Tuesday, October 23, 2012 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Ciroma, Sanusi, NLC, oppose Reps’ plan to weaken CBN TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and some stakeholders, including former gover-

Sanusi

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nors of the apex bank, Adamu Ciroma and Joseph Sanusi, yesterday kicked against a proposed amendment to the law establishing the bank aimed at stripping it of some of

its powers. The rejection was the consensus of submissions yesterday at a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives’ ComCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Boko Haram:

SSS drills Senator, to summon ex-gov

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Zanna

Tuesday, October June 7, 23, 20112012

N150 N150

Robbers on rampage, kill 5 policemen, 2 civilians Pandemonium in Lagos as Okada riders protest ban

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FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

aredevil robbers went on rampage yesterday in Ogun State, killing five policemen and two civilians in two separate attacks in Abeokuta and Ibafo areas of the state. In the Abeokuta attack, three policemen, including two inspectors attached to the newly-inaugurated security outfit, Quick Response Squad, QRS, were shot dead in an ambush by the robbers during an operation which lasted from CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Nigerians mourn Sheila Solarin

...burial in Nov

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LEFT: A LAGBUS destroyed by Okada riders in Lagos yesterday. RIGHT: Motorcycles seized by task force members being taken away as enforcement of traffic law begins in PHOTOS: ADEMOLA AKINLABI Lagos, yesterday.

Flood: Jonathan’s kinsmen threaten to disrupt oil operations P.11

FG faults govs’ stand on sale of PHCN fi rm ...says process not fraudulent

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Impeachment: Reps suspend Kogi Assembly

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News

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG faults govs’ stand on sale of PHCN firm UDEME AKPAN

he Federal Government has refuted the allegation of the governors of Ekiti, Edo, Ondo and Delta states that the ongoing privatisation process of the nation’s Power Holding Companies of Nigeria, PHCN, was marred in fraud and other irregularities. The government insisted that due process was followed at every stage of the privatisation by the National Council on Privatisation, NCP. It also blamed the state governments for their failure to win the bid for the Benin Distribution Company, won by Vigeo. Chairman, Technical Committee of NCP, Mr. Atedo Peterside, said: “On the allegation that the bid process was not transparent, I wholeheartedly affirm that the entire transaction followed due process and was governed by the provisions of the Request for Proposals, RFP.” Peterside, at a press conference in Lagos yesterday, explained that the Southern Consortium that the governors favoured had been in the race for the Benin Disco along with other bidders since September

2011 when they received the RFPs for the privatisation. He said the firm had the opportunity to take part in different fora organised to educate potential investors, undertook due diligence on Benin Disco, met with various officials of BPE and asked questions that were promptly and comprehensively answered. Peterside said: “They never made any allegations of lack of transparency until after the race had been run via the commercial bid opening ceremony, which was televised live on both NTA and AIT.” He explained that at the commercial bid opening ceremony, the representative of the firm examined and confirmed that the envelope which contained its commercial proposal was intact. Peterside added: “Before the bids were opened, the ground rules of the bid opening were read out and circulated and it was made clear to all that the ground rules were in accordance with the RFP, which all the bidders were given the opportunity to comment upon and accept before they submitted their technical and commercial proposals.” Contrary to the rule, he

said that Southern Consortium submitted multiple commercial bids. “Their envelope contained two different commercial bids, both of which were signed by one Mr. Matthew Edevbie. The first bid was dubbed the “primary” bid, while the other was dubbed an “alternate” bid,” he said. Peterside, who faulted the ownership structure of the firm, stated that: “Incidentally, the submissions made by the Southern Consortium to the BPE show that the ownership of the consortium is comprised of seven members as follows:-

Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited (of India) [25per cent equity of consortium]; Income Electrix Limited (of Nigeria) [25 per cent]; Smartworks Global Resources Ltd (of Nigeria) [8.3per cent]; Pinnacle Power Projects & Services Ltd (of Nigeria) [31.7per cent]; Fountain Holdings Limited (of Nigeria)[3.33per cent]; Citadel Nominees (of Nigeria)[3.33per cent]; and NJ Services (of Nigeria) [3.33per cent].” He said close to 90 per cent of the consortium was owned by private sector companies not owned directly or indirectly by the

governments of Delta, Edo, Ekiti and Ondo states. In the area of losses, Peterside said: “The current ATC&C losses sustained by the various distribution companies in Nigeria are estimated at between 35 and 40 per cent of the power wheeled to them. These levels of losses are very high.” Determined to reduce losses, Peterside said bidders were told from the onset that they would compete on the basis of a trajectory of technical, commercial and collection loss improvements for the first five years of operation. He explained that the

NCP approved the privatisation strategy for the Discos, based on the use of ATC&C loss reduction proposal as a basis for core investor selection, as far back as August 19, 2010. Peterside said: “The advertisements that ran in December 2010 soliciting for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from prospective core investors emphasised that the BPE would use this strategy. “So, Southern Consortium knew the rules of the race before it joined the contest. “Those bidders with proCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

L-R: Chief of Staff, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe; Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi; Vice-President Namadi Sambo and President Goodluck Jonathan, at the presidential sports sector retreat in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Robbers on rampage, kill 5 policemen, 2 civilians CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

2:30a.m. to 4:30a.m. at IjemoAgbadu area of Abeokuta, the state capital. The QRS operatives were said to have responded to a distress call from a member of The Apostolic Church in Ijemo-Agbadu area of Abeokuta metropolis before they ran into the 15-man robbery gang, who had laid siege to the area. Our correspondent gathered that on arrival at the scene, the robbers were said to have opened fire at the police patrol team, killing the driver on the spot. The two inspectors were said to have died on their way to the hospital, while two other officers were critically injured. It was learnt that the same gang had earlier operated on Sunday night at World Oil petrol filling station in Ibafo on LagosIbadan Expressway where they killed two policemen

on guard and a 12-year-old boy simply identified as Mubarak. It was also gathered that the hoodlums, clad in Mobile Police uniform, shot sporadically before they dispossessed their victim of an undisclosed amount of money. Mubarak, who was hawking sachet water, was hit by a stray bullet. The Pastor of the Church, Jacob Adeotan, said that the robbers, numbering about 15, scaled through the fence of the church and held residents hostage while the operation lasted. “As you can see, they broke the burglary proof, gained access into many apartments before ransacking. They operated for about 45 minutes, and engaged in sporadic shooting when police patrol team arrived,” he said. Confirming the incidents, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO,

Muyiwa Adejobi, said it was the same gang who operated at Ibafo that also invaded Abeokuta. Adejobi explained that following the distress call, the command had called out its QRS units for reinforcement but they ran into the hoodlums, whom he described as a “professional robbery gang”. The PPRO added that a member of the gang had been arrested and had confessed to the crime. According to him, “The QRS men went to the place and the armed men, who we believe are professionals, laid ambush for them. “They positioned themselves strategically; bullets were coming from various angles, an indication that they must have positioned themselves very well. “The men were attacked and we lost three

of them, two died instantly and one died on the way to the hospital. “We have a suspect now because when they left, they followed Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway, going back to Lagos with a Jeep they snatched for operation.” Adejobi said the Honda Sport Utility Vehicle, SUV, which the robbers used for the operation later ran out of fuel and they called the arrested suspect to provide them with fuel before he was apprehended by the police. He said: “I think there was no fuel in the jeep again and one of them had to put a call through to somebody to get fuel for them. “One of the victims, who might have been in the car with them quickly called one of our men who mobilised others to be on red alert and fortunately for us, we saw a man on motorcycle with fuel.

“He wanted to give them fuel. So, we were able to arrest the man and he has been assisting us in our investigation. “The suspect has confessed to be a member of the gang and we are going to work on this one to get all of them.” Adejobi also confirmed that two other policemen attached to Ibafo division were killed by robbers when they were trying to foil an attack on a fuel station. The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ikemefuna Okoye, had ordered a compressive investigation into the incidents. Meanwhile, Governor Ibikunle Amosun and Okoye have visited the injured police officers at the Federal Medical Centre, IdiAba, Abeokuta, where they are undergoing treatment. The governor also directed security agencies to

track down the criminals and bring them to justice. The governor directed hospitals in the state to report cases of gunshot injuries to the security agents to ensure that the blood of the innocent people, who died, was not spilled in vain. “We have notified all hospitals to report any treatment of gun-shot injuries. This is an isolated incident; there will be no comfort zone for robbers in this state,” he said. He lauded the dead policemen for their bravery, saying that in spite of the ambush, they fought gallantly. Amosun said the policemen would not die in vain, promising that government would take care of their families. He added that the government would continue to support the security agencies to reduce crime in the state.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Wednesday, October 23, 2012

Good Health Urgent! Flood victims need psychological first aid SAM EFERARO Please don’t commit suicide. You have a government that will assist you. Even if you borrow money from banks, don’t worry when the flood is over, we will know how to deal with it. Be rest assured that the government will take care of the situation.

hat was President Goodluck Jonathan addressing flood victims in Kogi. He was greatly moved when he was informed that some of the victims had committed suicide when they could no longer cope with the grief of losing their loved ones and life-long investments. According to the experts, this advise may go unheeded if the Federal, state governments and relief agencies handling the rehabilitation of the victims do not, as a matter of urgency, consider the introduction of mental health management in all camps set up for the affected victims all over the country. Research studies on the health impact of flood on victims worldwide have revealed that the psychological impact of a disaster like flood is just as important to address as the physical impacts. Indeed, the World Health Organisation (WHO), in recognition of the heavy toll of mental health consequences on flood victims has urged affected countries to ensure adequate management either at the disaster points or during service delivery. Most studies on the effects of flooding on common mental disorders have revealed a significant increase in the number of psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression, irritability, and sleeplessness in both

Flood victims salvaging their property

men and women. Some studies have also identified postflood psychiatric disorder (PTSD) as a major mental problem associated with flood. According to the experts, PTSD is characterised by intrusive memories, avoidance of circumstances associated with the stressor, sleep disturbances, irritability and anger, lack of concentration and excessive vigilance. Flooding has a major impact on people and communities. Apart from physical health risks, damage to property and disruption during the recovery process, the psychological effect can be profound. Indeed, the experience of losing a home to floodwaters can take a long time to overcome. The majority of flood victims suffer some type of impact, like anxiety and problems with sleeping. “That’s where psychological first aid comes into play,” says Bob VandePol, President, American Crisis Care Network. “The principles behind psychological first aid are simple but effective – in many ways

it’s like performing a triage function for the mind. Psychological first aid is not long-term counselling for things like posttraumatic stress disorder. Instead, the goal is to tap into a person’s natural resilience to help them cope with the disaster in the days to come. “In many ways it’s similar to what an emergency room nurse does. A trained mental health professional comes in and does an immediate assessment of those impacted and, for the vast majority of people, provides immediate support and consultation before returning them to adaptive function. Or, if necessary, the counsellor points them in the direction of an appropriate level of care.” Most people, VandePol says, will recover after the application of psychological first aid without needing further counselling. The idea is to help people tap into their natural strengths to deal with the crisis. However, apart from adequate mental health management, experts have also

YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

Chronic constipation linked to increased risk of colorectal cancer

atients with chronic constipation may be at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer and benign neoplasms, according to study findings unveiled yesterday at the American College of Gastroenterology’s (ACG) 77th Annual Scientific meeting in Las Vegas. The study, “Risk of Developing Colorectal Cancer and Benign Neoplasm in Patients with Chronic Constipation,” investigated the prevalence and incidence of colorectal cancer and benign neoplasms in 28,854 patients with chronic constipation (CC) and 86,562

controls without CC that were identified from a large retrospective U.S. claims database (January 1999-September 2011). Patients with at least two diagnoses of constipation were required to be 18 years or older and continuously enrolled in their health plan for at least one year following the study index date, which was the

patient’s first eligible diagnosis of constipation. Patients with diagnoses of irritable bowel syndrome or diarrhea were excluded. Researchers found that: • Both colorectal cancer (CRC) and benign neoplasms are more prevalent in chronic constipation patients compared to a control population free from chronic constipation. • Among the patients that were not previously diagnosed with CRC or benign neoplasms prior to their index date, and after controlling for potential con-

founding factors including age, gender, family history of malignancies, and other non-gastrointestinal comorbidities, patients with CC were more at risk to develop CRC or benign neoplasms. • The risk of developing CRC was 1.78 times higher for chronic constipation (CC) patients and the risk of developing benign neoplasms was 2.70 times higher. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, which are potentially also associated with the CC conditions, the incremental risk of developing CRC and benign neoplasms remained “consistently high.”

identified other health conditions which must be addressed as the nation strives to curtail the raging flood in many parts of the country while also rehabilitating the victims. These include management of flood-related injuries which occur as the individuals try to move themselves and dependants from danger, faeco-oral diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, typhoid fever etc and malaria. There are also risks posed by corpses which experts say should require special attention. For instance, workers who routinely handle corpses, according to the experts, may have a risk of contracting tuberculosis, bloodborne viruses (such as Hepatitis B/C and HIV), and gastrointestinal infections (such as rotavirus diarrhoea, salmonellosis, E. coli, typhoid/paratyphoid fevers, hepatitis A, shigellosis and cholera), among others. Also, gastrointestinal infections could be rampant as dead bodies commonly leak faeces. Transmission occurs via the faecooral route through direct contact with the body and soiled clothes or contaminated vehicles or equipment. Dead bodies contaminating the water supply may also cause gastrointestinal infections. Efforts should also be made towards aggressive malaria prevention both in the affected communities and the camps. Experts have recommended free medical care with artemisinin-based combination therapy to reduce mortality especially in the remote areas. The American Disaster Resource Guide further recommends the following: health education tips in all the camps for the flood victims around the country: •Promote good hygienic practice. •Ensure safe food preparation techniques. •Ensure boiling or chlorination of water. •Vital importance of early diagnosis and treatment for malaria (within 24 hours of onset of fever).

British engineers create petrol from air and water

small British company has developed a way to create petrol from air and water, technology it hopes may one day contribute to large-scale production of green fuels. Engineers at Air Fuel Synthesis (AFS) in Teeside, northern England, say they have produced 5 liters of synthetic petrol over a period of three months. The technique involves extracting carbon dioxide from air and hydrogen from water, and combining them in a reactor with a catalyst to make methanol. The methanol is then converted into petrol.

“It’s actually cleaner because it’s synthetic,” Peter Harrison, chief executive officer of AFS, said in an interview. “You just make what you need to make in terms of the contents of it, so it doesn’t contain what might be seen as pollutants, like sulphur,” he said. The work is part of a two-year project that has so far cost around 1 million pounds ($1.6 million). The green petrol will not appear on forecourts any time soon, though. “We can’t make (the petrol) at pump prices, but we will do eventually,” Harrison said.

Photo News

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Proprietor, Crescent University Abeokuta, Prince Bola Ajibola; Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun; State Awardees, Kano State Governor Muhammed Kwankwaso and f Kastina State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Abdulahi Garba, during the Award of Doctor of Science Honoris Causa in Political Science and International Relation in Abeokuta, yesterday.

L-R: Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole; former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido, at the 78th birthday lecture of General Gowon in Kuru, Plateau State, at the weekend.

Wife of Cross River State Governor, Mrs. Obioma Imoke (middle) presenting “The Best Airline of the Year” award to Ethiopian Airline officials, during the Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos, yesterday, PHOTO: NAN

L-R: President and Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIBN), Mr. Segun Aina; Group Managing Director, FinBank Plc, Mr. Peter Obaseki and Mrs. Adebola Osibogun of FCIB, at the 2012 Fellowship Investiture by the CIBN in Lagos at the weekend.

National News

Nigerians mourn Sheila Solarin To be buried November

WALE FOLARIN, AYO ESAN, ABIODUN NEJO AND FEMI OYEWESO

minent Nigerians, including President Goodluck Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday paid tribute to Sheila Solarin, who died on Monday at the Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State at the age of 88. This is even as the son of the deceased, Mr. Tunde Solarin said she would be buried in Ikenne in ‘two weeks’ time. In his condolence message, President Jonathan described Sheila’s death as a big loss to the nation. The President said Mrs. Solarin’s death has left a big vacuum in the educational system of the country as the nation would miss the unparalleled commitment, discipline, expertise, prowess and astuteness she brought to bear on the teaching profession and

school administration. President Jonathan, who described Mrs. Solarin as a great soul, highly respected mother, peace-maker and community worker, commended her uncommon courage and patriotism in making Nigeria her permanent home before and after the demise of her husband. Chief Obasanjo in his own message, expressed sadness over the death of Sheila describing her as one who dedicated her worthy life to the education of the Nigerian child. Not only was Mrs. Solarin a dedicated and committed educationist, she showed deep love for her adopted Ogun State and the country, Nigeria, which she served for about six decades, the former president said. “Mrs. Solarin’s dedication is truly worthy of emulation. She will be greatly missed; I commiserate with her children and the extended family of those who knew and loved this remarkable lady,” he added.

Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola described Mrs. Solarin as an educationist of note, adding that she was a quintessential teacher and a molder of men, who devoted her life to the service of humanity. Aregbesola in a statement issued yesterday by his Director of Communication and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon said that Mrs. Solarin left behind a legacy of service to humanity, especially through education. According to him, through the singular efforts of the Solarins, the Mayflower School, Ikenne, became a reference point in how to run educational institution. Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, described her as a selfless woman who dedicated her entire life to the cause of humanity. Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, also credited the late educationist for sustaining the landmark legacy of her late husband- Mayflower School, which, according to

him, has trained many Nigerians who have become great in different fields. He described the late Sheila as a virtuous woman, an amiable personality, humble and deeply committed to the cause of education and development. The governor recalled that the deceased used her entire lifetime to campaign for a better and egalitarian society through advocacy and philanthropy. In its own message, a group, Women Arise described the death of Mrs. Solarin as a colossal loss to the Mayflower family, the education community and all “admirers of the exemplary lives of the Solarins.” In a statement signed by its President, Joe OkeiOdumakin, the group said: “We are duty bound to celebrate this woman of substance, who, in the years after the death of her husband sustained his educational legacy by keeping on the Mayflower vision even at her old age in a society that has been taken over by unscrupulous leaders and visionless elite.” Describing the de-

ceased as focused, dedicated and resilient, OkeiOdumakin said she was a woman in a million. “The virtues of the Solarins remain a manual for all those who want our country rebuilt on sound values, ethics and character,” she added. Eminent Nigerians, which included the matriarch of the Awolowo family, Chief Mrs. H.I.D Awolowo, Vice Chancellor, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Professor Segun Awonusi as well as the state Commissioner for Education, Mr. Segun Odubela were among the guests that paid their condolence visits to the Ikenne home of the Solarins yesterday. H.I.D Awolowo in her condolence letter described Mrs. Solarin as a close family friend. Odubela, who described her as a great tutor, also stated that the story of educational development in Ogun and Nigeria would not be complete without the mentioning of late Sheila. Professor Awonusi also described her death as a

great loss. Awonusi said: “She was to our university both a physical and philosophical strength who epitomizes the educational colossal impact of Dr. Tai Solarin which has become a brand for our university”. Meanwhile, Mr. Solarin said Sheila would be buried beside her husband, Tai, who passed on in 1994. Tunde, who said he was proud to be the son of Sheila, further hinted that the family would deliberate on the burial date but added that it would most likely take place within the next two weeks. Mr. Solarin, who recalled the last moment of her mother, expressed gratitude to Nigerians as well as the old students of Mayflower School for their support and expressed the hope that her life would have positive influence on people. Among the personalities that passed through the late educationist are Pastor W.F Kumuyi, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Ministries, Dr. Wale Omole, M.D Tai and Sheila hospital, Lagos, Major Chukwuemeka Nzeogwu and Mr. John Nbonu among others.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Ciroma, Sanusi, NLC, oppose Reps’ plan to weaken CBN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

mittee on Banking and Currency, chaired by Hon. Jones Onyereri. The House is presently considering the amendments to the CBN Act 2007 to divest he governor and his deputies of powers to sit on its board and fix its budget without recourse to the National Assembly. The bill, if passed by the two chambers of the National Assembly as proposed, would enable the government to appoint “a person other than the governor as the chairman

of the board of the bank, exclude deputy governors and directors as members of the board and divest the board of the power of consideration and approval of the annual budget of the bank.” But the ex-helmsmen of the bank interpreted the move as a plot to weaken the institution. Ciroma, who was also a former Minister of Finance, commended the House for taking the review initiative, he, however, warned that the process might lead to “something

that is unnecessary.” He said: “When I looked at the proposals for changing the articles of the Central Bank in excluding the governor and other senior members of the bank from the board, I asked myself what is the rationale for this proposal? “Because the effect of it is to, in my view, do something which is out of line with international best practices, out of line with the practices in the private sector and all serious events. “If the CBN’s operating

system has been such lousy, then we will ask ourselves: what is the way of improving it? “But so far, I ask myself: is there need for this proposal of removing the governor and other staff of the bank from the board? “As already stated, the CBN governor has always been made up of the executives of the bank and members of the private sector.” “If the board of the Central Bank excludes its governor and other staff of the bank, then it means that the board is essentially

L-R: Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim and Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mr. George Uriesi, during the inauguration of the remodelled General Aviation Terminal in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

FG faults govs’ stand on sale of PHCN firm CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

posals that have successfully achieved the benchmark technical score (75 per cent) will be considered eligible contenders, and the ranking of the bidders for each distribution company will be determined solely based on the technically qualified bidders’ commercial proposals.” Peterside said three evaluating teams drawn from the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE; Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC; Federal Ministry of Power; CPCS Transcom – advisers on the transaction; NEXANT – USAID-funded power sector consultants providing support to the BPE; and NIAF – DFID-funded infrastructure support programme to the government were formed to evaluate the technical bids. The process, he said, was also observed by the officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Com-

mission, EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, and Directorate of State Security Services, DSSS. Peterside noted that NCP looked at the experience in operation and maintenance of distribution companies; experience in developing countries; technical and investment plan; management and staffing – human resources; and financing plan and ability to raise finance. He said: “In respect of the 20 Disco bidders which NCP approved at its meeting of September 18, 2012, that they fully met the RFP requirement which specified that in order to have its commercial proposals opened each bidder must have a tangible net worth of a minimum of $100m and competent technical partners. “Incidentally, both Southern Consortium and Vigeo had competent tech-

nical partners from India.” He said that GUMCO, a member of the Vigeo Consortium, had participated in both the Revenue Cycle Management and National Prepaid Metering programmes since 2006. It also introduced prepaid metering and billing to the Benin Disco. Peterside added: “We affirm and recognise the efforts of these states, as well as all other states and local governments to contribute their quota to the investment drive by the Federal Government in the power sector. “Every level of government has contributed and continues to contribute. It should be remembered here that only 60 per cent of the equity of the respective Discos is being privatised.” The governors had last week alleged that the bidding process as organised by the BPE on behalf of the NCP, leading to the commercial bid opening was

not transparent. They had alleged that the use of the Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) loss reduction strategy as a commercial bid evaluation tool/ranking is opaque, untested and not transparent. They also alleged that emerged winner with the highest loss reduction target at the bid opening exercise lacked technical competence, experience and financial capability to manage such an extensive territory as covered by Benin Disco. The governors, Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo) and Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) explained that their states had invested in power production and, therefore, they wanted the bidder which they preferred to be declared as winner, failing which they would not allow Vigeo to operate in their territory.

made up of people who are not up-to-date in the operation of the system. People who may not be absolutely familiar with the way the system operates. Ciroma, therefore, noted that there was no basis for the proposal. Sanusi said that almost all the central banks of the world, except a few ones, had their governors as their chairmen. He said: “Our governors have to be in the committees of governors. And there, if you go and make our own governor just an executive in the board and not the chairman, you have immediately given him complex and others will immediately show some superiority to the governor because they are all chairmen of their banks and he is not a chairman. “It is the best global practice; why do we want to be different? “The implication of being different is personal on the governor who is no longer to be on the same pedestal with his fellow governors when he gets to the committee of governors. “And it is important because occasionally the governor has to become the chairman of the G-24. If he is not the chairman of his board he has a problem. “So, if it is global practice that governors chair their boards for effectiveness in discharging their functions, why should we be different? “To be different have very serious implications for inflation expectations because the impression is going to be given that this is a central bank that has no control. “And if you have these inflation expectations, it also has its effect on investment, growth and development. “If you have that type of situation in Nigeria, we have a problem in our hands that we cannot easily predict. “On the second proposal, how can anybody say that the deputy governors will no long be on the board? “But that is why they are appointed and that is why they are able to work, implement the policy of the board and pacesetting part in the administration of the board. It will decimate the board and make it ineffective.”

A representative of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, at the hearing, Issa Aremu, told the committee that they “should go for the ball (the issues) and not the leg (the personality) heading the CBN.” The CBN Governor, Lamido Sanusi, who was represented by Deputy Governor, Banking Operations, Mr. Tunde Lemo, said the CBN must retain its autonomy as he went down the memory lane on the institution and its challenges. He said: “The Central Bank of Nigeria has had a chequered history of autonomy since its inception in 1958, varying between autonomy and control. “However, from 1999, administrative and instrument autonomy were granted the bank to shield it from political pressures in the formulation and implementation of monetary and financial policies, and in 2007, the Act was further amended to grant it more autonomy. “Since inception, the bank’s administrative structure has been that the governor presides over the board of directors (which the executive directors or deputy governors have always been members). “This arrangement has ensured easier, smoother and faster implementation of monetary and financial policies.” He said that the bill if passed into law would also limit the ability of the bank to achieve its mandate of ensuring financial system stability. “By removing this function from the bank, the proposed amendment will increase the investors’ perception of risk in the banking industry,” he said. Onyereri said that they would be looking at a more dedicated and deliberate regulatory structure for the commercial banks. “I wish to reiterate our neutrality and emphasise our commitment in discharging our constitutional responsibilities of law-making, oversight and representation without fear or favour,” he said. The other stakeholders at the hearing include the NLC, Zenith Bank Plc, Eko Bank Plc, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, and Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN.

National News

OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday arrested five suspects for non-compliance with the money laundering law. Those arrested are the Managing Director of Zenith Properties Limited,

ABUJA

he Chairman of the Pensions Reform Task Team, PRTT, Mr. Adulrasheed Maina, yesterday gave reason why he refused to honour the invitation of the Senate Joint Committee on Establishment and Public Service and State and Local Administration. He said he did not respond to the invitation of the committee probing the management of the pension fund of the Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Office, CIPPO, last week because of the committee’s manifest bias against him. The PRTT chairman was invited by the probe committee to appear before it last Thursday but he declined the invitation. However, speaking with journalists yesterday, Maina said he had already petitioned Senate President David Mark whereby he expressed his lack of confidence in the commit-

Maitama, Abuja, Mr. Ifobiya Oloruntoba Seyi, the Credit Controller of Exclusive Stores, Wuse 2, Abuja, Mr. Obinna Ararume, and one of the managers in stores, Mr. Anita Udoh. Others include Mathew Omole and Babayaro Bako,

tee. In a letter to the probe committee through his lawyer, Kashim Ibrahim, dated October 16, Maina said his refusal to honour the invitation was based on “our letter of protest to the Senate president with reference number: PRTT/ P E N / 1 8 / NA S S / VO L . 1 dated October 10, which we believe is currently receiving attention.” In the letter, the PRTT chairman accused the probe panel of witchhunting and victimisation. The PRTT management staff, who jointly signed the petition, said they had lost confidence in the ability of the Senate panel to conduct unbiased investigation. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the committee, Senator Aloysius Etok, has threatened to invoke the necessary statute of the Senate to effect Maina’s arrest if he consistently refused to honour the committee’s invitation.

Boko Haram: SSS drills senator, may summon ex-Gov Sherrif

here were indications yesterday that the State Security Service, SSS, may summon former governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sherriff, for questioning following comments made by Senator Ahmed Zanna in the media and before detectives yesterday. Zanna, who represents Borno-Central Senatorial District, implicated Sherriff over the arrest of one Shuaibu Mohammed Bama, an alleged Boko Haram commander. He claimed that the house where Bama was arrested last week belongs to Sheriff, whom he defeated to win Borno Central Senatorial seat in the Senate. The senator was said to

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EFCC arrests five for money laundering

Senate committee on pensions reform biased –Maina GEORGE OJI

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

have told the SSS that Bama is mentally unstable and that any confession from him should be thoroughly scrutinised. Zanna, who is Bama’s uncle, was still at the Yellow House headquarters of the SSS at press time. It was not immediately clear when he would be allowed to return home as SSS spokeswoman, Marilyn Ogar, declined responses to media enquiries. But it was learnt that the SSS was already preparing Bama’s movement to Abuja for a comprehensive interrogation. An SSS source said it was too early to begin to draw conclusions as Zanna “still has many questions to answer”.

both working as security men at the Exclusive Stores. The suspects, according to a statement by the commission, were arrested in Abuja by the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, SCUML, as part of the ongoing effort to enforce compliance with anti-money laundering laws by Designated Non- Financial Institutions, DNFIs.

The Head, SCUML, Angela Nworgu, said in the statement that more arrests would be made as the enforcement exercise continued. She said: “Section 5 of the Money Laundering Act 2011 requires existing DNFIs to submit to the Ministry of Commerce, within three months from the commencement of the Act, a declaration of their

activities and all records of transactions in chronological order, indicating each customer’s surname, forenames and address. “Section five, sub-section two further states that ‘the ministry shall forward the information received pursuant to subsection 1 of the section to the commission within seven days of its receipt’. “The DFNIs include

dealers in jewelleries, cars, supermarkets and luxury goods, chartered accountants, audit firms, tax consultants, clearing and settlement companies, legal practitioners, hotels, casinos, or such other businesses as the Federal Ministry of Commerce or appropriate regulatory authorities may from time to time designate.”

L-R: Deputy Commandant, Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Centre, Brig.-Gen. Abubakar Tarfa; Army Public Relations Officer, Lt.-Col. Muhammed Dole and Acting Chief of Administration, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Nicholas Spiff, at the launch of the Skill Acquisition Training Programme for Spouses and Dependants of Armed Forces Personnel at Jaji in Kaduna State, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Abuja demolition followed due process –FCT minister OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

he Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, yesterday said the demolition of an estate on Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Road, Abuja, was in accordance with the relevant laws. Describing the estate located in Kyami District of the Federal Capital City, as “illegal,” Mohammed said he followed the due process of the law, adding that the removal of those illegal structures was done to protect the sanctity of the Abuja Master Plan. At a town hall meeting in Abuja last month, Mohammed had proudly announced that since April 2010, he had demolished over 124,000 structures. The figure, he boasted, was far more than the com-

bined total of 36,000 structures demolished by his predecessors. The Chief Press Secretary to the minister, Muhammad Sule, said in a statement yesterday that it had become necessary “to officially clear the misconception, misinformation and sentimental falsehood being circulated to the general public.” The minister said right from the outset, the FCT Administration made frantic efforts to discourage the continuation of these illegal developments by removing their sub-structures and covering the excavations done but after a while, the developers went back to site and resumed illegal developments at a frenzied speed. According to him, the FCT Development Control has documentation of stamped notices served

with back up photo clips at the time of issuance of the notices from foundation level. The minister regretted that these illegal estate developers at Kyami District have now resorted to whipping up sentiments after refusing to heed timely warnings but rather choosing to rush the illegal developments of the estates, hoping to legalise illegality. Mohammed added that the affected illegal structures removed included Minanuel Estate (198 structures); Isvin Estate (13); JoAfra (54); Grow-Insight (six) and unknown (25), totalling 296 which were in sharp contrast with the 500 structures claimed. He challenged the illegal developers to present their genuine title documents to the plots as well as valid building plan approvals of the said illegal structures.

