right direction. Obadofin added that this would enable states having problems of paying workers salaries to settle the outstanding salary arrears.

Kwarans of better days ahead, adding that the government is working assiduously towards making sure the dividends of democracy reaches every nook and cranny of the state. Okedare promised the full support of the legislative arm through prompt passage of laws and always giving the executive arm the needed support by ensuring that all bills and budget are given accelerated hearing, adding that with the lofty plans of the Kwara State government, the state will soon witness a turnaround in all spheres.

Politics

Salisu Na’inna Dambatta

resident Muhammadu Buhari is in the United States of America, USA, on an official visit. The US State Department said that the visit was on the invitation of President Barack Obama, Buhari’s American counterpart. During the visit, Presidents Buhari and Obama will meet in Washington DC today, in an encounter designed to enhance the existing cordial relationship between Nigeria and the USA. It would be recalled that high-profile official visits by Nigerian leaders to the USA started in 1961, when President John Fredrick Kennedy invited Nigeria’s Head of Government, the Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa. The visit lasted for a week and was full of activities. Both leaders discussed bilateral and “wide variety of subjects.” President Buhari’s visit to the USA will also include the discussion of a wide variety of subjects, mainly anchored on three clear platforms: the Africa Growth Opportunity Act, AGOA, the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, TIFA and the Nigeria-US Bi-National Commission, BNC. The President, just like Sir Tafawa-Balewa, is scheduled to visit some places of interest and symbolic significance. Such visits have always been symbolic. One of the key side activities would be his re-union with his US War College course mates of 1980. There was no indication he would visit an Islamic Centre as Tafawa-Balewa did during his official visit in 1961. However, just like Tafawa-Balewa did in 1961, President Buhari will interact with Nigerians in the Diaspora. However, there is always a point of departure in such visits between one head of government and the other over time, as relations between countries continue but with changes that are inherent in the dynamism of life. In the Tafawa-Balewa/Buhari case, the main point of departure is that Nigeria and the US currently have at least three different platforms for the scheduled interactions between the delegations of the countries. One of the major platforms is the Nigeria-US BNC, set up upon the signing of an agreement between both nations in April 2010. Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, signed on behalf of Nigeria. Former United States Secretary of States, Hillary R. Clinton, signed on behalf of the US government. The Nigeria-US BNC has four main areas of focus. Each area of focus has a working group peopled by representatives of both sides. The focus areas and working groups, which have met several times in Nigeria and in the USA are Good Governance, Transparency and Integrity; Energy and Investment; Agriculture and Food Security and Niger Delta and Regional Security. The Presidency has released the main areas for discussion with the US during President Buhari’s visit: security, the economy and America’s support for Buhari’s government’s efforts in tackling corruption. The Boko Haram menace will certainly be prominent in the security aspect of the bilateral discussions. The four main working groups of the BNC have

it is in the best of both countries that a mutually beneficial relation is

deepened and sustained.

And the visit of President Buhari is designed to achieve that

Monday, July 20, 2015

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Buhari in America: Matters arising

Buhari

achieved some success in their assignments, including attracting American material contributions to our electoral system and the process of consolidating democracy; support for the Nigerian military in fighting terrorism; boosting agriculture and promoting reform in the sector and paving the way for some US companies to widen participation in our energy sector. The case of Symbion Power, a US power company, which won the bid for and took over Ughelli Power Plant, illustrates this success. The second platform for intense engagement between Nigeria and the US is the TIFA, signed by the

two countries. In a summary, the agreement provides for expanding trade and investments between the largest economy in the world and the biggest economy in Africa. It is largely driven by business people for the mutual understanding of the rules, regulations and areas of opportunities for trade and investment. It is partly to underline the importance of the TIFA that President Buhari is scheduled to address the US Chamber of Commerce and Corporate Council for Africa in Washington DC. Some Nigerian business chieftains will be on hand to engage potential partners for trade and investments. The third platform is AGOA. Under this Act, the US government encourages African countries to export manufactured goods on preferential terms. The idea is that the participating countries are to be supported and guided to penetrate the American market with their products based on their areas of comparative advantage. The truth is that the manufacturing base of Nigeria is currently limping, but with a mixture of policies designed to revive the sector, it is possible for Nigeria to take full advantage of AGOA and benefit from its yields in the future. The visit to the US by President Buhari has generated much interest and raised high expectations for quick and sharp results, especially in taming the monster of Boko Haram and opening economic opportunities for Nigeria’s teeming youths. Overall, it is in the best of both countries that a mutually beneficial relation is deepened and sustained. And the visit of President Buhari is designed to achieve that, regardless of the fear being expressed in some quarters in Nigeria that, the US may try to influence Nigeria to change its strong stance against same-sex marriage.

•Dambatta, Director of Information in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, writes from Abuja.

Why APC needs Tinubu as BoT chair –Famurewa •Says Aregbesola not considering retrenchment of workers Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

he member representing Ijesa South federal constituency of Osun State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Israel Ajibola Famurewa, has advised the All Progressives Congress, APC, to search no further for its Board of Trustees, BoT, chairman other than former governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu. He also debunked insinuations that Osun State government is considering downsizing the state workforce as part of measures to solve the problem of irregular payments of salaries. Famurewa, who spoke to newsmen in Ilesa at the

weekend, said APC as a growing party needs a disciplined character to manage its affairs at the top level to enable the party deepen its roots. The choice of Tinubu for the sensitive BoT chairmanship, Famurewa said should be “appealing to anyone that wants APC to survive for long,” adding that since many of the key positions at government level are being occupied by people from the North, the BoT chairmanship should be ceded to the South. He said: “Over the years, Tinubu has demonstrated he has capacity and courage to lead and galvanise men into action. He remains the political rallying point in Southern Nigeria now and it will amaze you the huge followership he

also enjoys in the North. “A character such as this is what APC needs as BoT chairman. Apart from possessing capacity to lead our party, in the spirit of fairness, a leader from the Southern part should be given the position with many top government officials coming from the North.” Commenting on the insinuations that Governor Rauf Aregbesola may be considering sacking workers to reduce the state’s wage bill, Famurewa said: “We are not thinking towards that direction for now. We know what we are supposed to do in a situation like this and are doing it. “Osun State government is working on raising its internally generat-

ed revenue, IGR, to shore up that fall in revenue coming from the federation account. Definitely, Governor Aregbesola is not thinking towards that direction for now.” Predicting an amicable resolution of the crises rocking the National Assembly in no distance future, Famurewa dismissed claims that the House shifted its resumption date over fear of another round of chaos on resumption. He explained that the former resumption date was fixed without considering Eid holidays, stressing that shortly after the holidays was announced, it became apparent that the lawmakers could no longer reconvene on the earlier date.

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Monday, July 20, 2015

The Peter Obi principles: A birthday tribute VALENTINE OBIENYEM AND ALEXANDER EJESIEME

r. Peter Obi, the quintessential man of honour born on July 19, 1961, was 54 yesterday. As it is wont to happen on such auspicious occasion, you may not see many adverts on him, pontificating on unmerited higher spiritual values, just as it was even when he was a governor. He normally would urge those that approached him to use such monies to support worthy causes in the society. That was his style and that remains his style unto this day. In Nigeria of today, if there is one man that merits to be celebrated, that man is Mr. Peter Obi, essentially in terms of the values he has created. Indeed, it can be said of him that institutions he passed through in his ongoing pilgrimage on earth became better because of the afflatus of his touch. Those close to him would have discovered that his consuming passion is how to contribute to the progress of civilisation. Prompted by the same line of reasoning, a thinker was reported to have said in the past that he would rather discover a single demonstration in geometry than win the throne of Persia. The heroes of our times are not billionaires, but those who have made their wisdom to function actively in society. Obi has done exactly the same. We must note that in today’s Nigeria, Mr. Peter Obi has introduced a new gov-

ernance module. While others in positions of authority use sirens to disturb the peace of neighbourhoods, Mr. Obi detested such act. He shunned the use of VIP lounges at our airports, preferring, instead, to queue up like other ordinary travellers. Most importantly, Obi was a lone ranger in advocating what could be called the principle of allocating resources to the end users. Rather than concentrate on monitoring of projects, government at all levels are concerned more with transactions, serving as clearing houses for funds meant for end users. One of the consequences is that when an organization wants to assist an institution, the fund would pass through the government where it is cut into half under strange headings like administrative costs before reaching the end users. But to reduce all these bureaucracies, Obi championed the concept of funds meant for any intervention project going straight to the point of use. Mr. Obi did this so wonderfully in Anambra State and the results are still there for all to see. What the schools, hospitals, towns and other institutions, who were beneficiaries of this innovation, have done with their funds was exemplary. Most times, projects that would take government contractors forever to finish with countless variations were completed in record time. We, therefore, call on government at all levels to understudy Mr. Obi’s principle of ‘Fund for end-users to end-users’. This spells the solution to

IN TODAY’S NIGERIA, MR. PETER OBI HAS INTRODUCED A NEW GOVERNANCE MODULE profligacy in the execution of government projects in particular and governance in general. Besides, changing the psyche of the people of the state and reconditioning them to once again think and act for the interest of the state, we consider his return of schools to their original owners as his most important achievement. Today, everybody commends Obi with their mouths bursting with pride because all he did are clear for even the blind to see. There is no genuine Nigerian that is not full of kind words for him for approaching governance from the point of view of service to the people and the community. It is only those who lived in Anambra during the period of chaos that will understand and appreciate the former state governor. In those days, Anambra carried on as if it was being controlled by Bedlam. Let Bishop Hilary Okeke, who is in a position to judge those days speak: “Indeed, before Mr. Peter Obi became the governor, Anambra State looked like a state abandoned by God. Many people in Anambra State really believed that Anambra State was abandoned. Political turmoil and turbulence generated by godfatherism

halted development in the state. The little money that would come to Anambra State was used to settle the godfathers. An attempt to shake off the tentacles of the godfathers resulted in wanton and reckless destruction of government houses and property. Schools at all levels suffered abysmal neglect; public hospitals suffered the same neglect; life was listless as people in Anambra State were bereft of a sense of direction and responsibility…” Indeed, Obi became governor when Anambra was faced with all manner of problems. His coming into power was equally turbulent. However, in his characteristic doggedness each challenge he conquered brought out his essence to the people. He was the first person to unseat a sitting governor through the courts, he was the first to come back from impeachment and to go for tenure interpretation. Today, Obi is a reference point in playing decent politics, belief in the rule of law and adherence to principles. These are edifying credentials of a true reformist. I expect Obi to suffer because as Machiavelli said, it is difficult to introduce a new order because the person doing so (Obi) will have opposition from those that benefited from the old order and lukewarm defenders in those that are not sure of its success. Indeed at 54, Obi deserves a Homer to tell his story. Obienyem and Ejesieme contributed this piece from Awka, Anambra State.

Still on let’s share a thought on humility S ANDRA A KUOMA

ur focus this week is elucidating on the practical benefits of humility. Out take off point is that it aids establishing genuine relationships. In our today’s world, people won’t feel the urge to foster a relationship without some end goal for self-improvement. Humble people do not think this way; they accept other people for who they are. Their relationships are genuine and healthy; they are normally themselves and only expect the same from those around them. In entering relationship, their emphasis is placed on the greater good of the relationship. Makes you a better leader: If you are in any leadership position as manager, pastor, CEO, chairman and you have the humble leadership skill of not feeling superior to everyone else, or you approach others on the same plane even though you hold a position of authority, you are most likely to listen to other people’s suggestions, and be more open to criticism and feedback. This way you will make better decisions, because you’ll gather more information, and you’ll be able to see things from other people’s perspectives. Because of this, team members will feel that they can approach you with their concerns. If your subordinates or followers see you as narcissistic, that is

A P P R E C I AT I O N

AND

RECOGNITION OF YO U R A B I L I T I E S N O R M A L LY C O M E F RO M O T H E R PEOPLE one with ichronic self-centredness, they will work far less hard towards achieving common goals, because they will not see it as something for the greater good of the establishment. Helps you to be your authentic self: When we have humility we are able to see ourselves for who and what we really are. And this allows us to have both the confidence to make the most of our strengths as well as the prudence to accept our weaknesses, and also learn to manage them the best way we can. Humility affords us the capacity to go beyond the passions of our ego and create a self that is authentic. When one has humility, there is NO need to put on airs or to be in need of validation from others. Offers opportunity to learn and grow: When you are humble you are aware of your weaknesses and are willing to learn and improve on yourself; you are ready to listen to feedback and open to modifying ideas if there is contrary evidence and debate that are persuasive enough. In

other words, you are open-minded. Also as a leader, you might be willing to allow anyone to have any say that goes against your will. In religious humility you might actually believe that others might indeed be wrong theologically, but you will still treat them as respected equal; and you also could be willing to consider the possibility of error of judgement and thus you might learn from or be corrected by the religiously different person. It gives people a chance to know the real you: One example of being humble is not to flaunt your positions or achievements boastfully in public. Mind you, it is not about hiding your identity, but giving people the chance to ‘discover’ you on their own. Why? If you tell who you are in the first place, they would treat you nicely and special, but if you let them know you as a simple person, they would treat you naturally and equally. You will also have a chance to know them. Treating people naturally is the best way to know who the people you should deal with or not, and it is the best way of knowing who is telling the truth and who is lying. In this way, you will know who should give your trust - those who treated you nicely without knowing your positions, rather than those who provide “dog-smiles”. In the end, they will be shy for their wrongdoings, or they would be grateful about

their great personality. Helps earn people’s respect: Living a simple life and being down-toearth not only gives you a good social life, it also helps you earn the respect of other people. When you are humble you avoid giving praise to yourself as much as you can. Appreciation and recognition of your abilities normally come from other people. As the saying goes, respect is earned and not demanded. When people start taking notice of your good qualities without you asking them for it, humility has done its job. Food for thought Humility is greatness because it is rare. It is rare to really see ourselves as we are, while keeping perspective of what we are not; what we have worked for, and what we have been given. Humility is a great virtue, but like any virtue, it doesn’t come easily. Have a wonderful working week. Ms Akuoma wrote from Lagos via sanlifepointers@hotmail.com and can be reached on 0815583876 (SMS ONLY) 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, July 20, 2015

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

SUNDAY OLAJIDE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO BEN MEMULETIWON ACTING DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN SUNDAY EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

Cost of governance and tokenism of salary cuts

or a man that cherishes leadership by example, recent reports that President Muhammadu Buhari is taking ad hoc steps to scale down the cost of governance deserve commendation, not fleeting reprimand that connotes ingratitude when weighed against the background that most Nigerian leaders are reputed as people who talk without speaking, who hear without listening, who write songs only their hatchet men and women sing, and who are, indeed, very insensitive and without any string of conscience. We have read reports credited to the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) that President Buhari’s monthly salary is N3.5 million; which goes with a monthly allowance of N1.7 million. That of the Vice President should be slightly lower, but not too far from that of his boss. But Nigerians are told that the bills would be slashed by 50 percent, Mr. President and his deputy having agreed to the bargain. From the grapevine are also reports that the Presidency’s might reduce the number of aides, including ministers, and perhaps, prune down the number of government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) as recommended by the now embattled former Head of Service, Mr. Stephen Oronsaye-led Presidential Committee on the Rationalisa-

tion and Restructuring of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies. The National Assembly likewise intends to bottle its gluttony and profligacy by slashing its annual budget by 25 per cent. It could be inferred that this development is in obvious deference to Buhari’s body language. It is no welcome news, and the majority of Nigerians are still bitter about it, the report that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, non-returning federal lawmakers, ministers and presidential aides collectively smiled home with N3.24 billion as severance allowances for the largely contentious services they rendered to the nation. RMAFC said Jonathan was entitled to 300 per cent of his annual basic salary of N3, 514,705, which translated to a severance allowance of N10, 544,115; in addition to his other constitutional entitlements as a former head of state. For Sambo, on an annual basic salary of N3, 031,572.50, the bill was N9, 094,717.50. Roughly 76 senators not returning to the 8th National Assembly would earn N462, 019,200 or N6, 079,200 each; while 290 House of Representatives’ members not returning would earn N5, 955,637.50, totalling N1.7bn as severance pay. The nation’s former 42 ministers/ ministers of state would collect a total of N253, 967,212.5 (N6, 079,200

ARBITRARY SALARY CUTS NOT DONE IN LINE WITH DUE PROCESS CAN BE REVISED UPWARDS WITH MILITARY FIAT DEPENDING ON THE MOOD OF A LEADER AND HIS KITCHEN CABINET

each for senior ministers and N5, 872,740 each for ministers of state); and special advisers, senior special assistants and special assistants to the former president N775, 207,125 at the rate of N5, 828,625 each, in a country in financial quagmire. It’s incredible indeed! Little wonder the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) described the terminal benefits as “…a sacrilege and unacceptable in an economy where civil servants who serve the country for 35 years or attain the age of 60 years are not paid any gratuity after service”; and implored the Buhari administration to ensure they returned the money to the nation’s coffers. But while that angst raged, reports credited to RMAFC again rubbed the injury with the salt that Buhari’s in-coming ministers and National Assembly members would share N9 billion annually from the moment they step into office; and at a time when most states

ON THIS DAY July 20, 1980 The United Nations Security Council voted 14-0 that member states should not recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, though not internationally recognized as such. The status of a “united Jerusalem” as Israel’s “eternal capital” has been a matter of immense controversy within the international community. Some countries however maintain consulates in Jerusalem.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

July 20, 1992 Vaclav Havel resigned as the president of Czechoslovakia. Havel (1936 – 2011) was a Czech playwright, essayist, poet, dissident and politician. He was the ninth and last president of Czechoslovakia (1989–1992) and the first president of the Czech Republic (1993–2003). Havel retained his presidency despite increasing political tension between the Czechs and the Slovaks in 1992.

in the country owed arrears of salaries for several months. Therefore, the Buhari Presidency should be encouraged to end the ripoff encouraged by RMAFC. But the mere cutting of salaries or allowances cannot do the job of bringing down the cost of governance in a nation that splashes roughly 80 percent of her annual budgets on recurrent expenditure and leaves the remaining paltry 20 percent, which is hardly backed fully with cash, to capital expenditure that the majority of Nigerians outside government employment benefit from if invested in public infrastructure. If, as reports suggest, RMFAC has come to its senses and now appreciates the need to downwardly adjust the salaries and allowances of all political office holders, Nigerians will prefer it the more than the gratis of self imposed salary cuts that are not legally binding. Like organised labour has rightly argued, arbitrary salary cuts not done in line with due process can be revised upwards with military fiat depending on the mood of a leader and his kitchen cabinet. And since what is sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander, discussing the salary and allowances of political leaders without reflecting on the disappointing N18, 000 Nigerian workers are paid as minimum wage is tantamount to seeking equity with blood-stained hands.

x July 20, 2012 A gunman opened fire at a movie theatre in Aurora, Colorado, United States as it was showing ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, killing 12 people and injuring 70 others. The mass shooting occurred inside of Century movie theatre in Aurora, Colorado, during a midnight screening of the said film. A gunman, dressed in tactical clothing, set off tear gas grenades and shot into the audience with multiple firearms.

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Business Courage

Monday, July 20, 2015

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Textiles, Furniture importation:

Assessing its costs on local The Federal Government ’s decision to lift ban on the importation of textile and furniture materials has continued to elicit reactions from stakeholders, who could not understand the justification for the measure, particularly months after a N100bn bailout fund was announced for the textile sector. In this analysis, Gbenga Odogun examines the implications of the new import policy regime for the economy.

bout two weeks ago, the Federal Government lifted the ban on the importation of textile and furniture materials under the Import Adjustment Tax, IAT, of the new Common External Tariff, CET, involving about 15 countries in the West African sub-region. The CET, which allows for free movement of goods and services within the sub-region, is subject to review every ve years. Conrming the lifting of the ban on textiles and furniture importation in Lagos, the ComptrollerGeneral of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko, said that Nigerians can now import textile materials subject to payment of right duty, adding that the items were removed from the prohibition list in line with the laws guiding the CET regime. He said: “Textile, furniture and others have become dutiable as both commodities have been removed from the Import Prohibition Lists and it is going to be implemented ”. The Customs boss said that importers of these goods were now expected to pay 35 percent duty as agreed by ECOWAS member countries as well as the levy as contained in the Import Adjustment Tax, IAT. Dikko noted that the CET was not new as it embraces about 15 countries which include Nigeria; saying that all Nigeria is just doing is to bring stakeholders to under-

stand what the CET is all about. On the hand the central Bank of Nigeria CBN excluded over 40 items importers from accessing the ofcial foreign exchange window. A move the apex bank said would encourage local production. Some of the items include; cement, margarine, palm kernel, vegetable oil, poultry products, chicken, eggs and turkey, Indian incense, tinned sh in sauce, Geisha, Sardines, cold rolled steel sheets, galvanized steel, roong sheets, wheelbarrows, head pans, metal boxes and containers, and enamelware. Others are steel drum, steel pipes, wire mesh, steel nails, wire rods, security wire, wood particle and board, wood ber boards and panel, plywood board and panel, wooden doors, toothpicks, glass and glassware, kitchen utensils, tableware, tiles and wooden fabrics, plastic and rubber products, and soap and cosmetics, among others. The announcement of the new policy has attracted mixed reactions with some stakeholders claiming that the lifting will spell doom for the textile industry considered to be the largest employer of labor in the country if properly coordinated, others say the policy has a potential to encourage competition between local fabrics and imported textile products. Yet others were of the

Dikko

view that the removal of the products from the prohibition list, and its implementation became necessary, as the need to shore up revenue of government arises following the nancial difculties the country has found itself, due to the persistent fall in oil prices at the international market. However, to the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industries LCCI, the policy is not good; it is a step forward and ten steps backward, it exposes local textile industry to unhealthy competition. In an interview last week

the president LCCI, Alhaji Remi Bello said that the Federal Government shouldn ’t have lifted the ban without providing incentives to cushion the effect since the local manufacturers would be exposed to unhealthy rivalry from the foreign manufactures. According to him, the foreign manufactures are operating under more favourable conditions and so could afford to sell at a cheaper rate which will increase patronage at the expense of local industries. “They have stable elec-

tricity, access to cheap loans and other favourable conditions that made production cheaper whereas our local industries do not have such luxuries, we are made to operate under harsh conditions and so could not match the foreign products in terms of price, said the president. He said that the Federal Government ought to have put all these into consideration and offer some palliative measures to cushion the effect of such exposure to unhealthy rivalry from the foreign industries be-

cause the local industries will denitely suffer severe consequences. Also included on the list of those who faulted the decision was the organised labour in the textile industry Nigeria Union of Textile and Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN. The union in a statement last week said that the lifting of the ban on UDO ONYEKA, CO-ORDINATOR BUSINESS COURAGE udonyeka@gmail.com c

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capacity, macro economy

Bello

importation of Textile fabrics and others was a complete policy somersault from the policy thrust of the federal government which aimed at growing non-oil sector in general and manufacturing in particular. The General Secretary, Comrade Isa Aremu, argued that, “The lifting of the ban on the importation of textile materials, furniture, toothpicks and cassava products by the Federal government succumbing to World Bank pressure while also raising the age limit on importation of vehicles into the country from 10 to 15 years is indeed tragic for a country that is striving to be one of the 20 leading industrialists. The government banned the importation of textile materials and a number of products such as furniture in response to mass pressure from National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, that wholesale importation undermines local manufacturing rms. The current lifting of ban is a complete policy somersault from the policy thrust of the federal government which is aimed at growing nonoil sector in general and

Aremu

manufacturing in particular. Wholesale and indiscriminate import of goods such as toothpicks, textiles, furniture on which Nigeria has comparative advantage has been one of the failure-factors that killed local industries. Previous governments of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and late Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar ’Adua following engagements with critical stakeholders put a legitimate ban on some of these products that Nigeria has comparative ad-

vantage. Even at that the ban was abused due to lack of capacity and genuine commitment of Customs and the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, to monitor import and enforce standards r e s p e c t i v e l y . ” “ N i g e r i a is already a dumping ground for all manner of imported goods, including ammunition packaged as industrial goods. ” Isa Aremu said He said the decision to remove the ban on textile

Adhama

materials remained illegal because it did not follow due process. Aremu regretted that the decision to lift the ban remained counterproductive to government ’s efforts in promoting the growth of local industry, saying the latest decision would sound a death knell for the textile sector. Aremu stated that the decision to relax the ban on the importation of textile into the country could not be in the interest of

the masses, adding that the rst test of Buhari ‘Change Initiave ’, would be to reverse the decision. “Lifting the ban is illegal as it did not follow due process. Before the ban came into force, there were lots of discussions with all the stakeholders. Recall that the ban was put in place so that African prints can have comparative advantage because we have the capacity to produce locally as well as huge market, ” he said. He lamented that the textile sector which had been the leading employer of labor is now operating in the shadow of its old self with over 20 companies shut down To the Chairman, Adhama Textile, Kano, Alhaji Saidu Adhama, it is too early to cry foul, he argued that there was never a time a blanket ban was placed on textile products. Adhama described the lifting of the ban on the importation of textile materials ’ as a deliberate policy aimed at shoring up the revenue base of government in the face of dwindling income from oil. According to him, only ‘African Prints ’ textiles were banned outrightly. It said textile products from other places could not be said to have been

banned since they could be imported if the importer once the importer was ready to pay the duty. Adhama contended that the issue at stake cannot be on lifting of ban, but on the correct payment of duty on such imported materials. He explained that even when the goods were banned, they still found their way into the local market. He said: “There is no justication to continue deceiving Nigerians that they are banned when already the imported textiles have saturated the local market. For instance, in a period of six months, Asians, especially the Chinese, ood the Kano textile market alone with goods worth $4 billion. ” The president of Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Alhaji Remi Bello said there is nothing wrong in wanting to abide by the rule rules of common external Tariff order, but the federal government should have found a way of cushioning the effect on local industries, for instance, they can guarantee loan facilities to the local companies as well as creating other conducive atmosphere for the local industries to thrive to enable them compete favourably with their foreign counterparts. BC

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Monday, July 20, 2015

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News Nigeria ’s crude oil sale to Spain hits £6.5bn in 2014

total of £6.5 billion worth of crude oil was imported by Spain from Nigeria in 2014, the Spanish ambassador to Nigeria, Alfonso Sebastian de Erice revealed. He said despite the smooth economic relations with Nigeria, his country was however looking at avenues to diversify its demand such that oil and gas would cease to be her dominant trade with Nigeria. Sebastian de Erice while speaking during a courtesy call on the House of Representatives ’ Speaker, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, added that Spain would be ready to assist Nigeria revive its non-functional reneries to boost local production. The Envoy said: “Spain is one of the partners of Nigeria, the rst or the second best client. We buy £6.5 billion of oil and gas. We are very happy with the exchanges that we have, we need the oil but we want to diversify because we think it ’s very important that our economic relations do not be only in gas and petrol, we have to diversify. “We want to cooperate with you in agriculture, we have very good agricultural industry, we have comparative advantage in tourism, manufacturing, you have people who are very well prepared, ” he said. Dogara assured the ambassador of Nigeria ’s readiness for the continued development of trading, tourism, mineral resources and other sectors towards providing employment between the two countries.

Sebastian de Erice

Higher rents spur U. S. ination rate in June

he cost of living in the U.S. rose in June for the fth consecutive month, paced by increases in rents that are helping nudge ination toward the Federal Reserve ’s goal. The consumer-price index climbed 0.3 percent after rising

L-R: CEO, Connect Marketing, Mr. Tunji Adeyinka; General Manager Enterprise Marketing, MTN, Mrs. Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka; General Manger, Consumer Marketing, MTN, Mr. Richard Iweanoge, and Manager, Huawei Technologies, Mr. Richard Tary, during a media brieng on forthcoming TECH+MTN, Conference, in Lagos

0.4 percent in May, a Labor Department report showedFriday in Washington. That matched the median forecast of 81 economists surveyed by Bloomberg. Costs over the past 12 months increased for the rst time this year. Rents climbed by the most in almost two years and will probably keep increasing as more Americans turn to living in apartments rather than owning a home. At the same time, modest global growth and a strong dollar is projected to prevent ination from actually meeting the Fed ’s 2 percent target this year and probably next. “Disinationary pressures are ebbing fairly quickly, ” said Ryan Sweet, a senior economist at Moody ’s Analytics Inc. in West Chester, Pennsylvania, who was among those correctly projecting last month rise in CPI. For the Fed, the readings should “build their condence that ination is going to move toward their target over their medium term. ” Prices rose 0.1 percent over the past 12 months, the rst year-to-year gain since December, after being little changed in the year ended in May. Economists ’ projections in the Bloomberg survey ranged from a 0.1 percent drop to a 0.4 percent advance. Excluding food and fuel, the so-called core index climbed 0.2 percent in June after rising 0.1 percent the prior month. The index was up 1.8 percent from June 2014, after climbing 1.7 percent in the year through May. About two-thirds of the increase in the core rate was caused by rising rent. Rents of primary residences climbed 0.4 percent, the most since August 2013. A category designed to track the rental value of owneroccupied homes also rose 0.4 percent, the most since Octo-

ber 2006. Policy makers have said they ’ll need to be reasonably condent that overall ination is heading toward their goal before raising the benchmark interest rate for the rst time since 2006. The central bank ’s preferred price-growth gauge is the Commerce Department ’s personal consumption expenditures measure, which hasn ’t met the Fed ’s 2 percent goal since April 2012. (SourceBloomberg.com)

the second quarter of 2014, and earnings per share came in at $1.45. The Chief Executive Ofcer, Citigroup, Michael Corbat, said the company expanded loans and deposits in its global consumer banking division and gained wallet share in its institutional banking sector. He added that the bank was on track to reach its nancial targets for the year. Societe Generale said the results were above consensus, but just ‘okay ’ in its views, with revenues holding up. However, it said the revenue outlook for the bank remained “uninspiring ” and retained its ‘hold ’ rating and $55 price target on the stock. “Our conservative stance on the stock is driven by large, 55 per cent, non-US revenues in the mix and expectations of a slow emerging markets recovery. “While Q2 earnings held up okay, ICG Asia was a key contributor, boosted by equities trading. As such, it is tough to have much conviction on revenue momentum, ” SocGen said

Corbat

Citigroup shares rise as second-quarter prot soars

Ex-ANAN president calls for cash-backed 2016 budget

itigroup rose 2.5 per cent after posting bumper second-quarter prots on Thursday. The bank, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, said net income climbed to $4.8bn compared with $181m in the same period last year. Its second-quarter results for 2014 had included a $3.5bn charge to settle court actions, Share Cast reported on Thursday. Revenue was a touch higher at $19.5bn from $19.4bn in

former President, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, ANAN, Dr Samuel Nzekwe, on Friday urged the Federal Government to immediately commence work on a `realistic and cashbacked ’ 2016 budget. Nzekwe said this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that important that `a budget be cashbacked. ’ He said the sliding price of oil in the international market was a lesson to most nations

to budget within the limits of their resources. The ex-ANAN president said the dwindling oil receipts implied that governments had to sit down and thoroughly plan their income and expenditure. Nzekwe called on the Federal Government take concrete steps to diversify the nation ’s economy with special attention paid to agriculture and agrobased industries. He said this would enable the country to export processed and nished goods instead of exporting primary products. He called on governments to pay special attention to the development of infrastructure such as power and road, adding that they were strategic to the growth of the economy. He said huge revenue was being lost by government as a result of the deplorable nature of the roads leading to the nation ’s leading sea ports, Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports in Lagos. “It is worrisome that there is no easy ow of trafc to and from the two major ports, namely, Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports, which generate huge revenue for the country. “The implication of this is that the cargo would be there accumulating demurrage and this will in turn cause ination and increase prices of the goods. “This may lead to loss of revenue with diversion of cargo coming to Nigeria, ’ ’ he said. Nzekwe called for declaration of state of emergency on the roads leading to Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports and ensure that tanker and truck drivers were punished for violating road trafc rules. He called on governments to take necessary steps to nancial block leakages such as auditing their payroll. ``Governments have to work very hard to determine the strength of the workforce in the public sector in order to block leakages in terms of payments made to ghost workers, ’ ’ Nzekwe said. He urged the Federal Government to monitor its Foreign Direct Investment, FDI, policy in order not to open the oodgate to all kinds of investors.

