Nov 21 2016

Mamma Daura, Buhari’s Chief of Staff escapes abduction A za Msue KADUNA

F Daura

Vol. 6 N0. 1485

ormer Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bagudu Hirse, was yesterday abducted in Kaduna.

...gunmen abduct ex-minister of state, Hirse According to an eyewitness, the incident happened in front of the residence of Alhaji Mamman Daura on Inuwa Wada Road, Unguwar Rimi

Monday, November 21, 2016

Ondo guber

GRA, Kaduna.

Our correspondent learnt that, President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari was also

Afe Babalola University wins 6th Africa Education Leadership Award P.4

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

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N150

Jimoh Ibrahim promises to establish Ondo Oil G

Some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) cuddle their babies in the camp at the recently inaugurated Guma Shelter Support Project constructed by United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and Benue State Government at Daudu Village in Benue State on Sunday. The woman, right is carrying triplets after her ninth child.

PHOTO: JONES BAMIDELE/NAN

uber natorial candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim (CFR) has promised to establish a down stream petroleum servicing company to be known as Ondo Oil limited with about 180 servicing stations within a year of his administration if elected governor on November 26.

The billionaire businessman made the promise at the palace of Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh when his campaign trail landed in the town for the Northern Senatorial mega rally to round up his campaigns in the six local government areas that made up the senatorial district.

The governorship hopeful told the royal father CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

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Monday, November 21, 2016

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Jimoh Ibrahim promises to establish Ondo Oil CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

and the large crowd of supporters that gathered at the palace that most of the financial needs of the government could be met from returns made on sales of petroleum products from Ondo Oil Limited.

He said the 180 filing stations would be established through the eigh-

teen local government areas with each council area having ten servicing stations in it locality.

“Your Majesty, if each council area have ten servicing stations in its area, that makes a total of one hundred and eighty stations with that much, Ondo Oil is entitled to eleven million litres of premium motor spirit (PMS) otherwise known

Mamma Daura, Buhari’s Chief of Staff escapes abduction CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

inside Daura’s residence when the incident occurred.

A source said Hirse in the company of his friend, had gone to pay condolence visit to the family of the late Sultan of Sokoto, Ibrahim Dasuki on Kabiru Road, few meters away from Inuwa Wada Road and was said to have decided to make a quick stopover at the house of Daura, who was at home receiving guests and other family members.

An eyewitness said: “Three young gunmen jumped down from a car and accosted the former minister almost immediately.

“From what I could hear, they were asking him to get into their car but he was trying to seek further explanations from them, at that time, people started approaching the scene.

“One of the gunmen raised a gun he was holding and made to shoot but it did not fire, he tried it the second time and it failed, but the third time, he shot into the air.

“Upon hearing the gun shot, people ran for their lives.

“That was when they forced him into the car but removed his babariga and cap and threw it on the ground.

“The other masked man then kicked his other friend on the shin and that was how they drove away.”

Our correspondent learnt that Daura was at home and was about leaving for Abuja when the gunmen arrived.

“But he was inside with other dignitaries like the Chief of Staff to the Presi-

dent, Abba Kyari when they came,” the source stated.

The source said after the gunmen drove away, Daura was informed about the incident and more security agents were deployed to the house before he departed to Abuja.

A friend to Hirse, who was hit by bullet, was taken to hospital for treatment while his driver drove away with the vehicle they came with.

Police Public Relations Officer in Kaduna State, Usman Aliyu confirmed the incident.

Usman said no arrest had been made so far, but the command had intensified efforts to track down the gunmen and free the former minister unhurt.

“The command will not sit and allow criminals to take laws into their hands.

We will make sure that we arrest those criminal and they will face the law.

“We are committed to protect lives and property of the people. We also appeal to the public for useful any information that will lead to the arrest of the criminals,” Usman said.

Hirse’s brother, John also confirmed the incident.

“I got home from church to read the message informing me of the kidnap of my brother, Bagudu, on my phone,” John, former federal permanent secretary and currently District Head of Mangu, in Plateau State, said in Jos. John said that he was expecting further details on the incident.

“You have to exercise patience and call back later for more information and further developments,” he said.

as petrol per day with a profit of six naira per litre. That will do a lot in payment of salaries, allowances and other sundry expenses.”

Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim also promised to use rocky hills in the ancient town to the advantage of the people through barter agreement with construction companies that will convert the rocks into granites, using the substantial parts of the rock to fix all the roads within the senatorial district, while jobs would be provided to the youths in the area in the quarry companies.

“I also promise to return your lost dignity, traditional values of old and the due respect the tradi-

tion institution have for our crowned heads; where we shall integrate you into the daily administration of our dear state with the cogent purpose of bringing government down to the grassroots,” the PDP candidate stated.

Oba Momoh, while praying for the success of the candidate in the next Saturday poll, preached peace and fairness before, during and after the poll, stressing that no development can take place in an atmosphere of rancour, chaos and uncertainty.

The campaign trail also moved to the palace of Owa-Ale of Ikale, Oba Samuel Adedoyin with same message of hope, wealth creation and infra-

structural development.

He reiterated his promise to set aside five per cent of the state’s monthly Federal allocation as community development fund under the direct supervision of the monarchs as owners of the communities who are the custodians of peoples’ heritage and values.

He later addressed a large crowd of supporters at Ikare Cenotaph Square, at Hospital junction, where he urged the electorate to vote for PDP in the Saturday poll, stressing that the party’s manifesto remains the most people-friendly programmes among parties contesting in the poll.

The campaign trail is

expected to move to the Central Senatorial District today with rallies at Idanre, Ifedore, Akure North and Ondo East council areas.

On the campaign trail of the PDP gubernatorial candidate were; the deputy governor candidate, Ebenezer Omotayo Alabi; the state PDP chairman, Prince Biyi Poroye, deputy state PDP chairman, Johnson Alabi; former Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Bakitta Olufowobi Bello, former deputy Speaker ODHA, Dare Emiola, Hon. Abiye Ademoyegun; Barrister Yomi Apata, Hon. Demola Ijabiyi and former caretaker chairman of Idanre LGA, Hon. Sola Akinuli.

Cross section of the members of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Senior Executive Course 38, 2016 during their graduation ceremony at the NIPSS , Kuru Jos in Plateau State, at the weekend.

BOA to raise capital base to N250bn

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anaging Director, Bank of Agriculture, BOA, Prof. Danbala Danju, said the bank plans to raise its capital base to N250bn.

Danju, who addressed newsmen in Sokoto yesterday, said the move was to make the bank operate in tune with the new Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, guidelines.

He said: “N250bn new capital base is to enable us start up as a minimum working capital.

“The bank was established about 43 years via an Act, with a working capital of about N50bn.

“The total capital has been eroded since then by inflation and other formidable challenges.”

Some of them included the non-payment of issued capital, cost of operations in terms

•ADB provides $1.2m grant to reposition bank –MD of payment of salaries, overheads and maintaining decaying infrastructure.

Danju said another problem was the non-payment of issued capital by both the CBN and the Federal Ministry of Finance.

According to him, the Federal Ministry of Finance and the apex bank were supposed to have paid the capital on a 60:40 ratio respectively.

He added: “This capital base was not met and the shares not fully subscribed as only about N31bn was paid.

“The Federal Ministry of Finance is yet to pay about N2bn, while CBN is yet to pay about N17bn, since then.”

The BOA boss further said that it had requested for

a N300bn loan facility from CBN to support small holder farmers.

Also the bank had requested for a N500bn loan facility from the apex bank to support commercial farmers in the country.

Danju lamented that farmers in the country currently owed the bank about N20bn.

“Some of the debts were owed due to the merger of the bank with the defunct National Agricultural and Cooperative Bank, Peoples Bank of Nigeria and Family Support Programme.

“The merger generated a more complicated social structure, while policy somersaults also did a lot of damage.

“We are now compiling the

list of the defaulters across Nigeria, while efforts are on to recover the loans.

“We are also thinking of legal actions against defaulters, while creating an agency like the Assets Management Commission for the bank would help.

“Such a commission if created for the bank would buy off the debts and help to reinvigorate the bank,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prof. Danju, said African Development Bank, ADB, has provided a $ 1.2m grant for the repositioning of the bank.

Danju said the repositioning would enable the bank operate according to global standards.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4>>

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200,000 unemployed graduates start work Dec 1 –FG Marcus Fatunmole ABUJA

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he Federal Government yesterday said the 200,000 unemployed graduates selected in the first batch of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration’s plan to hire half a million Nigerians are to start work on December 1.

A statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande said while the 200,000 have been selected about two weeks ago, their names have now been sent to state gov-

ernments and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, who would deploy them to their specific programme assignments.

According to the statement, the names would also be published this week on the N-Power internet portal, while the participants would start receiving messages informing them of their selection as from today.

It said state governments and the FCT are also encouraged to post the names of the successful first batch applicants in their local government areas while there would be further public an-

BOA to raise capital base to N250bn CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

“Repositioning the bank established over 43 years ago requires a lot of resources.

“In this direction, the grant will enable the bank to use international consultants to carry out best practices.

“It also allows for skills audit in order to have adequate manpower and do more internal and external trainings.

“This will also help us to improve the financials, governance, computerisation and risk management, among others.”

The managing director also said that about N5bn was required to computerise the bank’s 136 branches nation-

T

opment of Nigerian citizens, particularly our young people.

“The N-Power programme is also an innovative means to enhance ailing public services in the area of basic education and primary healthcare.

“Also in the agric sector, it is aimed at achieving selfsufficiency by giving our farmers relevant advisory services.”

According to the statement, for those who have not been selected at this time, there is a waiting list based on the total number of applicants, as subsequent batches will absorb more of

the qualified applicants.

It further said that the N-Power would engage and train 500,000 young unemployed graduates, saying it was a paid volunteering programme of a 2-year duration that engages graduates in their immediate communities, where they would assist in improving the inadequacies in the education, health, and agriculture sectors.

The 500,000 graduates under the N-Power Corps programme would be trained in skills which would enable them exit after two years to economically viable job and business opportunities.

As part of the pro-

gramme, the participants would own tablets that would contain information necessary for their specific engagements, as well as information for their continuous training and developments.

Participants would be provided teaching, instructional and advisory solutions in four main focus areas and would be paid a monthly stipend of N30,000 during the programme.

The four main focus areas are in basic education, agriculture extension services, public health and community education (civic and adult education).

wide.

“We need to deploy the latest technology in our branches, so that they can talk to themselves, real time.

“More branches must be opened, while we are pondering on employing the model of agency banking, which is the vogue globally now.

“We must also re-engineer the bank’s business models and specialists will be engaged to craft it to be in tune with what is available in Nigeria,” Danju added.

Danju said the repositioning when completed, would qualify the bank for a loan facility of between $200m to $300mfrom the ADB.

Low September earnings affect states’ revenue allocation he 36 states of the federation shared N111.8bn in October, less than the N143.6bn shared in September from the Federation Account by N31.8bn.

The breakdown forms part of a report obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, from a source at the Office of the AccountantGeneral of the Federation in Abuja yesterday.

The report showed that the revenue allocated for each state in October was less than what they got from the federation account in September.

Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, represented

by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Mahmoud Isa-Dutse, at the last Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, meeting, attributed the low revenue earnings of the month to several factors.

Adeosun attributed the decline to the loss of $45.5m in Federation Export sales while shut-in and shut-down of pipelines for repairs and maintenance also contributed to the drop in revenue.

The decrease in volume of dutiable imports receipts

nouncements.

The statement said: “Between now and the end of the month, states and the FCT would be engaged in deploying the graduates who would formally start working and earning their stipends on December 1, 2016.

“Of the 200,000 first batch, 150,000 of them would teach, 30,000 would work in the agric sector and 20,000 in healthcare delivery covering the three specific programme assignments.

“The N-Power Volunteer Corps is an expression of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to invest in the human capital devel-

from Joint Venture Cash Call, Foreign Companies Income Tax and Value Added Tax were other reasons given.

The federation funds are usually shared in arrears, so, revenue generated in January is shared in February; thus, the revenue shared was actually generated in September and shared in October.

The key agencies that remit funds into the federation account are the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, and the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS. During the FAAC meeting in October, federal, states and local governments shared N455bn as against the N516bn that was shared in September.

The revenue distributed included the Gross Statutory revenue, Value Added Tax, exchange gain, N63.3bn excess Petroleum Profit Tax and 13 per cent derivation to oilproducing states.

The oil-producing states are Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers.

The report showed that before distribution, state liabilities were deducted.

L-R: President, Nigerian Statistical Association, Prof. Sidnev Onyeagu; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma and Statistician General of the Federation Dr Yemi Kale, during the 2016 African Statistics Day celebration in Abuja, at the weekend.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Afe Babalola University wins 6th Africa Education Leadership Award

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he harvest of Awards, Commendations and Encomiums that has been the lot of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has continued with recent addition of the winning of the 6th Africa Education Leadership Award in faraway Mauritius. The Award will be given at an up-beat ceremony at the Le Meridien, Mauritius on December 7, 2016.

The latest Award will take place 256 days after the University received the “2016 Recipient of Africa Innovative and Academic Excellence Award” in Johannesburg and its Founder and Chancellor, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, conferred with the Congressional Commendation of the US Georgia Legislative Black Caucus and inducted into the African Hall of Fame by the Advisory Board of the African Leadership Development Foundation, Inc. USA, and African Leadership (UK) Limited for his pioneering

excellence and innovation in tertiary education in Africa on March 25, 2016 in Johannesburg in South Africa.

In a letter conveying the cheering news dated October 28, 2016, Mr. Jacob Mills, the Global Chairman, Africa Leadership Awards, said: “the 6th Africa Education Leadership Awards are presented

by World CSR Day with CMO Asia as its strategic Partner and Stars of the Industry Group as a Research Partner.

The Awards of the highest stature are presented to individuals and institutions that have surpassed several levels of its excellence and set an example of being a role model and Exemplary Leadership”.

The Award is given to “those who can make a difference to the lives of others, those who have achieved quality in their work, those who have global reach and outlook and possess ability to contribute value of social change” “I am pleased to share with you that the Jury has decided

to honour Afe Babalola University with the Education Leadership Award”, Mills said.

The Award, according to Mills is given to “those who can make a difference to the lives of others, the quality of their work, global reach and outlook and ability to contribute value of social change” The Africa Education Leadership Award, a non-forprofit activity, is organized

by Professionals for Professionals. It is an intensely researched process undertaken by the Research Cell which consists of Post Graduates in History & Management with over 5 years post qualification experience.

It is the iconic job of the Research Cell to produce a shortlist of individuals who are doing extraordinary work and track the record of their achievements. The shortlist is thereafter reviewed by a Jury comprising senior Professionals from across the globe.

Members of the Jury are,

Prof. Indira Parikh, Ex-Dean, IIM Ahmedabad & PresidentAntardisha, Dr. Harish Mehta, Chairman & Managing Director, Onward Technologies Limited and Emeritus Chairman, World HRD Congress & Founding Member, NASSCOM and Dr. Arun Arora, Ex-President and CEO, The Economic Times, Chairman, Edvance Pre-Schools Pvt. Ltd and Emeritus Chairman, HRD Congress as well as Nina E. Woodard, President and Chief “N” Sights Officer, Nina Woodrad & Associates, a Division of NDPendence Inc., Others are Dr. C.M. Dwivedi, Chief Human Resources Officer, Sopariwala Exports Pvt. Ltd, Dr. Saugata Mitra, Chief People Officer & Group Head, HR, Mother Dairy Fruits and Vegetables Pvt. Ltd and Dr. R. L. Bhatia, Founder, World CSR Day and World CSR Congress as well as Jacob Mills, Global Chairman, Africa Leadership Awards.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Monday, November 21, 2016

Access Bank Plc RC125384

RETURNS ON SOURCES AND UTILIZATION OF FUNDS FOR THE WEEK ENDED NOVEMBER 18TH, 2016

DATE OF RETURNS: 21/11/16 SOURCES OF FUNDS SN

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88

UTILIZATION OF FUNDS

SOURCE

DATE OF PURCHASE FUND

EXCHANGE RATE

INTERBANK DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION UNUTILIZED FUNDS UNUTILIZED FUNDS HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE OWN SOURCES INTERBANK DOM CONVERSION HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION OWN SOURCES OIL COMPANY OIL COMPANY UNUTILIZED FUNDS DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION CAPITAL IMPORATION EXPORT PROCEEDS DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION OWN SOURCES UNUTILIZED FUNDS DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE DOM CONVERSION DOM CONVERSION HOMEWARD REMITTANCE HOMEWARD REMITTANCE

14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16

305.25 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 375.00 375.00 375.00 305.25 315.00 314.00 314.00 375.00 314.00 375.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 375.00 314.00 375.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 305.25 305.25 305.25 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 375.00 314.00 314.00 375.00 375.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 375.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 375.00 375.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 305.50 300.50 305.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 314.00 375.00 375.00

AMOUNT

50,000.00 200.00 240.00 225.00 105.82 145.16 1,227.70 41,064.94 1,915.00 1,115.27 1,545.16 2,192.64 1,727.62 8,001.64 4,379.71 36,140.48 175,000.00 26,824.01 40,541.48 79,682.67 8,543.01 97.41 1,893.70 3,187.08 202.08 25,012.32 1,106.53 340.65 543.12 170,000.00 1,103.12 66,416.37 149.20 89.56 4,958.00 4,958.00 147.91 1,970.00 35.00 16,182.65 1,130,000.00 12,000,000.00 270.00 17.56 21,139.18 2,122.07 346.84 4,654.78 544.92 7,763.06 5,326.42 58.57 1,384.14 200,000.00 26,172.69 734.56 105.00 75.00 350.00 5,200,000.00 84,000.00 114,649.69 500.00 585,119.43 6,692.29 89.48 2,155.29 782.30 200,000.00 33,181.40 720.67 56.70 75.57 69.73 79,795.22 37,297.06 880,000.00 569.51 208.16 1.51 265.00 416.32 920.42 767.60 463.70 30,000.00 280,000.00 32,003.43

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150

NAGODE INDUSTRIES LTD MELVYN NICKSON NIGERIA LIMITED FRANBET COMPANY LIMITED MARIAM AYOTUNDE OWOPE ISMAILA OYEKALE BUSARI OLORUNFEMI ABDULAHMED MUSTAPHA ADEMOLA ADEDAYO AYODEJI OYINKANSOLA KARUNWI OMADEVUAE ESEOGHENE THERESA ACTIS PRODUCTS LIMITED AYOTOMIWA JULIUS ODUKALE AUSTIN OPARA AUSTIN OPARA FRANCIS EBUTA BISONG NARI GWALANI NARI GWALANI NARI GWALANI ADEDAYO ADESHINA OIZA FAITH YUSUF SANI SANUSI DERE SARAH ARO VISTA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED M.R.S. OIL AND GAS COMPANY LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG. LTD OHIOSIMUAN OHIWEREI ADENRELE FUNMILAYO JOSEPH ADELINE OLAIKITAN AKERELE PATIENCE OGHALE OZOEMENE OLUWATOPE C. AKEJU MARGRET OMOYEME SOKEYE AYODELE FOLAYAN KARRI NOAH KUKOYI OLUWATOBI ADEKUNLE ERINFOLAMI AUSTIN OPARA CHRISTIAN AZUBUIKE OBOH AWODIYA OLUWAFUNMILAYO ADEDAYO ADESHINA OBINNA GODSWILL AGWAMBA KENNETH CHUWUEMEKA AGBO OKORO IFEANYI JIM EBUBECHUKWU EMEKA NWOSU UMAR IMAM IBRAHIM NAGODE INDUSTIRES LTD ACCESS BANK PLC KUDIRAT ADUKI GBAJUMO KEHINDE ADEBOLA BAKARE IBIRONKE OREDOLAPO AKINLAJA(MRS).

NWANYAKU NGOZI SAMUEL OLUSANYA PAUL OKAFOR VICTOR CHUKWUDI VIVIAN IJEOMA EKECHUKWU OLAWALE SULE ADEDAYO ADESHINA OBINNA GODSWILL AGWAMBA MOGBO & CO TAIWO JOHNSON KUPOLATI OBIANO JANE ADAOBI ANDEM BASSEY SAMUEL CHUKWUGOZIE BELUOLISA OLUWATOMISIN OYINKAN AMU INDORAMA NIGERIA LTD INDORAMA NIGERIA LTD INDORAMA NIGERIA LTD INDORAMA NIGERIA LTD CROWN FLOUR MILL LIMITED CROWN FLOUR MILL LIMITED CROWN FLOUR MILL LIMITED CROWN FLOUR MILL LIMITED CROWN FLOUR MILL LIMITED MAMUDA AGRO & ALLIED PRODUCTS SUNRISE FLEXIPACK AIR-TEC SYSTEMS LIMITED L.O.C NOMINEES LIMITED RANONA LIMITED ELIAS EBOIGBE IGBINAKENZUA VIVIAN IJEOMA EKECHUKWU KELECHI CHIJIOKE NDUGBU ANTHONY BIACHI C. MONYE MODUPEOLUWA TOSIN FAMAKINWA EGBIKI HENRY AUSTIN OPARA MOGBO & CO ANDEM BASSEY JOAN CHINYEAKA IHEKWABA AYANBADEJO ANTHONY-OLUBUNMI BABATUNDE OLATOKUNBO ARIYIBI ADEWALE ADEBOLA OSOMO CHELLCO INDUSTRIES ORIENTAL FOOD INDUSTRY LIMITED TG ARLA DAIRY PRODUCTS LIMITED PREMIER FEED MILLS PREMIER FEED MILLS EUROCHEMCO VENTURES LIMITED PROPETROL LIMITED JAWA INTERNATIONAL LTD JAWA INTERNATIONAL LTD MADUKA NIGERIA LTD WONDERPLAST INDUSTRIES NIG.LTD SUPER AUDIO INDUSTRIES LIMITED GPI POWER NIGERIA LIMITED NAGODE INDUSTIRES LTD AVANTI INDUSTRIES LIMITED THE OKOMU OIL PALM CO PLC CHI PHARMACEUTICAL LIMITED CHI PHARMACEUTICAL LIMITED CHI PHARMACEUTICAL LIMITED CHI PHARMACEUTICAL LIMITED HAREFIELD INDUSTRIAL NIG.LTD PZ CUSSIONS NIG. PLC CROWN FLOUR MILL LIMITED NUTRICIMA LIMITED HAREFIELD INDUSTRIAL NIG.LTD HAREFIELD INDUSTRIAL NIG.LTD HAREFIELD INDUSTRIAL NIG.LTD HAREFIELD INDUSTRIAL NIG.LTD HAREFIELD INDUSTRIAL NIG.LTD HAREFIELD INDUSTRIAL NIG.LTD PZ CUSSIONS NIG. PLC HAREFIELD INDUSTRIAL NIG.LTD HPZ LIMITED HAREFIELD INDUSTRIAL NIG.LTD HAREFIELD INDUSTRIAL NIG.LTD HAREFIELD INDUSTRIAL NIG.LTD HAREFIELD INDUSTRIAL NIG.LTD HAREFIELD INDUSTRIAL NIG.LTD ENGINEERING & TECH. CO.NIG.LTD. VENTI LIMITED SOLPIA NIGERIA LIMITED ACCESS BANK PLC BABATUNDE OLATOKUNBO ARIYIBI NARI GWALANI KENNETH NWEKE MR & MRS EDDIE EHIZODE DAVE IBELEGBU DAVE IBELEGBU SARAH FRANCIS NIGERIA LIMITED LORI VINCENT ADEWALE ADEBOLA OSOMO OLAIDE OLAJUMOKE OGUNBEKUN OMOWALE AMOKOMOWO NAYLA HADDAD SASSINE OLUSOLA MODUPE OKEYINKA VETERAN & VINTAGE TECH. LTD ANDREW EBERECHUKWU UKEGBU VANESSA NKECHINYERE ATTAH HADIZA AMBURSA ADEGBOYEGA GBOLAHAN AYODELE EYINMISAN OKITIKPI OKOYE EVANGELINE NONYE BOLAJI ABAYOMI FAJIMI

TI-PURE TITANIUM DIOXIDE POLYVINYL ALCOHOL(BP20) CHEMICALS (ZINC OXIDE, ASCORBIC ACID 100MESH, etc) PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES RAW MAT FOR PROD.OF EXERCISE BOOKS: PLAIN PAPER GASOLINE SPARE PARTS, TOBACCO IND.(GRINDWHEEL,SCREW GEAR CSK) MORTGAGE PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES TI-PURE TITANIUM DIOXIDE CREDIT CARD SETTLEMENT PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES CHILLER COMPRESSOR, SUCTION & DISCHARGE VALVE ASSEMBLY SEALING COMPOUND ELECTRIC PANEL & JUNCTION BOX LIGHT FIXTURES CANADIAN WESTERN SPRING WHEAT CANADIAN WESTERN SPRING WHEAT CANADIAN WESTERN SPRING WHEAT CANADIAN WESTERN SPRING WHEAT CANADIAN WESTERN SPRING WHEAT CALCIUM CARBONATE BTA BTA BTA BTA CREDIT CARD SETTLEMENT PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES ASSORTED TOWS (RAW MAT FOR TEXTILE INDUSTRY) ROLLS SEAMING ROLL GROUP, REPLACES, STOODY + CVD DANO COOL COW INSTANT FMP 25KG S/A FISHMEAL, FULL MEAL, STREAMDRIED 67% PROTEIN MIN S/A FISHMEAL, FULL MEAL,STEAMDRIED 67% PROTEIN MIN PIGMENT COLORING MATERIALS GAS OIL PHARMACEUTICAL PACKAGING MATERIALS PHARMACEUTICAL PACKAGING MATERIALS TYRES AUTOMATICS BLOW MOULDING MACHINE 60,000 KGS SABIC PC,POLYCARBONATE RESIN,OPTICAL DISCS SPARE PARTS FOR GAS GENSET Â TI-PURE TITANIUM DIOXIDE OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES OFFSHORE CHARGES COURSE FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES SCHOOL FEES PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA PTA

14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 15-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 17-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16 18-Nov-16

305.75 305.75 305.75 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 305.75 305.50 315.50 305.75 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 305.75 305.75 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 314.30 314.30 314.30 314.30 314.30 314.50 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 314.50 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 305.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00 380.00

20,000.00 20,000.00 20,000.00 4,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 2,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 500.94 5,000.42 6,457.91 5,000.08 500.00 1,956.18 5,000.00 1,194.04 2,140.00 2,327.31 20,000.00 13,130,000.00 8,543.67 4,807.73 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 3,000.00 2,000.00 3,000.00 5,000.83 5,000.00 7,500.00 5,000.00 4,000.00 6,000.00 4,000.00 1,018.24 5,000.00 30,000.00 10,233.83 2,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 4,000.00 2,000.00 5,677.80 4,678.15 3,200.00 4,619.00 4,189.26 1,999.20 4,000.00 5,500.00 1,649.05 19,453.20 9,998.00 19,111.00 1,437.80 660,000.00 1,470,000.00 735,000.00 735,000.00 1,600,000.00 84,000.00 4,000.00 2,000.00 5,000.00 2,000.00 4,000.00 2,000.00 3,000.00 4,000.00 2,000.00 4,000.00 5,469.64 6,500.98 500.00 6,490.83 4,174.00 5,335.01 6,000.00 9,925.94 19,760.89 50,000.00 327.00 2,356.00 7,250.00 880,000.00 19,775.25 12,188.80 50,000.00 50,000.00 20,000.00 3,424.78 37,208.73 369.23 410.00 838.16 1,508.84 867.95 1,459.84 149.34 420.34 1,484.00 228.15 125.31 148.49 149.30 125.31 149.25 148.66 75.22 148.68 223.84 148.68 148.33 179.76 73.32 73.75 1,345.78 125.00 217.48 10,103.94 999.60 7,599.00 3,902.92 5,400.36 1,557.75 3,694.81 4,000.00 3,178.11 5,000.00 2,500.00 2,000.00 4,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00

6

Photo

Monday, November 21, 2016

NEWS

L-R: Area Sales Manager, Ilorin Central, Airtel Nigeria, Oluseye Odunsi; Head Teacher, Iyeru-Okin Primary School L.G.E.A, Adesoye Adebanke; Education Secretary L.G.E.A Offa, Olori Kudirat Tunrayo; Primary five student, Iyeru-Okin Primary School L.G.E.A, Sherifat Adetona; Regional Operations Director, West Region, Airtel Nigeria, Olusina Adegoke; Head of Service, Human Resources, SUBEB, Mr. A. S. Afolabi and Area Sales Manager, Offa, Airtel Nigeria, Finbarr Obiyan at the Reading for Leading Book Donation Campaign on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at Iyeru-Okin Primary School L.G.E.A Offa, Kwara State.

L-R: Head, Marketing and Activation, RB West Africa, Mrs Omotola Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi; Managing Director, RB West Africa, Mr Rahul Murgai; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Engr. Adeyemi Saliu Abidemi and representative of Lagos State Governor/Special Adviser to the governor on environment, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, at the 2016 world Toilet Day Celebration in partnership with Harpic in Lagos, at the weekend.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Director, Brands and Experience, Etisalat Nigeria, Elvis Ogiemwanye; Director, Ake Arts and Book Festival, Lola Shoneyin; Vice President, First City Monument Bank, Diran Olojo and Manager, Sponsorships, Etisalat Nigeria, Orah Egwu at the Etisalat sponsored 2016 Ake Arts and Book Festival held in Abeokuta Ogun State, recently.

