Newsweek magazine dumps print for online publication
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Vol. 2 N0. 413 SOLA ADEBAYO, TOLA AKINMUTIMI AND MESHACK IDEHEN
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il workers under the umbrella of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, commenced a nationwide strike today that could trigger another round of fuel scarcity and disrupt economic activities across the country. The strike, which will CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>
Gunmen kill 7 policemen in Bauchi, Borno P.5
Subsidy fraud: Tukur, Ali, Alao’s sons docked
...granted bail, remain in EFCC custody
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Friday, July 27, 2012
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Oil workers begin nationwide strike Fresh fuel crisis looms
FG pays fuel subsidy claims
Jonathan appoints Okupe as SSA Public Affairs
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...PDP wades into Reps’ impeachment threat
Olympic Stadium, Wembley on Wednesday night
Queen declares 30th Olympiad open today ‘Why govt sacked NPA MD, directors, others’
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XXXTH OLYMPIC SUMMER GAMES
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London 2012
EVEREST ONYEWUCHI
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REPORTING
July 27 - August 12, 2012
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News
Friday, July 27, 2012
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Oil workers begin nationwide strike CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
affect activities at oil jetties and depots, is to press home demands for changes and reforms in the petroleum sector and payment of outstanding fuel subsidy claims to petroleum marketers, union leaders said yesterday. NUPENG President, Comrade Igwe Achese, said there would be no loading or offloading of petroleum products at any of the petroleum depots scattered across the country. Members of Petroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD, a unit of NUPENG, refused to load petroleum products at the Warri depot of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, yesterday. Oil dealers, who thronged the depot in the early hours of yesterday, were disappointed and left the NNPC facility following the absence of the oil tankers. The strike coincides with the shutdown of the Warri Petrochemical and Marketing Company due to the failure of its fluid catalytic cracking unit, a key refining component. Giving reasons for the decision to embark on the strike, Achese said that despite the series of promises and the understanding reached between the union and the Federal Government on dealing with the challenges confronting the sector, the government had always failed to keep its promises. He stressed that NUPENG would henceforth embark on strike without any warning, since the warnings given in the past had not yielded results. Achese said the union was also demanding that the Federal Government should immediately commence payment of subsidy to fuel marketers for this year’s imports. The NUPENG president added that oil workers could no longer tolerate the state of roads in most parts of the country, saying that the union was recording casualties among its members due to road accidents daily. The union, he said, was also demanding for accountability in the oil sector, saying the Federal Government had failed to give account of how the 445,000 barrel per day of crude oil allocated to the NNPC for domestic refining and consumption was being utilised. He said since the na-
tion’s refineries that are supposed to be refining and distributing the products are comatose, the NNPC needs to explain what is happening to the huge crude allocation. Part of the workers grouse is the alleged diversion of pension funds of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, SPDC’s, workers. He said that oil and gas workers in the country are calling on relevant authorities, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to immediately commence investigations into how the pension funds have been collected and disbursed over the years. The union president said the management of the SPDC has succeeded in the “mismanagement” of the pension funds of workers, and the maltreatment” of workers by the oil company has continued unabated. Achese said that other parts of the country will join the strike in sympathy and solidarity, adding it will not be limited to urban areas of the country alone. Meanwhile, the Federal Government yesterday directed the Debt Management Office, DMO, to commence payment of fuel subsidy to marketers whose claims had been verified as soon as supporting Sovereign Debt Notes are provided by the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency. The Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said the order was issued to reinforce the Federal Government’s determination to ensure that there was no disruption in fuel supplies across the country. The minister, in a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant (Media), Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu, noted that following the report of the Presidential Committee of Fuel Subsidy Verification headed by Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, it was clear that some marketers also owed government significant sums of money which must be paid. Okonjo-Iweala said in view of the assurances of the availability of funds to meet marketers’ claims, there was no reason for marketers or other stakeholders
to go on strike because government was addressing subsidy payment issue in a structured way that would protect the interests of the country and those of genuine marketers. It will be recalled that payments based on verified claims resumed after the June meeting of the Federation Accounts Allocations Committee, FAAC, when payments totalling N17bn were made. The Federal Ministry of Finance has insisted on
Mamman Nasir Ali
verification of claims to prevent overpayments or payments for products not supplied, issues for which several fuel marketers, PPPRA staff and independent auditors are now facing trial. Oil marketers have in the past few weeks been threatening to suspend fuel imports if government refuses to pay some of their outstanding fuel subsidy claims, adding that the high cost of bank credit was eroding profit
Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi
margins. Meanwhile, oil dealers in the Warri depot said they have been informed about the shutdown of the refinery, the third this year, having been closed earlier in January and June. Chairman, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, in Delta State, Chief Akpos Edafevwotu, said IPMAN was told that the plant would be shut for two weeks.
He, however, lamented the strike by the tanker drivers, adding that the action prevented the oil dealers from distributing petroleum products available from the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, to the public. Our correspondent learnt that the WRPC management secured the approval of the corporate headquarters of NNPC to shut down the plant, for the third time this year.
Abdullahi Alao
Subsidy fraud: Tukur, Ali, Alao’s sons docked FRANCIS FAMOROTI, K AYODE KETEFE AND WALE IGBINTADE
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ahmud, the son of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; and Abdulahi, the son of an Ibadan-based business mogul, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola-Alao, were yesterday arraigned at the Ikeja High Court for allegedly defrauding the Federal Government the sum of N6bn on the false pretences of importing fuel into the country. Mamman Nasir Ali, the son of former PDP National Chairman, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, along with his company, Nasaman Oil Services and a Sierra Leonean, Christian Taylor, were also charged before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo at the Ikeja High Court. Tukur, along with Ochonogor Alex, and Eterna Oil and Gas Plc,
was charged before the same judge, while Alao along with his company, Axerenergy Limited, had earlier appeared before Justice Habeeb Abiru on a separate fraudulent charge. All the defendants beamed with smiles throughout the proceedings. The key defendants and their co-accused were, however, granted bail pending the commencement of their trial. Justice Onigbanjo in his ruling granted the defendants bail in the sum of N20m with two sureties each in like sum. One of the sureties must be a blood relation of the defendants and has a property valued at N100m with verifiable title documents in Lagos State. Among other conditions, the judge ruled that one of the sureties should be a public officer not below Grade level 16 in the state public service or the
Federal Government. Besides, the judge directed that Tukur, Alao, Ali and Taylor should be kept in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, custody pending the perfection of their bail conditions. Ali, Taylor and Nasaman were arraigned on a threecount charge of fraudulent practices involving about N4.0bn. Specifically, Nasaman Services, Ali, Taylor and one Olabisi AbdulAfeez (now at large) were alleged to have conspired between 2010 and 2012 and collected N2.2bn through false pretence from the Federal Government under the Petroleum Support Fund, PSF, as subsidy for importation of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, from Europe to Nigeria. They were also said to have on or about February 20, 2012 by false pretence with intent to defraud obtained from the Federal
Government the sum of N749m under the guise of subsidy payment to Nasaman Oil Services. Ali and Taylor, along with the Nasaman Services, were also charged for allegedly defrauding the Federal Government about N1.4bn. When the charges were read, all the accused pleaded not guilty. Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN) who led Mr. Toyin Pinheiro (SAN) and five others, argued that the defendants be granted bail while the EFCC prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, opposed the bail plea. Gadzama submitted that the defendants were presumed innocent until otherwise proved, adding that they did not have any previous criminal record. Relying on Section 36 (5) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 115 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Friday, July 27, 2012
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Photo News
Friday, July 27, 2012
L-R: Former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari; former Minister of Information, Prof. Dora Akunyuli; Author of the Book, ‘How I Governed Anambra State’, former Governor, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Uwais, during the public presentation of the Book in Abuja, PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA yesterday.
L - R: Vice-Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter, Mr. Wale Adegbite; Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbola Ashiru and Chairman, MAN, Ogun State chapter, Dr. D.B. Oguntuga; during the 5th Business Luncheon of MAN at Sango-Ota, yesterday.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
L-R: Marketing Manager, SuperSport, Mr. Chidozie Bede-Nwokoye; Head, Corporate Communication, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. Segun Fayose and Public Relations Executive, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr.Thimothy Okwu, during the DStv SuperSport Olympic Games press briefing in Lagos yesterday.
Asst. Admin. Manager, National Mirror, Mrs. Folake Bewaji; Editor, National Mirror, Mr. Seyi Fasugba; Founder, Teachers Shelter Foundation (TSF), Mr. Adetoro Aina; Lagos State Coordinator, TSF, Ibrahim Ali-Balogun and Asst. Coordinator, Lagos, TSF, Miss. Onitolo Rukayat when members of the foundation visited Mirror office in Lagos, PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA yesterday .
National News
Dana crash: Coroner threatens to arrest oil companies, others WALE IGBINTADE
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he Lagos Coroner court, making inquest into the Dana Air crash, yesterday threatened to issue warrant of arrest on Conoil Plc, Total Nigeria Limited and the Red Cross Society of Nigeria. The Coroner, Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe gave the warning while responding to the submission made by Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, whose law firm, petitioned the Lagos State Chief Coroner, Justice Lateefat Okunnu, for an inquiry into the incident. At the resumed hearing, Mr. Falana reminded the coroner that some oil companies and agencies that had been served with summons are yet to appear before it. Besides, Falana urged the Coroner to order the Police to investigate victims that died on the ground, arguing that it was not the responsibility of the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, to carry out the enquiry. He further told the Coro-
ner that the function of the AIB was limited only to enquiry into the causes of the crash of the ill fated airliner. Meanwhile, Magistrate Komolafe and other interested parties have agreed to schedule appearance of
witnesses. The Coroner further directed that any of the witnesses, who may want to make statement, should forward it to the court two days before their appearance. According to the roster, Channels Television and
AIT are to appear on Monday to show the clips of the crash on the day it happened. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, and Julius Berger, who had earlier been summoned but failed
to show up are scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, along with National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA. The Coroner also granted the request of the counsel to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA,
Mr. Babatunde Irukera and his Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, counterpart, C. Chiwete to appear on Thursday, August 2, 2012 and Monday, August 6, 2012 respectively. The matter has been adjourned till July 30, 2012.
Subsidy: Bamanga Tukur under fire over son’s trial SOLA ADEBAYO WARRI
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here are indications that the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamangar Tukur, may be under fire over the indictment of his son, Mahmud, in the fuel subsidy report. Already, a group in the PDP has asked Tukur to resign his position as leader of the ruling party. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Mahmud, the son of a former National Chairman of the reigning party, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, Mamman, the son of a businessman, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao, Abdullahi and other oil deal-
ers and marketers for shady deals in the oil subsidy regime at a Lagos High Court. Mahmud and 11 other individuals and seven oil companies are facing trial for their involvement in the fuel subsidy scam. They are facing a nine count charge relating to conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, forgery and use of false documents. Specifically, Mahmud Tukur, Ochonogor Alex, Abdulahi Alao and Eterna Oil and Gas Plc were being docked for allegedly obtaining the sum of N1, 8bn from PSF fraudulently for a purported importation of 80.3m litres of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS. Tukur is the managing director of the company. The group, which styled itself, PDP Stakeholders Fo-
rum, said Bamanga Tukur lacked morality to continue as national leader of the party in view of the indictment of his son for corruption. The group, according to its leader, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, is spearheading the nationwide protest to demand the resignation of Bamanga Tukur from the party’s top job. The group alleged that the indicted company belonged to Bamanga Tukur’s family, alleging that the younger Tukur was operating the company on behalf of his father. It claimed that the indictment of Mahmud Tukur and the oil company has brought the PDP to ridicule and public odium, adding that the development had vindicated those opposed to the emergence of Tukur as
party leader. The group added, “With the commencement of the trial of the subsidy looters/ prosecution of Mahmud Bamanga Tukur (son of Bamanga Tukur, PDP National Chairman) over their shameful act of using their family company (Eterna Oil and Gas Limited) to fraudulently obtain N1.9bn for importation of 80.4m litres of fuel which they never did, PDP members are calling for the resignation of Bamanga Tukur to help save PDP from further public embarrassment, which the trial will bring. Bamanga lacks the moral right to remain in office. “This trial has vindicated our earlier alert three months ago on Tukur’s economic crimes. The exit of
Bamanga Tukur will save the PDP from the many months of illegality, ineligibility and incompetence which his chairmanship has visited on PDP.” But the National Publicity of the party, Chief Oliseh Metuh, dismissed the group, adding that he was not prepared to glorify it with a reply. Metuh, in a telephone interview with National Mirror, said: “You don’t expect a serious party like PDP to react to an unfounded allegation. I don’t want to make a statement on this because it is not an issue. “We have some serious problems at some states’ chapters that we are concerned about, this one is too trivial to comment on,” he added.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
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Friday, July 27, 2012
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Gunmen kill 7 policemen in Bauchi, Borno INUSA NDAHI AND EZEKIEL TITUS
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unmen ran berserk in Bauchi and Borno states yesterday, killing seven policemen in the process. The attackers also set ablaze a police station and a local government secretariat. Four policemen were
killed in Borno State, while several others were injured when the gunmen, suspected to be members of the Jamatul ahlis Sunnah lid Daawa wal Jihad, otherwise known as Boko Haram Islamic sect, attacked the Gubio Police Station in Gubio, the headquarters of Gubio Local Government Council. The station, along with the local government secretariat were burnt down,
a resident, Mallam Usman Gubio, said. “Many people ran away from their houses and took refuge in safe places. We have never experienced such in this local government, but I do not know if any civilian was killed. However, I saw about four corpses of policemen being carried in a vehicle. Security has now been beefed up around the local government and we also learnt
that the police have made some arrests,” he said. Gubio explained that when the residents heard gunshots, they rushed into their houses and locked their doors but had to also abandon their houses when some of their relatives came and asked them to leave the area, as it was no longer safe. The state Police Commissioner, Mr. Bala Hassan, confirmed the inci-
L-R: Wife of President Goodluck Jonathan and President, African First Ladies Peace Mission, Dame Patience; President Jonathan and the President Joyce Banda of Malawi, at the 7th Summit of AFLPM in Abuja yesterday.
dent to newsmen. He said: “Two people, including a civilian, were killed in the attack in Gubio Local Government.” The commissioner did not, however, give any further clarification, as his phone went off after he confirmed the killings. The spokesman of Joint Task Force, JTF, Operation Restore Order in Borno, Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, said the situation in Gubio was purely a police affair and that they should be contacted. It was also a tragic day for the police in Bauchi as three of its men, two inspectors and a corporal, on patrol along Bauchi-Gombe road were gunned down. The gunmen made away with the rifles of the three policemen after shooting them. National Mirror learnt that the hoodlums attacked the policemen at about 8:50a.m. when they went on patrol. It was learnt that the policemen had just resumed duty at the patrol spot when the gunmen opened fire on them. Two of them died on the spot, while the third
person died in the hospital. Eyewitness accounts said the fourth policeman narrowly escaped death and ran into the bush with his rifle. Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Auyo, confirmed the attack to newsmen in his office. Auyo, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, said investigation had begun into the attack. He said that a team of policemen had been drafted to the scene. The PPRO expressed optimism that the hoodlums would be apprehended. One of the policemen at the scene of the incident said the hoodlums were still there before their arrival. The policeman, who did not want his name mentioned, added that he saw where the gunmen sat before they got to the place. He solicited for useful information from members of the public that would assist the police in arresting the suspects. No group has, however, claimed responsibility for the attack.
Subsidy fraud: Tukur, Ali, Alao’s sons docked CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
Lagos State, he prayed the court to admit the defendants to bail. But Jacobs, who moved the EFCC application opposing the bail request, argued that if the court would grant the bail plea, it should do so at its discretion and with stringent terms considering the gravity of the charges. The EFCC counsel urged the court to consider the proof of evidence before it, saying that allegation against the defendants were grave and weighty. According to Jacobs, “the nation is a victim of this scam, if the court is inclined to grant them bail, it should not be liberal.” In his ruling, Justice Onigbanjo said he would exercise his discretion in favour of the defendants by imposing the following terms: *Bail is hereby granted in the sum of N20m with two sureties in like sum and the sureties most depose to affidavit of means. *One of the sureties
must be a blood relation who has property of not less than N100m value with verifiable title documents in Lagos State. *The sureties must deposit the original of their title documents with the High Court of Lagos State and one of the sureties must be a public officer not below level 16 cadre in the state or federal public service. *The sureties must also provide evidence of the payment of income tax to the Lagos State Government. * The defendants must also deposit their international passports with the EFCC, and *The evidence of residence in Lagos State by the sureties must be verified by the officials of the court. The judge adjourned the trial till October 30, 2012. Shortly after these proceedings, Tukur, Ochonogor, Alao and Eterna Oil and Gas Plc were arraigned before Justice Onigbanjo on a nine-count charge of oil subsidy fraud
involving about N1.9bn. The defendants also pleaded not guilty to the charges. Jacobs appeared for EFCC, while Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), led Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and eight other lawyers for Tukur, Ochonogor and Eterna Oil and Gas Plc. Mr. Babajide Koku (SAN) led five others for Alao. The lawyers adopted the earlier arguments canvassed on bail and they also agreed on the conditions for bail in the earlier case. Ruling, Justice Onigbanjo imposed similar bail conditions on the defendants and also directed they should remain in EFCC custody pending the perfection of the conditions. He fixed the trial date for November 13 and 14. Earlier yesterday, Alao was arraigned along with his company, Axerenergy Limited, before Justice Abiru on a seven-count charge, comprising conspiracy, obtaining by
false pretences, use of forged document, and forgery. Alao was one of the individuals and corporate persons accused of collecting an aggregate sum of N13.4bn from the Federal Government to import petrol, which they allegedly failed to deliver. In the charge dated July 20, 2012, Alao was accused of having used forged documents “with intent to defraud” to facilitate obtaining the sum of N1,168,172,064.44 (One billion, one hundred and sixty four naira forty-four kobo) from the Federal government, by false pretences. Alao, who appeared calm and unruffled throughout the proceedings, pleaded, on behalf of himself and his company, “not guilty” to all the counts in the charge. Jacobs, had earlier apologised for the absence of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, in court yesterday, citing urgent state matters.
Alao’s lawyer, Koku, urged the court to hear a summon for bail he had filed on behalf of his client, but this was vehemently opposed by Jacobs. Jacobs argued that the summon was not ripe for hearing, because “it was only served on us this morning.” After this opposition from Jacobs, Koku agreed to an adjournment of the matter but he prayed the court to remand Alao in EFCC custody in the meantime. Justice Abiru adjourned the matter till August 1, 2012 for hearing of the summons for bail, he remanded Alao in the EFCC custody till the next adjourned date. Meanwhile, the trial of three other defendants indicted in the fuel subsidy probe was once again stalled. The defendants’ arrangement could not go on because the first accused person, Walter Wagbatsoma, was absent in court. The other defendants, Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi, Fakuade Babafemi
Ebenezer and Ezekiel Ejidele (charged along with their company, Ontario Oil and Gas Limited) were, however, present in court. Wagbatsoma’s lawyer, Koku (the same man who represented Alao) apologised to the court for his absence. Koku said his client had informed him that he had travelled outside Nigeria. He, however, undertook to produce him at the next adjourned date. Jacobs also supported adjournment of the case to ensure joint trial of all the defendants. In spite of protests by other defence lawyers who want the trial of their clients to be separated from that of the first accused person to ensure speedy trial, the judge adjourned the matter till August 1, 2012. However, at the Lagos High Court, the arraignment of some of the oil marketers indicted in the alleged subsidy fraud did not take place yesterday as both the AGF and the EFCC failed to appear in court.
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National News
Friday, July 27, 2012
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
PDP to probe Reps’ impeachment threat OBIORA IFOH ABUJA
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he national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said it has set up a committee to investigate the impeachment attempt on President Goodluck Jonathan by the National Assembly to see how the issue can be resolved. This was even as the party explained that the involvement of the children of incumbent national chairman of the party, Al-
haji Bamanga Tukur and former chairman, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, in the fuel subsidy scam, has nothing to do with the party as the people involved are adults who are old enough and legally liable for their actions. Deputy National Chairman of the party, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, who made the clarification in Abuja yesterday said even though those who were making impeachment threats might have good grounds for doing so, the party was not bothered as it was not the
first time a sitting president would be so threatened. Though, he would not mention the names of the people in the committee, he said the party has noted the issues and discussed the ramifications extensively at its National Working Committee (NWC) meeting and resolved that the best way to approach the matter was to be diplomatic. His words: “It is not the first time any President would be threatened with impeachment, not only in this our country, in Amer-
ica several presidents have been threatened with impeachment and of course what the party is doing is taking up the process, because there is a process by which the party meet the people. “It is true that many of them are PDP members. I agreed, but they have their grievances. We will not also say that because they are all not PDP people we will lord it over them. This thing must be attended to diplomatically, so that every wrong, would be sorted out
and eventually, this storm will definitely die down. “It is not a fluke that they are not making any sense; it is not also a fluke that the President is making errors that require impeachment. At times, we over-blow these things, but the party has set up machineries to look into all the grievances of the members of the National Assembly and harmonise theirs with the position of the President. “There must be an area for the two parties to meet and this thing should be resolved in the interest of democracy in the country. So, there is no threat actually, as it were. It is the usual thing that happening in any democracy.” On the issue of involvement of the children of top leaders of the party in the contentious fuel subsidy scam, he noted that the issue has no direct relationship with PDP leaders as those involved “would bear
their cross” without any involvement of the party if they are found guilty. “PDP did not send anybody to go and misbehave. Even if you mention my chairman’s son as you did, he is of age. Assuming he is to go to jail, they will not come and jail the National Chairman, because he did not send him; he is of age and he has his household; he has his family and everybody will account for his own position and of course it has been mentioned, until they are proved guilty, they still remain innocent. “So, the party cannot just get out and breath down on them and begin to condemn them, it is difficult to do so. They will be given enough opportunity to defend themselves. But for now, for the party to begin to condemn them is absolutely premature and prejudice,” the Deputy National chairman said.
Aviation Minister commissions airfield lighting at Abuja airport OLUSEGUN KOIKI
L-R: Marketing and Events Executive, MNET West Africa, Mr .Femi Ojo; Big Brother Stargame celebrity housemate, Goldie; Brand Manager, Colas, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Olufemi Ashipa and Public Relations Manager, MNET West Africa, Ms. Olayinka Epega, at Goldie’s courtesy visit to Coca-Cola’s office, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Newsweek dumps print for online publication SEGUN FATUASE
WITH AGENCY REPORTS
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he reality is dawning and a gradual transition is in the offing, as the once highly esteemed United States Newsweek magazine joins the growing list of magazines that are constrained to shift from print to online publications. Mr. Barry Diller, chairman and chief executive at the conglomerate, InterActiveCorp, IAC, which owns Newsweek, hinted during a conference call on Wednesday that the 75 year old magazine is toying with the option of going digital before the end of this year. The Washington Post sold Newsweek to California billionaire Sidney Harman for one dollar in 2010, ahead of a deal with IAC to merge the magazine with the online oper-
ation to become known familiarly as “Newsbeast.” “The transition will happen. I’m not saying it will happen totally but the transition to online from hard print will happen. We’re examining all of our options,” Diller was quoted as saying. If Newsweek does fold its print edition, it won’t be the first weekly magazine to do so. In 2010, U.S. News & World Report shut down its print magazine--with the exception of special issues like its Best Colleges guide--and shifted its focus almost entirely to the Web. Diller’s comments came, days after the family of Sidney Harman, the late audio equipment magnate who bought Newsweek for $1--plus the assumption of the magazine’s estimated $40mplus debt before partnering with Diller and
Daily Beast founder Tina Brown, said it would no longer invest in the magazine, leaving Diller and the Beast in full control. Ever since Diller acquired half of Newsweek in 2011, despite its tradition and with star editor Tina Brown’s attentiongrabbing covers, the magazine has been a financial burden for Diller. Peter Lauria of Reuters also quoted two sources which claimed that the Harman family may have felt the magazine was “emphasizing the sensational over the intellectual... pointing to controversial covers such as a digitally aged Princess Diana, a piece about spanking and an image of President Obama under the tagline ‘The First Gay President.’” Ultimately, Diller cares about the profitability of IAC, which owns a portfolio of businesses like
Match.com, Ask.com and Excite. According to Reuters, “IAC’s profit was impacted by an after-tax non-cash charge of $16.2m, or 18 cents a share, from a writedown in the value of its stake in the money-losing Newsweek Daily Beast after it bought a controlling interest in the business.” Overall the company reported net income was up 2.1 percent to $43.3m and revenue climbed 40 per cent to $680.6m. “Newsweek is not necessarily a distraction for IAC management, though investors may get perturbed about it not being profitable and weighing on the company’s bottom line,” a financial analyst told Reuters. Of late, the magazine has not been faring well. According to Bloomberg. com, Newsweek is “projected to lose as much as $22m this year.”
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he Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, yesterday commissioned the airfield lighting of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja and assured that its installation will go a long way in boosting the confidence of the flying public and airline operators in the country. Speaking through a statement signed by her Special Assistant, Media, Mr. Joe Obi, Oduah said this would also greatly improve air safety in Nigeria, adding that it would also aid the airport in its certification objectives. She stated that the rehabilitation of the airfield lighting in Abuja was part of the overall effort by the ministry to refurbish and renew the facilities at the airside and terminal buildings across various airports in the country. She described the project as “one of the critical safety initiatives” embarked upon by the ministry, adding that the selection of the original contractor to undertake the works, Messrs Julius Berger Plc “has ensured that the security of the airside is not compromised in the
process, given the current global and domestic challenges.” She further explained that in order to ensure proper and effective management of safety matters in the sector, the Federal Government recently approved the transfer of the responsibilities for airfield lighting from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) “purely in the interest of the sector and in line with best practices.” Meanwhile, Oduah also commissioned six fire tenders donated to the ministry by SO Aviation, a member of Sahara Energy Nigeria Ltd at the NAIA, and called on other corporate organisations in the country to emulate the patriotic gesture of the Sahara Energy group by contributing towards air safety in Nigeria.
Oduah
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
News
Friday, July 27, 2012
Robbers shoot reverend father in Owerri bank raid
Fees illegal in public schools, says Fashola
CHRIS NJOKU
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OWERRI
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rmed robbers struck in Owerri, the Imo State capital, when they attacked a branch of a first generation bank at Umuelemanya in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, carting away millions of naira. The robbers disarmed
the security men at the gate and forced their way into the bank. At least three people, including a revered father, were shot in the incident, which occurred about 4p.m. The reverend father, who was in the bank to transact business, was shot in the leg. A source told our correspondent that the robbers, numbering about eight,
shot sporadically into the air to gain access into the bank’s strong room, where they stole millions of naira. According to the source, all the customers were ordered to lie face down, while some of the bandits watched over them. It was gathered that before the arrival of law enforcement agents, the robbers had fled with their
loot. When contacted on telephone, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Vitalis Onugu, said that the report of the robbery had not reached his office. Meanwhile, the identity of the reverend father was not known at press time, but a source said he was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
L-R: Deputy Inspector General of Police ‘E’ Department, Mr. Marvel Akpoyibo, DIG, Administration, Mr. Dauda Fakai and Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, at the hand over of criminal law books presented by the head of panel on the Implementation of Justice Sector reforms, at a meeting with government and non-government justice institutions in Abuja, yesterday.
Mark demands import duty waiver for media equipment GEORGE OJI AND EMMANUEL ONANI
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he Federal Government has been advised to waive import duty on newsprint, inks and other media-related equipment to reduce the burden of broadcasting and publishing. The President of the Senate, David Mark, who gave the advice in an address he delivered yesterday in Umuahia, Abia State, at the commencement of a twoday retreat for Senate correspondents, said the waiver became necessary in recognition of the importance of the media in the sustenance of democracy in the country. He spoke on: “The role of the media in promoting good governance.” Mark said the legislature, the media owners and the regulatory agencies must work together to come up with strong legislation to help the media perform its constitutional role of being the watchdog of the society. He said: “The govern-
ment should consider import duty waivers on media equipment such as newsprint, inks and other machineries to lessen the pains in broadcasting and publishing.” The Senate president noted that to play its role as public watchdog effectively, the media must be
able, not only to bark, but to bite. Besides, he said the media could arouse the consciousness of the people from their complacency to assert their rights and demand accountability from the government. Mark noted that a vibrant, alive and energetic
media, which every decent society craved for, must strive to strengthen the executive, the legislature and the judiciary and other institutions by prodding them to walk the talk, travel the narrow but straight path in keeping their covenant with the people.
Group plans free accommodation for teachers TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE
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Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO, Teachers’ Shelter Foundation, said it was determined to provide free and comfortable accommodation for teachers in public primary and secondary schools across the country. The group said it would achieve this objective through the support of all tiers of government, corporate and social organisations, as well as spirited individuals in the society. The founder and National Coordinator of the group, Mr. Adetoro Aina,
said this yesterday when he led some members of the organisation to National Mirror‘s headquarters in Marina, Lagos, on a courtesy visit. He said the major problem confronting teachers, especially at primary and secondary school levels in the country was that of accommodation. This, Aina said, was taking a toll on teachers’ performance at work and that of their students in examinations. He said: “So we believe that once teachers have good roofs over their heads with members of their families, they will be able to teach effectively
and this will help the education sector positively.” Aina, who sought the support of National Mirror in the foundation’s activities, said the proposed quarters, a threebedroom flat, to be built under the scheme would be given free to serving teachers only for the period they remained in the service. Responding, Editor, National Mirror, Mr. Seyi Fasugba, lauded the group’s initiative, saying its realisation would bring smile on the faces of teachers. Fasugba pledged the support of the newspaper for the foundation.
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MURITALA AYINLA overnor Babatunde Fashola said yesterday that it was not lawful for the management of the public schools in Lagos State to demand levies from parents to maintain or upgrade facilities in their schools. Speaking at the second edition of the Governor’s Education Award held at 10 Degree Event Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, Fashola said no public school had the right to demand any fees from parents with the provision of Eko Project funds. The governor also rewarded outstanding 128 junior and senior secondary schools with N2m each for effectively utilising the funds from the World Bankassisted Lagos Eko Project for the 629 public schools in the state. He said the government had invested massively in public schools to ensure qualitative education and to enable them compete favourably with their private counterparts. Fashola, who presented a cheque of N256m for the 128 performing schools in the last one year, also an-
Gov. Fashola
nounced international leadership training abroad for the top two principals from the outstanding schools. He added that the government would establish Power Clubs in 30 public schools as a pilot programme. The governor said his administration had benchmarked an aggregate of 50 marks as minimum criterion for admission to secondary schools which was a clear departure from the 30 marks before the project came on board. Fashola said the government would soon recruit about 1,200 teachers to replace those who left the state teaching service. This figure, according to him, is in addition to the 650 sanitation managers engaged recently to keep the schools premises tidy always.
Makoko residents shun govt’s peace parley MURITALA AYINLA
D
isplaced residents of Makoko yesterday refused to attend the peace meeting called by the Lagos State Government. Also yesterday, the state government condemned the attack on the Editor of the Sun newspaper by bandits on Ojo Road, Mazamaza on Wednesday. The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Aderemi Ibirogba, described the attack as inhuman. He said that if journalists were attacked at will, it showed that some people did not appreciate the role of media in the Nigerian society. However, briefing journalists at the state Secretariat, Ibirogba said the meeting with the Makoko community could not hold because the leaders of Makoko did not show up. He said: “The representatives of the government,
the Commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructure, Prince Adesegun Oniru; Environment, Tunji Bello; Physical Planning and Urban Development, Olutoyin Ayinde and myself were disappointed by their inability to honour the meeting. “The meeting was to resolve and clear all the grey areas concerning their evacuation from the waterfront. It is unfortunate that they failed to show up for the matter considered to be in their interest. The governor is sincere by the need to resolve all the issues. That was why he had to abandon State Executive Council meeting to address them. The meeting has been rescheduled to hold on Tuesday next week, same time and venue.” However, when contacted, the leaders of Makoko said they got the letter of invitation for the meeting by noon yesterday, while the meeting was scheduled for 4p.m.
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South West
Friday, July 27, 2012
3rd Mainland Bridge repairs: Lagos warns Okada riders MURITALA AYINLA
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orried by the flagrant flouting of traffic rules, especially during the gridlock created by the partial closure of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Engr. Babatunde Edu, yesterday warned all commercial motorcycle operators to desist from riding against the traffic. The LASTMA boss, who lamented the rate of ac-
cident recorded in recent times due to the recklessness of the operators, said traffic management officials would intensify enforcement to avert avoidable accidents in the metropolis. He said the operators are now riding on the main carriageway in some of the highways like: the Third Mainland Bridge, Ikororodu Road, Carter Bridget, Funsho Williams Avenue and Lekki-Épé Expressway, among others, saying such flagrant violation of traffic laws would not be condoned any longer. Briefing journalists at
the LASTMA headquarters in Oshodi, Edu said government is not interested in inflicting hardship on the citizenry, but to maintain law and order on the roads so as to avoid preventable and untimely death of Lagosians. Edu urged motorists to ensure strict compliance with the zebra crossing and other traffic signals, stressing that the agency have been mandated to scale up its enforcement in order to contain this unacceptable trends among motorcycle operators, especially in ar-
eas where schools are located so as ensure the safety of younger ones. While urging the operators to be road friendly, the LASTMA chief executive also decried the failure of the operators to comply with basic safety tips and further directed that henceforth operators must abide with rules and regulations guiding their operations or forfeit their motorcycles as any impounded motorcycles would not be released while owners of such confiscated motorcycles would be charged to court.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
LAUTECH workers suspend strike KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN
P
rotesting workers of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, yesterday suspended the strike that greeted the shutdown of the Teaching Hospital of the university by the Oyo State government. The state government yesterday reversed some of its earlier steps that sparked off the crisis. Sequel to this, the staff of the institution, who immediately went on strike, suspended it in the interest of the students and the masses that rose in their defence. It will be recalled that the staff had protested the directive that the institution be shut down, while the Osogbo, Osun State annex of the hospital would continue to enjoy government funding. Also, staff of Ogbomoso teaching hospital had been told to be collecting their salaries and allowances
from the Osun State government, while the institution in Ogbomoso would be converted to one of the campuses of the proposed Oyo State University. Commercial motorcycle riders, otherwise called Okada riders, who got wind of the shutdown trooped to the streets and were joined by many residents, mounting bonfires on the streets to prevent vehicular movement, which momentarily halted the peace of the town.
Ajimobi
Ekiti teachers back down on competence test ABIODUN NEJO L-R: Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi; Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Eniola Ajayi; Chairman, State Universal Basic Education, Prof. Modupe Adelabu and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Yemi Adaramodu, during the flag-off of Operation Renovate All Schools in Ekiti, at Corpus Christi College, Ilawe-Ekiti, yesterday.