Nzekwe

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Agbato

Over dependence on oil threat to national stability, agric dev – Agbato

igeria ’s over-dependence on oil is a threat to national stability and constitutes a hindrance to agriculture development, says Chief Executive Ofcer, Animal Care Services Konsult Dr Olatunde Agbato. Agbato made the assertion during a lecture he delivered at Landmark University ’s 2nd convocation ceremony in OmuAran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara. News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Agbato spoke on the topic: Inclusive Agriculture, a Catalytic Trigger for Non-Oil Dependent Economy ”. Agbato recalled that the country ’ economy was predominantly agrarian and extractive in its formative years before the major oil exploration and exploitation which led to the neglect of agriculture. According to him, the country ’s landscape is the most fertile in the world with more than 14 million farming families capable of growing almost all crops. “Regrettably, with less attention paid to harness these potential, the country currently has over 40 per cent arable land which remains uncultivated. “The over-dependence on oil earnings to nance governance and the development of public infrastructure is clearly an unsustainable approach to national development, ” he said. He said that over-dependence on oil to develop the economy had exposed the nation to the vagaries associated with oil volatility, which often throws its public nance into disarray. “Currently, governments at all levels are in distress, with many states owing salaries for several months because oil prices crashed and exports dwindled since last year. ” Agbato said agriculture, if technologically driven, had the potential to lift the nation out of its present predicament and

Business Courage

Monday, July 20, 2015

enable it to meet its socio-economic aspirations. He suggested the adoption of inclusive growth, to ensure wider access to sustainable socio-economic opportunities for the majority with adequate protection of the vulnerable in the society. “In other words, inclusive growth initiatives avoid creating situations of the ``rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer, ” he said. In his speech, the Vicechancellor, Prof. Joseph Afolayan, reiterated the institution ’s commitment to agrarian revolution drive to solve the nation ’s poverty and food insufciency challenges.

Local meter manufacturers want government intervention fund

he Electricity Meters Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, EMMAN, has appealed to the Federal Government to oat a special intervention fund that would be accessible to its members at two per cent interest rate. Executive secretary of the association, Mr Muyideen Ibrahim, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos on Friday. He said that government should create two special intervention funds in form of soft loan to local electricity meter manufacturers. According to him, this will promote the sale of locally produced meters to the distribution companies at very competitive price. “Government should also prevail on all the distribution companies to patronise locally produced electricity meters in order to create more jobs for Nigerians, ’ ’ he said. Ibrahim advised government to give unwavering support and encouragement to local manufacturers like their Chinese counterparts. He also urged the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, to step up its oversight functions and responsibilities effectively. ``Government should mandate all the local meter manufacturers to roll out at least 200,000 units of meters monthly in compliance with the Local Content Act on Power Sector. ``This will keep the factories running and more Nigerians will be gainfully employed, ’ ’ he said. He said that embargo should be placed on the importation of meters in order to encourage indigenous meter manufacturers. He urged NERC to liberalise the metering arm of the power

sector and to allow consumers and vendors to buy meters directly from indigenous meter manufacturers.

Airtel Nigeria reiterates commitment to develop education

major mobile telephone provider, Airtel, has reiterated its commitment to the development of education in the country, particularly in rural areas. The Managing Director, Mr Segun Ogunsanya, made the reafrmation on Friday during the handing over of some blocks of classrooms which the company renovated to Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board, KWASUBEB, in Offa. Ogunsanya said the company was prepared to collaborate with the federal and state governments to ensure the realisation of desired education development goals. Ogundanya said the renovated school at Iyeru-Okin Primary School in Offa was carried out as part of the company ’s corporate social responsibility under its `Adopta-School programme. He said it was sad that many schools in rural areas never felt the impact of government initiatives aimed at transforming the education sector. “We are very pleased to partner government and indeed the people of Nigeria to participate in the area of primary education for the undeserved rural poor. “Nigeria has taken various initiatives in this direction but has often not reached the poorest section of the society. “In recognition of the role education plays in the development of a country, Airtel Nigeria has decided, as part of our corporate social responsibility vision, to adopt schools in rural/semi urban communities, ” he said. The Permanent Secretary, KWASUBEB, Dr Musa Dasuki, said the gesture was in line with the board ’s policy of whole-school development, aimed at providing sound

Ogunsanya

teaching and learning in schools. Dasuki, who was represented by the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics of the board, Hajia Raodat Yusuf, urged other organisations and individuals to emulate the gesture. The state Governor, Mr Abdulfatah Ahmed, in a message delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Alhaji Lamidi Alabi, thanked the organisation for its foresight. News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the renovated three blocks of eight classrooms, with three ofces was complemented with the construction of a borehole with overhead tank.

Thomas

Insurers partner Lagos, Abuja, others to tackle fake insurance

nsurers, under the auspices of the Nigeria Insurers Association, NIA, said it is making moves to partner Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT and some states to eradicate fake third party motor insurance certicates on Nigerian roads, through its Nigerian Insurance Industry Database, NIID. The Director General, NIA, Mr. Sunday Thomas, who disclosed this in Ilorin, Kwara State, said the association have had meetings with the Vehicle Inspection Ofcers,VIOs, in the aforementioned states, hoping that positive response will come out of the continued deliberation in a couple of weeks, after the new government must have settled down. According to him, “We are partnering relevant agencies the VIOS, we are engaging them seriously. Presently, we are in Abuja, but we still have issues to clear with the Abuja VIO ofces and we are also visiting the states. I want to believe that by the time we have another few months from now, we should have some tremendous increase in the number of cases that have been turned from fake to original. ” He said the NIID is currently running in Ogun State

A5 21

as the association has distributed some gadgets to the VIOs in the state to detect vehicles parading fake insurance certicates, hoping that Lagos State and Abuja will follow soon. Stating that NIID was established to detect fake insurance certicates and increase the adoption of genuine insurance papers, he said, since inception, the database has registered about 3 million vehicles with genuine cover, although, he said, this is a quantum, when considering the fact that about 15 million vehicles plies Nigerian roads. The remaining 12 million vehicles, he said, are either parading fake insurance papers or not insured at all. “I must tell you in terms of numbers, so much have been brought in. Over 3 million vehicles are currently covered, but that is still a far cry from what we have in the market, but if you compare that with what we have before now, when we are insuring less than a million vehicles, you will know that a lot of development have taken place, ” he noted. Saying that he did not expect the insurance fraudsters to just quit their shady business because of NIID, he disclosed that he association will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to bring this offenders to justice. To him, “When somebody is beneting from a bad habit, it is always very difcult to disengage them from it. There are some people who have build structures from this fake insurance we are talking about. They are not going to, by the reason of your introduction of NIID, think the game is over. “They will still put some pressure and some level of resistance and we are not under any illusion that this thing is just going to go away just like that. We are just going to sustain our pressure on this market to see the essence to which we can reduce eventually, and later eliminate them. ” On low insurance awareness, he said operators are constrained by the lean resources they have at their disposal to pursue this, noting that operators are now embracing wholesale adverts to increase awareness. “The way we analyse cost in our different institutions vary. But one thing I must tell you that industry is now trying to converge its activities by allowing NIA to do some of the activities in what we call the wholesale adverts. Currently, we are working out modalities. And also, I must let you know that it is not only about this market, we are equally having discussions with some of our development partners. They are even ready to partner with us in educating the public, ” he pointed out. BC

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Companies & Markets

Ecobank launches MoneyGram Outbound Money Transfer Service Udo Onyeka

cobank Nigeria has commenced MoneyGram Outbound Money Transfer Service. The newly launched ‘MoneyGram Naija Sends ’ service allows Nigerians to send money abroad through any of about 500 branches of Ecobank Nigeria, while the funds are received in the specied currency in the receiving country. A customer, who wishes to use the service, would pay the naira equivalent (plus applicable charges) to Ecobank as an agent of MoneyGram for the foreign currency that would be paid to the specied beneciary in the destination country. The initiative is in line with the recent introduction of the revised guide-

lines for International Money Transfer Services by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, which allows provision of Outbound Money Transfer services in Nigeria. The bank ’s Executive Director, Kingsley Umadia , expressed his excitement about the partnership with MoneyGram, saying, it represents a signicant milestone as customers can now send funds to family and friends around the globe in naira which can then be picked up in the currency of the receiving country where available. According to him, the customer-centric initiative is another way of delivery of excellent service to our customers. As a bank, we will continue to deliver and raise the bar of customers ’ satisfaction, ” adding that,

Umadia

it would also boost trade across the continent. Executive Vice President, Business Development and Global Product, MoneyGram,

Alex Hoffman said: “At MoneyGram, we believe in movement, we believe in progress. We believe in never being satised with the status quo, we believe in pushing the boundaries to give more to our customers the ability to send out of Nigeria, what we in Nigeria call Naija Sends. This represents our commitment to Movement. ” He explained that customers of Ecobank can now walk into any of the bank ’s branches and send money to the world on MoneyGram. “I will like to express my condence that Ecobank shall deploy its characteristic excellence in marketing, operations and compliance to this product, and I am sure by December- Ecobank will be the number one MoneyGram send agent in Nigeria, “he said. BC

Air Cote d ’Ivoire consolidates operation to Nigeria

ir Cote d ’Ivoire, which started operation to Lagos in January, has said it is consolidating on the route, which has become the most promising and recently in Lagos decided to fete its business partners in Nigeria, including travel agents in appreciation of their support and also pledged to continue to provide the best service to the Nigerian passengers. The airline said its objective was to service Africa but now it was concentrating its operations in West and Central Africa with Abidjan and Lagos as major destinations. Country Manager for Air Cote d ’Ivoire, Moustapha Fofana, said there is a niche market between Nigeria and Cote d-Ivoire as there is increased business in the two countries which makes it necessary to have direct, regular ight between Lagos and Abidjan.

He said such growing market was created by private business owners, diplomats and corporate establishment representatives who need to shuttle between the major cities of Lagos and Abidjan, so there was need for an airline to step in to ll the gap of a direct ight emanating from Abidjan to Lagos. “This country (Nigeria) offers a huge business market with a growing movement of individual businesses and telecoms, banks, manufacturers, oil and gas multinationals from Nigeria to Cote d ’Ivoire, ” said Fofana. Fofana said since the commencement of operations early 2015 patronage has kept going higher and higher. “The Nigerian market is the best thing that has happened to us. We are ying into Lagos and the patronage has been so encouraging and we hope as the

market improves one day in the future we may y into Abuja, ” he said. According to him, the airline was established as a ag carrier of the government of Cote d ’Ivoire in 2012 with institutional investors, including Air France, which also the airline ’s technical partner. According to Fofana, the oldest aircraft in the eet of the airline was ve years and the target was to develop an airline that would be the rst choice of travellers between the West African and Central African subregions. “We want to connect Central and West Africa by easing air trafc movements, ” said Fofana. “We don ’t seek to enter Europe, America or Asia, at least not for now. ” He said in the last three years, the airline has been able to launch direct ights from

Abidjan into 19 capital cities in Central and West Africa. “The business of the airline is to connect West Africa and Central African and subsequently Africa, ” he said. Fofana also noted that the Nigerian market is very important for Air Cote D ’Ivoire in the light of its performance since operations began into Lagos. “The company commenced operations three years ago and we believe this is the right time to be in the Nigerian market. Our connections allow corporate organisations and business travellers to connect major cities in West and Central Africa in the shortest possible time with four weekly ights out of Lagos to Abidjan on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and three times weekly to Kinshasa on Monday, Thursday and Saturday using an A319 except on Wednesdays, ” he said BC

Flour Mills to raise N40bn via rights issue

lour Mills of Nigeria Plc has said it would raise N40bn through a rights issue to existing shareholders. According to a statement the plan, has been endorsed by the company ’s shareholders. The Chairman, Flour Mills, Mr. John Coumantaros, who spoke at the company ’s extraordinary general meeting in Lagos, said the fund would help the company to reduce its debt burden, lower its interest charges and augment its working capital. He said with the proceeds of the rights issue would be strongly positioned the company to pursue high growth business opportunities without

straining its liquidity. Coumantaros said, “The foreign exchange market is getting

Coumantaros

tough and we have to nd ways to manufacture locally. We are undertaking a very big investment programme. ” The shareholders also approved the resolution authorising the directors to increase the company ’s authorised share capital from its current N2bn to N2.5bn, the statement said. “You will recall that during the last ve years, Flour Mills had embarked on a major expansion programme in our core food, agro allied, logistics and support businesses. We also undertook strategic acquisitions and mergers. These were aimed at strengthening, consolidating, re-focusing and supporting our core food business, ” the chair-

man said. He listed some of the investments that had been undertaken by Flour Mills to include the inauguration of a new sugar renery at Apapa; the development of a 10,000-hectare sugar estate and mill in Sunti, Niger State; an ultra-modern pasta factory at Agbara, Ogun State, among others. “Most of these projects are now operational and making steady and impressive progress. Your directors are therefore optimistic that the project will deliver good returns, positive cash ow and continue to make appreciable contributions to Flour Mills top line and bottom-line growth in the coming years. BC

FirstBank sponsors 3rd Digital Africa Conference, Exhibition

irst Bank of Nigeria Limited has partnered with Digital Africa Global Consult Limited to host the 3rd Digital Africa Conference and Exhibition. The event themed “Expanding Africa ’s Capacity for Digital Technology ” will hold at the International Conference Center, Abuja, between July 21st and July 23rd, 2015. The Digital Africa Conference and Exhibition 2015 (DA 2015) which is the third in a series is a gathering of renowned ICT experts to discuss the development of Africa ’s ICT sector and proffer solutions to the challenges limiting the continent ’s advancement to the point of digital singularity with the rest of the globe. The deliberations at DA 2015 will also address a broad range of topics aimed at broadening Africa ’s IT capability. In its 3rd edition, Digital Africa reaches out to global markets, connects the industry and enables the digital technology innovations to grow and thrive. The conference also attracts senior-level executives, key decisionmakers who are all looking to develop new business partnerships to do business and exchange ideas. According to the Group Executive, Technology & Services, FirstBank, Mr. Abdullahi Ibrahim, FirstBank is committed to driving innovations in technology which have enhanced its products and services. “It is our hope that the 3rd Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition 2015 will throw up new ways of thinking and innovation in banking that will help nancial institutions in the country to capture the market, ” he added. BC

Ibrahim

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Monday, July 20, 2015

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Companies & Markets

Mantrac supports SMEs with low-cost generators Udo Onyeka

antrac Nigeria, the authorised Caterpillar dealer in Nigeria, has commenced a power campaign to assist the Small and Medium Enterprises to remain in business. The rm said the initiative was offering its customers, especially the SMEs an opportunity for easy and convenient acquisition of CAT generators through the Caterpillar nance scheme. According to a statement from the company, the offer comes with free rst service, delivery within Lagos, 20 per cent down payment and bal-

ance spread over a period of 24 months. The product, coming with a discount, was being offered for as low as N78,000 per month, it stated. The Managing Director, Mantrac, Mr. Edmund MartinLawson, said that Nigeria was one of the fastest growing markets in the world but noted that it was important for every business to have a power supply backup. He said, “The need for constant power supply for large, small and medium scale businesses as well as home consumption is on the increase. “The result is that there is a growing competition from play-

ISON plans new call centres to reposition customer service

he Group Chief Executive Ofcer of ISON Group, Mr Pravin Kumar, on Friday said the rm would establish three more Information Technology, IT, call centres to reposition customer service experience in the country. Kumar said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos that the company had an IT call centre already established in Ibadan. The statement said the planned additional three centres to be established this year would make it four in Nigeria. According to the statement, ISON has excellent call centre facilities around the world, including one in Ibadan and plans to recreate the same standards everywhere in Nigeria. “The company is committed to setting up four state-of-theart facilities in Ibadan, Abeokuta, Ilorin and Kano. “We plan to employ about 4,000 workers in these call centers with an additional investment of 20 million dollars this year, ’ ’ it said. The statement said that since ISON was established in Nigeria, it had employed 1,300 people of which 99 per cent were Nigerians. According to the statement, Nigeria has a huge potential for growth and development, especially with the availability of strong, vibrant and talented workforce. “One of our visions for Nigeria is to up skill and develop local human talent thus enabling the country to become an offshore call centre hub, which will add signicant value to our customers, internally and externally. “It should not be difcult to create 25,000 jobs in one to two years in this space and generate export revenue of around 400 million dollars in same. It can then grow from there, ’ ’ it added.

Kumar

It said that ISON BPO which provided call centre outsourcing services had over 7,000 employees across 12 countries out of which 4,500 employees were in 10 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The statement said that in 2015, the company planned to add nine more centres with an additional 5,000 employees in this region. It said that ISON BPO was known for its ability to deliver cost-effective outsourcing solutions to its clients globally, thus enabling its clients to focus on growing and developing their key business mandates. The statement said the founder of ISON, Mr Ramesh Awtaney, had noted that ISON was unlike most BPO and Technology service companies that took work and jobs to Internet Protocol, IP. It said that ISON had pioneered reversing the trend by taking the IP to work without compromising on world-class quality. “As part of our core strategy, we have invested in developing local systems and empowering local talent to foster a better future for the African continent. “We do not outsource local work outside of Africa, ’ ’ it quoted Awtaney as saying said. BC

ers in the industry; the competition is stiff across all segments of the market from the little power generating sets popularly referred to in the local parlance as ‘I better-pass-my-neighbour ’ to the very industrial sets suitable for the IPPs. “To this end, Mantrac is offering the opportunity for easy and convenient acquisition of CAT generators through the Caterpillar nancial scheme. CATFIN, ofcially launched in 2013 in Nigeria, in collaboration with Stanbic IBTC, is a nancing solution that assists customers to acquire Caterpillar products. ” The General Manager, Power Systems, Ibrahim El Bassiouny,

said Mantrac Nigeria is looking to assist businesses in general to keep their services running so that they in turn can satisfy their customers. He said, “We are reaching out to restaurants, hotel owners, schools/education institutions, even places of worship as they also need electricity supply. “The offer is in collaboration with Stanbic IBTC Bank so that customers can stretch payment systems in a way that would be convenient for them, nancially, to own a generator. The integrated purchasing solutions are backed by the CAT nancial, which is tailored to meet various needs, with low interest rates. ” BC

Martin-Lawson

Life Beer gives grant to 12 entrepreneurs

ife Continental Beer, a brand under the Nigeria Breweries, has given additional N3m cash grant to 12 young entrepreneurs in the South-East to boost their business ideas. According the statement, Life Beer had earlier given out N3m to 12 young entrepreneurs in its ongoing ‘Life Continental Beer Progress Booster Radio Project ’ about a month ago. Head of Brewery, Mr. Abiodun Ajayi, said the brand had set aside N14.5m grant to support 50 young entrepreneurs in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states. Handling over the cheque

of N250,000 to each of the 12 winners in Enugu, Ajayi urged the winners to ensure that their investment was yielding enough returns to make them employers of labour. He said, “With this, Life has supported 24 talents since the commencement of the programme in May and 26 more to go. These young entrepreneurs whose business ideas have been adjudged worthy of Life Progress Booster prizes will each receive N250, 000 grant to bring their business ideas to life. “As you receive these cash grants today, we expect you to succeed in the business line you have chosen. Make

judicious investment of the money given you and ensure that your investment is yielding returns and your business capable of making you an employer of labour as you trudge on in your business journey. If you succeed in taking your business idea to the next desirable level, you stand a chance of going further to win more money (additional N250,000 to be won each by eight winners). The panel of experts that assessed and judged your business proposals will be monitoring your progress and they will be there to mentor and provide valuable advice when necessary BC

Osun partners Mutual Benets, Lasaco, others on motor insurance

sun State Government said it is partnering Mutual Benets Assurance Plc, Lasaco Assurance Plc, among other insurance companies and brokers on third party motor insurance certicates in the state. To this end, it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding ,MoU, with the affected insurance companies and brokers in a bid to assist in insurance registration and renewal for vehicles in the state. The concerned insurance rms are; Lasaco Assurance; Law Union and Rock Insurance Plc; Leadway Assurance Company; Zenith General Insurance; NEM Insurance Plc; Mutual Benets Assurance; Niger Insurance; Staco Insurance; Cornerstone Insurance and Great Nigeria Insurance Plc. The affected brokers are; LAAM Insurance Brokers Limited; Royal Chamber Insurance Brokers; Kind Insurance Brokers; Subtle Insurance Brokers

Limited; Patmodit Insurance Brokers Limited; Mofes Insurance Brokers limited and First Adequate Benet Brokers Limited. The state government said it partnered these rms to ensure that vehicle owners comply with relevant laws in respect of the insurance of their vehicles and curb rampant fake insurance certicates. The agreement, according to Osun State government, was also to ensure that vehicle owners have condence in dealing with insurance companies and to forster unique pattern of the operation of the insurance companies and brokers across the state. Speaking at the signing of agreement between the state government and the insurers in the state, the Acting Chairman of Osun State Internal Revenue Board, Mr. Dayo Oyebanji, said with the agreement, e-insurance would ensure that vehicles owners do not patronize touts and non-existing insurance companies and brokers. It will also assist in detecting easily

stolen vehicles through insurance security code and widening the tentacle of revenue automation of the state, he stressed. The agreement, Oyebanji said, would create an ascertainable legal basis for the conduct of relationships between the parties that is, the underwriters and the insured persons in the course of the establishment and the operation of e-insurance. According to him, “The essence of the Third Party Insurance for Vehicle Registration and Renewal is to make vehicle owners to be condent in dealing with insurance companies and brokers in the state and conrm the validity of their third party insurance certicates through electronic means. ” He added that this would also enable the various insurance companies and brokers to come together to have a unique pattern of operation that people of Osun would repose their condence in and at the same time avail the people of Osun the opportunity to insure their vehicle assets. BC

A8 24

Business Courage

Monday, July 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Global News

Marchionne

Fiat Chrysler exploring $3.3bn sale of auto parts unit Magneti Marelli

iat Chrysler Automobiles, FCA, FCHA.MI, is considering whether to sell its auto parts maker Magneti Marelli after receiving interest from potential buyers, according to sources familiar with the matter. At least two U.S. private equity funds are looking to team up with industry players and submit joint bids for Magneti Marelli, which supplies all major carmakers in Europe, the Americas and Asia, three sources told Reuters. A recent offer, by a group including a U.S. buyout fund and valuing the business at less than 2.5 billion euros ($2.7 billion), was rebuffed in June as FCA would not agree to sell for less than 3 billion euros, one of the sources said. Gualberto Ranieri, a U.S.based spokesman for FCA, said Magneti Marelli is not for sale. Debt-laden FCA could sell the unit either in parts or in entirety, the sources said, adding that no nal decision on a disposal had been taken. Magneti Marelli has often been touted as a takeover target. While FCA has always denied any interest in selling, the sources said the ItalianAmerican carmaker had recently told interested parties it may reconsider its plans. The world ’s seventh-largest carmaker currently has its hands full with a planned otation of sports car maker Ferrari, slated for after midOctober, and any decision on Magneti Marelli would be taken after that, the sources said. Yet U.S. buyout funds have been working on the dossier for months, the sources said. “Letters are piling up on Fiat ’s table, ” one of the sources said. “We expect Chief Executive ,Sergio Marchionne to react to these approaches sooner rather than later. ” A sale of the unit, which employs more than 38,000 and is present in 19 countries, could help FCA pay off some debt and fund a 48 billion euro

investment plan. The plan could gain traction as Marchionne ’s plea to merge with rival carmaker General Motors (GM.N) is so far falling on deaf ears. Magneti Marelli had revenue of 6.5 billion euros last year and an operating prot, including unusual items, of 204 million. It makes components for lighting, engines, electronics, suspension and exhausts, among other items. The bidders would aim to gain full control of Magneti Marelli and later split it up based on their own expertise, the sources said. “Everyone will take a fair share of it, ” said one. A number of large buyout funds, mainly U.S.-based, are particularly interested in Magneti Marelli ’s lighting unit, which could be carved out and turned into a standalone rm, the source said. This unit is worth around 2 billion euros and could appeal to global players such as Valeo (VLOF.PA), Hella (HLE.DE), Koido and Stanley (6923.T), a sector banker said. Asian players could also make a move, another source said, pointing to China ’s Wanxiang Group (000559.SZ) as a possible bidder.

Interest rate rise on agenda at turn of year –BoE GOV.

t has been more than six years coming, but the Bank of England ’s governor has today almost put a date on the rst change in the interest rate it controls - a rise of perhaps 0.25% - since March 2009. In the unlikely setting of Lincoln Cathedral, Mark Carney has indicated that, barring some dramatic change in the health of the British economy, an interest rate rise will be on the agenda at the end of the year, when recent falls in oil and commodity prices will have washed out of the headline ination rate. If rates were to rise early in the new year, from the current all-time record low of 0.5%, that would be three or

four months after the expected equivalent move by the US Federal Reserve. Now for those of you with big debts looking for reassurance that you are not going to be nancially crippled by the increase, he has said two other things of note about the socalled Bank Rate. First typical interest rate changes, increments, will be typically much smaller than the half of a percentage point that they used to be before the Crash of 2008 - so probably one quarter of a percentage point. Also he has signalled that the new normal rate of interest over the medium term after a succession of rises over two or three years will be perhaps half the 4.5 per cent over rate of the past 300 years. So nearer 2%. The reason why interest rates, if all goes to plan at the Bank of England, would be much lower than in the past is that household indebtedness is still signicantly above where it was before the madness of the boom borrowing years. So every little interest rate rise is much more expensive for many households than in the past. And also households and businesses have become much more risk averse than prior to the banking meltdown of seven years ago. Which means that smaller interest rate rises should be more effective in slowing down economic activity and curbing ination than hitherto. All of which may reassure borrowers but will be toxic to savers. What is particularly striking about the timing of the Governor ’s remarks is it comes the day after unemployment data which saw the rst rise in unemployment for more than two years and earnings data which saw pay adjusted for ination rising at its fastest rate since before the demise of Northern Rock in 2007. That suggests the Bank ’s interpretation of those statistics is that unemployment falls are now being held back by skills shortages. And those skills shortages are also responsible for rising wage ination.

likely to strengthen the case for an increase in US interest rates. However, the year-on-year rate is still only 0.1 per cent , although excluding food and fuel so-called core ination was 1.8 per cent . Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen said this week that a rate rise this year was likely if the economy continued to grow. Prices at the pump rose 3.4 per cent in June on top of a 10.4 per cent increase in May. Egg prices surged 18.3%, the biggest gain since August 1973. Other US data on Friday also pointed to a strengthening of the US economy. The Commerce Department said house building jumped by 9.8 per cent in June, while the number of building permits issued rose 7.4 per cent to a near eight-year high. The Fed has kept its shortterm interest rate near zero for more than six years, but many economists believe rising prices will trigger a rate rise later this year. Ms Yellen has said she wants to see more improvements in the economy, particularly the jobs market, but expects rates to rise modestly by the end of the year. Employers have been adding a healthy 208,000 jobs a month so far this year, and the unemployment rate has fallen to a seven-year low of 5.3 per cent. The dollar rose to a session high against a basket of currencies on the data.