L-R: Seun Okinbaloye of the Channels Television; Alyssa Mesich, Programme Director, International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ); Devin Chavira, Programme Assistant of ICFJ and Prudence Arobani of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) when Okinbaloye and Arobani received their certificates of Professional Fellows of the ICFJ as participants it the 2016 U.S. General Election Embed Programme in Washington, D.C.PHOTO: PRUDENCE AROBANI/BJO/NAN

National News

Operation to take over Sambisa forest ongoing —CDS C hief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, on Sunday in Maiduguri said that an operation tagged “Operation Crackdown’’ to take over the Sambisa forest from the Boko Haram terrorists by troops had commenced.

Olonisakin spoke while fielding questions from newsmen after he inspected some military fighting equipment at the headquarters of the Threatre Command, Operation Lafiya Dole.

He also said that alongside the operation crackdown, “Operation Safe Corridor Initiative’’ had also been put in place for the terrorists to surrender.

“That is the corridor for them (terrorist) to surrender. That corridor is always open.

“However, we will not wait until they surrender, that is why operation crackdown, to ensure that we take over the Sambisa,

clear the terrorists from those places and make the place safe for development,’’ Olonisakin said.

The Chief of Defence Staff said that he was in Maiduguri for operational visit to encourage the troops to continue the fight and commend their efforts so far.

He also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.Gen. Tukur Buratai, for ingenuity and creativity in the war against insurgency in the North East.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that before embarking on the inspection, the CDS had met behind closed doors with the Chief of Army Staff, Commander, Threatre Command, Major-General Lucky Irabor, and senior military officers at headquarters of the Threatre Command.

Olonisakin also visited wounded soldiers at the 7 Division Hospital at Maimalari Cantonment.

Meanwhile, nine people,

including two policemen, have been killed by bandits in a fresh attack in Zamfara.

Force Public Relations Officer, Dan Awunah, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.

Awunah said seven of the victims were members of the communities where the hoodlums attacked.

He said the Police Mobile Force and the Counterterrorism Unit had been deployed to the area to re-

store law and order.

The member representing Zurmi West in the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Yusuf Moriki, said the incident occurred at Dole, Tudun Bugaje and Kwangwami communities in Zurmi Local Government Area.

According to him, 25 people have been killed, while many others were injured during the attack.

“So far, we have the record of 25 people who were killed during the attack, while those injured have

been taken to hospital for treatment,” Moriki said.

The bandits attacked the villages on Saturday night after carrying out similar attacks in some communities at neighboring Shinkafi Local Government Area, the previous day.

The lawmaker commended security agencies in the state over measures so far taken to restore peace and stability in the area, but urged them to do more.

Sokoto deploys 175 doctors, nurses, midwives to PHCs

S

okoto State Government says it has deployed 175 medical doctors, nurses and midwives to Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Sokoto metropolis and environs.

Commissioner of Health, Dr Balarabe Kakale, disclosed this in Sokoto yesterday.

Kakale said the decision was part of measures to reduce extreme pressure on the state’s Specialist Hospital, as well as the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, in Sokoto.

“The deployed medical personnel comprise 23 medical doctors; 152 nurses and

midwives.

“This excludes the conventional medical personnel who normally man such centres such as community health extension workers.

“The staff deployed in these areas are not, therefore, taking over the PHCs, but they are just to complement the existing staff,” he

said.

The commissioner also said that the measure was to bring quality healthcare closer to the people, as well as improve immunisation, maternal health and strengthen primary healthcare.

According to him, the PHCs were now more em-

powered to operate effectively.

“The core mandates of these centres include antenatal care, treatment of simple ailments such as malaria, enforcing environmental sanitation laws, referrals and other related issues.

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News

Monday, November 21, 2016

7

Nigeria won’t disintegrate —Dogara George Opara and Ubong Ukpong

S

peaker, House of Re p r e s e n t a t iv e s , Yakubu Dogara, has reassured that Nigeria will not be dismembered.

According to a statement issued by Turaki Hassan, his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affair, Dogara said he spoke at a reception organised by Northern Nigeria Christian Politicians to honour him and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir David Lawal in Abuja.

In his words: “For some of us who think Nigeria was a mistake, or that the North, having aggregated so many ethnic groups, and then two dominant force is a mistake, I want to advice us to do a rethink.

“The one who put together Nigeria and the North is God and he has the mandate. And anybody who is fighting for the disintegration of this country will not succeed because I believe that God

has a plan for Nigeria and likewise, anyone for the elimination of any faith in Northern Nigeria or destruction of northern Nigeria will not succeed because I believe God has a plan for northern Nigeria and until God is done with his plan, the north will remain as it is and Nigeria will remain as it is. If only one can upturn that, it means he is greater than God. “Northern Muslims supported my emergence as Speaker” Dogara, therefore, urged northern Christians to brace their Muslim counterparts because of the former’s extension of olive branch as exemplified by the prominent role played by Muslim leaders in his emergence as Speaker and the appointment of Babachir David Lawal and the SGF

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Also, the speaker told the audience that there was no way he would have emerged Speaker if northern Muslims did not support and vote for him.

1 dies, 15 vehicles razed in Zaria tanker fire

P

olice have confirmed the death of one person in a tanker fire incident in Zaria, which also razed a police station and 15 vehicles.

The incident occurred on Saturday night at Danmagaji area of Zaria in Kaduna State, when the tanker driver lost control in an attempt to avoid a pot hole.

In the process, he was said to have crushed to death a motorcyclist, and the ensuing fire which razed the police station and vehicles.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Agyole Abeh, confirmed the figure to newsmen after visiting the scene on Sunday.

“The incident was quite unfortunate, but we have to give glory to God because the level of lives involved is what we should

appreciate God for.

“The inferno would have consumed a lot of lives, most especially as Danmagaji usually has heavy traffic, and this police station is a place where people always patronise.

“Today, we would have been telling a different story.

“However, everything in the station has been completely burnt down, as you can see the structure, nothing is left apart from the wall,” he said.

The police commissioner solicited for the intervention of the state government, traditional and community leaders in rebuilding the police station.

“The state government had never let the police down, it has been given resounding assistance to the force and I believe it will find an immediate solution to the problem.”

He underscored that his emergence as Speaker and the appointment Mr. Lawal as SGF are point-

ers to the new thinking and resolve to return to the good legacies of Sardauna of Sokoto, the

late Premier of northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, who elevated prominent northern Christians

into top government positions which helped in uniting the various peoples of the region.

Managing Director of PHRC, Dr. Bafred Enjugu (third from left) and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC Dr. Maikanti Baru during a facility tour of the Port Harcourt Refinery, recently.

Appeal Court frees armed robbery suspect on death row Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

T

he Court of Appeal has freed a suspect, Mr. Akeem Jimoh, who was sentenced to death by a High Court in Ogun State for armed robbery.

The Appeal Court in the judgement delivered

by Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, ordered the release of Jimoh on the ground that he was not given fair trial at the high

court.

The court held that Jimoh had been in prison custody due to lack of fair hearing and should not be subjected to re-trial as doing so will amount to double jeopardy.

The court also ordered a fresh trial for another suspect, Mr. Mathew Ibiloye, whose right to fair hearing according to the court was also breached.

It would be recalled that Jimoh and Ibiloye were arrested for armed robbery

about 11 years ago and were convicted and sentenced to death by an Ogun State High Court.

Shortly after the lower court sentenced them to death, their counsel, Musibau Adetunbi, appealed the verdict passed on his clients.

According to him, the Attorney-General of Ogun State was the prosecutor and the respondent in the case.

Adetunbi told the court that a department in the

state’s Ministry of Justice, Citizens’ Rights Department should not have been involved in defending the accused during the trial.

To him, the action of the attorney-general of the state in defending the accused persons offends the principle of natural justice.

After parties in matter made their submission, Justice Mensem in her judgement nullified the conviction and sentencing of Jimoh.

ASUU strike ill-timed —Olanipekun Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

L

egal luminary and former Pro-chancellor of University of Ibadan, Chief Wole Olanipekun, has said that the impending strike action being contemplated by university lecturers is ill-timed, especially coming at a time the country is undergoing economic recession.

Olanipekun, however, appealed to the university teachers under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government to look into the bone of contention urgently.

ASUU had last Wednes-

day begun a week-long warning strike as a preliminary to indefinite strike action to press home its usual demands.

The legal luminary, who spoke at the weekend during his yearly scholarship scheme for Nigerian students at his home town in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, said: “Already education is dying in Nigeria. I want to plead with both ASUU and the government to please come together, reason together and urgently resolve their differences in the interest of our children. These children are the reason for our existence, the hub of our life, the anchor of our nation.

“A nation without a future is no nation and what do we mean by future? It is the education for these young people. So, I want to plead with ASUU to reason with government and the government should also reason with them. This is not the right time in the interest of those children.

From my experience at the University of Ibadan, it is not the best thing for universities to go on strike from time to time,” he said.

Olanipekun, who is the Pro-Chancellor, Ajayi Crowther University, also spoke about what his team on the crisis that engulfed the Ladoke Akintola Uni-

versity of Technology, (LAUTECH), is doing, saying: “We haven’t reached any resolution on the LAUTECH crisis, but we are meeting in about two weeks’ time to finalise on our meetings. But now we have made up our mind to impress it on the governments of Oyo and Osun states that the university must not die. That institution must not disintegrate, this is a basic thing we will do”.

He said the scholarship scheme which had been on for over 10 years did not have any political undertone, but rather a humanitarian gesture to render assistance.

Editorial

8

Monday, November 21, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

All the Facts, All the Sides A PUBLICATION OF GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM, CFR n PUBLISHER SUNDAY OLAJIDE – MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO •AG. EDITOR, DAILY BEN MEMULETIWON

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Nigerian state and ‘blasphemy’ killers

A

Kano Magistrate’s Court presided over by Chief Magistrate Jibrin Muhammad set free five suspected killers of a 74-year-old female Igbo trader, Mrs. Bridget Agbahime, at Kofar Wambai market in Kano for alleged blasphemy early in June this year. The magistrate’s decision was said to be based on directives from the Office of the Kano State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

The suspects – Dauda Ahmed, Abdulmumeen Mustafa, Zubairu Abubakar, Abdullahi Abubakar and Musa Abdullahi – were arraigned on a four-count charge of allegedly inciting disturbance, culpable homicide, joint act and mischief.

State counsel, Mr. Rabiu Yusuf, who represented the Kano Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, was quoted as saying: “We received the case diary from the police on June 8 and having gone through the case diary, the Attorney-General of the state evaluated the facts in accordance with sections 130 and 150 of the Criminal Procedure Code… The legal advice presented to the court, dated June 24, states that there is no case to answer as the suspects are all innocent, and orders the court to discharge all the suspects”.

Not surprisingly, the ostensibly poor prosecution of the suspects has drawn ethnic and religious flaks from aggrieved Igbo groups and the Christian community.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for example, condemned the release of the suspects, describing Muhammad’s judgement as concocted. The group wondered how a magistrate court which had no jurisdiction to try murder cases could release murder suspects without the connivance of the Kano State Government.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also reacted angrily, saying the release of the suspects was highly provocative and an insult. “The Association condemns the continuous act of killing of innocent Nigerians under the pretence of blasphemy and considers the wilful absence of justice for victims of these mindless killings in Nigeria by the relevant authorities as a very serious constitutional breach and security threat to our unity and collective survival as a nation.

The now-familiar tradition of avoidance to arrest or properly investigate and prosecute cases involving the deliberate killing of innocent Nigerians is evidence of a scripted plan to operate another nation within the Nigerian state and to deny justice to those who truly deserve justice.

“The cardinal responsibility of government to protect the lives and property of the citizens is sacrosanct and must not be sacrificed on the altar of religious convenience. As it stands today, there is no single prosecution re-

The ostensibly poor prosecution of the suspects has drawn ethnic and religious flaks from aggrieved

Igbo groups and the Christian community

cord of any criminal who killed under the pretence of blasphemy in Nigeria despite the number of victims and incontrovertible facts showing that those killings were done in daylight and mostly by persons who live within the communities where these heinous crimes were committed”, CAN stated.

Eyewitness account, we recall, stated that following claims of blasphemy against the slain Mrs. Agbahime, some rampaging youths armed with dangerous weapons attacked and slit the throat of the woman described as a dealer in plastic wares at the Kofar Wambai market, in the presence of her husband.

The killing drew resounding public rage. Recall, for instance, that the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, condemned the killing in a statement credited to him through Jama’atu Nasril Islam’s (JNI) SecretaryGeneral, Dr. Khalid Aliyu. “It is hardly believable that such

ON THIS DAY November 21, 1979 Iran Hostage Crisis: United States’ ex- president, Jimmy Carter, issued Executive Order 12170, freezing all Iranian assets in the US in response to the hostage crisis.

The hostage crisis was a diplomatic face-off between Iran and the US involving 52 Americans held hostage for 444 days after a group of Islamist students and militants took over the American Embassy in Tehran in support of the ‘Iranian Revolution’.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

November 21, 2008 The first G-20 Economic Summit opened in Washington DC, United States. The Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy took place between November 14 and 15, 2008. It achieved general agreement amongst the G-20 countries on how to cooperate in key areas so as to strengthen economic growth, deal with the then prevailing financial crisis and lay the foundation for reform to avoid similar crises in the future.

dastardly act could happen in the name of religion, considering the various enlightenment programmes on inter-faith and mutual co-existence being put in place by Muslim scholars and the leadership”, the Sultan said. Reports also said Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State announced the arrest of one Alhaji Dauda as the prime suspect in Mrs. Agbahime’s murder at a stakeholders meeting on the killing the governor hosted in Kano. Ganduje also promised his government’s support to the bereaved family.

Besides, the then InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, purportedly deployed homicide detectives to immediately take over the investigation of the incident.

If after all said and done, the case has ended up with shoddy prosecution, then the nation really has a long way to go in forging unity and peaceful coexistence. At best, the cavalier prosecution that suggests no element of rigour will stiffen ethnic and religious suspicion, grudge, animosity, rancour and even violence. For, the slip is so glaring.

The Federal Government should intervene and ensure the case is not closed. The country pays mere lip service to justice and the rule of law when innocent citizens are recklessly hacked to death in the name of religion, and the perpetrators stroll away, free and unpunished.

x November 21, 2012 Israel launched a major military operation - ‘Operation Pillar of Defense (OPD) - in the Gaza Strip as the country’s hostilities with Hamas escalated. OPD was an eight-day Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operation in the Hamas-governed Gaza Strip. It was officially launched by Israel with the killing of Ahmed Jabari, chief of the Gaza military wing of Hamas; to retaliate Palestinian groups’ launch of over 100 rockets at Israel over a 24-hour period.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Monday, November 21, 2016

9

Soldiers drafted to protect community after invasion Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

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ollowing an invasion last month of the police station at Ido Ekiti in which an Inspector was killed, soldiers have been drafted to boost security in the community.

Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Faboro, said at the weekend that the soldiers’ deployment followed his request for

the army’s intervention in the community’s security.

The monarch said: “I went to the governor to tell him that the police were not up to the task and I requested for the deployment of soldiers to complement the police.

We have soldiers in the town now, about 20 soldiers with patrol vehicles and 20 mobile policemen.

We also have the Baruba people, local hunters and

Court remands Egba High Chief in prison custody for rape Femi Oyeweso ABEOKUTA

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n Egba High Chief, Adenekan Olanrewaju, has been remanded in prison custody pending the period when he would perfect his bail conditions granted him by the Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Isabo area of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Olanrewaju, who was re-arraigned last Friday on a 9-counts charge which included forceful abduction and attempt to rape a 15 years-old girl identified as Adenekan Abosede at Jangede village of Abeokuta, was however, admitted to a bail of N300, 000 with two sureties in the like sum by the court presided over by Chief Magistrate Oriyomi Sofowora.

When the matter came up for hearing last Friday, the Police Prosecutor, Sunday Ehiagbejiale, told the court that the suspect had forcefully abducted his 15 -year-old niece, Abosede, to an hotel at Jangede village where he attempted to rape her in a circumstance suspected to resemble ritualism.

Opposing his plea for bail, the police prosecutor argued that the safety and security of Abosede in the Jangede village could not be guaranteed should the suspect be allowed to return to the community.

But the defense counsel, Barrister E.B. Adelabu, who applied for Olanrewaju’s bail, argued that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria still presumed the accused innocent until proven otherwise.

Citing the appropriate section of the constitution,

particularly that of the Asari Dokubo vrs. Federal Government, Adelabu further argued that none of the 9-counts charge for which Olanrewaju was standing trial attracts death penalty.

Delivering ruling on the matter, the Chief Magistrate ordered that one of the sureties must me a high chief in the community where the suspect had been parading himself as a Baale General allegedly appointed by the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo, while the second surety must not be less than a level 12 officer in any of the state ministries with evidence of one year tax payment.

vigilantes patrolling the town.”

Oba Faboro spoke at the weekend at a news conference to herald weeklong activities marking Ajodun Ido Ogaganmodu 2016, an annual event that brings indigenes together for community development.

The monarch, who assured his subjects expect-

OSOGBO

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ince receiving a letter from suspected armed robbery gang, residents of Kelebe community in Osogbo, capital of Osun State, have been living in fear.

Sources in the community told newsmen that the handwritten letter was circulated in the area by some yet to be identified people.

Although, most people contacted would not make public comment on the matter, a landlord in the area told our correspondent that for fear of attack, people have started moving out of the neigbourhood.

The spokesperson of Kelebe Landlords Associa-

empowerment, marathon race, cultural competition, medical outreach, beauty pageant, football competition, fundraising, among others.

Oba Ilori-Faboro said the security challenges in his kingdom could be attributed to the expansion of town and influx of more people, saying the step to bring soldiers was

not too much to give residents rest of mind.

The traditional ruler expressed confidence that the crisis that rocked the Federal Teaching Hospital located in his domain would not reoccur again as the panel raised by Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, had just submitted its report.

Enforcement of speed limiters device begins Feb 1 —FRSC

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ederal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Sunday said that violation of speed limiting devices would start attracting fines from February 1, 2017.

Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, the Corps Marshal told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the FRSC had set the date for full enforcement to commence on the device.

Oyeyemi said the commission had commenced advisory enforcement to the road users since October 1, and about 131,000 road users had been enlightened on the importance of the device.

“The speed limiter is on course; by February 1, 2017, the full enforcement and implementation will commence. We com-

We are coming, suspected armed robbers write Osun community Boladale Bamigbola

ed to come from all over the country and overseas of security during the one week festival, urged Ido indigenes who had made their marks elsewhere to come home and invest for the community to witness more development.

According to him, the festival will feature community prayers; inter school debate, widow’s

tion, Mr Hakeem Bolarinwa, said the warning letter the community received from a gang called “Fejesofo” is causing panic in the area already.

He pleaded with the police and other security agencies in the state to come to their rescue by providing adequate security for lives and property of the residents Responding to the development, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fimihan Adeoye, who spoke through SP Folasade Odoro, the command spokesperson, said proactive measure would be adopted to secure the area.

The police boss also assured that detectives would be deployed to investigate the notification letter.

menced advisory enforcement some months back.

“So far, about 131,000 people have been given citation and enlightenment.

“We are on course because speed limit device is the solution; we will lead them to ensure they are safe and also prevent them from crashes,’’ FRSC boss said.

Oyeyemi said many drivers had yet to comply with the directive on speed limiters, and warned that violation would soon start attracting fines.

He urged commercial

vehicle operators and all road users to comply with the guidelines the FRSC put in place for their safety and that of their passengers.

The FRSC boss said that the commission had put in place measures to eliminate gridlock and make the roads safer during the yuletide and New Year celebration.

Oyeyemi said that government had provided enough logistics to help officers in performing their duties effectively.

“Government has pro-

vided enough logistics in terms vehicles and ambulance to ensure effectiveness while performing our duties.

“That is why I am moving around to see the level of preparedness of our personnel and cheer them up to work effectively as the festive period approaches,’’ he said.

Oyeyemi advised motorists to drive safely and take necessary precaution as road construction continues along the LagosIbadan expressway.

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South West

Monday, November 21, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

State of the nation: Oyo to dialogue with stakeholders’ Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

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n order to keep stakeholders abreast of the state of the nation as it concerns the uncertainties in the economy, security and social infrastructure in Oyo State, the state Executive Council has directed

an immediate interface between top government officials and relevant stakeholders.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Olalekan Alli, in a statement issued yesterday, said Governor Abiola Ajimobi, would take the lead by holding a town hall

Sacked UNIOSUN lecturer petitions council chairman

meeting with members of the public on a quarterly basis.

According to him, the council gave the directive at its November 4 meeting in the spirit of good and participatory governance.

The SSG said the new policy direction would be a regular dialogue geared towards conveying government’s plans, policies, efforts, and actions taken to surmount the various challenges posed by the state of the nation.

He added that all local government chairmen and heads of local government administration have been advised to formally hold a briefing and interactive session with their respective members of staff once a month, stating that they are also to engage the citizenry in a town hall meeting once a quarter.

Alli stressed further that Governor Ajimobi, would also hold a formal town hall meeting with members of the public

once in a quarter, in addition to using various media channels and vehicles to interact with the public.

He is optimistic that these new measures would bring the people closer to the government and would serve as a veritable platform to obtain firsthand feedbacks to smoothen the relationship between the government and the governed.

He said such regular conversation with the people would keep them

abreast of government’s policies, plans, programmes and activities and forestall misinformation, misunderstanding and mischief capable of heating up the polity.

He then enjoined stakeholders to take advantage of the highlighted public engagement process by making meaningful contributions that would assist the government to undertake life-enhancing programmes for the citizenry.

...seeks open probe of alleged sex misconduct Olufemi Adeosun ABUJA

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acked Osun State University lecturer, Dr. Bode Ojoniyi, has petitioned the Chairman of Council, Yusuf Ali (SAN), calling for a review of the issues leading to his dismissal.

Until his disengagement over an alleged immoral conduct last week, Ojoniyi, was a lecturer at the Department of Languages and Linguistics, Ikire campus.

In a first official reaction to the case on Wednesday, the newly appointed ViceChancellor of the Osun State owned University, Professor Labode Popola, said that the lecturer was sacked for sexual mis-conduct.

But, in a petition addressed to the chairman of council of the school, a copy of which was obtained by National Mirror, Ojoniyi faulted the grounds on which his dismissal was based.

He wondered why he would be sacked on the pages of newspaper without any official communication to him.

He said his sack was orchestrated by some powerful forces in the university to mask cases of result manipulations which the university authority is investigating.

According to him, his brawl with some powerful forces in his department and the university began when he insisted that justice must be done in a case of manipulation of results of the 400 Level 2013/2014 sessions of the Department of Languages and Linguistics by certain lecturer in

the department.

Ojoniyi stated that the lady in the purported sex video tape which the university relied upon to sack him, severally confessed before various panels set up by the institution to look into the matter, that there was neither a case of harassment, coercion, nor sex-for-marks.

He wondered why he could be accused of involvement in a case of sex-formarks when he, at no time, taught the lady in question at any level in the institution.

His claims are contained in two separate audio recordings released on YouTube.

According to him, the first under the caption, “Dr. Bode Ojoniyi vs Professor Alebiosu Panel – Uniosun”, reveals that there was an attempt to get Ojoniyi to agree to certain terms and to meet certain people for a settlement of some issues.

While calling on the council to institute an open enquire into the case of the alleged ‘sex-scandal’, the embattled lecturer alleged that the school authorities was already biased against him in its desperate attempt to cover some tracks against the evidences before them.

According to him, the manner in which the matter was dispensed with, leading to his hurried dismissal, clearly revealed a grand plan to get him out of the system at all cost without due process.

The embattled lecturer called on the visitor to the institution, the executive governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni, Rauf Aregbesola to look into the purported sack.

L-R: Professor Femi Ajibola; Deputy Director, Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, Mrs Nneka Okekearu; Technical Committee Member, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), Mr Fatai Afolabi; General Manager, BATNF, Ms Abimbola Okoya and Mr Innocent Azih, at a BATNF/EDC dialogue session on smallholder farmers in Lagos, at the weekend.

Okada man defiles 12 year-old own daughter

...police arrest two robbery suspects at Berger long-bridge Femi Oyeweso ABEOKUTA

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en of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested a commercial motorcyclist popularly (Okada), identified as Adisa Olayide for allegedly defiling his 12 years-old daughter (name withheld) in Ilaro, the headquarters of Yewa South Local Government Area of the state.

The 45 years old Olayide was arrested at his home following a complaint lodged by the victim at the Ilaro Police Divisional headquarters.

The command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abimbola Oyeyemi, who confirmed the arrest of Olayide to newsmen over the weekend in Abeokuta, the state capital, said the

little girl had in tears, rushed to the police station in Ilaro where she reported her father after the crime.

According to Oyeyemi, the victim told the police that her father had married three more wives after the death of her mother few years ago, wondering why the suspect could choose to spoil her life.

The PPRO further stated that the development forced the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ilaro to dispatch a team of police detectives to effect the arrest of Olayide.

Oyeyemi, however, said that the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, has ordered that the case be transferred to the AntiHuman Trafficking and Child Labour Unit of the

State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for further investigation.

In a related development, the police have also arrested two members of robbery gang who have been terrorising motorists at the long bridge axis of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway which terminated at the Berger bus stop.

The PPRO, who gave names of the two robbery suspects as Ibrahim Yusuf and Uche Onwuemea, explained that the suspects were arrested following a distress call received by the police patrol team when the robbers were operating on the long bridge.

Oyeyemi explained that the police anti-robbery patrol team, led by the DPO of the Warewa Division,

Akinola Eludini was on surveillance patrol at the other end of the Bergerlong-bridge when they received the distress call, but quickly raced to the scene.

“On sighting the policemen, the hoodlums took to their heels, but two among them namely; Ibrahim Yusuf ‘m’ and Uche Onwuemea ‘m’ were arrested while others escaped”.

PPRO also said that in view of the on-going construction works along Lagos-Ibadan expressway, the state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu has ordered for the deployment of more police operatives particularly on the long-bridge axis of the expressway in order to ensure adequate security for people plying that road.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South East

Monday, November 21, 2016

11

South-East governors not doing enough on security —PFN Emmanuel Ezeh ENUGU

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entecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, yesterday, called on the governors of the South-East states to step up action in ensuring the protection of lives and properties of Ndigbo.

The position is coming on the heels of the recent acquittal of the five suspects standing trial for the murder of an Igbo woman in Kano State.

In a statement made available to journalists in Enugu, Chairman of PFN in the state, Rev. Dr. Godwin Madu queried the rationale behind the release of the five suspects accused of the murder of Madam Bridget Agbahime.

“How can this type of thing happen in Nigeria?

We can’t imagine an authority of the state making a no-case submission in favour of suspects who already confessed to the murder.

“The person killed is a human being; this further

puts to question the integrity of the judiciary because in the first case, the magistrate court lacks the jurisdiction to try murder cases.

“Our stand is that the National Judicial Council, NJC, should summon and investigate the magistrate in question,” the PFN declared.

While commending Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for ensuring security of lives and properties in the state, the Christian body called on other governors in the south east to do everything possible in order to protect their citizens wherever they are in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. “Our people should not be allowed to be treated anyhow.

“We call on the Kano State government and the NJC to know that a murder‎ case cannot be closed that way; it has become a point of judicial reference in the court of law,” he said.

Madu also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to suspend the plan to borrow $29.9bn.

NOUN alumni membership hits 50,000

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resident-elect of National Open University of Nigeria Alumni Association, NOUNAA, Mr. Gbadamosi Kamal, said the group has no fewer than 50,000 members.

Kamal, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Abuja, said the strength of the association made it one of the biggest alumni in the country.

He urged all members of NOUNAA to embrace peace in order to move the association forward.

“We will try to resolve all misunderstandings in the alumni; I urge all the members to bring their experience to bear on the association.

“This is the biggest alumni association in Africa with 50,000 members.

“NOUN is locally and internationally recognised and we want to ensure that quality and good standard is maintained in the school as well as among the members of the alumni,” he said.

According to him, the

problems of acceptance into the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, and Nigeria Law School will be addressed.

He said that NOUN graduated up to 5,000 to 10,000 students every year, adding that it would be difficult to admit the large number of NOUN graduates into the scheme.

“If close to 10,000 students from NOUN alone would go for NYSC, imagine the cost implication to the Federal Government.

“Secondly, how many organisations will be ready to accept these students alongside graduates from other institutions?

“We will look at the nitty gritty of the matter by setting up a committee to see how those that will be relevant for NYSC are accepted,” he said.

NOUNAA had on Saturday held its 2016 election in Abuja, where Kamal was elected National President.

Mr. Usman Shaibu was elected Deputy National President, while Mr. Gamaliel Agbara was elected National Secretary.

He urged the Senate to discountenance any pressure being mounted on it to approve the loan request.

“The President should

instead use the recovered loots for implementing its policies. It will not be nice at this time of recession to go borrowing for any rea-

son when there are billions of Naira so far recovered from individuals and corporate bodies.

“The Senate should not

approve it because it is not to the best interest of the country. Such move will further ruin the future of this country,” he said.

L-R: Deputy Director, (APR), 82 Div., Col. Musa Sagir; Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Enugu Zone, Mr Vincent Okwor; Information Officer, APR, Capt. Ngozi Agha-Okoro and an Assistant Editor-in-Chief, NAN, Mrs Maureen Atuonwu, during a courtesy visit by APR officials to the Zonal Office of NAN in Enugu, yesterday.

PHOTO: MICHAEL AGADA/BJO/NAN

Police, armed robbers in gun duel in Imo Chris Njoku OWERRI

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everal customers of a second generation bank escaped death at the weekend as dare-devil armed robbers stormed its premises along Douglas Road, Owerri, Imo State and engaged the police in gun duel which lasted for several minutes.