Fayemi to renovate schools with N2.5bn
N
o fewer than 100 schools in Ekiti State are set to wear a new look within the next seven weeks as the state governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, yesterday flagged-off ‘Operation Renovate All Schools’ in Ekiti (ORASE). The first phase of the renovation of 100 of the 183 secondary schools in the state, including the provision of 40,000 units of furniture would cost N2.5bn and the project is to be delivered before the new academic session 2012/2013 in September. A sum of N600 million of the N2.5bn is to be spent on the provision of furniture for both students and teachers. Speaking at the flag-off of the renovation exercise at the three senatorial districts held at Methodist Comprehensive High School, Aaye Ekiti, Corpus Christi College, Ilawe and Olaoluwa Muslim Grammar School, Ado Ekiti, the
governor said the intervention programme is part of the decision of his administration to have functional education that equips students with learning, enlightenment and enterprise to face the challenges of life more squarely. Dr. Fayemi added that 30 secondary schools have been carefully selected
from each of the senatorial districts based on the urgency of their condition; saying that effective learning can only take place in an environment conducive for learning. The governor stated that it was an incontestable fact that Ekiti State is a pacesetter in education, as evident in the vast number of
academia produced by the state in all fields of human endeavour; saying that the state ‘cannot afford to live on past glory or allow our education system to continue to produce half-baked products neither good for higher education nor fit for job creation and wealth generation which are our focus’.
ADO EKITI
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fter months of disagreement and bickering, teachers in public schools in Ekiti State have agreed to write the Teachers Development Needs Assessment (TDNA), otherwise known as Competence Test. Governor Kayode Fayemi said the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the umbrella body of the teachers, have agreed that the teachers would sit for the assessment test which is aimed at
‘Don’t blame Agunloye for dumping ACN’ HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE
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he Campaign Group of former Minister of Defence, Dr Olu Agunloye, The Omoluwabi Platform (OP) yesterday condemned the statement credited to the National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Bisi Akande, referring to Agunloye ‘as a mole’ in the party. Agunloye, before returning to the ruling Labour Party (LP) in the
state during the declaration of Governor Olusegun Mimiko for a second term in office, was a leading governorship aspirant of the ACN in the state. Agunloyes defection to the LP led to the statement credited to Akande who described Agunloye as ‘a mole in the ACN’ while he described the attitude of Afenifere leaders present at the rally as a ‘betrayal of Awolowo political group.’ But speaking on Akande’s comment, the leader of the Omoluabi Platform,
Mr. Wemi Ajegbemiga, in a statement made available to journalists queried the ACN leadership if Agunloye was really ‘a mole,’ why did the leadership of the party, including Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, are appealing to him not to leave the party. Ajegbemiga said Agunloye has worked assiduously to make ACN relevant in the state after he lost the LP’s senatorial ticket for Ondo North Senatorial Districts and joined the ACN towards
the 2011 elections, saying the intention of Agunloye was to win the election under the platform of the party before the national leaders of the party threw the party’s ticket to the ‘dogs.’ Ajegbemiga said in the statement: “We are highly disappointed in what Chief Akande said in respect of Dr Agunloye’s defection to LP. I wish to say that Dr Agunloye is a man of integrity who believe in service to humanity as a man of the people.”
determining the areas of need of the teachers as part of efforts to reposition the education sector in the state. Fayemi, who spoke yesterday while flagging-off the Operation Renovate All Schools in Ekiti (ORASE) at different locations in the three senatorial districts of the state, said his government was committed to the holistic transformation of the sector in the state. This was even as the teachers who had been at loggerheads with the government over the test, declined comments over the TDNA yesterday, saying only their national leadership could comment on the issue. Fayemi said the government was committing N2.5bn to the renovation of the schools to ensure that the pupils in the public schools would resume into learning-friendly schools which would boost their performance. He said the first phase flagged off yesterday included the renovation of 100 of the 183 secondary schools and the furnishing of same with 40,000 units of furniture.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
South West
Friday, July 27, 2012
Osun Osogbo festival: Priests threaten showdown with organisers WALE FOLARIN, OSOGBO
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lleged insensitivity of the organisers to the welfare of the Osun priests and priestesses may have a negative impact on this year’s Osun Osogbo festival which has been scheduled to hold early next month. Speaking with our correspondent at the Ataoja’s palace in Osogbo yesterday, the spokesman of the Osun priests and
priestesses, Mr. Osunbolaji Olayiwola Olosun, said they were not happy with the way members of the Osun Osogbo Committee had been treating them. Olosun, who stressed the importance of the Osun priests and priestesses to the success of the annual festival, said it was unfortunate that despite the crucial role they performed, organisers had over the years been insensitive to their welfare. The spokesman said
the committee realised millions of naira annually from local and international donors, as well as corporate organisations, but nothing tangible had been done for the Osun priests and priestesses who lived in squalor. He said: “We the Osun priests and priestesses are not happy with the way we are being treated. They only remember us when we want to celebrate the Osun festival. They have been insensitive to our welfare despite the millions of nai-
President appoints Doyin Okupe as SSA Public Affairs AYODELE OJO
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resident Goodluck Jonathan has appointed Dr. Doyin Okupe as the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs. National Mirror learnt
Okupe
that Okupe was appointed on Wednesday and assumed duty at the Presidential Villa yesterday. The new presidential aide confirmed his appointment to National Mirror last night. “I have resumed on Thursday as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs,” he said. Okupe told National Mirror that his job schedule entails deepening the relationship between the Presidency and the public. “My duty is to engage the public, media and civil societies on matters and issues that are current and affect the Presidency.
I will also provide avenue for proper dissemination of information,” Okupe said. A presidential source said the appointment was done to change the poor public perception of the President, especially through poor handling of his media by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati. President Jonathan has always been at the receiving end in the media from the opposition. Okupe was the spokesman of former President Olusegun Obasanjo during his first term. He is a medical doctor and politician.
Family petitions Mimiko, CP over son’s death in police custody HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE
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he Okorobobi family of Okorobobi-ghini in the Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State has petitioned Governor Olusegun Mimiko and the state Police Commissioner, Danladi Mshebwala, over the death in police custody of its son, Oweikimi Nelson Oweifa. In the petition dated July 20 with reference number TTC/P/049/2012, signed by its counsel, Mr. Tope Temokun, the family alleged that Oweifa was arrested and tortured to death by the police. The family also copied the director of the State Security Service, SSS, among others. It called all the relevant agencies to probe Oweifa’s death. The family explained that Oweifa was arrested
on June 23 by members of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad at Okitipupa for the kidnap of one Alhaji Abdullahi Tilde of Sabo Ore in the Odigbo Local Government Area of the state. Oweifa and others including Messrs Godspower Julius, Jeremiah Lawrence, Majemu Oyenyenk and Allen Enakimi, were arrested for the kidnap and for allegedly collecting N500,000 as ransom. According to the family, Oweifa was taken to Ore from Okitipupa where he was detained at the SARS headquarters in Akure. It added that the deceased was taken to an unknown destination on arrival in the state capital on the same day. The petition reads in part: “That on the 13th of July 2012, the other four suspects were arraigned before the Chief Magistrates’ Court 2, Akure, but
Oweikinii Nelson Oweifa was nowhere to be found. “The family members who came to the court to meet and to probably secure bail for their son curiously asked while he was not charged to court with others with whom he was said to have conspired to carry out the alleged criminal act. “He was said to have died in the course of investigation, in the hands of the police, who even till now had not officially declared to the family access to his corpse. “That our clients suspected a foul play in the death of their son, Oweikimi Nelson Oweifa, in the hands of the police. “It is based on this foregoing that we were briefed and instructed to put up this petition to your esteemed office to bring to your attention the tragedy of Oweifa and the entire family of Okorobobi.”
ra that they always get in the name of the Osun festival. “We are the Osun priests; we are the custodians of the Osun goddess. Although the Osun festival belongs to them, without us, there will be no festival. They will take all the millions of naira and other goodies that come in and they will give us pittance once in a year. “We are the ones that will perform the rituals for the Osun river goddess and this is done on a daily basis. We pray for the good and progress of the town and its people and we are the ones who perform the annual Osun sacrifice, yet we live in poverty while some people are feeding fat on us. This is totally unacceptable.” Olosun also flayed the ongoing transformation of the Osun grove, saying the rehabilitation would affect its natural and sacred nature, as well as erode the sanctity of the Osun River.
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Governance: Centre moves to gauge performance AYO ESAN
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entre for Values and Social Change, CVSC, said it had launched its flagship project, the Commitment to Project Implementation Index, CPII. It described CPII as an annual gauge and pictorial display of the inter-temporal delivery of socio-economic goods by the states, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and the Federal Government based on the number of projects completed in a given year. Speaking through its Executive Director, Dr. Olufemi Oluniyi, at the First Annual Associate Researchers Forum in Lagos, CVSC said in the light of the many abandoned projects across the country, project completion was a veritable stimulus for delivery of socio-economic goods, hence the adoption of project completion as the unit of measurement. Oluniyi said the index was not a stark inter-temporal ranking and comparison of the various
governments in the country, “rather our niche is to gauge the intra- temporal performance of respective governments in the light of the goals they set for themselves”. He said the programme was concerned with the six core sectors of agriculture, health, education, economic empowerment, environment and infrastructure. The executive director said these sectors were not arbitrarily selected by CVSC but were identified by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum as not only priority areas to address but a fair frame of reference by which state stewardships might be gauged. Oluniyi said the project was expected to contribute significantly to development in Nigeria generally and that more specifically, it was expected to raise governments’ awareness of their intra-temporal achievements; raises citizens’ awareness of their governments’ achievements and enable other stakeholders to realise areas which needed improvement, among other benefits.
Politics Seeking recognition for OfÀce of the First Lady •It would amount to mockery of the constitution – Mr. Fred Agbaje, constitutional lawyer •Only elected or appointed public ofÀce holders should be be given roles in the constitution –Alhaji Balarabe Musa, former Kaduna State governor •Dame Jonathan’s call would amount to frivolities in government – Mr. Bamidele Aturu, Lagos based lawyer and human rights activist
with President Olusegun Obasanjo hexcellency2011@yahoo.com
Woman
‘Marriage is no way to total Living Rain of sorrow in Jos happiness’
•As we made to rush outside, water from nowhere swept us from our feet. My friend was able to swim to safety but the water carried me away. I thought I was dead but suddenly, I was held by a tree – Victim
Oluwabunmi Olatokun
•The rushing water swept my four brothers and 84-year-old grandmother away. I have not seen them since. The house also collapsed. But I thank God I am alive – Victim
Celebrity
Crime Man slaughters daughter for rituals I followed him through the dark bush path. But while we were going my father brought out a yellow handkerchief on which he started chanting some incantations. Suddenly, I became weak and could no longer follow him – Son
‘I want to help young ladies like me’
x se SeTalk How to handle bad sex
Sylvia Nduka This column is x-rated
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South East
Friday, July 27, 2012
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Unpaid N28.7bn arrears: Pensioners petition Jonathan CHARLES OKEKE AWKA
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etired workers of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka under the auspices of the Federal Universities Pensioners Association (FUPA) has petitioned President Goodluck Jonathan over the issue of
their unpaid 53 percent pension arrears of more than N28bn. The association called on President Jonathan to cause the release of the money needed to fully pay all the accumulated arrears to all the beneficiaries who are now retirees of various federal universities in the country.
The petition to President Jonathan was contained in a letter titled; “Appeal for full payment of our 53 percent pension arrears,” addressed to him and signed by Chief Patrick Nweke, UNIZIK’s chairman of the association and national auditor in charge of the SouthEast and South-South zones, as well as Apostle Christo-
pher Muodana, secretary, a copy of which was made available to National Mirror. In the said letter the association also thanked the president for the approval of N13bn to be used in settling part of the arrears, while humbly demanding for the release of an additional N15bn for full settlement of the pension ar-
rears due for payment since July 2009. In their words: “We most humbly apply to you to use your esteemed position and make an order for the immediate release of all the money, that is, an additional N15bn to the appropriate body to facilitate full payment of the pension arrears to our members latest
by the end of August 2012, to avoid the accumulation of more arrears.” The association, in thanking President Jonathan for the way he has been looking after the welfare of pensioners in the country, said they need the arrears to sustain their lives after many years of meritorious service.
NPHCDA intensifies campaign to eradicate polio DENNIS AGBO ENUGU
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L-R: Representative of the Chairman, South-East Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Agom Eze; Executive Director, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Ado Muhammad and representative of Enugu State Government, Mr. Emeka Abugu, at NPHCDA sensitisation meeting with traditional rulers in Enugu yesterday. PHOTO:NAN
Reps impeachment threat illogical, says Elechi MADU EZENOHA ABAKALIKI
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bonyi State Governor Martin Elechi, yesterday described as illogical and contradictory, threats by the House of Representatives to commence impeachment proceedings against President Goodluck Jonathan for alleged poor budget implementation. Governor Elechi said such threat was not only uncalled for, but was capable of worsening the already tensed-up national security situation. Presenting a key-note address during the 2012 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), Ebonyi State chap-
ter at the Women Development Centre (WDC) in Abakaliki, Governor Elechi said the assertion by members of the House that the 2012 national budget has only achieved 30 percent implementation for which it would impeach President Jonathan if by September the budget was not implemented 100 percent was contradictory and worrisome. He said if a budget that was passed only in March and signed into law in April could attain 30 percent in July, it then means that in three months or one quarter, the budget recorded 30 percent implementation instead of 25 percent. “I would think that this would rather be a cause for commendation than
condemnation. In the face of the cesspool of corruption in which our nation is enmeshed, I personally believe that it will be a great disservice for the government to embark on a disbursement-spree in order to attain high percentage statistical performance of the budget without ensuring that strict checks are applied as required by the Public Procurement Act,” he said. Governor Elechi maintained that the national psyche has already been seriously assailed by a number of tragedies including air crashes, terrorists’ onslaughts, tanker explosions, fire disasters and destructive floods, all of which have occasioned much blood spillage.
“This is therefore not a time for any right thinking person to further inflame the already battered national psyche through talks of impeachment. It is heartening however, that the House of Representatives and indeed the National Assembly is populated by many patriotic and rational leaders who would easily appreciate the danger of any impeachment process at this critical juncture of our history,” he cautioned. The governor equally advised the media to desist from celebrating the impeachment threat without asking hard and pertinent questions, adding that the media remain the voice of the voiceless and the bulwark of the oppressed.
he National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) is redoubling efforts to see that polio is eradicated in Nigeria. The agency said that a robust, realistic and focused emergency plan had been put in place to achieve this plan with the help of some development partners, adding that the quality of the campaign for the eradication of the dreaded disease has been improved. Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr Ado Muhammad, who reinstated the commitment of the Federal Government towards making the country polio-free, said the agency was improving on the campaign to eradicated polio. Muhammad made the disclosure in Enugu, during a one day sensitisation meeting of South-East traditional leaders on their engagement in primary health care activities in the zone. Mohammed said President Goodluck Jonathan is committed to removing the name of Nigeria from the list of polio endemic countries. “Mr. President had doubled domestic resources for polio eradication. We are improving on the quality of the campaign. It is not business as usual. We want to make sure that each and
Commissioner urges PCRC to report erring police officers CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI
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mo State Police Commissioner, Mr. Chris Dega, yesterday in Owerri, urged members of the public to report any police officer whose conduct is inimical to the
society for disciplinary action. The police commissioner, who said this during his familiarisation tour of the Owerri Urban Area Command, said the authorities would not hesitate to flush out bad eggs found in the force.
He urged his officers and men to partner with the area command’s Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in fighting crime in the state as the police could not do modern policing without the input of the PCRC. Dega advised the PCRC
members to continue to support the efforts of the police to ensure that criminal activities were effectively tackled, adding that the police would reciprocate the gesture of the PCRC. Earlier, the Chairman of Owerri Area Command
PCRC, Sir Martin Chimodo, informed the police commissioner that the association had been charged with enormous responsibilities and challenges of assisting the police in fashioning out effective and efficient policing in line with the current democratic dis-
every child is reached. “We know that over the years, there has been challenge in terms of refusal and rejection and then resistance in some parts of this country. That is been addressed. “We are engaging traditional leaders, Islamic and other religious leaders to advocate, support and convince the people to accept vaccine as a very important social good,” Muhammad said. He said that the basis of primary health care was at the grassroots and called on traditional leaders in the zone to participate in the state and local governments’ task force on routine immunisation. The South-East Zonal Coordinator of NPHCDA, Mrs. Damaris Onwuka, called on traditional leaders to inform people in their communities on the benefits of health care services. She appealed to the leaders to help the agency in tracking defaulters and facilitate the registration of births and notification of all deaths.
Chime
pensation. He further disclosed that the association had empowered the police in making appropriate decisions that could facilitate speedy crime prevention, especially in the area of financial and logistics support and information.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
South South
Friday, July 27, 2012
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Cult clash, counter-attacks claim six in Benin SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN
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t least six people have died in parts of Benin City, the Edo State capital in violent clashes involving members of rival cult groups. Violence erupted in New Benin area of the state capital on Sunday following an argument between two members of rival cult groups. It led to a violent
attack and reprisal attacks which have spread to other parts of the metropolis. As at yesterday, the attacks and counter-attacks have spread to places such as Oliha, Upper Sakponba and Sapele Road. There was apprehension in the city yesterday that if the police and the State Security Service, SSS, did not do something urgently to stop the spread more people might be killed when it
reached places like Okhoro and Saw Mill areas. The Police Commissioner, Mr. Yinka Balogun, could not be reached on the issue as he was said to have just returned to the state after his temporary redeployment to allow another commissioner oversee the governorship election. In a related development, the residents of Okhoro are still apprehensive over the murder of a mid-
dle-aged man identified as Mr. Clifford, alias Lekeleke, on Tuesday night by gunmen. The assailants had stormed Clifford’s house at 58, Okhoro Road, and shot him in front of his wife’s shop. Clifford’s wife and young son watched in horror as the gunmen rained bullets on their bread winner. It was gathered that the three armed men collected
the handsets and other valuables of the people at the scene before shooting their target at close range. The state Police Public
relations Officer, DSP Anthony Airhuoyo, said investigations had begun to unravel the killing.
Perm Sec: President’s wife yet to get a ministry
EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA
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he Bayelsa State Head of Service, HOS, Gloria Izonfuo, is yet to assign a ministry to the wife of the President, Patience Jonathan, almost a week after she was sworn in as a permanent secretary in the state civil service. Investigation by our correspondent in Yenagoa yesterday showed that the other 18 permanent secretaries appointed alongside the First Lady by Governor Seriake Dickson have assumed duty in their new
ministries, where they held meetings with their directors, heads of department and staff. The new appointees were sworn in amid tight security on July 21 in Yenagoa by the governor. But when contacted on phone, Mrs. Izonfuo refused to comment on her inability to assign a ministry to the President’s wife. However, a top government functionary, who craved anonymity, said the First Lady might not be able to perform her duty as a permanent secretary because of her busy schedule in the Presidency.
CJN constitutes Edo governorship petitions’ tribunalwas declared by the IndeSEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN, BENIN
Gombe State Commissioner for Information, Rev Habu Dawatu (left) and Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Emmanuel Asanga, during the courtesy visit in Gombe, recently.
Subsidy trial: Jonathan has put critics to shame – Clark
SOLA ADEBAYO, WARRI
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he Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has commended the Federal Government for initiating the trial of some oil dealers and companies indicted in the fuel subsidy report. Clark said in a telephone interview with our correspondent yesterday that this had proved wrong the assertion by the critics of the government that President Goodluck Jonathan was not prepared to fight corruption. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Mahmud, the son of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; Mamman, the son of the former National Chairman of the party, Dr. Ahmadu Ali; Abdullahi, the son of Alhaji Abdul-
Azeez Arisekola Alao; and other oil dealers and marketers for shady deals in the oil subsidy regime. Clark said the arraignment of the children of some prominent members of the ruling party demonstrated Jonathan’s sincerity to fight corruption. The Ijaw leader added that the President should be commended for removing the oil subsidy because it exposed the shady deals inherent in the subsidy regime. He said: “The President is very courageous to have authorised the arraignment of the children of prominent members of his party for trial. The President has put his critics to shame. People are just being unreasonable by criticising everything Mr. President is doing. “For instance, no former President was able to remove the controversial oil subsidy which has
exposed some fraudulent marketers. By removing the subsidy, Jonathan has opened the lid of how petroleum products meant for Nigeria were diverted to other places while empty vessels were being brought into Nigeria. People have been made rich overnight without working for it. “The House of Representatives thought the probe of the fuel subsidy regime would expose Mr. President but unfortunately for them, President’s men were not involved. “The Save Nigeria Group, SNG, felt that they could blackmail Mr. President thinking that he would not take action on the subsidy probe. They even alleged that Farouk Lawan was implicated by Mr. President so that he would not act on the report. All of them have been disappointed. They
have been calling a dog a bad name in order to hang it but they have been put to shame. “This country belongs to all of us; we should support Mr. President in order to ensure the success of the transformation agenda of his administration.”
T
he Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Hon. Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, has constituted the Governorship Election Petitions’ Tribunal for Edo State. This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs. J. J. Aliyu. The statement said the tribunal would sit at Court 1 of the High Court of Justice Complex on Sapele Road in Benin City. It urged the police, the State Security Service, SSS, and the general public to take note. Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN,
pendent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as the winner of the July 14 gubernatorial election in Edo State. All the political parties which fielded candidates for the poll have congratulated the winner and accepted the result. Though the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate, Major-General Charles Ehigie Airhiavbere (rtd), congratulated Oshiomhole, the party said it was still studying the result and conduct of the election. PDP said it would make its position on the election known as soon as it concluded its study.
Uduaghan calls for investments in agriculture
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overnor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has described agriculture as a very useful instrument for mass empowerment. Uduaghan said this in Asaba yesterday while announcing the postponement of the launch of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P, for youths and women. He enjoined stakeholders to intensify their investment in agriculture. The governor said ag-
riculture was very lucrative, noting that it was more rewarding socioeconomically than other sectors of the society. Uduaghan stressed the importance of farming and charged the youth and women to use it to raise their living standard. The governor explained that farming was a big empowerment tool that could help raise the living standard of an individual, adding that a successful farmer would never be dependent on
the government or the society. Uduaghan, who explained that the launch of SURE-P was postponed because of the inability of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okojo-Iweala, to get a flight to Asaba. According to him, bad weather occasioned by heavy rainfall that lasted for hours in Asaba prevented her flight from taking off from Abuja yesterday.
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My administration not against Muslims –Jang JAMES ABRAHAM JOS
G
overnor Jonah Jang of Plateau State said yesterday that he was the governor of all the residents of the state irrespective of religious, political and tribal differences. His assertion followed rumours making the
rounds in some quarters that the governor does not like the Muslim settlers in the state. Jang spoke in Jos while addressing Muslims, who are victims of the recent flood disaster. The governor, who addressed over 1,000 displaced people, mostly children, women and the aged taking refuge at the College of
Arabic and Islamic Studies/Muslim Community Education Centre Rikkos, said the flood was caused by lack of good drainage system. He said his administration would pay compensation for houses which would be demolished because of road construction. Jang added that the flood is a natural disaster
which could have occurred anywhere. He said: “I am going to direct surveyors to come and survey the affected communities because we are determined to open Jos city and develop it to a desirable standard. “For us to carry out this development; houses must be demolished and we will pay compensation for
that.” The governor urged the Muslim community in the state to cooperate with his administration in the development of the state. “My government has good intention for the Muslims in the state but some people said I hate the Muslims which is not true. I want you to cooperate with government so that you
will enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he added. The governor also directed the immediate construction of good road networks and drainage in Rikkos community, an area housing Muslims in the state capital, to curtail flood disaster which claimed scores of lives and property worth millions of naira last week.
Religious leaders rise against social vices in Gombe DANJUMA WILLIAMS GOMBE
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hristian and Islamic clerics in Gombe State have condemned social vices which, according to them, have become the order of the day in the state. Briefing journalists shortly after a closed-door meeting with the clerics, Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo warned motorcycle riders not to breach the law because of the lifting of the restriction on their movements between 6p.m. and 6a.m. First to speak against the social vices was the leader of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, Alhaji Sale Danburam, who expressed sadness over the alleged steady increase in the abduction of children. He said most of the vices were being sponsored by the elite. Danburam said other vices such as homosexuality, lesbianism, rape, among others, were sins condemned by the Holy Books of the two religions, Islam and Christianity. According to him, whoever engages in any of these vices is inviting the wrath of God and is destined for hell fire. He said hawking by young girls was uncalled for and must be stopped because the girls were usually the victims of rape. In his own speech, Alhaji Salisu Mohammed Gombe condemned these vices and called for fervent prayers by faithful of the two religions. The Islamic cleric said the people, especially religious leaders, must rise against these vices because no society could progress with prevalence of social vices.
He advised the government to monitor boarding schools where, according to him, social vices abound. Speaking at the press briefing, the state Public Relations Officer of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Alfred Silong, also condemned these vices, saying no society could live in peace if it was living a sinful life. Silong, who represented the state CAN Chairman, Rev. Abare Kalla, said the Bible condemns these vices, adding that no person engaged in them would escape the wrath of God.
Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo (5th left) inspecting areas affected by flood in Gombe metropolis, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN
Benue didn’t divert N1bn agric loan –Farmers HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI
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armers in Benue State have debunked the rumour that the administration of Governor Gabriel Suswam diverted the N1bn agriculture loan secured from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. The National President of Agricultural and Allied Employees Union of Nigeria, AAEUN, Comrade Simon Anchaver, made the denial in an interview with our correspondent in
Makurdi, the state capital, yesterday. Anchaver, who is also the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, said farmers were given the loan provided by the CBN support peasant farmers in their quest to increase farm yields. He said: “Since the loan was distributed by Governor Gabriel Suswam during the public presentation to beneficiaries at the IBB Square in Makurdi two months ago, I have not heard any farmer complain that he did not re-
ceive the money.” But members of the state chapter of the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria, AFAN, have alleged that the loan did not get to them, saying it was diverted by the powers that be. But Anchaver denied the allegation. The AAEUN president also lambasted the Federal Government over its inability to check the killing of innocent citizens and wanton destruction of their property by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram.
He frowned at a situation whereby every citizen is vulnerable to attack, saying something urgent needed to be done to protect Nigerians. Anchaver also expressed sadness over the death of Senator Gyang Dantong and the majority Leader of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. James Fulani in the Jos crisis. He said: “If a legislator could be murdered like a chicken what about an average Nigerian who does not have the access to security.
Muhktar’s appointment will inspire women globally - Group
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not-for-profit mentoring programme for young career women, Women in Successful Careers, WISCAR, has applauded the appointment of Justice Aloma Mariam Muhktar as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN. Justice Muhktar is a patron of WISCAR since its founding in 2008. WISCAR’s founder, Amina Oyagbola, said: “Justice Muhktar epitomises the very essence of WISCAR,
namely the ability to rise above all obstacles, real or perceived in the quest for professional excellence. “Justice Muhktar has demonstrated that women can strive to attain the pinnacle in their chosen vocations and be eminently successful in that regard.” Apart from its historic significance, Oyagbola said Justice Muhktar’s appointment was monumental for the role it would play in inspiring millions of women
Muhktar
in Nigeria and across the world. Research, she said, had
shown that one of the greatest barriers to career progression for women internationally was the dearth of female role models in senior leadership positions. She said: “Her appointment significantly helps to reverse this trend and she becomes in many ways, a role model and her career, a perfect example of the kind of success to which many women in Nigeria and elsewhere aspire.”
Wada swears in 18 commissioners, 22 special advisers ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA
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ogi State Governor Idris Wada yesterday inaugurated 18 commissioners and 22 special advisers, with a charge to dedicate their time to the transformation agenda of his administration. Wada, who admitted that poverty is ravaging the state, said at the ceremony that his administration would ensure a complete turnaround of the fortunes of the state for the benefit of all. There was a mild drama as the event did not hold as scheduled because of protest by politicians whose names were almost dropped following petitions by members of the party from their areas. It took the intervention of the party leaders, including former Governor Ibrahim Idris, to douse the tension before Wada later came in to perform the inauguration.
Friday, July 27, 2012
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Presidents, heads of government who died in office
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Ogun lawmakers divided over LG election results FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA
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s the controversy surrounding last Saturday’s local government election in Ogun rages, nine members of the state House of Assembly, who belong to the opposition political parties have threatened court action against Governor Ibikunle Amosun as well as the Ogun State Indepen-
dent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) over the results declared. The lawmakers, who alleged that the council poll was manipulated to favour the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), also declared that it was fraught with massive irregularities and “flagrantly violated electoral guidelines as stipulated by the Electoral Law.” In a statement issued in
Abeokuta, the state capital yesterday, the two major opposition political parties in the Assembly; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) led by the Minority Leader, Job Akintan, and Olusola Sonuga condemned the council poll as lacking credibility. They alleged that most of the officials of the OGSIEC who conducted the election were card-carrying mem-
bers of the ruling ACN. The aggrieved lawmakers further claimed that all the ad hoc staff used by electoral body for the poll were also card-carrying members of ACN, which according to them was a calculated attempt to ensure that the results favoured the ruling party and the governor. The opposition lawmakers included: Babatunde Edunjobi (Yewa South), Abiodun Akovoyon (Ipokia
Idiroko), Salmon Adeleke (Imeko/ Afon), Bolawole Solaja (Ijebu North I), Joseph Adegbesan (Ijebu North II) and Adeyemi Harrison (Ogun Waterside). The legislators, who recalled that they had warned OGSIEC before the election on the need to comply with the electoral guidelines “in order to have a credible, fair and free election,” however regretted that the commission decided to act in contravention of its own laws. They therefore called for the expunging of state independent electoral commissions from the country’s constitution. Reacting to the allegation, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Israel Jolaosho, (ACN/Ewekoro Constituency), accused the opposition lawmakers of “crying wolf where there was none.” He argued that the PDP did worse during the period when it held sway in the state, adding
that the legislators are free to take their grievances before the court of law for adjudication. Jolaosho also stressed that the council poll remained the best ever conducted in the history of the state, insisting that the protest by the opposition lawmakers would not affect the running of the Assembly. Also speaking on the allegations, the state Publicity Secretary of ACN, Sola Lawal urged the PDP to desist from unhelpful search for excuses for failure in place of engaging in efforts to rebuild its collapsed house. Lawal, who ascribed the abysmal performance of the PDP and other opposition political parties at the poll to their unpreparedness, maintained that the “uncommon developmental strides” of the Amosun-led administration in the state earned the party the electoral victory at the council poll.
2015: President urges women to contest election ers that limit women and L-R: Chairman, House of Representatives’ Committee on Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Nigerian Diaspora Alumni Network, Manny Aniebonam and member of the Committee, Jerry Alagbaoso, during the Diaspora Day Celebration in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA
‘Jonathan, Yar’Adua wives’ land tussle, a show of shame’ SINA FADARE
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he Action Congress of Nigeria has condemned the legal tussle between the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan and her predecessor, Hajiya Turai Yar’Adua, saying it was a display of shame and manifestation of cultural impunity. The party in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that such an ignoble action in a decent society, would have consumed all officials who perpetrated the shameful act, particularly the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed. ACN argued that if
the disputed land was first duly allocated to Hajia Yar’Adua’s non-governmental organization; Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation and a statutory right of occupancy duly issued by the minister, it is a misnomer to allocate the same land to
another person again, not even the wife of the incumbent president. The party lamented that this is not the first time the FCT minister will make himself a willing tool in the hands of power brokers in Abuja, recalling that he had earlier named an extension
of the Maitama District after President Goodluck Jonathan, even when no such honour was bestowed on former heads of state, especially those whose contributions to the development of Abuja as the Federal Capital are glaring and undeniable.
ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA
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resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday urged women to come out to the political arena and contest for elective positions in the 2015 elections. Speaking while declaring open the 7th Summit of the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM), Jonathan also urged African countries to intensify efforts to remove all barri-
APGA crisis: Court restrains Umeh from expelling members DENNIS AGBO ENUGU
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n Enugu State High Court presided over by the state Chief Judge, Justice Innocent Umezulike, yesterday, gave an interim injunction, restraining the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh from taking further steps to convoke a national,
state or local government executive committee meeting of the party. Justice Umezulike also ordered the Umeh-led faction of APGA’s executive not to expel any member of the party, pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice, fixed for hearing on July 31, 2012. He further ordered that a substituted service of all originating processes in the suit be served on the defen-
dant/respondent by pasting it on the entrance door of the compound of the defendant’s house situated at No.2 Gerrald Street, Ekulu East Quarters by Ogui Junction, Enugu within the jurisdiction of the court. A former chairman of Udi Local Government area chapter of the party, Ichie Jude Okoli, had approached the court complaining that Umeh’s action “is capable of
drowning the aspirations of the party and some of its members including himself and that it will cause irreparable damage and damages to the party.” Okoli argued that Umeh assumed the office of the national chairman in 2006 for a four-year term following the removal of Chief Chekwas Okorie and that by the virtue of the constitution of APGA, the four year term expired in 2010.
the girl-child from actualizing their dreams. He noted that women must be protected against all forms of discrimination, saying that they should be given equal opportunities and access to education, politics and the economy. The President expressed optimism that Nigeria would soon produce its first set of female service chiefs in the history of the country with the recent re-admittance of women into the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) to train to become combatant soldiers. “For the first time we admitted women into the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy to prepare women as full combatants in the Army, Navy and Air force. We have admitted women now into NDA and we are hopeful that in few years to come, a woman could be Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Naval Staff or even Chief of Defence Staff,”Jonathan said.
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Following the demise of the Ghanaian President Atta Mills on Tuesday, OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU went down memory lane to look at other African and world leaders who died while in office.
