Nov15 2016

Ekpo Nta

Govs uncomfortable with probe Hunger looms of bail-out funds –ICPC in Nigeria, C Presidency warns hairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offence Commission, ICPC, Mr. Ekpo Nta, said most state governors were jittery when the commission commenced investiga-

tions into the spending of bailout funds.

Nta stated this yesterday in Bauchi in his speech at the opening of Bauchi State Anti-Corruption Summit, titled “Transparency and Accountability: A Panacea

to Good Governance and Sustainable Development.”

He said that when the commission commenced investigations into coffers of

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P.5

Buhari

Jimoh Ibrahim vows to transform Ondo Vol. 6 N0. 1482

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

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N150

...flags off campaign, plans to introduce boarding system in 100 public secondary schools Ojo Oyewamide AKURE

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Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, Ondo State PDP guber flagbearer in the November 26 election raising the party’s flag during a mega rally at Ore to kick-start his campaign in the state, yesterday.

over norship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State, Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim, yesterday flagged off his campaign.

The event, which took place at the Government Field, Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state, was well attended by national leaders of the party.

The national chairman, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, handed over the party’s flag to Ibrahim and urged the people of the state to vote for him in the November 26 gubernatorial election.

Sheriff declared that the business mogul was the authentic standard bearer of the party.

“Today, we have begun

ASUU to embark on warning strike Wednesday

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JAMB gets nod to reduce cut-off marks

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the journey,” Sheriff declared. “On November 23, I will come again to close the journey when we will have the grand finale of the campaign.”

After receiving the party’s flag, Ibrahim promised to transform the state within a short time if elected governor.

He said: “I dedicate this flag to heaven. It is not good to be telling lies.

Some people say we cannot flag off. But are they not telling lies?

“Some people say we can’t entre Akure. Is that not CONTINUED ON PAGE 4>>

Arms deal: P.6 Witness indicts Obanikoro in N1.2bn fraud How $752,000 was lodged into Badeh’s Visa Gold account P.6 – Witness

Fani-Kayode released from prisons after perfecting bail conditions P. 7

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Ondo State PDP gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim addressing a mammoth crowd of supporters during flag-off of the party’s mega rally at the Government Stadium, Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area, yesterday. Other pictures, below, showing party bigwigs, including chairman, Alhaji Modu Sheriff

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Tuesday, November 15, 2016

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Tuesday, November 15, 2016

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ASUU to embark on warning strike Wednesday

Regina Otokpa ABUJA

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cademic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU,, has resolved to embark on a one week warning strike nationwide.

The strike slated to begin on Wednesday, was to protest the failure of government in implementing the 2009 agreement with the union, and turning the establishment of universities into constituency projects to score political points. National President of ASUU, Prof.

Biodun Ogunyemi made the announcement yesterday in Abuja, at the end of its emergency National Executive Council meeting.

He disclosed that government’s failure to respect the tenets of the 2009 agreement, despite several efforts by the leadership of the union, was causing anxiety among

...faults establishment of varsities as constituency projects

lecturers.

Ogunyemi further listed the areas of disagreement between the union and government to include; payment of fraction of staff entitlement, denial of staff entitlement in respect of earned academic allowance amounting to about N128bn, funding of universities for revitalisation and refusal to register the Nigerian Universities Pension Management Company by the National Compensation Commission.

Others include the introduction of Treasury Single Account which was affecting university autonomy, decrease in budgetary allocation to education and the refusal by government to renegotiate the 2009 agreement, which was due since 2012.

He said: “Our members across the nation are wor-

Govs uncomfortable with probe of bail-out funds –ICPC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

state government accounts, most of the governors were uncomfortable.

“Most of the governors thought I was going to find out how the bail funds were utilised, not knowing that the commission had different intention.

“We witnessed a situation where most of the states were bedeviled with ghost workers syndrome in spite that their resources could pay workers’ salaries.

“Staff verification could not be authentic as most agencies alerted both their authentic and fake staff to appear during such exercises,” Nta said.

He said the commission, therefore, had to fall back on Bank Verification Numbers, BVN, and matched same with staff nominal list and a lot of malpractices were discovered.

“Some of the workers were discovered to be receiving double and even triple salaries, with two or four accounts, different names in different banks and one BVN. “They draw salaries from all the accounts on monthly bases, as such I urge all agencies to address the issue of ghost workers with

dispatch,” Nta said.

He called on members of the National Assembly to monitor projects executed by the executive to ensure that such projects tallied with funds appropriated in the budget.

The chairman commended Kano State government for being the first to constitute an anti-corruption commission for the state and urged other states to do same.

In his speech, Bauchi State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, said that in line with the anticorruption campaign in the state, a committee was set up to recover all funds and property acquired illegally by some government officials.

“In line with the present administration’s commitment to fight corruption in all the sectors of the economy and the civil service, the Bauchi State government set up a committee to recover all public funds and property acquired illegally by some persons in the past administration.

“The committee has submitted its reports and released a white paper on the findings of the committee,” he said.

ried that six months after the meeting with the minister of education and a series of letters to amplify the need to respect the spirit and letters of the 2009 agreement and the 2013 MoU, there has been no tangible results of the issues raised.

“This failure puts ASUU leadership in a severe difficulty responding to enquiries from members of the union about the state of affairs in our engagement with the Federal Government.

“Following a nationwide consultation with our membership, the National Executive Council of ASUU rose from its meeting on Sunday, 13th November with a resolution to embark on a one week warning strike starting from Wednesday, 16th November, 2016.

“The nationwide strike is total and comprehensive. While it last, there shall be no teaching, no examination and no at-

tendance of statutory meeting of any kind in any of our branches.

“We use this opportunity to call on all education loving Nigerians and friends of Nigeria to prevail on the government to address the patriotic demands of ASUU. “For us in ASUU, we shall not surrender until the Nigerian university system is repositioned for transforming the country and global competitiveness.”

He frowned at the establishment of more universities just to score political points.

He said: “We are not against democratising university education by providing more opportunities, but we also believe that if government followed the path which it had agreed on, universities will not be made constituency projects as we are beginning to see.

“When you say every state must have a univer-

sity without doing your home work and every governor thinks that a university must be established in their constituency, it then means we are not paying attention to quality, but using the establishment of universities to make political point; that is what we are against.

“In other places, what they do as a part of the democratisation of university education is to expand facilities, open space for more students to come, improve the quality of laboratories, library and offices.

“We are not seeing that happening here. Government is how turning establishment of university into constituency project and that is not acceptable to us.”

The ASUU president lamented that the union and Nigerians were yet to see any light at the end of the tunnel in terms of the change promised by the

present administration.

“This government is not different from the previous one because it is the same ruling class.

“We have not found genuine patriots who will do things differently. Our expectations and hopes were raised when we heard the word change.

“But what we have had so far is just cosmetic. We have not really had the radical change that Nigerians yearned for.

“A radical departure from the past has not happened and until that happens; we cannot have a change that will lead to transformation.

“That is the position of ASUU and we have always said it. Because of the penchant to score political points, establishment of universities has been turned into a political project as long as we turn education into a political project, we will not have the quality we need,” he said.

L-R: Executive Director, Dangote Foundation, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Chairman, Dangote Foundation, Aliko Dangote; Honourable Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole; Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou and another Executive Director, Dangote Foundation, Halima Dangote, at the official launch of Policy Document on Private Sector Engagement Strategy for Malaria Elimination (PSESP) in Nigeria, yesterday in Lagos.

Jimoh Ibrahim vows to transform Ondo CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

a lie? Some people say we don’t have supporters. Are they not telling lies?

He reiterated his promise to pay all the salary arrears owed civil servants in the state as well as outstanding pensions.

The candidate also promised that he would introduce boarding system in 100 public secondary schools within 100 days of his assumption of office.

“Within 100 days in of-

fice, I will provide light in all communities that don’t have light in the state.

“All the Obas who have not be promoted will be promoted. There will be brand new cars for Obas within my 100 days in Office. Five per cent of the federal allocation will be given to the Obas every month.

“I will take you away from poverty. I will take you away from hopelessness. I will take you away from injustice. All the three senatorial districts will be treated fairly.

“Only God can make anybody governor. But nobody knows how He will do it. I will revive Olokola Free Trade Zone. Ministry of Employment will be created. I will make sure Ondo is number one in the whole of the country,” he said.

The campaign flag-off was attended by national and south-west leaders of the party as well as supporters across all the 18 local government areas of the state.

The PDP leaders at the event include national chair-

man, Ali Modu Sheriff, deputy national chairman, Cario Ojuiagbo, Senator Hope Nzodima, Gambo Lawal, Ahmed Gulak, Chris Uba, Senator Victor Oyofo and Senator Buruji Kashamu.

Others are ambassador Dare Bejide, Senator Hosea Ehinlanwo, Senator Omololu Meroyi, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, Abiodun Aluko, Otunba Segun Adewale, Chief Williams Ajayi, Biyi Poroye, Bakita Bello, Emiola Dare and many others.

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JAMB gets nod to reduce cut-off marks Regina Otokpa ABUJA

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oint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has been allowed to reduce the cut off mark of institutions who have exhausted list of candidates from 180 and above.

JAMB Registrar, Profssor Is-haq Oloyede, made this known in a speech delivered during the Second Technical Committee Meeting on the 2016 Admissions to Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria held at Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, Imo State.

According to the speech which was made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday by the Head of Information JAMB, Dr. Fabian

Benjamin, the Registrar said the decision was taken to ensure that the Federal Government’s Policy of expansion of access to higher education and manpower development was not defeated.

He explained that most of the institutions who were part of the decision to adopt the 180 minimum benchmark during the 2016-Policy Meeting chaired by Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, drew attention to the difficulty of admitting candidates as a result of cutoff marks.

The JAMB Registrar noted that based on this, a large number of institutions had applied for a waiver to enable them admit candidates who scored below 180 marks.

Oloyede said: “Just this morning we received a green light on flexible cutoff mark only for institutions which have exhausted the list of candidates with 180 above, subject, of course to a minimum acceptable to JAMB and meeting of other pre requisite.

“Many institutions, though part of the decision, have expressed concern on their inability to effect

this cut-off mark as they are finding it difficult to fill a reasonable percentage of their quota if the rule is strictly applied as we insist.

“A large number of institutions, particularly the budding ones, have applied for a waiver to enable them admit candidates who in some instances scored below 180 marks,” he added.

“For some, this may sound unreasonable with the largely false impression

that a large percentage of those who score above 180 and are qualified for admission cannot find any placement in our institutions, but I think this cry needs attention, otherwise, some of these institutions whether public or privately-owned may soon begin to wobble or even close shops.

“As a board, we have studied the trend of admissions and have come up with a finding that hardly

do the institutions collectively fill their quota annually. Indeed, in some cases, up to 50% of approved quota is wasted particularly by upright institutions which do not circumspect the rule.

“Unfortunately, a large number of institutions flagrantly disregarded the cut-off and many other policies, yet they found a way to eventually regularise the illegal admissions through corrupt process.”

Unsolicited telemarketing: 13 mobile operators to face sanctions Gloria Usman ABUJA

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igerian Communications Commission, NCC, yesterday said it would sanction 13 telecommunications operators for failing to comply with the ‘ 2442 Do Not Disturb (DND)’ directive on unsolicited telemarketing issued to them on April 20.

A statement by the NCC Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Tony Ojobo said, the network operators, include Airtel Network Limited, MTN Nigeria, Globacom Nigeria, Smile Communication, Visafone Communications, Ntel, Etisalat, Multi links, Starcomms, Danjay Telecoms, Gamjitel Limited and Gicell wireless.

According to the commission, services providers have been given another one-week ultimatum being from Monday, November 14, 2016 to remedy the situation or face the sanctions enshrined in the directive.

“Worried by the noncompliance by the operators occasioned by deluge of complaints by subscribers across Nigeria, the NCC inaugurated an eightmember committee to look

into the matter.

“After several meetings, including those it held with the network providers, it became necessary to issue the latest ultimatum to redress the menace of incessant unsolicited text messages and phone calls for telemarketing via the various networks.

The commission said it has written to all 13 networks providers on whose networks it has received series of complaints from subscribers regarding the efficacy of the Do Not Disturb (DND) service.

The statement said the phrase ‘MTN generated SMS’ referred to part (d) of the duration issued to MTN and other network providers shall be taken to mean.

The statement also states that information on emergencies, national security, fire, notifications on network maintenance programmes down times and notification regarding subscribers bundle usage and service renewals and other text messages and voice calls informing subscribers of new products and service offerings are not regarded as network generated and therefore regarded as “unsolicited marketing messages”.

L-R: Former President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr Nasir Isa Fagge; ASUU President, Prof Biodun Ogunyemi and Vice President, ASUU, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, during a press conference to embark on a one-week warning strike across the nation starting from Wednesday 16th November 2016 in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO ROTIMI OSASONA

Hunger looms in Nigeria, Presidency warns Marcus Fatunmole and Ajibola Winner

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he presidency has warned that Nigeria, currently Africa’s largest producer of cereals and grains, risks famine from early next year following huge demand in the global market targeting the country’s surplus production.

A statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, and made available to journalists, Monday, in Abuja said “huge demand for our grains in the global market is creating an excellent environment for the mindless export of Nigerian grains across our borders and unless this is curtailed, Nigerian markets will be bereft of food by January next year.”

Shehu said he gave the grim forecast in an interview granted Pyramid radio in Kano yesterday.

He said, “huge demand for our grains in the global market is creating an excellent environment for the mindless export of Nigerian grains across our borders and unless this is curtailed, Nigerian markets will be bereft of food

by January next year.”

The presidential spokesman said the Ministry of Agriculture had advised the President on the need to draw the attention of all Nigerians to the issue which, if not addressed promptly, could lead to a shortage of grains in the country by January.

“Over the past year, Providence has blessed Nigeria with a bountiful harvest of grains, more than enough to feed the country and to export to other coun-

tries.

“At present, there is a high demand for grains from Nigeria, from African countries as distant as Libya and Algeria, and from places as far away as Brazil.

However, the ministry of agriculture has raised concerns about a massive rate of exportation, which could lead to a shortage of grains in Nigeria by January”, Shehu said.

He explained that Nigeria enjoyed a free market, stressing that President Muhammadu Buhari does not have the intention of tempering with the situation However, Shehu explained that on the other hand, exporters also have a moral obligation to make their produce available to Nigerians to ensure that citizens have access to food.

He further said the Ministry of Agriculture esti-

mated that no fewer than 500 trucks laden with grain leave Nigerian markets every week for countries outside our borders.

According to him, the major markets involved in the exportation are the Dawanau market in Kano, Naigatari in Jigawa, Bama in Borno, and Ilela in Sokoto, as well as three other main markets in Kebbi State.

He further explained that the president had on several occasions reiterated his plan for Nigeria to become a food-producing giant, self-sufficient to the point of depending very little on imported food.

“This noble plan could easily be defeated by the pull of the foreign market if food continues to leave our shores to feed people elsewhere. If care is not taken, Nigeria could face a famine

by January,” he said.

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Tuesday, November 15, 2016

NEWS

L-R: Director: Legal and Regulatory Affairs/Company Secretary, Airtel Nigeria, Shola Adeyemi; Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai and Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Danbatta, at the Airtel stand during the on-going ITU World conference in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday.

L-R: Deputy Secretary-General, External Relations, International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID), Amb. Alvard Albacte; Head CIDO group, Amb. Jalela Chelba and CoCharman African Women of Faith Network, Mrs Seydoon Saued, during the interfaith dialogue forum in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO; ROTIMI OSASONA

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Lead Speaker, Prof. Paul Idornigie; President, Law, Media and Social Justice Development Initiative, Bar. Charles Odenigbo; Chairman of the event, Prof. Epiphany Azinge and DirectorGeneral, Nigerian Identity Management Commission, Alhaji Aliyu Aziz, during a roundtable on Improving the Laws and Regulations Hampering Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria, Outdoor Advertising, Media and Communications Issues, Challenges and Solutions, in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: Sourcing Manager, Commercial, British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN), Tolulope Ashaolu; BATN Foundation Ajara Badagry beneficiary, Mrs. Basirat Bamgboye; Communications & Event Manager, BATN Foundation, Tajudeen Akinwande; General Manager, BATN Foundation, Abimbola Okoya; BATNF Otu,Oyo State beneficiary, Mrs. Sidikat Adejumobi and Company Secretary, BATN Foundation, Chiago Akpata, during the award presentation of the Best Company in Eradication of Hunger at the Social Enterprize Reporting Awards (SERA) in Lagos recently.

National News

Arms deal: Witness indicts Obanikoro in N1.2bn fraud Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

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irst prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of Biodun Agbele, Mr. Alade Sunday, Monday indicted former Minister of State, Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro.

Sunday, who was cross examined by Mike Ozekhome, SAN, counsel representing Agbele, an associate of the governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, told Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja that it was Obanikoro, who handed N1.2bn to him at the Akure airport.

Sunday had earlier testified in court that his zonal manager, Abiodun Osodi informed him that a customer would be bringing in some money.

But, when he was asked to read from his witness statement which stated that he was informed by

one Lawrence Akande, Sunday got agitated, sprang to his feet and insisted on clarifying the fact that he was informed through his zonal manager.

The witness, who said he had never met the defendant before, prior to the June 17, 2014 transactions, also insisted that he never discussed anything related to money nor any meeting.

He said he was not worried that a customer he had not met before was bringing raw cash in an aircraft

via the Akure airport, but got worried when the second aircraft arrived.

Having confirmed he was worried over the huge sum of money, he, however, said he did not report the transactions because it was not his duty to do so.

Earlier, prosecuting counsel, Wahab Shittu, while announcing his appearance, informed the court that he had initiated the process of retrieving the defendant’s international passport from EFCC,

to be brought before the court.

It would be recalled that the court at the last adjourned date, had asked EFCC to produce the defendant’s international passport.

Agbele had written the court that he would embark on a foreign trip for medical treatment.

During cross examination, Sunday affirmed that when the aircraft landed at the Akure airport, it was the defendant, Agbele and

Obanikoro who took custody of the money.

When asked on whose instruction the monies were transferred, he said: “The instruction was given by Biodun Agbele.

“The transaction was processed on behalf of Agbele, the cash was mostly in N1000 bill, while the rest were in N500, and were deposited into the accounts of Spotless Investment, De Privateer Limited and Ayodele Fayose’s.”

At this point, the trial

judge adjourned continuation of trial to November 17, 2016.

Agbele was arraigned alongside Obanikoro (in absentia), Sylvan Mcnamara Limited, A. O. Adewale, Tunde Oshinowo and Olalekan Ogunseye (all at large) before the court on an 11 count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N1.2bn, allegedly transferred from the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA.

How $752,000 was lodged into Badeh’s Visa Gold account —Witness

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prosecution witness, Mrs. Fatima Dauda, Monday told a Federal High Court that she opened a “Visa Gold Account” for former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh.

The witness made this known to Justice Okon Abang of the Abuja divi-

sion of the court while being led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Mr. O.A Atolagbe.

According to the witness, an initial deposit of $50,000 was made into the account in two installments by Badeh’s officers.

The witness said that she personally filled the

deposit teller and wrote her name on it.

The witness also told the court that $702,000 was paid into the account between June 13, 2013 and October 24, 2013 by Badeh and a third party.

The witness said she was the Relationship Manager of the First Bank since 2011

with a distinct function of marketing and securing customers as well as managing the relationship.

Dauda told the court that she was the relationship manager of Badeh’s visa gold account from 2012 when the account was opened.

According to the wit-

ness, the visa gold account cannot be operated over the counter except in case of deposits.

Dauda told the court that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had in May, requested for information regarding the said account.

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Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Insecurity: FG warns intelligence agencies against lapses

… says shoddy job will earn severe sanctions Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

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he Federal Government yesterday, threatened to sanction defence, security and intelligence agencies, if they fail to evolve novel, actionable and effective strategies on sustainable solution to the burgeoning security challenges in the country.

Defence Minister, BrigGeneneral Muhammad Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd), read the riot act, while declaring open the 2016 Defence Advisers/Attaches (DAs) Annual Conference tagged “Harnessing the Potentials of Defence Attache System for improved National Security in Nigeria”, at the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) Headquarters, Abuja.

Dan-Ali warned the DAs and concerned authorities that the Federal Govern-

ment would no longer tolerate any form of shoddiness and lack of creativity in handling of national security matters.

He called for innovation, noting that “given the complexity and uncertainty of today’s security environment, our defence architecture and thought process would have to significantly provide sustainable military and political outcomes”.

“Hitherto whereby we send Defence Advisers and they don’t bring a concrete report, we will throw it back at them. They should know what is happening at their environment, advice us and we will then take it from there. I believe that with this type of conference they will tighten up their belt and have a better understanding of what’s required of them,” he said.

The minister stated that the conference would pro-

vide the opportunity “to generate meaningful dialogue to determine assessment of strategic landscape and the prospect to harness the best ideas and innovations for a comprehensive improvement to our joint readiness and the capability to project decisive force against our adversaries”.

Dan-Ali said that added to these national security challenges, is the economic recession the country is currently facing, as well as the global security environment, which is also under relentless and vicious attacks by terrorists and criminals who are opposed to the existing world order.

Therefore, he said, the consequences of these emerging scenarios necessitated our military professionals to articulate new and effective means of tackling these prevailing challenges in the face of reduced resources.

Fani-Kayode released from prisons after perfecting bail conditions Wale Igbintade and Doosuur Iwambe

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ormer Minister of Aviation, Femi FaniKayode, was Monday released from Kuje Prisons custody after perfecting all his bail conditions.

Fani-Kayode, who was flanked by his wife at the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja where he perfected his bail conditions, told newsmen that he gave thanks to God and Nigerians who were with him during the travail.

Fani- Kayode, who spent about twenty four days in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, as well as Kuje prisons said he will focus on his health challenge, but however, did not disclosed the nature of his ailment.

Answering questions on his experience in the EFCC custody, Fani-Kayode said that as one on their consistent customers, the experience was no longer new to him.

It would be recalled that Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had last week admitted the former Aviation Minister and Director of Media and Publicity in the Campaign Organisation of former President Gooluck Jonathan to bail in the sum of N50million.

Fani-Kayode, who was arraigned before the court

by EFCC on a five-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N26million howevern pleaded not guilty to all the five-count charges.

His trial in another case before a Federal High Court in Lagos was stalled yesterday following his remand at the Kuje prisons.

Fani-Kayodeis charged alongside a former Minister of Finance, Nenandi Usman, and Danjuma Yusuf.

They are charged by EFCC on 17 counts bordering on the offence and had all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

At the resumed hearing of the case yesterday, Fani-

Kayode’s lawyer, Wale Balogunn informed the court that his client was still languishing in Kuje prisons.

Responding, EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, told the court that he was aware of the arraignment of the second accused, but added that his arraignment before the Abuja division of the court had nothing to do with the instant case.

He maintained that the subsequent arrest of the accused was with a view to serving him with the charge and not to disrespect the court.

He, therefore, urged the court to grant an adjournment so as to allow the accused to appear and stand trial.

The first defendant in the suit, Nenandi Usman prayed the court to seperate her trial from that of Fani-Kayode and others.

Speaking through her counsel, F.O Orbih (SAN), the former minister also urged the court to transfer her trial to Abuja division of the court.

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Tuesday November 15, 2016

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Still on looming fuel price hike

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pprehension of desperate plots by the Federal Government to increase the pump price of petrol (Premium Motor Spirit, PMS) is still smouldering. It was exacerbated a couple of days back by a wave of panic in Abuja, the nation’s capital, occasioned by reports that major petrol stations, including the retail outlets of the Nigerian National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPC) had jerked up their pump prices from the official N145 to N149 per litre. The Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, promptly dismissed the claim, insisting that the FG never announced any change in pump prices. He was quoted as saying later that the government would undertake a review of the pricing template for PMS to forestall a further increase in its price.

Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division of NNPC, Mr. Garba Deen Muhammad, also issued a statement in Abuja in which he denied the report of pump price increase. “The price adjustment is still within the price band of N135 and N145 per litre approved on May 11 (2016) by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), the statutory body in charge of petroleum products pricing. The Corporation assures marketers and motorists of its readiness to continue to play its statutory

role of being the supplier of last resort and ensuring energy security for the nation. The NNPC further confirms the availability of over 1.6 billion litres of PMS in-country that would last 45 days consumption. There was no time the NNPC management met the President to push for a hike in the pump price of petrol to N150 per litre”, Muhammad stated.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in response to the scare, last Monday, warned the government against any further increases in the pump prices of petroleum products, especially PMS. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) reacted likewise; threatening it would resist any such increase. The vigilance of organised labour and the entire citizenry in monitoring fuel price hikes since the speculation started roughly three months ago is ostensibly borne out of past experience, when such ‘rumours’ are in no time matched by actual increase. It is usually during festive periods like the Yuletide that artificial fuel scarcity is contrived and Nigerians are literally clubbed into buying fuel at outrageous costs after wasting several hours or all night at filling stations.

There is every reason for Nigerians to remain eternally vigilant and resist further increases in

It is on record that former NNPC Group Managing Directors (GMDs) recently called for a further hike in pump price despite the grinding economic hardship

the pump price of fuel. The price was adjusted to N145 from N86.50 just last May (2016). Between late August and early September, the fuel price increase scare rented the air. The authorities denied any such move. Quite recently, however, were reports credited to the NNPC which said the sale of petrol at N145 per litre was unsustainable due to the prevailing exchange rate.

The corporation’s Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division, Mr. Mele Kyari, reportedly said in Lagos there was no way petrol would continue to be sold at the current pump price of N145; though he quickly added that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration would not announce another increase in petrol pump price because Nigerians would not accept it. He also said selling petrol above N145 per litre would require legislation by the National Assembly.

It is on record that former

NNPC Group Managing Directors (GMDs) recently called for a further hike in pump price despite the grinding economic hardship non-privileged Nigerians are subjected to. All the rhetoric about the liberalisation/deregulation of the country’s downstream oil sector has never shifted from incessant fuel price fixing and pump price hikes, right from the military era till today. Quite obvious has been the fact that incessant fuel price increases are orchestrated by poor local refining capacity, as the nation’s four refineries are virtually on recess; and the FG woefully failed in several decades to make them work or encourage the building of new ones to boost local refining capacity and conserve foreign exchange. Presently, nothing concrete seems to be in the offing to accelerate local refining capacity other than loud talks. In spite of the high cost of dollar to the naira and the country’s economic quagmire, the FG still lavishes about 30 percent of the nation’s foreign exchange on petroleum products’ import. There comes a time governments are compelled to face up to the reality and take bold steps to alleviate the pains of their citizens. The time Nigerians should compel the government to lead the nation out of crisis emanating from fuel price hikes is now.

ON THIS DAY November 15, 1988

November 15, 2006

An independent State of Palestine was proclaimed by the Palestinian National Council amid the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, a lingering struggle between Israelis and Palestinians that began in the early 20th century.

The conflict is wide-ranging and covers earlier phases between the Zionist ‘yishuv’ and the Arab population living in Palestine under the defunct Ottoman and the then British rule.

Al Jazeera English was launched worldwide. Al Jazeera English (AJE) is an international 24-hour English-language news and current affairs television channel headquartered in Doha, Qatar. It is a sister channel of both the United States-based English-language channel, Al Jazeera America (AJAM); and of the original Arabic-language, Al Jazeera - sometimes, albeit incorrectly referred to as ‘Al Jazeera Arabic’.

November 15, 2007 Cyclone Sidr struck Bangladesh, killed an estimated 5,000 people and destroyed the world’s largest mangrove forest - Sundarbans. A group, ‘Save the Children’, estimated the number of deaths to be between 5,000 and 10,000, while the Red Crescent Society reported 10,000. International groups pledged $95 million to repair the resultant damage estimated at $1.7 billion.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Universities/Polytechnics dichotomy: Matters arising Tunde Olofintila

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or sometimes now, there has been this unhealthy and unnecessary dichotomy between Universities and Polytechnics, a development which has portrayed the products of the latter as being somewhat inferior to those of universities in Nigeria. But all of that may be heading for the basket of history if the advice of Elder Statesman and Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, is taken and implemented.

The frontline legal icon has canvassed for the abrogation of the obnoxious dichotomy and recommended an upgrade of all Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology in the country just like the government of Mr. John Major did in England in 1992 when he abrogated all Polytechnics and converted to Universities of Technology.

Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour yesterday at the maiden Convocation Ceremonies of Igbajo Polytechnic, founded by his bosom friend and lawyer, Chief Olajide Oyewole, Babalola recalled that the reason why Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology was established, ab initio, was to turn out Technologists, but unfortunately, Nigeria has made Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology inferior to universities by giving lower cut off marks for admission into Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology.

This has inadvertently led to a situation whereby it is only those who cannot secure admission into the various universities that settle for admission into Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology.

Babalola who was represented by the

Head, Department of International Relations & Diplomacy, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Adeolu Durotoye, said “this dichotomy is bad and unacceptable and therefore should be obliterated by making the cut off marks for both Universities and Polytechnics to be the same”.

He added: “The Federal Government should adopt what Mr. John Major, former Prime Minister of Britain, did in England in 1992 when he abrogated the unhealthy and unnecessary dichotomy between Universities and Polytechnics and converted all polytechnics to universities. If our Polytechnics are upgraded to Universities of Technology, their products, who would have imbibed functional and all-round education, would upon graduation be employers of labour instead of pounding the streets, looking for white-collar jobs which are scarce to come by today”.