Eid-el-Kabir: FG declares Thursday, Friday holidays OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

he Federal Government yesterday declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir. This is contained in a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior in Abuja. The statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Daniel Nwaobia, quoted the Minister, Abba Moro, as calling on Nigerians to imbibe and emulate the worthy tenets of Islam as practiced by Prophet Mohammad. Moro also urged citizens to pray for the peace and prosperity of the country.

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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Subsidy fraud: Court strikes out Uba's bail application K AYODE KETEFE

Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday struck out a bail application filed by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil and Gas Limited, Ifeanyi Uba, and four others charged with fuel subsidy fraud. Apart from Uba, the other applicants are Nsika Usoro, Godfrey Okorie,

Chibuzor Ogbuokiri,and Joseph Orji. The presiding judge, Justice Okon Abang , described the application as incompetent, defective, stressing that it would also be incurable by amendment. The judge held that since an application for bail had earlier been declined by a Magistrate’s Court which also remanded the applicant in the police custody, the appli-

cants should simply have appealed the remand order or instituted a special relief for an order of certiorari The judge also stated the fact that the counsel to the applicants, Mr. Joseph Nwobike (SAN), did not disclose that his clients were detained on the order of remand made by Magistrate Martins Owumi of a Tinubu Chief Magistrate’s Court did not augur well for the applicants’ case.

This fact, according to the court, should have been disclosed in the applicants’ affidavit as it amounted to a material fact. The court insisted it should have been informed that the applicants had a pending application before the Magistrate’s Court before the application at the Federal High Court was made. Justice Abang said: “I have gone through the af-

fidavit filed by the applicants’ counsel and I find no place where it is stated that the there was a subsisting order for remand by the Magistrate’s Court. “I cannot possibly comprehend why the learned SAN has chosen to hide this fact from the court.” Justice Abang said the applicants ought not to have come under the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules because of the peculiar

circumstances of the case. But the applicants’ lawyer, Nwobike, told the court that his clients had already been admitted to administrative police bail on October 19, 2012 by the Special Fraud Unit (SFU). The applicants were ordered to be remanded on October 11, 2012 by Magistrate Martins Owumi of a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, for 14 days at the special fraud unit (SFU).

NEMA evacuates 215 Nigerian fishermen from Gabon OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

L-R: Dean of Faculty of Dentistry, University of Ibadan, Prof. Modupe Arowojolu; Pro-Chancellor, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN); ViceChancellor, Prof. Isaac Adewole and Registrar, Mr. Olujimi Olukoya, at the inauguration of the Faculty of Dentistry Office Complex and Auditorium at the university in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

N1.75bn scam: Trial of four Keystone Bank officials, others begins Nov 27 FRANCIS FAMOROTI

n Ikeja High Court yesterday fixed November 27, 2012 for trial of four officials of Keystone Bank PLC (formerly Bank PHB) and an Indian national, Ashrok Isran. The bank officials, the Indian and Nulec Industries are being tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged conspiracy and fraudulent practices involving about N1bilion. They had earlier been arraigned before Justice Habeeb Abiru of Ikeja High Court on August 8, 2012 for allegedly defrauding the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dozzy Oil Gas Limited, Daniel Chukwudozie. Specifically, those charged were Anayo Nwosu, Ashrok Isran, Olajide Oshodi, Sunny Obazee and Nulec Industries Limited.

Nwosu, Oshodi and Obazee are management staff of Keystone Bank while Isran, an Indian, is a director of Nulec Industries. Chukwudozie had, earlier in a petition to the EFCC, explained how the officials of Keystone Bank PLC (formerly Bank PHB) and Nulec Industries Limited allegedly defrauded him of N1.75 billion. The defendants are currently standing trial for alleged conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence. When they were arraigned, they pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge preferred against them by the EFCC. At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, counsel to Ashok Isran (the second defedant), Mr. B. A. Badejo (SAN), told the court that he had filed an application seeking the leave of court to allow his client travel abroad on med-

ical ground. But Justice Abiru has fixed the hearing of the application to October 30, 2012. In Chukwudozie’s petition dated March 1, 2012 and signed on his behalf by P.I.N. Ikwueto, the petitioner stated that he was hoodwinked into parting with the money. According to him, he took the decision to invest the huge sum in Nulec Industries Limited following assurance by officials of the bank that the shares of the company would be listed on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange within one month after private placement at a price not below N5 as against the private placement offer price of N2.85k. He said that at the time he was allegedly hoodwinked into investing in Nulec, no Memorandum of Investment or any other information about the company was given to him.

The petition written by Chukwudozie’s lawyer states reads: “On the strengthen of the assurances by the bank, our client invited and persuaded his associates and close family members to also invest in the private placement aforesaid.” The oil magnate said that other investors enlisted by him bought as much as 300 million units of shares in Nulec worth N855 million, adding that efforts by him to visit the headquarters of Nulec were on a number of occasions rebuffed by the company’s officials. Chukwudozie said after further investigations, he discovered that a number of shortcomings. He said his investigation revealed that apart from Nulec’s indebtedness to Bank PHB to the tune of N130 million, Nulec was similarly indebted to other banks including FCMB, UBA, GTB to the tune of N300 million.

he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has evacuated 215 stranded Nigerians from the Republic of Gabon. A statement by the agency said that the Nigerian fishermen arrived the country on Sunday night. The evacuation, according to NEMA, became necessary after the Gabonese authorities issued an eviction notice to Nigerian fishermen living in Nende, Mouka and Kenza Islands to move away even though majority of them had lived there for several decades doing their legitimate businesses. It said that the distressed returnees, who are mostly

from Bayelsa State and few from Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Imo and Abia states, were flown to Port-Harcourt International Airport before their onward journey to their respective homes. The fishermen had signified their willingness to be returned with their families after the eviction notice. Before the execution of the evacuation, NEMA said the Nigerian government, through the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies, had undertaken onthe-spot-assessment of the situation before a chartered aircraft was deployed for the evacuation. The agency promised to ensure full rehabilitation of the distressed Nigerians and protect their belongings.

Amnesty Int’l wants FG to halt execution of two prisoners ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

global human rights body, Amnesty International (AI), yesterday asked the Federal Government to temporarily halt the execution of two prisoners on death row in Edo State in order to await the outcome of their appeal challenging death sentences passed on them. The request came on a day sources said the Edo State Government had concluded plans to execute them any moment from this morning. According to information received by Amnesty International, neither the convicted prisoners nor their families have been informed of the planned date of execution. “The Nigerian authorities must immediately halt

any plans to execute the two prisoners on death row in Benin City prison,” said Lucy Freeman, Amnesty International’s Deputy Programme Director for Africa. “The inmates are party to an ongoing appeal and the judicial process must be respected. “To go ahead with any execution of prisoners when their death sentence is still being challenged in court is a flagrant violation of human rights. “Refusing to provide convicted persons and family members advance notice of the date and time of execution is a clear violation of human rights. It is cruel, inhuman and degrading,” she added. Prison wardens at Benin City prison were seen preparing gallows for the executions between Sunday night and Monday morning.

South West

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

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Pandemonium as Okada riders protest in Lagos

•House threatens total ban FRANCIS SUBERU AND MURITALA AYINLA

ell was let loose on BRT and LAGBUS buses along Ikorodu Road in Lagos yesterday morning as protesting commercial motorcyclists popularly known as Okada pelted them with stones and other hard objects in protest against the new traffic law which bans them from plying 475 roads in the metropolis. Many of the buses, which carried passengers in the early hours of yesterday, had their windscreens shattered as the motorcyclists trooped out in their hundreds at Palm Grove and Onipanu areas. They dispersed after men of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) arrived at the scene. The protesters, afterwards, retreated into the streets and ordered all their colleagues plying routes on Ikorodu Road to halt operations until further notice, even as their union’s leaders moved around to ensure compliance. Speaking with journalists, Chairman of Okada Riders Association of Nigeria in Onipanu branch, Obayomi Samson, said the ban on the 475 roads would not be complied with, saying the Lagos State Government was only looking for means to get commercial motorcyclists out of job and further impoverish them.

tioned, berated law enforcement agents, especially the police for their brutality and indiscriminate arrest, saying anytime motorcyclists were arrested, they were made to pay between N10, 000 and N15, 000. He said: “The law enforcement officers, especially policemen, are fond of arresting us indiscriminately. Sometimes, they arrest you even when you park your motorcycle in front of your house.” The Lagos State House of Assembly, however, warned that outright ban on the activities of the motorcyclists is imminent if they persist in destroying the buses. The House alleged that the protesters were being sponsored. The issue, which was considered under matter of Public Importance, was

raised by Moshood Oshun who said he observed how the commercial motorcyclists across the metropolis took the law into their hands by attacking government officials and destroyed public property. Oshun said: “Nobody is above the law, if we allow this to continue, that means we are inviting anarchy. They want to challenge the law of the land; others who are bent on perpetrating dastardly acts may start to spring up.” The House Chairman on Transportation, Bisi Yussuf, said: I see no reason why they should attack the BRT. “It is even more worrisome because these motorcyclists were only barred from certain roads, not outright ban as it was done in some states like Yobe, Rivers,Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

N47.1bn theft: Court orders Akingbola to close defence FRANCIS FAMOROTI

ormer Managing Director of IntercontiSamson said: “Since the “When we were camnental Bank Plc (now introduction of the new paigning for the governAccess Bank), Erastus Aktraffic law, we have been ment, we rode Okada from ingbola standing trial for facing an untold hardship. here via the express to alleged theft of N47.1billion We have been facing a lot Alausa, campaigning for yesterday closed his defence of problems because we are the ACN, they did not see following the directive of an not allowed to even ply the anything bad in it then. Now, Ikeja High Court. streets. We don’t know what the government said we conThe trial judge, Justice we did wrong, we have been stitute nuisance to the highHabeeb Abiru, had, at the faithful to the Action Con- ways and we agreed. last proceedings, declared gress of Nigeria (ACN)-led “Despite that, the governthat the embattled bank government and this is how ment made us buy N100 tickchief must close his defence it rewards our loyalty. et daily; it gave us helmets to yesterday if he failed to pro“The government had buy and we all bought them. duce a witness the defenbetter reversed its decision The state asked us to pay dant had summoned to give or there will be serious prob- hackney permit of N1,500, testimony in the case. lem. We are peace-loving we did. It also told us to get But when the defence people, but the state govern- road worthiness and riders’ was unwilling to close the ment is going too far with card. We did everything and case, the judge ruled that the its laws. It told us not to ply still it is prohibiting us from court was convinced that the expressway and we have carrying passengers on the further adjournment be complied with that, but now street, where else would we granted in the matter. it is arresting us at every go? What else would we do?” Rejecting the fresh plea nook and cranny of the meAnother protester, who for adjournment by counsel tropolis. did not want his name mento Akingbola, Chief Felix Fagbohungbe (SAN), the judge ordered that Akingbola and his co-defendant, Bayo Dada, should file their written address within 14 days. The judge’s ruling was sequel to the failure of the defence team to bring a new witness yesterday despite their earlier promise to do so. Besides, the judge asked the prosecution to file its reply within seven days of being served the written address of the defence. The Economic Crimes and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had charged Akingbola and Dada jointly for allegedly stealing the bank’s money to the tune of L-R: Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Bosun Oladele; his Works and Transport counterpart, Alhaji Yunus N47.1 billion. At the resumed hearing Akintunde and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, at a joint press briefing on the State Executive Council meeting in Ibadan, yesterday. of the matter, Fagbohungbe told the court of their inability to produce their witness to court. Oluwakayode said there lic Relations Officer, Deputy mediate scrapping of the stuthe constitutional requireThe counsel also did not dents’ caretaker committee disclose to the court the idenments were met and due pro- was no justification for can- Registrar and the Director of cellation of the election con- Students Affairs as well as set up by the institution and tity of the witness for what cess followed”. In the letter made avail- ducted in the presence the police and State Security Ser- restoration of the newly he termed “security reaelected officers into their sons”. representatives, vice (SSS) officials. able to journalists yesterday, College’s He also called for the im- respective offices. the students appealed to the including the Registrar, Pubgovernor to call the institution’s Provost, Prof Francisca Aladejana, to order so as ing the presentation of Ekiti team before it came up with standards. ABIODUN NEJO to prevent any breakdown of State assessment report to the its report. Fayemi, who said the exerADO EKITI law and order. cise could not be politicized in SPRM committee, expressed The state team Chairman, The students, in the letter kiti State Governor view of the calibre of people optimism that governors that Bishop Felix Ajakaiye, said signed by the president of Kayode Fayemi has de- on the committees, described were yet to key in into the pro- the report covered challenges the disbanded executive, Mr. scribed the State Peer it as a means of making gov- gramme would soon make identified and recommendaSamson Oluwakayode, al- Review Mechanism (SPRM) ernors learn from one an- their interests known. tions were made, which he leged that the school manage- introduced by the Nigeria other programmes that could He said projects in 10 sec- assured would enhance the ment cancelled the election Governors’ Forum (NGF) better the lot of the electorate. tors of the economy were performance of Fayemi-led when it became apparent that last year as a veritable tool of The governor, who spoke assessed by the Ekiti State administration in the state if the institution-sponsored enhancing the people’s living yesterday in Ado-Ekiti dur- Technical Review Mission given consideration. candidates for the poll lost.

Students threaten showdown over union election’s cancellation ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

he management of the College of Education, Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State has been urged to reverse its decision on the cancellation of students’ union election or face mass demonstration by the students. The students, who issued the threat in a letter to Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, said it was “morally and constitutionally wrong for the institution’s management to have cancelled the election of 26th September, 2012, despite the fact that all

Why peer review mechanism is necessary –Fayemi

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South West

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Oyo awards N29.3b road ‘dualisation’ projects

yo State Government said it had awarded the contract for the expansion into dual carriageway of five major roads across the state at a cost of N29.3 billion. The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Bosun Oladele, his Works and Transport counterpart, Alhaji Yunus Akintunde, as well as the Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Fes-

tus Adedayo, and that of Information and Orientation, Gbolagade Busari, disclosed this at a joint news conference held at the end of the weekly executive council meeting in Ibadan yesterday. The roads include the four-kilometre Ibadan Oyo Expressway/Iseyin - Oyo Junction to Owode, as well as the expansion of the 2.5-kilometre

O wo d e - A ke s a n - Pa l a c e Road and the sectional repair of a 3.8-kilometre portion of the old Ibadan - Oyo Road at the cost of N7,785,840,123.47. Another project, the government said, included the extension into a dual carriageway of the 6.32-kilometre Ilorin Expressway Junction - IkoyiTakie-Palace-Ogbomoso Grammar School in Og-

bomoso at the cost of N5,695,147,363.60. The contract for the expansion into a dual carriageway of the 6.2-kilometre Ibadan-Oyo-Iseyin Junction-Iseyin/Okeho Junction Road in Iseyin was also awarded at the cost of N6,092,448,322.40 to take care of the major entry to Oke-Ogun zone of the state. The expansion of the 7.4-kilometre Dugbe-

Magazine-Eleiyele Road with spurs to Aleshinloye-Onireke/Agbarigo Road in Ibadan was also awarded at the cost of N7,066,762,166.86. The government officials also said that the executive council approved the construction of the dilapidated Ijokodo - Apete Road, with its associated two bridges, including the Apete Bridge

whose contract was revoked earlier, at the cost of N2,649,420,593. Oladele said the projects, which would be completed within the next 18 months, were in fulfilment of the Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration’s promise that entrances to major towns and cities would be expanded into dual carriageways to enhance access.

Eid-el-Kabir: Osun offers citizens free train ride WALE FOLARIN OSOGBO

L-R: Olori Omo Oba of Ijebuland, Otunba Subomi Balogun; Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona; Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Bimbo Ashiru, and Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife, Oba A. Oguntayo, during the arrival of Awujale at the Muritala Muhammed airport in Lagos, yesterday.

Banker’s murder: MTN official’s absence stalls Arowolo’s trial FRANCIS FAMOROTI

he absence of a prosecution witness from a network provider, MTN Nigeria, yesterday halted the trial of Akolade Arowolo, accused of killing his banker-wife, Titilayo Omozoje, in June 2011. The witness from the telecommunication firm was expected to come and give material evidence some hours before Titilayo’s murder. At the resumed hearing of the case at an Ikeja High Court yesterday, the

Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, Mrs. Olabisi Ogungbesan, told Justice Lateefat Okunnu that the prosecution was yet to see the witness expected from MTN. Ogungbesan said the office of DPP had served MTN a subpoena to appear before the court to testify on some issues and had expected its official to be in court. Unfortunately, the DPP could not adduce any reason for the absence of the prosecution witness. She said: “We served MTN Nigeria Limited with a subpoena and we expect-

ed them to be in court today. We have asked around the court, but they are not here this morning.” The DPP then sought a short adjournment to enable the prosecution produce the witness at the next hearing and close the prosecution’s case. “My lord, I crave the court’s indulgence for an adjournment for the last time, to enable us find out from the legal department what went wrong. I promise that at the next sitting, the witness will be here and we will close our case,” she pleaded. Okunnu adjourned fur-

Take active part in politics, cleric urges Christians

hristians across the country have been advised to show more interest in politics as a way of moving Nigeria forward. The Senior Pastor of Oasis Christians Centre, Egbeda, Lagos, Rev. Ebenezer Oyeyemi, who gave the advice at a special service on Sunday, appealed to Christians to stop say-

ing politics was a dirty game. He regretted that majority of elective posts in the South-West were occupied by Muslim politicians. Oyeyemi, who challenged Christians to rise up to the task, said they had a role to play in the political emancipation of the country. The cleric gave example

of Ogun State where all the 20 local government chairmanship posts were won by Muslims with some Christians as vicechairmen. He was of the view that since Muslims occupied all the sensitive positions in the South-West, they were the ones in power, adding that “who pays the piper, calls the tune”.

ther hearing till November 19. She said at the next hearing, the prosecution should take its last witness and close its case. The judge also asked Arowolo’s counsel, Mr. Olanrewaju Ajanaku, to be ready to open the defence case at the next hearing.

overnor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration has announced a free train ride for Osun State citizens to ease their movement during the Eid-elKabir celebration. The Director of Communication and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday, noted that the free train ride had become a tradition in the state. According to him, the schedule as released by the Ministry of Commerce and Cooperatives showed that the free train service would commence on Thursday and end on Sunday. Quoting a statement signed by the Commissioner, Mr. Ismail Jayeola Alagbada, the director disclosed that the free train would start conveying people from Lagos to Osogbo, the state capital, by 9 am daily, adding that the return journey would also commence from Osogbo to Lagos on Satur-

day and Sunday by 10am prompt. According to the statement, the gesture is to ensure stress-free homecoming during Eid-el-Kabir. Similar gestures were offered during Ramadan, Christmas and Easter periods. He said: “This gesture is from the government of Governor Rauf Aregbesola to the people, who intend to come home during the festive period, but always encounter transportation problem. “The free train ride commenced last year and has been a regular gesture from the government to the people during Christian and Muslim festival periods. This government wants transportation comfort for its citizens, who hitherto normally encountered hardship and fare hike during the rush period.” He, therefore, enjoined Osun State citizens in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states to embrace the free train ride offered by the government to come home and celebrate Sallah with their relatives.

Ajimobi is living up to expectation –Ladoja KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

ormer governor of Oyo State and leader of the Accord Party, AP, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, yesterday lauded the administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi, describing it as building on his dreams of turning around the physical structures of the state. Ladoja, who said this while appearing on a local radio station programme in Ibadan, the state capital, said in his days as the governor, he had the dreams of constructing overhead bridges, circular road and other physical

structures to reduce the gridlock in the state capital. He said Ajimobi had performed to the best of his ability. Ladoja said while in office, he designed the overhead bridges which he even wished could be extended to Sango area as well as the circular road. He said: “I designed the overhead bridges. I also designed the circular road. It was a dream I had nursed for a long time. Akala was there for four years he did not touch it and now I see someone who is sharing that dream with me, I must commend him and appreciate his efforts.

“So, as far as I am concerned, Ajimobi is living to expectation and he is adding to the aesthetics beauty of the state capital. He deserves our support and commendation.” Ladoja was evasive on whether he would take another shot at the Government House in 2015, saying that, “only God can decide.” The former governor said his 2011 gubernatorial contest was to deal with his successor, Adebayo Alao-Akala, who reported him to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and with that believed that he would be stopped from contesting.

South East

NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

he Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, The Most Rev. (Dr.) Valerian Okeke, has decried the high level of greed and selfishness among political leaders in the country. He, therefore, urged leaders across the board to shun selfishness and greed while working for the common good of Nigerians. Addressing prison officials and inmates of the Onitsha Prisons during a special thanksgiving mass to mark his 59th birthday anniversary on Sunday, Archbishop Okeke said it is the same greed and selfishness on the part of our leaders that has relegated the Nigerian nation to the background. According to the cleric, “I would like to call on all Nigerians at this point in time to shun selfishness because as long as selfishness continues, crisis will continue and this will lead to confusion, violence, hatred in the polity. “Let those at the corridors of power seek the common good; let those who are opportune to be in positions of leadership con-

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Shun greed, selfishness, cleric urges leaders

sider themselves servants and serve the people they are called to minister to, he further admonished. “As long as we do not serve, as long as we amass wealth only for ourselves, our nation will continue to lose from generation to generation. “As long as we use power to undermine the rights of others; as long as we use power to subdue the less-privileged, the underprivileged and the lessfortunate; so long must we except confusion and crisis. “But as long as we seek the common good; as long as we engage ourselves in the roles of service; so long shall we carve our names in gold on the sands of time and the books of history and we shall remain fulfilled in our lives.” The Archbishop, however, thanked the federal and states governments as well as organisations, companies and individuals that had donated money and materials to ameliorate the plight of the internally displaced persons due to the flood experienced in the country. “I would want to per-

Okorocha, Speaker in frosty relationship CHRIS NJOKU

sonally thank anybody or group at any level or capacity that have donated and given succour to our brothers and sisters who are victims of the flood disaster in the country.” He urged inmates to imbibe the good virtues and fear God in all they do even as they go through their period of transformation and character moulding.

I Okorocha

sembly, the governor, who in a subtle manner had wanted the Speaker to handle the matter without immediately swearing in the legislator was disappointed when the Speaker eventually bowed to external pressures. Based on this, the source said the governor was bent on having the Speaker impeached. However, the source further disclosed that the Speaker succumbed to a court order to avoid the embarrassment the Okorochaled government suffered in the case between the state and the 27 local government chairmen which resulted in the Appeal Court reversing the judgement of the lower court in favour of the sacked LGA chairmen.

especially Onitsha Prisons. “Your Grace, you have indeed transformed this place to look like what you have in the rooms and offices housing those under you at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity and we are sincerely grateful to God for using you as a great blessing to us,” Ndupu said.

He disclosed that the prison yard is currently harbouring approximately 800 inmates, as against over 300, it was built for. He, however, urged the church, other public-spirited organisations and individuals, to assist the prisons with a coaster bus in order to convey inmates to over 70 courts within the state for their trials.

Imo gov denies fighting Obi’s aide OWERRI

Okeke also promised to sink a borehole in the prisons, even as he donated over 1,000 toilet soaps, laundry soaps, toilet tissues, biscuits, two cows and cooked food to the inmates. Responding, the Deputy Controller of Prisons, Onitsha Prisons, Mr. Azuka Ndupu, thanked the archbishop for his love and support to the prisons,

Igwe Chidubem Iweka of Obosi (left) presenting the award of “Peace Maker” to Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi for his efforts in bringing lasting peace to the state, at the weekend.

CHRIS NJOKU

OWERRI

here is a seemingly sour relationship existing now between the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Benjamin Uwajuimogu, our investigation, at the weekend, has revealed. National Mirror gathered that the cordial relationship between the governor and the Speaker took a plunge immediately the Oguta-Ohaji/Egbema representative in the House, Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu, was sworn in late last month. Dibiagwu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, had after being declared winner of the fresh election, received the Certificate of Returns from INEC and was twice denied being sworn in by Uwajimogu, the Speaker of the House of Assembly. According to sources close to the House of As-

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

mo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, yesterday in Owerri, the state capital, denied fighting with one of the security aides of the Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, in Enugu State. It was reported in one of the national newspapers (not National Mirror)

that Okorocha fought with Obi’s protocol officer at the Okpara Square, Enugu during the 80th birthday anniversary of former Vice-President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, over seat allocation. In a press release made available to National Mirror, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Chinedu Offor, described the report as a

clear case of irresponsible journalism, adding that it was nothing but falsehood. “It is a fabrication of lies orchestrated to tarnish the image of Owelle Rochas Okorocha, whose rising profile in governance is obviously getting some few disgruntled elements jittery. “This is a man whose humility and antecedents as a peace-loving Nigerian

APGA crisis: Anambra commissioner accuses Umeh of sitting tight CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

nambra State Commissioner for Special Duties, Chief Vin Ejikeme Ezenwajiaku, has accused the embattled National Chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, of sitting tight to elongate his tenure. Ezenwaji said such a practice, which is antithet-

ic to democratic rule, does not help the anticipated restructuring of APGA, to make it stronger. He described the crisis in the party as a temporary one that would not go beyond this year. The commissioner, who made this allegation against Victor Umeh, when he spoke to National Mirror on issues affecting APGA, the politics and government of Anambra State, also said

that Chief Umeh must go to achieve the stakeholders’ wish of spreading APGA to other states. Ezenwaji’s words: “So, Victor has to go, he doesn’t own APGA, if a man has been in office for eight years, he has to step aside and allow congresses to hold. So, it is a problem we must get rid of very soon, because no one can hold the party to ransom, the problem will be over before 2014.”

speak volumes in our nation and beyond. It is a fact today that Governor Okorocha has contributed in several peace-building process in Nigeria including the National Peace Forum which he single-handedly organized in 2005.” In governance, he said, “Governor Okorocha has exhibited uncommon humility and respect for the common man and that’s why he has continued to enjoy a very unique relationship with the people which includes market women, Keke operators, commercial bus drivers, school children, artisans and civil servants,” he said. On that fateful day, Governor Okorocha, who was billed to attend that event as scheduled, arrived the venue and moved round the VIP box to greet personalities that were already seated before his arrival. Unfortunately, an apparently overzealous aide of Governor Peter Obi occupied a space large enough to accommodate the two governors.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Flood: Jonathan’s kinsmen threaten to disrupt oil operations EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

ggrieved youths in President Goodluck Jonathan’s Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, yesterday threatened to disrupt operations of multinational oil firms in the area by barricading roads leading to their locations. The youths alleged that the multinationals had failed to alleviate the suffer-

ings of displaced persons in host communities in the local government. They appealed to the firms to provide food, water, clothes and funds to victims of the flood disaster in their host communities. The youths, under the auspices of the Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Wing, condemned the nonchalant attitude of oil firms and wondered why they have neglected the communities in their trying times.

National President of the group, Daziba Apiri, in a statement issued yesterday in Yenagoa, specifically urged the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and the National Agip Oil Company (NAOC) to incorporate the disaster into their Corporate Social Responsibility. Apiri prevailed on SPDC, the major oil firm in the area, to convene an emergency meeting to discuss modalities of assisting the

victims. He tasked SPDC to give priority to the Edepie-Imiringi Bridge, which had been washed away by flood, thus causing difficulties for passengers plying the area. He said: “The bridge provides the only access to the host communities of SPDC in the local government area. It was constructed by the old Brass Local Government and it was in a bad shape before the floods.

But, the flood has dealt a heavy blow on the bridge breaking it into parts. SPDC should reconstruct it to reduce the plight of commuters. “The oil companies should also participate in evacuating affected persons to relief camps established by the government. “We warn that failure on the part of the oil giants to identify with the plight of the host communities may trigger reactions from the youths from the length and breadth of the Ogbia Kingdom. It will also lead to closure of the only access road to Ogbia host communities.”

Nigerian youths to honour Akpabio OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

he Nigerian Youth Organisation (NYO) has concluded plans to hold its annual youths’ summit and Merit Awards in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, where it also plans to honour the state governor, Godswill Akpabio. NYO National President, Ahmed Musa, who disclosed this while addressing journalists in Abuja, said the event will be held between December 6 and 8, adding that the choice of Uyo as venue was based on the high level of youth empowerment and the giant strides in infrastructural development recorded by Governor Akpabio in the state. Describing Akpabio as a youth-friendly governor, Musa said since the inception of the Akpabio administration, the governor’s development efforts have touched all sectors of the economy in the state. He said the NYO considered with satisfaction the high level of youth involvement in the sociopolitical development of the state, hence the decision of the group to get closer to the governor in a bid to further project his developmental achievement to Nigerian youths and the outside world. The honour for Akpabio is meant to extol his leadership qualities, among others, as the event would attract youths from all parts of the federation.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (middle), his wife, Deaconess Roli (right) with a baby and his mother, during the marking of the governor’s 58th birthday with persons displaced by flood at their camp in Illah, Delta State, yesterday.

Controversy trails removal of Bayelsa HoS EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

ontroversy is trailing the removal and formal retirement of Bayelsa State Head of Service (HoS), Mrs. Gloria Izonfuo, by Governor Seriake Dickson. No reason was given by the state government for the unexpected retirement of Izonfuo last Sunday. Investigation by National Mirror revealed that Izonfuo, who cele-

brated her 50th birthday last September, ought to be retired in two years time. Izonfuo was replaced by a Permanent Secretary in the state civil service, Mr. Fraser Okuoru, as the new Head of Service and would be sworn in today. It was gathered that some permanent secretaries in the state civil service had protested the appointment of Izonfuo, when she was made HoS by the former governor of the state, Timipre Sylva.

They had alleged that Izonfuo was junior to some permanent secretaries in the service and was not qualified to be HoS in the state civil service. Our correspondent was reliably informed that Governor Dickson was said to have revisited the protest by the permanent secretaries. A statement issued yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said Okuoru was the most senior permanent

secretary in the state’s civil service and was expected by this elevation to drive and spearhead the reforms of government in the public service. “He is also expected to ensure and bring about the much needed discipline and professionalism in the public service. The governor has expressed his gratitude to the outgoing HoS and thanked her for her years of meritorious and dedicated service to the state,” part of the statement read.

Nollywood stars donate to Delta flood victims

ollywood actress, Ms. Genevieve Nnaji and the MAVIN crew, Don Jazzy, Dr. Sid, and Tiwa Savage, have donated relief materials to the victims of the flood disaster in Delta State under the project, Reach Out Initiative. The flood currently ravaging the country has dis-

placed over 100, 000 families, leaving a lot of people homeless and without any business to keep them afloat. The stars were at the camps in Asaba to distribute relief supplies, as well as utilise their celebrity influence to raise awareness on the disaster.

The Reach Out Initiative, a programme kickstarted by the stars themselves, will be utilised to get a lot more people involved, both within and outside the country in donating help, either through relief supplies or financial donations. Genevieve’s words: “This is just the beginning,

as our country has never experienced anything like this. The government is doing the best they can, but we as citizens, can also partake in helping the situation in the best way we can. The plan is to get more people involved, and visit more relief camps in the affected states.”

A’Ibom ranks top in murder, homicide cases –CP TONY ANICHEBE UYO

kwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umar Gwadebe, yesterday said Akwa Ibom State has one of the highest incidences of murder and other homicide cases, including rape. The police boss, who stated this in an address presented to the visiting Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police Zone 6, Ibrahim Muktari, in Uyo, appealed to the AIG to help the command fight the scourge by assisting them to acquire the latest forensic vehicles being shared to commands presently by the police authority. “The need for more vehicles and communication gadgets to enable us effectively and promptly respond to distresses from points of pin down cannot be overstressed,” he noted. The state police commissioner said the command is in dire need of officers and men as the available manpower on ground is insufficient in policing the command. According to him, “It is pertinent to note that a great number of police officers are retiring, while even the officers and men needed to adequately lead the Quick Response Squads and other patrol units are inadequate.” Gwadebe appealed for more arms and ammunition in addition to riot equipment to ensure proper and adequate policing of the command, considering the volatile security situation in the country. He drew Muktari’s attention to the huge infrastructural decay at police formations in the command saying; “Some of the formations, most especially the Mopol 26 Base are without standard fence. This obvious structural lapse has led to serious trespass on police land by members of the public and other criminal elements.” Notwithstanding the challenges, Gwadebe told AIG Muktari that the command has maintained its unflagging and aggressive campaign against crime and criminality culminating in the smashing of many criminal gangs, rescue of kidnap victims.