Google pushes Nasdaq to record; Dow, S&P US consumer prices up slip on oil he Nasdaq composite as fuel and food costs pushed further into record T rise territory on Friday on strong

Carney

Yellen

S consumer prices rose for a fth straight month in June, pushed higher by a rise in the cost of fuel and food. Prices rose 0.3 per cent last month after increasing by 0.4 per cent in May, according to the Labor Department ’s Consumer Price Index. Continuing price rises are

results from Google ,GOOGL.O, while the Dow and the S&P 500 fell, dragged down by Boeing ,BA.N and energy stocks. Google surged over 16.8 percent to a record high of $703, a day after reporting strong ad revenue growth. Facebook ,FB.O, rose nearly 5 percent to a record high of $95.39 on hopes that it could

mirror Google ’s ad growth. Etsy ,ETSY.O, spiked nearly 40 percent thanks to a nod from Google during its conference call. Crude oil prices slipped in choppy trading due to a strong dollar and fears of increased exports, pushing the S&P 500 energy index .SPNY down 1.5 percent to its lowest level since January 2013. Exxon ,XOM.N, down 0.3 percent, and Chevron ,CVX.N, down 1.2 percent, were the biggest drag on the sector. “While earnings have beaten low expectations, the market is looking for forward guidance, ” said David O ’Malley, chief executive of Penn Mutual Asset Management. O ’Malley said the markets need to see better earnings for it to move higher and break out of the sideways action that has characterized much of the year. At 13:03 p.m. ET the Nasdaq composite .IXIC was up 26.79 points, or 0.52 percent, at 5,189.97. The index touched a record intraday high of 5,198.73. The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI was down 62.33 points, or 0.34 percent, at 18,057.92 and the S&P 500 .SPX was down 1.84 points, or 0.09 percent, at 2,122.45. Boeing ,BA.N, fell 1.2 percent to $146.52, and was the biggest drag on the Dow, after the company said it will take a second-quarter charge related to problems with its KC-46 aerial refueling tanker aircraft program. General Electric ,GE.N, shares rose 0.9 percent to $27.27, the biggest among the six gainers on the Dow 30, after raising its 2015 outlook for its industrial manufacturing businesses. The technology index .SPLRCT was the only gainer among the 10 major S&P 500 indexes. It was 1.3 percent, boosted by Google. The three major indexes were poised to end the week higher following strong earnings reports from most of the blue-chip companies such as Netix ,NFLX.O, and ebay ,EBAY.O. The dollar was on track for its biggest weekly gain in two months on the likelihood of a Federal Reserve rate hike this year. However, a strong dollar reduces the vale of U.S. companies ’ overseas income. Despite early, upbeat results this week, U.S. companies are expected to post their worst sales decline in nearly six years in the second quarter, in part due to the strong dollar. Prot is expected to have fallen 2.9 percent, according to Thomson Reuters estimates. Declining issues outnumbered advancers on the NYSE by 2,179 to 815. On the Nasdaq, 1,789 issues fell and 912 advanced. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, July 20, 2015

A9 25

Brand Watch

Firm introduces new App to boost e-transactions Stories by David Audu

n an effort to redene online shopping and encourage consumers embrace online transaction in Nigeria, Slot Systems has introduced Slot. ng and Slot App. Speaking on the new initiative, Managing Director, Slots, Nnamdi Ezeigbo, said it will make online shopping experience easier and more convenient for customers. “As we are all aware, we now live in an era where business transactions are carried out electronically. In essence, you don ’t need to be physically present before you can engage

in the business of buying and selling. As a company we are fully aware of this new reality, hence the creation of Slot.ng and the Slot App ”. “With Slot.ng, you can buy all your quality phones and accessories online using the Slot App; it ’s like having the 50 Slot shops nationwide at your ngertips. With this new service from Slot, we want to ensure that our valued customers get a whole new shopping experience and also get value for money, ” Ezeigbo stated. He said that to get started all one needs is to download the Slot App free from Google store, click and it takes you to the on-

line store where one can buy his or her phones, accessories, Laptops and i-pads, from the comfort of their home or ofce and have it delivered to them within 24hrs of Payment. “It ’s stress free and it ’s convenient, ” added Ezeigbo. “As an indigenous company, Slot doesn ’t sell phones, the company also provide standard after sales support that meets global standard within the West African sub region. The company has consistently been in the front row to announce new phones, functions, features, and upgrades. Ezeigbo explained further that Slot recently launched a

service tagged ‘Slot Trade-In ’ in partnership with Matrix Certied Pre-Owned Nigeria Limited, a leading name in pre-owned devices. “The essence of this service is to enable customers ’ trade-in their old phones for brand new ones. With the ‘Slot Trade-In ’ the value of a phone can be used in exchange for another, thereby making the value of customers money work more for them ”. According to the company consumers can benet from this service, by walking into any SLOT store, hand in their old phone, pay the price difference and walk out with a brand new phone. BC

Ezeigbo

NBC completes training for Teachers, rewards participants

L-R: Chief Executive Ofcer, SwiftThink Limited, Ayoola Jolayemi; Chief Executive Ofcer, Inspiro Consulting, Tewe Olujimi; Veteran CNN Correspondent, Gina London and Chief Executive Ofcer, Olujazz Entertainment, Alabi Oluwole, at the 2015 Edge Series Student Summit in Lagos

Businesses urged to embrace technology revolution

TN Nigeria has partnered with Connect Marketing Services, CMS, to host a technology fair, Tech+ 2015 aimed at enhancing business productivity among SMEs. General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Richard Iweanoge, said the event will not only showcase the latest technology but will equally be an avenue for participating individuals, businesses and top brands across Nigeria to understand the potentials of the emerging digital technologies. Particularly, businesses will have the opportunity of interacting with business solutions that will drive their businesses whilst providing value for their customers. He said Tech+ 2015 is a technology conference and exhibition that will feature live high-tech demonstrations of the latest digital products and ser-

vices along with hands-on practical workshops facilitated by renowned IT experts with the theme “Leadership in Digital Technology ”. “Technology is shaping the world of business. Enterprise teams now collaborate face-toface without the need to travel. With all their business information in the Cloud, SMEs can transact business from anywhere in the world with ease. As a leading telecommunication company, with great drive for enhancing and empowering business enterprises in Nigeria and across Africa, we are proud to be associated with these developments, ” added Iweanoge. Further justifying the importance of the conference to brands and businesses across Nigeria, Iweanoge said “Tech+ is providing a platform and an ecosystem that promotes cutting edge technologies through

education, practice, and innovation in the African Market. The global impact of technology across all areas of human endeavour has made it more imperative that people stay in touch with the world around them to be able to identify with technological advancements that could reshape their world ” Iweanoge said. Meanwhile, Chief Executive Ofcer, Connect Marketing Service, informed that speakers at the event will include: Mr. Jim Mckelvey, Cofounder and Director, Square; Nicolas Martin, CEO, Jumia Africa; Wael Fakharany, Regional Business Lead Google X, West Africa; and Mr. Abiola Olaniyan, Chief Executive Ofcer, Gamsole. Guests expected at the rst-of-its-kind-event include: SMEs, IT experts, Manufacturers, Entrepreneurs, and consumers. BC

igerian Bottling Company, NBC has completed its ‘Teacher4Change ’ Project. The project which lasted for a year was concluded with a certicate presentation in the respective schools to teachers that attended the training programme. Speaking at one of the presentation ceremonies at Apapa, Lagos, the company ’s Public Affairs Manager, Ifeoma Okoye, said, the knowledge gathered from the training exercises should be put to good use. She advised teachers to learn to share knowledge and other best practices with their colleagues, adding that the capacity building amongst teachers is a way of enriching the community in the area of education. Sharing her experience from the training exercise, a teacher in St. Theresa Primary School, Apapa, Mrs. Antonia Akude, stated that the training gives her with the best teaching approach to imparting knowledge while taking into consideration the uniqueness of every child in a classroom.

Also speaking at the event, Head Teacher of St. Theresa Primary School, Apapa Mrs. Margret Imokhodu, thanked NBC for training teachers and focusing on teacher development. Mrs. Udeafor, one of the teachers from Adeniyi Jones Primary School, Ikeja, Lagos, who spoke at the presentation ceremony expressed her initial intention to quit the teaching profession, but for her nomination to attend the NBC Limited sponsored Teacher4Change project. She added that the training gave her a new spirit, new discovery and new motivation like never before towards teaching, and that she felt elated to be a teacher, imparting knowledge to the younger generation. The one-year training programme was designed in line with the current school curriculum of the state with tailor made learning experience that can be put to immediate use by the participants. The teachers were also awarded with gifts and electronic gadgets to assist them in their learning research and best global practices BC

AAAN ’s 42nd AGM to hold in Osogbo

he Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria ’s, AAAN ’s, 42nd Annual General Meeting and Congress is scheduled to hold from 23rd25th July, in Osogbo, Osun State. President of the association, Mr. Kelechi Nwosu, said that the theme, “Nigeria Advertising, What Next ”, was to further provide a professional platform for a truly intellectual and practical discourse on the need for the tripod of the Advertising practice to further understand the emerging

business issues and its effect on business relationship. Newly inducted members of the Association, Interactive Media Limited, 7even Interactive Limited and Agile Communications Limited will also be given certicate of membership during the Gala Nite. Traditionally, executive board members of the association are usually elected during the congress hence there will be an election during the 42nd AGM/Congress to elect new ofcers of the Association. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, July 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Review

Queues resurface at lling stations, despite govt, NNPC, others ’ assurance Gbenga Odogun

otwithstanding the assurances the immediate past government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and marketers that the crisis that had bedevilled the downstream sub sector occasioned by lingering fuel scarcity will be frontally addressed through the payment of outstanding subsidy arrears, long queues have again resurfaced at lling stations nationwide. The latest ugly development may not be unconnected with the inability of marketers to replenish their stocks due to the refusal of banks to renew their loan agreements just as the furore over nonpayment of the subsidy arrears remains, albeit subtly even as another subsidy regime has just been conrmed by the Presidency. Investigations indicated that some major oil marketers had run out of stock at their various depots, thereby causing many lling stations not to dispense petrol to motorists at the weekend, A few stations that were opened were selling at above the ofcial price of N87 per litre. The oil marketers, who attributed the present scarcity to the inability of the Federal Government to meet its subsidy obligation of over N350 billion, also expressed their doubts about the capacity of the NNPC to sustain importation to bridge the current supply gap. The Executive Secretary of MOMAN, Olufemi Olawore, said that the Corporation would not be able to bridge the current supply gap as the private importers controls over 60 per cent of the PMS market. He explained: “NNPC lacks the capacity to bridge the present supply gap in the country because we control over 60 per cent of the fuel retail market while NNPC only controls 40 per cent. If NNPC claimed that it can meet the PMS needs of consume Olawore said that consumers should be ready for hard times. “Right now, it is getting to a halt because we are bleeding; our suppliers are on us to pay for products supplied. “As at April 22, what we have in our depots at Apapa will only last for three and half

Olawore

days, which shows that our members are nding it hard to bring in products. Our banks here are not even helping the situation because it has not been easy to access loan from them, ” he said. In spite of the supply hiccups, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, has assured of steady and adequate supply of petroleum products across the country. The Executive Secretary of the agency, Farouk Ahmed, disclosed that the PPPRA national petroleum products

Ahmed

stocks data indicated that the available stocks could sustain the country currently for 46 days. This he said comprises both land-based stock of over 28-day sufciency and marine stock of about 18-day sufciency. He stated that daily PMS discharges by vessels are ongoing at jetties and depots nationwide. Ahmed explained that currently, about 13 vessels are discharging petrol at various depots and jetties in Lagos, Port-Harcourt,

Calabar, Okrika and Oghara, with another 16 more vessels at offshore Lagos waiting to discharge. The PPPRA Executive Secretary reassured that trucking of product have been ongoing at coastal depots following appeals made to the National Association of Road Transport Owners ,NARTO, adding that security agencies have also assured NARTO of the safety and security of their trucks and drivers. While appealing to Nigerians to be calm and not engage in panic buying, the PPPRA

Executive Secretary warned that the Agency will not hesitate to sanction any Marketer or Depot Owner caught hoarding PMS. However, the federal government has resolved to keep the much disputed subsidy policy To this end, a list of companies allowed to import under the scheme for the third quarter, with almost no changes to the rms or volumes of fuel involved, which will be just over 1.5 million tonnes of gasoline has been released A statement last week quotes president Buhari as saying “I have received ... literature on the need to remove subsidies, but much of it has no depth, ” Poor security, sabotage, vandalism, corruption and mismanagement - not necessarily subsidies - are the most serious problems of Nigeria ’s oil sector, he added. Experts estimates the cost of fuel subsidies for the coming quarter at about 100 billion naira ,$503 million while allocation for the full year, may hit 103 billion naira, based on oil prices of $57 a barrel. Buhari said he would “carefully review all the submissions he had received on the need to remove the subsidies ”. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, July 20, 2015

A11 27

E-waste risks heighten, Nigeria tops Africa ’s device shipment Isaiah Erhiawarien

igeria ’s ranking as the leading shipment destination of mobile devices in Africa may in the years to come spell more doom following recent report that Africa nations are the destination for the dumping of all kind of goods, particularly electronics from the developed economy. A report by United Nations University indicated that 41 million tonnes of electronic waste (e-waste) worth over £34 billion were discarded globally in 2014 and that only 6 million tonnes of that were recycled properly. The report stated that while the UK contributed 1.5 million tonnes of waste, Africa alone, which lacks proper recycling policy, produces 1.9 million tonnes thereby creating a huge e-Waste challenge even in the midst of increasing supply of all kinds electronic products or mobile devices fueled by the massive embrace of technology amongst all sphere of the society. Global technology consulting rm, International Data Corporation (IDC) in its ‘Q1 2015 Mobile Phone Tracker ’ report, released last week revealed that the numbers of devices shipped into the country has greatly increased thereby making it largest market in Africa followed by South Africa. Investigation revealed that volumes of mobile devices were being discarded quarterly as the, Original Equipment Manufacturers, OEMs such as Samsung, Techno, Blackberry and Lenovo continue to introduce new brands into the Nigerian market. IDC noted that Nigeria accounted for 14 percent of all smartphone shipments across the continent during rst quarter of 2015, while South Africa was responsible for 12 percent. According to the Basel Action Network (BAN), a Seattlebased environmental group, an estimated 500 shipping containers with a load equal in volume to 400,000 computer monitors or 175,000 large TV sets enter Lagos each month. As much as 75 percent of some shipments are classied as ewaste. The World Health Organisation, (WHO) in a recent report while warning about the primitive waste disposal methods common amongst most developing countries noted that the increase of e-waste was the re-

Discarded phones

sult of the more electronic product and mobile devices as well as personal computers in the possession of so many people. The global health monitoring body observed that recycling of valuable elements contained in e-waste such as copper and gold has become a source of income mostly in the informal sector of developing or emerging industrialized countries. It however said that the primitive recycling techniques such as burning cables for retaining the inherent copper expose both adult and child workers as well as their families to a range of hazardous substances. According to Who, e-wasteconnected health risks may result from direct contact with harmful materials such as lead, cadmium, chromium, bromi-

Oresanya

nated ame retardants or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), from inhalation of toxic fumes, as well as from accumulation of chemicals in soil, water and food. In addition, it said that its hazardous components, being processed, e-waste can give rise to a number of toxic byproducts likely to affect human health adding that recycling activities such as dismantling of electrical equipment may potentially bear an increased risk of injury. A new study on the effects of E-waste on human health published by the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden revealed serious negative outcomes for those dismantling and handling components of discarded electronics.

The study said that workers, some as young as six years of age, are routinely exposed to hazardous materials and inhalation of toxic gases through direct handling of discarded electronics. According to the study, people affected by this health crisis are mostly in areas where there is little knowledge about the health risks and in many cases no basic health care or social protections. The study said that in the US alone, over 112 000 laptop and desktop computers are discarded every day saying that that adds up to about 41 million every year, while the estimated amount of yearly e-waste worldwide is between 30-40 million tons. And most of them get into

Nigeria as fairly used, thereby making the country the destination of all the e-waste from other nations, particularly the developed ones. Though classied as a global issue, e-waste is, particularly a problem of the developing countries, since discarded electronic equipment come to less developed countries said an international population study, led by the University of Cincinnati. In these countries, the ewaste is dismantled and then burned, producing toxic emissions which are harmful to waste site workers and communities that are nearby, the study noted. As part of effort to tackle the problem, the Managing Director of Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, Mr. Ola Oresanya said that it has partnered with Ericsson, a technology giant, to recycle electronic waste, from the Computer Village, Ikeja. “What we will be doing here is preliminary dismembering. The plastic components of the e-wastes would be sorted out and used here in our recycling plants while the electronic parts would be shipped back to Europe, ” he said. He said on the average, each resident produces 0.65kg of waste, but the state recycles most of it to help preserve the environment adding that “Lack of data has been a bane of development in Nigeria. ” BC

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Business Courage

Monday, July 20, 2015

Smart lighting reduce energy costs by 90 Percent, says report Stories by Isaiah Erhiawarien

(ozueesther@nationalmirroronline.net) 08059234648 (sms only)

LED bulbs

said Freeman noting that “Energy savings of up to 50 percent have been well-documented in many installations, and they are difcult to resist when replacing incandescent or high-intensity discharge systems in a warehouse. Freeman added that in a uorescent installation, energy cost savings of up to 25 percent can be achieved, along with considerable savings in lighting maintenance stating that most new lighting installations require some form of sensor controls, which drive some automation of the system. He explained that connecting the controls and the lighting via a network enables the lighting to be operated through a centralised dashboard, which begins to give the building owner the ability

to analyze lighting patterns and further improve lighting costs stressing that most installations are stopping at this stage. “If the lighting provider is able to persuade the building owner to move to Phase 4 with the dashboard in the cloud, building managers can potentially operate multiple lighting operations from a central point, comparing energy use over time and between buildings, “ said Freeman. Gartner predicted that smart lighting installed base is projected to grow from 46 million units in 2015 to 2.54 billion units in 2020 saying that in 2014, 300 million to 500 million square feet of commercial space worldwide could be considered to have intelligent or smart lighting. BC

Nokia mobile phone returns soon F

innish telecoms network maker Nokia conrmed that it may start designing and licensing mobile phone handsets under its brand name in 2016. Nokia said it was looking for a partner who would take on the manufacturing, sales, marketing and customer support for the products. The company said a Nokia mobile phone would not reach the market before the fourth quarter of 2016 when Nokia ’s agreement with partner Microsoft allows it to use the brand name again. Nokia sold its phone business to Microsoft in 2014 after years of declining sales. Meanwhile, the mobile phone company said during the week that South Korea ’s LG Electronics has agreed a

with Esther Ozue

How big data can help sales team

mart solid-state lighting in ofce buildings and industrial installations has the potential to reduce energy costs by 90 percent, a report by Gartner Incorporated has revealed. However, achieving these costs takes more than just installing light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, said Research Vice President at Gartner, Dean Freeman. He said that to successfully achieve the lowest electricity cost, in addition to achieving safety and security and enhancing the ofce environment, lighting product managers at technology and service providers will need to implement ve key strategic phases of smart lighting namely, LED lighting, sensors and controls, connectivity, analytics and intelligence. He explained that implementing all ve phases will ensure the highest level of success in reducing lighting costs and accelerating the adoption of smart lighting solutions saying that with these solutions, smart lighting providers will be able to leverage the impact of sensor data and analytics on the IoT. “Smart solid-state lighting (SSL) costs are now at a point at which it is compelling to implement just the lighting, ”

Technotalk

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deal to use the Finnish company ’s smartphone patent licence but royalty payments will be settled in a lengthy arbitration process. Analysts said the future royalty payments from LG will probably be clearly smaller than those from Samsung

Rajeev Suri, Nokia Chief Executive

Electronics, which signed a similar deal with Nokia in 2013 but the arbitration process is still ongoing. Nokia said the arbitration with LG is expected to conclude within two years. “This is becoming a more and more common model. The companies won ’t go to the court but instead let an independent party decide, ” said Nordea analyst Sami Sarkamies. He estimated the Samsung deal, expected to conclude later this year, could eventually mean Nokia receives €100 million to €200 million of additional royalty payments annually, on top of retroactive payments. Nokia ’s patent unit generated sales of €578 million last year. BC

ith technology playing such a prominent role in businesses today, people in all elds are being impacted in new, exciting ways. Perhaps one eld that is dealing with some particularly big challenges is sales. For decades, sales teams have operated under certain strategies that have proven effective, but with the rise of the internet and social media, the balance of power between salesperson and customer has subtly yet noticeably shifted. Not only is there more information available to customers, but sales teams now have access to unprecedented amounts of data. With these challenges out there, sales teams need help in establishing relationships with more promising customers and getting more sales opportunities. Big data may, in fact, be the key to reaching these goals. The way sales people interact with prospective customers has changed drastically in the past few years. Customers are now able to get all the information they need through internet sites, social media, and other networks. That means they are aware of competitors ’ information and company or product weaknesses. That puts sales people at a disadvantage, but big data can help out of this problem. Big data describes any voluminous amount of structured and unstructured data that has the potential to be mined for information, and can be characterised by 3Vs: the extreme volume of data, the wide variety of types of data and the velocity at which the data must be processed. Your organisation can best use “big data ” to increase sales ’ effectiveness through the following ways: 1. By creating a process for collecting and consolidating data because salespeople spend an average of 25 percent of their time searching for information for their sales calls, implementing a process for collecting data relevant to your industry. By developing clear goals and processes around data collection, you can enable sales teams to be proactive and deliberate in gathering and inputting relevant information. 2. Sales leaders leaning on tools and people that can help transform the data into actionable insights as big data ensures the data that is collected is actually analysed and translated into clear insights to improving sales results. 3. Transforming data into action, some organisations are hiring analysts that are able to make meaningful interpretations of the data and reports coming out of their analytic tools with more sophisticated software. 4. Big data helps sales teams identify the prospects that are the most promising. This can be done through predictive analytics by applying big data to better predict which customers are most interested and will respond more positively to a sales pitch. Big data allows businesses to analyse each account they have and correctly pick the right time and method for dealing with them. 5. By using big data sales apps and tools of which most of them revolve around integrating with a customer relationship management (CRM) platform designed specically for sales divisions. These sales apps have lots of advantages, including capabilities in predictive lead prioritisation, predictive lead scoring, helps develop and foster sales relationships, identify changes in a buyer ’s behaviour and helps sales teams respond in real time to these changes, along with uctuations in the sales cycle. In conclusion, big data can determine the most promising customers and how to approach them, evaluate members of the sales team their performance could be analyzed to know who is meeting expectations, who is doing better, and who is not meeting the established standards. It also identies where salespeople need improvement, managers can create more personalised training programmes because with more effective sales team, businesses will prosper and be more productive, gaining new customers all the time while keeping the customers they already have. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, July 20, 2015

A13 29

Christopher Doghudje:

The doyen of advertising He is one of the founding fathers of Advertising practice in Nigeria. Indeed, his contributions, along others like Ifeanyichukwu Moemeka, Olu Falomo, May Nzeribe, Bel-Molokwu and Sylvester Nwobu-Alor, to a very large extent, laid the foundation upon which the industry is built. Today, several years after he rose to become the chief executive of arguably the best and biggest advertising agency in Nigeria at the time, Lintas, he still holds a commanding influence in modern advertising practice, particularly in the area of training which he currently devotes most of his time to. He is Dr. Christopher Awusa Doghudje. By Adejuwon Osunnuyi

Doghudje

oday, from whichever perspective that one decides to assess him, he is no doubt an accomplished authority on advertising and public relations, both in theory and practice. Born on July 8, 1939, in Usiefrun, in Ughelli South of Delta State to a poor, illiterate and peasant farming family of late Michael and Cecelia Doghudje, Christopher ’s over 46 years of remarkable practice in the advertising industry, has not only clinically lifted the name of his poor family, it has also positioned him as one of the major pillar upon which this critical sector is built. Indeed, Awusa Doghudje ’s years of dutiful services in the advertising industry in Nigeria will for long remain indelible, just as his three-year tenure as the Chairman of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON, has remained one of t h e

watersheds in the industry. Popularly referred to as Chris, he is the rst son and the third child out of ve children. He attended the village school until he was 10 years old in 1949, when the young Chris moved to Sacred Heart Primary School 1, Warri to nish his primary education in 1953. In 1954, he enrolled at a commercial school known as United College of Commerce and in 1958; he obtained the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) certicate, which qualied him to sit for the GCE a year later. After his GCE in 1959, the young Chris started a teaching career in a Catholic Model School, Warri and after two years during which his brilliance and dedication to work were noticed, he was moved to the secondary school where he taught mathematics. In 1960, he decided to have a change of environment and seek greener pasture. He moved down to Lagos where he later taught at Yaba Academy owned by Dr. S.O Onipede. After his A level certicate, he had wanted to go to Foray Bay College in Sierra Leone in 1962, but because he could not raise the required fees, he had to forgo the ambition and returned to the classroom as a teacher, which he did for two more years until 1964, when he gained admission to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the present day Enugu State. However, his admission to UNN was circumstantial. He had actually wanted to go to the University of Ibadan. Having had his A level in History and English Literature, as well as ve subjects in O level, as it was the practice then, he was qualied for a direct en-

try into the University. Hence, he applied to the University of Ibadan and University of Nigeria, Nsukka and got admission from both universities. However, while the University of Ibadan gave him admission to read a Diploma in Educational drama with the possibility of allowing him to read English later, UNN offered him automatic admission to read Journalism. Then, Chris found himself in a dilemma of which of the two choices to take but after seeking advice, he decided against the choice of Educational drama and opted for Journalism not only because he considered it a profession, but because he considered the UI ’s admission as provisional while that of UNN was a solid one. However, the outbreak of the civil war terminated his romance with UNN and he, along with some of the other students were transferred to the University of Lagos to continue their studies from where he graduated in 1967. For Chris, growing up experiences was in two phases. While he had to face a tough and boring life for the rst ten years of his life in the village, he had a rather challenging and interesting life in Warri where he had relocated to further his education. “I nished my primary school in Warri, nished secondary school in Warri, and then taught again for two years in Warri. Of course, you know what it is like staying in Warri, the Waferian city, and the city of the comedians. It is a city whose name is bigger than its size, because when you hear the name, Warri, you think it is another small London as far as we the Waferians are concerned, ” he told the Business Courage in an interview last week Interestingly, when he relocated to Lagos, Chris recounted that Lagos life, compared with that of Warri, was just like living a larger than life, just thinking that Continued on pg A14

Business Courage

you are even more civilised than the Lagosians. “For instance, while one could at least speak in Pidgin English, in Lagos, the language is Yoruba. Hence to a Warri man, you regard Yoruba as native while the Warri man sees himself as superior because he was already speaking something related to English language and that is the stupidity about being a Warri boy. ” He recalled that when he newly came to Lagos, before he joined Yaba Academy as a teacher, “I went to Apapa to look for a job and after the interview; I didn ’t know where to get bus back home. But the Warri pride in me prevented me from asking people. I told myself ‘how can I ask somebody for my way when I am from Warri? I didn ’t t bother to ask anybody, so I kept moving around. You know Apapa, you can move from Whalf road to Marine road and turn back again.. So, I kept on moving up and down until I was very tired. At that time, I had to swallow my pride and asked someone, ‘how do I get to Surulere? ’ While growing up, Chris says he didn ’t really have anyone in mind as a model but he admitted that he had some form of respect for the late Nnamdi Azikwe whom he claimed every young man at that was attracted to as a result of his big grammar. “Then, when the era of politics came and there was one man who was blowing big grammar, everyone wanted to be like him, and that ’s in the person of Zik. His West African Pilot as well as Weekend Catechism had a lot of inuence on many. Even my own teacher, there was no day, he wouldn ’t buy a copy of the West African Pilot. So as a child, I read the West African Pilot from Primary school to secondary school. So then, we used to ask ourselves, ‘can one ever be like Zik? ” In 1967, after leaving Unilag as a Mass Comm graduate, Chris, along with many of his colleagues had looked forward to working as journalist in different media houses in the country then. But things took another dimension as he instead started his professional career at Lintas Advertising Company. “As you can see, I am a trained journalist but I didn ’t practice. Shortly before graduating from the Unilag, the school registrar, Chief A. Y Ekeh wrote to newspaper houses, radio stations as well as all other media houses including advertising agencies to consider us for employment. However, surprisingly, Lintas wrote me to come for an interview. Oglvy Benson and Mathers (OBM) also wrote that I should come for interview. But my contemporaries like Tony Momoh didn ’t apply for job and he went back to Daily Times since he had left Daily Times for the University, hence he had to go back to work there. Tunji Oseni went to Skecth, and all these were based on the letters written by Chief Ekeh, ” he said.