Tracing the origin of Polytechnics, Babalola said the establishment of Polytechnics was a reaction to the rise of industrial power and Technical Education in France, Germany and the USA in early 19th Century.

According to him, prior to the 1960s, degrees at the London Polytechnic were validated by the University of London because Polytechnics had no power to award degrees, noting that the first British institution to use the name “Polytechnic” was the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society, which it still retains, together with the affectionate nickname “The Poly”.

Polytechnics which award Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are often seen as ranking below universities in the provision of higher education because they lacked degree-awarding powers, concentrating on Applied Sciences and Engi-

A good parent

ought to attend the

Parents/ Teachers Association meeting regularly neering education and producing less Research than universities. However under the Further and Higher Education Act of 1992 in UK Polytechnics became fully fledged universities and started awarding their own degrees.

Babalola commended Oyewole for investing in education with a warning that education is a non-profit enterprise where he should expect profit in monetary form, stressing that he (Oyewole) will keep on spending and spending on infrastructure, expansion and salaries and other overheads as the institution continues to grow. His consolation is that he is investing in humanity.

Of Oyewole, Babalola had this to say: “Chief Oyewole, a man after my heart in my ways, is a bossom friend.

We both met in Ibadan through a mutual friend when I was preparing for my GCE Ordinary Level through Wolsey Hall tuition from Oxford. Years later, both of us qualified as lawyers.

However, he settled in Lagos and practiced as a Solicitor while I settled at Ibadan and practiced as Litigation lawyer. He is charming, knowledgeable and honourable. Above all, he is sartorial and always elegantly dressed. You can hardly miss him out in a crowd! He has this admirable and polished European style which re-

mains with him till today. He is a kind, generous, loving, gentle and harmless man. I don’t know anyone that will say Chief Oyewole has hurt him”!

As he is wont to stress, Babalola said teachers have a big role to play in the actualization of quality and functional education in Nigeria. “They must know that they are on essential duty like the Army, the Police, Water Corporation and PHCN and as such they cannot go on strike. It must always be at the back of that they are loco in parentis to their students and therefore cannot abandon their own children because good parents don’t abandon their children. They should see teaching as a vocation which they should be proud of. Indeed, it will not be out of place if the constitution is amended to make education an essential duty”, he said.

He advised parents to take more interest in the education of their children by visiting their children’s when in school and monitor their progress, stressing that “a good parent ought to attend the Parents/ Teachers Association meeting regularly”.

He congratulated and rejoiced with the graduating students and their parents for this achievement. He thanked them and their parents for believing in Oyewole who started a new Polytechnic for willfully registering their children in the College. He advised the graduating students to be good Ambassadors of Igbajo Polytechnic and do everything in your power and conduct to raise the banner of your Alma Mata high at all times.

Olofintila wrote from Ado-Ekiti

NIGER-DELTA: Militancy, Amnesty Programme and other side of the coin Carl Umegboro

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he Federal Government amnesty programme initiated by the late Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration undeniably chronicled colossal feats and ultimately fetched succours to the beneficiaries as projected. Admitted, the programme as a palliative mechanism demonstrated thoughtfulness to an extent in addressing the protracted imbalances in the polity which resulted to militancy in the Niger-Delta environs especially kidnap, indiscriminate destruction of oil pipelines, among other vices. Commendably, the initiative was appropriate by prevalent circumstances then, but subsequently necessitated paradigm shift. The successive administrations ought to substitute the amnesty programme with broader interventionist packages capable of providing optimisms to aggregate Niger-Delta people, and concurrently promotes societal norms. The reason is simple. The existing programme is indirectly a crime bolster since only identifiable criminal-minded persons benefit from the packages. Hence, to be enlisted, proofs of criminalities are requisite. Eligibility in the scheme ought to not perpetually anchor on idiosyncrasies but indigenity.

At this point, disbursements should be on gyratory slots across the communities; and clearly reflect all-inclusiveness.

On account of that, in most cases, criminalities are usually deliberate and committed Aptly, government is a continuum, thus, to retain such ingenious initiatives by successive administrations is a desideratum.

Nonetheless, scheduling is pivotal to its effective sustainability. Goals are usually absolute but modes, vastly flexible. The preliminary technique as strategically designed towards arresting the ugly situation by providing amnesty packages; thereby impounding lethal weapons in their possessions and getting them engaged with vocational skills for livelihood is fantastic; however, to keep to the frequency would defeat the objectives and continuously do more harm to the society, particularly on the crumpling economy.

On account of that, in most cases, criminalities are usually deliberate and committed as prerequisites by aspiring beneficiaries to sign-up with the scheme. In situations where crimes are committed without detection, the culprits persistently repeat actions to get noticed; to secure endorsements, disappointedly as felons, militants, kidnappers, name it. Until such identification is actualized and they are convincingly certified, the society continues to face their wraths. Thus, by its continuance, the government is un-

consciously endorsing lawlessness in the society since identifying with a militancy group opens doors for government’s recognition for stipends, scholarships and other incentives. Be that as it may, cessation or militarization is completely out of it except balanced modifications. To use extreme military actions against a group that roar over prolonged injustice may proliferate the crisis beyond imagination.

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) should preemptively stepup with more attractive and result-oriented packages for all-inclusive people of the geopolitical zone instead of constricting it to militants. It’s irrational for coolheaded persons with standard societal norms to be isolated while the lawlessclass is treated positively by the government. Candidly, archetypal of enigma cum aberration! The contemporary incentives should be aimed at impacting positively on the lives of the people without discrimination. If not, more militants groups will show up in different identities and with intense havocs looming even if dialogues with the existing groups succeed. How could there be absolute ceasefire where gentlemen are mocked, abandoned and tagged sluggish for not carrying guns in the region wittingly for induction into the amnesty programme while those that abysmally dared are enlisted, empowered and cel-

ebrated; thus posting opportunities inside calamities at the detriment of the society. The excesses of the militants should be pigheadedly, but subtly confronted.

The Avengers and other groups that had threatened everything except to pull down the heaven; throwing bombs sporadically as yuletide knock-outs, are merely targeting atone direction; enrolment into the federal government amnesty payroll like their allies, and more will continue to queue up, after all, what is good for the goose is equally good for the gander. Thus, the government needs to get back to the drawing table for a review towards restoring the polity to normalcy. Suffice to say, NDDC should expeditiously rebrand the packages after the Niger-Deltans instead of militants, albeit, that’s if allotments will get to the average people, and not hijacked by influential politicians who are insatiable with wealth, perhaps with ‘Buharism’ entrenched as a rheostat.

Umegboro, public affairs analyst and social crusader writes from Pinnacle InfoGallery (www.pinnacleinfogallery.com) Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs.

Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

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South West

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EFCC to re-arraign Ajudua over $1.3m fraud

Ayodele Olalere

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ocialite and lawyer, Fred Ajudua, will on January 12, 2017 be re-arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice E.F. Oyefeso of an Ikeja High Court.

The re-arraignment of the socialite was earlier fixed for Monday, but it could not hold following his failure to appear in court.

He was to be re-arraigned alongside others now at large on a 28-counts charge made against them by the EFCC, but to the amazement of the court, he did not show up. His lawyer, Allens Agbaka, however, undertook to produce Ajudua for him to be re-arraigned on the next adjourned date.

“I only stumbled on this matter this morning. I tried to contact the defendant and got in touch with the younger sister, Gina Osuala who informed me that the defendant (Ajudua) is being hospitalised at the National Hospital, Abuja. This is the first time I am hearing about this matter. I personally undertake to produce the defendant at the next adjourned date,” he told the court.

Agbaka’s request consequently prompted the judge to adjourn until January 12, 2017 for Ajudua to be re-arraigned.

Ajudua is facing 28-count charge that touches on conspiracy and obtaining by false pretense. The offence according to the anti-graft agency offends Section 1 (3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud

OYSIEC releases timetable for council poll Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

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yo State Independent Electoral Commission, OYSIEC, Monday released the timetable for elections into the 33 local government areas and the newly created 35 Local Council Development Authority (LCDAs), scheduled for February, 2017.

Chairman of the commission, Mr. Jide Ajeigbe, released the election timetable while addressing journalists in Ibadan, the state capital.

He said prospective candidates are expected to obtain nomination forms in respect of the election from the electoral officers at all local government areas not later than Wednesday, December 28, 2016.

He said, ”Commencement of campaign by political parties and conduct of party primaries by political parties will hold between November 16th to 19th, 2016. Collection of personal data form for candidates by political parties will hold from November 21st to 24th, 2016. Submission of personal data form for candidates by political parties comes up on November 28th to December 1st, 2016.

Verification/Screening of Councillorship candidates will be held between December 9th to 10th, 2016.

“Delivery of list of qualified candidates to political parties by OYSIEC will hold on December 12, 2016. Appeals/Substitution of un-cleared candidates be held on December 14th to 16th, 2016. Screening of substituted candidates by OYSIEC on December 20th to 22nd, 2016. Collection of nomination forms by all cleared candidates by December 26th to January 4th,2017. Submission of nomination form will take place on January 9th to January 11th, 2017.”

The OYSIEC boss stated further that publication of names of qualified candidates will hold on January 13, 2017 while submission of names and addresses of party agents to the commission will hold on January 16 to 25th, 2017 and end of electioneering campaign will be February 10th, 2017.

While adding that the runoff and re-run election will hold on February 18th, 2017, he urged all stakeholders to give their support and cooperation to the commission in order to organise and conduct free, fair and credible election in the state.

Related Offences Act No. 13 of 1995 as amended by Act No. 62 of 1999.

Part of the charge reads: “That you, Fred Chijindu Ajudua, Alumile Adedeji a.k.a Ade Bendel (still at large), Mr. Jonathan (still at large), Mr. Kenneth (still at large), Princess Amabong Williams (still at large) and others still at large on or about 16 December 2004 at Lagos within the jurisdic-

tion of this honourable court; with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of $1,000,000 (One Million dollars) from Lt. General Bamaiyi by falsely representing that the said sum was part payment for the professional fees purportedly charged by Chief Afe Babalola to handle Lt. Gen. Bamaiyi’s case and to facilitate General Bamaiyi’s release from prison custody.

“That you, Fred Chijindu Ajudua, Alumile Adedeji a.k.a Ade Bendel (still at large), Mr. Jonathan (still at large), Mr. Kenneth (still at large), Princess Amabong Williams (still at large) and others still at large on or about 27 December 2004 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this honourable court; with intent to defraud, obtained the

sum $350,000 (Three hundred and fifty thousand dollars) from Lt. General Bamaiyi (rtd) by falsely representing that the said sum was part payment for the professional fees purportedly charged by Chief Afe Babalola to handle Lt. Gen Bamaiyi’s case and to facilitate Lt. General Bamaiyi’s release from prison custody.”

L-R; Air Transport Management, Engr. Hassan Musa; Minister of State, Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika; Director, Policy, Research and Statistics, Alhaji Adamu Wakili; Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Muhktar Usman and Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Engr. Saleh Dunoma, during an interactive meeting between the minister and airline operators, in Lagos, yesterday.

Tension in FUNAAB as SSANU protests sack of 23 colleagues Femi Oyeweso and Saidat Alausa

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cademic as well as commercial activities at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, were paralysed at the early hours of Monday as hundreds of the South West members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) barricaded access roads to the institution in protest against the sacking of 23 of their colleagues by the institution’s management.

Several students, visitors, lecturers and other members of the university communities, who were caught unaware, were also stranded at various bus stops leading to the university, while few ones with means of transportation had a hectic time moving either to or from the university community due to the protest which witnessed the FUNAAB Alabata road in Abeokuta completely shut.

...situation under control-Management

The development however, generated serious tension as protesters deployed used tyres to make born fire with vehicles and human shield to obstruct traffic flow so as to draw attention of the public to what they termed as “injustice and victimisation” of their members by FUNAAB management.

Although many of the workers abandoned their vehicles on the road and trekked, others however, rode on commercial motor cycles popularly called “Okada” to access the university.

National Mirror also observed that armed police men, operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as well as the Traffic Wardens drafted to the area in eight Hilux pick-up vans teamed up with personnel of FUNAAB’s security unit as they all stood their ground to ensure that hoodlums did not take advantage of the situation

to unleash violence on the people.

The SSANU’s National Vice-President, South Western zone, Comrade Alfred Jimoh, who addressed the gathering however, called for an “immediate and unconditional recall” of their sacked colleagues.

National Mirror recalled that FUNAAB’s management had last Thursday November 10, sacked 23 SSANU members which included Lasun Somoye, Abdusalaam Sobbor and E.A. Bankole for their involvement in writing a petition against the management of the institution to the EFCC. But Jimoh, who emphasised that the sacked FUNAAB colleagues were just seeking for probity, accountability and transparency in the handling of the finances of the institution, also condemned the action of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleg-

edly divulging the identities of SSANU members who signed the petition in which institution’s the Vice - Chancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole and other are standing trial.

He also called for an investigation into the affairs of FUNAAB in the last four years, adding that “if the Federal Government is indeed sincere in its Anti-corruption war, the searchlight should be beamed at FUNAAB.” The SSANU’s National Vice-President, however, urged Nigerians of good conscience to condemn in strong terms, the evil actions at FUNAAB allegedly being perpetrated by the management.

Reacting to the SSANU’s protest, the institution’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mrs. Emi Alawode, said normalcy has since returned to the university community, stressing that junior staffers of the institution were on ground to carry out their duties despite the protest.

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South West

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

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Amosun signs anti-kidnapping, land grabbing bill into law Femi Oyeweso ABEOKUTA

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gun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, Monday signed into law, the bill prescribing death sentence as well as 25 years jail term for anyone found guilty of engaging in kidnapping or forceful takeover of landed property anywhere in the state.

...offenders now face death penalty, 25 years imprisonment The governor’s signing of the bill into law was coming after 35 days when the state House of Assembly (OGHA) had passed the bill criminalising kidnap, land grabbing, forceful entry into landed property, violent conducts, cultism among other allied offences.

N350m suit: Court restrains AMCON, others from taking over landed property

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benga Ogunbufunmi A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, has restrained Assets Management Corporation Of Nigeria, AMCON, and other parties involved in a N350, 556, 046.58million debt recovery suit filed by the corporation against Amak Arnold Nigeria Limited, and its manager, Mike Onuoha .

The court gave the order in respect of a landed property situated at Plot B, block 84/86 Magodo Residential scheme, in Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos State.

However, consequent upon the order, another limited liability company, Ziggies Place Limited, through its lawyer, Barrister Abiodun Onidare, filed an application before the same court asking to be joined as a party in the said suit as the interim order of possession affected it’s interest.

An affidavit sworn to by Joy Oribhabor, a Litigation Manager in the law firm of Abiodun Onidare and Co., averred that AMCON through an interlocutory application obtained an order of the court granting it possession over a parcel of land belonging to Ziggies Place Limited situated at

Plot B, block 84/86 Magodo Residential scheme, in Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The said land according to the applicant belongs to it (Ziggies Place Limited) seeking to be joined as a party in the matter and not Amak Arnold Nigeria Limited, or it’s manager, Mike Onuoha.

The applicant added that the Lagos State Land Bureau had allocated the land it (Ziggies Place Limited).

The joider applicant said: ‘’Sequel to the interim order of the court, granted to AMCON in this suit, AMCON has been given the possessing right over a portion of the landed property belonging to Ziggies Place Limited. “’The interim order has affected the legal interest of Ziggies Place Limited seeking to be join as a party, as the said property has been sealed up, consequent upon the interim order of the court.’’ The affidavit stated.

As a result of the foregoing, Ziggies Place Limited is seeking to be joined in this suit, as joining it will enable it make claim to the said portion of the land belonging to the company, urging the court to grant the application in the interest of justice.

National Mirror recalled that the bill number H.B. No. 03/2016, titled: “A bill for a law to prohibit forcible entry and occupation of landed properties, violent and fraudulent conducts in relation to landed properties, armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism and allied matters and for other matters incidental thereto or connected therewith”, was passed by the state Assembly on October 11, this year.

After the passage of the bill, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Honourable Suraju Adekunbi, also led some of the state lawmakers to present a clean copy of the bill to the

O

pressway by a gang of armed robbers.

The statement was made available to newsmen on Monday on Osogbo.

The PPRO said the driver of the tanker and his motor boy were rescued by the police.

She said the Safer Highway Police Patrol team 014

State Executive Council (SEC), further reiterated that the law would go after the activities of the kidnappers and “omo oniles” and ensure that the state is not a comfort zone for any criminal.

“They have engaged maiming, killing and lawlessness. But now, the law will go after them. We are now having enabling law to prosecute and anybody that runs foul of this law, of course, will have himself or herself to blame”.

“To the kidnappers, they know that this is their end.

Anybody that involves self in kidnapping, armed rob-

L-R: Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja 11; Acting Managing Director/CEO Bank of Industry, Mr Waheed Olagunju and Divisional Head, South, Bank of Industry, Mr AbdulGaniyu Mohammed, after MOU signing ceremony between Bank of Industry and House of Oduduwa Foundation on 1 billion naira soft loan for youth in Ile-Ife Osun State, yesterday.

Community parades chief naked over alleged phone theft Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

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traditional chief simply identified as Chief Ilesanmi Olorigbo from Aita quarters of Ilupeju-Ekiti, Oye

Police recover tanker with 36,000 litres of petrol from armed robbers

sun Police Command said it had recovered a tanker laden with 36,000 litres of petrol hijacked by armed robbers.

A statement by SP Folashade Odoro, the command Public Relations Officer, said the tanker, with number plate MKA 887 ZF, was hijacked along Ife/ Ilesha ex-

governor for further action.

Speaking after signing it into law however, Amosun declared that anyone who runs foul of the law would be severely dealt with, assuring that the government would not compromise the prevailing peace and security in the state.

Amosun, who signed the bill into law before the state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, State Director, Department of State Security Service (DSS), Kabiru Sali, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olumide Ayeni and other members of the

bery and all these social vices will not be allowed in Ogun State. I want to believe that with the operation of this law, criminals will run away from the state.”

The governor, who commended the House of Assembly, Ministry of Justice and other stakeholders for ensuring speedy action on the law, further pledged that his administration would continue to put in place policies towards ensuring conducive atmosphere for businesses and investments in the state.

In his comment, the state Commissioner of Police, Iliyasu promised that the command would enforce the law accordingly.

led by Inspector Oyeogbe Ojekere, responded promptly to a distress call by the driver when the tanker was hijacked.

She said the team recovered the tanker with its content intact.

Odoro added that the hijackers escaped into the bush on sighting the police team.

Council area of Ekiti State has been accused of stealing a phone.

Sources alleged that the chief had consequently been subjected to forced hard labour of digging a deep well inside the community market.

They said the punishment was after he was made to walk naked through the town for hours for allegedly stealing a small cell phone at his Aita quarters in the community.

Sources said trouble began on Sunday when some youths in the community were tipped that a cell phone which got missing on Saturday was found

with the chief.

Accordingly, the matter was allegedly reported to the Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti, Oba Olaleye Oniyelu, who promptly sent palace guards to fetch Olorigbo and in the process allegedly discovered the missing phone on him.

But the monarch, Oba Oniyelu, denied knowledge of Chief Olorigbo being stripped naked and compelled to dance round the town over alleged theft of phone.

Oniyelu, who told journalists on phone that the matter was reported to the police by his wife, said he was in the hospital when

Olorigbo was brought to the palace, adding: “I don’t know what really happened. I don’t know whether he was paraded round the town, but I will find out.

“Olorigbo calls himself a chief, he used to perform rituals and he is the leader of those praying at one of the shrines and anybody whose hand is not clean cannot go there. The adherents of the deity said he will be removed. That is what I know,” the monarch said.

Police spokesman Alberto Adeyemi, said Olorigbo was arrested and the matter would be charged to court.

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News

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Policeman kills colleague in cult clash

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olice in Cross River State said one of its personnel, Kingsley Iyeke, a corporal, had killed another policeman, Insp. Edet Archibong, during a gun duel between the police and suspected cultists in Calabar.

Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Jimoh OziObeh, made this known Monday in Calabar, while briefing newsmen on the activities of the command in the past one month.

The commissioner said that after the incident, the police swung into action by tracing the cultists to their hideout where some of them were arrested.

He explained that during interrogation, one of the suspected cultists mentioned Iyeke as their member.

The suspect alleged

that it was Iyeke, who shot the police inspector during the clash.

He said: “It would be recalled that we lost one of our inspectors last month during an exchange of fire with some cultists here in Calabar.

“Majority of the suspects have been arrested.

Our front line interrogation shows that one of our personnel, Corporal Kingsley Iyeke, was one of the cultists.

“After interrogating one of the arrested cultists, he confessed that Iyeke was their member and that he was the one that shot the inspector.

“During our trial, we found out that truly he was their member. We have dismissed him and he will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

Obaseki appoints SSG, Chief of Staff, others Isesele Ezekiel BENIN

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do State Governor, Godwin Obaseki Monday appointed Osarodion Ogie and Mr. Taiwo Francis Akerele as Secretary to the State Government, SSG, and Chief of Staff respectively.

Mr. John Mayaki was also appointed as Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Osarodion Ogie was a former Commissioner for Works, former vice chairman, Economic and Strategy Team and former Chief of Staff during the first tenure of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s administration.

Mr. Akerele, until now was the Project Coordinator for the World Bank Public Financial Management and Youth Employment Program for Edo State.

He was trained at the Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Carlton University, Ottawa, Canada, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, World Bank Institute Washington DC, University of Ibadan and Univer-

sity of Benin.

A trained banker, Mr. Akerele previously worked at the UBA (Strategy Group), FCMB (credit), Afribank (market intelligence) the old Fidelity Union Merchant Bank where he did his NYSC and the Lagos Business School.

He was founding member of Center for Values in Leadership.

Until his appointment, John Mayaki was the Executive Director, Media and Public Affairs during the Adams Oshiomhole’s administration. He was former Senior Special Assistant on Media and twice appointed Chief Press Secretary, AkokoEdo Local Government Council in 2003. He was a reporter with the defunct Comet Newspaper in 2006, and state correspondent of The Nation Newspaper till 2008.

Mayaki studied journalism at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos and holds a BA in International Studies and Diplomacy, University of Benin, Benin City.

Iyeke, 35, from Rivers State, was attached to the Marine Police base in Calabar.

Responding to questions from newsmen, Iyeke denied being a member of any cult group, saying that he was only being set up

by the suspected cultists.

The commissioner said that the command also rescued a 16-year-old kidnap victim, who was kidnapped in Ibadan on November 7 and brought to Calabar the following day.

He said that the minor,

a student of St. Barnabas Academy at Daramola Street in Ibadan, was abducted on his way to school.

He explained that the command had got across to the Ibadan Police Command with a view to safely

hand over the boy to them and be re-united with his family.

Ozi-Obeh said that the police nabbed 10 suspected criminals in connection with various crimes in the state.

L-R: Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha; representative of the Senate President, Sen. Kabir Marafa; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Minister of State for Petroleum and books author, Dr Emmanuel Kachikwu; Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari and wife of the Minister of State for Petroleum, Mrs Elizaberth Kachikwu, during the presentation of Kachikwu’s books tittled: “Compendium of Oil and Gas Cases in Nigeria”, “Legal Issues in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry”, and “The Petroleum Industry Bill, Getting to the Yes”, in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO: SUMAILA IBRAHIM/BJO/NAN

‘Supermoon’ phenomenon has no significant effect on earth —NASRDA N ational Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, said the ‘supermoon’ that was witnessed in some parts of the earth yesterday night has not much significance on the planet.

Chief Scientist, NASRDA, Mr. Benjamin Ayantunji, said this yesterday in an interview in Abuja.

Supermoon phenomenon is a non-technical term for a moon that turns full at the same time it hits perigee – the point on its orbit when it is closest to earth.

The moon’s path around earth planet is shaped more like an oval than a circle, so there are times when it is closer to earth (perigee) and times when it is farther away

(apogee).

Experts say the same kind of supermoon experience after yesterday night will appear again in November, 2034 in some places around the world.

According to Ayantunji, ‘supermoon’ happens when the moon is closer to the earth than usual.

“Basically, there is no significant effect of supermoon, but one thing about it is that it is closer to the earth than usual.

“The orbit of the moon round the earth is spherical; it is not a complete circle, sometimes appears closer than the other times and farther other times.

“When it is closer to the earth, at its closest point, we have a full moon. At that point, we have a bigger moon than the usual.

“For instance, if you looked at the moon yesterday (Sunday night), toward 8 p.m., it appeared very bright and big; that is how it will be till the end of this period and that is what we call supermoon,” he said.

Director Technology Acquisition and Adaptation, TAA, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Adeleye Talabi, assured that there was nothing to panic about on sighting the supermoon.

He described the supermoon as a new or full moon that occurs at roughly the same time the moon is nearest the earth in its monthly orbit.

According to him, a supermoon’s pull of gravity creates higher-than-usual tides.

“But gravity doesn’t affect a human body as much as it does an ocean tide.

“We are coming up on the closest ‘super moon’ since 1948 today (November 14), 2016.

“What makes this month’s supermoon extra special is the fact that it will be the closest to earth since January 1948.

“The moon’s average distance from Earth is about 240,000 miles, but Monday’s supermoon will be a mere 227,000 miles away.

“It may not sound like much, but the relative proximity will result in a moon that could appear as much as 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than a typical full moon,” he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South East

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

13

Enugu government issues final warning to traders over street trading E m m a n u el E z eh ENUGU

E Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sam Okaula inspecting a guard of honour during a familiarisation tour of Police formations in Umuchu Community of Anambra, yesterday. PHOTO: PETER OKOLIE/EO/BJO/NAN

NUT accuses Anambra govt of discrimination

Raymond Ozoji AWKA

C

hairman of Nigeria Union of Teachers Anambra State Chapter, Comrade Ifeanyi Ofodile, has said that teachers in Anambra State are despised and discriminated against by the present administration in the area of promotions and other incentives.

Ofodile expressed worry that promotions are not evenly done in the state civil service as he observed that those in the ministries, departments and agencies of government are promoted as at when due, but their counterparts in the teaching sector are marginalised and discriminated against .

The NUT chairman, who is currently serving his second term in of-

fice, while speaking with our correspondent at the Teachers’ House in Awka yesterday, further disclosed that promotions have not been very regular in the teaching sector since 2014.

He said that some promotion interviews have been concluded while some have not been scheduled thereby resulting to stagnancy in teachers’ promotions in Anambra State.

He also disclosed that another problematic issue facing teachers in the state is the issue of bureaucracy.

According to him, teachers are denied access to see and interact with the state governor eyeball to eyeball even when they have made countless applications through the state ministry of education for that purpose.

Ofodile was equally of the opinion that teachersenhanced allowance are not paid to professional teachers who according to him work at the local government education authority and boards like the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board.

He expressed concern that NUT in Anambra State has been blacklisted and as a result, has been barred from seeing the state governor to discuss pertinent issues affecting teachers in the state.

Although, he stated that NUT is not an enemy as the body assists government to ensure industrial harmony, but the bone of contention is that they are denied membership of education boards in Anambra State, even when it is adequately provided for in the law.

Ofodile took cognisance of the fact that the state government pays hard-to-retain allowance to teachers in the rural communities especially those serving in floodprone areas.

He noted that Governor Willie Obiano, has provided water ambulances as well as makeshift camps for people in the riverine communities in a bid to ensure access to quality and functional education for those in the hinterlands.

He said since December 2014, every public and civil servant in Anambra State receives a bag of rice from the state government as well as salaries, leave allowances and other benefits.

He added that other states owe their teachers and other civil servants up to 6 months unpaid salary arrears.

Owerri.

The affected officials are the state Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mrs Josephine Udoji; the Commissioner of Lands, Survey and Urban Planning, Chief Lawrence Eburuoh; and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr Iwuagwu.

Others are the Director of Civil Works in the ministry, Engineer C.E. Egbuka, and the Director of Works, Imo Government House, Arc. Emeka Duru.

The named officials, and Governor Rochas Okorocha are defendants in a suit (Suit No.FHC/ OW/133/2016) filed by Iheanacho.

The plaintiff had approached the court to prevent his property located at Number 6 Orlu Road, Owerri, from being demolished by the state government.

The court on July 3, ordered the defendants not to enter, encroach or demolish the said property pending the deter-

mination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction filed by the plaintiff.

In spite of the order, the officials went ahead to demolish the property.

When the matter, pending before Justice Andrew Lewis-Allagoa, came up on Monday in Owerri, Counsel to the plaintiff, Ken Njemanze (SAN), filed a motion to commit the defendants to prison for “continuously violating the order made

nugu State Gover nment Monday issued last war ning to traders who had converted some major roads and streets in the state to shops.

It vowed to clamp down on defaulters to ensure that sanity is restored across the state.

Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in the state, Samuel Nwobodo, gave the war ning as he led gover nment team round some areas in the state.

The team made up of the commissioner, three council chairmen within the Enugu metropolis, the President of Enugu Traders’ Association, among others, carried on-the -spot assessment of the level of incursion into the roads by traders.