North

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Terrorists plan massive attacks on Sallah day –JTF INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGRI

he Joint Task Force, JTF, in Borno State yesterday said it uncovered plans by the terrorist group to launch massive attacks in the state with foreign mercenaries during the Eid-elKabir celebration. The JTF spokesman,

Lieutenant Sagir Musa, said in a statement that the information it gathered showed that the sect was planning massive attacks targeted against military and civilians in the state before, during and after the Muslim festival. Musa added that the group had already told some residents to stock their homes with food-

stuff should a curfew be imposed due to the impact of the attacks. He said: “Information available to the Joint Task Force indicates that the Boko Haram terrorists are planning massive attacks on military and civilian targets in Borno State before, during and after the forthcoming Eidel-Kabir period. The ter-

rorists group has invited foreign mercenaries to assist them in launching the attacks. “The group has also advised members of the public to store enough food items and other routine household requirements as they believe that JTF will impose curfew on Maiduguri in the event of breakdown of law and order.”

Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam (right) administering oath of office on the Chairman of the state Assembly Service Commission, Alhaji Abubakar Lawan Yunusari at the Government House in Damaturu, yesterday.

Shema raises panel to probe fraud in revenue board JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

overnor Ibrahim Shehu has ordered investigation into the alleged fraud in the Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue reportedly carried out by four of its employees. The state government has already set up a committee to investigate the fraud said to have run into

millions of naira. The four employees, who were handed over to the police following discovery of the alleged fraud at the Licence Department of the board, were later released on bail, pending further investigation. A source at the board said those involved might lose their job if they were found culpable. Speaking with journal-

Redeem your pledges to Sarduana Foundation, Aliyu charges govs PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

he Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation and Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has called on his colleagues in the North to honour pledges made to the foundation to enable it function properly. Aliyu, who is also the chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum,

made the call while receiving relief materials from the foundation in Minna. The governor said the foundation was set up to cater for the welfare of the region; hence every contribution made by 19 states would be used to the benefit of all. He said: “I want to appeal to my colleagues who have not paid up their contributions to the foundation to do so. The pledges for the contribution were made when we were launching this foundation.”

ists yesterday, the Chairman of the board, Aminu Dabarati, said the board had got the documents used by the affected staff in defrauding government. Dabarati said the outcome of the investigation ordered by the government would determine the fate of the affected employees. The chairman, who did not disclose the amount stolen, decried the continued loss of revenue by the board to illegal activities of some unscrupulous staff. He, however, assured that the board had already

started to wage war on the syndicate which specialises in diverting revenue accruing to government. Dabarati promised that necessary steps would be taken to sanitise operations of the board. A press statement issued yesterday by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Amosun on Media and Communication, Funmi Wakama said Governor Amosun has also directed all hospitals across the state to report any treatment of gun-shot injuries to the security agencies as well as his office.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Impeachment saga: Reps suspend Kogi Assembly ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

he House of Representatives’ Ad-hoc Committee on Kogi Assembly Crisis yesterday suspended the legislative proceedings of the Assembly. The Chairman of the six-man committee, Hon. Muhammed Muktar Ahmed, said at a meeting with 16 members of the state Assembly that the decision was to allow the House of Representatives conclude its findings on the Assembly. At the meeting, there were allegations and counter-allegations from both sides of members of the Assembly over what led to the impeachment of the speaker. The 12 lawmakers who carried out the impeachment were represented by three members. They alleged that 17 people actually signed the impeachment, stressing that those who later went to the other side did so when they discovered that they were

Kwara orders immediate payment of LG workers’ arrears WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

wara State Government yesterday directed local governments to pay all outstanding salaries and overhead, including that of October, to all their workers. The directive followed outcry against refusal to pay three months’ arrears of workers’ salaries and allowances. The workers, it was learnt, were poised for a showdown today over their unpaid wages and government’s apparent indifference to their plight. They were said to have been annoyed that govern-

JUSUN sues 36 govs, seeks autonomy for judiciary PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

he Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, has filed a suit at the Federal High Court sitting in Minna, Niger State against the 36 state governors, federal and state attorneysgeneral and the National Judicial Council, NJC,

to press home the demand for independence of the judicial arm of government. JUSUN also asked the court to declare, whether credit of the judiciary in the consolidated revenue fund of the states ought to be paid to the judiciary piecemeal through the states’ Ministries of Finance as and

not going to be given any position. One of their representatives said he was ready to swear to an oath that one of 13 lawmakers who did not participate in the impeachment came to his house to sign the document. After the meeting, Ahmed decried the absence of the clerk of Assembly who, according to him, had been in contact with him but suddenly switched off his phone when the committee arrived in the Assembly. He warned that nobody should take law into his hands, adding that various security organisations had been notified to enforce law and order. Meanwhile, 13 people believed to have been recruited by one of the groups to disrupt the sitting of the committee were arrested by the police. Parading the suspects at the police quarters in Lokoja, the Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, Ajayi Okasannmi, said the people were drafted from Okene to Lokoja to cause crisis.

when the governors so desire. The suit, filed by Mr. Phillips Olusola on behalf of the union, sought the interpretation, declaration and enforcement of provisions of sections 81 (3) 121 (3) and 162 (9) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

ment was not moved by what they suffered during last Ramadan which they observed without salary, a situation which was about to be repeated during Eid-el-Kabir. In a statement yesterday, the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Isiaka Gold, directed that the salaries be paid immediately and before the Sallah celebration. He said: “In line with the above directive, the state government has also directed the immediate release of N555,200,000 to the accounts of the local government councils from their excess crude account to enable them settle all outstanding salary arrears and other overhead costs. “On no account should any worker in any local government council be retrenched. Henceforth, no local government should accumulate salary arrears under any guise. “Government will continue to ensure that all local government councils retain the capacity to meet their obligations, including the prompt payment of staff salaries.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

SUPER TUESDAY

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Entrenching quality education via legislation

Nigeria practises feeding-bottle federalism, says Fayemi

14&15

FELIX NWANERI writes on the rising cases of mob justice on crime suspects across the country and several unresolved cases of extra-judicial killings due to slow judicial process.

Mob justice and rising cases of extra-judicial killings

he recent murder of four students of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has once again brought to the fore, the contentious issue of extrajudicial killings, which in recent times had portrayed Nigeria as a nation at war with its people. The quartet of Chiadika Biringa, Ugonna Obuzor, Mike Toku and Tekena Erikena were killed at Omuokiri-Aluu community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State for allegedly stealing a laptop and mobile phones. In a treatment that should not even be meted out to animals, the students were mercilessly beaten, doused in petrol and set ablaze by members of the university’s host community vigilance group. Coming on the heels of the brutal killing of 40 students in Mubi, Adamawa State by a yet-to-be identified group of gunmen, the brutal Aluu killings have sparked off outrage across the country with many calling for the head of the perpetrators. In the vanguard of the campaign is the National Assembly, which has already passed a resolution, asking the police and other security agencies to fish out those involved and prosecute them for murder to serve as a deterrent to others. The resolution was as a result of a petition by one of the victims’ mother, Mrs Chinwe Biringa, to the Senate President, David Mark, dated October 9 and with the title: “Petition: Gruesome murder of my son at Aluu, University of Port Harcourt host community.” The petition read in part: “I am the mother of Mr. Chiadika Biringa, a second year student of Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT). My husband is a very senior staff officer at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). “My son turned 20 years old this week and we gave him pocket money to celebrate it with his friends. On Friday morning, we were called by my second son, also a UNIPORT student that all was not well and he was hearing bad rumours that villagers at Aluu, the host community of UNIPORT had murdered four students. I immediately rushed to the scene only to see my son’s dead body being taken away naked to a mortuary in UNIPORT Teaching Hospital. I could not believe my eyes and collapsed. “We have been subjected to several gory videos and pictures on the internet. This shows that someone filmed the whole barbarism from beginning to end. My son and his friends were savagely beaten and burnt to death while villagers at Aluu watched.

Ugonna

Chidiaka Lloyd

Tekena

TOP STORY All these have been caught on film! “The video shows that all these were filmed in broad day light which suggests that they were killed after 7:30a.m. Further investigation has revealed that they left their friend’s house at Aluu at about 7a.m. to go and prepare for lectures. To waylay them and beat them with planks until they died like chickens is the most savage thing one can witness in Nigeria of 2012. First they were stripped naked, marched around like frogs and then beaten to death. What savagery and bestiality. “My husband and I want only two things, namely: (a) to clear the name of Chiadika, (b) justice. Your Excellency, every responsible parent knows what I, my husband, and the entire family are passing through over this beastly murder. Again, and for emphasis, the film shows everything in clear view and all the perpetrators must answer for their crimes. We want justice. Those who murdered my son must face the wrath of the law.” Mark, who captured the mood of other senators, said: “Crimes happen everywhere, here and abroad. But the difference between crimes elsewhere and crimes in Nigeria is that outside this country, the perpetrators are arrested as early as possible and they are also brought to book. The reason why people don’t want to commit crime in other climes is the fear of punishment.” The House of Representatives in a sepa-

SOME PEOPLE ARE ACTING OR BEHAVING AS IF THERE ARE NO PEOPLE IN CHARGE OF THE GOVERNMENT...

WE HAVE TO WATCH IT. A LOT

OF COUNTRIES THAT HAVE HAD GENOCIDAL EXPERIENCES STARTED LIKE THIS rate resolution also condemned the killing of the students both in Mubi and Aluu and called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted. The House debated the issue after it was presented as a motion of urgent national importance by Abubakar Wambai, who called on the House to send a delegation to the affected areas. Though the motion focused on the Mubi killings, the legislators said the incident is similar to that of Aluu and that the security agencies should be held responsible. While many have commended the respective steps taken by the federal legislators, some are however of the view that it is not enough to demand that the perpetrators of the heinous crime be fished out and

tried, but that such directive be backed by action, as several cases of extra-judicial killings in the past were swept under the carpets and those behind them left off the hook. It would be recalled that a rights group, International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety) in a report late last year, said that over 54,000 Nigerians have been killed extra-judicially since the inception of the country’s present democratic dispensation. The report stated that the causes of the deaths ranged from vigilante killings, police crackdown, inter-communal and intracommunal conflicts, military invasion of “hostile” communities, ethno-religious killings, Boko Haram killings, police extrajudicial killings, political assassinations, human abductions arising from political and business disputes and election-related killings among others. The group enumerated the killings as follows: Vigilante killings – 15,000; ethnoreligious and sectarian violence including Boko Haram – 16,000; extra-judicial executions by Nigerian security forces led by the Police Force – 21,000. These include Odi, Zaki-Biam and the Gbaramatu invasion massacres. A recent similar report on the issue by the Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) showed that 1,698 Nigerians lost their lives in extra-judicial killings between 2006 and 2010. The report entitled: “Impunity in Nigeria,” showed that there was an increase in extra-judicial killings in the period under review with 2010 recordCONTINUED ON PAGE 41

Politics

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria practises feeding-bottle Dr. Kayode Fayemi believes he has been treading on a tough path as he marked two years in office as governor of Ekiti State last week. He is embittered about the rot in the educational sector which he has vowed to fix. Already, this has pitched him against teachers in the state, especially on the assessment test. In this interview with AYODELE OJO, the governor speaks on the challenges of governance, security and federalism, among other issues. Excerpts:

What are you doing differently from the path your predecessors took? I guess that I under-promised and over-delivered. I also think styles differ. There are certain things that are not working before in all the period my predecessors were here, may be they tried and the resources were not just there. The brick factory that we are just re-launching was dead in the last 20 years. We just brought it to life again. If you look at what is happening in our schools, many of the schools we have brought back to shape today, had no attention paid to them since they were originally built. Yes, my predecessors probably added more schools, but to renovate them, I mean secondary schools, it never happened. I am doing that differently. I don’t know any of my predecessors that paid a regular monthly stipend for the elderly. I

Fayemi

Two years in office, how have you been coping with the challenges; what are the high and low points since you came into office? I don’t want to say that there are no challenges; I tend to see the challenges as opportunities to improve on whatever condition we are confronted with. But it has been enticing, exhilarating and tough, but nothing out of the ordinary. More things may have come on a slower lane than I originally anticipated in our plan; many things are accomplished in accordance with my inaugural speech. There is no aspect of our eight-plan agenda that we have not crossed. We are above 50 per cent mark in terms of deliverables. For me, governance is that of hope for the people. Are we restoring hope? Are we reclaiming trust? Are we rebuilding confidence in government? These are things that have disappeared in governance for many years. As far as our people are concerned, politicians just talk and no concrete action follows. When I said I was going to launch social security for the people, few of the people believed it. During my campaign, I said I was going to put computers on the tables of every secondary school pupil in public school. They listened and thought it was an interesting proposal but they never gave it any chance of implementation. When we said that we are going to renovate all schools, during the period of eight weeks of vacations, it was unprecedented and unbelievable. For me, the low point is trying to get our people to believe that government is about them, that they can reclaim trust. We have to do our bit to make sure that things happen. We have to deliver on promises and if we deliver, people will have trust in government. At the end of the day, it is the duty of the public office holder to reconnect to the people and ensure that they restore hope. Hope is in short supply in the country today. We have a duty and responsibility as leaders to find ways, not just rhetorics but concrete ways of restoring hope; provision of social services through the people. As a social democratic party in ideology, we have no choice than to do things that will restore confident in the people and gradually we are getting there in terms of infrastructural development be it road, water, electricity, agricultural extension, transportation and education. These are areas where we are taking giant strides in spite of the limited resources available to this state. In general, there is still a lot of ground to cover.

TUESDAY INTERVIEW

also with great respect to all of them do not know any of them who have a direct attack on poverty and wealth creation. These are the steps I believe we have taken to give the state a facelift. In the last seven and a half years, Ekiti State has undergone a traumatic experience and what you read about us in the newspapers were almost negative; it is either somebody is being assassinated or somebody was afraid to come to Ekiti. That was the story. For me, the high point is that of restoration of peace in the state, that really helped us to be forward-looking, progressive and that can restore confidence in our state, bringing investors in and letting the people have sense of belong-

WE ARE OPPRESSED BY THE

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND IF YOU DON’T HAVE THE HUMAN COMPULSION IN YOU, YOU ARE GOING TO OPPRESS YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS OPPRESS THE PEOPLE

ing that the government is about the people in our agenda of governance. When you compare your first year in office with the second year, which one is most challenging? I think I prepared for office unlike most of my predecessors. Don’t forget that I was in court for three and a half years and that gave me time to do many things, to reflect and look at what my predecessor was doing. In fact, every year that I was in court, if you recall, as soon as government announces its own budget, we announced alternative budget and we published it in the newspapers, highlighting areas where we disagree, proposing new things that could have been done differently. I guess I have preparation that was better than others. When I came into office, I was able to hit the ground running; I was the fastest person to raise capital from the bond market of all governors. I raised capital within a period of eight months. That was a shortest period. Thank God that l did that because I could have just been paying salaries without seeing all what you are seeing. Man proposes, but resources disposes. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has tackled you on this issue of bond, saying you are trying to plunge the state into debt. What is your take on this? I think they are economic illiterates with all respect to my friends in the PDP. We have a track record in this state. The first bond taken by the Otunba Niyi Adebayo administration was N4 billion and he paid back. Thank God he took the bond. There would have been no Ekiti House in Abuja. There would have been nothing like Oju-Olobun House in Lagos now. The Governor’s Office would have been non-existent. The Industrial Park in Ikere would have

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

federalism, says Fayemi been absent. The things which Adebayo did with the bond are the only things that are fetching the government money now outside our local internally generated revenue. In the seven and a half year which our friends in PDP were in government, they ran aground many of those things. They did not take bond; they left me here with a debt in the region of N30-40 billion. Who are they to lecture us on economy? I am still paying the debt they plunged this state into. The major road, Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki was the road they already paid 80 per cent to the contractor. The total cost was N7.4 billion, but they had paid at the time I came in N5.1 billion. The contract was not even 20 per cent completed, yet they have paid 80 per cent of the cost and the contractor could not move. Your guess is as good as mine as per what happened to that fund. We are now paying back the loans which they collected at the rate of 21 per cent from the bank; we have renegotiated it to 13 per cent. Who are they now to lecture us on development? The facts are there for anybody to see. The evidence is there that we took a bond; you are in Ekiti and can see for yourself the development on ground. I am not doing this with the N2.5 billion I’m taking from Abuja monthly. Every month, I pay a salary of about N2 billion. On top of that, I pay a pension of N200 million, social security N100 million, had IGR of N500 million and about N300 million on accidental expenses which are bound to happen in a state of about 2.5 million people. With this scenario painted, how are you coping? That was why I said that the state is on a tough path and I have said to my people that I am not going to borrow money to pay salaries, because if the reason why I was needed as a governor is just to pay salaries, I don’t think any state needs a governor and I might as well go back home, because you can have an automated machine, feed the information of your workers in it, give it the date that the salary must go out and it pays. You don’t need a governor for that. We need to reverse the civil service orientation of this state, we need to grow economically, we need to provide alternative ways to economy and resuscitate moribund industries. That is why we are prioritising agriculture in our eight-plan agenda. Infrastructure is the key to development, because you have to open up the place in order to attract investors. In the past, nobody wants to come to Ekiti State, but today the story has changed. I even got a text from PDP chieftains who said they are impressed after passing through some of the roads across the state. When people come home often, they have to think about something creative. I would not sit down here and tell you that I have an easy ride; we do not have surplus fund that is why I laugh when somebody was saying the governor of Ekiti was taking N1 billion from local government money. The question which everybody is asking is the same you asked; how did I get the money to do what I’m doing? I am able to get far, because of the good relationship with developing partners; the best the state had ever had. They have left this place before I came, but since I came they have returned and supporting, particularly in the area of agriculture, water and health sectors. This has assisted us to block some loopholes. Our vision is very clear: we must generate our own revenue, make Ekiti a destination of choice for investors, tourists and business people. That way, the state can earn more resources that we can deplore to the use of our citizens. I am confident that we are on the right path. In less than two years, you will be seeking re-election. Won’t politics slow down the pace of governance in Ekiti? I don’t know what people call politics. For me, I have a job at hand to do and I am here with the mandate for four years. I am going to continue to work. I am a driver of change. I have a job to do. I should show to the people that another Ekiti is possible; an Ekiti that is not perceived as a civil service state, that is not seen as a backward state, an Ekiti that can compete with any state in the country in terms of accountability and provision of social services

and provision of job for the unemployed youths. Why are you having disagreement with public servants in the state? Disagreement is a good tonic for governance, provided it is borne out of sincerity of purpose, not the one been promoted by a third force. If it is genuine disagreement by those people who felt so, no problem. I engaged the teachers in this state and I explained my agenda to them. When I came in, I have an education stakeholders’ summit. The summit came out with recommendations on the gaps that are in our educational system, and how our students are failing woefully in public examinations. Teachers, professors, academicians, parents and all the stakeholders were part of that summit. At the end of the exercise, chaired by late Prof. Sam Aluko, we came up with an agenda on education transformation; that agenda included improving the quality of teachers, learning environment and infrastructure. The part of it which we are having challenges is getting the teachers to sit down for assessment text. This action is not punitive, but to discover where the gaps are. If you know what is going on in this state, we do not have a choice than to ask questions on what is happening to our teachers. If you teach 50 students and all of them take a public examination and they all failed. Then there is a problem. It is not a case of one or 10 students, but the entire class failed. If 80 per cent passed, it can still be accepted that the teacher tried his best, but a situation where all failed, that is the situation that I found myself. I grew up in Ekiti, went to school here; my school, Christ School, Ado- Ekiti, has a

THE STATE IS ON A TOUGH

I HAVE SAID TO MY PEOPLE THAT I AM NOT GOING PATH AND

TO BORROW MONEY TO PAY

SALARIES, BECAUSE IF THE REASON WHY

I WAS NEEDED

AS A GOVERNOR IS JUST TO

PAY SALARIES,

I DON’T THINK

ANY STATE NEEDS A GOVERNOR AND

I MIGHT AS WELL GO BACK HOME

track record in terms of performance. But in this year’s examination, only nine per cent of the students presented by Christ School, Ado-Ekiti for WASCE, passed at credit level with English and Mathematics, while 91 per cent failed. Christ Girls’ School, our sister school, had zero per cent, meaning all the students, presented for examination failed in a school that used to have 90-100 pass in public examination. Last year the result was 20 per cent in Christ School and this year it was nine per cent. In the same Ekiti, we have a mission school being run by the Catholics, Holy Child, with teachers that are not as well qualified as my teachers in public schools and probably not well paid too, scored 100 per cent. In the same environment, you can now see the situation we find ourselves in the state. What did they have in that school that we do not have in Christ School, Ado- Ekiti? Do you want to talk about adequate teachers, discipline, the commitment and the dedication? These were the things my own teachers had when I was in Christ School and they will be with us for 24 hours. With these results I got in the last two years, people expect that I would sit back and pretend that everything is okay. I cannot take such. Leadership is not a popularity contest as far as am concerned. Those who did not seat for the exams will face the consequences. I may not be talking like politicians because a lot of people have come to me that teachers are influential; therefore I cannot afford to offend them. I am not in the state to do eye-service. I am going to insist that the education sector is cleaned up, because no matter the amount of laptops I got for the students, no matter the laboratories I built, no matter how many schools I refurbished, if the quality of the teachers remain as it is, those things may not be put to use. I have done a lot of things to encourage the teachers. Some things they are not enjoying before I became governor like car and housing loans are now in place. I have also introduced rural teachers allowance. Despite these, we have teachers who are traders in schools. I have said that l will not play politics with the lives of our children, anybody who likes can go there and play politics, but I will not. I am going to restore discipline and integrity to our schools and the reasons why the results were bad as they were this year, was the war I waged against ‘miracle centres’ and examination malpractices. I took police to all the schools during WAEC that was what was responsible for the bad result this year. Two years in the saddle, you are yet to conduct local government election. Why the delay? We fixed local government election for February 4, 2012. You will recall that our friends in the opposition went to court to seek an injunction against that election on the ground that they have a conviction that the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (ESIEC) was biased. That the members of ESIEC are card-carrying members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). They were granted the injunction, because the court agreed with them. As a law-abiding person and a product of the rule of law myself, I had no reason to disregard the judgement of the High Court, the election was called off by the ESIEC. We took the matter to the Court of Appeal because we do not agree with the judgement, though we respect it. We took the only option we have by appealing the judgement and up till now, it has not be sorted out. We are ready for the election and that was why we had a date. When people are now counting Ekiti as part of a the state where local government election did not hold, I count that as unfortunate, because without any prompting, we already set up the motion to conduct local government election in this state. So, blame the opposition for Ekiti not having local government election. Once the matter is resolved, we would be happy What should the people of the state expect from you in the next two years? I think the reward for good work is more work. We have to do more work in justifying the trust bestowed on us. To us, we are reclaiming the trust of our people and reCONTINUED ON PAGE 44

Politics

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Rotimi ASO ROCK FILE

Perform and get promoted

with

Rotimi FADEYI

Return of Jonathan’s wife and denial of terminal illness

irst Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, left the country without notice or any fun fare. She was said to have been serious ill that she had to be urgently taken to Horst Schmidt Klinik Hospital in Wiesbaden, Germany under an emergency situation and shortly after that, there were groundswell of numerous and speculations about her state of health. But she returned last week after close to two months in Germany to the embrace of her husband, President Goodluck Jonathan, children and mother-inlaw, Mrs. Eunice Jonathan. Her return, amid tight security at the Presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja was a carnival of sort, as it was crowded with people who had come to welcome her, including wives of governors, ministers, many of whom are women, presidential aides and other top government officials. Women and youth groups as well as traditional dancers were also at the airport, singing and dancing while thanking God for her safe return. When news broke out sometime in August that she went to Germany to seek medical attention for an undisclosed ailment after the medical team that first attended to her in the country could not effectively diagonise her ailment, the media was awash with speculations and apprehension on her condition since there was no official statement from the Presidency over her state of health. While some reports said that the First Lady became ill after she developed complications from a cosmetic surgery she had Dubai, others reported that her ail-

he Police remain the security agency saddled with the constitutional role of maintaining law and order in the country and therefore need proper training to effectively discharge their duties of protecting lives and property. Allegations of incompetence, sleaze, inefficiency, corruption and extra judicial killings have trailed the poor performance of the force in the face of inadequate training, facilities, equipment and poor remuneration. In a move to make this agency more effective and efficient, a committee was set up by the Federal Government in February, headed by former Deputy Inspector of Police, Parry Osayande with the mandate of bringing more innovation to the Police Force for better performance. Following the submission of its report to President Jonathan in August where it opposed the creation of state police and advocated for the scrapping of the Police Affairs Ministry, a sub-committee was set up to quickly take action towards charting the way forward for the force. Vice-President Namadi Sambo at a meeting with members of the sub-committee of the Police Reform Committee told the members to review the presentation by Accenture, the consulting company saddled

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ment was as a result of food poisoning, tummy tuck and even ruptured appendicitis. But as soon as she came down from the Presidential aircraft and seeing the barrage of reporters at the airport, Dame Patience debunked reports that she was in hospital in Germany for any tummy tuck or medical illness. Dressed in a multi-coloured caftan with detailed designs and matching headtie, the First Lady thanked God for giving her a second chance to serve Nigerians particularly women, children and the less privileged. “I read in the media where they said I was in the hospital. God Almighty knows I have never been to that hospital, I don’t even know the hospital they mentioned. “I have to explain what God has done for me. I do not have terminal illness, neither did I do any cosmetic surgery, talk less of tummy tuck. My husband loves me as I am and I am pleased with how God created me I cannot add anything,” Dame Patience told journalists at the airport. The First Lady, who condemned those who insinuated that she was going to die like Gen. Sani Abacha, Stella Obasanjo and President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, urged Nigerians to pray for those in government, saying it was a privilege to serve at this time. “God has given me a second chance to come and work with women of Nigeria, children and the less-privileged. I have come to serve Nigeria, I have come to work with Nigerians. I am there for them. Once more I am pleased to be back. I love Nigerians, they are my family,” she said.

nly excellent performance that has impacted on the lives of Nigerians would now be the yardstick for career progression in the civil service and not promotional examination. It is a matter of perform and get promoted or remain stagnant. The new policy which takes off in 2013 is to ensure quality service delivery, improve standard, accountability and making the civil service more result-oriented and purposeful for the progress, development and benefit of the nation. The decision on performance contract for civil servants taken at the Federal Executive Council clearly endorsed the cancellation of promotion exams in the civil service. The Council acting on a report submitted to it by the Federal Civil Service Commission made performance measurement and the results of the work done based on the satisfaction of members of the public, a key factor for career progression and in line with the performance contract system recently introduced by the government.

L-R: Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Minister of Police Affairs, Caleb Olubolade; Kwara State governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed; Anambra State governor, Peter Obi and Vice President Namadi Sambo, during the meeting on Police Reform at the State House, Abuja.

Time for action on police reform with the responsibility of developing a framework and execution plan that will be used by the Nigerian Police for improved performance and fund raising. The sub-committee’s mandate include among other things, the responsibility to come up with a stratified type of security arrangement, comprehensive inventory of police infrastructure and assets, a standardised logistic requirements which should be realistic with a new police architecture to address security needs as well as

This was a follow up to the Performance Contract President Jonathan signed in August with all the ministers in line with Federal Government’s decision to produce a bi-annual evaluation report on the performance of ministers. Similarly the ministers in turn signed Performance Contracts with Permanent Secretaries as well as Directors and Heads of Departments in ministries and agencies. If there are no changes in plans, the Civil Service Commission in the report is proposing to begin the new policy with five ministries, which are the ministries of Agriculture, Education, Finance, Health and Works since the Ministries, Departments and Agencies are service-based Stressing the importance of the policy, Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, said the Federal Civil Service Commission in partnership with states’ Civil Service Commissions has formally adopted a proposal to use the performance contract system introduced by the Federal Government as the basis for career promotion in the Federal Civil Service.

submit a report on the preparation of ongoing bio-metric data of all police officers in the country. In attendance at the meeting were Governors Peter Obi (Anambra), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade; Managing Director of Access Bank, Aig-Aigboje Imoukhede and Chairman of Zenon Oil, Femi Otedola.

Presidential Villa’s visitors 1. Governor Peter Obi 2. Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed 3. Director-General, BPE, Bolanle Onagoruwa 4. Director-General, ICRC, Mansur Ahmed 5. Director-General of DICON, Major General S. U Labaran 6. Managing Director of Access Bank, Aig-Aigboje Imoukhede 7. Chairman of Zenon Oil, Femi Otedola 8. Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar

Security: All for defence industry

ith the current security challenges in the country, the focus of government has been how to ensure maximum safety of lives and property and also check the activities of the violent Boko Haram sect and other terrorist groups. Last week, Vice-President Namadi Sambo inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) as directed by President Jonathan in order to review the operation of the corporation, considering its crucial role in the development of na-

tional capacity for defence hardware and other facilities He stated that the committee would look into the structure, operations and activities of DICON with particular reference to its effect on military procurement and production of military equipment in Nigeria. Sambo expressed optimism that with the commitment and the calibre of people to serve on the committee, it would properly execute its assignment aimed towards attaining national development objectives to transform DICON to a higher level

The Director General of DICON, Maj. General S. U Labaran noted that the organisation has challenges not only in terms of funding but also in human capital. While advocating the need to establish an agency to oversee how other agencies procure ammunition, Labaran noted that DICON should be consulted first before any agency buys ammunition in order to assist the defence industry to grow.