When Chris got to Lintas in 1967, little did he know that the agency would prepare the ground for him to becoming one of the commanding voices in the advertising industry. Today known as Lowe Lintas, which was the rst advertising agency in Nigeria and indeed West Africa started out as a small poster service in 1928 with the name West Africa Publicity Limited. It rst changed its name in 1964 from West Africa Publicity to Levers International Advertising Services [Lintas], emphasising its role as an in-house agency of Unilever. Lintas worldwide became independent of Unilever and with the indigenisation decree in Nigeria, Lintas passed into wholly Nigerian ownership with Sylvester Moemeke as its rst Nigerian Managing Director, and subsequently the rst and present chairman. In line with the trends toward global advertising, networks,Lintas has seen a number of name change. In 1995, it merged with Ammirati Puris Lintas and four years later, in 1999, it merged with Lowe, a highly creative agency that Frank Lowe oated in 1981, with $15 million billings that has grown to about $15 billion billings. In 2002, the Lintas name gave way to the Lowe blue box logo, with the new name Lowe Worldwide. Lintas has since 1950 serviced OMO detergent and has been servicing Star Larger since the brand came to Nigeria, Maltina ’s sales have been on the increase since 1976 when it came under Lintas ’ watch while the much talked about award winning Pears Baby lotion was as a result of its relationship with Lintas since 1971.The key soap and Panadol accounts are few of other many brands Lintas had nurtured as mega and premium brands. For Chris Doghudje, starting out as client service executive effectively puts him in charge of the Unilever account which was then known as Level brothers. “Whether you like it or not, Unilever was home of marketing, many people who became executive directors or marketing managers were trained by Unilever, ” he said. During the time he was working on the Unilever account, he got so much exposed to marketing that he admitted that “If you are working on the Unilever account, your exposure to marketing is very high. Working in the Client Service Department, my experience came from rendering service to companies such as Unilever, Nigerian Breweries, Cadbury, Guinness, First Bank, and WAMCO among others. ” Apparently having observed that he was performing very well on the Unilever account, in 1972, OBM, another big advertising agency in the country then poached him from Lintas to run the Cadbury account. However, Chris, stay at OBM was cut short

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, July 20, 2015

‘

Doghudje

And if you show interest in something, then the onus is on you to read more about it. Otherwise, it was just journalism that we did. We didn ’t do any advertising. The nearest to advertising that we did was in Public Relations

in 1988 when he had to be recalled back to Lintas to run the same Cadbury account when it moved back from OBM to Lintas. But when he got back to Lintas, due to his tested competences on the job, he was not only given the Cadbury account to run, he was also given back the Unilever account he was running before he left the agency. Chris ’ coming back to Lintas yielded fruits as he started rising until he became managing director in 1985. “I actually had the highest number of accounts as a client service director. Two-third of the accounts in Lintas was under me, ” he said. As the managing director of Lintas, he is reputed to be one of those who had strived hard to nurture the Lintas brand to its present enviable position in Nigeria. Today, Chris seems to have shifted his pursuit away from core advertising to career advancement through education. Interestingly, his interest in the educational aspect of advertising did not just begin. It dated back to his days in Lintas. As he recalled, while he was employed by Lintas, as an advertising man, he became interested in the educational side of advertising. He had served as a secretary to the education committee of the then Advertising Agency Practitioners of Nigeria (AAPN) now known as Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, (AAAN) for over 12 years, up to the level of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) from where he earned

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A14 30

his alias ‘The Professor. ’ “Since the time I started working at Lintas, I showed interest in the educational side of advertising. And if you show interest in something, then the onus is on you to read more about it. Otherwise, it was just journalism that we did. We didn ’t do any advertising. The nearest to advertising that we did was in Public Relations and we were taught by practicing PR people. We were taught by the number one person in PR called Sam Epelle. “Then, Epelle, who authored the only public relations book available as at that time, was the public relations manager of Nigerian Railways. From the side of government, Pen Malafa the director of federal information services was also at hand to teach us Public Relations, while an experienced Englishman from the United States Information Services handled Public Relations Theory. He was a graduate of Cambridge University and had been in the diplomatic service for more than 30 years, ” he recalled. He remains one of the few of Lintas brands whose prowess and respect for ethics can hardly be faulted when it come to advertising and has been the most respected judge of advertising, advertisers and advertising agencies. Chris was appointed by the Federal Government to head APCON, the umbrella body that regulates the practice of advertising in Nigeria between October 2007 and July 2010, the appointment which was viewed by most of his colleagues as well deserved. A

fellow of APCON, Chris became the third Lowe Lintas alumni to head the body after the likes of Sylvester Moemeke, Olu Falomo, and late May Nzeribe. Chris tenure as APCON chairman witnessed a watershed as he constituted a Debt Reconciliation Committee known as ASCOMDI following accusations and counter-accusations spanning nearly a decade by media owners - Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), and Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) that the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) owed them over a billion naira. Doghudje, a veteran and Fellow of the industry had stepped into the fray forming the all-parties stakeholders ’ reconciliation committee made up two representatives each from all sectoral bodies in APCON. The committee ’s term of reference was straightforward: determine the total debt prole in the industry, investigate the claims of all parties with a view to identifying the true debtors and true creditors, and design an amicable solution acceptable to all parties. The committee toiled night and day, sieving through documents dating as far back as year 2000 and after four extensions and postponements of the deadline for the submission of claims, ASCOMDI wounded up its sitting; then followed several months of collation, compilation, verication, and clarication of ambiguity. On Thursday, May 27, 2010, APCON held a press conference to present the report of ASCOMDI to all sectoral bodies, the media, and general public. Of interest was the report by ASCOMDI that N766.6 million (out of the claimed N1.145 billion debt) was traced to non-AAAN member agencies! For better understanding, it was discovered that there are media buyers and independent producers and marketers who go directly to media houses to buy slots, spots and spaces. The ASCOMDI Report of 2010 proved that 75 per cent of media debts are traceable to non-registered Advertising Agencies As a matter of fact, three years down the line, while the issue of debt still abound, many have been calling for the resurrection of the ASCOMDI, a legacy left behind by Chris Doghudje. After he resigned from Lintas, he set up Zub Bureau Limited, publishers of Adnews, a monthly publication spreading advertising knowledge and information. The rst edition of the publication, which today is an authority in the advertising world, appeared in February 1993. For about 20 years now, he has been publishing Adnews. Doghudje is an adjunct faculty member of the school of media and communication, Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, where he teaches Advertising Planning. BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, July 20, 2015

A15 31

ThebuddingEntrepreneurs KLINIC

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

e-mail: olusegunmamora@gmail.com

ometime, close to a battleeld over 200 years ago, a civilian rode past a small group of exhausted battle-weary soldiers digging an obviously important defensive position. The section leader, making no effort to help, was barking out orders, threatening punishment if the work was not completed within the hour. “Why are you are not helping? ” asked the stranger on horseback. “I am in charge. The men do as I tell them, ” said the section leader, adding, “Help them yourself if you feel strongly about it. ” To the section leader ’s surprise, the stranger dismounted and helped the men until the job was nished. Before leaving, the stranger congratulated the men for their work, and approached the puzzled section leader. “You should notify top command next time your rank prevents you from supporting your men - and I will provide a more permanent solution, ” said the stranger. Up close, the section leader now recognized General Washington, and also the lesson he ’d just been taught. That input from the General Washington changed the dynamic of the section leader. Dear entrepreneur, it is common knowledge that a business operates on the principle of input and output. In other words, to achieve a certain level of output, a commensurate input must be in place having made allowance for normal loss. Normal loss is the quantity of input that is expected to be lost in the normal cause of converting the input to output. This can be

attributed to evaporation, handling etc Where business owners become dissatised with the level of output, the rst point of call is the input, since the level of output is directly proportionate to the level of input. To create a new level of output, a business owner may be tempted to increase the input, but usually, the focus is on the physical inputs such as the material, machine, money or man. Often, we are quick to focus on the tangible. As much as these will bring about our desire, it may not guarantee the optimal utilization of the resources. Resources are optimised when the same level of input is used to achieve more output or when an increased level of input is used to achieve a more than proportionate increase in the level of output. This can be summarised as small change resulting in big improvement. Training is a vital tool in improving the output level in any organisation without necessarily increasing the level of material input. It is a qualitative resource that can

Small changes, big improvement

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The level of effectiveness of the training delivery can be measured through feedback assessment. The information gathered can form the basis for developing subsequent training plan thereby ensuring continuous improvement

be used to derive optimal benet from investments in other physical inputs. However, in order to reap the reward of big improvements, an organization will need to make small changes in the following areas. Training Strategy An organization with a training strategy is better positioned to maximize the benet of training. Having established the fact that the same level of input can be used to achieve an increased level of output, it is left to each business owner to sit back and design a strategy that will enable him or her make small changes which have the potential of great improvement in process, output, service delivery or

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BUSINESS

product differentiation. The tone at the top must be such that favours the need for deliberate and continuous training across all cadre of level staff within the organization. This way, big improvements will be the other of the day. Training Budget It is not enough to have a training strategy. A training budget must be in place to ensure full commitment of the management. The same way funds are allocated for procurement of materials and machines, resources must be set aside for training with tools put in place to effectively monitor the implementation of the budget across the specied period of time.

Motivational Business Quotes

o think is easy. To act is difcult. To act as one thinks is the most difcult. – Johann Wolfgang Von Goeth I like thinking big. If you ’re going to be thinking anything, you might as well think big. – Donald Trump Nobody talks about entrepreneurship as survival, but that ’s exactly what it is and what nurtures creative thinking. Running that rst shop taught me business is not nancial science; it ’s about trading: buying and selling. – Anita Roddick To waken interest and kindle enthusi-

asm is the sure way to teach easily and successfully. – Tryon Edwards Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning. – Bill Gates Success is often achieved by those who don ’t know that failure is inevitable. – Coco Chanel The competitor to be feared is one who never bothers about you at all, but goes on making his own business better all the time. – Henry Ford The good or ill of a man lies within his own will. – Epictetus BC

Training Approach/delivery A training plan details the approach and delivery of the training in line with the budget. The scope should be such that covers all hierarchy of staff across all functions in the organization. Every process that has the potential for improvement should be explored using the tool of training. Training resources can be sourced from both within and outside the organization but the emphasis should be on injecting new knowledge that will drive improvement. Feedback Assessment To derive optimal benet from training programs, there is need to obtain feedback from the participants. Since the ultimate goal is improvement, a lot of exibility is required in training delivery. The level of effectiveness of the training delivery can be measured through feedback assessment. The information gathered can form the basis for developing subsequent training plan thereby ensuring continuous improvement. My encouragement in this edition is for you to see training from the perspective of investment and a long term benet for business. Training renes and help the crude knowledge workers apply knowledge in a productive way. I strongly believe that as you take the subject of training workers serious your business will improve and protable because of improved quality decision making capacity and effective application of knowledge. The small change from a trained team lead can signicantly improve your business bottom line. BC

A16 32

Business Courage

Monday, July 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ThebuddingEntrepreneurs

The accountant – turned rice farmer When he decided to venture into farming, it was only natural that those around him should discourage him because he had neither the requisite training nor experience. Having graduated from the University of Ilorin as a trained accountant, Alabi-Ojolowo was bracing for the unknown when he took a leap of faith plunging himself completely into the world of agri-business that has today earned him so much recognition in agro entrepreneurship

bdul-Ghaniyy AlabiOjolowo, is the Managing Director of Resofam Foods and the secretary of Commercial Agriculture Development Association CADA, Lagos State chapter, where he has been deservedly identied as a lead farmer in the rice project. Given his success today anyone could be swayed into believing that he was born on the farm. The reality is that AbdulGhaniyy is no different from most Nigerian youths who see little or no reason to embark on agriculture as a sustainable means of livelihood after formal education. True to type, after graduation he started out with a paid employment, which he quits after a while when he discovered that his employer was only out to exploit his abilities without adequate compensation for his efforts. With that sour experience he launched his entrepreneurial adventure, armed only with ideas of what kinds of business activities he wanted to engage himself in namely being a product distributor or a manufacturer ’s representative. In the meantime before he could realise his dreams, he took up a teaching job in a private secondary school where he taught the students Further Mathematics and Economics, at the same time preparing himself to write the nal stage of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria ICAN Certicate test. Fuelled by his passion for entrepreneurship and his desire to be self employed, AbdulGhaniyy recounts that he made it a duty to visit every fair and exhibition that took place in Lagos even if he had no money to shop for items. “There is hardly a fair or exhibition that

I don ’t attend except I did not hear or see the advertisement. I will strive to be there, because I believed it was a place to meet manufacturers since I had the desire to be a product distributor or manufacturer ’s representative. ”, he said. He also recalled that a major deterrent for him to getting a dealership from the manufacturers was the requirement of capital and storage facilities. “I got discouraged when I discovered that these conditions ran into millions of naira and large warehouses. ” So he decided to start small by getting a shop after which he successfully secured a dealership with a manufacturer that made rice our and yam our. However he later discovered that frequent upward price adjustments by the manufacturers which were usually without notice was creating problems for him with his customers who were unable to adapt to the price changes. He was soon to be introduced into farming by a chance meeting with Mrs. Adeoye, the chairperson of rice farmers association Lagos state at one of such fairs where she was showcasing Nigeria ’s local ‘ofada ’ rice after making a purchase from her, he sought to be introduced to the growers because he felt there might just be a marketing opportunity in it. Incidentally it was during that time in 2009 that former President Olusegun Obasnjo initiated the presidential initiative on rice production and export to boost local rice production and after Abdul-Ghaniyy was privileged to see a copy of the document that was adopted by the initiative ’s committee he started dreaming farming as a veritable platform to actualise his entrepreneurial ambition.

“It was that document that gave me the theoretical idea in terms of the prospects in the rice value chain, but despite being armed with a sound theoretical background it was the practice on the job that has really deepened my wealth of expertise in the eld besides exposing me to making contact with major stakeholders who have impacted my venture into agribusiness so far, ” he said. Initially he was only interested in being involved at the value chain level as either a processor or marketer, but Mrs. Adeoye impressed it on him to be a producer and after giving it some thought he went to the farms just to observe how rice was grown he was convinced that he could do it and so he took the bold step starting with two hectares of land which has more than doubled ve times today to a minimum of 10 hectares barely ve years after he started. He points out that he has only been able to achieve the feat because of his quick adaptation to mechanisation and the opportunity to have access to modern farm machineries and processing facilities provided by the Lagos state government under its rice for job initiative. According to him, “the in-

Alabi-Ojolowo

Management Principles

What every manager should know about their employees

anagers spend at least one-third of their time with employees. They provide guidance, coaching and training, as well as observation and evaluation of their employees ’ job performance. Consequently, a manager-subordinate or employer-employee relationship develops throughout the natural course of working together. Managers should be familiar with their employees ’ work habits, performance, schedules, and communication and feedback preferences and, to some extent, information about employees ’ personal goals in relationship to their professional development goals. Work Habits “Which of your employees need constant supervision to ensure they stay on task and remain focused on their job duties? ” and “Does your employee show initiative and motivation in performing challenging assignments as well as routine job duties? ” are questions managers should be able to answer without second-guessing their employees ’ work habits. Performance Managers must be familiar with their employees ’ job performance; especially because many managers use performance rankings to determine who gets the plum job assignments. Questions such as “Does your employee have a consistent record of exemplary performance? ” and “How would you rate your employee: In the top 20 per cent of the typical workforce of top performers, in the middle 70 per cent of the typical workforce that consists of average performers or at the bottom 10 per cent of the workforce that usually has performance issues? ” are simple questions for astute managers.

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ThebuddingEntrepreneurs tervention of the project encouraged me to expand my farmland because no farmer in his/her right mind will ever plant on more than two hectares of land with the old manual method of production process right from the stress of land preparation to planting, weeding, application of fertilizers and insecticides etc all the way to manual harvesting method not to think of threshing. But with the project intervention, ” he said. He did not take a loan to start according to him, he managed with the little that he had but he got a lot of support from the local farmers that helped him through Rice farm the early stages. improved variety and 2.5 tonnes Today he not only produces but has extended his en- of the local variety per hectare. He humbly attributes his suctrepreneurship to processing and marketing and he has a very good cess today to his wife who was patient with him and supportive business reason for doing that. “When I was only producing, I over his decision to quit a paid noticed that people came to buy job for entrepreneurship; those off our harvests at a very cheap who were willing to teach him and ridiculous price because we what he did not know about rice had no facility for storage. So I sat farming; federal and Lagos state down to see how we can be adding government Agriculture ministry value to our crops so that we can ofcials and CADP ofcials who helped him in no small measure also attract premium, ” he said. That was how he decided to in obtaining necessary training, start processing and storage of farm input, interest free grants his harvest and later on packag- and capacity enhancement both ing them to supply to eateries di- here and abroad. “The cluster of farmers around rectly instead of waiting for people to come to the farm gate to buy at Itoikin, Ise, Igbogun have been doing our businesses under an ridiculous prices. At the end of every harvest sea- umbrella of an association called son he gets about three tonnes of Resofam with more than 200

Schedules Accountability is one of the reasons managers are in their positions. Managers hold their employees accountable for the time employees spend working, and they should be aware of employee schedules for attendance and record-keeping purposes. Therefore, managers should know the answers to questions such as “Does your employee work a traditional Monday through Friday schedule, generally from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day? ” and “Does your employee have the option to telecommute or adjust her hours on a exible schedule? ” Communication Preferences Managers who work with a multigenerational or diverse workforce must be able to communicate in ways that the employees understand and appreciate. Questions about employee preferences that managers should know the answers to include “When you provide feedback, does your employee prefer face-to-face interaction or is he comfortable with exchanging emails? ” and “Does your employee take advantage of the company ’s open-door policy by initiating conversations about suggestions for improvement and workplace issues? ” Career Plans Through performance evaluations, constructive feedback sessions and the process of getting to know their employees, managers should be able to answer questions about their employees ’ career aspirations. Questions such as “Does your employee consider her position with the company a job or a career? ” and “Have any of your employees expressed an interest in professional development or training to prepare them for more responsible roles with the company? ” are ones managers should have no problem answering. BC

Personal Finance Fatal business planning mistakes

usiness plan novices often don ’t recognize critical errors that can turn off potential investors. To make sure your business plan is taken seriously, be sure to avoid these ve fatal mistakes. Unfortunately, inexperienced entrepreneurs often send business plans to potential investors before their plan is fully baked. Sharing a plan with obvious errors is one thing, but investors are also alert for common problems that serve as red ags. Make sure your plan avoids these issues:

members dealing with rice production, processing and marketing, but when CADP came up, those of us in the same interest line came together as a group and formed a Commodity Interest Group (CIG) under the project; each CIG with 10 members consisting of eight males and two females, ” he said. He pointed out that before the intervention; the highest yield recorded was 950kg representing 23.7 per cent of target per hectare which when packaged does not give up to 10 bags of paddy rice. “But now with the intervention, we are proud of harvesting 2.5 tonnes representing 62 per cent of target per hectares which is three times what we used to produce before the intervention and when bagged gives us nothing less than 50 bags per hectares. So the intervention has been a great blessing to farmers generally we have benetted a tractor; Gas gun to scare birds away ; a combine harvester besides inputs like fertilisers, seeds, herbicides and insecticides, ” he said. He aspires to increase production capacity by four tonnes which is 100 percent at the end of each year and a better irrigation management practice as they currently have no irrigation facilities that could aid in all season planting rather than waiting on rain fall before planting. Today in a country where many youths especially graduates are seeking for what to do Abdul-Ghaniyy sees himself as a contented successful employment provider who has in his own little way helped to create means of livelihoods for himself, his family and few other Nigerians. “Denitely some people have to do the ‘paid ofce job ’ too, if not, who do we employ; but my additional view is that we all cannot get paid ofce jobs, hence the need for those of us left behind to be looking in the direction of wealth creation while the government at all levels should help to build the necessary infrastructures for such ideas to easily y, ” he said. BC

Unrealistic nancial projections Investors expect to see a business plan that paints a realistic nancial picture of anticipated company growth. If your plan is overly aggressive and not consistent with growth in the industry, it may not get taken seriously. You need to be prepared to explain and defend all of the important assumptions concerning your nancial projections. Not having a dened target audience No business will appeal to everyone. Your plan must dene your market and present a clear picture of your potential customers -- why will they purchase your product or service over another? Over-hype Too much hype and the overuse of superlatives can be the downfall of an otherwise attractive business plan. Wow them with the business idea, not hype or buzzwords. Poor research In an effort to get a business plan together quickly, some business owners do not take the time to double-check and substantiate their claims. Make sure your research is accurate, up-to-date, and veriable. No focus on your competition Some business plans claim the business has no competitors, while others indicate only what the competition has done wrong. Investors reading a business plan want to see who the competition is and how you plan to compete with them. Don ’t ignore competitors or paint an overly rosy picture -- it only shows investors that you haven ’t thoroughly researched your market. If your idea is brand-new and you truly do not have competition today, if your business becomes successful, you will tomorrow. These ve biggies are not the only common business plan errors. Others include dry writing, inconsistencies from section to section, and plans that are too long. It ’s important to take time to carefully review each section of your business plan and root out as many problems as you can. When you think it ’s perfect, have several other sets of eyes scrutinize it before you share it with investors. Business Takeaways: *Make sure your nancial projections and assessments of your competition and customers are accurate and realistic. If you ’re not completely comfortable with your information, do more research to get it right. *Dene your target audience: You can ’t expect your business to appeal to everyone. *Polish your nal plan by making it succinct, well organized, and well written. BC

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Business Courage

Monday, July 20, 2015

Behind d Wheels This page is open to sponsorship

he 208 is one of Peugeot ’s biggest hits and it ’s been refreshed to prolong that success. As a matter of fact, it ’s fresh and fun with a larger scope for personalisation, making Peugeot ’s newest 208 a great choice for those that need a small car with chic styling. From the outside, little has changed, but the 208 has always looked quite smart and this new version gains a distinctive grille, personalisation packs and contrasting wheel nishes. New paint options include a vibrant ‘Orange Power ’ metallic paint and two textured paint nishes available in ‘Ice Grey ’ and ‘Ice Silver ’. The textured paint, a world-rst on a volume production car, is subtly granular to the touch and promises to be more hard-wearing and easier to care for than conventional matt paint. Inside, French air meets practicality and the instrument cluster is fun and funky while the seats are nicely bolstered and supportive. The overall feeling is one of comfort with style and there are plenty of storage options to keep most happy. A seven-inch touchscreen that allows you to access audio, satnav, phone and internet will be standard

from the entry level trim. Brand new to the 208 is MirrorScreen, which makes it possible to transfer the screen of a smartphone to the vehicle ’s display, to make full use of its applications. The boot, at 285 litres, is not the biggest in class but it can be easily increased to 1,076 litres by simply dropping the rear seats. For the rst time, buyers get a new 1.6BlueHDI 100bhp diesel as an option, an engine that recently set a new long-distance fuel economy record, travelling 1,337.19 miles using 43 litres of fuel and returning 141.2mpg. Petrol options include a new 110bhp 1.2-litre 3 cylinder petrol that comes with a choice of a ve-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. There ’s also a 1-litre PureTech (68hp) and 1.2-litre PureTech (82bhp) engines. All of the petrol and diesels now meet Euro 6 emissions standards. On the road, the 208 has always been a good to drive, it feels compact and condent but while it grips the road nicely there is considerably more body roll on tight corners than many key rivals and the ve-speed gearbox makes hard work of steep climbs.

The smaller than normal steering wheel adds to the overall sportiness but depending on your driving position, the rim can end up completely obscuring some vital dials. The addition of the Active City Brake is a great plus, especially since the 208 is likely y n to spend most of its time in e city trafc. Through the use at of a short range sensor that dis tted at the top of the windscreen, other vehicles driving in ry the same direction or stationary can be detected and the brakes applied automatically at speeds up to 31kmh to help prevent imminent collisions. The new hatchback will be sold in three and ve-door versions with three trim levels: Access, Active and Allure. A new sportier trim level spec, the GT Line, joins the range and extras include the ‘Equalizer grille ’, gloss black grille, separate front foglamps, 17-inch alloys and red Peugeot lettering. The ‘GTi by Peugeot Sport ’ add specic suspension and steering settings with a lowered height, wider tracks and 18-inch wheels. The Peugeot 208 packs some big car features into a chic body. Now with more kerb appeal, fuel efcient engines and smart styl-

ing, the 208 is likely to ers away from the Fitempt buyers a and Clio. esta, Corsa o Joining the range also mer is the new w this summer epee, a practi-Peugeot Tepee, mart MPV that att cal but smart vcan seat ve or sev seve en and is likely to be n priced in the region 0. Despite of €23,000. the “boxy ” ” appear-y ance, it ’s actually appealing g quite e is parand space ticularly impressive ccommodate and will accommodate three Isox child seats in he the back. On the road, the s a lot sm mallllTepee feels smallpact ac ct er and more comp compact

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Business Courage

Monday, July 20, 2015

A19 35

Behind d Wheels This page is open to sponsorship

Autocare Gas, diesel or hybrid: Which car engine is best for you?

that its dimensions would suggest. It is light and easy to manoeuvre and while the van-like large window and mirrors may be less appealing aesthetically, they certainly make for great visibility. Safety features include reversing camera, touchscreen and Active City Brake. Designed with growing families in mind Peugeot ’s Tepee promises to be practical, safe and economical to run. The Peugeot 208 5-door has had a makeover: this compact, next-generation hatchback is now even sportier and more elegant. The new 208 has been nessed in many key areas; with more assertive new styling, fresh exterior colour choices and even more innovative technology to make it stand out from the crowd. Already beneting from an advanced and innovative design, the New 208 becomes sharper and more distinctive with a new front bumper and a wider fully integrated grille. This striking new look is supported by new two-tone headlamps tted as stan-

d a r d

from Active trim level. Combined with restyled front fog lamps, this fresh face subtly transforms the 208. The range of colours and paint nishes available on the New Peugeot 208 has expanded, with several brand new hues including the striking new metallic Orange Power. At the rear, the full LED light clusters have been redesigned to incorporate Peugeot ’s 3D ‘claws ’. The sculpted sides and chrome window surrounds remain, but exclusive new 16 ” and 17 ” alloy wheel options are available across the range, in a choice of new nishes. Chrome door mirrors are now standard from the Allure trim upwards, strengthening the desirable nature of our best-selling car. Driving Experience Climb into the New 208 ’s Peugeot i-Cockpit, with its compact steering wheel, headup instrument panel and large touch screen,, and discover y your ticket to a driving experience that combines punchy thrills with maximum safety. Enhancements have been m de to improve comfort ma made a d desirability of the an and N Ne w 208 interior. New T Th e steering The w eel wh is wheel n o w

trimmed in full-grain leather from Active full full-grain trim level, whilst Active and Al-

lure feature new seat material. All of this adds up to a comfortable yet exhilarating driving experience that will make every day driving an absolute pleasure. Efciency All versions of the New Peugeot 208 meet Euro 6 emissions standards. BlueHDi technology provides the most efcient diesel engines on the market and the 1.6-litre BlueHDi engines are now available with three power levels choices. The 75 and 100 S&S, coupled with a ve-speed manual gearbox and capable of impressive economy at 94.1mpg, and the 120 S&S with a six-speed manual gearbox, which produces just 94g/ km of CO. The PureTech family of three-cylinder petrol engines is expanded with the 1.2-litre turbocharged PureTech 110 S&S version. Coupled with a vespeed manual gearbox, this engine achieves CO emissions of just 103g/km. The New 208 is available from launch with the new EAT6 six-speed automatic gearbox, which uses Quickshift technology allowing faster changes. Technology The New 208 is bursting with technology. Its multi-function colour touch screen acts as mission control, providing access and nger-tip control of all the car ’s audio, communications and navigation equipment, including the DAB Digital radio. A whole host of new equipment makes driving in urban areas even easier too, with safety, assistance and lifestyle systems including Stop & Start (S&S) technology, Active City Brake, Electronic stability control, Peugeot Mirror Screen®, Park Assist and reversing camera. BC

o achieve better fuel economy is what everyone wants for their next car and wouldn ’t mind if it ’s also better for the environment. But which engine is the right choice? Gas, diesel, hybrid or electric? Ultimately, it depends on the kind of driving you do and how much distance you ’ll travel before turning the car over to the next owner. This auto tech backgrounder will help you decide which engine is best, given your circumstances. Here ’s the broad answer: Go with gasoline if you ’re a low-mileage driver, hybrid for city driving, and diesel for high-mileage (mostly highway) driving. The mainstream gasoline engine is best if you drive less than 7500 miles a year because the savings on fuel won ’t match the premium you ’re likely to pay for a hybrid or diesel car. Hybrid is the winner if you cover a lot of miles in stop and go city driving or on clogged expressways, where braking recharges the battery that powers the electric motor. It helps if you ’re easy on the throttle and brake early and smoothly in a hybrid. If you drive a lot of highway miles, diesel cars like the 2014 Chevy Cruze diesel are right choice for cost per mile driven, and most diesel vehicles have higher trade-in values than gasoline-powered cars. The case for diesel is clearer in the premium/sporty segment where the gasoline engine uses premium fuel, so the diesel price disadvantage per gallon of fuel is less than 10 per cent. To draw the conclusions above, you need to think about a half-dozen factors and how your driving ts in. Higher miles-per-gallon is just part of the picture. The more miles you drive, the sooner you get payback. The residual value of your ride may tip the scales. Residual value may be better with diesels, hybrids. A diesel vehicle will be worth more than the average vehicle at trade-in time. A hybrid should at least match the residual value of the gas engine car. For EVs, which sell in smaller numbers, the residual value may depend on each model ’s reputation and on the length of the battery warranty; the battery is often half the value of the vehicle. The average vehicle retains 38.2 per cent of its value after ve years (37.2 per cent cars, 39.8 per cent light trucks), according to kbb.com, measured as a percentage of the list (sticker) price. The 2013 Ford Fusion does the best job retaining value among hybrids at 45 per cent after ve years, but that ’s still outside the top 10 gas engine vehicles. Fifteen years of hybrid sales in the US shows little evidence the $2,500 batteries wear out but rapid improvements in hybrid technology mean a used hybrid feels more geriatric that a gasoline car. The best EV for residual value, kbb.com says, is the Chevrolet Volt (really more of an extended-range hybrid), retaining 30.0 per cent of its value at ve years. For many hybrid cars where the model has a gasoline counterpart (Ford Fusion, Honda Civic, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima), the residual value of the two cars are often the same or within 1-2 percentage points of each other. Nine of 10 diesel cars and trucks studied by the University of Michigan had better ve-year residual value than their gas-engine counterparts and half were at least 10 percentage points better, led by the Mercedes-Benz GL with a 39 per cent residual value advantage over the gas GL. BC

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REGULATORS

NCDMB seeks stakeholders ’ collaboration T

he Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, Denzil Kentebe, has noted that the implementation of Nigerian Content policy promised huge benets for stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, including the International Oil Companies, IOCs, The agency ’s Media Relations Supervisor, Obinna Ezeobi, in a statement quoted Kentebe while hosting general managers of Nigerian Content Divisions in the IOCs, in Yenogoa, Bayelsa State, as saying that the Act establishing the body is not implemented in an oppositional manner where the board and the operators view themselves as industry adversaries. He stated that rather than adopt such a posture, the board decided from inception in 2010 to collaborate with the IOCs, other operators and service industry stakeholders, adding that this model had proven very effective in stimulating compliance with provisions of the Act. The NCDMB boss stressed that the developmental role of the board was very critical and

Kentebe

it involved close collaboration with stakeholders to develop incountry capacities and capabilities which makes it possible to execute most industry projects hitherto taken abroad before the advent of the Act. While acknowledging the partnership of operating companies with the Board over the years and their support to the development of local capacity through various initiatives, Kentebe charged the companies not to rest on their oars, as he is

new in the saddle and in view of the operational challenges facing the industry at the moment. He assured that the board would work closely with Nigerian Content GMs to nd solutions to problems their companies might have relating to Nigerian Content compliance in their projects. Meanwhile, NCDMB has commissioned the spool yard for Glass Reinforced Epoxy or GRE pipes of Bell Oil and Gas Limited. The spool yard worth over $4 million is described as the rst of its kinds in Nigeria and Africa is expected to provide immedi-

ate solutions to various oil and gas projects onshore and offshore. Glass Reinforced Epoxy or GRE pipes are a valid alternative to carbon steel pipes especially for corrosive, aggressive and normal environments. GRE pipe technology is based on the continuous Filament Winding process using high strength berglass ,E-glass and aminecured epoxy resin as basic material. The pipes are reinforced throughout with tough glassber strands creating a lightweight, strong, corrosion-resistant pipe that meets most

international standards. Speaking on the Bell Oil & Gas $4 million spool yard, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Denzil Amagbe Kentebe, said the world class facility is capable of creating thousands of employment for Nigerians and ending capital ight in the oil and gas industry. According to him, the project, which will bring employment opportunity and in-country capacity building for the spool yard, was documented and recorded with the training and certication of over 70 Nigerian engineers in the last 24 months. BC

CBN appoints additional PIAs for non oil exports

n furtherance of its efforts to properly monitor the pre shipment inspection of non oil exports the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has appointed two new pre shipment inspection agents. The CBN in a circular signed by signed by, Director, Trade and Exchange Department Olakanmi made this known. The circular said “further to

circular on the above subject dated November 8, 2004, authorised dealers, operators in the non oil sector and the general public are hereby informed that the Federal Government has appointed two additional pre -shipment inspection agents ”. It said in addition to Messrs Cobalt International Services Limited, Carmine

Assayer Limited and Neroli Technologies Limited have been included as pre- shipment inspection agents for non oil exports. “According to the circular Cobalt would cover Northern zone of the country while Carmine Assayer and Neroli would be in charge of South west and South east and South south respectively. BC

PenCom charges states to adopt CPS

he National Pension Commission,PenCom, has charged states that are yet to adopt the Contributory Pension Scheme,CPS, to do so, as it guarantee a better future for workers in their respective states. Speaking at a seminar in Enugu, Enugu State recently the Director General, PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, said prior to theenactment of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014, several states in the Federation, had adopted the CPS and were at various stages of implementation, while others are yet to do so. However, she said the scorecard for the South-East Zone has not been encouraging since no state has attained full implementation status. The PRA 2014, she noted, has enhanced States and Local Government participation in the CPS by expressly prescribing the coverage of employees in both levels of government, in addition to the Federal Public service and private sector. According to her, “I would therefore like to passionately appeal to all the States and Local Governments in the SouthEast Zone that are yet to adopt or implement the CPS to quickly embark on doing so in order to avail their employees of the numerous benets of the scheme while avoiding huge future pension liabilities. ” Recent developments with regards to inadequate nances af-

fecting most states of the federation, she stressed, is a pointer to the urgent need for states to adopt the CPS. “In our quest to assist the states in guided implementation, PenCom has established functional ofces in the six geo-political zones including Awka for the South-East Zone. These ofces have been equipped to provide the required technical assistance to States and Local Governments in their efforts to adopt and implement the CPS, ” she said. She pointed out that the PRA 2014 Act has also made provisions for voluntary participation

in the CPS, thereby paving way for the coverage of the informal sector through the Micro Pensions initiative. Already, she said her commission has commenced a series of activities intended to kick start this initiative which focuses on the underserved segments of the Nigerian workers, adding that PenCom is partnering with organized labour and well established trade groups in that regard. “It is noteworthy that the PRA 2014 has also addressed other issues aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the CPS.