Apart from street trading, the committee, which was set up

by Gover nor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, equally took interest in all the railway crossings across major roads in the state.

Places visited included the Mayor Market, the Garki Market, the Timber Railway crossing, all in Enugu South; Agbani Railway crossing in Nkanu West, Emene Railway crossing, Abakpa Market in Enugu East as well as Ogui Junction in Enugu North.

Abakpa was the

worst hit as almost all the streets within the market area have been tur ned to open shops, blocking the roads completely against traffic.

Further observation at the Railway crossings showed that the barriers are either malfunctioning or never existed at all.

Addressing journalists at the end of the exercise, an enraged Nwobodo, said the state gover nment would come out with full force to ensure that the roads are cleared.

He stated that apart from obstructing vehicular movement, the situation equally posed great danger to lives and properties.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of ALGON in the state, and Caretaker Chair man of Enugu East, Cor nelius Nnaji, who spoke on behalf of his counterparts, the Caretaker Committee Chair men of Enugu North and Enugu South, Isaac Igwe and Sunday Ugwu, respectively, assured that they would collaborate with the state gover nment to ensure that the ban on street trading is totally enforced.

Meanwhile, all the market leaders in the areas visited revealed that all previous efforts they made to remove the traders from the roads were unsuccessful.

Contempt: Court summons 2 Imo commissioners, 3 others

A

Federal High Court sitting in Owerri on Monday threatened to issue warrant of arrest against five officials of the Imo State Government should they fail to appear before it on December 8.

The threat followed the failure of the officials to appear before the court on a suit filed against the state by a former Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho (rtd), over the demolition of part of his property in

on July 3 by the court”.

Njemanze told the court that the defendants were treating court’s order with levity and contempt, adding: “they think they are above the law”.

He claimed that the defendants had continuously absented themselves from the court and violated the earlier order made by the court.

Njemanze, therefore, urged the court to issue an order summoning the defendants to physically appear before the court in

line with the law.

Counsel to the defendants, Mrs J.C. Ibe, appealed for an adjournment of the matter to enable her clients to appear in person.

Ibe denied knowledge of an order served on her clients barring them from demolishing the claimant’s property.

The court turned down the motion which Ibe wanted to file challenging the jurisdiction of the court in entertaining the matter.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

- Page 14

Good governance starts with transparency —Ulu 17

S’Court decides Anambra Central Senatorial election dispute Feb. 10 Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

T

he Supreme Court of Nigeria yesterday fixed February 10, 2017 for judgment on the appeal filed by representatives of Anambra Central Senatorial District, former Senator Uche Ekunife challenging the nullification of her election.

Anambra State Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal had nullified the election that produced Ekunife as senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District.

The Tribunal and the

Appeal court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to conduct a fresh election for the district.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, counsel to the appellant , Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), while moving the appeal urged the apex court to restate Ekunife to her seat at the Senate.

He urged the court to hold that the decision to cancel the Anambra Central Senatorial District election amount to a nullity because the tribunal and Court of appeal have dealt with issues of nomination and sponsorship which they have no jurisdiction to determine .

Ekunife position was vehemently challenged

by Patrick Ikweato (SAN) who represented Chief Victor Umeh, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), contestant for the Senate.

The counsel urged the court to dismiss the appeal for lack of jurisdiction , the appeal being an abuse of court process.

He said, Section 246 (3) of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) made the Court of Appeal the final court on matters relating to National Assembly elections.

Ikweato argued that Ekunife is no longer a

member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) haven decamped to All Progressives Congress (APC), where she contested the party’s primary and lost.

Secondly, the counsel submitted that PDP had obtained judgment of a federal high court where Ekunife had denounced her membership of PDP. Therefore she cannot now claim she want to represent the party in Anambra state.

Ikweato maintained that the Court of Appeal decision which upheld the tribunal judgment was based on the fact that Ekunife was not quali-

L-R: Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Nuhu Gidado; Governor Muhammed Abubakar and Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Ekpo Nta, during the Bauchi State AntiCorruption Summit in Bauchi, yesterday.

PHOTO: DEJI YAKE/TA /NAN

T

he Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL has condemned the purchase of exotic cars by members of the House of Representatives, describing it as a show of insensitivity to the current economic plight of Nigerians.

According to reports, 360 units of Peugeot 508 series are to be delivered to the House in batches that would amount to the sum of N3.6bn.

The reports further suggests about 28 cars of the 50 making up the first batch have been delivered to the legislative body.

The Executive Chairman of CACOL, Mr. Debo

fied.

He further argued that what the lower court determine was the result of the election and “that decision was final.”

The five- man panel headed by Justice Ibrahim Tanko after listening to all the submissions fixed February 10, 2017 for judgement.

Pray for Buhari to succeed, cleric urges Nigerians

T

he Supreme Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Unification of Nigeria, His Most Eminence Prophet Solomon Alao has called on all Nigerians to earnestly pray for President Muhammadu Buhari as his failure will have a telling effect on all Nigerians.

This is even as he also called for prayers for the administration of the Lagos state government under the leadership of Akinwunmi Ambode.

He made the call at the 3rd Annual General Conference and Thanksgiving Service of the Lagos State Chapter of the church titled: In Jesus-Hope of Glory.

According to Alao, there is need to earnestly pray for Buhari not to fail in leading Nigeria as his failure is the failure of Nigeria as a whole.

“We must all pray for President Buhari to succeed as he is not the president of only Mus-

lims or the northern part of the country but president of all Nigerians, if he fails, it is the failure of all Nigerians, he said In the same vein, he called for prayers for the safe return of the remaining Chibok girls who are still in the custody of the dreaded Boko Haram Sect.

In the welcome and keynote address of the state chairman of the church Senior Superintendent Apostle Johnson Adagba said the purpose of the conference is to come, reason and chart a new course to lift the church to a new level which will make her to be relevant in the present and in the future among her peers in the Christendom.

He also used the occasion to call and appeal to churches to instruct their branches to join their colleagues in their various localities as this is the reason and essence of the unification.

CACOL condemns Reps’ N3.6bn cars’ purchase Adeniran, described the acquisition of cars by the parliament as an insensitive given the parlous state of the economy of the country.

He said, “the government in its entirety is often guilty of insensitivity to the living conditions of the vast majority of Nigerians. There is a regular disconnect that makes it seem like the government is ignorant and unperturbed by the standard of living of many Nigerians.

Given the current economic conditions of the country, much emphasis

should have been placed on debating our way out of this unfortunate phenomenon called recession. But what we have are a bunch of shallow and self-centred individuals doing a comparative cost analysis on their own comfort and forgetting the interests of those they ought to be representing.”

“From reports, each car would cost N10m and the House already allocated for them in the 2016 budget. It should be noted that 223 out of the 360 members of the House are new members having

been elected in the general polls of 2015. Hence, all members would be a beneficiary of this costly legislative scheme.”

Continuing, Adeniran posited that “the procurement of this set of vehicles was not prompted out of necessity but it was barely necessitated by the prevailing trend of misplacing priorities that is often affiliated with our government. In this alarming economic conditions we are all witnessing, the focus should be on cutting down the cost of governance and

finding out ways which monies like this could be used to boost the declining industries in the country. The members of the legislative body of the country should realise that Nigerians didn’t vote them into power to allocate wealth to themselves so that they can live as prince and princesses while the majority of Nigerians wallow in poverty and barely surviving on a dollar per day”.

The anti-corruption crusader further stated that “it is heart rending to see these lawmakers

never hesitate when deliberating on how much money they allocate for themselves but when it comes to issues of national importance that could change the lives of Nigerians for good, they often start playing the political and the ethno-religious cards.”

Adeniran concluded stating emphatically that “If the government wants Nigerians to tighten their belts as is often preached then it should start with the government officials.

We can no longer condone this house of wastage.”

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Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Friday, January 17, 2014

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15 15

Edo PDP, Ize-Iyamu rule out involvement in Obaseki’s govt Community Mirror Isesele Ezekiel BENIN

T

he leadership of Edo state Peoples Democratic Party, PDP yesterday ruled out the possibility of honouring the open invitation from Governor Godwin Obaseki to participate in the government .

State PDP Chairman,

Chief Dan Orbih who disclosed this at a press conference to x-ray the eight years administration of former governor, Adams Oshiomhole, said the party cannot be part and parcel of an administration whose tenure will terminate very soon.

Orbih who decried the huge debt profile legacy of Governor Oshiomhole, said the state currently

rank the third highest in- hiomhole of lavishing providing students of Election Petition Tribudebted states in Nigeria .

N500million every month politics and history ma- nal in the face of present He said not less than on undisclosed security terials on nemesis of bad intimidation, bribery When the come , come to come N1trillion accrued to the challenges, adding that government, propaganand financial induceimmediate past adminis- besides denying the judi-everybody da and failed promised” ment will sit up in this Ministry.

Rev. Chris Okotie, speaking tration as federal statu- ciary and legislative arms On his part, the PDP “ We are not asking on the state of nation tory allocation andthe interfinancial independence, governorship candidate the Tribunal to cancel HON MINISTER FOR PETROLEUM RESOURCES,ALIISON MADUEKE nally generated revenue Oshiomhole engaged in the September 28, 2016 the election. We are sayin the last eight years unbridled mass acquisi- election, Pastor Osagie ing we win the election while the sum of N300bil- tion of properties in and Ize-Iyamu re-assured the . Not only PDP voted for lion was borrowed with across the state people of his unflinch- me, Edo people voted for escalating interest rate. “ The only legacy ing resolve to recover me . We are following the The PDP state chair- Oshiomhole left behind what he termed the ‘sto- matter to a logical conman also accused Os- is that he succeeded in len mandate’ at the State clusion”, he said.

49

Crisis rocks Anambra IPAC Raymond Ozoji AWKA

L

eadership crisis seems to have balkanised Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria, IPAC in Anambra state , following the division created in the organisation as a result of the confusion over who becomes the next substantive state chairman pending when the alleged suspension on APGA state chairman , Chief Norbert Obi who also doubles as the state chairman of IPAC in Anambra is resolved .

Hon.Isaac Onuka, the state chairman of Peoples For Democratic Change ( PDC ) in Anambra , who addressed a team of journalists in Awka yesterday said that barely two weeks ago, Chief Norbert Obi emerged the state chairman of IPAC through an electoral process that was fraught with illegality and according to him , he was removed from office as APGA state chairman .

Consequent upon his removal , Onuka maintained that IPAC’s code of conduct immediately confers the chairmanship position to his Deputy , pending when APGA resolves her crisis stressing that APGA crisis will not hamper the progress of Anambra IPAC .

But according to him , events seem to have taken a new dimension as the Deputy was not forthcoming in assuming duty as the new chairman of Anambra IPAC as provided for in the organisation’s code of conduct .

To this end , Onuka said that the new state executive has been given a 7-day ultimatum to call a meeting after which they all will be impeached for incompetence and inability to discharge their duties and obligations as state executive of Anambra IPAC .

But in another development , Hon. Oby Kate Okafor who is the incumbent deputy chairman of IPAC in Anambra as well as state chairman of Advance Congress of Democrats ( ADC ) said at a press conference that the

All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA ) should have written to the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) that Chief Norbert Obi was no longer the state chairman of the party in Anambra adding that , she has not taken delivery of any official document signifying his removal from office .

Okafor maintained that until she lays her hands on such documents , she will not assume duty as state chairman of IPAC in Anambra irrespective of the provisions in the IPAC’s code of conduct .

On the issue of the 7-day ultimatum , the ADC state chairman said she is not aware of any impeachment plot whatsoever .

L-R: Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi; wife Senate President, Toyin Saraki; Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, during the launch of the Senate President’s empowerment of 40,000 Kwara youths tagged: Skills Acquisition, Training and Empowerment Programme (STEP) at the Banquet Hall, Ilorin, Kwara State, at the weekend.

Lagos Assembly pardons Land Bureau officers Robert Awokuse

M

embers of the Lagos State House of Assembly have pardoned the Permanent Secretary of Lagos Land Bureau, Mr. Bode Agoro and the Executive Secretary, Land Use Allocation Committee, Mr. Kayode Ogunnubi over their refusal to honour the invitation of the House Committee Special Duties.

It would be recalled that the House while treating a petition sent by the Iju Youths Association in Ojokoro LCDA over a government land that was taken over by certain individuals which informed the need to invite officials of Land Bureau to make clarifications on the subject matter ,the officials declined to appear before the Committee .

The Chairman House Committee on Special Duties, Hon. Hakeem Sokunle while giving the report of his Committee on the floor of the House notified his colleagues about the refusal of the leadership of the Lands Bureau to honour the invitation of the Committee and the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa subsequently ruled that the officials should be sum-

moned to appear before the House to give reasons behind their actions.

Meanwhile, Agoro and Ogunnubi, while appearing before the House at yesterday’s sitting sincerely apologized for their actions saying that it was not meant to disregard or disrespect the House as an institution neither was it meant to undermine the authority and the

sanctity of the House.

They pleaded for forgiveness and promised that such act will never repeat itself.

In his submission Hon. Rotimi Olowo said to err is human while to forgive is divine.

He solicited for their forgiveness and advised them to take every business of the House as a serious busi-

ness.

Hon. Lanre Ogunyemi also reiterated that the House operates in Committee system, by refusing the Committee is refusing the Speaker.

“There is no justification for your office to send the junior staff to the meeting.

There is also need for you to be more conscious with your relationship with the

House.

The Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa appealed to them to always honour the House’s invitations so as to work for the progress of the state.

“All we ask from you is to deal with this House with utmost respect and cooperation in order to serve the people of Lagos. We have forgiven you,” he stated.

Nigerian wins UN youth organisation post Kemi Olaitan

IBADAN

A

Nigerian, Ambassador, Matthew Adeyemi Adeniyi, has been elected the PresidentGeneral of World Youth Organization (WYO), an affiliate of the United Nations, (UN).

A release issued yesterday by his Media Consultant, Mr. Marufh Bello, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, said Adeniyi was elected and inaugurated in New Delhi, India, as the first elected President-General of WYO after a keenly contested election where he triumphed over other contestants from eight countries namely the US, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Yemen, Palestine, Albania, Sudan and Nepal.

He said the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mr. Davies Johnson from Austria, in announcing Adeniyi as the winner said he polled 1,679 votes to defeat his closest rival, Jack Adraka of the United States who scored 511 votes.

According to him, Adeniyi, was proclaimed as an ambassador in 2013 at the United Nations Headquarters, New York City, the USA. Bello disclosed that prior to the election and inauguration of the Adeniyi-led executive, which will run the affairs of the world youth body for the next four years, WYO was run by a transition committee held by Max Goodwin Kieran from Romford, the United Kingdom.

Other executive members who would steer the ship of the organization

with Adeniyi for the next four years are Karla Sugey Rodriguez (Mexico), Secretary General; Claire Pace (Malta), Treasurer; and Vice Presidents Devjyoti Dutya (North America), Rochana Richardson (Europe), Emmah Musenyah (Africa), Fursan Mohammed (Asia), Junior Menezes (South America) and Elvana Shala (Australia).

The first elected President-General of WYO, who hails from Ogbomoso, Oyo State, has been so much involved in youth projects and empowerment activities since his days as a student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, and The Western University of Ontario, Canada.

Among his achievements as a youth leader and diplomat are the establishment of the global Youth Trust

Funds and the passage of Youth Empowerment Schemes Bill into law when he was the President of the United Nations Global Youths and the Convener of the Confederation of the United Nations Youth (CUYN) during the tenure of Ban Ki-Moon, the immediate past Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN).

Adeniyi while addressing the delegates at the assembly, said he would uphold the tenets of WYO and work towards the achievement of the main objectives of the biggest global youth organization founded primarily for the welfare of youths across the globe and promotion of awareness on the importance of participation in the leadership process of every nation of the world.

16

Politics

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Phillip Shaibu’s day of honour

THE HOUSE OF REPS

Ubong UKPONG

T

hursday, November 10, 2016 was a day of honour for Hon. Philip Shaibu who had his last session as a lawmaker in the 8th House of Representatives, as the House held a valedictory session in his honour, during which he received so much praise from his colleagues.

Shaibu, came to the House of Representatives about 17 months ago to represent his people from Etsako Federal Constituency of Edo state.

Prior to his emergence as House of Representatives member on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, he had been a lawmaker at the Edo state House of Assembly, where he made his mark to propel his acceleration to the federal house .

As a member of the. State Assembly, the former lawmaker had performed excellently especially in his constituency projects, which made him stands out and became a reference point as the people simply referred to him as “Mr Constituency Project”, because of his sincere and incorruptible drive of the processes.

He was also not lagging behind in his contributions to debate on bills and motions, including sponsoring critical ones at the state Assembly.

Consequently, upon his arrival in the House of Representatives, the Green Chamber noticed a man, who came with a mindset to make a name, create a record and leave his footprints in the sands of time.

While in the House for months, the former legislator, who is widely celebrated amongst his folks, did not take last in sponsoring and making excellent contributions to critical bills and motions on the floor of the House.

Fortunately for the young man, who was said to have been missed dearly by his people in the state given his endearing leadership qualities, he had to go back to the state to continue serving in another capacity as the Deputy Governor of Edo state under APC. His bowing out of the 8th Assembly followed his victory at that governorship election in the state, where Godwin Obaseki emerged Governor even though their victory is surrounded by a lot of webs of criticisms, protests and litigations, yet, Shaibu had to go last Thursday to join his Governor and were sworn-in last Saturday.

At that valedictory session presided over by the Speaker , Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, members of the House of Representatives took turns to shower praises on Hon. Shaibu.

The session was occasioned by a motion on matter of urgent public importance raised by the Chairman, House Rules and Business, Hon. Emmanuel Orker-Jev, Lawmakers, who spoke at the valedictory session held in honour of the new Edo Deputy Governor, extolled his virtues, describing him as a dutiful and patriotic Nigerian who is committed to the common good.

Speaker Yakubu Dogara, said Shaibu within the period he served as a member of the House distinguished himself as a legislator through his contributions to discourse at plenary and other legislative duties.

Dogara, while describing Shaibu as an ambassador of the National Assembly, did say that he had no doubts that the Edo deputy governor would do the House proud in his new duties.

He however, urged the lawmaker to be wary of actions that are capable of bringing disrepute to the lower legislative chamber.

“We are proud of your contributions to debate. You are a man of character. You will be running this race in the presence of a crowd of witnesses. We know that you will do well.

“We are sending you there as an ambassador of the National Assembly. You must do all within your power to make sure that you don’t bring the house to disre-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Shaibu

Dogara

Alagbaoso, was very emphatic that Shuaibu should avoid all forms of confrontations with his boss as he resumes duty and to always make the

House proud

pute,” the Speaker said.

Speaking at the session, Hon. Jerry Alagbaso said Shaibu is a very respectful young man, who is committed to his duties.

However, he admonished him to always consult before he acts and that he should not attempt to impeach his governor.

Alagbaoso, was very emphatic that Shuaibu should avoid all forms of confrontations with his boss as he resumes duty and to always make the House proud.

Hon. Shuaibu arrived the session in the company of former member of the House, Samson Osagie and some members of Edo House of Assembly.

Hon. Mohammed Sani Abdu, APC, Bauchi recalled that the House had in the past produced governors, who had not failed them.

According to him, they included former governors of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara, Gabriel Suswam of Benue State and current governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal not forgetting that of Katsina state, Aminu Bello Masari.

The excited Shaibu was quite appreciative of the Speaker for the honour done him with a promise that he would not disappoint the House.

He also appreciated the outgoing Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare 11, saying he would continue do his best to ensure the common good.

“My experience will help me to assist the governor in the service of the people and ensure a cordial working relationship with the governor, “ he said.

Shaibu, who is former National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS President, did not forget the media and the roles journalists have always played in his elevation and sustenance in power, right from his students unionism years, especially in the dark era of the military dictator and late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, where they were incarcerated and almost killed for fighting against bad policies of that administration.

The former legislator visited the House of Representatives Media Centre, where he was received by the leadership, Umar Muhammad, and he shared his experiences with journalists amid good comments.

The former lawmaker said he remained eternally grateful to the various media in the country for their consistent condemnation of his incarceration in the notorious Gashua Prison in Yobe state.

He recalled that but for the intervention of the media, the government of the day would not have yielded to the pressure to release him from detention.

with

He was arrested alongside late freedom and human rights fighter, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Olu Falae, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Dr Beko Ransom-Kuti, Mrs Chris Anyanwu and Frank Ovie- Kokori and were incarcerated for their opposing postures in the regime.

The comrade said while the big men were released due to pressure, he was forgotten in the part of the prison where they kept him, until journalists started shouting that amongst those released someone was missing, who was detained alongside with them, saying, “and that was me.”

Shuaibu was President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS in 1998 at the University of Jos. He later served as a Legislator in the Edo State House of Assembly between 2007-2015. He was Minority Whip of Edo State House of Assembly in 2007 before emerging as the House Majority Leader in 2010 His regret is that he would not have the opportunity of showing the federal lawmakers the way in handling constituency project in an incorruptible manner as he had expected to be made a reference point in National Assembly constituency projects.

Shaibu had lamented that there was zero allocation to constituency projects so far in the 2016 budget, which has made it impossible for lawmakers to have pr ojects executed in their constituencies.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

17

Good governance starts with transparency —Ulu

Hon. Kalu Ulu, public commentator and a former commissioner in the local government who is running for the Chairmanship position of Arochukwu local government area of Abia state on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) speaks with GBENGA OGUNBUFUNMI on his mission in politics and agenda if given the opportunity to serve.

EXCERPT:

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hat is your mission in politics?

My answer is quite simple: I am in politics to serve my people to the best of my ability.

I have served them before through appointment but I felt I still have much to offer them. Although initially I was not interested but a little push from my friends, business associates as well as admirers helped to raise my consciousness.

I think it was my past records in office that convinced my friends, associates and well-wishers that I will deliver on the job. I guess their belief in me may not be unconnected with my performance when I was a commissioner in the local government. I want to say that good governance starts from transparency. If I am going to be there by the grace of God, I will ensure that everything will be done transparently.

Allocations that come will be published, everybody will know how much is allocated. The jobs that we are doing will be published and the amount involved will be published.

But why running at the local government level?

The truth is that the local government is a very sensitive level of gov-

Ulu ernment that must rest on the hands of competent leadership because it has direct impact on the people at the grassroots where development should be key. The most important thing is that you are serving your people. Of course after now duty may also call for a higher assignment. It is one thing at a time. I have watched with keen interest on the poor performance of most of our Local Government representatives and I think I must come on a rescue mission. We must be involved to salvage the system so I decided to join the race so as to contribute my little quota in the development of my area.

The local government touches everywhere. It touches on health, education, security, etc. There are certain things that you as a local government chairman can attract to your people and we have to look at all those things

and be able to reach out to all sectors to get the desired development.

What will be your priority areas if you eventually win?

There is no sector that should be left out. But I think health, education, roads, employment, security are critical areas.

In my area, our roads are indeed quite bad, not motorable, they are broken down completely. As a local government we may not be able to do those roads with local funds but we must sensitize the right authorities for it not to remain the same.

If it is the kind of maintenance that we will want the state government or the federal to reimburse us, we will do that but at least we should be able to do something for our self which the people will appreciate because it will

positively affect their lives.

The works department in the local government will have to be mobilized actively in the area of fixing the roads.

We will engage ad-hoc staffs too as well as the daily ones to help us do the job well.

I am involved in the running of an NGO and we are into medical services where we offer free medical scheme to the people. I will use the opportunity as the representative of my people to reach out to other NGOs and to every other sectors to attract the needed development.

I believe that medical services should be free to the indigent people and if for any reason you want them to pay, it must be very minimal , heavily substituted by the local government.

I will give the government to those who own the government, the people.

The government belongs to the people, they are the owners of the government and all I want to do is to take that government and hand it over to them. I will run all-inclusive government. We will try to provide jobs to the best of our ability and ensure we encourage quality education. Where necessary indigent ones should be catered for to ensure they were not denied quality education.

Most of our so call leaders had their education in foreign lands, some do travel to America and Europe but still they do not do much when given positions to serve their people rather many still inject corruption in the system.They will obey all the traffic rules, they will comport themselves there but over here they will be full of indiscipline. They will not borrow anything good from the foreign land they claim to have lived in or had their education. I do not need to enrich myself from the public fund. I am a contented person, always happy seeing others radiate joy. I have challenged all my political gladiators on my stewardship and there is nothing against me because I discharged my service to the joy of all that who know me. I have not changed and will not change. I will deliver the needed democracy dividends to my people that is my promise.

Edo APC chieftain sets agenda for NDDC commissioner Isesele Ezekiel BENIN

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ll Progressives Congress, APC Chieftain in Edo state, Mr. Roy Osatohanmwen Osariemen at the weekend tasked the newly appointed Niger Delta Development Commissioner, Hon. Saturday Uwulikhue to ensure that only projects that have direct impact on the lives of the people are given priority attention.

Osatohannmwen who also lauded the

choice of Uwulikhue as the state Niger Delta Development Commission member urged him to bring his wealth of experience to bear in the management of scarce resources at this critical moment of economy recession facing the nation The APC Chieftain who spoke with newsmen in Benin City posited “Edo State deserves a prudent and a hardworking person of Hon. Saturday Uwuilekhue as the NDDC Commissioner. He is not a novice in human and resource management.

“I am very confident and optimistic of his ability to make a clear and positive difference as a the Commissioner of NDDC. “As an indigene of Orhionmwon and one of the political students under his tutelage, I am very convinced he will surpass the achievements of his predecessors and other commissioners who have served the state in the time past” He commended the former state governor for finding him worthy enough as NNDC nominated commissioner and

sued for sustainability of the cordial relationship between the duo towards enhancing the development of the state.

“We cannot appreciate former Governor Oshiomhole enough for finding him worthy of the nomination.

“The people of Orhionmwon are solidly behind him and with the government of Obaseki now on board, the synergies between the board and Edo State will further strengthened and serve as added advantage to more development in the state”, he said.

18

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Osinbajo wants more firms listed on Stock Exchange

20

Business Thursday, October 3,15, 20132016 Tuesday , November

75,000 youths have benefited from ITF programme’

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Page PAGE

33

19

Enelamah lists strategies to revitalise nation’s economy

Inflation hits 18.3% in October Ben Umuteme Abuja

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igeria’s Consumer Price Index, also known as inflation rate, rose to 18.3 percent year-on-year in October 2016, 0.48 per cent higher than the 17.9 per cent recorded in September.

The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, in its Consumer Price Index, CPI, for October noted that increases in prices of Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels as well as fuels and lubricants for personal transport equipment and Education continued to spur increases in the general price level of the economy.

According to NBS, Communication and Restaurants and Hotels recorded the slowest pace of growth in October, growing at 5.7 percent and 9.4 percent year-onyear respectively.

Increases in prices of Bread, Cereal, Fish, and Meat pushed up the Composite Food Index by 17.1 percent in October 2016.

On a month-on-month basis, the sub-index increased by 0.86 percent in October from 0.81 percent recorded in September.

“The average annual rate of change of the Food sub-index for the twelve-month period ending in October 2016 over the previous twelve-month average was 13.82 percent, 0.58 percent points from the average annual rate of

change recorded in September by 13.24 per cent.”

According to the Bureau, Core sub-index increased by 18.1 percent during the month, 0.4 percent points from 17.7 percent recorded in September.

On a month-on-month basis, the Core sub-index rose by 0.75 percent in October, down by 0.21 percent points from 0.96 percent recorded in September. This was fuelled by increases in Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fu-

els as well as, fuels and lubricants for personal transport equipment and Education.

During the month, all major food groups which contribute to the Food sub-index increased with Fruits recording the slowest pace of increase at 11.5 percent.

“The average 12-month annual rate of rise of the index was recorded at 13.76 percent for the twelve-month period ending in October 2016, 0.78 percent points higher from the twelve-month rate of change

recorded in September,” the report said.

On a year-on-year basis, Urban index rose by 19.9 percent in October from 19.5 percent recorded in September while the Rural index increased by 16.95 percent in October from 16.4 percent in September.

On month-on-month basis, Urban index rose by 0.81 percent in October from 0.79 percent recorded in September, while the Rural index rose by 0.84 percent in October from 0.83 percent in September.

AIRLINES’ FLIGHT SCHEDULES Med-View Airline Lagos- Abuja (Mon-Fri): 07.00, 08.50, 12.00, 16.30. Abuja- Lagos (Mon-Fri): 09.00, 14.00, 15.00, 18.30. Lagos-Yola (Mon-Fri): 8.50am. Yola-Lagos (Mon-Fri): 13.00. Lagos- PHC (Mon-Fri): 17.00. PHC-Lagos: 19.00. AbujaYola: 11.00. Yola-Abuja: 13.00.

Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50.

Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00.

Lagos-PHC (Sat): 17.00. PHC-Lagos (Sat): 19.00. Lagos-Yola (Sat): 08.50. Yola-Lagos (Sat): 13.00

Dana Air

The Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, (in native attire) when he hosted the Ukranian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Valerii Aleksandruk, (in suit and yellow tie) and officials from the Embassy of Ukraine, in his office in Abuja.

Oil, gas investments drop to N78bn in Q3 Chidi Ugwu ABUJA

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atest National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), report indicates that capital importation into Nigeria’s oil and gas sector declined from the $200 million (N90 billion) in the second quarter of 2016 to $172 million (N78 billion) in the third quarter of this year.