MORE POLITICS STORIES ON PAGES 41-44

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Views

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

As Anambra braces for war against crime

ntil recently, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State was known to be temperamental, especially in public. But recent developments appeared to have disproved such disposition. Since hostage taking business came to the Southeast zone from the Niger Delta, life has not been the same for people of the area. Organized crime has put a damper on all aspects of business development. Competing at that level for the decay of the zone are the neglected federal roads. The amount of disinvestment already engendered cannot be imagined. Investors, even those who successfully escaped the onslaught of religious extremists in the North, are at cross roads on whether to relocate in the zone. To evade abduction would suggest either of two options; move about incognito or in disguise. At some point in Aba then, it was almost impossible to move freely. Everyone was vulnerable and victims were ransomed for as low as a recharge card. Two reasons underscore kidnap as an organized crime. First, no one was known to have been kidnapped twice. Second, anytime a notorious gang leader was penned in or killed, a breather usually came the way of such state. For example, Aba became peaceful after the notorious “Osisikankwu” fell to security assault. He was said to have run his abduction ring in the most vicious of manner. His would-be victims were subjected to various forms of inhuman treatment before being taken hostage. Some were reportedly gangraped, while others were forced to engage in incestuous orgies to delight of his voy-

YOUTHS MUST

UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS REWARD FOR

HARD WORK, AND ANY SHORTCUT TO SUCCESS ALWAYS ENDS BADLY.

euristic desires. His bloodlust was such that at the mention of his name, people scampered for safety, including security operatives. There was no significant difference with what happened in Anambra State until September 4, 2012. The notorious gang leader, Olisa Ifedike a.k.a ‘Ofeakwu’ made sure people of the state led a dog’s life. Unlike his Aba imitator, he was more criminally smart and insanely bloodthirsty. His ostentatious life style ensured his victims were ransomed for millions. The discovery of an armoury in his lair at Ifite Oraifitei in Ekwusigo Local Council Area only helped to buttress the dimension to his criminal life. It also explained the macabre exploits and lightning speed at which he carried out his nefarious trade. It will be proper to argue that those who managed to escape him, were either hemmed in by security details or just damn lucky. OIfedike, instilled maximum fear and used same to unlock the wallets of victims. However, there are still cases of those whose whereabouts are still unknown. Two notable examples are the tra-

ditional ruler of Ihembosi, Igwe J.C Okoli and Chief L.N. Oragwu of Adazi Nnukwu. They are yet to be seen more than one year after their abduction. Emboldened by superior firepower, which he claimed to have amassed during his days as a militant in the Niger Delta, he invaded and sacked police stations, while his criminal activities emitted sorrow, explaining why people rejoiced when he was arrested and his house demolished. Governor Obi, who led the campaign for the demolition and land revocation, was no less overjoyed. In invoking the laws over criminal activities, Obi, warned youths to embrace hard work and avoid crime. The decision to revoke his home, was partly to deny criminals the opportunity of enjoying the proceeds, while same time serving as deterrent to others. Earlier, Obi had sealed a hotel at Nkpor, allegedly used as hideout for kidnappers. Investigations are on to determine the culpability of the management, and where guilty will suffer the fate of Ifedike. Over time, Obi had waged relentless war against insecurity and other forms of impunity. Though, there is still work to be done since crime, like cell, often undergoes meiosis. Its multiplication is being addressed with active support of the governor. The administration has invested much in the fight against crime. More than 250 operational vehicles, as well as security gadgets, have been donated to the police and other operatives. It is to the administration’s credit that all vigilante groups have direct subvention from the state. Even though Anambra is not without its

fair share of insecurity, being predominantly a business area, past political blunder was no less responsible. Recall, that earlier administrations had in the effort to abolish the monster, created alternative security arrangement. Later, the disadvantage outweighed the gains. The decision of the present administration to dismantle the amorphous outfits is paying off. The discovery of arms cache at Oraifite, and another in Uli, Ihiala, can only be achieved by a well equipped police force. The discovery is a pointer that more of such illegal stockpiles may exist in other locations. There is need, for the public to assist in discovering such places. Past political blunders in the state and elsewhere, did sediment into the general insecurity being witnessed today. Time was in Anambra, when various groups constituted themselves into some violent racketeers. It is the same undesirables who have turned criminals. But with determination and support for the government, crimes can be reduced drastically. Youths must understand that there is reward for hard work, and any shortcut to success always ends badly. Though many would want to blame the insecurity solely on unemployment, but like Obi said, anyone who lived as large as Ifedike was certainly not looking for job. Besides, there are schemes designed to help them to live responsibly. Anyone who is loath to work is certain to deliver to society, violence and all manner of criminality. Ejike Anyaduba wrote from Abatete,Anambra State

Time to make the Nigerian Police effective

or Nigeria, this is indeed a critical period, especially as it concerns security, to fully appreciate the enormous challenges facing the police. Though critics have continued to adduce a number of reasons why the agency should be restructured, with little or no attention given to the inability of the federal government to properly fund and support it for effective operation. According to investigations, the major challenges facing the Nigeria Police Force include lack of modern equipments, and efficient logistics for fighting crimes. Studies reveal that every police station is required to have six operational vehicles, bullet proof jackets and walkie –talkies. Unfortunately, many lack such basic tools. Stakeholders wonder how security personnel can respond swiftly to distress calls without commensurate equipment. The bottom line is that no matter how well trained; the police cannot effectively combat crimes without proper and adequate equipment. For example, in Kano State with 44 local governments, each is required to have six police stations, with accompanying operational vehicles, but in reality, most do not have even basic security equipment. How then can the police effectively carry out its duties without them? It t is a pity, that in a country like ours, the police are seen and treated as inferior beings. A visit to any of their barracks will reveal how squalid their living quarters are. How do you then expect a police officer whose salary and other welfare packages cannot take adequate care of his family,

to put in his best in the service for the nation, when the same government has not deemed it fit to lift their morale through adequate funding? Government s should properly fund them so they can perform better. It is worthy of note that the lack of funding has grossly affected the credibility of the force, thereby giving rise to agitation for establishment of state police. But stakeholders have continued to advice against this. They are of the view that rather than deploy the army in crisis prone areas, the police should be well equipped to combat crimes and take full responsibility for internal security. Informed by this, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris had dismissed the call for state police. According to him, at Independence, the country had the local authority police, which was not different from the proposed state police, and we are all aware of the abuse that characterized the setting. For instance, protagonist is citing countries like United States of America and United Kingdom, even as they are now working at centralizing their police with the creation of coordinating ministries. Let us recall the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida era, when the directive informed the sending of policemen of certain level to their states of origin, what happened thereafter? There were complaints, especially in conflict situations, where officers were accused of taking sides based on ethnic affiliations. We cannot think of state police, until we become politically mature, so that where you come from will

IF THEIR MORALE IS LOW, THEY WILL LACK THE ZEAL TO WORK, AND IF THEY DO NOT WORK, WE CANNOT SLEEP WITH EYES CLOSED.

no longer matter. The morale of officers and men of the police is in most cases dampened because they do not get enough encouragement to work. Sometimes, Police Commissioners are forced to turn beggars, soliciting for handouts from their host communities. This is not right and I believe the Federal Government should show enough concern on issue affecting this segment of our society. Another major hurdle facing the force is that of improper recruitment. Nigerians need to know background of those policing them. Pertinent questions regarding the conduct and credibility of police recruits must be asked. In this regard, traditional and community leaders can be of help. It is not enough collecting the bio-data of applicants, as there should also be a special task force to investigate their backgrounds before induction into the force. It is on record that police officers sent on international assignment have performed creditably well, and this is because had enough equipments and incen-

tive to work. So, if properly catered for they will be capable of fighting crimes in the country. It would be quite appreciative, if President Jonathan properly funds proper funds the police, with a view to putting them at par with their foreign counterparts. Given the position of Nigeria in Africa, our internal security must be taken seriously, to serve as pace-setter to others. I believe that if the police are demoralized, we will have serious problem on our hands, because, if we do not appreciate what they are doing, and keep blaming them, for ills of society, their morale is bound to plunge. If their morale is low, they will lack the zeal to work, and if they do not work, we cannot sleep with eyes closed. We should also remember they are targets of attack by criminals and hoodlums. Another issue is the inability of some state governments to support their respective Police Commands. Under normal circumstance, governors should make adequate financial provisions for the police, but it is very disheartening that many have not donated any single vehicle to support of the agency. But they will shout on roof tops of the incompetence and inefficiency of the police force. Augustine Madu wrote from Kano 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 23, 2012

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All the Facts, All the Sides A PUBLICATION OF GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM, OFR PUBLISHER

STEVE AYORINDE

MD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

YELE AKINROLABU

ED OPERATIONS

SEYI FASUGBA

DAILY EDITOR

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GBEMI OLUJOBI

SATURDAY EDITOR

LANRE OYETADE

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SM, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

FRANK OBOH

HEAD, GRAPHICS

Now that Ondo election is won and lost

overnor Olusegun Mimiko, the incumbent governor of Ondo State, retained his seat last Saturday in a re-election bid many pundits agreed was unpredictable. At the last count, however, officially declared results issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) indicated that Mimiko, who re-contested for the position on the ticket of the Labour Party (LP), won outrightly in 13 out of the 18 Local Governments Councils in the state. The governor polled a total of 260,191 votes to beat his closest rival, Olusola Oke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 151,961 votes to place second. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), tipped to pull greater surprises, came third with 143, 512 votes. Reports said yesterday that the local wings of the PDP; as well as the hierarchy of the ACN were disputing the poll results. But President Goodluck Jonathan, according to a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, congratulated Mimiko on his victory at the poll. Jonathan, according to Abati, “also commended the dutiful, patriotic and law-abiding electorate of Ondo State as well as INEC personnel and security agencies who ensured that the

elections were peacefully and successfully conducted in keeping with his administration’s commitment to making elections in the country progressively better organised and more credible.” Indeed, notwithstanding the tensed electioneering campaigns that trailed the Saturday poll, reports said the election witnessed an impressive turnout of voters, and was conducted in a largely peaceful, free and fair atmosphere. Nevertheless, the fact that the election has come and gone should not be allowed to subsume the sour points of the exercise, including the grave allegations and counter allegations traded by the key actors to the contest. Foremost was the selfconfession by INEC’s Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Akin Orebiyi, that some of the Commission’s members of staff in the state were compromised with a view to rigging the poll. Orebiyi confirmed the arrest by the police of a junior staff who allegedly gave unclaimed voters’ cards to a chieftain of the LP and his wife, who were also apprehended before the election. The Ondo INEC had thereafter promised to cooperate with the police in their investigation of the incident; as well as assured that the Commission would not allow vote-buying to mar the election.

WE URGE ALL IN DISAGREEMENT WITH

THE ONDO ELECTION

VERDICT, AS OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED, TO AVOID

ACTS CAPABLE OF HEATING UP THE ONDO POLITY

The State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Mshebwala, who confirmed the arrest of the INEC staff (before he was moved on the eve of the election), said other suspects would be prosecuted for being in possession of INEC sensitive materials. There were other copious accusations and counter-accusations of planned rigging, threats to life, vote-buying and use of intimidation by the three major political parties involved. Perhaps most worrisome was the claim by the ACN that the ruling LP was training a special terrorists’ squad in Israel, whose mission was to return before the Saturday poll and perpetrate mayhem and electoral frauds. The Akeredolu Campaign Organization (ACO) also alleged that it got security reports that INEC had been compromised by the ruling party prior to the election. Even with the elections now over, some groups are still raising allegations of electoral manipula-

tions ranging from the stuffing of ballot boxes, intimidation, as well as the harassment of some voters which made it impossible for them to freely exercise their voting rights. While we recognize how wild, spurious and hollow some of the allegations might turn out to be, considering the bitterness and acrimony that attend the game of politics in the land, we nonetheless believe that now that the poll is over, the police and INEC should be in a better position to thoroughly investigate the claims and bring the culprits to book to serve as deterrent to potential felons. The police and INEC should ensure that the INEC staff allegedly caught selling voters’ cards on the eve of the election is prosecuted and punished in accordance with the law. Such staff with dubious inclinations does not deserve a place in INEC. The couple that purchased the cards should also be brought before the law. While we congratulate Mimiko for his hard won victory, we urge all in disagreement with the Ondo election verdict, as officially announced, to avoid acts capable of heating up the Ondo polity. We think the most appropriate place to prove their points is the Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal; and they have as much as 180 days (as prescribed by law) to do so.

ON THIS DAY October 23, 2011 A powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Van Province, Turkey, killing about 604 people, injuring thousands more and damaged least 11,232 buildings in the region, 6,017 of which were found to be uninhabitable. According to Disasters and Emergency Situations Directorate of Turkey, it occurred at a shallow depth of 20 kilometres (12 mi), causing heavy shaking across much of eastern Turkey and lighter tremors across neighboring parts of the South Caucasus and Levant.

October 23, 1998 Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu and former Palestinian Chairman, Yasser Arafat reached a “land for peace” agreement. The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is the ongoing struggle between Israelis and Palestinians that began in the early 20th century. The conflict is wide-ranging, and the term is also used in reference to the earlier phases of the same conflict, between the Zionist yishuv and the Arab population living in Palestine under Ottoman and then British rule.

October 23, 1946 The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA/GA) convened for the first time at an auditorium in Flushing, Queens, New York City. The UNGA/GA is one of the six principal organs of the UN and the only one in which all member nations have equal representation. Its powers are to oversee the budget of the UN, appoint the non-permanent members to the Security Council, receive reports from other parts of the UN and make recommendations in the form of General Assembly Resolutions.

Information gap, major challenge to pension scheme SUPER TUESDAY

Restructuring is part of transformation agenda in aviation 37 35

www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Experts want zero tariffs in aviation implemented to lift the sector

ecently the Managing Director of Bristow Helicopters, Capt. Akin Oni had revealed that Nigerianillion on customs duties on acquired airplane and predicted that if the tradition continues, Nigerian airline will continue to die in droves. Oni in his analysis observed that if an operator for instance imports an X92 aircraft, which is about $30million into the country, the airline pays a duty of 14 per cent of the total value of the aircraft, which he put at about $4million Oni explained that Nigeria is one of the few countries in the world where its airline operators still pay customs duties on acquired aircraft and spare parts, noting that all European countries, United States of America and even Ghana no longer pay for customs duties on aircraft and spares. He said the $4million spent on customs duties could be used for construction of two standard maintenance hangar facilities anywhere in the country and maintained that without the abolition of the policy, Nigerian carriers would continually find it difficult to compete with their counterparts in other climes. He recalled that former President Olusegun Obasanjo once abrogated the policy only for it to be re-introduced by his successor. Few weeks after Oni’s revelation, the Managing Director, Aero Air, Capt. Akin George also commented on the need for customs duties waivers on any aircraft spare parts imported into the country.

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As President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2013 budget proposal to the National Assembly announced the removal of tariffs on aircraft and spare parts, stakeholders in the country’s aviation industry say the policy will impact when implemented. OLUSEGUN KOIKI writes.

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

Oni

Oduah

Obasanjo

George wondered why government could grant waivers to some other aspects of transportation in the country and abandoned the airlines, which he said made the sector viable. He said, “If government could give waivers to other forms of transportation in the country, I don’t know why government cannot do the same to airlines in the industry especially on spare parts imported into the country”. According to him government needs to put in place is a conducive aviation environment, which will make the airlines sustain their operations. “Aviation is a driving force and people can’t move around without it,” he said. However, immediately the agitation for waivers of customs duties for aircraft and spare parts recommenced, Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, in

an exclusive interview with National Mirror promised that the ministry would ensure the tariffs were removed within the next few months. Oduah speaking through her Special Assistant, Media, Mr. Toyin Okpaise, had said that the government would continue to provide enabling environments for airline operators and other investors in the sector. Oduah said the ministry was already discussing with the relevant government agencies on the issue, but noted that the request would have to go through some government processes before approval could be given. Oduah insisted that the process for the review of customs duties for the airlines has kick-started and assured that the issue would be resolved “very soon.” “The ministry is actually work-

ing on it. Whatever will boost the operations of the indigenous airlines is her interest, but as you know, such request has to go through some processes. This thing is not just about aviation, the ministry of finance and others will have to be involved. It is a government process, but it has kick started and hopefully, things will change for the better. “The position of the ministry from the outset is to make sure interest rate for airlines is at zero per cent. Soon, everything would be in place, but we have to note that waivers on import duties are not under the purview of ministry of aviation.” She explained that since assumption of office in July 2011, the ministry has been meeting with different local airline op-

FDI inflows to agric sector hit $7.8bn

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Experts canvass vocational training as panacea to Nigeria’s unemployment challenge

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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More than 850 million people live in slums, says UN

Business & Finance

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Experts want zero tariffs in aviation implemented to lift the sector CONTINUED FROM 19 erators on how to improve their services to the public, reiterating that her passion is to grow local airlines “because if we don’t grow local airlines, then, we don’t have aviation in the country. We want to make sure that local airlines compete well and meet international standards in all their operations.” However, barely two months after giving the assurances, precisely on October 10, 2012, President Goodluck Jonathan in his 2013 budget presentation to the National Assembly announced the removal of tariffs on aircraft and their spare parts. Since the announcement was made, aviation stakeholders have been commenting on the new zero tariff regimes for indigenous airlines. All the stakeholders in the sector said that the move was a step in the right direction, but wanted government to set up a monitoring committee to monitor the activities of the airlines to ensure that the system was not abused by the operators. According to stakeholders, the policy statement would not be effective until the Federal Government directs the Ministry of Finance to carry out the new regime, recalling that during the tenure of a former aviation minister, Mrs. Kema Chikwe the government made the same order, but was never implemented. The Secretary General of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Capt. Mohammed Joji in an exclusive interview with National Mirror in Lagos said that the new proposal if accepted by the National Assembly would further enhance safety in the sector. He explained that with the zero tariff regimes, indigenous airline operators would be able to acquire newer aircraft while the funds that would have been expended on payment of customs duties could be channelled towards training and maintenance of the airlines’ fleet. He noted that the airline operators were still awaiting for confirmation letters to that effect, which would be forwarded to Customs, stressing that until that is done, nothing can be achieved. He said, “It will enhance safety because if you remember somebody is paying over N170billion for acquisition of an aircraft and the person is still coming here to pay for customs duties. The removal of the tariff will definitely enhance safety in the aviation industry and they will be able to purchase newer aircraft. “But, what we are waiting for as AON is the letter to that effect from the ministry to the airlines, which should be forwarded to the customs as a proof whenever you are bringing in an aircraft for operations. We are keenly waiting for the letter from the ministry and once we receive that, we will let the whole world know. “Ironically, people are already congratulating us, but again, we ask ‘where is the letter?’ It is a proposal from the Federal Government to the National Assembly. What if the National Assembly says no?” he queried. On the call for setting up of a monitoring committee to monitor the airlines, Joji said that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) was already doing the monitoring

Ndulue

Chikwe

IF GOVERNMENT COULD GIVE WAIVERS TO OTHER FORMS OF TRANSPORTATION IN THE

COUNTRY,

I DON’T KNOW WHY GOVERNMENT

CANNOT DO THE SAME TO AIRLINES IN THE INDUSTRY ESPECIALLY ON SPARE PARTS IMPORTED INTO THE COUNTRY of the activities of the airlines in the sector. In the same vein, the Chief Executive of Mish Aviation, a flying and ground school based in Ghana, Capt. Ibrahim Mshelia said that the zero tariff regimes would help airline investors plough their resources to other important areas that would grow the sector. However apart from the removal of tariffs on aircraft and spare parts, Mshelia also called on the government to make Jet A1 (aviation fuel) price stable and the product available at all times. He explained that the action of the government would give airline investors in the sector extra capital that could be spent in other areas of the highly capital intensive sector. He also said with this extra capital saved from the tariff, investors can enroll aircraft into other maintenance programme that would be beneficial to them and enable them enjoy the gains their American and European counterpart enjoy. He said, “I, on behalf of those who share my view, I say it loud and clear that I thank Government for this effort and will remain grateful for all those who have worked to make government consider applying this zero duty. For example, if an airline was to buy an aircraft for $50million for instance and the duty was only 2.5 per cent, which I think the ongoing tariff is more, the airline instead of looking for $1,250,000 to pay duty, will now convert that into other issues that will either support expansion or infrastructural development or whatever the airline wants.” “This is something good. Also with spare parts, we can now enroll our aircraft cockpit (Avionics/ equipment’s and the aircraft

itself on certain maintenance programmes and enjoy same benefits as airlines in Europe and America do while enrolled on same maintenance support programme. We now only have to contain with component shipping charges. “In the past, you have free component from the programme when yours fail, but when a new replacement is shipped to you, you had to pay duty on the original cost, which was just killing and made the programme totally senseless to a Nigerian operator and the desired objective in the first place. With this zero duty, we are left with shipping charges. What can be better?” Also the Managing Director of Arik Air, Mr. Chris Ndulue, lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for the proposal. Ndulue, described the concession as heart-warming and one that would not only enhance safety, but also assuage the high operating cost incurred by Nigerian airlines. He commended the President for mustering the political will to incorporate the tariff waiver in the 2013 budget presentation thereby giving vent to the long sought relief for domestic airlines that had been reeling under the cumbersome Custom procedures for imported aircraft and spare parts. He said, “There can be no better time than now for this tariff waiver announced by the President as Nigerian airlines are bleeding from excessive taxes. We have been clamouring for this kind of succour over time and are happy that it has finally come. “The waiver of import duties on aircraft and spare parts will undoubtedly reduce the financial burden on airlines and encourage good maintenance practices since

spare parts will now be available at lower costs.” Besides, the Managing Director of Bristow Helicopters, Capt. Akin Oni in a phone interview with our correspondent noted that the removal would revive the sector from its comatose state, but recalled that such proposal was made in the past without success. “It is a giant step by Mr. President towards reviving an ailing industry; if it sees the light of day. Forgive my skepticism as we have been down this path before. Hopes were dashed. The dejavu feeling comes back again.” On his own, a member of National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Mr. Shery Kyari while speaking with National Mirror expressed skepticism about the implementation of the new policy by the government. Kyari recalled during Dr. Kema Chikwe’s time as a minister in the sector, the government made same pronouncement, which was never implemented by the Nigerian Customs Services (NCS) because of lack of directive from the government. He said, “I don’t know what to say on this because during Dr. Kema Chikwe’s time, the government said the same thing, but it wasn’t implemented by the customs because there was no follow up on the issue. Government has made a statement now, but it is left for them to follow it up and until then, one cannot really say much on it. “Public announcement is different from passing a document for an organisation to abide by. Government has made a statement, but they need to back it up with authorities by getting to the appropriate organisations like the ministry of finance. If the government generates a documents that is passed through the ministry of finance and send to customs, then, it an be effective.” He, however, averred that if the zero tariff regime becomes a reality, it would help in no small measures to boost the operations of the airlines as some amount of money would that would have been expended on paying customs duties would have been diverted for other uses in the sector by the airlines. He also advised the airline operators to seize the opportunity to come together and build maintenance hangar facilities that would aid their operations and grow their airlines, adding that government too should monitor whatever what the airlines do with the waivers that were granted them. He said, “However, if it comes to pass, it will help the airlines to free some money, which they can use for their maintenance, boost their operations and grow their airlines. We need to suggest to the airlines to use this opportunity to come together and have a maintenance hangar, which will boost their operations. “Some of us have said it before now that customs should be able to implement the waivers they are giving so that at the end of the year, customs can come out with a paper and say aviation in totality was given so and so amount of waiver in a particular year. Then, government can follow the airlines and ask them questions on what they did with the waiver, but if there is no source of information to the public to know how much was given to the airlines as waivers, we would go back to the same thing.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business & Finance

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

FDI inflows to agric sector hit $7.8bn TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

pparently convinced of the far-reaching benefits of the ongoing Agricultural Transformation Agenda for investments and the Nigerian economy, foreign investors are embracing the ATA drive through direct investments and other commitments with about $7.8 billion (about N1.23 trillion) attracted into sector in the past year. Giving the hint at the just ended National Agricultural Show in Nasarawa State, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, ascribed the increasing FDI inflows to global investors’ and other development partners’ confidence in the ongoing reforms in the agricultural sector even as he assured that the modest achievements recorded so far in all the crops and livestock value-chains would be consolidated in the years ahead. Adesina, who also reflected on the recent flooding crisis in

L-R: Director, Corporate Development, Oando Gas and Power, Mr. Falade Gbite, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bolaji Osunsanya; US Consul General to Nigeria, Mr. Jeffrey Hawkins, and Regional Director Sub-Saharan Africa, United States Trade and Development Agency, Mr. Paul Marin, during the signing of agreement with the agency for a feasibility study on the development of compressed natural gas in Nigeria in Lagos at the weekend.

the country and its implications for food security, said what had been witnessed in terms of the quantum of losses in crops and livestock there was need for the country to scale up weather index crop insurance schemes for farmers. Despite the fears that the

damages might create serious shortfall in crops and livestock production targets in the current farming season, the minister allayed such anxieties by saying that the Federal Government will not abandon its farmers but would go beyond the floods and move towards small water management

systems that are cost effective and which empowers farmers to harness rain water and underground water for food production. He explained: “The Agricultural Transformation Agenda in Nigeria is clearly on course. We have been able to attract $7.8 billion of private sector investments into

agriculture in the past one year alone. The world is also noticing. The World Bank is providing $500 million. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has selected Nigeria as a priority country for its investments in agriculture in Africa. The International Fund for Agricultural Development has put up $80 billion to support our efforts. The USAID has committed $60 million to support our market development efforts and the government of the UK, through its Department for International Development, the Ford Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation have committed to technical support facilities that they must be saying something that is happening in Nigeria”, Adesina said. On the imperative of having an insurance scheme to cater for farmers in time of natural disasters such as the floods crisis, he explained further that with the changing weather patterns, the country must now develop policies for protecting farmers from the impact of climate change.

80% Nigerians to have access to N74bn EEG scam: Customs has a case to answer, says NEPC financial services by 2020 – CBN F E RANCIS

KUNLE A ZEEZ

he Central Bank of Nigeria has set a new target for the economy as it plans to increase the number of Nigerian population with access to financial services to 80 per cent in the next eight years. The apex bank disclosed this during a mobile money forum organised in Lagos over the weekend. Deputy Governor, Operations, CBN, Mr. Tunde Lemo, who disclosed the new auspicious target expected to be driven by the various cashless economy initiatives being implemented by the apex bank, said the bank was aggressive to bring activities in the informal sector into the formal financial services mainstream. He said: “The Central Bank of Nigeria and other stakeholders intend to implement the National Financial Inclusion Strategy to decrease the number of Nigerians that are excluded from financial services from 46.3 per cent to 20.0 per cent by 2020 as committed to in the ‘Maya Declaration’.” According to him, the number of Nigerians that are included in the formal sector shall increase from 30 per cent in 2010 to 70 per cent by the year 2020. Explaining further he Lemo stated that a total of 39.2 million adult Nigerians (46.3 per cent of

the adult population of 84.7 million) were financially excluded in 2012. “Further analysis revealed that 54.4 per cent of the excluded population were women, 73.8 per cent were aged less than 45 years, 34 per cent had no formal education, while 80.4 per cent reside in rural areas,” he said. He added that goal will be pursued through a broad range of coordinated interventions, with high priority target. These, he said, include transformation of the existing uniform Know-Your-Customer (KYC) regulation into a simplified Risk-based Tiered Framework that allows individuals that currently do not have the required formal identification measure to enter the banking system; articulation and implementation of a regulatory framework for agent banking to enable financial institutions to bring banking services to the currently unbanked in all parts of the country; and definition and implementation of a National Financial Literacy Framework to increase awareness and understanding of the population on financial products and services with the goal of increasing sustainable usage. Others, according to Lemo, are implementation of a comprehensive consumer protection framework to safeguard the interest of consumers and sustain confidence in the financial sector.

ZEM

he Nigerian Export Promotion Council has said that the Nigeria Customs Service has a serious case to answer in the alleged scam that characterised the administration of Federal Government’s Export Expansion Grant, through which the nation allegedly lost over N74bn. The EEG, which is an incentive by the government to promote and encourage non-oil export, as a way to diversify the economy is a form of grant given to genuine Nigerian non-oil exporters, which is given to the beneficiary after a specified volume of ex-

ports had been done and proceeds repatriated. Meanwhile Customs had recently issued a report alleging that it has lost about N27.8 billion it would have earned as Customs duty and other charges in the first half of 2012, while other reports alleged that N74 billion was lost between 2003 and 2007 even as calculated loss for the first half of 2009 was put at N12.5 billion. An authoritative source close to the NEPC, which is the secretariat to the grant, noted that if there are issues relating to fraud in the administration of the grant, Customs which solely determines which exporter has exported anything and notifies the Central Bank of Nigeria and

NEPC accordingly should be held responsible. But in a swift reaction, national public relations officer of the service, Mr. Wale Adeniyi insisted that that many of the beneficiaries of the grant were using the EEG concession certificate for purposes other than what it is meant for, saying that the service would liaise with other relevant government agencies to review it. The source noted that the export process begins with the completion of the Nigerian Export Procedure (NXP) form, which is a declaration of an intention to export to the service with the aid the of the intending exporter’s domiciliary account with a local bank.

Med-View gets AOC, to commence scheduled operations in Nov. OLUSEGUN KOIKI

t was pomp and pageantry last weekend at the headquarters of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as Med-View Airline, which is noted for annual hajj exercise to Mecca, Saudi Arabia was eventually issued the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) to commence scheduled flight operations after two years of rigorous attempt to get the certificate. The airline was issued a certificate to operate scheduled, cargo, charter and passengers operations in the Nigerian avia-

tion industry in a certificate personally signed by the Director-General, NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren. This certificate with the registration number MVA/ AOC/10-12/05 was issued on the 19th October 2012 would be due for renewal on the 18th October, 2014. Speaking in his office during the presentation of the certificate to the management of the airline, Demuren challenged the management to contribute their quota to the development of the sector and warned that the agency would not tolerate any unprofessional conduct from any airline in the sector.

He explained that unlike in the past when the AOC could be gotten easily by intending carrier in the industry, NCAA would ensure that anybody that is issued the certificate must be those that duly deserved it and emphasised that the agency would not relax its rule in order to achieve total safety for passengers and aircraft in the sector. Besides, the Managing Director of the airline, Alh. Muneer Bankole commended the agency for its careful oversight function and described the mandatory demonstration flight of 50hrs by NCAA as a step in the right direction.

Business & Finance

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Budget 2013 may fail on fiscal consolidation, growth fronts – FDC TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

inancial Derivatives Limited, a leading investment and financial consulting company, has raised serious concern about the likelihood of the 2013 budget’s failure on key fiscal and economic fronts unless the Executive and Legislature take precautionary steps to work on the Appropriation Bill with a view to arriving at realistic positions on its income-expenditure projections. Raising the concern about what it termed too optimistic stance of the Legislature on the benchmark oil price and the Executive’s oil production projections for the 2013 year in its Bi-Monthly Economic and Business Update for this month, the company predicted that using $80 per barrel benchmark as well as 2.53 million barrels per day for oil production may spell

serious failure for the budget in terms of its macroeconomic policy thrusts. For instance, on the fiscal side FDC believes that the controversy over the benchmark price of oil between the Executive and the National Assembly is a proxy war between the governors and the President for political considerations, adding that the truth is that most projections point towards a softening of oil prices in the medium term which means that even $75 is too optimistic While admitting that the proposed budget appears sound in terms of its fiscal consolidation and economic growth thrusts, the FDC however was pessimistic about the budget achieving the objectives given the provisions in the proposed budget. FDC stated further: “In our opinion, it is likely that the proposed 2013 budget may not achieve its fiscal consolida-

tion and growth objectives. The President may be compelled to submit to the wishes of the legislators and increase the benchmark oil price to $80. “Consequently, spending will increase. If the oil price drops, savings obtained from crude oil sales would reduce and external reserves accretion would be negatively affected, which will make it difficult for the government to respond adequately to an economic crisis”, it added. On the oil production projections of the budget and implications for revenues and capital budget, the company pointed out that the proposed oil production level of 2.53mpbd for 2013 was too optimistic considering the level attained so far in 2012, adding that with production currently about 2.16mbpd and not likely to increase if the problems of oil theft and pipeline leakages are not addressed, the figures appear to be too optimistic.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PR consultants elect new execo to address industry lull ADEDEJI ADEMIMIGJI

ublic Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria has elected new executive committee to address undergrowth affecting the subsector of the marketing communication industry in Nigeria. The new executives who assumed office on October 19 pledges to deliver “Bigger and better PRCAN that articulates and serves the overall best interest of members in key areas of advocacy, professionalism and support for growth of PR business”. Led by Mr Chido B Nwakanma of Blueflower Limited as President, members of the new PRCAN 2012/2014 Executive Committee include Mr John Ehiguese of Mediacraft Associates, Vice President; Mr Muyiwa Akintunde, Leap Communications, General Secretary;

Sterling Bank promo produces more millionaires JOHNSON OKANLAWON

L-R: Head of Sales, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Olumide Ojo; Mr. Dan Foster and Samsung Electronics West Africa’s Handheld Products’ Software Validator, Mr. Ayobami, Akinsanya, during the Samsong team’s visit to Inspiration FM studios on Victoria Island, Lagos at the weekend.

