Friday, September 7, 2102 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Civil society groups oppose Jonathan’s six-year single term

‘3,000 Nigerians seek medicare in India monthly’

We’ll deliver people-oriented constitution –President

ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

Vol. 2 N0. 443

ivil society groups and professional associations yesterday voted for a twoterm of four years for

elected President and governors as against the six-year single term proposed by President CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Chukwu

Friday, September 7, 2012

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N150

Gunmen kill16 in Yobe

...as attacks on telecoms masts spread Four Igbinedion varsity lecturers die in auto crash

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AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST, OMEIZA AJAYI, INUSA NDAHI AND

KUNLE A ZEEZ

ixteen persons, including a Protocol Officer in Government House, Damaturu, Yobe State, Mallam Adamu, were killed in Yobe State yesterday by terrorCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun; Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Kingsley Moghala and Deputy Governor, Operations, CBN, Mr. Tunde Lemo, during the burial service for the late former CBN Governor, Mr. Olatunde PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA Vincent in Lagos, yesterday. Story on page 52

Fuel scarcity may hit Lagos soon

Newswatch: Court restrains Ray Ekpu, Agbese, others Cynthia

Govt begins N30bn Ikorodu road expansion P.8,52

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for burial today

Ekpu

Agbese

Akinrinade

Yakubu

Dame Jonathan: The mystery continues

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Nasarawa varsity still mourning

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News

Friday, September 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Gunmen kill16 in Yobe as attacks on telecoms masts spread CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ists suspected to be members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect. The killing came even as attacks on base transceiver stations, BTS, of telecommunications companies in the North spread to other states. National Mirror learnt that some of the victims died as a result of the attack launched on the BTS by the terrorists. The hoodlums set ablaze the service-base masts of Airtel, Glo and Etisalat in Potiskum and Damaturu, with Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, and petrolbombs in the early hours of yesterday. An attendant at the hospital morgue of the Sani Abacha Specialists Hospital, Damaturu, told our correspondent that men of the Joint Task Force, JTF, and the police brought in 16 bodies to the hospital. He said the bodies were conveyed to the hospital in three Hilux patrol vehicles belonging to the police and the JTF. “The only body that was identified was that of a protocol officer in the Government House, Damaturu,” he said. The state Police Commissioner, Mr. Patrick Egbuniwe, confirmed that the hoodlums launched the attack with IEDs. He said: “Some of the masts of three GSM firms in the state were burnt by suspected armed hoodlums by launching IEDs and petrol-bombs at each of the masts in the state capital and Potiskum, 100 kilometres west of Damaturu.” He also confirmed that some people were killed in the attacks and bombings that lasted for over two hours. “We are still collating details on the attacks and killings in the two affected towns,” Egbuniwe said. Cell phones services in the state have been disrupted with the exception of MTN, which provides epileptic services. In Kano, four more telecom facilities were attacked with high calibre explosives allegedly by members of the sect. Yesterday’s coordinated attacks on masts belonging to MTN, Etisalat, Glo and Visafone located at the Sharada area came on the

heels of a similar attack on Wednesday. Attempts were also made on MTN and Airtel masts on Wednesday by suspected terrorists at the same Sharada area. Meanwhile, the deadly sect yesterday claimed responsibility for the bombings and even threatened to cause more havoc. The leader, Abu Qaqa, in an email to journalists said the group’s next targets were now VOA and primary schools. Police said Wednesday’s attacks were carried out by men on motorbikes, adding that the damage on the installations was not serious. Armed security personnel were said to have been deployed to all installations of service providers in the state to beef up security. Strong indications have, however, emerged that the telecoms companies, whose facilities were being bombed, might shut down their operations until normalcy returns to the zone. National Mirror learnt that though the move by the operators to shut down their operations in the North was still being reviewed by the management of the telecoms firms, the decision might become necessary to safeguard the lives of their workers in the areas. The operators are also said to be subjecting the decision to ‘critical review’ in view of the likely security, economic and social implications which a total shut down could pose to the people. A top management source at one of the telecoms firms, who did not want his name mentioned yesterday, confirmed the moves by the operators. “It is something we are considering now because our staff working in the area are currently working in fear. “I think something urgent needs to be done and shutting down operations in the areas may be an option. “But I think because of the negative impact of shutting down their operations, which can further trigger greater security risks if people are not able to call each others, they might be working on alternative measures with less negative impacts,” he said. When contacted yesterday, MTN’s Corporate Ser-

vices Executive, Mr. Wale Goodluck, said: “We are still reviewing our strategies and measures towards addressing the situation and that is what I can tell you for now.” In a related development, gunmen yesterday attacked the residence of Christian members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, behind the Federal Government Girls College, FGGC, Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, carting away thousands of naira, including their monthly allowance and valuables. The bandits, who stormed the Family House of the Redeemed Christian Corpers Fellowship, RCCF, held the corps members hostage for hours. The gunmen gained entrance into the lodge from a toilet in the female wing of the building and made away with three laptops, about 24 mobile phones and

cash. “We are about 20 corps members in the lodge when it happened and all our phones were taken away, some of us had two, three phones, also our monthly feeding allowance which we contributed was also taken away by the evil men,” one of the victims said. RCCF President, Banji Omogbehin, said the motive of the attack was unknown because the bandits demanded to know the state of origin of the victims and threatened “to rape our ladies and behead us.” Officials of the NYSC, who visited the corps members, said the issue would be seriously dealt with as the scheme would not tolerate such act on its serving members. Police spokesperson, Mr. Amos Olaoye, said the case was not a robbery case but burglary and stealing. “I can confirm that it

was an attack but it’s not robbery. We have not made any arrest yet but the police are investigating,” he said. The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday ordered a 24-hour surveillance of all telecommunications equipment and installations across the country. Police authorities said the order was sequel to “recent security development in some parts of the country where these equipment and installations have become vulnerable and targets of reckless attacks and willful destruction.” In a statement issued by the police yesterday, Abubakar directed all state commissioners of police to constitute a special unit in their respective commands to ensure the safety of telecommunication equipment and installations. “CPs are to further en-

sure that Area Commanders and DPOs in their commands replicate the constitution of such special units in their respective areas to protect installations located within their territories. The IG has also directed Zonal Assistant InspectorsGeneral of Police (AIGs) to supervise the activities of all such units. Also worried by the worsening state of insecurity in the country, President of the Senate, David Mark, and other top retired military officers met yesterday at Oturkpo, Benue State, with a firm resolve to restore peace in the nation. Those at the meeting included former Minister of Transport, Rear Admiral Festus Porbeni (rtd); former Administrator of Ekiti State, Maj.-Gen. Tunji Olurin (rtd) and former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Alwali Kazir.

L-R: Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke; Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Alhaji Ahmadu Giade and Secretary, NDLEA Board, Mr. Femi Ajayi, at the inauguration of the board of the agency in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Civil society groups oppose Jonathan’s six-year single term CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Goodluck Jonathan. This is even as President Jonathan said that his administration was determined to give the country a people-oriented constitution that would ensure development, progress and prosperity of the nation. The occasion was the maiden edition of the Presidential Retreat for Civil Society Organisations and Professional Associations as part of activities lined up for the nation’s 52nd independence anniversary in Abuja. The President had on July 26 last year proposed to send a bill for a single term of six years for President and governors as amend-

ment to the constitution. Defending the proposed bill, President Jonathan had said that it was borne out of a patriotic zeal, after a painstaking study and belief that the constitutionally guaranteed two terms for President and governors was not helping the focus of governance and institutionalisation of democracy at the stage of the nation’s development. But during an electronic voting at the presidential retreat, the participants stoutly rejected the six-year single term and also opted for a national dialogue under the current constitution. They also rejected any role for traditional rulers in

the constitution. From a total of 60 per cent, those in support of a sovereign national conference got 22 per cent; those in support of a national conference of ethnic groups had 22 per cent, while those in support of continuing national dialogue under the current constitution had 26 per cent. The President at the retreat said that the present administration believed in the rule of law and that the constitution should be amended according to its provisions. He added that the Federal Government would soon send to the National Assembly the proposed bill for the amendment of the

constitution along with the report of the Presidential Committee on the Review of the Constitution. “Our collective aspiration must be realised in our time. In a democracy, sovereignty lies with the people and it is the people that can create the constitution that governs their daily existence. “We must consolidate the virtues of our common heritage, reaffirm our common destiny and indeed, collectively resolve to guarantee the greatness of our dream country. “These cannot be realised without creating understanding and securing consensus through CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

National News

Friday, September 7, 2012

Godfrey Danaan giving testimony on behalf of Cynthia’s Church

Church members in attendance at the service of songs in Jos for Cynthia.

Rita Nkem Osokogu Cynthia’s mother at the church

Cynthia for burial today Nasarawa varsity still mourning

riends and well wishers of late Cynthia Osokogu will, today, gather at her family house in Agbor in Delta State to pay their last respect to their departed colleague. A service of songs was earlier held in her honour at St Murumba’s Catholic Church, Zaria Road in Jos on Wednesday. A family source said that requiem mass and final interment would take place at Owa Ekei Road, near Legend Hotel, Boji Boji Owa, Ika North Local Government Area of Delta State. Already, Cynthia’s parents, who reside in Jos, have left the capital city for Delta State. When National Mirror called at their family house located at the ECWA Staff Quarters in Jos yesterday, it was deserted except for the security men guarding the compound. An old man selling fruits adjacent the compound confirmed that Cynthia’s father, Gen. Frank Osokogu (rtd), his wife

Ene, Cyntia’s closest friend giving testimony during the service of songs

LOCKED: Her boutique

Cynthia’s friends at the church service

JAMES ABRAHAM AND IGBAWASE UKUMBA

and other members of the family left Jos for Delta State yesterday morning for the burial of their daughter. In front of their white gate were three posters bearing the picture of the late Cynthia. Until her death, Cynthia was a postgraduate student at the Nasarawa State University. She was lured by facebook friends in July and killed in a Lagos hotel. Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, NSUK, is still in a mournful mood over Cynthia’s death. The student cum clothes retailer was doing her master’s degree programme in Education Administration and Planning at the Faculty of Education at the university and was at the same time involved in modelling as she was the Chief Executive of Dress Code Connections, Keffi. A visit to the university yesterday by our correspondent showed that the entire NSUK community was devastated over the circumstances that led to the death of one of its members. “In fact, up till now, we are still crying over her death. She was a very decent and quiet girl

Late Cynthia

who did not even associate herself with everybody. She was my girl in the school, more so that we did a group assignment together and no member of the group was reported to have seen anything evil in the girl. In fact, she was generally a disciplined girl right from the home that she was brought up from,” said of one of her course mates, Hajiah Lare Baba Katcha. A non-academic staff in the Faculty of Education, Ashabutu Zango Adamu, described Cynthia as a nice girl. He said: “Before the end of last semester’s examinations, I

told her in one of our familiar jokes with her that ‘Cynthia I believe that when you finally go home for the semester break, you will cease to be buzzing me on phone;’ but she told me that she would never stop calling me during the semester break. Since then, I did not hear from her, only to read on the pages of newspapers that she was murdered in Lagos. “I initially got the news of her death through my phone via a text message sent to me and on the facebook pronouncing her dead. When I saw her picture, I was shocked and was not really sure that it was truly her picture until when I called a friend and he confirmed to me that the picture is Cynthia’s. There and then I came to accept that the girl is really dead.” To the university community, Cynthia’s death was a big loss, bearing in mind the good legacies she left behind. The Deputy Dean, Faculty of Education, Isaac Kwikwi, said the deceased made the institution proud as a runner-up in the Miss Nigeria Beauty Pageant. “She made us proud by participating in the Miss Nigeria Beauty contest, when she eventually became a runner-up. This has, no doubt, projected the university’s image within and

beyond the shores of Nigeria. “By the time she applied for her postgraduate studies in Education Administration and Planning, if we had detected a problem in her, we would not have given her the admission. So, if you look at her life and records, you will discover that she was a hard working lady and had successfully completed her first semester and we were expecting her back for the second semester only to discover on the pages of newspapers that she is dead,” he said. Cynthia’s close neighbour, Daniel Anthony, described her as his aunty. Anthony said Cynthia was always nice to him by always attending to his immediate needs. He said: “It is rather unfortunate. My aunty recently promised me a wrist watch before I heard the news of her death. My prayer is that her soul rest in the bosom of our lord Jesus Christ while the perpetrators of that heinous crime, as I learnt that they were caught, be penalised according to the gravity of their offence.” Another neighbour, Nzenwula Obinna, said Cynthia lived a decent lifestyle with the people at Zuma Plaza in Keffi as she was not talking to everybody in the plaza. “Cynthia used to talk to me because of the closeness of our shops at the plaza. Before she entered her shop, she would say hi to me while she would not talk to everybody in the plaza,” Obinna said.

PhotoNews

Friday, September 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Assistant Editor, Health/Education Desk, National Mirror newspapers, Mr. Sam Eferaro; Senior Manager, Strategic Development, Gani-Kayode Balogun; Web Officer, Covenant University, Miss Olagoke Olawunmi; Head of Graphics, Mr. Henry Igba; Head, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Igban Emmanuel and Information Officer, Mr. Ayo Ajayi, during the visit of Mirror group to Covenant University in Ota, Ogun State, yesterday. PHOTO: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

L-R: Coordinator, UN System in Nigeria, Mr. Daouda Toure; UN Women Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Grace Ongilo; Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Zainab Maina and DIG Investigation, Mr. PHOTO: NAN Peter Gana, at the launch of Gender Policy for the Nigerian Police Force in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: Group Head, Retail Banking, South-South, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Rosemary Asiegbu; Head, Consumer Banking Products, Mrs. Funke Smith; winner of a deep freezer in the FirstBank Save and Excel Promo, Barr. Lucky-Abbe Felicia and Business Manager, Port Harcourt North, branch of the bank, Mr. Darlington Orlu, at the prize presentation in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

L-R: Executive Chairman, Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), Mr. Debo Adeniran ; Media Officer/ Coordinator of Programmes, Miss Abimbola Adegoke; Lagos State Chairman, Grass Roots Power Point, Mr. Samson Olayiwola and Director of Organisation, Peoples Action for Democracy, Comrade Ishola Adeshina, PHOTO: during CACOL’s courtesy visit to the Mirror House in Lagos, yesterday.

National News

Dana Air crash: Lawyers ask FG to issue white paper on technical condition Lifting of suspension inappropriate –CPC condition TOLA AKINMUTIMI, OBIORA IFOH KAYODE KETEFE, WALE IGBINTADE AND CAROLINE CHUKWUKA

ess than 48 hours after the Federal Government lifted the suspension on Dana Air, some notable lawyers have demanded for the technical condition of the airline. Specifically, some of the lawyers argued that government ought to have issued a white paper on why the plane crashed and the present condition of the airline before lifting the ban on its operations. The government had on Wednesday said in a statement that Dana Air, whose plane crashed on Sunday, 3 June, killing more than 150 people, was free to resume flight operations. The Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, announced the lifting of the suspension in a statement, signed by

her Special Assistant, Mr. Joe Obi, in Abuja. However, human rights lawyer, Festus Keyamo said the action of the government was morally wrong, since no explanation had been given to Nigerians on the present condition of the airline. He said: “No amount of money can compensate for the lives of those that died in the plane crash, but government has the moral obligation to issue a white paper on why the plane crashed and the present condition of the airline.” Keyamo however said that the families of the victims of the crash cannot go to court to stop the airline from beginning operation. “It is a moral issue; they cannot go to court to stop its operation,” he said. Dr. Joseph Nwobike, SAN, in his own submission stated that the suspension of Dana Air’s operation was illegal in the first instance, adding that

what government ought to have done was to ground the planes and carry out technical and financial audit of the airline before the suspension. Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Lagos branch, Mr. Taiwo Taiwo said lifting of the suspension and compensating the families of the victims are two different issues. “I don’t think the issue of whether or not the relatives and beneficiaries of the victims have not been settled has anything to do with the lifting of the ban on the Dana Air and allowing them to operate. “The issues are two different things. As a matter of fact, it could be said that it is even when the airline is in business that it would be in a better position to settle the claim of the victims, though they should have been adequately covered by insurance,” he said. Another lawyer Mr. Sola Fasugba noted that

families of the crash victims should have been compensated before the lifting of the suspension by government. He said: “The fact that the victims’ beneficiaries have not been settled while the Federal Government has lifted the ban has more to do with moral rather than legal issue. This is because the interests of the victims’ beneficiaries remain unchanged; they are still entitled to their full compensation. “However, looking at the matter from moral angle, one would say it is not fair that the airline has been unbanned while the victims’ beneficiaries have not been fully settled. There are a lot of other victims, who suffered psychological trauma in the accident; some of them have been coming to my office.” But the Federal Government yesterday debunked insinuations that the suspension clamped on the airline was lifted as a result of intense pressure from powerful forces, say-

ing its decision was based on satisfaction with the airworthiness of the airline’s aircraft. Making the clarification in Abuja at a media briefing, Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, explained that contrary to speculations that government was forced to take the decision, all actions taken so far was based on the satisfactory reports of the investigations and technical audit carried out on the operator. But the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, described the government action as an anti-climax to a very opaque Air Accident Investigation Process. CPC said that it is obvious that the PDP-led Federal Government is incapable of managing the expectation of Nigerians for strong leadership to guarantee their safety and security. It said that as a party, it feels the pain of the Nigerian people in the anticipation of true leadership that can extricate

the country from its present morass. CPC said: “Whilst we are not entirely averse to the lifting of the operation license of the Airline if there is an overarching need to do so, it is pertinent to ask for the original purpose of suspending the Airline’s operation license. “Was it to placate a traumatised citizenry and revert to the ‘normal’ mode once the feelings of anguish seem to have been doused by passage of time? How did the government arrive at the conclusion of the air-worthiness of the airline? Was it based on the conclusion of the Accident Investigation Bureau?” Meanwhile, a judge of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, Justice Okon Abang yesterday admitted an affidavit by Dana Air, supporting the request of a Non-Governmental Organisation, Civil Aviation Round Table Initiative, to stop the proceedings of a Lagos State coroner court over the June 3 crash.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Dame Jonathan: The mystery continues OUR CORRESPONDENT

he Presidency is deeply worried about the competence of doctors attached to the Aso Rock Villa clinic after it emerged that they apparently misdiagnosed the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan’s ailment even when her condition turned serious. This is even as the mystery behind her ailment deepened with no official word yet on the matter despite speculations in local and international media as well as social networking websites. Sources said that President Goodluck Jonathan might consider an overhaul of the entire medical team, which is believed to be wellequipped to deal with most medical emergencies. The doctors had been treating Dame Jonathan for food poisoning when in fact she had suffered a ruptured appendix, a life threatening condition that could result in septic shock and death. Aso Rock has also placed a gag order on all presidential aides concerning information about the First Lady’s health until she returns from Germany where she is currently recuperating at a high-profile clinic where she underwent surgery last week. Presidency sources said the continued speculation about the state of health of the President’s wife has

News

Friday, September 7, 2012

constituted a serious embarrassment to the Villa and the thinking is that the matter should have been handled differently. The media team at the Presidency is also reported to be in a fix as they had been rendered powerless on the matter following initial security concerns. Mrs. Jonathan had been flown to Wiesbaden, Germany, last week as her condition grew worse shortly after returning from Dubai and was diagnosed and treated for “food poisoning”. Hospital sources at Horst Schmidt Klinik had said that the First Lady had successfully undergone an operation to remove the ruptured appendix and she had been placed on a course of antibiotics to treat a potentially serious infection. The refusal by the Presidency to issue any statement on Mrs. Jonathan’s health condition had led to a rash of speculations in the media with her poor health, attributed to several reasons, including food poisoning and appendicitis while some reports said she underwent a tummy tuck operation. The nation is, however, left guessing even as the President again travelled to Malawi for official engagement. The situation is similar to the information blackout in 2009 when the late President Umaru Yar’Adua fell seriously ill and was treated in Saudi Arabia and later at the same Horst Schmidt Klinik before his death.

Newswatch: Court restrains Ray Ekpu, Agbese, others KAYODE KETEFE

Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has restrained four former directors of the Newswatch magazine, Messrs Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese, Yakubu Mohammed and Soji Akinrinade and their agents from further acting on behalf of Newswatch Communications Limited. The presiding judge, Justice Okon Abang, also gave an injunction restraining the four ex-directors and their agents or privies from declaring a trade dispute in accordance with the Share Purchase Agreement. This orders were given in the suit no FHC/

CS/1054/2012 instituted by Newswatch Communications Limited, (NCL), Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, OFR and Global Media Mirror Limited against the said four directors with a view to restrain them from taking measures that may be inimical to the interest of NCL. The court further restrained Ekpu and the three others from making any forms of publication on behalf of NCL in respect of the Share Purchase Agreement, SPA. In his ruling, Justice Abang further directed that Form 48 should be served alongside with the order; the implication of which is to render the respondents, Ray Ekpu and

the three others, liable to be committed to prison for contempt of court if they refuse all or any part of the court orders. The applicants’ motion was moved by their lawyers, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), who led two other counsel Messrs Olugbenga Dosumu and Ajibola Ariba at the proceedings. After granting the applicants ‘prayers, the court consequently adjourned the matter till September 14, 2012, for hearing of the substantive motion on notice. In his reaction to the court order, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim OFR, the Publisher and Executive Chairman of NCL, said: “As a lawyer,

the best thing to do is to call the bluff of Ray Ekpu and Co by taking them to the courts and it is good that the facts and justice of the case are coming out so as to protect the integrity of the transaction and the spirit of Dele Giwa. “Regrettably, I cannot comment on a matter before the court, as a mark of respect to the judiciary.” It will be recalled that the Management of the Newswatch magazine had removed Ray Ekpu and the three other former directors from the board last month on the grounds of their failure to comply with obligations incumbent upon them under the Share Purchase Agreement.

President Goodluck Jonathan (right) with the visiting Ghanaian counterpart, President John Mahama in Abuja, yesterday.

Civil society groups oppose Jonathan’s six-year single term CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

dialogue and commitment to the cause of our nationhood. “One instrument that has served as the ligament that holds the nation together is our national constitution. It would be important, therefore, that the constitution must be the people’s construction,” he said. The President stressed that the Federal Government was engaging the civil society in the constitution review process because of its determination to craft a people’s constitution for the country. He said: “Constitutionmaking or review in a democracy should not be an elitist undertaking. It must be processed through a strategic and far reaching con-

sultation with the people. That is the spirit of democracy. “A constitution that can guarantee true democracy must flow from the ideas and experiences of the people, not just the people in the corridors of power, but also the people in the market places and the public squares. “You have been invited to this retreat because you are close to the people and understand their fears and desires. “There is a compelling need for us to work together in this historic enterprise of the constitution-making. We cannot complete the constitutional review process until we hear all the voices of the people of Nigeria. “You have been invited

to this retreat because I believe that you share with me a passion for a Nigeria that is built on justice, equal opportunity, responsibility and a deep sense of community. “I truly believe that together we can achieve this vision for today and for tomorrow.” Chairman of the occasion and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Alfa Belgore, said that the greatest problem with the country was the constant internal instability in governance. He said: “This country had suffered from is not economic mismanagement but political instability. “Our poverty level is caused by instability. We must have a constitution

to allow for stability. If there is stability, there is enough on the ground for the happiness and unity of Nigerians wherever they are and we shall be more stable, united and be able to make the country great. “The constitution is the mother of all the laws and there is enough for everybody on the ground. There will be no excuse for any Nigerian to be poor.” He, however, noted that in spite of the instability, Nigeria could not break up as some people had predicted, saying that an attempt to do so could only bring bloodshed. Belgore said: “Many Nigerians cry foul and sometimes predict the break-up of the country. “I assure you Nigeria cannot break- up. Attempt

to do so can only bring unfortunate blood-shed. “Pessimists have been predicting the break-up of Nigeria. Some even say in 2015, Nigeria will disappear. I can understand their fear. “At little under 200 million people, certainly, Nigeria is a great country but those envious of what future Nigeria can be always try to destabilise us. They have succeeded to a certain extent.” Belgore noted that Nigeria “is blessed with many things - very good weather - for it is never too hot or too cold, very good rainfall, with a lot of water even in semi-desert, we have very good rivers flowing bringing water. “What we want is a viable, politically and eco-

nomically great and stable country that will always remain a pride to Africa and for all human beings wherever they are.” The former CJN added that the country’s electricity capacity would have been up to 42,000megawatts instead of the present 4,200megawatts if the dams were properly done and fully utilised to capacity. The Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman, Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, called on Nigerians and the current leadership at all levels of government to show statesmanship and exhibit highest level of patriotism in the on-going efforts at evolving a “people’s constitution.”

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Friday, September 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘3,000 Nigerians seek medicare in India monthly’ WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

L-R: Chief Executive Officer of Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa; President and Chairman of Council, Institute of Directors Nigeria, Mr. Thomas Awagu; Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga and Area Head of Legal, British American Tobacco West Africa, Mrs. Sade Morgan, at the institute’s Advocacy Roundtable Forum in Lagos, yesterday.

13% derivation: RMAFC seeks review of states, LGs’ joint account law TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

he Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, has canvassed the review of the enabling law that provides for the establishment of the states and local governments joint account. It said the law “constitutes an encumbrance to the operations of the 13 per cent derivation principles of the Federation Accounts.” Specifically, the RMAFC Chairman, Mr. Elias Mbam, noted that the existing law on the joint account had continued to hamper development of the grassroots in the oil producing states. He added that a substan-

tial part of the derivation allocations were usually committed to urban development in the affected states to the detriment of rural communities. Mbam explained that the objective of the 13 per cent derivation from monthly allocation was that it should be specifically used to develop oilproducing communities suffering most from the impact of environmental degradation occasioned by oil exploration in their domain. The RMAFC boss, who made the clarification yesterday when he received a delegation of traditional rulers from Delta State on a courtesy call in his office in Abuja, pointed out that the law had been a hindrance to chan-

nelling such allocations to the rural communities, which are directly bearing the negative impact of oil exploration in their domains since the law confers absolute control of the fund on governors rather than local council chairmen. He therefore sought for an amendment to the enabling law on the joint account in order to allow local government councils take direct control and administration of all funds meant for them, adding that the on-going review of the revenue allocation formula would address some of the grievances of beneficiaries of the Federation Account in a just, fair and equitable way. The leader of the delegation, Chief Wellington

South-South leaders ask FG to convene National Conference SOLA ADEBAYO WARRI

outh-South leaders yesterday asked the Federal Government to convene a National Conference to fashion a new constitution for the country. They insisted that only a conference of the various federating units and ethnic nationalities could midwife a constitution that would be acceptable to all Nigerians. The leaders of the oilrich geopolitical zone, however, reiterated their opposition to the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) being

canvassed by some people and rights groups. They warned that the National Assembly alone could not produce the constitution that would be accepted by the majority of Nigerians. The leaders met in Warri, Delta State, under the aegis of the South/South Peoples Assembly (SSPA). The SSPA is headed by a former Governor of Edo State, Chief John OdigieOyegun. In his address at the meeting, Ijaw National Leader Chief Edwin Clark said that National Assembly lacked the exclu-

sive right to deliver a new constitution to Nigerians, adding that the conference would afford the various ethnic groups the opportunity to discuss the basis of their continued existence in the country. He noted that there were a lot of issues to be discussed by the various groups, bothering on the contentious offshore-onshore dichotomy, fiscal federalism and Nigeria’s unity. According to him, whatever is the outcome of such deliberations could then be forwarded to the National Assembly for ratification.

Okrika, the Bolowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, in his remarks accused governors in the oil-producing states of underutilisation of the 13 per cent Derivation Fund, noting that most development projects are concentrated in the state capitals instead of the host communities, which are supposed to be direct beneficiaries. He therefore appealed to the Commission to support the establishment of an independent body to administer the 13 per cent Derivation Fund so as to ensure its utilisation for the benefit of host communities.

bout 3,000 Nigerians seek medical treatment in India monthly, it was learnt yesterday. Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Dr. Abdulwaheed Olatinwo, said at the 7th conference of the Association for Advancement of Cardiovascular Surgery and Medicine (AACVSM) held in Ilorin that heart-related diseases formed the majority of the reasons why Nigerians seek medical treatment abroad. Olatinwo, however, called for concerted efforts towards encouraging treatment of heart-related diseases and other ailments within the country. The UITH boss noted that heart disease currently accounts for about 30 per cent of global disease mortality rate and about 47 per cent of deaths from non-communicable diseases. He said congenital heart diseases account for many of the deaths in the developing world and that they have been associated with a lot of avoidable human suffering. The Medical Director expressed hope that the conference, whose theme is: “Congenital Heart Disease” and sub theme:

“Capacity Building in the Practice of Cardiovascular Surgery and Medicine,” would propose innovative solutions to elevate the quality of cardiovascular care available in the country to what obtains in the developed world. Olatinwo said the UITH was aggressively pursuing an agenda of ensuring a total quality healthcare that guarantees patient satisfaction. He said the hospital was investing heavily in the construction of a cardiac catheterization laboratory. The President of the AACVSM, Peter Adeoye, said Nigeria was lagging behind in the open heart surgery as against the situation in other parts of the world. He said: “Indeed, other African countries have progressed in this regard. South Africa, with population of about 50 million people has at least five standard cardiac centres serving the Western Cope region alone. Nigeria, with over 150 million people barely has one. “Ivory Coast has at least two; Kenya has five centres in Nairobi performing and average of 150 open heart surgeries per year in each centre. Ghana and Sudan has at least a centre each also with similar volume of cases as in Kenya.”

VC lauds NUC’s clampdown on private varsities

ice-Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji-Arakeji, Prof Ayo Fajana, says the decision by the Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC) to suspend the licences of some private universities in the country is justifiable. Prof. Fajana, who stated this yesterday at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja , said the commission took such action to arrest the alarming slide in the standard of education in the country. It will be recalled that the NUC, in July, suspended the operating licences of seven private universities, including JABU for allegedly failing to meet its guidelines on physical facilities and academic programmes.

NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Julius Okojie

The affected universities also included Achievers University, Caritas University, Lead City University, Madonna University, Obong University and Tansian University. The JABU VC said the NUC’s move to stop the sharp practices in the private universities was in line with its mandate to monitor the operations of

universities in the country and ensure the maintenance of quality and standards in Nigeria’s education sector. He said that the level of decay and falling standards in some universities in the country justified the actions of the commission. Fajana said: “The National Universities Commission has a mandate; government directs that it will be able to ensure quality in the processes of Nigerian university system: often there has to be some kind of monitoring, corrections, standards. “I believe that the commission is on top of the business, they have all the rights to do what they have done: they have all the legal backing and of course even the dictates of the times.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, September 7, 2012

South-West

Friday, September 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

2014: Ekiti PDP chieftains strategise for victory ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

hieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State met yesterday to chart a way forward for the party ahead of the 2014 governorship election. They met to strategise how to dislodge the ruling

Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) from the Government House. Among PDP chieftains at the meeting at the instance of former Education Minister, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, were Senator Clement Awoyelu; former PDP Chairman, Chief Bola Olu-Ojo; former Acting Governor, Mr. Tope Ademiluyi;

former Deputy Governor Mrs. Abiodun Olujimi and Chief Idowu Odeyemi. Others are Justice Edward Ojuolape; Chief Dele Okeya, who represented Police Affairs Minister Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade; Chief Mrs Titilayo Fadanhunsi and chairmen of the party across the 16 local government areas of the state.

The leaders expressed their readiness to work as a team and to reposition the party. Prof. Adeniran, who appealed to all members to forget their differences, reiterated the need for them to build upon the successful conduct of the party’s congresses in the state. He said since the PDP national leadership had rati-

fied the results of the congresses, everybody should abide with the decision, adding that the party could not afford to squander the goodwill the people were now giving the party. The former minister praised the Mr. Makanjuola Ogundipe-led state PDP executive committee for its efforts aimed at strengthening

the party for victory in the 2014 governorship poll. Speaking at the meeting, Ogundipe, who assured of a level-playing field for all governorship aspirants in the party, advised members to embrace peace. Ogundipe praised Olubolade and Adeniran for their commitment to the growth of the party.

Party accuses Ondo LP of intimidation •‘Allegation not true’ HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

L-R: Former Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Adegboyega Arulogun; Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Bosun Oladele; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Orientation, Mr. Gbolagade Busari, at the opening of a two-day workshop for local government information officers and community development officers in Ibadan, on Wednesday.

