Tuesday, October 16, 2012 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Subsidy scam: Oil magnate,

UNIPORT 4:

We were helpless –Police

Uba, four others denied bail Alao-Arisekola’s son to remain in EFCC custody

KAYODE KETEFE

Federal High Court sitting in Lagos yesterday turned down

Uba

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the request of the Managing Director of Capital Oil and Gas Limited, Patrick Ifeanyi Uba, and four others for bail from the custody of the Special Fraud Unit,

SFU, where they are currently being detained over alleged oil subsidy fraud. Justice Okon Abang rejected the bail application CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Abubakar

Confirm arrest of 21, declare mastermind wanted P.2

Tuesday, October June 7, 16, 20112012

Ondo guber poll:

N150 N150

Mimiko collected money, car from me –Tinubu THE HOLY COMMUNION HE RECEIVES WILL JUDGE HIM. WE SPENT MILLIONS IN POUNDS. WHO HAS WORKED WITH MIMIKO THAT HE HAS NOT BETRAYED?

HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AND OJO OYEWAMIDE

our days to the governorship election in Ondo State, the heat is on as the former governor of Lagos State and national leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, yesterday insisted that he funded Dr.

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Olusegun Mimiko in his quest to become governor of Ondo State in 2007. Tinubu, who spoke at the rally of the party at the Democracy Park in Akure, was reacting to the claim of Mimiko that he did not seek and receive any assistance from the former governor of Lagos State before becoming governor of Ondo State. CONTINUED ON PAGE 44>>

Multiple explosions kill 10 in Maiduguri Death toll in Kaduna hits 27

Aviation unions attribute Jet A1 scarcity to oil cartel

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L-R: Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola; his Oyo State counterpart, Abiola Ajimobi; Action Congress of Nigeria’s gubernatorial candidate in Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu; Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; ACN National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; and the party’s National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, at the grand finale of of the rally held at Democracy Park, Akure, yesterday.

2013 Budget: State House overhead to gulp N7.48bn Reps may whittle down CBN’s powers

Dana crash victim’s orphans in safe hands –Fashola

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IGP meets stakeholders tomorrow

Oduah

Money laundering: Ex-NBA leader remanded

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News

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

UNIPORT 4: We were helpless –Police OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

he police have absolved themselves of complicity in the October 5 murder of four students of the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. They expressed their helplessness at the nature of the mob, making it difficult for them to rescue the victims. The police said rather than compound the situation by using force on the crowd, four of its men who were on mobile patrol in the area had to immediately call for a reinforcement, claiming that their men did not watch idly as the incident unfolded. They also explained that as at the time the police got a distress call about an armed robbery incident in the community, the closest point to the scene was about 10 kilometres and that attempts to rescue the victims were met with stiff opposition by the community which chased its men with stones. “On October 5, 2012 at about 0700hrs, based on

a distress call that some armed robbers were arrested at Omuokiri-Aluu area in Ikwerre LGA, a patrol team of four Policemen from Isiokpo Divisional Police Headquarters was dispatched to the area, a distance of about 10kms. “The police on getting to the scene met a mob attack on four victims who were supposedly the suspected armed robbers. “Attempts made by the police patrol team to take over the suspects were met with stiff opposition from the mob who chased the team with stones. “Consequently, the patrol team called for reinforcements, but unfortunately, upon the arrival of the reinforcements, the alleged armed robbery suspects have been stoned and burnt to death, while the mob immediately took to their heels. “The corpses were recovered by the police who by then have been joined by members of the Joint Task Force, JTF. “The victims were later identified to be students of University of Port Har-

court”, the police explained. The victims were 18-yearold Ugonna Obuzor, a 200 level geology student; 19-yearold Lloyd Toku, a 200-level civil engineering student; 20-year-old Tekena Elkanah, a diploma technical student and 20-year-old Chidiaka Odinga, a 200- level theatre arts student. The Police said the students were killed and burnt by the community on the strength of a false alarm

raised by Coxson Lelebori Lucky who was actually owing the four students but who claimed to have been attacked by the victims who he labelled as robbers. In the meantime, the Nigeria Police have confirmed the arrest of 21 residents of Omuokiri-Aluu community in Rivers State in connection with the murder and setting ablaze of the four students reportedly accused of stealing a laptop and

some mobile phones. It however dismissed reports that it had arrested one Coxson Lelebori Lucky (aka Bright) who was said to have raised the initial false alarm that led to the killings. Although, Lucky is said to be on the run, the Police have however declared him wanted, promising to fish him out within the shortest possible time. Only last week, the Police Public Relations Officer of

Rivers State Police Command, Ben Ugwuegbulam had stated that 13 persons, including the chief of the community suspected to have been involved in the reprehensible and barbaric act have been arrested, based on credible intelligence and video clips of the killings. However, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar told jourCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

L-R: Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi; Speaker, State House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin and Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sola Fasuba, during the commissioning of the new accident and emergency complex, seven ambulances and a renovated male surgical ward in the state, yesterday.

State House overhead to gulp N7.48bn TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan’s promise to substantially reduce overhead cost component of recurrent expenditures may just be mere political slogan as the recurrent expenditure provisions in the 2013 Appropriation Bill for State House alone showed that nothing suggested fiscal retrenchment at the seat of government. Figures of the 2013 Appropriation Bill slated for formal deliberations by the National Assembly from tomorrow showed that about N7.48bn proposed as overhead cost in the State House was clearly higher than what was budgeted for 2012. The total proposed figures for the State House in 2012 were about N7.19bn. Curiously, out of the proposed amount, about N2.6bn would be spent on travels and transport expenses of the President, Vice-President, other principal officers and their

aides during the 2013 fiscal year. This implies that the President may spend more days abroad next year than in the current year’s trips. From the proposed budget, the President and other officials may spend at least N2.6bn for local and foreign trips and trainings in fiscal year 2013 as against N1.7bn approved in the 2012 budget. A breakdown of the Appropriation Bill 2013 provisions indicates that about N105.3m will be spent this year on local transport and travels for training purposes while N1.04bn is proposed for local transport and travels. Last year, the amount approved for the two budget items were N118.48m and N605.30m respectively. For foreign transport and travels training, about N149.92m is proposed in the 2013 Appropriation Bill compared with N1.29bn for other unspecified foreign transport and travels for the President, the VicePresident, State House offi-

cials and their aides. In 2012, only N164.02m was approved for international transport and travels while N787.01m was approved for other unspecified foreign transport and travels. Other overhead items that are huge in the budgetary provisions include honorarium and sitting allowances for unspecified persons which, if approved as presented to the National Assembly, may gulp N553.6m compared to the provisions for maintenance of office building and residential quarters which stand at N540.94m. In the 2013 financial year, provisions for office stationery and computer consumables are projected to cost N507.98m while maintenance of motor vehicles/ transport equipment line item has a budgetary provision of N430.51m and foodstuff and catering materials supplies are proposed to cost N407.64m. The cost of foodstuff and catering materials is exclusive of the cost of refresh-

ment and meals which also has N327.15m as proposed in the budget. This implies that foodstuff and other related expenses will cost taxpayers at least N734.79m in the 12-month period. Office furniture maintenance has N37.72m proposed budget. Similarly, provisions for welfare packages for officials are to gulp about N355.90m in the 2013 financial year compared to motor vehicle fuel cost, projected at N188.81m. This excludes that costs of fuelling plant/generators for which N72.51m is proposed and another N13.42m proposed for cooking gas/fuel cost. Other transport equipment fuel cost is projected to cost N8.4m. The rest provisions include fuelling and maintenance of office equipment/ IT equipment, vehicles, plant and machinery for the year under review are maintenance of office/IT equipment, N90.98m; maintenance of plants/genera-

tors, N60.66m; and other maintenance services, N156.40m. A proposed amount of N112.70m is made for drugs and medical supplies on the one hand while another N63.71m provision is made for medical expenses. According to the budget office figures, financial consulting services are expected to cost N81.88m while legal services have a paltry N8.40m provision. Expenses on local and international trainings which are aside the ones already provided for under the local and international transport and travels line items are proposed to cost about N118.24m. Publicity and advertisements have budget proposals of N77.69m compared to newspapers, magazines and periodicals totalling N39.77m. Books have a proposed budget of about N12.59m. Other State House overhead costs presented for approval of the National Assembly include electricity charges which have

provision of N148.11m; telephone charges, N89.98m; water rates, N61.16m; sewerage charges, N20m and leased communication lines, N35.73m. Experiences over the past 10 months showed that the President and public officials had spent so much on foreign trips this year that many observers believed that the promise was a mere political statement. For instance, one of the trips made by the President recently that attracted public criticism was the trip made on June 19, 2012 when he left Nigeria for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the United Nations’ Earth Summit. This was at the heat of the violence that erupted in Damaturu, Yobe State and Kaduna State a day earlier, which claimed many lives. Although the number of officials accompanying the President on foreign trips is not usually made public, reports however indicated that on the trip to Brazil alone, he was accompanied with 116 others, 18 aides of CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Good Health Happy workers more productive CAROLINE CHUKWUKA

he single most efficient way to increase your productivity is to be happy at work. No system, tool or methodology in the world can beat the productivity boost you get from really, enjoying your work. That was the findings of a team of economics at Warwick Business School United Kingdom in a study recently which reveals clear links between workers’ happiness and their productivity. The team, led by Andrew Oswald, a professor of economics and a leading authority on the relationship between economics and mental health, said its research has important implications for the worlds of politics and business. “We find that human happiness has large and positive causal effects on productivity,” the team said. “Positive emotions appear to invigorate human beings, while negative emotions have the opposite effect.” The team conducted a range of exercises in their research. In one, students were asked to add a series of five two-digit numbers in 10 minutes. The subjects were paid an attendance fee, and a performance fee based on the number of correct answers. Some were then shown a 10-minute film based on comedy routines performed by a well-known British comedian. The film succeeded in raising the reported happiness levels of those who saw it, compared to those who did not see it, or who watched a “placebo” film – a clip depicting patterns of coloured sticks. Among the subjects who reported higher happiness levels after seeing the comedy film, productivity was significantly higher than for the other subjects, for both men and women. The Warwick economists noted: “Happier workers, our research found, were 12% more productive. Unhappier workers were 10% less productive.” Significantly, subjects who watched the comedy film but did not report higher levels of happiness were unable to demonstrate higher levels of productivity. The findings led the economists to claim: “The increase in productivity seems to be linked to the increase in happiness, not merely to the watching of the comedy mov-

ie per se.” The team also found that those who had experienced a death or illness in their families within the past two years performed 10% worse than others. The team suggested that their findings should “provoke thought among scholars in psychology and economics and in the business community”. They concluded: “If happiness in the workplace brings increased returns to productivity, then human resource departments, business managers and the architects of promotion policies will want to consider the implications”. Productivity measures across national economies have caught the attention of policy makers and executives alike. Ultimately, though, the source of productivity is the individual knowledge workers who get things done every day. And the evidence is clear: People perform better when they’re happier. People are more productive and creative when they have more positive emotions, if happier on a given day; people are not only more likely to come up with a new idea or solve a complex problem that same day but also to do so the next day. In a competitive global economy in which companies are struggling to survive and succeed, recruitment, retention and engagement of the top talent have become critical management challenges. If happy workers are more productive workers, it is incumbent upon employers and their managers to make a happy frame of mind a criterion for hiring, and also create working conditions that encourage happiness.. Managers can help ensure that people are happily engaged at work. Doing so isn’t expensive. Workers’ well-being depends, in large part, on managers’ ability and willingness to facilitate workers’ accomplishments — by removing obstacles, providing help and acknowledging strong effort. Consider it one of the most significant strategies for improving bottom-line performance. Indeed, a separate study researcher James Harter and his colleagues found that business unit sales and profits at one point in time are predicted by employees’ feelings about the organization at earlier points in time.

YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

Smoking may lead to cataracts in aging population

igarette smoking is a well-known risk factor for a wide-range of diseases. Now, scientists have evidence that smoking may also increase the risk of age-related cataract, the leading cause of blindness and vision loss in the world. Reported in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, the new findings are the result of a meta-analysis conducted by a team of researchers from China. “Although cataracts can be removed surgically to re-

store sight, many people remain blind from cataracts due to inadequate surgical services and high surgery expenses,” said author Juan Ye, MD, PhD, of the Institute of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang University in China. “Identifying modifiable risk factors for cataracts may help establish preventive measures and reduce the financial as well as clinical burden caused by the disease.” The team performed the analysis using 12 cohorts and eight case-control stud-

ies from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and North America, to compare the prevalence of age-related cataract in individuals who ever smoked cigarettes to those who have never smoked.

IF HAPPY WORKERS ARE MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKERS, IT IS INCUMBENT UPON EMPLOYERS AND THEIR MANAGERS TO MAKE A HAPPY FRAME OF MIND A CRITERION FOR

HIRING, AND ALSO CREATE WORKING CONDITIONS THAT ENCOURAGE HAPPINESS “We can all think of creative geniuses tortured by depression (e.g., Vincent van Gogh, Virginia Woolf), and many managers still believe stress and fear are the best ways to keep workers cracking. But if you pay careful attention to the data, rather than anecdotes and intuition, you’ll find it’s clear that happiness boosts performance. The researchers cited the example of SAS employees who are not only very well paid. but also well catered for by their employers. But the researchers believe it is not only the good salary that makes them happy but also their employer’s caring attitutude. They care about what they are doing. More importantly, the workers feel that their contributions are noticed and appreciated. That is a powerful motivator.

According to the researchers, employees who like where they work will help the company make more money. Sears conducted an 800-store survey that showed the impact of employee attitudes on the bottom line. When employee attitudes improved by 5%, customer satisfaction jumped 1.3%, consequently increasing revenue by onehalf a percentage point. Seeking ways to motivate and build worker morale pays dividends to any business or organization. The motivated worker is more committed to the job and to the customer. The researchers concluded that when workers feel that they are a dynamic and essential part of the team, they are more productive and willing to go the extra mile for their customers and co-workers. They therefore advise employers to give praise openly, set goals appropriate to the work and always take their employees’ needs seriously. “By respecting and listening to your staff, you’ll be giving them the motivational push they need to stay loyal and committed to the company’s goals. And when you have a happy and productive workforce that is eager to contribute, your company can weather any economic storm, “they further said.

Men with large waists face increased risk of frequent urination

en with large waists urinate more frequently than their slimmer counterparts, according to research in the August issue of the urology journal BJUI. Researchers from Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, found that men with waists measuring 100cm plus reported up to three times more urinary problems than men with waists of 90cm or less. They also found that

larger waist measurements were associated with a greater prevalence of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and erection and ejaculation problems. “The global epidemic of obesity and diabetes had led to a striking increase in the number of people with metabolic syndrome, which includes central obesity, glucose intolerance and high cholesterol and blood pressure levels” says co-author Dr Steven

A Kaplan. “Together, these have been traditionally associated with an increased risk of heart disease and sexual problems. However, emerging data now suggest that metabolic syndrome may have a hereto unrecognised effect on how often men urinate. Our study sought to examine the relationship between men’s waist measurements and how often they urinate.” — ScienceDaily

Photo News

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Going Ventures, USA, Mr. Sani Hassan; Regional Director, West Africa Barclays, Mrs. Nimi Akinkugbe and Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms. Arunma Oteh, during the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Learning Series in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

L-R: President, Women Arise, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin; Chairman of the occasion, Prince Yemisi Shyllon and Ms. Robin Campbell of the Nigerian Field Society, during the Fela Debates on Corruption and Generation Next in Lagos, yesterday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Commissioner of Police, Special Fraud Unit, Nigeria, Mr. Tunde Ogunsakin; Bank Examiner, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Tony Etiuzale; Mrs. Katherin Anthony of the Serious Fraud Office, United Kingdom and Director, Banking and Payment System, CBN, Mr. Olu Adaramewa, at the International symposium on Economic Crime in the United Kingdom, recently.

L-R: Proprietress, Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Chief Mrs. Leila Fowler; Managing Director, CSL Stockbrokers Ltd; Mr. Gboyega Balogun and former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyoku, at the Heritage for Life Award Concert, in Lagos, at the weekend.

National News

Aviation unions attribute Jet A1 scarcity to oil cartel OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he two leading unions in the Nigerian aviation industry, the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) have attributed the continuous scarcity of Jet A1 otherwise known as aviation fuel to the activities of cartel in the oil sector. Speaking with National Mirror yesterday in his office in Lagos, the President of ATSSSAN, Comrade Benjamin Okewu, alleged that the cartel has hijacked the oil sector, which makes it difficult to have Jet A1 refined in the country. He said the inability of the country to refine oil in the country is at the detriment of the airlines, adding that aviation fuel accounted for about 40 per cent of the running cost of an airline. At present, a litre of aviation fuel is sold at between N190 and N200 per litre depending on the airport and the litres an airline is buying.

In a bid to address the situation, Okewu called for the building of dedicated refineries for Jet A1 by government, stressing that aviation has continued to play a vital role in driving the economy. His words: “As a stop gap measure, government should instruct the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to specifically produce the required quantities that are needed in the country.” On the approved construction of five new international airports by the Federal Government, Okewu was optimistic that the long awaited plans agitated for have gradually started taking off and described it as a right step in the right direction. Also commenting, the President of NUATE, Comrade Mohammed Safiyanu, challenged government to device a means of refining petroleum products in the country, most especially Jet A1 in order to bring down airfares in the country. “We are saying that all the refineries must be made to work and refine these products in the

country especially JET A1. This will make more people to fly instead of going by road,” he said. On the five new airports approved for construction

by the government, the union leader said it would be beneficial to the country if the existing airports are maintained along with the construction of the

new international ones. He challenged the government not to abandon the ongoing remodelling of airports in the country because of the construction

of new terminals, adding that if government continued in its present direction, the country’s aviation sector would improve from its present comatose state.

Reps may whittle down CBN’s powers TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

he House of Representatives will today begin a public hearing on a bill that seeks to strip the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, his Deputies and Directors, of powers to sit on the CBN Board and approve annual budgets for the bank’s spending. The House and the Senate have been in the trenches to strip the CBN principals of powers to propose and approve budgets for the apex bank, without the approval of the National Assembly, as prescribed in section 80 of the 1999 Constitution. Though the CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has on several occasions argued that by virtue of section 14 and other

sections of the CBN Act, the bank does not need approval of its spending by the legislature, the parliament has continued to insist that the CBN statute is subservient to the 1999 Constitution that prescribes otherwise in section 80. The House Committee on Banking and Currency, chaired by Hon. Jones Onyereri (PDP/ Imo), yesterday issued a notification of a public hearing on “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 to Appoint a Person Other Than the Central Bank of Nigeria, Exclude Deputy Governors and Directors as Members of the Board, Divest the Board of the Power of Consideration and Approval of the Annual Budget of the Bank.” The hearing, according

to the notice by Hon. Onyereri, will be conducted by the “House of Representatives Joint Committee on Banking and Currency and Justice.” He stated that the Joint Committee “will conduct a one-day public hearing on the above bill, will be declared open by the Hon. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.” Earlier, both chambers of the National Assembly had passed a bill proposing to divest the CBN boss of powers to approve budgets of CBN without resort to the National Assembly. The bill, however, generated a lot of controversy, as the CBN governor insisted that dependence of CBN on the parliament for budget approvals will spur fiscal instability in the country.

He explained that a situation where budgets for an institution responsible for the fiscal policy of a country like Nigeria are subjected to politicians’ whims, economic anarchy is inevitable. But the House and the Senate have stuck to their guns, insisting that a review of the Act is long overdue to render the CBN accountable for what they think is its frivolous spending. Some sections of the public are also split on the matter. While others think that the CBN needs to be more accountable to the people through their representatives at the National Assembly, others think the National Assembly is just meddling to get back at Mr. Sanusi who has constantly accused the parliament of frivolous spending.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

UNIPORT 4: We were helpless –Police CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

nalists in Abuja yesterday that police investigation led to the arrest of one Alhaji Hassan Welewa, 59, the Traditional Ruler of Omukiri Community, Aluu where the heinous incident took place and 18 others, some of who are members of the vigilance group of the community. He did not however give the details of the other two suspects which brought the figure to 21. Mohammed who was represented by the Deputy Force Public Relations, Frank Mba said: “Intelligence report implicated Al-

haji Hassan Welewa, as being the person who incited the mob to unleash terror on the victims.” According to him, further investigation conducted by the police indicates that four suspects, namely: Felemo Solomon, Cynthia Chinwo, Ozioma Abajuo and Chigozie Samuel Evans have been closely linked to the incident. He also said 28-year-old Segun Lawal, one of those arrested, was picked up by detectives who clearly identified him in a video clip available to the police but explained that the force has not been able to

track down the person who recorded the incident. “Findings have revealed that the victims had gone to the area where they met their unfortunate death earlier that morning to demand for money allegedly owed them by Coxson Lelebori Lucky, alias ‘Bright’, who raised a false alarm that the victims were armed robbers. Although, Coxson has gone underground, detectives are on his trail. “Investigation is ongoing with efforts being intensified to track down others who are involved in the incident. Those who are found

culpable shall be prosecuted. “Meanwhile, massive deployment of Policemen has been made to the area, including detectives to assist the State Police Command. Normalcy has been restored in the area, while the situation, especially in the University and other tertiary institutions are being closely monitored with a view to forestalling any reactions. “Efforts are being intensified to establish the motive(s) behind this crime, arrest all who may be directly or indirectly connected with the crime and eventu-

ally bring all indicted persons to book. “I wish to use this medium to advice and appeal to Nigerians to see it as their civic obligation in the fight against crime and criminality, to assist security agencies in the discharge of their responsibility. Security is everybody’s responsibility and so, should not be left in the hands of security agencies alone. The maximum cooperation of the public is needed to ensure that Nigeria is safe for all. “More so, it is criminal and against the laws of the land and those that do so

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

L-R: Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Secretary-General, International Communication Union, Mr. Hamadoun Toure and Mr. R. Jafari at the ongoing ITU Telecom World Conference in Dubai yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Oil magnate, Uba, four others denied bail CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

on the grounds of the submission by the police authorities. It will be recalled that a Lagos Chief Magistrate, Martins Owumi, of Tinubu Magistrate’s Court last Thursday remanded Uba and seven others in the SFU custody till October 31, 2012. The magistrate’s order was sequel to the application made by the police to remand the eight persons in prison on the grounds that the police authorities suspected them to have committed the offence of economic sabotage against the nation. Ubah was docked along with four other persons before Owumi and were ordered to be remanded in custody. They are Nsikan Usoro (Head of Trading), Chibuzor Ogbuokiri (General Manager), Godfrey Okorie

(Depot Manager) and Orji Anayo. Three other oil dealers were docked before the magistrate and were remanded. They are the Managing Director of Matrix Energy Ltd, Mr. Abdulkabir Aliu; Yusuf Oyolola and Adewale Akinde. At the proceedings yesterday, lawyer to Uba and the four others, Joseph Nwobike (SAN), argued their bail applications brought ex-parte. He said before Justice Abang that the action of the police in detaining his clients since October 9, upon an invitation was reprehensible and constituted a violation of their rights. Nwobike said: “The action of the respondents is reprehensible, barbaric and a clear contravention of Section 36 (4)(5)(a)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.” He, therefore, prayed the court to release them im-

mediately. Justice Abang stated that the order sought was impossible and that it would be better to hear the respondents before taking any decision on the issue. The judge ordered that the ex-parte motion should be converted to motion on notice in compliance with the provisions of Order 26 Rule 10 of the Federal High Court Procedure Rules. Justice Abang also directed that the respondents should be put on notice with a time frame of 12noon yesterday for the respondents to file their response to the motion on notice. In a similar development, Aliu and two others that were also remanded last Thursday by Chief Magistrate Owumi had also filed an application to enforce their fundamental human rights at the Federal High Court.

In the said application, they are praying the court among a number of reliefs which included a declaration that their continued arrest and detention constitute a violation of their rights to personal liberty, respect and dignity of human persons and freedom of movement guaranteed under Sections 35, 34 and 41 respectively of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and Articles 6, 5 and 12 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Right(Ratification and Enforcement) Act and therefore illegal, unconstitutional, null and void. Also yesterday, a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, ordered that Abdullahi Alao, son of the Ibadan based-businessman, Alhaji Abdulazeez ArisekolaAlao, should remain in the custody of Economic and CONTINUED ON PAGE 7>>

will surely be made to face the full wrath of the law. “In addition, the IGP appeals to citizens who might have information torching on this and other on-going Police investigation not to hesitate in turning over such information to the Nigeria Police Force. “May I assure Nigerians that the Police Force will do everything legitimate, within its capacity, to ensure that perpetrators of these dastardly acts at Aluu in Rivers State are identified and made to face the law,” said Mba.

State House overhead to gulp N7.48bn the First Lady; including 25 personal aides; two members of the National Assembly; five ministers; two governors and 63 officials of various ministries. Six days after the Brazil trip which some analysts believed should have been shelved in view of the huge loss of lives and property associated with the Damaturu bombings but which the President said he had no regret for embarking on, he again on June 27 embarked on another one-day trip to Brussels, Belgium, for the Summit of the World Customs Organisation. He was said to have been accompanied by at least 57 officials and aides. From Brussels, the President’s wife, Dame Patience, crossed to Maryland, United States of America to attend the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s First Ladies “Youth Infusion” Summit in Annapolis. She was said to be accompanied by 36 people, including 18 aides, four wives of governors and 14 associates. Between June and September this year, the President had embarked on not less six similar trips to African and foreign countries ostensibly to promote Nigeria’s and other continental interests. Each of the trips also had a large retinue of officials, aides and other political associates. Although the President had proposed a budget with a fiscal deficit in the 2013 Budget which would improve to about 2.17 per cent of GDP compared to 2.85 per

cent in 2012, there are indications that there could be improvement if the provisions for recurrent expenditure in the budget, including local and foreign trips by government officials, are reduced. He specifically promised when he laid the Appropriation Bill before the National Assembly to reduce the cost of governance and consolidate on the fiscal gains of the 2012 budget implementation by ensuring macroeconomic stability, job creation and infrastructure adequacy, amongst other projected benefits. President Jonathan had said: “We will remain prudent with our fiscal resources but also ensure that the Nigerian economy keeps growing and creating jobs. To this end, the government will continue with the medium-term theme and interventions that are consistent with the objectives of the Transformation Agenda”. On the macroeconomic stability thrust of the Appropriation Bill, the President explained that, “one key plank upon which our economic transformation is based is the achievement of macroeconomic stability”, adding that his administration has made significant progress in putting the finances of the nation on a sound footing and laying the foundation for rapid and sustainable growth and that it will stay focused on maintaining macroeconomic stability in Nigeria. The about N2.6bn proposed for transport and travels excludes another N430. 5 million budgeted for maintenance of motor vehicle/ transport equipment as well.

News

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Again, NNPC blames fuel shortage on pipeline vandalism CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

ong queues, which appeared in many petrol stations across the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja on Sunday remained yesterday as motorists scrambled for the scarce commodity. But the Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Fidel Pepple, said the corporation had enough products, adding that the periodic shortage was a reflection of the fact that the vandalised Arepo pipeline had not been fully restored. He said the corporation resorted to conveying the products by trucks to different parts of the country. According to him, until the vandalised Arepo pipeline is restored there will always be periodic shortages because the volume of products being distributed has dropped owing to the shutdown of the pipeline, which is a major distribution channel. Pepple, however, reassured that the shortage would not last long as the corporation had increased its trucking capacity to bridge the gap arising from high

Money laundering: Ukiri, exNBA VP remanded in prison

Ukiri, through his counsel, Austine Efe Ojekudo, PORT HARCOURT yesterday pleaded not opment yesterday, reports not sell to non-registered demand in some parts of Federal High guilty and made a bail apthat unlike Sunday when customers. the country. Court sitting in plication, which the EFCC He said: “All these He said: “We have petrol stations were virPort Harcourt lawyers requested 48 products. The shortage is tually empty, most of the queues are deliberately presided over by Justice hours to react to. because the Arepo pipe- stations in the metropolis caused by the station U. N. Agoumoh yesterday Ruling on matter, Agoumanagers. Now you have line is still shutdown, and had long queues. remanded former Vice moh adjourned hearing At NNPC Depot at Aba- to register to buy petrol, we have some constraints President of the Nigerian on the bail application to trucking the products cha Road in Karu, a sub- especially in times of Bar Association, NBA, Mr. Thursday, and ordered to different parts of the urb of Abuja, the station scarcity like this. If your Emonena Blessing Ukiri, the former NBA chieftain was so overcrowded that name is not in their regcountry.” in prison until his applica- to be remanded in prison The Abuja residents soldiers were dispersing ister, they will not sell to tion for bail is determined custody till then. may be in for another people with whip, other- you when there is scaron October 18. According to the charge city.” period of fuel scarcity wise known as koboko. Ukiri is standing trial sheet with number FHC/ Also, many fuel staA taxi driver, who as long queues remained in a money laundering PH/247c/2012, Ukiri was yesterday in major petrol spoke with our corre- tions within the metropocharge brought against accused of transferring spondent, said things lis did not have product to stations across the city. him by the Economic and over N20.4m from his UBA Our correspondent, were made worse because sell as some of them were Financial Crimes Com- account to his Diamond who monitored the devel- some of the stations did shutdown. mission, EFCC. Bank account, claiming that the money was from a judgment in favour of one Samuel Onowighose paid by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, on April 3, 2007 “with the aim of disguising the origin of the money and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 14 (1 )(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004 and punishable under Section 14 (1) of the same Act”. The other two charges all revolve around the same accusation of committing money laundering misdemeanours by transferring monies, at different dates with 2007, of over N11m and N4.9m derived from judgment sums paid by the CBN in favour of the same Onowighose from his UBA account to his Access Bank and Diamond L-R: Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti; Afrobeat icon, Femi Kuti and Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Bank accounts using UBA manager’s cheque in order Mr. Disun Holloway, at the opening of Kalakuta Museum in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA to disguise the origin of were registered to operate in the monies. the Nigerian capital markets Ukiri’s counsel, who with the spirit of the Pen- to our nation. Looking back to tor and Head of Unit Trust and that anyone could invest spoke with our corresponsions Reform Act, PRA, 2004, the years of the global finan- Division, Mr. Isyaku Tilde, in them. dent, expressed confidence According to him, this cat- in the judicial process, pointed out that following the cial crisis, I believe Nigeria as spoke on the opportunities implementation of the Pen- a country was able to cope a for wealth creation inher- egory of investment options assuring that his client’s sion Reforms, many Nigeri- little better because there was ent in collective investment has sturdiness and resistance innocence would be estabschemes, disclosing that cur- to volatility in prices which is lished after the proceedans would now retire better some savings for rainy days.” The SEC Deputy Direc- rently 42 such funds/schemes the worry of investors in the ings. than their parents because of capital markets. the level of savings that had before it was brought bebeing made towards their refore you. I have no knowltirement. She said: “Today we have Abdul Kafarati, held that suit on behalf of Okoli, edge of it.” I SE -O LUWA I GE Kafarati, however, asked more than N2.7trn savings ABUJA his decision followed a asking the court to stop Nzelu and Okoli to go and for retirement since 2004. formal request by the pur- Jonathan from acting on put their houses in order Federal High ported plaintiff denying the recommendation sent This is significant not just before September 22, the Court sitting in authorising the filing of because we have saved for reto him by the National Junext adjourned date. Abuja yesterday the case. tirement but also because of dicial Council, NJC. The court also asked the money that is available to terminated a suit allegA mild drama played When the matter came Nzelu to ensure the 2nd create more wealth in Nige- edly filed by a legal prac- out in Kafarati’s court- up in court and parties in defendant, Salami, was ria. This money can be used titioner, Mr. Wilfred Okoli, room on June 19, when the the matter were to enter served and render report for developing infrastruc- seeking to stop President supposed plaintiff, Okoli, appearances, Okoli swiftly of service to the court on ture, can be used for support- Goodluck Jonathan from stormed the court to say got up and said he was not the next adjourned date. ing the development of our reinstating the suspended that he had no knowledge aware of the suit filed in However, Okoli formally capital market. So the effect is President of the Court of of the suit filed in his his name. applied to court to disconAppeal, Justice Isa Ayo Sa- name. numerable. He said: “My lord, I am tinue further hearing on “I believe that savings mo- lami. An Abuja-based lawyer, not aware of this suit. My the suit on September 22. The trial judge, Justice Amobi Nzelu, had filed the consent was never sought bilisation is absolutely critical

CHINEDUM EMEANA

SEC’ll firm regulatory framework for investments –Oteh TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

he Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has taken steps to tighten the regulations for operators of Collective Investment Scheme, CIS, to safeguard the system from fraudsters. The commission’s Director-General, Ms. Arunma Oteh, who disclosed this yesterday during the SEC Nigeria Learning Series lecture in Abuja, urged the investing public who suffered losses during the stock market crash to embrace the CIS as means of returning to investing. Oteh, who stressed the need for Nigerians to embrace the culture of savings for post-retirement life in line

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Court throws out anti-Salami suit

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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Female stockbroker charged with N41m theft FRANCIS FAMOROTI

30- year-old stock broker, Mrs. Ibukun Adebayo Adedayo, has been charged with theft of about N41 million before Justice Habeeb Abiru of an Ikeja High Court, Lagos. The defendant, in the information filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was said to have stolen the funds, which be-

Felabration: Participants blame societal vices on poor parenting

longed to one Mrs. Olajumoke Obafemi. The EFCC alleged that the defendant, who trained as a medical doctor, stole the money from the account of Mrs. Olajumoke Obafemi with Ventures and Trust Limited between June and December 2008. Adedayo was said to have stolen the money when she was the Head of Structured Financial Group of Ventures and Trust Limited. In the charge preferred against her, Adebayo was charged with 24-count of stealing, fraud, fraudulent conversion of money, uttering and forgery. The EFCC said the of-

fences of stealing, forgery, uttering the anti graft agency were contrary to sections 390, 467, 468 of the Criminal Code Cap 17, Vol. 2, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003. Part of the charge reads : “That Ibukun Adebayo Adedayo on or about the 13th of June, 2008 stole and fraudulently converted the sum of N7,000,000, property of one Mrs. Olajumoke Obafemi in her account with Ventures and Trust Limited.” The defendant was also being accused of fraudulent conversion of N6.5 million property of Mrs. Olajumoke Obafemi said to have been debited from

her account with Ventures and Trust Limited and credited same to the account of Manamachi Technobuild Services with Zenith Bank Plc. The prosecution said the offence was committed on or about on August 4, 2008. The defendat was also said to have on or about the 5th of October, 2008 stole and converted N7,300,000 property of Mrs. Olajumoke Obafemi, which sum you debited from her account with Ventures and Trust Limited and credited same to the account of Manamachi Technobuild. Services with Zenith Bank Plc and converted same.

Other charges are: “That Ibukun Adedayo with intent to defraud forged email instructions of Mrs. Olajumoke Obafemi to make two cheques, one for N6 million payable to Manamachi Technobuild Services and another for the balance payable to the said Mrs. Olajumoke Obafemi. “That Ibukun Adedayo on or about 6th October, 2008 with intent to defraud knowingly and fraudulently uttered forged email instructions dated 6th of October of Mrs. Olajumoke Obafemi to make cheque N7,300,000 million payable to Manamachi Technobuild Services as genuine.”

ADEBIMPE OLATUJA

peakers yesterday gathered for the fourth Fela Debate, a symposium which has become a staple part of the annual Felabration festivities. They decried the loss of moral ethics in society partly as fallout of failed parenting. Felabration holds between October 15 and 21. It is a week-long international showpiece which celebrates Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the legendary Afrobeat multi-instrumentalist and composer credited with birthing an ingenious music genre. The symposium entitled: “Corruption and generation next,” took place at NECA House Auditorium in Ikeja, Lagos. Discussants included Ndidi Nwuneli, Sefi Atta, Micheal Veal and Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, who highlighted the role Fela would have played in addressing corrupt practices in Nigeria. The chairman/moderator of the event and foremost art patron, Om’oba Yemisi Shyllon, began with a speech about the life and times of Fela and his utmost impact in Nigeria through music. “’Fela-sophy’ is about speaking out. The churches and mosques are part of our problem in this country because their level of corruption is high,” Shyllon said.