Nigeria, Korea agree on industrial cooperation strategy STANLEY IHEDIGBO

igeria and Korea have agreed on an industrial cooperation strategy that will promote the development of major industries, particularly the petrochemical and automotive industries, in both countries. The agreement was reached during a meeting between the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga; and his counterpart, the Korean Minister of Knowledge Economy, Hong Suk-woo, at the Korea-Africa Industry Cooperation Forum in Seoul. The Korean government confirmed that it would pro-

vide all the necessary support to major Korean companies, who want to partner Nigeria on the development of the petrochemical and automotive sectors of its economy. The two ministers also set in motion, plans to create the Korea-Nigeria Trade and Investment Council in order to strengthen the new partnership between both countries and to learn from each other’s strengths and weaknesses, while the partnership on trade and investment between Nigeria and Korea was initiated at a dinner hosted by the President of Korea. Aganga told journalists on the sidelines of the conference that his meeting with

his Korean counterpart was to actualise some of the goals of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan, which the Ministry of Trade and Investment commenced recently. He said the Nigerian government was leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the transformation of the Nigerian economy in good time, adding that the nation would learn from the strategies of major industrialised countries in order to turn its vast resources into economic fortune. The minister said, “We have had very fruitful discussions with the Ministry of Knowledge Economy. That is what my ministry is called in Korea. And I would say categorically that this is another step forward in our efforts to create jobs, generate wealth and enhance inclusive economic growth and development in Nigeria.

Mr Tola Odusote, CMC Connect, Assistant General Secretary; and Mr. Israel Jaiye Opayemi, Chain Reactions Limited, Publicity Secretary with the two past presidents, Mr. Emeka Maduegbuna and Dr. Phil Osagie are ex-officio members of the Executive Committee, the PR consultancy group are set for work to address issues affecting members. The executive emerged at the second Annual General Meeting of PRCAN held at Hotel 1960 Eagles Park in Ikeja and was observed by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Registrar, Dr. Steve Adebayo. Nwakanma articulated the vision of the team at a postelection presentation to members. He said the executive would build the PRCAN house on four pillars of advocacy, professionalism, structure and administration and capacity building.

terling Bank has dolled out cash prize of N2m to four of its savings customers in the third monthly draw of the bank’s ongoing savers’ promo. A a draw held in Lagos on Friday, the four customers won N500, 000 each, while 10 others won home theatres and refrigerators. The N500,000 winners from the four regions of the country are Babalola Lamidi from Lagos, Nwaogbu Okechukwu from Yola, Sulaimon Abioye from Warri and Mr and Mrs Emmanuel Eze, a couple operating a joint account at an Ibadan

branch. The bank’s Group Head, Liability Products and Bancassurance, Mr. John Akingbade said the promo is designed to excite and encourage the bank’s loyal customers. According to him, the draw brought to 42, the number of winners in the promo so far with 15 customers wining home theatres, 15 winning refrigerators and 12 winning N500,000 each. He noted that since the promo began two months ago, customers have been calling and sending text messages to the bank staff, appreciating the rewards and pledging their continued loyalty to the bank.

Access Bank grows Q3 profit by116% UDO ONYEKA

ccess Bank, one of Nigeria’s 5 largest Banks, has recorded a 116 per cent growth in its profit before tax in the third quarter. The Bank’s performance for the period under review is an affirmation of its status as one of Nigeria’s Tier 1 Banks and positioning as an African leading financial services group. In a statement made available to National Mirror the Bank’s Profit before tax (PBT) increased by 116 per cent from N18.1billion recorded in 2011 to N39.1billon in 2012 while Gross Earnings grew by 88per cent; from N86.3billion to N162.3billion to highlight the Bank’s increased earning capacity. “The Bank’s growth in profitability is hinged on its increased size and operational efficiency as it benefits from merger syner-

gies from the recent acquisition of Intercontinental Bank Plc and increased focus to deliver value to customers. Access Bank’s prudential ratios have remained one of the strongest in the Nigerian banking industry; attesting to the Bank’s commitment to adoption and implementation of best-in-class risk management practices and excellent understanding of the operating environment. Highlights of the Bank’s prudential ratio show that Liquidity ratio presently stands at 63per cent, Loan to Deposit ratio reduced to 53.9 per cent over half-year percentage figure of 56.2per cent while the Bank’s Capital Adequacy ratio remains one of the industry’s highest, standing at 21per cent, which is 6per cent higher than the minimum regulatory guidance of 15per cent.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jobs & Career

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Experts canvass vocational training as panacea to Nigeria’s unemployment challenge S takeholders are of the opinion that Nigerian youths are facing myriad challenges, chief of which is the high level of unemployment and insecurity that has to a large extent diminished the productive capacity of many of them, including graduates of higher institutions of learning. However, to other analysts, the government does not seem to be paying much attention to the plights of the unemployed in the country, whatwith the low implementation of the several initiatives that has so far been rolled out by the government in that regards. To the immediate past president of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, (APBN), Mr. Olusegun Ajanlekoko, the unemployment challenge that the country is grappling with, and the very low industrial capacity that the nation’s economy is experiencing can become a thing of the past, if the government can secure its bearings right, and focus on the development of technical and vocational education for the country’s youth. To that end, he explained that what the government needs to do will be to deemphasize paper certification or qualification, and instead, enact policies that will emphasize hands on skills and competences. Ajanlekoko told National Mirror that other developed economies like those of China, the United States of America, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, have all become referenced points, due to the sound emphasis on vocational and technical education available in those climes. According to him, many youths who dropped out of school at secondary levels, and even those who attended higher institutions lack the basic skills to compete in a weak economy like Nigeria’s where the labour market is very tight, adding the government and

Isemede

Ajanlekoko

he Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria (ISMN) has pledged to contribute to the achievement of the Federal government vision 2020 through the training of its members who are in government on how to make the plan succeed. The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute, Mr Yemi Mapaderun who made the promise while speaking

sitions include the Head of Service for Osun State, Mr Olayinka Owoeye, while others appointed as Permanent Secretaries include Mr Oluwadamilare Oyeleke, Mr Olusegun Olorunsogo Mr. Oyelade Oyeniran, Mr Moses Olayinka, and Mr Moses Oyinlola who was appointed as General Manager of Osun State Tourism Board. He explained that ISMN is a professional management association, which specialises in strategic leadership and governance since it was established in 2003 as an indepen-

dent, non-government, nonprofit organisation. According to him,ISMN vision is to be a world-class professional body, a pan-African best reference in strategic management, and a key player in positioning Nigeria and Africa for leadership in the global society through the advancement and promotion of knowledge and skills in the practice of strategic management, strategic leadership, strategic entrepreneurship, and governance through research, publications, education, training, certification, induction and regulation of students and members.

Ifezulike

WE MUST, AS A NATION, ADOPT POLICIES THAT PROMOTE VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL TRAINING AND EDUCATION other concerned stakeholders can improve the jobs available and boost the economy by increasing funding for vocational and technical education from where the unemployed could acquire skills and learn trades that can last them for a lifetime. Explaining vocational and technical education is designed to offer training to improve individuals general proficiency, particularly in relation to their present or future occupations; creating jobs and boosting the economy of any nation, Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, (ICAN),Mr. Emeka Ifezulike,explained that the provision of vocational and technical education in secondary and post-secondary schools has a long and rewarding history for countries that have successfully

applied it. He added that hundreds of thousands of jobs abound within indigenous and multinational corporations for individuals that have requisite skills, saying further only vocational education can readily provide those skills. Ifezulike urged states and Federal government to as a matter of policy, ensure that not only technical and vocational education is compulsorily added to educational curriculum in the country, but that measures should be put in place to see that the policy is complied with. Speaking in the same vein, the President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, (NACCIMA), Dr. Herbert Ajayi, told our correspondent that the country’s leadership

ISMN to aid vision 20 20 20 success MESHACK IDEHEN

should also emphasize the training in technical and vocational courses for public and private institutions in the country with attractive incentives for both the learner and the teacher. He explained that the introduction of entrepreneurial studies alongside vocational and technical training in secondary and tertiary institutions is to ensure the training of graduates for selfemployment, instead of graduating to commence looking for a job. He said further that the inability of the majority of Nigeria’s youths to secure employment is a big challenge, which if not effective grappled by the government and other stakeholders have the capacity to affect the country in the long term. On his part, Recruiter and Managing Director of Prot In-

ternational Limited, Mr. Sunny Agboju,told National Mirror that the medium and long term implications of global unemployment amongst youths which has formed points of discussions at several forums in Nigeria and across the world, can be addressed through the provision of vocational education. Agboju also advocated the prioritisation of skill and vocational development of youths, as against the current emphasis on university education and certification, adding such move will go a long way towards helping to meet the objectives of solving permanently, the problem of unemployment amongst youths in Nigeria by producing job seekers who understand what the economy requires. While urging the unemployed youths in the country and in the continent to embrace the limitless job opportunities that vocational and technical skills development provides, Agboju said it was time countries that are considered emerging economic powerhouses like Nigeria confront the scourge of youth unemployment, through the intervention of broad based vocational and technical training. He gave examples of vocations like fittings and fabrication, welding interior, fabric and furniture designs, and agricultural extension training initiatives amongst others that unemployed youths can choose to learn, adding between six months to two years is enough to learn and master a vocation, or develop a skill that can permanently take them out of the unemployment zone if they so desire. “We must as a nation adopt policies that promote vocational and technical training and education. There are so many areas to choose from as far as obtaining vocational or technical training, or developing an inborn inherent skill or talent is concerned”, he explained.

The recent admonition by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) that government should focus on technical and vocational training has, again, brought to the fore, the role of vocational and technical education in boosting industrial growth and eliminating unemployment, writes MESHACK IDEHEN.

with National Mirror, said the Vision 20 20 20 requires that every ministry, department and agency of the Federal Government and other tiers of government prepare strategic plans. Mapaderun who was reacting to the news of the appointment of six of its members into various government positions in Osun state last week pointed out that the processes of formulating strategic plan will be used to train members

on how to make strategic plan work for government and organisations. While congratulating the appointees, the ISMN registrar stated that it was a thing of pride and honour that members of the Institute were considered fit for such appointments assuring them that that ISMN will be ready to offer support and advice at all time during their tenure. Some of the Institute’s members appointed into po-

Jobs & Career

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NUPENG seeks urgent probe of students’ massacres STORIES: MESHACK IDEHEN

he National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), has said it is calling on the Federal Government and other relevant security agencies in the country to speed up full investigations into the massacre of students of Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Adamawa State, and the lynching of four undergraduates of the University of Port Harcourt. Futhermore, the union said oil workers are unhappy at the high level of insecurity in the country, and the slow pace of investigations by the police in the serial killings of Nigerians, adding that NUPENG is sad that there has not been any official progress report made by the police to fish out the killers of the innocent students in particular. According to the union, these recent killings are one, too many, and that a high-powered crack team of detectives should be mandated to commence a thorough investigation, with a view to bringing the culprits to book. Speaking with National Mirror, the Secretary General of

Achese

NUPENG, Mr. Isaac Aberare, said the union is lamenting not just the insecurity in the country today, with the senseless killings of innocent citizens, but that jungle justice in any form, must not be tolerated, as those who lynched the Uniport four undergradu-

AUN to give career pep talk at Homecoming 2012

he authorities of the American University Nigeria,(AUN),have said the university will present career talk and counseling guidance for students for the second year in a row, as the university welcome alumni, parents, visitors, and the community for its homecoming 2012. The Director of Student Activities and Involvement at the university, Mr. Dorsey Spencer, told National Mirror in a statement that the homecoming at AUN is the first of its kind in Nigeria and potentially in Africa. According to him, the activities will include a pep rally, career mixer, parties, community service, amongst other activities that will aid the students in the outside world, adding further that the Homecoming 2012 will bring the offices of student activities and involvement, recreation and athletics, residence life, community service, and alumni affairs, together in a collaborative effort that is guaranteed to be a success. He added that Homecoming is the American school tradition of welcoming back alumni. “It is common in many universities, colleges and high schools in North America, and usually includes sports, cul-

AUN President, Dr. Margee Ensign

ture events, a parade, and other activities for students, parents, alumni, and the college or university community”, he explained.

n job vacancies this week, the position for a Managing Director (www.jobsvanguard.com) in a firm in Lagos that is into full-time construction and real estate is available, and requires for starters, an MBA / MSc, and experience of between 5 - 7 years. Summarily, excellent English communication skills, and highly developed leadership skills are also required in order to plan, direct or co-ordinate the operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers. Other responsibilities for the post include directing, planning, or implementing

Abubakar

ates must be identified through the video recordings sent to the social media and punishment meted out to serve as a deterrent to others. Aberare said further that NUPENG wants the Federal Government to address the

myriads of challenges facing the nation, through change of tactics and information gathering, surveillance and use of sophisticated communication and electronic gadgets to locate the perpetrators of these dastardly acts.

He explained that the current situation is pathetic, which is gradually translating to mean that government can no more take care of the lives and properties of its citizens, saying also that the union is therefore appealing to government to overhaul the way security is currently being handled and pave way for a more proactive quick response method of nipping such violent acts in the bud. “The Federal Government in conjunction with the other twotiers of government, states and local government must create enabling environment for investors, so that the grave unemployment problems can be addressed. We are just sitting on a time-bomb, with 80 percent of our youths, unemployed. It states that is why, we have an army of unemployed, who are idle and ready to react violently at the least provocation. “The Federal Government must therefore initiate programmes and projects that will absorb the unemployed in order to guarantee peace in the country, because a stitch in time saves nine”, the NUPENG scribe added.

All you need to know about climbing the corporate ladder

egardless of which industry you work in, soft skills differentiate you from the rest of the pack when it comes to career progression. Developing your proficiencies in communication, negotiation, teamwork, time management and leadership will ensure you stay one step ahead of the competition when climbing the corporate ladder. Communication-Your ability to communicate with clients, coworkers, subordinates and superiors has a direct impact on your career prospects. Correct grammar and spelling are also imperative in written communication, so develop the habit of double-checking everything you write and having others review material when nec-

essary. Negotiation-Negotiation skills are important for professionals when dealing with the broader business as well as external stakeholders. Those who make it to the top are strong negotiators who can influence decisions in their favour. Practice negotiating whenever possible in order to become more comfortable and confident. Teamwork-Being able to demonstrate that you have been a team player during your career will help to put you at the top of the list with prospective employers. The best team players take responsibility for their tasks but also share successes with the team rather than keeping the glory for themselves.

Job vacancies

policies, objectives, or activities of organisations or businesses to ensure continuing operations, to maximize returns on investments, or to increase productivity. Also available this week, is the position for a Land Surveyor (www.jobsvanguard. com), requiring a minimum qualification of an HND, and experience of between 3 - 5 years For this post, the incoming is expected to complete and oversee a variety of professional assignments to facilitate the completion of all Company Projects; and the completion of legal descriptions for the taking and marking of right-ofway.

Other duties and responsibilities include assessing land due for redevelopment, survey a range of different areas, including landfill sites, and pipeline and distribution systems, discussing specific project requirements with clients; and measuring the ground as required by the client. Other skills needed for the post are Knowledge of geographical information systems (GIS) and AutoCAD, and general IT skills, ability to make decisions, and the ability to work independently and handle responsibility Oral and written communication skills, High levels of numeracy, Accuracy, especially when using equipment and the

Time Management-Effective time management is a critical skill for career progression. It is important to set priorities and put them in writing. You should keep your focus on your goals and not get caught up in the activities, because your most important activities will be the ones that help you accomplish your goals. Leadership-Leadership is a skill that people at all career levels can have, and one that will facilitate a climb to the top. Your enthusiasm will inspire others and encourage them to join your vision. When others strive to be a part of your vision, you have become a true leader. Take on special projects, be visible to senior management.

capacity to identify problems quickly and to offer solutions are needed also. The position for a Corporate Communications Director (www.jobberman.com) in an engineering and construction company based in Lagos is also available. Minimum qualification of an MBA or MSc is required, with experience of between 10 and 15 years. The corporate communications manager is expected to play a key role in the creation of the company’s corporate communications function and act as a key change agent working in partnership with other team members and Company business units to enhance the company’s image

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Real Estate & Environment dayoayeyemi@yahoo.com 08033312578

Over 850m people live in slums, says UN One of the slum settlements in Abuja.

....FG urges compliance with urban planning regulations

Despite several efforts annually by national governments across the globe to curb excessive urbanisation and improve access to decent housing, the United Nations hinted during this year’s World Habitat Day celebration held in Abuja last week that more than 850 million people still live in slums or informal settlements. OLUFEMI ADEOSUN writes.

hile we have achieved the Millennium Development Goal target of significantly improving the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers 10 years in advance of the 2020 deadline, absolute numbers continue to grow. Nearly a quarter of urban residents, more than 850 million people live in slums or informal settlements.” This is the revelation of the SecretaryGeneral, United Nations, Ban Kin-Moon, during the celebration of the year’s World Habitat Day in Abuja last week. The secretary-general was represented by the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr. Daouda Toure. The theme of the year’s celebration is “Changing Cities, Building Opportunities.” Ban Kin-Moon lamented that the world had failed to turn the ideal of sustainable, inclusive cities into reality. On the implications of excessive urbanisation, he stated, “Urban areas are responsible for most of our waste and pollution. Many are particularly vulnerable to disasters, including the growing risks associated with climate change.” World Habitat Day is observed every year on the first Monday of October throughout the world. It was officially designated by the

URBAN AREAS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MOST OF OUR WASTE AND POLLUTION. MANY ARE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO DISASTERS, INCLUDING THE GROWING RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CLIMATE CHANGE United Nations and first celebrated in 1986. The purpose of the day is to reflect on the state of cities and towns and the basic human right to adequate shelter. It also aims to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the habitat of future generations. Its purpose is to also draw attention to the desperate need for adequate housing all across the world. In his speech, Toure who is the United Nations Resident Coordinator, said that although urbanisation had contributed significantly to society’s growth, its flip side was that over 69 per cent of urban dwellers lived in slum conditions. He said, “The dividends of urbanisation have come at a price; large proportion of urban residents (put at about 69 per cent) lives in slum conditions, the large housing

deficit estimated between 16 and 18million units, insecure land tenure, poor infrastructure, lack of basic amenities, substandard building materials and the absence of adequate legislative framework to guide the housing industry.” However, in order reduce the level of devastation arising from flooding; the Federal Government has urged the people to comply with all legal and regulatory frameworks on urban planning and regional development. It also said that the recent flood disasters in some parts of the country revealed the level of susceptibility of the Nigerian cities to disasters. Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Amal Pepple, said these during the event of the World Habitat Day

in Abuja. As part of the country’s national agenda on urban and regional development, Pepple said the country must begin to draw a nexus between cities and development. She said,” We need to build a national consensus on the interconnections between cities and development as part of our national agenda on urban and regional development by recognising the positive link between urbanisation and development. “With the phenomenal rate of urbanisation in Nigeria over the past five decades, we cannot afford to be complacent anymore about the vast opportunities which our cities provide as epicentres of growth and development for accelerated national transformation through building integrated and productive communities.” Meanwhile, in his remarks when Lagos State Government staged event to mark the day the Habitat Programme Manager for Nigeria, UN-Habitat, 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.

Real Estate & Environment

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Reprieve as Ire Burnt Brick factory revived STORIES: DAYO AYEYEMI

ome builders who have been yearning for alternative building materials for affordable housing production can now heave a sigh of relief as Ire Burnt Brick Industry at Ire in Ekiti State has finally been resuscitated after 21 years after it went under. The commissioning was the climax of several months of strategic planning, re-development and re-equipping of the moribund industry by the owner. After 21 years of its dormancy, the brick firm was, last Wednesday, finally opened for operations. Speaking during the official commissioning of the factory, Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, described the revival as “a promise kept”. Fayemi maintained that the resuscitation of Ire Bricks Factory was to expand the state’s resources, provide numerous job opportunities, encourage new skills acquisition by workers and ultimately enlarge the middle class in the state. He assured that the state would, henceforth, patronise the factory and use a certain percentage of the red burnt bricks in all its projects across the state. It would be recalled that equipment sworth N400 million naira were delivered for the revival of the factory a few weeks ago. The factory, which was resuscitated through a partnership between the state government and Odua Investment Group, in November is expected to begin full operations.

L-R: Sales Manager, CERATED, Mr. Daniel Deconinck; Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; and Managing Director, Fountain Holdings Limited, Mr. Olusegun Osinkelu, during the commissioning of the Ire Burnt Brick Industry in Ire-Ekiti, last week..

The entire Ire community was agog as representatives of various groups in the town thronged the complex of the bricks industry in different attires, singing different songs in praise of the Fayemi administration. Fayemi, who was accompanied by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Dr Adewale Omirin and the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Owolabi and other members of the state Executive Councils later commissioned an Enterprise Development Centre at Ilu-

peju Ekiti. Justifying the efforts, the State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Otunba Remi Bodunrin, had said recently that the delivery of the equipments was a step towards restoring life to the factory, even as it has begun a test-run operation in October 21 while full operation will commence in November. Bodunrin assured that the state will not have problems marketing the products which vary from clay roof tiles and burnt bricks, among others, as the

products are being produced only in two states. Restating the commitment of the state government to give adequate patronage to the factory, he said since the state is blessed with kaolin clay and other types of clay materials used for the production, there would not be fear of sustainability of production when it commences full operation. Governor Fayemi also commissioned three rural electrification projects at Iyemero, Oke Ako and Ilemeso.

Why people must buy land from developers –Edgefield ... Introduces flexible payment option in Suncity Estate

eople buy land for a multitude of reasons. While some buy it to build their house, others see it as an alternative investment to shares. No matter the reason, one needs to be careful about the source of the land, either from omo-oniles or estate developers, government agencies by conducting a thorough search to ensure its authentication. However, buying a stress-free land devoids of harassment from land agents known as omo-oniles, the Managing Director of Edgefield Limited, a real estate development firm, Mr. Wale Adedara, said could be made possible by buying from genuine developers like the promoters of Suncity Estate. Adedara, who is promoting a residential estate christened “Suncity Estate” in Igbesa, Agbara, Ogun State, told journalists during the tour of the estate’s facilities at the weekend that anyone buying into the estate is buying a completely stress-free land. The housing schemes, located in Agbara comprise “Suncity Estate Phase 1 and Suncity Estate Phase 2. They are both in Agbara-Igbesa area to provide residential accommodation to upcoming Nigerians looking for investment in property and

housing unit they can call their own. A plot of land in Suncity Estate phase 1 cost N800,000 while phase 11 cost N600,000. Estates’ facilities include good road network, wall fence, security, water supply, electricity and gardens. The estates are within the ambit of Ogun State Quang Dong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa, Agbara Industrial Estate, Gateway Polytechnic, and Covenant University in Ogun State. Adedara encouraged Nigerians to acquire their share of the 1,500 plots still available for sale at both estates, saying the schemes would be structured according to what obtains at Victoria Garden City in Lekki, Lagos. He stated, “Once the Mile 2’s 10lane road to the Badagry Expressway is opened, the estates become easily accessible and once the rail system is in place, Suncity Estates become easier for people to access. Therefore, we position ourselves where development is going to,” Land purchase at Suncity Estates, the managing director said had been made completely stress-free, assuring that his company would shield their clients from the hazards usually associated with the process, parts of which are the harassment and fetish activities of Omo-oniles.

His assurance was that subscribers to Suncity Estates would be able to build their homes in peace without being accosted by the Omo-oniles because the estate are fenced thereby making any such activity the crime of trespass. Also, for would-be subscribers, the managing director of Edgefield hinted that attractive payment packages for potential clients of its estates have been made available for them. One of such incentives, according to him, is Flexi, which allows land subscribers pay for the acquired land as their financial buoyancy permits. He said, “Another is the National Housing Fund scheme, established and maintained by the government, which Edgefield Limited would make available to clients so they can build their houses and pay for as long as 30 years at a slight interest rate of six per cent.” The payment offerings, the Edgefield boss said served not only as a solution to a major challenge facing the real estate sector, which is the problem of clients not having the funds required for land acquisition, but also to help people fulfil their desire to become land owners and landlords. He said, “The company’s ultimate goal is to provide affordable homes to one million Nigerians in the shortest time pos-

xxx

Adedare

sible. “My directors are currently working on different projects because the general idea is to provide one million Nigerians with affordable homes. The main idea is not just to make money, even though we are not a charity organisation, but to provide affordable homes to people.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Muamba ends nightmare with wedding 30

Sport

We’ve all seen how talented Rory (McIlroy) is. It’ll be fun to battle him for the next decade or so and hopefully we’ll have many battles to come - Tiger Woods

Sunshine Stars report Al-Ahly to CAF EVEREST ONYEWUCHI

L-R: Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) president, Sani Ndanusa, Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Chief Patrick Ekeji, lamenting Nigeria’s poor Olympic outing in London

FG may tax luxury goods to fund sports ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

ollowing the failure of Nigeria at the London 2012 Olympic Games, President Goodluck Jonathan has reiterated his administration’s determination to ensure that the country becomes the best sporting nation in Africa and among the top four in the Commonwealth and ultimately rule the world. Accordingly, the Federal Government may explore the national lottery and impose additional taxes on luxury goods to raise funds for sports development in the country. Jonathan who spoke yesterday at the Presidential Retreat for the Sports Sector held at the State House stated that no nation can afford to overlook the relevance of sports to national development and well-being, stressing that the financial base of the industry must be increased if the country must achieve excellence. According to him, the disappointing performance at the last Olympics points to systemic failures that urgently call for a drastic and holistic review of sport policies. “As a nation building and instilling core values of social justice, sports remain at the heart of our national transformation agenda,” Jonathan said. The President noted that the retreat was not to apportion blame but to find a way to turn the sporting sector around for the benefit of the country, saying that amidst the lows in sports, the successes recorded by the Paralympians at the London Games serve as a tonic for greater honour.

“Let me make it clear: we are not here to apportion blame or point accusing fingers. We are not here to lament, we are here to find solutions and put in place a framework for achieving national sporting excellence,” he added. The President said that the retreat was organised so that stakeholders could come up with workable solutions to the critical issues underpinning sports development in the country. “I request that we bring together, to a retreat, major stakeholders in the sporting industry , including State Governors, key officials of the administration, those who have participated in our sports development over the years, members of the organised sector, men and women of experience as we embark on a major turning point in our sporting journey,” he said. Jonathan, therefore asked state governors to identify potentials where they have comparative advantages in sporting events for development while appealing to them to give support to sporting activities in the country. Earlier, Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the government was committed to improving the sports sector which has become a unifying factor in the country. According to him, the retreat will assist in proffering solutions to the problems confronting the sports sector. Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said the objective of the retreat was among others, to come up with initiatives to implement over the next one to three years to develop the

sports sector. She noted that greater transparency was needed in the management of funds allocated to the sports sector, stressing that various sports federations in the country should strive to operate with international best practices. Okonjo-Iweala disclosed that as part of sustainable framework for financing the sporting sector, government would explore the national lottery and additional taxes on luxury goods, as obtainable in other countries. “Until we fix some of these fundamental institutional problems, all the money we put into the sector would have only limited impacts,” said the Minister of Finance, who also announced that the President had given instruction for an urgent renovation of the Abuja National Stadium currently in a state of disrepair.

unshine Stars of Akure may have reported Al-Ahly to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the storming of their hotel by protesting Egyptians prior to their losing the Champions League second leg semi-finals match 1-0 on Sunday in Cairo. Protesters besieged the Nigerians at their hotel, trying to force them to abandon the match because of the indefinite delay in restarting the Egypt Premier League. Sunshine’s coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, told supersport.com yesterday that his club had reported the behavior of the Egyptian protesters and the trauma his players suffered before the game to CAF. “We played in a weird atmosphere; the protesters blocked us at the hotel and that made the players feel afraid, I will wait and see what CAF will do with Al Ahly,” Ogunbote said. He added angrily, “I will not talk more about the game, but what happened was very bad, for African football and we will complain after what we saw here. I think if Al Ahly was in same position when they were in Nigeria, they would not have played the game.” Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has praised Sunshine Stars for giving a credible account of themselves in the competition, saying the team deserves plaudits from Nigerians for reaching the semi-finals. Chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee, Chief Emeka Inyama said, “We must commend Sunshine Stars FC for the efforts it invested in the competition and also commend the Ondo State Government for the support they gave the team “The same club got to the semi-final of the CAF Confederation Cup last year and in its very first appearance in the CAF Champions League, was able to reach the semi-final. This is no mean feat. “Surely, the team could have done better in the first leg against Ahly if not for the strike action embarked upon by the players before that match. We believe that with the experience the team has gained on the road, it will be better equipped next time to go all the way in any continental campaign.”

AFCON draw: Keshi upbeat

uper Eagles’ boss, Stephen Keshi, has said that he is not afraid of any team as the draw for the 29th Africa Cup of Nations holds tomorrow in Durban, South Africa. Keshi, along with NFF Technical Committee Chairman, Mr. Christopher Green, are scheduled to travel today to South Africa for the draw, with the NFF already having a team on ground in the country led by Super Eagles’ Secretary, Dayo Achor. “I have said to a lot of people and will say it again that I am not afraid

of any team in the championship draw. You don’t win a championship by being afraid of your opponents and that is the spirit with which I am going to the draw,” Keshi was quoted as saying by Eagles’ Media Officer, Ben Alaiya. On his part, Green said that he was sure that Nigeria would get a favourable draw in Wednesday’s event. “We have a strong team but we also know that we want a good draw so that as we will cruise in the championship we can stabilise and get our bearing right.”

Sport

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

BARCELONA VS CELTIC

Buoyant Celtic visit Barcelona

eltic FC will be eager to build on their long-overdue away win at FC Spartak Moskva but know that could prove easier said than done against Group G leaders FC Barcelona. Unbeaten Celtic FC visit Group G leaders FC Barcelona buoyed by their impressive victory at FC Spartak Moskva last time out. The Scottish title holders’ 3-2 success in Moscow was their first in 21 away fixtures in the UEFA Champions League proper but Tito Vilanova’s hosts have a maximum six points so far, and a long unbeaten home record in the competition.

Euro Champions League

Match background • Barcelona are unbeaten in 17 European home outings, winning 14, dating back

to a 2-1 reverse against FC Rubin Kazan on 20 October 2009. • Celtic have not won on 12 previous trips to Spain, recording three draws and nine defeats. Their most recent visit brought a 2-0 loss at Club Atlético de Madrid in last season’s UEFA Europa League group stage. • Barcelona’s only two other home fixtures against Scottish visitors were a 2-0 victory over Rangers FC in the 2007/08 group stage and a 2-1 loss to Dundee United FC in the 1986/87 UEFA Cup quarterfinals. Key Players: Barcelona - Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas, Andreas Iniesta, Xav; Celtic - Georgios Samaras, Victor Wanyama, Scott Brown -

Giorgios+Samaras+Celtic+

MAN UNITED V BRAGA

Fergie leaves out Ferdinand, Evra

Today’s Fixtures

Barcelona striker, Lionel Messi ready for Celtic

Spartak Moscow

Benfica

Barcelona

Celtic

BATE Borison

Valencia

Nordsjaelland

Juventus

Galatasaray

Cluj-Napoca

Lille

Bayern Munich

Man United

Braga

Shakhtar

Chelsea

efensive duo Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra are set to be rested when Manchester United plays Braga in the Champions League tonight. Sir Alex Ferguson has taken the decision in the light of United’s forthcoming Premier League fixture against Chelsea next Sunday. Alexander Buttner is likely to deputise at left-back, while Scott Wootton could slot into the centre of defence. Ashley Young is available after recovering from a knee injury. The forward has not played since United’s game at Fulham on August 25 but Ferguson has included him in his squad for the match against the Portuguese side. Shinji Kagawa, Tom Cleverley and Ryan Giggs all sat out last Saturday’s 4-2 victory over Stoke and could be brought back into the starting XI. “Ferdinand and Patrice Evra will not play. They will be the two main changes on Tuesday. I’m making a few changes. We’ve got Ashley Young back and he’ll be involved,” Ferguson told BBC Sport. He added, “We’ve got Nani, Antonio Valencia, Ryan Giggs - plenty of wide players. I have an issue in terms of picking the team. Hopefully I get it right. “Shinji Kagawa didn’t play on Sat-

Fergie

urday so he can prepare for Tuesday. Also, Stoke’s a different team to any other side he’s played. But mainly it was to give him a rest before the game against Braga.” The decision to leave out Ferdinand is not related to the defender’s refusal to wear a T-shirt promoting the Kick It Out anti-racism campaign before United’s game against Stoke.