Ogun plans to sue Compass for alleged malicious publication FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

he Ogun State Government yesterday expressed its readiness to sue the management of Nigerian Compass newspaper for alleged malicious publication against Governor Ibikunle Amosun. The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Yusuf Olaniyonu, spoke at a press conference called to clarify alleged distorted facts on Governor Amosun’s trip to lesser Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which the newspaper reportedly published in its August 9th, 2012 edition. Olaniyonu, who described the publication titled: “Amosun jets to Saudi Arabia aboard N26m chattered flight” as malicious, explained that the state decided to embark on the legal option following failure of the Compass to retract the story as demanded. The commissioner added that counsel to Amosun, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, had written to the newspaper, demanding a retraction of the

story within seven-days as well as payment of N200m as damages for the injury done to Amosun’s person, character and reputation. Olaniyonu, who circulated photocopies of the governor’s boarding pass and ticket issued by the airline in respect of the journey to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj, said Amosun went to Saudi Arabia by Emirate commercial flight as against the newspaper’s report. A schedule of the trip made by Amosun to the holy land, as well as the entire trip he had made since

assumption of office in May 2011, however, reflected that a total sum of N30.7 million has been spent with estacodes. Another schedule which was also distributed to newsmen showed that Amosun, with members of his executive, spent N236.7m on international trips since May 2011 till date. The commissioner also gave journalists photocopies of a letter written by the Vice President, Customer Affairs of Emirate Airline, Bruce Forbes and dated 8th August, 2012 wherein

Lagos begins N30bn Ikorodu Road expansion

•Residents demand compensation MURITALA AYINLA Amosun

the airline apologised to Amosun for the delay encountered by flight number EK782 which conveyed him

Oyo sets up committee to review sacked LG workers’ cases

he Oyo State Government has set up a committee in each of the 33 local government areas to review the cases of the recently sacked council workers. The Chairman of the state Local Government Service Commission, Alhaji Lasisi Ayankojo, told journalists yesterday in Ibadan that the step was taken in order to give those affected by the sack fair hearing. The committee, accord-

ing to him, comprises the chairman, Head of Local Government (HLA) and a representative of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in each of the local government areas. Ayankojo said that any of the 1,161 sacked local government workers, who felt that his appointment was wrongly terminated, had up till today to submit necessary documents to prove his case. He said that the commit-

he Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday condemned alleged humiliation and intimidation of its members by the Labour Party (LP) supporters. PDP alleged that some members of the ruling LP unleashed violence on some of his members in Idanre Local Government Area of the state and injured them. Addressing journalists yesterday in Akure, the state capital, the Special on Media and Publicity to the PDP governorship candidate, Mr. Kunle Adebayo, said the attack was carried out to intimidate those who attended the rally of the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Olusola Oke. He said: “The incident took place just a day after the people of Idanre resisted the siege, violence and intimi-

dation as well as breakdown of law and order which the frustrated and rejected state government attempted to visit on the campaign train of Chief Olusola Oke who was in Idanre on ward campaigns. The victims of the violence were beaten before their wives and children.” Adebayo named victims of the attack to include Mrs. Alake Adebusuyi from Ehinpeti Ward 2, Madam Bosede Aladesawe, Akinlola Akinlolu, Ayo Afolabi, Bosede Akinbobola, Tunde Oloni Mr. O. Fayomi. But the Director of Publicity of Olusegun Mimiko Campaign Organisation, Kolawole Olabisi, denied the allegation, saying: “Everybody knows that Idanre is a major stronghold of LP. All top politicians in Idanre are LP members so LP can never be intimidated or bothered by the campaign of any party in Idanre or elsewhere because the work of LP government speaks for itself.

tee for each local government would commence sitting on the review of the cases of the sacked workers from September 11, 2012. Ayankojo said: “Since we are not God, we are not expected to be absolutely perfect. To that extent, there might likely be one or two people who may feel that they were wrongly terminated. That is why we have decided to constitute the committee on local government basis.

he Lagos State Government yesterday began expansion of the dual carriageway of Mile12 Ikorodu Road to six lanes with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route in the middle. The project will gulp N30bn. The 59-year-old road of 13.5 kilometre was awarded to the Chinese Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation (CCECC). According to the state government, other additional infrastructure to be provided on the road include: 15 BRT bus stations, three terminals to be located at Mile 12, Agric and Ikorodu; nine new bridges, seven pedestrian bridges to access BRT stations, nine

pedestrian crossing points, 12 new U-turns to allow for traffic going towards Lagos and Ikorodu, lane marking and streetlights. Meanwhile, leaders of the Ikorodu community, particularly owners of the property demolished by the state government to pave the way for the expansion project have called on the government to compensate them, even as they expressed support for the project. Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum comprising of the people of Ikorodu, representatives of CCECC and officials of Lagos State, the Managing Director and supervisor of the project, Lagos Area Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA), Dayo Mobereola, said the project would be completed within two years.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Friday, September 7, 2012

Ekiti inducts 153 firemen, paramedics

Motorists groan as fuel scarcity hits Ekiti

ABIODUN NEJO

ADO EKITI

kiti State Government yesterday inducted 153 newly recruited firemen and paramedics with an assurance that it was committed to ensuring security of lives and property of the citizens. The Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka, said the government would always put in place adequate human and material apparatuses to prevent any eventualities that might arise from natural and man-caused disasters. Mrs. Olayinka said the Governor Kayode Fayemi administration considered fire service operations as very instrumental to the provision of security of lives and property and as well as to prevent causalities in case of fire outbreaks and natural disasters. The deputy governor spoke in Ado-Ekiti during the beginning of a fiveweek induction/training programme for the new firemen and paramedics. She recalled that a similar training programme was declared opened by Fayemi in February for officers and men of Fire Services on the operations of a modern fire truck donated to the state by friends of the governor in the Diaspora. According to her, the training for the new recruits will provide them the technicalities needed whenever they are on rescue mission during fire incidents, road accidents and other related emergency services. Mrs. Olayinka, who appealed to the people to be security conscious at all times, charged them to avoid creating unnecessary hazardous situations which could lead to unpleasant consequences and to always alert the appropriate security and emergency management outfits on time for quick intervention. Also speaking, the Special Duties Commissioner, Dr. Wole Olugboji, praised the governor’s commitment to human capital development and high regard for the safety of lives and property in Ekiti which informed the recruitment of the 103 firemen/officers and 50 paramedics to handle disasters and emergency in the state.

ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

otorists in Ekiti State have difficulties in getting fuel as the product scarcity which hit the state on Monday has not abated. While many fuel stations did not dispense pet-

rol to prospective customers, the few stations where the product was being sold had long queues of vehicles and motorcycles to attend to. Such filling stations, however, were cashing in on the situation to extort customers. They sold the product above the pre-

scribed N97 per litre yesterday, as buyers parted with between N100 and N110 per litre. Vehicle owners, however, blamed what they called “artificial scarcity” on petroleum dealers who they accused of hoarding the product in anticipation of pump

price increase following the unavailability of fuel in Abuja. The motorists appealed to the state government to find solution to the situation before it got out of hand. The Commissioner for Information, Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, said

the current issue had assumed a national dimension and that the situation was not peculiar to Ekiti alone. Afuye said the government was monitoring the situation closely, promising that appropriate steps would be taken to reverse the trend soon.

2015 Presidency: S’West northern PDP caucus endorses Lamido KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

he northerners who are members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the SouthWest have endorsed Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State for the 2015 presidential election as earlier advocated by some prominent Nigerian leaders. The endorsement is contained in a communiqué issued in Ibadan yesterday at the end of their meeting. The communiqué signed by the National Coordinator of the caucus,

Alhaji Hassan Omooba and Secretary, Hon. Bashir Maiborno, said Lamido should accept their call. According to the PDP caucus, there is the need for Lamido to immediately declare his readiness to contest the Presidency in 2015. “The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Northerners in the South-West caucus holds its national meeting to show its support for the call made by some prominent national leaders for the Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, to declare

Anti-corruption group commends National Mirror ONUKWUBE OFOELUE

n anti-corruption group, Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL, has commended the National Mirror newspaper, describing it as a champion in the war against corruption in the country. Its Executive Chairman, Debo Adeniran, gave the commendation when the group paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the media organisation on Broad Street, Lagos. According to him, National Mirror is courageous in its fight against corruption. Adeniran, who also presented a paper entitled; “Fighting corruption is our collective responsibility,” said: “It is no longer news that corruption has become the fourth tier of government. Many media houses have compromised their stand; becoming tools in the hands of the powerful buccaneers disrupting the economy of the nation. “The watchdogs have become saboteurs themselves, feeding the masses with junks and propaganda. There is need for some media organisations that

have not lost their integrity to partner more with civil society to conquer the menace of corruption. I want to use this medium to express my profound gratitude to your organisation for the unquantifiable and tremendous support to CACOL. “We rely on the goodwill we enjoy from media organisations to bear this onerous task of fighting the endemic corruption. I want to use this medium to urge your support so that we could, if not totally eradicate, reduce corruption to the barest minimum in our nation by naming, nailing, shaming and shunning corrupt leaders and perpetrators of this heinous crime in private sectors anywhere and everywhere we see them.” In his response, the National Mirror Editor, Mr. Seyi Fasugba, gave a brief history of the success story, which the newspaper has become within two years. Fasugba said it was the turnaround principle of Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim which saw the company get this far. He said: “We behind the success strategy are even surprised at its effectiveness.”

his intention to contest the office of President in 2015,” the group said. The caucus expressed its “happiness and satisfaction with the foresight and the giant stride made by these leaders in declaring publicly their support for Alhaji Sule Lamido as the president in 2015 based on his good leadership qualities which he really posses. “He is portrayed as a true grassroots politician, detribalised, hardworking, patriotic, versatile (leader) and he belongs to all Nigerians. They also identified him as the only person who can lead Nigeria, find all its problems and solve them within

the short period of time without disappointing or hurting any Nigerian.’’ Members of the caucus enjoined Nigerians, irrespective of their tribe or religion, to support Lamido’s bid in the interest of the nation. “We call on His Excellency to answer the call of all Nigerians as it is the right time for him to do so and we promise him our unflinching support,’’ they added. The communiqué gave names of those present at the meeting as Alhaji Abdullahi Abdumalik from Ondo State; Alhaji Dahiru Danliman, former Special Adviser to Oyo State governor on min-

InThe

eral resources; Alhaji Yusuf Abdullahi from Ekiti State; Alhaji Danjuma Yakubu, a PDP leader from Oyo State; Alhaji Bello Garba, chairman, Miyetti Allah in Ondo State. Others are Alhaji Tanko Makama from Lagos State; Mr. Daniel Magaji; Alhaji Ibrahim Dege Hardo from Osun State; Alhaji Bala Jada, PDP chairman from Oyo State; Mallam Musa Ahmed from Ekiti State; Alhaji Mohammed Bello from Osun State; Alhaji Ibrahim Haruna, a PDP legal adviser in Ibadan North; Alhaji Bashir Umar, the Sadauna of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State; Sheik Abubakar Usman from Lagos State, among others.

Spotlight

I was a victim of the system – Prof. Adenike Grange, former Minister of Health

‘I believe the scenario that led to my exit from office could have been curtailed internally if the ministry had not been divided. I call it a scenario because till now, I don’t know the details of the N300million unspent

Confidence Haugen reveals l dark d k secret DID You

fund. All they were saying was that the ministry spent the money they should not have spent or whatever.’

Celebrity

HEAR? •Iyanya spotted with another babe in London •Peter P-Square throws lavish bash for baby mama •I am not jealous of Don Jazzy –KSB •Nollywood divas clash over award •Waje drops new album soon •Meggy denies secret wedding •Dbanj, Kanye West tighter than ever

Being Mr Nigeria has changed me

Deji Bakare x SeTalk Signs that you may not be good enough in bed This column is x-rated

South-East

Friday, September 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

My commissioners, aides are not sincere, says Orji

Surgeons advised on role in disaster management

GEORGE OPARA

ABIA

overnor Theodore Orji of Abia State has accused political appointees of engaging in parochial activities ahead of the 2015 general elections. Orji said the political appointees were engaging “in parochial politics, deadly intrigues and covertly forming inner structures to achieve their personal ambitions in 2015.” He spoke yesterday in Umuahia, the state capital,

following the reports he got on his resumption of duty after his vacation leave abroad. The governor said all his commissioners, personal assistants, special assistants and senior special assistants and special advisers were involved in this unholy politicking. Orji said: “I don’t see why the people should leave their official work to plan what they will be in the next three to four years. I have evidence of even civil servants joining some politicians whose attentions are divided, but

they will be sacked.” He said he laughed over the “unhealthy development because such structures are mushroom platforms that will collapse when the real and formidable political structure begins to position itself towards 2015 general elections.” Sources, however, described the development as an attempt by the political appointees to distract the administration of Governor Orji. A source, who did not want his name mentioned, urged the governor to han-

dle the situation with the attention it deserves, adding that attempts by the governor to handle it with kid gloves, may spell doom for the administration. He said: “I urge the governor to handle the issue with the seriousness it deserves and expeditiously too. And that if this unhealthy political game is condoled, it will constitute a threat to the unity of purpose and principle of collective responsibility which any meaningful and focused government will need to achieve its purpose.”

L-R: Director of Human Resources, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Mr. John Anyawu; Director-General, National Orientation Agency, Mr. Mike Omeri; Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and traditional ruler of Ndi-Ikelionwu community, Chukwuemeka Ike, at the launch of Citizen’s Responsibility Volunteer Scheme in Awka, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Imo plans to prosecute Udenwa, Ohakim for alleged fraud CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

he Imo State Government has concluded plans to prosecute the administrations of former governors Chief Achike Udenwa and Ikedi Ohakim for alleged fraud. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Anthony Anwukah, told journalists yesterday in Owerri, the state capital, that the government planned to prosecute them for allegedly diverting public funds into their private pockets. He said the prosecution of the former governors became necessary

because of the magnitude of embezzlement that was perpetrated during their administrations. Anwukah said the funds meant for all Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) projects were allegedly diverted without any single project executed by the former governors. The SSG said: “Projects meant to be done were not done and the money was pocketed without anybody asking questions. “Achike Udenwa misappropriated about N450m road project in Oguta Local Government Area without any sign of completion of the project except for two trenches

dug by the road side.” He assured those backing the prosecution of the past administrations to exercise patience, adding that Governor Rochas Okorocha had perfected plans that would make it difficult for the suspects to escape justice.

Ohakim Oh ki

DENNI AGBO ENUGU

he Nigerian National Section (NNS) of the International College of Surgeons (ICS) has urged surgeons to provide leadership role in managing disaster victims at the community, regional and national levels. President of the College, Prof. Frank Apkpuaka, spoke in Enugu at the opening ceremony of the ongoing 46th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the ICS. Prof. Apkpuaka said the theme of the conference: “Role of Surgeons in Disaster Management,” was the major theme this year and expressed regrets that Nigeria had been bedeviled by mass disasters in the recent past. According to him, mass casualties following manmade explosions, senseless shootings, air disasters and floods, among others were usually characterised by such numbers, severity and diversity of injuries that can completely overwhelm the ability of local medical resources to deliver comprehensive and definitive medical care to victims. He said that surgeons have traditionally played important roles in disaster response, adding that by their training, skills and re-

sources available in trauma centres , reasonable care could be given to a large percentage of victims. Apkpuaka said: “The International College of Surgeons ( Nigerian National Section) is hereby called upon to rise to its responsibility and play a leading role in mobilising the surgical community to participate actively in the multi-disciplinary planning and medical management of mass casualties following all disasters. “Surgeons should provide leadership at the community, regional and national levels in disasters causing physical trauma to victims that require surgical interventions and management. “All zones of our college are therefore called to organise education and training in the unique principles and practice of disasters and mass casualty management and to serve as role models in this field. We must show commitment to providing the leadership and resources necessary to achieve this goal.” In his speech, Chairman of the Conference’s local organising committee, Dr. Uchenna Katchy, stated that the event was aimed at building the capacity of Nigerian surgeons in the area of disaster management, especially with increasing cases of bomb blast victims in the country.

Abia relocates Umuahia industrial market Nov 15

GEORGE OPARA ABIA

he Abia State Government has fixed November15, 2012 as deadline for the relocation of traders from the old Industrial Market, Umuahia, to the new one at Azueke Ibeku. The Chairman of the Market Relocation Committee and Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Chief Charles Ogbonna, stated this yesterday at a traders/media forum he organised in Umuahia, the state capital. Ogbonna said that the relocation of the traders at the expiration of the deadline is not negotiable, stressing that the old site would be demolished af-

terwards. According to him, all the necessary facilities required for the take-off of the new market, including a police post, fire service, electricity, six boreholes, lorry park and road network are already in place. He added that 0 warehouses and 200 units of 3-bedroom flats had been approved for construction to give comfort to the traders. The committee chairman said the state government had so far paid the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) N27.8m for the installation of electricity in the new market and N21.5m as compensation to the land owners. Ogbonna said the government planned to dualize the Umuahia

Ikot- Ekpene Road up to the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, in addition to building internal roads in the market after the rainy season. He said that interest traders would be allocated shops upon evidence of tax payment and payment of infrastructure levies for at least two years. Ogbonna said payment for the shops, which range from N500, 000 to N1.5m would be spread over an agreed period of time. Some of the traders, including Felix Lekwauwa and GM Onwuzurigo, lauded the government for its vision to relocate the industrial market, but pleaded that the cost of the shops be reduced to make them affordable.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Four Igbinedion varsity lecturers die in auto crash SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

our lecturers of the Igbinedion University have lost their lives in a motor accident at Ovia River near Ekiadolor in Edo State. The accident occurred on Wednesday when the people were returning from an event. It was learnt that the vehicle in which the victims were travelling plunged into the Ovia River in an effort to avoid a head-on collision with a truck. The names of those who died were given as Mr. Morgan Efosa Uwogiren, Mr. Lucky Ehiorobo, Mrs. Shirley Iwede of the University’s Department of Business Administration and Ms Shola Ajayi of the Department of Banking and Finance. A source at the state Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, said the bodies of the two women were still missing while those of the two men had been deposited at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, mortuary. Mr. Amin Adewale of the FRSC said that the road crash occurred when the car, a Volkswagen Audi station wagon 80 with registration number EDO BF 438 USL, ended up inside the river near Ekiadolor in Edo South, while trying to avoid an on-coming lorry. The lorry was reportedly coming from Benin end of the road and in an attempt to avoid a failed portion, drove into the lane where the car conveying the lecturers was coming from and forced it into the river. The university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emeka Okika, who confirmed the death of the lecturers, said he was yet to be fully briefed about the circumstances of their death.

O BIORA IFOH ABUJA

he Presidential Amnesty Office yesterday sent 30 amnesty graduates from the Niger Delta to United Arab Emirate, UAE, after securing jobs for them with a multinational company. Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, said the amnesty programme was living up to the purpose of

South South

Friday, September 7, 2012

Derivation: Nigeria will break if..., say Uduaghan, Akpabio TONY ANICHEBE UYO

f the issues surrounding the onshore/offshore dichotomy are revisited, it may lead to the break-up of Nigeria. Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Godswill Akpabio, gave the warning yesterday. Uduaghan said those calling for the abrogation of the onshore/offshore dichotomy should abandon the move as it would do the country no good. The governor, who made the call while addressing a general meeting of the South-South Peoples Assembly, SSPA, in Effurun, Delta State, warned that the crisis generated by the issue in the recent past was too fresh to be reopened. Besides, Uduaghan noted that there was apprehension in many quarters that if

the issue was re-visited and reversed, very soon there would be agitation for the reduction of the 13 per cent derivation due to the oil producing states. He said: “I am worried when some leaders overlook the obligation placed upon them in not applying restraint in the position they take, such as on this issue of derivation. “I say so because the tension over derivation, in particular over on-shore/ off-shore dichotomy, is too recent in our collective memory to be reopened by anyone for debate. “The fear in many quarters is that if they succeed in reopening and reversing this settled issue, then we can be sure that before long they will ask for reduction of 13 per cent derivation. “I say to all those agitating for reversal of onshore/ offshore dichotomy, drop it. Drop it because it is a move

that will do the country no good.” Also, Akpabio, who spoke while declaring open a meeting of the South-South Forum of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, in Uyo, warned that those pushing for the abrogation of the derivation principle were laying a foundation which might lead to the country’s disintegration. Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Umana Umana, the governor said: “The agitators of the abrogation of the principle of derivation should know that they are pushing for total collapse of Nigeria; there will be no basis for us to continue as one country. “It is sheer wickedness for people to think of resurrecting the offshore/onshore dichotomy at a time the region has never being fully compensated for the nega-

tive impact of pollution of their environment due to oil exploration activities.” Akpabio recalled that the 1963 Constitution took into account the continental shelf as belonging to states, noting that the “continental shelves were part of states first before they became part of the country”. On his own, Uduaghan said the South-South was asking for a return to the first principle of derivation which was 50 per cent as was the case in the First Republic. The governor therefore charged the SSPA and the people of the region not to relent in the demand for 50 per cent derivation. He said: “I want to implore the SSPA, at this juncture, to urgently intervene in the current disagreement between Cross River and Akwa Ibom states over oil wells, before it degenerates further.”

Black marketers on the streets of Port Harcourt as fuel scarcity hits the town.

30 amnesty graduates get job in UAE its establishment, particularly as some of the graduates of the scheme were gainfully employed. He said beside the 30 welding and fabrication graduates engaged by Proclad Group in Dubai as junior welders, about 30 other graduates had been employed in South Africa, Ghana and many companies in Nigeria. Kuku said only last week, the Amnesty Of-

fice commenced the pilot scheme of entrepreneurial refresher courses, business setup, coaching, mentoring, monitoring and evaluation of 3,450 already trained youths in various vocational skills. He said: “In continuation of the unflinching support of President Goodluck Jonathan to rehabilitate and reintegrate Niger Delta

youths who have surrendered their arms and ammunition to embrace peace, the Presidential Amnesty Office, in collaboration with International Centre for Non-violence and Peace Development, ICNPD, has partnered with Proclad Academy, Dubai to train Niger Delta youths in various skills acquisition programmes especially in marketable skills; areas that will

guarantee ultimate engagement and employment for the teeming Niger Delta youths.” Kuku said that with the new jobs, the Amnesty Office would no longer pay salaries to the beneficiaries as their new employers would pay them. He also said that because the jobs came with residence/work permit, the beneficiaries were entitled to invite their families and dependants to the countries.

Oyerinde: Police delay judgement in Ugolor’s suit SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

he police yesterday delayed the scheduled judgement of an Edo State High Court in a case instituted against the force by a detained human rights activist, Rev. David Ugolor, who is seeking enforcement of his fundamental human rights and aggravated damages of N500m. Ugolor was initially detained by the police and later arraigned as the alleged mastermind of the murder of the Principal Private Secretary to Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole of Edo State, Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde. However, at the continuation of the case yesterday, Justice Esther Edigin of Court 4 adjourned the case to September 14 for ruling on the motion on notice filed by the police, seeking an extension of time to argue their case. The adjournment came on the heels of argument and counter-argument by Ugolor’s counsel, Mr. Olayiwola Afolabi, and police lawyer, Mr. David Abuo, for the proprietary of allowing the considered late motion or not. Explaining her decision to give the police an extension of time, Justice Edigin said since the motion was filed before the judgement date, there was a need to hear it before verdict was reached. Afolabi told our correspondent that he had already responded with a counter-motion, seeking to enforce Ugolor’s fundamental human rights with regards to his release which was ordered by the same court, but flouted by the police. He said: “We came to court today to learn that the police have filed a motion on notice. It is a deliberate attempt to frustrate justice. We have filed a counter-motion. We have also requested the enforcement of his fundamental rights.” However, Abuo refused to talk on the motion. He said it was another legal stage which the police had taken on the case.

North

Friday, September 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Flood kills seven, destroys property in Katsina JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

o fewer than seven persons died while many houses and 146 farmlands were destroyed by flood recently in Katsina State. The Executive Director of the state Rehabilitation and Emergency Relief Agency (RERA), Alhaji Hassan Rawayau, disclosed this yesterday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Katsina. Rawayau said that 15 of the 34 local government areas of the state were worst hit and named the councils affected as Mai’adua, Kusada, Kurfi,

Batsari, Safana, Jibia, Katsina and Bindawa. Others were Kankia, Ingawa, Dutsi, Daura, Sandamu, Matazu. According to him, two persons died in Safana, Mani and Daura local government areas respectively and one person Kurfi council area. “Many houses were damaged by the flood in all the affected local government areas, while 146 farms were destroyed in Kusada area,” Rawayau said. The director said that the agency had resettled victims in Randawa village of Mani local government area in a primary school compound, adding that efforts were

ongoing to send relief materials to them. He said that the relief materials donated to the state by the National Emergency Relief Agency (NEMA) would soon be distributed to the victims. Rawayau appealed to the victims to consider the flood disaster as an Act of Allah. The flood also destroyed property valued at N27m in Duara Local Government Area of the state. The value of the property was revealed yesterday by a committee set up by the local government administration to ascertain extent of damage caused by the flood. Chairman of the com-

mittee, Tukur Jafaru Gurjiya, presented the committee’s report to the local government management yesterday, saying over 500 houses were destroyed by the flood. Gurjiya said based on the investigation conducted by the committee, two people were killed by the flood. He noted that the yearly flood could be linked to the construction of houses on waterways. Gurjiya suggested that the government should relocate the victims to safer. Responding, Chairman of the Daura Local Government Area, Kabir Musa Royal, said the council would forward the committee’s report to the state

L-R: Director-General on Reconciliation, Rev. Kenneth Masau; representative of District Head of Bogoro, Elder Dadi Bayero and Elder Yusuf Sarkin-Gabas, at PHOTO: NAN a news conference in Bauchi, yesterday.

Nigerian judiciary is degenerating –Justice Akanbi WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

ormer Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Mustapha Akanbi (rtd), has flayed what he called the ongoing degeneration in the nation’s judiciary. He said the development would spell doom for Nigeria. Justice Akanbi, who will be 80 years next Tuesday, addressed the press yesterday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, ahead of his birthday. He said what obtains now in the nation’s judiciary portends grave dangers for the country, pointing out that the notion that the court is the last hope of the common man is not enough, but that it should be the

hope of every one. According to him, it is not that the judiciary no more works for the common man alone, it is also no longer working for “the uncommon man” as well. He said though judiciary is his constituency, which makes it difficult for him to make adverse remarks about it over the time, but said he is however constrained of late to have some fears and asks whether “we are getting the right caliber of judicial officers on the bench” any more. Speaking on corruption, Justice Akanbi said it is sad that Nigeria had moved from the generation of sanity to the one where “attitude of greediness and acquisition instincts, rat race for grabs and non-contentment reigns.”

government and that very soon, government would begin distribution of relief materials to the victims. He commiserated with victims and prayed God to prevent recurrence. Meanwhile, a heavy

down pour has killed one person and injured four in Kusada Local Government Area of the state. Reports from the area indicated that many houses were destroyed by the downpour.

...As one dies of rabies outbreak JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

ne person died of rabies yesterday in Katsina State, it was learnt. Sources said the victim contacted the disease following a dog bite. The sources said no fewer than 10 local governments are experiencing the outbreak of the virus. The affected local governments are Faskari, Danmusa, Maiadua, Batsari, Jibia, Kankara, Baure, Malumfashi, Safana and Kankia. It will be recalled that over 300 domestic animals were killed by strange disease in many local government areas in the state last week. Confirming outbreak of the rabies virus, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Musa Adamu Funtua, said one person had died in Kankia Local Government Area after he

was bitten by a dog. Funtua said that another victim, a female, was lying critically ill at the Kanika General Hospital after she was also bitten by a dog in the same local government area. The commissioner, however, said that the state government had purchased vaccines for immunisation of dogs across the 34 local councils as way of checking transfer of the virus to humans. He said Kankia Local Government Area was chosen for take-off of the vaccination exercise because of the reported death of the victim. Funtua said the government had embarked on enlightenment programme following outbreak of the virus. He, however, called on people, especially dog owners, to be careful with their animals in order to avoid being bitten and infected with the virus.

Youths want Kogi declared oil-producing state EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

group, the Network of Kogi State Youths Association, has said Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 915 and 916 that now make Anambra the 10th oil-producing state belong to Kogi. President Goodluck Jonathan last week declared Anambra State an oil-producing state. According to the association, the two oil blocks

to which Anambra State Government is laying claim are located in Odeke, Echeno, Omabo, Anocha and Ihiele communities in Ibaji Local Government of Kogi State. In a statement signed by the association’s Coordinator, Citizen Umar Goodman Akwu, the group called on President Jonathan to address the situation within seven days in the interest of justice and peace, failure of which “the Network

would mobilise its members at home and in Diaspora to streets in protest including declaring agents of government or those working in the interest of the Orient Petroleum persona non grata until these demands are met.” The group’s demands include, among other: “that Kogi should be declared an oil-producing state in view of oil and gas deposit found in the land; that Orient Petroleum

Limited, its subsidiaries, agents and consultants should immediately go into a bond with all host communities stipulating in clear terms its corporate social responsibility and in as much as the government has powers to grant operational licences in which Orient Petroleum Limited has been licensed to explore and refined, we deem it necessary that grey areas of concern should be straightened out to avoid future crisis.”

Plateau by-election: DPP candidate seeks people’s support JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) chieftain in Plateau State, Col. David Dungs, has called on the people to vote for a credible candidate in the forthcoming senatorial election. Dungs said voting a credible candidate is the

only way to assuage the death of Dantong who died in the cause of serving his people. Dungs, who is also contesting the Plateau North Senatorial seat, spoke with journalists yesterday in Jos, the Plateau State capital. He said he joined the race in order to serve and liberate his people from

the clutches of oppression and ensure their socioeconomic development. Dungs said: “I am personally convinced of my aspiration to contest for the senatorial election as the solution towards solving our collective woes. “I had offered myself to serve in the past at various capacities and now, I am optimistic that God

is preparing me for this crucial assignment in the senate at this defining moment of our history. “I am confident more than ever before that I will rebuild the confidence and trust among our people. I, therefore, pledge to be an effective representative and pursue human capital development of our people.”

Friday, September 7, 2012

Bayelsa: Intrigues over removal of LG chiefs

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Yakowa’s tripartite signpost st in Kadunaa

PDP acuses ACN of throwing S’West into debts OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West has sounded the alarm that the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governments in the zone is plunging the states into huge debt profile. The alarm was sounded by the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-West), Chief Segun Oni, who warned that the development portends grave consequences for the region unless urgent action is taken to nip the development in the bud. Oni, in a statement made available to National Mirror by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, also called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other financial clearing houses to do everything possible to checkmate the alarming rate at which the South-West states are obtaining loans. He also called on wellmeaning sons and daugh-

ters of Yorubaland to caution the ACN governors or else the ACN-controlled states would go bankrupt if they refuse to stem “this regime of taking loans and bonds and giving promissory notes on multi-billion naira contracts to execute questionable projects like building new government houses.” The PDP National Vice Chairman said it was worrisome that less than two years into the ACN administrations in Ekiti and Osun states, the two states are now indebted to the tune of over N150 billion, with Ogun State on the verge of taking N100 billion bond. Oni disclosed that while Osun State alone was indebted to the tune of over N120 billion, Ekiti is owing over N30 billion, with the rumour that it is planning to take another N30 billion. He said that Lagos State government was said to have, as at June 30, 2012, accumulated an external debt profile of $517,677,672 (more than half a billion dollars), de-

spite having a monthly revenue of about N23 billion. His words: “We wish to alert all well-meaning Yoruba sons and daughters on the dangerous trend of obtaining frivolous loans by the ACN governors in the South-West, and call on the CBN and other financial regulatory agencies to put a

stop to it. “As at today, Osun State has taken N60 billion bond, N25 billion loan from a bBank, N17.8 billion from Infrastructure Bank (to construct Oshogbo-Kwara Boundary road), N17.5 billion road project (six inter-township roads) to RATCON on contractor fi-

FELIX NWANERI

he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has berated alleged plot by the Federal and Benue State governments as well as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to play down the N2.3 billion contract scam involving the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, describing the plan as official endorsement of corruption. The ACN, in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, said the allegation raises serious legal and financial issues that should warrant the intervention of the EFCC to ascertain the financial impropriety levelled against the presiden-

Challenge area in Ibadan was awarded for N5.7 billion to Hitech Construction Company on contractor financing basis while the same practice is going on in Ogun State, and one begins to wonder where the states’ incomes (federal allocation and Internally Generated Revenue) are going into.”

L-R: Bauchi State governor, Isa Yuguda; Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Adamu Gumba and Deputy Chairman, Mudashiru Hussain, during the visit of the committee to the governor in Bauchi recently. PHOTO: NAN

Non-prosecution of Okupe, endorsement of corruption – ACN tial aide if the government wants be taken serious on its war against corruption. According to the party, on several occasions in the past the EFCC had proffered criminal charges against individuals and companies who received money for the purpose of the execution of contracts awarded to them and who failed or refused to fulfil the contract, insisting that Okupe’s case is not different from any of these. The party said: “In the face of the obvious attempt by the Presidency, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the EFCC to sweep this case under the carpet, the ACN sees the need to present once again, unadorned, the facts of this case to the public, which are as follows: Value Trust, a company in which Okupe serves as

nancing and another N7.6 billion Ilesha and Oshogbo township roads to RATCON on contractor financing. Contractor financing means you are borrowing from your contractor at a cost higher than even bank term loans. “In Oyo State, a four kilometre-road project around

chairman received the sum of N886.8 million as mobilisation from the Benue State government out of the contract sum of N2.3 billion to construct 230 kilometres of rural road and failed to execute the contract. “This non-performance of the contract after having collected the sum of N886.8

million mobilisation fee is a clear cut situation where the provisions of the law relating to obtaining money under false pretence should be invoked and the EFCC must treat this incident in the same manner as it has been treating all other similar cases of obtaining money under false pretences.”

‘PDP’s comment on Osun calisthenics, unfortunate’

he Osun State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has described as unfortunate, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s attempt to denigrate the calisthenics programme of the Rauf Aregbesola-led administration.

Ondo: Groups back Akintelure’s nomination OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

he nomination of Dr. Paul Akintelure as the deputy governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) for the October 20 election in Ondo State has continued to receive support and kudos from groups and associations across the state. Among associations and groups that have

thrown their weight behind Akintelure are Idogun Leaders of Thought, Eyo Collective, Ose Progressive Vanguard, All Ward Chairmen of Ilaje and the Ijaw Youth Congress among several others. Describing Akintelure as a team player, who is humble and highly spirited and would work with the governorship candidate to alleviate the suffering of the people of

the state, the convener of the Idogun Leaders of Thought, Pastor Wale Adelakun said that the deputy governorship candidate would indeed help to rejuvenate the disorganised health sector in the state with a holistic and comprehensive package that would make medical services affordable to all the people of the state, cater for the welfare of the caregivers without any discrimination.

The party also said that there is the need for Nigerians to sympathise with the PDP in the state as its members are fast losing their common sense of groundbreaking events that are capable of transforming the society. Reacting to an allegation by the PDP that the Osun school calisthenics programme was “an unnecessary distraction,” the state ACN Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Kunle Oyatomi, said the opposition’s attempt to denigrate the programme is not only disgraceful but unfortunate. Oyatomi, who decried the seeming split personality of the PDP officials in the state, argued that “the PDP now wants to mitigate their idiocy by saying that the calisthenics display was irrelevant.”

Politics

EMMA GBEMUDU writes on the intrigues trailing the sack of five out of the eight local government chairmen in Bayelsa State, examining the legality or otherwise of the action of the state House of Assembly.

Friday, September 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bayelsa: Intrigues over removal of LG chiefs

he sack of five council chairmen in Bayelsa State is generating mixed feelings among political stakeholders in the state and strong indications have emerged that those affected may drag the state government and the House of Assembly to court. While the local government bosses argue that their sack did not follow due process, Governor Seriake Dickson is alleged to be behind the action due to alleged poor performances. But the former chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government, Chief Tiwei Orunimieghe, has taken a bold step by dragging Governor Dickson and six others to a High Court sitting in Yenagoa, challenging his removal from office. Orunimighe is praying the court to restrain the state government from arresting him based on trumped up allegations. Supporters of the former council boss alleged that his sack has some political undertone, saying that he was removed because he was a core loyalist of the erstwhile governor of the state, Timipre Sylva. The council chairmen have less than nine months to spend in office before their tenure of office elapses. Other defendants joined in the suit with number YHC/126/2012 include the Attorney General of Bayelsa State, the Speaker, the state House of Assembly, Konbowei Benson the Clerk of the Assembly; the current chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government, Felix Ayah and the state Commissioner of Police. Governor Dickson sacked Orunimighe from office on August 8, based on the resolution of the state legislature. But the former council boss described his removal as unconstitutional and illegal. In his statement of claims, Orunimighe averred that he was democratically elected into office in April 2010, arguing that he was entitled to hold office as chairman of the council until the expiration of the tenure for which he was elected subject to the provisions of Section 25 of the state local government law, as amended. He also averred that the state House of Assembly was not empowered under the constitution or any state legislation to inquire into the affairs of the Southern Ijaw council as it had

Dickson

Sylva

Benson

LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCILS IN THE STATE WERE VIEWED AS

GOLD MINES...

CORRUPTION

AND INDOLENCE ARE KEY FACTORS MILITATING Julius

purportedly did by inviting the claimant to give account of his stewardship. According to the former chairman, the auditing of accounts of the council was the statutory function of the AuditorGeneral for local government. The former chairman said it was during his invitation to the Assembly that he was informed for the first time that there were pending petitions against him, adding that he was never confronted with the said petitioners. He contended that the entire proceedings on July 26 on the floor of the House were marred with substantial irregularities and is therefore unconstitutional. Orunimighe also insisted that the impeachment of his former vice, now chairman of the council, Ayah, on January 24 this year had not been set aside by any court of law. Already, more security agents have been deplored to the affected local government headquarters to step up security in the areas, where peace had since taken flight even as most of the councils’ chairmen, vice chairmen and councillors had been at each other’s throat. But, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Daniel IworisoMarkson, denied the allegation,

AGAINST...