Displaced persons, mostly nursing mothers and their children, at the rehabilitation camp at Catholic Arch-Diocese of Onitsha in Anambra State, yesterday.

Oil magnate, Uba, four others denied bail CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, custody, pending hearing of his bail application. Alao had been arraigned by the EFCC with four other entities. These are OpeyemiAjuyah, Majope Investment Limited, Axenergy Limited and OlanrewajuOlalusi They were all arraigned over their alleged involvement in the N1.1bn fuel subsidy scam alleged to have taken place on February 14, 2011. In the six-count charge dated September 26, 2012, the defendants were accused of conspiracy, obtaining by false pretences and of documents. They were specifically said to have conspired amongst themselves to obtain the sum of

N1,110,049,444.35, from the Federal Government of Nigeria by falsely claiming that the sum represented subsidy accruing to them under the Petroleum Support Fund for the importation into Nigeria of 15,206.733 metric tons of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS. At the proceedings yesterday, the court ordered that Alao and OlanrewajuOlalusi are to remain in the custody of the EFCC pending the hearing of their bail application fixed for October 17, 2012, while the court however granted bail to OpeyemiAjuyah. Justice LateefatOkunnu granted Ajuyah bail in the sum of N75m with two sureties in like sum after hearing of her application for bail. The court was unable to hear the bail applications

filed by Alao and Olafusi, as EFCC sought for time to file counter-affidavits to their applications. The court had fixed October 19 for the hearing of the applications after the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge against them. Ajuyah’sdefence team was led by Femi Falana (SAN), who alleged that EFCC’s counter-affidavit to his client’s bail application was speculative. In her ruling, Justice Okunnusaid that “the EFCC’s assertion that she will jump bail is bereft of any evidence.” “It is the duty of the prosecution to show that the defendant is not entitled to bail as she is presumed to be innocent,” Justice Okunnu declared. The court ordered that her two proposed sureties

must be gainfully employed and resident in Lagos. The court added that one of the sureties must be a director of a public or private company. In another development, the EFCC will today arraign three new suspects before a Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Abuja. Those to be arraigned are HelynAninye, Chizobam Ben-Okafor and PonSpecialised Services Limited. The trio will be docked on an 18-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence. They allegedly obtained N1, 413, 507. 951. 50 from the Federal Government as subsidy from the PSF, purportedly for the importation of 15,000 metric tonnes of PMS.

US-Nigeria bilateral commission meeting kicksoff in P’Harcourt

he Unites StatesNigeria Bilateral Commission meeting will kick-off today in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. The two-day meeting of the commission, which was set up in April, 2010, to expand mutual cooperation especially in seven strategic economic areas including energy , Niger Delta and regional cooperation, agriculture, Gulf of Guinea , etc will hold between October 16 and 17, 2012 The Deputy Secretary of State for US, Mr. William Burns and two assistant secretaries would be leading the US delegation to the meeting. Speaking on some of the issues the meeting hopes to deliberate upon, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, said the meeting would be reviewing progress made in the critical areas such as good governance, transparency, food security, Niger Delta and regional cooperation and free and fair elections by both countries. She said: “Anyone who knows about the commission and its activities would know that important issues especially those bordering on good governance, transparency, food security, Niger Delta and regional cooperation, free and fair elections, would be on the front burner. The meeting would be reviewing progress made in the critical areas by both countries”. Describing the choice of Port Harcourt as the host city for the commission’s meeting as an endorsement on success recorded by Governor RotimiAmaechi’s administration at making Rivers State a place of peace and security, the commissioner said: “Port Harcourt has become a choice destination, hosting various national and international summits and conferences and many already see this as an endorsement by the world that Port Harcourt is a safe and peaceful city”.

South-West

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

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Arowolo: Suspect stabbed wife 76 times, says pathologist K AYODE KETEFE

Pathologist from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa, testified yesterday in the ongoing trial of a man alleged to have murdered his wife. Obafunwa told the judge that the autopsy carried on the deceased revealed that she had a minimum of 76 stab wounds that were inflicted on her by someone.

Kolade Arowolo had been arraigned by the police for having murdered his wife, a former Skye bank worker, Titilayo Omozoje. Prof Obafunwa spoke as he was being led in evidence by the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution, Mrs. Olabisi Ogungbesan, before Justice Lateefa Okunnu of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja. The pathologist revealed that he conducted both external and internal examination of the de-

ceased’s body during autopsy and that he noticed multiple stab wounds and some incised wounds involving her chest, arm and abdomen. He also said he found various wounds consistent with wounds from sharp weapon with a single edge blade as well as a double edge blade. These wounds, Prof Obafunwa added, affected the left eye, right eye, upper chest area, right chest and collar bone left armpit also included a 10 x 5cm rectangular area that has multiple

individual injuries on the left side of her chest and breast over lying the heart Obafunwa supported his testimony with slides of pictures on a Compact Disc. He added that the chest wall of the deceased was lost due to multiple stab wounds, saying there was damage to the diaphragm, left side of the liver, breast area and repeated stab wounds to the lungs and injuries. He said his forensic investigations revealed that the injuries could not have been self-inflicted as the

penetration was from the chest to the back and there were stab wounds to the stomach wall. The final result of the autopsy, according to him, is that the death was caused by multiple injuries in the chest and abdomen due to multiple sharp and long force trauma. He also identified an alleged weapon which he confirmed was consistent with some of the wounds on the deceased body. On his examination of the deceased’s husband, Prof. Obafunwa stated that

there were wounds on his hand and abdomen and he also had a limping gait, which he said might have been caused by his jumping to the ground from the fourth floor He, however, added that the 12 injuries he examined were not penetrating, but superficial and two of them might fall into the category of defence wounds though not all the injuries fall into the time frame the incident was said to have occurred as they might have been on the body earlier.

Daniel didn’t threaten witness’ life –Police FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun (right) and Chairperson, Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Mrs. Amaka Okoye, during a courtesy visit by the executives of POWA to the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta recently.

Fayemi promises more funds for healthcare ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

kiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has promised to increase healthcare funding with a view to enhance service delivery to residents. Fayemi spoke yesterday while commissioning a multi-million naira accident and emergency ward, a laboratory and a male surgical ward at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in Ado- Ekiti and other healthcare facilities. The governor also commissioned seven ambulances bought for some secondary health facilities, which he immediately handed over to the officials of the health facilities and the representatives of the communities. While the accident and emergency ward and the

laboratory with standard equipment cost N190.5 million, the newly renovated male surgical ward cost N51.5 million. The seven ambulances with in-built state-of-the-art intensive care gadgets were valued at N119 million. Fayemi described the

projects as a further step at fulfilling his administration’s desire to deliver robust healthcare services to the people. He said that his administration had released N12.1 million for the reroofing of the theatre complex of the teaching

hospital. According to him, the administration made tremendous impact on the health of the residents through financial assistance to them and provision of necessary tools and equipment to boost healthcare delivery.

Amosun hailed for increasing teachers’ allowance

wo unions in the education sector in Ogun State have praised the government for its upward review of rural allowance to teachers and the increment in the running cost for public primary and secondary schools. Governor Ibikunle Amosun had during this year’s celebration of the World Teachers’ Day announced the approval of some incentives to teachers in both public primary

and secondary schools. Speaking in an interview, President of the All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Alhaji Dejo Kadiri said the gesture was a further confirmation of the governor’s readiness to develop education. Kadiri said that the gesture would spur teachers to be more dedicated to work, adding that the increment in running cost would ensure that the schools are

better administered. In the same vein, Chairman of the Non- Academic Staff Union (NASU) in the state, Mr. Bayonle Lasisi, commended the giant strides taken by government so far in the education sector. He said: “It is our belief in NASU that for government to deem it fit to approve these allowances, government has indeed boosted their confidence in both teaching and nonteaching staff.”

s the trial of former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel resumed yesterday at the High Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, the state capital, the police absolved the former governor of allegation of threat to the life of the Principal Witness (PW1), Babajide Adeluola. At the last adjourned date, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) told the court that PW1 was not in court because his life was being threatened. The development prompted the trial judge, Justice Olanrewaju Mabekoje, to order the Ibara Divisional Police Officer

(DPO) to investigate the allegation. But at the resumed trial yesterday, Justice Mabekoje announced the receipt of the report on the investigation. He said the report indicated that there was no time when the life of Adeluola was threatened directly or indirectly before, during and after the proceedings, urging the two parties to consider the matter as closed and that nobody should bring the matter up again. But counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs, faulted the police report on the ground that forensic analysis was not carried out on Adeluola’s phone to determine whether his life was actually threatened or not.

Abduction: We demanded N200m from Osun Speaker –Kidnappers FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

our persons arrested in connection with the kidnapping of Mrs. Muibat Salaam, wife of the Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, confessed that they expected the Speaker to raise N200 million ransom before they could release their victim. One of the suspected kidnappers, Chukwudi Okereke, who spoke with journalists yesterday at the Eleweran Headquarters of the Ogun State Police Command, said that Speaker Najeem Salaam actually offered them N25 million for his abducted wife to be released which they considered too meager for the status of the victim.

The 25-year-old Okereke, who was paraded alongside three other members of his kidnap gang yesterday, said that the gang had actually struck a deal with the Speaker before luck ran out on them. Other members of the gang are Chukwuma Usifo (28), Ogbole Ochijele (42) and Okonkwo Lucky (27). They will be transferred to the Osun State Police Command to face further investigation. Addressing journalists on the arrest of the suspects, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Okoye Ikhemefuna, said the Quick Response Squad and plain cloth policemen attached to Fidiwo area in Owode Egba Division arrested the bandits after a tip off by a vigilance group.

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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Ekiti spends N8bn on federal roads, says Fayemi ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

kiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, yesterday said that the Federal Government is owing the state government over N8billion being money spent by his administration on federal roads in the state. The governor said this even as he disclosed that the N25billion bond secured by the state from the capital market was to fund the provision of basic infrastructure needed in repositioning the state. Speaking at Ado Ekiti, during activities marking his administration’s second year in office, Governor Fayemi said the state had to take over virtually all federal roads because they had been abandoned for a long time by the Federal Government. According to the governor, over N12billion out of the N25billion bond had been expended on road construction and rehabilitation, adding that out of this, N8billion was spent on federal roads in the state. The governor described federal roads in all the states as an avenue for slush fund, noting that most of the roads have never been attended to by the Federal Government. Governor Fayemi said his government decided to go for the bond because

•As Falana urges govt to revisit political killings

there was no room for capital expenditure in the state’s monthly allocation. He said the monthly allocation from the federation account hovers around N2.5billion, while Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is N400 million, down from N600 million as a result of the new tax code. With the minimum wage, the state pays N1.7billion monthly as salary for workers, N600 million as subvention to higher institutions and agencies of government, N200 million as pension and N100 million as

social security to the elderly. The governor said the major challenge facing the state was getting enough resources to meet its obligation to the people. On plans to establish an airport in the state, the governor said that, although, it may not be a priority at the moment, the idea will pay in the long run as plans are on to make Ekiti the hub of tourism, education and agriculture. He noted that out of the six states created the same time, only Ekiti has no airport, adding that only about

N2billion would be needed to put the facility in place. He said with ongoing comprehensive work at Ikogosi, the airport will become very important to the state. “Based on investigation, Ekiti can have what we plan as airport with at least N1.5billion or N2billion; an airstrip of about two kilometres, controls tower and terminal. If I were to compare, that is what we spend in a year on our laptop per child initiative, which is N1.7billion.” Meanwhile, the state gov-

ernment has been urged to revisit all cases of political killings recorded in the state in its 16 years of existence and ensure that those found culpable face the full wrath of the law. Lagos Lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), listed World Bank Consultant and a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant, Dr Ayodeji Daramola; Mr. Tunde Omojola; and Mr. Kehinde Fasubaa, as some of the victims of political killings in the state. Falana told journalists

OSOGBO

sun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has called on the Federal Government to stop the importation of food into the country. He said that the precarious trend in which the government spends over N600bn annually on food importation should stop, while government should muster enough political will to end hunger in the country, even as he identified sustainable food production as the panacea to the nation’s heavy reliance on food importation. Aregbesola, who made the call yesterday in a statement issued by his Director of Communication and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, on the occasion of the World Food Day, said

at his Ilawe-Ekiti home that Fayemi’s insistence on the maintenance of law and order since assumption of office has curtailed criminality and breakdown of law and order. He also praised the governor for his political tolerance, expressing delight that no perceived political opponent or people with divergent opinions were being haunted the way it used to be, saying such was the highest point of development in any civilized society.

Lord Bishop, Pa Ogunleye goes home

he remains of Pa Joshua Adeyemi Ogunleye, father of Mr. Gbemiga Ogunleye, of Television Continental, will be buried on Friday, November 9, in Ayere, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. A statement from the family said the Christian Wake Keep will be held at his No 12, Oluyoro Street, Awolowo Avenue, Bodija residence on Wednesday, November 7. Ogunleye, popularly called Lord Bishop, died in his Bodija home, Ibadan on September 10. The late Ogunleye attended Ondo Boys High School and worked in the Premier’s Office in the old Western Osun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola and professor of aeronautics engineering, Prof. James Region as one of the confiFabunmi, at a dinner at the Government House, at the weekend. dential secretaries of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He was later to work as the confidential secretary to two Attorneys-General of Western State: Dr. F. A. Ajayi and National Women Conference Messrs. Ibrahim Yakowa the occasion must be used MURITALA AYINLA Dr. Lateef Adegbite. organised by the Commit- and Rauf Aregbesola will to raise the campaign for He was later transferred tee of Wives of Lagos State be special guests of honour massive food production to the defunct Western State ife of the Lagos Officials (COWLSO) held at the opening and closing as it has been done in the Court of Appeal as the perState Governor, in Combo Hall, Lagos State sessions of the conference state. sonal secretary to the court’s Mrs. Abimbola Television Agidingbi, Mrs. respectively. According to him, using President; Justic Kayode Eso. Fashola, said the children The theme of this year’s cooperative organisations Fashola, yesterday said the When new states were crewere recently at the funeral conference according to her, as the platform for organis- kids whose parents’ lives ated in 1976, he was posted ceremony of their parents, is; “Women as Leaders.” ing farmers towards their were cut short in the ill-fated to the Ondo State judiciary , Mr. Jeremiah and Josephine She said the event will empowerment; providing Dana air crash in Iju-Ishaga where he worked as the perOkechukwu and their aunty, also feature professionals; high yielding improved axis of the state are under sonal secretary to the state’s who was among those left including Prof. Ibiyemi Olagood care. seedlings and creating largChief Judge, Justice Akinola The three children, Joel, dead on ground by the crash. tunji-Bello, who will speak er marketing opportunities Aguda, before retiring in Mrs. Fashola who did not on ‘Female Leadership Valwill further enhance the Chisom and Esther Oke1977. disclose their present loca- ues’ while Prof. Sophie Olucapacities of the farmers to chukwu, lost their parents on He is survived by his wife, June 3, 2012, when the ill-fated tion, assured that the chil- wole, will take participants produce more. Ebunoluwa Ogunleye, children are well taken care of. on ‘Female Leadership VirThe governor said it was Boeing McDonnell Douglas dren and grandchildren. Her words: “I believe you tues,’ among others. high time that the country (MD -83) crashed into buildare talking about Joel, ChiShe stressed that the anings in the neighbourhood, produced what it would eat, som and Esther, trust me the nual national conference killing scores of residents thus stressing the need for children are doing well and was initiated to serve as a government to invest heav- including all the passengers in good hands.” platform for Nigerian womon board. ily on agriculture so as to On the forthcoming con- en to gather once a year to But, the state Governor , be able to produce food masference slated for Tuesday, exchange ideas on issues of sively for our own consump- Mr. Babatunde Fashola, had 30 October, to Thursday, common concern; COLWSO since taken custody of the tion. November 1, 2012 at the Eko had been able to positively kids orphaned by the tragedy . His words: “Nigeria must Hotels and Suites, the gov- impact in the lives of womResponding to questions be able to produce its own ernor’s wife said Governors en and children across the by journalists during a press food needs as a nation that of Kaduna and Osun States, county. conference heralding the 12th can’t feed itself is doomed.” Pa Ogunleye

Stop food importation Dana crash victim’s orphans now, Aregbesola tells FG in safe hands –Fashola WALE FOLARIN

South East

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

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50 snakes killed in Anambra LG secretariat NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

t least about 50 snakes have been killed in the secretariat of Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State. The snakes, killed by the council workers in Atani, were said to be running from the flood. The Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Transition Committee, Mr. Steve Chukwuma, disclosed this in his office at the weekend when the Ogirishi Igbo, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, and members of the Ogirishi Igbo Foundation visited him to donate relief materials. He also said so far about five people had drowned in the flooded coastal areas of the local government. Chukwuma, who commended Ezeonwuka for his visit, disclosed that the flood had cut off about 10 communities, including Ogwuikpele, Akili Ogidi, Obagwa, Osamala, Umunankwo, Ogwuaniocha, Mputu, Ogbakuba, among others. Presenting the relief materials, including drugs and food items to the chairman, Ezeonwuka expressed

Chime hale, hearty, says commissioner DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

nugu State Government has dismissed reports that Governor Sullivan Iheanacho Chime was ill and was being treated abroad. The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chuks Ugwoke, who made the denial, said the governor was hale and hearty. Ugwoke said Chime was on vacation, the first since he was sworn into office five years ago. He said contrary to the claim that the governor’s last public appearance was on September 9, Chime actually presided over the State Executive Council meeting on September 18, where he announced to all the members that he was proceeding on his annual leave and constitutionally handed over the reins of power to his deputy, Sunday Onyebuchi, as acting governor.

•Flood claims five people shock at the extent of damage caused by the flood and called for more assistance to the victims. He, however, predicted that the flood would usher in rapid and spiritual rejuvenation among Nigerians at the end of the day, adding that, “I see this disaster as a

sign of good omen coming to Nigeria.” Ezeonwuka had earlier visited Ihiala Local Government where he also donated relief materials to the Chairman of the Transition Committee, Hon. Chinedu Ukachukwu, for distribution to flood victims.

Speaking shortly before he led the visitors to Umudara camp for the displaced people, Ukachukwu commended Ezeonwuka and members of the foundation for their magnanimity. Meanwhile, sympathisers have continued to troop to the camps in various parts of Anambra State where the flood victims are

taking refuge. It was learnt that about five people visit each of the camps on a daily basis with relief materials such as food items, drugs and in some cases, cash. There are about 21 refugee camps scattered all over the state, including Fr. Joseph Memorial School, Aguleri; Bishop Crowther

Memorial Primary School, Onitsha; Ogbaru Local Government Secretariat, Atani; St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Umudara, Ihiala, and others at Nzam, Anambra West Local Government Area, Awba-Ofemili and Ugbenu in Awka North Local Government Area, as well as Umerum, Omor and Anaku in Ayamelum council.

Govt vows to sanitise Enugu physical development DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

L-R: Archbishop Valerian Okeke; Bishop Henry Okeke, Anglican Bishop of Mbamili Diocese and Anambra State Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Ngozika Okoye, during the donation of relief materials to flood victims in Anambra State.

Nigeria needs transformational servant leadership –Ekweremadu CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

mixture of the noble qualities of servant leadership championed by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and the transformational leadership being promoted by President Goodluck Jonathan is what Nigeria needs to prosper as a country. The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who said this yesterday, added that a mixture of these two key leadership concepts would give Ni-

geria a transformational servant leadership which would make it flourish as an independent state. Ekweremadu suggested the adoption of a new leadership concept for Nigeria while delivering a special lecture in Awka entitled: “The Political Ideology of the Great Zik of Africa and the Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria,” organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council. The lecture was in honour of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, former nationalist, politician and Owelle of

Onitsha. The Deputy Senate President said that Nigerian leaders should embrace the sterling leadership qualities of Zik, especially as enunciated in the philosophy of Zikism. He said: “Nigeria needs leadership at all levels and sectors that is patriotic, knowledgeable, selfless, incorruptible, with a strength of character, value and moral content as well as uncompromising team selection.” Ekweremadu also disclosed that as part of the measures to enhance na-

tional unity and integration, the National Assembly would repeal all the provisions in the constitution, like the ones on state of origin, which encouraged ethnicity and nepotism, in the ongoing constitution amendment process. He described as sad and unacceptable a situation whereby decades after the Great Zik had by practical terms shown the light on how to make Nigeria great, the country was still unable to manage its diversities and rise to become a true state.

Court reinstates three UNN students DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

he Federal High Court 2, Enugu, presided over by Justice D. V. Aghisi, yesterday ordered the immediate reinstatement of three student union leaders of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN.

The students were expelled in the aftermath of the students’ violent protest of January 16, 2010. The reinstated students are Samuel Ani, a final year student of Library and Information Science and the Deputy Clerk of the Students Union Senate; Daniel Alagboso, a final year Pharmacy student and

chairman, Senate Committee on Staff and Students Relationship of the Student Union Senate; and Maxwell Akwuruoha, a final year Biochemistry student and a member of the Student Union House of Representatives. Delivering her judgement, the trial judge said that after listening to the

argument of the applicants’ counsel, O. A. Omotayo, and counsel to the respondents, Chief Ejike Umeh (SAN), and after taking a careful look at all the processes and the evidence before the court, she was of the view that the Administrative Panel constituted by the respondents did not give the applicants a fair hearing.

he Enugu State Capital Development Authority, ECDA, has reiterated government’s determination to bring sanity into the development of infrastructure in the state. The Commissioner for ECDA, Mr. Iyke Ugwuegde, said the authority was perturbed by the indiscriminate erection of buildings, shanties, lock-up shops and unauthorised business premises within Enugu metropolis and environs. In an interview with our correspondent, Ugwuegde said the demolition exercise embarked upon by the authority which had claimed many businesses, churches, residential houses, shops and fences was in line with efforts to restore the master plan of the city. The commissioner urged the people to realise that physical development on land must be in conformity with what the land was intended for in line with existing town planning, building standards and documentation procedures. He disclosed that the total development area for a public building as stipulated by town planning regulations in the state was 33 per cent.

Chime

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Retired S’Court justice to head Delta’s flood committee AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

etermined to tackle the challenges posed by the floods that have displaced thousands of persons in the coastal communities of Delta State, a retired Supreme Court Justice, Francis Tabaire, has been penciled down to head the committee that would oversee the Federal Government’s N500 million assistance to the state.

State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who disclosed this yesterday during a press conference held at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, said in a few days, the committee would be inaugurated. The governor said the committee will be headed by Justice Francis Tabaire, retired justice of the Supreme Court. “The committee shall be drawn from the NBA, civil society, NUJ and others.

“As soon as I am through with all necessary consultations, the committee will be inaugurated. This committee will also be charged with post flood arrangements, they will advise government on post flood ideas and on what to do.” According to the governor, no amount of money would be too much to spend on the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in making sure a certain level of

comfort is obtained. “Even if I have to spend all the money in the state for the flood victims, I will do it just to make them feel comfortable, considering where they are coming from and what they are passing through now.” Uduaghan said some affected persons might not be allowed to return to their former homes which might not be habitable when the water recedes, stressing that if the current situation at

hand is not properly managed, famine is inevitable in the land. “We don’t have a confirmed strategy in place yet on agricultural measures for post flooding.” While giving account of the 18 camps set up by government to accommodate the displaced persons across the state, Uduagahan said as at now, a total of seven persons have been officially confirmed dead and a total of over 42, 271 persons were displaced

across the state. He said the aim of government with these camps is to provide basic amenities such as medical, food, shelter, security, among others. The governor, however, noted that the situation has been challenging and that his government and Anambra State have been able to reach out to the United Nations for assistance and in no distance time succour would be coming from the UN.

Panic over rape cases in Bayelsa relief camps EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

here was fear among female folks in some relief camps occupied by the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, following rising cases of rape cases recorded in the area. Investigation by National Mirror yesterday revealed that at least five cases of rape were recorded at the relief camp located at the Bishop Dimieri Grammar School (BDGS) in the state capital. There are strong indications that the coordinators of the camps are working out modalities to separate the male from their female counterparts in the halls to ensure sanity in the area. It was gathered that some of the suspects were caught in the act at night after their helpless victims raised the alarm. Already, police authorities have arrested some suspects involved in the rape cases as investigations continued. A female source in the

camp, who did not want her name in print, told our correspondent that the rapists always accost their victims at the dark corners of the camp where they have carnal knowledge of their victims. Her words: “Women are ambushed and raped. The girls are in danger because they are constantly harassed sexually by the boys who have thrown caution to the wind. “But, the police have arrested some of the suspects. We are begging the government to find a way of separating the boys from the girls.” Another source, who simply identified himself as Timi, condemned the rape cases in the camps and appealed to the state government to distribute condoms to inmates of the camps to check possible cases of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Fidelis Odunna, confirmed the incident and said security had been stepped up at the relief camps.

Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi (left) and the team leader of Course 21 of the National Defence College, Abuja, Rear Admiral Samuel Orie, during a study tour of Anambra State, recently.

Group wants 13% oil derivation fund for oil communities SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

group, the Oil Producing Ethnic Nationalities of Delta State has asked the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution to amend the constitution in a way to ensure that allocation of the derivation fund directly gets to oil producing communities. National Mirror reliably gathered that other oil producing communi-

ties and groups of other oil producing states of the country, including Edo State, have thrown their weight behind the demand by the Delta State ethnic nationalities. In a memorandum signed by elders and leaders of the group on behalf of their people in a presentation by Senator Francis Okpozo, to the Senate Committee last Friday and made available to journalists in Benin, the communities said the

poor management of the fund has resulted in severe under-development of their communities. “There is anger in the oil and gas producing communities and except the situation is reversed, militancy might rear its head again in incalculable proportions” the communities stated in the presentation. The memorandum also called for the establishment of a Derivation Board to manage the 13 per cent derivation fund,

which they said should be composed of personalities and leaders of host communities, to manage the funds received according to the quantum of production of each ethnic nationality or community. “The derivation board will have a chairman, an executive secretary, and members of the board. We suggest that the federal and state governments should have ex-officio members each on the board.”

tippers conveying commuters UNIUYO students protest poor facilities, hike in fees FRSC threatens to arrest convert their trucks to the act. TONY ANICHEBE UYO

undreds of students of the University of Uyo yesterday took to the streets protesting the planned hike in fees by the management and the poor state of facilities in the institution. The students blocked all the routes to the university from Ikot Ekpene Road, Ekpanya Street, Ikpa Road and Itu Road. They were in combat

mood as they pelted stones at the university’s signpost in the main campus. Some of the students who spoke with National Mirror alleged that since the new Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Comfort Ekpo, took over from Prof. Akaneren Essien, a year ago, life has been difficult for students on campus. According to them, they have not been getting regular supply of water and electricity in the hostels despite the huge fees they pay. The students, who are

currently writing their semester examinations, said they have information that upon resumption next semester, fees will be hiked above 100 per cent. One of the students said; “The school will close for the current semester on October 26 and after two weeks we will resume again. We have it on good authority that the management will increase fees for accommodation and tuition and that is why we are protesting.”

EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

enceforth, tipper trucks found conveying commuters from Yenagoa to Elele in Rivers State, would be arrested by officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Command in Bayelsa State. The FRSC warned that defaulters would be prosecuted and made to face the wrath of the law if they failed to desist from

Sector Commander of the FRSC in Bayelsa State, Vincent Jack, in a statement issued in Yenagoa yesterday, decried how tipper drivers convey passengers for commercial purposes, describing it as dehumanising and unacceptable to the commission. The sector commander said the tipper drivers should not take advantage of the flooded road along Okogbe, Rivers State, to

passenger vehicles. Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the tipper drivers were thrown out of business on account of the flooding being witnessed in the state. Residents of the state were apprehensive that the flood situation may lead to the submerging of the State College of Arts and Science, Elebele, where some displaced flood victims were earlier settled.

North

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Multiple explosions kill 10 in Maiduguri AZA MSUE, INUSA NDAHI AND PRISCILLA DENNIS

en persons have been reported dead in a multiple explosions, which rocked Maiduguri, the Borno state Capital, yesterday night. The explosions, National Mirror learnt was followed by sporadic gunshots and burning of schools and telecommunication masts. The worst hit area was Gwange ward, where series of bomb blasts in the last two weeks led to the

•Death toll in Kaduna killings hits 27

killing of some personnel of the Joint Task Force, JTF, including two officers. The first blast, which occurred at about 6:30pm came few hours after the District Head of Gwange, who was killed by suspected terrorists was buried at the local cemetery amidst tight security. Deafening explosions were also heard in other parts of the Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Local Government Area as well as sporadic shootings from

both the JTF and the terrorists, a situation that led to the killing of innocent people who were rushing home for safety. A resident of Gwange told National Mirror that about 10 people were killed in the blasts and the shootings in Gwange ward alone. Another unconfirmed report had it tha tmore than 50 people were killed in the blasts and the sporadic shootings across the metropolis. Many primary schools,

including those recently renovated by Governor Kashim Shettima after they were burnt by suspected terrorists were also touched in a renew attack. Also targeted by the terrorists were telecomm masts, a situation that had thrown the entire state capital into communication breakdown. Even the MTN network which remained epileptic is now down completely as at the time of filling this report. Spokesman of the JTF,

Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa was not reachable as at the time of filling in this report. Meanwhile, the death toll from the Sunday attack in Kaduna State has risen from 25 to 27, as Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa yesterday visited Dogo Dawa community in Birnin Gwari council to condole with the victims. It was learnt that two people, who were critically injured, died between Sunday and yesterday. In a telephone interview with our correspondent over the attack update, the state Police Public Re-

lations Officer, Mallam Aminu Lawan, said no arrest had been made. He said: “No arrest has been made but I assure you we will soon arrest those responsible for the attack on those innocent people. No death has been recorded again except the 24 figure we gave out yesterday (Sunday) night. We mobilised more security to the area for search as well as protection of people there.” But Yakowa, who was on the visit with top security chiefs, told the emir that a Special Security Council meeting would be held to map out strategy of driving away the criminals from Birnin Gwari.

UNILORIN VC bows out, hands over to successor WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

Officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps during their passing-out ceremony in Jos yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

End Kaduna, Plateau massacre now, CAN tells FG

AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

he Kano State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has called on the Federal Government to find immediate but lasting solution to the conflicts ravaging Plateau and Kaduna states to save the states from extinction. The branch Chairman of CAN, Bishop Ransom Bello, who made the call, said it

was high time government invested its resources in ensuring the security of lives in both states where, according to him, human lives have been unjustly wasted. He told our correspondent that Plateau and Kaduna states were worse hit in the gun confrontation threatening the North, pointing out that a more practical step should be adopted by the government to check the dangerous trend. The bishop regretted

that Jos, once the centre of tourism, was now a shadow of itself while the North’s political capital of Kaduna had been turned to a theatre of war with both sharing same complicated background, given the ethnic and religious nature of their problems. He said: “Government must step up security to decisively deal with the situation in the two northern states to bring to an end the massacre going on there

daily.” Bello, who is the General Overseer of Calvary Life Assembly, also requested that the security agents should identify masterminds of the killings going on in the two states. He said: “The way I see it, it could be tribal, it could be religious and I see the intention to cause religious war.” Bello said members of CAN were daily fasting and praying for peace to be restored in the country.

Herdsmen kill church leader in Benue HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

church leader was reportedly killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen at Udei in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The renewed hostility has sent shivers down the spine of the inhabitants of Udei, who have deserted the town. Speaking on the development, the Parish Priest

of the St. Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Chris Utov, said: “Since last weekend we have noticed the exodus of people leaving their places of abode en-masse to seek refuge in neighbouring communities of Kadarko and Gbajimba.” Utov said a church leader (names withheld) was killed in his compound at night by the suspected Fulani herdsmen, adding that over 200 people had fled their homes

in search of security. He said: “Given the last attack by the Fulani herdsmen on Tiv farmers, it is worrisome that each time a year is coming to an end such ugly experiences always occur where there will be spilling of blood by Tiv farmers and the invading Fulani herdsmen.” The priest called on the security operatives to take urgent steps to prevent the crisis from spreading to

other parts of the state. Efforts to confirm the attack from the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel, were futile as several calls to his mobile line were not answered. Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and his Nasarawa State counterpart, Alhaji Tanko Al’Makura, had earlier met and set up modalities to resolve the lingering Fulani/ Tiv crisis.

he Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, UNILORIN, Prof. Isha’aq Oloyede, yesterday handed over to his successor, Prof. Abdulganiy Ambali. Oloyede used the occasion to address a pre-convocation press conference where he said the greatest achievement he wanted to be remembered for was that he succeeded in instilling discipline in the institution. In his valedictory speech tagged: “I thank Him (God), I thank you all,” the erstwhile VC chronicled 18-point goals he set for himself five years ago which God had helped him to achieve. These achievements, according to him, included the supply and installation of teaching and research equipment in faculties;

completion of a four-storey office complex for Information and Communication Services; construction of offices and laboratories for sugar research institutes; rehabilitation of roads; construction of a block for the Department of Nursing Services and the construction of a suspended walkway, among others. The university, he said, recorded feats in the field of sports as it hosted the West African Universities Games early in the year, where the institution was part of the best 10 in the sub-region, after constructing world standard sports facilities and installing equipment.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

SUPER TUESDAY

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Constitution review gathers momentum

Nigeria grossly in arrears of development – Tambuwal

BIYI ADEGOROYE examines the recentlyconcluded governorship debate in Ondo State.

ndo Decides’ was the title. The venue was the Ondo Cultural Centre, Akure and the time was 5pm. The event: The second round of the governorship election debate among the three musketeers Olusegun Mimiko of the Labour Party (LP), Rotimi Akeredolu of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)and Olusola Oke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In recent times, election debates have become a platform for candidates to sell themselves and their parties by articulating their programmes, with the view to gaining the confidence of the electorate and consequently motivate them to cast their votes for them. Like the ongoing presidential political debate in the United States, Ondo State’s was beamed to the global audience for this same reason in preparation for this weekend’s governorship election. From the outset of the second round of the debate, Mimiko, Akeredolu and Oke, left no one in doubt of their readiness for some fireworks, which would define the debate beyond the veneer of smiles and camaraderie they exuded. They dwelled on issues and with their peculiar variegated degrees of elocution, carriage and mystery of issues as well as exchange of tantrums and accusations, drew jeers, smirking and negative nods. Issues germane to the development of the Sunshine State took the front burner. Topmost among them were agricultural development, industrialisation, transparency and accountability in governance, unemployment, water and environmental pollution. Others were exploration of the state’s bitumen and other mineral deposits, education, rule of law, infrastructure, health, women affairs, security, leadership, sports development and vexed regional integration. Amid heavy security, the three-hour debate, organised by the Nigerian Election Debate Group (NEDG), under the chairmanship of Aremo Taiwo Alimi, in concert with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and with the endorsement of the Indepen-

L-R: Oke, Mimiko and Akeredolu at the grand finale of the Ondo State Governorship Debate in Akure last week.

Guber debate: Mimiko, Akeredolu, Oke square up dent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accorded the candidates ample time to take turns to flaunt their credentials for the position and they spared no time in this, as a prelude to the debate.