Friday, July 27, 2012
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Presidents, heads of government who died in office
T
he death of President John Atta Mills of Ghana on Tuesday brought to the fore the question of serving presidents and heads of governments who have died while in active service. This is the first time that a president would die while in office in Ghana. Mills has just won the nomination of his party, National Democratic Congress (NDC) to run for a second term in office in December. He has been suffering from throat cancer and was recently in the United States of America for medical reasons. He died at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, three days after his 68th birthday The list of serving presidents and heads of governments who died while serving their fatherlands is inexhausitive. In the United States of America (USA), only eight presidents died while in office. Four of them died of natural causes and they include: William Henry Harrison who held office for the shortest period of 31 days and died of pneumonia on April 4, 1841; Zachary Taylor died of acute gastroenteritis on July 5, 1850 while Warren G. Harding suffered a heart attack and died on August 2, 1923 and Franklin Delano Roosevelt collapsed and died of cerebral haemorrhage on April 12, 1945. The other four presidents who died from attacks include: Abraham Lincoln, the first U.S president to be assassinated. He was killed by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865; on September 19, 1881, Charles Julius Guiteau assassinated James A Garfield. William McKinley died from complications arising from being shot twice by Leon Czolgosz, almost 20 years to the date that McKinley was shot, while John F. Kennedy was killed by Lee Harvey Oswald on November 22, 1963. Back home, the first Nigerian leader to die in office was Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who was killed in the military coup of January 15, 1966. Balewa was Nigeria’s first and only prime minister, who took over the reins of government from the British colonial masters in 1960. He was closely followed by Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, who served as Nigeria’s Head of State from January 16, 1966 to July 29, 1967, when he was killed in another coup. The next Nigerian leader to die in office was Murtala Muhammed, who was assassinated on February 13, 1976 in a military coup spearheaded by Buka Suka Dimka. Muhammed was unarguably the most successful military leader who made meaningful impact during his short reign. It was not until 32 years later, that Nigeria would experience such calamity when the late maximum ruler, Sani Abacha died in mysterious circumstances on July 7, 1998. Abacha was known for his iron fist rule during which the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election was detained and many pro-democracy activists sent into forced exile. The last Nigerian leader to die in office was the third democratically elected presi-
Mills
Yar’Adua
Abacha
Abubakar
Muhammed
Mutharika
dent, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who died on May 5, 2010 from complications arising from heart and kidney related ailments after he was brought into the country from Saudi Arabia where he had gone for treatment. President Goodluck Jonathan took over from Yar’Adua. Elsewhere in Africa were Sylvanus Olympio, who was Togo’s Prime Minister, and then first President of independent Togo, from 1958 until his assassination on January 13, 1963 in a military coup led by Gnassingbe Eyadema who himself also died in office on February 5, 2005. Eyadema, a General, ruled Togo from 1967 until his death in 2005. A participant in two successful military coups, in January 1963 and January 1967, Eyadema became President on April 14, 1967 and headed a single party regime until early 1990s when he was forced to embrace reforms which led to multi-party elections. Laurent Kabila was the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who was shot and killed by his bodyguard on January 18, 2001. Also Liberia’s William R. Tolbert, Jr., the 20th president was killed in a military coup on April 12, 1980. He
became president following the death of William Tubman’s death in 1971, who also died while serving as president. Libyan strongman, who came into power in 1969 through a military putsch, was killed on October 20, 2011 by rebels in his hometown. It is however to his credit, despite being critically assessed to be a dictator, that Libya, under his watch, through various welfare programmes, achieved the highest living standards in Africa. It was also to his credit that Libya remained debt-free, during his long reign. He was an advocate of a united states of Africa, to counter the enormous power wielded by the United States of America. Recently, before Mills’ demise, the president of Malawi, Binguwa Mutharika, died of cardiac arrest on April 5, 2012. During President Mutharika’s first term in office (2004–2008), Malawi achieved high rate of agricultural production and food security, as his initiative was centred on a programme of agricultural subsidy, from which over 1.7 million poor small holder farmers benefited from. Under him, Malawi achieved a food surplus of more than 500,000 metric tons and food surpluses
topped 1.3 million metric tonnes, during the planting season of 2008/2009. His second tenure witnessed the entrenchment of human rights in the country’s constitution and the separation of powers and legal reforms. He was committed to and presided over economic reform, fiscal restraint and anti-corruption measures. Other African presidents and heads of government who have died while in office include: Thomas Sankara of Burkina Fasso, who was killed in a military coup by his closest friend and ally, Blasé Compaore, on October 15, 1987. Sankara took over power in the West African nation at the age of 33 in 1983 and his putsch enjoyed popular support. He came into power with the singular goal of eradicating corruption and putting an end to the dominance of Burkina Faso’s former colonial masters, France. Sankara would be remembered for launching the most ambitious programme for social and economic change to ever be attempted on the African continent. He was killed in a countercoup by his deputy and friend, Compaore. Félix Houphouët-Boigny, President of CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
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Presidents, heads of government who died in office CONTINUED FROM 14 Côte d’Ivoire also died in office in 1993. Houphouet-Boigny, affectionately called Papa Houphouët or Le Vieux, was Cote d’Ivoire’s first president. He was elected into the French parliament where he held several ministerial positions and played a leading role in the decolonisation of the African continent. Côte d’Ivoire prospered economically in what came to be known as the ‘Ivorian miracle’, due to his sound and good rapport with the West. Originally a village chief, he worked as a doctor, an administrator of a plantation, and a union leader. Presidents of Guinea, Lansana Conté (2008), Guinea’s second president and Malam Bacai Sanha (2012); Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal, president of Somaliland (state without international recognition) in 2002, Omar Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, who was Gabon’s second president and ruled for 42 years until his death on June 8, 2009, Pascal Yoadimnadji, the Chadian Prime Minister in 2007 and Zambian president, Levy Mwanawasa, in 2008 all died in office. Singapore has lost only one president in office; Benjamin Henry Sheares. The Singaporean second president died on May 12, 1981. In Argentina, three presidents died while holding office and they were: Manuel Quintana, who died in 1906, Roque Sáenz Peña, on August 9, 1914 and Juan Domingo Perón, who died on July 1, 1974. Guinean president, Ahmed Sékou Touré, was a president from 1958 until his death in 1984 and was one of the primary Guinean nationalists involved in the independence struggle to liberate the country from France while President Anwar Sadat, the third president of Egypt, who assumed office on October 15, 1970, was assassinated in office on October 6, 1981; he was a Nobel Peace Prize winner. He changed the direction of his country during his 11-year reign, departing from the principles of Nasserism and re-introduced the multi-party system and the launching of the Infitah economic policy. On June 3, 1989, Iranian Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, died in office. The following leaders have also given up the ghost while in office: Hafez alAssad (Syria, 2000), Rosie Douglas (Dominican Prime Minister, 2000), Tuvalu Prime Minister, Ionatana Ionatana (2000) and the King of Malaysia, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (2001). Others were: Bernard Dowiyogo, President of Nauru (2003), another Dominican Prime Minister, Pierre Charles, (2004) and Austrian president, Thomas Klestil, (2004). Palestinian leader, militant, and a Laureate of the Nobel Prize, Yasser Arafat, died in 2004. He was the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) chairman, President of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and leader of the Fatah political party, which he founded in 1959. Arafat, originally opposed to the existence of the state of Israel, spent much of his life fighting against Israel in the name of Palestinian self-determination. He modified his position in 1988 when he accepted the United Nations’ Security Council Resolution 242, but remained an enigma and a highly controversial leader whose legacies have continued to be subjects of debate.
Eyadema
Sadat
Kabila
Kennedy
Zaq
Rabin
In Canada, John A. Macdonald, who served as prime minister for 19 years was the first prime minister of Canada and the first to also die in office, after suffering stroke on Saturday, June 6, 1891 and John Thompson, who served as prime minister for only two years before dying suddenly of stroke on December 12, 1894 at the age of 49, were the only two leaders to die in office.
Another set of world leaders perished in plane and helicopter crashes and this list include the following: Iraqi president, Abdul Salam Arif, who died in 1966 when his helicopter crashed in the south of the country; Lech Kaczynski, polish president who died on April 10,2010, in the crash of a Polish Air Force Tu-154 in an attempt to land at Smolensk-North airport in Russia; Bolivia president, René Barrientos, died
when his helicopter crashed in Arque in 1969, the first prime minister of the Central African Republic, Barthélemy Boganda, died in a mid-air explosion in 1959, few days before becoming the country’s first president, Mauritania prime minister, Ahmed Ould Bouceif, was killed in a plane crash off the coast of Dakar, Senegal, in 1979, barely a month after seizing power. Others include the anti-Taliban prime minister of opposition government in Afghanistan, Abdul Rahim Ghafoorzai, who died 10 days after assuming office in a plane crash in the Bamyan Province; Rwandan president, Juvenal Habyarimana and Burundi president Cyprien Ntaryamira, were killed together in 1984 in Kigali when their helicopter was about landing; the president of Ecuador, Jaime Roldós Aguilera, was also killed in a plane crash, blamed for pilot error in 1981 in the mountains of Celica Canton of Loja Province; Mozambican president, Samora Moises Machel, was also killed in 1986, when his presidential plane crashed in the mountainous border of the country and Philipino third president, Ramon Magsaysay, who died in another plane accident in 1957 Others were: Portuguese prime minister, Francisco de Sá Carneiro, who died 11 months after assuming office in 1980; Polish prime minister, Wladyslaw Sikorski, who was killed with his daughter in 1943; president of Panama, Omar Torrijos, who died while on a flight in bad weather in 1981; Macedonian president, Boris Trajkovski died at the aged of 47 in 2004 en route to an economic conference in Mostar, Bosnia and Hercegovina. His plane crashed into a mountainside during poor weather and thick fog. The accident was said to have been exacerbated by mistakes made by air traffic controllers and a badly equipped runway. Eight other people also died. Levi Eshkol, Israeli’s third prime minister was the first Israeli prime minister to die in office on February 26, 1969. He died of heart attack. His first term in office saw Israeli’s continuous economic growth, which was epitomised by the opening of the National Water Carrier system in 1964. Another Israeli prime minister to also die in office was Yitzhak Rabin, who was killed on November 4, 1995, thus becoming the first Israeli leader to be assassinated in office. Rabin was Israeli’s fifth prime minister who served two terms between 1974 and 1977 and 1992 until his assassination. He was the first native-born prime minister of Israel. Pakistani sixth president and fourth martial law administrator, General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, died in 1988 when his plane lost contact with the control tower and then apparently began flying erratically before nose-diving and exploding on impact with the ground in the Punjab. His major domestic initiatives were the consolidation of the nuclear development, began by his predecessor, restarting the space programme as a spin-off of the nuclear agenda, the denationalisation, deregulation and the state’s Islamisation. He also oversaw the disbanding of the Baloch insurgency and most remembered for his foreign policy, which pitched him against the Soviet Union.
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Imoke’s broadcast of falsehoods MIKE AKPAN
B
efore now, I had always counted Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, as one of the few honest and mature politicians in Nigeria. But that perception changed after I read the text of his broadcast to his people on Tuesday, July 10, 2012. That broadcast titled: “Loss of Oil Wells Was Not a Death Sentence,” was in very bad taste. It was the governor’s reaction to the Supreme Court judgement on the ownership of 76 offshore oil wells which had been in dispute between Cross River and Akwa Ibom states. The Supreme Court had in a unanimous judgement earlier in the day, dismissed Cross River’s ownership claim for lack of substance. It said the claimant could no longer lay claim to the oil wells because it had ceased to be a littoral state following the ceding of Bakasi Peninsula to Cameroon by Nigeria. Justice Olufunlola Adekeye made it very clear in her lead judgement that with the execution of the judgement of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Bakasi, Cross River State can no longer lay claim to oil wells in the high sea since its boundary with the sea had gone with Bakasi. She emphasized: “A non-littoral state cannot claim oil wells offshore as it has no maritime boundary.” These were some of the incontestable facts highlighted in the Supreme Court judgement, which Governor Imoke chose
to ignore in his broadcast. Instead, he preferred to peddle calculated falsehoods in order to destroy the age-old relationship between the people of the two states. He started his broadcast by selling to Cross Riverians the impression that they are a persecuted people. In his words, “Today marks another watershed in our struggle for justice in Nigeria; our burning desire to be treated as equal members of the great union, deserving of fairness and equality with our brothers across the country ... With today’s Supreme Court judgment, our hope has just been differed. “The commonsensical, logical and legal background of our case were such that we had expected the Supreme Court to once again give fillip to the saying that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man via a judicial pronouncement restoring those oil wells to our state. We expected a judgement grounded on equity. Alas, that was not to be.” The governor was merely playing to the gallery by creating the impression that the Supreme Court judgement was unfair to Cross River State because it was not grounded on equity, equality, common sense, logic and the legal background of the case. He must have had his own weird interpretation of those words outside what we know. When the governor chose to play with such words as fairness, commonsense, logic and legal background, has he so suddenly forgotten the history of the disputed
WHEN THE GOVERNOR CHOSE TO PLAY WITH SUCH
WORDS AS FAIRNESS, COMMONSENSE,
LOGIC AND LEGAL
BACKGROUND, HAS HE SO SUDDENLY FORGOTTEN THE HISTORY OF THE DISPUTED OIL WELLS oil wells, which were initially the bona fide property of Akwa Ibom State? Akwa Ibom people still believe that they were transferred to Cross River State by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005 as a punishment for Chief Victor Attah, the then governor of Akwa Ibom State, who was identified as the arrowhead in the campaign for resource control in the country. But painful and unjust as that decision was, the people of Akwa Ibom State never carried placards or resorted to violent protests. Instead, they took their case to God and sought His intervention for justice to be done. Divine intervention came three years later at a time they least expected it. After the handing over of Western
Bakasi which hitherto, was the maritime boundary of Cross River State with Cameroon, the oil wells were returned to their original owner in 2008 without any prompting from Akwa Ibom State. So, nobody can accuse the state of going to war in order to claim back the oil wells. The ownership was duly returned to it when the National Boundary Commission (NBC) and the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAF carried out their statutory functions consequent upon Nigeria’s implementation of the ICJ judgement on Bakasi. The facts of the case on which divine judgement was based are incontestable. But in spite of that the governor still carried his appeal to the Supreme Court and backed it up with state- sponsored media propaganda of blackmail designed to intimidate or mislead the justices, NBC, RMAFC and the National Assembly to upturn God’s judgement in favour of his state. We thank God that the Supreme Court justices were never swayed by such propaganda into giving a judgement they can hardly defend. As a political leader, Senator Imoke should learn to always speak like a statesman. He needs to borrow from the guarded statement of Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, who simply said both states and Nigeria were the winners. Mike Akpan writes from Lagos
Okorocha’s authoritarian rule in Imo FESTUS AGUNNA When he emerged Imo State governor in 2011, Owelle Rochas Okorocha left Nigerians in no doubt that his was going to be a reign of impunity. The first fatal blow was dealt on the rule of law when as governor-elect, he issued from the “office of the Governor-elect”, a directive to all the banks in the state to stop honouring cheques by the state government. It took the Attorney-General of the Federation to call him to order. On July 5, 2012 the Appeal Court in Owerri delivered a very clear verdict in the case filed by the 27 elected Local Government Council chairmen and councilors illegally sacked by the governor on June 6, 2011. The Appeal Court ruled in their favour and ordered them to return to their offices. Okorocha did not only ignore the ruling, he simply overran the councils’ headquarters with thugs and pliant security agencies. This rule of might, impunity and lawlessness is what Imo State has been saddled with since May 2011. And following the governor’s example, criminals have sacked the state believing that in Imo, anything goes! Since that Appeal Court verdict, Chief Okorocha has been using the state Police Command to hound the 27 LG Council chairmen. This is very instructive for those who oppose state police for fear of possible abuse by state governors. Chief Okorocha’s self-sabotaging
OKOROCHA DID NOT ONLY IGNORE THE RULING, HE
SIMPLY OVERRAN THE COUNCILS’
HEADQUARTERS WITH THUGS AND PLIANT SECURITY AGENCIES behaviour in Imo has destroyed the economy of the state. There is gnashing of teeth everywhere, which the people expressed in uproarious jubilation and celebration after the victory of the 27 LG chairmen. Why not? Okorocha illegally dissolved more than 23 institutions in the state, resulting in the loss of over 30,000 jobs! The sacking of 300 engineers and technicians employed to maintain the water schemes in the state has resulted in the breakdown of majority of the over 1500 water schemes built by Chief Ikedi Ohakim, thus retarding Imo state’s progress with MDG projects. The crippling of ENTRACO has returned Owerri to its pre-Ohakim landmark of filth and traffic chaos. The abandoned street gates, Okorocha’s idea of security, have proved no answer to the terror of armed robbers and kidnappers in the state. Even his greatest supporters, the few he rents from outside the state, ad-
mit that Chief Okorocha and his revelers have no clue what governance is all about! Okorocha, a former roadside motor dealer in Jos and his cohorts, including a deputy who was a tailor, have simply reduced Imo to their puny level. They behave as if the state is a trophy handed to them to do with it whatever they wish. Such gross deficiency, often advertised as impatience with bureaucracy, has driven the mob in Owerri into some of the most ridiculous actions and enthronement of anarchy in the state. Regularly Okorocha resorts to very comical declarations. From unpopular decreeing of relocation of Imo State University to his village (a principle of assets stripping that Imo has continued to suffer) to the promise of building three new universities in the state, Okorocha is hardly unfazed by his inanities, a clear indication of lack of executive capacity. The latest in his ridiculous antics is the promise to build FOUR new Universities in the State! Haba! Does this man even understand what it takes to “build” a university? He strongly believes that Imo people are dumb! Erecting buildings, not housing estates, in every open space is not development, especially as the white elephants projects are meant to befuddle the people. As he erects buildings that add no value to the economy of the state, he sets about destroying all the institutions of governance! He has destroyed the civil service. He has rendered the State House of Assembly impotent. He
has ruined the local government system. Town unions and PTAs have come under his hammer. The result is the emergence of an emperor and the rule of impunity! Conscious of his unedifying behaviours, Okorocha has voluntarily withdrawn himself from civilized and sophisticated gatherings of his peers (?). He no longer attends South East Governors’ Forum. He is hardly seen in the Nigerian Governors’ Forum. He does not attend the National Economic Council or the Council of States. When he sends his deputy, that one hardly stays five minutes in the meetings before hurrying off because the tailor has nothing to contribute! Imo State is effectively missing in action! The greater calamity yet is that Okorocha said during the 2011 governorship election campaign that he was going to use Imo as training ground (indeed a guinea pig, as it has turned out) for his 2015 presidential bid. Igbo are going to ridicule themselves in 2015, if Okorocha makes his quadrennial comic appearance in 2015. Nigerians can look at the destruction in Imo today and take a hint. Dr Agunna lives in Owerri 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.
18
Editorial
Friday, July 27, 2012
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
All the Facts, All the Sides A PUBLICATION OF GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM, OFR PUBLISHER
STEVE AYORINDE
MD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
YELE AKINROLABU
ED OPERATIONS
SEYI FASUGBA
DAILY EDITOR
BOLAJI TUNJI
SUNDAY EDITOR
GBEMI OLUJOBI
SATURDAY EDITOR
LANRE OYETADE
GENERAL EDITOR
DOZIE OKEBALAMA
COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD
ADESOYE ADEKOYA
CONTROLLER, PRODUCTION
CALLISTUS OKE
EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR
ISE-OLUWA IGE
ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF
KAYODE BALOGUN JNR
SM, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT
FRANK OBOH
HEAD, GRAPHICS
NASS and ‘mysterious’ petroleum industry bill I T
he mystery behind the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) was temporarily put to rest recently barely 24 hours after the Presidency’s alarm alleging that another fake version was in circulation. The original version of the draft bill plans to increase taxes paid by oil firms, unbundle the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into profitably run companies; create an inspectorate unit as well as an independent regulatory agency. The draft PIB contains comprehensive regulatory, legal, fiscal and operational framework to guide investors and eventually make Nigeria a global investment destination. The Presidency’s alert at a time when the public expected the National Assembly to start work on the harmonized bill had stirred public doubts over the sincerity of the Federal Government in getting the oil industry out of the woods. But the Petroleum and Natural Resources Minister, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke reportedly confirmed to Reuters that the authentic version was penultimate Wednesday, sent to the National Assembly for deliberations and passage to law. The mysterious appearance of multiple versions of the PIB two years ago had stalled President Goodluck Jonathan’s assent to the bill after National Assembly deliberations. And perhaps to assure the public that the FG had no hand in the unpatriotic,
purportedly forged versions, President Jonathan had in January (2012), set up a panel that was given one month to harmonize the alleged multiple versions. Six months on and two days after the FEC’s approval of the authentic bill, the Presidency drew anger of stakeholders when it spoke of taking the bill on another merry go round for vetting by relevant government departments. The National Assembly had expressed disappointment at the Executive’s tardiness, with some lawmakers threatening to improvise an alternative PIB. So far, the mysteries surrounding the bill have fuelled speculations that vested oil-industry interests were monetarily inducing the bureaucracy and legislature to kill the bill or water down its fiscal provisions to allow poor accountability, transparency, and probity that have robbed the nation of huge revenues for 50 years of oil export, continue to fester. It is, indeed, the desire of most Nigerians that the bill should set up a hospitable clime for the proper deregulation of the oil industry to attract genuine and honest private investments and free the much needed funds that would help the FG redress grave socioeconomic infrastructure deficits holding down the country. Saddening, however, was the Presidency’s presentation of the bill to the National Assembly last week at a time when the NASS
N CONFORMITY WITH
GLOBAL STANDARDS ON TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE OIL AND MINING SECTORS, THE BILL
OUGHT TO INCLUDE PROVISIONS FOR OIL FIRMS TO PUBLISH WHAT THEY PAY FOR EXPORTS AND THE
FG
TO PUBLISH WHAT IT EARNS REGULARLY FROM OIL was proceeding on a two-month recess, meaning that work on the piece of legislation may not commence until the end of September. In fact, members of the House of Representatives tongue-lashed the Presidency’s wrong timing of the bill submission to the House as a mischievous and calculated attempt to blackmail them. But notwithstanding all the hiccups, the NASS should meticulously scrutinize and speed up the bill’s passage to law. The petrodollar bribes allegedly making the rounds must not be allowed to subvert national interest and the
indigenous control of national oil wealth to improve the welfare of Nigerians. The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on InterParliamentary Affairs, Rep Daniel Reyenieju assured Nigerians early in the week that the PIB would be thoroughly scrutinized “using all possible prisms of analysis and contextualized international best practices” before being passed to law. Reyenieju was also quoted as saying: “Nigeria being for now a mono-cultural economy which is almost solely rested on crude oil, it is through a good regulatory law that Nigeria can derive the necessary maximum advantage from this wasted asset. Thus, it is our hope that the expectation of a perfect law to regulate the petroleum sector will be fully appreciated to the extent that the House will not be unnecessarily pressured into passing the PIB without doing enough rigorous analysis and inputs.” We agree no less, but in addition, and in conformity with global standards on transparency and accountability in the oil and mining sectors, the bill ought to include provisions for oil firms to publish what they pay for exports and the FG to publish what it earns regularly from oil. It is high time the nation brought to an end the ravaging criminality in which nearly half of the nation’s oil export is stolen daily by a cartel of international rogue rings in collaboration with local traitors.
ON THIS DAY July 27, 2012
July 27, 2006
July 27, 2002
The opening ceremony for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England is scheduled to be held on this day. The 2012 Summer Olympic Games, officially the Games of the XXX Olympiad, also known informally as London 2012 (for example on the official logo), are scheduled to take place in London, United Kingdom, from July 27 to August 12, 2012. Following a bid headed by former Olympic champion, Sebastian Coe and the then Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, London was selected as the host city.
The Federal Republic of Germany was deemed guilty in the loss of Bashkirian Airlines Flight 2937 and DHL Flight 611, because it was illegal to outsource flight surveillance. The Uberlingen mid-air collision in which all 71 people on board the two aircraft died occurred at 23:35 on July 1, 2002 between Bashkirian Airlines Flight 2937 with passengers and DHL Flight 611 (a Boeing 757-23APF cargo jet manned by two pilots) over the towns of Überlingen and Owingen in southern Germany.
Ukraine’s (Sknyliv) airshow disaster: The Sknyliv air show disaster occurred on Saturday July 27, 2002, when a Ukrainian Air Force Sukhoi Su-27 of the Ukrainian Falcons crashed during an aerobatics presentation at Sknyliv airfield near Lviv, Ukraine. About 77 people were killed and 543 injured, 100 of whom were hospitalised. It was the second major accident involving the Ukrainian military in less than a year.
Your
FRIDAY
Flavour
Friday, July 27, 2012
12 PAGES OF ARTS, REVIEWS, LIFESTYLE AND BUZZ TO START YOUR WEEKEND
Critics
P. 22-23
VOL. 2 No. 413
19
Made in Nigeria for London Olympics OUTSTANDING NIGERIANS,
TERH AGBEDEH
CELEBRITIES AND STARS
T
he Olympic Games have always had the tradition of uniting humanity and the 2012 Summer Olympics, which begin today in London, United Kingdom, is no different. Preparation has been upbeat all over the world and not only athletes are involved; entertainers, business people and writers, among others, have joined the jamboree. Nigerians also have certain events planned and taking place before the closing ceremony on August 12. One of which is a series of events to hold at the Nigeria Sports and Entertainment Village (NISEV) from August 5 to 11. Organised by Heartlink Events, it is supported by Air Nigeria, the Lagos State Government and First Bank, among others. The NISEV event is not the only one made in Nigeria and exported to the London Olympics. There is also the Nigeria House Literature Showcase which has been on since July 23 and will end on August 15. A statement signed by Kemi Otegbade, head consultant for the NISEV project, explained that the events include: Concerts, Ankara Carnival, Lagos @ 45 Celebrations, Exhibition and a Leadership Awards/Gala Nite Grand Finale that will have the governors of Imo,
ARE EXPECTED AT
NISEV LONDON 2012 Akwa Ibom, Lagos and Niger states in attendance, among other dignitaries from Nigeria. Also to attend are Chioma Ajunwa (first Nigerian female Olympics medalist); Mrs. Obioma Imoke (wife of Cross River State Governor), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Dr. Buba Marwa to mention only a few. “Outstanding Nigerians, celebrities and stars are expected at NISEV London 2012 scheduled to hold at the Enabling Centre, Barking, London”, Otegbade stated. He explained that some Nigerian artistes have already confirmed attendance at the event for whose official DJ is Jimmy Jatt. The artistes include: Tee Mac, Seun Kuti, Shan George, Tonto Dike, KC, Odunlade Adekola, Gbenga Adeyinka, Funke Akindele, Chidi Mokeme, Lepacious Bose, Funsho Adeolu, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Moji Olaiya, Bimbo Akintola, Wale Gates, Yomi Fash-Lanso and many more. Otegbade told Friday Flavour, when reached by telephone, that NISEV will be a great opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s greatest exports in sports
and entertainment. “NISEV has been endorsed by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Culture Minister, Chief Edem Duke will be attending the event, where he will deliver a paper on how Nigeria can make money from entertainment”, Otegbade said, adding that the village will be declared open by Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom along with some Nigerian governors showcasing their various states. On the other hand, the Nigeria House Literature Showcase, which is ongoing at the Theatre Royale, Stratford East, is a display of Nigerian Literature presented through book readings, conversations on literature and an exhibition of a wide range of books by Nigerian authors. This event features writers like: Diran Adebayo, Sefi Atta, Helon Habila, Ade Solanke, Zainabu Jallo, Nnorom Azuonye, Chibundu Onuzo, and Rotimi Babatunde, who recently emerged winner of the Caine Prize for African Literature. Those who are in London can meet with the writers on July 30 and 31 at the venue where their books will be on display and available for sale till August 3. This event is presented by CORA Art & Cultural Foundation in association with British Council, with the support of the Bank of Industry.
P. 34
Seun Kuti
Denrele’s Day
Jimmy Jatt
P. 35
Adeyinka
Escape
Akintola
WEEKEND STARTERS YNaija’s ‘connect’ party
of Benetton and Swatch. Top Nigerian models would grace the runway while music performances come from Flowsick, Chidinma, Nikki Laoye, amongst others. Event host is Denrele Edun and Kaylah.
Entertainment Express celebrates first anniversary
T
he Entertainment Express is going to be one year old on the newsstands tomorrow, July 28. Friends and associates of the entertainment journal will converge on Niteshift Coliseum, Salvation Bus-stop, Opebi, Ikeja for a party, which starts at 5pm.
X Okey Ogunjiofor
TAVA at National Theatre
T
he Audio Visual Awards, TAVA will, on Sunday, July 29, hold its fourth edition of the awards. The event will start with the purple carpet session at 3pm inside the Banquet Hall of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.
clusive Nigeria is holding its first Great Talent Show on July 28 at 11am. The event provides the platform to showcase hidden talents in entertainment with recording deals. The venue is NTA Tejuosho Street, Yaba, Lagos.
Itoya: A Dance for Africa holds at MUSON
T
he Hornbill House will be holding the first of its fortnightly relay of six dance dramas titled Itoya: A Dance for Africa. It is written by Odia Ofeimun and , directed by Felix Okolo at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos. Time is 4pm.
P. 33
T
omorrow is set to be unforgettable as YNaija, the sister brand to Y! Magazine, holds its quarterly party, #Hashtag. Themed “Connect”, it will be evening to connect with an eclectic pool of guests, all powered by BlackBerry Smartphones. Scheduled to start by 6.00p.m. at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, #Hashtag will feature a stellar cast of performers, good food, fine wine and great company.
D
rimcruz Entertainment presents the first edition of Ikeja Shopping Mall Fashion and Music this Saturday at the Ikeja shopping mall, Alausa, Lagos. The infusion of music and comedy is aimed at giving budding designers a platform to showcase their works. Established labels will participate too including US Polo, Twice as Nice, Woolworth, Da Viva, Nike, T. Peridot, Levite, United Colours
Great Talent Show by Xclusive Nigeria
Mirror Mongers
Fashion, music at Ikeja Mall
20
Artman In The House
Friday, July 27, 2012
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Nollywood must be structured to His passion for entertainment started while he was a student at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, where he took active part in several drama groups. But the quest to teach Nollywood how to get things done led him to his first movie which turned out a huge failure. Obi Madubuogwu, an actor, director and producer was, however, not deterred as he explains in this interview with NGOZI EMEDOLIBE. There seems to be a new storm taking away the movie industry from the initial marketers that were in charge. Well, I personally see it as a positive development, because industries worldwide go through phases. Nollywyood, as it is today, is going through an important phase. It may not be tailored towards taking anyone out of the way. It is only taking people who are adequately equipped to where they ought to be. You must be equipped to embrace the change. That is the way, I see it. Of course, we cannot grow if we continue running round a spot. For me, it is positive. So what new thing are you doing in terms of movies? I have just completed work on a new home video, To Live Again, which we hope to premiere in a matter of weeks. Arrangements towards that are on now. You know that the idea of producing and going to the market is fast fading. Everyone now wants to premiere his movie in cinemas. But aside movies, I have also gone into music and currently heads the Nigerian arm of Morgan Entertainment, USA. That is the company which the late MC Loph was signed to right? Exactly. Aside him, we also have Konga, Nedu, De Nero, Ozoemena Nsugbe, Morocco Maduka and Onye Eze. We are currently planning a nationwide tour of the whole artistes in the company. We hope to take them round some major cities like Awka, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Lagos and Asaba. In December, we will take them to the United States. That has been a lot of planning and hard work. There were rumours that Morgan Entertainment abandoned MC Loph’s dependants? It is a lie. Morgan never abandoned them. In fact, as I speak with you, Morgan Entertainment is taking care of the family he left behind. Morgan also defrayed all burial expenses. So, anyone saying Morgan abandoned MC Loph is saying that from a standpoint of ignorance. His mother and wife are being looked after by us now. How did your journey into movies begin? It started at Onitsha. It was during the era of Mike Orihedinma, one of the pioneer Nollywood actors. I started as a critic and actually tried my hands on making a movie, because I felt I could do it better. But I had an edge because while in the secondary school, I participated in drama and debating societies. While I was at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, I continued by being part in such groups. The drama group at Oko was going from place to place entertaining people. That was when I shot a film called Power of Love. I managed to bankroll it, but when I took it to Iweka Road in Onitsha, hoping to sell off the rights, I understood that it did not measure up. It was classified substandard and no marketer then wanted to touch it, because they said no one would buy it. Did that discourage you? Yes, it did. You know how it is when you feel you have put in your best into something only to realise that it is
Madubuogwu
just not there. They told me that they could not just touch it, because there was nothing they could do to it. But it was a positive step, because something else came up. What came up? The marketer, JBM, said despite that he did not like the movie, he liked my acting in the movie. He said he had a movie he was shooting and needed a character like me. So he offered to pay me N7,000, which I turned down because I considered it too small. That was in 1993. I eventually would regret turning down that offer. Why did you regret it? I regretted because the guy who played the role I turned down, instantly became a celebrity. I am talking about Tobechukwu Anadi, one of the early stars in the industry. The movie was everywhere and if you go down memory lane you will remember a movie called, Evil Passion. But after turning down that film, Zelex Films offered me another role in a movie titled Hidden Truth, where I was given the role of Akadike. That got me the role in Forbidden which was shot by Amaco Films. It was quite popular and gave me a lot of boost in the industry too. But that was not as prominent as Battle of Musanga.
People think that gave you the break in movies? It was not my first popular movie role, but it was the one that gave me the biggest push, because the producer, Gab Onyi, Gbaosky, promoted it well. It was everywhere. And I played the role of King of Musanga. That was why people started calling me King of Musanga. You seem to have played down your acting these days? Yes, because I am mostly producing now. When I am producing, the rigours of producing don’t allow me to play a major role. I just take a minor role. That is why my acting is actually on the background. Does that mean you will not be doing a major acting role again? No. If I get an acting role in a movie that will treat me well and pay the bills, why not. I am an actor and that is what I can do well. If I get a lead role and I am not producing, of course, I will definitely do that. Let’s get personal. How has marriage been with you considering the difficulty some movie people face? It has been okay. I have been married to my wife, Uju, for over a decade now, and like every marriage, it has its ups and downs. But we are doing well. I have three kids.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Friday, July 27, 2012
Artman In The House
21
return investments –Madubuogwu
Wife, Uju and daughter.
What are the names of the kids? I have three lovely daughters named Nneoma, Kosi and Chika in that order. They give me so much joy and I can’t think of life without them. How did you meet your wife? It was at a wedding. I attended a wedding with a female friend of mine when I saw her and something told me to approach her. I did not approach her directly. I sent the girl I went to the wedding with to call her. She did that three times and there was no response, so I went and met her myself. What did you tell her? I told her that I had been sending someone to call her and she never wanted to respond. But she said that no one had come to call her. Apparently the girl I sent never even spoke to her. It was the truth I later discovered. From there, we started being friendly and started hanging out, but the moment she learnt that I was an actor, she told me she was backing out of the affair. Why? She is not a huge fan of Nollywood, and did not want to have anything to do with actors. It was also difficult to get the consent of her family to marry her because of my profession. Her mother was particularly obstinate because she felt an actor can’t feed her daughter. She felt an actor is also unserious and irresponsible. But eventually, they gave their consent and we got married. How does her mother look at you today? She is my best friend today. She has discovered that I am a different actor. She has realised that I am not the irre-
In South Africa
Sleeve of Battle of Musanga
FACT FILE •
Hails from Idemili North, Anambra State.
•
Holds the traditional title, ‘Nwakibie’.
•
Famous as King of Musanga in the movie, ‘Battle of Musanga’.
•
Has produced over 20 movies
•
Married and has three female kids.
•
Hobbies include exploring tourist sites in Nigeria.
sponsible son-in-law she was afraid of having. I do not blame her, anyway, with all the stories flying around about artistes in the press. It is enough to scare some mothers. You once tried to break into the South African film industry? What happened afterwards? The story about my mission in South Africa is a sad one really. I was invited over to do a movie for some people, so I seized the opportunity to shoot a personal story with Kanayo O Kanayo, whom I took along. But after all the hassles we passed through, I lost all the rushes of the movie in a luggage that was stolen. That movie did not see the light of the day, which was why I felt I did not have anything to do with movies in South Africa again. I lost a lot of money. That means no more international collaborations, right? In terms of movies, I have suspended that. I only go to South Africa because of the music company I am representing and, of course, my NGO, ‘Saving Lives
Gave Majek Fashek his first Nollywood role in ‘Mark of the Beast’.
for Africa Diabetic Foundation’. We have a branch in South Africa, another in Germany and one in Uganda. We have been giving talks and seminars in some of these countries about the scourge of diabetes. It is a silent killer in Africa and we want to let people know and also draw attention of the government to new developments in managing the disease. What we try to teach people is that with proper care, a diabetic will live a normal life. Why the interest in diabetes? It is because I am a victim. I have tasted it and I know what it is like. He who wears the shoes knows where it pinches. What is the impression of Nigerian music in South Africa? The response is good. They respect materials from Nigeria, because they see our artistes as competitors. They appreciate the big artistes who have made a lot of international impact. I mean people like 2Face and PSquare. Their songs
could be heard in their clubs. Some of them want to come down here because of Nigerian music. What are your major concerns about the entertainment industry in Nigeria? I will like to see it structured in a way every stakeholder can get back what he or she is investing in the business. Abroad, people make a lot of money from this and it is a pity in Nigeria that only very few can really hit their hands s on the chest and say, yes, this is what I should be. Nollywood, in particular, must be structured to return investments made. Some of us have had to deviate to dine with politicians to survive, but the artiste is supposed to always mirror the society and bring radical reforms. That does not seem to be happening. What would you tell the young ones trying to follow your footsteps? It is a good journey, but you must get your tracks right. You must know what you want in life and pursue it with passion.