According to the report, the oil and gas sector maintained a high level of capital importation; although it decreased by 14.4 per cent relative to the previous quarter; but still elevated relative to previous periods at $171.63 million.

However, the Bureau attributed the decline to uncertainty in the country’s oil and gas

sector occasioned by insecurity, delay in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and delay in meeting contractual obligations in the services industry.

The NBS reported further that the sector was characterised by isolated periods of high capital importation, adding that it is therefore unusual that the level has remained high for two consecutive quarters.

The oil and gas sector, had for the first time, during the second quarter of the year, recorded the largest amount of capital, which accounted for $200.39 million, or 19.23 per cent of the total.

NBS explained that in all previous quarters, the sector that imported the most capital had been banking, financing, production or telecommunications.

It noted that oil and gas is characterised by occasional high levels of capital importation, interspersed with periods in which very little capital is imported. “This sector imported $20.83 million in first quarter and only $4.86 million a year previous,” it added.

“The Oil and Gas sector maintained a high level of capital importation; although it decreased by 14.4% relative to the previous quarter, it is still elevated relative to previous periods at $171.63 million. This sector is characterised by isolated periods of high capital importation, and it is therefore unusual that the level has remained high for two consecutive quarters. This sector accounted for the third highest amount in the third quarter of 2016” the Bureau stated.

Abuja-Lagos 9am, 1pm, 5.28pm daily Lagos-Abuja 7am, 11am, 1.23pm,3.30pm daily Lagos-PH: 7.20AM, Ph-Abuja9.54am, Abujaph: 3.30pm and Ph-Lagos: 5.28pm daily Lagos-Uyo: 9.20am, Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am, Abuja-Uyo 1.05pm, UyoLagos: 3pm daily Weekends Lagos-Abuja: 7.02am, 9am, 3.30pm Abuja-Lagos: 9am, 2.20pm and 5.28pm Lagos -Phc: 11.07am Phc-Lagos: 1.05pm Phc-Abuja: 12.51pm Abuja-Phc: 10.50am Lagos-Uyo: 9.18am Uyo-LOS -3.03pm Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am Abuja-Uyo: 1.05pm

Aero Contractors Lag-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) Lag-Benin: 07.45, 11.00, 15.30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12.30 (Sun 15.30 (Sat) Ben-Lag: 09.15, 12.30, 17.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 17.00 (Sat) 14.00 (Sun)Lag-Owe: 7.45am, 2pm daily

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Business News

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

20

Osinbajo wants more firms listed on Stock Exchange Johnson Okanlawon

V

ice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the Federal Government is determined to encourage more companies to list on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Osinbajo, who disclosed this during his visit to the Nigerian Stock Exchange at the weekend, said that there was the need to partner with the broker-dealer community.

“As you know, several major companies have already indicated that they want to be listed on the stock exchange. I think for privatized companies, because they are privatised, the decision is not necessarily the decision of government, it has to be the decision of the new owners,” the Vice President said.

He, however, ruled out any direct government intervention in forcing private companies to list their shares, noting that the de-

cision to list by private companies would remain decisions of their Boards of Directors and shareholders.

He said the government would consider incentives to encourage companies to list their shares on the NSE in recognition of the importance of the Nigerian capital market as a major driver of the national economy.

According to him, the government would work with the NSE to promote the Nigerian stock market given the role the stock exchange plays as an important driver of economic activities and investments.

He noted that while the main focus of the government was to create a generally amenable operating environment for the private sector to thrive, government would also consider proposals from the Exchange on ways to encourage listing and support corporate growth.

NIMASA to complete modular floating dockyard next year Francis Ezem

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he Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has said that it would complete Africa’s fifth largest floating dockyard project at the end of next year, a part of measures to curtail worsening capital flight out of the country.

Director General of the agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, who made this disclosure during a project evaluation and inspection meeting with officials of Damen Shipyards and NIRDA in Amsterdam, Netherlands, said that the current management of the agency decided to reactivate the project given its economic importance not only to the shipping industry but also the nation’s macro economy.

“Currently more than 90 per cent of vessels operating in Nigeria carry out their dry docking services overseas fretting away the much needed foreign exchange at great cost to the country, When fully operational, the facility generate wealth and create employment for the maritime industry as well as check capital flight”, he said.

According to him, a modular floating dockyard of the kind the agency is building in Netherlands and Romania apart from boosting ship repair capacity of the country has the potential to transform Nigeria’s economy.

Regional Director for Africa in Damen, Harm Blaauw, who spoke during the meeting, said

that the company is proud to handle this historic project which he described as the most modern high tech floating dock globally in recent times with capacity to dry dock several hundreds of vessels per annum..

Chairman of NIRDA, Sabi Bar Noy, while speaking at the meeting, said NIMASA made the right decision by embarking on the floating dock project and that the established positive business case supports the initiative.

He promised that NIRDA and its technical partner Damen will fast track the construction and delivery of the floating dock by next year.

“We certainly want to encourage listing, and that’s part of why I am here, to promote interest in the market,” Osinbajo said.

He said the government would work with the market

stakeholders to determine possible areas of incentives and supports that could stimulate participation in the Nigerian market.

“We will be acting a lot on the advice of the NSE council.

L-R: Mr. Sola Oyetayo, Vice President & Chairman, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Trade Promotion Board; Chief Dr. Mrs. Nike Akande, President, LCCI; Dr. Chris Ngige, Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment and Mr. Babatunde Ruwase, Deputy President, LCCI during the Special Day Celebration of the National Directorate of Employment at the just concluded Lagos International Trade Fair held in Lagos.

Aviation stakeholders support FG’s airports’ concession agenda Olusegun Koiki

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takeholders and analysts in the Nigerian aviation industry have supported the Federal Government on its plan to concession four major airports in the country in the first phase of the exercise.

Stakeholders at the second stakeholders’ forum organised by the Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika held in Lagos at the weekend agreed that the only way the nation’s aviation industry could achieve its aim of being a

hub in the continent is for the government to go ahead with its concession plan of Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt Airports.

Speaking at the forum, the Managing Director, Aeroconsult, Capt. Dele Ore, said that the industry would move forward with the concessioning of the airport.

He recalled that as the Chairman of Airport Concession Committee in 2008, the committee had recommended for some of the airports to be concessioned, but lamented that the report was never implemented by the government.

African needs $4.6bn yearly to enhance road networks quality – World Bank Ben Umuteme Abuja

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he World Bank has projected that Africa needed to spend $4.6 billion annually in order to enhance the quality of road networks.

The Bank, in a new study titled “Enhancing the Climate Resilience of Africa’s Infrastructure: The Roads and Bridges Sector”, noted that the construction of good-quality road connections can greatly expand access to jobs, markets, schools, and medicare.

According to the study, an adequate and reliable road network is key to the continents’ economic and social development.

“For rural communities, in

Where the NSE council or the market makers think that there are things that may be done to make life easier in some way or to encourage listing in some way, we will be happy to listen to them,” Osinbajo assured.

particular, a road is often an essential lifeline that links isolated villages to economic opportunities and services. The low density and poor condition of the existing road infrastructure are a serious impediment to the region’s growth.

“Currently, only 1/3 of rural inhabitants live within two kilometers of an all-season road– the lowest accessibility in the developing world. Moreover, insufficient funding of routine maintenance accelerates the deterioration of the network, leaving many roads in poor condition.

“As part of a broader effort to expand and upgrade its transport network, Africa will see sub-

stantial investment in road infrastructure over the next decades.

When combining both regional initiatives and country-level masterplans, capital investment in the road sector will average about $4.6 billion a year,” the report said.

In order to ensure road spending delivers the best possible return and brings lasting development benefits, the report asserted that it was critical that investment plans by the regions’ countries should take into account the consequences of a changing climate, as road assets are particularly vulnerable to climate stressors such as higher temperatures, increased precipitation, or flooding.

“There must be a deliberate policy for Nigerians who are out of jobs to be engaged by the system. We need to move on, but we can’t achieve that with our present way of thinking. We can now see that the government is looking at the recommendations that we made in the past and the government is implementing it, but it is not being done totally and we urge you to go back and look at our recommendations and totally implement it.”, Ore said.

The Managing Director of Med-View Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, declared that with the concessioning of the airport, service provisions to the airlines would improve.

He noted that the expectation of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, was for services rendered to them to improve.

“On behalf of the AON, all we want is service. I speak on behalf of my colleagues when I say most of us have been out of the country and know what entails in terms of service delivery.

“We do not get that kind of service here because of the way things are. We need to let you all know that out there, service is provided and if it would take concessioning of airports for us to get the kind of service that would make us at par with others, then by all means concession because the status quo is nothing to write home about,” he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Global Business

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Big-name investors remained bearish before U.S. election

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everal big-name hedge fund investors remained significantly underweight financial stocks at the end of the third quarter, helping sow the seeds of the rally in bank shares following Donald Trump’s surprising victory in the U.S. presidential race.

Omega Advisors, run by billionaire Leon Cooperman and Steven Einhorn, dissolved its stake in Citigroup Inc and significantly cut its positions in Synchrony Financial during the quarter that ended Sept. 30, according to regulatory filings.

Shares of both companies are up by more than 10 percent over the last five days.

Third Point LLC, meanwhile, run by billionaire Daniel S. Loeb, significantly cut its position in Chubb Limited in the same quarter. Shares of the insurance company are up nearly 4 percent since Trump’s victory.

Tiger Global Management, founded by Charles Coleman, cut its stake in small-business lending company On Deck Capital Inc by about a third in the quarter. Shares of the company are up approximately 35 percent since Trump’s victory Tuesday.

US President-elect, Trump

Trump’s administration is expected to provide a large financial stimulus through a combination of infrastructure spending and tax cuts, pushing inflation higher and cutting into the allure of fixed income. A global selloff in bond markets wiped out more than $1 trillion in the two days following his victory.

Financial companies in the S&P 500, which would benefit from higher interest rates and lighter regulation, are up 11.3 percent over the last week.

The swift move into financial stocks since Election Day reflects both the anticipation of higher

interest rates and a push by underperforming fund managers to chase momentum, said Todd Rosenbluth, director of fund research at New York-based CFRA. The average hedge fund is up 3.6 percent for the year to date, or about half of the 5.8 percent gain in the broad S&P 500 index.

“The environment has shifted and it’s forcing many managers to start playing catch up,” he said.

The quarterly disclosures of manager stock holdings, in what are known as 13F filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, are always intriguing for investors trying to divine a pattern in what savvy traders are selling and buying.

But relying on the filings to develop an investment strategy comes with some risk because the disclosures are backward looking and come out 45 days after the end of each quarter.

It is unknown if Omega and Third Point have added to their position in financials and banks since the end of the third quarter and ahead of the November postelection financial rally. (Source – bbc.com)

India raises withdrawal limit as rupee anger mounts

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he Indian government has raised the limit on cash withdrawals following widespread public anger about the surprise abolition of 500 ($7.60; £5.90) and 1,000 rupee notes last week.

Customers can now withdraw up to 2,500 rupees a day from cash machines, rather than 2,000, the finance ministry said.

Many cash machines are not working because they have not been adapted for the new 500 and 2,000 rupee notes.

Long queues at many banks were making it difficult to make withdrawals.

The government said Indian banks had received 3 trillion rupees ($44bn; £35bn) of large

Indian PM, Narendra Modi

denomination notes since the move was announced on Tuesday night.

•How India’s currency ban is hurting the poor •Desperate housewives’ scramble to swap secret savings •‘No customers’: Indians react to currency ban •Holders of notes abroad face tough battle •Can currency ban really curb black economy?

•The money no one will take The abolition of the 500 and 1,000 rupee notes is intended to crack down on corruption and bring cash worth billions of dollars in unaccounted wealth back into the economy.

The two notes accounted for more than four fifths of the currency in circulation and the change threatens to disrupt much of India’s cash-driven economy.

The government has also relaxed withdrawal limits from banks, removing the 10,000 rupees a day restriction and increasing the weekly limit by 4,000 rupees to 24,000.

The Reserve Bank of India urged people not to hoard cash, adding that rupees were available “when they need it”.

It has asked banks to report daily rather than fortnightly the

amount of cash withdrawn and exchanged to give a more accurate picture of circulation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the “pain” being experienced by millions but said the scheme was “not born from arrogance”.

“This hardship is only for 50 days,” he said in a speech in Goa on Sunday. “Please, 50 days, just give me 50 days. After 30 December, I promise to show you the India that you have always wished for.”

Indians have until 30 December to exchange the now-defunct notes at banks.

Since being elected in 2014, Mr Modi has pledged to crack down on “black money” kept hidden from authorities. The “black economy” could account for about a fifth of India’s GDP, according to investment firm Ambit.

His political opponents said they would unite to fight the abolition of the high denomination notes, which has made lives difficult for millions of ordinary people - particularly those without bank accounts who keep their savings in cash.

Mulayam Singh Yadav, leader of Samajwadi party, called on the prime minister to reverse his decision. (Source: bbc.com)

21

Samsung buys Harman car tech for $8bn in cash

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amsung Electronics is buying automotive electronics-maker Harman International Industries for $8bn (£6.4bn), as it makes a big push into connected car technologies.

Internet-connected cars will improve in-car entertainment, and be able to help with crash alerts and diagnosing engine problems.

It will also be key for driverless technology.

Samsung said automotive electronics was “a strategic priority”.

The deal is the biggest overseas purchase made by a South Korean firm, and comes as Samsung is looking to recover from the withdrawal of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone.

It is estimated that the socalled connected technologies market, which goes under the Internet of Things umbrella, will grow to $100bn by 2025.

Cars will be a major part of this growth, with technology research firm Gartner forecasting that by 2020 one in five vehicles will have some sort of wireless network connection.

Features being working on include in-car monitors assessing drivers’ health as they travel, and automatic leaving and

Galaxy Note 7

arriving alerts for friends and family. However, campaigners have highlighted potential data privacy issues around connected vehicles.

“The vehicle of tomorrow will be transformed by smart technology and connectivity in the same way that simple feature phones have become sophisticated smart devices over the past decade,” Young Sohn, Samsung’s president and chief strategy officer, said in a statement.

The purchase comes in the wake of the Galaxy Note 7 episode, which saw both Samsung’s reputation and profits harmed after it was forced to recall, then end production of the device, because it turned out to be a fire hazard. (Source: bbc.com)

Siemens boosts software business with $4.5 billion deal

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erman engineering group Siemens (SIEGn.DE) has agreed to buy U.S.-based Mentor Graphics (MENT.O) in a $4.5 billion deal that will bolster its industrial software operations and help it keep pace with changes to manufacturing technology.

Siemens will pay Mentor Graphics shareholders $37.25 per share, a 21-percent premium to Friday’s closing price, and expects to fund the deal from cash reserves, it said on Monday.

Siemens Chief Executive Joe Kaeser has set out to reshape the group, a household name in Germany, to make it more profitable and agile by selling off non-

Kaeser

core businesses and investing in areas such as software that promise faster growth and fatter margins.

Kaeser has so far managed to reassure investors that he will improve on his predecessor Peter Loescher’s weak track record on making acquisitions pay off in the longer run.

Mentor Graphics makes software that helps semiconductor companies design and test their chips before they manufacture them and represents Siemens’s biggest deal in the industrial software sector since it bought UGS for $3.5 billion in 2007.

Siemens said it now had all software that its customers needed to develop complex electronic machinery such as aeroplanes, trains and cars.

“Our customers are driving a paradigm shift toward more and more complex and smart connected products such as autonomous vehicles,” Siemens finance chief Ralf Thomas told analysts and journalists during a conference call on Monday.

“This acquisition is our answer to this development,” he added. (Source: reuters.com)

22 National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Commerce & Industry

Enelamah lists strategies to revitalise nation’s economy Johnson Okanlawon

T

he Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Okey Enelamah, has reiterated government’s commitment to ending the current economic

recession through strategic policies such as robust partnership between government and the private sector.

This is even as he canvassed the need to support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as intervening

L-R: Managing Director CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Peter Ndegwa; Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Okechuku Enelamah and Corporate Relations Director of Guinness, Mr Sesan Sobowale, during a meeting with Minister to discuss Investment Issues in Abuja at the weekend. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

BOI disburses N36bn in agro-allied sector in 9 months Abolaji Adebayo

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he Regional Head, Bank of Industry, BOI, Mr. Obaro Osa, has disclosed that the bank has disbursed over N36billion within nine months in 2016 to agro-allied sector.

Osa, who disclosed this at the just concluded Lagos International Trade Fair’s SMEs forum organised by the bank over the weekend, said the bank wanted to advance its loans from $2.7billion to $5.4billion in 2019 in order to drive home its mission to transform Nigeria’s financial space by supporting the large, medium and small scale businesses in a bid to bring life to entrepreneurship.

He also disclosed that BOI’s Non-Performing Loan Ratio was less than 4 per cent.

Osa noted that the bank was making serious effort to expand its footprints from 15 state offices to 19 offices, revealing that it has a significant project for those in exportation business as well.

The banker explained further that the Graduate Employment Fund focused on Youth Corpers with a minimum of N2 million and that the Youth Empowerment Scheme, YES, programme was initiated for the youths between the ages 18 and 35 to benefit about N5million with a minimum of qualification of OND. He however urged business owners to uphold the skill of clarity in order to achieve maximally.

This is even as he explained that there was the need to be clear in mind while doing business, adding that it was indispens-

able to also identify the exact type of people being targeted recognising that they have both internal and external targets.

He said: “Identify your top 5 per cent and top 20 per cent customers and focus your energy on them. Handle every lead opportunity properly, offer your customers more services and more opportunities to do business with you, focus on NICHES, Up sell, Implement, Communicate more with your customer. Don’t give up, rinse repeat and profit. These are the thriving strategies out of the present recession.”

The Chief Promoter, Current Foams Industries & Chemical limited, Mr. Godwin Umeugoji, lamented that Nigerians had business in mind, not in attitude and therefore advocated commitment, time-consciousness and hardworking for smooth running of business in the country.

He advised that Nigerians to stop denigrating their own products at the expense of foreign products because by this the Nigerian market would be greatly turned around.

He commended the bank for its roles in SMEs development.

The President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Dr. Nike Akande, advocated that Nigeria’s industrial sector needs credit support from development institutions like BOI to thrive in the quest for local production to reduce import and stabilise the currency.

She said the Bank of Industry was also very key in Nigeria’s efforts at improving its ranking on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Ranking.

in high potential sectors including manufacturing and agriculture.

Enelamah, who made these points at the 2016 Annual Investor Conference organised by FBN Capital Limited, emphasized the importance of government partnership with the private sector in order to move the nation’s economy forward.

According to him, despite the recession, Nigerians should see the economy from a positive perspective and deemphasize on the negative side of the recession.

He noted that the oil price crash exposed the structural deficiency in Nigeria’s large and thriving economy.

He said: “Countries in difficulty have used different strategies to strengthen and diversify their economies. That is why Nigeria needs to move away from over dependence on oil. Diversification and growth is key to economic recovery and ensuring a more stable future. Nigeria should have a strong local base of investors because foreigners will always leave leading to dry up of capital.”

Enelamah recommended applying practical solutions such as creating the right environment and polices to harness the productivity of Nigerians in order to overcome the current inflation in Nigeria, as the economy remains large and full of potentials. He added that it is very easy to

have disconnect between the government and the people when there is no trust in government policies.

He identified the five execution principles of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (MITI) which include creating a favourable economic framework, support to Micro, Small Scale and Medium Enterprise (MSME), sector prioritization, partnership and joint ventures and immediate implementation of policies.

While noting that it is essential to concentrate on an area where Nigerians are advantaged and give them necessary support as a strategic option of achieving the goals of the current economic diversification and growth plan, the minister identified areas such as energy, clarification of Nigeria’s foreign exchange policy, agriculture, manufacturing and transportation as critical to economic growth.

The Head, Equity Research, FBN Capital, Mr. Bunmi Asaolu, in a joint presentation with Head of Macro-Economic Research FBN Capital, Gregory Kronsten, titled ‘The Economy and Markets’, they likened the recession to the fall in supply of foreign exchange and the lack of a buffer of reserves.

They noted that non-oil inflows were now higher than oil inflows and that they could and should grow substantially.

Right value creation in public sector key to devt – PZ boss David Audu

T

he Managing Director of PZ Family Cares, Mr. Alex Goma, has emphasized the creation of the right values in the public sector of the Nigerian economy as key to bringing the country out of the present economic recession and repositioning it on the path of sustinable development.

Goma, who spoke to National Mirror in Lagos, noted that government needs to unlock the potentials in the public sector to create the right value that will attract industrialization and productivity, asking rhetorically, how can Nigeria focus on the areas where the value is?

“Creating the right value that people will buy into to move the economy is for the public sector to understand that by unlocking the infrastructure needs of the people it will start to automatically unlock the potentials of the people. This has been demonstrated severally as everywhere Nigerians go where the right infrastructure was provided they have shown the capacity to excel.”

He said the economies of most developed countries are underpinned in the effective services sector development.

Goma clarified: “Look at the leading economies, for example, the United states of America, US. It plants and exports food

to other countries but just one per cent of their GDP comes from agriculture; and when you look at the shape of their industry, it account for just 22 per cent. The question is where is the bulk of their GDP coming from?

The service sector!

“It is the service sector that creates the most employment and gives the economy the resistance to withstand recession and absorb the shock that comes when you have decline in production. The same thing goes for Japan. When you think of Japan you think of their excellent manufacturers, but the service sector in Japan accounts for 73 per cent of their GDP and industry account for 32 while others account for the rest. The private sector is what has the highest potentials to create wealth and growth in the economy”, the industrialist added.

He however urged Nigerian marketers and marketing communications professional to take the responsibility to identify where the value is and point it out, stressing that marketing is all about values and not just advertising.

On rebranding Nigeria, he said government must deliver tangible benefits for people to believe in project Nigeria, noting that the last attempt was a sham because those behind it assumed that branding is all about advertising.

“If you want people to believe in Nigeria you have to create the value that they want”, Goma advised.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Commerce & Industry

23

SON urges students to imbibe standards culture …introduces Standards Club in schools Abolaji Adebayo

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he Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, has started training students from all levels of education on the importance of standards in products for consumption.

Speaking at the celebration of World Standards Day held at the SON’s operational office in Lagos, where the pupils

of some selected primary schools in Lagos were hosted to be enlightened about importance of quality and standards in products, the Director General of the agency, Osita Aboloma, said the reason for engaging the young school children in the standards drive was to inculcate the attitude of always looking for quality in them as they were easy to be trained at their tender age.

L-R: Emmanuel Agu, Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager and Stout Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Franco Maria Maggi, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc and Funso Ayeni, Senior Brand Manager, Regional Mainstream Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc at the unveiling of Goldberg Lager Beer as ‘Your Excellency’ in Lagos last Friday.

Fish farmers require $500m to meet demand – Industrialist Olusegun Koiki

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or the fish farming industry to meet domestic demand, there will be need to inject at least $500 million yearly into the agricultural sub-sector, an industrialist, Gbolahan Adenuga, has projected.

This is even as he urged the Federal Government to grant customs duty waivers and provide tax-free regime to importers of animal feeds in the country like their counterparts in other sectors of the economy.

Adenuga, who is the Managing Director, Premier Standard Industry Limited, decried that the operating environment for businesses over the past year had not been encouraging.

He said the estimated $500 million was necessary for animal feeds importation and local production by farmers in the industry, stressing that 70 per cent of resources in the sub-sector goes into purchase of animal feeds, which he said the price had skyrocketed in the past one year.

He further observed that the high Value Added Tax, VAT, charged organisations in the sector by government agencies was discouraging business growth in the country and appealed to the government to take a second look at how it could help local enterprises to stabilize, especially during this period.

Adenuga also urged the government to formulate policies that would aid the industry and encourage springing up of new businesses in the country, disclosing that due to the high cost of animal feeds

and scarcity of foreign exchange, several companies had closed shop in the past one year while others are on the verge of doing so.

He emphasised that at present, the company was only able to source just 10-15 per cent of its foreign exchange requirements from the commercial banks while the other 85-90 per cent are sourced from the black market, saying that this had added up to the cost of production.

He said: “If we are to project and look at it critically, the industry will probably need nothing less than $500 million to stay afloat because this sector is big and requires a lot of financial inputs. The government needs to look at the entire value chain; what goes into fish farming production, how they help to ensure that the farmers themselves are able to sell at the best price, how can they also help to ensure that the cost of running the fish business is reduced because they spend a lot of money on power generation for their ponds.

“Also, the government should look at how I can actually help in subsidising the cost of feeds to farmers especially fish farmers. These are the areas I think the government can come to the aid of players in the country.

“Besides, parts of the challenges I think the industry is facing is in the area of VAT. Importers of fish into the country, do not pay VAT, but unfortunately, people that actually supply the animal feeds and local feeds producers, are subjected to pay VAT. So, there is a disconnect somewhere”, Adenuga added.

Apart from looking for quality products for consumption, Aboloma explained that those children were potential future entrepreneurs and manufacturers, by inculcating the standards culture in them from their young age, they would not engage in the production of substandard goods and would also be able to convince their manufacturer associates on the importance of standards.

Aboloma, who was represented by the Head of Marketing Department, Mrs. Cynthia Ifeagwu, explained that the organization, apart from hosting and training the students on regular basis, has also introduced ‘Standards Club’ in schools where the students in various schools would be further trained on standards culture.

According to him, the public could be better educated on the dangers of patronizing substandard products through the children who could force their parents to buy only quality products.

Aboloma further said the purpose of the initiative was to build a nation whose economy would be sustained and outlive the present generation as well as to safeguard lives and properties from the impacts of substandard products through consumer education.

“Our main function is to prepare standards, which guide us in business, in schools and in our daily lives. Children of today will become the adult of tomorrow. We all know that the good behaviour, good attitudes and good habits we learn and demonstrate when we are young become part of our character when we grow into adults.

“That is why SON started a programme of engaging with young school children about 3-4byears ago. We believe that now is the time for you to begin to learn about standards, so that by the time you grow into adults, you will al-

ready know that good quality products and services are safer to use, and give better value for your money. you will learn to identify good quality products when you go shopping, and to most importantly, appreciate that through standards, our lives and properties are safer, more comfortable and make the world more orderly.”

The Head, Customer Feedback and Collaboration, SON, Mosunmola Samuel, while addressing the pupils from Agape Bundless Montessori, Ikeja; Careland Children’s School, Ajah and Chrisland School, VGC, who were selected for the programme, said it was pertinent to train the children on standards in everything as standards build trust. She said it was necessary to guide the children on buying quality goods which she said are safer and cheaper.

Samuel explained the standards Club, which has only been established in some schools in Ondo state, would be spread to all other schools across the country including primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.

She clarified further that the seminar on standards, in which the three selected schools were hosted during the weekend, would be a monthly programme and that students from all levels of education would be invited and trained.

Speaking on their exposure at the seminar, some pupils of the selected schools said they knew better about standards and reason for patronizing quality goods, while they also gave their own presentation on standards as they were taught in schools.

They said they would not tolerate any substandard products from their parents at home and their teachers in school.

They said they had known what to look for in a product before buying it such as SON marks, and NAFDAC Nos.

Merck announces Diabetes Award 2016 winners

M

erck, a leading science and technology company, today announced the winners of the Merck Diabetes Award “Every Day is a Diabetes Day” to mark the World Diabetes Day- WDD themed ‘Eyes on Diabetes’.

Merck Diabetes Award as part of the Merck Capacity Advancement Programme was launched in April 2016 in partnership with African and Asian universities with the aim of building a platform of diabetes experts across the globe.

Speaking on the initiative, Member of Merck’s Executive Board and CEO Merck Healthcare, Belen Garijo, said: “Merck plays an important role in building Diabetes Care capacity in partnership with African and Asian Universities. Today marks an important day in the fight against Diabetes as we celebrate World Diabetes Day. In this context, we have announced ten Diabetes Award Winners from Africa and Asia.

“This initiative fully illustrates our

commitment to improving access to affordable Healthcare in Africa and other developing countries” Garijo added.

The scientific committee received over 500 concept submission applications from universities in Africa and Asia and 10 winners were selected for the award. The winner from each university has been granted a one year postgraduate diabetes diploma in South Wales University, United Kingdom.

While announcing the winners, Chief Social Officer, Merck Healthcare, Rasha Kelej, said that “Merck Diabetes Award marks another step in our long term commitment to support diabetes care strategies in developing countries through working with local governments, academia and relevant stakeholders in building healthcare capacity with a focus on Diabetes, hypertension and other non-communicable diseases in various countries in Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America” (Source – African Press Organisation)

24

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Jobs & Career

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘75,000 youths have benefited from ITF programme’ James Danjuma Katsina

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he Industrial Training Fund, ITF, has said that at least 75,000 youths have so far benefited from its sponsored National Industrial Skills Development Programme.

Making the disclosure in Katsina last Wednesday, the Fund’s Director-General,

Mr. Joseph Ari, said the beneficiaries were selected from different parts of the country and were trained in different handcrafts.

Ari, represented by one of the officials of the agency, Mr. Hassan Umaru, also said that the Fund was training more than 7,000 youths selected from across the country with 500 of them from Katsina.