Selling themselves Each candidate took turns enunciating why he should be voted to Alagbaka House, come Saturday, October 20. Akeredolu, a one-time President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), was the first to give insight into why he is the preferred candidate to govern Ondo State. He was quick to refer to what he described as the antithetical perilous condition of the state, despite being blessed with human and material resources. A former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Akeredolu said he is not a neophyte in government. “Having transversed the length and breadth of the state, I have discovered that a lot needs to be done in the areas of rural development, robust health structure and industrialisation.” Akeredolu posed a question

TOP STORY COUNTDOWN TO

ONDO GUBER POLL October 20, 2012

DAYS TO GO to the state: “Are you better now than you were four years ago? If so, continue to support the present government. But the fact is the state is begging for true development. The state is blessed, but ironically, it is underdeveloped. I am here to take the state from the quagmire and lack of visionary leadership it has found itself. “I offer myself for service. Having gone round the 18 local governments in the state, I discovered that the state is in a perilous state. One road in three

and half years is not enough. I will open up the rural areas with roads. We need water and electricity. I will give a transparent leadership.” Mimiko, a medical doctor and the incumbent governor of the state picked the gauntlet, saying he had been engaged in the politics of the state for about 20 years, at which period he served as a cabinet member three times. He said: “First was in 1992. I was Commissioner for Health in the old Ondo State when Ekiti was a part of Ondo. I made my mark. I introduced the 24-hour pharmacy shop system that was a revolution on its own for that era. “I also served in 1999 as Commissioner for Health. And within a short time, I introduced programmes that brought health care directly to the people of the rural areas. Some of them had never had access to such treatment. It proved to be a very popular and a profound programme. I had the opportunity to be Secretary to the State Government (SSG). I made my mark.” He said at the beginning of that administration within

a short time, “we made what we considered as the roadmap to the progress of this state. The way it was implemented is another issue entirely. As the SSG, I played a pivotal role to putting things together.” From there, he alluded to his appointment as Minister of Housing and Urban Development and how his tenure was sign-posted by the creation of Nigeria’s first indigenous Building Code. “I established a social housing paradigm of development to be able to bridge the housing gap, especially for the under-privileged Nigerian. So, I am very qualified for this job. I thank the people for electing me the first time and I want to say that they should elect me again” Similarly, former Legal Adviser of the PDP, Oke, a lawyer, made a quick reference to his antecedents. He was a local government chairman, the chief law officer of the PDP, one-time Chairman of Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) and erstwhile representative of the state on the CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

Politics

COUNTDOWN TO

ONDO GUBER POLL October 20, 2012

DAYS TO GO

Why ACN cannot win Ondo election – Jonathan’s aide OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

head of the October 20 governorship election, Political Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak has ruled the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) out of the race. Fielding questions from newsmen in Abuja yesterday, Gulak said the ACN does not have political structure required to win such a big contest as a governorship election and the contest is going to be between PDP and Labour Party (LP). According to him, it is only the PDP and lately, the Labour Party that has structure in all the wards in Ondo State and rather than build political structure the ACN has been busy blowing hot air. “This contest is between PDP and the LP; ACN is not even a factor. ACN has no political structure in Ondo State. It was PDP that had structures before we lost through the judiciary. ACN has never had any structure in Ondo State, they are only making noise and they are good at making noise. When we win they will say it is scientific rigging. “LP, because it is the incumbent and in third world countries if a man is the governor he dispenses patronage and he will build structure.” He gave assurance that if the PDP emerges victorious in the election it is not going to be a winner takes all affairs as the party will engage everyone in developing the state. The presidential aide also debunked speculations linked to the camp of Governor Olusegun Mimiko that the Presidency is supporting his second term quest stressed that President Jonathan as leader of PDP cannot support any opposition candidate against the candidate of PDP. “Mimiko is a politician and a politician will do everything including dropping Mr. President’s name to win election. “

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ACN accuses INEC of partisanship AROWOSOLA OLUWATOSIN

he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has accused the Election Monitoring and Observation Unit of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of engaging in gross partisanship that is capable of ruining the credibility of the October 20 governorship poll in Ondo State. National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in a statement made available to National Mirror yesterday stated that the party specifically accused the unit of colluding with the ruling Labour Party (LP) in the state to remove from the list of accredited election observers, certain groups it deemed not favourably

disposed towards its plan to manipulate the election. Specifically, the party noted that while INEC has de-accredited the Coalition of Democrats for Election Reforms (CODER), on the basis of a petition by LP, it has replaced CODER with Women Arise. ‘’The partisanship of Women Arise as far as the Ondo State election is concerned is glaring as the group is led by Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, wife of Mr. Yinka Odumakin, who has publicly declared his support for Governor Olusegun Mimiko in the forthcoming election. Mr. Odumakin is also a known ally of Pastor Tunde Bakare, who has also declared his support for the incumbent governor. “Another partisan group that

has been accredited by INEC to monitor the election is the Rights Monitoring Group (RMG), led by one Femi Aduwo, a visible supporter for the Labour Party in the social media. And while each Election Observer group is allowed a maximum of 100 observers, the RMG has been given over 1,500 accreditation tags by this unit, with the alleged plan that these tags will be utilised by LP thugs who will pose as RMG election observers on October 20. ‘’It is worth noting that in the midst of all this, CODER has yet to be formally communicated as to why it was de-accredited. Neither was it given the opportunity to defend itself against whatever was contained in the LP petition that INEC relied upon to de-accredit it. This is far from what is

expected from a supposedly-unbiased umpire. “Against the foregoing, we are compelled to call on INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega, who may not be privy to these shenanigans to investigate the activities of this Unit which are capable of ruining the credibility of the electoral body, and act decisively and appropriately. “The same unit is said to have compromised INEC by colluding with some political parties in past elections as it reportedly supplied thugs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with accreditation tags for the 2010 governorship election in Anambra State. “The fake election observers were subsequently arrested by security agents and the case is pending at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Awka, with no attempt made to prosecute the offenders,” ACN said. ACN also demanded the immediate de-accreditation of both Women Arise and the RMG as Election Observers for the Ondo State governorship poll, in the interest of justice and fair play in the election.

IGP to meet stakeholders tomorrow

• May redeploy CP OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan, being welcomed by the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, to his palace during the President’s visit to Ondo State for the PDP gubernatorial rally in Akure at the weekend.

PDP crisis deepens as faction sacks Agagu HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE.

he crisis in the Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took another dimension yesterday when some leaders of the party expelled some of its members for anti-party activities, especially romancing with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Speaking on behalf of the leaders, the former ambassador to Greece, Prof. Olu Agbi at a press conference in Akure said the action was taken in the best interest of the party and the people of the state. Agbi listed some of the expelled members to include former Governor Olusegun Agagu, the party chairman in the state, Ebenezer Alabi, Tayo Dairo, Olabisi Johnson, Afolabi Olabimtan and Chief Orungbemi. It will be recalled that Agbi and some other members of the party were recently expelled by the par-

ty for anti-party activities. But in a turn of event, the expelled members sacked the party executive and declared their purported expulsion as “void and of no consequence”, saying they remain bonafide members and leaders of the party. He described the state executive as illegal and lacking the power to dismiss any member of the party, saying: “The Alabi-led exco is not only illegal and existing in contempt of a valid court order that has not been set aside; every action of the so-called exco cannot stand the test of legality” Agbi added that after examining the political environment in the state, the leaders of the party observed that the governorship battle is between Governor Olusegun Mimiko and the ACN candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu and have decided to support the incumbent in his quest for a second term. Reacting to the action of the leaders, the Olusola Oke Campaign Organisation (OOCN) de-

scribed the leaders as frustrated members of the party whose economic woes have forced them to worship at the altar of Mimiko. The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity of the OOCO, Kunle Adebayo, said the action was aimed to cause disaffection between the party and people of the state, describing it as one of the antics of Mimiko to destabilise the party before the election. He said: “It is meant to cause disaffection among brothers, sisters, families, neighbours and communities. It is a plan to scare voters and frustrate the elections. It is a plan for violence and breakdown of law and order. “The public show is organised by Olu Agbi, Chief Segun Adegoke, Dr. Akin Olowookere and other expelled elements working for the Labour Party but claiming to be members of PDP. “These are expired politicians whose economic woes have forced them to worship for a pittance at the altar of Governor Mimiko.”

head of Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Ondo State, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar has been scheduled to meet with politicians and other stakeholders tomorrow in Akure. Although details of the parley have not been publicly spelt out, National Mirror authoritatively gathered that the meeting is to discuss extensively ways of ensuring a peaceful election. The IGP is also expected to read the riot act to the governorship contenders, especially those of the ruling Labour Party (LP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action Congress of Nigeria ACN. Abubakar is expected to travel to Akure, the state capital tomorrow. Meanwhile, there were indications yesterday that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Danladi Mshelbwala might be temporarily redeployed before the election on Saturday. National Mirror sources at the Force Headquarters in Abuja said the outcome of the IGP’s parley with the stakeholders will determine the fate of the police commissioner.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Politics

Rotimi ASO ROCK FILE

N100bn fund for flood victims

with

Rotimi FADEYI

Making SWF beneficial to all

embers of Board of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) have a responsibility to ensure proper management of the Sovereign Wealth Fund for the benefit of all Nigerians and in the interest of posterity. To further ensure the success of the board, President Goodluck Jonathan solicited the support and cooperation of all tiers of government According to the President, there was need for all levels of government to support any initiative that would encourage saving for the future and guarantee future prosperity of the nation. He noted that policies initiated by government are basically for the benefit of all Nigerians which must be supported by all those in positions of authority at all levels, saying that the establishment of the board affirmed the seriousness of government in pursuing the central tenets of the fund. Jonathan said: “Let me state unequivocally, that the Sovereign Wealth Fund belongs to all Nigerians represented through the federal, states and local governments. “While recognising the administrative reality of a federal system of government, the administration believes that all tiers of government must work to preserve the commonwealth and thereby guarantying the future prosperity of our nation.” The President said that the Sovereign Wealth Fund would among other things help to build a savings base for future generation of Nigerians and enhance the

development of Nigeria’s infrastructure while promoting fiscal stability for the country in times of economic stress. “We expect to see the NSIA active in infrastructure investment throughout the country, pulling in core investors from home and abroad,” he said. Earlier, Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said the members of the Board headed by former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Alhaji Mahey Rasheed, were carefully selected with the believe that they would perform excellently in the assignment given to them.

ost of the state governors were not prepared for the flood which claimed many lives, destroyed farmlands and property in their states and therefore were overwhelmed by the financial demand that the situation required. Realising that the states may not have the capacity to effectively cope with the situation, the Federal Government released some funds to the states to provide relief for flood victims that have been relocated to camps and assist the states in taking other necessary steps that would ameliorate the pains and losses of the people. In addition, a committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation to assist in raising funds to provide succour to victims was also set up by President Goodluck Jonathan, who also embark on an inspection tour of the affected states. The committee co-chaired by President of the Dangote Group, Dr. Aliko Dangote and human rights activist, Olisa Agbako-

L-R: Chairman, Board of Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Alhaji Mahey Rasheed; President Goodluck Jonathan and Minister of Finance and Coordinator for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala during the inauguration of the board members at the State House.

New service chiefs and the challenges of crude oil theft, terrorism

ust as the new Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs assumed duty last week, they were also given the marching orders to break the backbone of terrorists and wrestle the crude oil thieves to the ground The service chiefs coming on board at a time when the country is facing security challenges have an onerous task ahead of them to tackle the challenges and even surpass the records of their predecessors in the effort to ensure maximum protection of lives and property. Jonathan told the service chiefs while decorating them with their new ranks that their elevation which gives them the authority to exercise control over officers and men in the Armed Forces also come with lots of responsibilities and challenges. The new Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim from Kwara State was decorated with the new rank of Admiral; the new Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba from Delta State was decorated with the rank of Vice Admiral while Chief of Air Staff, Alex Sabundu Badeh from Adamawa State was decorated with the new rank of Air Marshal. The Chief of Army Staff, LieutenantGeneral Onyeabo Azubike Ihejirika retained his position and rank.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Specifically, the President ordered the Chief of Naval Staff to move into action and urgently bring the issue of crude oil theft to an end considering its adverse effect on the economy. “I will like to use this forum to specifically charge you to tackle the security challenges confronting our country today most especially, the Chief of Naval Staff and officers and men have the onerous responsibility of up scaling security in our territorial waters. “The unacceptable rising incident of crude oil theft must be tackled frontally.

Given the direct adverse implications of the activities of crude oil theft on our national economy, I expect the Chief of Naval Staff and other service chiefs to immediately go to work to urgently bring the issue of crude oil theft to an end,” Jonathan said. He expressed confidence in the ability of the new service chiefs to live up to expectation, saying that they were appointed in recognition of their notable attributes of patriotism, excellence, loyalty, dedication, courage and unwavering faith in the country.

Agric revolution to make positive impact

s members of Agricultural Transformation Implementation Council set out to work, they are to come up with effective planning for the post impact implication of the flooding on food and other agricultural production. The unprecedented flooding which affected farmlands and destroyed food crops in many states of the country posed a challenge for the members of the council to tackle. At the inaugural meeting of the council, President Goodluck Jonathan said the unfortunate situation would have ad-

verse effects on agricultural production in the affected communities. He noted that the Council was set up as the apex platform to chart the way forward for the agricultural sector to ensure that the country stayed focused in the agricultural transformation agenda while also creating jobs for the youths. The President noted that the agricultural transformation agenda was on course, stressing that with the passion, policies and programmes that are being put in place, the broken walls of agriculture in the country would be rebuilt and the country would move from being the

ba (SAN) with 32 other members have set out in their mission to raise a minimum of N100 billion as relief fund for the victims. They are also to advise government on other areas regarding how to rehabilitate the victims of the flood. Specifically, Dangote said members of the committee are committed to carrying out the task set out before them with the realisation that the country has also contributed in one way or the other to their successes in life. While inaugurating the committee, the President noted that Nigeria was facing its own unfair share of the global phenomenon of flooding. Jonathan explained that the Federal Government would not want people to begin to live in camps, saying that they should be able to go back to their communities and settle down. “There are so many states that 50 to 70 per cent including my state are under water. This is why in addition to measures we have taken in terms of releasing funds to government agencies and directly to state governments to assist in helping to manage this disaster, we feel compel to set up this committee to generate funds to assist government in managing these people,” Jonathan said. He noted that the committee’s key responsibility is to have an overview of the degree of impact of the floods, especially to raise funds to compliment or augment Federal Government’s effort to cushion the immediate effect of flooding and the resettlement and recovery of affected persons. Jonathan said when the committee raises the funds, government would be able to rehabilitate the affected people so that they would be able to go back to their communities and settle down, stressing that it would not be in the best interest of the country for people to begin to live in camps.

Presidential Villa’s visitors 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Dr. Aliko Dangote Governor Murtala Nyako Governor Godswill Akpabio Senator Florence Ita-Giwa Mahey Rasheed Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Board, Kennedy Opara 8. Tony Elumelu 9. Chairman, Fertilisers Producers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Thomas Etuh 10. Chairman, Agric and Food Security Commission, Nigerian Summit Group, Emmanuel Ijewere net food importing country to a net food exporting country. Speaking in the same vein, Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said that government was determined to transform the sector by focusing on various ways to assist farmers in food production with easy access to fertilizer and high yielding seeds. He disclosed that over 800,000 farmers have received seeds and fertilizers in the last five months.

MORE POLITICS STORIES ON PAGES 41-44

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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Ifeanyi Uba: The crumbling of the cookie ALFRED C. NWACHUKWU SNR

hief Fred Ajudua, Messrs Emmanuel Nwude and Ikechukwu Anajemba have one thing in common: They strove to be fitted with nobility garbs by acquiring chieftaincy titles, another desperate feather they needed to give credibility to their rising profiles as successful entrepreneurs. While the glory lasted, they dazzled the South East and indeed Nigeria with their new found wealth. Then, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was instituted. Its erstwhile courageous pioneer chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, deconstructed the myths surrounding their wealth. The rest is history. The ongoing trial of fuel subsidy thieves bears similarity to the inquisition that exposed the 419 kingpins and their ill-gotten wealth. This development has shown that the proceeds of crime will never bring forth good seeds; neither will the tracks of a criminal be forever covered. One name on the list of the indictees is Chief Patrick Ifeanyi Uba. Last week, on the order of Magistrate Martins Owumi of the Lagos State Magistrate’s Court, he was ordered to be remanded in prison custody. The order of the court was sequel to an affidavit in support of application for remand sworn to by Chief Superintendent of Police Francis A. Idu and filed before the court. The court action was sequel to the report of the Presidential Commit-

THE ONGOING TRIAL OF FUEL SUBSIDY THIEVES BEARS SIMILARITY TO THE INQUISITION THAT EXPOSED THE

419

KINGPINS AND THEIR

ILL-GOTTEN WEALTH tee on Verification and Reconciliation of Fuel subsidy headed by Mr. Aigboje AigImoukhuede, which President Goodluck Jonathan set up to ‘audit’ the report of the House of Representatives ad hoc committee on the same subject headed by Hon Farouk Lawan. The Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Ikoyi, Lagos, also did a follow-up investigation. Uba’s Capital Oil and Gas was said to be culpable for “fraudulently and with intention to defraud, obtain a total sum of N42.291 billion from the Federal Government of Nigeria by falsely pretending that it imported and sold 538.7 million litres of petroleum during the 2011 fiscal year through 26 transactions”. Before the bubble bursts, Ifeanyi Uba, like others before him, had endlessly struggled to ‘wash’ his new earned status as one of the nation’s billionaires through purchase of traditional titles accompanied by excessive celebrations and opulence lifestyle. He has an Embracer Legacy 650

aircraft valued at about N4.8 billion and can boast of the most exotic cars imaginable. But behind the façade is the image of a ruthless wheeler and dealer. It might be inhuman to celebrate the misfortunes of a fellow human being, but in Ifeanyi Uba exception can be found. In the not too distant past, he would hit the roads with escort cars, blaring siren to scare law abiding citizens of the nation off the roads! That was how those before him did it, especially in Igboland. Until September 3, 2011, no one knew Uba. However, on that day of his 40th birthday anniversary, the smokescreen was lifted. It will be recalled that well over 100 pages of adverts were plastered in several newspapers to mark the day. Writing on the new phenomenal Uba, Lanre Alfred, in his “Society Happenings” column in ThisDay wrote: “Ubah’s celebration had tongues wagging at the amount of publicity it generated”, adding that “it was one of the rare moments when a Nigerian, (and) not an event or a product, occupied the front pages of a few of Nigeria’s foremost newspapers in paid advertorials in celebration of his birthday”. The celebration was adjudged to have “broken all tenets of modesty and brought superfluity to walk on all four”. Interestingly, just one year later, the façade of a nobility and hard working businessman he constructed round himself began to be lifted. Apart from the travails arising from an alleged scamming of the country through bogus oil importation,

the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) listed his company as one of the 113 corporate organizations heavily indebted to local banks. The debt profile of Capital Oil is in the region of N48.014 billion, which AMCON said it had “restructured and awaiting performance”. This is euphemism for inability to service the loans. For a man like Ifeanyi Uba intent in eliciting societal acceptance and validation, projecting a pseudo-wealthy profile could be positively rationalized, but at what price to the nation, which injected $4 billion in 2009 to recapitalize six distressed banks? Why must people like Uba deliberately undermine the system for their personal aggrandizement? Funny enough, he is mooting the idea of succeeding Mr. Peter Obi as the next governor of Anambra State. Grapevine sources have it that he has set aside a whopping N20 billion for this project. He is also known to have floated a foundation with which he would embark on some philanthropic initiatives to market himself to the people of the state. However, Nigerians and indeed Anambra people, have become very sophisticated in their political behavior and in the choices they make. Now that he has been exposed for who he is, I wonder if his backers in the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) would still see him as a marketable product. Nwachukwu Snr, is an Abujabased lawyer

2015: Putting Sule Lamido on the scale BASHIR ADAMU

he topsy-turvy of the Goodluck Jonathan presidency, to me, has made his second term bid very unmarketable before the Nigerian electorate. With the administration losing grip of the high expectations Nigerians had invested in it, nothing is more obvious than the fact that the people of the country are already frustrated with this government. For this reason, they are only counting months when 2015 would come and the general elections held to end their nightmare. Expectedly, quite a number of ethnic based interest groups and, indeed, politicians in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have been catching in on the prevailing political void to present certain individuals as possible replacement for President Jonathan. From the North, among those being touted is the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and the incumbent governor of Jigawa State, Mallam Sule Lamido. Since the expiration of the tenure of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as Nigeria’s president, there has been a pan-Northern catharsis on power shift with the North as beneficiary, and in the two instances of the 2007 and 2011 presidential elections, the popular imagination is that Chief Obasanjo played a dominant role in truncating the North’s bid to rule the nation once again. For the controversial statesman, losing the presidency is the price the North had to

pay for daring to stop him from succeeding with his tenure elongation gambit. It should be recalled that immediately after the defeat of the third term project, there was a massive government-sponsored coalition of South-South leaders demanding that the next president after Chief Obasanjo must emerge from the South-South geopolitical zone. It was a well orchestrated plan of the Obasanjo presidency to ensure that the South-South cut its bargain for the nation’s topmost political office in compensation for its support for the tenure elongation project. More importantly, it was also to prove a point to the conservative northern elite that whenever it was the turn of the region to produce a president, he (OBJ) would be the one to call the shot. While the former president believed that the North must be punished for its sin in stopping his third term project, he extended the vengeance to political actors like former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who were linked to the plot to abort the third term project. Ordinarily, the likes of Atiku or some other northerners with complete detachment from the Egba chief are the kind of president that the North deserves if truly the region wants to freely assert itself as a critical player in the nation’s geopolitical game. The former president’s disdain for the North is overt; his celebration of Atiku’s defeat at the 2011 PDP’s National Convention to pick its presidential candidate for the April 2011 general election, was aimed at deriding the North’s consensus ar-

HE CAME OUT OF THE ABACHA DETENTION CAMP A CHANGED MAN; HE LOST

THE PROGRESSIVE CREDENTIALS ACQUIRED UNDER

MALLAM AMINU KANO TUTELAGE rangement that produced Atiku. Is OBJ the unseen hand that is prodding Sule Lamido to take a shot at the presidency? Though he has denied being the promoter of Sule-Lamido-for-President project in 2015, northerners know better to believe him. Ever since OBJ declared his war against the North, Sule Lamido has been his hatchet man. In his stop-Atiku war in 2007, Sule Lamido was his main attack dog. So, logically, the Jigawa governor cannot be expected to contemplate such a move without the nod of his benefactor or rather political godfather. In 2011, when northern political leaders consensually articulated the wisdom to sponsor a consensus candidate against Jonathan, Lamido was a strong member of a group of PDP governors led by the Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako, which frustrated that initiative. As a matter of fact, Sule Lamido has cast himself in the mold of a fifth columnist in the North

working against the interest of the region. Remember Sule Lamido was a victim of the late General Sani Abacha repressive regime. He came out of Abacha’s gulag a changed man; he lost the progressive credentials acquired under Mallam Aminu Kano’s tutelage. One might be tempted to see Governor Lamido’s role in the plot to whittle the political influence of the North in the drama for power shift as being driven by his personal differences with some politicians from the region. But the truth of the matter is that as far as Lamido is concerned, no one else is fit to become president from the north other than himself. From Atiku to General Ibrahim Babangida (retd) and to Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), no one has been spared Lamido’s verbal assaults for daring to nurse presidential ambition. It might be instructive to imagine how a Lamido presidency will look like. It will be one presidency that will hold both the liberal and conservative blocs of the northern elite in contempt, while also lacking an ideological connection with other ethnic groups of Nigeria. Adamu, basir4adamu2001@yahoo. com, wrote from Kaduna Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

Editorial

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

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FG’s response to flood disaster

resident Goodluck Jonathan has taken reactive steps to ameliorate the agonies occasioned by the recent floods that wrought havoc and are still ravaging not less than 20 states of the federation; and left many families, communities and the entire nation a-sorrowing. Jonathan intervened with N17.6 billion - N13.3 billion to be shared by the affected states; and the balance of N4.3 billion to be disbursed to relevant Federal Government agencies that have one role or the other to play in the management of the flood crisis. Hopefully, the FGs palliative; as well as the establishment of the high-powered National Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation (NCFRR), would bring the desired succour to the victims of the disaster. The NCFRR, according to the FG, has the mandate to raise funds to complement whatever the various tiers of government are able to mobilize to tackle the flood scourge. Reports last week said the committee has already begun a tour of the affected states. Commendable as the measures might seem, however, we think that they represent nothing but short-term responses to a grave national problem. Establishing the NCFRR, cochaired by a foremost entrepre-

neur, Aliko Dangote; and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and human rights activist, Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, and mandating the committee to raise funds to augment governments spending is, in our view, a bold and brilliant approach by the FG to partner with the private sector and, indeed, the larger society to crack a knotty problem. The goodwill of Mike Adenuga (Jnr.), the chief fund mobiliser, Dangote, Agbakoba, etc., joined with the cooperation of other members of the committee alone, could rake in billions or even trillions of naira from the broad spectrum of corporate Nigeria and the civil society. Dangote, for instance, was quoted as saying that the committee was targeting N100 billion. The big puzzle, however, remains: After mobilizing the huge funds, what next? The profundity of the question may be better appreciated on consideration of the nation’s predilection for sabre-rattling, grandstanding and showmanship in times of emergencies and disasters like the type presented by the flood mayhem. We recall the 1980s Ogunpa flood disaster in Ibadan, Oyo State (August 31, 1980). The official death toll was put at 300, while properties worth millions of

AFTER MOBILIZING THE HUGE FUNDS, WHAT NEXT? naira were destroyed. The then Ogunpa Relief Fund (ORF) was launched as part of a purportedly holistic approach to address the problem of the larger Ibadan flooding. To date, however, the problem of flooding in Ibadan has not ceased to be an eyesore. If we must say it as it is, the nation will always live with the stress and problem of flooding. There is documented evidence that about 20 per cent of the Nigerian population risk one problem of flooding or the other. In 2010, for example, about 1,555 people were reportedly killed and 258,000 more displaced by flood. The same calamity revisited last year. And this year, the nation appears to be still grappling with a more fatal case of flooding. The correct records of the casualties are unavailable as yet. President Jonathan’s bold approach to confronting the flood challenge really appears untainted and full of dedication and commitment. Our contention, however, is that the effort might be short-lived and non-sustainable the moment Jonathan leaves his high

office. Worse still, the NCFRR risks abuse. If the bid to raise funds and pull the Nigeria Police Force out of financial crunch could end up with taletell stories of fraud during the President Olusegun Obasanjo era, we do not see any guarantee that when the NCFRR eventually rakes in a huge resources in cash and kind, similar stories will not arise. Our thinking, therefore, is that the Presidency must strive to strengthen the nation’s emergency management systems through capacity building. With properly trained human capital, equipment, and proper annual budgeting, it might be better to put the nation’s emergency management organizations to more profitable uses with minimal expenditure. The floods so far recorded this year have exposed the inadequacies and weaknesses of the agencies. Like the Senate President, David Mark said, the flood incident unmasked Nigeria as a country ill-prepared to respond to emergencies and disasters. This seems the reality that must be faced. But while the nation still counts its losses, it should not be carried away by the prospects the NCFRR and Jonathan’s flood largesse hold, but should strategise on how best to live with the realities with less pains and losses.

ON THIS DAY October 16, 2006 Hawaii Earthquake: A magnitude 6.7 earthquake rocked Hawaii, United States, causing property damage, injuries, landslides, power outages, and the closure of Honolulu International Airport. Over $200 million in damage occurred. The most severe damage caused by the earthquake was focused on the north and western sides of the island of Hawaii. Damage was also quite heavy on the eastern side of Maui, and minor damage spread all the way out to western Oahu, 170 miles (270 km) away.

October 16, 1998 Former Chilean dictator, General Augusto Pinochet, was arrested in London on a warrant from Spain requesting his extradition on murder charges. Pinochet (November 25, 1915 – December 10, 2006) was an army general and dictator of Chile from 1973 until the transferring of power to a democratically elected president in 1990. He was the commander-in-chief of the Chilean army from 1973 to 1998 and president of the governing junta from 1973 to 1981.

October 16, 1995 The National African-American Leadership Summit, leading other civil rights groups, organized the Million Man March in Washington, D.C., United States. African-Americans from across the US converged on Washington in an effort to “convey to the world a vastly different picture of the Black male” and to unite in self-help and self-defense against economic and social ills plaguing the African-American community.

Insurers still insincere to policy holders on claims settlement SUPER TUESDAY

High aviation fuel, double taxation bane of airline sub-sector in Nigeria – Stakeholders 37 35

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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

2013 budget: Recipe for bail out of local auto industry

here is no gainsaying that the zero per cent duty on Completely Knocked Down components (CKD) for mass transit buses as contained in the 2013 budget presented by President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday will once again rekindled the hope of the revival of the Nigeria’s ailing automotive industry. “In order to encourage the production of mass transit vehicles in Nigeria, duty on (CKD) for mass transit buses of at least 40-seater capacity, will now be zero %, down from five per cent. Government is desirous of supporting green growth and, in this regard, will explore options for providing incentives for energy efficient vehicles from the 2014 fiscal year” President Jonathan had stated in his budget speech. The Director-General of the National Automotive Council (NAC), Engr. Aminu Jalal told our correspondent on phone that his council pushed for that in order to encourage local assembly. Jalal who hoped that the policies could be extended to other products to encourage local production said the fight is still on to extend the policy to all CKDs not only mass transit vehicles. “We are the ones who pushed for it to encourage local assembly and we will continue to push to get the policy extended to other all CKDs not only mass transit vehicles,” he said. Also in his reaction the Executive Director, Nigeria Au-

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As stakeholders applaud President Goodluck Jonathan’s proposed zero per cent duty on completely knocked down (CKD) components for mass transit buses in 2013 budget, CHIDI UGWU writes that in addition Government needs to improve electricity supply and other facilities that lead to high cost of locally, made vehicles.

FLIGHT SCHEDULE Arik Air Los-Abj: 07:15, 09:15, 10:20, 15:20, 16:20, 16:50, 18:45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) Abj-Los: 07:15, 09:40, 10:20, 12:15, 15:15, 16:15, 17:10, (Mon-Fri/Sat); 12:15, 15:15, 16:15 (Sun) Los-PH: 07:15, 11:40, 14:00, 16:10, 17:15, (Mon-Fri) 07:30, 11:40, 15:50 (Sat) 11:50, 3:50, 17:05 (Sun) Abj-PH: 07:15, 11:20, 15:30 (Mon-Fri) 07:15, 16:00 (Sat) 13:10, 16:00, (Sun) PH-Abj: 08:45, 12:50, 17:00 (Mon-Fri) 08:45, 17:30 (Sat) 14:40, 17:30 (Sun) Abj-Ben: 08:00, 12:10 (Mon-Fri/Sat) 08:55, 12:10 (Sun) Ben-Abj: 09:55, 13:30 (Mon-Fri/Sat) 10:50, 13:30 (Sun)

Aero Contractors

Jonathan

tomotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA), Mr. Arthur Madueke commended the federal government for introducing the policy which he said would not only bring people to produce cheaper vehicles, but would also encourage the expansion of the existing assembly plants in the country, adding that the policy is generally good for the industry and for the economy of Nigeria. Globally the automotive sector is regarded as vital to the development of the economy, but it has been largely neglected by successive administrations in Nigeria. It was sometimes in June 2010 that Federal Government

N350bn saved on contracts, procurement projects – BPP boss

Jala

Sambo

set out to bailout the sector when Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo had at a meeting with the management of PAN Nigeria Limited, Bank of Industry (BOI), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) and Union Bank of Nig Plc in Abuja, set up a committee to identify factors militating against the industry and recommend appropriate remedial measures. Federal Government had set up a committee chaired by the then Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Josephine Tapgun, with other members drawn from the Vice President’s office, Ministries

of Commerce and Industry and Finance, the National Automotive Council (NAC), BPE, FIRS, BOI and Union Bank. From PAN Limited, Kaduna, to Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM), Nnewi and from NAC in Abuja to the Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) administrative office in Lagos, Government’s intention has been largely greeted with optimism, which is buoyed by the Vice President’s specific charge to the committee to advise it on how best to create a clement environment for the auto manufacturers through CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Stakeholders worry over consequences of Labour break up

Los-Abj: 06:50, 13:30, 16:30, 19:45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 12:30 (Sun) 16:45 (Sat). Abj-Los: 07:30, 13:00, 19:00 (Mon-Fri/ Sat) 10:30, 14:30, 19:30 (Sun) 18.30 (Sat) Los-Ben: 07:45, 11:00, 15:30, (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12:30 (Sun) 15:30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) Ben-Los: 09:15, 12:30, 17:00 (Mon-Fri/ Sat/Sun) 17:00 (Sat), 14:00 (Sun)

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Ekiti Govt seals $27m deal with investor to build shopping mall

Business & Finance

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

2013 budget: Recipe for bail out of local auto industry CONTINUED FROM 19 policies, viable product models and relieving incentives. Stakeholders in the automotive sector had then listed the draw-backs which the Mrs. Tapgun-led committee was expected to recognise in drawing a blueprint for the impending government rescue plan for the industry. According the NAMA Executive Director, Arthur Madueke the specific steps, which government needed to take include: to activate Gazette No 28 of 1994, which requires government and all its agencies and parastatals to source all their vehicles from the local plants, but which has never been implemented. And to ensure a wide duty differential between fully built imports and CKD sets for local manufacturing of vehicles. For instance, in Malaysia, CKD attracts 35 per cent duty against 105 to 165 per ent for fully built vehicles (differential of 70 to 130) in favour of the CKD importers (local auto plants). He further stated that government needed to ensure easy access to finance, in form of soft funds, which will attract low interest rates, and also grant pioneer status to new plants like Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM), Nnewi; which means exemption from taxes and certain charges for a number of years, to enable them stabilize. The NAMA boss added that government needed to improve electricity supply and other facilities that lead to the high cost of locally made vehicles. India and Malaysia are countries with successful auto industries that have policies in place to encourage the local manufacturers. The Malaysian industry, for instance, is younger than Nigeria’s, but is today far more vibrant, with exports to many parts of the world (including Nigeria). The success of the Malaysian Proton is credited to the former Prime Minister, Mahathir bin Mohammed, whose visionary regime set up the plant and gave it all the encouragement it deserved, including high tariff on imported vehicle. According to automotive analysts chief among the factors that conspired to make it difficult for the auto plants to survive after the buoyancy that lasted till the late 80s was the unfair advantages the fully built imported vehicles enjoyed in form of low tariff differentials. Also contributing were dwindling patronage, especially by all tiers of government and their agencies who account for the bulk of vehicle purchases in the country, as well as poor infrastructure which, along with the weakness of the naira vis-à-vis the value of international currencies, jerked up the prices of the locally made vehicles. The industry has since the late 80s been in serious distress; weighed down by many debilitating factors, and despite repeated cries by the stakeholders for the intervention of government through the creation of an enabling environment, the sector has largely been neglected, leading to a situation where

National Assembly

THE INDUSTRY HAS, SINCE THE LATE 80S, BEEN IN SERIOUS DISTRESS; WEIGHED DOWN BY MANY DEBILITATING FACTORS, AND DESPITE REPEATED CRIES BY THE STAKEHOLDERS FOR THE INTERVENTION OF GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE CREATION OF

AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT, THE SECTOR HAS LARGELY BEEN NEGLECTED, LEADING

TO A SITUATION WHERE IMPORTED BRANDS THRIVED IN THE MARKET TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE LOCALLY MADE PRODUCTS.

imported brands thrived in the market to the detriment of the locally made products. The inevitable consequence? The gradual death of many of the existing plants and the allied (downstream) industry. The cradle of the industry in Nigeria can be traced back to the commercial investment of UAC, a conglomerate, which in 1959, set up a plant through one of its departments, Niger Motor. Niger Motors produced Bedford trucks using semi-knocked down kits. The company has over the years undergone many metamorphoses to become today’s GM Nigeria, jointly owned by General Motors of USA and UAC of Nigeria Plc. Auto manufacturing was never given priority in the scheme of things at the federal level, until the establishment of six assembly plants (two for cars and four for trucks), namely, Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Limited (now PAN Nigeria Limited), Kaduna in 1975; Volkswagen of Nigeria Limited (VWoN), Lagos); Anambra Motor Manufacturing Limited (ANAMMCO), (Emene-Enugu) in 1980; Steyr Nigeria Limited, Bauchi; National Truck Manufacturers (NTM, Kano for Fiat); and Leyland Nigeria Limited,

Ibadan. At the peak of their operations, both PAN and VWoN met the local demand for cars to a very considerable extent, while ANAMMCO with an installed capacity of 7,500 vehicles per annum (in a single shift) along with NTM and Steyr, could make about 50,000 trucks. The local industry then had an installed capacity for 10,000 tractors per annum, thanks to Steyr. Up to the mid 80s, PAN had local input manufacturers and suppliers in all parts of the country. That was the era when the middle-class still existed and every new employer’s dream was to own a Peugeot 504 or a Volkswagen Beetle – both which were priced well below N10, 000 then. The network of suppliers was sustained because the volume was right, and was, therefore, every investment was worth it. But, by the late 80s, a few years after the stifling impact of Gen Ibrahim Babangida’s structural adjustment programme (SAP) and the cumulative negative effects of the ‘anything-goes’ attitude of successive regimes, started taking its toll on the industry, the signs of the bad days ahead were already showing. The steady decline in the patronage

of locally made vehicles following inflationary trend which jerked up vehicle prices and weakened the purchasing power of the average buyer, never abated. Rather, the fortunes of the auto makers deteriorated till today. Presently, no assembly plant in Nigeria is operating at up to 10 per cent of its installed capacity. It is, therefore, not surprising that in the past few years, vehicle imports averaged 100,000 units annually with the so called fairly used ones accounting for about 90 per cent. In fact, in the past 12 to 15 years, 90 per cent of automobiles sold in the Nigerian market were not made in the country. Beyond the general inflationary effect of SAP, unregulated importation of new and old vehicles from all over the world, lack of clear-cut policies for the industry, absence of patronage from even the government that has stakes in some of the plants, decay of infrastructure and the inability of government to ensure the availability of basic raw materials and ancillary needs, made survival difficult for the plants. The unfavourable differential between the duties on CKD used by the local manufacturers and fully built up units (FBUs) imported by marketers, which the latter argue should be at least 40 per cent, did not help matters. Also the same thing goes for the disdainful attitude of some Nigerians, to made-in Nigeria vehicles, which they regarded, and still regard, as inferior and substandards. These factors explain why the local plants accounted only for about eight per cent of the market share few years ago, down from 10 per cent in 1996, and 66 per cent in 1988 – a decline which has persisted till today. However, analysts say that with zero per cent duty in favour of CKDs will no doubt encourage manufacturing in the automotive sector of economy and also create much needed employment for the teaming unemployed Nigerians.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business & Finance

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

FG saved N350bn on contracts, procurement projects – BPP boss TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

he Bureau of Public Procurement yesterday disclosed that about N350 billion has been saved for government in contract and other procurement projects through its rigorous initiatives of standardising the contract and procurement processes in Federal Ministries Departments and Agencies over the past few years of the implementation of the Public Procurement Act 2007. Director General of the Bureau, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, who made the disclosure in Abuja during an interactive session with journalists at the sidelines of the 4th Conversion Training Programme for procurement officers in Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, said his agency would not relent its efforts targeted at standardising Nigeria’s public sector procurement system and by so doing, plug loopholes that promote corruption in the system. He explained that the savings recorded so far were the result of

L-R: Managing Director/ CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Seni Adetu; Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Savage and Non-Executive Director, Mr. Bismark Rewane, during the company’s Shareholders’ Forum in Lagos, yesterday.

painstaking efforts by the agency to change the way things are being done in the procurement system and ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the enabling Public Procurement Act 2007. Ezeh explained that the training, which is the fourth to be or-

ganised by the agency, was aimed at building the capacity of personnel charged with the responsibility of ensuring the implementation of the Act. He explained: “Our focus has been on the end result of the Act, which is ensuring that govern-

ment gets value-for-money and that there is transparency and competition in the public contracting process “We have been assured over time that we can hardly make progress without due process being our watchword in the way we

spend government money. This is one major way in which the much needed growth in infrastructure and utilities can be guaranteed”, he added. The BPP boss said the implementation of the procurement Act had provided a new level of freedom that deepens the democratic culture as public officers now see public funds as money to be spent with care, and with high sense of responsibility, promising that the Bureau would continue to strengthening the new culture in public procurement system as a means of achieving its efficiency and fiscal prudence in public sector financing in the country. Ezeh clarified further: “Experience has shown that improved quality of life partly comes when the people’s right to know and participate in how government spends public resources becomes entrenched. This does not only create the right framework for their support and engagement with the reform process, but also confirms that they are Bonaire owners of the policy.