22
Critics
Friday, July 27, 2012
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Reading
A cross section of school children from Bayelsa State.
A president’s commitment to Bring Back the Book The Nigerian literary scene got a big boost this month. A Nigerian, for the fourth time in 13 years, won the Caine Prize for African Writing and The Rainbow Book Club put Port Harcourt on the map as the UNESCO World Book Capital 2014. To crown it all, the Bring Back the Book initiative of President Goodluck Jonathan hit the road again in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. TERH AGBEDEH
T
he Bring Back the Book initiative of President Goodluck Jonathan launched on December 20, 2010 in Lagos, was to return Nigerians to the reading culture. Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, American political strategist, Joe Trippi and poet and essayist, Odia Ofeimun, among many others had been at the gathering. The Abuja leg of the launch was to follow after the project was taken to students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN). But after the Abuja launch, there was silence leading to speculation that it had been a campaign strategy masterfully orchestrated to win the presidency for Jonathan. With the launch of the initiative in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the president’s home state this month, those who held that view will no doubt hold their peace. This launch comes with the promise of going to all the states in the country until the book is taken to every Nigerian. The president may not have made it to the event chaired by Prof. J.P Clark-Bekederemo but it was clear from his speech delivered by the Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Nwike, that his passion for the project has remained unflinching despite the lull. He paid tribute to the efforts of Nigerian writers to promote the book and particularly mentioned Rotimi Babatunde, who emerged winner of the prestigious
Caine Prize this year. The president also celebrated the declaration of the city of Port Harcourt the UNESCO World Book Capital City for 2014. “The initiative was conceived as a citizen’s framework after much consultation. It was in response to the lingering concerns over the flagging reading culture in our country, and the general apathy to books, especially among the youth, who represent our collective futures. To arrest the slide and give a boost to our development and advancement as a nation, the flagoff witnessed a high participation of children, as our Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka and I read to over 400 school children,” the president said through Nwike at Gloryland Cultural Centre, Yenagoa. “Give a child a book, and you will enable the success of a generation, as well as those to come,” The president declared through his representative. The children invited from over 25 schools in the state didn’t just get books they had Nollywood stars like Dakore Egbuson, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Omoni Oboli and Desmond Elliot read to them. Writers like Lambert Ototo, Igoni Barret and Bina Nengi Ilagha, among others either read or came out to encourage the children to read. Wife of Bayelsa State governor, Mrs. Rachel Dickson, read an excerpt from Ayodele Olofintuade’s Eno’s Story to the children. The star actors from which much was desired did not give a good account of themselves most of them reading the works as if they were seeing them for the
first time. J.P. Clark, who wrote the lovely poem, The Night Rain suffered the pain of listening to JaladeEkehinde try to make sense of it when she came out to read. But that did not detract on the festive mood in Yenagoa, which started a day earlier on Wednesday July 11 with the commissioning of the first Public Community Library in the state capital. The project was facilitated by the Community Defence Law Foundation (CDLF) with the support of Ford Foundation. It is named after emeritus professor of history, Prof. E.J. Alagoa, who was also present at the Thursday event. Men, women and children from across the divide were present. It is heartening the president assured that the goal of the Bring Back the Book is an achievable one, saying, “the book is coming back to Nigeria. We are the future of books and the book is in our future. We shall as a government support all efforts aimed at reviving reading and literacy”. One such effort was the presentation of 50 computers to not only the schools in attendance, but some non-governmental organisations in the state as well. The computers were provided by a lover of books and a businessman, Alhaji Musa Bello, as a way of boosting Mr. President’s book initiative. Everyone who spoke at the event did so in support of the initiative. Clark-Bekederemo was ecstatic about the launch when he told the children, “The book the president has asked us to launch today is your best friend”. Senior Special Adviser to the President on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Mr. Oronto Douglas, urged them to rededicate themselves to their books, saying a book reading culture is one, “that will ensure that children’s education should not be left in the hands of parents alone; the sector is critical to our collective humanity, the development of our society and advancement as a people. Bring Back the Book is to ensure our future and to banish ignorance for a new dawn”. In his paper titled, The Future of the Niger Delta: Hopes, Dreams and History, Prof. Alagoa said, he desired “a Niger Delta endowed with a thriving economy, within policies serving the best interests of its people; a moral society anchored in the love of truth and justice”. There is no doubt that with more people reading that desire will come to fruition.
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Critics
Friday, July 27, 2012
Book
Short story different from the usual
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Video
The first time I came in contact with the book, Whispering Trees by emerging author, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, I was in a public reading where excerpts from the book were read. That first contact left me longing for more. IZUCHUKWU OKEKE
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hey say a sweet soup is perceived by the aroma it leaves in the air. Few lines heard from Whispering Trees left me curious, yearning for a full reading. And when I did, I could not but say that I had seen something awesome, something new, something touchingly different from the usual. By ordinary description, the book, Whispering Trees is a collection of short stories, 12 of them. It was published earlier this year by new Lagos-based publishing firm, Parresia Publishers. But that is where simple description ends. Every other thing about this book is a class act. Against the usual with short stories, tales in this book have no simple story lines, rather complex and twisting tales; compact, full of suspense with almost every new paragraph adding a new twist and varying with the previous. Reading this book, there is no way you can guess what will happen next, even next paragraph. From the first paragraph of each story, one easily hangs under the grip of suspense till the last word. Let us examine a few of the stories. The Whispering Trees, used as the title story, tells of Salim who is just a month away from graduating from Medical College when he is involved in an accident in which his mother dies. He is severely injured almost to the point of death. However, he survives, but loses his sight, meaning his life is almost wrecked. Initially, Faulata, his love, who his impending marriage to her had been the reason for the trip, stands by him at this trying period. Faulata cares so much and her love gives him reason to start life anew after frustration made him lose interest in life. Then, Faulata too leaves him to marry another man. Now, he wants to die. But death refuses to come when Salim desires it. In the process of his catharsis with these whirlwind of experiences, his inner eyes open. He starts seeing again; not with eyes but with his soul. He sees what those with two eyes cannot see, the state of each soul; the description of man’s soul, as he could see, is in the most appalling state. He finds solace under the whispering trees where he once played with other children many years ago, where animals blossom with their beautiful souls; souls that allure and inspire. In the first story of the book, Twilight and Mist, Ohikwo meets with the butterfly maid who knows about everything his late mother knew. When he locates the girl’s home, she too is said to have died. In Baba Idi’s Enclave, Baba Idi has been disenchanted with politics and politicians because his only daughter died as a result of government’s inadequacies. Now another election comes, his son, Idi, begins to cavort with a local politician –the same man whose failure had brought so much sorrow to his family. This association Baba Idi cannot stomach, but he does not plan his burning of a motorcycle gift his son brought home after the result of the election has been announced. It will soon be a harbinger for the long-awaited reprisal violence against election riggers. In Cat-eyed English Witch, the persona is
IN ADAMS, THE NORTH HAS GOT ANOTHER
WRITER OF GENIUS; HIS CRAFT IS UNIQUE IN MANY WAYS distraught because she has been accused of being responsible for the death of a baby she loves very much. She is Caucasian and married her hubby, Bawa, a Nigerian student in London. She follows him home upon the death of his father. Her growing intimacy with her in-law, Lala, calls for his (Lala’s) wife concern, but surely not to the point of being accused of killing Lala’s son. In all, most of the stories in the book have a theme of death and the supernatural woven around them, but rather in slightly complex plots mostly linking the supernatural and the natural in a manner that surprisingly looks everyday-like. This book is a powerful African response to magical realism. It was written with a no-nonsense insight into the whole, complex universe– a complexity many may argue does not really exist, yet, fearfully believe in their innermost being —the other side of life. Really, when one has this book in hand, it is un-put-down-able. One cannot but wonder where this young author has been all the while. In Abubakar Adams, the North has got another writer of genius; his craft is unique in many ways difficult to describe. Perhaps just say it is original as originality can be described. The publishers, Parresia, also will get a word. From what we hear, Whispering Trees is their first literary publication. If this is true, then, Nigeria should wait and see if Parresia will not be Nigeria’s number one literary publishing firm in the next few years. The editing is super, packaging and printing, excellent. New, excellent author and new, excellent publisher, rare combination!
Jo Babs
Jo Babs makes it to the Next Level A thousand and one musicians walk the streets looking for an opportunity to show what they can do. Every once in a while occasion presents itself and a person like Jo Babs takes it and runs away with it.
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usic is the first love for some, while others pick it along the line and do something remarkable with it. There are also those who come into it by accident. Every move in the Next Level video indicates that Jo Babs, whose real name is James Oluwasegun Babatunde Ayegbusi, belongs to the first category. Featuring Mike Aremu, the song tells of the incredible story of how the singer has left his dismal past behind and moved to the next level through the divine intervention of the almighty. But this is only implied and not in your face like the conventional video by a gospel artiste which is more like a show-and-tell of the goodness of a supernatural being that gives out favours to a special beings. Here, everyday folks can also aspire to and get this favour. Every second in the almost four minute-long video from the stable of Frizzle N Dizzle breathes getting the full attention of the viewer from start to finish. Since this video is done more or less at the beginning of Jo Babs’ career, one big worry is whether he can sustain the creativity now and in the many more videos that are sure to come. The answer may not be a difficult one considering that the young artiste’s decision to feature a well known artiste on the Nigerian and indeed, world gospel circuit like Mike Aremu stands him out as someone who contemplates his moves. Consider this for instance, the video opens with his name but not his voice or face, those follow after Aremu’s saxophone and well known face.
What that says is that you may not know who I am yet but that does not mean I’m not in good company. Perhaps, he is getting all the credit for concept and what have you, but it is a known fact that if this had come out any worse, he would have had to carry the can as well. But keeping good company is never enough whether in music or any endeavour in life as it is lived in this century. This video no doubt takes Jo Babs to the next level with a lot of air play to follow but the work is in staying there and even going higher. For someone who can put the kind of life he has been able to infuse into this simple video with a white backdrop and dancers who may well be his friends, this may well just be the beginning of great things. A few people can take such a simple song make a simple video like this and produce a result the amounts to something. This video will not drown in the rough sea that has become the hallmark of first efforts like it. One reason is that nothing is put there that is not supposed to be there. Certainly, Jo Babs, as his profile online states, is an original black man, young, ebullient, passionate and eclectic singer with great quality and vision to make great difference in his genre of music of High life, R and B, traditional African gospel folk songs and hip hop, just to mention a few. His uniquely distinctive passion for singing has led him not only to singing in churches, but even at events. With the attitude in this video, he is going to be singing for a long time.
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Inside FCT
Friday, July 27, 2012
A motorist having a raw deal with Park and Pay officers in Abuja
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Sign post for ‘Park and Pay’ designated area
Anger, confusion trail FCTA’s Park and pay policy GEORGE OJI
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hen the Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA), introduced the Park and pay policy in the Federal Capital Territory, it was basically to address the problem of congestion of vehicles, particularly during working hours in the commercial areas of the city. It was also meant to curb illegal parking, make vehicular traffic environment-friendly, create jobs and more importantly, serve as a source of additional revenue for efficient administration in the territory as is the case with other properly-planned big cities globally. The policy, which is expected to progress in phases, initially took off in two designated zones comprising Zone A (Hospital Avenue, Maitama Avenue, Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ralph Shodeinde Street, Kur Mohammed Street, Kassim Ibrahim Way and Alvan Ikoku Way) and Zone B (Ahmadu Bello Way, Shehu Shagari Way, Samuel Ademulegun Street, Zakari Maimalari Street and Aguiyi Ironsi Way). The roads where the policy applies are marked out and properly designated Park and pay with visible sign posts. A breakdown of the parking charges are as follows: up to 30 minutes attract N50; one hour N100; two hours N150; three hours N200; four hours N250; five hours N300; six hours N350; seven hours N400; eight hours N450; nine hours N500; 10 hours N550; 11 hours N600 and 12 hours N650. At the moment, the transport secretariat of the FCDA, which conceived and is implementing the policy, has outsourced operations of the policy to two companies namely, Integrated Parking System (IPS) and Platinum Parking Management System (PPMS). Whereas IPS is in
IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS DELIBERATELY MAKE THEMSELVES UNAVAILABLE TO MOTORISTS FOR PAYMENT charge of Zone A, PPMS is managing the Zone B area of the business. Ideally, once a motorist parks in any of the Park and pay zones, he/she will be accosted by a parking enforcement officer, dressed in the appropriate uniform. The officer, armed with an electronic machine, would enter the charge depending on expected duration of stay and issues a receipt accordingly. The receipt is to be displayed on the dashboard of the car before locking the car to show that payment has been made by the person. However, if the motorist has a prepaid ticket, he/she displays the card on the dashboard of the car also for easy view by the parking enforcement officer. Failure to comply with this payment procedure, however, attracts not only clamping of the affected car by enforcement officials, but also a penalty of N5,000 which must be paid for and a receipt issued before any affected car is unclamped. However, at the end of the day, if the motorist does not pay, such car is towed to the pound yard where the daily demurrage charge attracts N1,000. Eventual cost of the release of the car from the pound yard is about N10,000. Initially, there were a number of issues with the operation of the policy. First, it was observed that the enforcement officers deliberately make themselves unavailable to motorists for payment. And once such motorists parked and walked away, the officers would emerge from nowhere and
clamp the cars. The result is that on a daily basis, motorists and the enforcement officers engage in feuds which, in many instances, lead to injuries and sometimes arrests and subsequent questioning of the warring parties by the police. As public outcry increased and people continue to criticise the actions of the enforcement officers, the problem seems to have reduced considerably. Another part of the operational difficulty of the Park and pay policy, which many motorists see as fraudulent, is the prepaid ticketing arrangement. There is the complaint that upon the purchase of the prepaid tickets, motorists are made to believe that the mere possession of such tickets guarantees a motorist easy access to parking in all the Park and pay zones. The misconception has led to a lot of confusion, anger and in many instances, quarrels and fights between some motorists and the enforcement officers. Alhaji Adamu, a motorist whose car was clamped down penultimate week in front of First Bank at the Central Business District, had a running battle with the FCTA officials for what he described as “a fraudulent means of enforcing traffic regulations”. Adamu, who recounted his experience to Inside FCT lamented that despite displaying the monthly card in his car and after informing the enforcement officers of doing so, “they still allowed me to go to the bank to do my transactions which did
not take me up to 20 minutes without telling me of their intention to clamp my car. I came only to discover that the car had been clamped. “I think somebody should tell FCTA that this type of anti-people policies is not good for the government. They should do more on enlightenment so that car owners are not turned to unwilling law breakers just because they want to make money. It is deceitful and condemnable”, Adamu bemoaned. Also, the financial burden being borne by motorists, particularly thousands of workers, is the charges on vehicles usually packed in front of their offices. Because the policy operates in commercial/business areas of the city where many workers have no easy alternative to parking, a worker who spends 10 hours in his office is compelled to part with about N3,000 weekly and N12,000 monthly. This implies that in one year, a vehicle owner working in his office in the FCT will pay at least N120,000, just for parking his car. In fact, sometimes at an early stage of the policy, workers on the very busy Port Harcourt Crescent, Area 11, Garki, who could not continue to tolerate the financial burden of the policy, decided to take their faith in their hands by trooping out in their hundreds to block the highway, insisting that the exploitative Park and pay exercise be stopped. All entreaties to persuade them to call-off the action were rebuffed by the workers. Not even the presence of the FCT police commissioner could convince the workers. At the end of the day, it was gathered that the workers secured low negotiated rate from managers of the scheme. For now, motorists are groaning over this policy which is seen as exploitative in its design and implementation.
Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Ramadan 8, 1433AH Friday, July 27, 2012
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Call to Worship
On the authority of Anas bin Malik, the servant of the Messenger of All, the prophet said: “None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.” RELATED BY BUKHARI AND MUSLIM
Qur’an 2:185 “Ramadan is the (month) in which the Quran was sent down, as a guide to mankind and a clear guidance and judgment (so that mankind will distinguish from right and wrong)...”
Jameh Mosque of Isfahan
Jameh Mosque of Isfahan T his is one of the oldest mosques still standing in Iran, and it was built in the four-Iwan architectural style, placing four gates face to face. An Iwan is a vaulted open room. Construction under the Seljuqs included the addition of two brick domed chambers, for which the mosque is renowned. The south dome was built to house the mihrab in 1086–87 by Nizam al-Mulk, the famous vizier of Malik Shah, and was
‘Govt should be involved in Zakat collection’ 28
larger than any dome known at its time. The north dome was constructed a year later by Nizam al-Mulk’s. The dome was certainly built as a direct riposte to the earlier south dome, and successfully so, claiming its place as a masterpiece in Persian architecture for its structural clarity and geometric balance. Iwans were also added in stages under the Seljuqs, giving the mosque its current
four-iwan form, a type which subsequently became prevalent in Iran and the rest of the Islamic world. The origins of this mosque lie in the 8th century, but it burnt down and was rebuilt again in the 11th century and went through remodeling many times. As a result it has rooms built in different architectural styles, so now the mosque represents a condensed history of the Iranian Architecture.
Egypt launches TV station staffed only by veiled women 31
Cross section of graduating pupils of Al-Bayan Schools, Iloro-Agege, during its 11th Graduation/Prize-Giving ceremony in Lagos recently.
‘We need a spirit of love’ 30
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Call to Worship
Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Ramadan 8, 1433AH Friday, July 27, 2012
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Maximising our gains in Ramadan 08055102994 (SMS ONLY)
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ll praise and adorations are due to Almighty Allah for sparing our lives to witness another Ramadan, may He count us among those who will inherit Aljannah Fridaus, Amin. A great task indeed! Entering paradise is not a simple task, may He make it easy for us, Amin. We pray to Allah to return our dear brother Abdul-Razak Gawat safely to the embrace of all, Amin. We should encourage our children to fast too as I was quite amazed at the excitement shown by my 5year-old girl regarding Ramadan fast. For a lot of people, especially my fellow sisters, the entire month of Ramadan re-
SOME OF US FAST BUT DO NOT GIVE UP LYING, CURSING, FIGHTING, BACKBITING, CHEATING, STEALING, DEALING IN HARAM volves around food. They spend the nearly the entire day planning, cooking, shopping and thinking about only food, instead of concentrating on Salat, Qur’an recitation, adhkar and other acts of worship. They are missing the very purpose of fasting, and thus, increase in their greed and desires instead of learning to control them. And remember, too much food is also a kind of waste & extravagance. Some of us are cooking all day and
night, so that we are too tired to even pray Ishai, let alone pray Taraaweeh or Tahajjud; too exhausted to even read Qur’an. This is the month of mercy and forgiveness, dua and Ibadah, to increase in our taqwa and improve our relationship with Allah. And how can we do that if we spend all our time in the kitchen? Remember, moderation is the key to everything. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach; for the son of Adam a few mouthfuls are sufficient to keep his back straight. If you must fill it, then, keep onethird for food, one-third for drink and onethird for air.” Some people spend a major part of the day sleeping. Is this what is really required of us during this noble month? These people are also missing the purpose of fasting and just falling prey to laziness and lethargy. All we need is to exert a little self-control.
The month of Ramadan is so precious, so much so that Allah calls this month “Ayyaamum Ma’doodaat” (A fixed number of days) (Surah Baqarah: 184). Before we know it, the month of mercy and forgiveness will be over. We should try and spend every moment possible in the worship of Allah so that we can make the most of this blessing. Some waste away their days facebooking, pinging, playing games, watching TV, movies or even listening to music. Some of us fast but do not give up lying, cursing, fighting, backbiting, cheating, stealing, dealing in haram, selling alcohol, committing fornication and all kinds of sins. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, and ignorance, Allah has no need of him giving up his food and drink.” (Bukhaari) May Allah protect us from all that is evil, Ameen.
Sahuur is a blessed meal HARUNA RAZAQ
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ne of the many ways through which a Muslim can achieve the full reward of the blessed month of Ramadan is to eat according to the dictates of Shariah during the blessed month. Both the Sahuur (early morning food taken by a fasting Muslim) and Iftar (breaking of the fast) must be in conformity with the rule guiding table manners in Islam. Sahuur should be taken in line with the instruction of the Prophet (SAW) that stated: “Eat Sahuur for in it there is barakah”. (al-Bukhari). It is a blessed meal. While taking the Sahuur, the Sunnah is to delay it till the third part of the night and should be a light food. On this, the Prophet (SAW) said: “the best Sahuur for believer is dates”. (Abu Dawud 2345, Sahihut Targhib 1/448). Though, we are allowed to take other types of food in moderation but not in excess to the extent of over filling the stomach. The Iftar is to be hastened. Break your fast before Salat Maghrib, breaking it with an odd number of ripe dates or dried dates or water according to the practice of the Prophet (SAW)). The fasting Muslim should say the following while breaking the fast: “Dhahabaz zama’u wabtallatil ‘uruuqu, wathabatal ajru insha-a Allahhu -Thirst is gone, vein are moistened and the reward is certain, insha Allah” (Abu Dawud 2/760, Darul Qutni 21/185); “Allahumah laka sumtu wa ala riskika aftartum - O Allah, I ask of You, by Your mercy that encompasses everything, to forgive me”. Also from Ibn Umar “Allahuma innii as ‘aluka bi rahmatikallati wasi ‘at kulla shai’in an taghfira lii- O Allah, I ask of You, by Your mercy that encompasses everything, to forgive me” (Fiqhu Sunnah 1/339). Furthermore, a fasting Muslim should avoid over indulgence in food and drink during Sahuur and Iftar in the blessed month and after the month. On this Shaikh Muhammad Salih al-Munajjid in his book entitle: “Sab’una Mas’alah fis Siyaam-70 key points on fasting” writes:
The Prophet (SAW) has said: “No man fills a pot worse more than his stomach” (Tirmidhi 2380) A wise person would eat in order to live and use his energy for important and loftier endeavours. His purpose would not be to live so that he might be able to eat more and more. The best meal is the one used in the pursuance of positive goals and the worst is that which makes a person a slave of his appetite. Nowadays, people have excelled in the preparation of different kinds of sumptuous meals and assorted foods to the extent that domestic chores, in most cases, have taken up all the time of the Muslim women and maids, distracting them from performing the obligatory Ibadah and rewarding deeds. The expenses of most Muslims during Ramadan is by far more than their normal expenses. In this manner, the glorious month becomes a month that brings obesity and gastric ailments. They eat like gourmands, drink like thirsty camels and when they stand up in Tarawih prayer, they stand languidly. Some people even leave the mosque after the first two rakats when they could not go further by reason of over eating and stuffing themselves with different types of foods that should be given to the poor and needy fellow Muslims. By Haruna Razaq, Chief Imam, Vanguard newspapers, Lagos, harun1430@yahoo.com, 08028745366.
Chairman, Bi-Courtney Group, Dr. Wale Babalakin, unveiling the plaque to inaugurate the VGC Islamic Community Mosque, Lekki, Lagos, on Sunday To his left is the President of the Islamic community, Alh. Taofik Agbaje.
L-R: Alhaja Ashafa presenting gifts to the Best Graduating student of Al-Hikmat College, 2012 Set, Miss Aminat Oyeboade during its 9th graduation ceremony in Lagos recently.
Graduating pupils of Al-bayan schools cutting the graduation cake with their propietress, Hajiah Fatimah Idris and some parents
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Friday, July 27, 2012
Call to Worship
Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Ramadan 8, 1433AH
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Release Gawat unhurt now –CIO SEKINAH LAWAL
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passionate appeal has gone to all wellmeaning Nigerians to join in ensuring that the missing ace presenter, Alhaji AbdulRazak Aremu Gawat is released unhurt as well as call on the Federal and State Governments to deploy all necessary security apparatus to fish out his captors. Making this appeal yesterday was the Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), Lagos State, at a special prayer session for him. “We want to see our beloved Gawat hale and hearty. This year Ramadan must commence with Alhaji Gawat doing what he knows best. Government must demonstrate in this case that it is serious with security of lives and property. The soul of every single Nigerian must be cherished, secured and considered inviolable. This is our demand from the government and we believe we are speaking the minds of all Muslims and good Christians of this great country.” The body also called on the media to join hands in his search. “Journalists must replicate what they did for the former Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Chapel, Mr. AbdulWahab Oba and his co-travelers when they were kidnapped on their way from Port Harcourt. The search for Gawat must be given prominence in the media to really appreciate what he had contributed to the profession. As a member of the noble profession, he must be given the kind of cover-
age that will challenge the government and the security agents to double up their efforts.” In a communiqué signed by Mallam Shuaib Abdullahi, the body said that the continuous and clueless missing of Alhaji Gawat will be blamed on the failure of security agencies and endemic corruption in government circle. “We cannot imagine how government will expend billions of dollars launching information gathering satellite into the space and contracting billionaire Circuit Television (CTV) project, yet, evils and crimes are perpetrated in daylight with impunity. Certainly, it is only in Nigeria that this can be possible.” They also commended the Lagos State Government for its support so far and the concerted efforts it is making to find Gawat. “We thank the Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN for his personal efforts. We equally avail ourselves of this opportunity to appreciate the role being played by His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu in the search for him. Alhaji Gawat, the ace broadcaster, was last seen about two weeks ago. The nature of his disappearance and the baffling cluelessness call for a serious concern particularly in a state like Lagos and at a time he is most needed. He has cut a niche for himself in his Ramadan Quiz for mouthwatering gifts. He does not need much introduction having endeared himself to both the Muslims and the Christians who annually benefit from
L-R: Provost, Diploma Section, Arabic and Islamic Training Centre, Agege, Dr. Abdul Mumine Yousuph; Manager, Sales and Distribution, National Mirror newspapers, Mr. Suraj Ayankunbi, Rector, Arabic and Islamic Training Centre, Muhammed Habibullah El-llory; Editor, National Mirror, Mr. Seyi Fasugba and Senior Manager, Strategy, Alhaji Gani Kayode Balogun, during a visit to the centre in Lagos, on Wednesday. PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO
the assorted and unimaginable gifts he doles out. Apart from the lorry-load of gifts dished out to individuals, the manner of his presentation of the programme on television is equally unparallel. There is no way the history of Ramadan early morning programme will be written without the name of Alhaji Razaq Aremu Gawat who pioneered the initiative and grew it to an enviable state. In his own way of teaching the rudiment of Islam, Alhaji Gawat has in no small measure contributed to the learning and practice of Islam by some people who otherwise might have crossed over. It is from this particular angle that the disappearance of Alhaji Gawat is more painful.
Ramadan: MMPN talks on security
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he Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) is to focus on the challenges of internal security and national development during its seventh annual Ramadan lecture in Abuja. MMPN Chairman, Abdur-Rahman Balogun said that the lecture will hold at the National Mosque Hall, Abuja on Saturday, July 28. The lecture, titled: “The challenge of internal security and implications for national develop-
ment’’ will be delivered by Major-General S.U. Abdulkadir from Nigeria Army Headquarters and Ustaz Nurudeen Abdmalik. He said Hon. Bashiru Adamu, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence, will chair the occasion, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais (rtd) will be the father of the day while Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Speaker, House of Representatives is the Special Guest of Honour. The statement also listed Hon. Mulikat Akande-Ad-
eola, House Leader, as the mother of the day while Sen. Bala Mohammed, FCT Minister, will be the Chief Host. Balogun said in the statement that the choice of the topic was to proffer solutions to the current security challenges in the country as it affects economic growth. He said all stakeholders including religious groups, security agencies, scholars in various fields and students have been invited to grace the occasion. Beside
Who actually kidnapped Alhaji Gawat? Why was he kidnapped? And why has the kidnappers chosen this period and time? These and many more are the questions Nigerian security agency must answer in order to un-ravel the mystery of this painful disappearance. The kidnappers of Alhaji Gawat has not done his immediate family alone untold evils. They have killed the aspiration of thousands of Muslims and Christians alike. The full joy of this year Ramadan will be incomplete in the homes of expectant or potential beneficiaries.
Several donors to the programme too have also been denied the unquantifiable Ramadan rewards of good deeds. The up-comers who gain knowledge of Islam through this programme have also been confined to perpetual ignorance, which kills more than diseases and ammunitions. There are just too many angles to the missing of this great television presenter. In any case, we call all Muslims and non-Muslims, the good people of this great country to join us in search of Alhaji Aremu Gawat. An evil unto one is an evil onto all
if truly we are all Nigerians. The search for this illustrious man must be by all irrespective of creed and tribe. Finally, CIO appealed to rumour mongers to please desist from this ungodly act. “No matter the gains of the rumour to those who peddle it, it is certainly incomparable to the psychological trauma that the loss of Alhaji Gawat has brought on his family and friends around the world every day they wake up to see that their beloved one is yet to return. Islam abhors rumour peddling in all its ramifications.”
NSCIA appoints three Imams for NMA
T
hree Deputy Imams were appointed for the National Mosque Abuja (NMA) by the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) yesterday. The three newlyappointed Imams will work with Ustaz Musa Mohammed, whose appointment was also ratified by the Mosque Management Committee. NSCIA, who also oversees the management of the National Mosque, said in a statement read to the media by the National Legal Officer, Alhaji Murtala Aminu that the step was taken to make worship in the national mosque more thorough and effective. Aminu who stood in for both Sul-
tan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III and Dr. AbdulLateef Adegbite, NSCIA Secretary-General, named the three new deputies as Dr. Ahmad Makari from BUK Kano, Sheik Ahmad Onilewura from Osogbo and Dr. Muhammad Kabir Adam Muhammad from North Central. “Our council has taken an important step to make worship in the national mosque more thorough and effective. Henceforth, conduct of Jumat prayers and sermons will be collegiate as is done in the Holy Mosque of Makkah and Madinah. The Chief Imam of the National Mosque will prepare a roaster accordingly.
One of the deputy Chief Imams will fulfil Muazeem (call to prayer) responsibilities as well as co-ordinate Dawah activities and supervise religious meetings and events in the mosque,” Dr AbdulLateef Adegbite statement which was read by Aminu stated. Dr Adam Muhammad, who spoke on behalf of the Deputy Imams, promised to justify the confidence reposed in them by their appointments and pleaded with Muslim leaders to assist them to succeed in their assignments. The event was witnessed by Islamic groups, Muslim leaders as well as Imams in FCT among others.
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Call to Worship
Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Ramadan 8, 1433AH Friday, July 27, 2012
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‘Govt should be involved in Zakat collection’ Mallam Abdullahi Shuaib is the Executive Director, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, a non-governmental organization established to provide humanitarian and welfare services through a number of Islamic windows/product portfolios. In this interview with ASSISTANT EDITOR, SEKINAH LAWAL, he speaks on the essence of Zakat payment in relation to economic development. What is the essence of paying Zakat? Literal meaning of the word Zakat is cleansing and growth. In keeping with these qualities, Allah has prescribed Zakat as an obligatory charity, as a duty to Allah, upon every wealthy individual. Wealthy individual is defined as one who is in possession of a minimum amount of wealth called Nisab for an entire year and the Zakat Nisab, which is the minimum value/amount a Muslim must have before he/she is eligible to pay Zakat for the year1433AH/2012 is #586, 500. This charity is prescribed in order to cleanse the individual’s wealth, heart, and by extension the society in general, of the baser characteristics of miserliness, selfishness, greed, and materialism and replace them with higher qualities of generosity, love and care, and mutual help. Various scholars have defined it more or less in this manner. They have also developed further definition of the amount that constitutes Nisab, categories of wealth, the rate of Zakat that applies to each category of wealth, and the rules of eligibility for receiving assistance from Zakat. Many Muslims equate Zakat with Sadaqah, what is Zakat-al-mal ? Zakat-al-Mal is the obligatory charity paid by an individual to the needy. It is obligatory on an individual who possesses wealth equal to or above a minimum amount called Nisab for an entire lunar year. For the purpose of calculating Zakat, different categories of wealth are defined. Nisab for the category of “Personal wealth” is three ounces of gold (or its equivalent amount in money). However, this amount is defined for each type of wealth separately. See under Nisab. What is the position of Islam on Zakat? Zakat is one of the pillars of Islam. It is a duty to Allah that obligates every wealthy individual to share with the needy a portion from his/her wealth. It is a very important institution for the individuals as well as the society in general. This institution aims at not only alleviating the financial hardships of the less privileged in the society through sharing a small part of one’s wealth, but also building a society on higher moral and spiritual values. It checks the baser instincts of greed, miserliness, and selfishness, which lead to materialism. It promotes mutual caring, love, and generosity leading to gratitude to Allah. For those who receive assistance from
taken away the most-cherished culture of reading good books. How should Muslims see wealth? Wealth is a creation of Allah. Many Zakatable Muslims are depriving the poor of their rights and blessings. Such situation breeds insecurity and creates an environment of tension. Not paying Zakat fans the ember of insecurity in any society. One can only imagined what the situation of things will be if all those who are supposed to be paying Zakat are made to do so through the state apparatus.
Shuaib
IF GOVERNMENT IS INVOLVED IN IT, ZAKAT WILL GIVE US A TOTAL OF
#73.3B IN LAGOS
ALONE WHICH IS FAR ABOVE THE FEDERAL ALLOCATION COMING TO THE STATE Zakat, it reduces their economic burden and they are enabled to pay attention to the family, social, and spiritual aspects of their lives. Though Zakat is an act of sharing, it is discharged, as a duty to Allah and in that respect is distinct from an act of normal charity. What can government do to ensure that Zakat is paid? Government must be fully involved in the issue of Zakat collection. If they can be involved in other pillars of Islam like Hajj, there is no reason why government should not be involved in Zakat collection and administration. With the needed laws to back this up, it will go a long way in alleviating poverty and boosting the economic activities of the citizenry and governance too. All they need to do is to set up the Zakat Board just like we have the Hajj Boards and ensure that they recruit professional Zakat workers not on party basis but those who have the fear of Allah as well as the wealth of experience in Zakat management. The Zakat Nisab, which is the minimum value/amount a Muslim must have before he/she is eligible to pay Zakat for the year1433AH/2012 is #586, 500. And the Zakat expected will be just 2.5% of #586, 500 which amounts to #14, 662.50k. Let us make a brief calculation with the current population of Lagos State for instance which is put at about 18million and if only 5million of this figure are Zakatable Muslims, 5million multiplied by a minimum of #14, 662. 50k, If government is involved in it, Zakat will give us a total of #73.3b in Lagos alone which is far above the federal allocation coming to the state.