DEVELOPMENT absolving his boss of any culpability in the removal of the chairmen. He said the chairmen were sacked on account of gross misconduct in accordance with Section 24(6) of the state Local Government Law 2000 as amended, after a six-hour closed door plenary on Tuesday, August 9. Barely four hours after the announcement of the sack of their former bosses, the deputy governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (Rtd.) inaugurated and elevated the five vice chairmen to chairmen inside Government House. The vice chairmen who were elevated to become chairmen included: Yousuo Oberiakuma, Felix Ayah, Ibegu Richard, John Ebi Kake and Tony Ogola of Brass, Southern Ijaw, Ogbia, Ekeremor and Sagbama local government councils, respectively. The other affected chairmen were: Tiwei Orunimighe, Pere Pereotu, Nathaniel Ngo-Sylva, Eddy Julius and Sammy Boy of Southern Ijaw, Sagbama, Brass, Ekeremor and Ogbia local government councils respectively. The chairmen of Yenagoa, Nembe and Kolokuma/Opokuma local councils escaped the hammer.

Orunimighe

The probe of the chairmen was necessitated by the flurry of petitions against them forwarded to the state House of Assembly. The chairman of the House Committee on Local Government, Ebipaudo Fekeweimo had told the House that his committee had severally invited the council bosses for a peace parley with their councillors, based on the petitions, but they failed to honour the invitations. It will be recalled that the Nembe council chairman, Waribogo Sylva, was outstanding during the investigations, thus winning the hearts of the lawmakers. The council boss is a cousin to the former governor of the state. The other seven chairmen had problems of accountability and financial mismanagement as discovered by the Assembly. Over the years, local government councils in the state were viewed as gold mines by the chairmen, councillors, treasurers, directors of personnel management, and other principal officers. Corruption and indolence are key factors militating against the development of the hinterlands begging for development. Past governors in the state had treated these principal officers with kid gloves to the detriment

of the rural dwellers. Ghost workers and over-bloated staff are common sights in their salary vouchers. Investigation revealed that the alleged deduction from the councils’ federation allocation was one of the causes of poor performance of the chairmen, but the governor had publicly stated that his administration was not deducting the councils’ allocation. Shortly after swearing-in the new chairmen in the five councils, the Deputy Governor urged them not to abuse the opportunity given them, but should use it to serve the people effectively by improving the fortunes of their local governments. He tasked them to execute projects that will develop and impact positively on the lives of the populace in their councils. He said: “A lot is expected from you, the restoration agenda of the present administration in the state is to ensure that the people at the grassroots enjoy the dividends of democracy.” Earlier, chairman of Sagbama Council, Tony Ogola, promised, on behalf of his colleagues that they will take their new job seriously and put in their best to enhance development strides in the local governments. But in an interview with National Mirror, a rights activist and community leader, Chief Nengi James, argued that the state House of Assembly has no power to remove the council chairmen, stressing that the lawmakers could only recommend their sack according to the constitution. James regretted that due process was not followed in the sacking of the chairmen, even as he was also against the poor performance of the councils. The rights activist alleged that the councils have been complaining that their federation allocation was being deducted. He said: “Performance of the chairmen is not encouraging .We need to investigate the alleged deductions of the councils’ allocation. The Assembly should investigate it and that of the Joint Allocation of the state and local government councils.” The activist called on the Assembly to set up a committee to investigate the financial misappropriation in the councils, adding that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions (EFCC) should be invited to conduct this assignment. He believed that a painstaking investigation into the finances of the councils would reveal the connivance of staff of the Ministry of Local Government. He, however, commended the governor for conducting a probe in some sectors of government to ensure accountability, saying: “I equally believe the offenders discovered should be prosecuted and jailed to serve as a deterrent to others. The probe should not be a witch-hunt exercise by governCONTINUED ON PAGE 15

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Friday, September 7, 2012

REUBEN BUHARI

o drive a state to socio-economic height requires a leader bubbling with optimism and the optimism must pervade the whole system thinning negative outlook that had possibly enveloped the society. This is the basics of Kaduna State governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa’s administration; bringing to light useful and encouraging approach to moving Kaduna State forward in all ramifications. To underscore this often applauded approach, it has been whispered that many people within the precinct of the state have taken keen positions, observing the swiftness with which the state is steadily striving to reposition itself despite the cloud that had hovered above it. But the magic is Yakowa’s antidote embedded in his sermon, tasking the people on security, unity and development – the tripartite signpost. This focus no doubt has become almost a daily slogan which the governor pronounces as a matter of policy, to remind the citizens that their progress as a people and as a state, hinges on their ability to strengthen the course of development through imbibing and exhibiting this wonderful tripartite wheel of progress: security, unity and development. Instructively, the people of Kaduna State appreciates Yakowa’s consistent, positive character towards erecting a sustained atmosphere for the actualisation of true consensus building that would facilitate even development in all sectors of the economy of the state. In the last few months, the governor has taken this campaign to virtually all stakeholders, mindful of the fact that his people desire a better Kaduna State devoid of rancour. Thus, the refreshing breeze of good governance blowing through Kaduna State is an assurance that ths administration is prepared to lay the elements capable of inducing the citizens to live up to expectation by exercising peaceful co-existence as

Yakowa’s tripartite signpost in Kaduna the developmental journey has only just begun. But this very important trip that ought to motivate the people and the state into a climate and mood capable of transforming our focus of progression is essentially predicated on Governor Yakowa’s triangular signpost. To advance the state forward, the governor is familiar with the need to institute structures founded on true union of the people, based on genuine understanding of the people’s perceived differences. But this, the governor has often insisted, can only be guaranteed if the people are conscious of their security, unity and developmental exigencies. At different fora since the beginning of the year, Governor Yakowa has reminded the people to be weary of the negative repercussions of acceding to push initiated by pessimists in their midst that could endanger the state, highlighting that any community that hate peaceful coexistence will never experience rapid development, but a gradual relapse into all forms and manner that characterises retrogression. To him, eschewing bitterness and exhibiting good virtues are cardinal human principles capable of engendering positive headway in the overall quest to evolving an apparent, concrete growth strategy. During the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Helios Energy, a German firm a fortnight ago, to generate about 30 megawatts of solar energy that would cater for industrial growth in the state, the governor aptly maintained that the tripartite focus of his administration on security, unity and development was aimed at strengthening the drive to actualising a long held dream of providing the right avenue for investor’s participation in developing Kaduna State. The message clearly was that for more developmental deals and for foreign and local partners and investors to discover

Yakowa

Kaduna suitable for investment, the people must be seen to have applied in their society those fundamentals that could woe businessmen. And what are those fundamentals, you may ask? Governor Yakowa summarises them into security, unity and development. That is why at a forum in Zaria mid August, organised by Ungwar Fatika Youths Development Association, the governor, speaking through his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Engr. Bala Sani, noted that “until we resolve to live in peace, nothing good will come our way. Remember, unity, peace, tolerance, understanding and mutual coexistence are vital to socio-economic growth of any society. These are therefore the bedrock for meaningful development.” In the same vein, at a breakfast meeting few months ago with veteran journalists,

media executives and senior practitioners at the State House complex, Kawo, the governor expressed optimism that if everyone joins the administration to profess rudiments that could build rather than tear us; the state will progress at exceedingly high rate. While he anchored his sermon on the same tripartite focal point, the governor implored professionals to own up to the fact that they have a tremendous role to play in educating the society on measures instrumental to achieving good. “Let us in our reporting emphasis on things that are positive (development) and bind us (unity) not things that are disruptive or sensational. We are all stakeholders…,” the governor told journalists. This political footwork of the governor has illuminated the state, drawing ovation and popular responses that are widening the window of potential foreign and local investments. Like some investors have rightly noted, Kaduna is strategic for investment opportunities, especially with its good industrial environment, but the people must impress it on local and international community that there is a new lease of life that promotes development. And they can do this by conveniently acceding to the governor’s everyday sermon that everyone must exercise caution and ensure that security is topmost in their agenda so that development can permeate the society. In conclusion, it should be admitted here that the governor’s tripartite focus on security, unity and development has brought exceeding illuminating ray of light that has cast a positive banner over the state, carving it out into a limitless new phase for growth. The citizens, therefore, are expected to key into this tripartite signpost and focus on engendering rapid advancement of the state. Buhari is Senior Special Assistant (Media) to Gov. Yakowa of Kaduna State.

Intrigues over removal of Bayelsa LG chiefs

CONTINUED FROM 14 ment.” Defending the swearing-in of the vice chairmen to replace their sacked bosses, Iworiso-Markson said: “Upon their removal, it was incumbent on government to immediately swear in the vice chairmen of the five affected local government since we cannot afford to have a vacuum. “Importantly, we like to state that the governor, being a parliamentarian himself, recognises and respect the independence of each arm of government. Hence, he will continue to work with all arms of government in pursuit of good governance anchored on transparency and integrity.” He also debunked the involvement of Dickson in the saga, saying: “It is pertinent to state that the governor of Bayelsa State, Dickson, had no hand in the matter. It also smirks of mischief for anyone to insinuate that the five sacked chairmen were removed because of their loyalty to the former governor, Sylva. The truth is that the state House of Assembly, which is a distinct and separate arm of government, simply acted based on the powers vested on it by the constitution to carry out its legitimate oversight responsibility on that arm of gov-

ernment. “The House is constitutionally empowered to look into the activities of local government administration in the state. So, the decision taken by the House to recommend the removal of the five indicted council chairmen, we believe came about, as a direct fall-out of the recent public probe conducted by the House. So clearly, the executive arm had nothing to do with the removal of the five chairmen.” Also reacting, the state chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP), Lucky Akpeli and his counterpart in the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Philip Iki, supported the action of the Assembly in removing the chairmen. They noted that the chairmen ran their councils without budgets and were not accountable to the people. Akpeli said there was nothing on ground in the local governments, while Iki lamented that if one visits the Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor and Sagbama local governments, one would weep for the people living there. Iki added that the Assembly’s action was a step in the right direction, adding that it would enhance accountability in the councils. But the state Secretary of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Alagoa Morris,

SOME OF THESE

COUNCILS EVEN CLAIM PROJECTS EXECUTED BY OIL COMPANIES AS BEING DONE BY THEM.

THIS IS

RATHER TOO SAD AND UNFORTUNATE faulted the sack of the council chairmen, saying due process was not followed. His words: “Ordinarily, one would expect the legislative arm of the councils to perfect this act by impeaching the chairmen, if they have facts of wrongdoings on the part of the chairmen, rather than allowing the House to take such action. The local governments should be autonomous and not placed at the mercy of the state governments. The same relationship existing between the federal and state governments should be the standard, if the state governors feel otherwise and say the environment is not matured enough to allow for this kind of relationship, then I would

say too that may be against their desire for state police.” While lamenting the abysmal performance at the councils, which he argued may have been responsible for their summary sack, Morris said: “While their personal estates and bank accounts and scope of enjoyment increase, it is near zero for what is commonly owned. Some of these councils even claim projects executed by oil companies as being done by them. This is rather too sad and unfortunate. Most Bayelsans would see the action of the State House of Assembly as a Daniel coming to justice.” The activist said the council chairmen were so powerful that the legislative arm of the council couldn’t unseat them. For people to do things right always, Morris argued that public office holders should strive to build their capacities, individually or collectively through regular search for right knowledge and applying same for the common good. There are indications, however, that the removal of the council chairmen may trigger fresh crises in the local governments. For now, the former chairmen have gone into hiding as consultations with their lawyers are in progress.

Editorial

Friday, September 7, 2012

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The puzzling Oyerinde murder investigation T F (O ’

our months after the life of Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde, the late Principal Private Secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State was cut short by gunmen suspected to be hired assassins; the nation is still far from unraveling the riddle surrounding the death. Sadly, the tawdry coordination of the investigation into the killing by the Nigeria Police and the State Security Service (SSS), who appear to be working at cross purposes despite their claims to the contrary, seems to have complicated the problem. While the SSS said Olaitan was a victim of violent robbery, the police had insisted it was a case of sponsored killing. Their contradictory positions on the identity of the suspects and the motive for the killing have revealed the huge failure of both security agencies to co-operate in intelligence sharing, as well as cast serious doubts on their ability to secure the citizenry. Oyerinde was murdered by unknown gunmen in his Ugbor GRA, Benin City residence in the Edo State capital last May 4, at the peak of the build-up to the last July 14 governorship election in the state. Coming just a week after Governor Oshiomhole’s suspicious, fatal convoy accident that claimed the lives of three journalists, the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state had voiced its belief that Oyerinde’s killing was politically motivated. The party had pointed accusing fingers at the main opposition Peoples Demo-

cratic Party (PDP) in the state. President Goodluck Jonathan, in an exceptional display of statesmanship, speedily mobilized the necessary resources that would facilitate a thorough investigation of the killing. So far, however, the investigations have turned out to be sloppy and uncoordinated as a result of Police-SSS rivalry. The police, spawning a conspiracy theory, stated that Oyerinde was a victim of a hit job procured for N20 million by one Rev. David Ugolor, a friend of the deceased, out of which a part payment of N200,000 was made to the suspected hired killer-gang now in their custody with Ugolor. The SSS, on the other hand, faulted the police assassination theory and on August 1, paraded a gang of six suspects in Abuja, who allegedly confessed publicly to killing Oyerinde during a robbery operation. It is saddening that gradually but steadily, diligent investigation of the Oyerinde killing is slipping out of the hands of the police and the SSS like countless other high profile killings before it. The least public expectation had been that such a sensitive investigation would be approached most diligently and with the best professional touch the police and SSS could muster. What has been on display, however, would seem to be the acceptance by the security agencies of the fact that they have not recorded one inch of improvement in their investigation of suspected high profile

HE TRUTH OF THE

MATTER

YERINDE S

KILLING) MAY BE

HIDING BETWEEN THE CONFLICTING POSITIONS OF THE POLICE AND THE

SSS

killings, despite their woeful failure to unravel the killers of the likes of Dele Giwa, Alfred Rewane, Funsho Williams, Bola Ige, Marshall Sokari Harry, and Aminasoari Dikibo, to mention just a few. We are shell-shocked that two federal security agencies were hard put in harmonising their findings before going public with them. The goings on are unacceptable and professionally reprehensible. More pathetic, perhaps, has been the media trial of the suspects. The practice has been declared by the courts as inconsistent with the nation’s criminal laws and also at variance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), especially against the backdrop of the presumption of the innocence of accused persons until proven guilty by a competent court. The recourse to media trial is not only a gross violation of suspects’ rights, but inflicts psychological injuries on their persons, especially considering the conflicting reports of

the Police and the SSS in the case under review. It can hardly be determined how long the trauma would take to heal if, eventually, the widely ‘advertised’ suspects are exonerated by the courts. We think it is high time the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), civil society groups and the human rights community fought the relevant authorities and extract an end to the ego trip called media trial of suspects, especially considering the fact that such trials can be dishonest and misleading. Finding the real killers of Oyerinde, for us, is the most fundamental issue in contention. This is the challenge the offices of the Inspector General of Police and Director-General of the SSS must accept and resolve. The truth of the matter (Oyerinde’s killing) may be hiding between the conflicting positions of the police and the SSS. Since enough circumstantial evidence has been assembled, the Police and the SSS should reconcile and tie them into one strong bunch capable of securing the conviction of the real culprits that snuffed life out of Oyerinde in cold blood. Perhaps imperative also is the need for the Federal Government to raise an inter-ministerial committee to be charged with the management of inter-agency contradictions, conflicts and cooperation to save the nation from such public embarrassments as the types that came from the Police and the SSS in the Oyerinde murder investigation.

ON THIS DAY September 7, 2011 A plane crash in Russia killed 43 people, including nearly the entire roster of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Kontinental Hockey League team. A plane carrying the team to a Kontinental Hockey League game in Minsk crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all of the team’s roster (plus four players from the Loko MHL junior squad) and coaching staff except for two who were not on the flight, forward Maxim Zyuzyakin and goaltending coach Jorma Valtonen.

September 7, 2005 Egypt held its first-ever multi-party presidential election. The Egyptian presidential election of 2005, held on September 7, 2005, was the first allegedly contested presidential election in Egypt’s history. Hosni Mubarak, the former President of Egypt, won a fifth consecutive six-year term in office, with official results showing he won 88.6 percent of the vote. Mubarak’s closest opponent, Ayman Nour, of the Tomorrow Party,was estimated to have received 7.3 percent of the vote.

September 7, 1966 American Hip-Hop star, Tupac Shakur was fatally shot four times on the Las Vegas strip, United States after leaving the Tyson-Seldon boxing match. He was rushed to a hospital where he died six days later. Tupac Amaru Shakur (June 16, 1971 – September 13, 1996), known by his stage names 2Pac, Pac, and Makaveli, was an American rapper and actor. Shakur had sold over 75 million records worldwide as of 2010, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world.

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Friday, September 7, 2012

Muslims and leadership failure in the Third World ABDULWAREES SOLANKE

an is born free, but is everywhere in chains. These are the words of a philosopher, but the religious scriptures, whether of the Bible or the Qur’an have more brilliant expositions on the position of man, or the purpose of man’s creation. From the Quranic perspective, man is born to master the entire creation as the vicegerent of God on earth, the Khalifah. The Christian bible also declares man as being created to have dominion over the rest of creation. It also challenges Christians to be the salt of the earth, warning that if they lose their saltiness, the world loses its taste. It wants them to be light unto the world that must not be hidden under the bushel. The man that must master creation, be God’s representative and salt of the earth, must have guidance and be responsible. The guidance he has is what shapes his vision. However, most of the humanity has abdicated this onerous responsibility of mastering creation, because they abandon the guidance of God. This is the tragedy of humanity today. Even when some claim to be followers of God, they betray the guidance of God they claim to profess faith in and pursue self desires, or captured by their egos and imprisoned by their lusts. As a student of religions, I have come to appreciate that many ideologies and

faiths are not as prescriptive as Islam, so I don’t have problems with their teachings. Often those pristine teachings are not held sacrosanct as the followers are left to use their judgements to determine how they can be the salt of the earth or light unto the world. They are very flexible. Not that they don’t have standards, their enforcement is not always as strongly prescribed as in the Muslim standards. So, with the Quranic standard illustrated by various schools of Islamic jurisprudence and the finest examples from the prophetic era and the epoch of the Khulafai raashiduun, the rightly guided caliphs, their first and second successor generations, the Muslims of today are supposed to be worthy beneficiaries and finest legacies in public leadership and management, setting direction wherever they exist even as minorities. They are supposed to be advanced in learning, uncompromising on ethics of justice, equity, integrity and fidelity, all cornerstones of peace and development. However, one is appalled by the Muslims disconcerting attitude to issues of reform and development, especially in Third world countries, including Nigeria, to the crises manifesting in illiteracy, poverty, instability, insecurity, and corruption whereas the scripture of Islam is most revolutionary and unequivocal when it comes to addressing these societal challenges. It offers practical solutions. Once you deviate from those stan-

MOST OF THE HUMANITY HAS ABDICATED THIS ONEROUS RESPONSIBILITY OF MASTERING

CREATION, BECAUSE THEY ABANDON THE GUIDANCE OF

GOD

dards, things fall apart. Therefore, why are self proclaimed Muslim countries enmeshed in crisis of development? I take the blame of crises of nationhood and development in these countries to the door steps of their Muslim leaders. As critical stakeholders in their polities, they wield a lot of influence on the governance of their countries, if not being the dominant players. Muslim leaders, temporal and spiritual, must be told the truth about their failure in not playing the noble roles expected of them in bringing development and stability to their countries. If the Muslim Ummah in those countries, Nigeria inclusive, had faithfully lived to their description in the Quran as Ummatan wasatan, the justly balanced nation, other Ummahs with whom they share nationhood would have emulated

them; if they had lived to being the best community ever evolved for mankind, khaerun-ummatan, with the mandate of enjoining what is good, forbidding evil and believing in Allah, crime, corruption and insecurity on the surface of the earth, fasaad fil ard, and fitnah or trials of tumult and oppression which are worse than death, would not be prevalent in the world. Therefore, other constituent Ummahs that make up many countries in the Third World like Nigeria will come to align with the Muslims in the war against corruption. They will be Muslim allies in defending the unity and integrity of their countries, working for their peace and progress, security and wealth and safeguarding their pride and integrity. What is apparent to me is that Muslim leaders are paying lip service to their shariah and observance of the very noble dictate of the book of guidance they hold or that they hold the book without understanding the contents nor applying them in the running their lives, which is most unfortunate. They abdicate on the guidance they ought to offer others. If they had not been blind to their authentic values, other Ummahs or powers would not oppose, hate, malign, stereotype or oppress the Muslims. They would respect them and not tarnish or desecrate their practices, places and objects of value and worship.

The fad that is ‘campus marriage’ BLESSING ONYINYE NWACHUKWU

urrah, Nigeria is winning the war against cultism in our tertiary institutions. Kudos to all education stakeholders, the political authorities inclusive. We no longer have rampant cases of shooting here and there on campuses anymore and many students now sleep with their two eyes closed. However, another malignant social disorder is ferociously manifesting in our higher institutions. This is the cohabitation of students of opposite sex. The fad in our campuses is unmarried students living together to satisfy both emotional and sexual desires. Various names are coined to qualify the union. They include ‘campus marriage’, ‘marrying before marriage’, ‘campus coupling’ and ‘prelude to marriage’. Whatever names given to this unwholesome act to give it a semblance of wholesomeness does not detract from its invidiousness as one form of emotional slavery or exploitation. In many of our campuses, cohabitation is increasingly becoming the first co-residential union formed among young adults. Several reasons influence the union. For many, the drive is economy. There is a compelling desire by them to save money, while for some others it is seen as the best way of testing partners’ compatibility. Many of them say they want to monitor their “would-be” husband or wife. A fact borne out of a recent research and which might become too difficult to believe is that cohabitation is the emotional outlet for ‘cou-

THE FAD IN OUR CAMPUSES IS UNMARRIED STUDENTS LIVING TOGETHER TO SATISFY BOTH EMOTIONAL AND SEXUAL DESIRES ples’ who no longer believe in marriage! Apart from sharing certain similarities with marriage, such as shared residency and personal resources, intimate relations with each other, and having children in some cases, cohabitation can never be equated with actual marriage where all rites are fulfilled before the union is consummated. Let me share with you the findings of a survey conducted in a tertiary institution in northern Nigeria. On why students enter into this union, one respondent answered: “We live together so that we can know each other better…but it definitely affects my studies”. A female respondent said: “Due to lack of accommodation, I had to live with a guy and I don’t see anything wrong in it.” Another lamented that it was sinful and ought not to be allowed. Most students I know who cohabitate graduate with poor grades; that is if some ever do so. Majority of them either voluntarily withdraw or are advised to withdraw by reason of poor academic performance. In some cases, they spend longer time than

necessary to graduate. Only very few enter into such union and come out with good grades. One identified danger associated with cohabitation is ‘partner bashing’ by ‘livein-husband’. You can guess the state of mind of such female partner. In all probability, her academic performance would be poor. And for many of the ‘campus husbands’, they engage in unwholesome acts to raise money to maintain their ‘homes’. One thing you can be sure about is that the female partners are mostly at the receiving end, as they are like parasitic host that the males feed on; they do more of the house chores like cooking and washing of clothes. These activities are time consuming, thus leaving them little or no time for their studies, their primary assignment of being in school. Worst case scenario is the danger of sexually transmitted diseases and high rate of abortions among the female partners. Related literature has it that cohabitation forms unstable arrangement that can have negative effects on emotional, financial and sometimes physical well being of those in it. Cohabitors are found to be more susceptible to partner abuse and infidelity. They are also less likely to receive assistance from family members. The tendency for divorce, even when partners eventually marry, is high. Cohabiting is both morally wrong and unwise way to prepare for marriage; it can lead to lower marital satisfaction and also lower self esteem. The authorities must accept that we have a social problem. These young people into this form of filial union are the future

leaders of this country, who should be entrusted with the onerous responsibility of being good role models for the coming generation and carrying on from where the good older generation will stop in the drive for nation building. Definitely, homes founded on cohabitation and families raised in such milieu will breed deviants. So, a concerted national approach is required to combat this social aberration. Though the best advice a man gets is that which he gives himself, the school authorities must raise the consciousness of students on the dangers of cohabitation. Students should be orientated to have a defined purpose of why they are in school. Since charity begins at home, parents must find time to know their children intimately. Beside paying school fees and meeting all other obligations demanded by the education of their children, many parents do not know what life style their children live in school. Since inadequacy of accommodation lures many students into cohabitation, the governments should provide more hostels, especially for the more vulnerable female students. Nwachukwu is HND2 Mass Com student of The Federal Polytechnic, Bida 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.

Mail Mirror

Friday, September 7, 2012

Bye-bye, Barth Nnaji

S Jonathan on the wrong move again

he Federal Government is said to have lifted the suspension placed of Dana Aitline involved in the last June 3 crash in Iju-Ishaga, Lagos that claimed 153 lives. Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, making a case for the airline, said it a “rigorous technical, operational and financial audit”, so could resume normal commercial flights. I consider the revocation as premature considering that there are still unresolved fundamental issues about the whole thing. I do not think the issue of compensation has been settled. At last count only 45 families of victim have been compensated. The incumbent minister of aviation will go down in history as that is insensitive to the national mood. God bless the President and his ministers for placing low premium on the lives of Nigerian.

uddenly and so suddenly, the forces unleashed by the inherent contradictions in the unbundling of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) have claimed their most priced victim, Professor Barth Nnaji, who up till Tuesday August 27 was Nigeria’s Minister of Power. I shed no tears for the highly Americanised Nigerian who was brought home by ex-President

Olusegun Obasanjo on a rescue mission. He has said he quit to save his integrity, I think staying alive to recount his story is another reason why he should thank God. There is a spiritual warfare by the forces of darkness and those opposed to them over on who is in charge of the fate of power supply in Nigeria. Remember late Chief Bola Ige was a marked man when he gleefully

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said shortly after his swearing in ceremony in June 1999 that he would fix the poor national power supply by December of that year. The power cabal laughed off the boast. The rest is history. However, Nnaji will be remembered for lifting the nation’s power supply from 2, 800MW in July 2011 to an all time high of 4, 477MW early this month before his unceremonious exit. To God be his glory! Ekene Mba, Sango, Ogun State

Anjorin Thomas, Oka, Ondo

Fuel queues return to Abuja

he oil marketers in Nigeria exercise enormous power of blackmail. Since they control the supply side of the market they could coerce the Federal Government to tow their way. Bureaucracy impedes implementation speed of a policy. If these importers of refined petroleum products spend their money to save an inefficient NNPC, why hold on to their money? The only antidote to oil importation is boosting local production effort. So, the government must refurbish the moribund refineries and help the private ones licensed to roll out. Pedro James, Nyanyan, Nasarawa

Officials of Lagos Waste Management Agency, fishing at Owode-Elede River in mile 12 area of Lagos. PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

PEF should pay oil marketers

his is to make a special appeal to the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) management board to pay oil marketers their verified outstanding bridging claims from 2011 till date. The non-payment even after verification and processing of claims is going to affect the uniformity of pricing of petroleum products all over the country. Marketers are in full support of ‘Project Aquila’ when it comes into full operations in the downstream sector.

Kabiru Lawal, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Kudos, National Mirror team

commend the editorial team of National Mirror for the excellent work you are doing. Truly, you are the voice of the people. I urge you to continue with the good work. The sky cannot even be your limit.

First Lady’s treatment abroad

ame Patience Jonathan, Nigeria’s First Lady is said to be in Germany receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment. I see this as a bad advertisement for made in Nigeria goods. This is the price a badly governed nation pays. If we spend good money to get first class hospital why would anybody go abroad for medical treatment? Shame on our leaders.

Buraimoh Ola, Ago Oko, Abeokuta, Kwara State

Idowu,

Let Buhari and IBB slug it out

W Buhari

hen two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers, the saying goes. This might be correct some time and not all the time. What damage would a clash between General Ibrahim Babangida, a onetime military president and self con-

Letters to the Editor

fessed evil genius, and General Muhammadu Buhari, his predecessor in office, cause the nation? Heaven will not fall and the cohesion and unity of the country would not be impaired if this happens. Buhari has dared IBB to unearth any acts of cor-

ruption against him; let him take up the challenge. Buhari should also make public his dossier on IBB; it will be in the interest of Nigeria for the duo to fight to finish. This is what is called class suicide. Akintude Olanrewaju, Ilorin, Kwara State

Babangida

Ilorin,

Why the noise on Oshiomhole’s education status?

igerian politicians are incurable optimists. There is on-going campaign of calumny in Edo State about the educational status of the state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. The major plank of the election petition of General Charles Arhiavbere, the PDP governorship candidate in the last July 14 governorship election, is that Oshio-Baba does not have the legally approved minimum qualification for the job, which is secondary school certificate. The Comrade Governor is said to have dropped out of secondary modern two. I do not know the merit of the case, but what I do know is that a man that has a diploma from Oxford University and attended the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, possesses the formal education to run a modern institution. This is the same man that is unarguably the one of the most cerebral labour leaders the nation has produced. Who among the 36 governors have a sounder mind and grasp of issues than the incumbent Edo State governor? Wisdom comes from good and you do not learn leadership in the classroom. I do know that Edo people voted for him because they believe in him. They await the outcome of the petition. Let me say the Edo PDP guber candidate has the constitutional right to take whatever action he deems right to seek redress if a wrong is done him. What is so certain about this case is that in the worst case scenario, General Arhiavbere cannot be a beneficiary because he got far votes than could give him victory. Ataifo George, Lagos

Prosecution of Okada Union leaders

overnor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos is trying, but some of his recent laws are draconian. We must not hide the fact that armed robbery is not only carried out by Okada riders. Most of them are unemployed graduates, so prohibiting them is an absurdity. Who says they cannot devise other means of sustainability? They could wreak havoc on a nation that does not care for them. Ibrahim Rilwanu, Kano

Send your letters or mails to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mirrorlagos@yahoo.com and info@nationalmirroronline.net or, 07033375481, 08035640907 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject letters or photographs. Psuedonyms may be used, but must be clearly marked as such.

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FRIDAY

Flavour

Friday, September 7, 2012

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

• Ghana’s ex-President John Kufour Chairs 4th Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature award night in Lagos • Lagbaja to headline performances

IT IS WARMING UP

ADENRELE NIYI

udging by the final shortlist of nominees for the 2012 Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa and the line up of special guests, as well as of artistes billed to perform at the Grand Awards Night holding in Lagos tomorrow, it is warming up to be an evening of literary excellence, cultural glamour and sonorous live music. For the fourth edition of the continental awards organised by Lumina Foundation, the literati community across Africa will gather at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island to extol three authors of African descent namely: Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo from Nigeria (author of Roses and Bullets); Sifizo Mzobe from South Africa (Young Blood) and Bridget Pitt, also a South African writer (The Unseen Leopard), whose respective works have been deemed meritorious of nomination for this year’s award. Prof. Adimora-Ezeigbo has taught in the English Department at the University of Lagos for more than three decades. She is a multiple award-winning scholar and writer; amongst her wins are The Nigeria Prize for Literature

TO BE AN EVENING OF LITERARY

EXCELLENCE, CULTURAL GLAMOUR AND SONOROUS LIVE MUSIC (2007) and ANA/NDDC Flora Nwapa Prize (2003). In 2005, she received the first Best Researcher Award in the Arts and Humanities at the University of Lagos. She has had many fellowships and has travelled extensively in Africa, Europe, North America and Asia. Mr. Mzobe was born in Umlazi Township, Durban, where he also went to school. After attending St. Francis College, he studied Journalism at Damelin Business Campus in Durban. The winner of the Sunday Times Literary Award 2011 currently works for a community newspaper in Durban as a journalist. Bridget Pitt is a Zimbabwe-born South African writer. Her first published writing was for a newspaper called Grassroots, which was used by

Cape Town black communities as an organising tool in the anti-apartheid struggles during the 1980’s. She has published poetry in The Thinker magazine, short stories and two adult novels: Unbroken Wing and The Unseen Leopard, which was shortlisted for the Commonwealth book prize in 2011. To arrive at this decision, five judges from Sudan, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa and Nigeria had sifted through over 402 entries from 26 African countries to shortlist 15 writers out of which the final three were drawn for a keenly-contested award event. At the end of the night, one of the authors is expected to emerge winner. To bring more dazzle to the event this year, Globacom, the telecoms company, has thrown it financial weight behind the biennial awards named after Professor Wole Soyinka —foremost African author and Nobel Laureate, as an illustration of its corporate commitment to the development of the literary arts in Africa. While speaking at the press conference to herald the 2012 edition of the prize, Globacom’s Director of Event and Sponsorship, Mr. Bode Opeseitan had recalled that in 2003, “An Evening with Wole Soyinka” was packaged by Globacom to celebrate the man and his achievements in the literary world. He added that Glo’s involvement is geared towards providing information, entertainment and create avenues for literary performances, in addition to improving the

reading culture and the quality of the books produced across Africa. Additionally, Lumina Foundation announced a line-up of luminary guests and brilliant Nigerian artistes billed to entertain at the Grand Awards Night tomorrow. The occasion will be chaired by former Ghanaian President, John Kufour while Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos will serve as host Governor and his Ogun State counterpart, Ibikunle Amosun, as Special Guest of Honour. Leading the pack of entertainers is masked artiste, Lagbaja expected to thrill the audience with his AfroCalypso genre of music, a product of various influences ranging from traditional Yoruba music to Jazz. Also expected to add colour to the night is the Segun Adefila-led Crown Troupe (a dance/performance ensemble) and the sensational all-female folk singers Adunni and Nefertiti. Since the 2005 inception of the award to immortalise Prof. Soyinka’s contributions to humanity generally and Literature in particular, Lumina Foundation, headed by the duo of Mrs. Fransesca Yetunde–Emmanuel, Chairman and Dr. Promise Ugochukwu, does not stop at simply awarding Africa’s great writers. The knowledge-based NGO causes excellent works of writing to be appreciated while promoting scholarship by making books available and affordable through subsidising publication of books in the top list of the judges.

WEEKEND STARTERS Hennessy Artistry Club Tour in PH, Lagos

D’Genius cracks American ribs

oday at the Club Uno, Port Harcourt and tomorrow at Ground Zero in Lagos the Hennessy Artistry Club Tour will take place. Expected to perform at both events is TBC. The icing on the exciting cake is that admission is free for all who have attained the age of 18.

oday in Texas, USA, Nigerian comic act, Julius ‘D’Genius’ Agwu will appear at his

Crack Ya Ribs show set to take place at Ayva Centre. Joining Julius to entertain with music and jokes are Mateo Y, MC PC, Senator, Funny Bone, Seyi Law, Ugo, Seyi Brown, Hoodbilli, Maxpain and IB the Artist. The show starts at 7.00 p.m.

Ayetoro unveils 4th album

Memorable September for poets

joke Music and A f r i c a - Re l at e d present the latest album by the internationally-acclaimed Afrobeat/Jazz band, Ayetoro. The long-awaited EP, Asoju Oba will be officially launched tomorrow at Ember Creek, Ikoyi, Lagos stating by 7.00 p.m. According to the gift-

C ed band leader, pianist Funsho Ogundipe, 150 guests, including the Lagos State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Disun Holloway are being expected.

hill & Relax, a performance poetry and spoken word open mic session featuring Lagos’ finest poets, will hold on Sunday in Gbagada, Lagos. Admission is free for the event beginning by 3.00 p.m. at 16, Abeni Close, ASA Estate, Gbagada, Lagos.