Again, NNPC links fuel shortage GSM subscribers blame poor services on airtime promos to pipeline vandalism K A UNLE

CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

ong queues which appeared in many petrol stations across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja on Sunday persisted yesterday as motorists scramble for the scarce commodity. But the Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Mr. Fidel Pepple insisted that the corporation has enough products, adding that the periodic shortage is a reflection of the fact that the vandalised Arepo pipeline has not been fully restored. He said the corporation resorted to conveying the products by truck to different parts of the country. According to him, until the vandalised Arepo pipeline is restored there will always be periodic shortages because the volume of products being distributed has dropped due to the shutdown of the pipeline which is a major distribution channel. He however reassured that the shortage would not last long as the corporation has increased its trucking capacity to bridge the gap arising from high demand in some parts of the country. “We have products, the short-

age is because the Arepo pipeline is still shutdown, and we have some constraint trucking the products to different parts of the country” he said. Abuja residents may be in for another period of fuel scarcity as long queues returned yesterday in major petrol stations across the city. National Mirror monitored the development and reports that unlike Sunday when petrol stations are virtually empty most of the stations in the metropolis had long queues. At Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) depot at Abacha Road in Karu, a suburb of Abuja the station was so overcrowded that soldiers were seen dispersing some of the petrol hustlers with a whip otherwise known as koboko. A taxi driver who spoke to our correspondent said things are made worse because some of the stations do not sell to non registered customers. ‘All these queues are deliberately caused by the station managers. Now you have to reisger to buy full especially in times of scarcity like this. If your name is not in their register they will not sell to you when there scarcity’ Also, many fuel stations within the metropolis did not have product to sell as some of them were shutdown.

ZEEZ

elecoms subscribers have blamed the lingering intermittent quality of services on networks of the Global System for Mobile communications operators on the bonus airtime promos being run on their networks. Some of the telecoms subscribers, who expressed their displeasure to National Mirror, were those on the GSM networks including MTN, Globacom, Airtel and Etisalat. According to them, recent bonus airtime promos by GSM operators had been making it

occasionally difficult for them to initiate calls and complete it without drops across on the networks.The telecoms operators have recently rolled out various promos that reward their subscribers with mouth-watering airtime bonus. National Mirror gathered that, though by dialing specific code, the subscribers are credited with more airtime, they are, however, required to use bonus airtime, which runs into N1, 500 at times, to make calls within limited period of time to avoid losing it. Speaking on the challenge, a MTN subscriber, Mr. Badmos Bidemi, who companied about the

hitches he has been facing on his network, said, “The requirement for the limited validity period within which one is expected to have exhausted the credited airtime compelled subscribers to make lenghty calls- necessary and unnecessary- just to ensure they exhaust the credit.” Another subscriber of Globacom, who gave his name simply as John, said, “The development has also led to increased traffic on mobile networks, resulting in occasional hitches to have successfully terminated calls or to initiative successful calls at all as one witness constant drop calls.”

Port regulation: Creation of new agency is wasteful-NSC FRANCIS EZEM

he Nigerian Shippers Council has said that moves by the Federal Government to create an independent body for the regulation of the nation’s post-concession seaports would amount to nothing but a sheer duplication and waste of scarce public funds. Following the completion of the port reform programme in 2006 and subsequent coming on stream of private terminal operators, the Bureau of Public Enterprise had forwarded the National Transport Commission Bill to the National Assembly, which among other issues seeks to create the

NTC to regulate the seaport industry. Earlier, the Nigerian Ports Authority had also forwarded the Port and Harbour Bill to the National Assembly, which seeks to give a legal backing to the port privatisation programme and also enable NPA to transform into a commercial regulator for the industry, none of which has been past more than five years after. Executive secretary/chief executive officer of the council, who spoke in an interview, noted that any move by the government to create another regulatory agency for the privatized seaports would be an avoidable waste of public funds. According to him, the council

is the only statutory body created to negotiate air and sea freights not on passenger air freight and should therefore be automatically be allowed to carry out that function without additional burden of cost on the government, arguing that if created, the new commission will perform the same function as the NSC. ‘Our view is this: why do you want to create an extra parastatal of government where there is an existing agency that can do the same job even if it means employing extra one or two hands because of the new element that you have introduced into the law which Shippers Council may not have the technical know- how’, he questioned.

Business & Finance

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Bank auditors should prevent e-fraud, says Enterprise Bank MD JOHNSON OKANLAWON

he Managing Director of Enterprise Bank Limited (EBL), Mallam Ahmed Kuru, said the responsibility of improving the confidence of Nigerians on the usage of electronic payment systems is dependent on the diligence, monitoring and control measures of auditors of banks to prevent electronic fraud (e-fraud). Speaking at the quarterly meeting of the Committee of Chief Inspectors of Banks in Nigeria (CCIBN), which Enterprise Bank hosted at the weekend, said more Nigerians would embrace the electronic system of banking especially now that the country is migrating to a cashless economy if safety of their money or transactions are guaranteed. Kuru who was represented the Executive Director of the

bank, Mrs. Nneka OnyealiIkpe, described e-fraud as a crime that affects the society as a whole and impacting individuals, businesses and governments. He maintained that recent studies supported the fact that such sharp practices have also increased in Nigeria with the dawn of cashless system, “which is largely as a result of inadequate awareness as well as limited counter measures to prevent these crimes.” The bank boss challenged CCIBN to always be a step ahead of the evil-minded fraudsters in order to prevent electronic fraud in Nigeria, saying that financial sector will not submit to the manipulation of a few fraudulent individuals. “This is the time for all stakeholders to come together to fashion out robust strategies that will assist in check-

mating this monster,” he said. Among the strategies to help curb e-fraud, according to him, included the development of effective controls by member banks in areas like penetration testing, stakeholders collaboration in the provision of information during e-fraud investigation and maintenance of efficient joint industry database on e-fraud activities for knowledge sharing. He charged the chief inspectors to regularly perform thorough employee background checks, conduct fraud awareness training and ensure consequences are understood. thers are making vacations mandatory and segregate duties, limit authority to initiate or originate movement of funds and meet regularly to exchange ideas on issues that affect their duties among others.

L-R: Chief Enterprise Solutions Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Babatunde Osho; Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Brett Goschen and Group Chief Executive Officer, Computer Warehouse Group, Mr. Austin Okere, at the signing ceremony of a Micro-banking Solution partnership between the two organisations in Lagos, yesterday.

Ogun to build modern GIS to easy land administration process DAYO AYEYEMI

gun State Government has employed the services of experts to build a modern Geographic Information System for the state in order to make land administration meets international standards. The Special adviser to the Governor on Land Matters, Mr Ronke Sokefun, who stated this at a media parley, said the project would assist the government to eradicate double allocation of land, easy process of titled documents and prevent loss of the state’s land to

other states through clear border and boundary demarcation. Sokefun, who is also the Director-General of Bureau of Lands and Survey, said the project would also assist the government to respond quickly to increase in the request of land by investors who intend to establish their business in the state. She explained that over 200 investors have requested for land, majority of who preferred the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. She stated that in a bid to ensure even distribution of the companies, the state government would build

industrial parks in other parts of the state. The commissioner identified the consultants contracted to carry out the project to include IQ System Solution Limited, GeoQinetiq, Spatial Matrix and Digital Spatial Solutions who are Nigeria’s foremost geo-science, GR solutions and Electronic Document Management (EDM) System, with many years of experiences in the provision with the service. She listed other benefits of the project to include accuracy of surveying measurement, survey data revenue, precision agriculture, faster searches for property titles, instant online facilities, digital archive of valuable land documents and automated lands and administration system.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

IITA declares war against hunger, poverty STANLEY IHEDIGBO

s nations across the globe prepare to mark another World Food Day, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has called on world leaders and other stakeholders to redouble efforts to save Africa from the pangs of hunger and poverty. Director General of IITA, Dr Nteranya Sanginga, in his address to participants at the 21st Annual Congress of the Nigerian Rural Sociological Association (NRSA) held at the University of Ibadan, “challenges to food security in Africa are huge, and that the barriers to wealth creation, food security, improved nutrition, and sustainable management of natural resources in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are on several fronts.” In a statement, the Institute

quoted Sanginga as stating He added that Africa’s population growth remains high compared to other regions in the world (2.4per cent in SSA) against 1.3per cent in non-African countries. He said: “In addition, the urban population is rapidly growing, putting pressure on the rural areas to produce more food at affordable prices. There is also the problem of depletion of soil nutrients, which if left unchecked, could have catastrophic effects. Furthermore, destructive agricultural practices along forest margins in Africa aggravate deforestation.” Sanginga said: “While the attainment of food security is a huge and increasing challenge, production per unit area has not increased as elsewhere in the world, and increments in total production have come at the expense of the natural resource base”.

18th Nigerian Economic Summit to hold December

he 18th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES18) has been slated to hold from December 3rd – 5th, 2012 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. In a statement made available to National Mirror the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) said the summit will be hosted in partnership with the National Planning Commission (NPC), the Summit with the theme, “Deregulation, Cost of Governance and Nigeria’s Economic Prospects will have participants from both the public and private sector come together to dialogue on the need to build on Nigeria’s successful deregulation of the telecoms, banking, insurance and aviation sectors. According to the Director

General of the NESG, Mr. Frank Nweke Jnr; the theme of this year’s summit is consistent with the group’s commitment to continually focus on contemporary issues of public policy which constrain improvements in Nigeria’s public governance system, undermine economic development and the welfare and well-being of our people. “The 18th National Economic Summit is conceptualized and structured to elicit deeper dialogue between the public and private sectors on the need to build on Nigeria’s successful deregulation of the telecoms, banking, insurance and aviation sectors by adopting and supporting full deregulation of the remaining critical economic sectors of agriculture.

Union Bank promotes 636 staff, recruits 360 JOHNSON OKANLAWON

nion Bank of Nigeria Plc has promoted 636 staff and recruited 360 trainees as part of the activities to strengthen the bank’s workforce. A statement from the bank yesterday said in the last three years, the bank has promoted over 1,000 staff and employed 1,000 under the current management led by Mrs. Funke Osibodu. The statement added that the bank has concluded arrangement to hire 200 experienced professional staff in addition to 140 already hired over the last three years in order to consolidate the repositioning exercise. The statement read, “The 360 entry levels staff recruit-

ed commenced two months ago after intensive training in three batches with the first batch of 120 very close to concluding their technical training, and the second batch recently commenced same. “A similar training was done for the 640 entry level staff initially employed two years ago. This group of 640 staff are now about to commence another two and half weeks advance level training.” To reward hard work, the bank has commenced an appraisal system with payment of part of compensation based on performance. According to the bank, staff whose performance was assessed as below acceptable minimum standard are expected to exit the bank.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jobs & Career

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Stakeholders worry over consequences of Labour break up

ince January when the fuel subsidy removal protest rocked various cities in the country, analysts have been commenting on the role of organised labour in that protest and linking it with the challenges that Labour is currently grappling with. According to analysts, it is with baited breath that the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and its affiliates are waiting for the decision of the National Assembly that will seek to regulate its activities, including the powers to call workers out for strike. This notion is based on the fact that the Federal Government has since sent a bill to the National Assembly which has already passed through the second reading, seeking amongst several issues, to curb the powers of Labour, particularly those that places the monopoly of mobilising workers for strike squarely on Labour’s shoulders. “Should the government’s plan work”, according to Industrial Relations Expert,Dr. Peter Okhiria, “organised labour will not only have been rendered toothless in its core responsibilities, but also the economy of the country will feel the impact strongly through the strike action of workers by their various unions that are bound to follow”. However, Okhiria, like most of the other analysts who spoke to National Mirror, said it was imperative and critical that some form of control and regulation be brought to bear by the government in the activities of organised labour and unions in the country. In the same vein, labour activist and President of Progressive Leadership Organisation International, Mr. Emmanuel Ezueme, said though there will be some implications on the economy and on workers, that

Recently admitting that the Federal Government has finalised plans to split organised labour in the country, the Nigeria Labour Congress,(NLC )and other stakeholders are disturbed of the likely consequences to the economy should the government’s plans see the light of day, writes MESHACK IDEHEN.

Omar

Jonathan

Mark

THE ALLEGATIONS AND ACCUSATIONS BY THE

NLC IN

PARTICULAR IS CONTINUOUS, AND WILL NOT STOP UNTIL SOMETHING GIVES WAY government should go ahead and press for the split of the NLC in particular and organised labour in general. Ezueme explained that the country has the capability to face whatever challenges that may result from the action to split Labour, saying further that Labour has prove to become a menace than comfort to the nation’s workers. According to him, “it is only natural that worries be expressed by stakeholders on what will become of the unions, workers and the economy when government’s plans are concluded. But I as an individual, am insisting that organised labour be made to understand that there must be

a Nigeria first, before Nigeria labour unions”. Speaking in the same vein, University Lecturer, Dr. John Agbonifo, told National Mirror that while government may not be blamed for the action it has so far taken to sanitise organised labour in the country, said that the responsibilities of ensuring that there are no negative implications on the economy when labour is finally “brought down to earth” lies squarely on its (government’s) shoulders. He explained that if not properly managed, that the established interests in organised labour system in Nigeria have the capacity to cause disaffection amongst workers,

thereby leading to a state of anarchy. The university lecturer urged the government to be prepared for any eventuality, if it truly intends to see conclusively to the promulgation of newer laws that will regulate labour activities in the country. Citing the example of some countries within and outside the continent, he added that all over the world, that socio economic upheavals and workers unrests have always followed attempts by governments to curtail the powers of labor unions, or even attempt to regulate them. It would be recalled that the President of NLC, Mr. Ab-

dulwaheed Omar, had while claiming that the Federal Government had concluded plans to destabilise and split the NLC, and that several clandestine meetings had been called by government in that regards, explained that the congress and its allies will do all within its powers to frustrate government’s moves. To that remark, Ezueme explained that what the NLC president meant was that if it means having to employ measures that will have negative consequences on the economy that the NLC was prepared to use them to keep and maintain the status quo. Business owner, Chief Tope Awosegba, told National Mirror that Omar’s declaration that the Presidency has not relented in its attempt to break up the congress, and that a former registrar of Trade Unions has been recruited by the government to hasten the plot will not help organised labour’s cause. “The allegations and accusations by the NLC in particular is continuous, and will not stop until something gives way. The way things are going with this plans to regulate organised labour in the country, the country and its people will become poorer for it “, he added. He said further that there was nothing wrong with the bill by the government that seeks to amend the law that any union that wants to go on strike must obtain express permission from all the members through the ballot. “Is anything wrong with that”? he queried. While accusing the NLC of sellout and betrayal, and calling for support for government’s plans, President of Non Academic Staff Union of Nigeria, Mr. Peter Adeyemi, said the NLC chickened out of the struggle with excuses that they had been threatened.

Access Bank trains employees, others on health care initiatives MESHACK IDEHEN

ccess Bank Plc has said the recent training it conducted for its employees, journalists and members of the civil society is consistent with the bank’s stance on responsible business practice and commitment to building a healthy workforce. This development is coming following the bank’s 2nd edition of the ‘Access Care Programme’, introduced in 2009 to improve employees’ health and wellbe-

ing. According to the bank, this year’s edition of the employee care initiative, which held in Lagos, Port-Harcourt and Abuja, also witnessed attendance by some members of the Bank’s stakeholder groups in order to broaden their perspective and understanding on how to provide immediate response to accidents or challenging health situation at the workplace before the arrival of medical personnel. Speaking with National Mirror during the training pro-

gramme, Head Corporate Communications, of the bank, Mr. Omobolanle Babatunde said the inaugural phase of the strategic health initiative has trained over 160 employees on emergency care for injured or sick persons with the intention to preserve lives, promote recovery, prevent workplace injuries and protect staff against being causalities. He said further that the programme is not only a demonstration of Access Bank’s commitment to employee wellbeing and

institution of a culture of healthiness at the workplace, but a valid testament to the bank’s industry leadership in responsible business practice. He added that Access Bank has distributed 2,238 Personal Compact First Aids Kits and Accessories that could help manage health situations and preserve lives in the face of accidents. He explained that the second phase of the training programme which commenced in Lagos has trained over 1000 employees

across the country, saying further that the increase in the number of employees at this year’s session is a reflection of the Bank’s enlarged workforce and institutional desire to positively influence the health-seeking behaviours of its employees through lifestyle modification and life-enhancing skills.Babatunde explained that Access Bank partnered Rely Supply Limited, a broad-based pharmaceutical and health and safety training company to conduct the training programme.

Jobs & Career

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Pension operators fault withdrawals from contributory pension scheme MESHACK IDEHEN

he Association of Pension Operators in Nigeria,( PenOp), have said it is faulting the withdrawal of some Federal Government organisations from the Contributory Pension Scheme, (CPS),adding particularly that the withdrawal of the military from the CPS, might make the scheme unsustainable. Speaking at an interactive session with journalists, the Chairman of the association, Mr. Mishahu Umar Yola, said that a return to the old pension scheme would spell doom for the Nigerian economy, arguing that it could bankrupt the government. Yola who is the Managing Director of Legacy Pension said further that the old pension scheme is unsustainable, adding that was why the Federal Government came up with the CPS as an alternative scheme that can be sustained over the years ,without constituting an unnecessary drain to public coffers. According to him,” The old

Ahmad

order can run the government bankrupt. That is part of the trouble in the Eurozone where the governments are bearing heavy pensions burden and some now have to increase the

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

number of years of service before their citizens are allowed to retire. “We now have in Nigeria, a situation where some people worked for only between 20-25

Tips on how to find quality employees

here are numerous ways in which companies can recruit employees. Putting up job postings is one method, as well as placing an advert in the classified section of local newspaper. Other employers use head hunting agencies to help search for the ideal candidate to work for them. Here are a few tips to help in that regard. Personal and professional networking-Using personal networks and/or contacts can be a highly effective way to seek for candidates with specific qualifications you are looking out for. Informing everyone you know - like friends, neighbours, professional associates, customers, community members, colleagues and so on - about your job vacancy will surely help obtain results and maybe even a suitable candidate. Job and career fairs-This requires a certain investment and may consume some time, but it is an effective way to meet and pre-screen a large number of candidates in a short span of time. An added advantage is that you will get to meet and network with recruitment officers of other companies and get insights into how other companies recruit. School placement officesIf you are looking for fresh

graduates or entry-level staff, you can post your job openings with student affairs departments in local schools. Post with not only colleges and universities, but also in trade and vocational schools to find specialised skills. Employment agenciesAgencies can help with locating and screening candidates on your behalf and quickly screen out any redundancies. Larger companies prefer hiring through private and government-sponsored recruitment agencies as the cost is justified by the amount of time

n job vacancies for the week, the position for a News Reporter (www. jobs.vanguardngr.com) in a firm in Lagos is available and on offer. Domiciled in the advertising / media industry, and requiring a minimum qualification of a university degree, experience need for the post range for between 1 - 3 years. The responsibilities for this position include business news reporting and writing ability, and the skills to interpret stock exchange reports. The ability to present reports for radio listening and sourcing and reporting of events is also required. At least 2 to 3 years work experience in reporting

and money saved. Employee referral-Encourage your current employees to recommend qualified people they know who can fill vacancies in your company. Offer incentives like bonuses or cash reward to those who provide referrals that result in hires. Job bank-There are many professional associations that have job banks for their members. Contact the groups that are related to your industry and ask them to alert their members to your staffing needs, even if they are outside your local area.

years and have been enjoying pension for more than 40 years. It is only in Nigeria that you can see someone retire and is still receiving a pension that is close to what he was earning as

CIPM to commence licensing of HR practitioners MESHACK IDEHEN

he Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria has said it will start issuing licences to all practising human resource management in the country in order to introduce professionalism and get rid of quacks in the system. A statement by the institute noted that the President, CIPM, Mr. Abiola Popoola, dropped the hint during the closing ceremony of the 44th Annual National Conference of the institute in Abuja, which had the theme: ‘Restoration of values for national devel-

Job vacancies

will also be needed. Also on offer, is the position for a Graphic Web Designer from (www. jobs.vanguardngr. com) in a firm in Abuja, that requires a minimum qualification of a university Degree and experience of between 1 and 3 years. The job summary for the position said it is for a creative and cutting edge Graphic / web designer that is comfortable working in a fast paced constantly changing environment. For qualifications and requirements, a degree and experience of between 0-3 years is needful, while candidates must be skilled with various computer software programs including Adobe Photoshop,

salary when in service.” On the future of employees, the PenOp chairman urged all employers to embrace the CPS, describing it as the most functional way to secure the future of employees, and that the aggregate pool of pension funds could also be deployed to provide high profile infrastructure in the interest of the general public. On her part, Pension Expert from Stanbic IBTC Pension, Ms. Idu Okwuosa of Stanbic IBTC Pension, said about N1.414 trillion has been contributed by 5.24 million contributors since the beginning of the scheme in 2006. According to her, 60 per cent of the fund had been invested in federal government instruments considered as the safest, with investment in government securities standing at N1.009 trillion; Ordinary shares N136.6 billion; state government securities, N64.019 billion; corporate debt securities, N27.168 bn; money market securities, N150.587 bn. She added that N7.256 bn has been invested in open/close-end fund, another N386 bn in Real estate; private equity holds N2.480 bn; while other assets have N16.996 bn.

Adobe Indesign, Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, amongst others. The successful candidate must be able to work with minimal supervision and have ability meet deadlines, alongside been able to design visually captivating logos, banners, websites etc. Sample designs may be sent along with CV or provided upon request during interview. Candidate may also be ready to travel abroad for training within short notice. Lastly on job offers for the week from (www findajobinafrica.com) is the post for a Vice President, Financial Advisory and Investments based in Lagos by Travant Capital Partners

opment.’ Popoola was quoted as saying, “There is still need for a lot more of awareness of the importance of being a professional. Although we are not where we want to be yet, that is why the institute is going to introduce a regime of human resource licensing. “To be a human resource personnel, you must have a licence, which must meet particular requirements and the licence will be renewable every three years.” According to him, the relevance of any professional in a society is a function of the upgrade of his or her knowledge and skills.

The company which is a boutique investment and advisory firm actively seeking to grow its business said the incoming individual’s key responsibilities will include leading in the origination and execution of financial advisory and investment transactions and managing investments in Travant’s and its clients’ portfolio companies, alongside managing high level stakeholder relationships amongst others. For qualifications, the individual must have a minimum 2:1 first degree qualification, a master’s degree in business, finance or economics and/or a relevant professional certification (CFA, ACCA, ICAN, etc.) would be a bonus.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Real Estate & Environment dayoayeyemi@yahoo.com 08033312578

Model of the Ground Towers Shopping Mall at Abuja

Ekiti Govt seals $27m deal with investor to build shopping mall …Flags off construction of ‘legacy projects’

It is a season of project commissioning and flagging off of new ones in Ekiti State as Governor Kayode Fayemi marked his second year anniversary in office, concluding a fresh deal for the building of a standard shopping mall while laying foundations for his ‘Legacy projects’. DAYO AYEYEMI reports.

aking progressive steps to improve the economic base of the state, the Ekiti State Government has sealed a deal worth $27 million with a private investor, Messrs Grand Towers Limited to build a standard shopping mall in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital . The signing of the project’s Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between the Ekiti State Government and Grand Tower Group at the weekend, signaled the laying of solid economic foundation for the future of the state. Located at the centre of the capital city, the planning, construction and commissioning of the shopping mall are expected to take between 18 and 24 months with deployment to site to commence in five months while the ground breaking will be done the following month. The project is expected to provide employment for over 600 Ekiti indigenes during construction and create at least 300 permanent jobs after completion.

THE LEGACY PROJECTS ENCOMPASS A NEW GOVERNMENT HOUSE, GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, CIVIC CENTRE, STATE PAVILLION, SAMSUNG ENGINEERING ACADEMY, GRAND TOWER SHOPPING MALL AND LIFE ACADEMY The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation in Ekiti State, Mr Funminiyi Afuye, revealed that Grand Tower Group is investing $27million into the project Apart from this, the state government has also flagged off what it termed ‘Legacy Projects’ to commemorate the second year of the Dr. Kayode Fayemi-led administration in the state. The legacy projects encompass a new Government House, Governor’s Office, Civic Centre, State Pavillion, Samsung En-

gineering Academy, Grand Tower Shopping mall and Life Academy. The new Government House and Governor’s Office are to be completed in 18 months, while the civil centre is to be delivered in 12 months. Also, the State Pavillion is to be completed in six months, while one year completion date is set for Samsung Engineering Academy and 18 months for the shopping mall. Four of the projects are expected to be funded through the N20 billion bond ob-

tained by the state government from the bond market earlier in the year. Speaking during the signing of MoU with Grand Tower Limited for the building of a shopping mall in Ado, Governor Kayode Fayemi described the project as one of the progressive steps being taken by his administration to attract reputable and reliable investors to Ekiti State. He said the project is aimed at improving the economic base of the state, provide employment to the teeming unemployed, and improve the internally generated revenue in the state. On completion, the governor said, “Grand Towers will bring multitude of international line shops such as KFC, Mr. Price, Woolworths, Stanbic, Steers, Shoprite and MTN to Ekiti.” Justifying the development of the project and what the state government has done to ensure it comes into fruition, the governor CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

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Stakeholders demand action plan on sustainable energy DAYO AYEYEMI

nvironment’s stakeholders have called governments at all levels to develop an energy action that will support the sustainability of Nigerian energy generation and application. They also emphasised the need for a sustainable energy that will meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The experts made the demand during the 2012 edition of “Walk for Nature” organised by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation and the Lagos State Government supported by Chevron Nigeria Limited, MTN, Fidelity Bank, UPDC, Aluko and Oyebode, Standard Chartered Bank, Gossy Water and Nigerian Bottling Company at the weekend. The theme of this year’s event is “Sustainable Energy for All”. Lending credence to the demand, Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, pointed out that Nigeria energy generation pattern over the decades had brought severe pressure on the environment, the entire earth and nature. Represented by his Special Adviser on the Environment, Mr. Taofeek Folami, Governor Fashola described energy as the golden tread that connects economic growth, increase social equity and create an environment that allows the world to thrive. According to him, development is impossible without energy while sustainable development is impossible without sustainable energy. In his speech, President of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Chief Philip Asiodu, urged Nigeria to join the rest of the world to promote and adopt renewable and sustainable en-

Acting Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mrs. Adebola Afun; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Environment, Dr. Taofeek Oladiran Folami; President, Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Chief Izoma Phillip Asiodu; Council Member, NCF, Justice Bukola Adebiyi and NCF Council member, Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi, during the 2012 Walk for Nature programme held in Lagos at the weekend

ergy options that will help to mitigate the dire consequences of environmental degradation. In addition to this, he appealed that the nation must take concrete steps on re-afforestation programme. He said, “Nigeria must join the rest of the world to promote and adopt renewable and sustainable energy options that will help to mitigate the dire consequences of environmental degradation, in addition, of course, to a very bold re-afforestation programme.” He pointed out that recent study had showed that Nigeria has huge solar en-

ergy potentialities and potentials as regards wind, biomass and other renewable sources. “Fortunately, the cost of large-scale solar energy plants is becoming more competitive with improvements in technology,” he said. According to Asiodu, in whatever position people find themselves, be it as students, youths, home builders, bread winners, parent, government officials or corporate executives, they must keep the environment in their subconscious and think renewable energy at all times to guarantee a robust, healthy and economi-

cally viable future for their children and the generations yet unborn. With the theme “Sustainable Energy for All”, Walk for Nature is aimed at sensitising the general public on the need to change attitudes that are inimical to the environment while promoting sustainable development in Nigeria. The walk which kicked off at Lagos Government House, Marina saw government officials, representatives of civil society groups, representatives of corporate organisations, students and members of general public in their hundreds walking with fanfare through inner and outer Marina, Lagos.

Ekiti govt seals $27m deal with investor to build shopping mall CONTINUED FROM 25 explained that the land for the laudable project has been given to Grand Tower Limited at concessionary rate, adding that the Certificate of Occupancy has been signed to allow the company to immediately taken possession of the land and start construction works. He said, “We have also issued a distinct mandate to Grand Towers to enable their partners deplore a full developmental team to the project. All these steps taken by the government and others are part of the incentives being provided by government to prospective investors who are ready to partner with us to develop our state.” He noted that the signing of the MoU would further open new areas of cooperation between Ekiti State Government and the Grand Towers Group. According to Grand Towers’ Executive Chairman, Nze Chidi Duru, the firm plans to develop world class shopping malls and boutique hotels in all of Nigeria’s state capitals. The Ekiti project, he said comprised a modern shopping mall and relate

Fayemi

amenities, with at least 30 letable shops of different sizes, adding that the firm constructed the newly opened Abuja’s Grand Tower Shopping Mall. He explained that the project design, Environmental Impact Assessments, costing, financing, appointment of contractors, preferred suppliers, engineers, approvals and signing up of tenants will take appropriate six months, thereafter, turnkey construction is envisaged to

take between 15 and 18 months. While justifying the decision for a new Governor’s office, Governor Fayemi asserted that the present Governor’s office was originally designed by the Adebayo-led administration to be a hotel but was converted by the successive administration, adding that the office far from the state secretariat it affects communication in governance. He stated that many of the projects whose foundations were being laid are envisioned to be ‘timeless’ and will serve successive administration and people. On the 7000 square metre wide civic centre and museum, Fayemi said the choice of the old Ado Ekiti prison as location is not unconnected to the fact that the government wants to preserve the remain of the old prison which was demolished in April for historical and aesthetic purposes. The civic centre will house among others, a museum, amphitheatre, event centre, a modern library and a civic centre. According to Fayemi, the civic centre will not only attract international communities to the state but also generate

employment opportunities for its teeming unemployed populace. At Government Technical College, Ado, where the foundation of a Samsung Engineering Acaademy was laid, the governor noted that the gesture was a fruit of the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the state government and Samsung in Seoul, South Korea. He disclosed that the academy which will be wholly funded by Samsung is an effort at promoting e-learning in schools and will focus on repair and maintenance of computers. The governor stressed that the academy will also train students and interested people as well as serve as ICT clinic for computer users. Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Samsung West Africa, Mr Brovo Kim commended the achievements of the Fayemi-led administration especially in the area of education, adding that the establishment of the academy will foster cooperation between the state and the company; he stated that this will further drive the vision of both parties in creating job opportunities and empower youths.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Running against Bolt at London Olympics, my climax –Akwu 30

Sport

I think it is important that we go to South Africa and win the Nations Cup - Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi

Keshi considers Ameobi, others

oach Stephen Keshi says he will give striker Shola Ameobi a chance to represent Nigeria at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. The Newcastle striker has played for England Under-21s but has not featured for the senior team and was cleared by FIFA last November to switch nationality. And Keshi is eager to persuade the 31-year-old to be part of his plans. “Shola is a good striker and he has a chance to be on the plane to South Africa. I’ve been watching him closely and he’s got something unique. He

will definitely bring something different to the attack,” Keshi told BBC Sport. The Nigeria coach added, “I have Shola and (Everton striker) Victor Anichebe in my striking plans. I will give them, Obinna Nsofor, Obafemi Martins, Chinedu Obasi and others a chance to fight for a place alongside other strikers.” Ameobi, who was born in Zaria, northern Nigeria, before moving to England with his parents at the age of five, was first called up by Nigeria 11 years ago but rejected the chance to play for them.

CAF reveals SA 2013 seeding

Super Eagles’ strikers celebrating with Ahmed Musa (m) who scored the second goal against Liberia on Saturday

AFCON ticket: NFF thanks Nigerians EVEREST ONYEWUCHI SPORTS EDITOR

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has thanked Nigerians for their support which enabled the senior national team to qualify for the 29th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations finals in South Africa next January. NFF’s appreciation is contained in a communiqué released yesterday after an emergency meeting of its Executive Committee held at the Jorany Hotel, Calabar on Sunday to discuss pertinent issues in Nigerian football. Super Eagles had walloped the Lone Star of Liberia 6-1 (8-3 aggregate) to qualify for the South Africa 2013 at the UJ Esuene Stadium on Saturday, and the next day, the Eaglets defeated their U-17 counterparts from Guinea 3-0 at the same venue, in the first leg of their qualifiers towards the African Championship in Morocco next year. An obviously happy NFF board, in the communiqué signed by Chief Emeka Inyama, singled out President Goodluck Jonathan and Cross River State Governor, Mr. Liyel Imoke, for praises

for their efforts in ensuring Nigeria’s success. The NFF also lauded the contributions of the players, technical and administrative officials of the Super Eagles and the Flying Eagles, who also recently qualified for the 2013 African Youth Championship (AYC) finals. “Members of the Executive Committee and Management were also commended for job well done, with the observation that the Year 2012 has been a very good one for Nigerian football: The U-17 Women’s Team qualified for

and participated at the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan, reaching the quarter finals; the U-20 Women’s Team qualified for and participated at the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan, reaching the semi finals; the Senior Women’s Team has qualified for the 2012 African Women Championship; the Flying Eagles have qualified for the 2013 African Youth Championship and; Super Eagles have now qualified for the 2013 African Cup of Nations,” the communiqué eulogised.

he Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed the seeding for the draw for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. Cote d’Ivoire is among the top seeds, despite the abandonment of its second-leg tie with Senegal and no news of an official result from CAF. Tournament hostsSouth Africa is also among the top seeds,

along with reigning champions Zambia and Ghana. Cape Verde, who qualified for the first time in its history by pulling off a shock 3-2 aggregate victory over four-time champion, Cameroun, is in the fourth pot. Teams in the same pot cannot be drawn against each other. The draw will be held on October 24 in Durban.