The ITF boss, who spoke on the theme, ‘The role of public/private partnership in

FG targets agric sector to create jobs for women, youths Tola Akinmutimi

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he Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heniken Lokpobiri , has said that with the launch of the “Green Alternative”, the present administration was committed to the creation of jobs for youths/women which will leverage wealth inflow, economic growth and improved living standards among our citizenry.

The Minister made the promise when he hosted the Ukranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. ValeriiAleksandruk and his team in Abuja.

Lokpobiri , who noted that the easiest way to create job and wealth was through agriculture, said that Nigeria and Ukraine had a lot in common to share, both in business and knowledge potential such that their bilateral relations should

Lokpobiri

be strengthened.

A statement issued by the Ministry’s Deputy Director, Information, A. Lere-Adams, quoted the minister as saying that the partnership would translate to improved agricultural development in the area of food processing, packaging and high technology driven mechanized farming which will greatly enhance the nation’s quest for self sufficing of some crops like rice in 2018, this no doubt will grow our economy.

Lokpobiri emphasized that Nigeria was fully interested in processing agriculture and therefore willing to strengthen its bilateral relations with Ukraine to ensure improved mechanization and also increase domestic agricultural productivity.

The Minister said that that the Nigerian government would be glad to see Ukraine setting up some fertilizer factories in the country in order to create more jobs, improve production, ensure adequate postharvest storage facilities that will help in drastically reducing post-harvest losses.

Earlier, the Ukrainian envoy, said that his country would be looking forward to foster a more profitable cooperation of bilateral trade relationship with Nigeria.

A member of the Ukrainian team, Mr. Vitalii Poliakou the Economic and Trade Adviser from Ukraine promised to introduce Nigerian rich Green Alternative Programmes to his country and that they shall be willing to share knowledge and also train our farmers on best farming methods to reduce post harvest losses and automatically increase our economic power.

Lawyer wins free ticket in Bi-Courtney mobile app promo Olusegun Koiki

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Lagos-based lawyer, Ms. Anuoluwapo Olopade, has won the first free return air ticket in the on-going scratch and win promo of the Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, BASL. The company is the promoter of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two, MMA2, mobile application for travellers introduced to the public a few days ago.

Olopade, who said she regularly travels with Dana Air through MMA2, won the free ticket using the terminal’s Instagram platform.

A statement by the spokesman of the company, Mr. Steve Omolale-Ajulo, indicated that to participate, a traveller needed

to click on the ‘Gift Box’ Icon on the MMA2 mobile app, tap to unlock and enter the Code 9765, scratch the card and look out for the inscription, ‘Free Dana air return ticket,’ as well as screengrab and post it on his or her page and tag #MMA2Mobileapp, #mma2danaair..

Omolale-Ajulo hinted that the promo would run for the rest of the year, stressing that it is to encourage travellers to download the app and book Dana’s flights through it.

He clarified: “Winners in the promo who are allowed to have multiple entries, would emerge weekly for the rest of the year while it is running. They have the chance to grab the return tickets of Dana Air to any destination in Nigeria, and other consolation prizes.”

job creation and skills development for Nigerian youth’, at a stakeholders interactive forum, said the training programme was part of design to minimise problem of unemployment as well as boost the economy of the nation.

He said efforts were being made to reposition and re-focus the organisation to actualise its mandate for positive impact on all segment of stakeholders and nation’s economy.

He also said the fund has also re-strategised toward nation’s economic diversification agenda, including the provision of skills, revival of agriculture and entrepreneurial development.

He however called on the state government to provide loan and kit to the trained youth, even as he added that the fund would soon secure a permanent office in the state.

Earlier, ITF Area Manager in the state, Saleh Garba said the forum was aimed at creating opportunity for discussion

ITF DG, Ari

and exchange of ideas towards achieving fund’s mandate.

Garba said ITF would continue to promote and encourage acquisition of skills in industry and commerce with a view to generating pool of indigenous manpower sufficient to meet need of the economy.

NPA may recruit more professionals soon Fidelis Ugbomeh

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he Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, may soon embark on recruitment of professionals to beef up its workforce and boost service delivery.

The planned recruitment exercise is coming against the backdrop of rumours that the management of the Authority has concluded plans to embark on retrenchment exercise.

Speaking recently in Warri, Managing Director of the Authority, Hadiza Bala Usman, allayed workers’ fears on rumoured retrenchment, stressing that not only would there not be any retrenchment exercise, but that plans are ongoing to recruit professionals in a bid to ensure enhanced service delivery.

He therefore tasked the workers to come up with vibrant ideas Capable of enabling management to both improve on services delivery, as well as signifi-

cantly boost revenue generation.

“Management has no intention to retrench. We are actually recruiting. We are recruiting professionals”, Usman told the workers.

Stressing that while they must work harder, the workers must also be prepared for blackmail.

In his address to the workers, the Board of Directors’ Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Adesoye, also assured the workers of consistent management protection, stressing that the NPA is blessed with a focused and determined management, backed by a credible and totally committed board of directors.

Pointing out that while the management might not support the idea of settling individuals, in the name of Corporate Social Responsibility, it would nevertheless favour the idea of supporting ingenious ideas which might benefit a community.

ILO’s forum to discuss workplace good governance practices Fidelis Ugbomeh

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he International Labour Organization, ILO, Forum during the Global South-South Expo in Dubai will showcase good governance practices in the world of work.

According to a statement issued by the Organization, worker and employer representatives from Tunisia will address the Forum to showcase how the “social contract” between government and the social partners in their country paved the way for economic reforms and improvements in labour market governance, social dialogue, social protection, employment and vocational training.

The Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015, was instrumental in achieving this new social contract.

Among the four crowned organizations were the Tunisian social partners: the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT) and the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA).

The Global South-South Expo in Dubai is an occasion to showcase this and other good practices, including the ILO-Algeria SouthSouth Cooperation Initiative on Social Dialogue.

The Solution Forum is also part of the ILO’s Future of Work Initiative , which organizes national dialogues around four conversations, including the governance of work.

The Forum is intended to help ILO staff and members, including governments, employers and workers, access tools and methodologies which enable them to implement new South-South and triangular cooperation projects.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

25

Investors lose N63bn on weak stock demand Johnson Okanlawon

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rading in equities shed moderate position on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, to push bearish run to the second trading session in a row.

By extension, both the All Share Index and Market Cap closed below 26,000 and N9 trillion marks, last seen in May. The index lost 184.07 points, representing a decline of 0.70 per cent to close at 25,986.81 points, while the capitalization shed N63.37 billion, representing a dip of 0.70 per cent to close at N8.95 trillion.

Industrial Goods flat as other key sectors portray bearish sentiment.

The Oil and Gas sector closed the day lower to top losers’ chart with a loss of 2.5 per cent on account of selling pressure in the likes of Forte Oil and Oando.

The Financial Services sector posted a negative daily return of 1.7 per cent, underscored by bearish trading in Zenith Bank, Guaranty Bank and Ecobank.

The Consumer Goods sector also closed the day lower on the back of sell-offs in Honeywell Flour Mills, Cadbuty and NASCON, while the Industrial Goods sector traded flat.

Analysts at United Capital said, “We expect the current sentiment to

extend into tomorrow’s trading session, as investors anticipate the release of key macroeconomic numbers which will likely dictate overall market direction.”

The total value of stocks traded was N1.12billion; down by 57.64 per cent from N2.63billion recorded the preceding day.

The total volume of stocks traded was 160.90million in 2,431 deals, while the three most actively traded stocks were MTI, UBA and Wema Bank.

UACN Plc led the gainers’ table with N10.18 to close at N94.32 per share, followed by Access Bank Plc with N1.65 to close at

N33.75 per share.

May and Baker Plc added N1.00 to close at N89 per share, while Mansard Insurance Plc appreciated 72 kobo to close at N15.77 per share.

FBN Holdings Plc gained 63 kobo to close at N14.5 per share.

Conversely, Forte Oil Plc depreciated N10.18 Gainers and Losers Gainers and Losers Market indicators Start Date 13/11/2016 through End Date 14/11/2016 to close at N94.32Start perDate 13/11/2016 through End Date 14/11/2016 Print Date 14/11/2016 Date 14/11/2016 share, while Cap PrintPlc All-Share Index 25,986.81 points shed N1.65 to close at Market capitalisation 8.95trn N33.75 per share.

Gainers for Equities Guinness Plc lost Gainers for Equities 2016-11-11 2016-11-14 2016-11-11 2016-11-14 S/N Symbol Closing Price(N) Closing Price(N) N1.00 to close at N89 per S/N Symbol Closing Price(N) Closing Price(N) 1 MAYBAKER 0.85 0.89 share, while PZ Cussons 1 MAYBAKER 0.85 0.89 2 WAPIC 0.50 0.52 2 WAPIC 0.50 0.52 3 LIVESTOCK 0.80 0.82 Plc was down 72 kobo to 3 LIVESTOCK 0.80 0.82 4 MANSARD 1.84 1.87 close at N15.77 per share.

4 MANSARD 1.84 1.87 5 ACCESS 5.30 5.36 5 ACCESS 5.30 5.36 Zenith Bank was 6 FCMB 1.07 1.08 67 FCMB 1.07 1.08 FBNH 3.05 3.07 down 63 kobo to close at 78 FBNH 3.05 3.07 UACN 17.67 17.76 89 UACN 17.67 17.76 N14.5 per share.

ETERNA 3.21 3.22

Bonds sell-off continues as investors bet on rate rise

A

wave of selling sweeping across bond markets resumed on Monday as investors continued to digest the impact of a Donald Trump presidency.

US and European bond prices have sunk in expectation that he will enact inflationary policies that speed the pace of interest rate rises.

On Monday, some bond yields - which rise as the price falls - hit their highest for more than six months.

Bonds globally lost $1.29tn (£1tn) last week, according to Bank of Ameri-

ca.

And there is no sign that the bond sell-off is easing, depressing the value of some pension investments and making it more expensive for countries and companies to borrow money.

On Monday, the 30-year US Treasury jumped above 3% for the first time since January. In the UK, the 10year gilt yields returned to levels not seen since June’s Brexit referendum vote.

And German 30-year bunds rose above 1% for the first time since early May. Italian bonds have been among the most affected.

Rome’s 10-year yields rose

four basis points to 2.01% on Monday, their highest in 14 months.

“It is a continuation of this recent trend. There are still these expectations that inflation could go up if the US takes a more expansionary fiscal stance,” said DZ Bank strategist Daniel Lenz said.

Jim Cielinski, head of fixed income at Columbia Threadneedle, said the selloff trend was not surprising, but the “ferocity of the reversal” was.

And in a research note for Societe Generale, analyst Daniel Fermon said that rising interest rates

910 10

I

start-ups in financial technology can receive guidance on regulation.

By contrast, lending marketplaces are a conduit for a borrower and investor to make a transaction, namely a loan.

Online platforms have made this a seamless and anonymous process that rewards borrowers with an affordable loan and investors with an interest bearing investment.

Unlike a bank, lending platforms have no obligation to hold reserve capital for every loan, but instead incur costs for attracting lenders and borrowers.

In their short history, lending marketplaces have addressed some of the glar-

ing shortcomings of conventional bank loans. These companies, by nature, are online or mobile platforms that are dedicated to transparency and the customer experience.

Operating in this manner removes unnecessary communication and minimizes overhead costs, which banks typically pass on to borrowers. For that reason, you won’t find many lending platforms charging an origination fee.

Beyond cost effectiveness, the process is simple and convenient. Financial checks such as credit card history or earnings verification can be queried at a moment’s notice, making the whole process possible

3.21 3.75 3.75

Gain(N) Gain(N) 0.04 0.04 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.06 0.06 0.01 0.01 0.02

% Change % Change 4.71 4.71 4.00 4.00 2.50 2.50 1.63 1.63 1.13 1.13 0.93 0.93 0.66

0.01 0.01 0.01

0.31 0.27 0.27

0.02 0.09 0.09 0.01

3.22 3.76 3.76

0.66 0.51 0.51 0.31

Losers for Equities Losers for Equities

2016-11-11 2016-11-14 Closing Price(N) Closing Price(N) 2016-11-11 2016-11-14 Closing Price(N) Closing Price(N) 104.50 94.32 104.50 94.32 1.20 1.14

S/N Symbol Loss(N) % Change may not be a good thing.

S/N Loss(N) % Change 1 FO Symbol -10.18 -9.74 “As central banks are 12 FO -10.18 -9.74 HONYFLOUR -0.06 -5.00 23 HONYFLOUR 1.20 1.14 -0.06 -5.00 CADBURY 11.12 10.57 -0.55 -4.95 now less active in the 34 CADBURY 11.12 10.57 -0.55 -4.95 NASCON 7.55 7.18 -0.37 -4.90 bond market and Trump 45 NASCON 7.55 7.18 -0.37 -4.90 OANDO 4.30 4.09 -0.21 -4.88 56 OANDO 4.30 4.09 -0.21 -4.88 CAP 35.40 33.75 -1.65 -4.66 expects to cut taxes and 67 CAP 35.40 33.75 -1.65 -4.66 CHAMPION 2.37 2.26 -0.11 -4.64 launch a $1tn infrastruc78 CHAMPION 2.37 2.26 -0.11 -4.64 VITAFOAM 2.50 2.39 -0.11 -4.40 89 VITAFOAM 2.50 2.39 -0.11 -4.40 PZ 16.49 15.77 -0.72 -4.37 ture investment plan, 910 PZ 16.49 15.77 -0.72 -4.37 ZENITHBANK 15.13 14.50 -0.63 -4.16 increasing the deficit, 10 15.13 14.50 -0.63 -4.16 11 ZENITHBANK STERLNBANK 0.80 0.77 -0.03 -3.75 we believe rising US 11 0.80 0.77 -0.03 -3.75 12 STERLNBANK SKYEBANK 0.57 0.55 -0.02 -3.51 12 0.57 0.55 -0.02 -3.51 13 SKYEBANK TRANSCORP 0.86 0.83 -0.03 -3.49 long-term rates remain 14 TRANSCORP UNITYBNK 0.60 0.58 -0.02 -3.33 13 0.86 0.83 -0.03 -3.49 a major risk for financial 15 UNITYBNK CUSTODYINS 3.75 3.63 -0.12 -3.20 14 0.60 0.58 -0.02 -3.33 16 CUSTODYINS DIAMONDBNK 1.01 0.98 -0.03 -2.97 15 3.75 3.63 -0.12 -3.20 markets,” he said.

17 DIAMONDBNK GUARANTY 21.48 21.00 -0.48 -2.23 16 1.01 0.98 -0.03 -2.97 Investors had piled 18 GUARANTY NAHCO 2.30 2.25 -0.05 -2.17 17 21.48 21.00 -0.48 -2.23 19 NAHCO ETI 9.80 9.60 -0.20 -2.04 18 2.30 2.25 -0.05 -2.17 into bonds, seeking a 20 ETI WEMABANK 0.63 0.62 -0.01 -1.59 19 9.80 9.60 -0.20 -2.04 safe - but low - rate of 21 FX GUINNESS 90.00 89.00 -1.00 20 WEMABANK 0.63AS AT NOVEMBER 0.62 -0.01 -1.59 OTC FUTURES OPEN CONTRACTS 14, 2016 (4:30PM) -1.11 22 GUINNESS FLOURMILL 18.92 18.88 -0.04 -0.21 21 90.00 89.00 -1.00 -1.11 return during what has Contract Tenor Current -0.21 Rate 22 FLOURMILL 18.92 Settlement 18.88 Value of Open -0.04 Contract been years of sluggish (Month) Date Contracts ($’mm) ($/₦) 416.72 1 NGUS NOV 23 2016 23-Nov-2016 300.50 growth in the US, Eu443.01 2 NGUS DEC 21 2016 21-Dec-2016 295.50 151.00 3 NGUS JAN 25 2017 25-Jan-2017 290.50 rope and Japan.(Source Page 1 of Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © 180.79 4 NGUS FEB 22 2017 22-Feb-2017 285.50 – bbc.com) Page 281.50 1 of Published by The Nigerian © 207.42 5 Stock Exchange NGUS MAR 22 2017 22-Mar-2017

Marketplace loan investors need borrower information – SEC

nvestors in marketplace loans, where borrowers and funders are matched in online platforms, need to have adequate information about borrowers’ abilities to repay the debts, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission chair said yesterday.

SEC Chair Mary Jo White also said the top securities regulator is evaluating how and when distributed ledger systems such as blockchain will be onboarded in equity markets, as well as the appropriate disclosures automated investment advisory programs should make to clients.

SEC Commissioner Michael Piwowar said the SEC’s regional offices could function as centers where

ETERNA DANGFLOUR DANGFLOUR

Source: NSE

to complete in one sitting rather than multiple meetings or phone calls.

Rate (%) Inflation

16.46

MPR

14

Crude oil price

$51.76

6 7 8 9 10

NGUS APR 26 2017 NGUS MAY 24 2017 NGUS JUN 21 2017 NGUS JUL 19 2017 NGUS AUG 16 2017

26-Apr-2017 24-May-2017 21-Jun-2017 19-Jul-2017 16-Aug-2017

796.67 142.90 498.93 466.09 191.00

276.50

11

NGUS SEP 20 2017

20-Sep-2017

190.33

255.50

12

NGUS OCT 25 2017

25-Oct-2017

63.70 3748.56

Total

273.50 270.50 267.50 264.50 258.50

Termination of Trading Trading shall cease at 2:00PM eight (8) calendar days before the expiry date of each respective Contract. i.e. the Tuesday preceding the week the contract expires.

NITTY Tenor

Rate (%)

Change (%)

1M

14.2023

-0.66

2M

15.1972

0.03

3M

16.4737

0.32

Exchange

Rates (N)

WAUA

416.8495

USD

304.75

EURO

331.568

CFA

0.4958

YEN

2.865

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

309.2339

O/N

24.2917

1M

17.9298

POUNDS STERLING

384.6555

3M

19.9774

SDR

417.8732

6M

21.9792

NITTY as @ October 28, 2016

NIBOR

NIBOR as @ November 11, 2016NIBOR FAQs

3

3

26

Business Features & Finance

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Why nutrition is important in lst 1,000 days in children

Ngozi Okpalakunne

E

xperts have attributed physical and psychological stunting in children to inadequate nutrition in their first 1,000 days of life.

According to them, inadequate nutrition in early days affects memory formation, attention span, ability to process information as well as development of one’s loco motor skills.

Speaking at a recent media workshop organized by Nestle Nigeria in Abgara, President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Dr. Bartholomew Brai stressed on the need for right nutrition and added that expectant mothers should ensure they take adequate nutrition right from conception.

“Nutrition matters in every stage of life, however, good nutrition from the onset is very critical. Life begins from conception and the first two years of life have been found to be a critical window of opportunity when it comes to nutrition. As this has significant impact on a child’s ability to grow and learn which in turn can also shape a society’s long-term health, stability and prosperity”, Dr . Brai added.

He presented an overview of the nutritional challenges in Nigeria and how private and public sectors, including society and media, have to work together to address these issues and change the future positively.

The workshop which came under the theme “Good Nutrition: A Way of Life” had in attendance over 35 media practitio-

Cross section of journalists at the workshop ners in Lagos and it aimed at reinforcing nutritional knowledge of media professionals in order to improve their reporting in this area.

On his part, Assistant Editor of The Guardian Newspapers, Mr. Chukwuma Muanya, who spoke on “Nutrition reporting: The critical role of media people”

urged the participants to help educate people on the nutrition landscape, raise awareness on potential risks and the importance of changing behaviour.

Mr. Muanya also shared examples of good practices in other countries and the participants expressed the need of building a strong network of health reporters

in Nigeria. Nestlé seized the opportunity to present to the media the actions implemented to contribute to consumers nutrition, health and wellness such as cooking classes for kids, nutrition education programmes for women and offering tastier and healthier products which are fortified with micronutrients.

rial to the extent of regarding them as properties of their husbands. “But now there is light at the end of the tunnel in all these legal disabilities in regards to their properties status, the 1999 constitution bans every discrimination of sort based on gender among others” she said.

Maduagwu therefore charged women not to feel inferior or chicken out to

people who do not love them but rather rise to the occasion and fight for their rights.

In her address, the President Anambra State Women Association, Lagos, (ASWAL), Dr. (Mrs) Nkiruka Ifekwem said the lecture and award ceremony is drawn from pressing and contemporary issues in the society and to find lasting solutions to it.

The award ceremony on the other hand, Ifekwem pointed out, is to acknowledge reputable Anambra indigenes and others who have distinguished themselves in their different fields of endeavour so as to spur and encourage them to attain greater heights.

Speaking on what makes ASWAL to stand firm at 25, Ifekwem said good leadership has made the organization to remain strong.

Ifekwem therefore advised that leaders should undergo leadership training so that they can know all that it takes to be good leaders.

On where she wants ASWAL to be in the next 10 years, Mrs Ifekwem said the association will continue to work assiduously to the accomplishment of its visions which is to bring the Anambra women in the Centre of excellence with the right values and fully empowered for development and service to humanity. To accomplish her vision, Ifekwem revealed that ASWAL intend establishing Vocational Centres in Awka and Lagos State where women and youths will be fully equipped and empowered to to be self sufficient in different areas of endeavour.

Over 30 men and women were given award for excelling in their various fields.

Women urged to effect positive change W omen have been tasked to contribute meaningfully to developmental issues and by so doing effect positive changes in whatever area they find themselves. Making these statements was the wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano at the Silver Jubilee Lecture and Award Ceremony organized by the Anambra State Women’s Association, Lagos (ASWAL) recently in Lagos.

According to Mrs. Obiano, women have all it takes to excel in any field they find themselves because they have all the innate qualities in them to do so.

Her words, “Spell out the type of change you want and ensure that you effect positive changes in your community”, she said.

Speaking further, Mrs. Obiano also enjoined women to be constructive in their criticism as constructive criticism is that which will move the society forward as well as to empower women in distress.

In her anniversary lecture titled ‘Property Rights of Women, Nigerian perspective’, the Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Barrister Rita Maduagwu, lamented that the property rights of women have witnessed stiff challenges spanning time immemo-

L-r Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, Barr. (Mrs). Rita Maduagwu, wife of Governor Anambra State Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano,President Anambra State Women Association, Lagos (Branch) Dr. Nkeiru Ifekwem and Hon. Princess Nikky Ugochukwu, at the 25th Anniversary Awards ceremony rrganized by Anambra State Women’s Association, Lagos (ASWAL) recently.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Features

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

27

President Trump? A First-hand experiential analysis of American Presidential elections Alex Osondu Atawa-Akpodiete

A

fter waiting hours for the results of the American elections, many people went to sleep, hoping that they will wake up and hear a different result. Those who though they were having a nightmare, woke-up and the dream was still a reality. If you are in the Eastern part of the United States, you knew those in the West, such as California, had just finished elections as you went to sleep based on the three hour difference. Also, the global markets, opened with a crash.

During the Republican Party primaries, Donald J. Trump’s sixteen opponents did not give him a chance to win. He disappointed their expectations and ran an unconventional campaign.

Again, the pollsters did not give him a chance of winning the presidential elections on November 8, 2016. He won without support from exPresidents and former Presidential candidates of his own party. It should be mentioned that Trump had never been considered a Republican, but “converted” to run for President under the Republican banner.

Nonetheless, the former star of the reality-TV show The Apprentice won.

There are many lessons from the American elections, but I will only mention a few here.

Do not believe the Polls.

For years, pollsters have dominated the American election systems. This time they got it wrong. The polls predicted that former Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton will win and become the 45th President of the United States. Either they got the analysis wrong, or those they surveyed lied. It is probably true that some people who claimed they would not vote for Trump because it was not socially desirable, actually lied and voted for him. This group did not want to be seen as supporting an alleged bigot or someone that was painted by incumbent President Barack Obama (and others) as “uniquely unqualified.”

Political-correctness has been rubbished.

Donald Trump commented that even if he shot someone, he will not lose any supporters. He mocked women, minorities, war veterans, people with disabilities and it did not seem to hurt him. It remains to be seen how America will heal itself. He talked about building a war, without giving details of how he would make Mexico pay for it. Even arrogantly claiming to “know more about ISIS than the Generals”, did not hurt him.

He boldly told African-Americans to vote for him because they don’t have anything to lose. Apparently, some people liked his rash candidness.

The belief that if you are running for

Trump

hether or not his enemies and pundits ‘W like it, 70-year old Donald John Trump

45th President of the United States of America on January 20, 2017

will be sworn in as the

office, you should watch what you say, no longer holds water.

The magic of the media.

Donald Trump, a former reality show star with a star on Hollywood, used his mastery of the media to his great advantage. He knew that outlandish statements will get attention. Even, sex-related pseudo scandals could help. He used fear politics through the media, to his advantage. Trump’s divisive tactics worked. He was always in the news, much to chagrin of his opponents. He consistently attacked his opponents and anyone against him. He was taken as a joke by some people, but the joke is now on them. Trump is a master at the branding and name calling. His use of phrases like “Crooked Hillary” stuck with raucous responses of “Lock Her UP” from his supporters. It shows what the Nazi propagandists believed that if you tell a lie long enough, people will believe it. Also, “Making American Great Again” resounded with non-urban white America, even though the phrase was coined by Ronald Regan over thirty years ago. By contrast, Hillary’s “Stronger together” was a week slogan for many.

When the people are frustrated, they will choose whomever.

Several Americans, especially the uneducated whites, have been

’

frustrated with the establishment and the economy. They claimed the foreigners (illegal aliens) were taking away their jobs. It did not matter that Donald Trump had allegedly used the same illegal aliens in his various business. The concern was legitimate to the extent that even a Bachelor’s degree, could no longer guarantee a job with livable and living wage.

It appears as though those in Washington were out of touch with the plights of some Americans and just like Brexit, the people, gave the red card to establishment and said no to the status quo.

Money makes a difference in politics.

Donald Trump came into prominence because of his supposed success as a Real Estate mogul, propelled by the millions he inherited from his father. Although he lost almost a billion dollars twenty years ago, his actual net worth is not known because he refused to release his tax returns. He poured millions of his own money into his election campaign. One thing that you can admire about Mr. Trump is that he knows how to use the system to his advantage, whether filing for bankruptcies or avoiding taxes. The irony is that the average person on the street that supported Trump, will never make the kind of money

he has made and has probably paid more taxes that Donald Trump in the past ten years. The amazing fact is that Hillary Clinton outspent Trump almost 5-1 in campaign spending.

The power of the vote I was privileged to work as an Election Judge in the main election, the early voting and the primaries.

There was an unprecedented turnout. Standing for over thirteen hours was quite interesting when you are inundated with people of different personalities. Although, the minorities did not turn out as they did for the 2008 and 2012 elections featuring Barack Obama, the Hispanics came out in record numbers and were expected to turn things around in Battleground states like Florida. However, the turnout of rural white voters and dissatisfied minorities countered the Hispanic surge. Also, the millennial did not come out as much as they did in the last two Presidential elections because neither of the candidates inspired them. It could also be that the young voters felt they were voting for either a grandmother or grandfather that was not in touch with burning issues for young America such as school loans and affordable college tuition.

The influence of foreign issues on American politics The Russians have been held liable for the hacking of emails that cast a very negative shadow on Hillary Clinton’s campaign. Also, the ties of Trump and his allies to Russian President Vladimir Putin, is yet to be established. Hillary Clinton’s tenure as Secretary of State has been over-shadowed by the killing of the Americans in Benghazi. It did not matter that she was involved in the killing of the mastermind of the 9-11 attacks on America, Osama Bin Laden. The Trans-Pacific Trade Agreement and NAFTA (that Bill Clinton signed into law, but negotiated by George Bush) featured prominently in the debate. Who will bring back American jobs that have been “shipped” overseas? Syria, ISIS, and Boko Haram in Nigeria were mentioned on the campaign trails.

Also, the deal with Iran did not go well with many Americans. In other words, trade and security were major issues.

Whether or not his enemies and pundits like it, 70-year old Donald John Trump will be sworn in as the 45th President of the United States of America on January 20, 2017, with a foreign-born first lady and complete control of Congress (House of Representatives & Senate).

Alex O. Atawa-Akpodiete, worked as an Election Judge in the American Presidential Elections, including Primaries and early voting.

28

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

A PUBLICATION OF NATIONAL MIRROR NEWSPAPERS

Corporal arrested for killing fellow police officer Richard Ndoma CALABAR

T

he Cross River State police yesterday said it was probing one of his men, Corporal Eyi Eke, over alleged connivance with cultists to kill a superior police officer, Inspector Edet Archibong, while they were both on duty about a month ago in Calabar.

Speaking to journalists at the

police headquarters, Diamond Hill Calabar, Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Jimoh OziObey, said: “About a month ago, we lost our men and as God will have it we have arrested three persons.

Unfortunately, one policeman was among the suspects who have been arrested, disarmed and would be charged to court.”

It would be recalled that about a month ago, a police inspector died

C’River Police rescue 16-year-old kidnapped from Ibadan Richard Ndoma

CALABAR

T

he Cross River State police Command has rescued a 16year old SS3 student, Kinsley Akom of St. Banabas Academy, who was kidnapped from Ibadan, Oyo State capital and brought to Calabar.