The armed robbers, who arrived the bank located opposite Emmanuel College, Owerri in an unregistered Camry car at about 2 p.m. were said to

have traced a man, who came to the bank to deposit undisclosed amount.

Although no life was lost, some witnesses said the armed robbers, who were heavily armed, shot sporadically into the air to scare people away before breaking into the strong room where they succeeded in carting away undisclosed sums of money.

However, the police said did not succeed in carting away any money from the bank as they were repelled when they attempted to enter the bank premises.

According to police

report, the superior fire power of the police prevented the robbers from breaking into the bank.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the robbery incident, which he described as an attempted robbery.

He said: “It was a customer that the robbers traced to the bank with their Camry car. They did not even enter as they were sighted by the policemen when they were approaching. The police suspected the Camry car that they came with.

“So the robbers retreated when they suspected that the policemen were at alert as they shot into the air which was countered by the police.”

Meanwhile, some bank customers have appealed to the Inspector General of Police to beef-up security at banks during the Christmas period.

The customers said the private security guards employed by banks may not be enough to provide adequate security during the yuletide.

Bayelsa communities urge govt to resolve communal crisis

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he people of Ogbotobo and Agbayama communities in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have appealed to the state government to wade into the leadership crisis in the area.

News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the communities made the request on Saturday in Yenagoa during a protest, to complain about the assault on their traditional rulers by armed hoodlums.

The community members and their traditional

rulers took their protest to the Office of the Special Adviser to Bayelsa State Governor on Oil and Gas, Mr. Felix Ayah.

Opu Oburu III of Ogbotobo, Chief Samuel Sapele, said gunmen invaded his residence on November 17 at midnight, assaulted him and his wife with guns and other dangerous items.

According to Sapele, the armed men forced him to sign an already prepared document.

“I am still in shock over the devilish act which is suspected to be from the Community Development

Board, CDB, whose term in office has already expired,” he said.

Sapele urged the government of Bayelsa through the Special Adviser to the Governor on Oil and Gas, to inaugurate the CDB executives without further delay.

Also, the traditional ruler of Agbayama community, Chief Commissioner Abari, said he was disappointed by the sit-tight attitude of the last executives of the development board.

Abari noted that the development was not just a continuous breach of law and order, but sabotage on

the peaceful communities which were being threatened.

The youths of the communities in a speech during the protest, said they had remained law abiding and such should not be taken for granted.

The speech was presented by the youth leader of Ogbotobo community, Mr. Linus Ijebu.

The youth leaders also expressed concern over security of lives and properties as the threat on their rulers spoke volumes of how unsafe the community was.

12

South South

Monday, November 21, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bayelsa backs efforts to improve non-oil revenue B ayelsa State Government has described the ongoing nationwide monitoring exercise embarked upon by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to ascertain sources of revenues accruable from the non-oil sector to the federation account, as a step in the right direction.

Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), made commendation while speaking with newsmen shortly after a team empanelled by the commission paid him a courtesy call in Government House, Yenagoa.

Jonah, who implored the team to do a thorough job, expressed optimism that the exercise, if properly conducted, would

open new vista of opportunities to all the state governments to discover and harness alternative sources of revenue.

While expressing the belief that every state is endowed with mineral resources, he said the current economic recession is worsened by the long period of over-dependence on revenues accruing from the oil sector and the lack of political will to explore and exploit other natural endowments, including agriculture to boost the nation’s economy.

The Deputy Governor, who assured the team of the state’s support, urged them to engage the appropriate government ministries, agencies and departments, as well as other stakeholders in the course of the exercise,

with a view to identifying alternative potentialities of the state and possible means to harnessing such resources, in line with the present administration’s policy of economic diversification.

Earlier in his remarks,

the team Leader, Mr Sanyon Omiri, pointed out that the non-oil sector accounts for over 50 per cent of revenues accruing to the federation account, since the beginning of the current economic recession and is expected to contribute

more with the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government’s to diversify the economy.

Mr Omiri, who is also a commissioner at the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, disclosed that,

Bayelsa’s got a paltry 1.2 million naira as its share of 13 per cent derivation from the non-oil sector, stressing that, the state currently occupies the 36th position on the table of non-oil remittance to the federation account, as at June this year.

NAF destroys another set of illegal oilbarges in Rivers

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igerian Air Force (NAF), says it has destroyed another set of illegal oil barges in Rivers State.

Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, said the barges were filled with stolen oil.

According to Famuyiwa two of the latest barges filled with stolen oil were set ablaze by NAF helicopters on armed patrol around Okoromabie in the South-East of Port Harcourt Refinery.

Famuyiwa explained that the third barge, surrounded by canoes car-

rying drums, was sited at Onne, while individuals around the barge and canoes fled.

He explained further that the barge and drums did not explode, indicating the possibility of being empty.

“The latest operations like the previous ones are clear pointers to the fact that it is no longer profitable to steal crude oil in Nigeria,” Famuyiwa said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that NAF, had in the past one month, destroyed a number of illegal refineries and oil barges in Rivers State.

L-R: Wife of the Governor of Rivers, Justice Eberechi Wike; the Groom, Prince Ken Chikere; the Bride, Chinwe and Governor Nyesom Wike, at the Traditional Marriage of the couple at Emohua in Rivers, yesterday.

PHOTO;NAN

30 countries for Calabar Carnival, says official

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o fewer than 30 countries are expected to participate in the 2016 Annual Calabar Carnival, Mr Gabriel Onah, Chairman, Calabar Carnival Commission, said on Sunday in Calabar.

Onah, who spoke at the launching of the Second Carnival Dry-Run said the countries included Brazil, Ukraine, China, Italy, Spain, Ghana, Kenya, among others He said the theme of this year’s carnival `Climate Change’ was the same as

that of 2015, adding that it was retained because the issues of environment were still on the front burner.

“We are putting in place the best form of art and entertainment to ensure that tourists who will visit the state for the carnival will have the best of tourism and hospitality.

“Calabar Carnival is 12 years on the road match and the festival experience has been amazing.

“I am happy today that we also have 30 beauty queens from African coun-

tries to grace this dry-run,” he said.

Earlier, Mrs Linda Ayade, wife of Cross River Governor, who flagged of the dry-run, said that the 2016 carnival theme of `Climate Change’ was unique because of the concern for the environment.

“We are dedicating the 2016 Calabar Carnival to climate change. As we participated in the second dryrun today, I wish all of us a peaceful street dance, along the carnival routes,’’ she said.

Resident doctors’ strike grounds FMC Yenagoa

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he ongoing industrial action by resident doctors has paralysed activities at the Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa, leaving patients lamenting as other unions threatened to join the strike.

News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, had, on November 15, commenced an indefinite strike

to protest non-payment of salary for past two months.

It was also gathered that the hospital also owed its workforce a backlog of 52 per cent short payment arrears for four months.

A NAN correspondent who visited the hospital on Sunday reports that patients were being turned back by nurses and other health professionals in the hospital who were yet to join the strike.

A patient Mr Bozimor Oduku, who said he was abruptly discharged, expressed sadness and frustration over the strike.

He said he could not afford exorbitant medical bills at the private hospital in Yenagoa.

“This strike is taking place at a time of economic hardship; before coming here for treatment, I had visited many private hospitals and I could not pay.

“One of them advised me to come here, and the fees are very affordable, except for the high cost of drugs due to the foreign exchange problems.

“Now that I came here for succor, they have come to ask us to pack and go home, where do I go from here?”

The President, NARD Yenegoa branch, Dr Okoye Chukwunonso, said the doctors would not shift

grounds until their salaries are paid in full.

He said the management was yet to initiate talks to resolve the industrial dispute, and if nothing was done, they were ready to stay at home till next year.

Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association in Bayelsa, Dr Keme Pondei, also said the doctors had no option than to withdraw their services, having exhausted their patience.

Mr George AbangEkpungu, Commissioner for New Cities Development, described the carnival as the largest street party ever; and the greatest show in Africa.

Abang-Ekpungu said that the carnival had promoted talent and creativity, adding that it had united the people of Cross River and Nigeria in general.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that five carnival bands which include Seagull, Master Blaster, Passion 4, Freedom and Bayside will be participating in this year’s carnival.

NAN also reports that the participants were beautifully dressed in different attires, while security was mounted in all the carnival routes.

Dignitaries at the ceremony include Governor Ben Ayade, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Senator Gershom Bassey, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr John GaulLebo, among others.

Ondo Guber: Group warns INEC against compromise

Monday, November 21, 2016

PAGE 14

INEC can’t postpone Ondo poll because of PDP crisis —APC Marcus Fatunmole ABUJA

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uling All Progressives Congress, APC, Sunday, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to go ahead with its planned gubernatorial poll set for this week Saturday, November 26, and ignore the call by a faction of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, seeking a rescheduling of the exercise.

A statement made available to National Mirror through the APC’s National Secretary, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, said the election could not be postponed on account of PDP’s internal crisis.

APC described the PDP

faction’s demand as “bizarre,” and “ridiculous.”

The party added that a faction of PDP “cannot hold Ondo State and indeed the country hostage.”

It would be recalled that a faction of the PDP led by former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Makarfi, is challenging the legality of Chairmanship of the party duly awarded Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, by an Abuja Federal High Court, at the Federal Court of Appeal, Abuja.

Failure of Makarfi, Ondo State governor, Olusegun Mimiko, his anointed candidate for the election, Eyitayo Jegede, forced the aggrieved faction to call for postponement of the election at the weekend.

The PDP candidate and

billionaire businessman, Barr. Jimoh Ibrahim, is currently taking his campaigns across nooks and crannies of the state, preparatory to the poll.

Yesterday, APC in a statement said: “The attention of the All Progressives Congress, APC is drawn to a bizarre request by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to postpone the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State on account of the PDP’s internal crisis.

“The PDP in continuation of its wild conspiracies on the Ondo Governorship Election has also accused the APC of colluding with the judicial system, INEC and security agencies to “manipu-

late” the outcome of the Ondo State governorship election.

“The PDP crisis and the aftermath governorship candidate tussle within its ranks are self-inflicted and the PDP cannot hold Ondo state and indeed the country hostage on account of its internal crisis. Instead of making the ridiculous election postponement request on INEC, the PDP should focus and redirect its energy towards putting its house in order.

“The APC is not party to any scheme to subvert justice and undermine the very progressive and participatory democracy which the APC fiercely stands for.

“The APC calls on INEC to ignore PDP’s bizarre request and concen-

Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Micheal Adeyemo (middle) in a discussion with Honourable Olatunbosun Oyintiloye representing Obokun constituency in Osun House of Assembly (right), while Honourable Samuel Ajanaku representing Ibadan South West II in Oyo Assembly watches at the 2016 Imesi-Ile day in Imesi-Ile, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State on Saturday.

trate on delivering a free, fair, credible and transparent ballot on election day.

“The Ondo electorate

are wise and will vote for the candidate with a proven track record of performance on election day.”

Group commends Bwacha over inclusion of Taraba in reconstruction programme Justin Tyopuusu JALINGO

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Peoples Democratic Party support group, PDP Loyal Group 100 percent on Sunday commended Senator Emmanuel Bwacha for sponsoring a motion for the inclusion of Taraba in the rehabilitation and reconstruction programme targeted at states in the North-East.

Leader of the Group, Hon. Dennis Shima made the commendation when he led members of the group to pay a courtesy call on the senator in his house in Jalingo.

Shima said Senator Emmanuel Bwacha deserves commendation because with his motion on the floor of the Senate, drawing the attention of the Senate and Nigerians to the situation in Taraba, the state is now being considered in the rehabilitation and reconstruction programme of the federal government.

The group during the visit passed a vote of confidence on the senator as an ambassador of peace

and for his unflinching support to Governor Darius Ishaku’s administration and urged him and the governor to sustain their mutual relationship for peace and development of the state.

“We will appreciate if you would extend your good gesture to the youth by empowering them to become useful people in the society,” the group appealed.

Responding, Senator Bwacha thanked the youth group for recognizing his efforts, adding that he was elected to represent the people and the motion he sponsored was part of his responsibility as a lawmaker.

He called on the youth to look inward and see how they can develop themselves to become self reliant and not to depend on government jobs that are not readily available.

The senator noted that Taraba was endowed with a lot of potential and called on the youth to explore the God- given potential of the state to develop themselves and the society.

APC warned over decampees from opposition parties Kemi Olaitan

IBADAN

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call has gone to the national leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress,APC to be wary of new entrants from opposition parties most of who are decamping to escape prosecution.

Founder of One Love Family, Sat Guru Maharaj Ji, who made the call at the weekend while addressing journalists

as part of the activities marking the golden age anniversary of the group, said the party does not need the decampees to deliver its promises to Nigerians.

He said it is important for the party to learn from the mistakes of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP while in power that turned itself to home for all, stating that the APC cannot afford to disappoint Nigerians by making itself home for

thieves.

According to him, most of the opposition politicians moving into the APC need to be watched seriously so as not to pollute the party, noting that the party owes Nigerians not to make democracy what he termed ‘stealocracy’.

While maintaining that President Muhammadu Buhari would do everything to protect his integrity and the name he has built over the

years, he said despite the moves of the decampees into the APC, the party will survive beyond 2019.

He said, “It is important for the leadership of the APC to subject members of the opposition party who see coming into the party as escape route from prosecution to serious scrutiny in order for them not to tarnish the image of the party and that of the President.”

He stated further that the war against corruption should not be limited to members of the opposition party but extended to APC members also, insisting that there is nothing wrong is serving Minister who is alleged of wrong doing to temporarily step aside.

On the emergence of Donald Trump as President-elect of the United States of America (USA), he stated that his reign will bring more

peace to the world particularly Africa, noting that his utterances during the electioneering period should not be used to judge him. “ The world has nothing to fear concerning the President-elect of USA, rather than be a threat to the world I see him more as a man who will change the world positively and through this countries like Nigeria will also find their feet”, he said.

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Politics

Monday, November 21, 2016

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Ondo Guber: Group warns INEC against compromise Ojo Oyewamide AKURE

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socio-cultural group, the Peoples’ Assembly, PA, has raised an alarm over plans by members of the All Peoples Congress, APC, to compromise officials of the Independent National

Electoral Commission, INEC, to whittle down the electoral victory of other parties by disenfranchising people in their strongholds.

The PA, which works with over 25 affiliates groups across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State raised the alarm in Akure on Sunday, saying it

AD NEC passes vote of confidence on Avazi, Akinfenwa Adeola Tukuru ABUJA

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he National Executive Council and members of the Alliance for Democracy, AD have passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Chief Joseph Avazi as National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy, AD and Pa Mojisola Akinfenwa as its National Leader After the NEC meeting which was monitored

by INEC officials, Mr. Ifaladu Saadu and Mrs. Bola Adewole recently in Abuja, the members also agreed to work in unity devoid of distortion, under the able leadership of Chief Joseph Avazi, the National Chairman

of the party.

Members also agreed to grant waiver to Chief Olusola Alex Oke as its flagbearer for the governorship election coming up on Saturday.

In a press statement signed by the the National Chairman of AD, Chief Joseph Avazi, the party explained that by this waiver, Olusola Alex Oke is exempted from all encumbrances and protocols, and entitled to stand for election as a governorship candidate in Ondo state.

“We as members of this great Party,AD applauds the success recorded by the Alliance for Democracy in the election process for Ondo State 2016 election,” he said.

would not want a situation in which desperate politicians would plunge the state into war by trying to subvert people’s wish.

According to the Secretary of the Group, Kehinde Fayanju, the group had stumbled on intelligence reports indicating that APC members had mapped out an arrangement to compromise INEC to ensure that ballot papers and other sensitive election materials were not supplied to areas where other parties were seen to be strong on time during the election.

He said: “This delay, which is being hatched by top echelon of the APC, according to our source, is to ensure that voters in these areas would be surreptitiously disenfranchised by delaying voting under the guise of late arrival of election materials.

“By this, many eligible voters would have been discouraged and some may go back home, while many would not be able to participate in the exercise owing to time factor as the compromised INEC officials would be instructed not to

extend to accommodate the delay.

“We are calling on top officials of the INEC to warn their officers especially those that would be on the field not to be bought over by the desperate politicians as the people of Ondo would not suffer fools gladly; they will resist any attempt to subvert their popular wishes as evident in the 1983 episode in the State.

“While the Peoples’ Assembly is not a partisan group, but as stakeholders in Ondo State and Nigeria

as a whole, our desire is that whoever wins should be allowed to enjoy his victory as such victory is the outcome of the popular choice of the electorate and should not be denied.

“The Electoral Commission, as unbiased umpire, must do its job satisfactorily and must not be seen to be taking sides with anybody, especially the ruling Party.

“Rigging of election has become anachronistic, reprehensible, odious and retrogressive in this clime and nobody must be allowed

L-R: Director, Election Planning INEC, Mr Bala Shittu; National Coordinator, Election Monitor, Mr Abiodun Ajijola and representative, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Ms Grace Awodu, during the public presentation of the 2016 Ondo State Governorship Election, Observation and Research Guide in Abuja, at the weekend.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Rivers people must be allowed to elect reps —Wike Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

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overnor Nyesom Wike has said that Rivers State is too big for anybody to impose representatives on the people, saying people must be allowed to elect their leaders.

Speaking during a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP dedication service for the flag- off campaign of 2016 rerun/ supplementary election in the state at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church in Port Harcourt on Sunday, Wike urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to be neutral in the course of the rerun election to ensure that the will of the people prevails.

“This election will prove whether INEC is ready to conduct free and fair elections in Nigeria,” the governor said.

He noted that the PDP remains committed to violence-free elections

, pointing out that the opponents of PDP should play within the rules of engagement.

“What causes violence during election is when the umpire wants to manipulate, rig or write results. We will resist any attempt to write results.

“PDP will not be involved in anything violent, but we will not allow anyone to steal our votes. We will protect our votes and make that the people’s mandate is declared”, he said.

Governor Wike explained that the PDP was dedicating its forthcoming campaigns for the rerun elections to God, because the party relies on God for victories.

He noted that the PDP is sure of victory at the rerun polls because of the massive achievements of his administration in the last 17 months .

The dedication service for the flag-off of the campaign for the rerun elections was attended by Deputy Governor, Ipalibo

Harry Banigo, State and National Assembly members, political leaders in the state ,

Commissioners, Local Government Chairmen, Women and youth groups.

Venerable John

Adubasim of the Saint Paul’s Anglican Church while dedicating the PDP campaigns for the rerun

elections to God, asked members of the party to trust in the Lord for their sustenance and victory.

KWHA urges govt to insert N500M bursary in budget

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he Kwara State House of Assembly has urged the State Government to as a matter of priority insert and disburse N500M as bursary to students who are indigenes of the state in the 2017 budget.

The call was contained in the resolutions of the State House of Assembly, while considering the report of the Joint House Committees on Public Accounts as well as Finance and Appropriation on the performance of the State Government on the approved 2016 budget.

Reading the resolutions of the House, the Speaker, Dr. Ali Ahmad explained that though the Country and Kwara State in particular was faced with macro - economic meltdown and paucity of fund, the State Government he said should insert N500M in the next year’s budget, since it could not be implemented this year, due to economic

recession, to alleviate the plights of the students in tertiary institutions across the country.

It equally enjoined the State Government to commit more of its resources to Capital Expenditure to salvage the state from the verge of infrastructural deficit and enhance the well-being of the People of the State.

The House equally urged the State Government to embark on people- oriented projects, as resolved by the legislature during the 2016 budget debate at the floor of the House to ensure even distribution of projects that would impact positively on the lives of the people across the State.

The Legislature which noted with delight that the internally generated rtevenue of the State had risen, urged the State Government to ensure even distribution of projects across the State.

To attract participation of lnternational Development Partners in infrastructural development of the State, the House urged the executive to maintain its good record of redeeming its counterpart contributions, noting that the roles of the donor agencies had impacted positively on the lives of the people of the state.

The Parliament which called on the state government to address supervisory issues surrounding Harmony Diagnostic Centre and lnternational Aviation College for effective performance and accountability, said the House discovered that the two agencies were not found to be under any of the government organ for supervision.

The House reemphasized its commitment towards providing a

better platform for good governance of the state and urged the executive arm of government to henceforth discourage MDAs from making unrealistic revenue targets during budget preparation and defence to ensure its effective implementation.

Earlier the Chairman of the House Joint Committee on Public Account as well as Finance and Appropriation, Hon Abdul Rasheed Taiwo Abdullahi said the state governor deserved to be commended for establishing the state lnternal Revenue Service noting that, if the current performance was sustained, the state according to him would be less dependent on the Federation Account and called on the people of the state to continue to support the KWIRS in the performance of its statutory functions to make the state more viable .

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Monday, November 21, 2016

Standing on the shoulders of my father Osita Chidoka

I

stood on daddy’s shoulders and grew tall enough to see distances unimagined, to scan the horizon and enjoy vistas of a world he dreamt about. My father carried me on a shoulder broad enough to hold me aloft and strong enough to keep me steady on the journey to growing up.

The first day I wrote an article that was published by the Guardian Newspaper in 1992, he cut it out and filed it as a memento to his vision of my future. My father Ogbueshi Ben Ejikeme Chidoka is a lover of education and a keen follower of politics. The son of Thomas Chidoka, my grandfather, one of the early Christians in Obosi who attended Primary school, finished with a distinction and was employed by the church as a teacher and a Catechist. His mother, Juliana Chidoka a woman of comely features through who we inherited our light skinned complexion, was the quintessential home keeper through who many early Christian young ladies learnt home keeping.

“Osi have you finished memorising the quote? You must recite it before you sleep” I went back to reading the very long quote from Josiah Gilbert Holland asking “God to give us men a time like this demands, Strong minds, great hearts, …men who the spoils of office cannot buy…”. After many attempts I went back and recited it successfully to the joy of my father. He then repeated his oft repeated line “you cannot be a good politician or speaker like Zik if you cannot recite quotes from memory”.

When many wonder how I joined the senior debating team at Union Secondary school from Form Three it was me standing on the shoulders of my father. At age 10 he made sure I read the newspaper Daily Star every day and Sunday times dur-

ing the weekend. As a senior secondary school student, part of my weekly upkeep included the cost of Newswatch Magazine. I remember my teacher, Mr Buster Ogbuagu and others regularly read my copy of Newswatch. I loved reading Newswatch I dreamt of becoming a Dele Giwa or sometimes Dan Agbese whenever he wrote the Preface to the cover. I still have the special edition of Newswatch titled Awo published during the burial of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. When Dele Giwa was killed my father drove me past Talabi Street to show me the house of the murdered journalist. But I digress.

When I won the neatest student prize in secondary school, many including me, believed I was walking in the footsteps of my father. Daddy insists that gentlemen wear white shirts and polishing my sandals daily was the mark of good grooming. He taught me how to wash, starch and iron my clothes as those who know him can attest, he loves to iron his clothes personally. As he taught me how to knot a tie and I felt that no need to untie the knot he made for me he was alarmed. “A gentleman knots his tie every time he dresses up” Daddy said, noting the horror he expressed I made amends quickly.

Many also wonder how I know so much about the history of Nigeria. It was me standing on the shoulders of my father.

When General Madiebo wrote The Nigerian Revolution and the Biafran War I was nine years old in 1980. Daddy bought it, read it and kept it for me by 1982 I had read it and also the later books by Col Ben Gbulie, Major Adegboyega, Ben Odogwu, and others published about the same time. When Obasanjo wrote Nzeogwu: An Intimate Portrait of Major Kaduna Nzeogwu in 1987, my father took me to Choice Bookshop where Gen. Obasanjo had a book signing ceremony and bought me a copy.

From 1985 when we moved to Lagos, Daddy got a vendor who brought Vanguard Newspaper everyday whenever I was on holiday. My newspaper reading

My father happily

bore the cost of my dream of becoming

another Dele Giwa habit also got a boost from our neighbour Mr Agbeshola who was a civil servant and came home every day with the Guardian Newspaper, which I went over to his house to read religiously. That was my introduction to the Guardian. On one occasion, after a long trip to the United Kingdom my father came back with two big bags, which he had paid excess baggage for, to the anger of my mother. The bags contained all the newspapers and magazines he read while in London! My interest in international affairs spiked from the task of reading two Ghana must go bags of British newspapers.

In 1989 fresh from secondary school and waiting for admission to University my father tasked me to read the Bible. I read the New Testament from the book of Matthew to Revelation. My very pleased father rewarded me with a prize. He brought out from his travel box a copy of Salman Rushdie’s controversial book Satanic Verses. My father had stood on a queue at a London Bookstore from 4am till about 10am to buy a copy of the book for me. Reading the book at age 18, I was more confused than enlightened at the furor the book had caused but had to carry on as if I understood it.

During my university days my room was the place to read The Guardian daily and international Newsweek or Times depending on the headline weekly.

Again I stood on my father’s shoulders who provided me with upkeep allowance that included cost of buying newspapers and foreign magazines. The vendor, who sometimes allowed me to buy papers on credit pending when my allowance came, is still there at WTC junction Enugu and

Not all inherited officials are bad

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s debate rages over the need to integrate loyalists of the All Progressive Congress (APC) into government structures, it needs to be emphasised that such action deserves utmost due diligence and an articulated equitable assessments before any service wide sweep. No serving official should be removed without due consideration to competency, loyalty to the new government.

The anger within the APC is understandable; workers deserve the pay especially in political process. No one can argue against the need for the Presidency to bring on board competent loyalists who contributed immensely to the dethroning of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).It is simply about justice and equity when loyalists are rewarded.

It should be noted however that rewarding allies should not be at the expense of justice and equity to others especially in a multi -ethnic, multi-polar republic like ours. Many have questioned why some director-generals and executive secretaries are still in office. Others have advocated an immediate sack of all inherited chief executives and their replacement with loyalists from the new ruling party.

Acting in such direction poses extreme danger to the sanctity and integrity of

They act

professionally and serve the nation patriotically irrespective of which political parties is in power the federal establishment.It undermines the rules of engagement, distorts rule of meritocracy and even the sense of justice and equity. Rather, it has the tendency of introducing mediocre in places of authority. The Presidency may have thought as much hence the refusal to engage in mass sack of inherited officials.

First, not all officials were/are die hard PDP adherents. In fact some chief executives loathed the last days of the PDP at the Presidency. Others are purely apolitical and originally earned their appointments based on professional excellence. These are the technocrats. It was on records that former President Goodluck Jonathan was harshly criticised by his party men for appointing some professionals without party affiliation into sensitive positions.

Many of them are also doing won-

derfully well in their various bodies and agencies. They act professionally and serve the nation patriotically irrespective of which political parties is in power. In fact, under defunct PDP, many of them were labelled anti- PDP due to the extreme professionalism in their operations. It would therefore be unfair to sanction those categories of officials especially when their expertise is much more needed now that a Spartan Buhari is occupying the Presidency.

Aside the above, most chief executives are appointed for a tenure of four or five years based on the legal framework that established their organisations. Procedure and conditions for possible removal are clearly spelt out in the service rules.

Booting out officials who committed no infraction midway into their tenure may set a dangerous precedent and transform the federal bureaucracy into a party secretariat of sort.

Already, President Muhammadu Buhari has commendably rejected the clean sweep advocacy as was advocated by some people in some quarters. Recently he reappointed the chief executives of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) based on their excellent performance and irrespective of their being inherited from previous administration.

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I still stop to buy newspapers whenever I am in Enugu.

During ASUU strike in 1992, I boldly went to The Guardian and sought a job as a reporter which the then Managing Director obliged me, the full story was that my parents dropped me off at Rutam House and came back to pick me. I guess they indulged me knowing my interest in writing and current affairs. The job of course came without a salary but a weekly reimbursement of transport cost. My father happily bore the cost of my dream of becoming another Dele Giwa.

As my friends and sometimes detractors wonder where I got my wide, varied, unorthodox and sometimes rebellious views from, I refer them to my father. I stood on his shoulders when I caught the bug of reading communist literature and he indulged me by buying the booklets of various Marxist-Leninist writings. When I felt the burden of the oppressed and dreamt of fighting for the freedom of all oppressed people of the world, my father always listened patiently and advised quietly against violence. When I decided I will only mark my birthday, which coincided with Nelson Mandela’s birthday, at freedom shows organised by the antiapartheid groups in Nigeria, my father indulged me. When Fela became my idol he allowed me paste his and Mandela’s posters in my bedroom and allowed me to attend his daytime shows at National Arts Theatre.

My father carried me on his shoulders and showed me infinite possibilities. He wanted me to be a lawyer and a public servant. I achieved the public service beyond his imagination. I have now gone back to school to become a lawyer in line with his dreams and vision. That I consider my pay back for his enormous investment and single minded dream of making me a public servant in the spirit of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, his political idol. As he marks 90, I only ask that he will be around and strong to see me on graduation day and the other day he dreamt about.

He has seen most of them as assets and not necessarily liabilities. His appointments into some critical agencies also confirmed his preference for meritocracy above partisan politicking.

While the President has vowed to support merit, service rules and efficiency as a yardstick for appointment and removal from office, it is worthy of note that Nigeria has come of age.

Leaders now identify and see merit in professionally sound officials doing their best to deliver world class service to the fatherland. President Buhari deserves commendation for upholding this basic principle of natural justice, good conscience, meritocracy and adherence to service rules.

It now behoves on such officers who are manning places of responsibilities to justify the confidence reposed in them by diligently carrying out their duties which will in turn impact positively on the generality of the country.

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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Monday, November 21, 2016

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Law & Justice nationalmirrorlaw@yahoo.com

Experience shows that most appeals are won on a few cogent and substantial issues, well framed and researched

-Justice George Oguntade, Retired Justice of Supreme Court.