These include establishment of the Pension Protection Fund and Minimum Pension Guarantee, “ she noted. She explained that the 2014 re-enacted the fundamental provisions of the repealed PRA 2004, which include; inter alia, the establishment of the CPS, uniform standards for pension administration as well as the PenCom as the sole regulator and supervisor of pension matters in Nigeria. However, she said there are new developments introduced by the PRA 2014 such as the upward review of the minimum rate of pension contribution

Anohu-Amazu

and the sanctions and penalties against infractions of the provisions of the Act. BC

NAICOM issues deadline to underwriters on outstanding claims

he National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, has issued September deadline to all insurance companies to pay outstanding claims, or risk the wrath of the law. In a circular signed by Deputy Commissioner, Technical, Muhammad Kari, and send to all insurance rms in the country, the commission noted that this step was meant to to sanitize the industry of this unpalatable tags and restore the condence of the insuring public. The circular noted that the commission had earlier collated claims details from all companies and complains on delayed and unsettled claims from members of the insuring public in its efforts to verify the persis-

tent complains of the consumers of insurance about an unsavory attitude of the providers that has brought the image of the industry to disrepute. The study, it said, conrmed the truth of this situation which, according to NAICOM, is perpetrated by only a few, whose sad posture stains the efforts of the many. To this end, it therefore directed all underwriters that henceforth, all claims must be handed strictly in accordance with the provision of the insurance Act 2003., adding that the commission gives operators till 30th September 2015 to clear backlog of outstanding claims as provided by the Insurance Act. According to the circular,

“As a palliative gesture, the commission shall allow a grace till 30th September 2015 for companies to clear backlog of outstanding claims as provided by the Insurance Act. From 1st October, 2015, the commission shall evoke full application of the punitive section of the Insurance Act, including, but not limited to, Sections 8 (1) (m), 70 (1) (b) and 70 (2) without further recourse. ” Meanwhile, Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel, said the mechanism put in place by NAICOM, under his guidance, has drastically increased the level of claims settlement in insurance industry. When he assumed ofce in 2007, he said the commission strengthened the insurance

claims redress mechanism in NAICOM, by establishing the Complaint Bureau Unit, which almost escalated to a fulledged department. “All the complaints we received were decisively and satisfactorily dealt with. To further resolve the issue of claim settlement, we established a contact centre in 2014 which enabled aggrieved consumers to pick their phones and report erring insurance companies, ” he stressed. The commission, he added, also sponsored a live television programme called Insurance and Claims running on Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, aimed at educating the masses on their rights and obligations under insurance policies. BC

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Stock market last week

NSE trading hall

Equities he stock market opened for four trading sessions last week as the Federal Government of Nigeria declared Friday, 17th and Monday, 20th 2015 as public holidays to observe the end of Ramadan and Idel-Fitr celebrations. Meanwhile, a turnover of 1.187 billion shares worth N20.259bn in 14,349 deals were traded by investors on the oor of The Exchange in contrast to a total of 1.264 billion shares valued at N15.770bn that exchanged hands last week in 17,016 deals. The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 928.850 mil-

lion shares valued at N11.840bn traded in 7,903 deals; thus contributing 78.26 per cent and 58.44 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Conglomerates Industry followed with a turnover of 76.523 million shares worth N629.896m in 979 deals. The third place was occupied by Oil and Gas Industry with 67.815 million shares worth N966.600m in 1,652 deals. Trading in the Top Three Equities namely –Zenith International Bank Plc.; Access Bank Plc., and Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 647.735 million shares worth N9.888bn in

2,477 deals, contributing 54.58 per cent and 48.81 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. ETPs: Also traded during the week were a total of 35,774 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N1.055m executed in 14 deals compared with a total of 1,430 units valued at N586,558.50 transacted last week in 17 deals. Retail Bonds: A total of 505 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N514, 265.14m were traded last week in one deal compared with a total 500 units valued at N508, 788.04m transacted last week one deal. Index Movement: The NSE All-Share Index and Market Capitalization depreciated by 2.15 per cent and 1.92 per cent to close on Thursday at 31,047.99 and N10.628trn respectively. Similarly, all the Indices nished lower during the week, with the exception of NSE ASeM Index that closed at. Summary Of Price Changes Thirteen equities appreciated in price during the week, lower 19 equities of the preceding week. Fifty-seven equities depreciated in price, higher than 50 equities of the preceding week, while 120 equities remained unchanged, lower than 124 equities recorded in the preceding week. BC

Market Indicators for Week Ended 16-07-15 All-Share Index 31,768.23 points Market Capitalization 10,636,369,758,599.00

NASD OTC REPORT 1 OUTSTANDING OFFERS AND BIDS ON NASD OTC Outstanding deals since May, 2015. Security SD ACORN PETROLEUM PLC SD ARM LIFE PLC SD ARM PROPERTIES PLC SD AFRILAND PROPERTIES PLC SD BGL PLC SD CAPPA AND D'ALBERTO PLC SD CENTRAL SECURITIES CLEARING SYSTEM PLC SD DUFIL PRIMA FOODS PLC SD FRIESLAND CAMPINA WAMCO NIGERIA PLC

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

SD FOOD CONCEPTS PLC

Consumer Services

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

Consumer Goods Industrials Financials Financials Financials Oil & Gas

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

Financials Technology Industrials Financials Technology Financials

RUSTRUSTBOND MORTGAGE BANK PLC

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

Last Offer Date 15-Jul-15 14-Jul-15 8-Jul-15 16-Jul-15 17-Jul-15 25-Jun-15

Offers Volume offered Last Offer Price Last Bid Price 563,720 0.70 0.50 78,000 2.98 2.69 50,000.00 80.00 30,500 6.00 5.40 9.51 49,147 290.00 271.00 750,000.00 0.85 -

0.50 0.50 0.50 1.00 10.00 0.50

7-Jul-15 16-Jul-15 14-May-15 16-Jul-15 13-Jul-15

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.00

24-Jun-15 4-Jun-15 2-Jul-15

795,899.00 6,352,500.00 50,000 247,580.00 2,485,700 1,091,280.00 5,386,800 3,262,650.00

2 DEMATERIALISATION AND CUMULATIVE TRADE IN OTC SECURITIES 16-Jul-15

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

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

1.20

0.60 0.16 0.85 161.50 0.99

0.16 0.80 -

0.52 2.16 0.92

0.81 -

Bids Volume Bidded Last Bid Date 100 8-Jul-15 1,505,900 10-Jul-15 2,303,924 15-Jul-15 1,058,590 8-Jul-15 39,800 13-Jul-15 10,100 10,000 500 -

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

Total Share Capital Volume % '000 Dematerialised Dematerialised 2,000,000,000 5,785,673,000 1,900,000,000 1,249,000,000 12,000,000,000 196,875,000 5,000,000,000 6,753,333,334 976,335,936 5,650,000,000 3,600,000,000 4,257,668,000 1,170,324,536 14,231,238,000 11,829,700,000 181,408,000 2,875,595,000 2,576,686,039 880,394,000 7,138,199,210 2,705,378,000 10,945,334,000

43,774,346 606,000,000 81,000 12,222,020 3,003,107,984 113,589 77,297,855 172,691,652 88,567,426 554,501,102 65,087,688 991,882,820 1,716,500 9,263,966 186,687,494 516,100,000 14,750,000 90,629,755

103,903,142,055 6,434,475,197

8-Jul-15 9-Jul-15 6-Jul-15 -

TRADE INFORMATION (JAN 2015-TILL DATE)

DEMATERIALISATION INFORMATION

Introduced by Company Registrars Meristem Securities Limited CardinalStone Registrars Limited APT Securities & Fund Limited African Prudential Registrars Plc Mega Equity Limited African Prudential Registrars Plc APT Securities & Fund Limited African Prudential Registrars Plc Nigerian Int. Securities Ltd Unity Registrars Limited UBA Stockbroking Firm African Prudential Registrars Plc Greenwich Securities Limited African Prudential Registrars Plc Anchoria Investment & Securities Lim Nnenna Ejekam Associates Capital Bancorp Plc First Registrars Limited Stanbic IBTC stockbrokers limited Meristem Registrars Limited Integrated Trust & Investment LimitedPAC Registrars Limited Icon Stockbrokers Limited Meristem Registrars Limited Sterling Capital Market Limited African Prudential Registrars Plc Greenwich Securities Limited GTL Registrars Limited APT Securities & Fund Limited African Prudential Registrars Plc FCSL Asset Management Co. Limited United Securities Limited APT Securities & Fund Limited First Registrars Limited APT Securities & Fund Limited EDC Registrars Limited APT Securities & Fund Limited Mainstreet Bank Registrars Limite Primera Africa Securities Limited PAC Registrars Limited Signet Investment and Securities Limi PAC Registrars Limited Prominent Securities Limited United Securities Limited

8-Jul-15

2.19% 10.47% 0.00% 0.98% 25.03% 0.06% 1.55% 0.00% 17.69% 1.57% 0.00% 13.02% 5.56% 6.97% 0.01% 5.11% 6.49% 20.03% 0.00% 0.00% 0.55% 0.83% 6.19%

If you do not see your unquoted Plc on this list or for further enquirys consult your NASD OTC participating broker or visit our website at www.nasdng.com

DEALS 25 7 23 5 6 96 344 64 19 40 16 61 16 17 19 9 767

VOLUME 30,790 36,410 1,192,851 6,300 41,603 13,934,390 135,312,263 6,313,740 11,031,137 111,809,150 12,450 6,507,757 6,700 116,700 17,760 3,560 286,373,561

VALUE (േ) 44,034.90 113,352.00 3,137,584.44 18,900.00 3,533,525.00 66,765,252.21 42,582,228,536.23 3,368,135.00 16,239,635.31 110,480,982.00 10,582.50 1,341,102,642.25 7,592.00 112,322.00 40,359.30 3,479.70 44,127,206,914.84

A22 38

Business Courage

Monday, July 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Guinness: Performance driven by new products, adept adverts Udo Onyeka

uinness Nigeria, a subsidiary of Diageo Plc rst quarter of 2015 result recorded an astonishing growth of 47 per cent coupled with a 17 per cent increase on its net sales for the quarter in review. This growth has been attributed to the wide acceptance of the company ’s new brand, Orijin, by consumers in the Nigerian market alongside adept adverts and wide market penetrations. Guinness Nigeria disclosed that the company had a “17 per cent increase in sales for the quarter, year on year and a 47 per cent growth in operating prot when compared to the same period last year. ” According to former Managing Director/Chief Executive ofcer, Guinness Nigeria, John O ’Keeffe Guinness recorded a strong performance in the quarter driven by the continued success of Orijin and participation in the value segment of the market through Satzenbrau along with the improving performance of Guinness stout, adding that the company was reporting a double digit net sales growth in the period. A statement by the Company had disclosed that high nance costs in a high interest rate environment negatively impacted overall protability of the brewer. “Despite the challenges highlighted, the company assured of continuous investment in all its brands in order to enhance their route to their customers ”, it said. Also, Chairman, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Babatunde Savage, remarked: “We have had an encouraging year so far and we believe that we are in a position to nish the year well in spite of the challenges of the operating environment. 2014 half year result Guinness Nigeria recorded another poor nancial performance for the half year ended December 31, 2014. The brewing company posted growth in top line but decline of 32 per cent in bottom line,

Peter Ndegwa, Managing Director CEO, Guinness Nigeria

due to high operating expenses and nancial charges. Specically, the company recorded revenue of N55.3bn in 2014, up from N52.7bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2013. Its cost of sale rose from N27.5bn to N29.5bn, leading to a margin increase in gross prot which grew from N25.3bn to N25.8bn. Marketing and distribution expenses also grew from N12.5bn to N13.2bn, while administrative expenses similarly jumped from N4.9bn to N6bn. Operating prot fell 15 per cent, from N8.22bn to N6.97bn. However, nance charges increased 35 per cent to N2.71bn, from N1.95bn, which led to the company ending with a prot after tax of N3.39bn, compared to N4.99bn in 2013. Analyst at FBN Capital, said the second quarter profit after tax fell 41 per cent to N1.9bn. Although sales grew 13 per cent to N34.2bn, a combination of factors including a gross margin contraction of 442 basis points to 44.4 per cent, a 20 per cent rise in operating expenses and a 34 per cent growth in interest expense resulted in prot before tax declining by 41 per cent year-on-year to N2.7bn. “On a sequential basis, while sales increased by 63 per cent quarter-on-quarter,

Savage

similar factors responsible for the year-on-year decline in earnings (mainly a gross margin contraction of 567 basis points quarter by quarter, a 45 per cent quarter by quarter rise in operating expenses and a 28 per cent quarter by quarter rise in interest expense) resulted in prot before tax and prot after tax growing slower by 37 per cent q/q and 29 per cent q/q respectively. Compared with our estimates, sales beat by seven per cent, ” they said. Business Strategy The company has been reaping the benets of new products such as Origin Bitters and Origin Ready to Drink, introduced into the market recently with the improvement in revenue. On a quarterly basis, the company ’s revenue of N34.2bn in the second quarter to December 2014 is higher than N21.05bn and N30.35bn posted in the rst quarter of the review period and second quarter of the previous year respectively by 62.6 per cent and 12.8 per cent. Similarly, the latest quarter ’s revenue is higher than the eight quarter average of N28.3bn by 21.1 per cent. “It also exceeded our estimate of N32.1bn by 6.6 per cent. If the improvement in revenue can be replicated in the quar-

ters ahead, there will be positive impact on the full year numbers, ” analysts at DLM Securities, an investment rm, said. Operating expenses The company cost of sales increased despite decline in the prices of major inputs. For the review period, the company posted an increase of 7.4 per cent in cost of sales yearon-year to N29.5bn, compared to N27.5bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2013. The higher increase in cost of sales relative to revenue led to an increase in cost of sale/ revenue ratio to 53 per cent relative to 52.1 per cent recorded the preceding year. Contrary to expectation, cost of sales was up in spite of decline in the prices of grains in the global commodity market which are major inputs in brewing both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. For example, barley and corn traded at average prices of $127/ tonne and $174/tonne in the review period. Also, the average prices of wheat and sorghum declined 15 per cent year-on-year and nine per cent year-on-year respectively. Operating prot declined due to increase in running costs. For the review period, the company ’s operating ex-

penses of N19.2bn was up 9.8 per cent year-on-year, compared to N17.5bn recorded the preceding year. The higher increase in operating expenses relative to revenue led to a higher operating expenses/ revenue ratio of 34.7 per cent to 33.1 per cent recorded the preceding period. On the whole, total cost rose to N48.7bn, up 8.3 per cent from N44.9bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2013, while total cost/revenue ratio stood at 88.1 per cent relative to 85.2 per cent in the half year of 2013. Therefore, operating prot was down 15.1 per cent to N6.98bn, compared to N8.22bn posted in the same period of 2013. The operating margin dipped to 12.6 per cent relative to 15.6 per cent recorded in the same period of 2013. Company background Guinness Nigeria was established in 1962 and was the rst country to have a Guinness brewery built outside of the British Isles. Nigeria now represents the largest market for Guinness by Net Sales Value in the world. Products from the brewer ’s stables include Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, Malta Guinness, Harp Lager beer, SNAPP, Orijin Bitters and ready-to-drink amongst others.BC

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Courage

Monday, July 20, 2015

A23 39

STOCKWATCH Stock Exchange weekly equities summary as at Thursday, July 16, 2015 SECURITY

PRICE (=N=)

QUANTITY

AGRICULTURE/AGRO-ALLIED Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC 0.50 9,140 OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. 25.82 261,540 PRESCO PLC 31.19 107,996 Fishing/Hunting/Trapping ELLAH LAKES PLC. 4.26 70 Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. 2.01 1,249,104 CONGLOMERATES Diversied Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. 1.21 100,150 CHELLARAMS PLC. 3.95 300 JOHN HOLT PLC. 0.94 17,558 SCOA NIG PLC 4.44 512 TRANSNATIONAL CORP. OF NIG.PLC 2.12 6,693,406 U A C N PLC. 41.00 2,658,148 CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Construction ARBICO PLC. 5.30 375 CAPPA & D ’ALBERTO PLC. NT 3 Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. 0.64 807,550 G CAPPA PLC 14.46 217 Non--Building/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. 47.97 27,437 ROADS NIG PLC. 6.29 1,832 Real Estate Development PINNACLE POINT GROUP PLC NT NT UACN PROPERTY DEV 9.80 324,368 Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC 100.00 93 UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INV 45.22 100 UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST10.00 6,350 CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC 0.50 5,016 Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. 5.61 54,992 GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. 0.93 8,132 GUINNESS NIG PLC 142.00 28,374 INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. 18.99 172,515 JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. 1.66 50,000 NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. 128.20 1,808,302 PREMIER BREWERIES PLC 3.26 513,550 Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. 181.00 24,150 Food Products BIG TREAT PLC NT NT DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC 3.05 224,970 DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC 5.71 1,588,435 FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. 29.20 187,271 HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC 2.80 952,850 MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC 0.50 53,816 N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. 18.05 159,011 NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC 8.90 2,835,920 2.08 124,000 P S MANDRIDES & CO PLC. 5.35 U T C NIG. PLC. 0.50 50 UNION DICON SALT PLC. 11.84 100 Food Products--Diversied CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. 35.05 5,725 NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. 840.00 390,319 Household Durables BETA GLASS CO PLC. NT 25,333 NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. 30.23 100 VITAFOAM NIG PLC. 5.78 187,845 VONO PRODUCTS PLC. 1.24 15,000 Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. 27.88 156,973 UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. 37.91 119,119 Textiles/Apparel UNITED NIG. TEXTILES PLC. NT NT FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. 5.03 20,610,779 DIAMOND BANK PLC 4.08 1,358,484 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INC. 22.00 5,746,153 FIDELITY BANK PLC 1.56 4,669,271 FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC. NT NT GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. 26.00 11,491,149 INTERCONTINENTAL BANK 13.50 SKYE BANK PLC 2.15 5,074,965 STERLING BANK PLC. 2.05 2,601,379 U B A PLC 4.33 11,173,106 UNION BANK NIG.PLC. 8.37 1,469,943 UNITY BANK PLC 2.44 359,359 WEMA BANK PLC. 0.94 1,128,531 ZENITH BANK PLC 17.72 9,778,427 Insurance Carriers, Brokers & Services AFRICAN ALLIANCE INS. COY. PLC 0.50 200 AIICO INSURANCE PLC. 0.95 1,627,718 CONFIDENCE INSURANCE PLC NT NT CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INS. PLC 0.50 9,140 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC 1.03 1,882,960 CORNERSTONE INS. COY. PLC. 0.50 62,000 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INS. PLC NT 9,054,578 EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. 0.50 4,754 GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC 0.53 NT GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC 0.50 42,003 GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. 0.50 165,731 INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INS. PLC NT NT INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INS. PLC 0.50 698,304 INVESTMENT AND ALLIED ARN. 0.5 NT LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. 0.50 14,710 LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. 0.50 100 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC 0.51 220 MANSARD INSURANCE PLC 2.75 23,600 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. 0.50 1,319,465 N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. 0.66 10,579,013 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. 0.50 52,100 OASIS INSURANCE PLC NT 1,654,611 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. 0.50 27,973 REGENCY ALLIANCE INS. COY PLC 0.50 5,028 SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC 0.50 100 STANDARD TRUSTASSURANCE PLC 0.50 1,650 STANDARD ALLIANCE INS. PLC. 0.50 161,547,689 UNIC INSURANCE PLC. 0.50 25,000 UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC 0.50 200 UNIVERSAL INS. COMPANY PLC 0.50 518,140 WAPIC INSURANCE PLC 0.50 1,368,084 Micro Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC 5.42 10,000,000 NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC 1.05 584,766 Mortgage Carriers, Brokers &Services ABBEY MORTGAGE BANK PLC 1.25 500 ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC 0.50 500 INFINITY TRUST MORTGAGE BANK PLC 1.42 500 RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC 0.50 220,000 UNION HOMES SAVINGS&LOANS PLC 5.78 4,570 Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS 2.74 313,164 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INS. PLC 4.00 369,250 CRUSADER ( NIG) PLC. NT 500 DEAP CAPITAL MGT & TRUST PLC 0.64 5,000 FBN HOLDINGS PLC 7.63 8,812,914 FCMB GROUP PLC 2.85 27045923 ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. 0.50 1,050,953 STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC 23.95 3,807,836 SIM CAPITAL ALLIANCE VALUE FUND 103.24 465 NIGERIA ENERGY SECTOR FUND 552.20 100 UBA CAPITAL PLC 1.35 1,926,013 HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers EKOCORP PLC. 3.72 170 UNION DIAGNOSTIC &CLINICAL PLC 0.50 40,000 Medical Supplies MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. 1.82 100 Pharmaceuticals

NOTE NT=Not Traded on 16-07-15

N/A=Not Avialable

52 WK HIGH

0.64 107.81 41.14

52 WK LOW

0.50 20.92 8.24

SHARES OUTSTANDING

2,200,000,000 476,955,000 1,000,000,000

EPS

0.10 2.29 7.55

MOV. (%)

N/A -9.40 -8.26

0.50 28.50 34.00

4.26

60,000,000

0.00

N/A

4.26

7.18

0.68

1,199,549,736

0.07

-0.99

2.03

2.08 6.43 5.89

0.71 4.15 1.07

2,191,895,983 963,900,300 389,151,408

0.11 0.16 1.09

-13.57 N/A N/A

5.89 71.10

0.50 28.00

821,666,666 1,600,720,323

0.09 4.38

N/A N/A

1.40 3.95 0.94 4.44 2.50 40.01

26.00 95.49

5.05 95.49

148,500,000 196,876,000

0.33 4.50

N/A N/A

5.30 NT

2.66 14.46

0.72 14.46

920,573,765 125,000,000

0.00 0.00

N/A N/A

0.73 14.46

83.75 10.60

19.86 6.61

1,200,000,000 20,000,000

6.74 1.69

0.00 N/A

47.97 6.29

7.28 20.90

7.28 8.82

1,375,000,000

0.00 2.20

N/A -5.77

NT 10.40

100.00 50.00 10.50

100.00 50.00 0.00

20,000,000 250,019,781

5.82 0.19

N/A N/A

100.00 45.22 10.00

0.50

4,772,528,415

0.00

N/A

0.50

19.48 0.68 297.41 30.00 9.09 179.40 0.97

3.13 0.68 209.10 5.34 0.81 91.10 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 0.00 8.66 0.63 0.00 5.03 0.00

N/A N/A 1.57 N/A N/A -7.44 N/A

5.61 0.93 139.80 19.00 1.66 138.51 3.26

75.90

38.12

640,590,362

4.46

N/A

189.00

0.50 10.68 12.85 109.24 4.11 1.21 29.70 14.00 5.94 0.93 13.31

0.50 3.85 3.26 50.00 1.83 0.50 17.51 3.65 5.35 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 0.81 3.38 0.34 0.00 0.00 1.05 0.08 1.13 0.00

N/A -10.29 -9.37 -9.60 -13.31 N/A N/A 17.11 N/A 0.00 N/A

NT 3.40 6.30 32.30 3.23 0.50 18.05 7.60 5.35 0.50 11.84

64.53 1250.00

8.33 400.00

3,129,188,160 792,656,250

1.57 28.34

0.00 -1.18

35.05 850.00

15.58 36.19 5.54 2.88

10.03 32.27 2.91 0.57

63,360,000 819,000,000 300,000,001

3.90 13.92 0.71 0.00

N/A N/A -1.70 N/A

NT 30.23 5.88 1.24

56.00 76.00

21.02 27.60

3,176,381,636 3,783,296,250

1.34 1.42

-3.70 -2.79

28.95 39.00

0.97

0.57

843,284,027

0.00

N/A

12.39 7.85 17.51 3.47 8.30 29.99

4.70 1.92 9.90 1.13 3.04 13.02

17,888,251,479 14,475,243,105 9,873,614,567 28,974,797,023 16,271,192,202 29,146,482,209

1.61 1.71 3.67 0.68 0.60 3.08

-1.18 3.29 4.76 -3.70 #VALUE! -0.42

7.05 3.05 9.60 15.30 1.16 1.88 27.40

2.65 0.80 1.64 2.34 0.50 0.50 11.96

13,219,334,676 12,563,091,545 32,334,693,693 13,509,726,273 33,675,576,085 12,821,249,880 31,396,493,790

0.97 0.63 1.70 0.44 0.18 0.00 3.30

-4.87 -3.30 3.10 -6.06 0.00 -6.00 -6.49

0.50 1.42 0.64 0.52 1.45 0.72 2.44 0.50 0.69 0.60 0.50 2.50 2.50 0.50 0.50 0.61 0.50 2.87 0.63 1.01 1.11 0.50 1.24 0.53 0.59

0.50 0.50 0.61 0.50 0.58 0.50 1.08 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.06 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

0.00 0.19 0.00 0.05 0.15 0.02 0.24 0.01 0.00 0.03 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.25 0.00 0.37 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.04 0.09

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 0.00 N/A -1.49 N/A N/A 0.00 N/A 0.00

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.55

0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

8,493,173,450 2,581,733,505 13,000,000,000 16,000,000,000

0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.07

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

6.60 1.22

0.00 0.72

1.65 0.50

1.37 0.50

4,200,000,000 8,679,148,676

0.03 0.02

N/A N/A

0.50 0.99

0.50 0.50

13,175,732,404 7,812,500,000

0.30 0.00

N/A N/A

3,778,005,975 1,333,333,333 32,632,084,358

0.00 0.15 2.45 1.23 0.13 1.53

2.1

0.5

0.61 2.02 21.50 5.70 1.33 20.72 103.24

0.50 2.02 8.57 2.90 0.50 10.64 98.33

1.70

0.00

1.18 0.19

0.50 0.95 NT 0.50 1.10 0.50 NT 0.50 0.53 0.50 0.50 NT 0.50 0.5 0.50 0.50 0.51 2.75 0.50 0.67 0.50 NT 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 5.42 1.05

0.63

3,608,657,661 18,750,000,000

5.09 3.95 21.00 1.62 NT 26.11 13.50 2.26 2.12 4.20 8.91 2.35 1.00 18.95

N/A N/A -4.39 N/A -4.24

0.29

1.25 0.50 1.42 0.50 5.78 2.7 4.07 NT 0.64 7.98 2.91 0.50 25.01 103.24 552.20 1.37

5.05 0.50

4.32 0.50

498,600,908 3,553,138,528

0.13 0.00

N/A N/A

3.72 0.50

10.54

7.39

152,178,750

0.00

N/A

1.82

SECURITY

PRICE (=N=)

EVANS MEDICAL PLC. 0.83 FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC 3.48 GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER PLC 43.50 MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. 1.50 NEIMETH INT PHARM PLC 1.39 NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. 6.32 PHARMA-DEKO PLC. 2.25 ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SLN PLC 0.50 Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC 0.50 Electronic Communications Services MTECH COMMUNICATIONS PLC 0.91 IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC 3.98 NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. 11.02 TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. 1.69 Processing Systems CHAMS PLC 0.50 E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC 3.18 Telecommunications Services IHS NT HIS NIGERIA PLC 2 NT HIS NIGERIA PLC 1 NT MTI PLC 0.5 INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials AFRICAN PAINTS (NIGERIA) PLC. 2.72 ASHAKA CEM PLC 22.15 BERGER PAINTS PLC 10.68 CAP PLC 41.00 CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC 11.50 DANGOTE CEMENT PLC 168.30 DN MEYER PLC. 0.76 FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC 0.50 IPWA PLC 0.50 PREMIER PAINTS 10.93 LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. 102.00 PAINTS & COATINGS MANFACT.PLC 1.33 PORTLAND PAINTS & PRDT NIG. PLC 5.00 Electronic and Electrical Products AUSTIN LAZ & COMPANY PLC 2.09 CUTIX PLC. 1.50 NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. 0.50 Packaging/Containers ABPLAST PRODUCTS PLC. NT AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS 1.52 BETA GLASS CO PLC. 34.20 GREIF NIGERIA PLC 11.48 NIG. BAGS MANFACT. COY PLC NT POLY PRODUCTS (NIG) PLC. NT W A GLASS IND. PLC. 0.63 Tools and Machinery NIGERIAN ROPES PLC 7.46 NIG SEW MACH. MAN. CO PLC. 0.15 STOKVIS NIG PLC. 0.14 NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. 4.86 Metals ALUMACO PLC 7.75 ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION IND. PLC. 10.43 MINING SERVICES MULTIVERSE PLC 0.50 Paper/Forest Products HALLMARK PAPER PRODUCTS PLC. NT THOMAS WYATT NIG. PLC. 0.67 OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SER. PLC 0.50 Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC 14.68 Petroleum &Petroleum Products Distributors BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC 0.5 CONOIL PLC 40.85 ETERNA PLC. 2.34 FORTE OIL PLC. 180.00 MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. 148.00 MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. 50.54 TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. 158.00 Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVT. CO, LTD. 330.11 SERVICES Advertising AFROMEDIA PLC 0.50 Apparel Retailers LENNARDS (NIG) PLC. 3.15 Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. 0.77 Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC 4.75 TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. 1.44 Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. 0.52 Hospitality TANTALIZERS PLC 0.50 Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL 4.07 IKEJA HOTEL PLC 4.19 TOURIST COY NIG PLC 3.51 TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC 7.86 Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC 0.50 Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS 0.95 LEARN AFRICA PLC 1.25 STUDIO PRESS (NIG) PLC. 2.30 UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. 6.03 Road Transportation ABC TRANSPORT PLCPLC 0.51 Specialty INTERLINKED TECHNOLOGIES PLC 4.43 SECURE ELECTRONIC TECH.PLC 0.5 Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC 2.08 NIG. AVIATION HANDLING COY PLC 5.50 SUPPORT AND LOGISTICS CAVERTON OFFSHORE GROUP PLC 3.42 ASeM CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Property Management SMART PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC NT CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC NT OIL AND GAS CAPITAL OIL PLC NT NAVITUS ENERGY PLC NT Personal/Household Products ROKANA INDUSTRIES PLC. NT HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals AFRIK PHARMACEUTICALS PLC. NT INDUSTRIAL GOODS Electronic and Electrical Products NT ADSWITCH PLC. NT NATURAL RESOURCES Metals W.A. ALUM. PRODUCTS PLC. NT Food/Drug Retailers and Wholesalers NT JULI PLC. NT ETF ’s Sector ETF LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF NT NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND NT VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF NT