The Cross River State Police Commissioner, Ozi-Obeh, gave the information while reading out what he tagged as fruit of harvest of criminals to journalists yesterday in Calabar.

The Police CP who showed the kidnap victim to journalists said that the police had rescued Kinsley Akom after he (Akom) gave a distress call to police authority in Calabar.

Akom who resides in Ibadan said he boarded a taxi cab to go to school from Daramola Street early in the morning in November this year only to find himself in Calabar.

The 16 years old student maintained that he didn’t know how he managed to find himself inside a van that was supposed to be meant for conveying goods.

He said that he only knew that he had fallen into a trap when he asked his abductors to unbind the ropes with which they tied him so that could go and ease himself, but they told him to urinate inside the vehicle.

Akom stated that he discovered that he was inside the van with other

15 captives whose mouths were taped with their legs and fastened with strong ropes.

He added that even when he pressurized the abductors that he wanted to defecate, they kept telling him to defecate inside the delivery van.

He said after much pressure, the abductors asked him to step down and defecate outside the van at around 1 am.

Subsequently the abductors threatened shooting him if he dared them, but he kept on insisting for his release and finally they got him released around Bible way in Calabar in the thick of the night.

Akom whose father is a police officer said he wandered in the dark of the night and met a lady who hawked oranges along MCC Road and asked the woman to tell him where he was.

He said through the lady, he got in touch with his father through the mobile telephone.

He said that his father, an indigene of Boki Local Government Area, but presently serving in Oyo State advised him to locate any nearby police station and he did that.

The police then put a call to his parents to confirm if actually Akom was kidnapped and the father said yes.

Akom was subsequently transferred to the State CID, Diamond Hill, Calabar, where he was finally linked with the state Commissioner of Police.

around the bayside axis in Calabar South Local Government of Cross River State while exchanging gun fire with some suspected cultists at the middle of the night.

Unfortunately a police inspector who died on that incident is suspected to have been betrayed by one of his men Corporal Eyi Eke a native of Rivers State.

However, the police authority in Calabar have fingered the corporal who the CP said had since been arrested by police authority, interrogated and found culpable and dismissed from the police service.

Police authority said Eke was arrested because one of the gang members told them that the police were being unfair to him by torturing him when some of the policemen were also involved in the killing of the police inspector.

When the police who was inter-

CALABAR

A

bout 5000 persons are to join forces with the member representing Cross River Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator John Owan-Eno, in a street walk to be organised by the parliamentarian to mark 2016 World Diabetes Day at the headquarters of his constituency in Ikom Local Government Area of in Cross River State.

Sequel to that event, the federal lawmaker is mobilising members of his constituency who will participate in the mega event so that he can formally begin work on the diabetes foundation set up by him when he

marked his 50 years birthday early this year.

Owan-Enoh disclosed this while fielding questions from journalists shortly after delivering a public lecture at the University of Calabar international seminar, which took place at the University of Calabar international Conference Hall in Calabar.

Apart from the diabetes foundation which the law maker spoke on extensively, he also reeled out the programmes lined up for his constituents to include an elaborate educational assistance programme and other empowerment programmes.

He said that top on the agenda for the event scheduled to take place this month by the foundation would be

and said: “I don’t know anything about the incidence. I amd not a cultist.”

The former policeman however maintained that he was only indicted by one of 28 years old criminals, Effiom, who was also among the suspected criminals being paraded by the police authority.

However when National Mirror interviewed Effiom, he said that it was the police who asked him to mention Corporal Eke`s name so that he would be set free.

In a similar vein, the Police Commissioner while giving a breakdown of criminal activities which had occurred in Calabar metropolis since he assumed office in June 7, this year, said that robbery incidences were not more than six, kidnapping, about four cases whereas murder cases were 10.

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (Rtd) (R), presents a special souvenir to the visiting Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I.E. Ibas, during a courtesy call, at the Government House, Yenagoa, yesterday.

Senator marks Diabetes Day with street walk Richard Ndoma

rogating him asked the criminal suspect to mention the policeman who had worked hand in hand with the cultist to kill the Police Inspector, Edet Archibong, he gave a vivid description of Corporal Eke. Subsequently Corporal Eke was made to appear before the suspected criminal and the criminal gave a nod that Corporal Eke was their member.

It was on that note that Corporal Eke was arrested by the police authority and interrogated.

The police said that though Corporal Eke denied the allegations, the police authority found him wanting.

In a short interview with National Mirror shortly after the suspects had been paraded before newsmen, Corporal Eke, 35 denied the allegations stressing that he was innocent of the allegations

an anti-diabetes street walk to create awareness about the scourge of the disease which had brought so much threat to lives of many Nigerians.

According to him, the programme would end in Ikom and Etung Local Government Areas.

He stressed that the programme would also kick-start in other senatorial districts of Abi, Yakurr, Obubra and Boki by their coordinators in their local government areas on the eve of that event.

The lawmaker stated that he was committed to the sustainability of the foundation having engaged a consultant who hired pioneer staff and currently conducting baseline studies for the project.

On why he is focussing on diabe-

tes, the legislator maintained that diabetes had killed so many in the country according to observation and national statistics.

He lamented how he had seen lives of many of his very close associates deteriorate without no one having the capacity to put the situation to a halt.

“I have had quite an encounter with some friends and others close to me deteriorate in health and I decided to do something meaningful in the constituency which I represent to address that ugly situation,” he said.

In other areas, the lawmaker averred that he was going to launch an unprecedented educational assistance, life enhancement pro-

gramme, and a sports fiesta next month.

He said that beneficiaries of his educational empowerment/scholarship programme shall accomodate 10 graduate and 10 undergraduate each.

Also in the plan, there would be 20 Senior and 20 Junior Secondary Certificate Examination as well as JAMB entrants per area with the aim of covering all 66 wards of the zone.

Political leaders and entrepreneurs would also benefit from various equipment and funding assistance while the CR Youth Congress would organise the special sports event.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

29

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Security: Bayelsa demands more Naval formations, facilities

B

ayelsa State Government on Monday restated its call for increased collaboration and support for the Nigerian Navy to enable it effectively police the Niger Delta region and the nation’s territorial waters.

It also appealed to the Navy to carry the state along, especially in the distribution of its formations, equipment and infrastructure, to enhance the operational efficiency of naval personnel in the state.

Speaking while receiving the Chief of Naval Staff in Government House, Yenagoa, the state’s Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd.), noted that the call had become more imperative in view of the increasing level of sophistication, with which the criminal elements carried out their nefarious activities in the maritime environment of the country.

Rear Admiral John Jonah, who described the Nigerian Navy as the only national establishment that had the responsibility, resources and training to keep the maritime space safe, urged all stakeholders to give legitimate support to the agency’s fight against crude oil theft, piracy and

other crimes in the waterways.

While thanking the Chief of Naval Staff and his team for the visit, the Deputy Governor also commended officers and ratings of the Navy for their contributions towards the prevailing peace and security in Bayelsa.

Rear Admiral John Jonah, who was also full of appreciation for the Nigerian Navy for immortalising Late Rear Admiral Nelson Bossman Soroh by naming one of its formations as after him said the gesture would go a long way in motivating serving Naval personnel to give their best in serving the nation.

He, however, called on the Navy to increase its presence in the state by deploying more mobile stations and machinery to enhance its operations in Bayelsa, which he described as the most riverine state in the entire country.

His words: “Let me also use this opportunity to publicly commend the Nigerian Navy for its efforts to immortalise one of our heroes, Rear Admiral Nelson Bossman Soroh, who gave his best, in serving our country.

I thank you all for recognising his contributions by naming a base, NNS Soroh.

“On the issue of mobile stations, Bayelsa State needs more of those stations than other areas, because it is more riverine than any other state.

This is the centre of gravity, so we appeal for a special attention.

“I know it is not easy to have those mobile platforms. But, let’s make sure that we continue to mount pressure on the management of the system.

Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, said his visit to the state was in continuation of an ongoing nationwide inspection

tour of naval bases, equipment and establishments.

While congratulating Governor Seriake Dickson, his deputy and people of Bayelsa on the recent Supreme Court judgement, that validated the governor’s re-election, the Chief of Naval Staff also expressed gratitude to the state government for the donation of a 100-hectare land and gunboats to the Nigerian Navy.

Vice Admiral Ibas promised to make good use of the donations and assured that, the Navy would be more proactive in its approach to curbing criminality in the nation’s

maritime environment.

He said, “I want to thank you for the support you have provided the Nigerian Navy, since our arrival here both in terms of logistics and welfare support to our bases.

“You are aware that we have extended our bases and units to create mobile stations which enable us to be closer to the people to fully cover the flashpoints that we have identified.

We are also in the process of creating additional choke points. We want to believe that once those areas are well manned and policed, we will be able to reduce criminality.”

Ijaw, Itsekiri, Ilaje graduates threaten to shut down Cheveron over unemployment Elo Edremoda WARRI

G

raduates of Ijaw, Itsekiri and Ilaje ethnic groups in Delta and Ondo states have threatened to shutdown facilities belonging to Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) due to employment marginalisation.

This is coming at a time when Nigeria’s oil assets have come under heavy attacks from activities of aggrieved militants in the Niger Delta, depleting the nation’s economy.

The groups, Egbema and Gbaramatu Graduates Employment Front, National Association of Itsekiri Graduates (NAIG) and National Association of Ilaje Graduates (NAIG), at a coalition press conference held in Warri, demanded that the oil giant effect “immediate conversion of VTP5/OTP2 trainees, VTP6/OTP3 trainees, intake of 2014 Ogere training awaiting batch.”

Also on the demand were the need to: “reserve employment quota for host communities in Human Resources, Procurement, Legal, Finance, Marine departments, reinstatement of all indigenes sacked without due process, review the undergraduate scholarship scheme from N75,000 to N300,000 per annum due to inflation, provide post-graduate scholarship for host communities, among other requests.”

Issuing a 14-day ultimatum to the oil multinational in a save our soul

(SOS) statement signed respectively by the presidents, Yebrade Moses, Edema Collins and Ikuesan Ademola of the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Ilaje graduate associations, they disclosed that host communities to CNL had had to resort to stringent measures such as protests, to gain employment in the past two decades.

The group further alleged that the company had often time given “flimsy excuses” to staff graduates who had taken part in its recruitment exercise despite their brilliant performances, asserting that “there is a clique in Chevron against employment of people in its operational areas.”

Recalling protests in 1998, 2004, 2008 and a coalition protest in 2012 they stated thus: “Over the years, we had had to go on serious confrontation with Chevron before a paltry of our people will be employed.

Chevron always give an alibi of lack of qualification as a strong reason for not employing host community workers and that their employment policies is equal opportunities for all Nigerians.

“It is on record that the VTP5/ OTP5 trainees that have spent nearly four years as trainees were mostly from the 2008 successful batch that were abandoned and were only considered for training in March 2013 after so many protest and confrontation that affected Chevron business and our comfort as well.”

Justice Constance Green (R) taking oath of office before Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers at the swearing-in of Judges for the Rivers Judiciary in Port Harcourt, yesterday. PHOTO: Ohalete/TA /NAN

Allow Niger Delta peace process to work, says Boroh

T

he Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programmme, Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh (rtd), has advised youths in the Niger Delta region to allow the ongoing peace process between the Federal Government and the people of the region to work.

Boroh stated this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

He said that the dialogue process initiated by the Federal Government would yield the expected result. “ My experience in the United Nations, Sierra Leone and Liberia, has made me to realise that peace process can be slow but remains the best option.

“While dialogue and the peace process can be tasking, exerting and quite expensive, it remains far cheaper compared to violence.”

He said that most of the 16-point list presented to the Federal Government by the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) needed careful study and painstaking negotiations.

“I therefore, advise the youths to give the PANDEF a chance, especially when it comprises all the broad sections and interests in the Niger

Delta, including youths, elders, traditional rulers, intellectuals and professionals.

“This presents the best opportunity to make the case for the development of the region rather than a relapse of the peace process which would negatively affect all and scare away investors.

“If there are youths who want to contribute to the PANDEF list or have suggestions, they should do so with words not with explosives.”

The coordinator admitted that the vandalism of oil facilities hurt the economy, but added that it also hurts all Nigerians irrespective of age, gender, religion or region.

“It hurts the region more because such destruction is on the area’s soil with negative implications for farming, fishing, the environment and living in peace.”

He said that besides the Amnesty beneficiaries, the Presidential Amnesty Office, had also made scholarships available to 1,800 youths from impacted communities.

He, however, said with better funding, the programme would extend its agriculture training and

empowerment to other Niger Delta youths.

Boroh, who is also the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, noted that the youths are the future of the country and therefore, have a stake in building a future of peace and development.

He urged beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme to shun violence and resist the temptation from politicians to recruit them as thugs during elections, including the scheduled Dec. 10 re-run elections in Rivers .

The coordinator warned that any beneficiary who violated the amnesty oath would not only be prosecuted but also de-listed from the programme and all his entitlements stopped.

He said that if such culprits were leaders of camps benefiting from the amnesty, the stipends, entitlements and support for all members of such camps would be discontinued.

Boroh condemned the recent attacks on oil facilities despite the Nov. 1 commitment to dialogue by PANDEF.

National Mirror Business & Finance www.nationalmirroronline.net

12

Friday, Tuesday, November 15, 2016 February 14, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

30

N600m fraud: Missing document stalls ex-Naval Chief’s trial Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

T

rial of former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin before Justice A.S Umar of the of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama Monday suffered setback following the missing of a vital document in the proof of evidence.

Jibrin was arraigned alongside two others before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a 4-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy.

Others arraigned alongside with him are Rear Admiral Bala Mshelia (retd) and Rear Admiral Shehu Ahmadu (retd), Habour Bay International Limited, a company alleged to have conspired with them to commit the fraud.

The naval chiefs allegedly bought a house worth N600 million while still in office from the account of Naval Engineering Services without the said purchase contract being captured in the budget.

It was also alleged that the documentation for transfer of ownership of the property was done in such a way that a private company owned by the family of Vice Admiral Jibrin became the buyer.

The offence, according to the prosecution, is in contravention of Section 26 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 22 (4) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

ADDITION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as AKINSANYA RASAKI, Now wish to be known and addressed as AKINSANYA RASAKI OJOMU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I was formerly known and addressed as LOVE EMMANUEL, Now wish to be known as LOVETH NKECHI ONUOHA. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as GIFT GEORGE SUNDAY now wish to be known and addressed as MERCY GEORGE SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as GODWIN MERCY NNENNAYA, now wish to be known and addressed as OKEREKE MERCY NNENNAYA. That my date of birth is 30th day of December, 1984. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as JINADU LATEEF OLAIDE, now wish to be known and addressed as JUNAYD LATEEF OLAIDE . All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

However, at the resumed trial yesterday, counsel representing Jibrin, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), informed the court that a “very vital document was missing from the proof of evidence filed by the prosecution.”

He told the court that the missing document was a letter that accompanied the documents forwarded to the EFCC at its request by the Naval headquarters and received by the commission on 08/01/2016.

The letter is said to have indicated that the property in which Jibrin is accused of purchasing from the account of Naval Engineering Services has been taken over by the Navy.

On his part, the prosecution counsel, J.O. Uzor, told the court he was not aware of the existence

of such letter. However, after consulting with his colleagues, he admitted to the court that such letter was in existence and added that the said letter

would be made available to the defendant tomorrow.

Earlier, the prosecution counsel informed the court that its first witness

was in court and that the prosecution was ready to commence with the trial, subject to the directives of the court.

Justice Umar after lis-

tening directed the prosecution to furnish the 1st defendant with all the documents and adjourned till today for the commencement of trial.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji Mohammed Abbas (M); Australian Ambassador to Nigeria, Paul Lehmann (4th, R); Executive Director, Department of Mines and Petroleum in Australia (4th, L) and other participants during a workshop on Policy and Capacity Building for successful sustainable mining sector, in Abuja on Monday (14/11/16).

Hisbah arrests 34 suspects, confiscates 916 bottles of alcoholic drinks

H

isbah, the Sharia law enforcement agency in Jigawa State Monday said its raid of beer parlours in Kazaure Local Government Area of the state, had led to the arrest of 34 persons and confiscation of 916 bottles of beer.

Hisbah Commandant in the state, Malam Sa’idu Aliyu, made the disclosure in an interview in Dutse, the state capital.

Aliyu said operatives of the command carried out the raid on Sunday at Gada and Kanti quarters in Kazaure town.

He said that in addition to the 916 bottles of beer confiscated, 673 empty bottles, four Jericans, two coolers and two jumbo-size CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that the name OSAYANDE OSAZUWA and JIDE OSAYANDE OSAZUWA is one and the same person,now wish to be known and addressed as BABAJIDE OSAYANDE OSAZUWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ILENE CHINONSO JAMES now wish to be known and addressed as ILOENE CHINONSO JAMES. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ALI MUSA ADAMU, now wish to be known and addressed as AZUBUIKE ONYEKWERE JULIUS. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADESINUOLA OLORUNKOYA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADESINUOLA OLOWONIYI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

pots used in brewing local beer, were also recovered.

The commandant said Hisbah would continue to fight against immoral acts,

including consumption of alcohol and reminded the people that consumption of beer remained prohibited in all parts of the state.

He advised residents to desist from engaging in vices and other immoral acts capable of destroying the society.

It would be recalled that the Hisbah, on November 4, destroyed 238 bottles of assorted beer in same local government.

Professor Johnbull counsels on use of smart phones

T

he emergence of smart phones and the social media platforms have no doubt accelerated the conversion of the entire world into a global village.

But the downsides of such emergence may be far greater than the positive sides, given the abuse the instruments have been subjected to in contemporary times.

As the Season 2 of the Globacom-sponsored TV Drama Series, Professor Johnbull, enters its CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as OFONZE CHIDIEBELE AUGUSTINA, Now wish to be known and addressed as UCHECHUKWU CHIDIEBELE AUGUSTINA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MUSA IBRAHIM now wish to be known and addressed as DAVID IBRAHIM. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS EHIZOGIE BECKY INYENGUNMWENA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EHIZOGIE BECKY AGUNLOYE. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as ODEYEMI ADESHINA SUNDAY now wish to be known and addressed as FAJUYITAN AKEEM OLABODE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

episode 3 today (Tuesday), the sitcom treats yet another social malady among the young generation; the abuse of smart phones.

Billed for airing on NTA Network, NTA International on DSTV Channel 215 and NTA on Startimes at 8.30pm, Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson, who makes a cameo appearance on the Series as Chantel, brings to the fore the inherent dangers of abuse of smart phones and selfies.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADETUTU ADEBOLAGBADEBO, Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AKINLABI ADETUTU ADEBOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ANIEFOIK AMOS INYANG now wish to be known and addressed as WISDOM AMOS INYANG.All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MERCY LUKE, now wish to be known and addressed as AMINA LUKE TIMBUWAK. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS CHUKWUDERA OKOYE AND EMMANUEL OKOYE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN ANDADDRESSED AS CHUKWUDERA EMMANUEL OKOYE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

Viewers of the moralistic TV Series will in the course of today’s episode be shown the various ways the young folks abuse these otherwise instruments of social integration and get counseled on how best to handle them.

They will equally find the erudite scholar, Professor Johnbull’s counsel impeccable as he figures out the right uses of smart phones.

“The new episode is fittingly tagged Selfie Stick ADDITION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as PADON AFISU, Now wish to be known and addressed as PADON AFISU RASHEED. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ADEMOLA SAMIAT IDERA now wish to be known and addressed as ADEMOLA SAMIAT ADEDAYO.All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ALAHIRAH DAN DONALD now wish to be known and addressed as ALAHIRAH DANDONALD. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

That i was formerly known, called and addressed as CHUCHWUDERA OKOYE and EMMANUEL OKOYE, That henceforth, i wish to be known, and called and addressed as CHUKWUDERA EMMANUEL OKOYE, hence this affidavit. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

to underscore how serious the abuse of smart phones, social media platforms and the crave for selfie sticks among the young generation has become,” Globacom, the Executive Producers of the Series said in a statement.

The episode features regulars like Professor Johnbull, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Queen Nwokoye, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Mercy Johnson Okojie, Funky Mallam, Ime Okon, Bidemi Kosoko, Martins Neboh and Stephen Odimgbe.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as AGINAM CHUKWUNONSO KENNEDY, Now wish to be known and addressed as AGINAM CHUKWUNONSIOCHI KENIOCHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as BEN-UPONI KOBUNE MARGARET now wish to be known and addressed as BENJAMIN-UPONI KECHUKWUYENUM PEARL.All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

My name was wrongly written as BALOGUN MODINAT LAWAL ( MRS) instead of correct name as MODINAT FUNMILAYO LAWALBALOGUN (MRS). All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS VIVIAN AMARACHI IGWE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS VIVIAN AMARACHI ONOJA. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

10

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net CHANGE OF NAME

SHOYOMI: I, formerly known and addressed as SHOYOMI RASHIDAT ADETOUN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. ADEOYE RASHIDAT ADETOUN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as OLADUNJOYE ABAYOMI ADEDEJI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLADUNJOYE YOMI MOSES. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

My name is TEMITOPE SAKA TAYLOR, while my son’s name is ADEDOTUN EMMANUEL TAYLOR. That I want to change my BVN name from ADEDOTUN EMMANUEL TAYLOR to my own name which is TEMITOPE SAKA TAYLOR. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OBASI NNEKA PEACE, now wish to be addressed as MRS KELVIN PEACE NNEKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I AKINWALE-OLAJIRE,ADEBUKOLA MOJISOLA hereby confirms that my correct names are OLAJIREAKINWALE. ADEBUKOLA MOJISOLA. All former documents still remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as DADA UGBE ALONU, now wish to be known and addressed as DADA UGBE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that I, ACHOR DAVIES. M. is one and same person as AGOHA MONDAY IHEANACHOR. All documents bearing the above names are mine and remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as RAYMOND IWEDI, now wish to be known and addressed as RAYMOND EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as EGUASA OSAZEE WEALTH, now wish to be known and addressed as EGUASA OSAZEE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as HAMZAT SULAIMAN AMASA, now wish to be known and addressed as HAMZAT SULAIMAN ADIO. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MAYUNGBE ESTHER BUNMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MAYUNGBE ESTHER AFUSAT. BORN 14 DAY OF JUNE 1986. FEMALE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ODETAYO SHOLA PHILIPS, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUSOLA ODETAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as LAWAL REMILEKUN AFOLARANMI, now wish to be known and addressed as ODUTAYO LAWAL REMILEKUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

CHANGE OF NAME

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

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as OJO ADEOLU GABRIEL, now wish to be known, called and addressed as IBITOYE OJO ADEOLU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as SAKA ROMATA SHADE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ISIAKA ROMATA SHADE. That I was reliably informed by my parents that I was born on the 28th day of April, 1984. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEYEMO OLUWASEUN ONIKEPE, now wish to be addressed as MRS IBIYOOYE OLUWASEUN ONIKEPE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, AMBODE OLUWADAMILOLA BUSAYO hereby confirms that am the same person as AMBODE OLUWADAMILOLA. All former documents still remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MONSUR MUHAMMAD AMBURSA, now wish to be addressed as MANSUR ALIYU. All documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that I, OGUNWUYI SOLA MAYOWA as well as OLADAPO SOLA MAYOWA and want to maintain OGUNWUYI SOLA MAYOWA in my account.

All documents bearing the above names are mine and remain valid.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as TEWOGBADE DEBORAH DORCAS, now wish to be known and addressed as TEWOGBADE DEBORAH BIDEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as MISS ADEKUNLE FAYOKEMI EVELYIN, now to be addressed as MRS OGUNTUASE FAYOKEMI EVELYIN. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as BUSHIR MOHAMMED, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ANDERSON OLAYIWOLA AKINPELU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as HAMMED FALILAT, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLADOJA FALILAT WUNMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as JIBOLA SAMUEL BADMUS, now wish to be known, called and addressed as JIBOLA SAMUEL FAMUYIWA. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as ADENIKE BOLAKALE OLAWOYINOKUNOLA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADENIKE BOLAKALE ADENIRAN. All former documents remain valid. General public Authorities concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as DAPO-ADEYEMI OPEYEMI IREOLUWATOMIWA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADEYEMI OPEYEMI IREOLUWATOMIWA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as GODWIN MERCY NNENNAYA, now wish to be known and addressed as OKEREKE MERCY NNENNAYA. That my date of birth is 30th day of December, 1984. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as ISHOLA OMOWUNMI, now wish to be addressed as ISHOLA OMOWUNMI BOLANLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as TAIWO OLAITAN, now wish to be addressed as TAIWO OLAITAN JOHNSON. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME/CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

I, formerly known and addressed as AJAYI OLASUNKANMI TEMITOPE, now wish to be addressed as AJAYI OLASUNKANMI SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as IBEH NONSO, now wish to be addressed as EGEMACHI STANLEY NACHOR. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that I, UZOMA ONYINYECHI SANDRA is one and same person as UZOMA ONYINYECHI VANESSAH. All documents bearing the above names are mine and remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to certify and confirm that I, TINA UKANA and CHRISTIANA EFFIONG UKANA refers to as one person. All former documents bearing any of the above names are mine and remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as MR ALIU MOSHOOD JAMIU, now to be known as MR. ALIU MOSHOOD JOHN. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NASIRU LATEEFAT ABIOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. SANNI LATEEFAT ABIOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as IGBO EBERE DORIS. now wish to be known and addressed as IGBOJINDU EBERE DORIS. DATE OF BIRTH: 25TH DAY OF DECEMBER,1989. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as SALAMI MURITALA ROTIMI, now wish to be addressed as SALAMI MURI OMOSANJO. My correct date of birth is 10th Oct. 1983.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

My name was wrongly written as ELIKIAN OLUYOMI ANDREW instead of ELIKAH BENSON ANDREW. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as MISS OGUNGBEMI SAYO JUDITH, now to be addressed as MRS AKANDE SAYO JUDITH. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME/ DATE OF BIRTH

My name was wrongly written as CHARITY ESTHER MICHEAL instead of CHARITY MICHAEL PHILLIP. My correct date of birth is 23rd April 1979.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

My name was wrongly written as DEANS ROSE ISREAL WILLIE instead of ROSE ISREAL WILLIE. My correct date of birth is 9th April, 1974. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MARTHA BENJAMIN AJOSE, now wish to be known and addressed as BENJAMIN MATTER SENAYON. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as MISS OLAGOKE ABIMBOLA BLESSING, now to be known and addressed as MRS. ADEMULEGUN ABIMBOLA BLESSING. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as AMAGIYA ESEOGHENE BLESSING, now wish to be known and addressed as OSINUGA ESEOGHENE BLESSING. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OMOLADE SUNDAY KAYODE, now wish to be known and addressed as OMOLADE FRANCIS KAYODE. date of birth 24th day of april 1981.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME/ CORRECTIO OF DATE OF BIRTH Formerly known and addressed as ADEBAYO FEMI ABIODUN, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBAYO ABIODUN OLADIMEJI. And my date of birth was mistakenly written on as 19th of March 2015 instead of 18th of April 1992.That my correct date of birth is 18th of April 1992. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ADEYEFA-OJOMO OLUWAGBEMIGA EBENEZER, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEYEFA-OJOMO OLUWAGBEMIGA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as GODWIN CHINENYE JOVITA now wish to be addressed as CHIBUEZE CHINONYE JOVETA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME/ DATE OF BIRTH

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. ABIMBOLA ADETOLA OMOWUMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OBANLA ADETOLA OMOWUMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADESINUOLA OLORUNKOYA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADESINUOLA OLOWONIYI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

CORRECTION OF NAME

My name was wrongly written as TAYO YEMISI TOYIN in my BVN instead of TAYO OLUWAYEMISI TOYIN. My correct name is TAYO OLUWAYEMISI TOYIN. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ABATAN JOKE YESZIR, now wish to be known and addressed as FAGBENRO JOKE YESZIR. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as ELU ELVIS AJUYA, now wish to be known and addressed as ELU ELVIS IJITONA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as DAVIES UCHENNA, now wish to be addressed as AGOHA UCHENNA OGECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EZIAFAKAEGO CHIOMA ESTHER, now wish to be known and addressed as OKORIE CHIOMA ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed BENNETH CHEKWUBE CHUKWU OKOYE, now wish to be known and addressed as CHEKWUBE CHUKWU OBIDIWE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as IBEH-UGOCHUKWU HYPOLITUS, now wish to be known, called and addressed as IBEH-UGOCHUKWU KELVIN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ISIAKA OBALOWU OLAYINKA, now wish to be addressed as ABDUL RAHMON ISIAKA OLAYINKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ODESANYA OLUWAFUNMILOLA ABIMBOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as OSHOSANYA OLUWAFUNMILOLA ABIMBOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS. ANIMASHAUN TAWAKALITU MOTUNRAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MORUF TAWAKALITU MOTUNRAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ADEBOWALE DAYO SUSANAH, now wish to be known and addressed as AJANI SUSANAH OLADAYO. My date of birth is 3rd April, 1959. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OLUFIROPO BOLANLE KOLARIN, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUFIROPO BOLANLE ZEKERI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OKAFOR ONYEKA MARY, now wish to be known and addressed as OKONKWO ONYEKA MARY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that THOMAS NEARER OKON is the same person bearing NEARER OKON THOMAS. But henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as THOMAS NEARER OKON. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

31

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as KAREEM OLORUNFUNMI MARY, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AKANDE OLORUNFUNMI MARY. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as EDITH OLASUNBO DADA, now wish to be known and addressed as DADA ALEJE LAWAL. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

My name was wrongly written on my BVN as GANIYU KEHINDE FATIMO, instead of AJISHAFE RUKAYAT OLAIDE. My correct date of birth is 9th Jan 1989. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as OZURUMBA CHIKA GEORGINIA, now wish to be addressed as ISAAC OZURUMBA CHIKA GEORGINIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as OGBONTA OGECHI VICTORIA, now wish to be addressed as OGBONTA OGECHUKWU VICTORIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as CHUKS TONIA OBY, now wish to be known and addressed as UJOMU TONIA ASIKA. All documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

I, COLLINS SEGUN wish to add MARCUS to my existing name.