Seeding: A

South Africa, Zambia, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire

Mali, Tunisia, Angola, Nigeria

Algeria, Burkina Faso, Morocco, Niger

Togo, Cape Verde, DR Congo, Ethiopia.

…Owolabi calls for caution

x-International, Felix Owolabi, yesterday applauded the Super Eagles for qualifying for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but cautioned the team against sloppy, defensive play. Owolabi described the team’s performance last Saturday against their Liberian counterparts in Calabar as “slightly above average” and urged the Stephen Keshi-led technical crew to work on the team’s glaring lapses.

The former Green Eagles’ wing-back told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that in spite of the impressive result, the Eagles have to work hard on achieving coherence in their play. “Its just okay, not above the roof, slightly above average, but the defenders need to step up their game. We were just lucky that the Liberians choked for reasons best known to them,” Owolabi said. He urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to arrange for quality interna-

tional friendly matches that would eventually mould the team into a more coherent side. “Our major focus for now will be to work on the players to play with more cohesion, to sustain the team’s current form and to improve on it. “They should be exposed to more international friendly matches; they are just beginning to blend as a team, but we need to see more and they need to play together more often,” he said.

Sport

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Terry bad for Blues image –Triesman

ormer England Football Association chairman, Lord Triesman, believes beleaguered Chelsea captain, John Terry, has hurt the club’s profile around the world, calling on the club and others to include a code of conduct in all their stars’ contracts. “Large numbers of people around the world, especially black people, will read about what has happened and they will wonder how on earth did Chelsea allow such player as Terry to carry on as he does,”

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Essien relis Spanish tre

Triesman said yesterday. “Chelsea’s international reputation has suffered and its brand has been damaged. The club should be saying it isn’t acceptable as a standard of behaviour. “If I was a Chelsea fan I wouldn’t be happy that my club was getting this kind of negative coverage. If it happened with any other business corporation, as Coca-Cola says, an employee would have been in serious trouble with that organisation.”

Michael Essien

lack Stars midfielde Essien, says he is e loan spell with Real M being reunited with Jose Mo The 29-year-old made th move to the Spanish champ start of the season after he sea to win the FA Cup and U pions League last season a he’s adapting to La Liga. “There are no easy games whether in England or Spa said yesterday. “All the games I have p watched from the bench in been tough and I always kn be any easier. “I hadn’t played for a w coming to Madrid so I ne games to get into my rhyth getting there. As long as I ke hard I will be fine.” The swashbuckling playe land the Champions Leagu drid this season. “I hope to contribute to success of Real,” he further “Apart from that achievem team and the city, it will b achievement for me to win tw ons League trophies. “So I will work hard an upon will contribute to breaking tenth Champions L

Suarez ignites diving debate

rsenal defender, Laurent Koscielny, has blasted Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, accusing the Uruguayan of being a “cheat”. Suarez has come under fire in recent weeks after being accused by Stoke boss Tony Pulis earlier this month of going to ground too easily. FIFA also waded into the Suarez debate, with Vice President Jim Boyce calling on the Football Association to take action after seeing simulation become ‘a cancer within the game’. Suarez angrily hit back at the comments from Boyce and now Koscielny has joined the list of critics of the Liverpool forward, saying he hates playing against the player because of his antics. “Who is the forward I hate to face? Suarez,” Koscielny said yesterday. “He is tiresome to defend against. He cheats. He pulls your shirt, giving small blows. You always want to give him a kick but you have to be careful not to be red carded. He is a player who likes to dive as soon as there is contact.”

Reds stay put in Anfield

John Terry

iverpool has confirmed its intention to stay at Anfield and redevelop the ground, scrapping plans for a brand new stadium. Liverpool City Council has announced plans for a regeneration of the Anfield area after securing a £25m grant, with a housing association also set to invest. But the idea of a new home in Stanley Park, which was previously considered, cannot be ruled out until plans to carry out the redevelopment of the club’s home are approved. “Today represents a huge step forward for the Anfield area. Everyone at the football club knows the importance of today,” Managing Director Ian Ayre said. “We welcome the opportunity to be part of this partnership-we want to thank Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, and the council for the time and the support they’ve given us to help make the right decision.

Luis Suarez

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Sport

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

shes eat

Tit bits...

Kagawa Shinji Kagawa is only focusing on establishing himself at Manchester United. It is already being suggested that he could turn out for Barcelona or PSG in the years to come, but Kagawa has attempted to distance himself from such reports. “I have never thought about Barcelona or Madrid,” Kagawa said yesterday. “I am focused 100 per cent on life in Manchester. But you never know what the future will hold,” he added.

er, Michael njoying his Madrid and ourinho. he surprise pions at the elping ChelUEFA Chamand he says

at this level ain,” Essien

layed in or Spain have new it won’t

Messi

Barcelona star, Lionel Messi, admits he copied Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo’s free-kick approach for his strike against Uruguay. The Ballon d’Or winner was on target in Argentina’s 3-0 victory and placed his set piece beneath the wall. “I saw recently that Andreas Pirlo and Ronaldinho had scored this way and gave it a go,” Messi explained.

while before eeded more m and I am eep training

er hopes to ue with Ma-

that for the said. ment for the be a special wo Champi-

Dempsey

nd if called the record League.”

Ledley King

King rues early retirement

ormer Tottenham Hotspurs captain, Ledley King, admits he will always wonder what he could have achieved in his career if it was not for his injury problems. King was forced to retire from football in July after a long-running fitness battle with a series of knee injuries. The former England international admits he had no choice but to hang up his boots at the age of 32 after struggling to manage his injury problems for several years. King concedes he will always look back on his career with a mixture of pride and regret having been robbed of more appearances for club and country by his injuries. “I had to deal with the injury and do what I could to keep my career going. I’ll look back and realise I gave it everything I could to try to perform but it was difficult,” King said yesterday. King has revealed the full extent of his fitness problems, admitting he had to use his survival instincts just to help him get through games. “I knew my fitness levels were so low compared with those I was playing against. I had to trick myself into believing it wasn’t about that,” he added.

Major League Soccer Commissioner, Don Garber, admits they hope to bring Hotspurs Tottenham striker Clint Dempsey back to MLS. Garber is in London for the Leaders in Football conference. “For me, personally, I’d love to have Clint in the United States as I think being an idol for young kids all across the country would be good for Major League Soccer,” the commissioner said.

Djourou

Arsenal defender, Johan Djourou, has expressed disappointment with his sit-out situation at the Emirates. Latest reports revealed yesterday that Swiss international Djourou has demanded crunch talks with manager Arsene Wenger over his future. The experienced young defender has not started a league game since April and reports indicated recently that Serie A duo Roma and Napoli are interested in his services.

Stephen Keshi

Eagles surprised me –Keshi

uper Eagles’ Coach, Stephen Keshi, has said that his team surprised him with the high goals margin with which it defeated the Lone Star to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations. Keshi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that although he was happy that Nigeria qualified for the AFCON finals in South Africa, he did not anticipate that Liberia would be beaten with wide goals scored.

“My players were initially jittery in the early minutes of the game. But afterwards, they reorganised and played well. I knew we were going to win but I did not expect this high goals margin,” Keshi said yesterday. The Eagles’ handler, whoever, reassured that the team would acquit itself creditably at the finals to be staged in South Africa in January and whose draw is scheduled for October 24 in Durban.

Debut delights Onazi IKENWA NNABUOGOR

uper Eagles’ new invitee, Eddy Onazi, has expressed delight at making his senior international break last weekend against Liberia in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Calabar. The former national U-17 player was an 81st minute substitute as Nigeria romped to a 6-1 defeat of Liberia to book a place in South Africa. “This debut is another step for me in my career and I thank God, the

coach, NFF and everyone for all the support,” Onazi, who also recently broke into the SS Lazio starting team, said yesterday. According to Onazi, his effort will be geared toward helping Nigeria win the Afcon 2013 trophy. ‘’I believe with the grace of God, we will bring the cup to Nigeria,” the midfielder said. ‘’We have lots of players in the team who can bring their experience to bear on our ambition,” he added, stressing, “I am not sure of my spot but I am ready to fight for it.”

AFCON 2013: Pepsi hails Eagles

Ince

AFOLABI GAMBARI

Blackpool has little interest in allowing Thomas Ince to leave in January, according to reports yesterday. United is eyeing up a sensational bid for Blackpool’s Ince but he won’t be going any time soon. Ince’s father, former England and United midfielder Paul, has told Pool boss Ian Holloway that he has decreed a no-movement for his son to any Premier League club until next summer.

he official beverage for the Africa Cup of Nations and CAForganised competitions has congratulated the Super Eagles for qualifying for the 2013 edition of the Nations Cup taking place in South Africa after defeating the Lone Star of Liberia last Saturday in Calabar. Marketing Manager, PepsiCo International, Mr. Mazen Al Masri, said the Eagles’ feat had erased the memory of last year when Nigeria

failed to qualify for the Afcon 2012 finals in Gabon/Equatorial Guinea after losing the ticket to Guinea. Masri, however, urged the Eagles’ crew to begin preparation for South Africa 2013 finals with a view to motivating the Eagles to win the trophy. Pepsi has for decades championed football development in Nigeria through the Pepsi Football Academy which produced current Super Eagles players that include John Mikel Obi, Osaze Odemwingie, Elderson Echiejile and Ejike Uzoenyi, among others.

Sport

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

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On the track with

YEMI OLUS danyella172003@yahoo.com

Coach faults administrators

thletics coach, Isaac Ikhaobomeh, has blamed the win-at-all-cost mentality of officials for the decline in Nigeria’s sport fortune. He also decried a situation where over-aged athletes are used to represent the country in age-grade competitions but fail to make a smooth transition to the senior team. “We no longer have agegrade competitions and this is a sad development,” Ikhaobomen said. “On top of this, the administrators want people that will win at all cost at the junior level,” he said. “At the end of day, we dominate Africa by taking a 30-year old athlete to a competition meant for 16year olds. By that time, the athletes would have nothing to offer because age

Warga makes Toronto history

Noah Akwu (l) trailing Usain Bolt in London 2012 Olympics 200m Heat race

Running against Bolt at London E Olympics, my climax –Akwu N

igeria’s quartermiler, Noah Akwu, has described being placed in the same heat as the Jamaican triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt at the London 2012 Olympics was a dream come true. Akwu made his Olympics debut at the London 2012 Games where he competed in the 200m and was placed in Heat 1 with Bolt who was in lane 5 while the Nigerian occupied lane 6. As expected, Bolt won the race in 20.39 seconds but Akwu, who could not match up with the lengthy strides of his opponent, trailed in 5th place with 20.67 seconds and failed to make the semi final cut. The Nigerian finished in 25th place out of 54 in the final rankings among the 200m runners, even as Bolt retained the title he won four years ago (19.32) and was joined on the podium by compatriots, Yohan Blake (19.44) and Warren Weir (19.84). But the 22-year-old Akwu said he was unfazed about his fate. “I didn’t feel intimidated when I got to know that I would compete against Bolt. Instead it felt very nice running against him and I was happy,” Akwu said. “The experience was my highpoint this season. However I knew that I didn’t stand a chance against him because I was not well prepared to beat him but hopefully, I would be able to do just that

in 2016,” he added. Akwu’s major event is the 400m but he had to concentrate on 200m predominantly following a surgery earlier this year. He went on to win bronze at the African Championship in Benin Republic and qualified for the Olympics a day before the required deadline with a Personal Best of 20.54 in Kumasi, Ghana.

This is a fact ctt

Wilson Kipketer travelled to Denmark in 1990 as a foreign exchange student, studying electronic engineering and he liked Denmark k dD k so much that he applied for Danish citizenship. He came to international attention in 1994 when he won 16 of 18 800 metre races, ran the second fastest 800 metres of the year (1:43.29) and was ranked number one in the world by Track and Field News magazine. The next year, he won 10 of 12 races, ran under 1:43 twice (becoming only the second man to break 1:43 twice in one season, after Joaquim Cruz who did it in 1984 & 1985) with his 1:42.87 being the world leader, and he competed for Denmark in the 1995 World Championships, there to claim his first World Championship title in the 800 metres.

would have caught up with them.” He maintained that reintroducing genuine agegrade programmes is the only panacea that can rescue Nigeria from the doldrums being experienced. “If you go back to the 1998 National Sports Festival in Imo, you will find out that the people that represented Nigeria in the youth category graduated to the senior; the likes of Emem Edem, Yemi Fagbamila, Hajarat Yusuf, Helen Okpanchi represented Nigeria in the first World Youth Championships in 1999 and in 2000 they were in the World Junior Championships. From there they moved to the senior team because there was a programme for them, contrary to what is obtainable at the moment.”

The Middle Tennessee State University undergraduate, however, rated his performance as being on the improvement lane following his recovery from injury. “I think I performed well this year because I just decided to give it a trial after my surgery. I rested for a month after the Olympics and I have resumed training already,” he submitted.

thiopian Sahle Warga has emerged victorious in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on Sunday in Canada. Warga’s victory in 2:10:36 at the 23rd edition of the IAAF Silver Label Road Race was far from easy though. Unheralded, when compared to the Kenyans John Kiprotich, Kiplimo Kimutai and Gilbert Yegon, who have all run much faster, the Ethiopian stole the race near 39km. Kiprotich pushed the

pace with only Kimutai left among the contenders. For some inexplicable reason Kiprotich, after passing the refreshment table there, turned back to collect a bottle. A gap suddenly appeared and Warga was away and gone. Despite his personal best being 2:09:40 recorded at the 2010 Venice Marathon, Warga had secretly harboured thoughts of defeating the big names. He was easily distinguishable wearing a woolen hat and never straying far from the lead.

Radcliffe, others lose funding

ritish marathoner, Paula Radcliffe, heads wealth 1500m bronze medallist, Steph Twell, a host of athletes who have had their Na- former world 400m silver medallist Nicola Sanders and 800m runner Marilyn Okoro. tional Lottery funding withdrawn. UKA said a significant number of athletes The world record holder has been removed from the World Class Performance Programme had exited the programme as they are not deemed medal contenders in 2016 or because for 2013, UK Athletics confirmed on Sunday. The 39-year-old missed the London 2012 they had not met agreed performance targets Olympics through injury and has only raced for the previous year. one marathon since 2009, in Beijing last year. UKA has narrowed the focus for funding from athletes with top-eight potential to those who are major championship medal contenders in the next Olympic cycle. Racliffe had been on podium-level funding, the highest level of Lottery support, which runs from around £13,000 to £26,000 and is in addition to non-financial help like access to coaches, facilities, medical staff and training camps. Several other senior names have also seen their funding taken away, including Mara Yamauchi, Marlon Devonish and Mark Lewis-Francis, Rhys Williams, Michael Rimmer, Common- Paula Radcliffe

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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Real Estate & Environment

Oil spill: NOSDRA seeks more support from UNDP STORIES: OLUFEMI ADEOSUN

n order to effectively address the issue of oil spill in the country, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) is seeking more support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). NOSDRA’s Chief Executive Officer, Sir Peter Idabor, made the call at a meeting with Deputy-Country Representative (Programme) of the UNDP in Nigeria, Mr. Jan Thomas Hiemstra. Idabor, however, put on record the several supports the UNDP had rendered to his agency, particularly the assistance in the development of its regulations and strengthening of its policy framework for oil spill management under the international development body’s Control Programme Action Plan (CPAP). Some of the areas where the UN agency had assisted Nigeria, according to the Director General, included Development of the National Environmental Guidelines and Regulations for Oil Spill and Oily Wastes Management in Nigeria (CPAP 2009/2012), Development of the National Guidelines and Regulations for Oil Spill Recovery, Clean-up, Remediation and Damage Assessment (CPAP 2009/2010) and Development of the National Guidelines and Standards for Oil Spill Compensation for Nigeria (CPAP 2010/2011) Others are Development of Technical Guidance Manual for Oil Spill and Oily Waste in Nigeria (CPAP 2010/2011) and Activation of the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP) for the first time (CPAP2011). While acknowledging such assistance, Idabor, however, called on the UNDP to

One of the scenes of oil spills in the Niger-Delta.

offer support to NOSDRA in the area of human capacity building (Training-theTrainer programme), National Stakeholders’ Workshop for the Review and Validation of the National Dispersant Use Policy for Nigeria slated to hold in December, Technical Guidance for the preparation and implementation of Spill Prevention, Control and Counter-measures Plan (SPCCP) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the agency’s laboratories. The NOSDRA boss also asked for help in the areas of development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for

the agency’s laboratories, pilot project on conversion of remediated burrow pits into fish ponds. Other areas included conducting study and research of Nypa palm to explore its use for degraded land reclamation and restoration of biodiversity and research and development of technical policy guideline for oil pipeline protection as regulatory requirements for oil industry operators. The deputy-country representative of programme of the UNDP noted that the willingness of his organisation to collaborate with NOSDRA was informed by its unrelenting commitment to ensure envi-

NESREA gets additional four regulations

Benebo

s part of the moves to wrestle the environment from constant despoliation arising from human activities, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has come up with additional four regulations. The four new regulations are: National Environmental (Quarrying and blasting species) regulations, 2012, National Environmental (pulp and paper, wood and wood products) regulations, 2012, National Environmental (Motor vehicle assembly and miscellaneous assembly) regulations, 2012; and National Environmental (alien and invasive species). The new regulations, which are coming at a time the country is experiencing environmental disaster occasioned by flooding, are in addition to the existing 24 which have been gazetted by the Federal Government. Speaking during the opening session of the Regulatory Dialogue in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer, NESREA, Dr. Ngeri Benebo, stressed that the forum was created to facili-

tate the implementation/operationalisation of environment regulations. She said, “the dialogue seeks a way forward in promoting partnership and cooperation in the enforcement of environmental regulations, compliance monitoring and protection of the environment.” While harping on the need for every Nigerian to take the issue of environmental compliance seriously, she said that its protection did not lie in government alone but in all the people that live in it. Benebo explained that the existing regulations and the proposed ones are aimed at putting everybody on the same page as it relates to the issues of environment. She urged the participants who were drawn from the State Environmental Protection Agencies (EPAs), State Ministries of Environment, State Waste Management Authorities, State Water and Sanitation agencies, to work with the Federal Ministries, Department and Agencies in scrutinising the regulations with a view to making them all-encompassing.

ronmental sustainability and good environmental governance in the country over the years. Emphasising that oil pollution was one of the challenges facing Nigeria, Hiemstra disclosed that the UNDP’s strategic cooperation with NOSDRA was aimed at ensuring a zero-tolerance for pollution in the country’s oil and gas industry. He assured that the United Nations body would assist the agency in capacity development of its staff, as well as development of policies and programmes geared towards ensuring environmental sustainability in the oil and gas sector.

On the expectation of government from the dialogue, she also said, “As part of the dividends of this dialogue, we are expecting enhanced understanding of the interface between the Federal and state regulatory agencies, increased partnerships for compliance monitoring and enforcement of all environmental laws, standards and regulations, and the development of standardised Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials for public education and awareness.” On whether the new regulation is directly related to curbing the raging flooding that has engulfed the nation in recent time, the NESREA boss stated that they had no direct bearing with the issue of flooding, explaining that the agency had made regulations that addressed it. “These regulations are not for flood, we have already made the regulation that addresses the issue of flooding. Even right now, we have started running jingles again on that issue. They ran the jingles before the rain started. We are not meant to clean the drains for anybody that is not the job of NESREA. It is the polluter who pays and makes sure that the environment is clean. That is what is obtained globally and that is what we do in Nigeria.

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Your staircase deserves decorative details

raciously curving hand rails, handsome newel posts, elegantly proportioned steps and elaborately cast or turned balustrades are all details that merit attention when decorating your staircase, experts have said. According to them, if more modest in size and lacking decorative detail, your stairway will, at the very least, offer space to create your very own picture gallery or perhaps a print room, and will become a pleasurable transitional space between floors. The major decision you have to make is whether or not to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;starâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the stairway and, if so, which elements merit special treatment. Whichever parts are coloured in contrast to the rest of the scheme, these are the details that will stand out. Remember also that wood has a colour and it is a good idea to try to match other timber furnishings in the surrounding areas to this colour. It is impossible to think of a stairway without considering the rooms with which it connects â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in

Source: modernhousez.net

particular the hall from which it probably emanates. Because the two areas will inevitably be viewed together, it is important that the colour schemes of both are closely linked, if not entirely the same. The space beneath a stairway offers a wonderful opportunity for storage, either closed in and housing unsightly items (such as cleaning implements and bicycles) or open and perhaps forming a mini library or bar. In a space-pressed home, a miniature office might even be accommodated. For practicality, surfaces need to be tough. If carpet is your chosen, floor covering, ensure that it is well attached to the stairs either by a gripper rod beneath or stair rods above. Stair rods are an old-fashioned but decorative idea and many styles, particularly those in brass, are still being manufactured. A stair nosing will protect stair edges in situations where there is particularly heavy wear. Delicate wall surfaces can be protected by the introduction of a painted dado at the lower level.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Real Estate & Environment

Experts suggest ways to make Lagos liveable, hub of opportunities DAYO AYEYEMI

ities play an important role in the development of any modern society, and as such, must be made liveable to provide opportunities for the dwellers to fulfil their socio-economic potential. “And as such, the dynamics of the Lagos mega city, as well as the various developmental projects being embarked upon by the government will continue to present opportunities for residents to earn a decent living and growth in a decent environment.” Those were the expressions of experts, who gathered to explore how Lagos could build opportunities for its inhabitants to flourish during the 2012 World Habitat Day celebration held in Ikeja last week. The theme of the celebration was, ‘Changing cities, building opportunities.’ The World Habitat Day celebration is a United Nations organised event to focus on critical factors that have had positive impact on planet earth. In his remarks, the Habitat Programme Manager for Nigeria, Mallam Kabir Yari, said one factor that distinguished the country’s urban challenge was that while the urban population continued to grow phenomenally, the supply of natural land was fixed. According to him, the implication is that despite efforts at creating new sandfilled sites, “there is a tendency for the cost of land to spiral upwards, as the contest for land by competing uses increases.” He said, “States like Lagos, therefore, need to pay particular attention to policies, which attend to such issues as densification and the adoption of participatory upgrading or re-densification schemes.” Yari, who is also the President, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, said it was essential that government ensured that for both present and future developments, all land was efficiently and effectively utilised in a sustainable manner so that future generations would not be denied the benefits and use of land. He commended efforts by the Lagos State Government towards urban and environmental renewal through its line ministries, such as ministries of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Works and Infrastructure, Transport and

L-R: Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Housing, Mr. Jimoh Ajao; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development , Mrs. Ajayi Oluwatoyin, Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; and Commissioner, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Olutoyin Ayinde , during the World Urban Forum held in Lagos.

Environment, among others, and their agencies, which he said have seen the development of model city plans for major districts in the state through a participatory and inclusive approach. He said, “It is a matter of pride that through the efforts of this administration and its predecessor, Lagos that was an object of ridicule the world over in the past has today become a showpiece for development and management of mega cities.” A former president, NITP and Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, Mr. Bunmi Ajayi, said Lagos had become a victim of its geographical location, importance and prosperity, and had consequently suffered neglect from the Federal Government. One of the discussants and Executive Secretary, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey, urged the government to be more practical and take cognisance of the Nigerian culture in decision-making. He described most government’s policies as foreign, lacking any cultural connotation to make the desired meaning to the people.

Governor Babatunde Fashola, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said positive changes could help develop liveable cities, which are engines of economic growth and translating into opportunities for a larger number of people to have improved wellbeing, experience a reduction in diseases and access to unimaginable prosperity. The governor said it became apparent Lagos must embrace change when the reality that it will be home to over 25 million people by the year 2015 came calling. He said, “This was confirmed by the census we conducted in 2006 and growth projections. The figures challenged our thoughts, stimulated our innovative juices and galvanised our plans to adopt systematic and directional developmental programmes. He recalled how his government carefully came out with 10-point agenda followed by reform programmes and service charter; prudent planning and discipline usage of public funds by making the people willing partners in the progress towards make Lagos a changing city that builds opportunities.

In pursuance of this agenda, Fashola said his administration had focused on four key sectors of the economy vis-à-vis power, agriculture, transportation and housing. In the area of power, he said the independent power projects on Lagos Island, Alausa, Akute and Lekki served as his administration’s response to the epileptic power supply in order to drive development. In order to reduce food insecurity, the governor stated that the state was growing its own rice and was processing it to international standard; improving its road network and transportation system; and providing affordable housing through Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme. The enumerated achievements, he said was made possible by compliant and patriotic citizens who have faithfully paid their taxes. According to him, Lagos has now become a choice investment destination for both local and foreign investors, and a land of opportunity for large, medium and small-scale enterprises.

Global Homes holds 2nd Nigeria Property awards OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

s part of its resolve to further promote and celebrate the giants amongst the best and offer an unmatched showcasing of Nigeria’s residential and commercial real estate industry, Global Homes Magazine for property investors, home owners and buyers will hold the second edition of the Global Home Nigeria Property Awards The 2012 awards, which will assist in promoting high level of quality on offer in Nigeria real estate, construction, architectural and interior

design sectors, as well as the professional services available holds on November, 10 in Lagos. The special guest of honour is Mr. Terver Gemade, an architect, Managing Director Federal Housing Authority (FHA) This hint was dropped by the publisher of the magazine, Mrs. Roni Akins, during a media parley at her London office while reviewing the maiden edition of the awards, where Aso Savings and Loans Plc emerged the Best Mortgage Bank of 2011, UPDC, best property development of the 2011 and Broll Property Services Limited was the best property man-

agement company, among others at the same venue, held November 11, 2011, amidst fanfare. Speaking about the event, Akins said, “By His grace, our 2nd Global Home Nigeria Property Awards will hold on November 10, with the Annual Gala Dinner, which will attracts over 200 chief executive officers and managing directors, presidents and other senior management figures from Nigeria’s real estate and other related industry icons.” While encouraging government institutions, corporate bodies and individual mortgage icons to participate as sponsors of the award, Akins prom-

ised that their respective companies would reach the top decision makers in the sector, as well as unique networking opportunities. She stated further that, it was therefore with great anticipation and confidence that she “looked forward to the awards night which would provide a targeted approach to promoting your corporate image, products and services as well as creating greater market awareness.” The number of the categories for this year’s award has been increased to 15, to reflect the important role that each sector in the real estate industry represents.

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

How private firms buy into street sweeping scheme in Lagos – LAWMA boss

Street sweepers at work on a major road in Lagos.

orporate bodies like Nigerite Limited, Universal Steel Plc, NNFEMS (Apple Cosmetics), Protea Hotels, Guinness Nigeria Plc and UAC Foods Plc have street sweepers on their payrolls to compliment government’s efforts. Managing Director of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Ola Oresanya, has disclosed. Oresanya revealed this last Thursday in his welcome address during the 4th sensitisation and awareness work-

shop for street sweepers and other stakeholders in Ikeja. He noted that the popularity of the street sweeping initiative of the Lagos State Government is spreading among corporate organisations and international bodies, which have seen the scheme as a veritable empowerment strategy. Oresanya remarked that the achievements of street sweeping on Lagos highways is now being complemented through the introduction

Ogun reads riot act to illegal land speculators

gun State Government has read the Riot Act to illegal land speculators, warning that it will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law if they refuse to desist from encroaching on lands acquired for development purposes. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Land Matters and Director General, Mrs Ronke Sokefun stated this in Abeokuta at the weekend while inaugurating a task force on monitoring government acquisition. In a statement signed by the Bureau’s spokesperson, Mrs. Toluwalope Kowo, the director general said the need to set up the taskforce arose following government’s observation on the unbridled encroachment by land speculators known as “omo onile” on lands acquired for developing facilities for the benefits of the people, regretting that the encroachment disrupted government’s development plans. Sokefun said the taskforce is mandated to arrest the incessant encroachment on government acquired lands and stop the harassment of lawful allotees of government land. She warned members of the public to be cautious when buying land, ad-

vising them to always approach her bureau to ascertain its status so as not to fall victim of land speculators. Responding, chairman of the taskforce who is the Deputy Director, Administration and Supplies of the bureau, Mr. Adeleke Adekunle commended government on the step taken to eradicate the unwholesome practice of land speculators and promised that members would do their best to help government achieve its aims.

Amosun

of marine services that are responsible for cleaning of shorelines and canals. He said, “Another innovation is the local policing outfit that has assisted in the reduction of waste on our highways with a considerable improvement in the aesthetics of the environment.” The managing director commended Sterling Bank Plc for donating 10,000 uniforms to LAWMA. He said the sweeping initiative had also

endeared the international community and potential investors to appreciate the visible efforts of the state government towards the promotion of a clean environment. He explained that street sweeping involved considerable amount of work due to the bad sanitary habit of the people, particularly the throwing of litters on the roads from moving vehicles, as well as construction work wastes and drainage silts. However, Oresanya listed some of the challenges confronting the programme to include risks to life through infections and accidents due to the careless attitude of some motorists and motorcycle riders. He said the authority has spent considerable amount of money towards organising training for supervisors who are the link between the sweepers and their respective service providers. Governor Babatunde Fashola, urged the sweepers to take advantage of the annual workshop to interact more with their supervisors and employers to evolve solutions that would enhance improved service delivery individually and collectively. The governor implored street sweepers to get familiar with the new Lagos Traffic Law, which would be translated into major Nigerian languages, to afford them the opportunity of benefiting maximally from its provisions. The Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the introduction of street sweeping programme had improved the aesthetics of the state and had led to better behaviour of residents in the area of indiscriminate throwing of litters in unauthorised locations.

Group initiates model green state awards OLUFEMI ADEOSUN

Non-Governmental Organisation under the aegis of MaryElika Foundation has initiated the Nigerian Model Green State Award programme in recognition of states and individuals that have strong commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. The green model award programme will also give special recognition to amazons of green initiatives in the country. Speaking with journalists on the forthcoming programme in Abuja, the Executive Director, Mary-Elika Foundation, Mrs. Mary Manso, said the group initiated the award in order to stimulate the interest of the people, especially the policy makers both at the states and local government levels on environmental issues. According to her, apart from the sensitisation programmes which had formed the fulcrum of the activities of the group since 2008 when it was formed, the group was now ready to complement the efforts of the Federal Government in the environment sector. Manso explained that the idea behind the award was to promote environmental sustainability by rewarding states in Nigeria adjudged to be clean, safe and sustainable. She stated that states would be judged based on the efforts they had made in

the areas of waste management, development of green infrastructure areas, water management, and efficient transport system. On the previous programmes of the group, she added, “The foundation organised the maiden edition of NIMOGSA awards in 2010 to recognise and encourage states with various commitment to environmental through their policies, development plans and actions. This year, the Foundation plans to introduce the face of the environment tagged, “Ms. Green and beautiful to select an ambassador for the environment.” However, while commenting on the spate of flooding in the country, the environmentalist stated that the people were having a raw deal with the environment because they had despoiled it through unwholesome activities. She said that while the Federal Government must ensure that the N17.6billion earmarked to ameliorate the suffering of the people in the affected states is well utilised and channelled toward the intended purposes, the people must help themselves by imbibing practices that would help the environment, rather than despoil it. “The environmental supports life on earth and as such should be given the necessary attention. The recent flooding in some parts of the country is a typical example of how inhuman the environment can be when abused,” she said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Aviation

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

High cost fuel, multiple taxations bane of aviation sector –Stakeholders

he Nigerian aviation industry has come a long way with its share of ups and downs. In the last couple of years, many airlines have come and gone with each having different tales of woe to tell. At present, most of the operational airlines are going through some challenges, but some before them went through the same path, which eventually metamorphosed into problems, that clipped their wings and forced them into oblivion. While some stakeholders and professionals may want to blame the death of the airlines on their managements, many have equally accused the government of not providing the enabling environment for investors in the sector to flourish, which led to their premature deaths and loss of jobs for professionals. In a stable economy like the United States of America where their government creates an enabling environment for operators, support indigenous airlines with various intervention funds, have maintenance hangar facilities on ground for airlines with high passenger traffic and enormous opportunities for operators, the maximum annual profit of an airline is five per cent. Also, Chinese government in 2011 announced plans to invest a total of 1.5trn yen (about $228bn) in its aviation sector over the next five years. The huge sum of money is expected to be expended on the construction of 11 commercial airports and acquisition of 290 new planes from 2011. Besides, in India, its government in recent years invested massively in aviation development through public investment and has actively engaged the private sector to meet the growing demand of the country. In Nigeria where all these facilities and opportunities are limited without support from the government, the story is different. Airlines hardly remain in the air for a decade before they close shops. However, Nigeria has been experiencing a significant and enduring trend of increases in commercial airline passengers, freight and aircraft operations over the years and with this development, it is pertinent for the government to take aviation as a vital tool that could be used to fuel economic growth. Stakeholders and professionals in the industry in an interview with National Mirror said the only way the airlines could operate profitably, compete and remain in business for long like their counterparts in United Kingdom, US, China and even India, is for Nigerian government to emulate their counterparts in the globe and create a conducive environment for players in the industry. The Commercial Manager, West and East Africa, Delta Air Lines, Mr. Bobby Bryan said that for indigenous airlines to operate profitably and to international standards, the government has a role to play. He agreed that Nigeria’s aviation environment is a little different from that of the US, but said government worldwide provide enabling environment for operators to remain in business. He said, “Really, each market is a little bit different. Nigeria has its own aviation environment, but on our parts, we will like to see the local carriers operate to international standards, which we think will help them to succeed and thrive in the industry. “Governments always have a role, but may be each market is different from each other. Government needs to provide a stable infrastructure for the airlines to operate in, but again, I think everyone in aviation is concerned about security and safety. These are the core components of aviation no matter where you are in the world. “There are challenges globally in aviation and we as an airline has a responsibility to ensure safety and security. And here in Nigeria, we understand that the government and other stakeholders are working together to ensure a more secured and safe environment, but admittedly, it is a difficult circumstances.” Besides, the Chairman, Air Transport Senior Staff Services of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), FAAN branch, Comrade Ekanem Ekanem, said that indigenous airlines are operating under a harsh environment. He explained that despite the harsh operating environment for the players in the sector, the Nigerian government has been creating a white elephant projects in the country, which do not have any impact on the operators in the sector.

Nigerian aviation stakeholders and professionals said the skyrocketing price of aviation fuel, unfavourable operating environment and duplication of charges are killing the country’s airline sub-sector. OLUSEGUN KOIKI writes.

Bryan

Kyari

OPERATORS ARE SPENDING BETWEEN 40 TO 45 PER CENT OF WHATEVER THEY ARE MAKING ON FUEL ALONE, SALARY IS UP TO 20 TO 30 PER CENT, WHAT DO THEY DO FOR MARKETING, WHAT DO THEY DO FOR MAINTENANCE AND OTHER THINGS TO EXPAND THEIR OPERATIONS?