If there is an Islamic government, Zakat will be collected by the government and distributed to the needy. It is because that is not yet obtainable here that the like of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation has taken up this function to be discharged through any voluntary collective effort. Ultimately every individual is personally responsible for discharging this obligation and must take care of this every year. What are the categories of things on which Zakat is due? Zakat is calculated for different types of wealth. They include; personal wealth, which includes the following; money beyond the normal level needed for everyday expenses, gold and silver, jewelry (only the gold and silver content), stocks, profit from business, inventory levels in business of unfinished and salable items, money held in restricted funds such as retirement funds when they are freed for use, agricultural produce, which is further classified into the following; produce from cultivated land, produce from noncultivated land, items that are mined or extracted from the earth including any buried treasure that is discovered. If this is done as a business, like in mining, and oil, it may be classified along the lines of a business. We also have live stock, which is further sub-divided into following three categories; sheep lamb, and goats, cows and buffaloes (domestic, not wild), camels and all other animals. There is no Zakat on these animals that are raised as a hobby. If these animals are raised for business, the profit derived from this business will be handled as the profit gained from any other business. In what ways can the Muslim clerics enhance the situation of things? Muslim Clerics have to build up their capacities in order for them to be relevant in the scheme of things. Many of our clerics have abdicated their roles of setting good moral standards. And for Muslim parents, they should realize the fact that the best legacy they can give their children is quality education. Islam values education, hence, we should not neglect the reading culture. The era of social networking has
Why are many Nigerians still in abject poverty despite all the natural resources at our disposals? Majority of our leaders are not welltrained. Even those at the legislative houses who are expected to be giving Nigerians various beneficiary bills and laws are not doing so. Or what is the essence of cremation bill to Lagosians now? Nigerian’s should begin to take their own destiny in their hands by ensuring that only those who have the fear of God and are truly willing to serve are elected into public offices towards ensuring good governance. What are the achievements of Z&SF so far? We render education supports to thousands of people from primary to tertiary levels; we gave grants and aids worth N3.6million for payments of school fees, procurement of educational materials, research grants for post-graduate students both locally and internationally among others. We are hopeful that more donor agencies and kind hearted Muslims would respond favourably to our request so that the physically challenged, vulnerably ones, indigent students would be given a new leaf of life and also assisted to achieve their educational dreams. Under the economic empowerment service portfolio, over 3,000 Muslims have benefitted from the scheme. Proceeds from Zakat collected to the tune of millions of naira were given to the less-priviledged Muslims in order to empower them with the provision of equipments, merchandise goods and financial grants for the enhancement of the enterprises of those already in business on one hand and setting up others with small scale enterprises. One other area that engages our attention as a matter of priority is medical support. We are aware that many people patronise unorthodox places when they could not afford medical bills from the hospitals. We responded to some requests within our ability and available resources by expending millions during the current year to offset hospital bills for medications, treatments and surgical operations. It is very unfortunate that we were unable to solve some other cases begging for consideration due to financial constrain and the nature of the ailments which required foreign treatments. We avail ourselves of this opportunity to call on well meaning Muslims all over the world, donor agencies to partner with the Foundation in this regard so that we can put CONTINUED ON PAGE 31
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Friday, July 27, 2012
Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Ramadan 8, 1433AH
Call to Worship
29
Muslims have fair share in Yakowa’s tenure –Maraya Sheikh Haliru Maraya is an Islamic Scholar and the Special Adviser on Islamic Matters to Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa of Kaduna State. In this interview with journalists in Kaduna, Maraya speaks on the unrest in the north and the relationship between Muslims and Christians under the first Christian governor in Kaduna. AZA MSUE attended the session.
Whenever there is conflict between Muslims and Christians in the country, Jihad features prominently. What really is Jihad? Jihad is an Arabic word which literally means effort, to strive and technically it means to fight a war and there are conditions for that. Nigeria belongs to the Muslims and the non-Muslims, the Christians and even the traditionalists. Jihad is of various types. Searching for knowledge is a form of Jihad, the display of excellent human qualities is also Jihad, anything you know you can do to promote service to humanity is considered a Jihad. Telling the truth is Jihad. If you find any Muslim saying he wants to wage Jihad against non-Muslims, it clearly signifies that such a person does not understand the true teachings of Islam. How do you assess the Yakowa administration in the last one year? Before I discuss the achievements of governor Yakowa, I would like to give us a preamble on what transpired before the election. As you are aware, prior to the gubernatorial election in Kaduna, many Muslims thought that Yakowa was going to be a governor for the Christians only. But if you look at it Islamically, there is no portion of the Holy Quran that says that power belongs to the Muslims only, Jews only or Christians only. What Allah says is that power belongs to Him and that He gives it to whoever He wishes. This is a clear indication that it is not a transgression of Islam for Muslims to cast their votes for somebody who is a non-Muslim. We thank God that many Muslims in the state later understood the true teachings of Islam and cast their votes in favour of Yakowa. But to their greatest shock, he has proved to be a just governor. He started with the issue of appointment of commissioners. Many people had thought that he was going to give the so-called juicy ministries to his Christian brethren but he made the appointments based on merit. He gave the so-called juicy ministries to Muslims, based on their qualifications. That was the first thing he did to allay the fears of Muslims. He gave the ministry of Works and Housing to a Muslim. He equally gave the Ministries of Local Governments, Science and Technology, Education, Lands and Survey as well as the Ministry of Information were all given to Muslims on merit. These are ministries that are regarded as juicy ministries. He also introduced something unprecedented in Kaduna state. Yakowa selected 50 Islamic scholars from each of the 23 local governments we have in the state and directed that each of them should be given N5, 000 every month. He selected 25 each from the Derika and Izala sects to show a high degree of justice. It is an unprecedented gesture. He went further to say that some Muslim organizations in the state should also be supported. He said that each organization should be given N150, 000 each every month to support them to teach the true injunctions of Islam. Also, after he was sworn in, the issue of Hajj came up and Kaduna state intending pilgrims then were asked to pay additional N51, 000 each, after the Hajj fare was announced. He said that the intending pilgrims should not pay the extra amount and government paid for all. So, he directed the Ministry of Finance to subsidise the Hajj rate for them to the tune of N46, 000 per pilgrim and last year we had 7,744 pilgrims. Yakowa also introduced free feeding during the fast of the month of Ramadan in all the 23 local government areas. That enables many needy and poor
Maraye
IF TODAY’S MUSLIMS CAN EMULATE THE WAY PROPHET MOHAMMED LIVED WITH NON-MUSLIMS, WE WILL NOT EXPERIENCE ANY FORM OF STRIFE BETWEEN
MUSLIMS AND
CHRISTIANS
Muslims enjoy the fast of Ramadan. Then, when you come to the Ja’amatu Nasril Islam (JNI) which was founded by the late Sarduana of Sokoto in the 60s, prior to the election in 2011, its headquarters here in Kaduna was gutted by fire, Yakowa sent a contribution of N10 million to JNI. The Islamic Trust of Nigeria in Zaria was constructing a mosque and Yakowa also made a contribution of N10 million. You know that no society can achieve anything meaningful if there is no peace and that is why when he assumed the mantle of leadership, the governor constituted the inter-religious harmony group comprising Muslim and Christian leaders in the state and they meet quarterly to discuss issues so that they can continue to live in harmony. Yakowa is the Chairman of that committee. Then there is this place called Hayin Danmani which is predominantly a Muslim community. In fact, 99 per cent of people living there are Muslims. For many years, the people have been looking for somebody to assist them with a bridge in the area. During the rainy season it was always difficult for them. But the Governor recently commissioned two bridges for them and also a new road. Yakowa considers everybody as brothers and sisters and as you know we are all from one family and that is the family of Adam and Eve. Some people accuse him of being a stooge of the predominantly Muslim northern part of the state, is it true? No. On the 28th of May, we went to the southern part of the state with His Excellency where he inspected a number of projects in that area. Whatever the Governor has done here in zone two or zone one, he has equally done that in zone three. And, the Muslims and the non-Muslims are not in any way competing in Kaduna state. What we are after is for our governor to be just and he is just because he has also assisted the Christians by his display of justice. In future, if a Christian comes out to vie for the governorship of Kaduna state, no one will say that he should not be voted for because he may not be a just governor. It is already on record and people will recollect that there was a time that a Christian was governor and that he was fair and just to all. Killings have persisted in southern Kaduna and there is
allegation that it is done by the Fulani Muslims in that area? That is why recently, the Governor established the peace and reconciliation committee because in the past, we really offended ourselves. Some Muslims killed non-Muslims and Christians killed non-Christians. Churches and Mosques were burnt in some places and other properties worth several millions of naira were destroyed. In summary, we all offended one another in the past. But if we want our Creator to forgive our transgressions against one another, we have to also forgive one another and reconcile and ensure that we live peacefully. But we are moving forward because the people of southern Kaduna who are predominantly Christians understand the situation at hand and that is why the attacks have subsided tremendously. If you go to southern Kaduna today, you will see a large number of the Fulani and they live with the people. Some people engineer these killings to incite communities against others and God willing, they will not succeed. The Kaduna state government is doing a lot concerning the matter and by the grace of Allah, it will soon be a thing of the past. It is ignorance that causes crises. A Muslim who knows his religion will never kill a non-Muslim. A Muslim, who knows the injunctions of his religion, concerning peaceful co-existence between Muslims and non-Muslims as it was exhibited during the lifetime of Prophet Mohammed, will never set any church ablaze. In the same vein, a Christian who knows his religion very well will never kill a Muslim; destroy any mosque or any property belonging to a non-Christian. When Prophet Mohammed migrated from the city of Mecca to Medina, there were Christian communities there and he lived peacefully with them. There was a time he even received a Christian delegation from Nagaran, in modern day Saudi Arabia. They visited the Prophet in the city of Medina and do you know where he received them? He received them in the mosque and when it was time for them to pray, they wanted to go outside the mosque but he asked them to worship inside the mosque which they did. If today’s Muslims can emulate the way Prophet Mohammed lived with non-Muslims, we will not experience any form of strife between Muslims and Christians. My advice is that whether you are a Christian or a Muslim, try as much as you can to practise the religion of your choice according to the tenets of that religion. Perhaps some of our religious leaders are not doing the right thing? Yes, it is because of that the governor introduced the N5, 000 stipends every month for 50 Islamic scholars from each of the 23 local government areas of the state, so that they get motivated to teach and preach true Islam. During the time of Prophet Mohammed and his successors, Abubakar, Umar, Usman and Ali, there was never a time a church was set ablaze and there was never a time a Christian was killed for the simple reason that he practiced Christianity. So, Islam is a religion of peace. That was why Prophet Mohammed co-habited peacefully in Medina with the Jews and that was why when Caliph Umar visited the Church of Jerusalem and when it was time for him to establish the Zuhr prayer (early afternoon prayer), he decided to go outside the church, the Bishop asked him to perform his prayer in the church. When they approached the staircase, the Bishop asked him to establish his prayer there but Caliph Umar refused and explained that he did not want his followers to say that the church belongs to them because he (Umar) established his prayer in the church. So, you see how the relationship between Muslims and Christians was then. It was a very cordial relationship. Prior to migration of the Prophet to the city of medina, during the fifth year of his prophethood, the early Muslims were persecuted by the idolaters, the Prophet instructed his followers to migrate to the city of Abyssinia, in the present day Ethiopia and he told them that in Abyssinia, they will be allowed to practice their religion without molestation and the ruler of Ethiopia that time was a Christian and the Prophet referred to him as a just Christian ruler. If we CONTINUED ON PAGE 31
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Call to Worship
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YOU WHO BELIEVE! Fasting is prescribed for you just as it was prescribed for those before you. So that you will learn self-restraint from evil (Q2:183) Allah (SWT) is here calling on the believers to uphold one of the pillars of Islam. He states categorically that it is obligatory on them as it was on those who came before them. Fasting has existed more or less among all nations but the idea ascribed to it was more of penitence than abstinence. Among the Hinduist, this is what Professor Mahadevan of Madras has said about the form and manner of their fasting: “A different group of festivals are the purificatory fasts. The followers of each cult have their own special days in the year, which they spend exclusively in prayer and worship. Many people on the occasions fast and keep vigil during the night, read from the sacred texts and keep their minds engaged in thought on God… These are the days, again, on which the women fast and offer prayer to the Devi in her various manifestations like Gauri and Lakshmi. These fasts are significantly named Vratas or vows. They are intended for the purification of the soul and providing it with spiritual food.” (Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi, The Four Pillars of Islam, p.174)
Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Ramadan 8, 1433AH Friday, July 27, 2012
Ramadan exegesis THEY ARE INTENDED FOR THE PURIFICATION OF THE SOUL AND PROVIDING IT WITH SPIRITUAL FOOD The Jewish fasting was observed in biblical times as an omen of mourning or when there was a danger looming. There were also occasional fasts for the whole community when they sensed Divine displeasure or if a calamity has befallen the land. Based on Jewish encyclopaedia, the following is quoted: “The Jewish calendar contains comparatively few regular fast days. Besides the Day of Atonement, which is the only fast day prescribed by the Mosaic Law, they were established after the captivity four regular fast-days in commemoration of the various sad days that had befallen the nation during that period. There is the fast of the fourth month (May), of the fifth month (June), of the sixth month (July) and the
Guard your Salat jealously
S
alat is the most fundamental obligations in Islam. Salat is the prescribed daily prayer that consists of repeating and refreshing the beliefs in which we repose our faith five times a day. The various postures that we assume during our prayers are the very embodiment of the spirit of submission; the various recitals remind us of our commitment to Allah. We seek His guidance and ask Him again and again to enable us to avoid His Wrath and follow His Chosen path. We read out from the holy Qu’ran and express witness to the truth of the Prophets. We also refresh our belief in the Day of Judgment and enliven our memory by remembering the fact that we have to appear before our Creator and give an account of our entire life. Salat is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is compulsory for all muslims, save few exceptions, to observe Salat at the appropriate time as stated in the glorious Qu’ran. This is what differentiates a believer from a non-believer. The meaning of Salat is basically turning to Allah for repentance, offering services to Him with devotion while the process of prayer is described here through bowing (Ruku) and prostration (Sajdah). The most important benefit of our prayers is the direct communication with Allah. When we complain to Allah directly on any matter He listens and takes note to decide on a matter. In Islam, we do not need any ‘mediator’ like a priest or rabbi or even an imam to communicate directly with the Lord of the universe. This is one of the unique things about Islamic prayer. Although, the earlier number of prayers per day were fifty before it was reduced to five. Meanwhile, the expected five times daily prayers are Fajr or morning prayer i.e the early morning prayer before sun rise, Zuhr or noon prayer i.e mid-afternoon prayer, Asr or late noon prayer i.e prayer before sunset, Maghrib or evening prayer i.e the prayer that follows the sunset and Isha or night prayer i.e late evening prayer.
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However, the rakahs per each prayer is 17 in all; 2 for Zuhr, 4 for Asr, 4 for Zuhr, 3 for Maghrib and 4 for Ishai. Almighty Allah states in the holy Qu’ran that whosoever fails to observe these five obligatory prayers while on earth would be rewarded with hell fire. This could be found in Chapter 74, verses 43 – 44; it reads “What has brought you into the fire of hell? They will say, “We were not of those that offered prayers”. The holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW) said in the Hadith called Tirmisiyy Tobaraaniyy that on the day of judgement, accountability based on the observance of Solat will take precedence over and above any other things and that whosoever fails in this regard will have difficulty in securing a place in the paradise. Fasting without observing five times daily prayers in good time is not the best. In conclusion, we should be grateful to Allah for making us Muslims because no one can come to the fold of Islam or remain in Islam without Allah’s will. Sheik Abdul Gannyy Umar Arikunkewu is the Founder/National Chief Missioner of Jubulatu Rohfatu Llahi Islamic Society of Nigeria (JUBFAT)
tenth month (Tebet). According to some Rabbis of the Talmud, these fasts were obligatory only when the nation was under oppression, but not when there was peace for Israel. In addition to these, there are other fasts, which are observed in memory of certain disasters that befell Israel. These are not regarded as obligatory and have found little acceptance among the people. Their number, with a few changes, is twenty-five. Beside the fixed-days, there are some other fasts, which may be described, as local or regional. These fasts, too, are related to one unfortunate occurrence or another in the history of the Jews. Many fasts are divided among different classes, with each class observing the fast in memory of a certain calamity, or of a particular occasion of joy or sorrow. It is customary among many Jewish communities to fast
on the eve of New Year’s Day. The Synagogue is empowered to impose fasting in case of a misfortune befalling the people, such as pestilence, famine, or an evil decree enforced by the ruler of the day. Private fasts have also been frequent among the Jews during the earlier time. One may take upon oneself to fast on certain days, either in memory of certain events in his own life, or in expiation of his sins, or in time of trouble to arouse God’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 32 Dr. Zafaran is the Director, Vanguards Academy
‘We need a spirit of love’ CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK
MASROOR AHMAD
I
f any message resonates from our mosques it will only be that of Allah is Great and that we bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Him and Muhammad (PBUH) is the Messenger of Allah. A factor playing a major role in destroying the peace of the world is that some people perceive that as they are intelligent, well-educated and liberated, they are free to ridicule and mock founders of religions. To maintain peace in society it is necessary for one to eliminate all sentiments of hostility from one’s heart and to increase one’s levels of tolerance. There is a need to stand in defence of the respect and reverence of each other’s Prophet. The world is passing through restlessness and unease and this requires that by creating an atmosphere of love and affection, we remove this anxiety and fear, that we convey a message of love and peace to those around; that we learn to live with ever greater harmony and in a way better than before; and that we recognise the values of humanity. Today, small-scale wars are erupting in the world, while in other places, the superpowers are claiming to try and bring about peace. It is no longer a secret that on the surface we are told one thing, but behind the scenes their real priorities and policies are secretly being fulfilled. Can peace in the world be established in such circumstances is the question. It is with regret that if we now observe the current circumstances of the world closely, we find that the foundation for another world war has already been laid. If after the Second World War a path of equity leading to justice was followed, we would not witness the current state of the world, whereby it has again become engulfed in the flames of war. As a consequence of so many countries having nuclear weapons, grudges and enmities are increasing and the world sits on the precipice of destruction. If these weapons of mass destruction explode, many future generations will never forgive us for having inflicted permanent disabilities upon them. There is still time for the world to
REFLECTIONS with
Masroor
Ahmad pay attention to the rights of the Creator and of His Creatures. I believe that now, rather than focusing on the progress of the world, it is more important, indeed it is essential, that we urgently increase our efforts to save the world from this destruction. There is an urgent need for mankind to recognise its Creator as this is the only guarantor for the survival of humanity; otherwise, the world is rapidly moving towards self-destruction. If today man really wants to be successful in establishing peace, then instead of finding fault with others, he should try to control the Satan within. By removing his own evils, a person should present a wonderful example of justice. I frequently remind the world that these excessive enmities towards others are completely usurping human values and so are leading the world towards obliteration. As you have an influential voice in the world, I urge you to also inform the wider world that by placing obstacles in the way of the natural balance established by God, they are moving rapidly towards annihilation. This message needs to be conveyed further and wider than ever before and with much greater prominence. All the religions of the world are in need of religious harmony and all the people of the world need a spirit of love, affection and brotherhood to be created. It is my prayer that we all understand our responsibilities and play our role in establishing peace and love, and for the recognition of our Creator in the world. We ourselves have prayer, and we constantly beseech Allah that may this destruction of the world be avoided. I pray that we are saved from the destruction that awaits us. Yours sincerely, Mirza Masroor Ahmad Khalifatul Masih V Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
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Friday, July 27, 2012
Call to Worship
Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Ramadan 8, 1433AH
31
My Friday
Islam Worldwide
Egypt launches TV station staffed only by veiled women
Hajia Muteeah Olagunju Hajia Muteeah Olagunju is the former Amirah, Al-Muminaat, Lagos Chapter. In the glorious month of Ramadan, ma sha Allah, I usually start my day by 3:15am with Qiyamulayl, striving to achieve one Juz of the glorious Qur’an, prepare food for Sahur, eat together as a family and then watch some educative Ramadan programmes if time permits. I also endeavour to observe Subhi in jamaah. Thereafter, I recite AlMathuraat (Adhkar) and take a nap. I will later observe some rakaah of Solatu Duha (this could be in the office at times). I go about my work in the office with utmost care and the mind of doing Ibadah too. After Asri, I start cooking for Iftar (breaking of fast) and concurrently resume Tilawa or reading of the glorious Quran and do evening Adhkar till Maghrib. I attend Ishai and Tarawih in jamaah and at times, I listen to evening lecture of the mosque in my neighborhood and listen to news. I pray Solaat Taobah and go to bed. The 1st weekend of Ramadan, I went on Ziyaraatu Solihin (this is the visitation to Scholars who are pious). I also visited a sister in the hospital. I pray Allah makes it easy for me and my Muslim brethren to achieve Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, blessings and above all, His Ridwan (Al jannah Firdaous), Amin.
Staff of Maria TV at work
A
new satellite news channel, Maria TV that features only women wearing full Islamic attire has been launched in Egypt. Men are banned from the show, even on phone-ins, and all staff, including those behind the camera, also wear veils. Wearing veils and dressed in black from head to toe, these women are symbols of Egypt’s Cultural Revolution following the Arab Spring. The channel’s first broadcast on Friday is one sign of the social change sweeping the country after last year’s uprising, which has resulted in a swing towards more hard-line Islamic values. Previously, even though Egypt was already a conservative and predominantly Muslim society, women covering their face with a niqab veil complained of being routinely discriminated against for jobs, especially on TV, as well as in education. Female preacher El-Sheikha Safaa Refai, who heads Maria TV, claimed that the channel’s existence showed how far the country had come since the uprising that ousted President Hosni Mubarak. On the subject of wearing a niqab to read the news, she added: ‘I was told that it won’t work because of the body language. Well, the tone of my voice can convey my emotions and reactions.’ She said that she hoped that by appearing on TV in full Islamic dress, she could show people ‘that there are successful women wearing iqab’. It is named after a Coptic Christian woman, who was married to the Prophet Mohammad, Abeer Shahin graduated from the prestigious American University in Cairo but struggled to find a job because of employers’ aversion to her full Islamic face veil, or niqab. But now she has found a job she hopes
will change how Egyptian society views niqab wearers once and for all: she is going to work as a TV anchor for a new channel being managed and run exclusively by women who wear the full veil. ‘It’s unfair to deal with veiled women as a standard religious housewife. No, she can be a doctor, a professor and an engineer,’ said Shahin, wearing a loose black robe and a black head scarf that reveals only her eyes. ‘I was told that it (TV anchor woman wearing niqab) won’t work because of the body language. Well, the tone of my voice can convey my emotions and reactions.’ In an age of new freedoms in the postHosni Mubarak Egypt, niqab-wearing women long oppressed socially and politically are hoping for a new place in society. Though Egypt is a deeply conservative and predominantly Muslim society, niqab wearers have cited discrimination in the job market, education and elsewhere. There have been instances where some were even prevented from sitting their university exams. Shahin hopes the channel will let people know ‘that there are successful women wearing niqab’. Three veiled women sat in a salon earlier this week waiting to submit their job applications, while others were receiving television training ahead of the launch. Islamists have moved to the heart of political life and government since Mubarak was removed from power last year, though the founders of Maria TV said that had nothing to do with their own channel, which had been planned as far back as 2008. ‘I am sure it will be attacked …They will say: ‘Why didn’t they start a radio station instead?” said Shahin. ‘This amounts to the exclusion of a sector in society that shouldn’t be excluded.’
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Thank God It’s Friday
‘Govt should be involved in Zakat collection’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28
smiles on the faces of those afflicted with one ailment or the other. Humanitarian/ Welfare Support is an area of broad activities under the Foundation. The whole idea is about bringing succour to Muslims and mankind generally in special areas like emergency relief, prisons, welfare homes, orphanages and widow amongst others. What are the consequences of not paying Zakat? Gone are the days when Zakat, as a pillar of Islam, happened to enjoy an unparallel patronage from the Muslims during the golden age of Islam. Today, it is the most neglected pillar of Islam. The consequences of this negligence are the multifaceted socio-economic and spiritual maladies besetting the Muslims all over
the world. Thereby, making them to settle for the second best position while they play the second fiddle instead of occupying their rightful place in the comity of nations as decreed by Allah thus: “You are the best of people ever raised for mankind…”Q3 Vs 110. Zakat payment will benefit Muslims and humanity in general, bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, re-awaken the spirit of social responsibility among Muslims and ensure even distribution of wealth for the empowerment of downtrodden ones. As an institution divinely ordained by Allah, Zakat is meant only for the poor, the needy and those employed to collect the funds, and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined towards Islam, and to free the captives, and for those in debt, and for Allah’s cause, and for the wayfarer and a duty imposed by Allah.
Muslims have fair share in Yakowa’s tenure –Maraya CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 agree that the Prophet should be emulated in whatever we do as Muslims, it means that we have to accept the fact we have to live peacefully with the non-Muslims and we should allow them to practise their religion without intimidation, consider their places of worship as sacred and consider the sanctity of their lives. In the same vein, Christianity is not meant
to kill and maim fellow human beings. If Christians and Muslims follow the tenets of the two religions, definitely, we shall all live peacefully together. This governor that God has given us has indicated that he loves peace and the only thing we can do is to support and pray for him to continue to succeed because if he succeeds, it is our collective success and it will be for the good of all and the future generations.
32
Call to Worship
Day 8
Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Ramadan 8, 1433AH Friday, July 27, 2012 In the view of teaching and observing all tenets of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar(Ramadan), As-Salatu Sahadatu Daraeni Organization of Nigeria and Atim-L-Islam, Egbeda Zawiya, led by Fodilat Sheik, Imam Yusuf Abolore-Adeyemi, held its annual ramadan lecture on Sunday, July, 22 in Egbeda area of Lagos. The lecture, which was titled: “Responsibilities of Muslims in the month of Ramadan” was well-delivered by the Chief Tafsir, Shasah Central Mosque, Fodilat Sheikh Moshood Titilope.
L-R: Khalifat Shakirudeen Akorede; Chief Imam, Ike-Oluwa Fanimokun Central Mosque, Fodilat Sheik Imam Yusuf Abolore-Adeyemi and Guest Speaker and Chief Tafsir, Shasha Central Mosque, Fodilat Sheik, Moshood Titilope at the Ramadan lecture.
L-R: Alh. Abdulganiy Abdulsalam; Alh. Taofeek Sasore and Alh. Shittu Sanni
L-R: Alh. Nojimudeen Alalade; Alh. Sheu Ali and Alh. Minkail Daramola.
L-R: Muk. Luqman Suhab; Muk. Luqman Adegoke; Muk. Usman Ali and Muk. Qozeem Tijaniy
Women wing, As-salatu Sahadatu Daraeni Organization, Atim-l-Islam, Egbeda Branch.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Promote Peace, Love; Pray For Gawat’s Safe Return –Lawmakers, Council Boss Advise Muslims
M
uslims in the country particularly in Lagos State have been advised to use the spiritual opportunity of the ongoing Ramadhan not only to pray for peace, love and tranquillity to reign in the country but also for the safe return of missing popular Islamic television presenter, Alhaji Razak Aremu Gawat who has not been found since being declared missing about two weeks before the commencement of the fasting period. A member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Hakeem Abiodun Muniru; Honourable Wahab AlawiyeKing of the Lagos State House of Assembly; and Chairman of Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Honourable Taofeek Adeyemi Alli, speaking at different forums in Lagos stated that the fasting period is a rare opportunity for Muslims to move closer to their Creator hence the need to pray for peace and love to reign in the country. “The Ramadhan period is always a moment for sober reflection and at this point in time, the fasting period has come at the appropriate time for us as Nigerians to move to closer to God. I
want to call on fellow Muslims to seize this opportunity to pray for peace in the country, preach and share love among the various ethnic groups and adherents of other faiths in the country as well as eschewing violence,” the lawmaker, who represents Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency 2 in the House of Representatives, said. Speaking on the missing Gawat, Muniru described his disappearance as mysterious praying to God to return him safely. “It is mysterious but we will continue to pray to Allah to return him safely to us and again the ongoing Ramadhan is also another opportunity for us to be united in prayers for him and pray for his safe return,” he said. Alawiye-King described Ramadhan as a period for Muslims to increase in their spiritual activities hence the need for concerted prayers for the unity of the country and peaceful co-existence in the country. “This is a crucial point in our political history and we should always make use of every opportunity to work for the unity of the country and with the advent of the Ramadhan we couldn’t have asked for a more auspicious time to move closer to God,” the lawmaker said.
Ramadan exegesis CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30 mercy. The Rabbis, however, did not encourage such abstinence. They positively forbade it in the case of a Scholar who would be disturbed in his study, or of a Teacher who will thereby be prevented from doing his work properly. Fasting was also done in consequence of seeing an evil dream. While in general no holidays, the Talmud allows it to be undertaken on these days provided that it is complemented later by another fast. The Jewish fasts begin at sunrise and end with the appearance of the first stars of the evening, except those of the Day of Atonement and the ninth of Ab which last from eve to eve. There are no special rituals for the ordinary fast-days. (Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi, The Four Pillars of Islam, p.176) On fasting in Christianity, it is documented in the Encylopaedia of Religion and Ethics that: “Although he (Christ) himself fasted for 40 days before the beginning of his ministry, and probably as a devout Jew, kept the one day fast that was obligatory at the time - the Day of Atonement- he left no regulations for fasting. He gave the principles and left his Church to make rules for carrying them out. No rules on the subject could claim to come directly from the Master himself…the Jewish Christians doubtlessly, continued to keep the Day of Atonement, and St. Luke mentions it as an epoch but the Gentiles were almost certainly not pressed to observe it. When we review the century and a half that followed the death of St. Paul we are at once struck by the want of regulations as to fasting. There was a general sense of the duty of fasting and frequent warnings against making it an external act.
Irenaeus says that there was great variety in its observance, some fast for one day, others for two or for several days, and that this variety was of long-standing. It was a common custom in the second century, at least in some countries, to fast on Wednesdays and Fridays. The candidate, the Baptizer and others observed pre-baptismal fast. From the 3rd century onwards, manuals of instruction and worship, now conveniently called ‘church orders’ became common, basing their injunctions in most cases on supposed apostolic authority. Fasting, accordingly, was more regulated and the orthodox became stricter than the montanists. Sick people who cannot fast on both days were allowed to fast on Saturday. There was also diversity as to the time of ending the fast. In Rome, they ended it at cockcrow, elsewhere at nightfall. A forty-day fast is not found till the 4th century and it made its way gradually. At Rome, three successive weeks before Easter were kept except Saturdays and Sundays. In Illyria, Greece and Alexandria they fasted six weeks. The mode of fasting also varied; some abstained from things that had life; some ate fish only, others fish and fowl; some did not eat eggs and fruits, some ate dry bread only, some not even this. Since the Reformation, the Church of England while fixing the fasting days, has made no rule how they are to be observed, leaving it to the individual conscience, but Acts of parliament of Edward VI and James I and proclamation of Elizabeth vigorously enforced fasting, ordered abstinence from fresh –meat on fast days and gave the curious reason for the injunction that fish and shipping trade might be benefited. (Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi, The Four Pillars of Islam, p.177-178)
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Mirror Mongers
Friday, July 27, 2012
‘Police salary’ and the new song I
t is not surprising that the Nigeria Police Force will not stop feeding story mills with what it needs. While many people believe this is the best time to become a policeman in Nigeria, because of the spirited efforts of the Inspector General of Police, M.D Abubakar, some are also touting that it is not yet uhuru. Mirror Mongers scooped that this is as a result of the way things are going in the Force, as regards the welfare of officers. Although the IG has announced the total ban on road blocks in Nigeria, the buzz is that something is happening that may force men of the Force to return with road blocks. While the police high command is believed to have the salaries of their rank and file ready by the 15th of every month, the salaries do not get to some of the officers until the last week of the new month. Sources say some of the officers affected have been making inquiries to know why this is happening but all they hear is that police payment schedule has been moved to Skye Bank. Although no date has been penciled for rectifying this, Mirror Mongers gathered that the policemen involved see it as a way of luring them back to what they have forgotten-road blocks.
33
D’Banj’s new security details
T Oshiomhole dancing with ‘Aki and Paw paw’.
After the adrenaline, come the dance steps
I
t was a heated pre- election campaign; the one Adams Oshiomhole had never seen in his life. He had complained of plans to rig, plans to kill him, plans to undo his supporters. But after the ‘storm’ that characterised the governorship elections in Edo State, calm seems to be returning to Adams Oshiomhole again. The proof happened last week when the supporters of the victorious governor gathered at the Kings Square in Benin to celebrate the re-election. As expected, the governor was a
more relaxed shade of himself, clad in jeans and fez cap. Mirror Mongers gathered that he was so relaxed that he was on the dance floor with Nollywood actors, Osita Iheme and Chinedu Ikedieze ‘digging it out’ with hilarious dance steps as shown in this photo. But unlike what Adams Oshiomhole said about ‘carrying his opponents in the election along’, Mirror Mongers learnt that they were not there. What is however not clear is whether they were actually invited?
here are indeed many ways to announce being part of G.O.O.D Music family. It is in the gait and of course, in one’s security details. You will understand what this means when you run into the Kokomaster, Dapo Oyebanjo aka D’Banj. At the Davido album launch which held at Eko Hotel and Suites last Sunday, he was spotted almost shielding his identity as a bevy of girls kept milling around him. His gait was a proof that he did not want anyone to come around but not as much as the two policemen, who were shielding him from being approached. Yes, the policemen were armed and their duty post brings to the fore the announcement that policemen would no longer be guarding private individuals. Like someone commented there, ‘D’Banj is living the G.O.O.D dream’.
Inuwa Abdulkadir and Nigerian youths
S
ome ministers have a way of etching their activities on the minds of the people they are serving. One of such ministers is Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir, the Minister of Youth Development. There seemed to be no buzz in the media about him until he admonished ‘youth corpers’ not to reject postings to volatile spots of the country, in view of the fact that, ‘they could
even be drafted to go and fight a war’. That was largely criticised by Nigerian youths, who saw it as a way of exposing them to danger. But while that is raging, another issue concerning the minister has risen its ugly head. Mirror Mongers scooped that he has a penchant for not responding to proposals that have to do with youth empowerment. A group of Nigerian youths who
ONE-SECOND Q&A
have been penciled down to be part of the World Hip Hop Dance Competition holding in October in Las Vegas, United States, has been writing letters and proposals to the minister for attention, but he is yet to reply. So frustrated have they become that they are wondering why the United States Congress would show concern for their plight unlike the minister in charge of their affairs.
D’Banj
PROF. ITSE SAGAY
The bribery allegation against Hon. Farouk Lawan by Femi Otedola may remain one of the worst scandals to hit the House of Representatives in 2012. Legal icon, Prof. Itse Sagay reacts to the issue against the backdrop of the government’s stand on corruption: What occurred to you when you heard about the allegation of $620,000 bribery against Farouk Lawan?