P. 34

Africa’s best writer prepares for honour

Denrele’s Day

Lagbaja

P. 24-25

Kufour

Inside FCT

Mzobe

P. 26

Pitt

Mirror Mongers

Adimora-Ezeigbo

Escape

P. 32-33

VOL. 2 No. 443

Artman In The House

Friday, September 7, 2012

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Movie stars visit government Emma Oguguah is one of the few movie professionals who have had the privilege of working under different capacities (actor, director and producer) with a considerable measure of success –this he attributes to his tenacity of purpose. Presently over-seeing the activities of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, (AGN), as an acting national president, Oguguah shares his life, passion and journey in Nigeria’s movie industry with Friday Flavour’s NGOZI EMEDOLIBE. As the acting national president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, what does it take to get a movie role? First of all, you have to ask yourself if you have what it takes to become an actor. I usually tell the younger ones that before you embark on any career path, go to your house, lock up, stand before the mirror and ask yourself, ‘what talent has God given me?’ ‘Can I compete in this industry?’ Movie acting is a competitive industry. I have watched the likes of Genevieve Nnaji and Mercy Johnson grow to become stars. I know that you need patience –wait for your time. Once you are convinced you have all these qualities, the next thing is to go to a state chapter of the AGN and register. The fees payable differ depending on the chapter. Averagely, one is expected to pay about N15,000 but it is slightly lower or higher in some states. Lagos State for instance is high, because there are levies one has to pay. But the moment you are registered in a state chapter, you can use that identity card to work anywhere in Nigeria. How is the movie industry (and chapters) in the far north thriving? We have Hausa language films going on everywhere. Sani Danja is a member of AGN; he is popular in the north. From Borno to Gombe to Katsina, there are movies and soap opera being made there. AGN is all encompassing. Even in the South west, there are members like Jide Kosoko and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde. We have a working relationship with ANTP; an ID card from ANTP guarantees the actor can work with us. We also have branches outside Nigeria. One thing people do not know is that the industry is not restrictive; so long as you can speak the language of the movie fluently and you have the requisite ID card; you can work in Yoruba, Hausa or Igbo movies. What is happening to the aborted AGN elections after the crisis in Benin? Honestly, the guild has moved beyond that. I have scheduled a meeting with all the contestants and once that is achieved, we will come out with a format for a new election. Finance has been the major problem; we spent so much on the last election in Benin. We need N15million to conduct this election and we are seeking ways to reduce the costs. The burden is presently on the board members. N15million for elections? What sources of income does AGN have aside registration of new members? We make money from registration and share 40 percent for national and 60 percent for states. We also make money from dues. But as I speak with you, I do not know how many states in Nigeria are up to date with their dues. The so-called stars do not pay their dues. They only remember they are AGN members when they run into trouble. Infact, the stars hardly attend our meetings; it is the unknown ones that come. The stars are too self-centred; all they know is to go to government houses to collect money. What kind of trouble do they usually get into?

Oguguah

SUCCESS IN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY IS A PERSONAL DECISION; SOME ARE

DETERMINED TO GO HIGHER WHILE OTHERS ARE JUST OKAY WITH BEING A WAKA PASS They usually have problems with their producers, violating agreements and their contracts. Sometimes, they would agree to be on set for 15 days, but you see them running from one location to another in order to make more money. When such violations happen, they get reported to CONGAS, which is a body having all the guild heads in the industry; letters often come from there to respective guild heads. These are basically the problems the so-called stars run into. Sometimes, when they want to travel out of the country, they also come to the guild for referral letters because the embassies need confirmation of certain facts from us. Is it true that AGN has penchant for protecting only the popular actors? I don’t think it is true. I just returned from Asaba where I went to mediate on behalf of one Tony who was beaten up. He has not done more than a few cameo roles in movies. We do not only come to the aid of stars but we have to be notified before defending anyone. The known faces are constantly being reported but the unknown personalities rarely get into problems. Welfare is another issue amongst AGN members. Why

is it only the stars are making all the money? The best that we can do in this regard is training. Many of the chapters are organising trainings for their members. For anyone to climb to the next ladder, he or she must be trained, which is why we have been stressing capacity building for the members. If you are a driver, you must go to school to become a manager. That is the way it works. Again talent is important. You cannot make it in the industry without being unique. Becoming successful in the industry is a personal decision; some are determined to go higher while others are just okay with being a waka pass (an extra). In Lagos, I know there is a task force moving around to protect AGN members as regards the way they feed and when they report to location. The trainings being organised are free. What is the state of health of Ifeanyi Dike, the chairman of AGN board of trustees? How is the guild assisting him and others like Prince James Uche? Ifeanyi Dike has gone back to India to change his transplant. The first transplant saw the guild contributing immensely by getting money from Governor Raji Fashola of Lagos State and the Federal Government to send Dike to India. At the moment, we are working on getting a new transplant for him; we are scouting for the resources. Right now, he is undergoing dialysis in India, which costs $200 per session. We are hoping we can raise the money so that he gets another transplant and return home. But we are in constant touch with him; I speak with him regularly. He gets briefed on decisions and activities of the guild at least twice a week on his Galaxy tablet. He is the chairman of the board and has the final say. In the case of Prince James Uche’s illness, he wants the guild to give him money for spiritual treatment, but

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Artman In The House

Friday, September 7, 2012

houses for money –Oguguah

Emma works on Babie Galz (a TV soap) in one of his editing studios.

Some of Emma’s awards and honours

Collage of movie productions he’s worked on.

Oguguah flanked by Rachel Oni Omofuma, his office assistant (right) and Blessing Edwardson, an award-winning scriptwriter.

the constitution of the guild does not recognise going to spiritual homes. It must be a hospital. As the son of a police officer, why did you not follow your father’s footsteps? To be honest with you, I wanted to be a soldier or a pilot. When I finished, I got admission into a piloting school in Arizona, U.S.A, but my father turned it down and he has a way of getting his wish done, by descending heavily on my mum. It should be a thing of pride for him to send you abroad? He sent my younger ones, but he was keen on having me learn my roots as the first son. He always wanted me around, which was why he sent me to Awka to lean the dialect. He was preparing me for the leadership roles apparently. After school, he actually got me to work with Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu. What did your work with Ojukwu entail? I worked as his personal assistant for two years. Then I left for London on my own for six months, then to USA for eight months and I returned to work with Ojukwu again. It was wonderful working for Dim Ojukwu. I keep telling people that the most wonderful thing about Ojukwu is Bianca his wife. I have never seen a beautiful yet humble woman like her. She used to bring our coffee herself every morning. When I encountered her, I did not need to wonder why Ojukwu stuck to her. She is the kind of person that wants to know what is happening to you and your family at every point in time. I was willing to stay on. As a matter of fact, we were working like a family, because my father was in charge of their

His car, a Honda Pilot.

FACT FILE •

Emma Oguguah, the first son of his family, hails from Awka, Anambra State

•

Emma has a Masters Degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

•

He says the idea for AGN originated from Ifeanyi Dike

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His first movie won Best Picture Award at the 1996 THEMA awards

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Emma runs a fully equipped production outfit in Akowonjo (a Lagos suburb)

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Married to Dr. Ngozi Oguguah, they are blessed with three sons.

family’s security during the war. When did you leave his job and why? His job was exciting. We went to a lot of places and travelled a lot. But honestly, I hate office jobs. At a point, I knew I had reached the peak and needed something more challenging. That was when I met Andy Boyo, he owns an oil company, ABNL. I became the Business Development Manager in his group, but I was more interested in the cinema arm. Andy introduced me to Ben Bruce and Silverbird Television where I started Legend Movie of the Week. But it was not the same as well. One day, while I was at Keppy Ekpenyong’s house, I learnt an actor was being looked for to play the role of the Chief Judge in Ripples (a defunct soap opera). I auditioned and got the role; Keppy wondered why I was not acting like I used to while in school.

PHOTOS: TERH AGBEDEH

Why did you not follow your dream of acting when you left school? I was afraid of announcing it because my father would not hear of it. He calls them ‘those who make people laugh’. Actually, when I left ABNL, I formed a company with Keppy Ekpenyong, Mathias Obiahiagbon and Obi Osotule to produce a TV soap. While doing that, Living in Bondage (first commercially successful home video) was released, and everyone was wondering ‘so this could work here?’ We then shot Unforgiving Sins and won an award in 1996. Later, we had a misunderstanding over who should lead the company and that caused the split. I started my own company Diamond Pictures, under which I shot End of the Road, Kiss of Death and others. I also began to direct movies in Nigeria and Ghana. Do successful actors, who are members of the guild, help to fund your activities? Only a few of them are assisting. Some of them would even expect you to pay them the moment you go on a courtesy call. They will ask that the money be shared there on the spot without minding that the money was sourced to help the guild. However, a few of them like Sani Danja, Stella Damasus, Bob Manuel Udokwu, Kanayo O Kanayo, Uche Obodo and Kenneth Okonkwo would pull strings for you without even asking for a dime. Why it is that when some actors die, AGN begins to beg for money for the actor’s burial? It boils down to what I was saying. If you belong to a town meeting you must pay your dues, otherwise when something happens to you, nobody will come. Sam Loco played a very vital role in the guild while alive, so the guild had to stand by him when he passed on.

Critics

Friday, September 7, 2012

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Literature

Bring Back the Book: Doing disservice to the President?

During the last Presidential election campaign, either as a result of genuine concern for the dying reading culture in Nigeria or to win youth followership for his election campaign modelled after American President Barack Obama’s, President Goodluck Jonathan came up with a noble programme, Bring Back the Book (BBTB) initiative. IZUCHUKWU OKEKE

he book promotion initiative caught on like wild fire; it got rave reviews in the media and literary circles. Almost everybody lauded it, agreeing that there could be no nobler idea from the President for the youth of his country –this initiative was meant to address a critical question mark in Nigeria’s literary sector development where the youth feature prominently. Indeed, who would not acknowledge that the Nigerian youth no longer reads? The joke that if you want to hide something from a blackman put it inside a book has caught on, becoming more popular by the day. In these days of competing distractions; from local and satellite televisions, social media, social events, to even politics, the youth fails to understand and attach the pivotal importance required to book knowledge. The gap this situation leaves on the education sector is yawning and enlarging daily. Indeed, with the vast knowledge buried in world literary classics and nations brandishing documented history of how books changed their culture and economy, it was great news when our President underscored the need for the Nigerian youth to return to the culture of reading, with the launch of BBTB. The formal launch was grand. On December 20, 2010 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, President Goodluck Jonathan in that epochal gathering sat beside Prof. Wole Soyinka, Odia Ofeimum, Dr. Jerry Agada and other Nigerian writers, to flag off the campaign. The auspicious event was also used to launch President Jonathan’s book, My friends and I, Conversations on Policy and Governance via Facebook. Coming out of the event, however, a wild cry rent the air. Five top hip-hop musicians had performed there

Performance

and it became evident that rather than achieving the primary aim of the project, the event turned into a music jamboree. Critics and analysts who wrote in the media called for a review of the approach if the vision of the initiative would be rescued from the usual Nigeria ‘jamboree’ culture. The state launch in Edo (at University of Benin) and subsequently, the FCT some months later proved that none of the President’s men championing the cause for him learnt anything from the criticism that trailed the Lagos launch. The Abuja launch was so pathetic that even few writers who in loyalty to their calling found their way to the venue, including the then National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr. Jerry Agada, a former Minister of Education, were not recognised, while Nollywood actors and musicians rode the stage. As the PRO of the Abuja chapter of ANA, I wrote a criticism of the event which ended up pitching some members of our tribe against others. However stretched the argument, the substance of my argument is and remains the jamboree that BBTB was turning into, which was against the vision behind it. Yet again, on Wednesday July 18, 2012, school children were gathered in Yenagoa for Bayelsa State launch of BBTB. As usual it was another opportunity for Nollywood celebrities to file out and massage their fame. And they were there in droves: Dakore Egbuson, Omoni Oboli, Desmond Elliot, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, M.I. the musician and the rest of them. I know that these honourary book promoters must have come to the event by special invitation, their accommodation arranged and perhaps honorarium paid at the end of the day. Now, what did they come to do? Are they great readers or writers? What true value did

Cross section of school children from Bayelsa

their presence add to the project...to modelling the students into reading and writing? If nothing was at stake would they have come? What have been their antecedent and previous contributions to the promotion of literature in Nigeria? After the event, will there be a continued commitment to this cause? We already know the answers to these questions. I have said in my previous criticism that when you take Nollywood actors to promote books, it presupposes that the book sector has got no stars. But if this argument be true, what was the representative of Mr. President at the Bayelsa launch, Barrister Nyesom Wike, Minister of State for Education, trying to prove when in his speech he alluded to Nigerians winning literary prizes almost every other year. True, this year alone, Nigeria’s Rotimi Babatunde won the Caine Prize and Jekwu Anyaegbuna emerged the winner (Africa region) in the Short Story category of the Commonwealth Prize. In fact every other year, Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, win literary prizes. All these award-winning writers are alive. It baffles one that these literary celebrities are not worthy to be used to promote the book? Why not invite them —true models— so that the students can see them, make first hand contact, ask questions and get answers

Enter stars that may Nigeria does have talent and when you take that and burnish it with a three-month intensive training, the result is the excited audience at the grounds of the CMD to witness the graduating class perform on August 25. TERH AGBEDEH

A Arya on the soapbox during rehearsals.

few days before the opening night, veteran actor Nobert Young said he had picked the play, The Man Who Never Died by Barrie Stavis because of “the constant poor state of the Nigerian worker”. The play was to be performed by the second graduating class of the Theatre Academy of the Centre for Media Devel-

opment (CMD), who have had the rare opportunity of learning from Young and his assistant, Daddy Ejidoh. Added to that was the reason of having a large class hence, the need to do a play that would involve everybody. Young, who had performed in the play back at university, was also interested in staying back to watch it performed by others. The smiles he exuded that evening must count for something.

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Critics

Friday, September 7, 2012

Barr. Nyesom Wike and National Coordinator of STEP B World Bank Project, Mrs Grace Tarkhi

WHEN YOU TAKE NOLLYWOOD ACTORS TO PROMOTE BOOKS, IT PRESUPPOSES THAT THE BOOK SECTOR HAS GOT NO STARS

(one of the logics of modelling is that you set the replica before your target audience). Are Nollywood actors the right models for students we want to bring back to the culture of reading? I beg to disagree. It needs us now to ask again the President’s motive for establishing the initiative. On the BBTB official website, it is boldly written, “Bring Back the Book initiative is a brainchild of President Goodluck Jonathan established with a view to develop a book reading culture in Nigeria especially amongst the youth who have lost value for reading either for educational purposes or entertainment”. It adds, “The initiative seeks to empower the youth for the future by preparing them for opportunities and challenges faced by us as a people by engaging in series of activities designed to encourage the culture of reading amongst the youth”. When I wrote my criticism of the Abuja launch of BBTB, the response of one of the organisers was that ANA (the

never die

The night was magical not just for the graduating students, but also for the audience, including clerics from the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, which founded the school, as well as theatre practitioners. Those on the stage that night who took the magic and ran away with it included: Emmanuel Anya (Joe Hill); Afor Ifeoma (Copper King Moody; Obijuru Jennifer (Alexander Marshall); Jones Jonathan (Ed Rowan) and Stanley Onwuemeka (Attorney General Stone). That is not to say the other cast members, who add up to over 40, did not do well but the listed stood out considering that no one among them had ever done serious acting before. Besides, it took them only three

association I represented) was outdated in our approach to promoting books. I ask if our approach is outdated, what model have they then employed? In USA, is Snoop Dogg or Kanye West the model for promoting reading? Even our own Helon Habila is a book celebrity in the USA despite being a Nigerian. When they promote books over there, authors and book promoters do not go to Hollywood. So where is this BBTB model copied from? Again, some others think writers are disgruntled because they are not given money to organise such event. Over these years groups like ANA, PEN, now ALS, GAP, Infusion, Naija Stories, etc have been in the field promoting literature; organising reading sessions, paying bills to host writers, helping to edit and publish works —some of which have been winning prizes— organising writing workshops, endowing residency, etc, I ask who paid them? Interests that sustain these activities don’t wait for allowances from BBTB. One can check ANA

website and many literature-related social media and see the number of literary activities going on weekly across Nigeria. This is the huge support been denied BBTB by the alienation and grandstanding of its managers –thereby making it difficult for the initiative to seep down and take root. Now, after the launch in four states what impact has BBTB made apart from the jamboree? Are there follow ups in these states? Who is still talking about it there? With the resources that have gone into it since 2011, is it nearly as popular as any of the book clubs run in these states without budget? What of the mentioned ‘series of activities’, are they being achieved after each state launch? Who is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that these ‘series of activities’ are being achieved in the respective states? Are they achieving them? Pray tell, are Nollywood stars who attended the Abuja launch still promoting books? How many book donations have they made since then? How many public shows for books? How many interviews granted to talk about books? How many other book events have they availed their presence by virtue of that BBTB

months to master the lines in addition to other studies in the course content at the fully integrated media centre. Anya for instance, was all over the place; he moved like a professional, singing and saying the lines not like one who had crammed them in a hurry but as a true actor who had internalised them, made them his own. He delivered and moved to near perfection. His expression were sad when they needed to be and happy when that was called for. He held the play together and the others earlier listed would have done the same too had they been picked to play Joe Hill who had speaking lines in almost every scene in the production that lasted close to two hours. Essentially, the play is inspired by the true life story of the Swedish-American labour activist, songwriter and member of the Industrial Workers of the World

(IWW) Joe Hill, who confronted power by organising a trade union and paid with his life in 1915. Anya, with help from the other graduating students, brings Hill back to life through his songs and moving speeches. The audience could not help but get lost in the action some of them even shedding tears. It is no surprise then that Ambrose Igboke, who was MC for the night and administrative manager for the centre revealed at the beginning of the programme that some members of the first graduating class had already done jobs including appearing on the television soap opera, Tinsel as well as television adverts. They only just obtained their certificate three months ago on April 21. Before the play started, some of the graduating students performed poems and sections of great works to the admiration of the audience. Clearly, all that these

interaction? Did they go to Bayelsa and tell how they have being converted into the book reading culture? I know one Mr. Nengi Ilegha who lives in Yenagoa. Since I met Mr. Ilegha, he has been a writer; he owns a publishing firm in Yenagoa, his poetry collection January Gestures made final shortlist of the prestigious NLNG prize in 2009 which eventually was not awarded. I also know that Pa Gabriel Okara, one of Nigeria’s finest Nigerian authors, is from Bayelsa. I know of a thriving ANA local chapter in Bayelsa. Yet, these writers in Bayelsa did not merit being part of a grand book project like BBTB in their state: the people who would keep the lamp burning after the noise goes down. In the end, I find it quite disheartening —and I know this feeling is mutual with all Nigerian writers and book promoters who strive to promote literature daily even with little or no financial benefits— how the President’s men saddled with the responsibility of achieving this noble project keep progressing in error and yet refuse to accept correction. It is only in Nigeria that a thing like this can happen; tantamount to playing a football match without a goal post. It is going to be even more disheartening if one day, President Jonathan leaves office and this noble project dies, which could from the way it is being pursued. It would be great disservice to Mr. President who initiated the idea and the youth who should have benefited from it. Okeke is the PRO of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Abuja chapter.

young people need to do is remain consistent and their newly acquired skills will never die. Perhaps, the only fault that could be found with the production was the not very smooth movement from one scene to the next, but only those with a keen eye for theatre would have noticed. There was also one trying moment when an overzealous cameraman, perhaps thinking he was filming a wedding, jumped onto the stage to record while action was going on. Then, there was the crude lighting which is expected to get better as the centre continues to grow. Gloria Young (the director’s wife, a thespian in her own right) and Wole Oguntokun of Renegade Theatre, were among the practitioners in the audience. The clerics included: Very Revd. Msgr. Bernard Okodua and Revd. Father Mike Umoh, who is the director of the centre.

Inside FCT

Friday, September 7, 2012

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Some of the houses before demolition

Victims of I-Pent 8 seek compensation Continued fear of documents renewal, revocation and destruction of properties by successive administrations in Abuja have been major causes of panic among residents interested in developing properties in the nation’s capital. While many still totter in the financial ruins of the Nasri El-Rufai demolition era, events in recent time show that dreams of becoming proud owners of properties by residents in the city is being thwarted as houses continue to fall under the wheels of bulldozers. In this report, our correspondents, ROTIMI FADEYI and MARCUS FATUNMOLE look at one of such incidents that have attracted public outcry lately.

n 2005, during the administration of former FCT minister, Mallam Nasri El-Rufai, a large piece of land was allocated to Kano State government for mass housing with terms and conditions; but the state failed to meet the conditions. According to a press release signed by the former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, (FCTA), Dr. Nathaniel Olorunfemi, dated August 19, 2011, “... All land allottees under the Accelerated Development Programme (ADP) who had not reached substantial development had their allocations terminated. The allocation to Kano State Housing Corporation was among the ones so cancelled since the corporation had not commenced any physical development on the plot”. The land, which was revoked in 2008, was re-allotted to a property developer, City Shelters Ltd. Two years later, another estate developing firm, Constructii Proactii, advertised the sale of these hectares of land in bits to individuals, claiming it was acting on behalf of Minanta Ltd., another estate development firm. Upon enquiry, it was alleged that Minanta part-

MORE THAN 200 SUBSCRIBERS HAVE NOT BEEN RE-ALLOCATED A NEW PLACE NOR HAVE WE RECEIVED COMPENSATION FOR OUR PROPERTIES nered with City Shelters who got the allocation; but the company did not have the required capital to develop the estate. Hence, it decided to partner with Minanta and Constructii Proactii, which was said to be good in marketing, would take up the selling. Proactii, it was claimed, did so on behalf of Minanta. About 209 plots of the land were sold between May and June 2011. The cost of the plot for a bungalow was N6million, while a plot of duplex went for N7.5million. Shortly thereafter, construction work began on the site. By July 2011, over 109 houses had been built in the estate, which was called I-Pent 8,

behind EFAB Estate, Lokogoma. Suddenly, on July 21, 2011, the estate was flattened by officials of the Development Control of FCTA. Upon enquiry, owners of the structures were told that the properties were demolished because there was no approval and the developer and their principals were not the rightful allottees. The land was said to be owned by Kano State government. The subscribers thereafter formed a group and had series of meeting with the parties concerned. One of the affected persons, who does not to be named for security reason, told Inside FCT; “We also wrote a letter to the developer who collected the money to express our view and they said the matter was receiving attention and would be resolved. We were told that the person who demolished the properties had been warned by FCDA; that he did not get approval from the FCDA. They alleged that before anyone could carry out such a mass demolition, they must serve a notice. They also added that the worst which could have been done was to stop construction work on the site instead of destroying over 100 houses”. He continued with the revelations by saying “Later, we were told the matter had been reported to the minister. They also alleged that it had been agreed that the land be split between Kano government and the developer. By August last year, the FCTA came out with a press statement that Kano government had no allocation in that place; that the allocation was revoked in 2008 and the decision was final. It was published and signed by Dr. Olorunfemi. “The publication also affirmed the fact that the property was re-allocated to City Shelters and that City Shelters was the rightful allottee. Though we did not buy directly from City Shelters, we were hopeful because the developer told us City Shelters gave power of attorney to Minanta to look for a marketer to market the plot and then develop it in the name of City Shelters. But surprisingly, when we were notified that the matter was being resolved by the publication of December 20, 2011. Kano governor, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwanso, came to meet with the FCTA Minister, Bala Mohammed. There and then, the Permanent Secretary who issued this statement had gone on retirement. Then, the minister directed

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Inside FCT

Friday, September 7, 2012

52nd NBA confab: Traders count blessings EMMANUEL ONANI

What’s left of a building’s roof after demolition

the Director of land in the FCTA to restore the ownership of the land to Kano State government; thereby ceiling our hope and the millions of naira we have invested without explanation, without recourse to terms of settlement that we agreed on”, the victim claimed. He added: “We don’t want to insinuate anything but we understand that the man who carried out the demolition is also from Kano State. More than 200 subscribers have not been re-allocated a new place nor have we received compensation for our properties that were destroyed”. The I-Pent 8 subscribers said they had mounted pressure on the developer, Constructii Proactii and Minanta, who were said to have also been shocked by what happened. When the subscribers sought to know why the developers did not get approval before scouting for buyers, the developers advised buyers to investigate other mass housing estates in the city because government has a habit of not issuing express approval before work commences on any site. Meanwhile, the subscribers claimed that Minanta and City Shelters sold the land and should give those whose properties have been destroyed a new place as a way of compensation. Alternatively, the buyers are asking that the money invested on the land be repaid to them.

Whereas, officials of Proactii Constructii and City Shelters, who refused to give their identities, said their companies were not direct parties to the crisis. They claimed they were third parties to the issue. But, when contacted by our correspondents, Managing Director of Minanta Enterprises, Ahmed Tijani, said he was making efforts to resolve the matter with Kano government and that the matter would be settled. In its reaction, FCT Administration noted that the crisis had been on ground before the present dispensation. According to the Senior Special Assistant on Information Management, Hajiya Jamilah Tangaza, who spoke with our correspondents, “The problem had been on ground before we came on board. Upon receipt of the complaint, the minister looked at the issue critically and called on the government of Kano and leadership of City Shelters and mediated between them. It was at the time the land was restored to Kano State government and it was settled amicably between them”, Tangaza said. But, the restoration of the land to Kano State government had been preceded by a long-standing battle between the incumbent, Kwankwanso and the former, Ibrahim Shekarau, with the former saying that the latter had sold the land to his cronies.

he week-long 52nd Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) ended on Friday, August 31 with a lot of hustle and bustle. The Bar conference, which held at the prestigious International Conference Centre (ICC), overlooking Radio House, meant different things for different people. While the conference, which is an annual ritual for lawyers, witnessed the inauguration of a new president, Mr. Okey Wali (SAN), to lead the body of lawyers for a period of two years, there were other “side shows” that added steam to the five-day conference. For instance, as the conference went on in the main-bowl of the ICC, traders, who came from within and outside Abuja with different lines of products, made brisk sales and profits as they displayed their wares for willing and able buyers. Assorted wares ranging from law books, clothes (trousers, shirts, cufflinks, ties), bed-sheets, shoes, soft drinks, gift items etc. Tourism agents and photographers were not left out of the bargain; even women of easy virtues plied their trade via exhibition of their provocative endowments. As this continued from Monday through Friday, security in and around the premises was watertight in the light of President Goodluck Jonathan’s attendance to declare the conference open and the potential threat to peace by the Boko Haram sect. The likely disruption that protests by

I HAVE NOT MADE THE KIND OF PROFIT

I’M

MAKING HERE IN THE PAST

THREE MONTHS... OTHERS CAN ATTEST TO THE FACT THAT BUSINESS IS REALLY GOOD the Ikeja (Lagos) branch of NBA over considerable increases in conference fees, could cause also heightened tensions slightly. Upon a random market survey carried out by Inside FCT, it was discovered that most of the items on display cost far more than their original prices. For example, some law books that sold for between N1000 and N15,000 at the makeshift market go for between N500 and N12,000 at bookshops. A typical example of this astronomical hike was a law book titled, Nigerian Labour Law, which sold for N1000 instead of N500 or N600, depending on the bargaining power of the buyer. Further survey showed that a shirt with market price of N1000 went for between N1500 and N1800, respectively. What the sellers called “2003 bedsheets” sold for N1000, sandals traded for N1200 or more, while trousers had price tags of N2800 and N3000. It was indeed boom for traders and the excitement was not hidden.

Commercial activity was at a peak on both days of the conference

One of the sellers, Ifeanyi Obi, who spoke with our correspondent, wished more of such conferences will take place in the midst of the biting economic realities affecting all facets of the economy. “My brother, we give God thanks for the sales we are making here. I have not made the kind of profit I’m making here in the past three months that I have been going to the market”, Obi declared. He continued: “The law books I’m selling cost far more than what I sell on normal days in my bookshop. I think others can attest to the fact that business is really good”. When asked why the increases, he noted that, “Most of the buyers came prepared with money and they will not want to haggle much in order not to compromise the essence of the respectable gathering of lawyers who are naturally proud people”. Also interviewed was a photographer, who informed that a copy of the snapshots costs N200 as against the known price of N150. It would be safe to point out that, delegates for the 52nd conference were chauffeur-driven from the Old Parade Ground to the venue of the conference by some hired “Bus Rapid Transit” (BRT); a measure that was intended to give the event an international appeal and also ensure that those who did not get accreditation were kept at bay. This innovation prevented aggrieved, placard-carrying members of the Ikeja branch of NBA from disrupting the event with their protest motivated by the increase in conference fees.

Mirror Mongers

Friday, September 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NBA: Jonathan laughs last T he fiesty Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has a rich history of engaging successive governments through sustained criticisms on any issue it considers antipeople, illegal, aberrations of rule of law. It would be recalled that the organisation was in the forefront of vibrant opposition during the removal of oil-subsidy protest last January that spawned Occupy Nigeria. Removal of oil subsidy is anti-people as it fails to take cognisance of severe economic conditions of majority of Nigerians. Secondly the government failed to make wide consultations with the stakeholders before single-handedly removing

the subsidy etc. These are some of the arguments the leadership of the lawyers’ organisation, under the immediate past President, Joseph Daudu SAN, used to drive its robust opposition to fuel subsidy removal. However, it would appear rather ironic that the same arguments were used by many lawyers against Daudu at the just-concluded NBA Annual General Conference in Abuja. How? MM discovered that this year, conference fees were increased by almost 400 per cent across board. When lawyers kicked against it, the leadership explained that past NBA conferences had been subsidised by funds from other

sources like donations from governors etc. It added that henceforth, it wanted to avoid situation where the association would be going to politicians for donations, hence, the need for participants at the conference to pay the “correct fees”. Many lawyers were not convinced by these arguments, they are asking some questions: Why should Daudu kick against Jonathan’s removal of subsidy and yet introduced his own policy of removal of subsidy? Why did he not hold wide consultations with NBA branches across the country before this measure? See now, President Jonathan may laugh last!

Aki: Cutting the long story short

ctor Chinedu Ikedieze fondly called Aki, some months back left the ‘league of kids’ to join the ‘club of men’ when he got married to his heartthrob, Nneoma, eight months ago in Imo State. The wedding was so glamorised that it entered not only a well-sold fashion magazine, but a home video as well. But the drama is far from over. Recently, a picture of the actor with a baby surfaced on the In-

ternet and went really viral. The reaction was ecstatic that Aki already had a baby girl in consonance with his earlier assertion that ‘his sex life was terrific’. But people jubilating should halt: The baby in question is not his. According to Aki, “Nwannem (my brother), I took a picture with the baby of a fan and they put it on Facebook. The next thing, it is everywhere that I have a baby girl. Everybody knows my wife

ONE-SECOND Q&A

Aki and fan’s baby

graduated from a fashion school a couple of weeks ago. Did she look pregnant or was she like a nursing mother?”. Little wonder David Mark and Labaran Maku are scared of the social media.

L-R: Lola Omotayo, Peter Okoye, Jacky’s wife and Jacky

Dana crash: Life after death

his year has witnessed the chiming of wedding bells for a couple of entertainment celebrities. However, Peter Okoye, one of the PSquare duo, in spite of previously fathering one son and expecting another offspring with long-time girlfriend, Lola Omolayo is not entering any of such committed status yet. Rather, the wealthy music artiste threw a lavish surprise birthday party for his pregnant GF, attended by family members and friends including the Managing Director of embattled Dana Air, Jacky Hathiramani and his wife. Judging from the outrage and bitter comments on blogging platforms where pictures from the event were posted, fans and followers of the talented artiste are not letting this gaffe go. Incensed MM sources say

the national tragedy and loss of the June 3 Dana crash is still too fresh on Nigerians’ minds to deal with a picture of the culpable airline’s M.D beaming for the cameras and socialising with celebrities –even if he spent only 10 minutes at the party! Then the government rubs salt into the raw wound by reinstating the airline’s operating licence only three months after the blood of 153 people who died in the fatal crash hasn’t even dried? It is like an ironical reference to the Biblical verse where Jesus Christ said, “...follow me and allow the dead to bury their own dead”. Jacky and the government are following the sounds of merry making and rustle of paper currency while families of tragic victims of the crash march despondently to the sound of a funeral dirge.

ROBERT ORYA

Roberts Orya, CEO, Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), was a guest on a popular terrestrial TV station’s breakfast show on the morning of August 31. Orya was asked specific questions about the $200million entertainment fund/ loan which has been elusive to the larger number of sector practitioners. According to industry stakeholders, the processes for assessing the intervention fund for entertainment are cumbersome and over N600 million of the money has been disbursed already. What are you doing for those in this category to be able to get the loan?

Orya

efore Mr. President made that announcement in November 2010, NEXIM had commenced the process of building the capacity in the entertainment industry. By July 2010, I was in India knowing fully well that EXIM Bank of India is the one financing Bollywood. And because it is a bit challenging for us, we needed to gain from their own experience. so before Mr. President made that announcement we had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the EXIM Bank of India. Because 15 years ago, the industry in India was the same way it is in Nollywood and they have been able to come up with structures and very innovative products to accommodate everybody. I brought in the Indian team so that they can meet with all stakeholders. They met with everybody; ministers of trade and investment, finance, almost everybody and as we speak, the final report has been made to us. What they have done in India is that the government has been able to give some kind of incentives. We are trying to make this report available to the relevant government agencies and see what kind of forbearance can be given and how to make it easy for people who don’t have collateral to assess these funds.

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Shawwal 20, 1433AH Friday, September 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

Behold, Central Wembley Mosque

he Central Wembley Mosque is situated in the inner London Borough of Brent. The main mosque, in North West London, is located on Ealing Road and serves the UK’s fifth largest Muslim community. Along with the adjacent Muslim Welfare Association, it has a capacity of up to 2, 200 people. The three-storey semi-detached building was originally a Protestant church designed by Thomas Colcutt and Stanley Hemp but was then purchased in 1993 for £380,000 by the mosque committee. Work began in 1993 and finished in 1996 with the committee spending £100,000 on refurbishing the whole building and the construction of a new ablution area for the men. The mosque has a large hall, a gallery, offices and a funeral room. Construction began on the first expansion project called the Muslim Welfare Association in 2003. The cost of the project was £500,000. The renovation work finished in 2005, including a brand new first floor. The centre has two halls, classrooms, ladies area, kitchen unit, meeting room and a main office. In 1985, a committee was set up to organise congregational prayers as there was no mosque in North West London despite the high number of Muslims. The committee purchased a three-storey semi-detached house on Harrowdene Road. It could hold a capacity of up to 400 worshippers, but soon the Muslim community was growing. A new and bigger mosque with facilities for all Muslims was necessary. In 1993, the St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, in the centre of Wembley, had been vacant for fifteen years. It was bought by the charity funds of the Muslim community, and the money made from the sale of the smaller mosque, established in 1985 on Harrowdene Road. It took three years to complete all the work that was essential. In 2009, second expansion project began. The mosque and centre gets filled up promptly even though there are two Jumu’ah Prayers. Worshippers have to pray on the streets. They decided to launch their second expansion project, costing over £1 million pounds. The expansion project aimed to increase the prayer capacity from 2, 200 to 3, 500 by building a new prayer hall linked to the existing main hall. After the construction work, there will be more services and facilities, including a fully equipped library with ICT facilities.