YOU CAN SEE THAT THE INDUSTRY IS VERY CHALLENGING

For instance, Ekanem stated that rather than the government to improve the lots of the players in the sector through proactive programmes, there are many unviable airports all over the country, which were established for political reasons. He said that for the players in the sector to operate profitably and contribute their quota to the economic growth of the country, the government should establish maintenance hangar facilities in strategic airports; encourage the operators through well-monitored intervention funds and desist from constructing airports for political reason, which do not add any benefit to the growth of the sector. “Government should only bring up airports where they are needed and stop construction of unviable airports for political reasons simply because they are in power. “I quite agree that airports should be segmented into areas of priority. The one in Akwa Ibom, which is the maintenance hangar, is good or Ilorin, which is for agricultural produce, it is viable for farmers. But unfortunately, rather than creating an enabling atmosphere for operators in the country, we are misplacing our priorities by delving into what will not be beneficial to the industry, but just to politicians.” To Engr. Sheri Kyari of the Aviation Round Table, the death of airlines in the Nigerian aviation industry is not unexpected, saying that most of the operators just jumped into aviation industry without doing proper analysis of aviation business globally. He also accused the NCAA of not properly monitoring the airlines, stressing that if the regulatory agency had been carrying out its economic monitoring on the airlines, the death of most of them would have been avoided. He explained that aviation business globally is a capital intensive business with international conformity on the part of the players. He said, “Aviation business is a high capital intensive one with so many expenditures and that is why even in the US with a stable economy, any airline that makes profit up to five per cent has done wonderfully well. The average is three per cent on annual basis. That is a stable economy, not to talk of an unstable economy like Nigeria where fuel price is ar-

bitrary at times. So, how will they make it? There is no way the airlines will survive.” Kyari stated that Nigerian airlines are suffering from double taxation and high cost of fuel among other challenges, adding that operators are spending between 40 to 45 per cent of their revenue generation on purchase of Jet A1 while monthly salaries take up to 20 to 30 per cent of their generation. With these expenditure, he insisted there was no way they could remain in business for long. He emphasised that the expected lifespan of Nigerian airlines is 10 years maximum and called on the Federal Government to come to the aid of the airlines before they all close shops. “There is a need for the government to help in the area of maintenance by having a in-house maintenance facility in Nigeria. By the time you have that, the operators would have eliminated the cost of fueling the aircraft for maintenance outside the shores of the country, overflying charges that you have to pay to the countries you are over-flying, landing and parking, the values of the foreign exchange that such operators would incur, that would have been eliminated.” He commended the Akwa Ibom State government for the step taken to improve aviation practices in the country and urged the federal government to emulate the state and other countries around the world. “The government needs to assist, but every time we talk about this, people will say it is capital intensive and they can’t go into it, but the issue is how did the other countries realise the importance of such facilities and went into it? We thank God that Akwa Ibom State government has constructed a good maintenance hangar and we hope that they continue to equip the hangar to carry out every checks on aircraft in the country.” “It will save the airline operators a lot of money while it will also create jobs for lots of Nigerians. There is need for government to play their part, but the operators too should be sincere with themselves, have some strategic management in place so that the money they make they can plough it back and strengthen their operations in order to remain in business.”

Aviation

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

FAAN spokesman defends creation of additional directorates STORIES: OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he General Manager, Corporate Communications of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Yakubu Dati has said that the creation of additional directorates including that of cargo development in the agency by the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah was a step in the right direction. Speaking in an exclusive interview with National Mirror in his office last week, Dati insisted that the creation of the department was long overdue when put into consideration the large volume of cargoes that are daily exported out of the country by farmers. He also argued that the planned construction of six cargo airports by the government would further give access to farmers to easily export their farm produce to foreign lands. He explained that the restructuring in all the agencies including FAAN had nothing to do with expansion of personnel in the sector, rather this would further bring the expected efficiency in the agency. He said, “In international aviation, more money is made and more economic activities is created through cargo because that is where the farmer from Ijebu-Ode

Dati

can bring his products and fly them out to Italy. That is how the businessman in Osogbo can grow his fruits and fly them to London and they will arrive fresh. “But our farmers do not have access for their farm produce to leave the shores of the country, so, if you look at cargo development for instance, you will now see that there is a need for it because President Goodluck Jonathan has also approved construction of six cargo terminals in the country, which investors are ready to invest in and the Japanese have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to come and build that. These are cargoes that are going to stimulate production. “You will recall that there was a time in this country that cassava growers were crying because they produced cassava and there was

nowhere to take them to because the industries were collapsing and they couldn’t consume them. If you go to Kano, there is no cotton production because we have localised. The world is a global village and that is why as a responsible government, you must create access for goods and services and how do you do this? It’s through cargo so that the agricultural products, which have been the mainstay of Nigeria before oil will now, go back to its hay days.” It will be recalled that in-house industry unions had condemned in totality the creation of new directorates in FAAN, insisting that the minister does not have the authority and competence to create extra directorates in any of the agencies. Oduah had established three new directorates and the collapsing of one, bringing the total number of directorates in the parastatal to nine. The erstwhile Directorate of Environment was collapsed into a department while the three new Directorates are Projects, Legal Services and Cargo Development. On the ongoing remodeling of 11 airports in the first phase and accusation of sub-standard materials in some quarters, Dati, emphasised that those criticising the project were those who had benefitted in the rots in the sector over the years.

Etihad Airways records $1.3bn revenues in nine months

he national airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways last week reported third quarter revenues of $ 1.3billion, up 19 per cent on 2011 ($ 1.1bn). The record revenues reflected passenger numbers up 23 per cent, with 2.79 million travellers in the quarter (2.27 million). An online statement signed by the airline’s media consultant in Nigeria stated that seat factors of 81.2 per cent mark the best ever quarterly performance by the airline, with passenger numbers on track to pass the 10 million milestone in 2012. The rise in revenues continues to outperform the airline’s growth in capacity and Etihad Airways remains confident of achieving full year profitability for the second year running.

Etihad Aircraft

The statement added that passenger revenues were boosted by code-share and partner revenues, which jumped 51 per cent to $182million ($121million), adding that the airline’s 38 partners helped to create a total network of 315 destinations, more than any other Middle Eastern carrier. A significant contribution came from airberlin, in which Etihad Airways holds a 29.21 per cent equity stake. The two airlines’ extensive code-share and joint marketing agreements have delivered US$ 51m in revenues to Etihad Airways year-todate, surpassing the initial full year estimates. Etihad Airways and airberlin have delivered a combined total of more than 150,000 passengers into each other’s networks so far

this year. Etihad Airways and airberlin have established a foundation for further cost synergies through mutual maintenance programs, the integrated 787 Dreamliner program and international sales representation. Air Seychelles, in which Etihad holds a 40 per cent stake, continues to grow revenues through increased frequencies and codeshares, with four flights to Abu Dhabi now offering 375 sub-four hour onward connections a week. Air Seychelles is also reducing costs as it leverages synergies, sharing economies of scale and integration of back office functions with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. Air Seychelles remains on track to break even in 2012, in the first year of Etihad Airways’ five-year management contract, confirming a dramatic turnaround in the airline’s economic fortunes after several years of heavy losses. Virgin Australia, in which Etihad Airways now holds a 10 per cent stake, continued to deliver a strong contribution, with code-share revenues to Etihad Airways up 16 per cent year-onyear.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Need for toilet tissues at MMIA

he Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah has, in the last 16 months of her appointment, tried to uplift the country’s airports environments to make it more convenient for users. Although, the ongoing remodeling of 11 airports in the first phase has received knocks and praises in different quarters. At present, the conveniences at both the first and second floors of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos are wearing a new look, but despite this, the most important aspect that makes the facilities acceptable to users is overlooked by the authorities in charge. Airside observes that most of the conveniences lack tissue papers and users have to

scramble for unavailable water to clean up after using the facilities. It is not yet clear if the tissues are inadequately supplied by the authority in charge or they are diverted to private use by the Patovilki Cleaning Company staf of the maintenance of the toilets. Experience outside the shores of this country shows that tissues are placed in each toilet and one wonders why the MMIA is an exception. Better still; the authority in charge can take a cue from the BiCourtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Mohammed Airport Two (MMA2), Lagos where tissue papers are visibly displayed for users. Time to change this habit before it becomes a character.

Does this restructuring have ethnic colouration?

xpectedly, the recent restructuring in virtually all the agencies by the Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah came with its own sentiments. While a section of the country claimed ethnic cleansing in the exercise and called for immediate removal of Oduah “before she destroys the sector,” some favoured by the exercise insisted that it was a step in the right direction. While Airside will not want to dabble into the reasons behind the restructuring, it is pertinent to note here that most of those either disengaged or transferred were equally appointed by erstwhile ministers in the sector without merit. It is still very fresh in our memories how a certain Min-

ister of Aviation (names withheld) who spent just six months in the saddle, flocked a particular agency with people from a particular state in the country and promoted them to the ranks of General Managers. Even, in one of the agencies, we currently have General Manager, Car Park! Most of those engaged by that particular minister are still calling shots in different agencies in the sector today. However, Airside will not support that aviation personnel should be at the whims and caprices of every minister in the sector, but again, the trend will continue until those in authorities put professionalism ahead of sentiment and ethnicity. We are all guilty.

Trainer refinery produces first jet fuel for Delta subsidiary

he Trainer oil refinery, owned by Delta subsidiary Monroe Energy LLC, has produced its first certified jet fuel - a process that will save the airline an estimated $300 million in fuel costs each year. Monroe acquired the refinery outside of Philadelphia in April and has been overhauling the facility in preparation to produce up to 185,000 barrels of crude-related products, including around 52,000 barrels of jet fuel, per day. Pipelines and other transportation assets will deliver the fuel to Delta’s operations throughout the Northeast, including its hubs at New York-LaGuardia and New York-JFK. Production at the refinery combined with multi-year agreements with BP and Phillips 66 to exchange gasoline, diesel, and other refined products from the

refinery for jet fuel will provide 80 percent of Delta’s domestic jet fuel needs. Also, Delta has opened its first sales office in Tanzania’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. The office is open to business and leisure customers wanting to book travel to the United States or on Delta’s extensive domestic U.S. route network. Delta does not currently operate a direct service to Tanzania, however customers flying to the United States can book flights via Europe operated by Delta’s joint venture partner KLM or SkyTeam partner, Kenya Airways. Additionally, customers can opt to fly via Johannesburg, Lagos or Dubai to Delta’s hub in Atlanta. The Tanzanian sales office is Delta’s third in East Africa: the airline has offices in Nairobi, Kenya and Kampala, Uganda.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insurance

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Insurers still insincere to policyholders on claims settlement Despite the clamour for claims settlement in the insurance industry, some insurers still seem to be insincere on claims payment. Investigations by National Mirror reveal that some of them now negotiate with policyholders and underpay. OMOBOLA TOLU-KUSIMO reports.

he non-settlement of claims by insurers has, over the years been the bane to insurance growth and penetration in Nigeria. Despite the clamour about claims settlement in the insurance industry by the regulatory body, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), some insurers still seem to be insincere on claims payment. They seem to have devised a new means of swindling their way out of paying claims by negotiating with the insured, sometimes proposing 50 to 30 per cent of the total sum of claims. Although it has become sacred in the industry for companies not to pay claims, Investigation by National Mirror revealed that some of them are still not being true to their commitment of settling genuine claims as and when due. NAICOM has continued to show zero-tolerance stance on non-settlement of claims by insurance companies. To buttress its stance, licenses of defaulting companies have been suspended and revoked in recent times. There are 59 licensed insurance companies which include FBN Life Assurance Limited; UnityKapital Assurance PLC; Alliance & General Insurance Limited; African Alliance Insurance Ltd; ADIC Life Assurance Limited; AIICO Insurance PLC; Anchor Insurance Limited; Capital Express Assurance Limited; Oceanic Insurance Limited; Consolidated Hallmark Insurance PLC; UBA Metropolitan Life Insurance Limited; Cornerstone Insurance PLC; Crusader General Insurance Ltd; Guinea Insurance Plc; Industrial & General Insurance; International Energy Insurance Plc and Lasaco Assurance Plc. Others are Law Union & Rock Insurance Plc; Leadway Assurance Company Limited; Linkage Assurance Plc; Mutual Benefits Assurance; NEM Plc; Niger Insurance Plc; Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation; Oasis Insurance; Union Assurance Limited; Intercontinental WAPIC Insurance Plc; Fin Insurance Limited; Zenith Insurance Limited Prestige Assurance Plc; Regency Alliance Insurance Plc; Royal Exchange Assurance Plc; Sterling Assurance Nigeria Limited; Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc; Staco Insurance Plc; Standard Alliance Insurance; Universal Insurance Company Limited; Investment & Allied Assurance co. Ltd; Unitrust Insurance Company Limited NICON Insurance Plc, Unitrust Insurance Company Ltd and Regency Alliance Insurance Plc. It is noteworthy to state that insurers have, in recent times, been announcing claims settled by them as marketing gimmick to woo the general public. Recently, Aiico Insurance Plc reported a whopping N8.6 billion as claims paid to policyholders between January 2010 and December 2011. The company’s Managing Director, Mr. David Sobanjo, said out of the total N8.6 billion claims, over N3.1 billion was paid as claims under general insurance business while the life insurance business accounted for N5.5billion, noting that the company’s claims ratio grew slightly from 20 per cent in 2010 to 21 per cent in 2011. According to Sobanjo, “We recognise the fact that the only credible way we insurers can remain on top of our business is to pay claims as and when due. At Aiico Insurance Plc, our customers are our kings and are treated as such, especially when claims crystallize for payment, he added. Also, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc disclosed total claims paid to different policyholders of the company across the country in the third quarter claims payment in 2012 as N369 million. Head of Technical Division, Mr. Tajudeen Rufai stated that claims settlement remains a vital fulcrum of the company’s operation and that the management is committed to ensuring that policyholders of the company are always delighted when it comes to claims settlement. “Our continued ability to sustain our prompt claims culture is very critical to our business sustainability just as we do not trivialize issues that border on our reputation as a brand in the comity of insurance companies in the country”, Rufai added. He further mentioned that at Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, the customer comes first in all the facet of the company’s operation. Notwithstanding these huge figures posed by companies as claims paid to policyholders, NAICOM was able to rake from insurers to the tune of N617 million disputed claims in

Sobanjo

Ilori

IT IS ODD THAT SOMEBODY IS NEGOTIATING CLAIM AND ANYBODY WHO SETTLE FOR

THAT IS NOT KNOWLEDGEABLE.

I BELIEVE THAT INSURERS NOW TAKE CLAIMS SETTLEMENT SERIOUSLY

the first quarter of 2012. The commission said that its Customer Complaint Bureau resolved a total of 17 disputes involving policyholders and insurance companies in the first quarter of 2012, resulting in N617.8 million claims’ settlement. It also said that in 2011, the bureau resolved 107 disputes out of 347 that were brought before it, which resulted in the payment of N519.08 million claims. According to NAICOM, an interesting thing about the dispute resolution mechanism of the commission is that the number of complaints has been coming down over the years. This it added, was an indication that the zero-tolerance stance of the commission on non-settlement of claims by insurance companies had started to yield positive result as companies were now responding well by paying claims

promptly. Causes of disputes in most cases, the commission stated, included matters relating to the discharge of obligations by insurance companies and intermediaries; non-issuance of document after receipt of premium; delay in settlement of claims; partial or total repudiation of claims; premium paid or payable; and legal construction of the policy wordings. NAICOM said the complaints bureau dealt largely with policyholders, beneficiaries of insurance contract and third parties to an insurance contract. Others it stated included insurance companies, insurance brokers, insurance agents, re-insurance companies, and government agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Public Complaints Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Commission, Ministry of Finance, among others. An insured, Mr. Fatai Adesina who is aggrieved over the refusal by an insurance company (name withheld) to pay his claims told National Mirror that he is sad over the deceit of the company. Adesina who is a banker explained that he bought a comprehensive motor insurance policy to insure his brand new CRV jeep and paid his premium upfront. Giving his account, he said, “I was involved in an accident which involved another vehicle 11 months after I bought comprehensive motor insurance policy and informed the company immediately after the accident occurred. Although the vehicles had been towed to the police station because it was causing an obstruction to other road users, they were able to see the damaged vehicles at the police station. “Unfortunately, the company began to dilly dally and I was forced to repair the third party’s vehicle because he wanted his vehicle to be fixed fast or he could drag me to court. Adesina said the company later called him to propose 30 percent payment for the total claims they ought to pay him and because he didn’t know what to do, he accepted it after two months which he used to fix the vehicle of the third party involved in the accident. When asked why he did not report the company to the Consumer Complaint Bureau set up by the regulatory body, NAICOM, he said he was not aware that such a bureau exists. In the same vein, Mr. Emeka Nnatus said he bought fire and burglary insurance policy but his shop was bugled, the company refused to compensate him. “They kept asking me to be patient but up till date they have not paid me”, he said. NAICOM Oni Ayodeji when contacted said there is need for policyholders to always report any problem on non-payment of claims to the Customer Complaint Bureau. “We need a written document that we can work with to solve problems on non payment of claims. Policyholders can write to the commission rather that giving up. All we need is evidence of transaction”. Managing Director of Mansard Insurance, Mrs. Yetunde Ilori on her part was saddened by the thought of any insurance company negotiating with the insured. She said she does not believe any insurance company will do that now that NAICOM has gone tough on erring insurance companies. “It is odd that somebody is negotiating claim and anybody who settle for that is not knowledgeable. I believe that insurers now take claims settlement seriously. “We are at a disadvantage because we cannot advertise claims that we pay in the television or newspapers so that people are not put at the risk of being robbed among other factors Managing Director, AIICO General Insurance, Mr. Jide Orimolade said the top plan of most insurance companies is to pay genuine claims. He added that insurers can only decline payment when policyholder flout the terms and condition in the policy document. “We are in the insurance business to pay claims that are genuine but sometimes policyholders don’t do what is expected of them”, he said.

Insurance

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Law Union achieves N4.2bn premium income

irector General of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mr. Adegboyega Adepegba yesterday said the 2013 budget amounting to N4.9 trillion as presented by President Goodluck Jonathan is a bold step towards transforming the country. Adepegba who said the insurance industry will be impacted positively when

L-R: Olufunke Osibodu, chairman, Union Assurance Company Limited; Godwin Odah, MD/ CEO, Union Assurance Co. Limited and Somuyiwa Sonubi, Company Secretary, at the 13th Annual General Meeting of Company in Lagos. PHOTO: Olawale Amoo

in line with deteriorating power situation in the country”. Princes Adeniran however informed that a new board and a new senior executive management team have taken over the company following the acquisition of Skye Bank’s interest in LUR in the second quarter of 2012. This led to the emergence of a consortium of ACAP iClass LLP and Swede Control Intertek Limited as preferred bidders, she said. “Going forward, the company is steadfastly committed to making the company be among the top players in the Nigerian insurance industry.

the other sectors are buoyant however noted that the budget may suffer poor implementation by the government. He said, “My worry on the budget is on implementation. How far have we gone in the 2012 budget. “I also worry that in as much as the proposals are good for transforming Nigeria, they form just a part of what the nation needs. The DG noted that this is a major problem adding that the local governments

“Towards this end, the company will implement all the strategic initiatives that have been mapped out to move the company towards the attainment of its goals. Some of these include the total reorganisation of the company, re-orientation of staff and reduction of management overheads while removing all unnecessary financial expenses. “Others are aggressive drive for collection of outstanding premium, penetration of oil and gas insurance market, strong bancassurance partnerships, new product development, drive for retail market among others”, she said. that are expected to be vehicles of development are probably lost between the two. In the same vein, The President, Queen and Kennedy Consulting Limited, and immediate past Director General, Nigeria Insurers Association, Mr. Ezekiel Chiejina, a consultant and former DG of the Nigeria Insurers Association on his part said if the economy is good and the private sector benefit from the budget, it will have great effect on the insurance industry. He posited that it is unfortunate that budgets in the past and 2012 have not been fully implemented.

Royal Exchange supports youth development programme

oremost insurance and asset management group, Royal Exchange Plc, has thrown its weight behind the 5th annual edition of the Leadership Conference for Secondary School Prefects in Lagos State. The event, which is scheduled to hold at the New Auditorium, Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos, on Wednesday, 24th October, 2012 will attract over 1,000 students drawn from about 50 post-primary educational institutions in the state. A statement by the Corporate Affairs Department of Royal Exchange Plc quotes the Executive Director of the Group, Alhaji Auwalu Muktari as saying that this year’s conference will be educative and instructive as it will include a lecture on insurance as well as inspirational discussions on leadership,

Send a text: 07080735854

Budget 2013 will impact on insurance industry if... OMOBOLA TOLU-KUSIMO

Problems with Insurance?

The 7 most terrifying car insurance words

OMOBOLA TOLU-KUSIMO espite the economic challenge including the shock waves of the global financial system, Law Union and Rock Insurance Plc, has recorded an increase in premium income in the 2011 financial year end from N4 billion to N4.2 billion recorded the previous year. Chairperson, Princes Adenike Adeniran who disclosed this at the company’s 43rd Annual General Meeting held recently in Lagos stated that the increase represents four percent in its 2011 financial year. She added that the earned premium also increased by 11 percent as it stood at N4.1 billion above N3.7 billion in 2010. According to her, provision for doubtful debt rose significantly by 56 percent in 2011, accounting for the reduction in the Profit before Tax by 44 per cent from N384 million in 2010 to N170.6 million in 2011. She stated further that investment income of the company for the period under review stood at N228.6 million as against N261.6 million in the preceding year. “Claims incurred reduced significantly by 21 percent from N792.2 million incurred in 2010 to N653.7 million in 2011 while management expenses stood at N619 million having increased from N490 million in 2010. “This is in line with an increase charge for repairs and maintenance cost following increase in cost of maintaining the leasehold properties due to fire outbreak; increase in cost of maintaining pool cars; significant spending on information technology; adjustment to salary scales and increase in cost of alternate power

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

attitudinal change and patriotism. He re-emphasised the commitment of Royal Exchange to the development of youth in the country, saying that “unless we catch them young and nurture them at this stage, the country’s future is most certainly fraught with uncertainty and ineptitude”. Alhaji Auwalu Muktari urged parents and teachers to continue to pay attention to the academic andmoral developments of their children and wards as this demographic segment constitutes the real foundation of nationhood. This year’s conference, which is in colloboration with Foundation for Youth Education, has as its theme “The Youth as Catalyst in the National Transformation Agenda”.

Adepegba

car accident or major traffic violation can leave you rattled, but even scarier can be the effect on your car insurance rates. Here are seven words that are sure to send you screaming. Surcharge If you think the embarrassment of causing a traffic accident can ruin your day, just wait until you see what happens to your premiums. An at-fault accident can lead to a surcharge, which is a premium increase tacked on to your policy for a specific period of time. Ask to see company surcharge schedules or insurance point plans when you shop for insurance. Amy Bach, executive director of the United Policyholders consumer group, warns that the language of such documents can be confusing. When in doubt, be sure to ask questions. Cancelled If your insurance policy is cancelled, it’s like “a double-whammy” says Adler. Not only have you lost your policy, you will no doubt have to pay a higher rate in order to get another carrier to sell you a policy. Policy cancellations are red flags that signal high risk. “If a person is cancelled, they have to disclose it on the [policy] application,” Adler says. When the underwriter sees it, “They will assume you were cancelled for a good reason.” Reasons for cancellation include habitually failing to pay your premium on time, misrepresenting facts on your application, or having yourself or a member of your household lose driving privileges because of an expired, revoked or suspended license. To avoid cancellation, ask if your insurer will maintain your coverage at a higher rate, Adler advises. That may seem unfair, but it’s better than having the policy cancelled and trying to find a new insurer, he says. Nonstandard If your driving record leaves a lot to be desired, you may be forced to purchase auto insurance from a “nonstandard” carrier. “You can get insurance, but you are going to have to pay through the nose,” warns Kevin Foley, a New Jersey-based independent insurance agent. Teen “Teen” may be the scariest car insurance word of all. Your chip off the old block is going to put a big dent in your bank account as soon as he or she gets a driver’s license and goes on your auto policy. Your child doesn’t have to be a bad driver to cost you big bucks. Teens in general are an enormous risk for insurers. They lack experience, drive too fast, and frequently exercise bad judgment. In 2010 the fatal crash rate for teen drivers in the U.S. was nearly three times higher than for drivers age 20 and older. Bach says you can minimize your financial hit by asking your insurer about teen discounts, such as reduced rates for good students. Older cars usually are cheaper to insure than newer models, she adds. She advises you to get a policy that allows you to designate your teen as the driver of your least expensive car. Moraga says the best thing your teen can do to save you money is maintain “a very clean driving record.” Rates won’t start to improve until they reach age 25. Fee If you get into a traffic accident that requires emergency response to come to the scene, you could get a bill for their services, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. A rising number of municipalities around the country are charging emergency response fees. Adler says it’s “going on all over.” Tips by insure.com

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

UBA grosses N168bn in nine months JOHNSON OKANLAWON

nited Bank for Africa Plc has declared gross earnings of N168.2bn for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, an increase by 21.4 per cent when compared to N138.5bn recorded in the same period of 2011. The bank’s profit after tax rose by 429.7 per cent to N39.12bn, from N7.39bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2011, while taxation stood at N5.74bn in the review period, from N2.04bn in 2011 third quarter. Highlights of the financials prepared with International Financial Reporting Stan-

dards, showed that the bank’s total assets improved by 11.1 per cent, from N1.945.8trn in the third quarter of 2011 to N2.162trn in 2012. According to a statement from the bank, operating income witnessed a considerable improvement to cap at N121.8bn, a 17 per cent change from N104.1bn achieved within the same period of last year, whiel operating expenses declined by 3.5 per cent, accentuating the cost reduction initiatives put in place by the management since the beginning of the financial year. The bank also achieved 252.9 per cent growth in earnings per share from 34 kobo in the three

months of 2011 to N1.2 in 2012. Other highlights of the results showed that total loans grew to N711.9bn, representing a 3.1 per cent from N690.4bn recorded in the 2011 third quarter, while total deposits from customers also increased to N1.674trn, an increase of 11.2 per cent, from N1.505trn recorded in the corresponding period 2011. In demonstration of its financial capabilities, loan-to-deposit ratio and capital adequacy ratio stood at 58.6 and 23.9 per cents respectively, from 59.7 and 23.7 per cents in the corresponding period of 2011. Commenting on the re-

Index drops 0.8% on profit taking JOHNSON OKANLAWON

rading in equities continued on bearish note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investors took profit from the previous gains. The All Share Index lost 0.77 per cent to close at 27,077.66 points, compared to 0.30 per cent recorded on Friday to close at 27,287.85 points. Market capitalisation shed N67bn to close at N8.63trn, higher than the decline by N26bn recorded on Friday to close

at N8.69trn. The Consumer Goods Index led sectorial indices by 2.25 per cent to close at 2,312.79 points, followed by the NSE 30-Index with 0.91 per cent to close at 1,282.79 points. The Insurance Index rose by 0.70 per cent to close at N141.95 points, while the Banking Index increased by 0.36 per cent to close at N443.90 points. The Oil and Gas Index appreciated by 0.16 per cent to close at162.58 points, while the Lotus Islamic Index added

0.25 per cent to close at 1,640.90 points. Sterling Bank Plc led the gainers’ table with 20 kobo or 10 per cent to close at N2.20 per share, followed with Acedemy Press Plc with 31 kobo or 10 per cent to close at N3.41 per share. DN Meyer Plc gained 20 kobo or 9.95 per cent to close at N2.21 per share, while International Breweries Plc increased by 81 kobo or 6.14 per cent to close at N14.00 per share. Champion Breweries Plc appreciated by 19 kobo or five per cent to close at N3.99 per share.

Bullish wagers drop to eight-week low

edge funds cut bullish commodity wagers to the lowest since the middle of August before signs the United States economy is improving and declining grain stockpiles drove prices to a three-week high. Speculators reduced netlong positions across 18 US futures and options by 0.4 per cent to 1.24 million contracts in the week ended October 9, the lowest since August 14, US Commodity Futures Trading Commission data showed. Corn bets dropped to the lowest since July before the US government cut its stockpile forecast on October 11. Soybean-oil wagers tumbled 64 per cent, and

those on crude oil contracted for a third week. US consumer confidence unexpectedly jumped in October to the highest level since before the recession began and jobless claims fell to a four-year low, reports showed last week. The economy is improving more than forecasters anticipated, according to the Citigroup Economic Surprise Index, which is at the highest since the end of February. Commodities jumped 11 per cent since June 30 as central banks from the US to Europe to Japan announced measures to bolster growth. “Economic fears remain and try to beat the markets,

but the trickle of fundamental reports continues to flow in and support commodities,” said James Paulsen, the Minneapolisbased chief investment strategist at Wells Capital Management. “There is growing evidence that the US economic recovery has been gearing up and is more broadly based and hence less vulnerable to external shocks.” The Standard and Poor’s GSCI Spot Index of 24 raw materials gained 0.9 per cent last week, touching 674.77 on October 11, the highest since September 19. The MSCI All-Country World Index of equities fell two per cent, and the dollar

sults, the Group Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Phillips Oduoza said, “We continue to pursue our unique strategy of maintaining diversified business in terms of geography and earnings mix. “In Nigeria, we recorded an impressive growth in deposits and still kept funding costs relatively low despite a spike in interest rates during the 3rd quarter.” He said that there are increased contributions across key financial parameters in the pan-African business, adding that the bank remains committed to achieving its targets for 2012 and especially its long term aspirations.

On the flip side, AIICO Insurance Plc dropped by eight kobo or 10 per cent to close at 72 kobo per share, while Diamond Bank Plc dipped by 47 kobo or 9.81 per cent to close at N4.32 per share. Dangote Sugar Plc shed 52 kobo or 8.50 per cent to close at N5.60 per share, while Fidson Healthcare Plc depreciated by 10 kobo or 7.69 per cent to close at N1.20 per share. Red Star Express Plc declined by 44 kobo 19 kobo or 5.76 per cent to close at N7.57 per share. A total of 348.3 million shares valued at N2.22bn were exchanged in 6,136 deals.

gained 0.4 per cent against a basket of six major trading partners. Treasuries returned 0.4 per cent, a Bank of America Corporation index showed. The GSCI gauge fell 0.8 per cent to 660.23 points. The Thomson Reuters/ University of Michigan preliminary October consumer sentiment index increased to 83.1, the highest since September 2007, from 78.3 the prior month, data showed October 12. Applications for jobless benefits dropped 30,000 to 339,000 in the week ended October 6, the fewest since February 2008. Cars sold at a 14.9 million annual rate in September, the fastest pace since 2008, according to Ward’s Automotive Group.

Source: NSE NIBOR QUOTES 12 OCTOBER & 15 OCTOBER 2012 20.00 19.00 18.00 18 00 17.00 16.00 15.00 14.00 13.00 12.00 11.00 10.00 9.00 8.00 7.00 6.00 5.00

12-Oct-12

15-Oct-12

Source: FMDA

Market indicators Market indicators

All-Share Index 7,853,874,916 points All-Share Index 22,191.14 points Market capitalisation 24,671.47 trillion Market capitalisation 7,084 trillion

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

ROYALEX

0.60

0.63

0.03

% CHANGE 5.00

INTBREW

13.60

14.28

0.68

5.00

ROADS

9.74

10.22

0.48

4.93

DIAMONDBNK

3.27

3.43

0.16

4.89

UBN

7.18

7.53

0.35

4.87

UAC-PROP

10.50

11.01

0.51

4.86

FIDSON

1.05

1.10

0.05

4.76

CUTIX

1.51

1.58

0.07

4.64

TRANSCORP

0.89

0.93

0.04

4.49

UPL

4.36

4.55

0.19

4.36

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

CADBURY

21.44

CLOSING 20.37

1.07

-4.99

MAYBAKER

1.65

1.57

0.08

-4.85

NPFMCRFBK

1.05

1.00

0.05

-4.76

AGLEVENT

1.35

1.29

0.06

-4.44

STERLNBANK

1.37

1.31

0.06

-4.38

ASHAKACEM

12.70

12.22

0.48

-3.78

BAGCO

1.89

1.84

0.05

-2.65

24.74

24.16

0.58

-2.34

LIVESTOCK

1.48

1.45

0.03

-2.03

UBA

4.67

4.59

0.08

-1.71

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Day

32,970.71

14.10

10-Oct-12

182-Day

50,000.00

15.40

10-Oct-12

364 -Day

60,000.00

9.05

10-Oct-12

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

48Days

7,302.20

14.39

9-Oct-12

118-Day

50,282.86

14.08

9-Oct-12

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$190m

N/A

$130m

5-Oct-12

$200m

N/A

$200m

7-Oct-12

Capital Market

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at October 15, 2012 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Guber debate: Mimiko, Akeredolu, Oke square up

CONTINUED FROM 13 board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He said the state at this point needed critical transformation and rescue, saying: “I am running for the office of governor in the state to rescue Ondo State. I am contesting in order to liberate the people from imposed penury, and save our resources from further plundering. I want to govern the state in order to save this generation and those unborn from perpetual slavery. I want to design and execute projects that will bring development to the people.” He predicated his desire to serve on a number of reasons: “Everywhere you go in the state, you see a litany of ill-conceived projects. Today, we have a government that has conceived what it calls mega projects, which are designed to move people from their neigbourhood to distant locations. All these, couple with other reasons, are the motive behind my intervention, because I believe that I can prudently manage the resources of the state to bring maximum benefit to the people; I believe I can conceive and implement projects that will bring sustainable development to the state, open up the coastal areas and tap its resources, to bring about industrial revolution which we need to turn around the state’s economy.” Trailing the introduction was the question and answer session where the fourman panel pummelled the candidates with questions bothering on how they intend to tackle education, infrastructure, flood and environment, health and sundry issues. And their responses were intriguing.

Health Quoting a United Nations report, Mimiko in retrospect, said Ondo State had the worst case of maternal mortality in the South-West prior to 2008. That informed his introduction of the ‘Abiye Concept,’ which engendered the Mother and Child Hospital, which in his opinion has today become a reference point in the country. “The Abiye Concept is a home-grown concept to tackle maternal and infant issues as directed in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). All I want to say is that Abiye has had global recognition. Few days ago, I was given an award by the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, at its Golden Jubilee anniversary. It was because of the Abiye programme. It is a profound and very important initiative to the society. When you take care of the child and the mother, you have taken care of a large number of the society. Abiye is a programme and it does not stop the routine of the hospital. “It has since reduced infant mortality. The healthcare system of the state is sound. There is a project going on in immunisation in Nigeria today. It is a joint project between the Governors’ Forum and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. For two quarters consecutively, the state has come first. Immunisation is a pivotal part of basic healthcare.” No sooner had he completed his remarks in this regard than the other candidates feasted on what they referred to as the deficiencies of his “ill-conceived health programmes.” Oke said the Mother and Child programme has taken the shine off the General Hospitals located at the local government headquarters, reducing them to mere

ONE ROAD IN THREE AND HALF YEARS OF GOVERNMENT IS

NOT ENOUGH.

I WILL

OPEN UP THE RURAL AREAS WITH ROADS.

WE NEED WATER AND ELECTRICITY. I WILL GIVE TRANSPARENT LEADERSHIP consulting rooms without medical doctors. He said his government will attract doctors to the rural areas and introduce the ‘Doctors on Wheel‘ programme to address the health needs of the rural population. “What is Mother and Child healthcare?” reacted Akeredolu. “It is maternal or maternity, obstetrics and gynecology or pediatrics. These are secondary levels of medicare which can be taken care of either at specialist hospitals or in some general hospitals.” Akeredolu promised to tackle primary healthcare as a basis for meaningful health to the people, and develop the various general hospitals in the state.

Akeredolu

Agriculture and agro-based industries

Education Mimiko was quick to articulate his achievements in the education sector, which include teachers’ sensitisation and motivation. He said his government has lifted embargo on promotion, stepped up inspection and thereby guaranteeing quality with the establishment of the Education Assurance Agency. He said he renovated existing schools and built Mega Schools and established a Technical Education Ministry as a way of giving education the priority attention it deserves. As the outcome of this, he said products of the state secondary schools have excelled in national and international examinations, hence the desire to sustain this. Oke was quick to puncture that, claiming that the concept of Mega Schools at the expense of the rest secondary and primary schools scattered all over the state was a display of poor planning. “The United Nations is clear as to the distance a child must move to school and return, as well as the number of hours of rest. That is impossible with the Mega School arrangement,” he said. On his programmes for the education sector, he placed emphasis on information and communication technology education, renovation and equipping of all existing primary and secondary schools as commenced by the previous administration in the state, and attracting teachers to the rural areas. Akeredolu shared the same thought, but with a measure of difference. “My solution is that the former schools should rather be developed and modernised. Do we need Mega Schools when we don’t have Mega Teachers and Mega Students?” he queried.