T
Sagay
o start with, I don’t think the president comes into this directly. However, I was definitely shocked by the involvement of Lawan Farouk because we have always regarded him as an epitome of integrity, a transparent leader, somebody you could rely on, an upright man with tenacity to pursue the truth. In fact, we wrote him off in matters relating to corruption and discipline. That is the way we saw him. So, his involvement is very discouraging. In fact, it is heart-breaking because it confirms the title of a lecture given by Prof. Niyi Osundare at a seminar on Monday which he entitled: Why we no longer blush -Corruption as the grand commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So, corruption is now the grand commander of our Federal Republic. If a man like Farouk could be corrupt, then, who in the National Assembly is not corrupt, then, who in the public service is not corrupt. So, we have been completely overwhelmed by corruption and it is killing this country.
34
’Denrele’s Day Adenrele Niyi Denrele’s Day is a collection of witty & sincere articles inspired by a zany imagination
denrele@nationalmirroronline.net
O
08059100422 (SMS only)
Friday, July 27, 2012
Pleasurable South Africa
...And the anticlimatic O.B.O concert
ver the last weekend, I missed out on a couple of occasions in Nigeria while I went on a workrelated trip to South Africa. One of such events was the hyped album release concert for fast-rising contemporary music act, Davido aka Omo Baba Olo’wo (aka ‘the rich man’s son’). The dimple-cheeked debutante’s concert was certainly the biggest must-attend do of last week and, although I’m not traditionally disposed to all-night gigs (I loathe the bleary-eyed, lethargic hangover feeling from lack of adequate sleep), my interest was aroused to observe the upstart in music flight. By this, I mean to see Davido in live performance, experience the authenticity or (lack of it) of his vocal ability, assess his stage presence, discern the depth of his music knowledge and the likelihood of this young star developing into a music legend in the future. These were my core motivations for yearning to forfeit sleep for the O.B.O concert; however providence had other alluring plans for me in Jo’burg and Durban, so off I went last Wednesday on another travel adventure. However, before I left, our Universitylevel interns attached to the Arts/Lifestyle desk, two bubbly, keen-to-learn and gorgeous young ladies went at me with all the arsenal at their disposal. They were desperate -like star-struck teenagers to see Davido in concert; certainly not for my kind of motivation. Yet, I was amused by their exuberance -comes with the age- and slightly indulgent of it. We came to an agreement; they could have a blast, but also keep their eyes peeled for great story ideas and a comprehensive analysis of the concert. It couldn’t do any harm to have loads of fun while getting the job done, abi? The downside? My interns unfortunately couldn’t make the concert because someone within the system at Flytime Entertainment, organisers of the concert, conveniently ‘forgot’ to send our invitation, inspite of notifying the person in charge I would be represented while out of the country (and inspite of featuring the proposed concert on our Friday Flavour cover). So there we are,
SIX NIGHTS AND SEVEN DAYS, I SAVOURED THE LUXURIOUSLY HOSPITABLE WARMTH OF TWO
S.A. CITIES
no Davido concert attendance, no critical analysis and two deflated young ladies whose enthusiasm and fresh outlook I had banked on for an upbeat report. That’s how sloopy organisation gets in Nigeria many times, and that’s why South Africa, which only came out of many years of struggle against the repressive apartheid system in 1990, is the next frontier for tourism and cultural experience in Africa. Six nights and seven days, I savoured the luxuriously hospitable warmth of two S.A. cities (Johannesburg and Durban) than ever experienced on previous trips. From a very heady massage, to breathtaking Harley Davidson rides into Soweto (former dwelling place of Mandela), chauffeur-driven in classic cars to the 2012 Inanda Africa Polo tournament (where Nigeria competed), Limousine rides to enjoy our VIP access to up-scale night clubs in Sandton (where we got acquainted with a Nigerian bouncer), surfing lessons, boat cruise and fine dinning... Phew! Our host pulled out all the stops to make an impression and impressed I was. What a dangerously addictive mix of the dazzling, overwhelming, exhilarating and...nostalgic. Now, don’t get it twisted. S.A. is not without its own demons as like any modern metropolis around the world. A runin with the local police and almost being robbed in downtown Durban jolted me into reality of this truth. But, I think I still managed to retain that infatuation with the two cities. Why don’t you join me in next edition of Escape to read the ‘tales of those two cities’ and other stories out of my trip. I look forward to writing for you. Love and peace for the weekend.
Walter, my massage therapist by the table where I had just received my hour-long ‘ministration’ in Jo’burg
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
CLAPPERBOARD with
Eddie Ugbomah www.edifosafilm.com
‘Old school’ is relevant I E ntertainment is something that lasts long once it’s good. When an artiste releases a film, music or stage play, fans easily eat it up, keep remembering it or forget it quickly. The world of showbiz is so wicked -like death- that once it is not new, it is forgotten like a bad dream. I am referring to musicians like Eddie Okonta, Zeal Oniyia, Roy Chicago, Bobby Benson, Tunde Nightingale, Eric Akaeze, I.K Dairo, Orlando Owoh, Agu Norris, and those who are alive but are forgotten by Nigerians. Others like Dele Ojo, Dr. Olaiya, Fatai Rolling Dollar, Dele Abiodun, Segun Adewale, Orlando Julius, Lady Balogun, and the late Steven Osadebe, Oliver de Coque, Baby Face Paul, Igo Chico, E.C Arinze, the Isi Brothers, Njemanze Nwaoba etc. They have all been forgotten by an unappreciative society. Once a star reigns, you will be surprised that in just few years, people will be asking who he or she is? Like Alex O, Junior & Pretty, Eddie Remedy and Shina Peters, who is struggling to come back. My friend Sunny Ade, Victor Uwaifo and Ebenezer Obey are great musicians that we must not forget, but who will keep them in our memory? As usual, I will always ‘bell the cat ‘and spend my hard-earned cash to keep history. I remember in 2002 when I wanted to establish the Movie Maker Hall of Fame, nobody was willing to support me but I still commissioned and mounted 172 portraits of motion picture practitioners. Today, we can proudly say we have the only motion picture practitioners Gallery and the musical gallery (with black and white and colour|) has cost over N6m. We blame our kids for singing rubbish or imitating American Hip-Hop music or the protesting noise called ‘Rap’; an American music by drug-frustrated, drop-out Americans. In the forties to sixties , we grew up with Highlife music performed by Eddie Okonta, Jim Rex Lawson, Olayia, Roy Chicago and others. But our kids are growing up with foreign influences which we are shown to them on television and foreign films smuggled or stolen into the airwaves by our TV stations that ought not to be allowed on air. There are so many ways we can be proud of our country. We blame everything on government, but who is the government and who voted them in? We must all be responsible and do things that will make this country great. Everywhere you go in the civilised world, people are proud of their industry; they keep all history of both good and bad for posterity; but not in Black Africa. We have great patriots this coun-
AM CALLING
ON ALL ELDERLY
NIGERIANS TO
OCCASIONALLY SIT THEIR KIDS DOWN AND TELL THEM FACTS OF LIFE FROM THEIR OWN EXPERIENCE try, but there is no place for our kids to learn about them. We had Aminu Kano, Mbonu Ojike, Tafawa Balewa, Nnamdi Azikwe, Obafemi Awolowo, etc. If only there were centres established to learn about them, not the rubbish we have as museums. But in my small way, I have been pleading for support to set up the true halls of fames for both motion picture artistes and musicians. Whenever our kids remix old music, they are big hits and like the films we shot several years ago, they can always be appreciated. I am transferring all my celluloid films onto 3D and DVD and it is costing me money I can’t afford; so I tax and deny myself the life of an artiste for an old man like me. The life of an artist depends on the production and it can last for centuries if well-kept by his or her heirs. The stupid things our kids do today is to shout ‘old school’ instead of being inquisitive and learning more on how to improve. Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti, and Paul ‘Play’ Dairo are typical examples; they tried in vain to have their own sound and failed. When they changed to their fathers’ ‘old school’, they are now touring everyday and making dollars. Listen to Orlando Owoh’s son or Ayinde Barrister’s daughter and you will appreciate their music. The children of Osita Osadebe, Oliver de Coque and my kids are still fooling themselves not being able to make up their minds. I am calling on all elderly Nigerians to occasionally sit their kids down and tell them facts of life from their own experience. When I used to lecture in Nigerian universities, I found out that the students were hardly taught the history of Nigerian films or music. Two years ago, the German Academy came to study Highlife; they lodged all the old Nigerian musicians in a hotel to pick our brains. So, in the future, our kids will have to visit Germany to study Highlife! what a shame. In the end, our kids will be more confused than what we have done to them.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Escape
Friday, July 27, 2012
35
Travel News
Mandela gets elaborate birthday celebration in Lagos TERH AGBEDEH
N
elson Mandela turned 94 on July 18 and to celebrate, the whole world threw him a birthday party. In Lagos, it held at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island on Saturday with Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka as the special guest of honour. Since 2009, people are enjoined to spend 67 minutes of every July 18 doing charity work in appreciation of the 67 years of Mandela’s life that he dedicated to the service of humanity. That year, the United Nations, in recognition of the contribution of the former South African president to the culture of peace and freedom, declared July 18 as Mandela International Day. Before July 21, Thandi Mgxwati, who is counsellor, political affairs at the South African Consulate in Lagos, said Shoprite and Unilever accompanied staff of the Consulate to an orphanage in Makoko area of Lagos for the customary 67 minutes of charity work. With the two South African-owned but Nigerian-based companies they held an awareness campaign at the orphanage and school run by the Red Cross. Apart from making donations, they spent time with the children. “This is because Madiba loves children and he is not just a South African citizen, he is an international citizen. It is exciting sharing information about him with Nigerians because Nigeria was a great ally of South Africa during our struggle,” Mgxwati said. She was addressing a press conference before the event on Saturday. Also at the press conference was Ambassador Mokgethi Mavaisa, who is the Consul General of the South African Consulate in Lagos and his Cameroonian counterpart, Dr. Paul Ekobong Adong. All of them had only good things to say about the man fondly referred to as Madiba. The praise continued during the event when Soyinka referred to Mandela as Commander-in-Chief, saying he had travelled all the way from Abeokuta in Ogun State to Lagos to attend the event. “There is only one commander in chief in the entire African continent and his name is Nelson Mandela,” he said. He recalled rare moments that he had spent with Mandela and shared a section of the freedom fighter’s biography, Long Walk to Freedom where Mandela had left prison and was negotiating with his former jailers. Soyinka said that Mandela had been served a rich British breakfast and the cook suddenly realised that this could be detrimental to his health and was on the verge of taking it back when Mandela grabbed it and proceeded to eat it. “Anytime I call that section of the book to mind, I find myself laughing no matter where I’m,” Soyinka said. He added that
the section of the book inspired a change in his morning ritual. “For several decades, those close to me knew breakfast was all about my small Espresso coffee,” he said, concluding that he was happy to be at the event. Before Soyinka, Mavaisa said Mandela started out as a youth leader in the African National Congress (ANC), a party on which platform he was elected president of South Africa. “He only did one term and hand over to Thabo Mbeki, who was vice president while he was in office,” Mavaisa said. He went on to talk about Mandela’s work as a peacemaker on the continent. Also to speak was Jonathan MurrayBruce from the Silverbird Group, which like it did last year, partnered the South African Consulate to make the celebration of the event possible. But the event was not a speechmaking one, as long before the party started in the afternoon, Imole Ayo Band was on the bandstand at the atrium of the Galleria dishing out South African tunes. One very recognisable one was Miriam Makeba’s Pata pata. There was also a photo exhibition which featured Mandela’s life including his struggle till the end of apartheid, as well as a showcase of arts and craft from South Africa. While the South Africans living in Nigeria and their Nigerian friends danced to the music or listened to those speaking, they could also sample a variety of wines from South Africa. Some of the wines available for tasting came from the stable of Westlog Nigeria Ltd, run by J.A. Rowlands. Rowlands, who has run his wine company out of South Africa for over 10 years, said Mandela’s life is that of an inspirational icon that everyone must look up to. He urged all leaders to follow in his footsteps because “of his positive leadership.” Rowlands, who bottles his wines from three vineyards in South Africa, said he sees himself as a South African as well. “I believe we should replicate what is happening in South Africa over here so that we can encourage the economy of Nigeria, provide employment for Nigerians,” he said. The KKB kids from the popular television children programme, The KKB Show, were on hand to sing a happy birthday song for Mandela and to sign a birthday card to be sent to the Madiba. After which they joined Soyinka and other dignitaries to cut the birthday cake with Mandela’s bold picture on it. Aside the jubilation, there was also a subtle tourism marketing bent to the event as those in attendance got to see the beauty and wonders of South Africa from a huge screen that was a backdrop on the bandstand. The party continued with people coming and going all day.
Mandela’s birthday cake
Prof. Soyinka addressing the crowd at the event.
Soyinka, some personalities and KKB Kiddies cutting the 94th birthday cake of Nelson Mandela.
L-R: Consul General, South African High Commission, Ambassador Mokgethi Monaisa; Counsellor, Political Affairs, SAHC, Mrs. Thandi Mgxwati; and Cameroonian diplomat during a news conference on the Nelson Mandela International day in Lagos on Saturday.
Friday, July 27, 2012
36
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Mirror Drive
OLUSEGUN KOIKI
T
he CR-V first came to the public knowledge in 1996 and since the production of the first generation, the Honda Company has moved to the 4th generation with the introduction of the 2012 edition, which comes with the latest technology that further enhances its comfort, reliability, safety and creates a distinct line between it and other Sports Utility Vehicles in its category. The Honda CR-V is completely redesigned for 2012 with more standard features, better fuel economy ratings, an updated powertrain and better storage than before. Auto stakeholders say these tweaks make the CR-V an even more competitive crossover SUV. Nigerians with class and taste for quality and hi-tech vehicles will definitely embrace the 2012 edition of this Honda brand, which price begins from N5.4m depending on the specifications of the buyer according to The Honda Place (THP), the sole distributor of the product in the country. The 2012 Honda CR-V excels at being a family vehicle because of its good safety scores and utility, which is why the 2012 CR-V is considered as the Best Affordable Compact SUV for Families. Auto lovers describe the cabin as one of the most spacious and comfortable in the class, and are impressed with its large, easy-to-load and easy-to-organise cargo area and the new centre console that stretches from the back of the front seats to the dashboard. For these reasons, auto stakeholders say the CR-V is one of the best picks in the class for shoppers with a growing family. Although, redesigned for 2012, the new Honda CR-V yet maintains its previous size with minimal hardware changes, enough style and feature modification to keep Honda’s top selling crossover fully competitive. Since its introduction in 1996, the brand has won 99 awards till date, but this current edition is the only car the user can personalise its Intelligence Multi-functional Camera Display (IMCD), which also comes with very minimal noise. At the launching of the product recently in Lagos, the Sales Manager, Honda, THP, Mr. Abayomi Oko-Osi said the sedan like ride with stunning economical fourcylinder engine spectrum and a remarkable handling are rare features that made the CR-V one of the best in its class. Oko-Osi said the CR-V has enjoyed customer loyalty and increasing sales yearon-year owing to its uniqueness, ample passenger room, cargo capacity and competitive pricing with a controlled fuel consumption rate, which Honda improved from 21/28mpg city/highway to 23/31mpg and the all-wheel-drive models go from 21/27mpg to 22/30mpg. He said while some models offer V6 engines, Honda CR-V has remained focused on its more practical aspirations and trueto-form design, thus becoming the best choice available in the all-important compact, small-SUV segment. And like its predecessor, the remodelled CR-V is offered in familiar LX and EX-L trim levels. Also, the Sales and Marketing Director, THP, Mr. Deepak Daryanani in his analy-
Honda CR-V
2012 Honda CR-V: SUV for all classes of people sis of the CR-V said that while the LX comes pretty well equipped, the EX-L get additional convenience and luxury features, but without navigation systems for the local market. Daryanani said a peep in the hood however reveals the CR-V 2.4-litre inline four cylinder engine with 185 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque’ is mated to Honda’s fashionable five-speed transmission. The front wheel drive is nevertheless standard on all models safe for the optional all-wheel drive.
Features Some of the features of the 2012 Honda CR-V include a standard USB port, IPod like control switch, blue tooth, arm rest slide 60mm, three large cup holders, 8-way power driver seat, conversation mirror, large glove box, ECO ambient,
lighting, rearview camera, Pandora Internet radio interface, voice text messaging, which is an impressive list for this class, and should help families who are constantly on the go.
Acceleration and Power The 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine makes 185 horsepower, which is five more than the outgoing CR-V, and good for the class. While a few auto stakeholders say there is no need for an upgrade, most craved a turbocharged or V6 engine when they needed to pass on the highway or trudge up a hill.
Handling and Braking Overall, most test drivers think the 2012 CR-V has a car-like ride with precise handling, a tight turning radius, strong brakes and a smooth on-pave-
ment ride that puts the CR-V at the top of its class.
Seating Unlike the previous model, the 2012 CR-V doesn’t have rear seats that slide forward and back, but industry players don’t mind because rear-seat comfort isn’t compromised. In fact, they say it’s even more comfortable than before. The front seats receive just as much praise for having plenty of leg- and headroom. While most drivers think forward and rear visibility is great. There is, however, a standard multiangle rearview camera that may help remedy this problem. Overall, the majority of auto players find the CR-V’s cabin a comfortable place for five, especially because the cabin is quieter now that Honda added more insulation.
Interior Features The CR-V now has a Pandora Internet radio interface and can read text messages aloud. Both of these features are impressive for the class, which is accessible through the iPhone, and voice text messaging is compatible with Blackberry and Android phones.
Cargo
Interior
The CR-V is well-liked for its large, easy-to-load cargo bay and handy storage areas, and with a few updates like a standard centre console that stretches lengthwise between the front seats and rear seats that are very easy to fold. With the rear seats in use, there is 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space, and with the rear seats folded, there is 70.9.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
People In The Mirror
Friday, July 27, 2012
37
Prof. Ibidapo-Obe presents Unilag in distinction with book Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe, on Monday, July 23, 2012, at the Metropolitan Club in Victoria Island, Lagos, dished out to the world through the book presentation, From Excellence to Distinction: The University of Lagos on World’s Intellectual Map, a documentation of the brilliant path one of Africa’s leading institutions has taken to maintain its presence on the exclusive reputable academic sphere. The event hosted a beehive of academicians and other top dignitaries from Nigeria and abroad.
L-R: Renowned businessman, Chief Oludolapo Akinkugbe (CON); Special Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Engr. Joseph Makoju; author of the book and former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe; his wife, Sola and former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, during the public presentation of the book.
L-R: Special Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Engr. Joseph Makoju; Book Reviewer, Prof Niyi Akinnaso and Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Rahamon Ade Bello.
L-R: Author of the book and former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe; former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; wife of the author, Sola and renowned businessman, Chief Oludolapo Akinkugbe.
Publisher, Chief Joop Berkhout (OON) (left) and Mr. Ayo Jagun.
Managing Director, New Age Publishers, Otunba Femi Oyetayo and former Minister of Works and Housing, Dr. Wahab Dosunmu.
Registrar, University of Lagos, Mr. Olurotimi Sodimu (left) and Deputy Vice Chancellor, PHOTOS: YINKA ADEPARUSI Prof. Babajide Alo.
Thanksgiving for Late Amb. Segun Olusola
Wife of the late Amb. Segun Olusola, Fehintola (in front) during the service.
Activities celebrating the glorious exit of the late veteran broadcaster and diplomat, Amb. Segun Olusola was rounded up with a thanksgiving and outing service for the late ace broadcaster on Sunday July 22, 2012, at Our Saviour’s Church on Lagos Island. Former Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade (left) and daughter-in-law of the late Amb. Segun Olusola, Mrs. Bola Olusola.
Renowned actor, Mr. Kunle Bamtefa (left) and Barr. Irene Johnson.
Former Lagos State Governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande (left) and renowned actor, Mr. Dejumo Lewis.
Children of the late ambassador, Ms. Aderonke Ajibulu-Moniya and Mr. Olujimi Olusola.
L-R: Dame Nancy Oghenekharo (left) and Mrs. Bose Adetona. PHOTOS: YINKA ADEPARUSI
38
Cocktail
Friday, July 27, 2012
Oddities
Woman arrested after calling 911
T
onya Ann Fowler had already been in trouble with the law. But in her mind she had become the victim. That’s when the Georgia woman called 911 to complain about her police mug shot. The good news: Fowler got a new mug shot. The bad news: It’s because police arrested her again for misusing the 911 emergency system. The Smoking Gun published the police report along with the most recent mug shot that Fowler, 45, was subjected to. We don’t know what the original mug shot looks like but it couldn’t have been much less flattering than this one. And now that her story is
making the rounds across various media outlets far more people will see Fowler’s unfashionable police photo than if she had just kept quiet. That’s probably of little comfort to Fowler, even if it’s a better mug shot than the original. The original mug shot was published in Bad & Busted, a local Georgia publication that features police mug shots. In the police report, officer R. Wheeler notes that Fowler called “in reference to being upset about a picture,” specifically stating her objection to “how she looked on the front page of the Bad and Busted printing.”
City drops dance marathon ban
A
California city council has done away with an 82-year-old ban on dance marathons that carried a six month jail sentence for violations. The Oakland City Council voted Tuesday to do away with the ban, which was passed in 1930 by then-Mayor John Davie and his colleagues, the
San Francisco Chronicle reported Monday. The effort to do away with the ban was led by Councilwoman Rebecca Kaplan and was supported by city attorneys. “We do not need to keep so-called morality laws from several generations ago on the books,” City Attorney Barbara Parker said.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Propecia turned me into a woman, man claims
A
software engineer who was trying to combat hair loss says a generic form of Propecia caused him to develop breasts and made his hips widen like a woman’s. And now, after nine months of taking finasteride, 38-year-old William McKee goes by the name Mandi and is considering having a complete sex change. “My rock-hard chest from the gym began to soften . . . reaching the point where I had noticeable ‘breasts’ even under my clothing,” McKee told the New York Post. “My shoulders were literally falling into a more feminine position, and my hips were loosening and becoming wider as on a woman’s body.” The changes have left McKee’s former life in disarray. He is now separated from his wife of 10 years, with whom he has a fiveyear-old son. The Tampa, Florida, resident has also left his career in Silicon Valley behind, now describing himself as an aspiring
there anymore,” he told the Post. There are several possible sexual side effects associated with finasteride, but they typically involve a lack of libido. The drug itself works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone. Writing on his personal blog, McKee says the drug
is commonly taken by men who are in the early stages of gender reassignment. “I wasn’t always this way. I am early on my path of transitioning to live full-time as a woman, although for 9 months I did take 1 of the 2 most popular drugs that doctors prescribe to men who wish to become a woman,” he writes.
Mandi McKee, center, seen here recently. Inset: William McKee
PHOTOS: FACEBOOK
music producer and DJ. Describing his former self as “athletic and driven,” McKee now wears a blonde wig, makeup, women’s clothing and says he is thinking of having breast augmentation. In addition, McKee says he has gone from heterosexual to homosexual. “It felt like the ‘me’ that I’ve always known was not
Friday, July 27, 2012
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
39
Business & Finance In recognition that the emerging African ICT market is big and growing very fast, our goal is to become the continent’s software market leader
Telecommunications equipments must be declared a critical national infrastructure to prevent it from vandalism PRESIDENT NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SUBSCRIBERS OF NIGERIA, CHIEF DEOLU OGUNBANJO
PRESIDENT, INSTITUTE OF SOFTWARE PRACTITIONERS OF NIGERIA, DR. CHRIS UWAJE.
IMF cautions govt on recurrent expenditure contraction TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA
T
he International Monetary Fund has advised the Federal Government to put in place adequate measures to drive the ongoing reforms in the country to ensure the sustainability of the moves to reduce recurrent expenditure of yearly budgets and mitigate its impact on overall growth of the economy. The Fund, which canvassed this position in its just released Country Report for Nigeria sourced by National Mirror yes-
terday, noted that as desirable as the planned contraction of the recurrent spending to the current efforts towards fiscal consolidation may look, it may rob-off the long term benefits of the fiscal retrenchment agenda if not carefully handled. In addition, the multilateral financial institution noted that the estimated cost of the reinstatement of the fuel subsidy which translates to about two per cent of the 2012 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates was too huge and likely to pose serious risk to building up reserves in the Sovereign
Wealth Fund, adding that government should adopt some fiscal measures to offset part of the cost to beef up the SWF savings. Specifically, the IMF recommended, among other options, the need for government to scale back some of the infrastructure programmes whose funding was tied to the subsidy savings in order to build up reserves as a desirable step towards ensuring the sustainability of the fiscal retrenchment initiatives. It stated: “Staff also noted that the planned contraction of the real wage bill and other recurrent
L-R: Director, Brands and Communication, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Enitan Denloye; Director-General, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mr. Frank Nweke Jr.; Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Steven Evans and Chairman, NESG Board, Mr. Folusho Philips, during a courtesy visit by senior management team of Etisalat to NESG in Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday.
spending would need to be handled carefully. In particular, measures would need to be underpinned by comprehensive reforms in order to ensure that the fiscal savings were sustainable and consistent with the goal of improved public service delivery. Reforms currently being implemented to improve public expenditure management systems are also crucial. “The partial reinstatement of the subsidy is estimated to cost 2 percent of GDP in 2012. Staff recommends that the authorities come up with additional measures to offset at least half of this cost in order not to jeopardise the build up of reserves in the Sovereign Wealth Fund (the likely source of funding for the subsidy). “The authorities have publicly announced that they remain committed to a full removal of the subsidy but have not specified any timeline. In the meantime, they have established a formal process to deepen consultations with stakeholders (including labour unions) and begun to address issues raised by them, including fast-tracking the rehabilitation of refineries and initiating an audit of the state-owned petroleum company. At the time the staff report was written, the authorities were still determining their revised fiscal strategy for 2012”, IMF added.
Cashless: CBN seeks Wi-Fi networks option for PoS connectivity KUNLE AZEEZ
T
he Central Bank of Nigeria, through the Nigerian InterBank Settlements System, has opted for Wireless Fi-
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LAGOS: 01-8446073, 08094331171, 08023133084, 08034019884 ABUJA: 08033020395, 08036321014
delity, Wi-Fi connectivity to ensure efficient operations of over 60,000 Point of Sales terminals already deployed by businesses, especially in areas where there are clusters of PoS users and commercials activities. National Mirror learnt that the adoption of Wi-Fi connectivity for PoS devic-
es, in addition to the existing connectivity on General Packet Radio Service, GPRS, being used by the merchants would enhance connectivity of PoS terminals in the state to drive the ‘Cashless Lagos’ scheme. It was also learnt that the poor connectivity available of GPRS networks from telcos and the seem-
FG to constitute committee on broadband strategy soon
40
ing high cost of running internet connection on such devices have partly been responsible for most merchants not using the PoS, a development that might hinder the cashless policy of the apex bank. Though the NIBSS may consider working with other wireless networks available to ensure service
availability on PoS networks, it has entered into partnership with Oxygen Broadband Networks Limited, an Information and Communications Technology firm specialising in Wi-Fi connectivity to use its network to provide connectivity to PoS devices it its area of coverage in Ikeja, Lagos.
Industry awaits new simplified cargo clearing method
42
FLIGHT SCHEDULE Air Nigeria
International (Lagos - London) Los- LGW (VK293): Tue, Thurs, Fri & Sat 11.55pm LGW-Los (VK292): Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun 10.50am
Arik Air Los-Abj: 07:15, 09:15, 10:20, 15:20, 16:20, 16:50, 18:45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) Abj-Los: 07:15, 09:40, 10:20, 12:15, 15:15, 16:15, 17:10, (Mon-Fri/Sat); 12:15, 15:15, 16:15 (Sun) Los-PH: 07:15, 11:40, 14:00, 16:10, 17:15, (Mon-Fri) 07:30, 11:40, 15:50 (Sat) 11:50, 3:50, 17:05 (Sun) Abj-PH: 07:15, 11:20, 15:30 (Mon-Fri) 07:15, 16:00 (Sat) 13:10, 16:00, (Sun) PH-Abj: 08:45, 12:50, 17:00 (Mon-Fri) 08:45, 17:30 (Sat) 14:40, 17:30 (Sun) Abj-Ben: 08:00, 12:10 (Mon-Fri/Sat) 08:55, 12:10 (Sun) Ben-Abj: 09:55, 13:30 (Mon-Fri/Sat) 10:50, 13:30 (Sun)
Aero Contractors Los-Abj: 06:50, 13:30, 16:30, 19:45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 12:30 (Sun) 16:45 (Sat). Abj-Los: 07:30, 13:00, 19:00 (Mon-Fri/ Sat) 10:30, 14:30, 19:30 (Sun) 18.30 (Sat) Los-Ben: 07:45, 11:00, 15:30, (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12:30 (Sun) 15:30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) Ben-Los: 09:15, 12:30, 17:00 (Mon-Fri/ Sat/Sun) 17:00 (Sat), 14:00 (Sun)
EXCHANGE RATES WAUA
233.1736
USD
155.89
CHF
156.8468
SDR
233.6168
CFA
0.2868
GBP
242.1283
EURO
188.471
OIL / GAS FUTURES ICE BRENT
$123.39
-0.78
NYMEX
$108.45
-0.11
OPEC BASKET
$122.86
+1.16
NATURAL GAS
$2.83
-0.03
40
Business News
Friday, July 27, 2012
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
FG to constitute committee on broadband strategy soon KUNLE AZEEZ
T
he Federal Government is set to establish a presidential committee to develop a broadband strategy and roadmap for Nigeria derived from the policy direction and targets set. The Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, disclosed this yesterday during the Nigeria Broadband Forum organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission. The forum with the theme, ‘Demand as Catalyst for Broadband Services in Nigeria’ was attended by key stakeholders in the Information and Communications Technology sector both within and outside the country with all the presentations focusing on strategies for boosting demand for and infrastructure deployment for broadband access in Nigeria. Speaking at the forum, the minister said the need to establish such committee was informed by the government’s realisation that having ubiquitous internet capacity and a national backbone that provides critical ICT infrastructure to carry data traffic to all parts of the country is as important as “having power, transportation and water infrastructure in today’s globally connected and increasingly knowledge-based world.” She said all over the world, broadband or universal access to
broadband was becoming a significant indicator of development and competitiveness among nations. According to her, broadband has the potential of enabling entire new industries and introducing significant efficiencies into education delivery, health care provision, energy management, public safety, government/citizen interaction and the overall organisation and dissemination of knowledge. Explaining further, the minister said: “In Nigeria, there is already clear evidence of demand for broadband in many facets of our economic and social lives. There are very few aspects of our lives that are not impacted or affected by the internet. “So, the demand is there, in fact so is the supply when you take into consideration the internet capacity that we have landed on our shores. The challenge for us in Nigeria is not the proverbial last mile but the last hundreds of miles, taking that landed capacity to cities, communities, institutions and home.” The Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, said the Commission was driving utility model, equal access model and passive infrastructure model as Open Access Model to being adopted for broadband infrastructure deployment in the country. On the strategies to boost broadband services demand, the former President, Association of
Microfinance banks’ loan portfolio hits N81bn
T
he National Association of Micro-finance Banks (NAMB) said on Thursday that the total performing loans of the banks stood at N81bn as at March 31, 2012. The Executive Secretary of the NAMB, Mr Mustapha Yar’adua, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the amount represented the total performing loans from 2005 when the banks came into operation to March 31, 2012. Yar’adua said that the total deposits for the period was N34bn, while the customers of the banks all over the country stood at 905,000. He added that the total performing loans for the period ended December 31, 2011, was above N60 billion. The director said that in spite of the absence of financial support from the Central Bank of Nigeria, operators had been able to increase their loan services to clients based on high demand. He said: “According to re-
search carried out by Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EnFIA) in 2011, 33 million Nigerians are ready to patronise micro finance banks if they get access.’’ “The sub-sector could only be accessed by about 33 million Nigerians and increase its performing loans, if there is financial back-up from CBN and the Federal Government.’’ He said that the sanitisation exercise carried out in September 2011 during which the licences of over 103 micro finance banks were revoked by the CBN, left the remaining banks more committed. “Also, a research conducted by NAMB, revealed that some of the banks are now extending to rural areas,’’ he said. Yar’adua urged the Federal Government to support the sub-sector with funds and facilities that would enable the 33 million Nigerians willing to access the banks to do so. NAN reports that there are 837 microfinance banks in the country.
L-R: Managing Director, Netserve Africa, Mr. Adenusi Adebola; first prize winner of best business plan, Sir. William Park and Head, SAP Business One, West Africa, Mrs. Lydia Oladokun, during the Fate Foundation 2012 Annual Business Plan Competition in Lagos on Wednesday.
Telecoms Companies of Nigeria, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwen, said there was the need to look into issues of awareness, access, availability and affordability. “There is need to create demand through solutions-driven applications in areas of national security, education, health, banking and finance and so on. With
broadband solutions the address consumer needs, pool of latent demand in the country for broadband services would be created,” he said. In his presentation, the Chief Executive Officer, Independent Networks Cooperative Association, Mr. Malcolm Corbett, said from 1990, demand for bandwidth
had been growing globally with bandwidth consumption on various data-enabled running into several terabytes. Also speaking, Partner and Head, Infrastructure, KPMG Asia, Mr. Shrad Somani, said there was the need for government to support broadband development through good policies.
CBN sells N154.9bn T-bills at interbank as yields rise ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI
T
he Central Bank of Nigeria has sold N154.88bn in three month and one year treasury bills on Thursday, as tightened liquidity measure by the apex bank on Tuesday pushed yields marginally high. The apex bank sold N60bn of the 182-day paper at 14.94 per cent, up from 14.88 per cent previously; and N60bn of the 364-day paper, at a yield which stayed flat at 15.60 per cent.
The CBN left its benchmark interest rate on hold at 12 per cent on Tuesday and raised banks’ cash reserve requirement to 12 per cent from 8 per cent. According to dealers, the liquidity tightening measures is expected to react on both interbank lending rates and yields on fixed-income instruments across the board. The Deposit Money Bank regulator sold N34bn of 91-day paper at a yield of 13.94 per cent, marginally higher than the 13.75 per cent at the previous auction.
The apex bank sold N60bn of the 182-day paper at 14.94 per cent, up from 14.88 per cent previously; and N60bn of the 364-day paper, at a yield which stayed flat at 15.60 per cent. There was a total subscription of N448.39bn, while demand for the 364-day paper was the heaviest at N274.86bn. Offshore investors normally participate in the one-year tenor bill. The country issues treasury bills regularly as part of monetary control measures to help lenders manage their liquidity.