QUANTITY

52 WK HIGH

52 WK LOW

SHARES OUTSTANDING

EPS

MOV. (%)

74,488 1,444,640 66,411 163,454 251,300 100 572,185

4.80 2.50 69.00 3.38 1.76 8.59 3.50

0.50 0.61 18.97 1.23 0.58 7.36 1.83

486,473,856 1,500,000,000 956,701,192 980,000,000 1,925,717,268 153,786,012 100,000,000

0.58 0.24 3.07 0.09 0.00 0.00 0.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 N/A N/A

0.83 3.48 43.50 1.50 1.39 6.32 2.25

37,000

0.96

0.50

2,960,000,000

0.11

0.00

0.50

100

0.50

2,941,789,472

0.00

N/A

0.50

0.91

4,966,666,668

0.00

N/A

0.91

400 100 5,460

18.70 2.94

13.12 2.07

108,000,000 492,825,600

0.00 0.03

N/A N/A

3.98 11.02 1.69

27,420 1,080

0.50 4.97

0.50 3.13

4,620,600,000 4,200,000,000

0.04 0.04

N/A N/A

0.50 3.18 NT NT NT 0.5

100

0.50

4,893,594,400

0.00

N/A

2,000 1,557,197 40,673 20,474 1,514,719 1,167,463 40,890 600 6,000 60 109,667 50,000 72,650

2.86 29.98 12.20 67.50 12.99 210.01 3.54 0.75 1.34

2.86 8.01 6.82 13.78 4.00 102.00 0.50 0.50 0.50

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

0.07 0.80 0.91 1.66 1.12 5.77 0.06 0.00 0.00

N/A 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 N/A N/A N/A

110.00 2.41 7.22

39.80 0.50 2.27

3,001,600,004 792,914,256 400,000,000

6.83 0.36 0.43

0.00 N/A N/A

2.72 22.15 10.68 41.00 11.50 168.30 0.76 0.50 0.50 10.93 102.00 1.33 5.00

100 220,132 100

2.00 2.39 0.73

2.00 1.20 0.50

510,396,608 2,220,000,000

0.05 0.19 0.00

N/A 0.00 N/A

2.09 1.50 0.50

NT 561 1,361 100 NT NT NT

3.98 5.94 13.18 13.28 3.60 1.86 0.63

3.98 1.71 9.04 12.68 1.60 1.05 0.63

N/A N/A

42,640,000 6,215,000,000 240,000,000 199,066,550

0.00 0.00 3.23 0.90 0.24 0.22 0.00

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

NT 1.52 34.20 11.48 NT NT 0.63

100 200 NT

8.69

8.26

265,409,280

0.00

N/A

0.14

2,918,000

0.00

N/A

25,000,000 683,974,528

7.46 0.15 0.14

10,000

9.35

5.68

393,120,000

0.76

0.00

4.86

320 100

7.75 12.39

7.75 10.55

75,600,000 100,000,000

0.00 0.24

N/A N/A

7.75 10.43

100

0.50

4,058,989,226

0.01

N/A

0.50

NT 4,050

3.22 1.38

3.22 0.67

50,000,000 220,000,000

0.04 0.00

N/A N/A

NT 0.67

1,408,720

1.02

0.50

6,262,701,716

0.00

0.50

4,924,248

24.80

9.32

2,262,711,568

1.24

0.00

14.68

10000 2,577,516 2,541,040 412,758 22,164 167,074 43,476

76.00 4.87 115.64 146.00 59.00 190.01

16.96 1.32 7.73 106.00 16.20 118.75

693,952,117 1,249,162,828 1,080,280,628 300,496,051 253,988,672 339,521,837

2.69 0.61 1.43 9.93 1.04 12.91

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 N/A 0.00

0.5 40.85 2.34 180.00 148.00 50.54 158.00

306,355

28,677,671

200

0.72

0.50

100

3.48

4,035,497,307

330.11

0.00

N/A

0.50

N/A

3.15

209,933

2.45

1.00

980,294,400

0.00

0.77

2,572,000 3,000

5.10 3.45

2.19 0.73

589,496,310 198,819,763

0.52 0.00

0.00 N/A

4.75 1.44

4,059,547

1.64

0.85

865,808,912

0.00

N/A

0.52

1,500

0.75

0.50

3,211,627,907

0.00

N/A

0.50

100 599,750 1,000 2,800

1.72 3.88 10.00

0.64 3.51 10.00

2,078,796,396

0.00

4.07 4.19 3.51 7.86

1,000

0.51

0.50

8,000,000,000

0.43

N/A

0.50

16500 224,498 20 20,800

3.09 2.78 5.77

1.39 2.52 3.00

771,450,000 425,641,111

0.00 0.00 0.61

N/A N/A 0.00

0.95 1.25 2.30 6.03

955,140

1.29

0.50

1,507,000,000

0.21

N/A

0.51

6 40,000,700

5.15 1.88

4.90 0.80

236,699,511 5,631,539,736

0.00 0.00

N/A N/A

4.43 0.5

111,000 246,274

5.90 8.81

1.27 5.08

634,000,000 1,230,468,750

0.50 0.43

N/A 0.00

2.08 5.50

189044

3.42

1.43

1.04

45,000,000

0.12

N/A

100

2.26

1.02

201,885,335

0.00

N/A

100000 1000

NT NT

0.60

30,000,000

0.00

N/A

0.50

24,898,850

0.00

N/A

NT NT

1.88

1.63

125,005,250

0.00

N/A

NT NT

NT NT 1,000

0.50

6,650,000

0.00

N/A

3.05

2.76

194,700,000

0.00

N/A

41 10

2,706

2,003

#VALUE! 49467

NT NT NT

A24 40

Business Courage

Monday, July 20, 2015

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice nationalmirrorlaw@yahoo.com

“Section 182(1) of the constitution is not to be used as an instrument by politicians to hinder the emergence of their opponents as governor.” Justice George Oguntade, retired Justice of Supreme Court of Nigeria. xx

Let’s overhaul mode of appointment of judges, says Adedipe

42 CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed

Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN)

Favourtism, abuse still trail SAN award-Lawyers How Balarabe Musa was impeached by lawmakers

S’Korean court orders retrial of former spy chief 46

Despite claims that the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) is now involved in the screening of lawyers seeking to become Senior Advocates of Nigeria, some top legal practitioners still believe the process is devoid of merit as 21 new SANs were named about 10 days ago, writes WALE IGBINTADE.

ecent announcement of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) that 21 lawyers have been cleared for the award of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September this year, has evoked memories of criticisms trailing the admission of legal practitioners to the inner Bar. In a clear statement published on its website, the LPPC, states that, “the award of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is a privilege awarded as a mark of excellence to members of the legal profession, who are in full-time legal practice, have distinguished themselves as advocates and have made significant contributions to the development of the legal profession’’. Besides, applicants must be legal practitioners called to the Bar and practicing in Nigeria as an advocate and must have been in active current legal practice and have been so for at least 10 years immediately preceding the date of the application. According to the committee, all

It is illegal to continue to refer to the award as a privilege, as it has become discriminatory and illegal not to confer the rank of SAN on any lawyer who satisfies laid down criteria. applications sent to it will be considered without regard to ethnic origin, pedigree, physical disability, marital status, age, religious beliefs, political views or affiliations. Consequently, over the years legal practitioners, who considered themselves fit and proper for the prestigious award, have applied. While many applicants have been shortlisted on yearly basis, only a small number of them have been awarded. So, it is not a surprise that 40 years after the rank was introduced into the Nigerian legal system, agitations for its modification or outright abolition is still widespread. The title was first conferred on two foremost lawyers, Chief F.R.A. Williams and Dr. Nebo Graham-Douglas, on April 3, 1975,

and as at 2014 only 408 lawyers (living or dead) have been awarded. For instance, in 2012 LPPC announced 25 persons were deemed successful out of 71 people shortlisted for the rank. Also in 2013, the LPPC approved the appointment of 17 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria out of 44 legal practitioners that were invited for the interview. Similarly, in 2014, 17 Nigerian lawyers were chosen from the 23 shortlisted for the interview. On July 10, 2015, the LPPC announced that 21 lawyers have finally scaled the hurdles for the conferment of the rank of SAN this year. According to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the Committee, Ahmed Saleh, the 21 lucky awardees were

selected out of the 124 that applied for the exalted rank. Among the successful applicants are; Dr. Muiz Banire and Abimbola Akeredolu, the only female lawyer in the list. Also awarded were Prof. Maxwell Gidado, former Director –General, Nigerian Law School; Dr. Tahir Mamman, former General Secretary, NBA; Olumuyiwa Akinboro, Edward Ashiekaa, Benson Nwankwo, Joseph Bamigboye, Patrick Okolo, and Akinpelu Onigbinde. Others are Ibrahim Bawa, Samuel Zibiri, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Aderibigbe Adedeji, Emmanuel Aguma, Emeka Etiaba, Gordy Uche, Uchechukwu Obi, Kehinde Eleja, Paul Idornigie and Oladapo Olanipekun. Unlike in the United Kingdom where all that are shortlisted are honoured with Queen’s Counsel (QC), leaving no room for backlog, in Nigeria only few are selected out of many that are qualified for the rank. Unfortunately, this had led many brilliant lawyers to stop applying for the award, while others even called for its outright aboliCONTINUED ON PAGE 44

Law & Justice

Monday, July 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Let’s overhaul mode of appointment Ifedayo Adams Adedipe is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) with 35 years’ post-call experience. An alumnus of the University of Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in this interview with WALE IGBINTADE speaks on the Rivers State judiciary and the mode of appointment of judges, among other issues. Excerpts:

As the lead defence counsel in the trial of former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, how do you see the judgement of Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia that set free your client? First of all, I must appreciate the courtesy and the industry of the judge that heard the case. Honourable Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia shifted through the evidence and considered the law and came to a conclusion that the prosecution failed to prove its case against my client. It shows that the Nigerian judicial system still works. I am satisfied as a lawyer that the judge got it right. I am equally satisfied that the prosecution was misconceived ab initio because there was no evidence. It does appears to me that perhaps there is more to the prosecution than meetsthe-eye. But, I do not want to speculate. But, how do you go about charging a man for having people paid money into his account, N600,000; N750, 000, N1 million and you will charge him saying the money had no source. They equally charged him with money they found in his wife’s bank account. They charged him with money they found in his grown-up children’s accounts. I think that is ridiculous, it’s a smack of vindictiveness. That is not the way prosecution should go. If anybody runs afoul of our law, the individual irrespective of his status should face the law but he should have his day in the court. Eight years is a long time for an individual to be made to go through the judicial system but at the end of the day, the system has shown that it works. I thank the judge for being painstaking and I must also commend the prosecution because we all want a better society. As an individual legal practitioner, I am satisfied that the system is working. The prosecution is dogged, we have a judge who is incorruptible and we have a defence that is formidable. So, I thank God and I am happy. Do you see the case as one of the challenging cases you have handled? Well, every case has its own peculiarity. We had a case under a particular law. The first thing you looked at is the requirements of the law and you see whether the evidence on record establishes a case or not. My client was forthright in his interview with me and I was satisfied that he had committed no wrong. So, I was not under undue challenge, there was nothing unusual or challenging about the case. It was just one of the normal cases. The CJN recently disclosed that between 2009 and 2014, no fewer than 64

Adedipe (SAN)

Unlike places like the UK where it is the Chief Justice that will invite competent legal practitioners to the Bench, in Nigeria people apply, and when you apply, I think it’s wrong. judges were disciplined out of the 1,020 judges currently serving in the superior courts. Is this figure not alarming? I wouldn’t think so, because if you have 30 judges in a state high court and you multiply it by 36, plus Customary Court of Appeal, plus the Supreme Court that will give you a figure. So, if you talk of 64 from this figure, it’s probably less than five percent. I wouldn’t say that is on the high side. But, it does show that the judiciary is involved in house-cleaning. What I expect to follow is the legal practitioners’ group to tow that line. Let us be very frank, it takes two to tango. So, if a judge is involved in wrongdoing, that wrongdoing must have a counterpart. How many litigants have we charged to court? Have we punished them? How did the litigants get in-touch with the judge? Who is the conduit? We need to go through those processes, so that we don’t make it a one-way traffic. One of the most painful cases that I keep refer-

ring to is the case of the former Governor of Awka Ibom State, who allegedly gave money to tribunal members. Members of the tribunal were found guilty but the governor spent four years in office. I think the governor should have been removed because when you corrupt the system, you do not deserve to remain in that system. So, if 64 judges were found over a certain period to have abused their position or violated their oath of office, they should be removed. As the saying goes, the judiciary is the last hope of the common man and when some bigwigs pollute and corrupt it, we are all in trouble. So, if the judiciary has a system in place by which it corrects itself, I welcome it. How do you see appointment of judicial officers into the Bench in recent times? Appointment of judges is fairly contentious in recent times because you do have lawyers who are unwilling to take up ap-

pointment. In some cases, even those willing to take appointment, if they don’t have political godfathers will be sidelined. So, what you end up with is a situation where you will not likely to get the best. Unlike places like the United Kingdom where it is the Chief Justice that will invite competent legal practitioners to the Bench, in Nigeria people apply and when you apply, I think it’s wrong. When you apply you needed a godfather and when they or their relations or church/ mosque members have cases, they can always call on you to return that favour. I think we need to look at the way we appoint judges. I want to encourage lawyers in practice not to shy away from taking appointment to go to the Bench. I also want to plead with the judicial system to take a second look at the way they recruit judges. The NJC should reconsider the philosophy of promotion in appointing judges to the high courts. I do not subscribe to promotion, which is from magistracy to the high court, to Court of Appeal and then to the Supreme Court. My take is that if you want to appoint somebody to the Supreme Court, you should look beyond the Court of Appeal. You could look for a competent, incorruptible legal practitioner of fifteen years post-call and above. You may look at professor of law in various fields, you may even select from the state high courts.

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Monday, July 20, 2015

of judges, says Adedipe

Make no mistake about it; the Supreme Court is a policy court of the nation. I believe if we want the best for our country that is the way we should go. So, appointment to the high court Bench should go beyond the routine, where governors choose who become judges. We have seen it in few states in recent times. In Rivers State for instance, ridiculously and painfully the ex-governor against all norms closed the courts for one year plus because he does not want a particular individual. He wanted his friend contrary to the oath of office that he took, that he will not allow his personal interests to affect his conduct in office. The Rivers State case is a rebuke to the power of a governor to appoint the Chief Judge. We have had some inadequate men occupying the office of a governor in recent times and they cannot look beyond their tenure.

pointed. So, the courts have started sittings. You will agree with me that it is not easy getting cases that have been pending since 10th of June, 2014 back to course lists. Immediately the then Chief Judge left office, rather than appoint the most senior judge in the state high court, the governor went and changed the law most ridiculously that magistrates should assign cases to the high court judges. The abuse of power that took place with the connivance of the then Attorney-General ought to be investigated. I am embarrassed as a lawyer because I cannot imagine a case in which magistrates and Chief Registrar will assign cases to high court judges. They just messed-up the system. Right now, they are trying to settle down and it will take some time but everything will fall in place very soon.

What precisely are you suggesting? One of the problems we have is the way we practice our federal arrangement. States should have constitutions because a situation where we want the Federal Government to do everything is not good. Because, our judiciary is unitary people don’t seems to understand that the highest court in a state is the high court. In other jurisdictions where they practice federal system, states have Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Only few cases go to the federal Supreme Court and that is on constitutional matters, death penalty cases and interpretation of state constitution. But, in our case, every case goes to the Supreme Court. So, we have it all mixed up. I do believe that certain cases should end up in the state high court. The fear of those who drafted the law is that some of these governors are impossibly difficult. I must go back to Rivers State, if you had a Court of Appeal there to which the governor had a hold on, we will all have been in trouble.

Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) recently recommended that the appointment of Senior Advocate of Nigeria should follow the practice in England where the title is awarded to all lawyers that are qualified. Do you agree? I do believe strongly that anybody who merits it should be given. A situation in which you select 15 out of 40 qualified candidates cannot but raised eyebrow. You have a situation where a man was called to the Bar in year 2000 while another one was called in 1990 and both applied from the same state. Perhaps, you give the man called in 2000. How are you going to justify that? They both qualify but the man called in 1990 will feel short-changed that the system has not treated him well. To avoid nepotism and abuse, if 35 people qualify, give them. Look, water will always find its level. There are people you give who will justify the rank and there are others who will not justify it. So, I agree with Chief Afe Babalola.

So, what is the situation of judiciary in Rivers State now? Well, after the election of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, a new acting Chief Judge in line with the constitution in the person of honourble Justice Daisy Okocha was ap-

If you are to set agenda for effective administration of justice system, what specific laws do you think should be put in place? I believe Nigerians should change themselves. Individual should ask himself what he

Law & Justice

I do believe strongly that anybody who merits the SAN award should be given. To avoid nepotism and abuse, if 35 people qualify give it to them. can do as a person to effect a positive change. Do I pay my tax? Do I obey traffic regulations? Do I go to office on time? Do I offer bribe? Because, you cannot change society with law alone, people’s mindset must be changed, our orientation must change. Our outlook must change. You go to churches where pastors collect money in form of tithes and offerings but nobody sends money to God. They spend this money. We need to ask ourselves questions about our society. Our society as presently constituted is enmeshed in sophisticated and organised deceit. Ask yourself, Nigeria has more churches and more mosques that Germany. But, look at productivity, people in Germany live longer and live better than us. It cannot be that God is not answering our prayers, but the work ethics help that society. So, we need to help our society to grow. Nobody is coming to Nigeria to help us, we will be the ones to help our society. The starting point is in the uncompromising enforcement of our laws. If it’s me as a senior advocate that runs afoul of the law, I should be made to face the penalty. If a man drives on the wrong side of the road he should be punished. If a man drives with expired licence, he should be punished. If a man sells above the pump price the filling station should be sealed-off and the man should be punished. If a man refused to pay tax, he should be punished because how do you expect government to function. There is a book I read, written by an English lawyer/politician. He said in his memoir that he defended waiters that were charged with not disclosing tips they received for the purpose of computing the amount of tax they should pay on it. You may laugh, but that is a society that knows it needs money to

run its affairs. In Nigeria, you have a governor’s convoy with 15 to 20 cars. Why do they need that? Aside from the governor, press corps and security and ambulance, they don’t need more than that. We run our society as if tomorrow will never come and then we are faced with the challenge of our profligacy. If we go back to basics and make our laws function, we can still come out of the woods but it will take time. A lot is wrong with us and we appear powerless. But, are our laws powerless? When we have moral cripples as our political leaders you end up like this, people who are pre-natally injected with hormones of decadency. There is no society that is effectively governed and is not being governed by law? Talk of Great Britain, United States, Germany, France and Japan, so why don’t we look at these countries and borrow things that are good from them. My take is that we need to have regular intercourse in this country and recognise that law and not religion or sentiment or ethnicity should govern the country. I really worry for our country, consider the election into the leadership of the National Assembly and see the cynical manipulation of a simple process and you see the mind-set of people. It is worrisome, you have a political party that has a philosophy and you got elected under that platform and you do not respect that philosophy, its better you work out. Can you imagine a conservative member saying he does not agree with the policy of the party? And they say, come let’s talk and he says no. I am on my own and people say that is politics. We do have a lot of challenges in this country. Our disregard for constituted authority, our disregard for law and order are some of the issues that we must make changes on.

Law & Justice

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 tion. The late fiery lawyer, Gani Fawehinmi applied for several years and almost decided not to re-apply again when he was eventually conferred the award when Justice Muhmmadu Uwais was the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). Reservations are being expressed in some quarters that merit is often being sacrificed for favoritism in the award of the prestigious rank. For instance, a lawyer who preferred anonymity was surprised that Festus Keyamo, who was shortlisted for the second time, was again dropped from the final list this year. Although the NBA President, Mr. Augustine Alegeh (SAN) explained to newsmen that the NBA is now involved in the screening process of the applicants, a number of lawyers and non-lawyers alike said Keyamo ought to have been on the list this year. A highly reliable source hinted the National Mirror recently that some years ago, foremost commercial lawyer, Chief Chris Ogunbanjo was invited by a former Justice of Supreme Court to apply for the award but the lawyer-cum industrialist declined the offer on the ground that he did not need the award. A couple of weeks ago, legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), stressed the need for reforms in the appointment of SAN to follow the model in the United Kingdom. According to him, ‘’many lawyers have been asking for the abrogation of the SAN title because they applied year after year and those who are qualified could be as many as 70, but at the end of the day, the law limits the number of those that should be appointed to only 15, leaving a backlog of those who are qualified’’. Besides, he lamented that the practice had encouraged the “man-know-man,” syndrome where those who grant the SAN title to lawyers tend to favour those they know ahead of those they don’t know very well. Mr. Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN) agrees with Chief Babalola in the following words, ‘’ I do believe strongly that anybody who merits it should be given. To avoid nepotism and abuse,

Bar

Jokes

The divorce lawyer

Monday, July 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Standard of applicants has gone down’

Mamman

Banire

The criteria for appointment should be made high enough to ensure that it is not all and sundry that can just qualify for the rank.

if 35 people qualify, give them.’’ In his article entitled ‘’ Dr. Olu Onagoruwa’s Belated Admission To Inner Bar’’, Lagos lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) observed that there seems to be a deliberate exclusion of activists and radical lawyers from the inner Bar. He added that in order to preserve the conservative nature of the legal profession, civil rights and radical lawyers were stigmatized for using the instrumentality of the law to question the status quo’’. According to him, applications by Dr. Onagoruwa and Chief Gani Fawehinmi for the rank were consistently rejected on the spurious ground that they were not “fit and proper persons” to be admitted to the Inner Bar. all at this man’s funeral?” A man turns towards him and says, “We’re all clients.” “And you ALL came to pay your respects? How touching.” “No, we came to make sure he was dead.”

Robbed Lawyers

Two lawyers are in a bank, when, suddenly, armed robbers burst in. While several of the robbers take the money from the tellers, others line the customers, including the lawyers, up against a wall, and proceed to take their wallets, watches, etc. While this is going on lawyer number one jams something in lawyer number two’s hand. Without looking down, lawyer number two whispers, “What is this?” to which lawyer number one replies, “It’s that $50 I owe you.”

A guy walks into a post office one day to see a middle-aged, balding man standing at the counter methodically placing “Love” stamps on bright pink envelopes with hearts all over them. He then takes out a perfume bottle and starts spraying scent all over them. His curiosity getting the better of him, he goes up to the balding man and asks him what he is doing. The man says “I’m sending out Why God Created Lawyers 1,000 Valentine cards signed, ‘Guess who?’” Satan was complaining bitterly to God, “But why?” asks the man. “I’m a divorce law“You made the world so that it was not fair, yer,” the man replies. and you made it so that most people would Pick pocket have to struggle every day, fight against their A pick pocket was up in court for a series of innate wishes and desires, and deal with all petty crimes. The judge said “Mr. Banks you sorts of losses, grief, disasters, and catastroare hereby fined $100.” The lawyer stood up phes. Yet, people worship and adore you. Peoand said “Thanks, my lord, however, my client ple fight, get arrested, and cheat each other, only has $75 on him at this time, but if you’d aland I get blamed, even when it is not my fault. low him a few minutes in the crowd. . .” Sure, I’m evil, but give me a break. Can’t you Lawyer’s funeral do something to make them stop blaming A man is at his lawyer’s funeral and is surme?” prised by the turnout for this one man. He Culled from Barjokes.com and Cool Funny turns to the people around him. “Why are you Jokes: Lawyer Jokes

Keyamo

Falana stated that despite their enormous contributions to legal development, ‘’the LPPC resolved never to confer the title of SAN on Chief Fawehinmi and Dr. Onagoruwa’’. According to him ‘’the case of Dr. Onagoruwa ought to reopen the debate on the continued relevance of the rank of SAN. It is illegal to continue to refer to the award as a privilege as it has become discriminatory and illegal not to confer the rank of SAN on any lawyer who satisfies the laid down criteria’’. ‘’The deliberate exclusion of activists and radical lawyers from the inner bar is a painful reminder of the discriminatory treatment meted out to the first Nigerian lawyer, Christopher Sapara Williams by the colonial administration. Called to the English Bar in 1879 and the Nigerian Bar in 1898 Mr. Williams challenged obnoxious colonial laws and policies in court and organized rallies to campaign for the repeal of ordinances which violated the rights of the Nigerian people. He argued that Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution “has abolished discriminatory practice of SAN award and there was no justification for picking just few out of multitude of lawyers that meet the prerequisites every year.

In his view, former NBA President Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) said ‘’how do you know who should go and who should be dropped? So, the simple thing to say or do is that everyone who is qualified should go and you will be very surprised because when I looked at the list in my time, initially, you find that the number has gone up to about 50 and then you take the criteria up. To be honest with you, without being disrespectful to my junior brothers, the standard has gone down and it is because we feel that every year, we have to appoint, so whether or not they are qualified people, it is churned out like a tree, it just goes on’’. In his opinion, Mr. Seyi Sowemimo (SAN) said ‘’All I will say is that the criteria for appointment should be made high enough to ensure that it is not all and sundry that can just qualify for the rank. They have to ensure that those appointed are seasoned advocates. They have to ensure that the system put in place are not open to manipulations. If the standards are high enough, then if all those that apply meet the criteria, they should all be appointed’’. But is his view, Mr. Norrison Quakers (SAN) said ‘’ In England the reasons why they have a high proportion of Queen’s Counsel is because most of them would be given judicial appointments.

LEGAL TIPS Remedies available to patients against health care providers

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here are two primary types of potential civil actions against health care providers for injuries resulting from health care: *Lack of informed consent, and *Violation of the standard of care. 1. Informed Consent. Before a health care provider delivers care, ethical and legal standards require that the patient provide informed consent. Information that must be conveyed to and consented to by the patient includes: the treatment’s nature and character and anticipated results, alternative treatments (including non-treatment), and the potential risks and benefits

of treatment and alternatives. The information must be presented in a form that the patient can comprehend (i.e., in a language and at a level which the patient can understand) and that the consent must be voluntarily given. An injured patient may bring an informed consent action against a provider who fails to obtain the patient’s informed consent in accordance with the law. From a clinical ethics perspective, informed consent is a communication process, and should not simply be treated as a required form for the patient’s signature. Health care facilities and providers use consent forms to document the communication process. From a provider’s perspective, a

signed consent form can be valuable evidence that the communication occurred and legal protection in defending against a patient’s claim of a lack of informed consent. 2. Failure to follow standard of care. A patient who is injured during medical treatment may also be able to bring a successful claim against a health care provider if the patient can prove that the injury resulted from the provider’s failure to follow the accepted standard of care. Written by Francis Famoroti, Judiciary Editor. We welcome feedback and reactions from readers via our e-mail: nationalmirrorlaw@yahoo.com or franfamoroti@yahoo.com

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Law & Justice

Monday, July 20, 2015

How Balarabe Musa was impeached by lawmakers FAMOUS CASES

The first civilian Governor of Kaduna State in the Second Republic, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, was impeached from office by the Kaduna State House of Assembly in 1981. Before his removal, he lost his bid to stop the proceedings that led to his ouster from the Government House. FRANCIS FAMOROTI, Head, Judiciary writes.

lhaji Balarabe Musa was elected the first civilian Governor of Kaduna State during Nigeria’s second Republic. He emerged the governor on the platform of the then Peoples’ Redemption Party (PRP), which was a minority party in the state House of Assembly. Barely one and half years in office, Musa was confronted with impeachment threat by the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) - dominated lawmakers in the state. Specifically, some members of the state legislature had levelled allegations of gross misconduct against him and they sought to investigate these accusations by constituting a seven-man committee. The document prepared by the then state legislature was entitled:’’ Notice of Allegation of guilt of Alhaji Balarabe Musa regarding his gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of his office as the Governor of Kaduna State.’’ On May 7, 1981, the state legislature served Musa a copy of the notice and thereafter on May 31 of the same year, it resolved that the allegations be investigated by a committee of seven persons. Few days after the Investigation Committee of the state House of Assembly invited the then embattled governor to appear before its public sitting on June 10, 1981, Musa sought to enforce his fundamental rights under section 170 (2) and (6) of 1979 Constitution . The then governor through an ex parte application approached the Kaduna State High Court and asked for an order prohibiting the state House of Assembly and its Investigating Committee from proceeding with the investigation of the allegation levelled against him. The suit filed by Musa came up for hearing before Justice V. J Chigbue of the Kaduna High Court on June 5, 1981. The judge on June 10, 1981 in his ruling granted the governor leave to file an order of prohibition but refused the application to stay the proceedings of the committee before the state House of Assembly. Aggrieved by the court’s decision to turn down his application, Musa lodged a notice of appeal before the Court of Appeal, Kaduna division. In the notice of appeal filed same June 10, 1981, the embattled governor asked for stay of proceedings of the Investigating Committee appointed by the Speaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly purportedly in pursuance to section 170(5) of the 1979 Constitution pending the determination of the appeal lodged at the Appeal Court. Musa was represented in court his lead counsel, Chief G.O.K Ajayi (SAN). The state House of Assembly however through its counsel, Mr. A. T Ajala filed a counter-affidavit in which the latter stated that the respondents had completed public sittings connected with the investigation of the gross misconduct against Musa on June 16, 1981.