Security/ State police To Akeredolu, security is over-centralised in Nigeria. “This has been challeng-

natural seaport. The survey has been done; we already have a consultant working on it. Under the Federal Government regulation, the seaport can be built on 60 per cent private investors, 20 per cent state government, and 20 per cent Federal Government. “We are collaborating with Ogun State on ten per cent equity. We are getting interested partners who have the capacity. There are regulatory issues we are sorting out with the Federal Government. There is no question about the fact that this seaport has the possibility of being a hub because of the depth of the water.” Oke said the Olokola Project and Free Trade Zone will take care of that. While supporting the establishment of a port, he said it will aid development and shipment of goods, thereby reducing the dependence on Lagos ports. Ondo State, he said, will tap the revenue benefits that form the concomitant effect of the ports and harbor.

Oke

ing to the state governments. We have one Inspector-General of Police who give directives to the commissioners in the 36 states of the federation. States cannot command the police. We must decentralise the police. We must have state police. The security challenge we have in Ondo State is associated with thuggery and violence,” he said. Mimiko supports state police, stating that the state government has been heavily supporting the police in the state to ensure security. “We have procured 10 armoured personnel carriers, 200 patrol vehicles and body armour for them to be able to perform their duties. Yet we do not have any control over them. This should not be. A decentralised police is very desirable.” In Oke’s opinion, insecurity in the state is a product of soaring poverty, unemployment and capital flight. “If we address these, insecurity will be greatly reduced. I do not support state police; rather I am in favour of a constitutional amendment which will grant the governors some powers over the commissioner of police,” he said, adding: “If we decentralise police with this type of government we have in Ondo State now, the opposition party will not be able to participate in the election.”

Seaport and habour Mimiko said it is possible to have a seaport in Ondo State. His words: “As a matter of fact, somewhere within Ondo and Ogun states, a place has been found that has a depth of about 11meters. It is ideal for a

Oke promised to introduce modern agricultural villages where modern infrastructure will be put in place to attract young graduates and farmers to mechanised agriculture, where access to loan will be guaranteed. Oke said if elected into office, he will ensure that millions of seedlings and fingerlings are provided to farmers to assist them in order to take advantage of the agrarian nature of the state and increase food production. But Mimiko said such agric villages were already in existence in Ondo State. “As a matter of fact, the Federal Government during a recent visit said rather being referred to as agricultural villages; they should be named Agric Cities where thousands of youths have benefitted,” he said. The governor said he has spent over N1 billion encouraging new generation of farmers at three agricultural villages established by his administration. Akeredolu put a lie to that, claiming that despite the over N650 billion that accrued to the state government in the last three years, the government had failed to create employment for the youths. Mimiko in his reaction said the state government had collected N278 billion from Federal Government and internally generated revenue in the last three and half years, adding that the figure being bandied about is misleading because the facts are in public domain.

Leadership and regional integration Oke, who said he is a student of leadership, promised to adopt the bottom up approach, whereby he would interface with the people, identify their needs based on consultations with them instead of sitting down at Alagbaka Government House to think for the people. Much as he believed in regional integration where issues of common interest must be identified, he would only be part of it, if it is “not a master-servant relationship. There must be mutual respect to one another.” Mimiko on his part revealed that he had been able to create a bond with the people in the past three and half years through designing and execution of people-oriented CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

Politics THE

PARLIAMENT

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Constitution review gathers momentum

At a two-day national public hearing, which held in Abuja last week, individuals, groups and organisations who had earlier submitted written memoranda to the constitution review committee of the Senate, seized the occasion to make oral presentations to expound their positions, writes GEORGE OJI.

THE IMMUNITY CLAUSE SHOULD BE RETAINED IN THE CONSTITUTION OTHERWISE THE INCUMBENT OFFICE HOLDERS WILL BE SO DISTRACTED AND WOULD NOT BE

ast week, enthusiastic Nigerians all over the country converged at the ECOWAS Parliament, Abuja, venue of the public hearing on constitution ammendment to ensure that their views were heard and counted. The physically challenged, state creation agitators, human rights advocates, regionalists, professional organisations, government agencies, and other categories of lobbyists were all there in their numbers. Altogether, there were 287 memoranda received by the Senate Constitution Review Committee from the Nigerian public. Out of this number, 56 were on state creation alone. Right from the onset, the committee was very clear on the thematic areas of focus for the public hearing. Apparently conscious of the emotional and sentimental outburst that the issue of state creation would elicit, the committee stood down the issue for discussion at its planned November 15 and 16 regional public hearings across the six geo-political zones. But the official reason given by the review committee for restricting the issue of state creation to the zones according to the Deputy Senate President and chairman of the committee, Ike Ekweremadu, was that issues that directly affect people from a particular area, such as state creation, are better handled at the zones. The events are to hold as follows: North West - Sokoto; North East Gombe; North Central - Makurdi, South East -Enugu; South-South - Calabar; and South-West – Lagos. However, the issues people made presentations on during the Abuja parley were devolution of powers, constitutional recognition of six geo-political zones, local government system, fiscal federalism, residency and indigene, Nigeria police, rotation of offices, immunity clause and tenure of executive office. Other areas are: judicial reforms to strengthen justice delivery; the desirability or otherwise of a mayoral status for the Federal Capital Territory; extraction of the Land Use Act, National Youth Service Act, and Code of Conduct from the Constitution to make their amendments easier and faster in response to emerging realities without going through the rigours of constitution review; amendment of provisions of the constitution pertaining to state creation and boundary adjustment. There were also the issues of constitutional roles for the traditional rulers as well as the protection of gender and special interest groups. Ekweremadu said senators will, ahead

ABLE TO FOCUS ON GOVERNANCE

Ekweremadu

Ndoma-Egba

of the zonal public hearings in November 2012, hold town hall meetings with their respective constituencies on the subject of constitution amendment and the respective issues. These outreach strategies, he noted, were informed by the committee’s belief that modern constitution-making was not an elitist affair, hence, “the efforts to protect and promote the moral rights of our people to participating in the amendment of the number one law of the land.” Ekweremadu who presided over the proceedings of the first day invited the public to make their presentations based on an earlier list compiled by his committee according to the indication of interest submitted by the people. The first person to make official presentation after the opening formalities was Hon. Inua Garba, National President of the Forum of Speakers of the 36 states Houses of Assembly. Garba appealed to all Nigerians to take advantage of the exercise to fully participate in the process. The lawmaker pledged that on the part of the forum, they will work with the National Assembly to conclude the process on time and in the interest of Nigerians. When Garba in his brief presentation assured that, “This time around, it is not

going to be business as usual,” and that, “no amount of intimidation by anybody will make us do what is wrong for Nigeria and Nigerians this time around,” the comment elicited a near thunderous ovation from the hall. For those who nursed doubts about the import of the pledge, Garba made it clear that he was not just speaking as Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, but was making a commitment on behalf of the other 35 speakers of the Nigerian federating states. Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Zainab Maina, who made a presentation immediately afterwards, articulated issues that had to do with the protection of women from dangerous cultural practices as well as empowerment. Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), who spoke on behalf of the civil society organisations, stressed the need for a proper political framework to be designed to make the process of constitutional review more inclusive than the present process. His presentation centred around the devolution of powers from the centre to the regions. For instance, he wondered why the judiciary should not be decentralised in such a manner that there would be regional Supreme Courts for the six geopolitical zones. Citing the case of many years of land disputes between Onitsha and Obosi, Agbakoba said, “I wonder what concerns the Supreme Court in Abuja with the issue of land dispute between Onitsha and Obosi.” The human rights advocate also made a similar case for the executive and the legislature and called for what he described as massive devolution of powers from the centre to the regions. In this regard, he advocated the devolution of powers from the exclusive list to the concurrent lists. Agbakoba also called for the establishment of six regional legislatures and a unicameral legislature at the centre. Most of the speakers who made presentation on the opening day also spoke along the same line as Agbakoba. Some of them included the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudum Nwuche, Prof. Bala Takaya (University of Jos) and Chief Mike Ozkhome (SAN) amongst others. The second day’s session was presided over by the Senate Leader, Senator Victor

Ndoma-Egba, who offered the apologies of Ekweremadu, who was away to attend to other pressing state matters. Being a Friday, Ndoma-Egba announced from the onset that the proceedings would be short, to terminate at 1.00 p.m., to enable the Muslim faithful ample time to perform their religious obligations. There were two thought-provoking presentations from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and members of the Academic Staff of Universities Union (ASUU). The duo made strong opposition to the assignment of any constitutional roles to the traditional rulers in the new constitution. The AGF explained that its position was informed by the conviction that the inclusion of traditional institutions in the constitution will make them more involved in politics than their traditional roles, while ASUU said its opposition was premised on the association’s desire to maintain the sanctity of the traditional institution. While ASUU’s position was presented by Professor Demola Oladepo, that of the AGF was articulated by Bassey Etta Eyo, chief legal draftsman, Ministry of Justice. Also, both ASUU and the office of the AGF voted for the inclusion of the six geo-political zone arrangement in the new constitution, since the zones are being recognised by the Acts of the National Assembly providing for composition of some governing councils, boards of parastatals or commissions to reflect memberships from the six geo-political zones. In addition, the duo were on the same page on the issue of devolution of powers from the federal, states and local government areas through the composition of the legislative lists as follows, exclusive, concurrent and state legislative. There was also a convergence of position by the due on the abrogation of the state/local government joint accounts, to allow local governmenst direct access to their federation account. On its part, the AGF expressed opposition to the proposed abrogation of the immunity clause in the constitution, urging that, “the immunity clause should be retained in the constitution otherwise the incumbent office holders will be so distracted and would not be able to focus on governance.” It also advocated that the Supreme Court Justices should be increased to 11, provided that it will sit as a full court when considering an appeal on death sentenced by the Court of Appeal or the Court of Appeal has affirmed a death sentence and the validity of election of the President or Vice President, term of office of the President or Vice President and vacancy of the office of President and Vice President. Leader of the Senate, Victor Ndoma-Egba while declaring the event closed urged all those who could not present their position to the national event to avail themselves of the opportunity of the zonal public hearings, which have been slated for November 15 and 16 to do so.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

One issue that has generated controversy in the last one week is the remark made by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, during the presentation of the 2013 Budget by President Goodluck Jonathan to a joint session of the National Assembly last week. The Presidency has considered the Speaker’s remark as offensive, which the House has denied. Here are the excerpts of Tambuwal’s speech.

Nigeria grossly in arrears of development – Tambuwal THE

PARLIAMENT

n behalf of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I wish to most sincerely thank you Mr. President sir for making time to come to this hallowed Chambers and formally undertaking this very important constitutional responsibility of the laying of the year 2013 budget estimates. The House of Representatives Legislative Agenda prescribes under its National Economic and Budgetary provisions that “the draft budget should be submitted at least three months prior to the start of a fiscal year” and already there is a Bill before the House for the amendment of Section 82 of the Constitution to conform with this. In this regard, the laying of the 2013 budget estimates by Mr. President to this Joint Sitting today, reasonably meets these expectations. I would have been done with my vote of thanks at this point except that the mention of certain salient points of critical importance to our collective resolve for good governance, is compelling. Mr. President sir, given that the 469 elected members of the National Assembly have closer interaction with the nooks and crannies of the nation we are privileged to feel the people’s pulse more intensely and we feel same on behalf and for the benefit and guidance of all the arms of government. Surely Mr. President and his vice, being the elected officials on the other side cannot be expected to be in 109 Senatorial Districts worse still 360 federal constituencies. Therefore, when we feel this pulse we are duty-bound to communicate to you. As I speak, interim field oversight reports from House Committees on the 2012 budget implementation are clearly unimpressive both in terms of releases as well as utilization and this is a great challenge to all of us. It is important to state at this point the clear provisions of Section 8 of the Appropriation Act to the effect that approved budgeted funds shall be released to MDAs “as at when due”. This is sadly observed more in breach. The composition of the Public Procurement Council provided under the Public Procurement Act is very critical to budget implementation. The sanctity of extant legislations and respect for the rule of law are critical hallmarks of true democracy, we therefore once more call on Mr. President to expeditiously constitute this council so as to free the Federal Executive Council from the burden of contract administration, so they can concentrate on the more sublime issues of their constitutional roles and responsibilities. In-

Jonathan

cidentally, the present constitution of the Bureau of Public Procurement has been identified as one of the bottlenecks to effective capital budget implementation. It will be recalled that the 2012 budget contained a deficit and the main source of funding this deficit was domestic borrowing. Figures emanating from the Debt Management Office regarding domestic borrowing are however worrisome. At a whopping $33.6 billion government appears to be monopolizing domestic borrowing to the unhealthy exclusion of the private sector. This is certainly a matter of grave concern because global statistics on sustainable debt-GDP ratio percentages cannot continue to be used as guide for an economy that is not keeping pace with global trends. In our effort to address this concern, only yesterday, in passing the 2013-2015 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which is the basis for annual Budgets, the House resolved to raise the oil price benchmark from $75 per barrel to $80 per barrel with the objective that the difference of $5 per barrel be channelled exclusively towards reducing the deficit in the budget and consequently reducing domestic borrowing for same purpose by 66%. This will make available these loanable funds to our private sector which will stimulate the economy and jobs creation for our teeming unemployed youths. The House of Representatives however observed two critical omissions on the MTEF namely: (i) That the Revenue from Gas, running into billions of dollars, is not reflected, and (ii) External borrowing is similarly not reflected. Another source of concern for the legislature is the management of the excess crude revenues. Since 2010 the Appropriation Act has legislated that the excess crude component of the Federation Account be operated under separate records for purpose of transparency and accountability. Besides, Section 30 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act makes it mandatory for the Budget Office to submit budget

Tambuwal

THE PACE OF GOVERNANCE MUST TAKE COGNISANCE OF THE FACT THAT THE NATION IS GROSSLY IN ARREARS OF ITS DEVELOPMENTAL POTENTIAL AND EXPECTATIONS AND ACCORDINGLY A

“BUSINESS AS USUAL” APPROACH IS TOTALLY UNHELPFUL AND UNACCEPTABLE implementation assessment reports to the National Assembly and the Fiscal Responsibility Commission on a quarterly basis and to publish same on Ministry of Finance Website. The President may be unaware that the National Assembly is neither availed evidence of implementation of this policy along with the records of Federal Governments portion of the excess crude funds nor the quarterly implementation reports, as required under the two Acts. Mr. President may wish to give appropriate directives to ensure full and speedy compliance by relevant agencies. The trend of Nigeria’s foreign reserves has taken an upward trajectory in recent months, on the back of steady production levels and robust oil prices. The latest figure for the country’s foreign reserve, as of October 4, 2012, stands at $41.48 billion, a 26-month high. Concerns are however being expressed regarding the management and accounting reportage of our foreign reserve stock as to whether the figures reported

are cumulative accruing inflows only or are inclusive of interests accruing from the management process or attributed to other sources of accretion. This matter becomes urgent especially when accruing management fees thereof is not reflected in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). There must be transparency, accountability and probity in the management of our resources generally, given recent developments that indicate our exposure to unforeseen natural disasters. We certainly, for instance, cannot take the protection of our environment for granted. Mr. President, on our part we wish to promise early passage and diligent monitoring. It is important to remind ourselves that Nigerians would want to see proof of that as quickly as possible. They no longer care for words, they insist on action. It is necessary that ministries, departments, agencies and all public functionaries concerned in the governance process are properly instructed on this fact so that they cease from considering beautiful excuses and explanations as achievements. It remains for me to state once again that the pace of governance must take cognisance of the fact that the nation is grossly in arrears of its developmental potential and expectations and accordingly a “business as usual” approach is totally unhelpful and unacceptable. In concluding this short vote of thanks, Mr. President, let me restate our assurances that the National Assembly wants you to succeed and I say that for every legislator here today. The stakes are certainly high and as representatives of the people we know exactly how bad things are. We believe that this country can only benefit if we all work together to deliver our mandates. The National Assembly has no other motive than this. I am compelled, however, to state that the National Assembly is becoming increasingly concerned about the disregard for its resolutions and public comments by certain functionaries of the Executive on same. I cite the Senate Resolution on the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), the House Resolution on the state of insecurity of the nation, requesting Mr. President to visit and brief the House, the House of Representatives Resolution on the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), the concurrent Resolution of the two Chambers on Bakassi among others. This does not promote cordial relationship between the executive and legislature and consequently stability in the polity. We must therefore, continue to work together to redeem this nation from the clutches of poverty and disease. The vaunted growth in the nation’s GDP must be reflected in the lives of everyone, not just a few people privileged to hold public office or those enjoying unfair public patronage. Mr. President, once again, thank you for this visit and may the Almighty God grant you the wisdom of Solomon as you steer this delicate ship of state. God Bless Nigeria!

Politics

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mimiko collected money, car from me, says Tinubu • ACN govs solicit votes for Akeredolu CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Mimiko had last Tuesday at the palace of the Osemawe of Ondo denied receiving any financial assistance from Tinubu. He had said: “As for Tinubu, I challenge him to tell the whole world where and when he gave me money to contest election in 2007 or to prosecute my legal battle to reclaim my mandate. “The only thing he did was that he brought in forensic experts but I paid for all their services, including the cost of procuring all the materials they needed for their jobs and other logistics. “Chief Wole Olanipekun, my lead counsel, is alive. He is aware of everything that happened. The only thing that Tinubu did was that he claimed to have paid the professional fee of Adrian Forty (the forensic expert) but did not give details.” But Tinubu yesterday insisted that he assisted Mimiko financially. He said: “Mimiko said I did not spend money for him, that he did not collect money from me. The Holy Communion he always receives will judge him. He collected money and car from me. It was Prof. Yemi Osibajo that went to Bristol and Israel to look for forensic experts.

We spent millions in pounds.” Tinubu said Mimiko might deny the assistance rendered to him, but the whole world knew that the Ondo State governor betrayed Dr. Olusegun Agagu, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the late Adebayo Adefarati. “As stubborn as Obasanjo is, he asked Mimiko not to run against Agagu, but Mimiko declined. He challenged Agagu. Who has worked with Mimiko that he has not betrayed?” he asked. The ACN national leader said there was nothing wrong with godfatherism, adding that his own kind of godfatherism meant guidance. He said he was not interested in stepping into the shoes of the late Obafemi Awolowo, but that he wanted the vision of the late Yoruba leader to be achieved. Meanwhile, the national leaders of the ACN yesterday solicited votes for Rotimi Akeredolu, the party’s candidate in the October 20 governorship election. The National Chairman of the ACN and former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, who presented the party’s flag to Akeredolu, expressed confidence that he would become the next governor of Ondo State,

appealing to the people to come and vote on the election day. Urging the people of Ondo to sweep away poverty, sickness and hardship which the Mimiko government represents out of the state, Tinubu said the government was a bad tree that could not produce good fruits. Former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, alluded to the 1983 riot in the old Ondo State provoked by the rigging of the year’s governorship election in favour of the late Akin Omo-

boriowo of the defunct National Party of Nigeria, NPN. Governors of Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Ekiti and Edo states were at the rally where they also made efforts to convince the people to vote for Akeredolu. Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State said it was the responsibility of the people of the state to change the situation in the state since they were the ones who knew where the shoe pinches. Fashola, who said that the

Tinubu

Mimiko

South-West has always been in the progressive since the time of the late Awolowo, called for the change of the Mimiko government, if they were truly not satisfied with it. The governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, said it was only the people of the state that could make the change they desired, admonishing them to vote for Akeredolu and protect their votes. Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State lamented the situation of Ondo State despite the fact that it is has petroleum. Fayemi, who said what brought the national leaders of ACN to the state was the interest of the Yoruba race, added that the forthcoming election was about the progress of South-West. Akeredolu promised to develop Ondo State if elected, saying the state was rich and that if its resources were well tapped, it would witness a lot of transformation. Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State asked the people of the state to vote for the candidate of the party so that they would not be different from their brothers in other states in Yorubaland. The governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, also expressed confidence that Akeredolu would defeat Mimiko in the election.

Guber debate: Mimiko, Akeredolu, Oke square up

CONTINUED FROM 41 programmes. This, he said, will form the fulcrum of his administration if voted into power. He kicked against regional integration, which makes one answerable to an overlord outside the state. Akeredolu said Ondo cannot go it alone. It must work in concert with other states in the South-West and Edo, to enjoy the confluence and convergence of ideas which would hasten development, instead of supporting the Labour Party which is a lone ranger in the country.

Industrialisation and mineral resources In the area of the economy, Oke said: “We want to reconfigure the economy, generate income, employment, and reduce over-dependence on the federation account. Industrialisation is going to be the centrepiece of my administration. The bitumen project will be developed. Ondo State has the second largest bitumen deposit in the whole world. We are going to develop the infrastructure. Mimiko said that an industrial complex is being proposed for Ore, with about 300 megawatts of power for industrialisation and growth. That, he said, will speed growth, create employment and impact positively on the lives of the people. Akeredolu identified a nexus between the Olokola Free Trade Zone and the state’s industrial development. His words: “We can have a port where ships can berth and you will see that the cost of transporting

imported items from Lagos to Aba, Onitsha and the rest will be drastically reduced, because the distance from Olokola to Ore is about 30km, and if your ship berths there, you are assured of quick delivery anywhere in the South-East. It is easier and more advantageous.”

Sports Mimiko recounted his government’s job creation efforts through sports development and said he has taken the state’s football club, the Sunshine Stars, from relegation to be the only club representing the country in continental championships. Similarly, he alluded to the success recorded by the state in other sports, especially the upward movement of the state to number six in the overall performance in the National Sports Festival But he was quickly taken to the cleaners on his failure to complete the Akure stadium during his first term, a situation that banished Sunshine Stars to Sagamu Stadium in Ogun State. Oke said renovation and expansion of Akure stadium capacity had dragged longer than necessary and promised to establish a stadium in each of the senatorial districts, and promote schools sports. Akeredolu in the same token said the sports facilities in the state should be developed and sportsmen and women greatly encouraged.

Exchange of tirades At some points, the debate was feisty and

decorum thrown overboard. For instance, when Akeredolu and Oke queried the integrity of Mimiko; the LP candidate was quick to remind Akeredolu that his tenure as commissioner in the state was probed, just as some members of the national executive of the NBA alleged that Akeredolu awarded contracts to his company. In the same vein, Mimiko reminded Oke that the failure of the National Assembly to clear him for a second term on the board of the NDDC raised some integrity question. But Akeredolu retorted by alluding to the clean bill of health given him by the national executive of the NBA, even as Oke said his inability to secure Senate clearance was not an integrity issue, sounding philosophical, he said “you win some, you lose some.” Oke and Akeredolu, both successful lawyers, repeatedly referred to Mimiko as a professional politician, who had never practiced medicine. But expectedly, Mimiko rebutted it, drawing attention to his hospital which gave free medical treatment to many residents of the state in the 90s.

Their vision and mission? Akeredolu: “I offer myself for service. Having transverse the 18 local governments in the state, I have discovered that the state is in a perilous condition. One road in three and half years of government is not enough. I will open up the rural areas with roads. We need water and electricity. I will give transparent leadership.” Mimiko: ‘I have been able to create a bond

between the government and the governed. I promised to work for you and will continue to work for you. The PDP candidate depends on his principal. ACN depends on his godfather, but I solely depend on the Almighty God for the strength to carry on” Oke; “I will remove poverty from the faces of the people of the state. Unemployment will be a thing of the past. Money will be spent on life-changing projects rather than on propaganda. We will run a government that will have positive impact on the people of the state. We will provide loans to young graduates, and run a transparent government that will be acceptable to the people of the state.”

Last line Ironically, while the three contenders hold opposing views on a number of issues, they have a convergence of opinion on the fact that the state needs integrated development. Oke and Akeredolu, besides projecting themselves conducted a kind of referendum on Mimiko’s programmes, seeing them as elitist, cosmetic and not in tandem with the need of the people. Beyond the interjections, showmanship, articulation, erudition and elocution, on issues as displayed during the debate, the battle for the number one seat in Ondo will be determined in the days ahead only by the electorate in the 203 wards scattered around the 18 local governments of the state.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror Council boss canvasses grassroots development

“The judiciary opened its doors to venoms from outside called politicians who then crawled into the sanctuary of the judiciary and fouled it up completely.”

MURITALA AYINLA

ive illegal lottery agents have been sentenced to three-month imprisonment on a two-count charge by the Special Offences Tribunal Court for unlawful operations and benefiting from the proceeds. According to Magistrate F. B. Lawal, who presided over the case, the convicts were guilty of provisions of the 2004 Lagos State

KATSINA

Non Governmental Organization, based in Katsina State, Family Health and Youth Empowerment Organization, FAHYE, has called on Muslim clerics to support child and maternal healthcare. Executive Director of the organisation, Aminu Anas made the call after a two-day training on maternal, neo-natal and child healthcare for 25 clerics drawn from five northern states. Anas, said there was increasing need to involve religious leaders in the struggle to attain safe motherhood and addressing child and mother related diseases that have continued to be endemic in northern parts of the country. He said the event was informed by need to make clerics work at informing their congregations on the benefits of good nutrition, safe motherhood and acceptable family health practices.

RENOWNED LEGAL PRACTITIONER, PROFESSOR ITSE SAGAY (SAN)

Illegal lottery operators jailed Lottery Law, which all recognised operators agreed to comply with. Those sentenced were Mr. Wale Adewole, Mr. Gabriel Dokpesi, Mr. Sunday Onasanya, Mr. Hassan Niyi and Mr. Saheed Shotayo, with option of N30, 000 fine. Speaking, after the court judgement, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the State Lotteries

NGO tasks clerics on maternal healthcare JAMES DANJUMA

He also said the training was aimed at promoting reproductive health activities with the participants drawn from Zamfara, Yobe, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states. He said the closeness of Muslim clerics to the people, as well as respect for them, would help in communicating the needed message on child and mother related issues. Anas said the training discussed Islamic perspectives on maternal and child healthcare, adding that it was aimed at making clerics advocates of maternal and child healthcare in their states. The executive director reiterated commitment of the NGO towards addressing inherent maternal challenges that result in deaths of many women in the north. The training which was supported by Save the Children Foundation, also received endorsement from the state’s ministry of religious affairs.

Board, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, declared zero tolerance against illegal lottery operation in the state, stressing that every operator must abide within the stipulated law. He said: “The objective is to create a conducive environment for lottery stakeholders and the board will not relent in its efforts to prosecute any lottery agent operating outside the law”. The Chief Executive Officer promised that the board and the State Environmental and Special Task Force, will continue to monitor activities of lottery operators for compliance.

He added that since commencement of enforcement nine months ago, a total of10 offenders have been convicted. Gbajabiamila, however, urged all stakeholders to patronise the state approved and authorised lottery operating firms, including Premier Lotto Limited, Winners Golden Chance Limited and Winlot Global Resources Limited. He emphasised that the board would not hesitate to prosecute anyone caught in illegal lottery transaction, noting that the state would intensify efforts to ensure sanity

Man jailed for cutting farmer’s fingers

Passengers waiting endlessly in line for BRT buses at Oshodi, Lagos.

EZEKIEL TITUS

KATSINA

BAUCHI

Bauchi State Chief Magistrate’s Court has sentenced a 20-year-old man, Abdul Fari of Kwabi village in Bauchi Local Government to one year in prison for chopping off the fingers of a farmer. Community Mirror gathered that Abdul’s predicament started when his cattle strayed into a farm owned by Danmaliki Ibrahim, in Gwaskwaram village. Even as Danmaliki complained,Abdul cut his three fingers with a machete, even as the latter was ar-

rested by police and charged with criminal mischief, causing hurt, contrary to section 326, and 241 of the penal code. The plaintiff pleaded guilty of the offence and asked for leniency being a first offender. In her judgement, the presiding Senior Magistrate, Shafau Ladan Yusuf, sentenced the accused to one year in prison with option of N20,000 fine and also to pay N50,000 as compensation for damages to crops as well as injuries to Ibrahim as contained in sections 326,241 and 78 of the penal code for compensation.

and best practices in the industry. He said the culprits were arrested in different parts of the state for violating section 43 B of the Lagos State Lottery Laws, warning that anyone patronising illegal lottery operators would be prosecuted and convicted, if found guilty. It would be recalled that in 2011, two operators, Mr. Koffi Ayensu and Mr. Austin A. were sentenced to four-month imprisonment on a two-count charge of illegal lottery operations, contrary to the 2004 Lotteries Law of Lagos State.

PHOTO: TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

LG empowers youths in Katsina JAMES DANJUMA

ore than 200 youths have been given N10, 000 each as soft loans by the Charanchi Local Government Council in Katsina State, to address growing poverty among the people. The council chairman, Yahaya Galadima, who disbursed the loan, called on beneficiaries to put them to good use, as he assured that his administration would continue to device ways to reduce unemployment through support to small business

owners. Galadima said the effort is first phase of the soft loan disbursement to support individuals with entrepreneurial skills to help reduce poverty and engender economic development in the area. Galadima, who was represented by the vice chairman, Kalla Bala Kuraye, called on beneficiaries to ensure prompt repayments to enable others enjoy the same facility. In another development, the Charanchi Local Government Transition Committee has commenced construction of the three kilometer, Bagga-

Kurfi road, which was abandoned by the previous administration. The council’s Vice chairman, Kalla Kuraye said the road would be constructed to ease transportation problems, pointing out that this would help boost socio-economic development in the area given that the residents are predominantly farmers. Also speaking, the council’s Director of Works, Tijjani Aliyu Farfaru, commended the state government for providing needed construction machinery, saying the project would be completed in three weeks.

Community Mirror

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

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Council boss canvasses grassroots development FRANCIS SUBERU

he chairman of Amuwo Odofin LGA, Comrade Ayodele Adewale, has urged well-meaning Nigerians in the Diaspora to help in the development of the coun-

try’s rural areas. He made the call at Brent Town Hall, United Kingdom at the gathering organized by Senator Babajide Omoworare and hosted by Mayor of Brent, Councillor Michael Adeyeye. Councillor Adeyeye, representing Queen’s Park

Ward since May 2010, is an indigene of Ijesha town, Ilesha in Osun State. At the event, Adewale called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to invest in the country in order to complement the efforts of government, adding that their professional competencies

are needed to boost the economy, even as he called for Public Private Participation (PPP). Furthermore, the LGA boss used the opportunity to discuss the possible reconstruction of FESTAC Town roads, rehabilitation of the sewage system,

sports, health, developing a 500 megawatts power station, using gas turbine and development of Ilado Inagbe Island into a tourism centre. In his address, Senator Babajide Omoworare, gave account of his stewardship and assistance to the

downtrodden in his community. He also called on Nigerians living abroad to give back through investing in people oriented programmes to enhance the development of Osun State in particular and Nigeria in general.

Group warns against threat to democracy TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

Non-gover nmental organization, Democratic Youth Initiative (DYI), has warned against threat to democratic ethics in Badagry, Lagos State, following delay in judiciary pronouncement of the winner at the last local government election in the area. In a statement signed by the President, Kadri Babatunde and Secretary-General, Ajayi Temitope, the body kicked against the delay in the results by the tribunal, saying it may affect the outcome of the October 22, 2011 local government elections in the Badagry Local Government. The group stated that: “The local government poll was supposed to be an election that should have afforded us the opportunity to elect those we think can meet our yearnings and aspirations, especially having been disappointed and betrayed by the present administration. Consequent upon our stead fastness and vigilance, our votes were made to count in the October 22, 2011 election and Hon. Mustapha Adisa Dada was declared winner, based on results from 10 wards in the local government in line with the electoral act. Our joy was short lived, as someone else was declared winner in the local government, contrary to the letters and spirit of the Electoral Act. As firm believers in the judicial system, we subjected our conviction to the legal system for which we were rewarded with a judicial pronouncement, in favour of “Hon. Adisa Dada’ in the lead judgement as read by Chairman of the Election Petition Tribunal, Justice F.A. Owobiyi, on July 27th 2012.”

Vehicles plying the collapsed portion on Mile 2-Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos.

Governor commissions road equipment in Kaduna A ZA MSUE KADUNA

overnor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa of Kaduna State, has commissioned the newly purchased road construction equipment for the state public works agency worth N186million, saying the administration would embark on massive infrastructural development. The governor who spoke at the official commissioning of Kaduna State Public Works Agency, KAPWA, identified the lack of maintenance as the major problem affecting the roads, even as he stated that with revival of the railway system, roads will last longer as heavy goods will be transported on them.

Yakowa charged the agency to embark on roadmaintenance across the state, adding that he would personally monitor the progress. He said “I am here to commission the Kaduna State Public Works Agency,KAPWA, equipment and give it a mandate to start using them. Beginning next week, construction work will start on roads in the state and when completed, the agency would maintain them. We have problem of maintenance, because after building the roads, we pay little attention in maintaining them.” He added “with the Federal Government railway system project, our roads will last longer. This will help in prolong-

ing their lifespan, even as the administration would tackle infrastructure problems in the state.” Yakowa, said the government would work with traditional and religious leaders, as well as other stakeholders to maintain peace, stressing that unity of the state should be paramount. Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Suleiman Yahaya Richifa, commended the governor for approving money for purchase of the agency’s renovation and maintenance equipment. “In addition, the governor also approved N143 million for roads, street lighting, maintenance and renovation of roundabouts in Kaduna metropolis,” he said.

PHOTO: FRANCIS SUBERU

Imoke swears in Acting Chief Judge OKAY OSUJI

overnor Liyel Imoke, has sworn in the Cross River State Acting Chief Judge with a pledge to work with other arms for overall development of democracy. Swearing in the new Acting Chief Judge Justice Okoi Ikpi Itam, who takes over from Justice Dorothy Iyamba – Idem, Imoke promised to ensure independence of the judiciary, which he said is paramount to the sustenance of democracy. He called on the Acting Chief Judge to ensure the integrity of the judiciary since it remains the last hope for all, even as he assured of the executive’s partnership to ensure that expectations are met as both arms strive to reposi-

tion democracy as the arbiter of justice, fairness and equality for those that seek it. According to him, the judiciary must continue to ensure that justice is administered fairly according to law devoid of prejudice or political pressure, as he maintained that the judiciary should not be seen to be weak or inefficient, since it is a fundamental arm of government that must work within the limit of the constitution. Imoke said when the legislature, executive and judiciary cooperate; the society would function and develop. He called for the speedy dispensation of cases, since the state is being identified as a tourist and investment destination, it should have an administration that is committed to good governance.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

Americans win Nobel economics prize for match-making

“His death was a great loss to Cambodia. King Sihanouk did not belong to his family, he belonged to Cambodia and to history.” - AIDE TO EX- CAMBODIA KING, NORODOM SIHANOUK

Nigeria ranked low, as no winner emerges for Mo Ibrahim prize PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

igeria has dropped to the lowest bottom of the worst performer in the latest ranking by the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, released yesterday. It now occupies the bottom 10 countries in the overall rankings for the first time, from its 14th position out of the 16 countries in West Africa and 43rd out of the 52 countries listed overall. Nigeria was 41st last year and 37th in 2006. The published report also showed there is no winner this year for prize for good governance in Africa. The $5m (£3.2m) prize is supposed to be awarded each year to a democratically elected leader who governed well, raised living standards and then voluntarily left office. The panel said no candidate had met all of the criteria - as in 2009 and 2010. Last year, Cape Verde President Pedro Verona Pires won the prize. He led the fight against Portuguese colonialism, introduced multi-party politics and was praised for the rising living standards for his country. The $5m prize is spread over 10 years and is followed by $200,000 a year for life. Announcing the decision, Mr Ibrahim said: “You make your

Ibrahim

bed, you have to lie on it. If we said we’re going to have a prize for exceptional leadership, we have to stick to that. We are not going to compromise.” “We are not just in the business of positive messages - we would lose our credibility,” a news agency quotes him as saying. “The prize committee reviewed a number of candidates but none met all of the criteria needed to win the prize,” said committee member Salim Ahmed Salim. Philanthropist Mo Ibrahim says economic success must not be allowed to overshadow human rights and democracy in Africa. Human rights, political free-

dom, transparency and accountability have deteriorated in four African “powerhouses” over the past six years. Also, South Africa, Kenya and Egypt dropped in the rankings in two of the four categories used in the index to assess good governance across the continent – safety and rule of law, and participation and human rights. The other two categories are sustainable economic opportunity and human development. Although South Africa, Egypt and Kenya are ranked fifth, 14th and 25th respectively, people’s freedom to participate in political processes has declined in each

country. Kenya and South Africa have also registered a decline in economic opportunities, while Egypt has shown a significant improvement in this area. “Given the vast natural and human resources of these four regional powers, these governance results are a concern,” said AbdoulieJanneh, a board member of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, which has published the index since 2007. “Each of these countries plays a key role in the economic and political landscape of the continent. To continue to optimally play this role requires a sustained commitment to balanced and equitable governance.” This year’s index examines data from each of the four categories, which are broken down into 14 sub-categories, for each country between 2000 and 2011. It uses 88 indicators drawn from 23 independent data providers from Africa and internationally. Mauritius came top in the overall index, followed by Cape Verde, Botswana and the Seychelles, continuing the same pattern as last year. Somalia was last, a position it has occupied since the index was first published. The country came last in each of the four category rankings. Somalia’s overall score has declined since 2006. Tanzania moved into the top 10 for the first time this year, while Liberia, Sierra Leone and Angola registered significant improvements. Sudan and South Sudan were not included this year.