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Sport

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

SHAKHTAR DONETSK VS CHELSEA

Lucescu plans Chelsea upset

helsea FC are top of Group E with four points from two outings but Mircea Lucescu has reason to believe that, not for the first time, his FC Shakhtar Donetsk team can upset the holders. An emphatic away victory on matchday two has put UEFA Champions League holders Chelsea FC in pole position in Group E and they now travel to Ukraine for a first meeting with FC Shakhtar Donetsk. • The Blues’ 4-0 win at FC Nordsjælland followed an opening 2-2 draw at home to Juventus. Shakhtar had seized the early initiative in the section with a 2-0 home defeat of the Danish debutants and followed up with a 1-1 draw at Juventus. Match background • These are the first opponents from Ukraine Chelsea have met but this is the fourth time in five seasons Shakhtar have faced an English side. Most recently they beat Arsenal FC 2-1 at home in the 2010/11 group stage thanks to goals from Dmytro Chygrynskiy and Eduardo, having gone down 5-1 in London. • Shakhtar have won three of their four home games against English opposition, starting with a 3-0 victory over an Arsenal side including Ashley Cole in the 2000/01 UEFA Champions League first group stage. • Chelsea have lost only two of their last 11 away group games, winning five, though they failed to record a victory on their travels in last year’s group stage, drawing 1-1 at Valencia CF and KRC Genk before going down 2-1 at Bayer 04 Leverkusen. • Chelsea are unbeaten in 27 group stage fixtures at Stamford Bridge. Their last defeat came on 1 October 2003 when Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu guided Be ikta JK to a 2-0 win. Key Players: Shakhtar Donetsk - Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Willian, Alex Teixeira, Fernandinho; Chelsea – John Obi Mikel, Juan Mata, Oscar, David Luiz

Yobo in fitness race for Limassol trip IKENWA NNABUOGOR

igeria skipper Joseph Yobo is questionable to face AEL Limassol in the Europa League on Thursday, the official website of Fenerbahçe has hinted. The central defender did not feature for The Yellow Canaries in the 1 - 1 draw with Bursaspor this past weekend. And the Super Eagle is in a race against the clock to be fit for the trip to Cyprus. Fenerbahçe have started preparations for the Europa League clash, and trained behind closed doors on Sunday morning. The match practice lasted for one and a half hours. Yobo did not train with the rest of the squad, as he is still receiving treatment. He has made two appearances in the Europa League, against former club Marseille and Borussia Mönchengladbach. Injury meant the Super Eagles captain was not available for the crucial seciond leg final round of the

2013 South Africa Nations Cup qualifers against Liberia in Calabar. The Eagles in his absence beat their less illustrious West African neighbours 6-1 to pick the tickets in 8-3 goals aggregate.

Yobo

SPARTAK MOSCOW VS BENFICA

partak Moscow hope to put their narrow losses to FC Barcelona and Celtic FC behind them and get a much-needed home victory against Group G rivals SL Benfica. FC Spartak Moskva and SL Benfica meet on matchday three with each knowing another slip-up will leave their UEFA Champions League hopes hanging by a thread. Spartak are without a Group G point after 3-2 defeats at FC Barcelona and at home to Celtic FC, while Benfica have just one – from their opening draw in Glasgow. Match background • Spartak surrendered 2-1 leads and lost to late goals in both games so far. Furthermore, while the Moscow side beat Fenerbahçe SK 2-1 at the Stadion Luzhniki in this season’s play-offs, they have won just one of their last 15 home matches in the UEFA Champions League group stage. • The last time Spartak hosted Portuguese opposition, in the 2010/11 UEFA Europa League quarter-final against FC Porto, they lost 5-2 to complete a 10-3 aggregate defeat. • Spartak’s home record against teams from Portugal is W1 D2 L1. Their solitary victory came in the 2000/01 UEFA Champions League first group stage when they beat Sporting Clube de Portugal 3-1 through goals from Robson and Marcão (2). • Jorge Jesus’s Benfica got the better of FC Zenit St Petersburg in last season’s round of 16, winning the second leg 2-0 through goals from Maxi Pereira and Nélson Oliveira. It overturned a 3-2 first-leg defeat away from home when they led 1-0 through Pereira but lost despite Óscar Cardozo’s 87th-minute strike briefly making it 2-2. • Benfica’s only victory in five attempts in Russia came in October 1996, 3-2 at FC Lokomotiv Moskva in the second leg of their UEFA Cup

Spartak desperate for home victory Winners’ Cup second-round tie. João Pinto, scorer of the only goal in the first leg, struck the winner with three minutes left. • When Spartak last lost their first two games in a UEFA Champions League group, in 2002/03, they finished without a point. Key Players: Spartak Moscow - Emmanuel Emenike, Ari, Aiden McGeady; Benfica - Ezekiel Garay, Oscar Cardozo, Pablo Aimar Izu

Izu joins Esperance in December IKENWA NNABUOGOR

Emenike

unshine Stars striker Azuka Izu will officially sign a contract with the Tunisian giants, Esperance, in December, National Mirror can exclusively report. Izu, currently in Cairo with the Akurebased team following their 1-0 loss to Ahly on Sunday entered an agreement in principle to join the multiple Tunisian champions. He is expected to sign a three year contract. The former JS Kabilye of Algeria striker will make the way in December when the transfer windows open again. He was tracked by a host of

Turkish clubs, one of which, sent their officials to Nigeria to convince him to sign for them, but he finally decided to accept the Esperance carrots. Izu returns to North Africa for the third time since he cancelled his contract with Libyan side Al-Ittihad Tripoli due to political unrest that engulfed the North African country. He will join the long list of Nigerian players to don the blood and gold colours of the Tunisian league kings. He’s expected to follow in the footsteps of Michael Eneramo who broke all individual records during his stay at the club.

Sport

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Glo Academy: Nigeria screening begins today

election of players for the Glo Soccer Academy will start in Nigeria today at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. The Benin screening of players to the Academy which has been described by Chief Segun Odegbami as the academy of all academies, will be administered by top coaches including the Team Manager of the Academy, Victor Ikpeba, former Chief Coach of Nigeria, Augustine Eguavon and another ex-international, Victor Igbinova. The screening will last for two days and players selected from the exercise will join the 16 talented boys selected from Ghana after a screening programme which was fiercely contested in six days of rigorous auditioning in Kumasi, Ta-

male and Accra. From Benin, the train will move to the Enugu Centre on Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, 28th at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium. Port Harcourt will host the Glo Soccer Academy screening team from Wednesday, October 31 to November 1 at the Liberation Stadium while the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja will host the screening team from November 5 -6, 2012 at the Old Parade Ground. Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, will host the screening team at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium in Surulere from Friday 9th to Sunday, 11th November 2012, while the last batch of screening exercises will hold in two locations in the Republic of Benin.

Okirika lifts SPDC/Rivers Governor’s Cup IFEANYI EDUZOR

O Fabrice Muamba and his wife, Shauna

Muamba ends nightmare with wedding

etired Bolton Wanderers’ player, Fabrice Muamba’s nightmare year has turned to joy as he married his fiancee, Shauna Magunda, who stood by him throughout the heart problems that ended his football career. The 24-year-old footballer married Shauna in a fairytale wedding in a stunning castle in Cheshire last weekend. Thierry Henry flew in from New York to be Muamba’s Best Man at the lavish affair, while among the other footballers invited were Robin van Persie, Andy Cole and all his former Bolton team-mates, according to reports in the Daily Mirror and Daily Mail. But the guest of honour at the do was Dr. Andrew Deaner, the cardiologist who ran onto the pitch at White Hart Lane and saved the midfielder’s life with his quick thinking. Several other of the medical team who saved his life were also present. The stunning venue was Peckforton Castle, between Chester and Crewe, a magnificent, sprawling 19th century building in medieval style

designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, the legendary Victorian architect who created St Pancras Station. The dozens of guests feasted on Caribbean food provided by a Manchester-based caterer, which included curried goat and jerk chicken. Muamba had asked 27-year-old Shauna to marry him on Valentine’s Day, just a few weeks before he suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch in an FA Cup clash against Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Despite being effectively dead for 78 minutes, the player managed to pull through with Shauna at his side throughout and her inspirational messages of hope and thanks via Twitter touched millions of fans around the world. The pair met in 2006 while Muamba was on loan at Birmingham and Shauna was studying for her Masters. They have been together ever since, and have a three-year-old son, Joshua. And though they had originally planned to wait a while before getting married, the Congo-born player’s brush with death convinced him to

bring it forward. “Since Fabrice almost died, he didn’t want to waste one moment. It looked as if the wedding was going to be a little way off, but he decided he didn’t want to wait,” a friend of the player’s told the Daily Star.

krika Local Government Area has won the 2012 edition of Rivers State Governor’s Cup decided last weekend at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt. In an entertaining encounter, the team defeated hard fighting Onelga 2-1 to lift the trophy. Both sides started the game cautiously with misplaced passes and woeful shootings in the early part of the game and it was not until the 32nd minute of play that Okirika scored the first goal of the match through Lucky Annobi. The team scored the second goal three minutes later through Christian Piagbara

after he collected a good pass from Dede Okubie to put the ball beyond their opponent’s goalkeeper. However after conceding two goals in quick succession, Onelga re-discovered their form, mounting series of pressures on their opponent’s goal area which paid off with Victor Mgbiabi scoring their only goal of the match towards the end of the first half.

Amaechi

NNL Super 4: Bayelsa United, Nembe clash in final

ayelsa United Football Club and Nembe City FC will today clash in the final of this year’s Nigeria National League (NNL) Super Four Championship. The two teams on Sunday in Abuja secured places in the final of the 2011/2012 NNL competition in the two semi-final matches played at the FIFA Goal Project of the National Stadium. Both teams defeated their respective opponents 2-1 to qualify for today’s final match. Playing in the first match, Bayelsa United defeated Nasarawa United of Lafia 2-1, through goals from Felix Nwagwu in the 71st and 73rd minutes. Lawal Adamu scored Nasarawa United’s only goal through a penalty kick in the game’s 87th minute.

In the second match, Audu Abraham’s 30th minute goal for El-Kanemi Warriors proved not to be enough for the Maiduguribased side. Uche Ihuarulam drew Nembe City level 20 minutes later and the Yenagoa-based side went on to seal their victory when Duku Dominic converted a penalty kick in the 70th minute. Today’s final match will be preceded by the third-place game between Nasarawa United and El-Kanemi Warriors. The Super Four Championship is for winners of the NNL’s four groups in the 2011/2012 season which ended in July. El-Kanemi Warriors won the league’s Group A while Nasarawa United won Group B, with Nembe City winning Group C and Bayelsa United topping Group D.

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Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Flood victims recount experiences at Wadata camp A censored life can be likened to being in prison. Aside losing your right to privacy and your movement curtailed, you neither can determine your food ration, nor the quality of it. This indeed is the apt description of the plight of the internally displaced persons, who are mainly women and children at Wadata Camp, Makurdi in Benue State. Makurdi, the capital city of Benue State, is classified in the A list category of states affected by the flood incident that has held sway in the country in the last couple of days. In the state alone, over 19,505 people are housed in three different camps in the state. Apart from the unofficial ones that are run by faith-based organisations and private individuals, other camps in the state, apart from Wadata, also include Wuruku camp and Saint Catherine Primary School. Also, 15 communities and six Local Government Areas in the state are said to be completely submerged in the flooding disaster. Some of the local governments, according to the Zonal Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Abdulsalam Mohammed, included Guma, Gua West, Logo, Makurdi Otukpo and Agatu. However, while some of the affected persons who spoke with our correspondent lauded the intervention of the Federal Government through NEMA, they alleged that some of the relief materials meant to bring succour to them in their moment of pains were being diverted by some officials of government. One of them, who simply identified himself as Samuel said that some of the officials in the camp were diverting foods meant for them, complaining that the ration given to him with his six children and two wives, could barely satisfy two people. Another refugee, a woman in her 30s called on government to deal with them directly so that the materials and food items meant for their upkeep could reach them. She said,” It is bad to cheat people who are in dire need. Some people bring money; some of the officials would take the money. Anything government wants to give us must be given to us directly. We are tired of being treated like animals on our own land.” Responding, NEMA Zonal Coordinator,

Wadata, a primary school premises in Makurdi, is one of the three camps that serve as a temporary home to a chunk of 19, 505 Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs) in the state. OLUFEMI ADEOSUN, who was at the camp recently, presents the unusual life of a people made refugees on their own land.

Displaced persons in Wadata camp, Makurdi, Benue State.

Mr. Abdulsalam Mohammed, said that such complaints were not unexpected; explaining there was no way the people could get the ideal things they naturally had when in their own homes. “Naturally, displaced people are aggrieved because of the trauma they experienced as a result of being taking away from their natural abode. There is no way government can satisfy all their needs,” he explained. Apart from the N17.6billion earmarked by the Federal Government to bring succour to the displaced people and affected communities across the country, he said over N30 million had been spent since the camp was created some weeks ago. In order to ensure that the people remain in good health, the NEMA official also added that National Agency for Food and Drug

Administration and Control (NAFDAC) also donated drugs worth N5million. He added that the camp had a functional dispensary with three doctors and nine qualified nurses working on shift for twenty hours to attend to any health issues that might arise in the camp. According to him, the medical team of the camp had taken delivery of four children since it opened. When asked if he could give a definitive date that the victims could return to their homes, Mohammed said that they would still be at the camp for some time, stressing that even though the water level had gone down considerably, some dangerous animals swept from the river to the houses could still be lurking around. He said, “We are not in haste for them to return. The water level has to completely

go down so that we can access every place and ensure that they are habitable again. Displaced people may still be in camp till November. We have to be very careful about their returning home so as not to jeopardise their safety.” Dr. Ubina Aberg, one of the medical doctors in the camp, said although the dispensary was equipped with drugs, it lacked necessary diagnostic instrument to test simple health issue like blood pressure. According to him, such instrument is very important because, people that were displaced from their original homes are susceptible to heart-related medical conditions. He also added that a camp of that nature was expected to have drugs to take care of respiratory infections.

Estate surveyors bemoan demolition of 500 housing units in Abuja DAYO AYEYEMI

ractitioners under the auspices of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) have not stopped to condemn in strong terms the recent demolition of 500 housing units at Goza in Lugbe, Abuja, describing government’s action as ‘deplorable’. The real estate experts, while condemning government’s action, said the demolition was unwarranted, anti people and insensitive. To redress the action, they appealed to the authorities of the Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA) to take urgent steps in compensating Nigerians whom have invested their life savings in the housing estate so as not to encourage crime and further increase insecurity. They suggested that housing units commensurate to the depositors’ funds in Goza should be provided within the precinct of

the FCT to assuage the pains of “these hapless Nigerians.” Officials of the FCTA and some members of the Senate Committee on the FCT had allegedly stormed the Minanuel Estate, Lugbe Extension 1, along the Airport Road, last week to carry out the demolition allegedly under instructions from the Minister of the FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed. Despite the demolition of 500 housing units estimated N3billion, the FCTA maintains that 37 more estates have been pencilled for demolition, threatening that, “There is no going back on the demolitions of the “illegal” structures.” The National Assembly joint committee on the FCT led by had visited the Minanuel Estate where the senator expressed shock that development was going on land allocated to “National Assembly members and other Nigerians”. Estate surveyors in a statement signed by its institution’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr.Victor Ayeye, described govern-

ment action not only deplorable but also condemnable when viewed within the context of housing challenges being faced by the residents of Abuja. Ayeye said the institution is surprised that government is deploying its energy in demolishing houses which by all reasonable calculations are grossly inadequate, raising posers on whose interest the government was defending by the action which it said had succeeded in worsening housing needs of the FCT residents. He said, “The government has not made conscious efforts in improving the lots of Nigerians in the area of housing in the last ten years, a development that has made the city of Abuja one of the most expensive in the continent if not in the world, and if private organisations are intervening to bridge the lacuna, one wonders why the state which primarily should encourage and support such initiative would turn around and sabotage same through reckless demolition without considering the

import of the action on the low income earners “What is more puzzling is that the low income earners that pull resources together to build the estate went through necessary government agency- National Housing Fund, under the supervision of another Federal Government agency, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria,” he stated. Some among these hapless Nigerians, he maintained had invested all their savings on the housing units, saying reason why government should wait that long beats the imagination of the institution. He said, “For decades, the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers had canvassed the need by the state to ensure the existence of an enabling environment where professionals in the real estate sector could come in and do the needful, but what do we have? The state has now literally turned against its own people by demolishing their houses.

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Strike the right balance between style, comfort and cost during office partitioning

ffice partitions are becoming one of the most essential cost saving strategies for offices that need to section off parts of the workspace without altering the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s structure. Today, most employees are content with the level privacy and silence provided by cubicles and office partitions so long as they are surrounded by a positive work environment. There are many different kinds of office partitions. They can be made from glass or other composite materials. Most office partitions are portable and therefore highly customizable. Different types of office partitions: Glass partitions: Generally, glass partitions are made of glass encased by steel and aluminum frames. These partitions are available in full and half length panels. To provide privacy, glass surface may be frosted or etched. Frosted glass partitions are particularly stylish. Alternatively, plain glass partitions may be covered with Venetian blinds to provide necessary privacy. Glass partitions are ideal for sectioning the office into segments because they reduce noise pollution while allowing the free flow of light into rooms-something that is of the utmost importance in office spaces. Prices of partitions vary according to the size and style of the glass. Framing options also impact

Source: modernhousez.net

partitionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cost. Half length to full length partitions: Often, offices make use of floor to ceiling partitions. These are used to break up the office space into different rooms. Half length partitions, on the other hand, may be installed to provide dedicated workspaces to different employees. Half length partitions are often called cubicles as they are easily customized to suit spacing requirements. Portable office partitions: These kinds of office partitions are generally on rollers. They are easily moved from one place to another. These partitions are not typically used in offices simply because they offer the least noise control. Besides, since they are portable, they also offer less privacy. Finally, you may find accordion walls functioning as office partitions. These are floor to ceiling partitions configured in any style required. When choosing office partitions, it is necessary to strike the right balance between style, good looks, comfort and cost. Most offices want partitions that offer plenty of privacy, good noise control and excellent looks. All of the above factors must be kept in mind before choosing the right office partitions. Culled from business.ezinemark.com

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Real Estate & Environment

BCPG, LSMTL finetune training programme for concrete workers DAYO AYEYEMI

n a move to eradicate incessant of collapse of buildings and improve process of construction, the Building Collapsed Prevention Guild (BCPG) in conjunction with the Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory (LSMTL) has concluded plans to train all concrete producers and workers in the state for efficient performance. The training is not unconnected to the cases of collapse of buildings, especially high rise structures in the state, which many experts have traced its root largely to shoddy concrete works and use of sub standard materials. BCPG has been championing campaigns against building collapse while organising bricklayers, concrete producers and workers in Lagos State in the last four years. Speaking with leaders of concrete workers across Lagos State to perfect the modalities of the training programme/rally, Chairman of BCPG, Mr. Kunle Awobodu, maintained that workers, operators and other artisans that have one thing or the other to do with concreting on construction sites, comprising welders, carpenters and bricklayers would be part of the seminar. He said there was no need pointing accusing fingers on one another, stating that everybody has erred and “this is what BCPG wants to correct.” He appealed to them to always check the excesses of their workers, admonishing the leaders that they have a role to play by refusing to work on any site where owners or developers fail to provide adequate materials, which end results could lead to collapse of buildings. The Managing Consultant, Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LASMTL), a monitoring agency, Mr. Shola Famakin, urged concrete mixers to always liaise with the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) on training programme that will enhance their jobs. He assured them that his agency is going to be part of the forth coming training, scheduled to hold at Ikeja,Lagos. He said, “There is need to go back to the basis and do the right things that people have abandoned. There is need for us to have standards for casting of concrete for deckings and house columns. With the look of things, he said it would

Concrete workers in Lagos

be made mandatory for engineers, concrete mixers and operators on construction sites to sign certification documents before embarking concrete works, urging that there is need to collaborate to get good result. Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Building, Lagos chapter, Mr. Jelili Akinpelu, emphasised the need for cooperation among concrete workers to do the right things. Another staff of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory, Mr. Gboyega Abisogun, said there was need for stakeholders in the industry including builders, engineers, iron benders and concreters to work together to correct various anomalies in order to move the sector forward. He blamed concrete workers for shoddy mix of materials in most construction sites, saying impatience on their part was responsible. He also cited overbearing of concreters as another factor responsible for shoddy concrete works, saying it result leads to collapse of building. Leader of concrete workers from Mushin, Alhaji Owonimess, appreciated most people in the meeting, saying it was the first time professionals in the building sector is planning such a training semi-

nar for concrete workers. He said, “I have been on the job since 1968. It is what we threw away before now that we are coming back to. I have observed that the houses we did the concrete works in the past have not collapsed but the new ones. Something must be wrong. “We are going to work with BCPG and government to end this embarrassment.” Another leader, Alhaji Olarewaju Alabede, promised that concreters would talk to themselves, saying “It is the right time to do the right thing.” He also blamed the menace of collapsed buildings on low-income of people, saying some people who could not afford to build bungalows are forcing themselves to construct storey buildings. The scenario, he said always lead to compromise on the quantity of building materials made available. Another concrete worker who did not mentioned his name said there was a need to specify quality of gravels or granites for use during concrete works and the need to talk to iron benders to stop the use of substandard iron rods for concrete casting. Leader of concrete workers in Ikorodu, Mr Taiwo Ilufoye, stressed the need to

Awobodu

make it mandatory for officials of materials testing laboratory to certify all concrete works before commencing construction. Another from Alimosho who simply identified himself as Olayiwola, maintained the need to check wood formwork for foundation to ensure its depth before casting concrete.

COREN urged to design world standard safety measures OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

he Federal Government has urged the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to come up with a universally acceptable safety standard that would enhance engineering practice in the country. It said achieving this would go a long in way in addressing the challenges posed by the dearth of competent technicians and craftsmen in the country. Minister of State for Works, Bashir Yuguda made the call while declaring open a workshop on “Health and Safety

in Construction” organised by COREN in Abuja recently. He said that engineering profession in the country could only occupy a pride of place in the country and a force to be reckoned with internationally, if it made training and retraining one of its cardinal objectives. The minister who was represented by his Special Assistant on Technical Matters, Engr. Edward Bosah, Yuguda noted, “The council must take construction safety very seriously, to go beyond workshops and seminars.” On the efforts of the ministry to ensure adherence to safety standard among engineers, he said, “The minis-

try has taken cogent steps to revitalise its training schools spread across the country ‘so as to ensure’ a robust engineering profession which can only be assured if training schools in the country are properly equipped and functional.” The Council’s President,Mr. Ibikunle Ogunbayo, stated that lack of safety measures in construction sites had various negative effects on construction workers leading to a low construction output. While listing the leading safety hazards on construction sites to include fall from heights, motor vehicle crashes, excavation accidents, electrocution,

machines and being struck by falling objects, he revealed that the time is overdue that something be done to imbibe the safety and health culture that would save personnel and industries from further deterioration. The COREN president maintained that it was through this process that the country would get the maximum output as a result of safety and health measures in engineering projects. He however vowed that the council would ensure that various labour laws regarding safety of employers and work base insurance were strictly adhered to. He enjoined Nigerians to report cases of abuse of workers by construction

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fashola delivers housing, 8 maternal, child-care buildings

Maternal hospital in Surulere, Lagos

eeping the promise with the people, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, at the weekend inaugurated six different projects in various spheres like housing, healthcare, potable water and transportation with the assurance that things will get better for residents of Lagos. He disclosed during the launch of Maternal and Child Care Mortality Reduction Programme in the state that his administration has constructed eight Maternal and Child Care hospitals in five years. According to him, five of the hospitals

have gone into full operation, while out of the remaining three, two have been completed while training of staff specially recruited to be familiar with the equipment and the facilities before being deployed is currently going on. Besides, the governor hinted that he has awarded another two hospitals in Badagry and Epe to ensure that the project reduce distance to hospital for pregnant women, saying it is statewide and all embracing. At the handing over of the Maternal and Child Care Centre (MCC) in Ikorodu, the governor said three out of the eight MCC

Women, most vulnerable to environmental disasters –Mailafia OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

he Minister of Environment, Mrs. Hadiza Mailafia, has advocated the involvement of women in policy issues relating to environment, stressing that they were more susceptible to environmental disasters. Mailafia spoke at the Gender PEER Review and Validation Workshop in Abuja at the weekend. Two documents that were reviewed at the forum include: Gender Mainstreaming Toolkit for National Environmental policies and Processes and Adaptation of Gender into the Environment Sector. She said that the motive behind gender mainstreaming into environmental issues in Nigeria was necessitated by the need to evolve a system for a sustainable use of the country’s natural resources. “The idea of gender mainstreaming into environmental issues in Nigeria by the Federal Ministry of Environment is informed by the need to be effective, initiative and sustain changer that can positively affect the environment, the people and promote equitable and sustainable development,” she said. According to the minister who was represented by the Director, Planning and Research, Mrs Olabisi Jaji, to put an end to the rate of environmental degradation and reduce the impact on the population, women, men and the youths

must be made to participate effectively and at acceptable proportions in policy formulation, programme design, implementation and evaluation for sustainable environmental management. In his presentation, a Professor of Demography at the University of Jos, Osagbemi Makanjuola, said that although the goal of gender mainstreaming was to achieve gender equality, women were still grossly treated as underdogs. He said that the idea of gender mainstreaming in the country had not achieve desirable result because it did not evolve along policy processes. Other difficulties associated with it, according to the don, included lack of gender disaggregated data in most of the government sectors and department lack of technical backstopping to support on gender mainstreaming efforts at various levels, unsustainable institutional gender capacity including conceptual clarity on gender mainstreaming for effective implementation and monitoring and difficulty in developing tangible gender indicator. The University lecturer who linked women venerability to environmental disaster to a number of factors such as politics, education, culture and poverty, said the idea of gender mainstream would remain at the realm of conjecture until the Federal Government muster the needed political will to pursue it.

have been completed in Isolo, Ifako Ijaiye and Ikorodu . He said, “The state is blazing the trail of hope which it intends to keep alive. At no time has public service come under close scrutiny as it is being done now when much is being expected from health care givers,he said. The governor explained that as progress was being made with projects to overcome the problems of non-communicable diseases and the risk they pose to pregnant women, government also commenced the implementation of the project to reduce the

distance between the pregnant woman and the hospital. “At that time only the Lagos Island Maternity where I was born; and Ayinke House in Ikeja were the preferred facilities for women who lived in places like Badagry, Ikorodu, Epe and other far flung places of Lagos”. “We designed the prototype of the 100 Bed 4 Storey Mother and Child Centre (which we have upgraded to a 110 Bed) that have commended themselves to other States in Nigeria today”, the governor stated. Governor Fashola who took a retrospective look at the programme said it is a project within a comprehensive programme that started in 2007, adding that when he was elected as Governor one of the challenges he resolved to confront was the unacceptable index of women of children or both who lost their lives in the process of giving life. He said his interactions with professionals in the medical fields both within the State service and private sector showed the many causes of infant and maternal mortality are many and varied. Among them were the issues of diet, lifestyle, undiagnosed non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes, complications during pregnancy, quackery, distance to properly equipped hospitals which sometimes led to fatalities during emergencies. The governor who gave a status report on each of the factors said as at today, government has resolved a number of them and still has its hands on the plough to overcome those that are still receiving attention.

Lagos clears 581 building plan applications for approval

he Lagos State Government is desirous of bequeathing sustainable living environment to the present and future generations and will vigorously protect the use of common paths and public highways especially for the use of pedestrians. Commissioner in the Ministry for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Toyin Ayinde, has said. In a statement by the spokesperson of the ministry, Mrs. Olubunmi Olowu-Adekoya, the commissioner stated that members of the public have been urged to put on notice that government will no longer tolerate illegal developments, obstruction of road setbacks as well as building on drainage channels. According to the commissioner , the ministry had recently did a reappraisal, restructuring and repositioning which, he said has started yielding positive results in service delivery especially through its agency, the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA). He gave kudos to the new general manager of the agency who, he said has led his team to demonstrate that “it is possible to process building plan approvals within a short possible time by clearing a backlog of 581 building plan applications in just five days.” He therefore appealed to members

of the public who may have submitted their building plans for approval to check in the district offices in the next few days. He also used the opportunity to charge all other officers to brace in order to respond to the expectations of citizens and continue to render selfless service to the public. Ayinde remarked that the ministry’s repositioning was made possible through the support of His Excellency, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) to provide improved service delivery in the pursuit of the implementation of the Service Charter recently announced by the government. He therefore enjoined members of the general public to submit their plans for approval through the appropriate channels and refrain from seeking short cuts, as the ministry is now better positioned to speedily process building plan applications for approval. He further emphasised the importance of obtaining planning approval before construction as being very critical to our quality of life in terms of urban planning and development and the ability of government to easily provide services to well-planned areas with approved buildings. In the same vein, he advised the public to engage qualified professionals in the design and construction of their buildings.

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Aviation

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

In this interview with OLUSEGUN KOIKI, General Manager, Corporate Communications of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Yakubu Dati speaks on several controversial issues in the sector in recent time; the condemnation trailing the restructuring of the agencies by the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, among many other issues. Excerpts

Restructuring is part of transformation agenda in aviation – GM, Corporate Comm, FAAN

at the end of the day, no work is done. That is why the country’s aviation has been in comatose over the years. The question you should ask a critic is; what have you done over these years? Where is the substandard ones they have on ground? Still on the ongoing remodeling of the airports, the exercise has been on for over a year, when are we witnessing the first commissioning of the airports?

The Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah some few weeks ago embarked on some restructuring exercise that culminated in the sacking, redeployment and recruitment of some personnel in the sector and this has been met with condemnation by some stakeholders in the sector, what do you have to say on this? I want to believe that the restructuring in the agencies is part of the Federal Government’s transformation agenda. Human nature, when there is a change, there is bound to be some resistance. In fact, anything good that comes has always come with fear in the minds of some people, some with trepidation, the fear of the unknown and some because they can not fit into the new system, but I tell you that when the minister came into the office, she has demonstrated in action that she has the transformation of the aviation industry in mind. We are talking of total renovation and reconstruction of 11 airports in the first phase within a record period, we are talking of construction of four airports that will be built from the scratch, we are talking of cargo airports that will be built, and we are talking of checking excesses and leakages in the system. Those are the things you can not get away with without attacks. Now, if you have all these facilities on the ground, you sincerely believe that you have the personnel or the manpower that will be able to drive us into the next century. That is of course some of the changes. Most importantly also, this is part of the aviation roadmap. It was generally agreed that the attitudes of most of the personnel that drive the aviation that they were also a clog in the wheel of progress. So, there was a need that as you change the sector, bring in new structures, there is a need also to bring in new hands to assist the old hands into the change that is already re-occurring. These structural changes are to refocus the industry to readapt to the inflow of traffic and economic activities that would come with the structures that are being laid on ground. Then, can we say the increase in the directorates of FAAN from six to nine is part of the restructuring especially at a time when the managing director of FAAN said that the headquarters does not need more than 300 staff to operate?