Balarabe Musa

The late Aminu Kano, founder, PRP

Barely one and half years in office, Musa was confronted with impeachment threat

National Party of Nigeria (NPN)-dominated by the

lawmakers in the state.

Ajala also stated that the final address by counsel who conducted the investigation had been made by June 18, 1981 and that the respondents would make their findings on subsequent report to the state house of assembly. Besides, Ajala averred in the counteraffidavit that the respondents were not put on notice and were not heard during the hearing and determination of the ex parte application. He also raised the issue that the subject matter of the case giving rise to the appeal by virtue of the provision of section 170(10) of the 1979 Constitution, was a matter which could not be entertained or questioned in any court. The appellate court on June 29, 1981 in its ruling refused the prayer of the appellant asking for an interim stay of the proceedings of the Investigation Committee. At the conclusion of the reading of the ruling, Ajayi began his submissions on the grounds of appeal filed against the refusal of the Kaduna State High Court to halt proceedings in the matter. Arguing the appeal that the lower court misdirected itself in law, Ajayi said the trial judge was wrong to have ruled that it would ‘’ be inequitable at this stage to grant the applicant a stay of proceedingsand further proceedings against the respondents.’’

He also submitted that the trial judge erred in law in wrongfully exercising his discretion to refuse a stay of proceedings in that he took into consideration irrelevant matters and failed to consider those matters which were material to a proper exercise of his judicial discretion. The panel of appellate court who heard the appeal included, Justices Adenekan Ademola, Adolphus Karibi-Whyte and Maidam. In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Ademola, the appellate court declared that there was no provision in the 1979 Constitution to state that the jurisdiction of the high court to issue prerogative orders had been taken away. The appellate court said ‘’Therefore, the application for prohibition in the Kaduna High Court is competent and such application would have to be considered in the light of Order 53 Rules of the Supreme Court of England 1965.’’ According to Justice Ademola, ‘’Mr. Ajayi is quite correct in his submission that the learned judge has taken into consideration matters which are irrelevant in his refusal of stay of proceedings. ‘’ The Appeal Court noted that the error made by the judge of the lower court in not explicitly deciding the matter of jurisdiction brought about the cross appeal of the respondents. Justice Ademola stated ‘’The cross appeal raises the issue of whether the high court or any court for that matter has jurisdiction to entertain or determine any matter in relation to anything done under section 170 of the 1979 Constitution about the removal of the appellant from office as the Governor of Kaduna State. ‘’Put shortly the effect of section 170(10) on the proceedings filed by the appellant asking for an order of prohibition directed against the committee of seven members appointed by the Speaker of the Kaduna State of As-

sembly investigating charges against him with the object of removing him.’’ he added. The appellate court said in Nigeria under section 170 of the 1979 Constitution, popularly termed the impeachment section, ‘’the whole exercise is begun by members of the House. Even the Speaker who appoints the committee of seven persons to investigate the allegations against the Governor or his deputy must have the approval of members of the House for his nominees.’’ Justice Ademola said ‘’it is a trial by the legislative organs of the State and the law it administers is lex Parliamenti, as section 170(11) lays down; such a law is hardly the ordinary law the normal courts administer. The judgment the House give is a legislativejudgment.’’ He said that the obvious end that section 170 of the 1979 Constitution was designed to serve was that the Governor or his deputy could only be removed by the act and doings of the legislature and subsection 10 forbids interference with any proceedings of the house or its committee in that regards. Justice Ademola stated that it followed from this premise that no court could entertain any proceedings or question the determination of the House or its committee on the issue. The appellate court said Musa’s appeal therefore failed and that of the committee of the Kaduna State House of Assembly succeeded. Although Justice Karibi-Whyte delivered a separate verdict but he concurred with the lead opinion which was also endorsed by Justice Maidam. Musa eventually failed in his bid to prohibit the proceedings of the committee and he was adjudged guilty of gross misconduct and accordingly removed from office by the House 34 years ago. He became the first civilian governor- ever to be so impeached in the country’s political history.

Law & Justice

Monday, July 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

S’Korean court orders retrial of former spy chief SOUTH KOREAN

outh Korea’s Supreme Court has ordered a new trial for a former spy chief convicted of directing an online campaign to smear a main opposition candidate in the 2012 presidential election. The top court granted

Won Sei-hoon a new trial after rejecting a key piece of evidence that was used to convict him in the original trial, according to a court statement. According to GMA News, Won has been serving a 3-year sentence for ordering his underlings to post online

comments that praised the then-ruling party candidate and current President Park Geun-hye and slandered her chief liberal rival, Moon Jaein. The Supreme Court said files containing work-related writings and hundreds of Twitter accounts cannot be considered evidence in the

South Korean President Park Geun-hye

case. Prosecutors had said the Twitter accounts were used to spread the negative comments about Moon. The spy service has said its agents were only trying to counter North Korean cyber warfare that included messages that praised the North and spread rumors about South Korean policies. The court said in its state-

ment that the text files could not be definitively linked to the smear campaign because similar files weren’t found in other agents’ email accounts and the files also contained personal information. The court rejected Won’s request to be released on bail while awaiting the new trial. Court officials don’t yet know when a new trial will begin.

Book Review: Resolving election petitions through forensic advocacy Book: Forensic Advocacy and Election Litigation in Nigeria Pages: 102 Price: Not stated Author: Omoruyi Omonuwa Reviewer: Gbolahan Gbadamosi

t times like this, legal practitioners would be craving for literature that aids their legal skills. From the traditional laws like Land, Marriage, Matrimonial, Torts, Breach of contract to libel, books are abound for their usage. With the increase in election petitions since 1999 General Elections, it is gratifying to welcome a new literature on how a petitioner can discharge the burden of proving his or her case. The arrival to the market of a 102 page book: “Forensic Advocacy and Election Litigation in Nigeria”, by a former Edo State Attorney -General and Commissioner for Justice, Omoruyi Augustine Omonuwa (SAN) whom the Ondo State Commissioner for Justice, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) described as someone “in his usual intellectual depth scholarship and analytical mind” should be applauded. The learned author in the introduction while given the definition and scope of the subject quoted the definition of the subject matter by two learned authors: Andrew R. Jackson & Julie in their book, Forensic Science 2nd Edition (2008) as “the application of science to the resolution of legal disputes. Science is valuable in this context because it has the potential to provide reliable, pertinent and definite information about a given case.” Omonuwa therefore submitted that “Forensic Science has helped in the development of the law in several jurisdictions where it has been fully accepted and practiced. In these jurisdictions, it is no longer difficult to prove the identity of a suspect nor his criminal culpability when eventually he is arraigned for the offence………..It is no longer in doubt that forensic science is useful to the development of the law in any society”. He summarized the branches of forensic science as follows: •Forensic Science and Law of Contract; •Forensic Science and the Law

of Torts; •Forensic Science and Construction Law; •Forensic Pathology; •Forensic Toxicology; and •Forensic Serologist among others. The learned author on page 19 defined Forensic Advocacy as the “art of channeling the energies and resources of forensic experts by legal practitioners in proof of his case before a court. The legal practitioners through his mastery of the legal intricacies underlying his case, is able to determine what manner of forensic evidence is needed to prove a particular charge or fact in issue in civil proceedings”. Forensic Science: The Evidence, Act and Criminal Trials a Nigeria is discussed on pages 20 – 22, while pages 22 – 25 are dedicated to discuss Forensic Advocacy and Election Litigation. Here the tenor of section 138 of the Electoral Act 2010 for the grounds for the nullification of an election where the burden of proof was placed on the petitioners came to fore. He cited the cases of Nwobodo V. Onoh (1984) ALL NLR; Buhari V Obasanjo (2005) 2NWLR (Pt. 910) 24; Awuse V Odili (2004) 8NWLR (Pt. 876) 481 and Ajadi V. Ajibola (2004) 16 NWLR (Pt. 898) 91. As an active participant in the post 2007 General Election petition i.e. Adams Oshiomhole V. Prof Osunbor & Ors (2007) 18 NWCR (Pt. 1065) 32 CA ,Omonuwa devoted 17 pages to discuss Forensic Advocacy as a New Vista in the 2007 Post Election litigations (page 25 – 41). He refreshed our memory where British Forensic expert, Andrian Forty was a petitioner witness in the case of Dr. Kayode Fayemi & Ors V. Engr. Segun Oni & Ors (2009) 7NWLR (p1. 1140) 223 CA. The election according to the petitioner was fraught with “irregularities, massive rigging and all manner of electoral malpractices.” Prior to Fayemi’s case, the author recalled the first time the service of the Forensic expert (Forty) was used in post election litigation in Nigeria. The case of Olusegun

Mimiko & Ors V Chief Olusegun Agagu & Ors (2009) 7 NWLR (Pt.1140) 342 CA, was cited. Forty’s report on the case, according to Omonuwa on p. 27 “had to pass the test of relevancy and admissibility in the course of proceedings. Although the respondents resisted the admissibility of this report, the Practice Direction made pursuant to the Electoral Act of 2006, made it easy to admit the said report. It is no longer news that it was with the aid of this report that the petitioner was able to establish his case at the tribunals”.

I recommend the book whom the author dedicated to the immediate past Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) “ for restoring dignity and professionalism to the office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice in Nigeria” to all and sundry . “ I therefore adopt the words of Jegede (SAN) in the Foreword that “the increasing reliance on electronic register, voters’ Card reader and finger print verification machine the manner and mode of proof of evidence by forensic means makes this initiative and the book itself a worthy companion for lawyers while interest is in Election Litigation and the development of our law”. In conclusion, I am positive that the desired aim of this book according to the author which “is to create an increased awareness in forensic advocacy and help determine how potentially useful it could be ought to be in the resolution of post-election litigations in Nigeria”, would be met.

On Oshiomhole’s case in which he participated, the author submitted that “The trial court used the voters register as well as the accreditation of voters as a basis for determining the lawful votes, although there was no actual manual recount of the ballot papers, it would have been tidier if the said ballot papers were subjected to forensic analysis to determine the genuiness of the thumbprints on them.” Subsequent Elections in Nigeria and Forensic Science is another important issue raised by the learned author on p. 43 where he submitted that in the aftermath of the 2011 Presidential Election, there was the allegation by the then Presidential Candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change(CPC) that the election was rigged, ……. “Unfortunately though in view of the time frame allowed under the Electoral Act 2010 and the Practice Direction made pursuant thereto, the petitioner had no time to prove these weighty allegations”. On page 44, Omonuwa went ahead to recall the confession of a Captain in the Nigerian Army that Army and other security agencies were compromised and used to rig the Governorship election that ousted Dr. Fayemi of Ekiti State from the office. With the use of forensic analysis the voice recording of the suspected conspirator’s and co-conspirators in the rigging plan and execution was instructive though the confession came too late as the report confirmed an 80 percent accuracy of the voices of the public figures by the Army Officer in the Ekiti rigging incident. Coming to the 2015 General Election and Forensic Advocacy the learned silk noted the unique strategy of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use electronic cards i.e. Permanent Voter’s card (PVC). He was of the candid opinion that in all the proceedings going on at the various election petitions, “data from the card readers will be subjected to Forensic Analysis preferably by information communication technology experts.” He added in page 47 that “It is equally expected that these will form the basis for forensic advocacy

by the respective parties, thus making the job of the adjucator (the elector tribunal) less arduous”. On the way forward, Omonuwa suggested the following points: • The proposal for the review of the Evidence Act should be done to take cognizance of forensic advocacy. The rules for the relevancy and admissibility of forensic evidence should be included. The use of the sections dealing with expert evidence would not suffice in the circumstances as the experts contemplated therein are expected to proffer opinions as distinct from a forensic scientist who is expected to present a scientific report. • Our law enforcement agents should be adequately tutored in the area of forensic science. This would improve on their investigative skills, especially the gathering and protection of evidence in a crime scene. A lot of in-service training and refresher courses may suffice in the circumstances; • Legal practitioner, especially those wanting to be successful in election petitions should endeavour to understand the fundamentals of forensic advocacy within the parameters of the Electoral Act and the Practice Directions made pursuant thereto. No doubt, a symposium in the continuous legal training programme on this would equally suffice. • The curriculum content of our undergraduate training for lawyers should be expounded to include a training in the fundamentals of forensic science and; • The current electoral reforms should include a review of the Electoral Act to streamline and reduce the difficulties involved in the admissibility of forensic reports in election petitions proceedings. Adequate references were made to the use of Forensic Science in Election Jurisprudence in other jurisdictions, namely the United States, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands where he affirmed that, “ in all of these cases, the point that came clearly, is that election as a process is not error free, even with the use of electronic or digital technology”. For easy reference the book has four appendixes with indexes.

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Law & Justice

Monday, July 20, 2015

Constitutionality of bailout for state governments CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

Bashir Ramoni

pplying the literal interpretation rule of construction, it is the whole country i.e. the Federal Republic of Nigeria that has the power to make grants to any state and not the “Federal Government” which represents one of the three arms that constitute the federal structure of Nigeria. Of course, one may be wondering the distinction between the “Federal Government” and “Federal Republic of Nigeria”! The distinction, akin to that which permeates the mathematical universal set and subset in that, while “federation” comprises of the Federal, States and Local Government, “federal government” is just one of the components of the federation. With the clear and unambiguous provision of Section 164(1) of the Constitution, the only authority empowered to make grants to the States is the “Federal Republic of Nigeria” i.e. the entire Nigeria itself and not the federal government. I am not oblivious of the provision of Section 5(1) of the Constitution which provides to the effect that the executive powers of the “federation” which has been defined to mean Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be exercised by the President. Any attempt to read “federation” to mean “federal government” would amount to reading into the

Constitution what is not intended. This has been deprecated by the Supreme Court in the case of Ojukwu v Obasanjo & Ors (2004) 12 NWLR (Pt. 886) 169 at 209. It is important to state here that irrespective of any supposed absurdity that may arise from giving effect to the express intention of the Constitution especially in terms of international diplomatic relations which puts federal government in the front of decision making for the entire country, for instance, where the Federal Republic of Nigeria is to make grant to a foreign country, this decision is taken by the federal government on behalf of Nigeria. This would however not override the intendment of the Constitution when considering the internal democratic structure of the country. Nigeria’s existence is predicated on the concept of federalism and its components are the federal, states and local governments. The federal government alone cannot (under the present constitutional arrangement) take or unilaterally give out any sum of money from the pool of funds jointly owned by the federation in the federation account. The collective ownership of the funds is established in Section 162(1) of the Constitution. Again, the reference here is not and cannot be federal government. It simply refers to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Subsection 3 of 162 then follows up to state that “any amount standing to the credit of the

Federation Account shall be distributed among the Federal, State Governments and the Local Governments Council in each States on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly”. It is conceded that Federal Government may have its own account separately and can determine its own funds in whatever manner it so pleases, subject to the approval of the National Assembly. That being said, in view of Section 5(1) of the Constitution, it is submitted that President Buhari reserves the exclusive power to bind the “federation” and can exercise the Federation / Federal Republic of Nigeria’s power to make grant to the State to supplement any revenue due to it. But even at that, this must still be subject to any law/ approval made by the National Assembly. Is There An Alternative Under The Constitution To Bailout The States? From all indications, President Muhammadu Buhari sympathizes with the affected States and is ultimately willing to assist but his public lamentation that the federal government treasury is empty suffice to say that the States’ bailout is most unlikely- at least for now. It has been demonstrated that the federal government cannot constitutionally make any grant to a State government from the federation account because the funds belong to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The federal government itself is broke, there is nothing

from the federal government. Should the goodhearted President Buhari believe in the bailout, the presidency is respectfully advised to invoke the provision of Section 83 of the Constitution as a pragmatic solution to get the affected States from the present economic quagmire. It is simply to present to the National Assembly a proposal for a bill for an Act to establish “contingencies fund” to address urgent need of the federating States of Nigeria. The section states: 83(1) The National Assembly may by law make provision for the establishment of a contingencies fund for the federation and for authorizing the President if satisfied that there has arisen an urgent and unforeseen need for expenditure for which no other provision exist to make advances from the fund to meet the need. (2) Where any advance is made in accordance with the provision of this section, a supplementary estimate shall be presented and a supplementary appropriation bill shall be introduced as soon as possible for the purpose of replacing the amount so advanced. It is therefore submitted that this provision presents the President a better alternative in ameliorating the States’ predicament. (Concluded) Ramoni, a Legal Practitioner and Tax Consultant writes from Lagos.

EVENTS

Enugu State Chief Judge, Justice Innocent Umezulike and Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi during a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House, Enugu, recently.

L-R: Enugu State Governor Ugwuanyi (5th from left) in a group photograph with the State High Court Judges at Government House, Enugu.

L-R: Director, thelearnedfriends.com, Mrs. Mobola Obileye; Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN; Dele Nedd and Mr. Femi Ojo at the maiden edition of E-Legal Conference in Lagos, recently.

L-R: Mr. Mark Slade, former NBA Chairman, Lagos branch; Mr. Alex Mouka, Mr. Azubuike Ezenwoke and Mr. Tolu Aderemi.

Monday, July 20, 2015

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Community Mirror We cannot wait for the Federal Government to repair the road. We had to take initiative in the interest of the economy of our state. Governor of Rivers State – Nyesom wike

Police nab robbery suspect who drugs victims

offer them and the moment they sip from it, they sleep off and then we carry out our plot”, he narrated. Chizoba added that they ei-

ther takes the trader’s purse or alight at the nearest bus stop to offload the owner’s goods which they have always take note of while boarding. Speaking on the last operation that led to his arrest, he noted that he went to a shop in Festac town over the weekend, in the company of a gang member, Mr. Aloysius. “He was watching my back whilst I was pretending to make enquirers from the shop attendant. I then blew a powdery substance wrapped in a handkerchief into the air, which put the shop owner to sleep”. “I went straight to the safe box, emptied all the money into my bag and in a bid to carry one of the washing machines, the shop owner woke up and raised an alarm, which attracted residents”, he said. Aloysius managed to escape, while Chizoba was arrested by a team of policemen from Festac Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Ifeanyi Owo.

to chance in ensuring that they (farmers) make the best use of the opportunity. “As our major partners, we will continue to ensure compliance with best practices that will enable farmers succeed in their operations. Most importantly, we will support your business through periodic trainings, input distribution among others, to pave way for transformation of your business in a way that will impact bottom-line for farming

operations,” he said. The event was the second flag-off of BATN Foundation’s cassava enterprise development projects across Otu, Ogbooro and Igboho in Oke Ogun, Oyo State, to help smallholder farmers easily transform their farming operations from subsistence to commercial level. Other states that have benefitted from this agricultural intervention include Ebonyi, Niger, Kaduna and Benue states.

DARE AKOGUN

agos State Police Command has apprehended a member of a two-man robbery gang reputed to specialise in drugging victims before dispossessing them of cash and valuables. The suspect, Ifeanyi Chizoba, , a 29-year-old native of Anambra State, who confessed to the crime, revealed that he has been into the act since 2012, adding that he has victimised over 100 people, including commercial sex workers and traders. He said: “My friend, Obi, introduced me to it in 2012 and at that time, our targets were traders at Alaba International Market. Usually, we would buy sachets of Actifed and Lexotan tablets, grind them together and put them inside sachet water, produced by us”. Speaking further, he said they will then board a bus to Alaba with the traders, from Mile Two.

Heap of refuse at Ojuelegba under flyover bridge, Surulere Lagos.

“We have members of our gang who sell sachet water and they are usually positioned along our route especially where we are sure to be held by

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

traffic. “We usually buy more than one sachet of water as we are sure there will be someone seated close who may be thirsty. We

Foundation empowers farmers

n line with its commitment to alleviate poverty among smallholder farmers in rural communities in the country, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) recently supplied agricultural support materials to farmers in Oyo State under the second cycle of BATNF-sponsored cassava enterprise value-chain development project. Chief Kola Jamodu, BATNF Board Chairman, who was represented by Mrs. Oluwaseyi Ashade, Executive Director, BATNF, at the flag-off ceremony held in Otu Community, Oyo State, said agriculture is significant to poverty eradication and wealth creation. She said: “There is need to provide necessary requirements for the development of the agricultural sector like trainings, improved agricultural inputs, production capital, storage facilities and access to markets. This need, Ashade said, has posed a challenge to governments at all levels, adding that several farming communities in Nigeria are affected by these challenges

and this contributes in no small measure to the problem of poverty, hunger and other economic challenges. Receiving the agricultural materials from the Foundation, Alhaji Muda Balogun, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed his gratitude to the Foundation for coming to the aid of the farmers. “We like to thank the management of BATN Foundation for coming to our aid, especially

at a time when we need to move our farming business to a greater level. As we can see, all the farmers from Otu and Ighoho communities of Oke Ogun are excited because the Foundation has brought succour to us all by making farming simpler, better and more profitable.” Thomas Omosefe, Head of Leaf, BATNF, while speaking at the event, said all the farmers, as part of the Foundation’s major partners, should leave nothing

MURIC urges President Buhari to improve condition

rof. Ishaq Akintola, Director, Muslims Right Concern (MURIC), on Thursday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to address the problem of overcrowded prisons and enhance the living standards of the inmates. Akintola, who made the plea in his Ramadan message in Lagos, said Nigerian prisons were notorious for being overcrowded, dirty, and unfit

for human habitation. ``For example, Olokuta Prison in Ondo State, which has a capacity for 160 prisoners, now has about 688 inmates. ``Also, the Port Harcourt prison in Rivers which was designed to take only 804 prisoners currently has about 2,900. ``Prisoners sleep in turn. Meals served in the prisons are not only too small; they are not even good enough for

dogs. The amount allocated for each prisoner for meals per day is unprintable. ``This is not only pathetic, it is dehumanising. ``Contrary to international best practices, the Nigerian prison system has become an institution for the devaluation of Allah-given fundamental human rights,’’ he said. The director felicitated with the leader of Nigerian Muslims, Alhaji Muhammad

Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) for the Sallah celebration. ``We also rejoice with all Nigerians for witnessing the day,’’ Akintola said. The Eid-el-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan during which Muslims fast for 29 or 30 days and engage in rigorous spiritual ex-

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Monday, July 20, 2015

World News I want Britain to do more (to fight ISIS in Syria), I’ll always have to take my parliament with me –BRITISH PRIME MINISTER, DAVID CAMERON

Senegal to try Chadian former dictator, Habre Paul Arhewe,

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

had’s former despot Hissene Habre will make history on Monday when he is tried in Senegal over his regime’s brutality -- the first time a despot from one African country has been called to account by another. Once dubbed “Africa’s Pinochet”, the 72-year-old has been in custody in Senegal since his arrest in June 2013 at the home he shared with his wife and children. Rights groups say 40,000 people were killed during his eight years in power under a regime marked by fierce repression of his opponents and the targeting of rival ethnic groups. Habre, who held power between 1982 and 1990, is charged with crimes against humanity, war crimes and torture. He will be tried by the Extraordinary African Chambers, a special court established by the African Union under an agreement with Senegal, led by a judge from Burkina Faso. Delayed for years by Senegal, where Habre has lived since being ousted in 1990, the hearings will set a historic precedent as until now African leaders accused of atrocities have been tried in international courts. They come at a time when relations between AU members and the International Criminal Court (ICC) are at an all-time low, a month after Sudan’s Omar al-Bashir avoided arrest on an international warrant while in South Africa. The AU has accused the ICC of targeting only African leaders, noting that major powers such as Russia, China and the United States have refused to place themselves under The Haguebased court’s jurisdiction. “The African Union believes that the International Criminal Court metes out selective justice and pursues only Africans,” Marcel Mendy, a spokesman for the Senegalese chambers, told a news conference in Dakar yesterday. “If we are to take this to be true, what is at stake in this trial is that Africa must demonstrate her ability to judge her own sons and daughters so that others do not do it for her.” Habre refuses to recognise the legitimacy of the court and has decided not to cooperate with the hearings, one of his lawyers,

Former Chadian dictator, Hissene Habre, gesticulates as he leaves a Dakar courthouse after an identity hearing, recently.

Ibrahima Diawara, told AFP on Thursday. “Appearing in a trial is a right, not an obligation,” Diawara said, adding that his client’s health had been improving after a heart attack in June, but that he would not appear and had instructed his lawyers not to take part. Chadian lawyer Jacqueline

Moudeina told a news conference in Dakar in June the trial would be “a turning point for justice in Africa and will sound an alarm for all the dictators whose crimes will one day catch up with them”. Moudeina said the case for the prosecution -- particularly documents demonstrating a direct link between Habre and

the country’s secret police, the Documentation and Security Directorate (DDS) -- was “solid”. To be in a position to try Habre, Senegal has had to amend its laws to adopt the concept of “universal jurisdiction”, the basis in international law for one country to judge a foreigner for offences allegedly committed in another.

Burundi talks suspended ahead of polls after govt fails to show up

eace talks to resolve Burundi’s violent political crisis ahead of polls next week were suspended on Sunday after the government side failed to show up, the mediator said. The crisis was triggered by President Pierre Nkurunziza’s decision to stand for a third term in an election due to take place on Tuesday. The move sparked weeks of violent street protests and an attempted coup in mid-May. Opposition parties say Nkurunziza’s re-election bid

Cyclists on the streets of Burundi

is unconstitutional and are boycotting the election race. The president cites a court ruling declaring he can run for five more years in office. Dozens of people have already died in protests in the east African nation which emerged from civil war in 2005. Hundreds of thousands have fled to other states with a history of ethnic conflict, including neighbouring Rwanda. African efforts to cool the Burundi crisis have stumbled, despite calls by the African Union

and regional east African states for dialogue. Crispus Kiyonga, the Ugandan defence minister who chaired the talks, said it was not clear why the government stayed away and said they would resume when it sends representatives. Government officials were not immediately available to explain their absence. Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni was appointed the mediator of the crisis but he only chaired the first day of talks between the government and opposition parties, before leaving his defence minister to carry on last week. Kiyonga said the dialogue had achieved some agreements before it was halted on Sunday, including the need to disarm illegally armed groups. “The disarmament should be observed and assisted by the African Union military and human rights experts,” he said in a statement, without specifying the groups to be disarmed. Government critics have singled out the ruling party’s youth wing, the Imbonerakure, as one of the illegally armed and trained groups.

AFRICA BULLETIN Nine Algerian soldiers killed in militant ambush Algeria’s Defence Ministry has confirmed the deaths of nine soldiers in a militant ambush — a statement that came after reports of higher casualties in the attack. The Friday forest ambush blamed on Islamic extremists in the rugged Ain Defla province southwest of the capital of Algiers comes after a string of successes by the army against the country’s longrunning insurgency. Yesterday’s statement said the army conducted search operations after the attack, which also wounded two soldiers. It said the ambush only reinforced the army’s determination to stop the militants. Al-Qaida’s North Africa branch claimed responsibility for the attack, putting the toll at 14 and saying it came after army claims that the insurgency had been defeated.

Zuma discharged from hospital after surgery South African President Jacob Zuma attends the summit of the Southern African Development Community in Harare, April 29, 2015. South African President Jacob Zuma was discharged from hospital on Sunday after undergoing a scheduled procedure the previous day to remove gallstones, the presidency said. “Doctors are pleased with the outcome of the operation. The President will spend the next few days resting and recuperating at home,” a statement from Zuma’s office said. The presidency said on Saturday the gallstones were discovered about two months ago during a routine medical check-up.

Obama sends Iran nuke deal to Congress, Israel urges rejection President Barack Obama’s administration sent a nuclear agreement with Tehran to Congress yesterday and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged U.S. lawmakers to reject a deal he said would only feed an “Iranian terror machine”. In a first concrete sign of European determination to quickly rebuild economic and political ties with Iran after a 12-year standoff, German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel arrived in Tehran with an economic delegation. Other European powers were expected to follow. Obama has promised to exercise his veto if Congress rejects the deal, which curbs Iran’s nuclear program while allowing an easing of economic sanctions. Overriding it would require a two-thirds majority of both the House of Representatives and

News

Monday, July 20, 2015

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Bomb scare in Delta as residents scamper for safety Amour Udemude ASABA

andemonium broke out yesterday as residents of Bright Ndubuisi Street, GRA, Asaba, Delta State, scampered for safety as a strange object suspected to be an Improvised Explosive Device, IED, was found at the entrance to the home of Manager, Gas Production and Flare Monitoring, Department of Petroleum Resource, DPR, identified as Mr. Anthony Konwea. Our correspondent reliably gathered that the

strange object was discovered at about 6:30pm in the shape of a parcel wrapped with a blue-stripped men's tie and some electrical connections and battery terminations. Residents of the area told our correspondent that they were so shocked and scared following the discovery of the strange package with everyone running for his life and keeping a safe distance until the police came to detonate it. Briefing our correspondent on how the strange object was discovered, Mr. Konwea, who is yet to recover from the shock, won-

Arase, Police boss

dered what could have been responsible for the action, saying that at first glance the object looked ordinary but very suspicious because of the manner it was parceled. “I was shocked; I did not expect that an IED will be planted anywhere near me,

let alone in my country home. It was very shocking. I have no idea of what could be responsible for this. I came to Asaba on Friday so that I will attend my daughter's graduation ceremony the following day (Saturday) in Benin. We left for the ceremony on Saturday morning and it went well. We came back at about 6.30pm and noticed the strange package at the entrance of my residence. “So, I cautioned my boys not to go close because a closer look revealed that it has some electrical connections and battery terminations. We refrained from

touching it and decided to go to the nearby police station which is the GRA police station. The DCO and a female officer came with us and said they suspected the strange object to be an IED. I quickly put up a call to the public relations officer, PRO, of the state police command who sent men from the anti-bomb unit. They came, inspected it and confirmed that it was an IED. They detonated it thereafter, and we heard a loud sound which was some kind of confirmation that it was actually and

Illegal abortion: NSCDC parades two quack doctors

Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (right), Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Zannah Umar Mustapha (middle) and others, during the familiarisation visit of military formations at Konduga Local Government Area, Borno State, yesterday. PHOTO: INUSA NDAHI

explosive or a bomb. “After the explosion, there were sharp nails, spoons, padlock and keys, a paper containing list of about five names, a complimentary card and a host of other things at the spot that we can't identify which the police took away" Mr. Konwea narrated. However, when contacted, the state police PRO, DSP Celestina Kalu, denied the claim that the object was an IED, describing it as an ordinary strange object tied in a black polythene bag.

kiti State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, yesterday paraded two suspects, who allegedly carry out illegal abortions. The suspects, according to the state’s Commandant of the Corps, Mr. Raji Adedoyin, specialised in carrying out abortions illegally around Tiwaloluwa Resort Area, FHA Estate, Afao Road, Ado-Ekiti. News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the commandant, while parading the suspects at headquarters of the corps, restated the commitment of the corps to free the state of quack doctors. According to him, no

religion supports abortion and if it is inevitable, pregnant individuals should visit government or certified hospitals. He said the suspects, Mrs. Elizabeth Akintoye and Mrs. Dupe Akinyele, were arrested with their equipment at the point of the crime. Adedoyin said the accused claimed to be apprentice and confessed to the crime. The commandant said the Intelligence department had hectic time arresting the suspects after receiving several complaints about them. He said the perpetrators would soon be charged to court after the conclusion of preliminary investigation into the crime.