Mauritanian President Aziz recovers in Paris

auritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, who was injured in a “friendly fire” shooting Saturday, is recovering rapidly at a French military hospital in Paris, according to a family member. “My brother is doing well and could leave the hospital tonight,” Mana Abdel Aziz, the president’s sister, told The Associated Press Monday. She said her brother told her over President Abdel Aziz recovering at the Ksar Mili- the phone that doctors at Pertary Hospital in Noukchott, Mauritania before be- cy hospital plan to release him ing evacuated to France on Sunday PHOTO: AP soon.

“I spoke on the phone this morning with the president, he told me that the doctors will let him out of the hospital as soon as he has a positive checkup,” she said. Aziz, 55, had surgery in Mauritania’s capital, Nouakchott, over the weekend after being hit by a bullet when Mauritanian soldiers accidentally fired on his car, 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the capital. Aziz said the shooting was a mistake. He was travelling in a single car, not in the presidential convoy, and his car did not stop when the

army fired warning shots. Aziz, who is married and has six children, came to power in a military coup on August 6, 2008 and became head of the junta ruling the country. He resigned from the army to run for president and he won the election on July 18, 2009, with 52 percent of the votes. Aziz is accused by radical Islamists of waging war against them on behalf of the West. Under the direction of Aziz, the Mauritanian military has fought Islamist extremist in neighboring northern Mali.

WORLD BULLETIN

Libya elects former diplomat as PM Libya’s national assembly elected a new prime minister, the second within a month to face the daunting challenge of forming a government acceptable to the country’s many factions. Ali Zeidan, a former career diplomat who had defected in the 1980s to become an outspoken critic of Muammar Gaddafi, was elected in a televised count just a week after the last prime minister was dismissed in a vote of no confidence. Mustafa Abushagur was dismissed after his choice of ministers ran into protests both from within the assembly and from outside. Libya desperately needs a viable government so that it can focus on reconstruction and healing divisions opened up by the war which toppled Gaddafi last year.

Kenyan official killed in secessionist violence A local Kenyan official has been killed in what police say is a retaliatory attack for the arrest of a secessionist leader in Coast province. Salim Changu was hacked to death in the coastal town of Kwale, police say. He was attacked shortly after Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) Oscar Mwamnuadzi was arrested during a gunfight at his home, in which two people were killed. Tension has been rising in Kenya ahead of general elections due in March 2013. More than 100 people have been killed in ethnic clashes in the south-east Tana River area since August, in the bloodiest violence since the disputed 2007 presidential election.

Sudan army, rebels clash in oil border state Clashes erupted between Sudan’s army and rebels in the oilproducing state of South Kordofan, both sides said yesterday, a week after the insurgents shelled the state capital near the border with South Sudan. The fighting, which has been rumbling since June last year, has forced more than half a million people to flee and stoked tensions between Sudan and South Sudan, former enemies in a civil war that was fuelled by oil, ethnicity and religion. Khartoum accuses South Sudan of backing the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-North), charges dismissed by the South’s government. Sudanese army spokesman Al-Sawarmi Khalid said the army had killed 15 rebels near South Kordofan’s main city Kadugli on Sunday. “Many rebels were also wounded,” he said.

World News

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

UK’s military General resigns over lobbying claims

Briefs Ex-Israeli president seeks pardon from prison Israel’s president says he has received a formal request to pardon his predecessor, Moshe Katsav, who is in prison after being convicted of sex crimes. President Shimon Peres’ office announced on Monday that the request came from Katsav’s wife, Gila. It says the request will be reviewed “under protocol.” The 66-year-old Katsav went to prison last December after being convicted of raping a former female employee when he was a Cabinet minister and of sexually harassing two other women when he was president from 2000 to 2007. He is serving seven years behind bars. Katsav has repeatedly professed his innocence. His chances of winning clemency appear slim. In Israel, presidential pardons are typically granted only if sex offenders express remorse and undergo rehabilitation.

Jetfighter crashes, killing pilot in Yemen Yemen’s Defence Ministry says a Russian-made jetfighter has crashed immediately after takeoff during a training mission, killing its pilot. The ministry’s online newspaper said the MiG-21 aircraft crashed yesterday inside alAnnad air base in the southern province of Lahj due to technical failure. It said the jet’s pilot, Col. Atiq al-Akhali, was killed and a trainee was injured. Al-Annad air base is the biggest in the country. It hosts a group of U.S. military advisers helping Yemeni troops fighting the local branch of al-Qaida, considered by the U.S. to be the terror network’s most dangerous offshoot. Yemen’s air force has carried out strikes during the military’s offensive against al-Qaida.

EU bans imports of natural gas from Iran German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle says the EU is banning the import of Iranian natural gas into European Union countries, trying to increase pressure on Iran to cooperate in talks regarding its nuclear program. Westerwelle also indicated that other sanctions on Iran are being considered by EU foreign ministers as they meet yesterday in Luxembourg. On his way into the meeting British Foreign Secretary William Hague said new sanctions would be “a sign of our resolve in the European Union that we will step up the pressure.” Hague said such pressure would continue to mount “over the coming months unless negotiations succeed. We remain open of course to success of negotiations.” The foreign ministers of France and Germany made similar calls. They did not elaborate on the kind of measures under consideration.

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L-R: Per Krusell, Staffan Normark, Peter Gardenfors and Tore Ellingsen of the Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences presenting the winners of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, in Stockholm, Sweden, yesterday. Photo: AP

Americans win Nobel economics prize for match-making

wo American scholars were awarded the Nobel economics prize yesterday for studies on the match-making that takes place when doctors are coupled up with hospitals, students with schools and human organs with transplant recipients. The work of Alvin Roth and Lloyd Shapley has sparked a “flourishing field of research” and helped improve the performance of many markets, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said. Roth, 60, is a professor at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Harvard Business School in Boston. Right now he is a visiting professor at Stanford University in California.

Shapley, 89, is a professor emeritus at University of California Los Angeles. Citing “the theory of stable allocations and the practice of market design,” the award focused on the problem of matching different agents in a market in situations where prices aren’t the deciding factor. Shapley made early theoretical inroads into the subject, using game theory to analyze different matching methods in the 1950s and ‘60s. Together with U.S. economist David Gale, he developed a mathematical formula for how 10 men and 10 women could be coupled in a way so that no two people would prefer each other over their current partners. While that may have had little impact on marriages

and divorces, the algorithm they developed has been used to better understand many different markets. In the 1990s, Roth applied it to the market for allocating U.S. student doctors to hospitals. He developed a new algorithm that was adopted by the National Resident Matching Program, which helps match resident doctors with the right hospitals. He also helped redesign the application process of New York City public high schools, ensuring that fewer students ended up in schools that were not among their top choices. Similar formulas have been applied to efforts to match kidneys and other human organs to patients needing a transplant, the academy said.

he president of the Royal British Legion, Lt Gen Sir John Kiszely, has resigned over claims he was involved in defence contract lobbying. In a letter to the body’s national chairman John Farmer, Sir John said it was “inappropriate... to remain as national president of the Legion”. He was one of several retired officers secretly filmed by the Sunday Times, allegedly saying he could influence decisionmaking over arms deals. He denies breaking any lobbying rules. In the footage, seen by BBC News, Sir John allegedly said that his role gave him top-level access at “various extremely boring affairs”. He is shown saying he would be able to speak to the prime minister, the defence secretary and the chief of the defence staff at a Remembrance Day event. “You are standing there waiting for the Queen with nothing else to talk about,” he said. Sir John had been president of the Legion since 2009. As well as supporting the armed forces community, the organisation “ensures that the nation annually marks their service and sacrifice” at Remembrance Day events. In his letter of resignation, Sir John said he had always kept his “role of national president completely separate from any business interests”. He added he had “never used any access gained as president to raise the subject of, or discuss, any business interests whatsoever, let alone to make representations on behalf of clients. “But I made exaggerated and foolish claims to the contrary, incompatible with my position in the Legion.” Sir John said he was due to step down in December, but believes it is in the body’s “best interests” for him to stand down immediately.

Pakistani girl shot by Taliban flown to UK

he 14-year-old Pakistani girl shot in the head by Taliban gunmen is being flown to the UK for medical treatment. Malala Yousafzai has, until now, been at a military hospital in Rawalpindi, with doctors saying her progress over the next few days would be “critical”. She remains in a serious condition after the attack, which the Taliban said they carried out because she was “promoting secularism”. Pakistan’s interior minister has said the attack was planned abroad. Those involved would soon be caught, said Rehman Malik, without giving further details. Malala left Pakistan on board an air ambulance provided by the United Arab Emirates, accompanied by a full medical team. It was not immediately clear whether any of her family were

Yousafzai

travelling with her. She is being taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham - an NHS (National Health Service) hospital which has a specialist major trauma centre. The cost of her care and reha-

bilitation is being funded by Pakistan. A bullet which hit Malala’s skull was removed last week during surgery in Peshawar that saved her life, the Pakistani military said.

In a statement, the military said her condition had since been stabilised by doctors in Rawalpindi. If she were to be moved abroad, doctors said it should be “during this time window whilst her condition was optimal and before any unforeseen complications had set in,” the statement added. “The panel of doctors recommended that Malala be shifted abroad to a UK centre which has the capability to provide integrated care to children who have sustained severe injury,” it said. Once she has recovered sufficiently, she is expected to need treatment to repair or replace damaged bones in her skull and to undergo neurological treatment. The reporter in Islamabad says Malala has been kept sedated and on a ventilator since she was taken to hospital, with tight security around her.

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World in pix

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

L-R: Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond and Britain’s Prime Minister, David Cameron signing a referendum agreement during a meeting at St Andrews House in Edinburgh, yesterday. PHOTO: AP

Victor Uspaskich (R) elected to lead Lithuania’s new Labour Party government

Member of the Free Syrian Army inspects damaged houses in Bustan al Basha in Aleppo city in northern Syria, recently. PHOTO: REUTERS

Ali Zeidan, Libya’s newly appointed Prime Minister

PHOTO: REUTERS

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

A supporter of Pakistani political party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) reacting while holding a poster of 14-year-old schoolgirl Malala Yousufzai, who was shot last Tuesday by the Taliban, during a rally to condemn the attack in Karachi, Pakistan on Sunday. PHOTO: AP

A model working with a hair stylist for Dmitri Vinokurov backstage at the 30th anniversary of the Alternative Hair Show at the Royal Albert Hall in London, recently. PHOTO: REUTERS

A model for hair stylist Mario Krankl sitting backstage at the 30th anniversary of the Alternative Hair Show at the Royal Albert Hall in London, recently. PHOTO: REUTERS

People escaping Syrian conflict zone by boat, into neighbouring Turkish border.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Cocktail

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

Bald head men are better leaders --Study

WITH DR. DEJI FOLUTILE

Today's Tonic (23)

If you deliberately plan on being less than you are capable of being, then I warn you that you’ll be unhappy for the rest of your life. –Abraham Maslow *** You Are Unlimited! Well, the startling truth is this: You’re more than your present circumstances. The real you is greater than any problem. Your core person is deeper than the deepest ocean. There can never be any situation in your life experience that something in you cannot rise up to. Nothing can defeat you except you allow it. You are far superior to your mind and it’s limiting thoughts. Isn’t God beautiful and magnificent in creating a person like you in His image and likeness? TEL 08104942999 E-MAIL deji.folutile@gmail.com Follow me @TwitterOWOTIDE

R t Restaurant t apologises l i ffor serving alcohol to child

restaurant chain has apologised for accidentally serving alcohol to a toddler in Wales, calling it a case of human error. The BBC reported that two-year-old Sonny Rees was taken to a hospital emergency room after drinking whiskey at his second birthday party at a Frankie and Benny’s restaurant in Swansea. His mother said he was

clearly intoxicated. She said she tasted his drink after noticing that he was making a funny face. At the hospital, the staff monitored his vital signs and later gave him the all-clear. Frankie and Benny’s said on Thursday it was extremely sorry for Saturday’s incident and is looking into what systems need to be put in place to ensure that it does not happen again.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Mysterious giant eyeball found on beach

ord that a giant eyeball washed up on a South Florida beach has created a buzz on the Internet and in the marine biology community. The huge, blue eyeball may have come from a deep sea squid or a large sword fish, said Heather Bracken-Grissom, an assistant professor in the marine science program at Florida International University in Miami. A man found the eyeball while taking a morning stroll along Pompano Beach just north of Fort Lauderdale. He contacted state wildlife officials, who took possession of the softball-sized eyeball. As soon as pictures hit the Internet on Thursday, Bracken-Grissom said she started talking with her colleagues. “Any time something weird and crazy washes up on the beach, it’s definitely interesting,” she said. The professor and her colleagues concluded that

the eyeball’s lens and pupil are similar in shape to that of a deep sea squid. She noted that a deep sea squid’s eyeball can be as large as a soccer ball and can easily become dislodged. The mystery likely won’t be solved until test-

ing on the eyeball is completed at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg. “It’s going to be very interesting to see what the genetic analysis shows,” Bracken-Grissom said. She said news of the

giant eyeball travelled quickly. Relatives from California even called, asking her opinion. “Something like this gets the public very excited about the mysterious realm of the ocean,” she said..

A giant eyeball from a mysterious sea creature that washed ashore and was found by a man PHOTO: AP walking the beach in Pompano Beach, Fla.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

N28bn projects: Kaduna warns contractors against poor execution A ZA MSUE KADUNA

he Kaduna State Government yesterday warned contractors handling its N28 billion roads over delay in the projects’ execution and threatened to sanction poor execution. Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa recently

awarded the N28 billion roads contract with immediate approval of 25 per cent mobilisation fees. Addressing the contractors at the signing of the contracts for the construction of 31 rural and township roads in Kaduna, the state Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Jonathan Kish, warned against abandon-

ment of the projects and their poor execution. Kish said: “We will revoke any contract that is not properly done and penalise erring contractor. The days when contractors collect money for contracts and abandon the projects have gone. Kaduna State people are not second class citizens; they deserve qual-

ity work like in other places.” Earlier, Commissioner for Works and Transport, Suleiman, Yahaya Richifa, called on the contractors to execute the projects in line with specifications. Richifa, however, advised residents to live in peace with one another in the interest of all.

Motorcylces parked at Kwara State House of Assembly during the Public Hearing on Motorcycle Operations Amendment Bill in Ilorin, yesterday.

Flood: Victims accuse Benue officials of starvation, seduction HENRY IYORKASE AND DANJUMA WILLIAMS

fficials of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) have been accused of starving those displaced by flood at various camps in Makurdi, the state capital. It was learnt also alleged that the SEMA male officials lured girls among the victims into sex. Sources said that the officials lured the girls with relief materials donated by some corporate organisations. One of the victims, who simply identified himself as Mr. James at Wurukum camp, said: “Most of the food items brought here are not given to us. For instance, two days ago, a baker brought loafs of bread here in a big vehicle, but the officials did not give the bread to us. If

•Victims get FG’s N300m in Gombe you check the store now, there is nothing there. “Let me also say that if you are opportuned to visit this place at about 8 or 9 in the night, you will see these officials coming with their vehicles to park the food to their houses. What they give us here is four cups of rice for a family of five.” As a result of persistent complaints, a mother of four at St. Catherine camp was sent packing with her children recently. The woman, Mrs Atisar Mtom, was sent packing for daring to confront the officials on while the foods donated by some corporate organisations were not distributed. But attempts to speak with the SEMA boss, Mr Adikpo Agbatse, were not successful. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has given

the Gombe State Government the sum of N300 million to assist the flood victims. The Zonal Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Mohammed Kanar, who disclosed this at a one day awareness meeting organised by the agency in collaboration with the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (GSEMA), said the funds would soon be disbursed to the victims. Represented by the NEMA Administrative Officer, Alhaji Sadiq Nuhu, Kanar sympathised with the victims of the disaster, even as he urged them to see it as a natural phenomenon which no human being has control over. The Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs,

Alhaji Abubakar Jalo Bajoga, commended President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration for coming to the aid of the victims with the N300 million. It will, however, be recalled that Gombe was among the states recently ravaged by flood in the country. The state government had earlier approved the sum of N22 million to assist the victims, whose homes and farmlands had been destroyed by the flood. The Permanent Secretary in the GSEMA, Mr. Kelmi Lazarus, said the state government had approved N22 million relief materials aimed at reducing the impact of the disaster on the victims. He urged the victims to exercise patience with the agency as the materials would be disbursed as soon as the funds were released by the Federal Government.

Dankwambo plans to conduct LG election soon DANJUMA WILLIAMS GOMBE

overnor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe State has assured residents of his administration’s readiness to conduct the local government election soon. The governor gave the assurance while swearing-in the newly appointed caretaker committee chairmen of the 11 local government areas of the state at the weekend. Dankwambo urged the chairmen to create conducive atmosphere for the conduct of credible local government election. He said the appointments of the caretaker chairmen were made in conformity with Section 79 (3) and (4) of the Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission and Electoral (Amendment) law 2011. Warning that his administration would not tolerate corruption or diversion of public funds under whatever guise, the governor asked the chairmen to ensure transparency and accountability in handling the finances of their various councils. Dankwambo, who expressed displeasure over the poor performance of the community-based security committees established by the government to confront

the security challenges in the state, directed the chairmen to re-invigorate their security committees and ensure their optimal performance. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Sule Bage, had earlier described periodic election as a veritable ingredient for democratic governance the world over. He noted that the selection process of the new caretaker chairmen was a success even though it was meticulous and painstaking. Those sworn-in were: Alhaji Adamu Jani, Akko Local Government Area; Mr. Dedan Mela, Billiri Local Government Area; Mr. Solomon Ishaku Yaro, Balanga Local Government Area; Alhaji Hamman Kundi, Dukku Local Government Area and Alhaji Bakura Muhammad, Funakaye Local Government Area. Others were: Alhaji Ibrahim Sa’ad Mai-Fatah, Gombe Local Government Area; Mr. Joshua Pukma, Kaltungo Local Government Area; Alhaji Abdullahi Kwami, Kwami Local Government Area; Alhaji Tijjani Ahmed Abubakar, Nafada Local Government Area; Mr. Robert Danja, Shongom Local Government Area and Alhaji Habu Shinga, Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area.

190 Kwara communities get potable water WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

bout 190 communities in Kwara State have been provided with potable water supply by the government. The state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, was reported to have stated this at the weekend during the 2012 convention of the Kwara State Association of Nigerians (KWASANG) in London, United Kingdom. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Wahab Oba, the governor said with the supply of water to these communities, the government had reduced the accessibility ratio to one kilometer from the 1.5 kilometre radius it inherited from his predecessor on assumption of office in 2011. He told the Kwara indigenes resident abroad that he would continue to implement people-friendly proj-

ects despite the state’s lean resources. Ahmed also said that 115 communities had benefitted from the government’s rural and urban electrification programme, adding that more communities had been slated to benefit from the scheme in line with his resolve to ensure 100 per cent electricity coverage of the state. The governor urged the Kwara indigenes, especially those outside the shores of Nigeria to explore the investment opportunities in agriculture, health, solid mineral and power sectors of the state. Stressing that agriculture is the pivot of the state’s economic growth, he said his administration had institutionalised the value chain concept in agriculture and concluded plans to facilitate the creation of commercial agriculture ventures at 60 sites across the state.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Wokocha, Rivers Power Commissioner kidnapped CHINEDUM EMEANA PORT HARCOURT

ivers State Commissioner for Power, Mr. Augustine Wokocha, who has been missing since Saturday, is suspected to have been kidnapped, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the state. Though the state police command refused to confirm or deny the kidnapping as Ben Ugwuegbulam, its spokesman did not pick his call or

respond to SMS queries on the matter, a competent source disclosed that the commissioner and his personal assistant were forcefully taken at Ede, in his local government by yet to be identified persons to an unknown destination. The commissioner returned to his community in obedience to the Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s directive that all public office holders from flood ravaged areas of the state return to their communi-

ties to supervise the distribution of relief materials. A source told National Mirror that he and his aide were taken, while he was obeying the directive. The commissioner, who is a member of Governor Amaechi’s kitchen cabinet, represented the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area in the State House of Assembly between 2003 and 2007, when the governor served as Speaker.

FUTO VC asks FG to complete abandoned projects in varsity CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

he Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, FUTO, Owerri, Prof. C. C Asiabaka yesterday disclosed that many Federal Government projects in the school have been abandoned since 2010. Prof Asiabaka made the disclosure when members of the Senate Committee on Education led by its Chairman, Senator Uche Chukwumerijie, paid an oversight visit to the university. He said that the abandoned projects have become an eyesore to the university, adding that the presence of the committee would make it possible for them to see the need to facilitate the release of fund to complete the projects. The professor solicited for the assistance of the

committee in developing a research and technology park where the university has a comparative advantage. “I believe if we develop the park the university can develop where we will have incubator of research of technology, people can go into that area partnering with government and private sector to develop patterns,” he said. He also disclosed that since the university was rushed out from the capital city to its permanent site, the institution had never received take-off grant from the government. “The day we moved out, we left everything the university had to Imo State University. So it is the wish of the management of this university to ask government to give us take-off grant that will allow us to cushion the effect of the

rush we did,” he added. Responding, Senator Chukwumerijie assured the vice chancellor that the committee was not in the university to witch-hunt or to find fault. He, however, observed that the content of the university’s submission to the committee lacked certain clarification, adding that the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, was for 2010/2011, but what was in the submission was only for 12 months. According to him the actual budget implementation schedule, a key to the oversight exercise was not there, which the committee needs within two weeks. “We also need clarification on FUTO Community Bank; we found there that N20m expenditure on private placement on 40 million ordinary shares of the bank,” he said.

Okorocha calls for more Fed varsities CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

mo State Governor, Mr. Rochas Okorocha has called on the Federal Government to establish more federal universities in the state as the state with the highest enrolment in Joint Admission Matriculation Board, JAMB and other examinations being conducted by the West African Examination Council, WAEC. Okorocha made the call while receiving the Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nysom Wike who paid him a courtesy visit at the

….urges FG to repair roads in South East Government House, Owerri. According to the governor, with the highest enrolment in these establishments, the state requires more federal universities to accommodate the population, stressing that the quota system hindered over 5,000 Imo children from getting admission into the universities this year. He disclosed that his administration had spent N14 billion to build 305 model schools. Governor Okorocha commended the Federal

Government on its effort to lift education particularly by improving on the budget provision for the year 2012, stressing that the best inheritance the government could give any child was giving him the opportunity to develop his brain. Wike had earlier said that he was in Imo to support the state in meeting up the target on MDG –Vision 20-20-20, adding that the Federal Government intends to build a special vocational school in the state that is aimed at bringing back the boy child back to school.

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Rivers: Where pregnant mothers There is a growing trend in Rivers State for pregnant mothers to go to churches for delivery of their babies as against visiting conventional hospitals and clinics. CHINEDUM EMEANA undertook investigations to unravel this growing phenomenon and reports.

enator Magnus Abe, representing Rivers East Senatorial District cut a sad mien recently, when, as guest of the Federated Correspondents Chapel Forum in Port Harcourt, was asked on the state of healthcare facilities in the state. A close relative of his had lost her child at Ogoni due to complications arising from delivery. She preferred to be delivered of her baby in a church, rather than at the many health centres in the state. The Senator said rather than sympathise, felt like reprimanding her for such costly ignorance. Mama Charles, a resident in Port Harcourt, refused to register for antenatal care in a hospital or clinic when she was pregnant and rather chose to register at a church, where she was drilled in prayers for nine months. For this, she left her home to go and live in a church. Nine months after, she was delivered of a baby girl who died few weeks later. There is a growing trend among pregnant mothers in Rivers State to prefer the so called prayer houses, rather than make use of the many health centres. Mrs. Lovinah Kakpoilo Eyekit, president of Ataba Women Association in Andoni Council Area, told National Mirror, that the situation has become alarming, saying that seven out of every 10 pregnant women deliver in the churches, rather than at hospitals. “It is very alarming. As a matter of fact, hospital statistics reveal that more pregnant mothers resort to prayer houses for delivery,” she said. She lamented the preference to ignore orthodox healthcare system and resort to new generation churches for delivery of babies as cause for many maternal deaths and still births. “There is nowhere when God directed that a pregnant woman go to hospital for antenatal care, nor did he instruct them to go to churches to be delivered of their babies, but ironically when complications develop, these women rush to the hospitals”. Dr. Lewis Akpogena, Public Relations Officer of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Rivers State chapter, says those engaged in this practice are acting out of improper understanding of the word of God as espoused in the Holy Bible, stressing that it is an error in judgement for them to do so. “I am of the opinion that, there is place for prayers and also for medicine. And when it comes to antenatal or child delivery, we see the biblical incident of when the children of Is-

rael want to deliver of their babies; they did not go to synagogues or temples.” “Even in the case of Jesus Christ, when Mary and Joseph were searching for a place to be delivered of their baby, they did not go to a temple. He added that every God fearing woman can be delivered of a baby. The Bible did not say it must be in a church. “There are certain medical or physiological problems that could arise when going through child birth which cannot be handled in a church setting. So, it would be an error to go there, rather than to a hospital to be delivered of their babies”, he said. For Pastor Wisdom George of Weapons of War Ministries, this situation is a product of the background of those involved. “Most women grew up in families where they believe that everything is all prayers and they also belong to churches where pastors do not tell them the benefits of medicare, especially for pregnant women.”But he acknowledges that for most women, it is a lack of choice. Another factor is that most women live in communities where there are no clinics to cater for antenatal services. In essence, the issue of going to the church rather than to hospitals is disadvantageous, as many have lost their lives and babies. Moreover, while praying, some are administered with concoctions that may not be healthy to drink, “he said. However, Akpogena, stressed that the fact that some women lost their lives or babies in the church, should not mean God does not answer prayers, rather, the women were victims of ignorance. Pastor Wisdom George said: “When these women who go to churches rather than hospitals during pregnancy die, it does not mean God does not answer prayers, only that HE does not answer ignorant prayer. In the Bible, it says if you pray according to God’s will, He will answer you”, he explained. Chief Joe Ezuma, argues that the practice of ignoring health centres for churches is not limited to pregnant women. The practice is gaining wider acceptance because people have been impoverished by our leaders. “Truth is that very many Nigerians seek medical attention in the churches, rather than in conventional hospitals, so it is not limited to pregnant women”, he said. The problem is traceable to widespread poverty. The church is meant to offer prayers and cannot be a sub-

A 150 bed hospital in Port Harcourt.

THE PRACTICE IS GAINING WIDER ACCEPTANCE BECAUSE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN IMPOVERISHED BY OUR LEADERS stitute for health centre or clinic. The masses have been impoverished by our leaders and that is the resultant effect”. But Pastor George disagrees. “Poverty is not an issue, because gover nment hospitals are cheap to register, even the private hospitals. Moreover, during church assignments, the women spend a lot of money to purchase spiritualists’ items, which, most time, exceeded cost of registration in hospitals Mrs. Bright Er nest Okon, a petty trader in Rumuolumeni, whose two children were delivered at Apostolic Inter national Church, said it has nothing to do with poverty, but to ensure protection from evil attacks during delivery. She said the church shows compassion, especially when money is not immediately available. “We go to church so that if there is any problem, God solves it,” she explained, adding that in some cultures, those whose bride price are yet to be paid are frightened into believing that they will die during child birth. These fears drive them to seek refuge in churches for God to guarantee their safe delivery.

Health centre in Rivers State.

“My son and daughter were bor n in the church. My first son was bor n at a time when the family did not have enough money, but we were allowed to go home and later settle the bills. But in the hospital, we would not have been allowed to leave until all monies are paid”, Mrs. Okon said. “We pay to deliver in Church. In Apostolic Inter national Church, members pay from N4, 000 and N5, 000, while non-members pay N7, 000 and N10, 000.”

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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

resort to churches for child delivery GOVERNMENT SHOULD DISCOURAGE IT BY MAKING COST OF HEALTH DELIVERY AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE TO THE PEOPLE

Rev. Abednego Effiong.

She added that churches have nurses attending to you until you are delivered of your baby. Mrs. Okon also said that some women who register in hospitals for antenatal still prefer to be delivered of their babies in the church. She acknowledges that life-threatening complications could arise, but expressed absolute faith in the power of God to take control. Moreover, she said: “I have not seen anyone die in this church”. Prophet Abednego Effiong of

Trust Word Bible Church, where women deliver their babies, explained that some go to churches because some nurses working in the hospitals and health centres are demon-possessed and have mandates to kill babies and their mothers. “One nurse confessed that she was instructed to kill every first son. This instills fear of going to hospitals. Moreover, he added that some people have spiritual problems, where children die due to covenants, but when they go to a pastor, they help to break such covenants and secure the life of their children. “Three women have delivered in this church successfully. In one of the cases, there was a revelation her son was going to die. But both mother and child are alive”, he said, adding that in a situation where a man of God is a doctor, he can combine both callings to deliver pregnant women. However, Effiong admitted that not everyone wants to give birth in a church, but are compelled by unsavoury experiences to seek such alter native. He added that there are some traditions that make women to run to churches. In such situation, they are kept in the church to ensure safe delivery. However, he stressed that it is not compulsory that church members must give birth there, pointing out wherever they chose, they will be safe as the church would continue to pray for them. He advised: “Wherever you want to deliver, put God first,

whether in Europe or America, it is only He that can guarantee safe delivery”. Is this situation of going to church by pregnant women rather than hospitals a problem that calls for government attention? Should it be discouraged or encouraged? Chief Joe Ezuma, says that government should discourage it by making cost of health delivery affordable and accessible to the people. Eyekit, President of the Ataba Women Association, said that leg-

One of the churches-turned hospital.

islating on the matter would go a long way in discouraging those concerned. Mrs. Bright Ernest Okon, does not think it is the proper approach. She said: “Government should leave it to people to make choice and not to forcefully prevent them from being delivered of their babies in the church”. Pastor George said it is about persuasion and not force,adding that it is the responsibility of church leaders to enlighten pregnant women of need to register in health centres when they are pregnant for antenatal care. He also advised that government engage church and other religious leaders on the matter. However he said: “Any pregnant woman should seek prayer assistance while also registering in a clinic to seek medical attention.” Akpogena encouraged women to heed the word of God which says “nevertheless, the woman will be safe in childbearing”. He added that “a woman should not only wait on a church or hang her fate on a pastor or a seer or a prophet or some primitive and unspiritual people who have prayer houses”. “You can, while attending to your antenatal, ask your pastor to pray for you and not to resort taking residence in a prayer house”. Ezuma stressed that the role of the church should be to offer prayers for safe delivery and not to usurp the function of the medical services.

WORLD RECORD

First animal to receive two bionic leg implants

Vol. 02 No. 469

UNIPORT 4: A descent to the abyss

he incident of the last two weeks involving the gruesome killing of four students of the University of Port Harcourt by community vigilance group under the pretext of finding them guilty of criminal activities is a sad reminder of how loose our society has become in handling conflicts. The late students, were painted black to justify the jungle justice given to them in public without any rethinking on the effect of such action on the psyche of all and the interpretation the world will give to such a disaster in the name of seeking revenge or restoring order in a community. The video of the killing, which was posted on the Internet was too worri-

N150

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

The first animal to receive two bionic leg implants was Oscar the cat, Jersey, in June 2010. Also, for the first time in surgery on animals, the implants went into a moving joint.

igeria’s top star, Abdulmumini Babalola, yesterday endured a rough patch as he was sent out of the FCMB Plc and Etisalat Nigeria sponsored tournament by Italian Alesandro Petrone in straight sets of 7-6, 6-4 in the first round of the Main Draws of the first leg of

TALKINGPOINT Seyi Fasugba

seyifasugba@yahoo.com 08053069514 (sms only)

some for any right-thinking person to comprehend and even to rationalize the motive behind such. The act was celebrated to an extent that a sizeable crowd that gathered to watch the ugly scene even cheered the dastardly act, which I believed must have encouraged the group to think that their action was right. The guys, who were in their early twenties, were clubbed to death first before their bodies were set ablaze. Quite unfortunate that there is no such crime, even at the most extreme cases, that would have encouraged such a debasement of humanity. This was in Aluu, the host community of the varsity. Shortly before then was also the killing of over 40 students in Mubi, Adamawa State, under a situation yet to be uncovered by the police and the state security officials. In order for one not to jump into conclusion that the attack was part of the onslaught on the country by a terrorist group, government has not explained what led to the premeditated killings of innocent souls overnight in a most gruesome manner. Some of the victims were slaughtered while another account said they were identified by names and called out before being shot by the assailants. No matter how true or untrue the version that they want us to believe, the point remains that there is

NO MATTER HOW TRUE OR UNTRUE THE VERSION THAT THEY

WANT US TO BELIEVE, THE POINT REMAINS THAT THERE IS STILL NO JUSTIFICATION TO EMBARK ON SUCH MONUMENTAL DESTRUCTION OF HUMAN LIVES still no justification to embark on such monumental destruction of human lives. Another version of the story linked the incident to election held into the students’ union offices of the Federal Polythenic, Mubi, but some of the students killed, according to reports, belonged to other institutions in the town that were also living within the students’ village. Till date, none of these versions have been able to uncover what led to the attack and the reasons behind it. One thing common to these attacks and others that had happened

before had been the disconnection between students of higher institutions and their host communities. Handling issues of conflicts between communities and student population had been at very low ebb since. Before the Aluu incident, there had been running battles between communities and students of higher institutions in Ogun, Lagos, Osun and some other states over the years that had made the students and particularly the youths an endangered species. Meanwhile, as youths, they are the future of this country and should be seen as such. At the Federal Polythenic, Oko in March this year, the clash between the host community and the students in the town left many injured and properties destroyed. The activities of a vigilance group, similarly to what happened in Aluu, led to the death of many students of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye. The reprisal from the students did not spare the palace of the ruler of the town, given the pandemonium that followed the incident. Ditto for the students-community clash of the Federal Polythenic, Offa, Kwara State, some years back. But one major implication of that development is the loss of value in our society against the backdrop of what it used to be. Gone are the days that communities will forever cherish and celebrate the youths, particularly university students, knowing well that they were already on the path of greatness just only for them to manifest their potential. This is now a class war, particularly among those deprived the luxury of education against those they perceived as the children of the noveau riche and thus see nothing good in the aspiring youths. A stitch in time saves nine, the earlier this emerging war is tamed, the better for the society at large.

Sport Extra

Governor’s Cup: Babalola, Lawal crash out the Governor’s Cup at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan. The country’s number one player, Shehu Lawal, also suffered defeat in straight sets of 6-0,6-2 to Spain’s Borja Rodriguez Mantano. Fellow Nigerian Kehinde Alade

got a tough lesson from Alesandro Bega who decisioned the former 6-,6-1 game in the Men’s Singles. Rita Obasigie was sent packing by German Michela Frlicka in 6-0,6-0 game, while London-based Adeyinka Elisabeth Thompson

was stopped by Chanel Simmonds of South Africa 6-0,6-0, as Sofia Dmitrieva of Russia beat Osariemen Airhunmwunde 6-1,6-0 Sanni Adamu, however, defeated compatriot Umaru Balami in 7-6, 1-6, 7-5 game.

Babalola

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