Two SANs, others set agenda for new acting CJN, Onnoghen

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Judges don’t enjoy any constitutional immunity –Sowemimo 17

Two decades after Rewane, NADECO chieftain 20

Ten days ago, Justice Walter Nkanu Onnoghen who was sworn-in by President Muhammadu Buhari as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, took over at a time when the image of the judiciary has been battered. WALE IGBINTADE highlights the challenges facing the new CJN amidst reactions of senior lawyers.

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ection 230 (4) of the 1999 Constitution as amended provides that, ‘If the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria is vacant of if the person holding the office is for any reason unable to perform the functions of the office, then until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions of that office, or until the person holding the office has resumed those functions, the president shall appoint the most senior justice of the Supreme Court to perform those functions.’

Specifically, Section 231 of the 1999 Constitution as amended also provides that the President shall appoint a person to the office of CJN ‘on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) subject to confirmation of such appointment by the Senate.’ The NJC had at its emergency meeting on October 11 recommended Justice Onnoghen to President Buhari for consideration for appointment as CJN. Buhari is yet to act on this recommendation.

In compliance with the above constitutional provisions, President Muhammad Buhari appointed Justice Onnoghen being the most senior justice of the Supreme Court.

This followed the exit of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed who bowed out of the bench of the Supreme Court yesterday after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.

No doubt, Justice Onnoghen is taking over as the CJN at a time when the Nigerian judiciary is on trial follow-

Acting CJN, Onnoghen

AGF, Abubakar Malami (SAN)

Justice Onnoghen has taken over as the acting CJN at a time when the Nigerian

judiciary is on trial following allegations of corruption against some judicial officers ing allegations of corruption against some judicial officers including some justices of the apex court.

Speaking after his inauguration, Acting CJN Onnoghen assured Buhari of “the fullest cooperation of the third arm of government in the continuation of the war against corruption and misconduct in the judiciary.”

Highlighting his expectations from the new CJN, Mr. Paul Ananaba, SAN said ‘’the new Acting CJN should take the judiciary to a great level.

He should sustain the good

works that his predecessors have been doing to the extent that the judiciary will be fearless and courageous to dispense justice. He should ensure that the war against corruption is always carried out in the judiciary so that we will have zero tolerance for corruption. However, he should ensure that in the process of doing that, due [process is followed and there is no winch-hunt of any kind, so that the morale of judges will not go down in the name of fighting corruption’’.

Speaking in the same vein, Mr. Adebayo Adelodun, SAN

said ‘’ he should continue to do what is expected of the judiciary which is promoting its independence. The drafters our constitution were very wise in adopting separation of powers, so that every arms of government will be independent particularly the judiciary. My expectation is that he will do everything within his power to enhance this independence and avoid anything that will compromise the independence of the judiciary.

If he does that he would have left his footprint in the sand of time. ‘’So, I expect that the judiciary will continue to give direction to this country.

Democracy can never strive where the judiciary is failing in its duty. I say without fear CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

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Law & Justice

Monday, November 21 , 2016

Judges don’t enjoy any constitutional immunity –Sowemimo

17

Seyi Sowemimo (SAN), an urbane lawyer with over 38 years’ post-call experience is the Secretary, Body of Senior Advocates’ of Nigeria.

In this interview with WALE IGBINTADE, he speaks on the 15-count charge filed against a sitting judge, and corruption in the judiciary among others. Excerpts:

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he Federal government has filed a 15-count charge against Justice Adeniyi Ademola.

Should a sitting judge be arraigned?

Well, it’s a welcome development. I believe it is all geared towards sanitizing the judiciary. Yes, he is serving but a crime has been committed. Is it because we are talking of a bribe? So, if a judge commits murder, are you saying Police should fold their arms, first take the matter before NJC before the judge can be tried? A crime has been committed and the NJC is not the body charged with the responsibility of taking the necessary action. Let us commend the DSS for their work.

The fact is that judges do not enjoy any constitutional immunity. So, they can be arraigned even while they were still sitting. The only thing is that it is not desirable that it should happen because it tends to demean the office that they are occupying. The normal and decent thing worldwide is that when people are facing allegations or enquiries, they should step aside while the enquiry or investigation lasted so that the institution is not undermined. I mean, it will not be a proper thing if a judge is facing a criminal charge today and the next day he has to preside over another accused person’s criminal charge. The judge loses that moral authority at that point in time. So, that is why a lot of lawyers said the National Judicial Council (NJC) should suspend these judges while investigations are on-going. That is also the position of the Body of Senior Advocates and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

What do you say to the position of the NJC that by asking the judges to step aside might be too hasty since Investigations about the allegations have not been concluded?

If those judges are now to be charged to court, it presupposes that those investigating have concluded their investigations. I even think that while they are under investigation, they should still step aside. This is because the judges’ moral authority has been called to question and this has even robbed them of the moral authority to preside over the cases assigned to them. So, far there is evidence that large sums of money were found in the houses of these judges. We wait to receive their explanations as to how they’ve come about this money.

In separate letters to the CJN, Jus-

Sowemimo tice Inyang Okoro and Justice Sylvester Ngwuta, both of the Supreme Court have accused Rotimi Amaechi of instigating their ordeal because they refused to avert justice in his favour. Do you think the minister should also step aside?

I believe that if there are allegations of corruption against a minister and it got to a point where the Federal Executive Council (FEC) feels that that concern should be charged to court, then, at that point, it is imperative for the minister to step aside. If these judges are implicating the minister, he might need to offer more explanations on all these at their trial.

The raids by the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) were carried out on the residences of these judges. No raid as far as I am concern was carried out on any of the residences of the mentioned minister. The DSS has discretion as to how to conduct investigations on

issues like these. Most importantly, the issues about the ministers are only coming up as a reaction against the arrest of the judges by the DSS. The judges were the ones who have been implicated and all they were saying about the ministers are things they might need to shed more light on at their trial. They can even take those evidences to the police or the DSS for further investigation.

They accused the ministers of being the brains behind their ordeals but the ministers have since denied the allegations. In that circumstance, except if there are proofs, nothing can be done against the ministers. But, in the case of these judges, the DSS said they found large chunks of money in their houses.

They said some of the judges were owners of palatial mansions with fleet of cars including Rolls Royce. These are some of the allegations against the judges. They are yet to tell us they have evidence on any of the allegations levelled against

It will not be a proper thing if a judge is facing a criminal charge today and the next day he has to preside over another accused person’s criminal charge

any of the ministers. But, by the time we have such evidence, then, the ministers will have no moral right to remain in their various offices as ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Some of your colleagues are saying the regulatory body in the judiciary; National Judicial Council (NJC) has not been proactive. Do you share that view?

Well, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has been active but they have not done enough. The NJC had even before this present event suspended some judges and recommended one or two of them for prosecution. But, I am not sure that the information we have now about these judges whose houses were raided by the DSS was put to the NJC. This is because until that raid was carried out, no one could say he found so much money in the house of a judge. That has changed the dimension of whatever allegations have been made in the past against these judges. Besides, what is now making members of the public to be more interested is the fact that these huge amounts of money has been alleged to have been found. This could not have been part of what was made known to the NJC because those raids have not been carried out then. So, I was thinking that maybe the case pushed

Continued on Page 18

18

Law & Justice

Monday, November 21, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Judges don’t enjoy any constitutional immunity –Sowemimo Continued from Page 17 to the NJC previously about these judges was not solid enough for the council to have acted on it. It is okay for one to say a judge is corrupt but it must be backed up with concrete evidence. The position of a judge is very sensitive that you cannot just remove them without some substantial evidence. The NJC has equally said up till the time of the raid, no petition was ever given to it in respect of Justices Okoro and Ngwuta of the Supreme Court.

So, in that instance, you can’t say it failed to act. The same thing might have happened in the case of other judges arrested as well. It was these raids that have provided the evidence upon which the NJC can act. Unfortunately, that same type of evidences could not have been obtained without this type of sting operations carried out by the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

So, we are left in a dilemma that the nation has now finds itself in which the judiciary’s reputation is being called into question. This is an unprecedented event and the level of corruption allegations against judicial officers has become so far reaching. But, in all these, I have no basis to say that the DSS has acted illegally. This is because by the law, it could carry out and execute search warrant at any time of the day. But, what people are saying is that it appears a bit harsh looking at the wee hours of the day when the operations were carried out. I also want to say that whilst we may encourage this fight against corruption, we must think of ways by which we can check any abuse. This is because when powers were given to people in a manner it has been used by the DSS, it may be good today but tomorrow it may be abused. You can’t tell who may head the DSS tomorrow and what his prejudices against people are. For instance, today people are saying that, are these set of judges the only people who are corrupt? They are saying it is selective. This is telling us that as we are continuing the anti-graft drive, measures must also be put in place to check any excesses or abuse by the security operatives. These are the things we must address our minds to in carrying these kinds of exercises in the future.

How do you see the new policy that says if a petition against a judicial officer is leaked to the public, such petition will not be attended to by the NJC? Well, I do not see how that can work.

We now have the Freedom of Information Act and as such there cannot be any proper curb on the dissemination of information. The Constitution guarantees free speech and freedom to write is also part of it.

Do you think the call for the amendment of Section 292(2) of the Constitution which bars judges from practicing again once they retired from the Bench is in order?

No. I don’t think there is any need for such amendment. You see, the prospect of having a retired Justice of the Supreme Court coming back to the Bar to start appearing before a high court judge is not something that is dignifying. The feeling

Sowemimo

is that by the time a judge gets to that level, he has assumed such status that he does not need to appear in any subordinate role before any other court. So, it’s not dignifying to have Justices after they have presided over cases from lower courts to now go back to the Bar after leaving the Bench. You have a situation in England whereby some people acts as recorders, they were almost like judges but they were actually lawyers. However, they could sit at times like judges and then go back to their practice. We will need to have a system whereby such an adhoc thing can be done. But, where judges are on a permanent and pensionable employment, you don’t want them to be deciding cases when at the back of their minds; they were thinking that in future they are going back to practice. They will want to prepare the grounds for their return to practice. With that at the back of their minds, they may be motivated by other considerations rather than just to dispense justice without fear or favour.

These judges are going to be earning pensions for life and therefore I believe that there can still be an improvement in their conditions of service, so that they don’t need to come back to the Bar. Instead of coming back to the Bar, they can in future acts as consultants. They need not come back to the Bar and start appearing before judges whose judgments they have been reviewing and upturning. This can undermine the integrity of the judiciary.

What lesson do you think the judiciary should learn from this?

The lesson is that impunity of corruption is not something that someone who has taken oath of office should engage in. the consequences is that the good name that has been built over the years will be destroyed by such conduct. Judges should conduct themselves in such a way that they are above board. They should not expose themselves to the kind of things that will tarnish their reputations.

It is reported that huge amount of money was discovered in some of the judges homes. Could this be has a result of meagre salaries of judicial officers?

Well, I agree that there is room for improvement in the emolument of judges because I wouldn’t be surprise if members of the National Assembly who hardly do any work earn far better than our judges. I am sure, when you compare the salaries of other segments in our society to what judges; you will see that what judges are earning can be improved on tremendously. So, I think there is room for improvement. Again, there is element of greed involved in this when you have instances of corruption.

But, let’s be clear about one thing, we must still grant these judges the presumption of innocence. While the effort of the DSS is commendable, there is also a need to have a search light on the judiciary. But, it shouldn’t be reckless exercise. It is something that should be done with painstaking investigation. If at the end of the day, it is discovered that there is no justification for the action taken by

As we are continuing the anti-graft drive, measures must also be put in place to check any excesses or abuse by the security operatives

the DSS, then these judges deserve apologies and compensation.

In the past Nigerian Judges served in international courts as well as in other countries as judicial officers.

How will the recent happens affect the reputation of Nigerian judges globally?

This is dent of the judiciary and it affects the image of our judiciary in other African countries. It will have negative impact, in that Nigeria will no longer be a country where other countries solicit for judicial personnel. Our judicial officers will no longer be as attractive as before.

A lawyer has asked a Federal High Court in Lagos to declare sections 221 and 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act illegal. Do you agree?

Well, I am wholly in support of those provisions because the issue of stay of proceedings in criminal trials has been the cause of delays. We have criminal trials being on for years on interlocutory objections only for the matter to be sent back after several years. I think these provisions are in order; we all need to adjust and try to conduct cases in the framework of that law. It is intended to remove that abuse of delay and if that is the case we should applaud these reforms. What about the constitutional right of appeal enshrined in the constitution? It doesn’t mean you cannot appeal, all we are saying is that interlocutory appeals will be taken along with the outcome of the final judgment.

They are not saying you cannot appeal but that while you are appealing that should not stop trial from going on. Otherwise, we will have a situation whereby if that appeal lasts for two, or three years, the trial at the high court will stop. By the time you come back from the Appeal Court you will find that the witnesses are no longer there or you have succeeded in affecting the morale of the prosecution or the witnesses. If you look at the dockets of the court these days, many judges handle more than 20 cases daily. How can this be reduced? I think the solution to that is to appoint more judges and seasoned advocates. When you appoint judges from the practicing Bar they are likely to be quite seasoned and able to deal with cases with greater dispatch than appointing people who do not have the experience in litigation work. So, the solution is appointing more judges, and more of them from the practicing Bar. We should also encourage our judges to work more diligently, sit on time and work till late and sit regularly.

Then, I don’t see why we should not be able to cope with the volume of cases filed in courts. Are you comfortable with the remuneration of judges? Well, what judges are earning now is a great improvement over what used to be the position in those days particularly in Lagos State.

Even in those days we have highly committed and dedicated judges who were passionate about their work and who did not go to the Bench because of money but for sense of fulfillment and duty. I am for improvement in the salaries of judges but I don’t think the problem only lies with the salaries of judges. There should be some reciprocity on the part of judges.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Law & Justice

Monday, November 21, 2016

19

Two SANs, others set agenda for new acting CJN, Onnoghen PROFILE

H

on. Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, CFR (Commander of the Federal Republic) was born on 22nd December, 1950 at Okurike Town, Biase L.G.A. of Cross River State.

He attended the Presbyterian Primary School, Okurike Town between 1959 and 1966. He later proceeded to Accra, Ghana to attend Odorgorno Secondary School, Adabraka, between 1967 and 1972 for his West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Exams.

He was at Accra Academy, Ghana between 1972 and 1974 for his WAEC (A-Levels) before proceeding to the University of Ghana, Legon, between 1974 and 1977 to obtain his Bachelor of Law Degree (LL.B ) (Hons)) and graduated with 2nd Class Upper Division and was among the best graduating students.

He attended the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos between 1977 and 1978 for his B.L certificate. He completed his compulsory National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) in July 1979.

His previous professional appointments/positions held include: Pupil State Counsel, Lagos State, (1978 – 1979), Partner in the Law Firm of Effiom Ekong & Company, Calabar (1979 – 1988), Principal Partner/Head of Chambers of Walter Onnoghen & Associates, Calabar (1988 -1989).

He was the Chairman, Cross River State Armed Robbery and Fire Arms Tribunal (1990 – 1993); Chairman, Judicial Enquiry into the Crisis between Students of the University of Calabar and Obufa Esuk Orok Community, Calabar (1996) and Chairman, Failed Banks Tribunal, Ibadan Zone (1998).

He was also the High Court Judge, Cross River State Judiciary (1989 – 1998), Justice of the Court of Appeal (Nov 1998-June 2005). Hon. Justice W.S. Nkanu Onnoghen was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (JSC) since 2005.

He is also a Justice of the Supreme Court of The Gambia.

A Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and Fellow of the National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice Onnoghen has attended several conferences and seminars within and outside Nigeria and presented scholarly papers.

He is a member of the Body of Benchers and Life Bencher; Chairman, Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and Vice-Chairman, Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee among others.

Hon. Justice Onnoghen, who is currently the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court, is married with children.

Adelodun CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

of contradiction that the progress we have recorded so far in our democratic experiment has been due largely to the judiciary. Yes, judiciary is an institu­ tion made up of human beings and has its own problems and there have been a couple of judicial officers who have been found not to be upright. But, that can be overcome , so I expect the judi­ ciary will do a lot of house cleaning so that before it begin to beam its search light to the outside , it should start from the insides. Any bad egg that will give the judiciary a bad name should be shown the way out. Therefore, the judi­ ciary can concentrate in giving democ­ racy a change in this country’’.

Another fiery lawyer,Mr. Fred Ag­ baje said ‘’all of us in the judiciary have learnt our lessons and I am sure the new CJN will chart a better way for the judiciary. The era when some judges make corruption a way of life in the judiciary has gone, the new acting CJN will ensure that the path previous judges and Lawyers are toeing before, there is an end to it. The acting CJN

Agbaje should be wary of the banana-peel. The era you want something from the judi­ ciary and you worked hard for it, but, unless you bribe your way through you will not get it should be things of the past. Anybody qualify for anything in the judiciary should be given. We in the judiciary like Caesar’s wife must be above board.

A Lagos based lawyer,Mr. Sunday Onu said ‘’I think most people in the country are expecting fair trials. The judiciary should be fair to the people and to the society as well as individual accused persons. I think there is also expectation that there will be speedy trial especially in the high profile cas­ es, so that we will know where we are going. The hope of the people should

not be tied to a slow process’’. ‘’There is need for cleansing in the judiciary because the decay that beset every department in the country has also affected the judiciary. Whereas in western countries, their institutions protects the in­tegrity of their citizens but in our own coun­try the institutions are already corrupted. We have few in­ dividuals fighting against corrup­tion.

How do you know fight against institu­ tional corruption? Corruption in Nige­ ria is like a wasting disease, it is easy to detect but difficult to cure. Justice has become mer­ chandised. We hope that things will improve beyond the rituals, when judges sit in politi­cal meetings.

We are actually in a mess, I am sorry to say’’.

The new acting should do everything within his power to enhance this independence and avoid anything that will compromise the independence of the judiciary

Court remands suspected land-grabber for murder Wale Igbintade

A

n Igbosere Magistrate’s Court has remanded a sixty-five years old suspected land-grabber, Mutiu Basorun in prison over alleged murder.

The trial Magistrate, Mrs O Awog­ boro remanded the suspect pending le­ gal advice from the office of the Direc­ tor of Public Prosecution (DPP), Lagos state.

The suspect was said to have con­ spired with one Ayorinde Balogun (m) and Taoridi Faronbi (m) (now at large) to commit the offence on August 29, 2014 at Amuwo Odofin within the juris­ diction of the court.

The defendant’s arraignment was se­ quel appeal to the Inspector Genera of Police by the communities to save them

from the alleged invaders.

The alleged offence is punishable un­ der sections 409, 56, 285, 348, 228 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos 2011 and Sec­ tions 27 (1) (a) (i) of firearms Act, Cap F28, F28, of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge levelled against him.

Information of the charge sheet reads “that you Mutiu Bashorun (m) and others at large who are Ayorinde Balogun (m) and Taoridi Farounbi (m) on the 29th August 2014 at Amuwo Odo­ fin in Igbosere Lagos Magisterial dis­ trict this conspire amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit: murder and you thereby committed an offence pun­ ishable under section 409 of the crimi­ nal law of Lagos state 2011’’.

“That you Mutiu Bashorun (m) and others at large who are Ayorinde Balo­ gun (m) and Taoridi Farounbi (m) on the 29th August 2014 in Amuwo Odo­ fin in Igbosere Lagos magisterial dis­ trict did unlawfully kill one Arise Dare (m) by shooting him with gun and you thereby committed an offence punish­ able under section 221 of the criminal law of Lagos state 2011’’.

“That you Mutiu Bashorun and oth­ ers at large who are Ayorinde Balogun (m) and Taoridi Farounbi (m) on the 29th august 2014 in Amuwo Odofin in Igbosere Lagos state magisterial dis­ trict did unlawfully kill Rashid Ojo (m) by shooting him with gun and you thereby committed an offence punish­ able under section 221 of the criminal law of Lagos state 2011.

The matter has been adjourned till December 19 for mention.

20

Law & Justice

FAMOUS CASES

E

Monday, November 21, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Two decades after Rewane, NADECO chieftain

Twenty years ago, elder statesman, Pa Alfred Rewane was killed in his Ikeja residence by unknown assassins on October 6, 1995. The suspected killers who were tried were eventually freed. Indeed, there is a growing concern in the international community that murder cases are poorly investigated in the country, FRANCIS FAMOROTI, Head, Judiciary writes.

lder statesman, Pa Alfred Rewane, was a National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) chieftain in the 1990s. While he was alive, he was renowned for being a close ally of the late sage and politician, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Following Awolowo’s demise, Rewane was not too visible in political circles save for being a notable figure in NADECO, where the likes of Chief Anthony Enahoro were prominent leaders.

However, tragedy struck on October 6, 1995, when some unidentified assassins stormed Rewane’s 100, Oduduwa Crescent, G.R.A Ikeja residence, Lagos and snuffed life out of the then 78 year-old man. It was agonizing to many Nigerians that an old man of that statute could be murdered in his home without any clues as to those behind the dastardly act.

Going by the account of one of the witnesses during the trial of some suspects before a Lagos High Court, ‘’They left us in the room, but shortly after, we heard gunshots and the intruders drove out. We later went to Rewane’s room and saw him soaked in his own blood.’’

Indeed, when the police waded into the incident and investigated the murder, several arrests were made and some persons were arraigned for the murder at the high court in 1995.

Among those charged were, Lucky Igbinovia and Effiong Elemi-Edu, Sylvester Iyasele, Saturday Egbeide, Ola Obanuso, Akeem Ali, and Sunday Obanobi.

According to the information, the prosecution alleged that they murdered Pa Alfred Rewane at his home, No 100, Oduduwa Crescent, GRA, Ikeja on October 6, 1995. They pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody. The trial of the defendants extended for about 16 years as the police investigation into the matter appeared obviously shoddy.

In another dimension, five of the suspected killers tried, namely, Iyasele, Egbeide, Obanuso, Ali, and Obanobi died in prison custody while awaiting trial.

By the time the trial ended, the trial court declared that the prosecution had failed to discharge the onus on it by proving the case against the accused men beyond reasonable doubt.

In the high court judgement on January 17, 2011, Justice Olusola Williams, acquitted and discharged the remaining two suspects that stood trial for the gruesome murder of the NADECO chieftain, for the inability of the prosecution to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The police had arraigned the freed persons, Lucky Igbinovia and Effiong Elemi-Edu over the murder case in 1995. Within 1995, two judges, Justice Adebayo Adesanya and Justice Adebisi Kayode-Ogunmekan handled the case before it was re-assigned to Justice Williams.

Delivering her judgement in the case that lasted for 16 years, Justice Williams, held that the only evidence the prosecution relied on were the statements allegedly made by the two accused, which they claimed were made under duress.

The court added that it was clear that the prosecution had no substantial evidence to establish the charges levelled against the two accused persons.

Justice Williams said: “I wonder what the overwhelming evidence the prosecution referred to. The only things that linked the accused persons to the al-

Late Rewane

Tragedy struck on October 6, 1995, when some unidentified assassins stormed Rewane’s 100, Oduduwa Crescent, G.R.A Ikeja residence, Lagos and snuffed life out of the then 78 year-old man leged crime are the statements, which they have denied. It is quite plain that there was nothing to support the case of the prosecution.

“It appears to me that, all what the police did was to visit the scene of the crime and arrested workers of the late Pa Rewane. There was no evidence to support the alleged statements the prosecution relied on.

I cannot rely on the statement brought by the prosecution. The charges against the defendants failed, they are hereby discharged and acquitted.”

Earlier during the trial, the defence team led by Mr. Moses Odiri, assisted by Mr. Owolabi Dawodu and Mr. Maxwell Adeniran had made a no-case submission but the court in its ruling discharged only Elvis Irenuma, a co-accused and held among others, that the evidence by the prosecution could not link him to the crime.

Part of the proceedings was that one of the defendants, Elemi-Edu, had in his examination- in- chief, told the court that on the day of the incident he left his house to buy suya for his wife around 8:45 p.m. but when he was about to reach the suya spot’ , he heard sporadic gunshots, and took cover.

According to him, after the gunshots subsided, he decided to go back home but suddenly from the dark, he allegedly heard a baritone voice, which shouted, “stop or I shoot.”

His words: “In confusion, I stopped dead in my tracks. Then four men in mufti- pounced on me. I was screaming and wondering what would the robbers get from me other than the N5 note I had budgeted for suya?

They ignored my protests, rained more blows on me and shoved me and a few other persons into their van and drove to a place I later recognised as SARS, at Oba Akinjobi Street, Ikeja.”

In the course of trial-within-trial, Igbinovia had also denied the confessional statements allegedly made by him and others to the police, stating that they were made under duress.

In his testimony, Irenuma, told the court that he was employed as an “office boy” but later converted to a driver, adding that on October 1995, the late Rewane sent a message to him that he would be having an important meeting and directed him to report at his house.

According to him, he reported at Rewane’s house located in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos at about 7:30 a.m. and he was writing a note to the Administrative Manager as instructed by Rewane when he suddenly heard noise from the sitting room.

Upon findings, he said he saw three men arguing with the steward and later discovered that they had an envelope for Rewane and they insisted that it must be handed over to him (Rewane) personally.

Irenuma further told the court that one of the men pointed a gun at his head, raided the whole house and locked them up including Rewane’s wife in a room.

His words: “They left us in the room, but shortly after, we heard gunshots and the intruders drove out. We later went to Rewane’s room and saw him soaked in his own blood. We rushed him to the hospital and I immediately informed Chief Anthony Enahoro about the incident because he was to hold a meeting with Rewane.”

He further told the court that the doctor later informed them that Rewane died before reaching the hospital as the bullet penetrated through his heart and that he had no chance of surviving.

Prior to the trial at the high court, the Police had concluded that the suspects were armed robbers. On the basis of this, they were arraigned initially before the Lagos State Armed Robbery and Fire-Arms Tribunal, Court in Ikeja presided over by Justice A. A. Adesanya.

But along the line there were hitches in the case until the trial was discontinued and the suspects were charged with murder at the high court.

It suffices that like all other murder cases ahead of this matter and other subsequent ones, the investigation conducted by the police was extremely shoddy.

This impacted on the prosecution, hence the court had no other option than to discharge the accused men.

This perhaps made Amnesty International (AI) to conclude a few years back that hundreds of killings in Nigeria were either never investigated or poorly investigated, giving rise to a situation where neither the dead nor their living relatives got justice at the end of the day.

FM 21

Every Monday

Monday, November 21, 2016

Appraising implications of fiscal, other constraints in power sector for economy

inside

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News

External borrowing ‘ll help mitigate FX market pressures – Kurufi 25

Money

Tackling negative reports on DMBs’ capital base, liquidity 33

Aviation

Our housing sector can thrive on single digit mortgage – Experts 26

FAAN, BiCourtney’s rage accentuates airports’ concession controversies 29

FM 22

Financial Mirror

Monday, November 21, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Appraising implications of fiscal, other Since the first power was generated in Nigeria in 1896, supply of the electricity to the greater percentage of the population in a sustained, stable and quality manner has been a mirage. Nearly 120 years after, supply has remained grossly inadequate with only about 40% of the country’s population (of about 170 million) said to have access to electricity. In this analysis, CHIDI UGWU, appraises the implications of the ugly development for the nation’s economy. risk guarantee of up to US$180 million to guarantee the obligations of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) under its power purchase agreements with selected independent power projects.

The Gencos have now been in operation for over three years, with varying degrees of success. One of the more successful Gencos, Transcorp Ughelli Power, increased generating capacity from 160 MW to 453 MW within the first six months of operation due to close proximity to gas pipelines. According to Transcorp CEO Deoye Fadeyibi, the company is set to reach 750 MW. The second phase of privatisation, which is currently underway, relates to the sale of 10 government-owned independent power projects, called National Integrated Power Projects (NIPPs). In 2004, the Federal government set up a special purpose vehicle to build and own these assets using private sector best practices, in order to address the country’s persistent power shortage.

However, the output of these NIPPs fell considerably short of expectations, generating only 600 MW of power compared with the 2,500 MW that was planned.

The privatisation of the NIPPs has attracted interest from the international investor community and, unlike for the Gencos, it appears likely that international banks will participate in the financing of this phase of the privatisation process.

When the nation’s electricity assets were handed over to private operators three years ago, in an exercise largely seen as transparent, many Nigerians were expectedly joyous. Even if not automatic, the hope was that the daily blackouts and power outages would be minimized until they are gradually eased out and become a feature of the past. But it is now apparent that those hopes were largely misplaced.

However, over three years after the privatisation of the power sector, Nigerians are yet to know the difference between the old discredited regime of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and the new one managed by the new investors. Indeed, the prospects are even gloomier as many attest to the fact that they are yet to see the increase in power supply as expected.

From Kano to Calabar, Sokoto to Port Harcourt, indeed across the country, there is hardly any part that does not grumble about inadequate power supply. In most places for several days and sometime, weeks, many people have no access to electricity to lighten the burden of living. Lack of electricity also limits their access to healthcare, education and other opportunities, including running their businesses. Many small and medium scale businesses had been crippled due to the prohibitive cost of generating their own power. Even the big business ventures, particularly the manufacturing ones, are also feeling the biting effect of energy poverty with consequences stretching to every part of the economy.

The Dangote chain, accord-

‘

In the last six months, we have been using diesel to produce power because our generators are made in such a way that if there is

no gas, you have to use diesel. Between diesel

and low fuel oil, we are

spending between N230

million and N250 million per day. That has really

eaten up our profit vis-avis last year

‘

S

everal factors including poor maintenance of power generation, transmission and distribution network, and inadequate expansion of electricity facilities have been identified as major constraints which have led to a stunted growth of the sector.

Experts also link these constraints which has resulted in the prevailing electricity infrastructure deficit, to lack of vision, failure of strategic planning, perverse political incentive and weak commitment to development.