Labour Ministry asked to review licensing criteria for recruiters MESHACK IDEHEN
T
he umbrella body for registered and licensed recruiters in the country, Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria (HuCaPAN), has appeal to the Ministry of Labour and Productivity to look into the processes of issuance and renewal of recruiters’ licence, to make it more robust and less cumbersome. President of the association, Mr. Alexander Emedo, who spoke to journalists after the 2nd Annual General Meeting of the group in Lagos, said the process of obtaining recruiters licence was too stringent and that it constitutes a major challenge to private em-
ployment agencies. Emedo said that the conditions for obtaining the licence and its renewal should take into consideration global best practices, especially Convention 87 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on freedom of association and Section 40 of Nigeria’s constitution. He, however, assured that the association would work with the ministry in order to ensure that members adhere to the requirements. On the issues of casualisation and unfair labour practices engaged in by some employers, he urged the Ministry of Labour to mandate all registered private employment agencies in the coun-
try to belong to HuCaPAN, adding that the move would ensure that employees are assured of their pensions, have adequate health coverage and life insurance coverage in line with the requirements for issuance of recruiters’ licences. “The Ministry of Labour alone cannot monitor all the private employment agencies but with a central body like HuCaPan, we can partner the ministry to address unfair labour practices and the issue of quacks in the industry. This way, we can also ensure freedom of association of our employees who so desire in line of with Convention 87 of the ILO and Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution.”
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Business News
Friday, July 27, 2012
‘Why govt sacked NPA MD, others FRANCIS EZEM
T
he Federal Government has said that its decision to relieve the managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mallam Omar Suleiman and three executive directors of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency of their posts was in line with the ongoing reform of the shipping industry. The government had in statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of Mr. Habibu Abdullahi as the new Managing Director of NPA, whose appointment takes immediate effect. Also sacked were three executive directors of NIMASA,
who have been replaced by Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba, Maritime Safety and Shipping Development, Mr. Obi Callistus Nwabueze, , Maritime Labour & Cabotage Services and Mr. Baba Haruna Jauro Finance & Administration, whose appointment also take immediate effect Meanwhile, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Maritime Services, Mr. Leke Oyewole, who spoke in a telephone interview, noted that the move was to reposition the maritime industry for better efficiency. He noted that the maritime industry is critical to the economy of the nation and so the government would want it to perform optimally and also to enable the seaports compete with their peers abroad. “If you look at the appointments in NIMASA for instance,
they are more maritime in nature because the government wants to put round peg in round hole, which is the only way efficiency and optimum performance will be achieved”, he noted. The senior special adviser also said that government is desperate to reposition the critical sectors of the economy like finance, petroleum, power, transport, which incorporates maritime, which it believes are essential if the projection of becoming one of the 20 biggest economies of the world. The new managing director of NPA until his appointment was the acting Executive Director in charge of Finance & Administration. He is of Kano State origin and holds a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and Masters Degree in Public Administration.
Nokia warns Nigerians against fraudulent promos ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI
M
obile phone manufacturer, Nokia, has warned Nigerians against responding to emails and text messages claiming that they have won huge sums of money in alleged Nokia promotions. This has come in light of the growing number of reported incidents of Nigerians receiving text messages and emails from unscrupulous senders. The Managing Director of Nokia West Africa, Mr. James Rutherfoord, said the number of such scams had become worrisome. Most of the scam mails, he said, lure unsuspecting victims with the promise of huge sums of money usually in foreign currency. “Upon response, people are usually asked to pay a token amount as a processing fee or deposit before
N
Free zones’ competitiveness critical to economic growth, says LADOL FRANCIS EZEM
T
he Lagos Deep Offshore Logistic Base; which incorporates the LADOL Free Zone said the Federal Government’s project of joining the league of 20 best economies of the world by the year 2020 might not be achieved if indigenous operators were not supported in order to boost their competitiveness with their foreign counterparts. LADOL, a fully indigenous oil and gas logistic base, which started full operations about six years ago, has invested in excess of $150 million, in addition to doing groundbreaking for jobs like the famous Agbami Floating Production Storage and Offloading
(FPSO) platform whose installation was completed at the base. Managing director of the base, Dr. Amy Jadesimi, who addressed a team of officials of the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority led by its outgoing managing director, Mr. Shina Agboluaje to valedictory visit to the base, observed that ability to compete is what Nigeria needed to launch into the G20 League of Nations. According to her, effective management of the various free zones in the country through the provision of the enabling environment, which will in turn enhance competitiveness, presents the best option for the country to advance into the G20 league. “By being competitive with their foreign counterparts, the
zone will be able to attract Foreign Direct Investment into the country in addition to facilitating technology transfer. Nigeria can exceed Brazil’s achievement which also attained its current position by promoting free zones, through which it attracted FDI and also enhanced technology transfer”, she noted. She however regretted that the free zone operators in the country are losing business to neighbouring African countries due largely to the harsh operating environment in the country, which if not urgently addressed might derail Nigeria’s vision 20-20-20. “Very high cost of operation in Nigeria and the attendant loss of volume by the free zone operators make them uncompetitive with their foreign counterparts.
they can claim the money purportedly won. After the deposits are paid, the victims usually lose touch with the scammers as the phone numbers and email addresses used for the scam are usually discarded,” he said. Nokia organises promotional activities for the purpose of rewarding consumers for loyalty and encouraging consumers to patronise the brand, however, some people have taken advantage of this in order to lure unsuspecting consumers into parting with their money. These messages usually come in when the person in question has not entered for any competition or promo. Rutherfoord maintained that Nokia does not ask for any form of payment in any of its promotions. He called on Nigerians to disregard such mails or text messages, especially when they have not put in for a Nokia promo.
MTN deploys latest Ericsson technology for improved services KUNLE AZEEZ
Assistant Brand Manager, Maltina, NB. Mr. Abayomi Abidakun, (right) presenting overall winner in the 30 and above dance category, Evelyn Bobqueyinde, at the MDA 6 auditions in Benin City, yesterday.
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igeria’s biggest telecoms network, MTN, has deployed Ericsson’s latest wireless packet core network technology to boost its ability to serve subscribers and their growing data needs. The Ericsson’s technology, the Smart Services Router (SSR) 8020 is a platform for wireless Internet Protocol core network, which supports significantly more subscribers from a single Evolved Packet Gateway (EPG) than competing nodes on the market∙ SSR 8020’s groundbreaking deployment by MTN Nigeria will enable the operator to efficiently meet rapidly increasing demand for data services for its over 42 million subscribers. The SSR 8020 platform allows operators to introduce newer, smarter functions and capabilities to enhance the mobile broadband experience for end users.
With over 120 million mobile subscriptions overall, Nigeria is the largest and one of the fastest growing telecoms market in Africa. Data traffic growth in Nigeria was 100 per cent last year and the demand for mobile broadband is not slowing down as internet services are becoming increasingly essential for more and more facets of people’s lives. According to a statement from the telecom company, MTN hosts over 42 million of those subscribers, and the company has always worked to meet, and exceed the expectations of its subscribers by improving the quality of its service through a very aggressive network roll out and optimisation strategy. It added: “The SSR has a backplane capacity of up to 16 Tbps, state-of-the-art signalling capacities, an easy-to-use administrative interface, and sophisticated availability and resilience capabilities.
‘Insecurity in the North, threat to business’ OMOBOLA TOLU-KUSIMO
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anaging Director of Niger Insurance Plc, Mr. Justice Uranta has said the company would continue to operate its branches in the northern part of the country despite the unrest and insecurity posed by Boko Haram sect in the region. Niger Insurance has over 20 branches in the Northern part of the country. With six branches in Abuja, it has branches in other restive states like Yobe, Maiduguri, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Ni-
ger, Jos, Sokoto, Yola, Bauchi and Gombe. Uranta who spoke with journalist recently in Lagos said they were forced to close some of the branches when the attack by the islamist sect got bad. He noted that they believe in the Federal Government that has promised to bring an end to the violence adding that things are getting better by the day. He, however, pointed out that although the company is witnessing some challenges based on insecurity in the region, they are still coping with the situation.
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Maritime
Moves by the Presidential Committee on Port Reform to introduce a new clearing process were greeted with excitement by most stakeholders. But about three months after, the new system is yet to be presented to stakeholders by the committee for possible input and fine tuning. Most stakeholders are however apprehensive of any further delay, especially given that the last quarter of the year is characterised by massive importation and attendant congestion. FRANCIS EZEM reports.
Friday, July 27, 2012
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Industry awaits new simplified cargo clearing method
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o say that Nigeria’s seaport system, especially the cargo clearing process is replete with hiccups and bureaucracy is to state the obvious. This probably accounted for why most stakeholders, especially freight forwarders and Customs brokerage agents, importers and exporters were excited by the proposed introduction of a new clearing process at the seaports. The committee headed by Professor Sylvester Monye, Senior Special Assistant to the president on monitoring had told news men following the clearing of the OshodiApapa Express Way of trucks and other illegally parked vehicles, which for several years made the roads perennially blocked had hinted that a new clearing process was in the pipeline. Monye, had while briefing the media on the achievements of the six-month old committee listed the reduction of government security agencies, suspension of the controversial Cargo Tracking Note, all geared towards enthroning a regime of efficient and smooth cargo clearing as part of the achievements of the committee. According to him, when the committee commenced business late last year following a presidential mandate to make the seaports work, the average clearing time for cargo at the ports was about 39 days, which the committee has reduced to about seven days now. “From the current seven days, our next target is to achieve 48-hour clearance. The greatest obstacle towards prompt cargo clearance has been the conduct of the truck drivers, who intentionally block the access roads and now that they are off, we will have little or no hitch achieving 48-hour cargo delivery”, he assured. But head of the technical sub-committee of the presidential committee, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, who spoke with journalists in Lagos, had said that the sub-committee has come up with Five Smart Steps to smooth and efficient cargo clearance at Nigeria’s seaports. Under the new system, all necessary documentations relating to import including payment of duty must be concluded before the arrival of the consignment unlike what is in practice now when the importer will begin to source funds days after the arrival of the consignment. Shittu, who also disclosed that the new system will use the Single Window Platform provided by the Automated System for Customs Data of the Nigeria Customs Service, will help to reduce cargo dwell time to between 48 and 72 hours from the date of arrival of the cargo.
Scanning operation which facilitates smooth cargo release.
IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT SUCCESSIVE MINISTERS OF TRANSPORT AND FINANCE HAVE PAID A LIP SERVICE TO THE ISSUE OF CONNECTING THE VARIOUS
STAKEHOLDERS ON-LINE REAL TIME AND UNTIL WE ARE ABLE TO DO THAT, THE DREAM OF
48-HOUR
CARGO RELEASE WOULD CONTINUE TO BE ELUSIVE It was gathered that the new system, which will be hinged on the integrity of the importer will ensure that all documentations from the opening of Form M with the Central Bank of Nigeria is done electronically even as non compliant consignments will be escorted to the importer’s or any other designated examination ground by relevant security agencies to reduce congestion. Investigation also showed that the new system of clearing, which has been approved by most freight forwarders and Customs brokers, however suffered a little setback following the decision of chief executive officers of most multinational shipping companies not to attend a meeting where the system would have been presented to them. These CEOs had instead sent their officers of middle management cadre, which stakeholders felt was not proper, as they need to brief their bosses, who will in turn brief the CEOs. Shittu, who doubles as national president of National Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, also disclosed that the new proposal, which will soon be presented to a larger forum of stakeholders for their inputs, will subsequently be presented to the Nigeria Economic Summit Group and later the Federal Executive Council for necessary fine tuning and approvals He expressed optimism that the new system, which will be completely Information Technology-driven will work perfectly if all the stakeholders decide to make it work, having worked in other countries including developing ones like Nigeria. But several months after, nothing has been heard of the new clearing procedure,
which they believed ought to have been presented to the maritime stakeholders for their input, given that the system would go through a long process of endorsement and approvals. Apart from these, stakeholders are worried by recent discovery that the new system, which will facilitate 48-hour cargo clearance at the ports because of lack of inter-connectivity among the several government agencies operating at the ports. For instance, chairman of the Tin Can Island chapter of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Mr. Kayode Farinto, who spoke with newsmen in Lagos, had noted that the dream of achieving a 48hour cargo clearance at the seaports would continue to be unrealisable until necessary measures were put in place. According to him, the inability of the government to enthrone a regime of interconnectivity among the various stakeholders such as the Nigeria Customs Service, terminal operators, shipping companies and other government security agencies that participate in cargo release will continue to hinder speedy and efficient cargo delivery within 48 hours after arrival of the consignment. “48-hour cargo clearance is achievable in Nigeria since it has been achieved in other seaports, including some in West Africa but it is not feasible for now due to the lack of interconnectivity among the various agencies operating in the seaports”, he noted. “It is unfortunate that successive ministers of transport and finance have paid a lip service to the issue of connecting the various stakeholders on-line real time and until we are able to do that, the dream of 48-hour cargo release would continue to be elusive”, Farinto regretted.
He also noted the one of the major reasons the successive ministers have failed to wield the big stick against erring operators is because most of the terminals in the post port concession era are owned by retired generals and other influential people in the country, who are practically ‘untouchable’. He warned that if nothing urgent was done to check this trend, these retired generals, who are merely after profits would kill the port industry, as the nation’s seaports would continue to be uncompetitive and user-unfriendly. Stakeholders’ fears were also heightened by the increasing cargo throughput into the nation’s seaports, which gives the indication that unless urgent steps were taken in terms of evolving a speedy cargo processing procedure, the seaports may be heading for another round of congestion. Monthly import statistics for April released by the General Manager in charge of public affairs of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Chief Michael Ajayi shows that the total gross tonnage of the ocean going vessels recorded 18 percent growth rate from the 8,796 metric tonnes recorded in April last year to 10,379,398 recorded in the review period. There was also an 11.3 percent increase in the gross tonnage of the coastal vessels, which stood at 722,787 metric tonnes at the close of business in April this year from the 649,415 metric tonnes recorded in the comparative period of last year. Statistics show the cargo throughput stood at 6.6 million tonnes recorded at the close of business in April 2012 compared to the 6.2 million metric tonnes recorded in the comparative period of last year, which represents a 6.1 percent increase. Meanwhile, out of the 6.2million tonnes cargo throughput handled at the ports in April, inward traffic (import) amounted to 4.1 million metric tonnes, which represents 62 of the total cargo throughput while the outward cargo (export) accounted for only 2.5 million metric tonnes, which constitutes only 38 percent of the entire cargo volume figures, an indication that more consignments are coming in anticipation of Yuletide celebrations.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Maritime
Friday, July 27, 2012
Maritime stakeholders chart new course at Presidential Retreat STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM
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s part of measure to address myriads of problems and challenges facing the maritime industry in Nigeria more than five years after port reforms, stakeholders gathered at the Presidential Villa, Nigeria’s seat of power to chart a new course for the industry believed to be critical to the nation’s economy. The Federal Government had at the threshold of the port reform, which stripped the Nigerian Ports Authority of its cargo handling functions and gave same to both indigenous and foreign terminal operators observed that trade is essential if Nigeria is to develop its manufacturing and productive capacity It was also observed that the nation requires a modern and efficient port system to serve the demands and opportunities of modern trade and sea freight, but unfortunately, these ports were inefficient and unattractive due to long turnaround time for cargo and ships, Insecurity of cargo multiple government agencies in the ports corrupt practices and excessive charges, among several others. The reform was, therefore, designed to increase the efficiency of port operations, decrease the
Umar
cost of port services, eliminate the flow of funds from limited resources of Federal Government to boost economic activity and accelerate development and make Nigeria the hub for international freight and trade in West Africa and in turn, earn a return on invested capital for the government. More than five years after the reform, which brought in private operators into the scene, most of these problems are still prevalent in Nigeria’s port system, a development that may have informed the convening of the retreat. The one-day retreat summoned at the instance of President Goodluck Jonathan, centred on the theme: ‘Harnessing Mari-
Oyewole
time Potential towards a sustainable economic development’ was meant to bring all stakeholders in a no holds barred discussions as part of measures to move the industry forward. Senior Special Adviser to the president on maritime services, Mr. Leke Oyewole, who spoke in a telephone interview, noted that the essence of the retreat was to bring the stakeholders together with a view to identifying the problems and coming up with deliverables. According to him, the retreat had become necessary to gather all sheds of opinions of the stakeholders on the challenges faced by the industry. The presidential adviser noted
that the high point of the retreat was the setting up of a committee headed by the Minister of Transport and assisted by Mr. Olisa Agbakoba to harmonise all the views of the participants at the event as a working document, which will be sent to the president for endorsement. Oyewole, who is also a member of the committee, noted that the committee will assign responsibilities to the various government agencies and parastatals on critical issues and derivables in order to achieve efficiency and growth. Stakeholders in attendance include representatives of shipping companies, terminal operators, importers and exporters, freight forwarders, bonded terminal operators, government security agencies like the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, among several others. Also at the event was the Minister of Transport, Mr. Idris Umar, representatives of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the Nigerian Shippers Council and the National Inland Waterways Authority.
Customs abandons Destination Inspection transition plan
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trong indications have emerged that Nigeria’s Destination Inspection scheme might be heading for the rocks from next year after the termination of the contract of the service providers, which end officially December 31, 2012. This is sequel to the decision of the Nigeria Customs Service to practically abandon the transition programme of the scheme as specified in the contract agreement between the four service providers and the Federal Government to forestall possible hitches. After about 19 years of PreShipment Inspection, the government had reverted to DI Scheme in 2006, under which it entered a seven-year Build, Own, Operate and Transfer contract with the service providers comprising Global Scan System Limited, SGS, Cotecna Destination Inspection Limited and Webb Fontaine. The contract, under which the service providers would provide Computerised Risk Management System and scanning services, among others also, specifies a one-year transition programme to be jointly implemented by the service on one part and Customs on the other part to facilitate a
smooth and hitch-free takeover of the scheme, which include equipment scanning sites. Authoritative customs sources, however revealed that the service has abandoned the transition and in place of that is now working out a scheme in a desperate bid to take over the scheme without a proper transition to forestall hitches, that might cost the country more to address than to do the right thing from inception. Meanwhile many stakeholders have expressed fears over the ability of the service to handle the scheme, especially in terms of managing the entire risk platforms, some of which are in the process of being harmonised. The sources hinted that the Comptroller General of the service, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko has thrown away a report of the transition committee headed by former Customs Area Controller in charge of Apapa Area one command, Alhaji Idris Suleiman, which made far reaching recommendations that would enhance a hitch-free takeover. According to the sources, the Customs-boss has constituted his own transition committee comprising by his private con-
sultants and some officers of the service, who were described as his ears and eyes, even as most top officers, who would have made wonderful contributions to the programme were left in the dark. It was gathered that the decision of the service to rely on his consultants might not be unconnected with the fact being a transferee from the Federal Ministry of Finance, the CG is not thoroughly grounded in Customs operations unlike some officers that that were groomed from the scratched and have served in all the units comprising valuation, enforcement, intelligence unit, among others. The sources also hinted that there have been intensive lobby and intrigues among senior officers of the service in a bid to be posted to ‘juicy’ areas ahead the expected terminal of the contract come December this year. Some stakeholders, who called for a proper and hitch-free transition, expressed worries that it might be too expensive for the country to make mistakes at the middle of the scheme, which they argued portends grave consequences for the economy, given the critical nature of the ship-
ping industry to the economy. The stakeholders observed that currently, under the current selectivity module, no importer knows which channel; whether red, yellow or green his or her consignment would be routed to, expressed fears that with the intense lobby embarked upon by some officers to be posted to the scanners, the green channel, which signifies express release would go to the highest bidder. They also observed that currently, the management of the service believes so much on 100 percent physical examination of cargo while the scanners are idle and expressed fears that service may also route the few consignments on green channel to red, which implies 100 percent physical examination. National Deputy public relations officer of the service, Mr. Joseph Attah, who spoke on phone said the service is every ready to take over the scheme in January 2013. On allegations that the service has sidelined other stakeholders in the transition programme he said: “I do not understand what you mean by not carrying other stakeholders along in the transition exercise”.
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Reps indict NEPZA over delay in Amendment Bill passage
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he House of Representatives, Nigeria’s lower legislative chamber has indicted the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority over the delay in the passage of the NEPZA Amendment Bill, currently at the House. The bill, which will repeal the NEPZA Act, 1992, when passed into law, also seeks to establish the Nigerian Free Trade Zone Commission which will have the powers, organised management and administrative structures to regulate the activities of all Free Trade and Export Processing Zones in the country. Chairman of House Committee on Commerce, Mr. Sylvester Ogbaga, who spoke in Lagos recently, disclosed that the bill has passed the first and second reading stage and was forwarded to the management of the authority for its input, which is yet to return the document to the House for the continuation of the process of the passage. But in a response, the outgoing managing director of the authority, Mr. Shina Agboluaje, who spoke in an interview, confirmed that the document was given to the authority, which it has since returned to the committee about three months ago. The committee chairman, who noted that laws are not passed for the sake of passing them, noted that the essence of the bill, which he said is a private member bill was to correct the defects of today’s NEPZA, which has not lived up to the purpose of establishing it. According to him, every legislation is designed to achieve some objectives, a development that makes it necessary for the passage to be participatory so that those who would enforce the laws as well as those that will be affected directly are given the opportunity to make their input. “We have since sent the bill to NEPZA to make its inputs, we expected the authority to collaborate with the National Assembly to ensure that the objectives of the amendment were achieved”, he argued. He, however, said that the house will send the bill to stakeholders for their inputs as part of the law making processes. However, the NEPZA-boss, said he suspects that there was communication gap somewhere, saying that the authority is expecting the committee to convene a stakeholders meeting on the bill.
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Capital Market
Friday, July 27, 2012
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at July 26, 2012 1st Tier Securities Sector
Company name
1st Tier Securities No Of Deals
Quotation(N)
Quantity Traded
Value of Shares(N)
Sector
Company name
No Of Deals
Quotation(N)
Quantity Traded
Value of Shares(N)
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Friday, July 27, 2012
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Friday, July 27, 2012
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Friday, July 27, 2012
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
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Community Mirror “People should desist from things that are bad and things they would not want to be caught with. ” LAGOS STATE GOVERNOR, RAJI FASHOLA
Police school receives medical items
T
he Commissioner of police (medical) South West zone, Dr. (Mrs) Chinkwe Okafor has distributed 10 beds and mattresses to the Police Secondary School hospital, Akure to facilitate the treatment of students and teachers of the
school. The items, which have been delivered, are currently being utilized to take care of medical needs of those who may take ill in the course of duty. Speaking, the officer in charge of medical, ASP RafiatAbubakar,
said the items have put the school on greater pedestal to be able to provide medical attention. Meanwhile, two students of the school, VictorAbisagbo and Blessing Akintola have qualified for the finals of a reality show for students of various secondary schools in the
country holding at Olashore International School, IlokoOsun State. The one-month event, organized by the RAMSDA, a non-governmental organization, exposed the students to academic competition and cultural and social interaction during the period.
Commandant of the School, CSP Francis Bissong and the Vice Principal, Academics, Mrs. Abosede Ojo, both commended the students for their brilliant performance and urged them not to relent in their efforts to emerge tops in the competition.
Governor inaugurates growth scheme in Nasarawa IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA
G
overnor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa has inaugurated the 2012 cropping season and fertilizer distribution in Nasarawa State under the Growth Enhancement Scheme of the agriculture transformation agenda of the Federal Government. Performing the ceremony in Awe Local Government Area, Al-Makura stated that the activity is to complement the Federal Governments programme as the state had procured additional 4,500 metric tons of fertilizer. The governor, however, assured that the commodity would be sold at the subsidized rate of N2, 500 per bag and will be delivered to all the ward headquarters in the state for sale to indigent farmers. He said: “Of the total 14,800 metric tons of fertilizer allocated to the state by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, 210 metric tons have been received and ready for roll out.” According to him, the agricultural transformation agenda is reflective of the state’s agricultural development aspiration, hence it did not hesitate to embrace all the programmes enunciated by the Federal Government in this direction.” Hitherto, Al-Makura called on the organised private sector and other development partners to collaborate with his administration through investing in crop production, which is necessary in the value chain initiative for enhanced agricultural production and food security.
Residents of demolished Makoko community returning to their vehicles after protesting at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI
Lawmakers defer ban on Oyo, Canada to partner on commercial motorcycles energy development NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA
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he Anambra State House of Assembly has deferred deliberations on a bill to ban operations of commercial motorcyclists in the state, to September, this year. This was sequel to a peaceful demonstration by more than 3,000 commercial motorcyclists in front of the Assembly Complex, accompanied by petitions from members of the executive of the Motorcycle Transport Union of Nigeria, MTUN. Community Mirror gathered that the motor bike operators stormed the State House of Assembly complex following alleged moves to ban commercial motorcycle operations in the state. The protesting operators who
carried placards, with inscriptions: “motorcycle transport is our only source of livelihood”. “Don’t ban Okada because our families rely on it”. “We pay our taxes and levies as demanded by the government”. Reacting, the chairman of Motorcycle Transport Union of Nigeria and Motorcycle Owners Association of Nigeria, Chief Bartho Igwedibia said, “we are here to plead with the Speaker and other members of not to ban Okada in the state”. He said he has pleaded with his members to go about their normal business as the legislators were looking into the bill. On the crises rocking the union in the state, Igwedibia said it has been amicably settled in Abuja, adding that it was all about money.
G
overnor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has expressed willingness to partner the Canadian Government in the areas of vocational training, agriculture and renewable energy. The governor stated this while receiving the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Chris Cooter, in his office in Ibadan. According to him, Oyo State is about the 5th largest producer of waste in Nigeria, adding that this had made it a desirable place for energy renewal plant, to turn waste into wealth. Ajimobi said the state was equally interested in vocational training to prepare youths for employment opportunities and make them selfreliant. Speaking on agricultural opportunities, the governor described Oyo State as a haven for investors,
being the largest producer of cassava. Governor Ajimobi, who lauded Canada for its support for developing countries, said the country had always supported Nigeria at her points of need, reiterating that it was a very clean country with a wide expanse of land and multi-lingual and multi-cultural structure. Reeling out reasons that make the state a destination for investors, Ajimobi told the High Commissioner Oyo is one of the highest producers of cassava in the country, having a large land mass and more so agrarian. Earlier, the ambassador said his country had a cordial relationship with Nigeria on educational development, stressing that more than 1,800 Nigerians were currently undergoing training Canada.
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Transition
Friday, July 27, 2012
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Service of songs for the former pioneer Editorial Board Coordinator of National Mirror, Mr. Dafe Onojovwo, at his residence, Unique Estate, Ayobo, Lagos, yesterday.
L-R: Daughters of the deceased, Miss. Eloho Onojovwo, Eseoghene Onojovwo and wife, Mrs. Jolomi Onojovwo, during the service of songs for the late Mr. Dafe Onojovwo in Lagos, yesterday.
Chairman, Living Green Charity Initiative and a neighbour, Aladeloba, Emmanuel, paying tribute.
L-R: Son of the deceased, Mr. Omoefe Onojovwo ; brother, Justice Akpofure Onojovwo and another son, Erhimefure Onojovwo, at the event.
L-R: Representatives of the management of National Mirror newspapers: Senior Manager, Strategic Development, Mr. Gani Kayode Balogun; Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; Executive Director (Operations), Dr. Yele Akinrolabu and Editor, Mr. Seyi Fasugba
Editorial Board Secretary, Prof. Jim Unah; member, Dr. Dele Seteolu and Editorial Board Coordinator, Mr. Dozie Okebalama.
Cross section of ministers of the Redeemed Christian Church of God at the service of songs.
Editor, National Mirror, Mr. Seyi Fasugba, paying tribute.
Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Ayorinde, condoling with the family of the late Onojovwo after the service of songs yesterday.
Cross section of members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God choir at the event
Relatives of the deceased: Mrs Roseline Onojovwo; Mrs. Maureen Onojovwo and Miss. Elohor Ugbogire. PHOTOS: OLUFEMI AJASA
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
TRANSITION
Friday, July 27, 2012
John Atta Mills
was known to have been suffering from throat cancer and had recently been to the U.S. for medical treatment. Born on July 21, 1944, in Tarkwa, in the Western Region of Ghana, Mills was inaugurated on 7 January 2009, having defeated the ruling party candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2008 election. He was Vice-President from 1997 to 2001 under former President Jerry Rawlings, and stood unsuccessfully in the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections as candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He was educated at Achimota School, where he completed the Advanced-Level Certificate in 1963, and the University of Ghana, Legon, where he completed a law degree in 1967. He was from the Central Region of Ghana. Mills studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science and earned a PhD in Law at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London after completing his doctoral thesis in the field of taxation and economic development. His first formal teaching assignment was as a lecturer at the Faculty of Law at the University of Ghana. He spent nearly 25 years teaching at Legon and other institutions of higher learning. In 1971, he was selected for the Fulbright Scholar programme at Stanford Law School in the United States of America. He returned to Ghana after receiving his J.D. to work at his alma mater, the University of Ghana. He became a visiting professor of Temple Law School (Philadelphia, USA), with two stints from 1978 to 1979, and 1986 to 1987,
L
ate President of Ghana, John Evans Fifii Atta Mills died on July 24, 2012. Mill also known as “The Prof ”, died at the 37 Military Hospitals in Accra, three days after his 68th birthday. He was the first Ghanaian head of state to pass away while in office. He
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and was a visiting professor at Leiden University (Holland) from 1985 to 1986. During this period, he authored several publications relating to taxation during the 1970s and 1980s. Outside of his academic pursuits, Prof.Mills was the Acting Commissioner of Ghana’s Internal Revenue Service from 1986 to 1993 under President Jerry John Rawlings, and the substantive Commissioner from 1993 to 1996. By 1992, he had become an Associate Professor of Law at the University of Ghana. He was married to Ernestina Naadu Mills, an educator, and had a son, Sam Kofi Atta Mills. He was a good friend to T.B. Joshua of The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations in Lagos, and regularly visited his church. He said, following his inauguration, that Joshua had prophesied that it would take him three elections to win the presidency and that the result would be released in January. He contributed to the Ghana Hockey Association, National Sports Council of Ghana and Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club. He enjoyed hockey and swimming, and once played for the national hockey team (he remained a member of the Veterans Hockey Team until his death). He was also a board member of Hearts of Oak and a Manchester United fan. He was a member of the Ghana Stock Exchange Council. In 1988, he became the acting Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service of Ghana and was named Commissioner in September 1996. He also held examiner positions with finance-related institutions in Ghana, including the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Institute of Bankers, and Ghana Tax Review Commission.
Greg Ilukwe
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reg Ilukwe, a renowned administrator died on Thursday June 21, 2012 after a brief illness. Born in Onitsha, Anambra State, late Greg was educated at Bradley University, Washington, USA. He began his career at the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, and rose to the position of Director of Internal Audit. He also served as sole administrator and chief executive officer of the Nigeria Railway Corporation from 1996 to 1999. As a renowned administrator, Greg was the former national executive of Chartered Institute of Logistics Training, CILT, Nigeria from 2000 to 2006. He was also a member of the Reform Implementation Committee, Nigeria Railway Corporation, and member committee on a 25-year strategic vision for Nigeria Railway Corporation. Greg Ilukwe’s career in logistics and transport spanned over six decades. He was the Chairman of Gezhil Agro- Allied and Technical Co. Ltd as well as a number of other companies. He was also Chairman, Board of Trustees of Legacy, a non-governmental organisation. In 2007, he was awarded the prestigious title of International Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. He was the elected President of the Union of African Railways, an organization under the
auspices of the OAU (now African Union), between 1998 and 2000. For several years, Dr. Ilukwe represented Nigeria in the International Council of the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport during which period he served on the International Committee on Finance and Investments as well as the Ad-hoc Committee on Planning and Strategy worldwide. He played a leading part in the transformation of the African Support Group leading to the creation of the African Forum, which is now involved in governance of the African sections. Greg Ilukwe started his career in the Nigerian Railway Corporation, rising from the level of clerical officer in 1949, combining career and continuing education to become the corporation’s Director of Internal Audit in 1982 and eventually the Sole Administrator/CEO in 1995. He was an alumnus of the University of California Graduate School (UCLA), Ashridge Management College, Hertfordshire, UK and Baroda Railway Staff College, India. He held a doctorate degree (honoris causa) in Public Administration from Bradley University, USA. He also accumulated wide exposure and experience in logistics and
Chief Jonas Ononye
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hief Jonas Ononye (Ogbueshi Okunnwa), 82, a devout Christian and community leader is dead. He died on May 19, 2012. Burial service holds today, July 27, at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Obosi, while interment follows immediately at his Mmakwum Village home, Obosi, Anambra State. He is survived by eight children, among who is Mrs. Chinwe Agwuegbo, grand-children and great-grandchildren.
transport through extensive travel and interaction. Until his death, Dr. Ilukwe remained active in Nigerian and African railways, general logistics and transportation matters as a consultant. He is survived by wife, children and grand children.
Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Ekezia Ilonu
M
ost Rev. Dr. Anthony Ilonu was Bishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, Imo State. He died on Friday June 15, 2012 after a brief illness at the age of 77. The deceased bishop was born on November 13, 1935 and was ordained priest of Umuahia Diocese on December 19, 1964 at the age of 29. When the late Pope John Paul II carved out Okigwe Diocese from Umuahia Diocese in 1981, Ilonu was appointed the pioneer bishop of the diocese and he was consecrated on March 29, 1981. Bishop ilonu diligently pastured this diocese for 25 years. Briefly before his retirement, the then auxiliary Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Dr. Solomon A. Amatu was appointed the Co-adjutor Bishop of Okigwe Diocese in July, 2005. Bishop Amatu took over at the local ordinary of the diocese at the retirement of Bishop Ilonu on July 1, 2006. The remains of the Late Bishop were laid to rest at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Okigwe on Thursday, July 12, 2012.
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North
Friday, July 27, 2012
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
80% of patients test positive to malaria–Expert INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI
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he Coordinator of Maternal and New Born Child Health Week (MNBCHW) in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, Hajiya Fatima Bulama Masu, has decried the high level of malaria infection identified among children between the ages of one to five, including pregnant women. According to her, if the trend is not checked, it will have a devastating effect on the lives of the people in the area. Hajiya Masu stated this yesterday at the annual flagging-off programme on immunisation and vaccination of children below the ages of five and pregnant
New aviation college campus to cost N138m PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA
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he management of the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) has disclosed plans by the Federal Government to spend over N138 million for the setting up of a satellite campus in Minna, Niger State to train more experts in the sector. Making the disclosure in Minna, the Rector of NCAT, Captain Chinyere Kalu, told journalists that the two-year programme will take off in August this year with a total of 10 students. She said the establishment of the satellite campus was in line with the directive from the Federal Government mandating the college to train professionals in order to increase manpower in the sector. According to her, “The setting up of this campus will be the beginning of great things to come in the aviation sector.Though, it is starting in one area; it will spread out to other areas being studied at the College of Aviation in Zaria at the moment.” “And to make the satellite campus fully operational as it should, the college plans to convey some aviation facilities which are not available in the state. This is because there is need for more competent hands in the aviation sector.”
women across the 11 wards in Konduga council area in collaboration with UNICEF and the WHO. She said it is worrisome that about 80 percent of the children who were brought by their parents to most of the clinics in the council were tested positive to malaria infection, stressing that all those who were tested positive to the silent killer disease have been immunised with Vitamin A supplement and other medication before they were referred to hospitals for treatment. She said pregnant women who availed themselves for the exercise were also given anti-natal care with routine drugs such as Fersolate and Folic Acid, even as she expressed satisfaction with the massive turn-out, despite pressure from some husbands denying their wife (s) and children from coming out for the exercise. Hajiya Masu while calling on the state and local governments to support UNICEF in the area of logistics and mobility to enable ad hoc staff to reach out to some remote villages in Konduga, noted that this year’s event was carried out without Mama kits and motivational materials such as sweet, bathing soap, BP apparatus, but it is encouraging that the events witnessed massive turn-out of people.
Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Bitrus Kwaji (left), presenting the new vehicle stopper, donated by the Nigerian Army to Pastor Monday Chukwuemeka Okonkwo of the Methodist Diocese of Nyanya in Abuja, yesterday.
New vice-chancellor named for UNILORIN WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN
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new vice-chancellor for the University of Ilorin has been named. He is Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali and by that he becomes the vicechancellor designate of the institution. He takes over from the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, whose five-year term expires on October 15, this year. This was announced yesterday by the Registrar of the University, Mrs. Olufolake Oyeyemi, after a spe-
Bauchi to set up tractor manufacturing company EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI
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tractor manufacturing company, Tradark of Nigeria and Ghana in collaboration with their South African affiliates, CODATRUST, have engaged the Bauchi State government and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in an economic initiative to produce durable and efficient farm tractors to farmers to boost agricultural production in the state. The European technical partner for this project, which will be built in Bauchi, is the reputable Minsk Tractor Works (MTZ) of Belarus. Speaking at a press conference held in Bauchi, representative of Tradark of Nigeria and Ghana, Mr. Gbenga Olayemi, said the project will
be implemented in two phases, explaining that phase one will ensure that MTZ Belarus farm tractors are imported into the country to cater for the immediate requirement of farmers for the current planting season. Olayemi said the phase two will involve the establishment of a production line in Bauchi State to assemble MTZ Belarus farm tractors for farmers, particularly in the North-East zone of the country.
Gov. Yuguda
cial senate meeting according to the Deputy Director, Information, Mr. Kunle Akogun . The registrar was said to have announced this at a special meeting held on Wednesday, July 25, 2012, that the university council has received the report of the council/senate selection board. “The board was set up to access and recommend to the council, suitable candidates for the position of the vice-chancellor that will become vacant at the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede on October 15. “Having carefully considered the recommendations and guided by the provisions of relevant extant laws, the council expressed satisfaction in the procedure adopted which
followed the due process. “Consequently, in compliance with the extant laws governing the appointment of vice-chancellor, the council approved the appointment of Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali, with effect from October 16, 2012.” Born on November 29, 1957, Prof. Ambali is a professor of veterinary medicine and acting Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Ilorin. He is a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Meanwhile, the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has in a congratulatory message to the university hailed what he described as a good democratic process in the choice of the new vicechancellor.
The congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba said, “There is no doubt that if democratic process can thrive in the appointment of leaders in a micro-environment such as the university, I am confident that the macro-political environment in the country will soon become an epitome of political tolerance and democratic ethos, setting the pace for other nations of the world.” Congratulating Prof. Ambali, Governor Ahmed described him as a competent hand that will not only sustain the good legacy of the institution, but will improve on the qualities that has made the institution a better citadel of learning across the world.
Insecurity: Group urges govt to defend constitution JAMES ABRAHAM JOS
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coalition of women groups under the auspices of Women Without Walls Initiatives (WWWI) has urged the three tiers of government to rise up and defend the 1999 Constitution which guarantees the protection of lives and property of all Nigerians. WWWI is a non-governmental organisation that is committed to advancing conflict resolution, conflict management and peace
building in Nigeria through women. President of the group, Pastor Esther Ibanga, at a press conference in Jos, yesterday described the incessant bloodletting across the states as an attack on the constitution and therefore urged government at all levels to halt the trend without further delay. Pastor Ibanga, who was flanked by Hajia Khadijah Hawaja and other women leaders said; “All the three levels of government: federal, state and local should have the political will to pro-
tect lives and property of Nigerians as contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which they swore to uphold upon assumption of office. “This constant bloodshed is defiling our land and it will bring God’s wrath and judgment, not just on Plateau State but on Nigerians if we do not repent from this evil. The security personnel pledged their allegiance to the Nigerian state and not religion or tribe, therefore anyone found to be breaking this oath should be tried for treason.
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World News
Seven nations face sanctions over endangered species
“The whole of London is a zone of intellectual andd cultural cross-fertilisation, with all the energy andd enthusiasm””
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PAUL ARHEWE
WITH AGENCY REPORTS
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op members of Ghana’s ruling party yesterday backed the country’s new president as a candidate for December polls after John Atta Mills’ death, but planned a congress to make the selection official. The backing from members of the executive committee of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) marks a clear sign that the party intends to rally behind former vice president John Dramani Mahama. But his nomination will only be made official at an NDC congress to be held before September 1, a statement said. Mahama was sworn in as president late Tuesday, just hours after Mills, who had been scheduled to seek re-election, died at a hospital in Accra. He has also been named as the leader of the party. “The national executive committee of the National Democratic Congress has today decided that a special congress be held to endorse the leader of the NDC John Dramani Mahama as the flagbearer of the NDC to contest the 2012 general election,” the statement said. The congress will be held “not later than the first of Sep-
– London’s mayor, Boris Johnsonn
Ghana ruling party supports Mahama as poll candidate
Ghana’s then Vice-president John Dramani Mahama speaking at the African green forum at the Accra international conference center in February this year. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
tember,” it added. George Lawson, NDC deputy secretary general, said “we do not believe there will be any contest. He will be endorsed... The meeting has agreed that Mahama should contest as the
flagbearer.” Mills faced an unprecedented primary challenge from Nana Konadu Rawlings, the wife of ex-leader Jerry Rawlings, before winning the NDC nomination last year, a sign of divisions in
a party that narrowly reclaimed power in 2008. While Mahama could face fresh challenges at the upcoming congress, analysts said he was expected to win with a comfortable margin and the support of the top party panel comes as a boost. Whomever the NDC runs as its flagbearer, analysts predict the poll will be close. Ghana is viewed as a bastion of democracy in West Africa, and the transition since Mills’ death has so far gone smoothly, with Mahama swiftly sworn in to replace him Tuesday, in line with the constitution. Opposition figures have also pledged unity, while there has been a flood of tributes for Mills, widely lauded for his integrity despite some criticism that he lacked of energy and initiative -- possibly due to his illness. Ghana, also a major exporter of cocoa and gold, in December 2010 joined the ranks of oil producing nations. Revenue has been steadily increasing from oil production, boosting the stakes of the upcoming vote.
South African convicted of plot to kill Mandela
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he mastermind of a white supremacist plot to kill Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president, has been convicted of treason, BBC has reported. A Pretoria court ruled that Boeremag group leade,r Mike du Toit was behind the nine bombings in Johannesburg’s Soweto
township in 2002. He is the first person to be convicted of treason in South Africa since white minority rule ended in 1994. Analysts say race relations in South Africa are still tense. However, white extremist groups like Boeremag, which means Afrikaner Power in Afri-
kaans, have very little support, they say. The Pretoria High Court handed down its verdict against Du Toit, a former academic, following a nine-year trial. Earlier, Judge Eben Jordaan said Du Toit had authored a blueprint for revolution intended to evict black people from most of
Former South African President, Nelson Mandela smiles as great-granddaughter, Zama Dlamini shows him a wristPHOTO: REUTERS band at his home in Qunu.
South Africa and to kill anyone who got in the way, the South African Press Association reports. Witnesses told the court that Boeremag had carried out a spate of bombings in Soweto in 2002, killing one person. The Boeremag had also planned to stage a coup and assassinate Mr Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison before being elected president in 1994 and acted as a unifying force after decades of white-minority rule. The group also intended to shoot whites who opposed their vision of a racially pure nation, the witnesses said. More than 20 other suspects were on trial with Du Toit, but the court has not yet ruled on their fate. Nearly 200 people gave evidence for the state - including police informants within Boeremag. Mandela stood down as South Africa’s president in 1999 after serving one term, handing over to Thabo Mbeki.
WORLD BULLETIN Madagascar talks in deadlock, plans new meeting High-stakes talks on Madagascar deadlocked over the possible return of ousted leader Marc Ravalomanana, but a new round of negotiations was expected within days, officials said yesterday. Ravalomanana and the man who toppled him three years ago, Andry Rajoelina, met one-onone for the first time this week on Desroches Island, a private beach paradise of the Seychelles archipelago. Rajoelina said yesterday that the talks’ mediators -- South Africa and Seychelles -- called for a new meeting soon. “There will be another meeting in a few days,” he told reporters on return from the Seychelles. They have to meet within the next 10 days, according to mediators.
Sudan, South Sudan resume oil talks after border clash Sudan and recently independent South Sudan resumed crucial talks yesterday to end an oil dispute for the first time since border fighting brought the African neighbours to the brink of war in April, Reuters has reported. The two countries face sanctions from the U.N. Security Council unless they thrash out a comprehensive deal resolving all their conflicts by August 2. Tensions escalated in April when their armies fought for weeks along the disputed border, the worst violence since South Sudan became independent a year ago under a 2005 peace agreement.
Mali leaders welcome help from foreign troops Mali’s military says the country would welcome a West African intervention force, not just to help recapture the north from rebels but also to assist in other parts of the country. Chief of Staff Ibrahim Dembele said yesterday that the volatile country would agree to “security assistance,” in addition to help in the north. Ethnic Tuareg rebels took control of Mali’s north after a coup in March, but have since been driven out by Islamist rebels who want to impose a strict version of Islamic law. An estimated 300,000 people have fled. Dembele’s comments came after a two-day emergency meeting of West African military chiefs of staff to discuss the proposed intervention.
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killed as Iraqi forces Seven nations face sanctions 19 clash with militants over endangered species M
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even nations may lose their ability to legally trade tens of thousands of wildlife species after U.N. conservation delegates agreed yesterday to penalize them for lacking tough regulations or failing to report on their wildlife trade, the Associated Press reported. The suspensions against the seven nations — Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Paraguay, Nepal, Rwanda, Solomon
Islands and Syria — were approved by consensus among the delegates and would take effect October 1. They would prevent the countries from legally trading in any of the 35,000 species regulated by the 175-nation Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, said Juan Carlos Vasquez, a spokesman for the U.N. office that administers the treaty. Delegations to the week-
long meeting of CITES, a treaty overseen by the U.N. Environment Program in Geneva, agreed to trade suspensions against Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Paraguay and Rwanda based on their lack of national laws for regulating the lucrative wildlife trade. The Geneva meeting’s attendees also agreed to trade suspensions against Guinea-Bissau, Nepal, Rwanda, Solomon Islands and Syria based on their
An orang-outang named Dwi resting in his mother’s arms five days after his birth at the Amneville zoo, eastern France. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
failure to adequately report what they are doing to regulate wildlife trade, as they are required to do under the CITES treaty. To avoid the sanctions, and the prospect of losing millions of dollars in commerce, the seven must now draw up the required legislation or submit their missing annual reports to CITES by Oct. 1. According to CITES, about 97 percent of the species it regulates are commercially traded for food, fuel, forest products, building materials, clothing, ornaments, health care, religious items, collections, trophy hunting and other sport. The other 3 percent are generally prohibited. CITES estimates the regulated global wildlife trade is between $350 million and $530 million a year, or almost $2.2 billion over the five years from 2006 to 2010. During that time, logging of big leaf mahogany alone accounted for $168 million in trade. By volume, American black bears, South American grey foxes, Senegal parrots and Malaysian box turtles were among the most traded. TRAFFIC, a wildlife trade monitoring network, estimates that commercial trade in wildlife has risen sharply from around $160 billion a year in the early 1990s. But the multibilliondollar illegal trade in wildlife is a growing problem, and environmentalists say a big reason is nations’ failure to enact stiff penalties for traffickers or enforce wildlife laws already on the books.
ilitants downed an Iraqi army helicopter yesterdayin clashes that have killed at least 19 people including 11 policemen, a regional official said, in what appeared to be part of an al-Qaida surge to retake one of its former strongholds. The fighting around the town of Hadid, about 10 kilometers north of the Diyala provincial capital of Baqouba, follows a warning last weekend from al-Qaida’s leader in Iraq to push back into areas the group was driven out of by the U.S. military after sectarian fighting peaked in 2007. A day after al-Qaida issued the threat, shootings and bombings killed 115 people in Iraq’s deadliest day in more than two years — an assault for which the terror group claimed responsibility. Diyala provincial spokesman Salih Ebressim Khalil said militants opened fire Thursday on the Iraqi army helicopter, killing one soldier, wounding another and forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing. The rest of the crew was unharmed.
The helicopter was called in to provide surveillance for security forces battling militants since an attack late Tuesday on a security checkpoint in a rural area near Hadid, some 70 kilometers (45 miles) northeast of Baghdad. Despite police efforts to seal off the area, gunbattles raged overnight Wednesday, killing 11 policemen, Khalil said. According to provincial police and health officials, seven militants also were killed in the clashes and eight were arrested. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release information. Diyala is a predominantly Sunni province that is sandwiched between Baghdad and the Iranian border. It has a large Shiite population, as well as pockets of ethnic Kurds, and long has been a battleground for Sunni insurgents trying to assert control. Its remote rural areas have served as a safe haven for insurgents at the height of the nation’s sectarian fighting between 2005 and 2007, and posed a major challenge to Iraqi security forces.
Family members of Khalaf Mohsen, 38, loading his coffin onto a vehicle before burial in Baghdad, Iraq PHOTO: AP
Defected Assad’s aide visiting Turkey
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urkey says the brigadier general who defected from the Syrian regime is on a visit to Ankara. A Foreign Ministry statement did not specify if Manaf Tlass had yet landed in Turkey but said Turkish officials were hosting him yesterday night for a special dinner during Ramadan, the Muslim holy fasting month. Tlass was a commander in the powerful Repub-
lican Guard and a close friend of Syrian President Bashar Assad. He is the most prominent person to defect from the Syrian regime as it has cracked down over the past 16 months on an increasingly armed opposition movement — a conflict that has left thousands dead and spiralled into civil war. Tlass defected in early July and flew to Paris. He has also recently been in Saudi Arabia.
Tlass
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
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- SPORTS CRITIC, SHUAIBU GARA GOMBE
Queen opens 30th Olympiad today
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Igali
Igali saves CAR, Guinea
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lympics gold medallist and Nigeria’s wrestling coach, Daniel Igali, is on a rescue mission to Central African Republic and Guinea Bissau’s Wrestlers who are here in London without coaches. Their pathetic case moved Igali who has offered to help them out of their dilemma. “It’s a sad story. They are here without coaches and their wrestlers are like fish out of water. They don’t know what to do and they have appealed for help,” Igali confirmed at the Olympic Park where the athletes of the country’s came pleading to him. “Their coaches were not given accreditation to be in the Games. And the one they got knows next to nothing about wrestling. But under the auspices of FINA, the world wrestling body, I’m detailed to help them out,” Igali, who won gold for Canada at the Sydney Olympics, confirmed. Meanwhile, Igali has said that Nigerian wrestlers will perform better in 2016 Olympics than the latest one in London. “Olympics is not something you prepare in one year or six months,” he said. “That is why I am doing everything possible for these wrestlers to attain their potential in 2016,” the member of Bayelsa State House of Assembly added. Nigeria is presenting four Wrestlers, two males and two females at the Olympics. They are Boltic Sinivie (96kg Freestyle), Dick Adibo (84kg Freestyle) and Obiajunwa Amarachi (72kg Freestyle and Oborodudu Blessing (63kg Freestyle).
XXXTH OLYMPIC SUMMER GAMES
London 2012
EVEREST ONYEWUCHI REPORTING
July 27 - August 12, 2012
emonies would be shortened to enable participants expected at the stadium and those watching from various big screens in town to get home early. Yesterday, Cameron disclosed that Britain had spent about £9bn of the public fund to host the Games. He, however, assured Britons that the country would reap £13bn at the end of the games. “Infrastructure has been renewed and thousands of jobs created,” he assured.
At Number 10 Downing: Olympic torch bearer, Kate Nesbitt, with Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife, Samantha yesterday.
Female boxer sends warning signal
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igeria’s Edith Agu, the only female boxer entered for these Games, has told her opponents to be ready for real battle. Agu is raring to show why she is wearing Nigeria’s flag among two other male boxers. The lass fighting in the 75kg is so good that she has sent out warning signals to her opponents after sparring with British and American girls in training. She was in no mood for trivi-
Sport
Our seeming lackadaisical attitude to the Afcon qualifier in September could prove disastrous
Friendly: Eagles, Menas get August date
he opening ceremony of the 30th Summer Olympic Games will hold at the Olympic Stadium today, in a colourful ceremony that will majorly showcase the British countryside. At the occasion, the British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, will formally declare the Games open. Dignitaries expected at the event are the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, International Olympic Committee boss, Rogge; presidents of the 26 international federations whose sports are being competed for at these Games, leaders of delegations of the 204 IOC member nations here, presidents of national Olympic Committees and other personalities. Already, London, since yesterday, started feeling the pains of the Games, especially the opening ceremony, as the police and other security agencies closed several roads leading to the Olympic Stadium, Park and Games Village, thereby causing serious traffic gridlock in the city. The LOCOG had decided last week that the cer-
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alities. Her foot-works were amazing and her left and right combination overwhelmed the American and British female pugilists. Their coaches had to throw in the towel to save them from further punishment and avert a major disaster even before the bell rings for the boxers to climb the square ropes. The Admin Personnel of the boxing team, Dr. Patrick Uwagbale, informed yesterday that the girl was raring to go. “She is good for a medal and
she is in top shape,” Uwagbale said. “Her punches are too much for a female and her footworks are equally amazing. She dances away from problem and rattles her opponents with lightening punches and we are indeed hopeful.” The two other male boxers representing Nigeria are Akanji Muideen Olalekan, fighting in the 75 kg, and Lawal Lukmon Olaiwola fighting in the 81kg.
Team Nigeria ready, set for ceremony
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eam Nigeria said yesterday that they are ready for the opening ceremony and the competitions thereafter. In a statement yesterday, Press Attache of the team, Tony Ubani, said that having integrated into the Olympic Village with coaches putting finishing touches into their final trainings, the Nigerians was ready for competition. According to him, the NOC President, Engineer Sani Ndanusa, is in high spirits after moving around the training sessions to see for himself the fitness level of the athletes. “Let the Games begin. Our athletes are ready to roll,” Ubani quoted Ndanusa as saying, adding, “At a time like this, you need to thank God that all is well in the team. There are no worries in camp and the athletes are equally enthusiastically looking forward to the start of the Games.” Meanwhile, Team Nigeria athletes will wear traditional attire during today’s march past at the opening ceremony. The attire will be white sprinkled with green and weightlifter, Usman Maryam, competing in the +75kg, will carry Nigeria’s flag. NOC Secretary General, Tunde Popoola, confirmed to National Mirror yesterday that the attires were carefully chosen for the contingent. “It’s going to be our traditional attire mixed with white and green, the colours of Nigeria. It’s a reflection of us and we are ready for the opening ceremony,” Popoola said.
Ndanusa
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London bits…
Flying Air Nigeria way I flew into London in class, flying the Air Nigeria way. It’s an unforgettable experience that is better experienced than imagined. Sitting comfortably in the Big Bird “Papa D.O” the Airbus A330-200 lifted itself majestically from MMIA, climbed and settled at 41,150ft above sea level. From this cruising altitude, the aircraft covered the 4,963km (3,084 miles) distance between Lagos and London in 6 hours 25 minutes. And what about the in-flight meals? Chummy...delicious!
XXXTH OLYMPIC SUMMER GAMES
London 2012
EVEREST ONYEWUCHI REPORTING
July 27 - August 12, 2012
GB swimmers shun ceremony
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No accommodation Visitors for the Olympic Games are practically living outside. The hotels have long been fully reserved and booked. I see people hanging around the Olympic Park and sitting and staying there all day, all night. You try alternative accommodation arrangements, you pay from your nose for rooms, studios or going in with residents. Before I arrived here, I saw adverts online for tents to live in on streets. But before last week, London had inclement weather, raining every time that frightened the LOCOG of what would become of the opening ceremony weather.
High temperature
Traffic gridlock experienced in the city of London early yesterday ahead of the opening ceremony.
Cameron regrets flag gaffe
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ritish Prime Minister, David Cameron, has said every effort will be made to ensure mistakes such as Wednesday night’s Olympic flag mix-up never happen again. The Prime Minister said the error, in which the South Korean flag was wrongly shown instead of sworn enemy North Korea’s at a football game, was “an honest mistake” for which an apology has been issued. The North Korean women’s team staged
Tennis: Federer, Williams know foes
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orld number one, R o g e r Federer, is back at Wimbledon a few weeks after winning his seventh title there, and will open his bid for Olympic gold against Colombian Alejandro Falla. Serena Williams, who also won at the All England Club, plays Jelena Jankovic in the first round at the draw that was held yesterday ahead of the tennis
Temperature rose on the eve of the opening of the games, causing intense heat. Wednesday’s temperature hit about 35C. As I write now, it’s about 32 degrees centigrade. Of course, the Brits are enjoying it; I’ve seen almost nude men and women sunbathing on fields. Somebody has promised to take me to where I will see stark naked babes and dudes sunbathing. Wait until I get there to see for myself.
Local food danger Wednesday afternoon, I went into a Nigerian restaurant being run by a Yoruba woman somewhere in Hackney Area and bought vegetable soup and pounded yam for take away, put it in the freezer. Later in the evening, I micro-waved it and ate. Two hours later, I developed gastrointestinal trouble that frightened me and excreted thrice under 10 minutes. But thanks to two capsules of flageal drug I travelled with. Now I know better where to eat and what to munch.
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a protest ahead of their match with Colombia after the South Korean flag was wrongly shown on a big screen at Glasgow’s Hampden Park stadium. As a consequence, the players walked off the pitch and delayed the match by an hour. “It was unfortunate and should not have happened,” Cameron said during a visit to the Olympic Park yesterday. “We shouldn’t over-inflate this episode. It was unfortunate, it shouldn’t have happened and I think we can leave it at that.”
eam GB’s top swimmer, Liam Tancock, said yesterday that his mates made a collective decision to skip today’s opening ceremony. The Olympic swimming programme will get underway at 10am tomorrow, with the opening ceremony scheduled to go on deep into the previous night. The swimming squad has therefore decided as a group not to attend as they feel that being present at the event could be detrimental to their performance. “It wasn’t a difficult decision at all. We train all our life for one moment,” Tancock said. “Staying up late and our feet isn’t the best situation but we’ll be watching on TV and supporting Team GB and we’ll be there at the closing ceremony.” Tancock will be competing in the 100 metres backstroke at the Games, a race that is not considered to be his strongest event.
Federer
s the 30th Olympic Games begins in London today with the world buzzing in excitement, a leading Dual SIM mobile phone manufacturer, Tecno Telecom Limited, has announced the introduction of “Buy a phone and get a free Olympic Souvenir”, specifically designed for Nigerians during the quadrennial event. According to the Deputy Managing Director of the company established in 2006, Chidi Okonkwo, the unique promo, which
Serena
events that will smash off tomorrow. Federer won Olympic gold in doubles in 2008 with fellow Swiss player Stanislas Wawrinka but medal in singles is the one important accolade to elude him. World number two Novak Djokovic of Serbia was drawn into the same half as Wimbledon finalist Andy Murray, meaning the pair could meet in the semi finals. Djokovic plays of Fabio Fognini Fogni Italy in the first round, ahead of a possible po second-round match a against American Andy Roddick.
Tancock
Tecno unfolds Olympics promo began on July 1, will end on August 10. “The promo provides opportunity for Nigerians to win a million fantastic Olympic souvenirs and gifts as well enable them to share in the Olympic spirit,” is for Nigerians to share the joy of the Olympic Games,” Okonkwo said. “We owe this as a social responsibility
duty to Nigerians in light of the fact that the games brings people from different countries and cultures together,” he added, stressing that the passion attached to sports should be exploited at this period. Prospective Nigerians will be expected to buy any phone of the five Tecno product lines to win the unique Olympic free sou-
venirs, the official said, adding that models T451, T471 (FM phones); TV20, TV30 (TV phones); T608, T628, T638 (Opera Mini phones); T73P, T858 (AF push mail phones); and T1, T3 (Smartphones) would be purchased by the customers. “They will be available in major cities across Nigeria,” he disclosed. Promotion Manager, Joseph Soffack Sonna, however assured that winners of the items would be rewarded instantly.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Sport
Friday, July 27, 2012
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NPL goleador quits football IKENWA NNABUOGOR
F Eguavoen
Enyimba axes Eguavoen AFOLABI GAMBARI
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he management of Enyimba FC of Aba yesterday suspended the club’s technical adviser, Augustine Eguavoen, indefinitely for poor performance and anti-club activities. Club Chairman, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, said in a statement that the former Super Eagles coach had displayed unprofessional attitude since the team was eliminated from the Federation Cup in Ibadan by Prime of Osogbo last week. “I am confirming that Eguavoen has been placed on an indefinite suspension with immediate effect after he flouted our contractual agreement by refusing to work,” he said. Eguavoen and his assistants, as well as some players were on Monday placed on half salary by the management for poor performance and dwindling productivity with a warning to improve or face further sanctions.
ormer Nigeria Premier League top scorer and Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia striker, Ogochukwu Obiakor, has quit football and has now settled in Birmingham, England with his English wife and his twins. National Mirror gathered yesterday that Obiakor, who won the last edition of the African Cup Winners Cup with his Tunisian club in 2003, now works at a private firm in Birmingham. The striker copped an injury when he ruptured his knee playing for Etoile in a league game against Esperance. Attempts to get the lanky striker’s career back on track received only a minimal success and he had tried to rescue himself at an Algerian club which ended before it could get off the ground after the troubled knee relapsed, forcing his relocation to England with his family. Obiakor, who was courted by Belgian side Anderlecht as he hit top form at Etoile, told National Mirror that it was a tough decision for him to quit the game, even as he alleged spiritual forces as responsible for his travails. “I am happy with my family here in Birmingham and I have long put the bad memories behind me.” Obiakor currently keeps fit at a local club in Birmingham and competes in Sunday tournaments.
Eagles, Menas get August date IKENWA NNABUOGOR
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he Super Eagles will engage the Menas of Niger Republic in an international friendly billed for Niamey on August 15. National Mirror learnt yesterday from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that the friendly would fast track the resumption of the Eagles who had earlier been directed to converge in Abuja on August 19 ahead of the Afcon 2013 qualifier with the Lone Star of Liberia in Monrovia. Reports said the NFF General Secretary, Musa Amadu, said the list of players that would tackle the Menas would be released as the team would lodge at the Bolton White Apartment in Abuja on August 4. Meanwhile, Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, has requested for the tapes of the Liberia team to enable him to prepare adequately for the West African foes. Keshi, who had led a complete team of homebased Eagles to claim a 2-0 victory in an international friendly against Liberia in Monrovia in February, will be hard pressed to repeat the feat in the final rounds of AFCON 2013 qualifiers billed to hold in September and October.
Super Eagles players congratulated striker Ike Uche (r) after scoring a goal in a recent game
F’Eagles arrive Dar es Salam Pepsi flags off anniversary tourney IKENWA NNABUOGOR
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he Flying Eagles arrived in Dar es Salam yesterday ahead of their 2013 African Youth Championship qualifier against Tanzania on Sunday. The team, led by NFF technical committee chairman Chris Green touched down at the Julius Nyerere International Air-
port at 4.15pm local time after a brief stopover in Kilimanjaro. The Nigerian delegation was received by officials from the Nigerian High Commission in Tanzania as well as officials of the Tanzania FA. Coach John Obuh disclosed that the team would have their first training today by match time on Sunday. The second leg will hold in Ilorin, Kwara State on August 11.
AFOLABI GAMBARI
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t Bede’s College, United Kingdom will highlight the Pepsi Football Academy U-17 International Tournament to mark the 20th anniversary of the premier football academy in Nigeria. Other teams to feature in the two-day championship which begins today at the astro turf of the
Academy who are currently plying their trade in big leagues in Europe and Africa. They include Mikel Obi, Osaze Odemwingie, Elderson Echejile, Onyekachi Akpam and Ejike Uzoenyi, among others. This international tournament will be used to select the next beneficiary of the Pepsi/St. Bede’s College’s two-year scholarship for the 2012/2013 academic session.
NSF: Lagos rewards Rivers 2011 athletes
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Flying Eagles players celebrating a goal in a match
MKO Abiola Stadium Abeokuta include Pepsi Football Academy, River Lane Football Academy, Enugu and Oyo State Academicals who won the NASCOM football completion last month. Organisers told National Mirror yesterday that the Golden Eaglets were invited to participate in the event but were barred by administrative reasons. The Pepsi academy has an elite list of former young players in the
agos State Government yesterday rewarded its athletes for their feat at the 17th National Sports Festival tagged “Rivers 2011” The event, which was held at the Mobolaji Sports Centre, Rowe Park had gold, silver and bronze medallists getting cash rewards of N100, 000, N75, 000 and N50, 000 respectively. Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Wahid
Oshodi, who presided over the ceremony, said the gesture was aimed at encouraging the athletes as well as underscores the state’s resolve to prioritize athletes’ welfare. The commissioner, however, charged the athletes to focus on the 18th edition of the championship, which would be hosted by the state, saying, “As the host, we are expected to put up a brilliant showing and we must not disappoint.”
Gov. Fashola
WORLD RECORD
Oldest magic society Vol. 02 No. 413
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The Society of American Magicians is the oldest magic society in the world. It was founded in Martinka’s famous magic shop in New York City, USA, on 10 May 1902, with only 24 members.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Worsening Jonathan – Reps relations
hould caution take flight, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the country’s 14th Head of State and current democratically elected President, might step on the banana peels currently strewn on his path by the House of Representatives. The former Vice President came to power following the illness-occasioned death of former President Umaru Yar’Adua on May 5, 2010. His position was again confirmed by his subsequent election in 2011 as Nigerian president. There might really have been no cordial relationship between President Jonathan and the House of Representatives’ right from the day the 7th Session of the House (Seventh Assembly) was inaugurated on June 6, last year. The reason is not far-fetched – the alleged meddlesomeness of Jonathan in the choice of the leadership of the Seventh Assembly. The President was pointedly accused of trying to impose his choice candidate on the Reps as Speaker, for example. At best, therefore, both the Presidency and the
FRIDAYS WITH Dozie Okebalama
dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) House have barely managed to forge a cordial working relationship. Push seems gradually becoming shove in their delicate relationship with the Reps’ last Thursday (July 19, 2012) threat of impeaching Jonathan over what they labeled as the “poor implementation” of the 2012 budget. The Reps said when Jonathan presented the budget of about N4.7 trillion before the National Assembly, he gave the lawmakers the impression that gone were the days of empty budget speeches that never translated to budget implementation. Less than three months to the presentation of the 2013 budget proposal, however, only 35 percent of the 2012 Appropriation Act had been implemented. The Reps threatened that “if by September, when we resume from recess, the executive has not implemented the budget to 100 per cent, we will begin drafting the article of impeachment.” They are likely to slam the offence of gross misconduct on President Jonathan. The 1999 Constitution (as amended) in Section 143 (1) (2) (a) and (b) provides as follows: “The President or Vice-President may be removed from office in accordance with the provisions of this section whenever a notice of any allegation in writing, signed by not less than one-third of the members of the National Assembly, is pre sented to the President of the Senate, stating that the holder of the office of President or Vice-President is guilty of gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of his office, detailed particulars of which shall be specified.” Jonathan was said to have invited the Speaker, Aminu
K
HAVE STRAYED INTO THE BOOBY TRAP
OF THE REPS; AND ONLY DEFT POLITICAL MOVES CAN SAVE THE SITUATION.
AND WHENEVER HE WRIGGLES OUT, HE SHOULD THREAD WITH CARE Tambuwal, for peace talks shortly after the threat, while the Alhaji Bamanga Tukurled ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also intervened in the search for truce last weekend. Whether or not they have found it (the peace) is yet unclear. But in his opening remarks at the 60th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the PDP held recently in Abuja, Jonathan said his government decided to redirect its pre-election agenda (campaign promises) in favour of security enhancement, apparently because of the terrorist scourge in the country. The President was quoted as saying that ensuring food security and creating jobs would not be feasible since man must be alive in
Sport Extra
w aduna State Governor, Mr. Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, has been invited to attend the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic scheduled for today. According to the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Reuben
JONATHAN SEEMS TO
the first place before talking about job or food. It does seem, therefore, that the Reps September deadline for 100 percent implementation of the 2012 budget is a mission impossible for Jonathan; and therefore unrealistic. But whether rightly interpreted or misinterpreted, I consider the House of Representatives’ impeachment threat the kind of salutary experience Jonathan needed to wake up from his seeming slumber. My fear, however, is that the threat might herald the unknown if not properly managed or gets hijacked by party hawks. I had spoken of banana peels as well as Jonathan - Reps unpredictable relationship with the emergence of Tambuwal (who wasn’t Jonathan’s or PDP’s candidate) as the Speaker of the House of Reps. Indeed, at a stage, the PDP refused to congratulate Tambuwal after his emergence as the Speaker, allegedly for ‘dumping the party’s zoning arrangement.’ But the intriguing argument had been that the same zoning stuff was torn to shreds to enable Jonathan emerge as the president. Besides, the PDP zoned the office Speaker to the South-West and endorsed Rep Muraina Saubana Ajibola for the slot. But the choice of Ajibola was reportedly reversed overnight when a purported meeting in Aso Rock, attended by governors of PDP states and party leaders, chose Rep Mulikat Adeola-Akande after the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, allegedly insisted on the 35 percent affirmative action for women beginning with the position of Speaker. Those were some of the odds Reps Tambuwal and Emeka Ihedioha reportedly surmounted to popularly emerge as Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively. When the duo visited the then Acting Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, to seek for “forgiveness”, Tambuwal had stated: “It (their emergence) was designed by God, it was not designed by us”; which one can also interpret to mean that luck for clinching juicy political offices is not reserved for Jonathan alone. The phrase - ‘forgive and forget’ does seem not as interesting to many politicians as ‘intrigues and perfidies.’ Jonathan seems to have strayed into the booby trap of the Reps; and only deft political moves can save the situation. And whenever he wriggles out, he should thread with care.
Olympics 2012: Yakowa to attend opening ceremony Buhari, Yakowa would use the five-day visit to follow up on some investment opportunities earlier initiated for the invited Nigerian government officials by organizers of the Games.
“Those to accompany the Governor include the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Alhaji Nazifi Jibrin Mohammed, the Chairman House Committee on Sports, Hon. Yakubu Bitiyong and
the Director of Sports in the Sports Ministry, Alhaji Yakubu Halidu,” Buhari disclosed Governor Yakowa had maximized the National Sports Festival tagged “Kadda 2009” hosted by Kaduna
State to woo investors to with a view to exploring the commerce and tourism potential of the state. He had also encouraged the hosting of African Hockey Championships last year.
Governor Yakowa
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