Morkaz celebrates 60th anniversary in style 29

Hadith “O you who believe seek assistance through patience and prayer; surely Allah is with the patient”Q2 Verse 153

Central Wembley Mosque, London.

Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya

Noble nature of companions of the Promised Messiah

oday’s Friday sermon is based on incidents from the lives of some companions of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). Arab Ahmadis in particular request discourses on in-

cidents of the companions. While each incident raises awareness about the devotion, sincerity, sense of sacrifice and endurance which these companions experienced after taking Bai’at, it is also

Our children, our trial 28

a source of gleaning information about the blessed life of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). Regardless of the nature of the subject under discussion or a particular incident, the excellent deportment of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) shines through and the ambience of his assemblies is understood. These companions are a model for us in this age and are the direct and true recipients of: ‘And among others from among them who have not yet joined them.’ (62:4). The incidents of the companions are a significant and exemplary model for their families as well as a source of advancement in the faith of every new Ahmadi. The main thing is purity of intention. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) indeed said that his books should be read with purity of intent. CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Boko Haram will soon leave Nigeria –Imam Akinola

Call to Worship

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Shawwal 20, 1433AH Friday, September 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Our children, our trial

he letterings are visible on the wall that the family structure is disintegrating. Do the parents not stay more outside the home and return late when the children are already asleep or worn out due to play or other things? Divorces are on the increase with proliferation of motherless and fatherless babies’ homes. Children are beginning to disobey their parents, deceive their friends and disrespect the elders. They value sports more than academics. Their home training is weak or completely missing. Your child is your worth in the society. He represents your family in the comity of families. As a parent, you should know that your child is a seedling you are nursing or a chick you are raising. You know how weak and feeble all these are compared to a leafy tree or a big fowl. Your caring should not be permissive as to spoil the child. You should be firm, corrective but not condemning. A sensitive or emotional child that is condemned can be damaged for life. So, do not be aggressive during corrections. Accommodate his mistakes and explain to him how to do it better next time. This may take you a hundred more times. It all depends on the kind of child Allah (SWT) has given you. This is why it is very wrong to compare your child to that of another parent. They were all born differently and with their different nature.

YOUR CHILD IS YOUR

WORTH IN THE SOCIETY.

HE REPRESENTS YOUR

FAMILY IN THE COMITY OF FAMILIES The mother is the major stakeholder in the industry of child upbringing. She should wake up to this reality. Let us not make our children toys but source of joy in both worlds. We should feel for these children and not spend spare time with them but prime time. Both the father and the mother have their child as a trust on them. The mother is more in charge on the grounds of bearing the child in her womb, delivering it in pains during labour, breastfeeding it with patience and upbringing it with several sacrifices. The first duty of a virtuous mother is to bring the child to life legitimately. She proceeds to welcome it rightly in the Islamic way. But the man had to choose her rightly as partner in this business of nation-building called family. To be saved from impending trial, we must guide our children to know Allah (SWT). We must instruct them to pray at the right time. We must show them love and mercy. The Prophet (SAW) used to kiss his children, smile and greet little ones. We must tell them stories of the heroes of Is-

lam and share life’s experiences with them. Let your little child know your official name and also memorise your telephone number and the address of your residence. Teach him or her manner that if he is given anything, especially food or drink juice, he should show it to you first. Treat them equally and do not discriminate among them. Your children are gifts, adornments and trials to you according to the Qur’an. Wealth and Children are the adornment of the life of this world but the good righteous deeds (five compulsory prayers, deeds of Allah’s obedience, good and nice talk, remembrance of Allah with glorification, praises and thanks, etc.), that last, are better with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope. (Q18:46) “And know that your possessions and your children are but a TRIAL and that surely with Allah is a mighty reward. (Q8:28) Your child is your trial. But you can turn your trial to your adornment. The problems of modern time impose teething challenges on child up-bringers. Desperate search for sustenance in the face of biting economic meltdown by parents in addition to ubiquity of Information Technology are enough to derail a child. Some parents are beginning to regret bearing children. They are at the crossroads regarding what to do as all attempts to put their children on the

right track are failing them. Remember Kan‘on was a child to a great Prophet of Allah. Yet, the father was tried. No mortal can say a great Prophet like Noh (SA) did not train his child. Allah (SWT) only tried him. The position taken by the wife could have affected the child because both the mother and the child acted against his mission. For one, if any child follows his father’s footpath, most often than not, the mother plays a role in it; if otherwise too, the mother may not be far from the scene. This portrays one of the strengths Allah (SWT) has given to mothers. But many have to stop deploying it in the negative sense. We saw how concerned and passionate Noh (AS) was while calling his child to join him on board when destruction loomed. No normal human being likes to live with a dishonest, wicked fellow. No normal man will pray to give birth to a thief or armed robber. Children of these kinds of negative tendencies dwell with us today. So, who gave birth to them? Dr. Zafaran is the Director, Vanguards Academy

Why is alcohol forbidden in Islam?

or the purpose of this write up, alcohol means any liquid intake that intoxicates after consumption. Early signs of alcoholism include frequent intoxication, an established pattern of heavy drinking and drinking in dangerous situations, such as when driving. Other early signs of alcoholism include a drastic change in demeanor while drinking, such as consistently becoming angry or violent! The main symptom of alcohol abuse Arikunkewu occurs when someone continues to drink Qur’an outlines that it is the intoxication, after his drinking reaches a level that causes which makes one forgetful of God and recurrent problems. Continuing to drink prayer, which is harmful. Over the years, after it causes someone to miss work, drive the list of intoxicating substances has drunk, shirk responsibilities or get in trouble come to include more modern street drugs. with the law is considered alcohol abuse. The Prophet Mohammed (SAW) also Intoxicants were forbidden in the Qur’an instructed his followers, at the time, to through several separate verses that were avoid any intoxicating substances i.e revealed at different times over a period of “if it intoxicates in a large amount, it is years. At first, it was forbidden for muslims forbidden even in a small amount.” Intake to attend to prayers while intoxicated (4:43). of alcohol is regarded as “father of all sins” Then a later verse was revealed which said because such a fellow can be likened to an that alcohol contains some good and some idol worshipper. For this reason, most evil, but the evil is greater than the good observant muslims avoid alcohol in any (2:219). This was the next step in turning form. people away from consumption of it. Prophet Mohammed ( SAW) also told us Finally, “intoxicants and games of chance” in the hadith through Llaalail-Masnuuat were called “abominations of Satan’s that Almighty Allah will not accept the handiwork,” intended to turn people solat of a drunk for the next forty days away from God and forget about prayer, after the intake. This shows how serious and muslims were ordered to abstain the alcohol consumption is in Islam. completely (5:90-91). It must be noted that different categories Readers should bear it in mind that of people are to be punished because of the glorious holy Qur’an is not arranged alcohol consumption; they are seller, buyer, chronologically. Sequel to this, later verses consumer, brewer, carrier and beneficiaries of the book were not necessarily revealed of proceeds from alcohol sales. after earlier verses. Sheikh Abdul Ganniyy Umar Muslims interpret these verses in total Arikunkewu is the Founder/National to forbid any intoxicating substance -Chief Missioner of Jubatu Rohfatu Llahi whether it is wine, beer, gin, whiskey, or Islamic Society of Nigeria (JUBFAT) whatever. The result is the same, and the

The Executive Director Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Imam Abdullahi Shuaib in presenting a cheque to a beneficiary of Economic Empowerment programme at LadyLak, Bariga, Lagos recently

The Executive Director Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Imam Abdullahi Shuaib (left) presenting a refrigerator, a generator and a stabilizer to another beneficiary at Imota area of Ogun State while the Administrative Secretary, right, looks on.

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Friday, September 7, 2012 Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Shawwal 20, 1433AH

Call to Worship

Morkaz: A pillar in Arabic and Islamic studies –Prof. Abubakar L ATEEFAH IBRAHIMANIMASHAUN

he success of Sheikh Al-illory in the islamisation of Nigeria and West Africa qualifies him to rank with the trio of Shaykh Uthman bn Fudi, Abdullah bn Fudi and Sultan Muhammad Bello and adjudged as one of the four giants. This listing of Al-illory

among the four is well so to speak if his listing with Mahmud Abass Al Aqqad Mahmud Shakir and a Swiss scientist as the four giants among the recipients of the laureate of the first class in the arts and sciences as reported in Egypt in 1989 is considered. This is according to Professor of Arabic , University of Ilorin, Prof Abdur Razaq ‘Deremi Abubakr in his paper presentation at the

60th anniversary celebration of Markaz. He said Sheikh Al-illory was an outstanding man in every field and knowledgeable in every branch of learning. “Sheikh faced thetask of building a new future for Arabic and Islamic learning in Nigeria with great zeal, vigour and well thought out strategic plan. He was undaunted on the mission to succeed inspite of the

overbearing British control of Nigeria at this time and indeed because of this, he realised that secular schools owned by government the Christian missions or even the Muslim initiatives had gripped a sizable portion of pupils of school age”. He raised the standard of admission into the institution with two prerequisites; First an admissible student must have passed the primary school leaving certificate and where this is not obtainable, the age of the pupil should not be less than fourteen years which is a stage which secular school will not normally admit a pupil for primary education. By this scheme, Morkaz had assumed the status of a secondary school.

He said Al-Illory raised the students as balanced individuals morally, intellectually and physically the Arabic version of Boy Scout known as al kashshafah was introduced with difference in keeping with the notion of secondary level and dictates of Islam. The uniform was made up of a long sleeve and long trousers military like American Khaki. “Shaykh taught all the commands and codes in Arabic for students to increase their mastery of the language. There was drama presentation in Arabic depicting the history of the prophets and essentially the rise and spread of Islam. There was also a playing ground. Inspite of all these provision, our proprietor

rode on a bicycle”. Meanwhile, National Board for Arabic and Islamic studies (NBAIS) has contributed its quota to the modern Nigeria for the past six decades judging from the quantity, quality and diversity of the roles of its products in all walks of life. They are the forerunners in the integration of the almajiri system of education. “Conversely, the proselytization of Islam and the growth of Arabic learning and Islamic studies rested on individual activists and reformists, the head of which indubitably was Shaykh Adam Abdullah Al-illory. The time is now to give effect to his preaching in the last days for Muslim Unity”, he said.

... celebrates 60th anniversary in style LATEEFAH IBRAHIM-ANIMASHAUN

L-R: Awardee, Imam Rasheed Solih of Cote d’Ivoire); Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah El-llory and Sheu Sulaiman Al-Yarda at the 60th anniversary of Morkaz held in Lagos recently.

L-R: Cultural Consulate, Iranian Embassy to Nigeria, Haj Sayed Javadi; representative of Alhaji Haruna Abdul-Ganiu, Mr. Abdul Ganiu Odesanya; Justice Ibrahim Olorunninbe and Dr. Hussaine Wahbah, during the presentation of an honorary award to Alhaji Abdul-Ganiu.

L-R: Former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Alh. Monsurat Sumonu and Chief Judge, Kwara State, Hon. Justice Raliat EleluHabeeb at the event.

ll roads led to the venue of the 60th anniversary of Morkaz Agege as dignitaries including the crème de la crème of the society troop en mass into the compound of the Islamic Training Centre to celebrate the Legend, Sheikh Adam Abdullah- Al-illory and his great contribution to the establishment of the first Arabic institution of distinction in the South West. Last Friday, which was the first day of the event was for post humous award, Saturday was forpresentation of awards to Islamic clerics while the event which took place on Sunday cuts across people from different fields of endeavour. They included academics, politicians, business moguls amongst

others. They were awarded based on their contribution to the development of Morkaz and also their unrelenting effort to reform the society in their own way. According to Mudir Morkaz, Sheikh Habeebullah Adam Al illory, the period of the 60th anniversary coincides with twenty years after the demise of Sheikh Al-Illory. The compoundwas filled to capacity as some of the guests had to move arround to view the programme through the projector positioned at some strategic places at the venue of the event. Security operatives were on ground to perform their duties to ensure a hitch free event as they checked guests in one after the other. The welcome address was delivered by Sheikh Mustapha Zuglool who

welcomes the entire guests in Arabic language and a brief translation on the contribution of Morkaz to Nigeria was rendered by the Master of Ceremony. The Rector of Morkaz, (Mudir), Sheikh Habeebullah Adam Al-Illory gave his speech by encouraging all stake holders to ensure that they immortalize the contribution of Sheikh Adam Al –Illory by giving preference to Arabic as a language. Awards which was in from of plaque was presented and invited guests made donations as rains of prayer, eulogies and Islamic rhymes were song to their praises. When asked by National Mirror as to what the greatest challenge of Sheikh Habeebullah Adam Al-Illory, he said it is the struggle to match up with the legacy laid down by his father.

L-R: Ojomu of Ajiran Land, Eti-Osa, Sateru II, Oba Tijani Akinloye; Chief Imam of Ilorin, Muhammad Bashir; Chief Imam of Lagos, Garba Akinola; Alh. Raji Mohammed and Alhaji Lateef Jakande, during the presentation of an award to Oba Akinola at the ceremony.

Call to Worship

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Shawwal 20, 1433AH Friday, September 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

AHMADIYYA CONVENTION IN ADO-EKITI

L-R: Ekiti State, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Ayodele Jinadu; Missionary-incharge, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Maulana Abdulkhalique Nayyar and Representative of the Amir, Tablic Secretary, Dr. Zaidi Timehin, during the 40th National Annual Ijtema Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya in Ado Ekiti on Sunday

L-R: Sadr, Majlis Khuddam-ul, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaát, Bro. Abdul Rafiu Abdul Quadir; Dr. Zaidi Timehin and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, during the courtesy visit to the Oba in his palace.

L-R: Guest Speakers, Alhaji Azizi Alatoye; former Sadr, Khuddam-ul- Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, United Kingdom (UK), Bro. Bockarie Tommy Kallon; General Secretary, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaát Republic of Benin, Bro. Alamou Maliki and Sadr, Majlis Ansarullah, Alhaji Mikail Odukoya, during the Convention.

L-R: Bishop of Diocese of Ekiti State, Anglican Communion, Rev. Dr. C T Omotunde; General Secretary, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’t Nigeria, Mr. Dauda Raji; Naib Amir, Principal Jamia Arabic School, Ilaro, Maulana Shukurulla Ayuba; Sadr, Majlis Ansarullah, Alhaji Mikail Odukoya and Representative of Chief Immam, Ekiti State, Alhaji M K Abdul Salaam, during the Convention. PHOTOS: BAYOOR EWUOSO

Noble nature of companions Boko Haram will soon leave of promised messiah Nigeria –Imam Akinola CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 Those who read his books and then raise objection over them have grubby mentality. Even the Qur’an states about itself that only the pure will understand it, as such what chance do other books have! Rehmat sahib was a 17 or 18 year old at the time when he saw the spiritual light of the Promised Messiah’s (on whom be peace) face his heart compelled him that this could not be the face of a liar and wondered why the maulwis created doubts. Later, he witnessed a debate between the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and Maulwi Muhammad Hussein Batalwi. He also read the book ‘Izala Auham’ which he found to be replete with light and guidance. After reading the book he could not sleep all night and wept. Meanwhile, his love and ardour grew. The maulwi replied that Rehmat sahib had been influenced and that he would pray for him. Rehmat sahib responded to him by saying that

the maulwi should pray for himself. Hadhrat Syed Mahmood Alam sahib (may Allah be pleased with him): He writes that in 1903 his older brother Syed Mehboob Alam sahib heard about the claim of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) while on his travels. He made enquiries regarding the whereabouts of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and started corresponding with him. He requested that his books were sent to him which he would read and then return. Hadhrat Maulwi Abdul Kareem sahib (may Allah be pleased with him) started sending him the books. People started opposing his brother but he took Bai’at. Under the influence of his brother Mahmood sahib also read books and took Bai’at. Prior to Bai’at he had seen a dream in which Hadhrat Imam Hussein (may Allah be pleased with him) mentioned his eminence. After the Bai’at he told his father that the indication to eminence was his accepting Ahmadiyyat.

Fidau in memory of Ekemode holds on Sunday L ATEEFAH IBRAHIM-ANIMASHAUN

he Ekemode clan of Lagos will hold a Fidau session in memory of the late Imam of Ansar-ud-Deen Society (ADS), Alhaji Mustapha Kasumu Ekemode on Sunday September 16, at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Ikeja. The programme will include the grand finale of Quranic and quiz competition comprising seven state councils of An-

sar-Ud-deen Society (ADS) and lecture. The late renowned preacher died 40 years ago. He was a strong member of the ADS. He was notably a dynamic, devoted and principled big pillar of the society who served in many key-posts as an Assistant General Secretary, 1927/32; Divisional Secretary 1936; Secretary, Mission Board 1927/35 and Vice-President 1939/40. “Imam Ekemode equally held various appointments at the Committees and Boards levels and a group leader for the

L ATEEFAH IBRAHIM-ANIMASHAUN

he Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque, Alhaji Garba Akinola has reassured Nigerians that Boko Haram and the continuous insecurity in Nigeria will stop very soon. According to him, the sect has no basis in Islam nor can they disguise under any other religion as it is obvious that no religion stands for violence and aggression which, he said, is the reason in any religion of the world to perpetrate evil against fellow human beings. The Muslim leader said Islam is a religion of victory and peace and will forever remain a liberator of human not a violent religion as the world media is making it seem. He said this during the grand finale of the 60th anniversary/award giving ceremony of Morkaz where he enjoined everyone not to relent in prayers for peace

House to House Sales of Charity Badges, Ram Skin Collection, among others”. He was said to have lived a delighted and simple life which today is a beacon and that his standard of conduct was a shining example to many. Dignitaries expected at the event include the Governors of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who is the chairman of the occasion, Lagos state, governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), former Governor of Lagos state, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the Chief Imam of Lagos, Alhaji Ibrahim Garba, among other dignitaries.

and stability in the Country. The Rector of the institution, Sheikh Habeebullah Adam Al illory enjoined Nigerian government to allow justice in the country as he said it’s the only means through which the country can overcome its security challenges. He said the government should look into creating an enabling environment for those who are undergoing Arabic and Islamic training as he said Arabic is a world class religion that will help the Country in major sectors of the economy. He lamented that a large percentage of Nigerians in the diplomatic sector cannot interact in Arabic language which affects and brings communication gap between them and neighbouring countries. 1 All the following are prophets in Islam, EXCEPT: (a.) Daud (b.) Muhammad (c.) Isah (d.) Ibrahim (e.) Jubril 2 Hadith is: (a) verified statement or saying of the Prophet Muhammad (b.) A verse from the Qur’an (c.) The first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (d.) The name of an angel (e.) The name of the beloved daughter of Prophet Muhammad 3 All of the following are pillars of Islam, EXCEPT: (a.) Prayer (b.) Fasting (c.) Prophethood (d.) Zakat Pilgrimage 4 The word “Islam” means (a.) Justice and peace (b.) Peace achieved through submission to God (c.) Peace achieved through submission to the Prophet’s message (d.)The spread of peace around the world

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Arty News

Friday, September 7, 2012

Music stars jam for KSA @66 ADENRELE NIYI

n Independence Day, October 1, the Entertainment Writers Association of Nigeria (EWAN) will be organising a show tagged: “An Evening with KSA”, as part of activities to celebrate the 66th birthday of Otunba (Prince) Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye (MFR) popularly known as King Sunny Ade. The juju music icon, three-time Grammy nominee and former president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) is an African music ambassador and his legend has travelled far beyond the continent. In the light of these achievements and others, EWAN is planning to fete the king of juju music by engaging the participation of other

music stars in the country The event, which takes place at Premier Hotel, Ibadan, Oyo State, would feature Nigeria’s birthday mate, KSA, on the band stand. It will also parade friends, proteges and admirers of the icon like Admiral Dele Abiodun, K.1 de Ultimate, Femi Kuti, Osupa Saheed, Obesere, Pasuma, Ayo Balogun, Kollington Ayinla, Yinka Ayefele, Esther Igbekele, Earthquake, 9ice, Salawa Abeni, Femi Opalemo, Omo Olope and Olamide, among others. According to Mrs. Esther Ajayi, Managing Director, Premier Hotels, host of the show, “this is a unique opportunity for fans of King Sunny Ade to see him again live and direct in the ancient city of Ibadan. We are putting everything together in conjunction with entertainment writers for the best show ever”, she said. KSA

Uduak releases Kokomma, Okon Goes to School TERH AGBEDEH

PHOTO: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Etisalat partners Elite on model search Male model hunt debuts too

Yeka’s new single rocks airwaves

eka Onka (Onyeka Gilbert), the first Nigerian Idol (2010) is out with a fresh single titled Ewa ba mi jo (Come dance with me), an eclectic mix of catchy lyrics sung in English and Yoruba. She made her debut with Follow Me after winning the competiton. Christened ‘Whitney’ by the Idol judges, Yeka confirmed why she was so named during the Industry Nite’ on Wednesday where she performed her new song for the first time along with her dance team, Dance Na the Main Thing (DNMT) and dance coach/performance director Jeffrey Daniel. Yeka soared high on her notes at the live show. Produced by Micworks, the

song is a blend of different parts of the world; from Kenya to Jamaica and to London alongside Yeka’s raw energy is raw. “It’s been an incredible few months working on the songs on the coming album, but it’s been very rewarding. This album has different shades of me, but the voice will be the same thread all through to keep my fans happy. I have particularly been blessed with a fantastic team and they have worked extremely hard to ensure that this album will blow you away”, Yeka said. In her blossoming career, the 27-year-old model-turnedsinger has shared the stage with Les Nubians, Shalamar, Timi Dakolo, Yinka Davies and FEMI, amongst others.

n living up to its reputation as a brand that is truly Nigerian, youthful and a lifestyle, Nigeria’s most innovative telecommunications company, Etisalat has been announced as the official technical partner of the fifth edition of Elite Model Look Nigeria (ELMN) competition. This was made known recently at a press conference organised to kick-start this season’s competition. The Elite Model Look contest is the premier international model search that takes place in over 80 different countries and offers young girls a chance to start a career of international modelling at the highest level. For the fifth consecutive year, the Elite team toured Nigeria to offer a springboard to girls that desire to become models. Also, for the first time in Nigeria, the agency is in search of a Male face of Elite Model Look (Male Face of ELMN 2012). Speaking on Etisalat’s involvement in the competition, Head, High Value Events and Sponsorships, Etisalat Nigeria, Ms. Ebi Atawodi said that Etisalat and Elite Model Look both share historical and ideological traits. The first, she said is that both started business in Nigeria in 2008 and are also passionate about discovering upcoming talents. “We at Etisalat are always in search of talent as Elite is in search of models; we sponsor upcoming entrepreneurs, students, as well as the next stars in arts, music and culture and we do this in our unique ‘0809ja way’ which is the trendy, vibrant and youthful approach to doing things. As the official technical partner of ELMN 2012, we believe that our innovative way of doing things will add to how Elite pushes fashion forward and hopefully celebrate upcoming talent in fashion and modelling in the country”, she said. In addition, Atawodi said Etisalat is passionate about promoting music, sports, arts and culture in the country. “In music, we are the lead sponsors of Nigerian Idol, one of the biggest music reality shows in the country. We also support the Lagos Photo Festival which promotes art in public spaces and we currently have a competition category for amateur photographers in the festival”. Organiser of the competition, Mrs. Elohor Aisen, expressed excitement at Etisalat’s partnership in this year’s competition. The grand finale takes place on September 29 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Both male and female winners will enjoy free voice and data plans for one year from Etisalat.

s a follow-up to Okon Lagos, award-winning scriptwriter, Uduak Oguamanam, will today release 20,000 copies of her new two-hour film, Kokomma into the market on DVD format. It is the second film from the graduate of the University of Ibadan (UI) and Leicester University U.K, who went into film production after being a scriptwriter for some years. Last year, she won the City People’s Best Scriptwriter Award, and has written screenplays for films like: A Piece of Flesh and Unfinished Business. Oguamanam, who co-wrote Bursting Out, I’ll take my chances and Holding Hope, among others, said Kokomma, which will be marketed by Hosanna Stores in Akwa Ibom State, emanated from a true-life experience that never left her. While undergoing her mandatory national service at an airline, she said, the husband of a colleague’s friend got a 12-year-old help pregnant and they blamed the girl. “So what I did in Kokomma is to tell the story of the help from her point of view. The film also addresses sexual harassment because I think it is ridiculous that people feel a 12-yearold could harass the man. Women are weaker, if anything”, she explained. New faces from the Royal Arts Academy in Lagos are in the film. Oguamanam stated that her other film, Okon Goes to School, a 90-minute sequel to Okon Lagos, which won three ZAFAA awards last year, will do the cinema run. “Okon Goes to School will do the cinema run before going to DVD. He (Okon) is a hunter from Calabar who goes to Lagos. His master, a lecturer helps him get into school and he comes out better. It will have its run in December”.

Escape

Friday, September 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The majestic entrance way to the hotel

A freshly-laid guest bed in London Langham

Langham

Langham Hotel taking guests to fantasy NIGERIAN PERSONALITIES

OLUSEGUN KOIKI

TOO HAVE DISCOVERED THE

he exterior depicts ancient British tradition and style, but the interior potrays modernisation with state-of-the-art facilities for all clients in its 380 guest rooms. Welcome to The Langham, London, a five-star hotel in the heart of West End with over 147 years of history. The Langham, London, which opened in 1865, immediately became the Capital’s first purpose-built Grand Hotel and the first ‘Grand Hotel’ in Europe. Its success over years has allowed it to become a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Situated at a commanding position on Portland Place, at the top of Regent Street, Central London, The Langham has been at the forefront of sophisticated and glamorous hospitality for over a century. From its opening date, it didn’t take long for such a landmark building to become prominent in the social calendars of London’s elite, attracting royalty, statesmen, artists, writers and musicians from across the globe. Apart from the British royal family who constantly visit the hotel for relaxation away from home, other notable personalities around the world have turned the hotel to their second home, courtesy of the ambience and the cosy environment. Also, Nigerian personalities too have discovered the comfort of the old, but friendly hotel. These include the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu whom this writer and four other journalists on the trip to London, courtesy British Airways, interviewed in the lobby of the hotel. Senator Tinubu was in the company of Mr. Dele Alake, a former Commissioner for Information in Lagos State. Taking visiting journalists from Nigeria round

COMFORT OF THE OLD, BUT FRIENDLY HOTEL

FACT FILE •

London’s Langham Hotel is on the doorstep of the best shopping and sightseeing in the city, such as Regent Street, Bond Street, Oxford Street, museums and other attractions.

•

There are 25 branches of Langham Hotel worldwide in countries like USA, Hong Kong, Australia, China and others.

•

The hotel prides itself of providing first class wedding services and its epicurean tradition.

the building and its spacious 380 rooms, the hotel’s Director of Communications, Mr. Brian Gore, said that 80 per cent of the hotel’s rooms are occupied per annum. Gore explained that the charges of the rooms range from £230 to £12, 000 per night (N58, 800 to N3.1m per night). This was the hotel where this journalist and colleagues were lodged for three days. Although, there are many first class hotels in London, The Langham stands out with its Unique Selling Point (USP), which Gore said includes its age and the regular afternoon tea, which the hotel pioneered to reinvigorate patrons. He said, “The fact is that there are many hotels in London, but we are quite different from others. For

instance, the long year of the hotel is an asset and a USP that goes a long way in selling us to the entire globe. Also, this hotel is a part of history of London. “The location is another USP and this is without forgetting the afternoon tea which this hotel started in 1865, before other hotels and bars followed suit. We also have fantastic restaurants, incomparable to any in this country. Besides, our bar has the best cocktail in the world. This is the largest hotel in London. Gore noted that in April 2009, the hotel underwent an £80m restoration across all 380 luxurious guestrooms and suites, which further brought out its modernity and increased acceptance from the people. The Langham was built between 1863 and 1865 at a cost of £300,000. It was then the largest and most modern hotel in the city, featuring a hundred water closets, 36 bathrooms and the first hydraulic lifts in England. Gore said that when the entire world was engulfed with the First World War from 1914-1918, it was business as usual for The Langham, London during the war. Guests who stayed continued to enjoy excellent service and the only notable interruptions to the hotel during this period were the Zeppelin raids, where guests were asked to shelter in the hotel basement on wicker chairs and cushions. Thereafter, The Langham continued from strength to strength, experiencing a period of modernisation in the 1920’s and 30’s. This included the installation of electric fires, radiators and coal fires in guest rooms. However, despite The Langham’s popularity with London’s rich and famous during the 30’s, the depression had a huge affect on the hotel. Shares fell and unsuccessful negotiations with the BBC took place, to buy the building for £500,000.

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Escape

Friday, September 7, 2012

Travel News

Nigeria, S’Africa to accelerate tourism agreement STORIES: OYINKAN SOMORIN

land in style

igeria and South Africa have agreed to accelerate the implementation of the ‘Cooperation in the field of Tourism Agreement’ signed in 2008 to deepen tourism relations between both countries and in Africa. This was one of the outcomes of a closed door meeting held in Pretoria last week between South Africa’s Tourism Minister, Mr. Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, his Nigerian counterpart, Chief Edem Duke and their top level officials, including Ambassador Sonni Samuel Yusuf, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa. Duke, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, was on an official four-day visit to South Africa on the invitation of Mr. Van Schalkwyk. The tourism bilateral agreement between South Africa and Nigeria covers interactions between tourism and travel trade officials; the exchange of tourism research, statistics and human resource development. It also includes investment, exchange programmes, joint marketing and establishment of a joint commission, entry formalities and environmental matters between the two countries. During his recent trip to South Africa from August 30 to September 2, the Nigerian Tourism Minister joined Mr.

In 1940, the BBC was granted a part tenancy for storage and effects and later moved some of its offices and recording studios into The Langham in 1945. During the Second World War, The Langham became a venue for a platoon of soldiers and was turned into a local first aid post. In 1939-41, air raids and evacuations took their toll and in December 1940, bombs destroyed the West Wing, setting fire to the roof and fracturing the water tank, flooding the building and forcing The Langham to close its doors. In 1965, The Langham was bought in its entirety. The Palm Court housed the eponymous Palm Court Orchestra and BBC comedy acts such as The Goons with Peter Sellers were recorded at the hotel; the ballroom became the BBC Record library and the bar, the BBC Club. The Langham hotel is, indeed, a home away from home. No wonder some guests, despite the seemingly high rate, have permanent suites in the hotel that is known for the delivery of quality services to its guests all over the world.

tween South Africa and Nigeria. And there is further rich potential for both countries not only to maintain this mutual and symbiotic relationship, but to up the ante too”, he added. In his keynote address to declare the start of the Tourism Month celebrations, Marthinus Van Schalkwyk stated that “South Africa’s relationship with Nigeria is one of deep friendship, a strong partnership and a united determination to grow tourist arrivals not only to the two destinations, but to the entire African region”. “Nigeria is a major growth market for our destination. We saw monumental tourist arrivals growth of 37.5% from Nigeria in 2011 and arrivals from Nigeria grew a further 28.7% in the first four months of this year”, he disclosed.

Mr. Marthinus Van Schalkwyk (L) presents a gift of African pipes to Chief Edem Duke during the start of Tourism Month in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Awards round off BTAfrica expo, conference

T Grand Ballroom

Van Schalkwyk at the launch of South Africa’s Tourism Month celebrated annually in South Africa every September. It was officially launched this year in Johannesburg at the Getaway Show on August 31. Speaking at the launch, Minister Duke stressed the need “to continue to forge partnerships and working relationships between Nigeria and South Africa to further boost and grow our tourism sectors to provide employment opportunities, as well as to contribute a significant percentage to the economies of our dear nations”. “Both Nigeria and South Africa have seen a tremendous partnership and significant engagements in areas such as telecommunications, media, tourism and aviation. This has led to more than US$3bn in trade volume be-

he inaugural Business Travel Africa Expo, Conference and Award event being held in Johannesburg, South Africa enters its second and last day this morning with an awards ceremony at the Sandton Convention Centre. The BTAfrica Business Travel Awards is an initiative to recognise excellence in African business travel. Yesterday, expert conference panellists and industry-leading exhibitors converged at the venue for the grand opening of the two-day meet which is witnessing fantastic networking opportunities. Organised by Future Group –the publishers of Business Traveller Africa magazine– in association with headline sponsor, MasterCard and corporate partners,

City Lodge, Gautrain, ExecuJet, Delta Air Lines, Europcar, DHL Express, Travelport, Sun International and American Express Travel services, the response to Africa’s first ever, dedicated business travel expo, conference and awards, has been overwhelming. Future Group secured 18 leading experts from the business travel industry for the opening day conference, hosted by television news anchor, Jeremy Maggs and Business Traveller Africa editor, Dylan Rogers. The pair moderated five panel discussions on “Politics in Africa”, “Giants in Africa”, “Working in Africa”, “Travel in Africa” and “Marketing in Africa”. Further to that, over 80 influential

players from the hotel, airline, car rental, TMC and insurance industries are exhibiting their products within the Convention Centre’s fully-booked ballroom. A host of inviting prizes, including international flights, hotel stays, luxury game lodge packages, and a Kia Picanto are also up for grabs in a lucky draw for delegates. The BTAfrica Expo Conference and Awards is a corporate travel indaba and the ideal event for executives and decision makers across the business travel industry, including hospitality, airline, automotive, forex, travel management companies, banks, travel finance services, government agencies, insurance, travel tour agencies and corporate business travellers.