A long period of deterioration of facilities in the sector, however, forced government to realize that radical action needed to be taken urgently to achieve acceptable level of power supply to majority of people and services.

To this end, the Federal Government in 2010 announced that the government-owned Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), which had responsibility for the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, would be sold to the private sector to increase efficiency and profitability.

The first phase of the privatisation was concluded in November 2013. This was a landmark US$2.5 billion transaction that saw PHCN unbundled into six generation companies (Gencos)—(four for thermal power and two for hydro)—and 11 distribution companies (Discos), and sold to new private owners.

The transaction was regarded as landmark for many reasons, not least because it is one of the world’s largest privatisations, and also because 70 per cent of the transaction was debt financed solely by local banks, a first of its kind.

Other interesting features of the transaction were that the government sold 100 per cent of its equity stake in some of the successor companies and the African Development Bank supported the process with the provision of a partial

Fashola ing to its chairman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, spends a fortune – the average of N80 billion annually - to turn the wheels of their machines.

This perhaps makes the country one of the toughest places in the world to do business.

Africa’s richest man, after a tour of his cement plant at Ibese, Ogun State, explained in graphic details the enormity of the financial burden afflicting industrialists in Africa’s biggest economy.

“In the last six months, we have been using diesel to produce power because our generators are made in such a way that if there is no gas, you have to use diesel. Between diesel and low fuel oil, we are spending between N230 million and N250 million per day. That has really eaten up our profit vis-a-

vis last year.”

It is a frightening scenario, yet this is the stack reality that faces many business owners, particularly manufacturing concerns.

The President, Nigerian Consumer Protection Network, Kunle Olubiyo said although the idea of privatization is a welcome development the power sector privatization flawed with lack of transparency, adding that the process was not competitive enough which made it less successful in terms achieving the very reason for which it was carried out.

According to him, the structure of the electricity value chain cannot work effectively as it stands now because the distribution companies are running on perpetual loss, many unending demand on

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Financial Mirror

Monday, November 21, 2016

FM 23

constraints in power sector for economy forward, he advised that government should pull out its own equity from the power assets and redirect the money in off-grid rural electrification projects, while the Discos, GenCos and the TCN should be made to run as business entities, running a solely in a willing-seller-willing-buyer basis.

According the World Bank, Nigeria’s power generation deficit has touched 94, 500 Mega Watt (MW) mark. Over 95 million of the Nigerian population, the World Bank document showed, are still without on-grid electricity.

Nigeria currently consumes 126 kwh/person, the document showed, adding that “an equivalent power consumption level for Nigeria, given its population, would be 98,000MW.” the World Bank document indicated.

The poor power supply in the country resulted in call in some quarters asking for revocation o fthe privatization but the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, had swiftly rejected such call saying that the privatization agreements cannot be cancelled under his watch.

“If those calling for revisiting of the privatisation of the power sector meant to say improving the governance, performance and efficiency, then, I am here for that. … But, I will not support cancelling of the

‘

Like a vicious circle, the new investors in Nigeria’s

power sector, are always waving a long list of familiar complaints,

chiefly among which is shortage of gas supply to fire many of the power plants, and paucity

of funds to upgrade decrepit infrastructure

they inherited. Theft and vandalism of equipment are also listed among others

‘

government for intervention.

The Consumer Protection Network boss said that the Aggregate Technical Commercial and Collection (ATCC) losses also continue to be a significant issue for the Discos.

According to him, during the bid process, successful Discos were selected based on their ATCC loss reduction plans over the next five years. However, these plans have had limited success due in part to delays in payment for electricity supplied, wastage and theft of electricity.

Olubiyo who pointed out that the ATCC benchmark has been reviewed to 80 per cent, lamented that the losses also affect the Gencos in turn, as the losses are currently being shared by all parties.

He said: “During the privatization, the aggregate technical commercial losses of 40 per cent was used as expert view, but because of government equity investment in the sector, government and the Discos share everything, and the Discos had in mind that they do not want make returns to the government, they engaged a firm known as LeCardo that increased the sector liability to 80 per cent.

“Now, if the liability is raised high what it means is that the distribution companies will be perpetually declaring losses. For example, there is an unending demand for government intervention. But the ideal plan for privatization is for investors to come in with their wealth and technical expertise. And unfortunately, most of these investors’ technical partners have gone their separate ways.

“What government needs to do is, if we have agreed that reversal of the privatization is not an option because of the wrong signal to the international business community and if we had to move beyond what we have, government has to restructure the loan facilities for the distribution companies in such a way that their loans to reflect economic realities.

“In all of these, they are not paying for the power from the transmission company which comes from the generation companies. They only return 30 per cent to the sector which is not good”, Olubiyo added.

In order to move the sector

President, Nigerian Consumer Protection Network, Kunle Olubiyo

contracts we had with them.

If we revoke privatisation of the sector, investors will carry their bags and go, they will tell others that Nigeria is not reliable for investment”, he cautioned.

Like a vicious circle, the new investors in Nigeria’s power sector, are always waving a long list of familiar complaints, chiefly among which is shortage of gas supply to fire many of the power plants, and paucity of funds to upgrade decrepit infrastructure they inherited. Theft and vandalism of equipment are also listed among others.

The poor power situation has also resulted in a fierce blame game between the Discos and the TCN as to who is represent the weakest link in the electricity value chain.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Distribution companies (DisCos) have been trading blames over the poor supply of electricity across the country.

TCN has accused electricity Distribution companies (DisCos) of deliberate rejection of load allocated to them saying that most DisCos load-sheds on 11kv fidders for two to three hours due to their inability to pay market operators.

The Managing Director, TCN, Dr Abubakar Atiku, said so far, the highest energy recorded in the system since

February, 2016 was 5,074MWs. He explained that the company has the capacity to transmit up to 5,500MWs noting that it can also transfer such to distribution companies.

“On the issues of DisCos rejecting loads on assertion of weakest link, let me make it very clear that we don’t that believe in TCN that we are the weakest link.

“So far, the highest energy that was recorded in the system since 2nd, February, 2016 is 5,074MWs and TCN was able to take it from generation to distribution companies and we have the capacity to transmit up to 5,500MWs and like I said in our expansion plan, we are working towards being on top of generation at any given time.

“So even with the anticipated increase in generation, we still have the capacity to transfer this energy to distribution companies. On the issue of rejecting load, I will say yes, it is still happening. I don’t want to mention the distribution companies that are doing this but they know themselves.

“Most of them are loadshedding 11kv feeders for two to three hours simply because they cannot pay to the market operators, the invoice given to them that they consume. So they use that system to deny customers power.

“So, I want to make it clear

that we know because the system operator monitors on 24 hours basis and it does the allocation. So he knew those distribution companies that are rejecting loads and we have records for that.”

But the 11 Distribution Companies have said that they lose N1 billion monthly due to limited transmission capacity, especially in the Northern part of the country.

The Executive Director, research and Advocacy of the Association of Electricity Distribution Companies of Nigeria (ANED) Mr. Sunday Oduntan said the association was currently experiencing a monthly loss in excess of N1 billion due to limited transmission capacities in various part of the country.

Revenue shortfalls, credit risk and gas supply constraints in the power sector under a transitional electricity market is to be, and was anticipated. Nonetheless, resolving the revenue shortfalls has proved a bit of a challenge, and a long-term and sustainable solution appears to be taking longer time.

However, despite the various challenges highlighted above, renewed focus on the privatisation of the Nigerian power sector provides opportunities for international and local investments.

For instance, opportunities exist for the construction of alternative independent power projects, such as coal fired power plants and renewables.

Apart from the alternative energy sources, NBET is already able to buy power from all generation companies and sell this competitively in the open market.

The regulator has provided incentives for investments in renewable energy projects including feed-in tariffs, a more relaxed licensing regime, access to land and import duty waivers. Nigeria also has geographic and climatic conditions which are particularly well suited for solar and hydropower projects.

As gas prices become more competitive, particularly in relation to transportation fees, more investors may begin to give greater consideration to investing in gas pipeline infrastructure.

FM 24

Financial Mirror

Monday, November 21, 2016

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Taxation

Ebonyi targets mineral resources, agric sectors to boost IGR Tola Akinmutimi

E

bonyi State Governor, Engr.David Umahi, at the weekend promised to adopt proactive policy measures in his state’s efforts to boost its Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, base through exploration of opportunities availed in the mineral resources industry and by so doing be properly positioned to achieve socio-economic transformation of the state.

Governor Umahi, who disclosed this during the opening session of the 22nd edition of the three-day Finance Correspondents and Business Editors Seminar held at Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, said that the state was endowed with many untapped mineral resources which his administration is ready to develop through collaboration with private investors.

Represented by the Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General, Hon. Augustine Nwankwagu, the governor said that apart from the mineral resources, his administration was also prepared to grow the agricultural and other critical sectors in order to generate employment, improve infrastructure and create opportunities for all ‘Ebonyians’ to economically empower themselves.

The governor, who consistently harped on the fact that moving the country’s economy out of the woods required a total commitment by all Nigerians to proffer

internal solutions to the current economic depression, said that his government would pursue broad-based and people-oriented strategies in the drive to make the state less dependent on allocations from federation accounts to meet its funding needs.

He therefore disclosed that already the government was considering a number of fiscal measures that could be adopted to encourage investors to partner with the administration in its efforts to develop the mineral, water and agricultural resources, amongst others, to create a strong platform for growing the state’s economy.

The governor hinted further that his government had also agreed with a private partner to commence and revive the production of cement at Nigeria Cement Company (Nigercem), and also to tap into the funds made available

by CBN and other financing institutions to develop agriculture.

In addition, the government has also taken the agricultural development further by empowering the youth, not only in crop production, but also through other forms of farming like fishery, poultry and piggery to enable the state come out of economy recession.

Earlier in her remarks, CBN Branch Controller in the state, Mrs. Obiekwe Obiageli, in her welcome address, noted that the state was blessed with over 25 solid minerals which were yet to be tapped for economic prosperity of the state.

New Japanese DTAs’ implementation kicks off

T

he Protocol to the double tax agreement between Japan and India entered into force on September 29.

The Protocol upgrades the existing agreement’s tax information exchange provisions. It also amends the list of state-owned financial institutions or central banks that are eligible for the interest income withholding tax exemption set out in Article 11.

The amended pact will be effective in Japan from January 1, 2017, and in India from April 1, 2017.

Japan’s new double tax agreement with Germany also entered into force recently, on September 28. The new pact provides more conducive conditions for companies conducting trade or investment between the two territories. The

agreement newly provides for a withholding tax exemption for both interest and royalties.

Income from dividends will be exempt if the company receiving the income holds a 25 percent stake in the dividend-paying company for at least 18 months. Dividends income may otherwise qualify for a concessionary five percent rate if the company receiving the dividend held at least five percent of the shares of the company paying the dividend for at least six months. Otherwise a 15 percent rate will apply.

Except for the updated tax information exchange provisions, which will be effective from October 28, 2016, all other provisions will take effect from January 1, 2017. (Source – tax-news.com)

Specifically, she noted that apart from cement, the state also had economically viable deposit of salt at Okposi and Uburu salts lake, which has the biggest deposit

of salt nationwide.

She hinted that the apex bank had, in furtherance of its statutory mandate, been providing necessary assistance to the state in its

efforts to transform its huge minerals and other economic resource endowments into revenue and job generation sources.

L-R: First Vice President, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Abimbola Ogunbanjo; Chief Executive Officer, NSE Oscar Onyema; Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo; President, NSE , Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and former President, NSE, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, during an Interactive Session with Capital Market Stakeholders and Closing Gong Ceremony at the NSE in Lagos, at the weekend.

FRC says communication entrenches transparency in audit reports Udo Onyeka

T

he Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria in its determined efforts to entrench transparency and probity in the nation’s financial sector has released Rule 9 bordering on the application of International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 701 which hinges on the need for Independent auditors to communicate Key Audit Matters (KAM) in their report.

In a statement by the Executive Secretary of the FRC Mr. Jim Obazee, the released of the “Rule 9” was in accordance with sections 8(2) and 53(2) of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Act No. 6 2011, (FRC Act, 2011).

According to Obazee, the scope of the rule 9 which hinges on the application of ISA 701 deals with the auditor’s responsibility to communicate key audit matters in the auditor’s report, adding that it is intended to address both the auditor’s judgement as to what to communicate in the auditor’s report and the form and content of such communication.

He said the purpose of communicating key audit matters is to enhance the communicative value of the auditor’s report by

providing greater transparency about the audit that was performed.

He further explained that, communicating key audit matters provides additional information to “intended users” of financial statements to assist them in understanding those matters that, in the auditor’s professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements of the current period. He added that communicating KAM can also assist “intended users” in understanding the entity and areas of significant management judgement in the audited financial statements.

Obazee noted however that communicating KAM in the auditor’s report was not substitute for existing disclosure requirements by the Council among others: Disclosures in the financial statement that the applicable financial reporting framework requires management to make, or that are otherwise necessary to achieve fair presentation; Auditor expressing a modified opinion when required by the circumstances of a specific audit engagement in accordance with ISA 705 (Modifications to the opinion in the Independent

Auditor’s Report- Revised); Reporting in accordance with ISA 570 (Going Concern- Revised) when a material uncertainty exists relating to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on any entity’s ability to continue as a going concern; or A separate opinion on individual matters.

He maintained that Independent Auditors shall comply with provisions of ISA 701 for audits of financial statements and shall take effect on Decembers 15, 2016.

Speaking further on the application of the “Rule 9,” he listed those the rule applied as; auditors of all: Listed entities (as defined by ISA); Public companies; banks, excluding micro finance banks; Insurance companies, excluding Health Management Organisations; Mutual funds; Pension funds; Private companies that are holding companies of any of the above entities.

Obazee stated that auditors of listed companies are expected to apply this Rule for audit of financial statements for periods ending on or after December 15, 2016, while auditors of all other entities shall apply this Rule for audit of financial statements for periods ending on or after June 30, 2017.

Monday, November 21, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FM 25

Financial Mirror

Capital Market External borrowing ‘ll help mitigate FX market pressures – Kurufi The Managing Director of APT Securities, Alhaji Garba Kurufi, a stock broker and bureau de change operator speaks on the need for the government to borrow outside the country, selling of assets and imperative of rising inflation rate in this interview with JOHNSON OKANLAWON. Excerpts: The Federal Government wants to borrow $30 billion to fund some critical infrastructure projects. Sir, what is your comment on this?

The time the Federal Government supposed to have borrowed was at the beginning of the current administration, the beginning of the year when the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, was at 12 per cent. At that time, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, was managing the rate for the government to make good utilization of it, but they did not until such a time when the government and the CBN ran out of foreign exchange supply.

The only way they can attract activities in the FMDQ market is to increase the MPR. Now, the Treasury bill has gone as high as 17 per cent. Then, the MPR was at 12 per cent, the Treasury bill was around 12 to 13 per cent and that could have been the best time for them to borrow, but they did not borrow. And at this period, there is no need for the government to borrow locally because first, our problem is not naira but the foreign exchange. We need to get more of foreign exchange crisis to be able to meet up with the demand of local industries so that they can import raw materials to continue their production. Two, to kill speculation, because from June, July to date, if you look at July, even at the bureau the change market, the naira was trading not above 350. By end of September it was 480, an increase of 130. Tell me what you can do to earn 37 per cent in three months?

Sir, given the scenario you just described, what do you think is the way out for government in this forex crisis situation?

It is now very necessary for the government to look for foreign exchange, to enable them curtail the speculation that is going on the foreign exchange market.

When the speculation keeps on going in the market, it will discourage investments and even those who legitimately got their genuine foreign allocations will rush to get their money and sell it in the black market, earn much better than to buy raw materials. And that is not good enough for the economy. So, in the situation we are, there is not better option for the government than to borrow in the foreign market. Now, we are running short of the foreign exchange, two we want our industries to be working. Do you know how many companies have closed shop? In this just last quarter, over 200 companies closed shop. They are there, the truth of the matter is that they need raw materials and you cannot use naira to buy raw materials. Even, if you want foreign exchange and you apply for it, you will be on the queue at least for three months. Therefore, as much as they cannot meet their demands, the companies cannot import raw materials, they are utilizing the ones they have and closing their shops, which is not yielding as the economy is in recession.

Why do you think the economy is going through recessive phase now?

The reason is because we are not be productive and we can’t be productive when you don’t have the raw materials to manufacture in the industry. Go and find out, most of the companies where they were doing morning, afternoon and nights, are now doing one shifting. Some of them have closed shop because they

ing imported, hence they declared loss. In the second quarter of 2016, they declared a loss of over three billion naira because of the devaluation of naira which affects foreign loan by N4.6 billion loss. It cuts across other industries. The Gross Domestic Product has told it all. That we are in economic recession and the problem is that if we did not take necessary measures, recession plus inflation, will take you to deflation because we are in a situation where it worse than ever happen in our economy. You don’t have economy recession and at the same time you have inflation. That is why the CBN maintains MPR at 14 per cent because it wants to attract foreigners to bring in their dollars to trade. Therefore, the government going to Europe to borrow is the right thing in right direction at the right time because they need foreign currency not local currency. That is what they need.

Kurufi

For instance, if you check the oil sector, all our joint ventures, the government controls

60 per cent, others are controlling 40 per cent.

So, what is the value of the 60 per cent you are controlling when you cannot bring money to expand the business?

don’t have local substitute. It takes like five years to be able to substitute local materials with foreign ones; it is not a short time plan. For instance, bread. Do we produce wheat? Even if we produce, what percentage?

They need raw materials, which are at abroad. Take tea industry, aluminum industry, etc. Once there is no foreign exchange, they can’t continue to operate.

How does this ugly situation affect the performances of listed companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange?

What we are seeing in the market today is that most of the manufacturing sector entities are not doing well, if you go and find out they are facing so many things. One, most of them has the company on the foreign exchange loan and you see how devaluation threw them away. For instance, Guinness Nigeria, for the last 30 years, they have never declared loss. The last time they declared loss was 1986 and today, they declared loss. The raw materials of the company is be-

You said it would have been better if government borrowed earlier. Could you make further clarification on this?

Yes, the CBN held the MPR at 12 per cent up till June.

If the government wanted to borrow, they should have borrowed at lower rate. So, if you have tried to help somebody and he or she did not make best use of it, what would you do? It is one of the principles of CBN to maintain exchange rate and they can maintain it by attracting foreign investors and that was why the MPR was jerked up and you can see there was an inflow of about $21 billion, which they have not experienced in the subsequent quarters.

There is the argument by some analysts that it would have been better for the country to sell some of its assets than to borrow. Do you agree with this stance?

There is nothing wrong with selling the assets if you do the right thing at the right time. For instance, we have an asset today that is as good as nothing. Take for instance, the telecommunication company, when the Global Service for Mobile telecommunications providers came, that time if the government disposed NITEL, they would have gotten a lot of money, they didn’t. Today, when the other private companies took over, NITEL became moribund. So, if you don’t sell your assets at the right time, it reaches a point that it will be of no use because everybody knew that when the government was managing the bank, it was not efficient. They relinquished their interest in the bank, and it is better than when the government was managing it. For instance, if you check the oil sector, all our joint ventures, the government controls 60 per cent, others are controlling 40 per cent. So, what is the value of the 60 per cent you are controlling when you cannot bring money to expand the business? Today, everybody is saying NLNG is doing well and this is because the government does not have the controlling shares.

NLNG has 49 per cent and the others have 51 per cent.

That makes it efficient. Why can’t they replicate the same in the other joint ventures? Or even if you want to be controlling, why not 51 per cent? It gives 51 per cent. If the government decides to sell its 9 per cent in all joint ventures, do you think how much billion they will realize?

FM 26

Financial Mirror

Monday, November 21, 2016

Real Estate

Our housing sector can thrive on single digit mortgage – Experts Sylva Emeka-Okereke

E

xperts in the nation’s housing sector have said that the nation’s housing sector can only thrive on single digit mortgage system.

They said, until Nigeria revitalizes the mortgage system and increase its financing of the housing sector, the sector will continue to suffer gross shelter deficit.

Former President of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, APBN, Mr Bala Bawa Ka’Oje

had noted that the nation’s housing and construction sectors have been faced with massive underfunding over the years, a development that had brought about stunted growth and nearzero development of the sectors.

According to him, the construction sector could provide a veritable avenue for millions of people to be employed, thereby helping the economic growth and development of the country.

“We have a mortgage system that is not functioning well, and

Managing Director, CMC Connect Burson Marsteller/President, African Public Relations Association (APRA), Yomi Badejo-Okusanya; Managing Director, UBA Foundation, Ijeoma Aso and General Secretary, NIPR Lagos Chapter, Thelma Okoh, at the SERAS Awards, in Lagos at the weekend.

yet there is little or nothing that can be achieved in the housing and construction sector without adequate funding. This is because housing projects all over the world are generally capital intensive,” Ka’Oje said.

He insisted that lack of funding or access to mortgage facility had stalled many housing projects across the country, while also arguing that it was only in Nigeria that one would be required to provide almost 100 percent of the amount required to build a house.

“It is only in Nigeria that one will be expected to about 100 per cent of the cost of construction a house before one can own a house, but in other countries of the world it is not so. At time you will be expected to have just a fraction of what is needed while the rest would be spread over a period of years through mortgage,” he noted.

Also, a construction expert, Uche Ndukwu said from, the available indices, Nigeria should be close to actualizing the dreams of the transformation that we all clamoured for, especially in the housing sector.

Fall in SA’s rand fails to attract foreign property buyers

H

ouse prices in South Africa are declining again, after a gradual price rise

in 2014.

The house price index for medium-sized houses rose by 3.9% last year, according to ABSA. However when adjusted for inflation, the average house price actually fell by 0.8 percent - a slowdown from the 9.2 percent (3.2% in real terms) price increase during the same period this year.

Small-sized houses rose least, their prices up only 1.8 percent (-2.8% in real terms. Large-sized houses, on the other hand, rose by 8.3% (3.4% in real terms.

“Nominal house price growth of 5 percent-6 percent is forecast for 2016, with the risk to the downside against the background of economic and consumer sector trends and prospects...real house price growth is expected to remain under severe pressure in the next 12-18 months,” says ABSA. Property in South Africa is now dramatically less expensive for foreign buyers than four years ago.

Since July 2011 the TradeWeighted Rand Index has fallen 47.8% to December 2015, according to First National Bank (FNB). The

rand has fallen from US$ 1 = ZAR 6.76 then, to US$ 1 = ZAR 15.02 in December.

“The drivers of this have been numerous,” noted FNB, “including a multi-year export commodity price slide, frequent Emerging Market jitters in an uncertain global economic environment, the arrival of US interest rate hiking and a welldocumented myriad of domestic structural constraints on economic growth.”

Despite significantly cheaper property prices for foreign-currency buyers, there was no major rise in home buying by foreigners, according to FNB´s Q4 2015 Estate Agent Survey. Foreign buying is “off its “highs” reached around 2014”. FNB attributed this to: Declining investor sentiment towards South Africa, also reflected in the weaker rand. Weaker performance of residential property globally, influencing its popularity as an asset class.

“We remain of the opinion that the trend in growth in foreign buying of SA homes has largely followed this broader global property market trend,

as opposed to responding to rand movements,” said FNB. Foreigners can own immovable property in South Africa without restriction. However, all foreign funds remitted to the country must be declared and documented. The property must also be endorsed ‘non-resident’, as a condition for repatriation of funds.

Non-resident investors have to pay Capital Gains Tax when they later sell their properties. The purchaser of the property is required to deduct a prescribed percentage from the proceeds of the sale and remit it directly to the South African Revenue Service before paying the balance to the seller.

In a surprising move, the South African Reserve Bank´s (SARB) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25% during its last meeting on November 19, 2015. The MPC had been expected to maintain the repo rate at 6 percent.

The bank noted “the key risks are a marked depreciation of the rand; worsening drought conditions and their likely impact on food prices; and the possibility of additional electricity tariff adjustments.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mortgage Capsule with Fasanya-Osilaja

Navigating the Good, the Bad and the ….

I

must start off by congratulating the NMRC on posting a 482 million naira profit for the year, as revealed by the Managing Director Prof. Charles Inyangete recently. I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this news because of the typical “doom and gloom” nature of Nigerians on giving opinions regarding pretty much anything. As I have always said, I support the possibilities that the NMRC offers the Nigerian Housing Industry because there is really no other organization like it right now. If all parties can agree to come together as a community and support the NMRC, it has the capacity to grow into the Secondary Market for Nigeria, (and actually probably for Africa) on the world markets. The ability to recycle mortgage funds in this industry may be the sole factor that decides its success or failure, so we really need to sit up, take notice of the NMRC, and find ways to work with it. You can decide to criticize, laud or berate, but always with a view to ensuring its success, not just to tear it down without offering any alternative solutions. One of my biggest pet peeves is people who are just “Jawbone downers”. All they do is talk a lot, and put down everything and everyone that they are not allowed to control or collaborate with. We should ALL want the NMRC to succeed – as the saying goes “the comfort of the tree is the comfort of the bird”.

I have been noting with interest, a trend of fully built properties being gifted to members of the public, typically widows or indigent. Again, I am never one to put anything down because at least, somebody is stepping forward to try and do something. However, I must offer a little constructive criticism here. Please let us first teach a man to fish, before we give him fish. It is extremely important that donors of such life changing gifts should first prepare the recipients for the gift, to ensure that they appreciate it, understand the responsibilities that come with it, and are prepared for their new stature. This is why we continue to push for Home Ownership Education, especially for First Time Homeowners. A new homeowner must be prepared to maintain the house, become a contributing part of the community they own in, and set aside reserves for major home improvements as the property deteriorates with age. Otherwise, you end up with a dilapidated property, an unwelcome community member, and eventually the loss of the home. In essence, the charitable act is a fantastic idea, but there must be preparation and follow up, to ensure you have, not just a homeowner, but a successful homeowner.

One of the areas in which there seems to be a huge gap in the Nigerian Housing Industry, is in the area of Down Payment Assistance, which is one of the most important pillars of Social Housing. I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to be part of an initiative that sources and provides Downpayment Assistance (DA) to qualified homebuyers in the system. This initiative would require the applicants to “earn” the DA by completing certain tasks: i. Definitely at least a 2 week home ownership training session, covering everything from saving and budgeting, to home maintenance and upkeep, to title issues, and even to heirship and ownership transfer processes. ii.

Show proof of need – because this should absolutely be needs based. iii.

Show capacity to pay the house bills – at least have some income coming in sufficient for basics. iv. Commit to, and complete a volunteer program – e.g contribute time and manpower to the building of the property (think Habitat), and/or to the community – e.g help out in their community hospital one day a month for 1or 2 years. (I’m sure you get the drift). This would encourage homeowners to actually stop and see their environment instead of jumping into their car or other transportation every morning and returning every evening without caring about anything outside of their four walls.

I often wonder why down payment assistance has not been introduced into the system, how it could be introduced, and what kind of resistance it might face. Then I decide that these issues really do not matter in the grand scheme of things. We have a major housing deficit problem, we have people who have the funds to pay their monthly mortgage but no 30% to put down, and we have the possibility of good hearted donors who may want to see the problem alleviated, so how can any efforts to implement this be construed as anything nefarious? We can either all pretend not to see the problem, or people of a like mind can come together, work their hearts out to continue to expand access to housing in the nation, and deliberately ignore the “Jawbone downers”.

One day, I have faith that someone will step forward to spearhead a DA project like this….and I truly hope they call me…

As always, please seek me out on LinkedIn (Adenike Fasanya-Osilaja) and follow me on Twitter (@NikeFinancePro). I look forward to your comments and/or questions on this post, and encourage you to make it a wonderful week.

Financial Mirror

Monday, November 21, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FM 27

Insurance Insurers flaw PenCom’s stance over N145bn Annuity Fund custody Stories: Saka Olalekan

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he recent circular issued by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) mandating life insurance companies to transfer about N145.05 billion Annuity Fund in their possession to Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs) is generating controversy between insurance and pension sectors, Financial Mirror reports authoritatively Investigation showed that the insurance industry regulator and operators are unhappy with the pension industry regulator, as this directive is expected to starve the affected life firms of fund.

The development, which took effect on November 3, 2016, is currently unsettling the life insurers, as they were reluctant to release the fund to pension fund cus-

todians.

As it stands, there is an embargo placed on new annuity businesses, until insurers transfer the annuity fund in their possession to pension custodians.

Already, there is a serious de-marketing of Annuity Option by some overzealous Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), with some life insurers equally doing same on Programmed Withdrawal option.

To this end, some of the affected life insurers, who are feeling disgruntled by this issue felt this development will only tilt in favour of the PFAs. Financial Mirror learnt that the concerned insurers had alerted the insurance industry’s regulator, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), even as

the Nigerian Insurers Association(NIA) was said to be closely discussing and working with the regulatory authority to resolve this issue amicably.

Currently, NAICOM is planning a meeting with PenCom to sort out the issue, as the regulator felt PenCom ought to have earlier discussed the matter with it before sending out circular to the industry.

Speaking exclusively to Financial Mir-

ror on the issues, the Director General, NIA, Mr. Sunday Thomas, said the body was not sitting idle on a matter so serious, noting that the body is currently in discussion with the regulator to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

“Of course, we are liaising with our regulator (NAICOM) and we are aware that the regulator is also trying to do something about that,” he stressed.

333 Lagos retirees get N1.5bn pension benefits

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agos State Government has paid N1.5 billion pension entitlement, for the month of October, 2016, to 333 retirees in the state.

The beneficiaries are retirees from the Mainstream Civil Service, Local Governments, and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Teachers Establishment and Pensions Office (TEPO) and other parastatals of state government.

The Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission(LASPEC), Mrs. Folashade Onanuga, while addressing the beneficiaries in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, said since monthly payment of accrued pension rights started in August, 2015, the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led government has paid N20. 98 billion to 4,799 retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme(CPS) in the last fifteen months.

She explained that the payment of accrued pension rights is structured in such a way that one does not need to know anyone before he or she could be paid.

Onanuga also advised them to put their money in ventures they can manage, and not one that will put their health in jeopardy.

Apart from the commitment to paying the entitlements of the retirees, she said the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, is also very much interested in the well-being of the retirees, and

hence a day retirees’ interaction with the governor will be held soon.

This forum tagged ‘Retirees Day-Out with His Excellency’, according to her, will be the first of its kind in Lagos State as it would be the first outing to take place early in the new year.

“It is a sort of feedback mechanism that allows retirees to let government know their challenges and how the State government could intervene to assist retirees whenever they felt cheated by their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and Annuity Service providers,” she said.

L-R: Deputy President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mr. Shola Tinubu; former Minister of State for Finance, Mr Remi Babalola, and the President of the NCRIB, Mr Kayode Okunoren discussing at the 2016 National Insurance Brokers Conference and Exhibitions held in Abuja, recently

Law Union & Rock reports N610m PBT

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espite the harsh economic operating environment, Law Union & Rock Insurance Plc has recorded N610 million Profit before Tax(PBT) for the 3rd Quarter of 2016.

Brokers reject FRC’s code on tenure limits

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he President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mr. Kayode Okunoren, said the implementation of the Corporate Governance code of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) in the insurance brokerage industry would threaten the continual existence of insurance broking companies in the country.

Okunoren, who said this at the 2016 National Insurance Conference & Exhibition of NCRIB in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, noted that although

the brokers were aware of the need for strong corporate governance rules in ensuring sanity in business, the application of the rules with regards to tenure limits for CEOs of insurance broking firms who have more than 8 staff in their companies would do the economy no good.

He said insurance broking entities were professional institutions like law firms or accounting firms where services are personalised or based on the expertise of a few professionals within the organisation.

The company also grows its assets by 1.34% from N9.1billion it was in the 3rd quarter of 2015 to N9.23billion in the current year.

A statement by the company made available to Financial Mirror , indicated that at the close of business year in 2015, its assets stood at N8.27 billion but has grown by 12% to 9.22billion in the last quarter.

Although the company recorded a slight decrease of 2% in its Gross Premium Income in third quarter of 2016 when compared with its result in 2015, its liability was kept below the figure recorded in the same quarter in 2015 by 3.94%.

The company grew its Equity by 6.22% from N4.73 billion to N5.027 billion within the same quarter. Although the current economic headwinds greatly impacted on the company’s production in Q3 2016, its claims rather surged up by 16% for same period.

FM 28

Financial Mirror

Monday, November 21, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

‘Over 150 firms to participate in Mining Summit’ Chidi Ugwu ABUJA

N

o fewer than 150 companies and operators would be participating in the National Mining Summit billed for the first quarter of next year, as part of plans by the ministry of Mines and Steel Development to scale up activities and drive investment in the sector.

The Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Hon Abubakar Bawa Bwari, disclosed this on Friday during a joint press briefing by the ministry and other international partners on the planned national mining summit .

The Minister stated that the exhibition and Summit is a joint-venture between the Ministry and Afrocet Montgomery, IMAG and Deloitte Consulting which is proposed to hold at the International Conference Cen-

tre, Abuja from 25-27 April, 2017.

According to Hon Bwari, the Summit will be centred on the recently approved Mining Road Map and would be an international platform for the Federal government to introduce to the international mining community a regime of robust mining legislation, pro-growth policies and supporting regulatory framework that will create a globally competitive platform for stakeholders in the nation’s mining and mineral processing sector.

He stated further that the summit will also attract key local, regional and international mining stakeholders ranging from Federal government, States governments, International Diplomats, Policy makers, Investment funds, Financial Institutions, Consultants, Mining Operators and many others.

Hon. Bwari stated that the summit will attract over 150 companies who will exhibit their products/services through custom-built exhibition booths. He added that about 3,000 visitors are expected from West Africa Mining and Construction sectors.

He, however said that the summit will be at no cost to the Ministry, adding that the Ministry would be providing high level support towards the success of the event.

Explaining further, he said the Federal Government intends to return Nigeria to the mining map and make the country a mining destination and not just a mining nation. He added that the present administration has the political will to improve the sector and Nigeria is ready and open for serious mining business.

In his remark, the Regional Director Afrocet Montgomery, George Pearson, said the summit and exhibition will show-

case the potential of solid minerals sector in Nigeria to the global mining community.

He said with the experience and expertise of the organisers, IMAG which owns the global construction brand ‘Bauma’ , Afrocet Montgomery that runs Africa’s largest mining show, ‘Electra Mining’ in Johannesburg, South Africa and Deloitte an official strategic partner of the Summit, would be deployed to make the Abuja conference a huge success.

Experts seek review MPR as Committee begins meeting today Niyi Jacobs

F

inancial experts in the country are expecting the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Committee to reduce the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, as the committee starts its two-day meeting in Abuja to deliberate on developments in the economy.

As usual, the bi-monthly meeting will make the 11-member MPC take some key economic decisions that may affect the nation’s macro-economic indicators which are expected to influence the direction of the economy as the year gradually rolls to an end.

Financial Mirror gathered that key among the issues slated for discussion at the meeting is the need to use monetary policy to tackle the biting recession occasioned by slow growth in the economy, rising inflation and the volatility in the foreign exchange market.

Investigations by our correspondent indicated that economic experts expect the MPC to begin an expansionary monetary policy by reducing the Monetary Policy Rate.

They also expect the members to take decisions that will affect the exchange rate.

“Economic recovery should be the focus of the MPC now.

They should focus on pumping more liquidity into the system rather than taking it out. Inflation is currently at 18.3 per cent but it is not caused by excess liquidity in the system, it is cost push. It is time for us to address economic recovery. We need to learn from what the Bank of England did last month to address inflation,” the Chief Executive Officer, Cowry Asset Management Limited, Mr. Johnson Chukwu, said.

Similarly, an economic analyst at EY, Mr. Bisi Sanda, said the MPC needed to address the challenge of exchange rate volatility.

He said: “The committee must address the problem of exchange rate. The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, said the CBN had been giving $11bn annually to BDC operators since 2011. That is $55bn in five years.

We need to ask ourselves whether the BDC operators are critical stakeholders in our exchange rate management. It is not like that in other climes.

“They need to look at how banks are committing infractions in the forex market and see how to impose sanctions.

Steps must be taken to address the problems causing volatility in the exchange rate. In the past, some people were banned for life from the forex market. What are we doing now?”, Sanda queried.

L-R: Executive Director, Commercial, Benin Electricity Distribution Plc. (BEDC), Mr Abu Ejoor, Ag. Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises, Dr Vincent Akpotaire, MD/CEO, BEDC, Mrs. Funke Osibodu, Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatization, Senator Ben Murray Bruce, Senator Shaaba Lafiaji, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi and Alternate Director, BEDC, representing BPE, Mrs Martina Omojola during the visit by the Senate Committee on Privatization to BEDC in Benin, Edo State recently.

ELAN urges FG to explore leasing option for economic devt Tola Akinmutimi

T

he Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN) had called on the Federal Government to utilise the equipment leasing option to achieve the broad policy objectives of its economic programmes.

The association made the call came during the 14th National Lease Conference of the Association, which was held recently in Lagos, with the theme “Leasing and Economic Development in Challenging Time”.

The Chairman of ELAN, Chuka Onwuchekwa, while highlighting the role of leasing in the current efforts of government to address the recession in the economy, pointed out that equipment leasing had gained significant global recognition as a creative financing alternative for the acquisition of capital assets used to facilitate access to the much-needed equipment generating an annual average of over $850bn.

According to him, the appeal

of leasing lies in the fact that it meets the diverse equipment needs of the lessee (user) be it government, large organisations or small businesses.

Onwuchekwa cited the experience in the United States of America where leasing remained the single most widely–used method of external finance, representing 30 per cent of investment in capital equipment.

Similarly, he noted that other developing countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, Pakistan, Zambia, South Africa and Ghana, were also using leasing to stimulate investment and create jobs as the governments deliberately positioned leasing at the forefront of investment in the extractive industries, transportation, agriculture, telecommunications, roads and other infrastructure.

He said: “Indeed, the impactful visibility of leasing is increasing in Nigeria, contributing to capital formation in the economy and creating wealth. In 2015, outstanding lease volume

was estimated at N1.1trillion, up from N869 billion in 2014, representing a growth rate of 27.3 percent. Assets worth over N5.8trillion have been financed in the past ten years, and can significantly improve with the right support for the industry”.

The leasing expert explained further that leasing attributes, which centre on easy and convenient access to capital equipment, could be leveraged on to support the planned massive investment in infrastructure (power, road and rail), agriculture, manufacturing and solid minerals, that would stimulate production and employment.

He therefore urged the government to utilise equipment leasing to achieve these policy initiatives to stimulate the economy even as he commended the government on its economic agenda of diversification of the economy to reduce reliance on revenues from oil and gas exports with focus on agriculture, mining and manufacturing as well as massive investment in infrastructure.

Financial Mirror

Monday, November 21, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FM 29

Aviation

FAAN, Bi-Courtney’s rage accentuates airports’ concession controversies The recent public hearing of the National Assembly, especially the House of Representatives, on the planned concession of some airports in the country and the current crisis between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, BASL, once again brought to the fore the unending controversies between the two organisations. OLUSEGUN KOIKI writes.

T

he planned concession of four airports in the first phase by the Federal Government has generated lots of heated argument between the Federal Government, industry unions and stakeholders in the nation’s aviation industry.

The airports earmarked for concession in the first phase are the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja, Port Harcourt International Airport, PHIA, and the Aminu Kano International Airport, AKIA, Kano.

While the government and a few stakeholders in the sector believed that concessioning of the airports was a step in the right direction, others most especially the unions and the entire staff of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, who is presently in charge of all the Federal Government’s airports, insisted that the scheme if implemented would lead to loss of jobs.

Besides, at the moment, there are no fewer than 68 court cases instituted in different courts of the federation against FAAN by various concessionaires who believed that their agreements were being unjustifiably upturned by the agency.

Among such concessionaires are the Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, BASL, operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, Lagos, which has been in different courts against the government since the commencement of operations in 2006 and Maevis Nigeria Limited who was in charge of aeronautic and non-aeronautic revenues for FAAN for about three years before it was dislodged in a Gestapo manner by industry unions in connivance with FAAN management in 2012.

However, due to the several controversies generated by the planned concession of the airports, the National Assembly, especially the House of Representatives, recently organised a three-day public hearing on the challenges facing the critical aviation industry and how to surmount them.

The public hearing came at a time the sector is almost grounded by the crushing economic hardship in the country.

The hearing succeeded in revealing almost all the anomalies that have been bedevilling the industry, just as it brought together many of its prominent players.

Babalaking at public hearing

I’m a bit confused about what government wants to concession. There are already existing issues and litigations in court

with some of the airports, which should first be resolved if we want to get the best out of this The Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika in his presentation spoke extensively on the proposed concessioning of the airports by the government.

Sirika insisted that the only way for the nation’s aviation industry to attain its growth was for the government to concession the entire airports, stressing that unlike the first concession in the sector, spearheaded by the Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, BASL, operator of Murtala Muhammed Airport Two, MMA2, Lagos which was not transparent enough, the new concession exercise would be carried out with all the dignity it deserves.

He noted that four companies had been shortlisted for the concession of the airports, stressing that they would be unveiled in the next two weeks.

In his submission at the public hearing, the Chairman of BASL, Dr. Wale Babalakin, claimed that FAAN obeyed the letters of the agreement between his firm and government in the breach, stressing that Sirika’s claim of “non-transparency” could not hold water.

Babalakin emphasised that FAAN was, indeed, the party that blighted the concession by breaching major parts of the agreement and disobeying the orders of various courts and the arbitration committee with reckless abandon.According to Babalakin, the uncooperative attitude of FAAN had stifled the development of more facilities in MMA2, including the Hotel and Conference Centre, mono rail, fuel hydrant and a power plant.

He added that only 30 per cent of the terminal was being put and to use and accused FAAN and other agencies of refusing to permit the operation of regional flights from the facility as approved in the agreement.

He pointed out that the Federal High Court had awarded damages against the Federal Government to the tune of N132billion, with interest accruing in favour of Bi-Courtney till date, stressing that FAAN never disputed all these submissions.

Besides, he told the committee that FAAN had cornered the General Aviation Terminal, GAT, which was originally part of MMA2 concession, and has since been earning revenue from

the facility in breach of the concession agreement.

“So, what this translates to is that FAAN is now competing with its concessionaire and the revenue that ordinarily ought to be to BASL’s is going to the agency,” he added.

But, in the defence of FAAN, the General Manager, Legal Services, Mrs. M. Alphonse, said that that GAT was not covered under the concession agreement, but agreed that the agreement said domestic flight operations from Lagos must emanate exclusively from MMA2.

She also said the exclusivity under the concession agreement was “patently unreasonable” as it inhibits the development of other airport terminals in Lagos and also anti-competition.

Mrs. Alphonse further argued that FAAN was not a party to the suit instituted by Bi-Courtney and only became aware after judgment had been entered in favour of the company. She, however, acknowledged that the agency’s application to appeal as an interested party was dismissed and a further appeal was pending at the Supreme Court.

However, some stakeholders in the country’s aviation industry said Sirika’s condemnation of the concession exercise of the MMA2 by BASL was not in tandem with the reality on ground.

Some of the stakeholders recalled that the immediate past Minister of Aviation, Mr. Osita Chidoka had approved the take-off of regional flight operations from MMA2 as part of the Federal Government-BASL agreement, which the minister referred to as “nontransparent.”

The past Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren in an interview with our correspondent said he supported the planned concession of the airports, but however advised government to review all existing issues and litigations, which arose from previous concessions before getting into another concession agreement with new investors.

Demuren specifically referred to the Federal Government and BASL agreement, saying government’s failure to resolve all the issues arising therefrom had led to unending litigations, stressing that in one of the court cases, the Federal Government was ordered to pay BASL N132billion for breaching parts of the agreement.

FM 30

Financial Mirror

Monday, November 21, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Consumers’ Court

Consumer Rights Issues

NERC sustains electricity consumers’ enlightenment on rights ….consumers’ awareness of rights low still

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he Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has continued to enlighten Nigerian consumers on their rights even as it continued to sanction erring companies on any abuse of such rights.

It would be recalled that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) released the rights of Nigerians as electricity consumers early 2016, precisely in the month of February.

Against this backdrop, our correspondent investigated the level of awareness and consciousness of many consumers within Itire area of Lagos as a case study.

The findings showed that despite the regulatory agency’s ef-

NERC boss, Dr Tony Akah

forts, most consumers wer still far from knowing their rights and what to do if such rights are violated.

For instance, while NERC directed that “new electric connections must be done strictly on the basis of metering before connection”, that is, no new customer should be connected without a meter first being installed investigations by Financial Mirror however, showed that most buildings, particularly newly constructed buildings that were rented out to tenants are in most cases connected straight to the pole on the street without recourse to metering billing system before connection.

Mr. Abel Adigun, an electricity consumer, confessed that the connection had been connected straight to the people even to the knowledge of DISCO officials who promised that a meter would be made available to them.

Abel said months down the line since the promise was made by DISCO officials that they are yet to be availed of a meter despite the “crazy bill” that the connection has been attracting by each passing month.

Furthermore, to his ignorance, NERC has consistently advised that “Customer who

elects to procure meter under the Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) Scheme must be metered within 60 days, failure in which the electricity customer will neither be billed nor disconnected by the electricity distribution company.”

As the regulatory body has consistently advised electricity consumers, “It is your Right to transparent electricity Billing.

Unmetered customer should be issued electricity bills strictly based on NERC’s Estimated Billing Methodology. However, as investigated, electricity consumers that are not connected to the meter like Adigun and his co-tenants are usually billed at a fixed rate which, in most cases, are of huge amounts contrary to an estimated billing methodology.

He disclosed that whenever the bill is protested against, the officials were wont to threaten them (the tenants) with disconnection, and would in that order be asked to wait for the meter that was promised to be provided, and which they may not get on time as expected.

According to NERC in this case “It is your Right to contest any electricity bill. Any unmetered customer who is disputing his/her estimated bill has the Right not to pay the disputed

Again, Adegoke alleges extortion

by MTN bill, but pay only the last undisputed bill as the contested bill go through the dispute resolution process of NERC. Generally affecting all electricity consumers in the area is that despite the fact that the regulatory body has stated that “it is your Right to be notified in writing ahead of disconnection of electricity service by the electricity distribution company serving you” Disco officials are wont to move their ladder from house to house disconnecting residents from electricity grid.

Mr. Steven Etumudon, who lives on Mushin road in Lagos says “NEPA”, as he called DISCO do not even deem it fit to be courteous in informing electricity consumers of disconnection any longer as they were wont to do in the past.

Hear him, ”In the past, they will issue bill to us and may be like after two weeks they will disconnect.

But these days they just come and disconnect without informing us.”

Also from Financial Mirror’s investigations, most electricity consumers do not know that it is their right to prompt investigation of complaints arising from electricity service rendered to them.

(Story by Isaac Asabor)

Telcos begin compliance with SMS, Calls ‘DND’ directive

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here are strong indications that Nigerian telecommunication service users may have won the battle against unsolicited messages and calls being made by the operators to their devices with impunity over the years.

The operators had, despite repeated directives by the industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, over the past decade defied all efforts to make them desist from sending sundry messages and voice calls which millions of subscribers had lamented over without success.

However, investigations by Financial Mirror in the past week indicated that after paying heavy fines imposed on them by the NCC recently for failure to comply with the ‘Do Not Disturb’, DND, directives, the telcos had learnt bitter lessons and had been

sending messages to subscribers with a view to stopping unsolicited messages and calls to them.

One of the subscribers in Lagos, who simply identified himself as Akin, told our correspondent that his service provided had contacted him and initiated processes to finally remove his number from those that will continue to get unsolicited messages and calls.

“I can confirm to you that my service provider has sent a message to me indicating its readiness to comply with the DND directive. I got the text message which reads ‘ Dear valued customer, please remember you can now stop unsolicited SMS messages on your line by sending ‘STOP’ to 2442 for full DND or ‘HELP’ to 2442 for partial DND opitions. Service is toll free” and immediately I replied.

“I later got their response

text message which reads ‘Dear customer, Your request for FULL DND has been received and will be implemented within the next 24 hrs”. Since then, I have not been getting those annoying messages from them. I think it is a good development given the nuisance such messages have constituted in the past to me and other subscribers”, Akin enthused.

Confirming the development, another subscriber based in Abuja, Abigael Joseph, told Financial Mirror that she received a similar text message from her service provider and has over the past week not been getting unsolicited messages which she used to receive before.

“I can confirm that I got the same message last week and immediately I replied, the operator has stopped sending those disturbing messages to me. Before now, I used to get up to 20 messages in a

day and in the process of deleting them, my battery will go down and since there is no electricity in our area most times, I will not be able to make calls. I am happy that NCC is making these operators to comply now”, Abigael said.

(Story by Tola Akinmutimi)

NCC boss, Prof. Dambatta

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arely six weeks after his complaints over allegation of illegal charges by his service provider was published in Financial Mirror, Mr Adegoke Taylor, has again alleged that the service provider continued to deduct his credit without justification and seeking justice.

His complaint is reproduced verbatim below: Remind Letter 08039533557,sir permit me to draw your attention of MTN t0 the fact that they are 419 fround me with this no 32359 anytime I re charge my credit MTN will removed 30# with this no32359 since 2015 last yrs to date. I have made severals complaints but no solution, therefore am appeal to you to safe me from MTN 32359 Adegoke Bank Taylor 08039533557.

Before his latest complaint, the subscriber had sometimes in October this year intimated Financial Mirror of alleged illegal deductions by the service provider and the issues raised by him were published.

It is hoped that MTN would take up the subscriber’s complaint this time with a view to demonstrating its customer-friendliness and also ensuring that none of its subscribers’ rights is abused or violated as required by law.

(Report by Tola Akinmutimi)

Law Suit

Xarelto injuries lawsuit blames drug firms for bleeding

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anssen Pharmaceuticals has found itself the subject of a new Xarelto injuries lawsuit.

Plaintiff John B., a resident of Colorado, has filed a Xarelto injuries lawsuit against Janssen Pharmaceuticals as well as Johnson & Johnson and Bayer Healthcare.

He claims after he took Xarelto, he suffered various injuries including serious physical pain and suffering, medical, hospital and surgical expenses, and loss of consortium.

John began using Xarelto in January 2014 and continued using it until November of that year. Because of Xarelto, he claims, he experienced gastrointestinal bleeding and blood in his stool.

(Source – topclassactions.com)

This page welcomes genuine complaints from aggrieved consumers of products and services who feel unsatisfied with the quality of services, goods from their producers or providers. It will also accommodate product producers and service providers’ reactions to such complaints on weekly basis. The aim is to ensure value for money in economic relationships. Do you have any complaint to lodge over poor quality of goods or ser-

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to certify and confirm that ADEKUAJO KEHINDE ESTHER is the same person as ADEKUAJO KEHINDE. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ADEKUAJO KEHINDE ESTHER. All former documents’ remain valid. First Bank PLC and General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as HOVETO ADOLPHE JUNIOR, now wish to be known and addressed as HOUETO ADOLPHE JUNIOR. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

DECLARATION OF NAME

I, SAKA TUNDE and SAKA TESSY is the same person and now wish to be known, called and addressed as SAKA OLATUNDE TESSY. All former documents bearing any of the above names remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS CHILAKA BLESSING AKUCHUKWU, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AHAM-ADI CHILAKA BLESSING AKUCHUKWU.ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID.GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME

I ,formerly known and addressed as JOHN ATANKPO, now wish to be known and addressed as JOHN ATAMPKO. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS.OYELADE LYDIA OLUYEMISI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS.ADEOMI LYDIA ADEOLA. All former documents remain valid.

Mutual Benefits Assurance plc, All Banks and general public take note.

CORRECTION of Name

My name was wrongly written as UMARU JAFFAR, instead of UMORU GAFARU. All former documents remain valid. Banks & general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLUTOKI: Formerly known and addressed as MISS OLUTOKI OMOBOLA ESTHER Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ODUMOSU OMOBOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ALLISON WASILAT ABIDEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as DABIRI WASILAT ABIDEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as CHIKODI NWAUHIARA, now wish to be known and addressed as OBODO NWAUHIARA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ADEOYE ISMAEL ADEBAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEOYE ISMAIL GBOLAHAN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MICHAEL OLUCHI JIBUNOH WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MICHAEL JIBUNOH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC, PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OLUWASEGUN OLUWASOLA AKINBOREWA, now wish to be known and addressed as SEUN SEGUN TOYIN AKINBOREWA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as BUGARI GABRIEL JOSEPH, now wish to be known and addressed as NWEKE GABRIEL JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OKOYEYE: I formerly known and addressed as OKOYEYE ENDURANCE, now wish to be known and addressed as OBOKOKWO ENDURANCE. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities concerned please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ADEDARA BOLA IDOWU, Now wish to be known and addressed as AKINLUYI FELICIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as AZEEZ-AJAGBE HALIMAT TEMITAYO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AJAGBE TEMITAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ONAIFETE OGHENE TEGA OPEYEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as ONAIFETE OGHENE TEGA NORMAN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as WAYA OGHENEBRORHIE, now wish to add SUCCESS to my former name.

Henceforth I now wish to be known and addressed as WAYA OGHENEBRORHIE SUCCESS. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS. AMOO NASIRAT OMOWUMI. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. GANIYU NASIRAT OMOWUMI. All former documents remain valid. National Youth Service Corps NYSC and General public take note.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Monday, November 21, 2016

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as AJAYI WURAOLA VICTORIA, now wish to be known and addressed as ADIGUN WURAOLA VICTORIA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ALAO LUKMON OLASUNKANMI, HENCEFORTH WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ALAO LOOKMAN OLASUNKANMI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC, PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

UZOMA: I formerly known and addressed as MISS OLEHI CHARITY CHIYIAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. UZOMA CHARITY CHIYIAKA. All former documents remains valid, the general public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE GYEL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION JOS SOUTH This is to inform the general public that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Da Gyang Mali Jok 2.Da Dung Dalyop Zih 3.Da Moses Pam Bot 4.Da Iliya Dung Mancha 5.Kim Davou Jok Esq

-

Chairman

-

Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.

The association shall foster unity, love, progress and understanding amongst the people and members of the society 2.

To cooperate with the authorities in their efforts to provide social amenities as well as in maintaining law & order and thereby make useful contribution to the progress of all Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: Secretary

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as OLAOYE FUNKE MIMOYEMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AYINDE FUNKE MIMOYEMI due to change in marital status. That my correct date of birth is 1st day of June, 1980 All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ADELOLA MODUPE AKINBI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADELOLA MODUPE ADEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as DANLADI ANDREW, now wish to be known and addressed as DANLADI BITRUS. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ABURE SANDRA ROSEMARY, now wish to be known and addressed as JOSEPH SANDRA ROSEMARY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

31

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS KOLAWOLE SARAH MORENIKEJI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. OGUNYEMI SARAH MORENIKEJI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm and certify that OLADELE RASHIDAT AMOKE is the same person as OLADELE TOSIN AMOKE. All documents bearing both names are mine and hence remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public, please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I wish to hereby restate that I am the same person bearing EZEAKU ANN SHEKINAH and also ANN CHRISTY SHEKINAH, confirming here that both names are mine. All former documents still remain valid, general public and other concerned authorities please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OLADAPO ABIMBOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as OLADAPO ABIMBOLA OLASUNKANMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MERCY SOLUTION ALIU, now wish to be known and addressed as MERCY SOLUTION OMONGBALE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as ALIMI TAIWO ABIBAT, now wish to be known and addressed as OSENI FATIMOH ROMOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS FOLARANMI JUSTINA OLUWATOYIN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AMOS JUSTINA OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as ABIODUN MICHEAL, now wish to be known and addressed as ERINFOLAMI ABIODUN MICHAEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OLATUNJI OLAIDE BASIRA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FASHINA OLAIDE BASIRA. All former documents remain valid.

Banks & general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as OSUNGBOUN KAYODE, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUWAGBOUN KAYODE ANDREW. All former documents remain valid. Banks & general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EMEH: Formerly known and addressed as EMEH CHIJIOKE FRANKLIN, now wish to be known and addressedas EMEH CHIJIOKE FRANK. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OKE KEHINDE ELIZABETH, now wish to be known and addressed as SANNI KEHINDE ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm and certify that ADESANMI OLAYINKA TEMITOPE, ADESANMI TEMITOPE ABIODUN and ADESANMI ADEYINKA TEMITOPE refers to one and same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as ADESANMI ADEYINKA TEMITOPE ABIODUN OLAYINKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as AYENI RACHEAL IKEOLUWA, now wish to be known and addressed as AWOSINA RACHEAL IKEOLUWA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

MOMOH: I formerly known and addressed as MISS MOMOH FAITH OMONEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FAITH WEALTH AMADIN. All former documents remain valid. Eco Bank Plc and General public please take note.

OBIDE: I formerly known and addressed as OBIDE THEOPHILUS, now wish to be known and addressed as OBITE EKPOEBIMENE. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and General public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

GOLDEN SCEPTRE WORLD OUTREACH This is to inform the general public that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Evang. Daniel Yusufu Dawang - Chairman 2.Past. Joshua Daniel Davou - Secretary 3.Abigail Daniel Dawang - Member 4.Dayan Yusufu Dawang - Member 5.Yakubu Dakasha Bature - Member 6.Basil Emmanuel Ochoche - Member 7.Past. Innia IB Jackreece - Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: Chairman

32

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to certify that MISS OLAOYE FOLASADE OLUWASEUN and MRS ALAYANDE FOLASADE OLUWASEUN and MRS OLANREWAJU FOLASADE OLUWASEUN is the same person as MRS OLANREWAJU FOLASADE OLUWASEUN MARY. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLANREWAJU FOLASADE OLUWASEUN MARY. All former documents’ remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EDEH: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EDEH CHIAMAKA MARY, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IWEGBULAM CHIAMAKA MARY. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AKWOLU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AKWOLU CHINENYE CYNTHIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ENEH CHINENYE CYNTHIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as AKINLABI REMI, now wish to be known and addressed as ARIYO ADEREMILEKUN AKINLABI. All former documents remain valid.

First Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS. ILESANMI AANU BLESSING now wish to be known and addressed MRS. ADENITIRE AANU BLESSING. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as SHOYEMI JOSEPH TOYOSI, now wish to be known and addressed as SHOYEMI OLUWASEYI JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid; FCMB Plc, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS BALOGUN, ABOSEDE ABIBAT, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OWOLABI, ABOSEDE ABIBAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ODERINU SERIFAT KIKELOMO now wish to be called and known as MRS ADEGBOYE SERIFAT KIKELOMO(NEE ODERINU). All former documents bearing the above names remain valid, general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to certify that RAIFU SAHEED TITILOPE is the same one person as OLAYIWOLA SAHEED RAIFU that henceforth wish to be addressed, known and called as OLAYIWOLA SAHEED RAIFU. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AWOGBADE: Formerly known and addressed as MISS FOLASHADE KAFILAT AWOGBADE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FOLASHADE KAFILAT ONAFUWA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Friday, February 14, 2014

CORRECTION / CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly ADELUSI FOLAKE TOLANI with date of birth of 12th April 1980 was erroneously called ADEKUNLE FOLAKE. with date of birth 15th August 1981. Now, my correct name is OJO FOLAKE TOLANI, with the date of birth of 12th April 1980.