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. When farmers are able to sell their produce, they will be happier and will be able to invest more. There will be stability of prices, which will affect the economic development of the country. There are complaints in some quarters that the ongoing remodeling of 11 airports by the minister is of low standards, what is your impression on the quality of works done so far?

You see, I don’t think restructuring has to do with expansion of personnel in the agency, these are two different things. You have to look at some things, which directorates are we even talking about? Cargo Directorate. In international aviation, more money is made and more economic activities is created through cargo because that is where the farmer from Ijebu-Ode 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. Israel today on every valentine makes millions of naira in roses because they fly them fresh from Israel to America. So, Nigeria should be able to key into that because when it comes to agriculture, Nigeria is number one. But our farmers do not have access fro 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 Good Luck 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

Well, I want to say that a member of the National Assembly whom I won’t mention his name here came back from touring the airports and said he was surprised at the high level of works done in the airports by the minister. The toilets are automated; in fact, we are currently going through serious education for users on the handling of some of the facilities installed for use. So, if somebody is saying those facilities are sub-standards, you know they belong to the group of people who are yet to visit the airports and like we always say, journalists should find time and see the works for themselves. The quality is unrivaled; the construction going on has never been done in the history of Nigeria. You will recall that after the building of most of the terminals some 30 years ago, no major works were done on them. This equally affected the runways, which lack cables to put tools for upgrading. That is why in a terminal, they decided to put an underground car park and ironically, in a modern aviation, you don’t do that because it takes into cognisance the reality of the moment, the security situation in the globe. So, those are things that come into building new airports and I’m telling you, what you see in the airports are world class facilities. Generally, you don’t expect everybody to agree with you, but most have confirmed that the quality of works is unrivalled. Let me add here that most of the people criticising are those who see themselves as gateway to aviation in Nigeria and they believe that every contract must come to them and

Dati

I WANT TO ASSURE YOU HERE THAT EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE TO AMELIORATE THAT SORDID SITUATION, BUT THAT ALSO BRING US TO THE FACT THAT THE RUNWAY HAS BEEN LEFT IN THAT PERIOD FOR YEARS

The first commissioning will be coming up in December and we are talking about Lagos, Port Harcourt and Benin airports according to our Managing Director, Mr. George Uriesi and I like to also say here that at the pace of work that we started, those projects were supposed to be completed within six months, but what happened? A lot of people who see themselves as perpetual aviation contractors and who have always collected money without work, decided to write petitions against the projects and in a democratic setting, when people ask questions, you have to stop and answer some questions. So, these are some of the delays that have been created. If not, by now, we would have been enjoying our 22 airports as I’m talking to you right away, but the minister is not discouraged and Nigerians are very happy that the works are ongoing. The lack of airfield lighting on the domestic runway of the Murtala Mohammed Airport since 2006 when it was reopened is of grave concern to airline operators who burn extra fuel during taxing, what is the plan of this government on the airfield lighting on the runway? I want to assure you here that efforts are being made to ameliorate that sordid situation, but that also bring us to the fact that the runway has been left in that period for years. So, provisions were not made for those facilities and that is why the reconstruction and the remodeling is ongoing, but you have to note here that all the problems can’t be solved in a day because if you do that, there will be total system collapse. That is why the terminals are in the first place and subsequently, those areas would be handled. I want to say it here that the level we have found ourselves in the sector today was because of the rots in the system for so many years because people who were saddled with responsibilities to play their roles never did. The inability of those saddled with responsibilities to play their part is what has led to every sector in the country looking for recognition from the government. How far has the government gone with the planned aerotropolis concept for the Nigerian aviation industry? The concept of aerotropolis is building a city around the airports and basically, this is driven by the private sector, government is to provide the enabling environment and this is why the airports are being remodeled and the agencies are being restructured by the government because you need to restructure to be able to drive this process. You must build confidence in your investors; the airline business is capital intensive with international collection. International investors can not come until they are convinced that there is commitment on the ground and which other commitment than the massive reconstruction that is ongoing in most of the airports? Which other commitment than the four airports that have been approved for construction and to be completed within 24 months? Which other commitment than the removal of export duties on aircraft and their spare parts? I’m telling you that at the end of the day, Nigeria will not only be a destination haven for investors for Africa, but it will be the centre hub for business activities in the continent. On the proposed national carrier and the refusal of established international carriers to partner with the country, why is this so? In the first place, most of the problems being itemised were problems that have been on ground over the years, we have lost our credibility in the comity of nations, in the business community, but we are already showing signs that things have changed. The Nigeria of today is not the Nigeria of yesteryears. There is discipline and new order that are coming in because of the responsibility of the government. Things have changes in the country and that is why investors are now willing to do business with us, but I can assure you that things can only move forward in this country.

Aviation

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

NAMA boss bemoans high operational cost T he Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Nnamdi Udoh has identified high operational costs as one of the challenges militating against the growth of the agency. Speaking recently at the headquarters of NAMA on his 365 days in office, Udoh said that although, the agency has good technological platforms like the Communication and Navigational Services installed in strategic places in the country, but faces high operational and running costs in comparison with revenue collection. Also, he noted that the agency had skilled personnel in high numbers, but observed that most of them are ageing without adequate replacement in place. In a bid to effectively service its clients, Udoh explained that NAMA needed to the self-sustained on its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), have access

Udoh

to funds for many of its capital projects, diversify to non0aeronautic revenues sources, develop efficient human resource and keying into evolving technologies in the global aviation industry. On parts of its ongoing projects across the nation, he mentioned the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON), which he said had boosted safety in the airspace since its completion in 2010, safe tower project,

total Very High Frequency Radio Coverage and automation of the Aeronautic Information Service. Others are the rehabilitation of 13 control towers, procurement of navigational aids for designated airports towers, successful completion of World Geodetic Survey (WGS-84) and commencement of solar power panel to boost its services across the nation’s airports. He stated further that some airports in the country lack Airfield Lighting on their runways among which are the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos runway 18 left, Abuja runway 04, Kano runway 24, Port Harcourt runway 21, Owerri runway 35, Minna runway 23 and Yola runway 35. He however assured that the agency would soon embark on the installations of the facilities in some of the airports they are presently lacking to further increase efficiency among the airline operators in the country.

Turkish Airlines orders another 15 Airbus A330 aircraft

urkish Airlines said it has placed an order for 15 A330-300s, their seventh order for the A330 family of aircraft and their 12th Airbus order overall. The aircraft will be operated on medium and long haul routes from the Turkish Airlines hub in Istanbul. Turkish Airlines placed their first order with Airbus in 1984, and now operate 101 Airbus aircraft including 17 A330 Family aircraft. “The efficiency, reliability and passenger appeal of our in-service A330’s make them a cornerstone of the Turkish Airlines medium and long haul operations” said the Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Dr Temel Kotil. “The new order will allow us to continue our strategy of growth and fleet renewal with an aircraft we know to be both reliable and profitable.” “Airbus and Turkish Airlines have a long history of partnership, and we are proud to be celebrating our twentieth order together,” said the Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy. “The efficiency, reliability and comfort provided by the A330 continues to delight customers and passengers worldwide and will do so for many years to come.”

Airbus aircraft share a unique cockpit and operational commonality, allowing airlines to use the same pool of pilots, cabin crews and maintenance engineers, bringing operational flexibility and resulting in significant cost savings. Airbus is the leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive family of airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. The A330 Family, which spans 250 to 300 seats, and includes Freighter, VIP, and

Military Transport/Tanker variants, has now attracted more than 1,200 orders, with around 900 aircraft flying with some 90 operators worldwide. Ever since the original version of the A330-300 entered service, the hallmark has been its very efficient operating economics. Thanks to the introduction of numerous product improvements, it still remains the most costefficient and capable aircraft in its class, and the family is achieving average dispatch reliability above 99 per cent.

L-R: Out going Managing Director, Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL), Mr. Isaac Orolugbabgbe, new Managing Director, Mr. Olu Owolabi and CEO, B.O. Akinola & Co., Mr. Femi Dele Akinola at a send forth party in honour of the former MD held at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

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AIRSIDE

shegzzy4live2000@yahoo.co.uk 08186007273

When will these conveyor belts be installed?

he conveyor belts presently in use at the baggage reclaimed area of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos were installed in 1979 when the airport was commissioned by the government. In the last couple of years, users of the facilities have been clamouring for a change as the belts’ performances have continue to declined and presently operates at snail speed. The epileptic function of the conveyor belts is causing users a lot of man hour delay at the airport. The management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as at January this year claimed to have procured three new conveyor belts for in-

stallation at the airport, but 10 months down the line, the belts are yet to be installed. The inability of the agency to install the facilities several months after the alleged purchase has however cast doubt over the true position if things. Airside appeals to the management of FAAN to take the necessary action on this as it will be unthinkable for airport users to be handed remodelled airport with old and archaic facilities like the conveyor belts still in use. Airside thinks the government should equally earmark some amount of money for the belts in the ongoing remodelling for the benefit of all. I rest my case.

South African Airways CEO’s resignation

arlier in the month, no fewer than three management staff of South African Airways, including its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ms. Siza Msimela, resigned their positions from the airline for yet to be made public reasons. Msimela was in the saddle for three years before she tendered her resignation. While Airside believes that nobody is indispensable, no matter how, feels there is an underground power tussle in the Southern African airline, which led to the resignation of its CEO. A particular paragraph in the press statement signed by the Chairman, Board of Directors says it all: “The airline views these resignations as a turbulence of a temporary nature, which must not be al-

lowed to affect its ability to discharge its core function in a responsible and prudent manner. SAA is a resilient company that has the ability to weather the storms.” Airside had on a few occasions had a cause to interact with Msimela and sees her as a strong-will person who will not tolerate any unprofessional conduct or interference from any quarters no matter how highly placed such a person might be. Airside hopes the resignation of Msimela will not be the beginning of the “turbulence” period for the airline, which within its years of establishment has taken the continent’s aviation to the next level. SAA management should do the right thing before it’s too late and not join the league of countries with former national carriers.

British Airways reveals easier way to book on online

ritish Airways last week said that clients visiting its ba.com will now find it even easier to book flights on its website due to a new registration scheme. An online statement signed by the airline’s media consultant in Nigeria stated that the new service offers customers a simple registration option during the booking process, which can help them to save their personal details to make future bookings easier and quicker. According to the statement, when customers log in, their personal information and APIS details are automatically entered to every new booking, taking out the hassle of adding them each time. The head of ba.com, Kevin McQuillan said the modernization of its website to male online booking easier further showed the airline’s commitment to personalising the experience on ba.com to make it more relevant and responsive to

its customers. He explained that easy registration is an important step in that direction, which will ensure the airline recognises its customers and provide them with a process that is quick and easy to use at all times. Like other on-line retailers, such as Amazon, the new British Airways easy registration option allows customers to quickly sign up, providing only their name, email address and password, or to log into their existing registered customer or Executive Club account, while in the booking process. A post-login landing page will display all upcoming flights, providing easy access to bookings. Registered customers will also have an option to easily convert their account to an Executive Club account, while existing Club members will be able to see all their flights, not just those containing their frequent flyer number.

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Insurance

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Information gap, major challenge to pension scheme

Lack of adequate knowledge about the workings of the Contributory Pension Scheme, introduced by the Federal Government following the enactment of the Pension Reform Acts ( PRA) 2004 by the working population in the country, among other issues, remains a major challenge to the development of the scheme. OMOBOLA TOLU-KUSIMO reports

o you work in the private or public sector? If yes; have you ever imagined a future without legitimate retirement plan? In Nigeria, for you to benefit from a legitimate retirement plan, there are steps that must be taken by the employee and the employer. Following the enactment of the Pension reform Act, 2004 in the country, the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) was introduced by the Federal Government and is aimed at bringing succour to the Nigerian retirees. The CPS ensures that everyone who has worked receives his or her retirement benefits as and when due and are able to contribute to economic developments of the country. The new pension scheme covers all employees in both public and the private sector of the economy and is mandatory for all categories of employers and employees covered under the Pension Reform Act. Under the scheme, an employee shall make monthly contributions of a minimum of 7.5 percent of the total of his or her monthly emoluments (i.e., monthly basic salary, transport allowance and housing allowance into his RSA while the employer shall contribute a minimum of 7.5 percent of the employee’s monthly emoluments towards the retirement benefits of the employee. Similarly, an employer can make all the contributions on behalf of the employee without making any deduction from the employee’s salary except that such contribution by the employer shall not be less than 15 percent of the monthly emoluments of the employee. An employee’ contributions are just savings out of your emoluments towards your old age and the employer’s contributions will only increase such savings. Meanwhile, existing pensioners, employees who have 3 years or less to retire and the categories of persons covered by the provisions of section 291 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 are exempted from the new pension scheme. However, for you to be fully covered or remain covered till your retirement period as an employee in either the public or private sector there is need to always check on your employer and understand how the CPS works. An employee also has a responsibility to blow the whistle on his or employer as failure to do so may lead to non-remittance of his or her pension deductions. PenCom has said lack of adequate knowledge about the workings of the CPS among other issues forms major challenges of the scheme. According to the regulatory body for pension and retirement benefits management in the country, National Pension Commission (PenCom), the CPS is more

Ahmed

THE CHALLENGES ARE LACK OF ADEQUATE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE WORKINGS OF THE

CPS, MULTIPLE REGISTRATIONS AND LACK OF CLEAR IDENTIFICATION OF RETIREMENT SAVINGS ACCOUNT (RSA) HOLDERS, DELAYS IN REMITTANCE OF CONTRIBUTIONS, OCCASIONED BY NON-SUBMISSION OF NOMINAL ROLLS BY THE MDAS, LOW LEVEL OF MONTHLY PENSION AND PERIODIC REVIEW OF PENSION reliable than the Defined Benefit Scheme as fund is set aside by both the employer and employee to fully meet future retirement benefits. Managing Director, Legacy Pension Managers, Mr. Misbahu Yola while speaking at the just concluded workshop organised by the commission for business Editors and Finance, Insurance and Labour Correspondent in Abuja on the roles of Employees, Employees, Pension Fund Administration (PFA), Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs) and PenCom said roles of employees include enrolment with a PFA of choice, submission of RSA to employer for onward funding of RSA. He explained that the employers are to ensure employees enrol with PFAs and make monthly pension remittances to PFAs.

“Roles of PFA’s are enrolments, collections, investment and benefit administration, roles of PFC are collections, assets custody and benefit administration while PenCom is to regulate the operators, set the rules and guidelines for all aspects and make remittances of some selected Ministries, Departments and Agencies”. Yola stated further that the role of retiree and prospective retiree in the public sector are timely attendance of verification and enrolment exercise conducted by PenCom for impending retirees of the federal government. “Their employers are to ensure timely submission of nominal roll to PenCom for accurate determination of employee benefits especially in cases of promotions after verification and provide PFA with copies of retirement notice and necessary docu-

ments for updating registration details and any possible change of Next of Kin. “In the private sector, retirees are to produce original copy of remittance status letter showing that all remittances have been made to the PFA and other statutory documents. He noted that documents required to access benefits are duly completed legacy notice of retirement form, duly completed indemnity form in the case of public sector, duly completed programmed withdrawal agreement form’ PenCom verification slip for public sector only, bank confirmation of account among others. He added that PFAs are to contact employees six month before retirement, notify employee of types of documentation required and advise on various modes of withdrawal from RSA. Head, Research and Corporate Strategy, PenCom, Dr. Farouk Aminu in a paper presentation on developments in the pension industry revealed that the commission has challenges in implementing the CPS. He said, “The challenges are lack of adequate knowledge about the workings of the CPS, multiple registrations and lack of clear identification of Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders, delays in remittance of contributions occasioned by non-submission of nominal rolls by the MDAs, low level of monthly pension and periodic review of pension”. Head Compliance and Enforcement Department, PenCom, Mr. M. B. Umar on his part said cases of non-remittance of pension deductions by employers of labour being taken seriously by the commission. He enjoined employees to expose any employer who fail to remit deducted funds from their salaries to necessary Pension Fund Administrators (PFA) to the commission He disclosed that the commission will continue to prosecute defaulters with a view to bringing sanity into the system. As a precursor, the Director-General of PenCom, Mohammed Kabir Ahmed, said over 200 companies in the banking, oil and gas industries, as well as hospitals and media organisations have been audited. Ahmed said that in order to make the new pension scheme more vibrant and meet the expectations of Nigerians, the commission is currently discussing with the Attorney General of the Federation to make laws that would empower it to prosecute defaulters in all the states of the federation. “Due to the frequent report cases of non-remittance of pension deductions by employers of labour, the Pension Commission (PenCom) will soon start prosecuting defaulters, to ensure that the scheme meet its expected goals,” Ahmed said.

Insurance

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

NAIC moves to sensitise farmers on agric insurance

onsolidated Hallmark Insurance plc (CHI) has paid out claims worth over 600 million as at end of third quarter in September 2012, Mr. Eddie Efekoha, CHI Managing Director has said. According to him, the payment is more than N512 million paid in the full year of 2011, which will be higher at the

Toro

rians vulnerable to massive food shortage. It would be recalled that the scheme from inception, began with the underwriting of two crops, namely rice and maize and two livestock items viz: Cattle and Poultry and gradually progressed into covering majority of the crops and livestock items obtainable in the country, including export crops such as cocoa, tea/coffee, cotton and rubber. To allow for a good portfolio mix, conventional Insurance such as Fire, Motor, Contractors All-Risk, Marine, Bonds etc are being undertaken. Insur-

ance of fisheries, snailery, bee keeping and horticultural crops are currently being underwritten. On its premium generation, the corporation has, since inception, issued out almost a million policies with the volume of risk amounting to about N100 billion, thereby earning the corporation a premium sum of about N2 billion. It has also settled claims worth several hundred of millions for farmers and cooperative groups. It would be recalled that farmers were sacked from their villages and their crops washed away by flood.

conclusion of business in 2012. He made the disclosure during the official presentation of Group Accident Insurance Cover to Insurance Correspondents in Lagos recently. Efekoha said the company takes payment of claims as priority because of how much it values its clients thus ensures that it’s underwriting is healthy and professionally handled. Besides, he believes that the business of insurance is driven by referrals and customers’ recommendation. He said, “For us as a company, we recognise that we are in business to pay claims and therefore we must operate and ensure we do not fail. When we do that, satisfied clients will recommend themselves and other people to us. So it’s a business that is built on referrals such that existing clients will refer you when you have done well and we will continue to do that in the mist of changing envi-

ronment.” He noted that despite the harsh business environment and challenging regulatory regime, the company has continued to witness upward movement in growth fundamentals. “For our company, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance plc, l will say that we are happy with where we are, having achieved a very modest growth. The key driver of the business from the start is its people including the staff and the board. “Part of the progress the company achieved includes early hosting of its annual general meetings having invested in faster technologies for improved processes. Each year we try to bring forward the time we hold the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Since 2007 we held the AGM in August, then July and this year 2012 we held it before the first half of the year and as we move on, we will continue to improve on the time of the AGM”, he said.

RISAN to hold confab on disaster management

he Risk Surveyors Association of Nigeria (RISAN) has concluded plans to hold its 2012 National Conference The conference which is a yearly event under which auspices professional risk surveyors, insurance professionals and operators in the commerce, manufacturing and energy sectors congregate to rub minds on crucial issues

Send a text: 07080735854

Consolidated Hallmark pays over N600m on claims in Q3

Efekoha

Problems with Insurance?

Stop this complicated insurance stuff!

STORIES: OMOBOLA TOLU-KUSIMO he National Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) has called on Nigerians especially the farming populace to insure their farms against future natural hazards. Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alhaji Bappa Lawal Toro, who made this call recently in Abuja said NAIC sympathises with farmers whose farms were affected by flood in recent times He however encourages them to insure their farms by taking advantage of the Federal Governments 50 percent subsidised agric insurance for all farmers. He stated that this is aimed at boosting the agricultural sector as part of the transformational agenda of the Federal Government. Describing the recent flood in the country as a wakeup call for the nation especially the farming populace, he said farmers need not suffer unnecessary losses when they can adequately be covered by NAIC. He noted that NAIC which pays claims promptly is a dependable partner in time of any loss and advised the farmers to secure their hard-earned investments by ensuring that their farms are insured. The flood which ravaged twenty states with farmlands destroyed, couple with the unmitigated crisis of Boko Haram, ethnic killings, unchecked soaring food prices have undoubtedly left Nige-

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bordering on disaster management, has become necessary due to the prevailing risks in the country. In a statement by the President, Mr. Jacob Adeosun, the challenges of disaster management require effective solutions to mitigate the recurrent occurrence of losses on roads as well as in commerce and industry resulting from industrial fires and al-

lied perils. Adeosun noted that the conference is focusing on the impact of human element in disaster management at this year’s parley given the central position which human beings play in managing the challenges of risks. The actions and inactions of human beings aggravate or alleviate the occurrence and impact of every disaster.

f you have trouble understanding your insurance, don’t feel alone. For the third year in a row, U.S. consumers report that insurance industry products and services are much too complex. The third annual Global Brand Simplicity Index by strategic branding firm Siegel+Gale surveyed more than 1,000 consumers to examine perceived complexity and simplicity in people’s lives. It found that insurance ranked as the most complex among 25 U.S. industries. General insurance and health insurance ranked at the bottom at 24 and 25 respectively. Among insurance companies, GEICO, well-known for its various ad spokespeople, ranked as the most simple in its marketing approach. Siegel+Gale said the company has found a way to add some pizzazz to a product that is often regarded as incredibly dull. “GEICO, using unconventional humor as a differentiator in its marketing, effectively cut through a mundane market,” says the report. Siegel+Gale also cited GEICO’s website, which is easy to navigate, simple messaging and the humorous Gecko character in ads. As a result, GEICO moved up 22 spots from the 2011 Index to rank 21st among 125 companies in the U.S. brand index. Here are some thoughts on why all those car insurance ads are good for us. Among the 125 brands surveyed from a variety of industries, GEICO came in 63 spots ahead of the next general insurance brand, Allstate, which ranked 84th. Below Allstate were: State Farm (92), Nationwide (93) and Progressive (97) Farmers (110). Health insurance companies didn’t make out so well. Aetna ranked 120th on the brand simplicity index; Cigna ranked 122nd. Some consumers say their communications are “reasonably clear.” They also cited an ease of locating doctors online. However, they are still among the five lowest-ranking brands surveyed, along with UnitedHealth Group (123) and Humana (125). See how these insurers score on customer satisfaction in Insure.com’s best insurance companies survey. I’ll pay more if I can understand what you’re selling Those surveyed say they would spend more on insurance if the products were easier to understand. Siegel+Gale found that people would pay over $5.4 billion more for simpler insurance products, services and experiences. So why don’t insurers make things simpler? According to the report, a high level of clarity isn’t easy for businesses to achieve. The larger and more complex the company, the more likely it is to be overly complex with its products and messages. Kelly Cunningham, an economist at the National University System Institute for Policy Research in San Diego, says the public has a deep distrust for messages that are hard to figure out. When the message about a product is vague, “sometimes you wonder if someone is trying to be purposefully unclear,” he says. “You wonder what they are trying to pull on you. You have to speak to people’s comprehension levels.” Tips by Insure.com

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Capital Market

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Index drops 0.08% on profit taking JOHNSON OKANLAWON

rofit taking by investors in equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange halted the previous days bullish trend yesterday, as the benchmark index went southwards. Specifically, the All Share Index dropped by 0.08 per cent to close at N27.272.57 points, as against the increase of 0.09 per cent recorded on Friday to close at 27,296.35 points. Market capitalisation shed N7bn to close at N8.69trn, lower than the increase of N8bn recorded on Friday to close at N8.69trn.

Analysts at FSDH Securities Limited, an investment firm reiterated that long-term investors should strictly adhere to companies that have strong fundamentals while making their buy decisions. The firm said, “Investors are advised to consider investment opportunities in stocks with good fundamentals that can generate good returns in the medium to longterm.” Lotus Islamic Index led sectorial indices by 0.12 per cent to close at 1,292.82 points, followed by the Consumer Goods Index and the Oil and Gas Index with 0.09 per cent to close at 2,378.99 points and

157.77 points respectively. The NSE 30-Index lost 0.06 per cent to close at 1,292.82 points, while the Banking Index shed 0.23 per cent to close at 440.51 points. The Insurance Index depreciated by 0.02 per cent to close at 135.36 points. DN Meyer Plc led the gainers’ table with 29 kobo or 9.90 per cent to close at N3.22 per share, while Custodian Insurance Plc gained eight kobo or 5.71 per cent to close at N1.48 per share. Evans Medicals Plc rose by six kobo or five per cent to close at N1.26 per share, while Portland Paints Plc appreciated by 18 kobo or 4.97 per cent to close at N3.80 per share. Cutix

Plc increased by six kobo or 4.44 per cent to close at N1.41 per share. On the flip side, Fidson Healthcare Plc lost eight kobo or 6.50 per cent to close at N1.15 per share, while AIICO Insurance Plc dropped by four kobo or 5.71 per cent to close at 66 kobo per share. IPWA Plc dipped by three kobo or 4.69 per cent to close at 61 kobo per share, while AG Leventis Plc depreciated by seven kobo or 4.46 per cent to close at N1.50 per share. Cap Plc fell by N1.17 or 3.75 per cent to close at N30.02 per share. A total of 278.7 milion shares worth N2.70bn were exchanged in 4,552 deals.

Zenith Bank posts N75bn profit in nine months JOHNSON OKANLAWON

enith Bank Plc has declared a profit before tax of N75.2bn for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, an increase of 50 per cent when compared to N50.1bn recorded in the same period of 2011. The bank’s unaudited results for the period showed a remarkable 49 per cent increase in profit after tax, from N42.9bn in 2011 nine months to N64.1bn in the review period.

According to the result presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, the bank recorded a 25 per cent increase in gross earnings, from N182.9bn in 2011 nine months to N229.2bn in 2012. A statement from the bank quoted the Group Managing Director, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, as saying that the bank is commited to all of its stakeholders to enable it provide the highest level of services. He said, “We were looking to identify a bank that

worked to the benefit of all stakeholders. To our mind good banking is about finding and maintaining the right balance between all the stakeholders’ interests. Godwin Emefiele and his team have continued to build on these foundations.” The statement added that only recently, the bank was adjudged the best commercial bank for Africa by Capital Finance International, a respected United Kingdom based special publication. Meanwhile, the bank declared a profit after tax

of N42.4bn for the half year ended June 30, 2012, an increase by 32.1 per cent when compared to N32.1bn recorded in the same period of 2011. The bank’s gross earnings rose by 22.7 per cent, from N123.2bn in 2011 half year to N151.1bn in 2012, while taxation stood at N7.75bn in the review period from N4.69bn in 2011 half year. Further analysis showed that the bank’s net interest income increased by 26.7 per cent, from N62.9bn in 2011 half year to N79.7bn in 2012.

US stocks record little change as investors watch earnings

nited States stocks were little changed yesterday, following the biggest drop since June in the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index, as investors watched third-quarter corporate results. Caterpillar Incorporation rose two per cent, rebounding from a loss of as much as 1.9 per cent, while Peabody Energy Corporation, the largest US coal producer by volume, increased 14 per cent after earnings exceeded analysts’ projections. Ancestry.com Incorporation surged 7.9 per cent after Permira Advisers LLP agreed to buy the company in a transaction valued at about $1.6bn. The S&P 500 added 0.1 per cent to 1,434.58 points. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 10.41

points, or 0.1 per cent, to 13,353.92 points as trading in S&P 500 companies was 8.4 per cent below the 30day average, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. “It really comes down to earnings at this point,” said Peter Jankovskis, cochief investment officer for Oakbrook Investments in Lisle, Illinois, which manages more than $3bn said. “We’ve seen many companies beating earnings estimates. Yet investors are keeping an eye on their ability to grow revenue.” Earnings at about 69 per cent of S&P 500 companies which reported third-quarter results beat analysts’ estimates, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Sales missed forecasts at 59 per

cent of companies, the data showed. The S&P 500 rallied as much as 15 per cent from a June low amid unprecedented monetary stimulus from the Federal Reserve to boost economic growth. Since peaking at its highest level since December 2007 on September 14, the index has been stuck in a 37- point range on a closing basis. The S&P 500 dropped 1.7 per cent on October 19, the most since June 21. Caterpillar rose two per cent to $85.53, rebounding from a loss of as much as 1.9 per cent. The world’s largest maker of construction and mining equipment forecast sales growth for 2013 that is the slowest in four years as the global economy decelerates.

Third-quarter net income increased 49 per cent to $1.7bn, or $2.54 a share, from $1.14bn, or $1.71, a year earlier, the company said in the statement. Peabody gained 14 per cent to $29.40. Higher natural gas prices encouraged some electricity generators to resume burning coal from the Powder River Basin, Mitesh Thakkar, an analyst at FBR & Company in Arlington, Virginia, said. Ancestry.com surged 7.9 per cent to $31.49. Permira will pay $32 a share, the companies said. The price is 41 per cent higher than Ancestry.com’s closing price on June 5, the last day of trading before press reports that the company had hired a financial adviser for a possible sale.