BTAFRICA AWARDS NOMINEE LIST Best Independent (single property) Business Hotel in South Africa: • Pepper Club Hotel & Spa • Quatermain Hotel • Saxon Boutique Hotel Best International Hotel Brand with locations in South Africa: • Hilton • IHG • Radisson Best African Hotel Brand

with locations in South Africa: • City Lodge • Protea • Tsogo Sun Best Corporate Conference Venue (less than 250 pax): • African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa • Mount Grace Country House & Spa • Sandton Sun Best Corporate Conference Venue (larger than 500

pax): • Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre • Cape Town International Convention Centre • Sandton Convention Centre Best Car Rental Company: • Avis • Europcar • Hertz Best Regional Airline (3 or more countries):

Air Namibia BA Comair SAA Best Pan-African (long haul) Airline: • Arik Air • Kenya Airways • SAA Best Incoming (long haul) Airline: • British Airways • Emirates • Virgin Atlantic

Best Travel Forex Supplier: • American Express • Bidvest Bank • Travelex Best Visa Service Provider: • MDS VisaPak • Swiftline • Visas Zone Best TMC: • American Express Travel • HRG Rennies Travel • Travel With Flair

Denrele’s Day Adenrele Niyi Denrele’s Day is a collection of witty & sincere articles inspired by a zany imagination

denrele@nationalmirroronline.net

08059100422 (SMS only)

Laying Cynthia Osokogu to rest

ome readers of Denrele’s Day are puzzled that since the pitiable story broke, I had not offered my opinion or/and commentary on the trending real life tragedy which cut short Cynthia Osokogu’s life at 24 and rendered many young Nigerians bereft of logic to comprehend her senseless murder. Everybody is saying something —majority are dishing out curses and wishes of eternal damnation on the young dudes presently in court for her death. A fewer number of people though opine that Cynthia’s free-spiritedness was her biggest undoing. So, more than that inexplicable rationale that drove two young men to torture and kill her is the paradoxical view of her death. In this mêlée of back and forth debates and analyses, I’d rather not blame Cynthia nor put Facebook on trial (the preferred stand taken by the social media-unschooled older generation). I’d want to think she took a flimsily-examined decision — from a 24-year-old exuberant girl, not too unexpected; sadly, she paid the highest mortal price for it. Personally, my teens and undergraduate years had been one of near misses and close shaves with potentially disastrous situations/inter-relationships. If I recounted a fraction of these stories, my father, poor man, would have a heart attack at the insane adventures I went on during the times he innocently assumed I was in school. To give you a grim picture: I once boarded an Okada Air flight from Jos to Lagos and back to Jos, just to attend a friend’s birthday party (weekend event) on a free ticket by a pilot who was a friend of another friend!!! Infact, no ticket issued; the benevolent pilot (then a young, dashing first officer who, by the way, was hitting on another friend) simply walked us, the freeloaders, to the tarmac and led us on board the aircraft! Technically, my name or those of the five other females had no entry on the flight manifest. So, as far as that 60 minute-flight time in the air mattered, Adenrele did not exist; an unknown person. If the plane had crashed and a mangled, charred wreck surfaced, only names on that manifest would have been accorded befitting send-forth to the beyond by their loved ones while my poor family would be running around looking for a missing daughter who they’ll eventually write off as lost to the world. Understand this, I’m not the one to

Cynthia

Friday, September 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CLAPPERBOARD with

Eddie Ugbomah

I ADMIRE THE DECEASED LADY FOR TWO PRIME REASONS; HER

ACADEMIC QUEST AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT fall for the dubiousness of a con artist or an online scammer, but if I have developed a relationship with you or adapted myself to a situation based on familiarity and trust, it becomes easy for me to swing along with that crowd. It’s a sanguine character trait -a happy-go-lucky personality type who needs high doses of excitement or adventure to remain optimistic. Not harmful in healthy, properly controlled state, but when gatekeepers or moral checks are deficient, danger lurks at every turn. Cynthia, I suspect, may have been like the former me at her age, extremely daredevil, slightly reckless and adventurous with a capital ‘A’. However, I admire the deceased lady for two prime reasons; her academic quest and entrepreneurial spirit. At that age, my mind was so lazy that running my life was such a challenge that I couldn’t even handle a trading enterprise! I was comfortable receiving daddy’s, brother’s, uncle’s allowances and feeding fat on home food. Years down the line though, I know better and I’ll be first to admit that my being alive today is a function of divine protection and grace. Nothing more, nothing less. We live in a world of unknown dangers and risks and freak fatal deaths happen to people daily. A mere three months back, for the larger percentage of the Nigerian public, Cynthia was relatively unknown; one of the many statistical census figures which make up the 150 million population count. To her immediate public consisting of family, friends, school colleagues, customers, dentists, doctor, neighbourhood bread seller and the friendly traffic warden to whom Cynthia was a familiar face on her daily driving route, she is a person who would be sorely missed. The pathetic irony of her story is that as is typical of our cultural lore, parents and elders will adopt her end as a cautionary adage for the erring youth. Heck! I even caught myself doing the same recently after a family friend (with amorous intentions) persisted at inviting me for an out-of-town trip with him. I had to aggressively challenge him “Ha! stop badgering me o. Abi you want to do me as they did Cynthia ni”?! The guy just let me be after that. As Cynthia is buried tomorrow, we will always remember her for the sacrifice made to help others get wiser. May her family find comfort and peace eventually. Love and peace for the weekend!

www.edifosafilm.com

Let’s talk about our politics

have tried to stay away from Nigerian politics but as an elder, a critic, creative producer and director, I just can’t escape giving my opinion on such matters. My disappointment is that we are now hustlers, tribalists, capitalists and cheats. You will say not everybody, but when 80% of us have no souls, what do you call such people? To avoid stepping on anybody’s toes, I always use my family and myself as examples when I write From the oil subsidy removal, Boko Harm, Femi Otedola vs Farouk Lawan to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), my girlfriend Oteh, the electricity tariff and the exorbitant fees charged by both secondary schools and universities, prices are high and we all go to same market. Night life and the hospitality industry are dead; no more outing and clubbing. There are no jobs, roads, good hospitals or light, so how does our society survive? My problem with this entire dilemma is that those of us in the music and film sectors are feeling the pinch badly. Now Kano, Kaduna, Maiduguri and Abuja are totally dead hospitality and movement-wise. I just finished three days of suffering and acting in a Teco Benson-film as the kidnapped father of Omotola. We were given food once a day by 3.00 p.m. and beside Omotola and I, other cast members find their way home by 8.00 p.m. from Lekki-Lagos to anywhere they live (and they are expected to resume by 8.00 a.m. the next day). The director doesn’t have enough funds and after paying the big stars, I and others who make up the film are offered peanut. I was lodged in a hotel that didn’t provide light when PHCN goes off; breakfast costs N1500 to N2500, same as lunch and dinner. Cooked chicken (half) costs 1500 to 2000; beer is from N500 to N1000 per bottle. Soft drinks go for N200 or N300 and the producer/ director has to meet these extra unbudgeted expense. At Tantalisers in Lekki Phase One, I saw so many children, women and men rushing in to spend a minimum of N2000 on snacks. I saw the house of an old comedian which he built for N120 million at the NICON Estate. How do these people make money to live such a big life? We are living in the new Sodom and Gomorrah because it is a Nigeria of dog eats dog. When you look at the faces of Nigerians on the streets or in offices, you will know that all is not well. You see the edifices built in Lekki, Asokoro, Maitama and you think we are not in the same country. Things are so rough for many peo-

AS AN ELDER STATESMAN AND A VERY SENSITIVE PROFESSIONAL,

I FIND NOW THAT I SHOULD SHARE IN THE FAULTS AND GOOD OF

NIGERIA

ple that they run to churches to make ends meet; if you don’t see some of the former stars in home videos, don’t worry they are now ‘born again or against’ people. Nobody buys Nigerian films again because there are cheap, pirated copies in the open market or on the streets. The economy is so bad and governors are fighting to share the excess crude oil money, not minding Okonjo Iweala’s warning that we must let the excess crude oil money grow to $20bn (US dollars). She told the Federal Government that we may end up like Spain, Portugal, Britain, France and Greece if we don’t. Every time I try to ignore politics, I find myself deep into it as a Nigerian sharing in the agony and I have no means to correct it than through movies. You then ask this question, who is watching films?.. who is watching when there’s no electricity?.. who is buying films when you have not had a good day’s meal? People will buy films if movie producers shoot sensitive films, not the sentimental thrash they chum out. I wish these guys can emulate our old days where we shoot a film and it is still relevant after 10 or more years. Sound of Music, Gone with Wind, Quo Vadis even Nigerian movies like Aiye, Moshebolaton, Black President, Mask, Bisi, daughter of the River, Ti Oluwa ni le and Oil Doom are unforgettable movies, that are entertaining and thought provoking. As an elder statesman and a very sensitive professional, I find now that I should share in the faults and good of Nigeria. The other problem with Nollywood is that they have refused to grow technically; in script and acting. You can easily know an actor in any film due to their monotonous acting. The girls are not as bad as the men, but they all still need re-training. I know what I’m saying; I was recently in a torture called a film shooting with Omotola and some other boys that need the exposure because they are good but they have not being given a chance to prove themselves.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

People In The Mirror

Friday, September 7, 2012

L-R: Mr. Billi Folahan; Lecturer, University of Lagos, Mr. Akin Onipede and Mr. Muhtar Bakare.

African art scholar, Prof. Perkins Foss (L) shares an intimate chat with Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya at the art stampede.

Art community fetes Onobrakpeya @80

Guests view some literary publications on Onobrakpeya’s works at the event.

Secretary General, CORA, Mr. Toyin Akinosho.

As part of activities lined up to honour vetera n visual artist, Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya for his 80th birthday (Augu st 30), Committee for Relevant Arts (CORA) organised an art stampede themed: “From Brochure to Books; Emerging Trends in Visual Arts Docu mentation”. Held at Kongi’s Harvest, Freedom Park, Lagos on Augu st 26, the event witnessed the presence of key members in the arts and cultur e community who debated on emerging trends in visual arts docum entation in line with iconic Onobrakpeya’ status as one of the most docum ented artists in Africa. PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

An ethnic-concept artwork by Onobrakpeya displayed at the event.

L-R: Actor, Ye as Mr. Keh mi Sodimu indicates inde Jagu to make an n and Ms. observatio Anita Lard n ner look o L-R: Ch n ie Federa f Sammy Ola l Colleg g e of Ed baju, Mr. Tun ucation ji , Osiele Lardner and P , Dr. Ku nle Fila rovost, ni.

Don Jazzy wins the award for Producer of the Year

L-R: Mu sic Segun A artist, Jo-Jo B od defila an d son of ybeats; Creativ e the cele brant, M Director, Crow n udiare O nobrakp Troupe, eya.

Comperes Funke Akindele-Oloyede (L) and AY

Davido, Phone Swap win big at NEA On Sunday, September 2, the 7th edition of Nigeria Entertainment Awards, NEA, took place in style at the Skirball Centre for the Performing Arts, 60 Washington Square South, New York, USA. The event, hosted by top Nigerian comedian, AY and Jenifa star, Funke Akindele-Oloyede, had in attendance some of the biggest names in the local entertainment industry. Some of the top winners of the night included Davido, Phone Swap (Kunle Afolayan’s new movie) and Wizkid. PHOTOS: MR. ADEWEST

Some guests on arrival at the venue

EME artistes Skales and Wizkid

Comedian Julius Agwu performing at the event

Uti Nwachukwu

Waje sizzles on stage during her performance

Friday, September 7, 2012

Mirror Drive

2012 Audi A8: Remodelled with hi-tech features OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he 2012 Audi A8 is known as the flagship of all Audi’s products. At N24m per unit, the car is simply awesome with many quality features that surpass those in its category. Audi A8 was redesigned in 2011 by the auto company and the present design has a new set of aluminium body panels, revised space-frame structure, broad spectrum of drivetrain choices, stunning interior design and new, more intuitive MMI interface, which altogether make the current A8 a standout for those who want more than just a large luxury car. While on the outside, the 2012 Audi A8 is a bit conservative, but it has an interior that is truly worth gushing over. It is one of the most stylish, best-detailed cabins that auto users have ever seen and it is carefully trimmed in wood, leather, aluminium and plastic, with a suede headliner and rich colours throughout. The A8 is one of the lightest large luxury sedans and that key attribute--along with some carefully done electronic controls--helps it drive like an even smaller, lighter sedan. Just as its predecessors, the A8 is built on an all-aluminium space frame that helps keep the heft down,

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which in turns makes the 372-horsepower, 4.2-litre V-8 feel a lot smoother when you put your right foot in it. Audi simply nailed the calibration of the eight-speed automatic transmission and the quattro all-wheel drive system makes the A8 feel more surefooted in the corners yet not more cumbersome overall. Fuel mileage is actually quite impressive. One of the keys to the A8’s light, surefooted feel is Audi Drive Select, a series of electronic vehicle controls for powertrain, steering and suspension feel. Interior The A8 was all-new last year, but its exterior looked like a clear evolution of the previous model, albeit one with its proportions slightly different, its stance more aggressive and its sheet-metal nicely nipped and tucked. There is some awesome detailing this time around, as you could get lost for minutes in the fine detail in and around the LED headlights and taillights. This time around, the A8 has proportions that are more like those of a traditional rear-wheel-drive sport sedan–a little more long-hooded and broad-shouldered–and while we like how it looks from the side or from the back, the proportions don’t come in quite the same way from

the front. Audi’s eggcrate grille and front airdam, which used to look brash and different, now feel more ordinary. But a major benefit from the redesign appears to be aerodynamics; the A8 is now in the same range as the Toyota Prius for drag with a coefficient of just 0.26. Inside, the Audi A8 is one of the most stylish luxury-vehicle interiors auto users have ever driven or seen. With plush materials and the impression that not a detail has been missed if it pertains to styling, it impresses from first glance or even after you have scrutinised the details. The instrument panel is trimmed with finishes that you don’t typically see in other luxury vehicles, with a hazy, glossy-matte metallic surface that is used

throughout in accents and in the dash’s centre beltline. Fuel economy For the 2012 Audi A8, a lightweight structure helps make this luxury flagship more of a miser than you might think. Thanks to that and lots of efficiencyminded engineering in general, the A8 achieves an EPA-rated 18 mpg city, 28 highways, which is really impressive and actually better overall than the BMW ActiveHybrid 750Li. The top-of-the-line W12 model might not provide acceleration that is all that much quicker, but buyers are bound to appreciate the smoothness, flexibility and probably not care all that much about the ratings, which are 14/21 mpg neverthe-

THE A8 IS ONE OF THE LIGHTEST LARGE LUXURY SEDANS AND THAT KEY ATTRIBUTE... HELPS IT DRIVE LIKE AN EVEN SMALLER, LIGHTER SEDAN interior

MAINTENANCE TIPS

How to change your vehicle’s fuse

uses of motor cars are inexpensive and easy to replace. You can store extra fuses in your vehicle’s fuse panel. If your fuse panel doesn’t have a storage space, the second best place to keep such tiny parts is in your glove compartment or a special compartment in your toolbox. Locate the fuse panel Your owner’s manual will tell you where your vehicle’s fuse panel is. Most models situate the fuse panel on the driver’s side of the dashboard and under the steering wheel, or in the engine

compartment, but location varies from vehicle to vehicle. Other are found in the front dash door jambs or in the glove box. Remove the fuse panel’s cover; you will see several different colour-coded fuses plugged in. These colours, along with the numbers stamped on the fuses, indicate different amperage ratings. Now, turn the fuse panel cover over to see a helpful fuse diagram. This diagram shows you which fuse works with which electrical component.

the faulty one. It will have a broken filament or will be black inside. Some vehicles come with special “pullers” to remove fuses, but tweezers work just as well. You can also use your trusty fingers. Just make sure you carefully remove and replace the fuses until you find the culprit. Note that the vehicle’s electrical problems may need a mechanic’s attention if none of the fuses look blown, or if the fuse immediately blows again.

Remove the blown fuse Before you can change a fuse, you must find

Replace the fuse Replace the blown fuse with a new fuse of

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Mirror Drive

Friday, September 7, 2012

Stallion motor show parades best of German automotive genius

less. Features The Audi A8 is a true luxury sedan through and through, but when it comes to bragging rights the German automaker has put a lot of emphasis on technology in addition to traditional flagship comforts. Users can rest assured that all the luxury-car basics are covered and a lot more for limo-like accommodations in some versions. Of course leather interior, power everything, navigation, Bose audio, satellite radio and quattro all-wheel drive are all included. But there is also a four-zone climate control which keeps everyone comfortable; the rear seats are power-adjustable and the rightside one includes a foot rest while the left-side seat includes massage and recline functions. Audi A8 comes with the latest version of Audi’s MMI system, which is completely redesigned versus the previous generation. Once again, you get a rotating controller to scroll through menus but the special new feature is MMI Touch, a scratchpad that makes address or information entry much easier by simply scratching out individual letters. Steering-wheel controls also let you see an abbreviated list of options and a new Google Maps–based navigation system uses its own data connection to get live-updated mapping and rout-

ing information. The eight-inch display is beautiful and easy to read from a wide range of angles. For 2012, that system and an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot have been made standard. Safety The 2012 Audi A8 has not yet been crash-tested by either of the two major U.S. safety organisations and because of its rather low-volume status, it might not. But it has all the fundamentals for a very safe, large sedan, including a strong aluminium space-frame structure, an extensive array of airbags (including front knee bags) and an advanced stability control system. And there are a number of more advanced features in the A8 that are likely to help reduce the severity of a crash, even if you don’t manage to avoid it. For instance, all A8 models include automatic emergency braking, which activates to lessen the impact of a collision it deems unavoidable and a Pre Sense system adjusts seats, cinches seatbelts and adjusts ride height to the safest position, while partially braking to lessen the severity. There is also a braking guard feature that warns the driver with a chime and jolt of the brakes. And whenever the accelerator is released abruptly, the brake system now primes itself and cleans the brake discs for best stopping response.

the same amperage. Use your owner’s manual, the fuse panel diagram and the numbered, colour-coded fuses themselves to help you determine the correct amperage. If you use the wrong amperage, you could cause much worse damage to your vehicle than just a blown fuse. Once you have located a fuse of the right amperage, place it into the correct slot. Push it down with your finger to ensure it is completely installed and then replace the fuse panel’s cover. Remember, if you don’t have a spare fuse, you can always temporarily use the fuse of another less-used electrical component as long as the amperage is correct. Consider using the fuse for your cigarette lighter, the radio or the

back window heater. Check the Circuit Once the fuse is replaced and the panel is covered, turn your vehicle’s ignition and check to see if the troubled circuit is working properly. If it is working correctly, chances are you just had a temporary overload of electricity that caused the fuse to blow. If this is the case, then you just solved the problem. However, if the circuit does not work, or it does work but only briefly before it needs to be replaced again, your vehicle’s electrical problems go beyond just a blown fuse. It is best to see a mechanic at this point.

eginning today, Stallion Motors will showcase some of the world’s best engineered European automobiles during a two-day ‘Stallion European Motor Show’ slated for September 7th and 8th at the Porsche Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The show is an initiative of the European Automobile Division of Stallion Motors According Mr. Julian Hardy, the Deputy Managing Director, European Brands of the automobile company, the show promises to be an assemblage of various models from the quartet of Porsche, Audi, VW and Skoda brands of automobiles and is expected to help discerning motorists rediscover impending values of European-designed vehicles. Hardy, in a statement signed by the company, stated that “European engineered vehicles are value-driven cars with exceptional inputs to deliver optimum value with reassuring comfort and sophistication”. He said Stallion Motors under the respective dealerships of these brands would create a niche market for Porsche, Audi, VW and Skoda brands

of automobiles in Nigeria’s keenly competitive auto market. Already the company has announced free service clinic for Porsche, Audi, VW and Skoda vehicles at its workshops across the country for car users looking for appreciable information and expertise on how best to derive value from their European brands of cars. Hardy said it was also to “help us reunite with old and new customers who are in need of vital information and expertise to fix whatever challenges they may have encountered”. The Porsche stand, according to the director, will feature the new Panamera Turbo S, 911 Carrera, new Cayenne S, new Boxster and the Boxster S; Audi will showcase A4, A5, A6, A8 and Q7 and Volkswagen will parade Polo, Passat, Scirocco, new Tiguan and Touareg. The commercial arm of VW will on the other hand lead the pack with VW Amarok Pickup and other utility range from the VW Commercial stable. However, Skoda will display Superb, Octavia, Yeti and Fabia among others.

Honda Crosstour, Odyssey win big

elying on a unique methodology to both quantify and qualify owner-reported vehicle quality, Strategic Vision recently presented 2012 Total Quality Awards to two different Honda vehicles, while also reporting the company is “as strong as ever”. The Honda Odyssey followed up the Ridgeline’s performance with its own Total Quality Award in the Minivan category. Also the segment leader for fuel-efficiency, the Odyssey can achieve EPA grades of up to 19 mpg city/28

mpg highway/22 mpg combined. Finally, the innovative Honda Crosstour was rewarded with the Total Quality prize in the Mid-Size Multi-Function segment. The Crosstour provides owners with a radically fresh solution to their family- and cargo-hauling needs, combining the space and versatility of a traditional crossover with the kind of superior ride and handling most often found in mid-size sedans like the Honda Accord.

Cocktail

Friday, September 7, 2012

Oddities

Woman publicly potty trains tots in deli

ustomers at a Utah deli said they were shocked and disgusted at a woman’s attempts to potty train her twin girls at the dining table. Kimberly Decker, who snapped a picture of the scene at Tuesday at the Thanksgiving Point Deli in Lehi and posted it to Facebook, said she was shocked to see a fellow diner strip her twin girls, who appeared to be about 2 1/2 years old, nude and place them on portable training toilets at the dining table, in full view of fellow patrons, KSL-TV, Salt Lake City,

reported Thursday. “She had to undo the jumpsuits, and take them all the way down so they were completely nude, with the jumpsuits down to their ankles just eating their chicken nuggets, sitting on little toddler potties,” Decker said. “The more you thought about it, the more unappetizing everything looked around me,” Decker said. “I was like this is not OK, we’re eating, there was a business meeting with about five or six businessmen going on right next to me. The place was packed.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thief got store credit for stolen toilet

ennsylvania State Police said they arrested a man caught on camera stealing a toilet from a store and immediately returning the item for store credit.

Investigators said Bobby Clifford Smith III, 32, was caught on camera Aug. 28 taking the toilet from a Lowes home improvement store in

Somerset and going directly to the customer service line, where he exchanged the toilet for $667.34 in store credit without presenting a receipt, the John-

stown (Pa.) TribuneDemocrat reported Thursday. Smith was arraigned Tuesday on a retail theft charge and held in lieu of $30,000 bail.

Man seeks return of stolen lawn

Massachusetts man said he is hoping for the return of his 39 lawn flamingos and he turned a ransom note over to police. Arthur O’Neil said 39 flamingos in colorful costumes have been taken from his Mansfield lawn since May and a ransom note he received in August that used the name “Arturo,” a moniker he bestowed on one of the birds, was received with a phone number, The Boston

Globe reported Thursday. O’Neil said he turned the note over to police instead of calling the number, but no arrests have yet been made. “I understand the police have more important things to worry about, but it hurts,” O’Neil said. O’Neil said he will stop displaying the plastic lawn ornaments if any more are stolen. “If they steal more, I’ll say that’s the end,’’ O’Neil said. “No more.”

Giant Anteater: This guy may look like an awkward mistake of nature. But really, the anteater is an evolutionary masterpiece. Almost every part of its body has been fine-tuned to help this creature survive. The iconic snout and long, sticky tongue is ideal for capturing ants and other small prey while those humongous claws can tear open a termite mound in no time flat.

Friday, September 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business & Finance We in NEXIM Bank, are set up to diversify the economy from the mono-production of oil. NEXIM Bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Roberts Orya

Nigerians remain one of the most optimistic groups of consumers among those surveyed by MasterCard on the continent, with an Index score of 91.4 points Country Manager, West Africa MasterCard Worldwide, Omokehinde Ojomuyide

FG awards N106bn contracts for five new airports TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

structure development projects in the aviation industry as part of efforts to put into practical effect its Transformation Agenda in the aviation sector. According to her, the construction of the five new international airport terminals in addition to the major remodelling and reconstruction works in

the 22 airports across the country is aimed at providing Nigerians and the travelling public with standardised, traveller-friendly and safe airports and by implication, turn the aviation industry into a major contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. She explained: “As we travel round the world,

we see and admire international airports in other countries and wish that our nation could boast of just one that can truly go by the name international airport. Today, following the approval of FEC, we have concluded arrangements to commence construction of not just one, but five brand new, world

class international airports. “The company that is doing the execution is a Chinese company. The process is when the Chinese NEXIM or any country NEXIM gives a loan, that country’s contractor will have to do the execution. That is the process we follow.

he Federal Government has said about N106billion would be committed to building five new international airport terminals as well as other infrastructure rebuilding projects in the aviation sector as part of on the ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of airline travels in the country. The award of contract for the multi-billion projects, especially the five new international airports which was approved by the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday, is expected to being immediately and the construction works are to be completed within 24 months. Giving the hint yesterday in Abuja while updating journalists about the achievements of the Aviation sector Road Map unveiled by her ministry last year, Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, L-R: Director, Operation, Bank of Industry (BOI), Alhaji Mohammed Alkali; Director, Mr. Femi Fabanwo; Managing Director, Ms. said government was em- Evelyn Oputu and Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Dikwa the 52nd Annual General Meeting of the Bank of BOI in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA barking on massive infra-

Nigerian consumer confidence in economy declines – MasterCard ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

he MasterCard Worldwide Index of Consumer Confidence has revealed that the Nigerian consumer confidence has declined by 2.4

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points from a score of 93.8 a year ago, and a five point decline compared to six months ago. The latest result shows that of 91.4 points out of a possible 100 however shows that Nigeria’s citizens display continued strong optimism and an extremely high level of confidence in the country’s economy overall. The MasterCard World-

wide Index of Consumer Confidence is one of Africa’s most comprehensive consumer confidence surveys, and is conducted twice yearly. The index is based on a survey which measures consumer confidence on prevailing expectations in the market for the next six months based on five economic indicators: Economy, Employment, Stock

BOI intensifies efforts to recover N73.4bn debts

Market, Regular Income and Quality of Life. The Index score is calculated with zero as the most pessimistic, 100 as most optimistic and 50 as neutral. The recent survey was conducted between 24 April 24 and June 10, 2012, with 11,376 respondents aged 18 to 64 across 25 markets spanning the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa regions.

On the African continent, the survey was conducted in Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa. “MasterCard Worldwide carries out this Index in order to provide informed understanding in the shifts of Nigerian consumer sentiment, as well as to assist in the identification of market trends over time.”

NIMASA, human capacity building and Nigeria’s shipping development

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

234.6271

USD

155.84

CHF

159.2642

SDR

235.0535

CFA

0.2924

GBP

244.1701

EURO

191.3715

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

Business News

Friday, September 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

BOI intensifies efforts to recover N73.4bn debts OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

he Bank of Industry (BOI) yesterday said that it had mapped out various efforts to recover its outstanding debts with a view to enhancing its profitability in the short run. This is even as the bank announced that the provisions for bad and doubtful debts hit N73.4billion in 2011 from N41.7billion in 2010, indicating an increase of 76 percent. The Chairman of the bank, Mr. Mohammed Dikwa, gave the bank’s financial status at its 52nd Annual General Meeting held in Abuja, He said the provisions were based on stringent and conservative financial reporting requirements contained in the prudential guidelines of the Central Bank of Nigeria. The provision, he also added led to a decline in the bank’s profit before tax to N1.08billion in 2011 from N2.57billion recorded in the preceding year. According to Dikwa, based on this performance, a dividend of N63.62million was proposed to shareholders for the 2011 financial period. The amount was unanimously endorsed by the shareholders at

the AGM. He said the bank would continue to channel its resources to projects that have high multiplier effects, especially in areas of employment generation and wealth creation. “The bank shall sustain existing collaboration programmes with its domestic and foreign development partners in the public and private sectors and also pay considerable attention to the Federal Government’s priority sectors,” he said. Dikwa said that it was estimated that at least 250,000 new jobs were created as a result of BOI’ operations in 2011, stressing that, “Similar developmental impact was recorded under the CBN N200billion intervention fund for restructuring commercial bank loans to the manufacturing sector that is being managed by the BOI.” He also said, “Consequent upon the full disbursement of the fund to 498 beneficiaries by December 2011, the number of direct jobs created increased by 50.4 per cent to 130,143 from 86,513.In the process, 802,210 indirect jobs were also created. Regarding the N300 billion that was set aside for power and aviation ventures, N147billion had been disbursed to 17 beneficiaries as at December 2011.

L-R: Major Kanayo Okafor of Divine Super Stores, Lafia; Sales Head, The La Casera Company Ltd, Mr. Jayantha Sinha; Marketing Manager, Mr. Benson Abraham and Hajiya Fatima Mundu of Myra Ice Products Ltd, at the regional launch of Latina Sugar Free Fruit Drink in Abuja, recently.

ILO predicts rise in global youth unemployment MESHACK IDEHEN

report released by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), has revealed that there is a worsening global youth unemployment, as the figure is

RMRDC tasks govts, entrepreneurs on process equipment devt TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

he Raw Materials Research and Development Council has identified prioritisation of the promotion of process equipment development, fabrication and manufacture in national development agenda as crucial to Nigeria’s efforts aimed at translating her huge natural resources endowments to socio-economic benefits. The council has, therefore, charged governments at all levels of the economy, professionals, entrepreneurs and investors to give the needed supports to equipment development, fabrication and manufacture in order to

halt the unbridled importation of foreign equipment and machineries and build the required capacity for standardisation of local designs and fabrication of processing plants and equipment. Giving the advice during the 3rd National Competition on Design Process of Equipment and Plants and Public Presentation of Indigenous Software framework for Computer Aided Process equipment Design (CAPED) yesterday in Abuja, the Director General of the RMRDC, Professor Peter Onwualu, noted that one of the challenges constraining local capacity building in process equipment and plants development was the failure of

technicians to properly design their equipment before construction. While pointing out that for the nation to succeed in her efforts towards value addition and processing of natural resources there is a great need to commit more resources and knowledge to process equipment promotion, development, fabrication and manufacture, Onwualu said the RMRDC has over the years been working to conduct researches in technological development, fabrication and manufacture as well as supporting indigenous craftsmen and engineering technicians in order to fill some of the existing gaps.

World Bank appoints new Chief Economist L ANRE OYETADE

he World Bank Group President, Jim Yong Kim, yesterday announced the appointment of Kaushik Basu as the institution’s new Chief Economist and Senior Vice President. Basu, an Indian national, most recently served as Chief Economic Adviser of the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, while on leave from his position as Professor of Economics and the C. Marks Pro-

fessor of International Studies at Cornell University. He also served as Chairman of Cornell’s Department of Economics and Director of Cornell’s Center for Analytic Economics, and headed the Program on Comparative Economic Development. According to the World Bank, having worked in a Ministry of Finance, in addition to his impressive academic achievements, Basu “is uniquely suited to help us offer evidence-based solutions and advice to client countries and provide innovative excellence in leading our development re-

search. Kaushik brings firsthand experience from a developing country and will be a terrific asset to the institution.” Basu, who holds a PhD. from the London School of Economics, founded the Centre for Development Economics at the Delhi School of Economics in 1992 and is a founding member of the Madras School of Economics. He has held visiting professorial positions at Harvard University, the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton University, the London School of Economics, and M.I.T.

set to hit 17.5 per cent from its present 15.6 percent. In the report titled, “Global Employment Outlook: Bleak Labour Market prospects for youth,” released on Thursday, the ILO said the impact of the rise was hinged on the Euro crisis which was spreading as far as the East Asia and Latin America, worsening the situation for many young jobseekers. The report also highlighted that there is great tasks awaiting unemployed youths in finding employment as jobs were expected to be hard to come by in the coming months. Lead author of the paper and Chief of the ILO’s Employment Trends Unit, Ekkehard Ernst, said it is ironical that only in developed economies are youth unemployment rates expected to fall in the coming years, adding that the development follows the largest increase in youth unemployment among all regions since the start of the crisis. According to him, the new forecasts show that youth unemployment rate in developed economies is dropping gradually; from 17.5 per cent this year to 15.6 per cent in 2017, and that this figure is still far higher than the rate of 12.5 per cent registered in 2007, before the crisis struck. The report also said much of this decline in the jobless rate in those economies is not due to improvements in the labour market, but rather to large numbers of young people dropping out of the labour force due to discouragement,

saying that “discouraged youth” are not counted among the unemployed. “The projected decline in youth unemployment in the developed economic region is not expected to be enough to pull the global rate downwards. The impact of the Euro crisis is expected to expand well beyond Europe, affecting economies in East Asia and Latin America as exports to advanced economies have faltered. “In North Africa and the Middle East, youth unemployment rates are projected to remain above 25 per cent over the next years and might even rise further in parts of these regions. However, youth unemployment rates are forecast to fall slightly from the present 12 per cent in the sub-Saharan Africa to 11.8 per cent by 2017”. According to the ILO, countries with early signs of jobs recovery and where new vacancies are opening up, still harbour many unemployed youth who still find it difficult to land a job, citing the example of a construction workers whose jobs fell victim to the housing bust, and might not have the skills needed in sectors that are hiring. “This leads to discouragement and rising NEET (Neither in Employment, Education or Training”) among young people,” rates. Schemes using employment guarantees and an emphasis on training could help get jobseekers off the street and into useful activities, providing a safeguard against further economic stress,” the report added..

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, September 7, 2012

UN-Habitat canvasses holistic development of cities DAYO AYEYEMI

evelopment actors need to explore a more inclusive notion of prosperity and development, new UN-Habitat report, “The State of the World’s Cities 2012/2013: The Prosperity of Cities”, has canvassed. According to the report, there is a need for a shift in attention around the world in favour of a more robust notion of development that looks beyond the narrow domain of economic growth that has dominated illbalanced policy agendas over the last decades. Besides, the report wants a development that includes other vital dimensions such as quality of life, adequate infrastructure, equity and environmental sustainability. The report canvassed the concept of “City of the 21st century” that reduces disaster risks and vulnerabilities for the poor and build resilience to ad-

verse forces of nature; and creates harmony between the five dimensions of prosperity and enhances the prospects for a better future. It wants the city that stimulates local job creation, promotes social diversity, maintains a sustainable environment and recognises the importance of public spaces; comes with a change of pace, profile and urban functions and provides the social, political and economic conditions of prosperity. The report noted that the world is currently engulfed in waves of financial, economic, environmental, social and political crises. According to it, a lopsided focus on purely financial prosperity has led to growing inequalities between rich and poor, generated serious distortions in the form and functionality of cities, also causing serious damage to the environment – not to mention the unleashing of precarious financial systems that could not be sustained in the long run.

It pointed out that cities can also be a remedy to regional and global crises when supported by different tiers of government, adding that in the quest to generate holistic prosperity, cities can become flexible and creative platforms to address these crises in a pragmatic and efficient manner. It urged that responses to global crises must allow for various roles for cities as they are in the best position to boost production in the real sector of the economy at local level, with attendant employment and income generation. The report said, “They can act as the fora where the linkages, trust, respect and inclusiveness that are part of any remedy to the crisis can be built; acting locally in different areas and spaces, city responses to the crisis can be structured and included in national agendas for more efficiency, with better chances of flexible responses and more beneficial effects.”