Former documents remain valid. Banks and General Public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NGELE: I, formerly known and addressed as JOSEPH NGANGBO NGELE, now wish to be known and addressed as JOSEPH NGANGBO CHIEDOZIE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EKE: I, formerly known and addressed as EKE ADAEZE, now wish to be known and addressed as EKE ADAEZE LOVINA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as CHRISTOPHER EDOM, now wish to be known and addressed as.

EDOM CHRISTOPHER MADUABUCHI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as ADAH OGENYO JOSEPHINE now wish to be known and addressed as JOHNADAH JOSEPHINE OGENYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AWEDA OMOTOYOSI MOROLAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADEBIYI OMOTOYOSI MOROLAYO. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

BOLINGO: I, formerly known and addressed as IGWESHI NWABUEZE BOLINGO, now wish to be known and addressed as IGWESHI PAUL NWABUEZE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

JOHN: I, formerly known and addressed as EBEBE SUNDAY JOHN, now wish to be known and addressed as EBEBE SUNDAY PETER. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm and certify that EDEH SAMPSON EMEKA, EDEH EMEKA SAMPSON, EDEH SAMPSON EMEKA and EDE CHUKWUEMEKA SAMSON refer to one and the same person but now wish to be known and addressed as EDE CHUKWUEMEKA SAMPSON. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as YEKINI ABAYOMI LAMIDI, now wish to be known and addressed as ABAYOMI MOSES ADELEKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MR. CYLVERNUS ONUH now wish to be known and addressed as MR. SYLVANUS ONUH. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. OLADELE KUDIRAT MOTUNRAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as MS. BABATUNDE KUDIRAT MOTUNRAYO. All former documents remain valid; GTB Plc, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

EKE: I, formerly known and addressed as EKE FRANCIS UCHE, now wish to be known and addressed as EKE OLIVER EJIKE. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWANKWO: I, formerly known and addressed as COMFORT NGOZI NWANKWO CHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as NWANKWOCHUKWU COMFORT NGOZI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm and certify that, UGWUOKE ANGELINA and EDE EDITH .N. refer to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as UGWUOKE ANGELINA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as: MISS OSUJIOKEREKE BEATRICE CHINONYEREM, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKEREKE BEATRICE CHINONYEREM. All former documents remains valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as PETER EDWARD ISHOLA Now wish to be known and addressed as PETER EDWARD IPEMINOGENA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS STELLA ADENIKE BADMUS NOW WISHES TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS STELLA ADENIKE ADELEKE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net CHANGE OF NAME

EFIDI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EFIDI MEDIA ADLINE IFEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OZOR ADLINE MEDIA IFEOMA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UGWU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UGWU NWAKEGO JOSPHINE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NGENE JOSEPHINE ADA NWAKEGO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm and certify that OJO KAZEEM FEMI and ASAOYE KAZEEM ODUNAYO refer to one and the same person but now wish to be known and addressed as OJO KAZEEM FEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Formerly known as MISS ALIU FATIMA BINTU now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JUBRIL FATIMO BINTU . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS FADARE TEMILADE IFEOLUWA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SOKUNBI TEMILADE IFEOLUWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS TOLUWANI OSINNAYE NOW WISHES TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS TOLUWANI ABATI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

11

CHANGE OF NAME

NNAGBO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NNAGBO AGATHA IFEYINWA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EZIEKWU AGATHA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWOGBO: I, formerly known and addressed as ORJI SIMON NWOGBO, now wish to be known and addressed as ORJI OGBONNA SIMON. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of loss of certificate of occupancy belonging to PRINCE E. AGBAEZE, of No 16 Nnamani Street opposite Former Emene police Station with Reg No 70/70/1640 . At Land Registry Enugu. All effort to trace the said document proved abortive. If found return to the Ministry of Lands Enugu.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as SUNDAY DARE KAYODE now wish to be known and addressed as SUNDAY DARE CINDARELLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS OSIYEMI OMOTOLA ANTHONIA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADELEYE - ABIODUN OMOTOLA ANTHONIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MOHAMMED SALEH LAWAL is the same person known and addressed as MOHAMMED LAWAL now wish to be known and addressed as MOHAMMED SALEH LAWAL. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as OLAKULEHIN SODIQ now wish to be known as HAMZAT AZEEZ ENIOLA.General Public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS KAREEM ADENIKE FAUSAT. Now which to be known and addressed as MRS.SODIPO ADENIKE FAUSAT. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ABIMBOLA OLUBUNMI AYORINDE now wish to be known and addressed as AYORINDE FUNMILAYO OLUBUNMI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MR ODUTOLA DELE JOSHUA now wish to be known and addressed as MR AKINSOMIRO OLUWATOYIN JOSHUA. All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

Formerly addressed and known as OLADAPO RUKAYAT YETUNDE now wish to be called and addressed as OLADEPO RUKAYAT YETUNDE. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to correct that OLANREWAJU BOLAJI S. is the same one person as SALAWU OLANREWAJU BOLAJI, that henceforth wish to be known, addressed and called as SALAWU OLANREWAJU BOLAJI. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to certified that MAKANJUOLA AANU is the same one person as MAKANJUOLA AANU OLUWASHINDARA, that henceforth wish to be known and addressed as MAKANJUOLA AANU OLUWASHINDARA. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid, Ecobank Plc and general public should please take note.

This is to certify that OLADIMEJI FATAI OLALERE is the same one person as ADELEKE KEHINDE OMOTAYO, that henceforth wish to be addressed, called and known as ADELEKE KEHINDE OMOTAYO. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to certified that Ajayi Olayide KAYODE ZACCHEUS and AJAYI ZACCHEUS Olayide is the same one person as AJAYI OLAYIDE KAYODE, that henceforth wish to be addressed, known and called as AJAYI OLAYIDE KAYODE. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, NIMC and general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to certified that KAMAR-DEEN OLAWALE AJISEBIYAWO is the same one person as KAMAR-DEEN OLAWALE ADEMOLA, that henceforth wish to be addressed, called and known as KAMARDEEN OLAWALE ADEMOLA. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid, general public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS AMUSAT ROFIAT BUKKY now wish to be called and known as MRS MUYIWA ROFIAT BUKKY. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid, National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS PAUL CHRISANTUS POSSO NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SAMSON JAMES VICTORIA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and called as ADERONKE OLADIGBO ADEKOLA now wish to be addressed and called as MRS ADEKOLA ADERONKE ELIZABETH. All former documents bearing the above names remain valid, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public should please take note.

ZIK: Formerly known and addressed as MISS ZIK ELIZABETH NKEM now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ODENIKE ELIZABETH NKEM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

SHOBALOJU: I, formerly known and addressed as SHOBALOJU BALIKIS, now wish to be known and addressed as AYEDUN BILIKISU ENIOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

AIGBEVBOLE: I, formerly known and addressed as AIGBEVBOLE FRANCISCA GRACE, now wish to be known and addressed as AIGBEVBOLE GRACE EWAOHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

AKINRELE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AKINRELE AFOLAKE OLUWATOYIN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AFOLAKE OLUWATOYIN AKINRELE -ADESINA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SULYMAN: This is to confirm that I,SULYMAN RASHEED AGBOOLA is the same person bearing SULYMAN ABDULRASHEED AGBOOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MEDEYINLO BOLANLE JOY, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNLE BOLANLE MEDEYINLO. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

Monday, November 21, 2016

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS MODUPE AJIBOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS WULEMOT MODUPE OLADOSU. All former documents remain valid. G.T Bank, Hospital Management Board & General Public Take Note.

OLAIYA: Formerly known and addressed as MISS OLAIYA LABAKE ABIDEMI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS TALABI LABAKE ABIDEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

VALENTINE: I, formerly known and addressed as VALENTINE OMOKU now wish to be known and addressed as VALENTINE NWANAFORO NLEMCHI All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

MERCY: This is to confirm that I, MRS MERCY ARINOLA EDEOSHEMI is the same person bearing MRS MERCY ARINOLA OSHEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known, called and addressed as SUNMONU RAMOTA now wish to be known, called and addressed as ODEDAYO RAMOTA IKEOLUWA. All former documents remain valid. Wema Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

OKEKE: Formerly known and addressed as OKEKE ALEX CHUKWUNONSO now wish to be known and addressed as OKEKE ALEXANDER DANIEL. All former documents remain valid. ECO BANK and the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ORIOWO: I, formerly known and addressed as ORIOWO KEHINDE OMOTAYO now wish to be known and addressed as LAWAL KEHINDE OMOTAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that OGBAA INNOCENT AMOJI is also same person bearing OGBAA INNOCENT. All documents bearing the names remain valid. Skye Bank, BUN and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MRS RITA NGOZI EZEANAH now wish to be known and addressed as MISS RITA NGOZI ONYIAGHA. All documents remain valid. and Nigeria rialway corporation and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MORRIS KOLADE OKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MORRIS KOLAWOLE OKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AKANJI: I, formerly known and addressed as AKANJI SULE MOHAMMED, now wish to be known and addressed as SULAIMON BABATUNDE MOHAMMED. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ABUBAKAR: I, formerly known and addressed as ABUBAKAR BAMIDELE WINNIE now wish to be known and addressed as ABUBAKAR RISIKAT WINNIE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ESENOWO KOKOETE VICTORIA, now wish to be known and addressed as ESENOWO VICTORIA ATIM. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MISS OLULORO OMOWUNMI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SALAU OMOWUNMI ABIMBOLA. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as TAIWO ADERONKE BLESSING, now wish to be known and addressed as DADA ADERONKE BLESSING. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AGABA: I, formerly known and addressed as AGABA OGBOR MICHAEL, now wish to be known and addressed as ORINYA OCHONU DANIEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLUFUNMILOLA: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OLUFUNMILOLA MAYOWA OKANLAWON, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLUFUNMILOLA MAYOWA OTOKITI All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OBASI MOSES, now wish to be known and addressed as OBASI MOSES OTUBO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as JOHN YAKUBU now wish to be known and addressed as OKAFOR SIMON JOHN. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

Financial Mirror

Monday, November 21, 2016

Investments

Money Market Tackling negative reports on DMBs’ capital base, liquidity Recently, there have been various negative reports about the financial state of some Deposit Money Banks, DMBs, in the country with the attendant negative implications for their perception in the public. In this analysis, NIYI JACOBS takes a critical look at the speculative reports and various efforts being undertaken by CBN, the DMBs and government to ensure financial system stability in the country.

T

he global financial crisis of 2008-2009, of which the aftermath is still being felt, has been tagged the most severe financial crisis experienced by the world since the great depression of the last century. The crisis had an unprecedented impact on credit and capital, taking offshoot from the financial markets in the US, with the contagion and impact spreading unevenly across the globe.

In Nigeria, the effect of the crisis was not felt until the mid2008. World economic interdependence gave room to the financial crisis in all economies of the world, including Nigeria.

The sell off by foreign investor affected the stock market and the economic downturn in US (a major export destination for the Nigeria Crude oil) affected the demand and thereby price of oil.

With most economies staring down the barrel of the imminent second wave of effects of the financial crisis, they were left with no other option than to enact policy strategies/measures that will hedge or combat this likely impact on their respective economies.

In Nigeria, the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, rose stoutly through sundy intervention measures to mitigate the impact of the global financial whirlwinds on the domestic banks but more particularly, the nation’s economy.

One of the key measures undertaken by the government to protect the financial system from collapse was the signing into law on 9th July, 2010, AMCON Bill , an Act which established the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria for the purpose of efficiently resolving the non-performing loan assets of Banks in Nigeria and for related matters.

Before the initiative, many DMBs had been asphyxiated by toxic assets in their banks which led to many of them collapsing at the peak of the crisis.

President Goodluck Jonathan in a brief speech delivered after the signing ceremony declared that AMCON would “help to

GTBank Segun Agbaje

Emefiele

Realities in the system today showed that the DMBs have not only survived the highly

troubling post-2008 crisis but, through support of the

CBN in

form of appropriate regulatory guidelines and monitoring, are

gradually strengthening their financial positions, despite

the current challenges in the economy stimulate the recovery of the financial system from the recent crisis by boosting the liquidity of troubled banks through buying their non-performing loans, helping in the recapitalization of banks in which the CBN was forced to intervene, and increase access to restructuring/ refinancing opportunities for borrowers”.

Apart from the Act which created the AMCON as a Special Purpose Vehicle to manage the crisis in the financial sector, the apex bank was also able to put many measures on ground to strengthened the growth of Nigeria banks by suspending the common accounting yearend policy for banks and also rescheduled existing bank facilities granted for the purpose of

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buying shares into longer term tenure thereby reducing the vulnerability of the Nigeria banks to a credit induced crisis.

Realities in the system today showed that the DMBs have not only survived the highly troubling post-2008 crisis but, through support of the CBN in form of appropriate regulatory guidelines and monitoring, are gradually strengthening their financial positions, despite the current challenges in the economy.

However, despite the collective efforts to keep the banks on the track of sustainable growth, some media have in recent months been reporting speculatively about the financial state of Continued on pg 34

FM 33

Dr Ayo Taylor

Cybercrime

T

his week we will be looking at CYBERCRIME. Cybercrime usually refers to any crime that involves a computer.

The computer may have been used to commit a crime, or it may be the target. The scope of crimes includes: Online fraud, Hacking, Copyright infringement, Defamation and invasion of privacy, deliberate installation of viruses and Denial-of-service attacks.

In many cases, cyber elements are combined with ‘traditional’ criminal activities, such as theft or drug trafficking. For example, a drug trafficker might hack into the systems of a shipping company in order to track a shipping container which contains narcotics.

Computer fraud is the manipulation of a computer or computer data to obtain money, property, or other items of value dishonestly, or to cause loss.

Within financial firms’ transaction processing systems, data may be manipulated at the point of entry by entering incorrect information or failing to enter correct information. Alternatively, it may be altered post-entry by using development tools such as structured query language (SQL) statements inappropriately.

In the context of cybercrime, hacking is simply the process of gaining unauthorised access to computer systems for the purpose of stealing and/ or corrupting data. Successful phishing expeditions, the installation of malware, the creation of bootnets and the instigation of distributed denial-ofservice (DDoS) attacks are all forms of hacking and will be explained in more detail later in this module.

Hacking is sometimes a highly technical and sophisticated process, but it can also be very low tech in nature. The journalists employed by the News of the World who hacked mobile phones mainly guessed their victims’ PIN numbers; they did not need any advanced technology to do that. Neither did Chelsea Manning (then known as Bradley Manning), the US soldier who was arrested in May 2010 on suspicion of having passed 250,000 diplomatic cables and 500,000 army reports to the ‘whistleblowing’ website WikiLeaks. In 2013 Manning was convicted for a large number of offences under the US Espionage Act and was sentenced to 35 years in prison. According to the evidence, Manning simply burned the stolen files onto a CD using her office computer and walked out with the CD in her pocket.

The main criminal purposes of hacking include identity fraud and cyberespionage.

Identity fraud, which is more commonly known by the less accurate name of identity theft, is the process of stealing personal information, such as someone’s: Name, address, next of kin information, date of birth ,bank account details, credit card details, passport information, driving licence information, computer system passwords.

The criminal is, therefore, able to pose as the person or organisation whose identity has been stolen.

The direct victim of this type of fraud may be a financial institution itself, or its customers. The purpose of cyber-espionage is to steal valuable information about: products; services; patents; designs; and other intellectual property.

Cyber criminals could turn to the financial markets to make money, using tricks such as shorting stocks before attacking listed companies, buying commodities futures before taking down the website of a large company, or breaking into computer systems to steal confidential mergers and acquisitions information before playing the markets.

A very worrying trend is the number of malicious attacks that are designed to completely paralyse the operations of the victim, usually either a company or a government department. Often, these attacks seem to be instigated by other governments. The main technique used is the denialof-service A financial institution may be the ‘primary victim’ of a cybercrime (in the case of fraud, by a rogue trader, for example) or they may be the unwilling and innocent ‘conduit’ for crimes directed at third parties (such as customers or staff) if, for example, the firm’s computer systems are compromised so that a criminal can gain access to customer data in order to commit identity theft.

If an institution’s network is compromised in this way, then it may become a ‘secondary victim of the crime because it could lose business as a result of negative publicity. In addition, if it can be proved that the institution failed to take necessary precautions to prevent its network being used in this way, it might be sued by the primary victims and/or fined by its regulator. However, the institution can then become a target itself because it has allowed its customers’ data to be compromised. Consider the following example.

Dr Taylor, CEO-Analytics Secure Associates and forensic audit expert can be reached for reactions and comments on issues covered in this column through Mobile -08098210000 (SMS only) or ayotaylor@yahoo.com

FM 34

Financial Mirror

Monday, November 21, 2016

Tackling negative reports on DMBs’ capital base, liquidity

Money Market University don, CBN disagree on monetary policies’ impact Joel Ajayi Abuja

F

ormer Vice Chancellor of the Bowen University, Prof Yusuf Obaje, has faulted recent Central Bank of Nigeria’s, CBN’s, monetary policy measures for their inability to mitigate impacts of the current economic recession on ordinary Nigerians.

Obaje, who levelled the allegation while speaking at the National Economic Summit organ-

ised by the Coalition of Civil Society Groups (CCSG) tagged; ‘Sustainable Policy Participation strategy in the Face of Economic Recession’, in Abuja last Thursday, alleged that the apex bank had been operating policies that were not serving the interest of the masses.

The don maintained that right from the Soludo-led administration to the present Godwin Emefiele-led team, the apex bank had failed to look into the Nigerian factors to fashion out policies that are in line with the Nigeria situation.

Tokunbo Akerele; Chairman Style House Files/Lagos Fashion and Design Week, Aisha Abubakar; Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment and Omolara Akinfolarin; Head MSME Banking, Sterling Bank Plc at the Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2016 X-Retail …Friday

According to him, the situation is getting worse today and everybody is busy abusing the man at the helm of the affairs.

He said: “Most of the policies formulated were not in touch with the reality of the Nigerian people.

The policies are not even come out of our own intellectual engine room, they are all borrowed ideas.”

Obaje insisted that the only antidote to the current economic crisis in the country is by Nigeria to develop her own national ideology, adding that lack of national ideology is responsible for all kind of problems faced in the country,” he said.

Reacting to the allegations, the CBN insisted that it took Nigerians and Nigeria into cognizance in formulating its policies, urging the critics not to condemn its efforts in improving the economic situation by looking into one side of the policies.

The Governor of CBN, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Financial Market, Emmanuel Ukeje, refused to accept that the apex bank policies had impoverished Nigerians but maintained that “part of benefits we are reaping today are out of some reforms carried out” by CBN in the past.

BoI empowers youths, women with 1bn loan in Osun Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO.

B

ank of Industry ,BoI, and House of Oduduwa Foundation have announced a partnership through which youths and women could benefit from loan with repayable interest of 7.5%.

Announcing the partnership when the two bodies formally signed the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, in Ile Ife, Osun state, the Acting Managing Director of Bank of Industry, Mr. Waheed Olagunju, said interest on the loan came down to 7.5% because Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi agreed to pay part of the money.

Olagunju further explained that the initiative was aimed at reducing youth unemployment in communities adding that the substantial part of the loan will be disbursed to women involved in businesses with high potentials for sustainability.

“We have been partnering with multinational and corporate companies, but today we are collaborating with tradi-

tional rulers. These are people who have access to the grass root. Partnering with them is a way of democratising entrepreneurship. We identify areas in which communities have comparatove advantages and invest in them.

“The beneficiaries will be selected using the world best practices. For this edition, about 15 to 20 percent of them will be those who deal in local products. We are working with the entrepreneurship centre of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Applications are expected to be submitted and a joint committee of BoI team, the Oduduwa House and OAU team would access it.

“They are to be monitored by members of the committee and elders, especially the traditional rulers. We estimate that about 5,000 youths will benefit from this.”

In his remarks, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, recalled his experience when he was still in the struggle to emerge as Ooni, saying his encounter with some youths in the town,

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who were ready to die because they had no means of living made him to make a pledge to God, that if opportuned to get to the throne, he would give his all to youth empowerment.

He subsequently challenged monarchs across the country to be dedicated to developing youths in their communities.

He said, “I won’t mind going hungry to empower the youths. If the youths of today are empowered, many generations will benefit from them and poverty will be abolished.

“Today’s event is another giant step in the history of Ile-Ife. We are moulding future of our youths in the areas of agriculture and agro-allied industry.

“I put a challenge to other monarch’s to engage in community partnership. We should stop relying on government.

There are so many initiatives that community leaders can tap into. Community leaders should go into partnership with multinational companies and financial institutions to benefit there people.

Continued from pg 33 some banks without, in most cases, substantiating their claims with empirical facts to proof their points.

For instance, a few weeks ago, a Dubai-based International Investment Bank, Arqaam Capital, had reported that based on its stress tests carried out on the banking sector, seven Nigerian banks were undercapitalized to the tune of N1tn about 3.2 billion dollars, two of which were close to being insolvent.

The Bloomberg and Moody’s have also reported recently that the banking industry in Nigeria was facing a lot of turmoil and that at least six banks were under severe pressure, requiring them to embark on imminent capital raise.

According to Bloomberg, “Nigeria’s banking industry is facing full blown financial crises as failed fiscal and monetary policies lead to a credit crunch”.

It claimed that the acid tests carried out on some banks revealed that if they were to provide for all their toxic assets, there could be possible deficit of over one trillion naira ($3.2b) in capitalization.

Only a few days ago, an online medium, Sahara Reporters, also raised another alarm about one of the bank’s financial state, claiming that its financial position suggests it was moving towards depression.

As expected, in each of the times the spurious reports come to the public domain, the CBN has consistently debunked the reports and assured the investing public that Nigerian banks remain sound by all assessment parameters.

To check the trend and sustain public confidence in the banking system , the CBN has issued always issued circulars and statements cautioning against, “the unethical and unprofessional practice of de-marketing colleagues/other banks in the industry by spreading rumours.”

For instance, while reacting to the rumours that seven Nigerian banks were under-capitalised, the apex bank’s Director, Banking Supervision, Mrs Tokunbo Martins, at the end of the Bankers Committee Meeting in Lagos recently said that there was no truth in a report that seven Nigerian banks are undercapitalized.

Martins said that commercial banks were facing some challenges that were not peculiar to Nigeria, adding that Non Performing Loans (NPL) at 11 per cent was not the focus for now.

“As Director Banking Supervision, I wish to state that the report that seven banks are undercapitalized is not true. “That our banks have non-performing loans at 11 per cent is not the focus for now. We should totally ignore such a story,’’ Martins said.

The director said that commercial banks in the country had huge capacity to generate income to absorb any losses that could arise from such loans, adding that “the fact that a country has non-performing loans at this period is expected.”

While the CBN continues its role of giving confidence to the economy and ensuring financial system stability, financial experts have said it was also imperative that the nation should know the true state of our banks..

Dr Daniel Ugo, financial expert, said it was not all doom and gloom as there was some good news for Nigerians.

While noting that most of the reports are from foreign sources as part of their plans to destroy the Nigerian economy, he said the good news was that banking regulation demands that banks keep a lot of capital for uncertainties like this, so this cannot be bad news for the banking industry.

According to Ugo, as banks implement Basle 3, minimum capital adequacy ratio which measures the degree to which the bank’s capital can take care of its risk weighted assets (loans) has been put at eight per cent.

Furthermore, Financial Mirror learnt that CBN in its wisdom has kept capital adequacy ratio for banks in Nigeria at higher rates of 10 per cent for national banks and 15 per cent for international banks.

This action has given a buffer of between two to seven per cent for banks in Nigeria.

Aside all these said, market observers have therefore recommend closer supervision, continuous stress testing and timely remedial actions to ensure against failure of any of our banks.

They also believe that the banks in particular and the economy generally will benefit from more sound and stable monetary policy framework. They also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to go beyond the current ad hoc approach to the management of the economy by putting in a place a strong economic team that will help him in the efforts to manage the difficult situation we have found ourselves as a nation.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Monday, November 21, 2016

35

N250bn annual investment needed in power sector Livinus Menedi YOLA

F

or Nigeria to enjoy stable electricity supply there has to be an annual investment of at least N250 billion going into the power sector.

Chief Executive Officer of Benin Electricity Distribution Company Mrs Olufunke Osibodu, disclosed this in Yola on Saturday while delivering a keynote address at the 11th founder’s Day Celebration of the American University of Nigeria.

Speaking on the topic, “Beyond Oil- Sustainable Development For Nigeri-

an”, Osibodu said current cost in the power sector will not allow for significant improvement in the sector.

She said though when the privatisation was done some years back we all expected everything to change, but noted that the reality on ground had stopped it from happening.

She said: “Because of the enormity of the challenge posed by vandalisation of power infrastructure, commercial theft of power, illegal consumption and non-payment of bills.

The power we are paying for right now, the cost will

never allow us to improve on it.

More to that you hear, there isn’t enough meters at least this is what every customer says. And we need those meters to earn the trust. The reality, however, is that at least N250billion is required annually to clean up what we have now, and we in Nigeria need to understand that we cannot do it overnight and in addition we have to pay for it”.

According to her, the

privatisation of the power sector needs to be allowed some few more years before the gains could become appreciable while urging the Federal Government not hastily undo the privatisation of the power sector.

“We need five years to see the gains of the privatisation of the power sector,” she said.

She also urged the Central Bank to wake up to the reality of the new exchange rate because of its implica-

tion for the economy, saying how we move forward as a country now relates to power.

She said, “The country only has 2 percent of the power it needs currently, adding that though there are 32 million households according to 2006 Census, but only 4 million households are officially customers to all the power distribution companies.

The 2percent that we have is even further

drained down when people fail to put out the light that shouldn’t be on and we pay for that wastage.”

She urged the government to address the problem by creating the enabling environment, noting that the environment must favour manufacturing and industrialisation not trading and must also among other things, reduce the cost of doing business.

NASS lauds Dangote Sugar on backward integration

N

ational Assembly, Committee On Industry, Trade & Investment, has commended the management of Dangote Sugar Refinery on its remarkable progress towards ensuring the success of the sugar backward integration project in the sugar sector of the economy Committee Chairman, Honorable Abubakar Moriki, who led the team to the Dangote Sugar Refinery in Lagos over the weekend, expressed satisfaction at the level of the backward integration programme, the company has been able to achieve.

He also assured the company on a friendly policy especially in land acquisition which is geared towards self-sufficiency of sugar in 2020.

According to him, we have the responsibility as members of the House Committee on Industry to oversee the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and alongside the agencies which the National Sugar Development Council is one of them, being the regulatory agency solely with the responsibility to see to the implementation of national sugar policy globally and to come out with all implementation strategies to make us realised sugar self-sufficiency after certain period of time.

He tasked Dangote Sugar to ensure maximal capacity utilisation as much

as possible to be able to refine sugar here for the mean time and to be able to have mechanism to produce sugar also in the factory.

Speaking, Group Managing Director of Dangote Sugar Refinery, Abdullahi Sule, said Nigeria is one of the world’s largest net importer of sugar, consuming significant amount of foreign exchange.

He noted that Dangote Sugar Master Plan was to ensure five large sugar factories, 150,000 hectres of land under cultivation, 1.5 to 2.0 million MT/PA of refined sugar from locally grown sugarcane annually and to generate over 100,000 jobs among others.

He pointed out that Dangote Industries Limited acquired Savannah Sugar in 2003 and Dangote Sugar been a subsidiary of Dangote Industries acquired 95 per cent stake in Savannah Sugar in December 2012, and have invested over N33.05 billion.

L-R: Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Plateau State, Olasupo Solomon, Chief Of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, and Commander, Operation Save Haven, Maj.- Gen., Rogers Nicholas, during the Operational visit of Chief of Defence Staff at the weekend.

PHOTO: SUNDAY ADAH/EO/JAU/NAN

Al-Qalam University to conduct drug test on students, staff James Danjuma KATSINA

A

private institution in Katsina state, Al-Qalam University is to have its students and staff undergo compulsory drug test.

This is even as institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Shehu Garki, has warned that any student caught selling or consuming illicit drugs would be expelled.

The institution, also known as Islamic Univer-

sity, is to have the tests carried out by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. The development followed complaints by NDLEA officials about high consumption of illicit drugs by students of tertiary institutions in the state.

A few weeks ago, ten students of some tertiary institutions were arrested and are being prosecuted for possession and consumption of hard drugs.

Speaking at a public event over the weekend, Professor Garki said the institution was worried over complaints from the NDLEA, and that measure needed be taken to verify and address the situation.

“We have set up a committee to work with NDLEA to carry out drugs test on all staff and student for counselling to those affected,” he said.

The university don, who spoke at a ParentManagement Forum, said the management of the

institution would work closely with NDLEA officials to address the problem of drugs abuse among student and staff.

He used the forum to lament on the social behaviour of female students which was creating a bad name for the institution.

According to him, some female students have rented accommodation off-campus and were carrying on with life which contradicts rules and regulations of the university.

Ahmed seeks urgent reforms of prison in the country Dare Akogun

K

wara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has called for urgent reforms of the prison system in the country in order for it to achieve the role of reforming convicted prisoners before their re-entry into

society.

Governor Ahmed made the call while receiving the Comptroller-General of Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS), Mr. Ja’afaru Ahmed, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Ilorin in the wake of recent deaths of inmates at Nigeria Prison, Oke Kura, Ilorin, yesterday.

Describing the incident as unfortunate, the governor contend that the restructuring of the prison system should address the challenges affecting administration of prisons in the country especially in the area of infrastructure and prisoners rehabilitation.