Henceforth my names are COLLINS SEGUN MARCUS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as TAIWO MUIBAT ATINUKE. now wish to be known and addressed as ADESOYE ATINUKE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as ISMOILA YISIRAT EEBUDOLA, now to be known and addressed as ISMAILA YISIRAT EBUDOLA. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEBOWALE..PELERS CYNTHIA ADEBIMPE, now wish to be known and addressed as AYRE CYNTHIA ADEBIMPE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as OKEKE UJUNWA FIDELIA, now wish to be known and addressed as AGU UJUNWA FIDELIA. My date of birth is 18th Nov. 1983. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as SAMUEL CHUKWUNONYE, now wish to be known and addressed as SAMUEL OGBONNA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This to confirm that OPADOTUN SUNDAY GABRIEL and OPADOTUN SUNDAY AYODEJI are same person.

Henceforth, I want to be addressed as OPADOTUN SUNDAY AYODEJI. All former documents bearing the names remain valid. General public should take note.

32

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as TAJUDEEN OYEYEMI SALAMI now wants to be addressed as ABDULSALAMI OYEYEMI TAJUDEEN. All former documents remain valid. General public and banks should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ONYIA: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONYIA UKAMAKA NKEMAKONAM, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHIME UKAMAKA NKEMAKONAM. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Immigration Service and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AGU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AGU CATHERINE NNEAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UDEH NNEAMAKA CATHERINE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IGWE: I, formerly known and addressed as IGWE NNAMDI SYLVANUS, now wish to be known and addressed as IGWE NNAMDI SILVA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OMENKA: I formerly known and addressed as OMENKA IJEHANNA, now wish to be known and addressed as IJE ENEYI ANNA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ORIADE: Formerly known and addressed as ORIADE R AYODEJI now wish to be known and addressed as ORIADE AYODEJI ADEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

OLAYINKA: Formerly known and addressed as OLAYINKA MARIAM now wish to be known and addressed as GBAMILA TITILAYO MARIAM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLASOJU: Formerly known and addressed as OLASOJU KEHINDE OSENATU now wish to be known and addressed as ODUSANYA KEHINDE OSENATU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

JAMES: Formerly known and addressed as JAMES USORO IKAWIBOM, now wish to be known and addressed as USORO JAMES IGAWIBOM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLUWATOSIN: Formerly known and addressed as MISS OLUWATOSIN ADETUTU AYOOLA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLUWATOSIN ADETUTU ADEOYE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as ITOJE CYNTHIA OKIEMUTE, now wish to be known and addressed as FAMOUS CYNTHIA ITOJE. All former documents remain valid. General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as ANTHONY ONYINYECHI IMMACULATE, now wish to be known and addressed as ANTHONY ONYINYECHI AGATHA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as AMADI SMART SILVET, now wish to be known and addressed as SMART SILVET IYKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Friday, February 14, 2014

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as KASALI RASHIDAT IREWUNMI, now wish to be known and addressed as KASALI OMOTANWA IREWUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

UGORJI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UGORJI CONFIDENCE OGECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONOH CONFIDENCE OGECHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NNAM: I, formerly known and addressed as OKOYE NNAM, now wish to be known and addressed as OKORIE NNAMCHI ANIKE. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OZONNADI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS LOVINA NNENNA OZONNADI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS LOVINA NNENNA NDUBUISI. All former documents remain valid. NB PLC and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS FATOBA OLUWATOSIN ESTHER But now wish to be known and address as MRS AKINTOYE OLUWATOSIN ESTHER. All former documents remain valid, UBA, WEMA,FIRST BANK PLC and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UDEH: Formerly known and addressed as UDEH CALLISTER UKAMAKA now wish to be known and addressed as UGWU CALLISTER UKAMAKA. All former documents remain valid General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLADIPUPO: Formerly known and addressed as OLADIPUPOFAGBEWESA FESTUS ADEDOYIN now wish to be known and addressed as OLADIPUPO FESTUS ADEDOYIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

PATRICK: Formerly known and addressed as PATRICK BENEDITH MERCY now wish to be known and addressed as IRUEFOLU EBELE BENEDETH . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

LAGBALU: Formerly known and addressed as LAGBALU FATAI now wish to be known and addressed as LAGBALU FATAI OMOTAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLUWAFEMI: Formerly known and addressed as OLUWAFEMI CLETUS. now wish to be known and addressed as: DANIEL ESHIKNENA CLETUS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as IBINUOLAPO JOSEPH ABIODUN IREOLUWA, now wish to be known and addressed as IBINUOLAPO MICHAEL KEHIDE 11-2-1993. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS AKINRIMISI DEBORAH TAIYE, now wish to be known and addressed as SMITH DEBORAHTAIYE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OGBARA OWODUNNI, now wish to be known and addressed as OGBARA OLASUBOMI OWODUNNI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as DURU AMARACHI L. Now wish to be known and addressed as UMEH KINGSLEY AMARACHI L. All former document remain valid general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

INUSA: I, formerly known and addressed as INUSA IBRAHIM ABUBAKAR, now wish to be known and addressed as YUNUSA IBRAHIM ABBATI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OZOEMENA: I, formerly known and addressed as OZOEMENA MBA, now wish to be known and addressed as MBA MOSES. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that my name CHINWE ROSEMARY NNAM was wrongly written during my BVN Registration, but now wish to be corrected and addressed as CHINWE MARY-ROSE NNAM. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as ONI AANUOLUWAPO DANIELLA, But now wish to be known and address as ONI HANNAH AANUOLUWAPO. All former documents remain valid, SKYE BANK PLC and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EHIWE: Formerly known and addressed as EHIWE PAUL ENIOLA now wish to be known and addressed as ENIOLA PAUL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

HUSSAIN: Formerly known and addressed as HUSSAIN UMAR MOHAMMED now wish to be known and addressed as HUSSAIN UMAR. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AKINNIRUN: Formerly known and addressed as AKINNIRUN SADE FEMI now wish to be known and addressed as AKINNIRUN OMOSADE SANDRA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ABDULKODIRI: Formerly known and addressed as ABDULKODIRI KAYODE MUHAMMED TAOFEEK now wish to be known and addressed as ABDULKODIRI TAOFEEK. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHINYERE: Formerly known and addressed as MISS CHINYERE NDUBUISIZE. now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EJIOFOR NATASHA CHINYERE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as OSHODI ISMAIL OJO, now wish to be known and addressed as ASUNMO OJO OSHODI. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ADEBAJO ADEKUNLE OLUWAFEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as BAJO ADEKUNLE OLUWAFEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I,formerly known and addressed as MISS RITA ATAGAMEN ODIANOSEN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ELSIE RITA NWOKO. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

formerly known and addressed as ZAKARIYAH (SAKA) MEMUNAT ATINUKE now wish to be known and addressed as IBRAHIM MEMUNAT ATINUKE. All former document remain valid general public take note CHANGE OF NAME

OKEKE: I, formerly known and addressed as EDITH OKEKE CHUKWNMSO, now wish to be known and addressed as EDITH ONYEKACHI CHUKWUNMSO .O. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EZE: I, formerly known and addressed as CHRISTOPHER EZE GODWIN, now wish to be known and addressed as OKON EPHRAIM IDIO. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that my name OGBODO COLLINS was wrongly written in my account, but now wish to be corrected and addressed as OGBODO COLLINS OKWUDILI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MOSUDI BASIRAT ADUNNI now wish to be known and addressed as MOSHOOD BASIRAT ADUNNI. That MY DATE OF BIRTH IS 11TH OF AUGUST, 1978. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NKEMAKOLAM: Formerly known and addressed as MISS NKEMAKOLAM GLORIA CHINEMEREM now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONYEOCHA ROSEMARY ONYEKACHI ONYECHE MY DATE OF BIRTH IS 22/12/1981 . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

BABATUNDE: Formerly known and addressed as BABATUNDE JOSEPH ADEBOYE now wish to be known and addressed as IREAYO JOSEPH ADEBOYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AKINYEMI: Formerly known and addressed as AKINYEMI OLUWAKEMISOLA BLESSING now wish to be known and addressed as AKIMSOLA OLUWAKEMISOLA All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

JIBRIN: Formerly known and addressed as JIBRIN MUHAMMED SURAZ now wish to be known and addressed as JIBRIL MUHAMMED SURAZ. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

THOMAS: Formerly known and addressed as THOMAS OLUFEMI OLUWATOSIN now wish to be known and addressed as THOMAS OLUFEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OGUNLEYE ARIKE MARY, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS TUNMISE ARIKE MARY. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as WAKILU SILIFAT AYOKA, now wish to be known and addressed as AJIBOGUNSORO SILIFAT AYOKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as OPE KHADIJAT ADEGOROYE, now wish to be known and addressed as ELESHNMEJI OPE KHADIJAT.All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net CHANGE OF NAME

ANI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS BLESSING UKAMAKA ANI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BLESSING UKAMAKA EGWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKENE: I, formerly known and addressed as OKENE THERESA ANANYOCHUKWU .O., now wish to be known and addressed as NZEKWE THERESA ANANYOCHUKWU .O. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWANKWO: I, formerly known and addressed as VENATS NWANKWO .O., now wish to be known and addressed as OZOEMENA VENATUS OKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm and certify that NWACHUKWU ANSLEM OKWUDILI and NWACHUKWU SUNDAY OKWUDILI refer to one and the same person but now wish to be known and addressed as NWACHUKWU SUNDAY OKWUDILI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that NASIRU FAVOUR MARIAT, is the same person as NASIRU MARIAT OHUNENE, But now wish to be known and address as NASIRU MARIAT OHUNENE. All former documents remain valid, FIDELITY BANK PLC and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OSUAGWU: Formerly known and addressed as OSUAGWU HUMBLE CHIGAEKPE now wish to be known and addressed as OKEKEABUCHI HUMBLE CHIGAEKPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKPE: Formerly known and addressed as OKPE JANE now wish to be known and addressed as DAVID JANET JOY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

DANLADI: Formerly known and addressed as DANLADI SAMUEL IBIANG now wish to be known and addressed as IBIANG SAMUEL EYONG. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ASHADE: Formerly known and addressed as ASHADE SHERIFAT ADENIKE now wish to be known and addressed as EBUDOLA SHERIFAT ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that my name was wrongly spelt and stated as ODIATEO SUCCESS instead of ODIA SUCCESS EFE. Hencforth I wish to be known and addressed as ODIA SUCCESS EFE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

11

CHANGE OF NAME

NGENE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NGENE HELEN EBERE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHIME HELEN EBERE (NEE NGENE). All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EZE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZE ANTHONIA CHINENYE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MADUBE ANTHONIA CHINENYE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EKWUNOH: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EKWUNOH ROSEMARY NKECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EGBOCHUE ROSE NKECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm and certify that INNOCENT ONWUAMEZE EZEOKE, NZEAKONOBI INNOCENT ONWUAMEZE EZEOKE and NZEAKONOBI EZEOKE refer to one and the same person. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as THOMAS OLUFEMI OLUWATOSIN But now wish to be known and address as THOMAS OLUFEMI. All former documents remain valid and General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

FATUNGASHE: Formerly known and addressed as FATUNGASHE OLUSEGUN ADEYEMI now wish to be known and addressed as ADEYEMI OLUFUNMILADE OLUSEGUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

DIKE: Formerly known and addressed as DIKE IFEANYIN STANLEY now wish to be known and addressed as CHARLES IFEANYI STANLEY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OMOIGUI: Formerly known and addressed as OMOIGUI ANDREW now wish to be known and addressed as AGHAFEDO OSAYANDE ANDREW. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

FLORENCE: Formerly known and addressed as MS FLORENCE OJARESHARE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FLORENCE KAGHO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as ASULEWON ROSELINE AYOWUNMI, now wish to be known and addressed as ASULEWON ABAMIKE AYOWUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General public to please note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

TANK DEALERS ASSOCIATION COKER LAGOS The general public is hereby informed that the above named Association had applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission, under Part “C “ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 laws of the federation.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr Charles Ezeibenne 2. Mr Chris Iyoha 3. Mr chika Umeh 4. Mr Obinna Ugo

- Chairman - Secretary

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVE ARE: 1. To Cater for the welfare of members 2. To build a platform of unity among members 3. To foster the collective interest of members Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi lronsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the day of this publication.

SIGNED : MR OBINNA UGO SECRETARY

WorldNews

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, November 15, 2016 -

Page 33

Syria war: Aleppo residents panic over ‘get out text’ WITH AGENCY REPORT

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Innocent children sighted playing on a street in Aleppo yesterday

“My wife is afraid, my little students are afraid of what’s going on and we should be afraid,” English teacher and activist, Abdulkafi Alhamdo, said yesterday.

“We want the world to know we are here to stay, not because we could not go out. We could have gone out many times death might come, but death might come anywhere. But our freedom cannot be found anywhere,” he added.

In the text message warning, rebels were also given an ultima-

tum to lay down their arms and renounce their leadership, or be killed.

The 24-hour period mentioned in the text has passed, and while witnesses said they saw warplanes swirling the city, there have so far been no reports of airstrikes, although many residents believed they would still arrive.

The United Nations warned last week that eastern Aleppo was on the brink of starvation ahead of what it called killer

mosques. The first of these is at dawn and the last is after sunset.

About 17.5 per cent of people who live in Israel are ethnically Arabic and most of these are Muslims.

Nasreen Hadad Haj-Yahya from the Israel Democracy Institute, a thinktank, wrote in a local newspaper that “the real

aim is not to prevent noise but rather to create noise that will hurt all of society and the efforts to establish a sane reality between Jews and Arabs”.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting: “I cannot count the times, they are simply too numerous, that citizens have turned

winter.

The last significant aid delivery was in July, and the area is extremely low on medicine and much-needed fuel to run hospital generators and ambulances.

Gas cylinders to cook or heat a home are at $200, while a pack of cigarettes now costs $100, an activist from the Aleppo Media Center said yesterday.

“The situation is the worst it has ever been in eastern Aleppo,” the activist said, stressing, “People cannot find anything to

Netanhayu okays Muslim prayer calls ban

I

sraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is backing a proposal to quieten calls to prayer, saying he has received complaints from all quarters about what he calls noise and suffering.

Later on Sunday a government committee will discuss a draft bill that contains the plan.

Israeli media said the measure would stop mosques from using Public Address systems for their five-times-daily calls to prayer, although critics said the move would be unnecessarily divisive.

The volume limitations would apply to all religions but will mainly impact on Muslims’ call to prayer from

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

-French Prime Minister Manuel Valls

WORLD BULLETIN

Iraqi blast claims 8 Eight civilians have been killed and five others wounded in a suicide bomb attack in a town southwest of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, officials said yesterday.

Six suicide bombers entered Ain Tamr from the western province of Anbar early yesterday, but they were confronted by security forces.

Five of the bombers were shot dead, but the sixth broke into a house where he blew himself up, killing the civilians.

The jihadist ISIS however said it was behind the attack.

On Sunday, it carried out a series of bombings in and around Baghdad that killed at least 23 people and wounded 70 others.

Afolabi Gambari

esidents of war-ravaged eastern Aleppo were waiting anxiously yesterday after receiving a terrifying text message telling them to flee or die.

The text message sent Sunday to residents warned the sick and wounded to leave before a “strategically planned assault using high precision weapons occurs within 24 hours.”

Various reports said it was most likely sent by the Syrian government as the regime is the only party believed capable of sending a text en masse, and has been in a months-long bid to regain control of the area held by rebels.

But despite the threat and a worsening humanitarian situation, many residents vowed not to leave the danger zone.

The Syrian regime, along with Russia, have obliterated parts of the city’s east in recent months, and although they say they have created humanitarian corridors out, many residents do not trust that they will make it to safety on the other side.

“The fresh measures we are deploying to fight terrorism with regard to the emergency are aimed at protecting democracy”

to me from all parts of Israeli society, from all religions, with complaints about the noise and suffering caused them by the excessive noise coming to them from the public address systems of houses of prayer.

“Israel is committed to protect anyone who suffers from the excessively loud calls.”

Assange answers Sweden rape charge

W

ikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has begun giving a statement in the presence of a Swedish prosecutor regarding allegations he sexually assaulted two women in the country six years ago, WikiLeaks tweeted yesterday.

The questioning took place in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where the 45-year-old Australian has been holed up since 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden.

“After UN & court findings condemning 6 years of abuses

by Sweden against Assange, Sweden finally takes his statement for the first time ever,” the official WikiLeaks account

tweeted.

A throng of journalists awaited Swedish prosecutor Ingrid Isgren as she arrived at the embassy Monday to attend the questioning of Assange on the sexual assault allegations made by two female WikiLeaks volunteers in Sweden.

Under the arrangement made between Sweden and Ecuador, the result of years of complicated diplomatic and legal negotiations, Sweden prepared a list of questions for an Ecuadorian prosecutor to ask Assange and his legal team in the presence of Isgren and a Swedish police investigator.

A DNA sample was also to be taken during the visit, subject to Assange’s consent, according to the terms of the arrangement.

After the questioning, Ecuadorian officials would file a report on the interview to the Swedes, who would then decide whether or not to file charges.

Isgren left the Embassy more than three hours after she arrived yesterday, and returned about an hour later.

Beleaguered: Julian Assange

Death call for Mauritanian blogger A body of Muslim clerics in Mauritania has called for the death sentence to be carried out against a blogger convicted of apostasy in 2014.

Mauritania, an Islamic republic, has not applied a death penalty since 1987.

The Forum of Imams and Ulemas said yesterday that Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ould Mkhaitir, 29, should be executed despite the fact that he repented for an article criticising Mauritania’s caste system.

The clerics want him to be killed according to what they called the law of God. The blogger was arrested in January 2014 for an article in which he lashed out at those who use religion as a means of discrimination against members of certain ethnic groups.

The article was later taken down as it was deemed blasphemous towards the Prophet Muhammad.

Mkhaitir then apologised and said he never meant to insult the Prophet.

Mauritania’s Supreme Court can pardon him if it feels his repentance is sincere.

The country officially abolished slavery in 1981, but activists say it is still widely practised with children born into slavery.

Pakistani soldiers fall to Indian shelling Eleven Pakistani soldiers have been killed by Indian shelling in disputed Kashmir, the Pakistani military said yesterday.

The troops died in unprovoked firing overnight on Sunday in the Bhimber sector on the Line of Control (LoC).

India blamed Pakistan for starting the clash.

It is thought to be the Pakistani military’s biggest single loss of life in Kashmir since a 2003 truce.

Tensions have flared over the long-running dispute since an Indian army base was attacked in September.

Both India and Pakistan accuse each other of violating the 2003 ceasefire agreement.

Hundreds of civilians in villages along the LoC have been evacuated.

National Mirror Mirror National Monday, February 3, 2014 15,www.nationalmirroronline.net Tuesday, November 2016

12 34

www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror

When thefor come to come It seems to me the time has come us to, come re-examine the everybody will sit up in this Ministry.

Rev. Chris Okotie, speaking legal and constitutional framework for policing in Nigeria. on the state of the nation

49

HON MINISTER FOR PETROLEUM RESOURCES,ALIISON MADUEKE – SPEAKER HOUSE OF REPS, HON. YAKUBU DOGARA

Police accused of shielding land grabbers from prosecution Wale Igbintade

A

bout 120 residents of Oko-Olomi community in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos yesterday protested the failure of the police to arraign land grabbing suspects, Alhaji Mutairu Owoeye and Ganiyu ‘Garba’ Owoeye, at the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

The men and women from 15 villages in the community said they had been summoned to the court by the police to testify over the invasion and destruction of their homes on April 17, by thugs allegedly hired by the suspects. Speaking through their counsel, Mr Shem Popoola, they displayed a warrant for the arrest of Owoeye and one Ganiyu ‘Garba’ Owoeye issued on October 19 by a Wuse Magistrates’ Court, Abuja in suit No: IBK/FIB/FCIID/FHQ/ ABJ/171/2016.

The warrant, Popoola told community Mirror

was issued following an October 5 petition to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID), Abuja. Popoola said:“They were arrested on Monday November 7, 2016 by a team from the Force Investigation and Intelligence Bureau (FIIB) Abuja and the head of the

FIIB, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Shehu Umar, ordered on that they should be arraigned in Igbosere this morning the following day.

“We got to the court this morning and there was no suspect, no Investigative Police Officer (IPO) and no prosecutor. I called the Commissioner of Police Legal Department, Abuja,

and the prosecutor handling the case, Superintendent A. Oluwole, said his office had prepared the charge but had not seen the suspects.

“We later found out that the suspects were released at 4pm on Tuesday, just after we left the AIG’s office and that no one knew where they were. We are shocked that people who

were arrested on a warrant issued by a court could be released just like that.”

He added that their homes were destroyed despite an injunction by Justice Abisoye Bashua of Lagos High Court, Epe in suit No: EPD/047/2016 ordering Mutairu Owoeye “to remove all thugs and hoodlums” in Oko-Olomi.

Electricity pole carrying life wire falls on residential building at the Low Cost Housing Estate, Oke-Afa in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: OKOYA OLATUNDE/BJO/NAN

NURTW moves to end crisis among members Patience Ogbo

N

ational Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Lagos state chapter has began moves to end extortion of its members by security operatives and task Force officials. The Union also denied reported that it was responsible for the crisis at Igando area of the state where some commercial motorcycle riders went on rampage State Trustee of the NURTW representing the Motorcycle Owners Association of Lagos State (MOALS), Mr. Tijani Perkis stated that the Union contrary to belief,has relieved the burden of paying illegal fees imposed on motorcycle riders in the state.

He said “If the duty of any responsible government is to ensure the wel-

fare of its citizens then as a Union, we are concerned about the welfare of our members. “The issue at Igando that covers Akesun,and Obadore was caused by just 10 percent out of the 100 percent of the riders in that area.

Since the inception of the traffic law, some persons are hiding under providing security to extort our members and this money is on the high side.

“To put a stop to this illegal money, the State executives held a meeting and introduced the booking ticket and it was a flat rate across the state. What it means is that if a rider picks a ticket in Ikorodu area of the state and the rider gets to Ojuelegba area, the rider will not need to pick another ticket. “It means that he can use that ticket anywhere he decides to ride in the state so instead of paying

N200, the money was reduced by N100. We stopped the illegal security money and those benefitting from it decided to mobilise and cause the problem at Igando. “We decided to do this as a responsibility Union who caters for the welfare of thier members”, he explained.

Speaking further, Mr.

Perkis said instead of resorting to protest , members can approach the Union office with thier compliant and they will be attended to. “RTEAN does not have a Unit or branch at Alimosho local government. We don’t have multiple association in Lagos state. The state government recognised

only two commercial motorcycle (Okada) riders associations under NURTW in Lagos state. MOALS is one of the recognised Okada associations. If anyone feels we are extorting members, they can bring there evidence to the state executives”, he reiterated.

Police boost community policing, inaugurates Eminent Persons’ Forum Patience Ogbo

F

ollowing directives from the Inspector General of Police Mr. Idris Ibrahim that every command should Eminent Persons Forum in all the Divisions, the Trade Fair Police station on Monday in line with the directive inaugurated the Forum.

Present at the event were traditional rulers. Other persons at the

event include traders and community members .

The Divisional Police Officer of the Trade Fair police station Mr. Kayode Ojapinwa a Chief Superintendent of police emphasised the need for community policing in checking crime in the community. He said “ When the Inspector General of Police Idris Ibrahim came on board, he ordered all the Commissioners of police to inaugurate the Eminent

Persons’ Forum. The IGP recognises community policing and for us to be proactive.

The forum will afford us the opportunity to be closer to the people and to know who to call if there is problem in the community .Everyone is a security officer and we need members of the community to fight crime “. The Eminent Persons’ Forum it was gathered will hold every three months.

Foundation empowers 200 women in Ondo Ayo Esan

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o fewer than 200 market women and traders from Ondo in Ondo west local government of Ondo State benefited from the sum of 10million naira loan by Jejenuwa Empowerment Foundation.

Speaking at the occasion,The chief Imam of Allahu Wahid central mosque,Ondo who is also the chairman of the foundation Alhaji Abdur-rofiu Ajiboye Lagbaaji explains that the decision by the foundation to embark on the empowerment programme was aimed at alleviating poverty and putting smile on the faces of widow and less previlegde individual in the society. Lagbaaji bemoaned what he observe as the present level of poverty in Nigeria stated it is only true empowerment of less previlegde individual that the situation could be addressed. He therefore appeal to the government to place more emphasis on poverty alleviation and provision of welfare packages that would help in improving the lots of the people. He charge the beneficiary to make the judicious use of the money given to them in order for the purpose for which it was undertaken to be achieved. The Islamic cleric commended the donor Mr Abdlakeem Oyeneyin for his philantrophic gesture and praying the Almighty Allah to continue to bless him abundantly.

Also in his comment while speaking with journalist the financier of the empowerment program Mr Abdlakeem Oyeneyin said the motive behind the empowerment exercise was not political but was targeted in assisting the less previlgde in the society in order to improve their wellbeing.

He charge recipient of the empowerment money to invest it wisely in order to enjoy more in the nearest future,the high point of the events was the distribution of cheque to the beneficiaries which was handle by officials of WEMABANK PLC. One the beneficiaries Mrs Falade Falilat, who spoke with hope correspondent described the exercise as a welcome idea and pray to God to continue to bless the donor and the foundation that undertook the empowerment programme.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

35

Church appeals for change of economic policies Igbawase Ukumba LAFIA

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A cross-section of members of the Global Entrepreneuship participating in World Entrepreneuship Awareness Day Walk in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN SHUAIBU/BJO/NAN

8 sect members, 1 policeman die in Shi’ites/Police clash in Kano

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ight members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, and one policeman died during a clash between police and members of the sect in Kano Monday.

Commissioner of Police in the state, Alhaji Rabiu Yusuf, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Kano.

According to Yusuf,

four policemen and many members of the Shi’ites were injured during the clash, which occurred along KanoZaria road in the city.

“During the clash, we were able to arrest many members of the IMN and we are going to conduct an investigation into the incident.

“Members of the

movement snatched an AK 47 riffle from our men, but we were able to recover it,” he said.

The commissioner called on the general public to go about their nor mal business as nor malcy has been restored to the city.

Spokesperson of the sect in Kano, Malam Ali Kakaki, said members of the group were

on a protest demanding the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

“As our members walked toward the Amana City close to Tamburawa Area, some policemen began to shoot in all directions.

“The casualties on our side involved women and children,” Kakaki said.

was committed to ensuring that the mining sector yield income for the nation.

According to him, this has necessitated the Federal Gover nment to approve N30bn intervention fund for the sector.

He said that the present administration had a focus in diversifying the nation’s revenue base from over dependence on crude oil, which historically has been her mainstay to mining and agriculture.

He explained that there was reduction in focus and leverage of key stakeholders’ attention for the sector, such as resources, talent and partnership.

The minister said that the ministry’s organisational design

needed refinement to ensure clear enforcement of the Mineral Mining Act 2007 as well as associated regulations.

He said that Nigeria and Australia had a long standing history of commercial, cultural and diplomatic link, built up over the years.

Fayemi said the two countries had in 2012 signed a Memorandum of Understanding covering political, economic, commercial, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation.

Australian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Lehmann, said the workshop would help Nigeria to build a sustainable mining industry and to lear n from the success re-

corded by Australia in mining industry.

According to Lehmann, the workshop will also demonstrate what Australia and Nigeria can do together to achieve a common goal for the growth of the mining sector.

It would be recalled that in 2014, Wester n Australia collected $6.8bn as mining royalties. Iron ore and petroleum contributed 76 per cent and 16 per cent respectively.

Royalties are payable on all minerals and hydrocarbon production.

Australian royalties are gover nment revenue used for education, health, roads, law enforcement, community development programmes among others.

Ajaokuta, Itakpe concession to generate revenue for Nigeria, says Fayemi

M

inister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said Ajaokuta and Itakpe modification concession will for m the proposed economic resources corridor for Nigeria.

Fayemi announced this during a two-day workshop on Policy and Capacity Building for a Successful and Sustainable Mining Sector, yesterday in Abuja.

The workshop was organised by the ministry in collaboration with the Australian High Commission.

The minister, who was represented by the Per manent Secretary in the ministry, Alhaji Mohammed Abbas, said that President Muhammadu Buhari

vangelical Reformed Church of Christ, ERCC, Monday appealed to government at all levels to change their economic policies to accommodate the masses.