FG, Lagos move to boost local fish production MURITALA AYINLA

he Federal Government yesterday said it would partner Lagos State Government to boost fish production as part of effort to reduce fish importation in the country, just as the Lagos state government yesterday presented fishing inputs worth over N17m and a refrigerated van to registered fishermen’s cooperative societies. Speaking during the flag off of the artisanal fishing inputs service delivery programme, organised by the state Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, at Orimedu Beach, Ibeju Lekki, the Minister for Agriculture, Dr Akinwunmi Adeshina, who made disclosure expressed optimism that the 780,000 metric tonnes of fish imported annually could be reduced with partnership with the state. The Minister who was repre-

Japan commissions N1bn broadcasting project in Enugu

apan International Corporation Agency (JICA) on Thursday in Enugu commissioned its N1bn project to improve Medium Wave Broadcasting in Nigeria. The agency said in a statement signed by Ms Ejeregbe Elizabeth, its Public Relations Officer, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, that the donation would help achieve the MDG target for Nigeria. JICA is responsible forJapan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) programmes. According to the statement, the project is a continuation of JICA’s bid to improve medium wave transmission in Nigeria, adding that a similar project

was built and commissioned in Kaduna in 2009 at the cost of N1.28 billion. The project, it said, was the second phase of JICA’s scheme and was executed under the Japanese Grant Aid Project. The statement said that the transmitting equipment which had been modernised for the medium wave radio broadcasting network, would enlarge and amplify the broadcasting coverage to 230 km. It explained that the project would increase the number of listeners from 12 million to 86 million for the two radio stations in Kaduna and Enugu. Meanwhile in Enugu, the number of listeners had risen to 40 million from 2.9 million pre-

viously. “This project will enlarge and amplify the radius of broadcasting coverage up to 230 km from the two radio stations in Kaduna and Enugu states. “And will enable 86 million people to listen to the radio up from the previously 12 million listeners. “In Enugu state, in particular, it now covers 40 million listeners in comparison to the 2.9 million it previously covered.” According to the statement, the Japanese cooperation has tasked the management of the radio stations to use the medium in transmitting more educational programmes, to enable children and adults gain access to education.

sented by the coordinator Federal Government of Agriculture Transformation Agenda, Dr. Olajide Ayinla, said the partnership was in view of the trail blazing efforts of the state government in agriculture aimed at boosting food production locally, adding that “The Federal Government is ready to partner with Lagos State government in fishing to boost local production and discourage importation that will save the hard currencies annually being spent on fish importation. “The era of state doing their thing and federal doing theirs has gone, it is partnership now, we are not looking back on this.” In his address, a lawmaker representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, said the move was crucial to address whopping N105billion Nigeria spends on importation of 780,000 metric tonnes of fish annually.

West African central bank keeps rate at 3% he Central Bank of West African States, BCEAO, has said it left its key lending rate unchanged at three per cent, citing a tame inflation outlook. The bank had cut the rate by 25 points at its June meeting and lowered its economic growth forecast for the region, citing political crises in coup-stricken Mali and Guinea Bissau and international uncertainty. “The medium-term outlook indicates that inflation will hold at a level consistent with the objective of price stability in the union,” the bank said in statement after its Monetary Policy Committee met in Dakar.

Relations and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju (right) making a presentation to the Project Manager, Lagos Empowerment and Resource Network (LEARN), Mrs. Bisi Awoyomi for the LEARN’s 2012 Free Summer Camp, in Lagos recently.

“Inflation should be around 2.3 per cent year-on-year in the medium term, assuming a normal crop season for 2012-13,” the statement said. The bank serves former French colonies Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. It stuck with the 5.3 per cent GDP growth forecast for 2012 that it gave in June, down from an earlier 6.4 per cent estimate. The states all use the CFA franc common currency, currently tied to the euro at a fixed exchange rate of one euro to 655.957 CFA francs, with the peg guaranteed by the French treasury.

Don urges use of ICT in land administration

university don, Prof. Timothy Nubi, on Thursday said that the deployment of advanced information technology (IT) infrastructure in land administration and real estate transactions would reduce dysfunctions in the industry. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Nubi said that the use of information and communication technology would help reduce the bottlenecks and lack of information facing the industry. “Dysfunctions like weak land markets, conflicts over ownership, land grabs, social disharmony, reductions in yields, diminished food security and negative impacts on the environment. “Reduced potential for economic growth as the large amount of capital typically invested in real property is never formalized and integrated into

the financial system,” said the university don. He noted that ICT could play a fundamental role in improving the operation of land administration and in making information more readily available in support of land markets and urban and rural economic development. Nubi, a former head of department of Estate Management at the University of Lagos, recently renamed Moshood Abiola University, said ICT could provide innovative outreach channels to the poor and disadvantaged, to ensure that land administration and its benefits were more inclusive and pro-poor. “ICT in land administration can create accurate, accessible, secure, and complete information about land and property in an efficient way that promotes confidence between the public, its commercial enterprises and governments,” he said.

Maritime

Friday, September 7, 2012

Human capacity deficit slows Nigeria’s shipping development The demise of Nigeria’s former national carrier, the Nigerian National Shipping Line has among other reasons led to the shortage of the needed human capacity both for export and local needs. FRANCIS EZEM looks at the issues.

o say that Nigeria is in dire need of human capacity to enable her tap the vast potential available in her maritime industry to the benefit of the citizenry is to state the obvious. The nation is naturally endowed with a vast coastline of about 850 kilometers and an exclusive zone of well over 300,000 square kilometres. She also has navigable inland waterways of 3000 kilometres, eight major seaports, 11 oil terminals, over 170 private jetties and five major Inland Container Depots (ICDs). In terms of coastal and inland shipping, the River Niger is the third longest river in Africa with over 1,271 kilometres of navigable waterways. Nigeria’s inland waterways also stretch over 3,000 kilometres of watercourse, thus making it one of the largest in the world. With a population in excess of 140 million people, she accounts for over 75 per cent of goods consumed in the entire West African sub-region. Unfortunately, the country has not been able to develop the required manpower to tap these resources. Efforts had been made in the past by succeeding governments to develop the necessary capacity for the indigenous players to actively participate in this largely foreign-controlled industry. One of such efforts was the establishment of the Nigerian National Shipping Line, her former national carrier, which for the short time it existed built indigenous capacity both in terms of infrastructure and training of indigenous seafarers. For instance, at a point in the history of the national carrier, it had over 20 oceangoing vessels on its fleet, which also helped in the training of indigenous seafarers, who were employed locally and internationally. But with the demise of the NNSL, Nigeria seem to have returned to the status quo in terms of building the required capacity. For instance, Vice President of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners, Captain Emmanuel Omotayo recently raised the alarm over the depleting pool of seafarers in the country. According to him, the youngest qualified Nigerian seafarer in line with international standards is not less than 50 years and therefore expressed fears that unless urgent steps were taken to replenish the pool, Ni-

Umar

Akpobolokemi

STRICT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE

CABOTAGE

REGIME WILL GO A LONG WAY IN BUILDING CAPACITY geria might face a situation whereby she will not have any qualified seafarer in her pool. The Coastal and Inland Shipping Act 2003, one of Nigeria’s capacity building legislations, reserves the commercial movement of goods and services within the coastal and inland waters to vessels flying Nigerian flag; vessels owned and crewed by Nigerians. This requirement has not been achieved due to challenges associated with the lack of capacity among local ship owners as well as lack of technical-know-how in terms of qualified manpower required to crew her vessels.. This unfortunate development has over the years hampered the successful implementation of Cabotage regime. It was probably faced with this reality that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, apex regulatory agency of the government is taking steps to address some of these challenges. Director General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, who assumed office less than two years ago had in a recent chat with the media insisted that NIMASA was poised to build a robust pool of highly qualified and competent technical manpower (seafarers) for the local industry and to export to international market on sustainable basis as outlined in his four-point agenda.

Akpobolokemi had as part of measures to achieve this, set a target of training a minimum of 10,000 qualified seafarers by the year 2020, which is expected to not only be deployed to Nigerian maritime sector but to also enable Nigeria be an exporter of seafarers like the Republic of Philippines, which supplies over 30 percent of the world’s seafarer needs by exporting over 300,000 seafarers to the international shipping labour market, earns substantial foreign exchange from the export. Records show that Philippine earns over $6 billion annually as remittance from seafarers export. In addition to the projected training of a minimum of 10, 000 seafarers annually, NIMASA is currently consolidating on its Seafarers Development Programme. The NSDP is a strategic intervention scheme aimed primarily at addressing the short to medium term manpower need first and fore most of the Nigerian maritime industry and also make an inroad into the global seafarers market like Republic of Philippines. The NSDP scheme targets to create a pool of Nigerian seafarers by 2014 to meet local need and also help in shoring up the manpower need of the global shipping market and by so doing, Nigeria would have made a name for herself as a leading seafarers’ supplier in the entire African continent.

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Part of the reasons for the introduction of the NSDP apart from building capacity, is bridge the wide generational gap and shortfall in the supply of seafarers especially the cadets. This is because it is estimated that over 50,000 job spaces exist for seafarers in Nigeria. Similarly, there are many specialised vessels requiring higher level of skills with few Nigerian seafarers adequately trained to operate them. This scheme would also contribute to the realisation of the objectives of the Cabotage regime, especially as it relates to manning. The agency had in its 2012 budget made provisions for the building of new maritime training institutions to augment the existing ones such as the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State. It was in line with this that the agency recently announced its decision to establish another institute somewhere around Escravour, Warri in the NigerDelta area and also completed that of the Badagry, Lagos State, abandoned several years back. In addition, the agency is concluding plans designed to establish maritime institutes in four universities in Nigeria namely: University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Lagos; IBB University in Laipai, Niger State and Wimbaford University in the NigerDelta. These four institutes, it was gathered are to enable cadets from the new maritime institutions go for practical sea time training. The agency had earlier gone into partnership with the Charki Training Institute in River State, among several others for the training of dockworkers in the areas of cargo handling, safety onboard ships and first aid. Secretary of the Indigenous Ship owners Association of Nigeria, Captain Niyi Labinjo, while commenting on these giant strides of the agency, especially in the area of capacity building, noted that building adequate capacity remains the only key for Nigerian operators to participate actively in the lucrative maritime trade. He, however, advised that strict implementation of the Cabotage regime will go a long way in building capacity, arguing that after the training, cadets from the institutes including MAN, Oron will have more opportunity to be trained in the country. He had argued that the enforcement of the regime would further enhance the chances of indigenous ship owners to participate in lifting cargo. A one time president of Nigeria Association of Master Mariners, Captain, Adewale Ishola, who also spoke on these developments, commended the agency for trying to achieve its mandate. He however urged the management of NIMASA to do all within its powers to create an enabling environment for indigenous ship owners to acquire vessels. “We have a big coastal water, therefore, Nigeria still needs what is called a maritime shipping company, it could be private driven, so that graduates from these institutes would be employed in order for them to be certified”, he advised.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Maritime

Friday, September 7, 2012

Customs begins moves to take over N100bn CISS Fund STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

head of the December expiration of Nigeria’s Destination Inspection contract with four service providers, the Nigeria Customs Service is orchestrating plans designed to take over the Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme Fund estimated at over N100billion at the exit of the service providers. CISS Fund, collected by Customs on behalf of the Federal Government, is derived from one percent deductions on the Free On Board value of goods imported into the country. The Federal Government had after about 19 years of practice of Pre-Shipment Inspection returned to Destination Inspection in 2006 in which it entered into a sevenyear Build, Own, Operate and Transfer contract with the service providers to run the DI scheme and handover to the service at the expiration of the contract. Under the contract with Cotecna Destination Inspection Limited, Global Scan, SGS Nigeria and Webb Fontaine, these service providers

Dikko

who are paid from the CISS Fund, are to provide Computerised Risk Management System as well as scanning services at the air, seaports and land borders. Authoritative sources close to the Federal Ministry of Finance hinted that the service, which currently collects seven percent of its annual collections except levies, fees and other charges, has commenced moves to take over the CISS, which is a pool of funds generated from one percent

FOB value of all goods imported in Nigeria through the air, sea and land borders. But national public relations officer of the service, Mr. Wale Adeniyi in a quick response, said it was strictly the duty of the Federal Ministry of Finance, where the fund is domiciled to determine what happens to it after the disengagement of the service providers, not the service. According to the source, who pleaded anonymity, the service is conniving with some top officials of the ministry to import some clauses that would cede the CISS Fund to it into the Customs and Excise Management Act currently being reviewed. The source also disclosed that if nothing urgent was done, the CEMA Review draft Bill, which might be sent to the office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice from the Ministry of Finance, the bill may receive Federal Government’s nod and may likely go to the National Assembly like that. The source noted that if that happens, Customs would have more money than other government agencies includ-

ing the military. “With seven percent of all its total revenue collections paid into the Federation Account as its statutory funding, Customs remains the best funded organisation of its kind like the Nigeria Immigration Service, among several others”. While accusing the current management of the service headed by Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko of being over-ambitious, he noted that no comptroller general of the service has had much as he had since three years ago when he mounted the saddle and yet, other CGs were able to carry out major reforms. Late President Umar Yar’adua had approved the seven percent cost of collection for the service three years ago, which had been in process in the last 10 years. Adeniyi had argued that if the Ministry of Finance decides that the service should take over the fund, it will be appropriated and budgeted for, which would be subsequently approved before it would be spent, adding that there is no serious issue over the fund.

SGS restates commitment to DI success

GS Scanning Nigeria Limited, one of the service providers under Nigeria’s Destination Inspection Scheme has said it is more than ever before committed to the success of the scheme, less than four months to the programme, which took off in 2006. The Federal Government had entered into a seven-year Build, Own and Operate agreement with the five service providers comprising of Cotecna Destination Inspection Limited, Global Scan Systems, Webb Fontaine and SGS to provide scanning services. Part of the contract is to provide Computerised Risk Management Systems and also train officers of the service, who would take over the scheme at the expiration of the contract. Managing Director of the company, Mr. Nigel Balchin, who spoke at the graduation of 80 officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, which also make up the transition team, said the company will do all in its power to ensure a huge success for the scheme. “At SGS we are committed to quality service delivery, we are very glad to be part of this success story and we look forward to Nigeria Customs Service taking charge of the D.I. programme”, he assured. Balchin, who was represented by the company’s operations manager, Mr. Muyiwa Olaniyan, admonished members of the team to rise to the occasion by handling whatever responsibility is handed to them.

“The knowledge you have acquired is for the benefit of Nigeria Customs Service and ultimately that of the Nigerian economy. We wish you the best in your future endeavours”, he said. Acting commandant of the Customs Training School in Ikeja, venue of the training, Mr. S.J. Madugu, while speaking at the event, said that the programme has been a great success in terms of arrangement of the scheme of things by the service providers and the conduct of the trainees. “This programme has been a

success all the way. The quality of training by SGS has been impressive. Despite the challenges, you have conducted yourselves well and I am proud of you all. We hope SGS will have another opportunity to organise similar training for other officers of the service”, he said. “I will call on you to use the knowledge imparted on you to support the service especially in revenue collection and trade facilitation. The goal behind this type of training is to improve performance, and I want you all to work

hard in that aspect of revenue collection”, he went on. It was however gathered that the trainees, who are also members of D.I. transition team that would take over the scheme in January next years when the services providers are expected to disengage were selected from the best among those trained by the eservice provider since 2006 under the NCS secondment Programme. The training which was flagged off in April was concluded last week

Chief Micheal Ajayi recieving his certificate of investiture from the president and chairman in council of NIM, Dr Micheal Olawale -Cole while a director of the institute looks on.

NIM honours Ajayi, NPA’s image maker

he Nigerian Institute of Management has honoured the general manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority in charge of public affairs, Chief Michael Ajayi, with its highest award of a fellow of the institute. He was honoured among other notable Nigerians such as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio and Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration Apapa, General Bashir Adewinmbi; among others at the institute’s fellows, awards and spouses day luncheon, which held recently in Lagos. President of the Institute, Dr. Michael Olawale -Cole, who presented the award, said Ajayi was honoured because he upheld high standards and ethics of management in his field. The president had noted that the event was a continuation of a tradition which started in February 1963 when the first three fellows of the institute were inducted. “It is an honour on its own, having been considered and found worthy for this award out of the lot that was considered. This is because the Institute guards its fellowship jealously and this would probably be the reason why it is having only 600 fellows after 50 years of existence out of total individual membership strength of about 160,000”, he said. Ajayi attended the University of Calabar, Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Ibadan where he bagged B.A. (Combined Honours) in Political Science and Philosophy; and MSc in Public Administration. A prolific writer, Ajayi has served in various capacities at NPA holding notable positions including General Manager Administration before his posting to head the public affairs unit in 2010. He is the chief patron of Lagos Referees Association. Ajayi started his working career in the Ministry of Education, kwara State and was in 1998 seconded to the Directorate of Social Mobilisation. He joined the services of NPA in 1993 as a manager. In appreciation of his contributions to development of his town, he was conferred with the chieftaincy titles of Olubode of Mopa land, the Oju-sasu of Mopa land and has since been admitted as member of Traditional Council of Mopa Land. He was recently conferred with the title of Aare Gbeluniyi of EkinrinAdde land. Ajayi is married with kids.

Friday, September 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, September 7, 2012

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at September 6, 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)

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, September 7, 2012

Index rises further by 0.8% JOHNSON OKANLAWON

he bullish trend continued on the Nigerian Stock Excahnge yesterday, as investors’ appetite on stocks rose further. Gains recorded mostly in banking stocks lifted the All Share index by 0.84 per cent to close at 24, 563.22 points, compared to the increase by 1.44 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 24,358.62 points. Market capitalisation appreciated by N65bn to close at N7.82bn, lower than the

rise of N110bn recorded the preceding day to close at N7.75tr n. The banking index led the sectorial indices by 1.98 per cent to close at 387.68 points, followed by Lotus Islamic index with 0.97 per cent to close at 1,449.40 points. The NSE 30-index gained 0.86 per cent to close at 1,150.95 points, while the insurance index appreciated by 0.63 per cent to close at 124.10 points. The consumer goods index rose by 0.34 per cent to close at 2,067.62 points, while the oil and gas index increased marginally by 0.07 per

cent to close at 165.81 points. GlaxoSmithKline Plc led the gainers’ table with N1.54 or five per cent to close at N32.34 per share, followed by Cadbury Nigeria Plc with N1.03 or 4.99 per cent to close at N21.68 per share. Dangote Sugar Plc appreciated by 23 kobo or 4.97 per cent to close at N4.86 per share, while Fidelity Bank Plc increased by seven kobo or 4.96 per cent to close at N1.48 per share. Ashaka Cement Plc gained 53 kobo or 4.95 per cent to close at N11.23 per share. On the flip side, DN

Meyer Plc dropped 10 kobo or 4.78 per cent to close at N1.99 per share, while Morison Plc shed 31 kobo or 4.88 per cent to close at N6.04 per share. Evans Medical Plc dipped by five kobo or 4.76 per cent to close at N1.00 per share, while Paints Manufacturing Company Plc depreciated by 10 kobo or 4.78 per cent to close at N1.99 per share. Transcorp Plc lost four kobo or 4.76 per cent to close at 80 kobo per share. A total of 286.4 million shares worth N2.66bn were exchanged in 4,313 deals.

First Bank HoldCo will improve return to investors – Analysts JOHNSON OKANLAWON

head of the September 24, 2012 date for the extraordinary general meeting of First Bank of Nigeria Plc, analysts have said the move would generate more values and returns to investors. They said that with the arrangement where all existing shares of the bank are transferred entirely to the holding company in the name of the beneficial owners, they will hold the same number of units and percentage in the new entity. An investor and secretary of the Independent

Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr. Adebayo Adeleke, said his group is happy that the FirstBank Holdco arrangement is devoid of complexities that have been known to result in fractional shares in other cases. He said, “We are excited about the development; we are going to get value, because everything we have would be transferred to the holding company. There will be no manipulation as a result reconstruction that usually leads to fractional shares.” The Chief Executive Officer of Proshare Nigeria, an investment portal, Mr. Femi Awoyemi noted that the Holdco structure

will also give shareholders an opportunity to extract more value from their investment under the new arrangement. According to him, the shareholders will have an opportunity to make more money from both the bank and other subsidiaries in the Holdco. The Group Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Bisi Onasanya, had said that the Holdco structure will enhance the bank’s competitiveness, besides streamlining and coordinating various operations across non-bank financial services. This, he assured, will enable the group exploit opportunities for syner-

S&P 500 climbs to four-year high

he Standard and Poor’s 500 index climbed above the highest closing level since 2008 as the European Central Bank announced specifics of its bond-buying plan and data boosted optimism in the American labor market. JPMorgan Chase and Company and Bank of America Corporation each jumped 4.4 per cent, leading gains in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. All 10 S&P 500 industry groups advanced as Alcoa Incorporatiom and Alpha Natural Resources Incorporation climbed more than 3.1 per cent among commodity companies.

Chipmaker SanDisk Corporation rallied 8.2 per cent after OCZ Technology Group Incorporation blamed a shortage of certain flash-memory components for lower-thanexpected sales. The S&P 500 climbed two per cent, the most since June, to 1,430.90 points. The Dow advanced 237.59 points, or 1.8 per cent, to 13,285.07 points yesterday, poised for the highest level since 2007. Trading in S&P 500 companies was up 33 per cent from the 30-day average. “We are in a period where we are peeling away the onion little by

little, all the uncertainties, what’s going to happen in Europe and what’s going to happen here,” Dan Veru, chief investment officer at Palisade Capital Management LLC in Fort Lee, New Jersey, said in a phone interview. His firm oversees $3.5bn. “I think Draghi is serious about putting Europe on the positive path.” Draghi said policy makers agreed to an unlimited bond- purchase program as they try to regain control of interest rates in the euro area. He said the ECB will have a fully effective backstop to avoid destructive scenarios with potentially severe

gies between subsidiaries, while aligning the ownership and operation of the subsidiaries and businesses with current Central Bank of Nigeria regulatory requirements. The regulation issued in 2010, requires banks to separate their commercial banking business from other financial services businesses, while outlawing the universal banking framework. Under the new structure, shareholders of the bank will be migrated to FBN Holdings as at the terminal date by way of a share-for-share exchange between the shareholders of First Bank and FBN Holdings.

challenges for price stability. United States jobless claims declined last week and companies added more workers than forecast in August, reports showed today before monthly payrolls data tomorrow. Service industries in the US expanded in August at a faster pace than forecast. Thursday’s rally helped the S&P 500 break out of a 19-point trading range that the index has been confined to since August 7 as the gauge hovered around the 1,400 level. The benchmark index has rallied 12 per cent from a June low amid optimism central banks worldwide will act to stimulate the economy.

Source: NSE

NIBOR QUOTES 5 SEPTEMBER & 6 SEPTEMBER 2012 25.00 24.00 23.00 22.00 21.00 20.00 19.00 18.00 17.00 16.00 15.00 14.00 13.00 12.00 11.00 10.00

5-Sep-12

6-Sep-12

Source: FMDA

Market indicators All-Share Index 7,818,648 points Market capitalisation 24,563.22 trillion

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

GLAXOSMITH

30.80

32.34

1.54

% CHANGE 5.00

CADBURY

20.65

21.68

1.03

4.99

DANGSUGAR

4.63

4.86

0.23

4.97

FIDELITYBK

1.41

1.48

0.07

4.96

ASHAKACEM

10.70

11.23

0.53

4.95

INTBREW

9.70

10.18

0.48

4.95

UBN

5.89

6.18

0.29

4.92

BAGCO

1.64

1.72

0.08

4.88

AGLEVENT

1.23

1.29

0.06

4.88

HONYFLOUR

1.85

1.94

0.09

4.86

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING 0.77

CHANGE

% CHANGE

0.04

-4.94

DNMEYER

0.81

MORISON

6.35

6.04

0.31

-4.88

UTC

0.92

0.88

0.04

-4.35

STERLNBANK

1.07

1.03

0.04

-3.74

ROYALEX

0.55

0.53

0.02

-3.64

OANDO

13.99

13.61

0.38

-2.72

DANGFLOUR

6.30

6.13

0.17

-2.70

DANGCEM

112.40

110.00

2.40

-2.14

UNILEVER

35.50

35.00

0.50

-1.41

DANGSUGAR

4.55

4.50

0.05

-1.10

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Day

32,970.71

14.10

6-Sep-12

182-Day

50,000.00

15.49

5-Sep-12

364 -Day

60,000.00

9.05

6-Sep-12

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

48 Days

7,302.20

14.39

13-Sep-12

118-Day

50,282.86

14.08

23-Aug-12

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$200m

N/A

$200m

5-Sep-12

$180m

N/A

$200m

3-Sep-12

Friday, September 7, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror “If we were printing bigger denominations, we will print fewer number and you make a phenomenal savings.” CHAIRMAN OF IBTC BANK, ATEDO PETERSIDE

Ogun to re-integrate pardoned convicts

he Ogun State Government is planning rehabilitation programme for all prisoners granted State pardon in order to re-integrate them back into the society. The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Wemimo Ogunde (SAN), revealed this while speaking on the activi-

ties of his ministry. “Very soon a rehabilitation centre would be established to accommodate, feed, train and update the knowledge of the pardoned convicts within a particular period of time, before sending them back to the society to live a normal life” he said. He noted that experience had

shown that, if not properly rehabilitated, prisoners find it extremely difficult to be reintegrated into the larger society, a situation which forced some to go back to their old ways for which they were convicted in the first place. As part of measures to quicken the administration of justice in the state, Mr. Ogunde, said

his ministry had set up zonal offices for the Citizens Rights’ Department in Ijebu-Ode, Abeokuta and Ota,even as similar offices will be established in Sagamu and Aiyetoro. Pointing out that its services are rendered free of charge, the commissioner urged indigent citizens to avail themselves of

the service of the department by lodging their complaints with it for prompt service. The Attorney-General also reiterated efforts of the government to bring justice to the grassroots with inclusion of the Justices of Peace (JP), to settle minor disputes and fast track the dispensation of justice.

Katsina embarks on sanitation training programme JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

five-day water and sanitation training program is being organized for 16 communities in Faskari Local Government in Katsina State with participants selected from relevant organizations in the council area. The programme is being implemented by the state’s Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) in collaboration with Japan International Corporation (JICA). Speaking at flag-off ceremony in Faskari, the Executive Director of RUWASSA, Abubakar Mamman Gege, said participants will be trained on borehole construction, hand pump installation and rehabilitation, community mobilisation, sanitation and hygiene promotion. Gege, who noted that the project would involve 11 local councils, stated they will be in two phases and that Faskari, Kankara, Safana, Dutsinma and Mashi council areas are to benefit in the first phase. According to him, under first phase of the project, 92 hand pump boreholes will be constructed in various communities ,even as he said, that the Japanese government had provided the agency with set of drilling rigs and accessories, hand pumps, pipes, screens and casing, geophysical survey and pump test equipment for the project. Similarly, he said the state government has fulfilled its obligation by releasing N40.8 million for the purchase of water tanker, support vehicle, fuel, lubricants and training materials for successful execution of the project.

He however urged benefiting communities to reciprocate the gesture by ensuring proper maintenance and care of the facilities to enable them reap the benefits. In his remark, representative of Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA), Mr. Bamidele Olatunji, said the agency had fulfilled its commitments to the water project and urged them to safeguard and sustain the facilities to be provided. Earlier, the Faskari Council Caretaker Committee Chairman, Isyaku Ahmed, commended state government and JICA for selecting the council area amongst beneficiaries of the project, while assuring that necessary steps will be taken to ensure its success.

A vagrant lying on the pavement on Marina, Lagos.

PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

Fadama 111 project commended in Plateau JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

he National Fadama III Coordination Office has commended the Plateau State Coordinating Office and the community associations for the implementation of their sub-projects. The Technical Assistance Team gave the pass mark during an assessment visit to some project sites in parts of the state. Mr Samuel Alabi, who led the inspection team, said the exercise was part of measures to evaluate the status of the subprojects being implemented in the state. Alabi, a monitoring and evaluation specialist said he was happy they were doing well in spite of incessant crises in the state. ``I am impressed with what

I saw in all the sub-projects visited. The beneficiaries have demonstrated an understanding of what Fadama project is all about. In all sub-projects visited, at least one person is employed. This is a boost to job creation. It is indeed a success story when it is touching people’s lives. He explained that the focus of Fadama III was to improve the income of users, reduced rural poverty and increase food security. ``By all indication, these have been achieved in Plateau Stateand Fadama projects are transforming the lives of the people,’’ he said. In his remarks, the North Central Zone Project Coordinator, Mr. Musa Dalang, said that in spite of the security challenges, the national office was satisfied with results in Pla-

teau. ``Amidst the storm of insecurity, the state has been able to emerge second place behind Niger, after a thorough assessment of all Fadama projects across the federation.’’ He called on beneficiaries not to relax but improve on their performance for a better tomorrow. In his remark, Mr. Gedion Dandam, the state Project Coordinator, said that Fadama III, was determined to ensure proper and full utilisation of funds which the beneficiaries had demonstrated. He thanked the national office for the assessment visit, saying it was the only way they could be assessed. ``It is a good thing that the national team is here to see for themselves what is contained in the records.

We will continue to do our best to ensure sustainability of Fadama III projects in Plateau State. We will also strive to ensure that efforts of the Federal Government and World Bank to better the lives of the rural people are attained.’’ Some of the beneficiaries expressed delight over the assessment and agreed that the efforts to eradicate poverty were yielding fruits. Some of the projects visited included Amana Cattle fattening in Ali-Kazaure Area and The Love Sisters Poultry Farm in Kabong both in Jos North, and Nerat Dagwei piggery in Du in Jos South local governments. Other projects are Renuyel Rokpwang agro-processing in Du and the Sustainable Land Management Citrus Plantation in Mangu.

Friday, September 7, 2012

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Space for Sale

Friday, September 7, 2012

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World News

“If all voters had watched Clinton’s speech, the election would be all but over.” – New York Senator, Chuck Schumer

Ethiopian man threatens action over UK ‘link to abuse’ SAM OLUWALANA

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

n Ethiopian farmer could sue the UK government after claiming a project that received funding from Britain led to human rights abuses. The man - known as Mr O told his British lawyers he was evicted from his farm, beaten and witnessed rapes as part of a “villagisation” scheme. Mr O’s lawyers say the programme receives funding from the UK Department for International Development (Dfid). Dfid said it does not fund “any commune projects” in the country. Ethiopia is among the biggest recipients of UK aid and in July 2011 received £38m ($61m) during the country’s worse drought in a decade. The UK government is also one of the main partners in Ethiopia’s Protection of Basic Services programme, money from which lawyers for Mr O claim is helping to finance forced resettlement. Mr O - whose identity has not been revealed - lived in the Gambella region, which is one of

four areas in Ethiopia subject to villagisation. About 1.5 million people are being resettled. The married farmer, who has six children, told lawyers at London firm Leigh Day & Co his family were forced from their farm in Novermber 2011 by soldiers from the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF). His lawyers said he claimed that “several men were beaten, women were raped and some people disappeared” during the

resettlement. They added that Mr O’s family were made to resettle in a new village where they were given no replacement farmland, food or water and could not earn enough money to live. When he tried to return to his former home, he claimed he was hit repeatedly with a rifle butt and taken to a military camp by ENDF soldiers, then gagged and subjected to further beating. The firm - who were ap-

proached directly by Mr O wrote to the new International Development Secretary Justine Greening on Wednesday, asking for the release of several documents and further information about the role of Dfid in the villagisation process. Lawyers are seeking to establish how far the UK government has gone to ensure British aid has not been used to contribute to human rights violations during the programme.

The UN’s refugee agency has called on Israel to grant entry to African migrants trapped on the country’s tightly controlled border with Egypt. Around 20 people, believed to be from Eritrea, have been stuck at the fenced desert barrier for a week. Israel’s refusal to grant them asylum “is highly irresponsible”, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees said. But the Israeli Interior Ministry said it had no legal obligation to let the migrants in. Soldiers said they had provided those stranded with food, water and shelter from the sun, but human rights groups have so far been prevented from visiting the group, the BBC’S Kevin Connolly in Jerusalem reports.

Bill Clinton gives rousing defence of Obama

Ethiopia is resettling around 1.5 million people in new villages.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

Democratic convention: Obama to pitch for second term epublican Mitt Romney challenges Mr Obama for the White House in November. Opinion polls show the two contenders neck and neck. A senior White House adviser, David Plouffe, told ABC News’ Good Morning America

WORLD BULLETIN Israel urged to admit African migrants on Egypt border

on Thursday that Mr Obama’s speech would give “a very clear sense of where he thinks the country needs to go economically, the path we need to take”. Democrats hope the Democratic president’s undisputed oratorical gifts can recapture the

President Obama and former president, Bill Clinton exchange handshakes during Democratic Covention on Thursday.

enthusiasm that helped sweep him to power in 2008. But BBC North America editor Mark Mardell says disillusionment has replaced much of the energy unleashed by Mr Obama’s message hope and change four years ago. This convention has been all about persuading, frightening and exciting Mr Obama’s disaffected supporters to join him again, says our correspondent. There will be no grand visual spectacle like the one in 2008 when the candidate, then an Illinois senator, accepted the nomination at a packed football stadium in Denver, Colorado. Organisers have moved Thursday’s speech from a 74,000-seat arena in Charlotte to the indoor convention venue with space for 15,000, citing severe weather forecasts. Vice-President Joe Biden

will speak on Thursday ahead of Mr. Obama. Mr Clinton’s 50-minute speech on Wednesday was strongly critical of Republican economic plans, while offering a staunch defence of Mr Obama, whose remedies he said were working. He said the Republican campaign argument is “pretty simple: ‘We left him a total mess, he hasn’t cleaned it up yet, so fire him and put us back in.’” Mr Clinton, 66, said: “Listen to me now. No president. No president - not me, not any of my predecessors - no-one could have fully repaired all the damage that he found in just four years. “But he has laid the foundations for a new, modern, successful economy of shared prosperity. And if you will renew the president’s contract you will feel it. You will feel it.”

Former President Bill Clinton gave a rousing defence of President Barack Obama’s handling of the weak U.S. economy on Wednesday and launched a detailed attack on Republican Mitt Romney in a speech that electrified the Democratic National Convention. Folksy, long on detail and showing he is still a master orator nearly 12 years after he left office, Clinton gave a more cogent defence of Obama’s actions as president than perhaps the current resident of the White House himself has given. Obama, he said, should not be blamed for the poor economy he inherited in 2009 and has set the foundations for strong growth.

Former Egyptian minister charged with corruption A former Egyptian culture minister has been charged with corruption. State media said Farouk Hosni, who served for more than two decades under Hosni Mubarak, had failed to explain how he had about $3m (£1.9m) in assets. Mr Hosni insisted that his wealth had been legally obtained through investments and sales of his paintings. In a separate development, justice ministry officials also announced an investigation into new corruption claims against Mubarak and his family. The allegations pertain to a purchase of state-owned land north of the capital, Cairo, the state-owned newspaper al-Ahram reported. Mubarak is currently serving life in prison after being found guilty in June of conspiring in the killing of protesters during the uprising in 2011.

TRANSITION

Ola Vincent

Friday, September 7, 2012

former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Vincent was born on May 16 1925 in Lagos. He attended CMS Grammar School, Lagos between 1936 –1939 and served in the Nigerian Armed Forces between 1942 and 1946, after which he worked in the Financial Secretary’s Office, Lagos between 1946 and 1956. In 1951, he attended the Administrative Staff College in England and from 1953 to 1956 studied at the University of Manchester. From 1957 to 1960, he was a part-time lecturer in Economics at the University of Ibadan. Late Ola Vincent was Senior Assistant Secretary in the Nigerian Ministry of Finance (1959–1961) and then moved to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as an Assistant General Manager, becoming a General Manager at the CBN from 1963 to 1966. He was a Director at the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank (1964–1966). He was appointed a Vice President at the African Development Bank, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (1966–1973). He returned to the CBN in 1973 as an Adviser, becoming Deputy Governor in 1975 and Governor from 1977 to

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1982. He was also named a Commander of the Federal Republic in 1982. Following his retirement from the CBN, in 1983 he recommended the establishment of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), which occurred in June 1988. The NDIC provides a safety net for depositors in the newly liberalized banking sector. The late banker chaired a seminar on Ethics and Professionalism in the Nigerian Banking Industry in August 1992. He observed that banks had a pivotal role in the cash and credit economy of Nigeria, making them vulnerable to suspicion. He acknowledged that greed was a factor in causing the high incidence of fraud and other abuses in the industry. He was a director of the Industrial and General Insurance (IGI) in 2008, when he received a prestigious lifetime achievement award. He was also a life member of the Nigerian Economic Society and the Society for International Development. He died on September 3, 2012, aged 87 years. He is survived by wife and children.