Ahmed stressed that the deteriorating condition of prisons in Nigeria has

become an issue of major concern to many Nigerians, noting that any faulty prison system will adversely affect the service and the society as a whole as unreformed ex-convicts may go back to crime.

“It is impossible for prisons built decades ago when Nigeria’s population was much lower to cope with the rising number of inmates

as a result of increase in the national population and consequent crime,” he said.

He therefore urged the prison boss to liaise with the supervising Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum so as to table the issue before the National Economic Council and secure the support of state governments.

WorldNews

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monday, November 21, 2016 -

Page 36

Terrorism in Africa: Nigerians in diaspora task Trump A deola Tukuru ABUJA

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igerians in the diaspora have challenged US President-elect, Donald Trump, to help end terrorism in Africa, even as they identified the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) as a group that must be curtailed by the incoming American government.

The Nigerians based in the USA who spoke through More Voices Against Terrorism however condemned a statement issued by the US State Department that criticised the Nigerian Police handling of the Shiites sectarian clashes with security agencies as well

as the recent killing of officers on official duty.

Trump drew international ire as the republican candidate when he vowed decisive action against radical Islam if elected.

A statement by More Voices Against Terrorism’s Head of Administration, Angela Bala, yesterday said the group expected Trump to put the IMN on the terror list while compelling their alleged sponsors to desist from the act.

“Even as we await such positive development, we urge the State Department to withdraw its offensive statements in favour of IMN and to desist from further issuing such,” the

statement said.

The Group described the State Department’s statement as alarming for openly castigating the Federal Government while supporting the outlawed IMN. “Much as the statement postured to have addressed both sides to the Kano clash that left several Nigerians dead, we find it absurd that the State Department spoke of the IMN without acknowledging its ties with terrorism.

“As a body in the US, More Voices Against Terrorism is very aware that the entire members and leadership of the IMN would have been hauled before a law court if

they try a tenth of what they do in Nigeria on a daily basis yet the United States has decided to imbue them with more confidence to delude them that the world is in support of the crimes they are committing.

“This can only end badly for the entire human race same way a delay in designating Boko Haram as a terror group is haunting the world today.

“That the US designates Iran as sponsor of terrorism should make the country focus on the activities of IMN in Nigeria with a view to stemming its spread across the sub-region and beyond.”

Immigration moves to document foreigners’ data Adeola Tukuru ABUJA

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n a bid to curb terrorism in the country, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has said it will commence registration of foreigners at the local government areas in their locations.

Comptroller General of the NIS, Muhammad Babandede, explained at the weekend that the measure became very necessary in curbing the fight against terrorism and control activities of foreigners in the country.

According to him, foreigners entering the country will be required to register in

each local government of their residence and where they work.

“The NIS will also synergise with all the CGs of Immigration officers across the African countries on this development,” Babandede said.

On passport issuance, the CG attributed the challenge to foreign exchange crisis for the difficulties encountered in obtaining international passports in the country.

“We are aware of the various complaints from members of the

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public in the last one month in Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan and other parts of the country. But while Nigerians only began experiencing the scarcity at home in recent weeks, their compatriots in foreign countries have been grappling with the crisis for several months.”

Babandede noted that racketeers had feasted on the challenges, ,resulting in what he called bribery and corruption.

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Formerly known and addressed as AMADI-ISAAC-OGBONNIA or AMADI INYA now wish to be known and addressed as AMADI INYA OGBONNIA. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ADEBARE ADEWALE AYINLA, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBARE ADEWALE MUTIU. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known addressed and called ALIMBA UCHECHUKWU; now wish to be known addressed and called ANIMBA UCHECHUKWU FRANCIS. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that I, SHOLA ILURIMI and SHOLA WILLIAMSILURIMI. Refer to as one and the same person. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as ODUKOYA MARY OMOLARA, ODUKOYA OMOLARA KEGAN and IDOWU MUJIBAT Omolara now I wish to be known and addressed as ODUKOYA MUJIBAT OMOLARA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. FIRST BANK , NIGERIA POLICE and General public take note.

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“I couldn’t be more different with Donald Trump.

But it is expedient now that I call on all Americans to support him” –US President, Barack Obama

Nuke: S/Korea blasts N/Korea’s spending on weapons Joel A jayi ABUJA

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epublic of South Korea has expressed displeasure on neighboring country North Korea for spending $1.5 billion to develop nuclear weapons and $1.7 billion for missiles despite efforts by the United Nations Security Council at halting further works on weapons of mass destruction.

South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Nuh Kyu-duk, who disclosed this in Abuja during a roundtable discussion on current situation on the Korean Peninsula, regretted that the amount already spent by North Korea on the weapons was enough to feed the country’s entire population.

“The resolve of North Korea to continue with nuclear weapons was not only a security threat to South Korea, but also a threat to global peace,” Kyu-duk said, adding that South Korea was however open to dialogue.

Kyu-duk, acknowledged Nigeria’s stand on nuclear weapons and sued for global concern to resolving the issue.

“Nigeria is a country with heavy weight in the economic and political space in the international committee. So, we felt it is pertinent to intimate Nigeria on issues in the Korean Peninsula,” he further said.

“North Korea with a population of about 26 million people is keeping one million of the population as troops, while South Korea with a population of about 50 million has between 500, 000 and 600, 000 troops.

“North Korea trade depends on China. In the year 2014, total volume of North was $7.61 billion and out of the $7.61 billion, $6.8 billion was with China and the remaining 10 percent with the other countries. So, almost 90 percent of North Korea trade is with China.

“Our bilateral trade volume between Nigeria and my country is $4.46 billion, almost 60 percent of the whole trade of North.”

Under Secretary, Regions and International, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ajoko Adelekun, said at the meeting that Nigeria was friendly with all countries of the world but was opposed to testing of nuclear weapons.

“Nigeria believes North and South Korea are brothers and would support any move towards ensuring their peaceful coexistence,” Adelekun said.

Chris Mwamua of the Institilute of Africa and Asian Studies, University of Calabar called for more opportunities for dialogue.

The roundtable was attended by students, civil society organisations and the media.

Monday, November 21, 2016

Murray beats Djokovic to win ATP World Tour Finals 39

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

37

Sport

They told me it was 30 years since Watford beat Manchester United, so this win brings a lot of satisfaction –Mazzarri

Super Falcons lash Mali 6-0 in Limbe

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up holders Nigeria had no hesitation in spelling ‘Malian’, putting six unreplied goals past their West African counterparts in the opening match of Group B of the 10th Women Africa Cup of Nations in Limbe on Sunday.

Fleet –footed Asisat Oshoala, 2014 African Woman Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player of the last edition of the champion-

ship in Namibia, stole the giant size of the shine, scoring four of the six goals even as the Falcons hardly stepped out of first gear.

USA –based Francisca Ordega started the rout with a smart finish from Ugo Njoku’s run down the Malian defence in the 22nd minute. Before that, Oshoala’s darting run and pass in the 15th minute was fluffed by Uchechi Sunday, who wasted a number

of opportunities on the day.Four minutes after Ordega’s goal, midfielder Halimatu Ayinde came close after a good move but her chip rocked the upright with the Malian goalie beaten. Five minutes before recess, Oshoala read brilliantly a through pass and beat the goalie before slotting into an empty net for her first and Nigeria’s second.A minute into the second half, Sunday again missed

Gallant Falconets bow out of World Cup

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t was certainly their best performance of the tournament, but it happened that they left it too late, and Nigeria’s Falconets’ 2-1 win over Spain on Sunday failed to take them past the group stage of the 8th FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals.

They needed to win and for Japan not to win in the other Group B match, but the Asians steamrolled their Canadian opponents 5-0 just across the city in Port Moresby, meaning the Nigerian girls would be heading home instead of heading into the quarter finals after wins over Canada and Spain.

Spain, who walloped Canada 5-0 before defeating Japan 1-0,

were ahead after only six minutes when Alba Redondo slotted past goalkeeper Onyinye Okeke as the European vice champions swept into Nigeria’s vital area.

However, Nigeria drew level six minutes later, Ihuoma Onyebuchi cashing in on an opportunity in a goalmouth scramble from a corner kick.

In the second half, substitute Yetunde Adeboyejo should have scored when put through on goal by the intelligent Rasheedat Ajibade, but she failed to measure her angle well.

Stand –in captain Chiwendu Ihezuo raced onto another intelligent Ajibade pass and past two defenders to score the winner in

the 72nd minute.

Substitute Aminat Yakubu should have scored a third goal for Nigeria, but failed with only the goalkeeper to beat, as the Nigerians made life difficult for the Spaniards with long balls.

Six minutes to the end, Nigerian defender Glory Ogbonna was sent off after a second bookable offence.

Although they finised with six points, same as Japan, Nigeria had a deficit of three goals while the Japanese had 10 goals to their advantage.

In the end, the Falconets would look back at their opening match against the Japanese (in which they performed poorly and lost

with only the goalie to beat from Faith Ikidi pass, but she made it three from the penalty spot a minute later after Osarenoma Igbinovia was brought down in the box.

Thereafter, it became an ‘Oshoala Show’. The introduction of a clever Chioma Wogu for fumbling Sunday worked well for her. In the 62nd minute, Oshoala latched onto a header by Wogu to outrun a defender and the goalkeeper

before smashing into the roof of the net, and six minutes later, benefitted from another Wogu pass to meander past two defenders and slot past the goalkeeper.

Her fourth, and Nigeria’s sixth, came from another brilliant pass, from captain Rita Chikwelu, with 12 minutes left.The Falcons will certainly meet stronger opposition from Ghana’s Black Queens, whom they play in their next match on Wednesday.

0-6) and wish they had played the Asians the way they played the Canadians and the Spaniards.

Nigerian forward Ihezuo was selected as Live Your Goals Player of the Match.

38

Sports

Thursday, March 5, Monday, November 21,2015 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ikpeazu commits to Mama Kanu’s burial

Ronaldo has closed Ballon d’Or debate with Atletico hat-trick –Zidane

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eal Madrid coach feels his star man’s match-winning performance at the Vicente Calderon on Saturday has cemented his position as the best player in the world Zinedine Zidane feels Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick in the derby victory over Atletico Madrid has decided the 2016 Ballon d’Or. Ronaldo scored all three goals, one in the first half and two in the second, including a penalty, as Real Madrid claimed the bragging rights in the final La Liga derby at the Vicente Calderon before Diego Simeone’s team leave their historic home at the end of the season.

Ronaldo is vying with 2015 winner Lionel Messi and the likes of Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann for the biggest individual prize in world football.

And Madrid coach Zidane, who claimed the accolade himself in 1998, believes the Portugal star will be awarded his fourth Ballon d’Or on January 11.

“I’ve never had doubts that Cristiano is the best and tonight closes the debate,” he said.

Zidane, who guided Madrid to Champions League glory with a penalty shootout victory over Atletico in the final at San Siro in May, was reluctant to describe the comprehensive victory on Saturday as the highlight of his brief career in the dugout so far.

“I do not know if [it is] the best, but we played a huge game against a difficult opponent and in a stadium where it is difficult to win,” he said.

“In the second half it was logical Atletico’s pressure [increased] in those first 15 minutes, but we produced the necessary intensity against a complicated opponent.

“It is an important victory for us, on a difficult pitch and with a rival that gives you a war. We played a very good game from the beginning. There are not many teams that can win on this pitch and we did well.”

Asked if he will miss the Calderon when Atletico move to a new ground for the 2017-18 season, Zidane said: “Yes, sure. The players, fans... they are going to miss it. We’re happy about this victory because there are not many teams that win here.”

Ronaldo

Afolabi Gambari

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Conte hails Costa’s all-round form after firing Chelsea top T he Italian coach says the Spain international striker is about more than just goals after he fired the Blues to the top of the Premier League table Chelsea boss Antonio Conte hailed the form of striker Diego Costa after his goal sent the Blues to the top of the Premier League on Sunday.

The Spain international scored his 10th league goal of the season to hand his side a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough that puts them a point clear of Liverpool and Manchester City at the summit.

Conte was delighted with the efforts of his front three of Costa, Eden Hazard and Pedro, as they caused problems for the Boro defence while doing their fair share of defensive work in the second half.

“Diego is playing good football, with the ball and without the ball,” Conte told Sky Sports. “Eden and Pedro, also - they’re very important for our balance and working very hard for the team.

“He’s a fantastic striker and he’s showing this.”

Conte continued: “It was a good performance against a very strong team. Don’t forget that they drew with Arsenal and City away, so I’m pleased with the performance and the attitude of the players.

“We created many chances to score the second goal. It’s important that you kill the game if you have the possibility. A corner, a cross anything can happen.

“This is the sixth game in a row that we didn’t concede and that’s good news for us.”Conte was relieved to come away with maximum points ahead of a difficult two weeks for Chelsea, who host Tottenham next Saturday before taking in a trip to Manchester City.

“It was very important not to lose a point today,” he said. “Now we have five days to prepare for a game against a strong team like Tottenham. But when I see these players work in this way, I’m pleased.

“It’s normal to fight for the best position of the table. After a bad season like last year, it wasn’t easy. Now, it’s not easy. We mustn’t forget our difficult month we had one month ago.”

Boro boss Aitor Karanka was frustrated with his side’s defending at the corner from which Costa scored, while Chelsea’s perceived time-wasting also drew his ire, but he insisted he was happy with the home side’s performance at the Riverside Stadium.”You can’t be pleased when you’ve lost a game but I’m very pleased with the attitude of my players,” he said.

“We knew we were going to play the team now top of the table so we

knew it was going to be difficult and we did almost everything. Once again, we’re in the Premier League and with one mistake, you’re punished.

“We played against a team who have scored 16 goals in five games and today they were wasting time, asking for the time.

“We would have liked to win the game but this was the way we played against Arsenal, Man City, Bournemouth, so we have to keep going.

“Costa is one of the top scorers in the world, so when you play against players like Diego, I told them that you can’t lose him for one second.

“But I don’t want to say anything bad about my players today.”

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would ever play for City again.

But on Saturday he was named in the starting line up at Selhurst Park and scored twice in a hard-fought 2-1 win for Guardiola’s men that sends them level on points with league leaders Liverpool.

And the City boss says this was far from a cameo from Toure, who can now expect to play a role across the remainder of the campaign, even if he is not registered to play in the Champions League.

bia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has confirmed he would be in Arochukwu on December 3 for the burial of Mrs. Sussan Nwannediya Kanu Iheme (Udonachi Oha), the mother of former Super Eagles captain, Nwankwo Kanu.

Ikpeazu has also ordered and mobilized the chairman of Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State for immediate rehabilitation of the Ohafia/Arochukwu Road to ease vehicular traffic before, during and after the burial.

The state government has also provided hotel accommodation at Umuahia for Kanu’s guests at the two-day event.

Chairman of the Burial Committee, Pastor Onyebuchi Abia, who conformed this development, said arrangement had been concluded to give “Mama Atlanta ‘96”, as the Kanu’s family Matriarch was known, a befitting burial.

“I can say that everything is set for the burial,” Abia, who is also Coordinator of Kanu Heart Foundation ( KHF), said.

Meanwhile, former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and the Senator representing Abia South in the Senate, Mao Ohuabunwa, have consoled Nwankwo Kanu following the death of his mother.

Toure gets standing ovation from Man City teammates

he midfielder made a shock return at Crystal Palace and after scoring twice in a 2-1 win his manager and team-mates showed their appreciation Pep Guardiola says Yaya Toure is now firmly back in his Manchester City plans season after the Ivorian made a stunning return to the lineup with two goals at Crystal Palace.

Goal understands Toure was also given a standing ovation by his team-mates when he entered the Selhurst Park away dressing room after the match.

It represents a remarkable turnaround for the midfielder, who had appeared to be heading for an ignominious final season at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola had said earlier in the campaign that Toure would not be part of the City squad until he apologised for comments made by his outspoken agent, Dimitri Seluk, and even when the apology did arrive at the end of October it had still appeared unlikely that the 33-year-old

“I would say that his performance is not about my decision, it’s about his quality,” Guardiola told the press after the match. “Yaya was the last month or two months training really good, his physical condition, his weight, is better than ever, and I’m so happy for him, and especially for his family.

“I’m so happy because he’s now a real part of the team and he can help us to achieve our targets because we need all the players, because it’s so demanding with the Premier League

and the Champions League and the cup and so on.”

Toure’s team-mates, particularly Kelechi Iheanacho, Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna, gleefully celebrated on the pitch after the final whistle and the reception afforded to him by the rest of the squad when he returned to the dressing room highlights his enduring popularity at the club.

Guardiola says that is no surprise given his importance to the club since he arrived from Barcelona in 2010.“Yaya is a guy who is here for five or six years and it’s a guy who’s got a lot of experience and of course the quality, and the team-mates and the staff appreciate him a lot, so there’s no doubts about that, he was so happy.”

He added: “His reaction… Yaya is a normal guy, his emotions are quiet, he was calm before the game.

I don’t think it’s the first Premier League game for him, so he has the experience to handle this kind of situation.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Dedevbo hails Falconets as Ihezuo weeps

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ead Coach Peter Dedevbo on Sunday evening showered encomiums on his Nigeria U20 girls, even as the Falconets crashed out of the 2016 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup despite two wins out of three matches.

The Falconets’ dreams of advancing in the tournament was truncated despite a 2-1 victory over Spain that gave saw them finishing on six points as Japan and Spain. For Dedevbo, his girls deserve all the accolades because they proved themselves worthy ambassadors of Africa’s most populous nation.The 2014 World Cup silver medal –winning Coach noted that the girls gave their best in flying Nigeria and Africa’s flag but it was unfortunate that they were so cruelly eliminated, despite finishing with the same six points as the two other teams (Japan and Spain) that advanced to the last eight.

“Sincerely apeaking, you all are stars and I am proud of you.

Despite the circumstances, you were not disgraced. We had lofty dreams of making it to the final or even going one better than we took our country in Canada four years ago, but it was not to be. Collectively and individually, we worked towards achieving that goal, but our best could not take us that far,” Dedevbo said.

The Nigerian girls flexed their muscles and fought hard before a capacity crowd at the Papua New Guinea Stadium to earn a 2-1 win over Spain.

The match was played under heavy wind conditions that did

Sports

Monday, November4,21, 2016 Thursday September 2014

not help either of the teams as they struggled in he cirumstances. However, the joy of victory was shortlived for the Falconets as Japan’s routing of Canada in the other Group B match meant Japan and Spain advanced and Nigeria would go home. The Nigerian delegation will return home on Wednesday, 23rd November.Meanwhile, stand-in captain and scorer of the winning goal, Chiwendu Ihezuo wept profusely after Nigeria’s early exit from the 2016 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup on Sunday.

Ihezuo, who won the FIFA Live Your Goals Player of the Match award in the win over Spain, couldn’t control her emotions as she broke down at the post match press conference.The BIIK Zazygurt of Kazakhstan player, with two goals from three games, lamented her inability to actualize her dreams of contesting for the tournament’s golden boot. She was instrumental to Falconets’ presence in Papua New Guinea, scoring sevem goals out of the 13 Nigeria recorded during the qualifying series.”

I had high hopes for this tournament. I even set a target of six goals for myself, but my dreams have been blown away like dust in the winds. I admit that our predicament today was as a result of the six goals we conceeded against Japan. I kept hoping for a turn-around that would see us progress in the competition.”I pushed extra hard. The consolation for my much –desired Golden Boot is this award and I am grateful to God for it,” Ihezuo sobbed.

LAMPS Awards to Project Africa in Better Light

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n his poem ‘The Causalities’, Chinua Achebe, one of Africa’s greatest writers, captured the feelings and experiences of war victims far removed from the scene of actual confrontation. ‘…the drums overwhelm the guns’ aptly described a war persecuted more by media propaganda than by actual artillery fire in the battlefield.

Many Africans have long been concerned by the negative publicity Africa and Africans get in western media. Ahmed Mheta voiced this concern: ‘The parading of malnourished and naked African children in front of cameras and images of lions and gorillas in the jungle have dominated most western media news outlets over the past 2 decades. The presentation of African news by western media convinces the audience in United States, Europe and other parts of the world that the entire continent of Africa is hopeless, poverty and disease stricken’. Worse still, a few western commentators have gone ahead to project that the continent is doomed because its economy and quality of life of her citizens will exponentially fall in value. Africa must look to Africans to change these narratives.

A Nigerian firm has elected to focus world media attention on the continent for an entirely different reason and cause. Matchmakers Consult International, an event marketing firm is gradually driving a radical change in the process and organisation of awards in the country.

The firm has introduced to the continent, the novel idea of an all-inclusive, continent-wide and achievement-based award system called Africa LAMPS Awards. Shina Philips, CEO of the organising firm explains that ‘LAMPS’ represents Legends of Arts, Music, Management, Politics, Science, Sport and Security.

Speaking further, Philips said awards would be given in the 15 categories of Best Theatre/Movie Personality, Best Music Personality, African Journalist of the Year, African Legal Luminary of the Year, Banker of the Year, CEO of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Farmer of the Year, Most Influential Political Personality of the Year, Public Administrator of the Year, Leadership Award (For Presidents), Science Personality of the Year, Sport Personality of the Year and African Hero. He stated that the competition would be stiff as the 1.2 billion citizens of the continent would be competing for only 15 statuettes.

Philips who is also the International Security Assessor on Security Watch Africa, one of Nigeria’s longest

L-R: Nelson Olafisoye, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo (middle) and a guest running TV programme with Patrick Marc Arthur, the inventor of CardioAgbambu, explains his firm’s motive pad; Allan Cormack, the South African for embarking on this gigantic African who invented the CAT Scan and many project: ‘We, like every other African, others’ are deeply concerned by the negative Nelson Olafisoye, Organisers’ Chief media exposure that the continent gets Operating Officer stated that the Africa in most western media. We are also LAMPS Awards would bring together concerned that in most cases, the west- all heroic sons and daughters who ern media do not have the right content are the continent’s shinning lights. to play and with this in mind, we were Explaining the modalities for picking inspired to change the narratives by winners, Olafisoye also stated that the creating media content which are evi- Advisory Board of the Africa LAMPS dently favourable to the continent’.

Awards made up of key African figures Speaking further, Philips states including Nigeria’s Pastor Ituah Igthat it is the responsibility of African hodalo have identified at least one voter scholars to create the right content and in each of Africa’s 52 member nations highlight the positives that Africans who would cast his/her vote for nomiwant the world to see about them. He nees in each of the 15 categories of the continued by saying ‘This is where Awards. In addition to this, Organisers we come in. Our focus is on men and are entering into strategic partnership women whose achievements in differ- with the African Union and some orent fields have improved human lives ganisations in Africa. everywhere.’

Expressing organisers’ confidence Philips stressed that Africa was a in the award process, Nelson Olaficontinent blessed with a massive ar- soye assured Africans that the process ray of talents in all fields of human would be transparent and credible. endeavour. ‘The world’, he continued, ‘We’, he continued, ‘have painstakingly ‘cannot forget that African history is put in place a process which will bring the oldest history in the world; we must Africa’s best together to honour their remember our great leaders like Haile deserving sons and daughters. We will Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia, Gamel spark euphoria of an epic proportion Abdel, 2nd President of Egypt, Marcus and a desire to reward excellence on Mosiah Garvey, Kwame Nkrumah, Be- the continent’. hanzin Hossu Bowelle, Steve Biko, CetMatchmakers Consult Internationshwayo Kampande (Zulu King), Duse al organised the first ever FIFA/NFF Mohammed Ali, King Ibrahim Njoga, Players’ Agents Workshop in Lagos in Kofi Annan, Nelson Mandela, Nnamdi 2011 and in conjunction with the NigeAzikwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Tafawa ria Football Federation have organised Balewa and others. We also have An- the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Nigeria’s thony Mutua, a Kenyan who invented most credible, transparent and prestithe Charging Shoes; the Cameroonian, gious football awards.

Murray beats Djokovic to win ATP World Tour Finals71

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Peter Dedevbo

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ritain’s Andy Murray beat five-time champion Novak Djokovic to win his first ATP World Tour Finals title and end 2016 as the world number one.

With the year-end top ranking on the line, Murray won the muchanticipated final 6-3 6-4 at London’s O2 Arena.

“I’m very happy to win and to be world number one is very special, said the Scot. “It’s very special playing against Novak in a match like this.”

Murray, 29, extended his careerbest winning run to 24 matches.

The victory also ends Djokovic’s four-year run of success at the tournament and the Serb’s bid to equal

Roger Federer’s record of six titles.

Murray, who had won 10 of the pair’s previous 34 encounters, added: “We’ve played Grand Slam finals

and Olympic finals before, but I am very happy to win.

“It is something I never expected.”

Murray

WORLD RECORD

Most pierced man

N150

Vol. 06 No. 1485 Monday, November 21, 2016

The most pierced man is Rolf Buchholz, from Dortmund, Germany, who had 453 piercings, including 158 around his lips, as of August 5 2010.

America’s idiosyncrasies defy First-World country status UNITED States of America (USA) is widely held in high esteem as a first-world country and therefore a reference point to other nations particularly the third world countries.

Unfortunately, its citizens drifted after the recent presidential election.

The paradigm shift witnessed in the election which unimaginably favoured the candidate of the Republican Party, Donald Trump, a billionaire businessman in his seventies against the candidature of politically-groomed former Secretary of States and firstlady, Hillary Clinton, indeed muddled the elites alongside her dogged supporters.

Since the declaration of Trump as the President-elect over the election, most of Democrats supporters have never ceased perambulating and displaying various forms of violence across some states. Some openly vowed

Guest Columnist to resist the change. Remarkably, Clinton accepted the election results, congratulated and pledged to give Trump necessary supports to enable his administration deliver dividends of democracy to Americans. The inexplicable protest, infact, aimless against the choice of the majority in a free and fair election is grotesque and primeval.

Incidentally, the developing countries including Nigeria are made to believe that Americans are civilized with cultured philosophies as exceptionally displayed by Clinton after the election.

To call a spade; spade, the violence which trailed Trump’s victory leaves much to be desired of the Americans.

Trump will certainly be sworn-in as the 45th President come January 2017 except a judicial order in that direction is invoked. The demonstrations and civil disturbances are uncalled for, and cannot be consistent with the fundamental right of freedom of expression.

Over the years, a pivotal fact learnt from the American democracy is that majority will always have their way while the minority; their say. Hence, if the majority in exercise of electoral franchise chose Trump to lead, civility demands that the minority will give peace a chance instead of taking laws into their hands. If the grievances were centered on electoral malpractices, albeit actions may be reasonable, nevertheless, courtesy demands that grievances should be channeled to the appropriate quarters accordingly.

Possibly, Clinton supporters craved for Elder Orubabe’s political ideology

Carl

Umegboro His experience or inexperience can only be discussed during appraisals after inauguration which attempted to violently resist change during the last transition in Nigeria having perceived politics as a do-or-die affair. Perhaps, Clinton progroup also miscalculated democracy as mechanism for taking right decisions.

Regrettably, it got nothing to do with rightness or wrongness. It is about making choices. Democracy is simply a game of numbers. If the majority elects a wrong decision, it is binding in the polity. If the majority opts for the worst, as long as it is backed by majority votes, that’s end of matter. Apart from the general elections, the system extends to the legislative deeds. The gay bill despite its immoral tendencies was passed as a law with presidential assent based on democratic principle.

Same applies to other developed countries where human-animal marriage is legalized. Both gaffes scaled through by means of majority votes. That’s the bad side of democracy against theocracy which is measured by piousness.

Democracy is rarely synchronized with justifiability or reasonableness. Under democracy, the law approves persons of questionable characters into political positions as long as no court of

competent jurisdiction has convicted them of criminal offences. This is impermissible under theocratic system of government since morals and ethics play fundamental roles.

As it is, Trump’s government will be inaugurated unfailingly as fixed. His experience or inexperience can only be discussed during appraisals after inauguration. No amount of protests or violence can thwart his ascension to occupy the Whitehouse after President Barack Obama as the four-year mandate providentially given to the Republican Party endorsed Trump as number-one citizen. Even if for any of the reasons provided in the American Constitution, Trumps fails to continue as US President, his vice, Mike Pence automatically steps into his shoes while a new Vice President is chopped for. This therefore boldly certifies the Republican Party as the next ruling party in the US. Suffice to say that the finest option available to pro-Clinton is to exercise patience till 2021 when the tenure rounds off. The popular mandate of the Americans; be it positive or error is already a done deal in favour of the Republican’s Trump. Like the Democrat’s defeated candidate, the only alternative available at this moment is for collective massive support to Trump towards a successful tenure, if not, America will be taken back beyond imagination from its glory. But God forbid. Honestly, this is beyond Trump as a person but America as a nation. Above all, the position of the country in the next four years under Trump’s administration will determine its relevance in the global community.

Thus, a clarion calls on all Americans to bury the hatchets and support the government or be ready to face the music. Nonetheless, Trump won the election legally, Clinton won ethically.

Thus, no victor; no vanquished.

Umegboro, a public affairs analyst writes this piece from Abuja. www.mmm.unted.org

Sport Extra

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Zidane tips Ronaldo for Ballon d’Or

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eal Madrid Coach, Zinedine Zidane, believes star forward Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick against rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday proves he is the best

player in the world at the moment.

After a slow start to the season, Ronaldo has since turned his form around in recent weeks, starting with the hat-trick against

Alaves at the end of last month.

“I have never had any doubts that Cristiano is the best. I think the Ballon d’Or will be for him,” Zidane said.

“I had no doubt, and it is not the three goals he scored that will make me change my mind. He demonstrated it all last season, he demonstrates it every time. We expect a lot from

him, but he is above everyone else.

“I do not know if it is our best match but we did a huge game against a tough opponent. We managed the game well and we started strong.”

Ronaldo Emenike

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