Adelabu Penkelemesi, a reality, phenomenon —Obasanjo …says he was ‘my political role model’ Femi Oyeweso ABEOKUTA

ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on Nigerian politicians to emulate the virtues of the late Federal Minister of Social Services and National Resources in the First Republic, Adegoke Adelabu, whose political philosophy was devoid of ethnic and tribal considerations. The former President spoke over the weekend while hosting the family of the late Ibadanborn politician, led by an Ibadan high chief and a former broadcaster, Aare Lekan Alabi, who paid

him a courtesy visit at his Hilltop Mansion in Abeokuta, the state capital. The family had called on the former President to seek his support in their planned efforts to celebrate the post-humorous centenary birthday anniversary of the late politician, who was an active member of the National Councils of Nigeria and the Cameroons under the leadership of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. Obasanjo, who described the late Ibadanborn politician as "a reality and a phenomenon," also insisted that Nigeria would progress for better only if every member of

its political class and other citizens alike will see themselves first as Nigerians before any other consideration.” The former President said he shared the political philosophy of the late politician who was fondly referred to as ‘Adelabu Penkelemesi’ during his lifetime, stressing that his approach and pattern of politicking were devoid of ethnic and tribal considerations, focusing on a united Nigeria. He said Nigerians are still struggling to reach the pinnacle which the late Adelabu attained in politics.

“Adelabu was not just a historic figure; he was a reality; he was a phenomenon; he was uniquely Yoruba, uniquely Nigerian, uniquely African and uniquely a member of the human race. “What you are proposing to do, I believe Adelabu deserved it in every facet. Today, we are still struggling to reach the pinnacle or the pedestal Adelabu reached in politics - of not being swayed by linguistic, ethnic, tribal, regional and sectional consideration but by what is best for Nigeria. “He was years ahead of his contemporary pol-

iticians. In his life time, he was talking of a United State of West Africa, which came up years after his demise. In his life time, he belonged to a political party that has its base outside the Western Region where he came from; he was not a tribal baron; he was a national politician,” he said. Earlier, Aare Alabi who gave a brief bio data of the leader of opposition in the old Western Nigeria's House of Assembly between 1956 and 1958, had said that had the late Adelabu been alive today, he would have been 100 years old by September 3, and as such his

family members have planned to celebrate him posthumously. Aare Alabi however pleaded with Obasanjo to "carry Adelabu to the world." Adelabu, the first chairman of Ibadan District Council in 1954, died in a road accident on March 25, 1958 in Ode Remo in present day Ogun State at the age of 43. He was the leader of the National Council of Nigerian Citizens, Western delegation to the 1957 London constitutional conference and the first national vice president of the party.

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North

Monday, July 20, 2015

Insecurity: Sultan calls for rent control board

L-R: Imam AbdulGaniu Aderibigbe, Imam AbdulGaniu Osanyintola, Chief Imam, Jakande Estate, Abdulfatai Shobajo; Mufasir, Isiaq Aderibigbe, Imam Tajudeen Liyide, Imam Ambali Adeyemo and Imam Ibrahim Sadiq, during the Sallah prayer in Lagos, at the weekend. PHOTO: ABIOLA ABDULHAMMED

Military lifts ban on movement in Borno INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

en of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, yesterday morning announced the lifting of restriction on vehicular movement imposed on Maiduguri and environs. This is contained in a

press statement signed by spokesman of the Division, Colonel Tukur Gusau, and made available to National Mirror. By this announcement, vehicles can from 6am yesterday move in and out of the state capital. It would be recalled that following threats posed by insurgents, it has been

the tradition of the military to restrict movement of vehicles during Sallah and Christmas festivities for security reason. Residents of Maiduguri and other parts of Borno State remained indoors throughout the Eid-el-Fitr since Thursday, July 16, 2012, where it witnessed peaceful cel-

ebrations. Gusau said: “The vehicular restriction is lifted from today (Sunday), therefore people are allowed to move about from 6am.” He, however, called on people of the state to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement to security operatives.

Kogi guber: Okun youth group endorses Audu …Says West-Central coalition unworkable CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

pressure group known as Okun Youth Conscience Mandate, OYCM, from Kogi West Senatorial district has endorsed the aspiration of All Progressives Congress, APC, leader in the state, ex-governor Abubakar Audu, to fly the party’s ticket for the November 2015 governorship election. Coordinator of OYCM, Samuel Oriyomi, who led members of the group on a solidarity visit to Prince Audu in Abuja, called on Kogi people to set aside sentiment and back the ex-governor as a solution to the battered economy, unemployment and infrastructural decay in the state. Speaking with journalists shortly after the visit, Oriyomi, however, advised the people of Kogi West and Central senatorial districts to discountenance recent purported outing of few self-serving and political opportunists clamouring for division

of the state along ethnic and senatorial lines. He noted that move by the Forum for Equity and Justice aimed at fielding a single governorship candidate of Kogi Central and Kogi West senatorial districts extraction to confront an Igala candidate from Kogi East negates the principle of democracy, though it is unachievable. Noting that the gangup will soon collapse like pack of cards, the coordinator argued that although Igala-dominated Kogi East senatorial district has produced successive governors of the state since its creation, it doesn’t require any gangsterism to resolve powersharing and rotation in the state. He further argued that, rather than seek an unworkable coalition; the politicians in the two districts should feel concerned about current state of decay and unprecedented development gaps in the state and join hands with a trusted and

tested leader like Audu to urgently redirect the course of the state from drifting further. According to Oriyomi, “Everyone knows the kind of person Audu is; a very disciplined and gentle man, highly principled, a man of proven integrity. We are not singing his praises but that is exactly how he is. Those knowledgeable about him know he cherishes Kogi State like his baby.” The group, which draws membership mainly from the Yoruba-

speaking area of the state, called on counterparts in the Central Senatorial district to support Audu’s candidacy. Oriyomi said there is need to sustain the resounding victory APC recorded in the just concluded presidential/ National and House of Assembly elections, warning that any attempt to cause division within the party’s rank by suggesting any divisive tendency will spell doom for the party in the governorship election.

ultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has called for establishment of rent control boards in the country as a way to curb insecurity. Abubakar spoke yesterday in Sokoto when he paid Sallah homage to Governor Aminu Tambuwal. According to the sultan, the proposed boards should be charged with the responsibility of keeping a national database on all landlords and tenants. “Doing so would reduce the incidences of kidnappings and other crimes with a view to nipping in the bud any such occurrences across the country. “Such a nationwide database would enable the government and security agencies to know who to get hold of if there are any problems,’’ he said. Abubakar also urged Nigerians to take the issue of security as a collec-

NDLEA raids drug joint, arrests 10 WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

peratives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Ilorin, Kwara State, at the weekend stormed suspected hideouts of Indian hemp smokers and arrested unspecified number of addicts. The suspected addicts reportedly often hang around Iloffa Road, GRA residence of a popular politician in Ilorin when he is not in town, like during the celebration of Eid-el-Fitri at the weekend. Sources told National Mirror that NDLEA operatives acted on a tip-off over

Katsina emir decries illicit drugs consumption JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

mir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Usman, has lamented high rate of illicit and narcotic drug consumption by youths in the state. The traditional ruler spoke during Sallah festivities at the weekend while paying homage to the Governor Aminu Masari. The emir said the state was leading others in the North in the area of illicit

and narcotic consumption of drugs. Usman, who described the situation as disturbing, called on parents and other stakeholders to monitor their children and wards. He noted that recently, about 17 trucks loaded with illicit drugs meant for distribution in the state and beyond, were seized by Customs officials in the state. He said the drug situation was a disturbing trend that needed urgent

tive duty and not that of the government alone. The sultan called on the state government to introduce a state-wide schools shuttle bus service to alleviate the suffering of students. He further urged the state government to revive the state development fund with a view to boosting the socio-economic development of the state. He also appealed to the state government to take measures to ensure the adequate utilisation of dams in the state to boost irrigation farming. Abubakar pledged to sustain the existing cordial relationship between the state government and the Sultanate Council of Sokoto. In his response, Tambuwal commended the sultan for the visit and his efforts to sustain peace and unity in the state and the country.

intervention by the state government among other stakeholders. He called on the state government to set up more centres for training of youths in different handcrafts to minimise unemployment. Responding, Governor Masari said a meeting between state government and management of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, had been held on the issue.

activities of the miscreants, who had turned the place to their abode and openly smoke Indian hemp there, constituting a menace to the neighbourhood even when the politician is not around. Eyewitness accounts revealed that the anti-narcotic operatives raided the hideout in a commando style with sporadic shooting renting the air and swiftly rounded up the miscreants. However, the development allegedly caused panic among residents, artisans and shop owners in the neighborhood who feared possible reprisal attacks on innocent people by the miscreants. It was further revealed that the NDLEA men apparently ready for business, arrived the hideout in about 12 vehicles and sprung instantly into action. Though it could not be ascertained yesterday the number of those arrested, sources said they could not be less than 10. The remaining drug addicts, who managed to escape the dragnet of the anti-narcotics officials, were sighted yesterday by our correspondent hiding around the location and making frantic phone calls to their suspected accomplices to stay away and possibly get in touch with their godfathers for help.

News

Monday, July 20, 2015

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APGA willing to receive Obi, says Obiano

overnor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has said the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, would welcome former Governor Peter Obi if he showed willingness to return to the party. Obiano stated this yesterday at the 25th wedding anniversary of Chief Victor Umeh, former National Chairman of the party in Aguluzigbo, Aniocha

Local Government Area of the state. The governor, who is also leader and chairman, Board of Trustees of the party, said efforts were ongoing to build a stronger APGA by extending hands of friendship to all former and new members. “Our government came to being through the combination of Peter Obi and Victor Umeh on

one side; and the people on the other, but unfortunately, Obi left us. “But Umeh and the rest of us have resolved to stay back and build a stronger, greater and better party. “So, we want all our members back. We are willing to welcome anybody who wishes to return, including Obi,” he said. Umeh, who celebrated his 53rd birthday and

eight years as APGA National Chairman, attributed the success of his tenure to the effectiveness of the nation’s judiciary. He said the party was in court 43 times, and always emerged victorious in all cases, including that which was used to reclaim the mandate of Obi. “We acted in the best interest of the party and our tenure was a trying

one; and now that we are stable as a party, the sky is our limit,” Obiano said. Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor of Awka Catholic Diocese, who celebrated the Holy Mass, reminded Nigerians of the transient nature of life and urged them to build heavenly treasures for themselves. Ezeokafor said people should eschew frivolous spending, especially on

funerals, as such was an economic waste. The high point of the celebration was the renewal of marital vows by Umeh and his wife Prisca; as well as exchange of wedding anniversary rings. Some dignitaries at the event were former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, Deputy Governor Nkem Okeke and other notable politicians, family and friends of the celebrants.

Ambode urges parents to bring up children with fear of God

ife of Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, yesterday called on mothers to raise and nurture their children with the fear of God, irrespective of gender. She made the call while paying charity visit to a set of triplets delivered by Mrs. Abbey Augustine and a set of twins delivered by Mrs. Nosiru Onibon, both at Epe General Hospital, Epe. Mrs. Ambode, who was accompanied by the wife of Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mrs. Fausat Obasa, said the upbringing of a child goes a long way to determine his or her future, reminding mothers of the key role they play in shaping the future of their children. “Children are wonderful gifts from God, therefore, mothers must cherish, nurture and raise their children in the fear of God, so that they will grow to become good role models and be useful not just to themselves but their parents and the society at large,” she said. She presented gifts to mothers of the babies. Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Mustapha Bamidele, who received Mrs. Ambode and her entourage, expressed joy at the visit, saying such was quite unusual.

CHANGE OF NAME

ADEDOKUN: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adedokun Motunrayo Bukola, now wish to be known and addresed as Mrs Faniyi Motunrayo Bukola. All former documents remain valid. General Public take.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mr Mustapha Olamilekan John, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Ogunbo Obi Emmanuel. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank and general public should please take note.

“It shows kindness and meekness on the part of her Excellency,” Bamidele said. He expressed appreciation on behalf of the management and staff of the hospital for the visit, expressing optimism that the hospital will witness such visits in future. Responding, the elated parents of the newly born expressed joy for the kindness shown to them by Mrs. Ambode just as they prayed for the peace and progress of the Governor’s family and the state at large.

L-R: President, Federal Capital Territory Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Israel Akanji; Primate of Anglican Communion, Nicholas Okoh; Cardinal John Onaiyekan; FCT Permanent Secretary, John Obinna Chukwu and Acting Chief Imam, National Mosque, Sheikh Kabir Mohammed, during Sallah homage to mark Eid-el-Fitr celebration in Abuja, at the weekend.

100,000 enroll for community health insurance scheme in Kwara –PS

bout 100,000 persons in Kwara State have so far registered for the state government’s Community Health Insurance Scheme. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Rafiu Ayinla,

made this known in a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday. He said the government was collaborating with Pharm Access Foundation and Hygeia Community Health Insurance Scheme to achieve a target of one million enroll-

ees by end of 2019. Towards this end, Alhaji Ayinla said the state government was organising a one-day conference on the State Health Insurance Research and Advocacy. He said the conference would highlight the suc-

cess story of the Community Health Insurance Scheme in the state. According to Ayinla, the conference will also serve as a model for other states desirous of attaining Universal Health Scheme through state support health insurance

scheme The permanent secretary said participants would be drawn from the World Bank, Department for International Development, DFID, National Health Insurance Scheme and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Emir proffers solution to farmers/herdsmen clashes

mir of Zazzau in Kaduna State, Dr Shehu Idris, has called on farmers to avoid cultivating on cattle routes, while herdsmen should avoid encroaching into farmlands. He made the call when District Heads from Zazzau Emirate paid him the traditional Sallah homage in Zaria yesterday.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunnowo Olamide Oluwatosin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okwuaraba Olamide Oluwatosin. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Nurudeen Omolara Titilayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Adenuga Nurudeen Omolara Titilayo all former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

He said the call had become imperative to prevent incessant farmers/herdsmen clashes. He urged farmers to adopt irrigation system of farming to facilitate attainment of national food security. “I call on farmers to take advantage of irrigation system and cultivate varieties

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Etti Morayo Mulikat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Aliyu Morayo Mulikat. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

VAUGHAN: Formerly known and addressed as Omobola Temitope Vaughan, now wish to be known and addressed as Omobola Temitope Gidigbi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

of crops in order to complement rainy season farming and create job opportunities. “They should also make use of the rainy season to actively cultivate farmlands to feed the nation and improve their revenue base,” he emphasised. The emir appealed to farmers to avoid the habit of selling off all their farm

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Jacob Moses Okechukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Ine Humphrey Okechukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

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formerly known and addressed as Miss Dada Oluwabunmi Christianah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ebenezer-Ola Oluwabunmi Christianah. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should please take note.

produce, especially during harvest and becoming stranded before subsequent farming season. “Farmers should avoid cultivating cattle routes and herdsmen should avoid encroaching into farmlands in order to prevent the incessant farmers/herdsmen clashes.’’ The emir urged govern-

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Aina Folasade Omagbemi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olaoye Folasade Omagbemi. All other documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ayeni Oluwaseun Mary, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Awe Oluwaseun Mary. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State University and general public should please take note.

ment at all levels to supply fertilisers and other farm implements to farmers when due. While assuring the readiness of the emirate to partner with government to eradicate diseases, he appealed for cooperation, courage and understanding from citizens to enable government achieve desired goal.

CHANGE OF NAME

IFEDIBA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Precious Mary Ifediba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Precious Mary Chendo . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ogundana Ayodeji Opeyemi Moses, now wish to be known and addressed as Abiodun Ayodeji Opeyemi Moses. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

Monday, July 20, 2015

I have a lot to achieve in the Castilla team in the coming season. Then, I can move on from there

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Sport

Omeruo set for Turkey switch

–REAL MADRID LEGEND, ZINEDINE ZIDANE

Substitute striker Taiwo Awoniyi tried in vain yesterday to score in the U-23 team’s 2-1 win over Congo in Port Harcourt

Glo League results Heartland 4

Wikki

Kwara

Giwa

Wolves

Sharks

3SC

El-Kanemi

Rangers

Enyimba

Abia

Ifeanyi Ubah

Nasarawa

Dolphins

Sunshine

Taraba

Akwa

Bayelsa

Lobi

Pillars

Olympics Qualifying Championship:

Dream Team walks tight rope Afolabi Gambari

WITH AGENCY REPORT

igeria’s U-23 team yesterday beat Congo 2-1 to leave the CAF U-23 Championship qualifier wide open with the second leg in Pointe-Noire in a fortnight. After a scoreless first half completely dominated by the Samson Siasia-coached side, striker Junior Ajayi finally opened scoring in the 48th

minute after Congo goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi failed to hold on to an acute-angled shot by Godwin Saviour. Ajayi completed his brace in the 54th minute, when he headed home a low cross from the left by Etor Daniel. But just when the Nigerians were cruising to a comfortable home win, Congo pulled a goal back through Moise Nkonkou in the 66th minute. A penalty appeal by Nigeria

in the 59th minute was overlooked by the Kenyan referee, but television replays later showed it should have been given as Etebo Oghenekaro’s shot was handled by a Congo defender inside the box. Nigeria made three changes thereafter with Musa Yahaya, Taiwo Awoniyi and Umar Aminu coming in as they went in search of more goals. They however failed to add the tally before the final whistle.

Nigeria enjoyed 67 percent of the possession and forced 11 corners, but they still could not manage to translate the final ball into goal. Siasia remains upbeat, saying all is not yet as they look to the return leg in PointeNoire. “This thing is about taking chances and that’s what we failed to do today (yesterday),” the coach said. “My boys know what is at

stake and I believe they will raise their game in the second leg and we can secure the Olympics qualifying ticket,” he added. Interestingly the Nigerians have incredible away record and will have to repeat the feat with which they edged Zambia out of the race to the Congo 2015 All Africa Games with a 2-0 win in Lusaka after drawing goalless in the first leg in Abuja.

Akure Gunners lead first round

unshine Stars yesterday survived a scare from bottom club FC Taraba to claim a 2-1 home win in a Week 19 match and end the first round of the Nigeria league as the leaders.

Sunshine leads the 20-team table with 36 points from 19 matches. Taraba stunned Sunshine when the former took the lead in the 12th minute through Stephen Adah’s header.

Tunde Adeniji equalised for the hosts with a minute left to play in the first half. In the 50th minute, Adeniji gave Sunshine Stars the lead for the first time in the game to complete his brace.

In the early minutes of the game, Sunshine duo of Adeniji and Dele Olorundare missed scoring chances. In the 40th minute, Adeniji shot from edge of box was saved by Kawawa in Taraba goal.

Sunshine Coach, Boboye

Sports

Monday, July 20, 2015

Omeruo set for Turkey switch

Salah

Salah agrees Roma deal

helsea’s unsettled winger, Mohamed Salah, has agreed to move to Italian giants AS Roma on loan, according to reports. The Egypt international turned down the opportunity to extend his stay at Serie A rival Fiorentina, whom he joined on an 18-month loan deal last January, despite not fitting into Manager Jose Mourinho’s plans at Stamford Bridge ahead of the upcoming season. However, to keep all parties happy with the deal, Roma is offering La Viola 24-year-old striker Mattia Destro on loan, while Alessio Romagnoli could be heading to West London with the Blues interested in the services of the 20-yearold centre-back. Salah scored nine goals and provided four assists in 26 appearances for Fiorentina, attracting interest from a host of clubs that include Inter Milan, Juventus and Liverpool.

Omeruo

eports yesterday indicated that out-of-form Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, is on his way to agreeing a season-long loan deal with Kasimpasa from EPL champion Chelsea. Omeruo was expected late yesterday in Istanbul to discuss personal terms with the club. “Kenneth will have a look around the club and see things for himself,” an unnamed agent said yesterday. Last season, Kasimpasa placed 13th

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on the 18-team Turkish Super League. The 21-year-old central defender, who does not have a future Chelsea and was not included on the Blues’ ongoing pre-season training tour of Canada, has been variously linked with French club Lille, Granada and Glasgow Celtic. Last season, he played for English Championship side Middlesbrough also on loan but failed to get respectable game time due largely to nagging injuries.

Indian club plans

Drogba ‘hijack’ A

n Indian Super League franchise is reported to be seriously considering the signing of former Chelsea star Didier Drogba. The former Ivoirian international has been linked with a move to the Major League Soccer since putting an end to his second spell at Stamford Bridge at the end of last season, with Chicago Fire in pole position to sign the 37-year-old. The MLS side is offering Drogba $2.4 million per season, according to reports, with the forward expected to make a final decision within the next couple of days. “We are not divulging the name of

the franchise right now, but if it finally happens it will be a huge boost for ISL,” a source close to the Indian Super League said yesterday. “Although Kerala have John Arne Riise in mind, Atletico has spoken to Helder Postiga and Pune City FC is trying to woo Adrian Mutu, the Drogba development can change all the equations,” the source explained, as the three franchises are yet to name their marquee player with July 31 as the deadline. “The franchises may explore the option of getting Drogba on loan from one of the MLS clubs. That might cost them a little less,” the source added.

Drogba

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Monday, July 20, 2015

ITTF Senior Cup: Makanjuola replaces Toriola in Cameroun

S Late Akujobi

ince his scintillating performance at the 2013 Lagos International Classics where he finished third, Kazeem Makanjuola has become a regular in the Nigerian team as he featured in most of the international tournaments, whis last outing being the 2015 World Championships in Suzhou, China. When one of Nigeria’s most decorated athletes, Segun Toriola, withdrew from the 2015 ITTF Africa Senior Cup in Yaounde, Cameroon it was easy for the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) to as Makanjuola to take Toriola’s place. With this development, Makanjuola

will be making his second appearance at the tournament after losing to Egypt’s ElSayed Lashin in the quarterfinal stage of the 2013 edition in Congo Brazzaville. An excited Makanjuola knows what is at stake in Yaoundé and he is ready to better his 2013 outing in Yaoundé.

Confluence Queens mourn Akujobi’s demise Management and players of Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) side, Confluence Queens Football Club of Lokoja, have commiserated with the Super Falcons, NWPL and NFF over the passing last Thursday of Super Falcons’ Media Officer, Gracious Akujobi. A statement by the Lokoja club’s spokesperson, Tosin Ojo, described Akujobi’s death as unfortunate. “The news came as a rude shock to everyone here at Confluence Queens,” Ojo said. “It is sad and unbelievable that such a hard working lady died while serving the nation. “Her death came at a wrong time for the women football and Nigeria as a whole and we pray God to give her family the fortitude to bear the great loss.” “She will be missed not by Super Falcons alone, but the entire women football family.”

“I am very excited and I see this as an opportunity to prove myself and make my country proud,” he said. Prior to his call-up for the Cameroon competition, Makanjuola had enaged in what he called hard training in readiness for the All Africa Games after being included in the 20-man list released by NTTF for the multi-sports games in Congo in September. “My efforts in the past few weeks will surely be put to test in Yaound and I am confident that my best will come to fore,” Makanjuola furher said. He however admitted the Egyptian threat to Nigeria in Cameroun. “I hope I can do better, despite the Egyptians, because they are beatable,” he concluded.

Kazeem Makanjuola

FIBA U-16: Nigeria seals world ticket Paul Erewuba

he Nigerian girls brought their world championship to reality as they cruised to a hard fought 54-51 points victory over Mozambique in the semi finals of the at the FIBA Africa U-16 Championship in Madagascar. Team Nigeria started slowly trailing 5-16 in the 1st quarter, but shook off the tension and powered back with 20-8

points run in the 2nd quarter to take a 2524 lead to the half time break. The 3rd quarter had both teams neck to neck, but Nigeria still managed a 1 point lead (36-35) going into the final quarter after both sides scored 11 points apiece. Despite the superior rebounding from Mozambique 52-38 over Nigeria in the game, the West Africans pulled through from inside the paint and shooting 54 per cent from free throw line compared to Mozambique who managed just 46 per

cent. Chinelo Lucy Ibeh and Isioma Vannessa Oduah led the floor with 16 points apiece, while Ene Adams did massive job of picking 14 rebounds despite scoring just 2 points, and Rita James added 9 points to the spoils. With the win, Nigeria has booked a place in the 2016 FIBA U16 World Championship, despite losing the final fight against defending champion Mali yesterday by 57-46 (15-6, 16-11, 13-11, 13-18).

NBBF boss, Umar

WORLD RECORD Firstmile timekeeping device carry Fastest fireman’s

Vol. 05 No. 1159 Monday, July 20, 2015

N150

First used in Mesopotamia in c. 3500 BC, the time stick – a p r i m i t i ve f o r m o f s u n d i a l – w a s t h e f i r s t “ c l o c k ” eve r d eve l o p e d by Man.

Buhari’s unhealthy heavy yoke L iberal democracy has several imperfections, one of which is blind acquiescence in the decision of the majority as freely expressed in an election. President Muhammadu Buhari is a throw up of the Nigerian democratic fervent. However, going by the result of the March 28 presidential election, he does not enjoy the confidence and loyalty of ALL Nigerians, but all the same, he is the president of ALL Nigerians and must be obeyed and respected by ALL Nigerians, friends and foes alike! Even this subsisting situation should not promote blind loyalty that sees no evil in the conducts of state officials. Such form of loyalty is dangerous to the health of the country. People must speak truth to power; it is the only way to rein in nascent dictatorship and eliminate mediocrity. This point is well made by the English

HeartBeat Callistus Oke

Callistusoke@nationalmirroronline.net 08054103275 (SMS ONLY) anthonykila@mail.com writer, Alan Moore in this quote: “People shouldn’t be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.” Engaging political leaders by subjecting their policies and programmes to serious scrutiny, I see at all times as my bouden duty. However, for this present enterprise, let me make a confession. The motivation for this piece is my perception that the nation, under Mr. President’s charge, is now in a state of flux. We have seen much motion, but no movement. As my Niger Delta folks will say, nothing they happen. This is unhealthy, given the enormous challenges facing the nation. Today makes 53 days since the enthronement of the new government, but not much has happened to assure Nigerians it has hit the ground running. I must admit that in Mr. President we have a rustic leader that must be seriously brushed and repackaged to meet the needs of democratic governance. The transition process should not be too long. It is doubtful if our president appreciates the enormity of the challenge facing him. I also doubt if we would have found ourselves in this quagmire if the nation is given a full-fledged Federal Executive Council that could serve as the brain box of the government. Those who advised President Buhari against the immediate constitution of his cabinet are enemies of this country. In the interim, he has been turned into a sole administrator; which is why he regularly

THE MOTIVATION FOR THIS PIECE IS MY PERCEPTION THAT THE NATION, UNDER MR.

PRESIDENT’S CHARGE, IS NOW IN A STATE OF FLUX holds court with the bureaucratic mandarins in Abuja, the only source of policy inputs to him for now. We are back to the era of super permanent secretary, howbeit momentarily. Some recent questionable calls made by Mr. President should convince discerning Nigerians that there exists gaping knowledge gap in the nation’s decision making process. The nation will continuously flounder as long as we have this dysfunctional state. Let me present few instances of the “questionable calls” I have alluded to. On Monday June 22, 2015, the President ordered the dismantling of all military checkpoints nationwide, directing that the police should take control of internal security. “Nationwide” would include the frontline states of the turbulent north east region, the epicenter of Boko Haram insurgency. That decision was based on emotional intelligence with no regard for the facts on ground. Only 24 hours later, after the President was educated on the

futility of a blanket application of the order, he rescinded it. About two weeks ago, the National Economic Council, a purely advisory body made up of the 36 state governors and the CBN governor with the Vice President as chairman, set up a panel of four governors, two each from the ruling APC and opposition PDP, to probe how the NNPC deployed the N3.8 trillion it unilaterally appropriated to itself between 2012 and May 2015 from the total of N8.1 trillion earned from oil sales over the period. The Third Schedule Part 1 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) is unequivocal on the Council’s advisory responsibility to the President “concerning the economic affairs of the Federation”. An advisory body CANNOT perform a purely executive function. And just last week, President Buhari stunned Nigerians when he gave blanket endorsement to state subsidization of pilgrimages to Christian holy lands. If what is good for the goose is also good for the gander, this largesse is also for the Muslims for the asking! Mr. President was cajoled into approving a state-subsidized exchange rate of N160 to $1 at a time N234 exchange for one USD for the Christian pilgrims this year after the presentation of the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Mr. John Kennedy-Opara, to him. I am a Christian, but I feel bad that the President, whose electoral victory was propelled by his endorsement of the imperative for change, would still pander to religious sensibilities. The Nigerian state must distance itself from religious matters. Pilgrimages by Muslims and Christians should be made a private matter, and only the financially strong should participate in them. The President must, like Governor Nasir el Rufai of Kaduna State, show courage at this time the country is reeling from excruciating economic downtown. During this period of self imposed interregnum, Mr. President must not submit to undue emotionalism in the day-to-day running of the country. May Allah give him wisdom and grace.

Sport Extra

Election: Bartomeu coasts to easy win as Barca President

op contender Josep Maria Bartomeu yesterday lived up to expectation as he easily won Barcelona’s presidential election and will resume the role for the next

six years. There were 47, 720 votes cast in the poll. Bartomeu was the clear winner with a majority 54.63 percent of the votes to beat rivals Joan Lapor-

ta (33.03 percent), Agusti Benedito (7.16) and Toni Freixa (3.70). The 52-year-old Bartomeu took over the presidency in January 2014 after predecessor Sandro Rosell resigned.

Last season was one of the most successful in the club’s history as they won the treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League, boasted the most prolific front three of

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, and posted a record 608million profit. Barcelona is owned by more than 150, 000 members who elect the president.

Bartomeu

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