Joseph Abayomi Souza

arrister Joseph Tevi Abayomi Souza was born on April 13th 1932 to the family of Pa Dominic Anini Souza who worked for many years as a Sales Manager in Lagos and Ibadan. Mr. Tevi Souza attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School, Oke-Paadi, Ibadan. After that, he attended the Lagos Baptist Academy Secondary School in Lagos between 1946 and 1951 and graduated in flying colors. He started his working career in the Legal Department of the Administrator-General’s Office in Lagos. While working there, he was encouraged by his expatriate boss to take an interest in some litigation matters as he discharged his responsibilities as a legal clerical staff. He later travelled to England to study Law. During his training, he displayed such brilliance in English and Latin and this gave him a great opportunity to be admitted as a pupil barrister in training into one of the strictest of the Inns of Court in – the Gray’s Inn. He was called to the English Bar in February 1962

Neil Armstrong

orn on August 5, 1930, in Wapakoneta, Ohio,Armstrong received a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University and a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Southern California. He held honorary doctorates from multiple universities. He was a Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and the Royal Aeronautical Society and an Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the International Astronautics Federation. Armstrong was a member of the National Academy of Engineering and the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco. He served as a member of the National Commission on Space (1985 to 1986), as Vice-Chairman of the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident

and came back to Nigeria immediately afterwards. He worked briefly with the renowned and prestigious Law Firm of Irving and Bonnar before moving to work in the Legal Department of SCOA. He left SCOA soon after to set up his own practice as a Lawyer and Notary Public. He ran a successful legal practice where he represented several big multinational and local corporate and individual clients. He also experimented with practicing in a partnership with other lawyers a few times in his career. His speciality during his several decades of legal practice included trademarks and copyright law, land law, commercial law and family law. He retired from active legal practice in 2000 and devoted the rest of his life to mentoring a new generation of lawyers in the family which included some of his children, his nephew and other young associates. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and sister. (1986) and as Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Peace Corps (1971 to 1973). After serving as a naval aviator from 1949 to 1952, Armstrong joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in 1955. His first assignment was with the NACA Lewis Research Center (now NASA Glenn Research Center) in Cleveland. Over the next 17 years, he was an engineer, test pilot, astronaut and administrator for NACA and its successor agency, NASA. He was appointed Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Cincinnati between 1971 and 1979. During the years 1982 to 1992, Armstrong was chairman of Computing Technologies for Aviation, Inc., Charlottesville, Virginia. As a research pilot at NASA’s Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, Armstrong was a project pilot on many pioneering high speed aircraft, including the well known, 4000-mph X-15. He flew more than 200 different models of aircraft, including jets, rockets, helicopters and gliders. Armstrong transferred to astronaut status in 1962. He was assigned as command pilot for the Gemini 8 mission. Gemini 8 was launched on March 16, 1966, and Armstrong performed the first successful docking of two vehicles in space. As spacecraft commander for Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing mission, Armstrong gained the distinction of being the first man to land a craft on the moon and first to step on its surface. Armstrong subsequently held the position of Deputy Associate Administrator for Aeronautics, NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. In this position, he was responsible for the coordination and management of overall NASA research and technology work related to aeronautics. He died on August 25, 2012 and survived by wife and two children.

Felicia Okusanya

he Okusanya and Adesanya families of Ojowo and Oke-Agbo Quarters, Ijebu Igbo have announced the passing on of their mother, grandmother and great-grand mother, Mrs. Felicia Okusanya, who died on June 11, 2012. A statement by Mr. Kolapo Okusanya, said Mama Moboluwaduro would be buried tomorrow, September 8, 2012 at Ojowo, Ijebu Igbo. According to him, the programme will kick off with a lying-in-state at her residence, No. 50, Raboyejo Street, Ojowo, as both burial and thanksgiving services will start at 10am in Emmanuel Anglican Church, Ojowo, Ijebu Igbo. This will be followed by reception at the Girls Grammar School, Ojowo, Ijebu Igbo. Mama Felicia Ebunoluwa Okusanya is survived by children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

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Friday, September 7, 2012

No state has reason to be poor – Ekweremadu GEORGE OJI ABUJA

iven the abundant mineral deposits found throughout the country, there is no reason why any state should depend wholly on the allocation from the Federation Account for survival or complain of lack of resources for its development. The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, made the argument yesterday in a paper he delivered at the presidential retreat for civil society organisations and professional associations at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as part of efforts

to contribute to the amendment of the 1999 constitution. The lawmaker showed graphic details of solid minerals deposits in each of the state, waiting to be harnessed to buttress his point. He said: “Importantly, the table (making reference to the graphic details) shows that every part of this country is too richly endowed to be poor.” Ekweremadu called on Nigerians and the leadership at all levels of government to show statesmanship and exhibit highest level of patriotism in the ongoing efforts at evolving a “people’s constitution.” He also warned that any

Ekweremadu

attempt to reduce any matter up for amendment, to regional or ethnic rhetoric, rather than look at it on its merits and how it would further enhance the political and economic growth of the country, would not be in the interest of the country.

Ekweremadu, who is also the chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, added that while the lawmakers, as representatives of the people, would do everything within their power to ensure that the ongoing efforts produced a constitution which would reflect the views and aspirations of all Nigerians. He, however, said Nigerian leaders and the followers must be ready to abide by the spirit and letters of the constitution. Ekweremadu said there was nothing like a perfect constitution anywhere in the world. “Like heaven, constitution and democracy

help those who help themselves,” he said, noting that even the best constitution in the world could not yield the best of democracy dividends or drive the lofty dreams of a country unless there was a general commitment by the leaders and citizens to live by the principles and letters of that constitution. He said: “So, we must learn to uphold our constitution. If we chose which court rulings to obey or not to obey, that is not the fault of the constitution. “If local governments are run by brazenly undemocratic caretaker committees, that is not the fault of Section 7 of the constitution.”

Hepatitis B deadlier than HIV – Experts S EKINAH L AWAL

he Federal Government has been advised to create the necessary awareness on the hazards of Hepatitis B because it is deadlier than Human immunodeficiency virus, HIV. Dr. Charles Onyekwere of the Society for Gastroenterologists and Herpetologists in Nigeria, SOGHIN, who gave the advice, said the disease was caused by infection with the Hepatitis B virus, HBV. He said: “Chronic infection with HBV can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. About 60-80 per cent of primary liver cancer worldwide is caused by chronic HBV infection.” Onyekwere said the infection could be prevented by receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine. He, however, said those above the age of routine immunisation should be screened first and then immunised if they were negative. Also speaking, another Consultant Gastroenterologist, Dr. Hameed Oladipupo, said despite the fact that the prevalence rate was only eight per cent of Nigerian population; it still represented millions of Nigerians.

Second Deputy President, Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Alimi Bello (left) and Chairman, Ardo Plastic Company, Alhaji Dahiru Muhammad, at a dialogue on revenue multiple taxation in Kaduna, yesterday.

Task force shuts 30 private schools in Kano AUGUSTINE MADU WEST KANO

or allegedly violating set standard, Kano State Task Force on Private Schools has shut down 30 private schools. The task force was set up by the Kano State Government to look into the operations of private schools operating in the state to ensure they comply with laid down rules governing education, especially as regards to the proliferation of schools. The government was worried about the number of illegal structures operating as private schools and was determined to sanitise the sector. The clampdown on the affected schools was announced by the Chairman of the task force, Muham-

mad Baba Umar, who said the schools would not be reopened until they had complied with government guidelines on the operations of private schools. He explained that some were sanctioned for resuming classes as against the government calendar as well as increasing school fees to N200,000 per student, without the knowledge of the parents or the government. Umar said some were shut for not paying taxes due to government, increasing schools fees without following the approved process by the government, failure to adhere to the government approved school calendar for 2012/2013 and the absence of administrative block with principal or head teachers’ offices.

Other reasons for the closure, according to the chairman, include lack of well-established school laboratory and library in the case of secondary schools, non-functional administration and academic records such as log book, admission

register, visitor’s books, syllabus and schemes. Umar noted that most of the schools also operated without provisional approval or certificate, or cited near markets, high-tension wires, industrial plants, or at motor parks.

ICPC plans forensic lab to boost anti-graft war ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

he Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC, yesterday disclosed that it was planning to establish a Forensic Laboratory for effective performance of its mandate. Its acting Chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta, made the disclosure at the commission’s headquarters when the Liaison Officer for the Canadian Royal Mountain Police in Africa, Mr. Rabih Abdallah, visited the commission. Although Ekpo is on a working visit abroad, Alhaji Abdullahi Bako, who stood in for him, received Abdallah. He said some members of staff of the commission had just returned from Ontario in Canada where they underwent training at the Computer Forensic Incorporated School. Ekpo said the officers were in Canada to develop the skills on how best to check cybercrime in Nigeria. He said: “We have to enlarge our areas of operation as issues and crimes are becoming more and more sophisticated; so we feel that we must try to be ahead of the fraudsters to be able to check them.” The chairman also disclosed that the commission was on the verge of establishing an academy where it would train not only its staff but also staffs from other African countries on investigative and anti-corruption activities.

‘FG’ll soon adopt international financial reporting system’ OMEIZA AJAYI

he Federal Government has reiterated its desire to adopt the International Financial Reporting System, IFRS, and the International Public Sector Accounting Standards, IPSAS, for all tiers of government in the country. The Accountant General of the Federation, Jonah Otunla, who gave the as-

surance when he visited the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, recalled that the Federal Executive Council, FEC, had on July 28, approved the adoption of the IFRS and IPSAS for the private and public sectors. Otunla described his visit as part of the ongoing sensitisation by the sub-committee of the Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, on the

roadmap for adoption of IPSAS in the country, adding that the committee was working towards ensuring a standardised uniform chart of accounts, budget and general purpose financial statements that would conform to international best practices. He noted that the implementation process would assist in peer mechanism of financial reports among the three tiers of government.

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Friday, September 7, 2012

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Dignitaries bid Ola Vincent farewell

Nigeria now a drug-consuming nation –Adoke

SAM OLUWALANA

EMMANUEL ONANI

ABUJA

igeria is now a drugconsuming country as it has progressed from its initial status of a drug-transit nation. The Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), disclosed this in Abuja yesterday while inaugurating the Board of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Ministry of Justice headquarters. The NDLEA had remained without a functional board since 2007, when its governing board was dissolved by the Federal Government. The AGF reminded members of the new board, headed by the agency’s Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, that their appointment was a demonstration of President Goodluck Jonathan administration’s commitment to providing the enabling environment required for the NDLEA to discharge its responsibility of curbing unlawful cultivation, processing, sale, trafficking and use of hard drugs in the country. He added that these onerous responsibilities must be pursued with renewed vigour to arrest the current status of Nigeria as “a drug-consuming nation”. Consequently, Adoke charged the board to, as a matter of urgency, provide necessary policy direction for the agency, which he noted, was currently contending with global rise in drug trafficking. He said: “The agency is grappling with the upsurge in the global production and trafficking of narcotic drugs. This trend has obvious grave implications for Nigeria, especially as our country has regrettably progressed from a drug-transit nation to a drug-consuming nation with all its attendant negative consequences on our youths and active population.” Charging members of the board to live up to the confidence reposed in them by the Federal Government, Adoke, who is also a member of the 11-man board, said: “I need not remind you that you cannot afford to disappoint the nation and yourselves…to make a difference and help anchor the activities of the agency on the path of greatness.

The remains of former CBN Governor, Mr. Olatunde Vincent, arriving for burial, yesterday.

PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

Fuel scarcity may hit Lagos soon UDEME AKPAN

uel shortage may soon surface in Lagos and its environs as major marketers have depleted their stocks of the product, which many consumers use for powering automobiles and electricity generation. Investigations at many filling stations showed that the companies such as Conoil Plc, Total Nigeria and Mobil Nigeria Plc have limited stocks of the product to sell to motorists and other consumers. It was learnt that the commercial stocks of the major marketers had been depleted in the last few weeks, mainly as a result of lack of importation as

well as continuous consumption. The Executive Secretary of Major Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN, Mr. Timothy Olawore, who confirmed the development, said it would be impossible for marketers to sustain supplies at the filling stations as available stocks had completely been exhausted in Lagos and its environs. He said: “The major marketers have finished their stocks. As at today, there are no more stocks for major marketers to supply to filling stations. We will soon witness a major shortage if something drastic is not done to import fuel into the country. “It is sad. But the reality is that we are gradu-

ally getting to that point because there is no more fuel in Lagos and its environs.” Other classes of marketers do not have commercial stocks as well. Investigations showed that although some independent and other marketers have before now placed order for about 99,000 tons of petrol from the international market, they have not yet received such supplies. The Second National Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Mr. Mike Osatuyi, said in a telephone interview that marketers had the capacity to sustain importation if the government paid subsidy as at when due.

However, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, said it had commercial stocks of various products in different parts of the country. The corporation’s spokesman, Mr. Fidel Pepple, said: “There is no need for consumers to panic. We have commercial stocks to meet demand.” Earlier, the NNPC had said in a statement that: “There is no truth in the reports of imminent nationwide fuel scarcity as the Pipeline and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, a subsidiary of the corporation, has enough fuel in the country to meet national demand for at least 30 days, even if all the local refineries were down and there was no importation.”

Tension in Ogun Assembly over Amosun’s N100bn bond bill FEMI O YEWESO ABEOKUTA

ension enveloped the Ogun State House of Assembly complex yesterday as an Executive Bill from Governor Ibikunle Amosun, seeking to access bond, passed the first reading stage. There was outcry earlier in the day by members of opposition political parties in the Assembly, while text messages were widely circulated in the state calling on people to stand against the bill seeking the lawmakers’ approval

for N100bn bond. There was also rumour that the proposal entitled: “A bill for a law to provide for the raising of loans through issuance of bonds, notes and other securities and for connected purposes,” for the government to raise loans for both economic and social development had been left open without specific amount. The heavy presence of security officials at the entrance of the Assembly as early as 9am, had pointed to the charged atmosphere in the complex. While many people were denied entrance to

the complex, the security operatives allowed journalists in after a through stop-and-search, which was a strange development. It was gathered that the bill had earlier in the day generated a heated argument at the closeddoor meeting which lasted several hours at the committee room of the Assembly. Members of the opposition parties were said to have resolved not to attend the meeting slated to hold before the House emergency sitting but were prevailed upon by other members.

Sources at the meeting disclosed that the leadership of the Assembly pleaded with the lawmakers to allow the bill to go through the second reading today and pass to the committee stage. It was also learnt that members of opposition also threatened not to attend the emergency session because the House had gone on recess but were persuaded so that it would not send a wrong signal to the public. But members of the opposition parties have also hinted that yesterday’s deliberation could be the end of the bill.

ormer Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Elder Ola Vincent, was laid to rest yesterday at the Ikoyi Cemetery in Lagos. According to family sources, this was a fulfilment of the late CBN governor’s instruction that he should be buried within three days of this death. His first son, Jaiye, a United States-based pilot who was not present at the burial ceremonies due to flight difficulties, wrote in his tribute to his father that the deceased, being a man of vision who planned ahead of time left instructions that he should be interred within 72 hours of his death. A church service, held for him at the African Church Cathedral (Bethel) on Broad Street, Lagos Island, was attended by the cream of the society. The dignitaries at the service included Governor Raji Fashola of Lagos State; the former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), who is the chairman of Industrial and General Insurance, IGI, where late Vincent was also a director; the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Prince Segun Adesegun; former Inspector General of Police.

Minister summons visa facilitating firm over poor services GEORGE OJI ABUJA

he Federal Government is making efforts to ensure that Nigerians are not subjected to unnecessary stringent conditions or maltreated at foreign missions in Nigeria, while trying to procure visas. In line with this, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, yesterday summoned the management team of the Visa Facilitating Global Services Nigeria Limited (VFS Global) to his office. The VFS team, led by Ms. Natasha Bhargava (Senior Manager, Abuja), was received by the minister and the Under-Secretary (Economic and Consular), Chief of Protocol, COP, Director (Consular and Immigration Services Division) and the spokesperson of the ministry.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Blatter hails Nigeria on women football

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Sport

Coaching does interest me but I don’t know what my talent is going to be after I have retired

- NEW YORK RED BULLS STRIKER, THIERRY HENRY

Glo backs Eagles to win

elecommunications giant, Globacom, has declared support for the Super Eagles ahead of the crucial first leg of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Lone Star of Liberia in Monrovia tomorrow. According to Globacom, the Eagles need maximum support from Nigerians in their quest to win the AFCON ticket. “Our focus should be on the qualification ticket for the next Nations Cup holding in South Africa in 2013 as the Eagles gradually fight their way back to reckoning in Africa” the company said in a statement yesterday. Globacom therefore advised the team to work very hard and defeat the Lone Star in the first

leg to make the return leg in Calabar less challenging. Meanwhile, the Eagles have intensified preparation for the match with the Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, assuring Nigerians that the poor state of Samuel Doe Stadium in Monrovia will not affect the team’s performance in the encounter. “We used the same pitch when we played against them in an exhibition match early this year and we triumphed, so the pitch won’t be an excuse for the team not to play well and win,” Keshi said. Globacom is the major partner of the Nigeria Football Federation and official sponsor of Nigerian national teams.

Ordega denies Swedish club

I will quit if Eagles fall against Liberia –Keshi

s the Super Eagles fly out this morning to Monrovia for a Nations Cup qualifier against the Lone Star tomorrow, Coach Stephen Keshi, has said that he will resign if the team fails to qualify the country to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. The Eagles will fly out to Liberia from Abuja by 6am this morning on a chartered flight. Nigeria sensationally failed to qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea and Coach Samson Siasia was sacked as a result. However, Keshi has now vowed he will not be asked to go should his team again fail at the last hurdle to reach the Nations Cup tournament proper. Nigeria battles Liberia in a two-legged qualifier beginning tomorrow in Monrovia for a place at the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa. “If I fail, I won’t wait to be asked to go. I will throw in the towel and move on,” Keshi de-

clared. “But God forbid that we get to a stage where we do not qualify. My boys are focused and I am sure they also want to be in South Africa after they failed to get to the last competition in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. “But football can be unpredictable and that is why we have to redouble our efforts to ensure we qualify.” Keshi disclosed that Liberia had stepped up since his team beat the Lone Star 2-0 in Monrovia in a friendly last February “Their new coach has turned the team around since we beat them 2-0 and this only means we have to lift our game to win again,” said the coach, who watched the Lone Star beat Malawi in a warm-up match on Tuesday. “They play a 4-4-2 formation, which means they will be very active in the middle. We shall see how we will counter them and get the goals,” Keshi said.

alconets’ forward, Francisca Ordega, has distanced herself from claims of being signed on by Swedish Club, Jitex FC. Report on Swedish website, Fotbollskanalen claimed that Jitex had reached an agreement to sign the player owing to her splendid performance in the ongoing FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup in Japan. But the 19-year-old Rivers Angels’ striker who has scored four goals in Japan described the claims as false aimed at jeopardising her football career. “l have been inundated with calls and mails from friends, club mates and family relatives back home in Nigeria congratulating me for what l do not know anything about,” said Ordega. “It is even more worrisome when there has been no contact either verbal or written with the so-called club in the past or now. I am extremely sad to hear this,” added Ordega. The club which claims to have an agreement with a Summer Football Centre in Nigeria said Ordega would be the first player from Nigeria to be contracted to the club. She was also described by the club which plays in the 12-team top flight Damallsvenskan (women’s league) as one blessed with the right qualities. Ordega is expected to play a key role in Saturday’s third place match against host Japan.

Bukola Saraki

Saraki Cup gets 17-man LOC

he Kwara State Football Association yesterday inaugurated a 17-man Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the annual Sen. Bukola Saraki Football Competition. The LOC has Olokoba Toyin as Chairman while Haruna Maigidasama is to serve as Secretary. Special Adviser on Sports to Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed, Olokoba Toyin, who is also the LOC boss, said the competition was billed to start on December 17 in commemoration of the 50th birthday of Saraki. He said the tournament would help to discover new talents for the state and the nation. “The competition is scheduled to commence on December17 and it is aimed at discovering raw talents for the state and the nation at large. “It will also be used to raise a feeder team for Kwara United FC of Ilorin and foster unity among our youth,” he said.

Sport

Friday, September 7, 2012

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NPL player attracts foreign clubs

op French and Vietnamese clubs are scrambling for the signature of Heartland youngster, Fidelis Izuchukwu Anozie. National Mirror learnt that the 20-year-old player, who was poached from a non-league side in Lagos, has got enquiries from South East Asia Vietnam, where several Nigerian players currently ply their trade. Anozie, as a modern midfielder, possesses a good height that complements his combative approach on the pitch and there are indications that a Vietnamese club could secure the signature of the talented six feet player soon. The midfielder, who has also played in the youth teams of top NPL sides including Lobi Stars and Kano Pillars, however said his agent had worked to get his foreign sojourn started soon. “I’m very confident of signing a contract,” he said, adding, “I am eager to get on the move to further boost my chance of playing in the national team.” Anozie models his game after Cameroon striker, Samuel Eto’o, and reckons he will arrive at the top in the near future.

EKO 2012: T/tennis team tours China A FOLABI G AMBARI

Falconets’ winger, Esther Sunday (in green shirt) and her team mates have attracted pleasant reaction from FIFA boss, Sepp Blatter (below)

Blatter hails Nigeria on women football

A FOLABI GAMBARI

IFA President, Sepp Blatter, yesterday applauded Nigeria’s capacity in women’s football, saying the country has played a leading role in the promotion of the game. Blatter, who spoke at a FIFA banquet in Tokyo for the teams remaining in FIFA U-20 World Cup, said Nigeria had transplanted its success over the years from the male to the female team. “Thanks to Nigeria, women football in Africa is becoming stronger in strength and enterprise, and we

are the happier for it as a world body,” Blatter said. “The Falconets have opportunity to take the bronze after losing in the semi final against the USA,” the Swiss added. Members of FIFA Executive Committee, top officials of the Japanese monarchy and the World Cup’s local organizing committee, member of the NFF Executive Committee and Chairperson of the Nigeria Women’s League, Mrs Dilichukwu Onyedinma, and NFF’s Chief Media Officer, Ademola Olajire, were also at the event where the FIFA president reinforced his conviction that the future of foot-

ball is feminine. “Some of the things that happen in women’s football would never find place in the men’s game,” he further said, stressing, “I commend the huge steps that Japan and indeed other Asian countries have taken in women’s football.”

Chess: Adesina conquers Grand Master Fidau: Akanni greets

igerian Chess Olympiad debutant, Adeyinka Adesina, played the role of David’s conquest against Goliath yesterday following his brilliant win against highly rated Grand Master Pontus Carlson of Sweden in the round eight male category of the 40th Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey. Although the Nigerian male team lost 1-3 to Sweden, Adesina was the star among hundreds of chess players on parade after the upset against a ore experience opponent and put him at pole post of getting a FIDE title at the end of the 11-round Swiss event competition. Adesina, playing in the white side of Nimzo Indian Defense deviated from his opponent’s pre-

pared repertoire and forced him into finding solution to impending isolated pawn structure. The Grand Master ran into time trouble and thus paved way for Adesina to gain upper hand in the middle play and in the end game the Nigeria had a better pawn structure and an active Queen as against Carlson’s Rook and a knight. When Adesina acquired another Queen and Goliath, the respected Grand Master resigned to the admiration of chess pundits at the arena. “This is a memorable day for me and I dedicate this win to thousands of chess players back at home in Nigeria,” Afesina said.

well-wishers

ormer Nigeria international, Waidi Akanni, has thanked friends and well-wishers who attended the eight-day Fidau for his late mother, Muslimot Akanni, last week in Lagos. “I feel honored and humbled by the huge support that my family received from friends and wellwishers,” Akanni, who was recently chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, said yesterday. Among former internationals who graced the occasion are Friday Elaho, Mike Onyemechara, Michael Dominic Andrew and Tarila Okorowanta, in addition to veteran journalists Segun Adenuga and Robert Ndabai.

he Lagos State table tennis team is embarking on a training tour of China in what organisers described as effort to expose the players to top training in readiness for the 18th National Sports Festival in November. National Mirror learnt yesterday that the 10-day tour was sponsored by Lekki Free Zone Development Company in furtherance of the company’s partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development and Corporate Leisure Limited. The 15-man delegation, which will be led by the Technical Director of the Lagos State Table Tennis Association (LSTTA), John Peters, who is also an international referee, comprises 12 players (six male and six female) and two coaches. According to the team’s itinerary, the contingent will depart Lagos on Sunday aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight en route Addis Ababa to Beijing and will commence the training on Monday at the Chinese National Training Centre in Hebei, China. Meanwhile, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Wahid Oshodi, has commended the sponsor, saying the

athletes will benefit immensely from the trip. “The players are among the youngest players in the country and this will indeed help their career and it will be beneficial to the country,” Oshodi said, adding, “In the light of the woeful performance of Team Nigeria at the London Olympics, I think the country should embrace this programme by getting more corporate bodies to support sports.” Ayo Omotar will captain the 12-player team that also include Olajide Omotayo, Azeez Ogunlade, Hammed Adeyinka, Ganiyu Ashimiyu, Mojeed Olayiwola, Bose Odusanya, Aminat Fashola, Funke Hassan, Fatimo Bello, Sidikat Yaya and Ayo Udoh while Dele Olasumbo ‘Malawi’ and Michael Oyebode will serve as coaches.

Wahid Oshodi

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Friday, September 7, 2012

Yakubu Adesokan showing his gold medal during the week

Jonathan set to receive Paralympians

ollowing the brilliant performance of Nigeria’s powerlifters at the London 2012 Paralympic Games which entered Day 9 today, Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr. Patrick Ekeji, has revealed that President Goodluck Jonathan will receive the athletes on their return from London. Ekeji, who disclosed this while addressing the athletes at the Games Village yesterday, said the president had been impressed by their performance and how they did Nigeria proud. “The Paralympics have become scientific while winning medals have become more difficult,” the NSC director said. “Despite this phenomenon, you have proven to be equal to the task by achieving what your colleagues who participated in the Olympics couldn’t achieve having won six gold, five silver and a bronze medal to place first on the powerlifiting table,” he added as he was greeted with applause. Ekeji also informed the athletes that the Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, would arrive in London today to meet the athletes. “May I at this point plead with those of you that have not won medals not to be discouraged as qualifying for this games is an achievement in itself,” Ekeji further said. According to the director general, London 2012 is not the end of the world as the journey to Brazil 2016 has already commenced. “Those who are still strong to make it to Rio in 2016 will be selected and I advise you to be focused and concentrate if you must achieve your aim in life because the reward for your success will first go to you and your families before the country,” Ekeji submitted.

President Jonathan

Paralympic crumbs…

London train, Lagos style Peak times in London (especially mornings and evenings) are characterised by heavy human traffic flowing from one part of town to the other. Venues for the ongoing Paralympics have been worst hit, as people either exit these centres or make their way towards them as the case may be. At such times, the trains are so full, that you are basically leaning on the person standing in front of you due to the congestion. During one of such episodes, I had to reminisce on my “Molue”commuting days when one was virtually standing “bumper to bumper” against the next person in front or behind. Never had I dreamt of experiencing same in London.

Adesokan eyes Glasgow 2014 feat

igeria’s first gold medallist at the ongoing Paralympic Games, Yakubu Adesokan, says he is bracing up for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after his success at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. The 35-year old, who started the sport in 2004, has been in impressive form since the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India where he won a gold medal. He also won gold at the Olympic qualifiers in Dubai earlier this year where he set a world record of 177kg in the -48kg category in powerlifitng. He was the top contender for gold in London and he did not disappoint as he made a lift of 172kg in his first attempt, thereby breaking compatriot Ruel Ishaku’s Paralympic record of 169kg set in Beijing four years ago. He bettered his own world and Paralympic record by 1kg in his second attempt (178kg) and eventually set a new World and Paralympic Record of 180kg during his final lift. Adesokan, who has a body weight of 46.49kg, says he is not through with breaking records and making the country proud in future competitions. “I look forward to making Nigeria proud again at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games,” Adesokan told National Mirror yesterday, adding, however, “I am appealing to the government to come to our aid because we need financial support to motivate us to perform better in future.”

Behaving like the Romans

The London environment seems to have taken over most my male colleagues who are also covering the games. As is customary with the British, certain courtesies are being extended to members of the female gender who are being accompanied by men, such as opening the door for them, pulling out their chair and the like. As it is said, “when you are in Rome, you behave like the Romans.” All of a sudden, as one of the few ladies in the

Nigeria, No.1 in powerlifitng –Ajiboye

n official of Team Nigeria, Mike Ajiboye, has said that the powerlifters’ performance ranks them as the best in the world at the moment having topped the event with six gold, five silver and a bronze medal and breaking a number of records at the competition. “The fact that the athletes achieved this feat without getting involved in drugs means a lot to Nigeria’s success at the

midst of men, I have become a recipient of such gestures, courtesy of my colleagues, as we move around in the course of work. They pause to let me enter the bus, train or building before them, pull out my chair and have been going along with the “ladies first” gesture. One of them said to me, “It’s better not to look odd over here, lest they begin to think that black men are different.” Well, I’m simply enjoying the treatment while it lasts.

games,” Ajiboye said. In apparent reaction to a call by a Mexican powerlifter on Monday for the organizers to sample the Nigerians on allegation of drug use, Ajiboye said: “Anybody can say anything they want to say but that is life for you. We will keep moving forward as a team. In the last Commonwealth Games in Delhi, we did well too but now I think we are the number one country in the world’s powerlifitng.”

Unity in diversity One thing I have enjoyed observing is the obvious multi-cultural system which operates over here. I got into the train the other day and seated to my left were a number of Britons, some conversing while others fiddled with their phones. To my right were seated a Chinese couple who were speaking in their dialect. Across me was an Indian family who flowed freely in their mother tongue as though they were in Bombay. As I made my exit, two Nigerians speaking Pidgin English boarded the train. I walked to the bus stop and while waiting for my bus, stood beside two European women who were speaking a language I am yet to identify. I thought to myself, “The world is indeed a global village.”

WORLD RECORD

Lowest manmade temperature Vol. 02 No. 443

The lowest manmade temperature achieved to date is 450 picokelvin above absolute zero. It was achieved by a team of scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, led by Aaron Leanhardt.

Friday, September 7, 2012

NBA’s humiliation of, discrimination against its own

he 52nd Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) that ended in Abuja last weekend; which dozens of lawyers could not attend on account of outrageous conference fees, may no longer serve as refreshing news. But it was an eye opener on the arbitrary and unrepentantly class-conscious leadership of the NBA under its erstwhile President, Chief Joseph Daudu (SAN). The high cost of conference fees consciously slammed on participants seems nothing but ‘apartheid’ enforced through an obnoxious tax regime. Reports indicated that in 2010, the fees charged by the NBA for the conference were N10,000 for legal practitioners between 1-5 years; N12, 000 for late registration; and N15,000 for onsite registration. For the latest

FRIDAYS WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) conference, however, the fees were hike by between 100 and 500 percent, according to reports. The Aba (Abia State) branch of the NBA demanded the reversal of the fees or its members would boycott the conference held between August 26 and 31. A day to the end of proceedings, however, reports said protesting lawyers led by the Ikeja and Ikorodu branches of the NBA disrupted the conference. The irate lawyers were denied participation tags and access to the venue for non-registration, despite their spirited argument that participation, in line with Section 6 (7) of the NBA Constitution, should have been based on the payment of practicing fee and not on unreasonable conference charges. But Daudu, whose regime administered the bitter pill, was undaunted. His response to the grouses of the angry lawyers was this “…I just came back from Uganda where I went for the African Regional Bar Association Conference and I paid $500 for the conference and the costs attached to it… When we tell our colleagues abroad that we pay just N20,000 for our bar conference here, they laugh”. Though Daudu threatened fire and brimstone against plans by the denied lawyers to protest, the NBA was unable to hold back the vehement anti-NBA conference fee protests of Thursday, August 30.

TOLD IN DISGUISE IS

THAT THE BAR FROWNS AT ITS MEMBERS’

CONDUCTS THAT TAINT ITS INTEGRITY, BUT DOES NOT MIND IF THEY LITERALLY TURN ARMED ROBBERS TO BE ABLE TO RAISE FUNDS AND ATTEND ITS CRUCIAL CONFERENCES Were Daudu’s lips to be rightly read, however, there might be no better way to express the dichotomy between, as well as the contempt with which senior members of the Bar hold their juniors than the denial of financially indigent practicing lawyers from participating in the just concluded NBA conference. The point must be made, nonetheless, that even from among the protesting lawyers could probably be found those financially buoyant enough to more than foot the conference bills; a possibility that does not detract from the

Sport Extra

w ew Stoke City signing, Michael Owen, admits he does not expect it to be easy to win a place in the club. After a summer of speculation, the former England striker has finally signed for the Potters fol-

WHAT WE ARE BEING

fact that some lawyers, who may be brighter than their oppressors of today, are truly passing through difficult and tempting financial turbulence. This reality seems the major reason the “charge and bail lawyers” syndrome has persisted. These days, the nation is hounded by a legal profession saturated with unemployed law graduates whose successful seniors deride for their desperation to survive. What we are being told in disguise is that the Bar frowns at its members’ conducts that taint its integrity, but does not mind if they literally turn armed robbers to be able to raise funds and attend its crucial conferences. What a contradiction? Indeed, between those legal practitioners derisively christened as “charge and bail lawyers” and accused of dragging the name of the Bar in the mud; and big time lawyers, some of them SANs, as well as some judges, who ‘made it’ from the criminally acquired wealth of politicians and the business elite, who is more morally upright and justified by the Rules of Professional Conduct for the Bar? After their rigorous training, some young lawyers working in the offices of even SANs in big cities – some of them responsible adults married with children, in addition to their other obligations, earn between N20,000 and N30,000 per month, while many others rely on the ‘goodwill’ or the ‘good mood’ of their bosses to survive. It is quite disgusting that with the grinding dehumanization of non-privileged legal practitioners in the country, Daudu was comparing Bar conference fees in other lands with the condemnable fees his regime imposed on hapless lawyers during the last NBA conference. Good enough, the buck has been successfully passed to the new NBA President, Chief Okechukwu Wali (SAN), to either save the situation, or add to the yoke of his less endowed colleagues.

Owen foresees Britannia ‘hard times’

lowing his release by Manchester United at the end of last season. Question marks remain over the fitness of the 32-year-old after an injuryblighted spell at Old Traf-

ford and Owen acknowledges that he will have to work hard to figure at the Britannia Stadium. “There are many strikers at the club and I’m not expecting it to be an easy

ride,” Owen said yesterday. “I’ll have to work, obviously, to play any part. I’m prepared to do that and I’m hopefully going to fit in well with the squad and have a good season.”

Owen’s move to Stoke was announced on Tuesday and eventually ratified by the Premier League on Wednesday after some confusion over his place in the club’s 25-man squad.

Michael Owen

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