President of the church, Very Rev. Jerry Madibo, made the appeal at a press conference at Alushi, headquarters of ERCC, in Nasarawa State to mark the 100 years of evangelisation by the church.

He said: “The church has been following developments at various levels and arms of governance in the country and wish to state that it is deeply concerned about the crippling economy and the deepening level of poverty in the society.

“Whereas we commend the Federal Government for its avowed fight against corruption which has been a can-

kerworm of sort eating away the livewire of our dear country, and whereas we also commend the sustained effort to stamp out corruption, insurgency and militancy in some parts of the country, we are however concerned about the threatening poverty in the land resulting from economic policy of the government.”

He also appealed to Nasarawa State government, where the church is domiciled, to come to terms with the low morale of civil servants, following cut in their salaries.

He noted that in an effort to augment what the government is doing, the church has perfected plans to establish a university of its own to provide quality education to future generation and employment opportunities for the teaming youths who are graduating without jobs.

Katsina govt accuses ex-gov Shema, others of diverting another N8.6bn

K

atsina State Government has presented a memo before the State Judicial Commission of Inquiry alleging diversion of N8.6bn by immediate past governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema, and other top officials.

Counsel to the commission, Mr. Hassan Liman, SAN, stated this Monday during the sitting of the commission.

Liman said the amount was diverted from the accounts of the Ministry of Environment, Department of Community Development, Special Duties, Girl-Child Education and the Department of Almajiri Affairs.

He explained that available records showed that the funds were allegedly diverted by the former governor and other government officials.

According to him, there was no evidence on how the funds were utilised during the period under review.

Liman, however, told the commission that the

former governor had filed a case before the Court of Appeal, Kaduna, on infringement of his fundamental human rights.

He asked the commission to adjourn the sitting pending the determination of the case.

In his ruling, Chairman of the commission, Justice Muhammad Surajo, adjourned the sitting indefinitely, saying that the commission would communicate to all parties involved.

The commission also adjourned the hearing of a memo on the activities of Katsina Road Maintenance Agency, KASROMA, and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, pending the determination of the appeal case before the Court of Appeal.

It would be recalled that Governor Aminu Masari, inaugurated the commission to investigate how some funds were lost during Shema’s tenure and to advise government accordingly.

36

World News

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ahead US poll: Investigators pegged on Clinton’s email saga

T

he FBI was advised by the United States Justice Department not to inform Congress of a new inquiry into Hillary Clinton’s email use, officials have said.

Justice department officials said the move would be inconsistent with rules designed to avoid the appearance of interference in an election.

FBI Director James Comey acted independently when he briefed lawmakers in a letter at the weekend.

But Clinton said the move was unprecedented and deeply troubling.

FBI investigators have known about the existence of the newly discovered emails for weeks but did not inform the FBI director, according to US media reports.

Leading Democratic sena-

US Democratic Party’s presidential candidate Hillary Clinton tors have written to Comey and to Attorney General Loretta Lynch, urging them to provide more details about the investigation by yesterday.

They argue that Comey’s decision to reveal the reopening of the case, less than two weeks before the November 8 election, is being used for po-

litical purposes.

But Republican opponent Donald Trump has praised the FBI’s decision while accusing the justice department of protecting the Democratic presidential candidate in a rigged system.

“The Department of Justice is trying their hardest to protect the criminal activity of Hillary Clinton,” Trump said, offering no evidence for the assertion.

In his letter to Congress, Comey said the FBI had learned of fresh emails which might be pertinent to its previous inquiry into Clinton’s use of a private server when she was secretary of state in the Obama administration.

Comey, who has served in government under both Democratic and Republican

Fraud trails Oshiomhole’s successes and failures Saca’s reign

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l Salvador’s former President Elias Antonio Saca has been arrested over accusations of embezzling millions of dollars of public funds.

Prosecutors said six former officials in his government were also held.

Saca, 50, has not publicly commented on the accusations.

He held office from 2004 to 2009.

He is one of three former presidents who were in power in the last 16 years currently under investigation by the country’s prosecutors.

Mauricio Funes, who succeeded Saca and left office in 2014, is facing a civil action in connection with funds discovered in his bank accounts, allegedly obtained illegally.

He is also facing a related investigation into possible political corruption during his time in office.

But Funes denied the accusations.

In January, Francisco Flores died from a stroke as he waited his trial on charges of embezzlement and illegal enrichment.

He was in power from 1999 to 2004.

In its announcement, the prosecutor’s office said that Saca was accused of fraud and money laundering.

Former El Salvadorian president Elias Antonio Saca

Continued from back page Similar fate befell EDSTMA. After militantly establishing Edo State Traffic Management Authority, EDSTMA, which was passed into law by the State House of Assembly and assented to on August 5, 2010, the governor turned violently against the established institution. It was a case of “na mi born am, na mi give an belle”. Countless instances are replete were the rule of the thumb prevails over the rule of law.

Governance in Edo under Oshiomhole was politics gone awry. The light of the people clashed with the ostensible greed of the power monsters. The fate of Edo people were utterly sealed by cultists, Agberos and denizens who were unleashed on the people by the former revolutionary leader turned governor.

When the structure of democratic institution is eroded, the end is usually predictable. Wheeler-Bennet told of it with utmost definiteness in The Nemesis of Power.

“Excessive exercise of virtual paramount power leads to descent and total defeat, both politically and spiritually”.

Certainly, Governor Oshiomhole will be remembered as a man from the labour movement that presided over the reconstruction of those roads; red roof renovation of schools, aped minimally at gully erosion control, built a five star hospital for eight years, toppled the godfathers and ascended to his position, amongst others.

Even with his make-believe accomplishments, his tenure has been marred in unexampled and Olympian inequality, nepotism and unparalleled lopsidedness in distribution of political offices in respect to the almighty principle of Federal Character. The anomalous

seed of unemployment, over taxation – 24 different tax collection – and the bizarre indebtedness he bequeathed to the generation yet unborn is syntonic of failed leadership.

Few days ago, Concerned Edo Non-Governmental Organisations and Stakeholders petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling for the immediate investigation of Governor Adams Oshiomohole, over alleged diversion and misappropriation of state funds.

A part of the 11 pages petition signed by Dr. Osadolor Ochei and Mr. Kola Edokpayi and addressed to Acting EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu reads thus: “On April 5, 2012, EFCC acknowledged receipt of a petition titled: “A call to investigate Governor Adams Aliu Oshiomhole’s multi-billion naira mansion in Iyamho, Edo State,” which was signed by Matthew Edeghase Esq. “In addition to the said earlier petition, we add that the cost of the controversial mansion, that was designed and constructed by Verissimo (a South African Architect), is valued to be about N10 billion.

“The size and scope of the mansion completely negates all possible explanations for the source of Oshiomhole’s fund, which he had used for the construction.

“In 2014, Oshiomhole paid N23 million, via an Access Bank cheque, to Edo State Government for a parcel of land he claimed to have seized from the Federal Government at Okoro Otun Avenue, GRA Benin City.

“At present, he is erecting a multiple-floor Saddam Hussein

style bunker on the land.

“Our investigation also shows that Oshiomhole bought the Guinness Guest House located along Reservation Road, GRA Benin City, soon after he was sworn in as governor in 2009.

“The property was quickly converted to the office of HANI and ASSOCIATES, a consultancy firm that has supervised all civil construction works in Edo state since 2008. “We are reliably informed that Oshiomhole allegedly bought the building for over N100million.

“A ship-like building is currently under construction along Golf Course Road, next door to Benin Club. Mr. Hamed Useni, the managing director of Hani and Associate, Oshiomhole’s business associate, is allegedly fronting as owner. It will interest the chairman to note that this company is the sole consultancy firm for all civil works in Edo state for which he allegedly charges over 10 percent of all contracts.

“Apart from his current residence, which he built with his campaign funds in 2007 and the new Okoro Otun house, Oshiomhole is currently constructing another mansion in Abuja where he has planned to move to, after handing over on November 12, 2016…”

Governor Oshiomhole has been laying claims to President Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency, even though the APC lost the 2015 Presidential election in the state.

In 2011, Governor Oshiomhole issued debilitating press statement against PMB, planned visit to campaign for his reelection at the time. The same Oshiomhole is presently clowning as President Buhari’s man Friday!

Going Forward “The condition upon which

presidents, has insisted that not making the inquiry public would be misleading.

It is not clear what the emails, which the FBI said it discovered in connection with an unrelated case, contain or how significant they are to the investigation.

The unrelated case is said to be the inquiry into top Clinton aide Huma Abedin’s estranged husband, former congressman Anthony Weiner, who is alleged to have sent sexually explicit emails to a 15-year-old girl in North Carolina.

Clinton, who spoke to supporters in Florida on Saturday, said: “Voters deserve to get full and complete facts.

So we’ve called on Director Comey to explain everything right away, put it all out on the table.”

God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance.” Or simply said, “the price of liberty is eternal vigilance”. The above statement has been credited to many revolutionaries of history, including the American Abolitionist and liberal activist, Wendell Phillips on January 28, 1852.

Phillips harps on eternal vigilance as the price of liberty; saying power is ever stealing from the many to the few. The manna of popular liberty must be gathered each day or it is rotten. The living sap of today outgrows the dead rind of yesterday. The hand entrusted with power becomes, either form human depravity or esprit de corps, the necessary enemy of the people. Only by continued oversight can the people elected into office be prevented from hardening into a despot; only by unintermitted agitation can a people be sufficiently awake to principle not to let liberty be smothered in material prosperity.”

This is more so because the nation which gave the world liberty and freedom just elected their own president in the person of Donald Trump, against the wishes of majority of people outside America. This is a lesson for us in Edo State or anywhere else in Nigeria not to allow small minded politicians, vague populism or a few naira note to determine who gets our votes.

It’s our collective responsibility to fasten upon the minds of the Edo people the belief, that ‘the price of liberty is eternal vigilance. The sentinels on the watch-tower should sleep not, and slumber not, least our civic rights and collective patrimony will forever be stolen by the corrupt few.

Erasmus, A Social Activist writes from Lagos Nigeria.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

We are down but not out – Dedevbo

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

37

Sport

My goal this week is try to win a lot of matches and reach number four or number three. I see the opportunity to go up the ranking – Japan’s Kei Nishikori

39

Super Eagles striker, Victor Moses (left) shaking off challenge from Algeria’s Nabil Bentaleb during their match in Uyo last Saturday. Nigeria won 3-1

Russia 2018 W/Cup

We must begin now to plan against Cameroun –Rohr Everest Onyewuchi

S

uper Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, said yesterday that both administrative and technical preparations to beat Cameroun in the next Russia 2018 World Cup qualification match must start now.

National Mirror was informed that a relaxed and jovial Rohr was at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Secretariat to meet with NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, who was in company with 2nd Vice President/ LMC Chairman, Shehu Dikko; Executive Committee member, Ahmed Yusuf Fresh; General

Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi and members of management, including Acting Director of Competitions, Bola Oyeyode, and Acting Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire.

“We must prepare very hard for Cameroun, even though that is still nine months away.

The Indomitable Lions are a

‘Troost-Ekong should leave Belgium’

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oach Gernot Rohr has said he hopes William Troost-Ekong moves to a bigger club than Gent of Belgium so as to improve as a full international.

Troost-Ekong has been on loan at Norwegian club, Haugesund, but will return to parent club Gent in January.

“Ekong is changing clubs, he must play at a high level. He has been playing in Norway, which

is not bad, but he must play at a higher level,” Rohr said.

“He wants to go to Belgium, but it is not enough for him, we will try to help him so that he could go to a club, where he could play better and at a higher level.”

The 23-year-old Ekong, who represented Holland at age-group levels, was recently linked with a move to England, where he was once on the books of Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.

Ekong, an international since June 2015, has formed a great central defence partnership in the Super Eagles with Leon Balogun, who features for Mainz 05 in the German Bundesliga.

It is a combo Rohr said has given him a great deal of satisfaction.

“We already have a good central defence. They have given us a good satisfaction,” he remarked.

good team and we must be at our best,” Rohr told the NFF bigwigs.

The Franco-German coach stated that positive attitude, discipline, dedication, good team spirit and mental strength should get the credit for the Super Eagles recent fascinating wins against the Chipolopolo of Zambia and Desert Foxes of Algeria.

“A positive attitude has helped us thus far, and I also want to commend the players for their discipline and dedication, and very good spirit in camp. They have been excellent.

“The mental strength is also there, because if you have to survive in such a difficult group, you need very good mental strength and focus. We have shown in the first two matches that we have the personnel and the good spirit to go all the

way,” Rohr said, as he moved round the Glass House in company of his Nigerian assistant, Coach Salisu Yusuf.

Meanwhile, Coach Rohr has revealed that he will be at next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Gabon to spy on World Cup rivals, Indomitable Lions of Cameroun and Algeria.

While Nigeria and Zambia failed to qualify for 2017 AFCON, Cameroun and Algeria will be on parade.

“I will be in Gabon to look at Cameroun and Algeria again,” Rohr told AfricanFootball.com.

For now, the Franco-German tactician is the darling of the NFF and Nigerian ball fans after winning all his first three matches, two of which were in the so-called Group of Death in Africa’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.

38

Sports

Thursday, March 15, 5, 2015 Tuesday, November 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Decide my fate in one month, Southgate tells FA ...as Henderson captains against Spain

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oach Gareth Southgate wants to know within a month whether the Football Association will appoint him as England manager.

BBC Sport report that the 46-yearold’s last game as interim manager will be today’s friendly against Spain at Wembley.

An FA committee will then make a decision on who will be given the permanent job - with England Under-21 boss Southgate the heavy favourite.

“It will be important for me to know what I’m doing after the middle of November,” he said.

“We’ve got a European Under-21 Championship to prepare for and the seniors have got their next round of qualifiers (in March).

“Of course everybody is going to want to know, I guess, by the end of November, middle of December, where everything is heading so we can decide who is responsible for which parts of the organisation’s work.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Jordan Henderson will captain England against Spain today, with forward Wayne Rooney not starting the friendly at Wembley.

Rooney, skipper for last Friday’s World Cup qualifying win over Scotland, missed training yesterday with a minor injury.

“I wouldn’t start Wayne in this game, so we’ll decide which route to go,” said Southgate.

Henderson, 26, captained England in their goalless draw in Slovenia last month when Rooney was dropped to the bench.

“The key for me is I believe we have several leaders,” added Southgate. “I don’t think we can have just one captain.

“Too much responsibility has been on Wayne - we need to share that. Once you have a team of those leaders you can have a lot of success.”

Also, Tottenham striker, Harry Kane, will not feature against Spain, having been released from the squad last weekend as he recovers from injury.

The 23-year-old damaged an ankle against Sunderland on 18 September and only returned for 73 minutes of action against Arsenal on 6 November before joining up with the England squad.

Wenger sweats to keep Ozil, Sanchez A

rsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, faces a battle to hold onto both Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, according to reports.

Ozil, the Germany international, is in the final two years of his £140,000-a-week contract at Emirates Stadium, while Sanchez, 27, has a similar amount of time remaining on his deal.

But Newsweek quotes Sky Sports

as claiming that while Ozil is likely to sign on again past the summer of 2018, Sanchez needs more convincing.

“Of the two players Arsenal are trying to negotiate with at the moment - Ozil and Sanchez - Ozil is much more likely to sign,” John Cross of the Daily Mirror told the broadcaster.

“Ozil is stealing the limelight and I think he will definitely get in excess

of £200,000-a-week. Whether Sanchez does too, we will see.

“Ozil already earns slightly more than Sanchez, which is an unusual situation because normally the superstar striker is the biggest earner at the club.

“Sanchez is happy in London as I understand it, but I think he is a little bit more restless than Ozil. I’m not saying he’s desperate to get away,

Friendly: Elephants test Les Bleus might

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rance and Cote d’Ivoire will put aside their respective World Cup qualifying campaigns when they meet for an international friendly at Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens tonight.

The Elephants were held to a goalless draw in their Group C qualifier in Marrakech against Morocco, a result which leaves them top of the standings and in a good position to go on and qualify for a fourth successive

World Cup. “We knew that the match was going to be tight,” said Ivorian coach, Michel Dussuyer, who will be looking to rotate his players after the demanding match on Saturday.

“I have full confidence in those players who have replaced the injured, I always think young and I want to give them a chance and see what they can do. I can only be satisfied with their performance.”

As for ‘Les Bleus’, they come into the game fresh from a 2-1 win over Sweden in their own World Cup qualifying campaign last Friday night.

The result sees France topping their group, but they did suffer a blow with the news that forward Antoine Griezmann picked up an injury which rules him out of this clash against the Elephants – though he may have been rested anyway.

“He’s not doing so well,” declared

ATP World Tour: Nishikori beats Wawrinka, guns for No. 3

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apan’s Kei Nishikori beat an out-of-sorts Stan Wawrinka in straight sets to take an early lead in his group at the ATP World Tour Finals.

BBC Sport reports that Nishikori, seeded fifth, won 6-2 6-3 in the opening match of the John McEnroe Group at London’s O2 Arena yesterday.

Swiss third seed Wawrinka made 31 unforced errors over the course of 67 minutes.

Andy Murray made his debut as world number one when he took on Marin Cilic later last night.

While Murray and Novak Djokovic battle for the year-end number one spot, Nishikori took a significant step

towards replacing Wawrinka as the world number three with a surprisingly easy win.

“That’s my goal for this week,” said Nishikori, 26.

“Try to win a lot of matches and reach number four or number three.

I see the opportunity to go up the ranking.”

Wawrinka, 31, was playing with strapping on his left knee and struggled to make any impression on the return, despite Nishikori making just 47% of first serves.

The Swiss, who beat Nishikori on the way to winning the US Open in September, leaked backhand errors in the first set and forehands in the

second.

Two breaks of serve allowed Nishikori to take the opener with a sharp volley after 29 minutes, and a lunging forehand return in game five provided the decisive break in the second.

Asked if he had been struggling physically, Wawrinka said: “I was feeling better on the court, so I thought I could play at a better level today.

“I was expecting a good match.

Didn’t happen today.”

Nishikori will play the winner of Murray’s match against Cilic tomorrow.

Kei Nishikori

but Arsenal have more of a battle on their hands to keep Sanchez.”

Wenger’s problem will be whether to break Arsenal’s tight wage structure to give into the demands of both Ozil and Sanchez.

If he decides he can keep keep just one, then Ozil, given his current form, looks the more likely candidate to stay long-term.

Deschamps. “His foot is really swollen - he got stepped on pretty hard.”

The France coach has plenty of other options in attack, where he can choose from the likes of Kévin Gameiro, Borussia Dortmund sensation, Ousmane Dembélé, Nabil Fekir and international rookie Thomas Lemar.

France and CIV have met in just one previous international match, according to FIFA’s statistics. That clash took place in Montpellier in 2005 and saw ‘Les Bleus’ claim an emphatic 3-0 win.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Iwobi not going to Barcelona, says dad

Action in last year’s tournament

T

he Mark Sports Foundation (MSF), promoters of the annual Mark‘d’Ball basketball tournament, have kick-started activities towards a successful hosting of this year’s sports-meets-entertainment fiesta scheduled to hold between

December 26 and December 31 in Otukpo, Benue State.

Comrade James Oche, Media Coordinator of Mark‘d’Ball said the event which often features male and female basketball teams from Nigeria and other West African countries

would see 300 young children participate in a kiddies coaching clinic.

Oche told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that popular artistes including Tecno, Tuface Idibia and patoranking would perform live at the event sponsored by a former Senate

We are down but not out – Dedevbo

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alconets Coach, Peter Dedevbo, has remained bullish despite the 6-0 walloping by Japan in Nigeria’s first match at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Papua New Guinea last Sunday.

Dedevbo, who acknowledged the superiority of the Japanese side, insisted that the Sunday’s result will not mark the end of the road for Nigeria in the tournament.

He is optimistic that his girls will

39

Mark ‘d’ Ball 2016: 300 kids to participate in clinic

A

lex Iwobi will not be leaving Arsenal for European giants Barcelona, according to the player’s father.

The Nigerian forward, 20, has established himself as a first-team squad regular at the Emirates this season, turning out 14 times in all competitions already this term.

With the youngster’s stock rising – having burst into the first team at Arsene Wenger‘s Arsenal last season – a host of clubs are chasing his signature, but Iwobi‘s dad, Chuka, claims he isn’t going anywhere.

Chuka said: “At this point in time, he is at the right place. “He’s doing well at Arsenal, but should any club come for him now, the answer would certainly be no.

“For him now, it’s not about the money. So, should a club like Barcelona come with more money, he will certainly stay back at Arsenal.

“Now it is not about him making money, it’s about him concentrating on his career, progressing and going on to the next stage.”

Iwobi – the nephew of former Premier League star Jay-Jay Okocha – has been on the books of Arsenal’s youth team his entire life.

He has made 25 appearances for the Gunners, including 21 last season, netting twice.

So far in 2016-17, Iwobi – who has seven international caps to his name – has played in nine of Arsenal’s 11 Premier League matches.

He has made 25 appearances for the Gunners, including 21 last season, netting twice.

So far in 2016-17, Iwobi – who has seven international caps to his name – has played in nine of Arsenal’s 11 Premier League matches.

Sports

Tuesday,September November4,15, 2016 Thursday 2014

...as Falconets battle Canada tomorrow bounce back to pick maximum points from the remaining two matches in the group stage, and charged the players to put behind them the horror of the first game and focus on the Canada and Spain challenge.

“We are down but not out, and this is the time for us to fight till the end of the competition. It would be fool –hardy for us to start feeling sor-

Falconets in training in Papua New Guinea

ry for ourselves because it will affect our focus for the remaining games in the tournament.

“I must acknowledge the fact that the Japanese side was good, even though I didn’t envisage the goal margin. The outcome means that we will return to the trenches and restrategise.”

Japan powered to victory through strikes from Mami Ueno and Yuka Momiki, who netted a hat -trick and brace respectively. The duo’s attacking force resulted in an own goal by Nigerian defender Mary Ologbosere.

Yuka Momiki was named the Live Your Goal player of the match.

Meanwhile, Falconets defender, Glory Ogbonna, has vowed that the team will fight on and revive their FIFA U20 FIFA World Cup trophy hopes as well as redeem Nigeria’s image in Papua New Guinea.

Smarting from the shocking defeat on Sunday, Ogbonna, who plays for Ibom Angels, noted that the Japan experience is a wake up call to all the players to gird their loins for

the Canada challenge. Fondly called ‘dependable’ by her teammates, the central defender stated that Nigeria’s footballing prowess and pride at the U20 Women level is at stake, vowing that Falconets would fight like wounded lionesses against Canada on Wednesday.

“Collectively as a team we have accepted the fact that we started badly against Japan, but it doesn’t mean that we have given up because all hope is not lost. I believe that the reason for Sunday’s defeat was a clarion call for us as a team to wake up to the harsh realities on ground. If we had won or drawn that game, apparently, the whole team would feel that we have arrived.

“Canada is a must-win for us and it is not negotiable. We have learnt our lessons in a bitter and humiliating way. I want to promise all Nigerians that we must redeem our image and march on in this tournament.”

Nigeria will face Canada in their second Group B match tomorrow, at the Bava Park Stadium in Port Moresby. Both countries are at the bottom of the table with no point.

President, David Mark.

“This year’s edition promises to be bigger and better than previous editions; more musical and comedy acts have been lined up to thrill spectators.

“The weeklong tournament will feature top artistes, actors, actresses, comedians and celebrities.

“To promote attendance for this star studded event, the organisers have started promotional and sensitisation activities towards a successful hosting of the event.

“Top among the activities is the successful hosting of Mark ‘d’Ball web portal (www.markdball.org) on November 12, for information and promotion of the event.

“The rejigged and reenergised portal filters all mark ‘d’ ball events in the past 15 years into a single online interface of news, images, videos, podcasts, live streams and social media feed,’’ Oche said.

He noted that celebrities, popular Nigerian musicians like Tuface Idibia and Terry G who have graced or associated with the tournament in the past would make part of the features on the website.

It would be recalled that NAN won the maiden edition of Mark `d’ ball Media Award after emerging as the `Best Media Outfit’ at the 2015 edition.

WORLD RECORD

Fastest time to burst three balloons with the back

N150

Vol. 06 No.1482 Tuesday, November15, 2016

The fastest time to burst three balloons with the back is 12 seconds, set by Julia Gunthel, aka ‘Zlata’ (Germany), on 23 November 2007.

Oshiomhole’s successes and failures

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IKE a flash in the pan, the bell tolls for Governor Adams Oshiomhole to exit Osadebe Avenue, Edo State Government seat of power.

He will be completing his 8-year of militant reign in the saddle on the 12th of November, 2016.

His admirers say the eight years was a huge success and eventful, while his detractors say it was a tawdry reign of tokenism, negative legacy of political restructuring, ‘Stone Age’ institutional building and, of course, entrenchment of gutter government.

His followers are of the opinion that Mr. Oshiomhole is a patron saint who came to salvage the state from virtue collapse visited on it by the past PDP governments, yet his traducers are saying that Oshiomhole’s governance structure

F

ormer Chelsea star, Frank Lampard, will leave Major League Soccer’s New York City FC once his contract expires at the end of the year, the team announced yesterday.

AFP reports that the 38-year-old English midfielder was signed by the North American league expan-

Guest Columnist

Erasmus Ikhide

has been that of mindless politics of patronage of primitive order, irrational exploitation of the poor mass via multiple taxation, highest debt profile amongst the Nigeria States and virtue looting of the public till.

Appreciation and denigration for and against Oshiomhole is endless. While Oshiomhole’s lovers posit that he was the best that ever happened to the state in terms of infrastructural development, those who disagreed with him say he was the worst because of alleged inflation of all the contract sum executed in the state during his time.

Oshiomhole’s Successes Edo State capital, Benin City was a huge rustic swathe of ancient City before Oshiomhole became governor on November 12th, 2008. It was somehow difficult to navigate freely within and outside the State Capital without wasting useful man hours on a daily basis. Governor Oshiomhole particularly made studious efforts to fix a number of roads in the first four years of his administration. His second four years in office was wasted on uncomplimentary politicking Under his first four years in office, the State similarly witnessed upsurge of revolution-like renovations of hundreds of public schools across the State. This was largely possible because of the federal government collaborative contributions through the instrumentalities of

He later chased them way for inexplicable reasons Universe Basic Education, UBE. The federal government contributed the largest chunk of the money to the reconstruction of the schools.

In the same token, in a period of eight years, Governor Oshiomhole built an ultra modern state of the arts Specialist Hospital, which he said would matched any modern hospital globally. President Muhammadu Buhari, at the commissioning of the Hospital a few days ago in Benin City, equally expressed similar sentiments.

There is no doubt Governor Oshiomhole has laid solid foundation for the infrastructural deficit state in such that subsequent governments after him have no option than to continue to build on his legacies, regarding structural development.

Though, most of the roads built by Governor Oshiomhole were accomplished with sidewalks, and in some cases, with street lightening and greeneries.

However, it’s a sad commentary that the roads are completely devoid of bus stops and motor parks, which suggest poor engineering architecture on the part of his

government. Painfully, it has embodied motorists to virtually turned every available space on the reconstructed roads and walkways in the city centre to car parks.

Oshiomhole’s Failures The replacement of false head with fake tail may not have found its proper description until Mr. Adams Oshiomhole becomes the governor of Edo State. His governorship bid; assumption of office and reign — even his policies — was like a rainbow arched down to the people and state from the heavens, a rainbow like an angel’s breath, like an answered prayer.

Now, his exit marks an end to his political rope as a conformist and pretentious progressive. In other words, Oshiomhole’s contagious politics of revisionism has darkened the part to radical actualization of nation building and politics of national reawakening. In the days running to the nation’s struggle for democratic space, it was easy to project that the cast of his catchments are the desirable elements that will propel the nation to achieve her dream, if ever there was one.

Eight years down the lane; all the promises, all attempts, all policy thrusts, all the initial manifest hopes are merely ventilated, symbolically, through eloquent public preachment. As the governor of Edo State, Oshiomhole smothers the hope of rebuilding the ancient city and the entire state by placing a great oceans between himself and those lofting ideas he once propounded about governance when the shoes were in the other foot.

In 2006, Governor Oshiomhole boldly wrote in his manifesto that he would banish poverty from the state by creating 10,000 jobs for the jobless Edo Youths when elected as governor. The only known minimal dent he made at job creation was the aborted Edo YES SCHEME. After engaging 1,000 youths as casual staff under EDO YES SCHEME for seven years. He later chased them way for inexplicable reasons.

Continued on page 36

Sport Extra

Lampard set to leave New York City sion squad in 2014 and scored 15 goals in 31 appearances, netting the team’s first-ever hat-trick against the Colorado Rapids on July 30, helping NYCFC reach the playoffs for the first time.

“As my time at NYCFC comes to an end, I would like to thank so

many people for the kindness and support that they have shown me over the last two years,” Lampard told the team’s website.

“My teammates have been a pleasure to play alongside. The amazing fans have given me incredible support and backing. I have very

much enjoyed my time and I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to play for such a great club and in such an incredible city.”

In an interview with ‘Match of the Day’ presenter, Gary Lineker, last month, Lampard said he was keen to move into coaching.

Lampard

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