Source: NSE NIBOR QUOTES 19 OCTOBER & 22 OCTOBER 2012 20.00 19.00 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

1 9 -Oc t-1 2

2 2 -Oc t-1 2

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

DNMEYER

2.93

3.22

0.29

% CHANGE 9.90

CUSTODYINS

1.40

1.48

0.08

5.71

EVANSMED

1.20

1.26

0.06

5.00

PORTPAINT

3.62

3.80

0.18

4.97

CUTIX

1.35

1.41

0.06

4.44

PRESTIGE

0.50

0.52

0.02

4.00

CONTINSURE

0.82

0.85

0.03

3.66

WEMABANK

0.57

0.59

0.02

3.51

CADBURY

29.90

30.89

0.99

3.31

VITAFOAM

3.57

3.68

0.11

3.08

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

FIDSON

1.23

CLOSING 1.15

0.08

-6.50

AIICO

0.70

0.66

0.04

-5.71

IPWA

0.64

0.61

0.03

-4.69

AGLEVENT

1.57

1.50

0.07

-4.46

CAP

31.19

30.02

1.17

-3.75

LIVESTOCK

1.70

1.64

0.06

-3.53

WAPIC

0.58

0.56

0.02

-3.45

UBA

5.21

5.04

0.17

-3.26

ACCESS

9.40

9.20

0.20

-2.13

RTBRISCOE

1.89

1.85

0.04

-2.12

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Day

34,888.90

13.95

25-Oct-12

182-Day

45,000.00

14.50

25-Oct-12

364 -Day

31,385.90

16.49

25-Oct-12

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

48Days

7,302.20

14.39

25-Oct-12

118-Day

50,282.86

14.08

25-Oct-12

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$150m

N/A

$150m

22-Oct-12

$150m

N/A

$150m

17-Oct-12

Capital Market

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at October 22, 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 23, 2012

Mob justice and rising cases of extra-judicial killings

CONTINUED FROM 13 ing the highest percentage. For instance, in 2006, the rate was 83 per cent - a total of 157 incidents resulting in 505 unlawful deaths. A further breakdown showed that 129 people were victims of extra-judicial killings by state actors while 339 were political killings. In 2007, the rate was 89 per cent - 217 incidents resulting in 653 deaths out of which 241 were extra-judicial killings while 321 were politics related. That of 2008 was 83 per cent - 256 incidents resulting in 679 deaths with 250 extra-judicial killings. The year 2009 was 88 per cent while that of 2010 jumped to 95 per cent. In 2009, 215 incidents resulting in 1,348 deaths were recorded out of which 963 were extra-judicial killings. In 2010, 115 persons were allegedly killed by the Police. Of the figure, no fewer than 21 persons were allegedly killed by the force for unjustifiable reasons. The National Coordinator of LEDAP, Mrs. Chinoye Obiagwu, who said that most of the cases were unreported, noted: “Most of the perpetrators have not been prosecuted. Until gross human rights violations are properly reported, documented, investigated, perpetrators prosecuted and victims given redress, Nigeria will continue to be in breach of its legal obligations under its laws and international treaties.” Credence was given to the respective reports recently by the chairman of the Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, at a workshop on the Nigerian Criminal Justice System in Abuja, when he said the Police executes over 5,000 detainees summarily every year with those responsible not being punished. Although Police authorities have since denied the claim, saying that the commission did not consult with it to substantiate the actual number of people killed illegally, a cross section of analysts maintained that extra-judicial killings have continued unabated in the country because perpetrators are rarely punished. Some quickly pointed to the case of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) who fired the shots that led to the death of a demonstrator in Lagos during the fuel subsidy protests in January. While reports had it that affected police officer was arrested, not much had been heard of his prosecution. Perhaps, a more notable case was that of the five motor spare parts dealers and their female companion, popularly referred to as “Apo Six,” killed by policemen in Abuja in 2005. The victims: Ifeanyi Ozo, Chinedu Meniru, Isaac Ekene, Paulinus Ogbonna, Anthony Nwokike and Tina Arebun were returning from a night party when they were murdered. Those standing trial are DCP Danjuma Ibrahim, ASP Othman Abdulsalami (still at large), Constables Nicholas Zacharia, Emmanuel Baba, Emmanuel Acheneje and Sadiq Salami. But like similar cases before it, the trial of the six policemen alleged to have committed the crime is yet to be concluded after seven years. This has forced many to argue that the slow pace of the nation’s judicial process and inability to bring perpetrators of extra-judicial killings to book may have been responsible for the widespread application of what they termed “mob justice” on crime suspects that some groups and indi-

Suspects arrested in connection with the Aluu killing

UNTIL GROSS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS ARE

PROPERLY REPORTED, DOCUMENTED,

INVESTIGATED, PERPETRATORS PROSECUTED AND VICTIMS GIVEN

REDRESS,

NIGERIA

WILL CONTINUE TO BE IN BREACH OF ITS LEGAL OBLIGATIONS viduals are presently resorting to across the country. It is against this backdrop that several groups and individuals are canvassing for the speedy trial of all those involved in such unconstitutional conducts in the past to serve as a deterrent to others who may contemplate such in future, as Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution provides for right to life for all Nigerians. Among these individuals and groups are Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; former World Bank Vice-President (Africa), Dr. Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili; NCHR; Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN); Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA). Soyinka, who described the spate of killings across the country as a war between the forces of good and evil, particular noted that the murder of the four UNIPORT students and the Mubi killings were indications that the forces of evil were out to wipe out any trace of enlightenment and creativity in the country. Speaking at the presentation of Port Harcourt as the UNESCO World Book Capital for 2014, he warned that Nigerians would cease to be human beings if they yield to evil forces. His words: “I believe quite frankly this country is at war; the

war is between the forces of darkness and the forces of light, the forces of intellect, the forces of rationality and the forces of atavism, retrograde thinking, the forces of hatred against humanism. “I believe that if we surrender to these banal forces in our society, we cease to be human beings because we succumb completely to fear and it is the same message we must take to those in this nation, who believe that books are wrong. “I don’t care whether they call themselves the final defenders of the pure road and the ultimate salvation or call themselves Boko Haram. Boko Haram and all organisations, all movements that wage war against books, against literacy, against education and enlightenment in any form have declared war, not on the state, but on humanity itself.” Ezekwesili, on her part in a statement titled: “What have we become?” said: “I am shaken, I am outraged, I am devastated, I feel mortally wounded. The situations in Mubi and Port Harcourt were terrible. Did you see the video-recording of how students were killed in Port Harcourt? Is this not the same country where it is emotionally difficult when you see a corpse on the street? “I am sorry; I am totally outraged like any decent citizen of a nation that we love. The killings were barbaric, mere savagery and very devastating. Some people are acting or behaving as if there are no people in charge of the government. Something is fundamentally wrong with our society. To see the dastardly mob killing of the four youths sank my optimism. No! Even in death, these four must get justice. My voice shall be heard on this. What have we become?” She warned that the situation, if left unchecked, could lead to a large-scale conflict, which the nation is unlikely to survive. “We have to watch it. A lot of countries that have had genocidal experiences started like this. We have too many problems to descend into a state of anarchy again,” she said. The NBA, through its national president, Mr. Okey Wali (SAN), called on the security agencies to restore the confidence of Nigerians in their ability to protect lives and property, stating that the killings were

a confirmation of a total collapse of the system. In the same vein, the ACN said such a barbaric act “debases our humanity and strips us all of our dignity.” The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, equally called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. It maintained that in a society governed by law, it is imperative that those who are deemed to have committed any offence whatsoever be allowed to have their day in court rather than be subjected to mob justice. “This is what informs the saying that it is better that 10 guilty persons escape than one innocent suffer,” the party said. Calling on the various levels of government wake up to its responsibility and strive to end the pervasive insecurity in our land, the party added: “The implication of the incredible act of wickedness meted out to these young men is that many of our people are becoming numb to actions that should ordinarily jolt human sensibilities. This is what happens in an environment of uncontrolled violence as we have across our country now, where mass killings are becoming the norm.” The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Prof. Bem Angwe, who also described the killings as uncivilised and barbaric, decried the late response of the police in the matter. He however noted that a speedy and fair trial is necessary to assuage public outrage and restore confidence in the system. “Nigeria being a nation governed by law and not by the whims and caprices of the mobs, the Federal Government and the River State government must apprehend and prosecute these mass murderers for these dastardly crimes against humanity to serve as effective deterrent to other wouldbe mass murderers in any part of Nigeria,” Angwe said. But as the trial of the masterminds of the Aluu killings commences, analysts have warned that it should not be another media show. The victims and others of extra-judicial killings, they insist, must get justice, as no society can have peace without justice. Therefore, the government must ensure that all victims of extra-judicial killings in the country get justice.

Politics

The Senate and the House of Representatives will, in two weeks time, commence proper, the process of reviewing the constitution for the third time in 13 years. Key on their agenda is fiscal federalism, the immunity clause, devolution of powers, among others. TORDUE SALEM writes on the participation of citizens in the process.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Citizens’ participation approach to constitution review THE

PARLIAMENT

oth chambers of the National Assembly will, on Saturday, November 10, at 10a.m. begin the process of reviewing the 1999 Constitution, with public hearings to be held in the country’s 360 federal constituencies. This new approach by the National Assembly to reach out to each constituency is unprecedented. Earlier efforts to amend the 1999 Constitution in 2005 and 2010, did not even mull the issue of reaching out so meticulously to the people. Public hearings were held on zonal basis and not based on constituencies. The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, last Thursday said that the National Assembly has decided to encourage a thorough amendment of the constitution by involving all stakeholders and encouraging transparency, as response to the demand by a majority of people for transparency and accountability. His words: “We have decided to involve some critical stakeholders not as mere participants but as joint organisers of the public hearing sessions. Most of these organisations are independent bodies. The idea is to make this process credible, transparent and accountable. We expect that the representatives of these various organisations will write independent reports of activities that took place in their various constituencies to their headquarters. “We therefore expect nominations from these organisations early enough to assist us in organising a hitch-free exercise. We are not interested in substituting our preferences for those of the people”. Ihedioha further added that “the people’s public sessions will hold simultaneously in each of the 360 federal constituencies on Saturday November 10 at 10a.m.,” adding that the hearings in the constituencies “will be organised and implemented in every federal constituency by a panel of experts and stakeholders which will include, the honourable member of the House of Representatives representing the constituency as facilitator, members of state House of Assembly in the particular federal constituency, the local government chairmen and representatives of the following organisations: the Nigerian Labour Congress NLC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).” Others, according to the Deputy Speaker are: the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the Nigerian Youth Council (NYC), National Council of Women Societies (NCWS)/Representatives of women organisations, Nigerian Union

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ihedioha

of Journalists (NUJ), National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE)/ Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON). He said that the National Assembly was aiming at improving the “inclusiveness and participation of members of the community and other stakeholders in the current constitution amendment process, increase the capacity of the participants to collate and prioritise issues that require alteration or inclusion in the 1999 Constitution, and to constructively engage with their legislators.” Many have doubted the capacity of the National Assembly to involve all critical stakeholders in the review process, but in response to this, the Deputy Speaker, said:

Hon. Adekunle Rafiu is the Minority Leader in the Oyo State House of Assembly. In this interview with OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU and AYO ESAN, he speaks on issues as they affect Oyo State in particular and the nation in general. Excerpts: How far has the reconciliation process in Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gone? We have started the reconciliation and it is in top gear. For example, the 16 members of the Oyo State House of Assembly in the Accord Party and the PDP are together. We met with the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Ms Jumoke Akinjide, recently all in a bid to reconcile. We also met with Senator Hosea Ayoola Agboola . We have also met the former governor of the state, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala. Before the end of this month I think the reconciliation proper would be completed. We have reconciled the warring faction in the 10 local governments that make up the Oke-Ogun area. That is the Senators

“Our aim with the sessions will be to improve the inclusiveness and participation of members of the community and other stakeholders in the current constitution amendment process; increase the capacity of the participants to collate and prioritise issues that require alteration or inclusion in the 1999 Constitution, and to constructively engage with their legislators; prepare and produce the views and positions of the participants on the issues proposed for amendment in the constitution; increase the capacity of the House of Representatives to receive inputs and suggestions on constitution amendment from individuals and groups, as well as provide a platform for the House to respond to the concerns of the citizens on the constitution amendment process.” To further address the issue of capacity, Ihedioda stated that “we also created a fullfledged secretariat with technical experts, consultants, and other support staff to administer the process and provide logistics, research and administrative support to the House Committee.” He stated further that “the secretariat is continuing to review, analyse and summarise the submitted memoranda. To date, the committee has received about 200 memoranda covering wide range of legal and constitutional issues.” He said that the House of Representatives would therefore encourage every Nigerian whose interest is the improvement in the content and efficacy of the constitution to join hands with the House in the task of bringing about constitutional change and reform. According to him, “a lot of patriotic Nigerians, stakeholders and civil society organisations have over the years articulated various positions and made lots of

suggestions for amendment or reform of the constitution, I want to say to you all, that this is your opportunity.” He added: “Following from all the memoranda and submissions made, the House of Representatives has come to the conclusion that the business of amending Nigeria’s constitution is serious and fundamental to our democracy and consequently needs the full involvement and participation of all Nigerians.” To frontally address the question of whether the constitution is from the people, the Deputy Speaker, who is the Chairman of the House Ad hoc Committee on Constitution Review, stated that “the 1999 Constitution is often criticised as not having emerged from the popular people’s participation or even through a referendum. Indeed several critics have described the opening words in the preamble to the Constitution: “We the people…” as a lie!” The decision of the House and the Senate to approach the constitution review process this time by involving the people directly, may possibly deflate proponents of a sovereign conference of ethnic nationalities and those who are persistent about the need for a constitution that is truly from the people or genuinely organic. Prof. Sam Egwu of the Department of Political Science, University of Jos, in response to the sovereignty questions, told National Mirror: “The National Assembly is politically and legally empowered to review the constitution,” adding that the role need not be dragged with them by any other group. But a member of the civil society, Chief Ayo Opadokun, insists that “the nation cannot progress peacefully without a constitutional conference independent of the National Assembly.”

Nigeria not ripe for state Gbenga Babalola and Agboola factions and they are working seriously together to bring back the glory of PDP in Oke Ogun area of Oyo state. The major problem we have is in Ibadan zone and Ladoja as a factor in Ibadan we are working towards bringing him back to the PDP. And I know that before the end of the year, he will formally declare for the PDP. But we also learnt that Ladoja is currently having an agreement with the state governor which has led to some members of the Accord Party being appointed as the caretaker chairmen of some local governments in the state. The issue of the agreement between Ladoja and Governor Abiola Ajimobi goes beyond the party. Ajimobi was not comfortable before he was sworn in with the composition of the House of Assembly. He met Senator Ladoja and they had an agreement and that is the agreement which Ajimobi is fulfilling today. It is not a new agreement. So, if some local government caretaker chairmen were given to Ladoja, it was

Rafiu

based on an earlier agreement and it is not a new thing. And that does not mean that Ladoja is having a pact with the ACN. He is having a direct pact with the governor, Ajimobi, and not the ACN.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

CHINEDUM EMEANA writes on the strides of the Rivers State governor,Rotimi Amaechi in education, riding on the back of legislation to achieve what seem unachievable in the sector.

ne of the focal points of development in Rivers State since Governor Rotimi Amaechi took over the reins of leadership in October 2007 has been education. The governor’s attention has resulted in investing huge chunks of the state resources into developing education infrastructure, overseas and local scholarships and the ongoing teachers’ recruitment exercise among other efforts. However, despite these efforts from the governor and his team, the Rivers State House of Assembly apparently holds the view that more still need to be done to enhance and improve the standard of education in the state, both in the public and private sector. This thinking resulted in the passage, recently, of the Education Quality Assurance Agency Bill by the House. The bill was sponsored by Chidi Lloyd, Leader of the House. The purpose of the legislation is to entrench quality service delivery in primary and post-primary schools in the state, covering both public and private institutions. The bill generally aims to, among others, ensure the implementation of the National Policy on Education. Because of the shared interest that the executive and legislature in Rivers State have in deepening the quality of education in the state, there was a robust deliberation in the House before that bill was eventually passed. It is now waiting for Governor Amaechi’s assent to become a law. During deliberations, Lloyd, representing Emohua State Constituency explained that the intendment of the bill is strictly

Entrenching quality education via legislation THE

PARLIAMENT

THE PURPOSE OF THE LEGISLATION IS TO ENTRENCH QUALITY SERVICE DELIVERY IN PRIMARY AND POST-

PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN

THE STATE, COVERING BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS quality assurance, citing sections 47 and 48 of Rivers State 1999 Education Law which was enacted in 1957 that established public schools, which equally spelt out minimum standards. He argued therefore that if the agency that the bill seeks to establish comes alive, it will give fresh impetus to the intendment of section 47/48 of the existing law. Contributing during the debate, Sam Eligwe, representing Ahoada West Constituency, added that the bill will ensure the achievement of set quality on education in the state. Moreover, Eligwe suggested that fees charged by institutions, both public and private should be looked into as every child has a right to education, and that no child should be left behind on account of inability of the parents to afford school fees. Michael Chinda, representing Obio/ Akpor II Constituency, stressed that the issue of ensuring desired quality in education is very important and supported that Cap 47/48 needed to be fine-tuned to reflect the current realities, which the Education

Amaechi

Quality Assurance Agency Bill apparently seeks to do. However, Victoria Wobo Nyeche, the member representing Port Harcourt I Constituency did not agree with her colleagues, arguing that the Cap 47/48 in question is part of an already existing law, which needs no amendment. She faulted the provision in the bill which seeks increase in the size of classrooms and toilets in schools. She stressed that the sponsor of the bill needed to reconcile sections 47 and 48 with the rest of the bill before it could be passed into law. However, she thanked the House Education Committee for a job well done. But Robinson Ewor, the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, cautioned his colleagues against jettisoning the bill because of conflict arising from sections 47 and 48. In fact, he noted that instead of those sec-

police – Oyo Minority Leader As the opposition leader in the state Assembly, what would you say has stalled the conduct of local government election, more than a year after the governor was sworn in? We would have had the local government election before now, but the tenure of the members of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) is for four years as stipulated in the constitution of the country. The tenure of the electoral body appointed by the former governor will expire this month. The governor has forwarded some names to be considered for the membership of the SIEC to the Assembly, but members of the SIEC appointed by Alao-Akala administration went to court to challenge the authority of the governor, stating that they have up to this month before the expiration of their tenure. And that stopped him from constituting the body. So, as soon as their tenure expire by this month, another electoral body will be constituted. And if the body is constituted, they will have up to 60 days to organise an election. So, I still believe that before the end of the year, the local government election

would be conducted. This is because members of the House will not allow the caretaker policy to continue in the local governments if OSIEC is in place. If the OSIEC is in place, the House can mandate the governor to conduct the local government election within 60 days. What is the PDP’s chance of regaining the South-West states in 2015? I know that every leader of the PDP in the South-West today has already put away their toga. What is happening is that they all want to be in a position at a particular time and they have learnt their lesson in a bitter way. We have learnt our lesson in a bitter way and we believe we are still in control of majority of the people in the South-West. We have realised that we mismanaged our success. And every success mismanaged, the result is going to be failure. And if you have seen failure, what one need to do is to go back to the drawing board. Do your calculation very well and then look for people with impeccable characters and put them at the helm of affairs.

Agitation for the creation of state police has divided the Governors’ Forum. What is your position on the issue? Nigeria is not ripe for state police. We are not ripe enough for it because every opportunity given to an average Nigerian, he misuses it. Let us look at the issue of state electoral bodies; it is today being misused by the governors, irrespective of parties. All the governors throughout the federation believe that that is an avenue to rig elections. Look at the issue of joint account of state and local governments; it is also being misused by some governors who saw it as a conduit pipe to siphon money that belongs to the local government councils. That is misuse of advantage given to them as provided by the constitution. In the old Western Region, when we had state police, it became an instrument of oppression of political opponents. If state police is established in Nigeria, it is going to be misused. So, we should wait for the time we are ripe for it. When we are ripe for it we can go for it. One cannot say that it doesn’t have its own advantages. But the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.

tions causing a delay in the passage of the bill, the House should throw them out and go ahead to pass the bill. In his contribution, Aye Pepple, representing Bonny constituency, called on the House to tweak the controversial sections and pass the bill. However, Augustine Ngo, Chairman of the House Committee on Education, whose committee conducted a public hearing on the bill, insisted that there was nothing wrong with those sections in the bill that have elicited controversy, noting that even though there were existing laws on education in the state, the bill when passed, would consolidate the new and the old laws. He further acknowledge that existing legislation set minimum standard for the establishment of nursery, primary and secondary schools, which he said are “very good,” but stressed that the learning environment was very important for children, in apparent response to Nyeche’s argument against mandating increment in size of restrooms and classrooms. He therefore appealed to his colleagues to pass the bill. Belema Okpokiri, Okrika representative in the House, in his contribution suggested that education standard in Rivers State be reviewed in line with global standards “so that it can stand the test of time.” In his ruling, the Speaker of the House, Otelemaba Dan-Amachree, lauded members for their concern on how to improve the education sector as well as for their contributions during the debate on the bill. After the House eventually passed the bill, the Speaker instructed the Clerk of the House to produce a clean copy and send it to the governor for assent. Some proprietors of private schools in the state have expressed trepidation over the bill becoming law, as they fear that it is aimed at witch-hunting them. They expressed the fear during the public hearing on the bill. However, Ngo, who represents Abua/ Odual State Constituency allayed any misgivings in a chat in his office following the passage of the bill. He advised private school proprietors not to entertain any fears regarding the legislation, noting that the Rivers State Education Quality Assurance Agency Bill was not meant to witchhunt them, but to ensure the adherence to set standards in the education sector of Rivers State. He said that complaints of private school owners during the public hearing on the bill of lack of recognition by the Ministry of Education will be taken care of when the bill becomes law, assuring that they will be given their rightful place. Furthermore the lawmaker assured the private schools that government intends to provide a level playing ground for both private and public schools to operate as requested by the Education Committee. Until the bill becomes law through the assent of Governor Amaechi, fingers are crossed as to whether the bill was actually to witch-hunt private school owners or to set a quality assurance standard for not only private schools but public schools as well.

Politics

Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) was the governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the October 20 poll. He speaks on the outcome of the election, especially on the irregularities in this statement made available to National Mirror yesterday.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

I’ll continue to fight for good governance – Akeredolu

t is no longer news that the Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the return of the incumbent Governor Olusegun Mimiko as elected after the Ondo State election. I am conscious of the expectation of our supporters and the general public on our reaction to the outcome of the election. Let me hasten to state that our party is studying the results and will take a decision on reports of widespread irregularities from our agents and other witnesses. I have been inundated with tales of the brazen acts of violence perpetrated by thugs during the conduct of the election. I still find it difficult to believe that our security agents played the role of partisans of injustice in some areas of the state. There are, however, incontrovertible evidences of attempts at violence and actual perpetration of same against voters before, during and after the election. I was informed of the arrest of the state Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Niran Sule, and the caretaker chairman of Owo Local Government, one Prince Ojomo, by soldiers for being in possession of firearms and large sums of money on the morning of election. The news was widely circulated and was later confirmed by several people who witnessed the show of shame. I reliably gathered that the suspects were later released. I also heard of the heavy monetisation of the voting process, particularly by the Labour Party. I was told of the inducement of voters and violent attacks on those who

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Akeredolu

refused to cooperate with them in virtually all the polling units in the state, despite the intimidating presence of the security agencies deployed to protect lives and property. Owo, my hometown, was practically under siege. My unit was, nevertheless bombarded by agents of retrogression, who insisted that they must make a point with my contrived defeat in my ward. The resilience of the true sons and daughters of Owo ensured that I won. Adequate security was not provided in my polling units as in most polling unit all over the state as voters were openly suborned. My people still stood firm in anticipation of change. News of the purported defeat in my ward had been sent to the internet even before counting commenced.

There were reports of the arrest of Labour Party chieftains and their sympathisers who were caught with voting materials, especially ballot papers, some few hours to the election. There was news of violence in many towns and villages of the state before, during and immediately after the election. Idanre is being mentioned for sundry reasons. Voters were prevented from voting in some areas where results were returned. Two of our supporters were reportedly killed. Many eligible voters could not find their names on the register provided at the polling units where they had previously voted. In some polling units the number of accredited voters was less than the results released. Somebody has to explain the difference. In view of these glaring evidences of irregularities which characterised the exercise, the leadership of the party will be meeting to decide on the next line of action. I must not fail to thank the good people of Ondo State who supported our aspiration to effect quality change in the system. Their unflinching support and encouragement sustained me throughout my campaign. I cannot forget the show of love and genuine affection. The patience and great expectation of change displayed by all those who came to meet us during our visits to all the nooks and crannies of the state, coupled with the mournful mien worn by many people consequent upon the announcement of the result by INEC, will propel us to defend their interest. I thank you journalists for the wide coverage given my campaign tours and the liberal spaces provided for my interviews. I express my profound gratitude to all those who provided security for me when the level of intolerance displayed became threatening.

Let me also seize this opportunity to alert Nigerians that agents of the Labour Party have continued to attack my supporters. A party which has truly won an election need not resort to violence soon after victory. Let me sound this note of warning to the hoodlums who terrorise innocent people that they will not be allowed to escape justice. The power of incumbency will not be strong enough to protect banditry. I call on the government of Ondo State to rein in the excesses of its agents to avert crisis. Our supporters must be allowed to go about their legitimate businesses. There is a limit to what human frailty can withstand. We thank our party leaders for their commitment to the project of socio-economic transformation of the region. We fervently believe that their dream will be realised in a short while. An especial mention must be made of the chairman, Chief Bisi Akande and the national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We cannot thank them enough. Our other leaders such as the governors and deputy governors in ACN-controlled states, senators, members of House of Representatives and Houses of Assembly, party leaders at units, wards, local and state levels were of tremendous assistance. We praise them for their support. As a legal practitioner of many years, impelled by the consuming passion to chart the murky waters of Nigerian politics, let me assure my friends and supporters that I am learning very fast. My undying belief in the country is sufficient to sustain me. I am equally an unrepentant democrat. I hold onto the ideals of democracy and the rule of law tenaciously. I will continue to join others who truly believe in these precepts to fight for good governance.

Nigeria practises feeding-bottle federalism, says Fayemi CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 storing their hope. We are going to deliver concrete goods to the people, so that they will have more confidence in government and be able to take ownership of government themselves. What is your government doing on the challenges of security? We need to move away from our law and order approach, to address the issue of security. We need the human security approach. One of the problems we have may be ethnic, religious, political or opportunistic in nature. I think the greatest thing we face is the issue of economy. Unless we have humanistic approach, we may not be able to solve the problem of human insecurity and our people will resort into alternative means of making headway, including suicide bombing. It is only when you have lost hope that you will turn yourself into a suicide bomber. This is so because you have come to the conclusion that there is nothing to lose and we must not drag our citizens to a point where they lose hope in everything. It is a danger for all of us that is why tackling

youth unemployment is a key here in Ekiti because we don’t want these youths to resort into alternative means. I have cause to argue that there is a link between security and development. In a society where they are more prosperous, there is reduction in violence crime, there may be petty crimes like burglary, but killing and losing of many lives, no. It is so bad that we have lost our sense of human compulsion and empathy. Imagine 25 people murdered in Mubi, four in Port Harcourt and others were bombed somewhere else. If you add all these together, it is like we are not living in a sane world. It creates a deep psychological wound in all of us without even realising it, because we have internalised violence as a means of settling disputes. In not too distance past, Nigerians used to be afraid when they see gun, now it is a common thing, everybody have a gun. I think we have to restore our humanitarian value, and be our brother’s keepers. What is your take on constitution review and state police? I am an unapologetic federalist. I believe

that the constituent part of this state should be a coordinate power rather than subordinate power. Federalism, properly practice anywhere in the world sees constituent parts, the federating units, as co-ordinating units. But in our own situation, we have a unitarism that is masquerading as federalism. There are things that the Federal Government does that are on the exclusive list that really have no business there. I fix virtually all federal roads in this state. What are federal roads and health centres? What is the business of the Federal Government building health centres in Ekiti or Gombe? What is the UBEC? This money is supposed to come directly to the state that has been statutorily allocated as two per cent for UBEC and you create the impression that Federal Government is doing the state a favour by giving them the money. In a lot of cases you even did not give them the money, you buy books in Abuja and come and distribute in my state. This is certainly unacceptable. This is not federalism, but feeding-bottle federalism. If we want government to be accountable to the people, government must be brought closer

to the people; otherwise there will always be an excuse. That is why the constitution is there, do the right thing at the right time. What is happening now is that we are oppressed by the Federal Government and if you don’t have the human compulsion in you, you are going to oppress your local governments and your local governments oppress the people. There is no citizen engagement. I can as well sit down here, do the analysis and say I could only pay salary and could not do anything. I’m sorry, is that governance? That is excuse in action. It is true, I experienced cash flow challenges, but that is not the excuse not to deliver the dividends of democracy I promised the people. I knew what I was coming to meet, so I cannot now pretend not to know, but we must let this democracy work for our people. The Federal Government in Nigeria is too powerful. It is not accountable and the resources are not well-managed. We need to devolve powers to the lower level and ensure that those in charge of power at the lower level take greater responsibility and render greater accountability for the resources entrusted in their care.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror Monarch installs 32 chiefs to supervise markets in Akure

“The overall implication of the rising wave of murders of Nigerians is that the security situation in the country is worsening.”

NIGER STATE GOVERNOR, BABANGIDA ALIYU

LG boss mediates in oil firm, clan’s faceoff TONY ANICHEBE UYO

he Chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, Chief Ibanga Etang, yesterday pledged to resolve the conflict between the management of Frontier Oil Ltd and the youths in Esit Eket. Etang at a meeting with residents of the community said that a committee would be set up to look into the allegations leveled against the Uquo Marginal Oil Field Development Board. The Uquo Marginal Oil Field is being operated by Frontier Oil, an indigenous firm, operating in Esit Eket Council in Akwa Ibom, where a gas plant is currently under construction. It will be recalled that hundreds of protesters at the oil field were dispersed by policemen with gunshots on October 18, while 13 youth leaders suspected to be the brains behind the protest were arrested. The detention of the youths, said to be demanding employment reserved for them in the Memorandum of Understanding, has heightened tension in the

area. Security has been tightened around the gas plant as more soldiers and policemen have been deployed to beef up security at the facility. Etang promised to secure the release of the arrested youth leaders, urging youths in the community to remain calm and law-abiding while the leadership of the council seeks ways to resolve the conflict. “I will summon the company and representatives of the community to a round table where all parties will state their cases so

that this issue can be peacefully resolved. “From what the governor has said, the project is due for commissioning soon by Mr President and he needs not do that in an atmosphere of acrimony. “I urge all to be loyal to constituted authority. Not everyone can be youth leaders at the same time, you must see leadership as a call to service and write your name in gold and not compromise community interest for selfish aims,” he said. The spokesman of the community, Chief Afaha Isang, said

that the grievances of members centered on marginalisation of indigenes and non-compensation of individual land owners for the 47 hectares of land used for the gas plant. He also demanded the recall of community representatives at the Uquo Marginal Field Development Board, following what they called “gross inefficiency”. “A tree cannot make a forest, members of the board have never briefed the people they are representing, rather they used their positions for selfish gains, that is why we want to recall

them, we cannot tolerate them any longer,” he said. It will be recalled that the management of Septa Energy Nigeria Ltd., the firm handling the construction of the gas plant said that protests by its host community did not affect its operations. According to a statement from Septa Energy, the construction at the plant is still on course. “The disturbance had nothing to do with our company. Today, normal work has resumed with no adverse effect on work schedule”, the statement said.

One dead, ten injured in Ovhor fire incident

t least one person was reported dead while ten others got injured in a fire incident which occurred at the Ovhor Remote manifold site of Seplat Petroleum Development Company Limited, the operator of NPDC/Seplat Joint Venture in OMLs 4, 38 & 41 last Friday. According to a release made availabl;e to Community Mirror, the company’s management said that Ovhor manifold site was shutdown about two weeks ago following the detection of a leaking valve on a section of the Trans Forcados Trunckline managed by Shell Petroleum Development Company. The company was taking advantage of the shut down period to carry out scheduled maintenance at the site when the incident happened. A statement by the company confirming the incident said the deceased was a member of staff of a third party contractor working on site at the time, adding that the injured victims are still receiving treatment.

A teacher taking roll call at Tsakuwa Primary School in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State recently. PHOTO: NAN

Traffic Law: Don’t victimise motorists, Lagos warns LASTMA, VIO officials MURTALA AYINLA

he Lagos state Government at the weekend warned officials of the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) and Vehicle Inspection Service (VIO) to desist from victimising motorists while enforcing the traffic law, just as it promised to offer free legal service to any motorist in the face of the law. Speaking at a Legislative Awareness and Sensitisation of stakeholders on the 2012 Lagos Traffic Law held at the state secretariat, Alausa, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye said there is no automatic punishment for offenders under the

new law. The Commissioner advocated change in the orientation of the law enforcement officers in the state, insisting that they are public servants who should help in the compliance of the law without force or inconsiderate arrest. Ipaye said: “The orientation should not be to catch him, arrest him, penalise him and fine him. No! There are some people who deserve arrest and fine and there are people who deserve assistance. Help such persons to comply and if the person is at the verge of breaking the law, stop him and tell the person not to go the wrong way. That is how it should be. I know we are not there yet, but we must be quick. Society must change for the bet-

ter and no change happens unless we fight for it. These people are our masters just like anyone of us in government”, he cautioned. He added that Office of the Public defender, (OPD) had been directed to offer free legal aid to anyone arrested and who lacks the wherewithal to challenge his case in court, urging all the stakeholders’ association to familiarise themselves with the workings of the offices of the OPD. Responding to questions raised by members of the public, the Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa said by the end of this month, Okada (commerial motorcyclists) would be eradicated in all the prohibited roads in the state, adding that

the state law enforcement agencies would , in the coming week, begin massive impounding of motorcycles having given the operators three months’ grace to adjust to the new law. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Political and Legislative Power Bureau, Mr Muslim Folami said the thrust of the forum is to allow the residents know their rights under the law. He said it is not enough for them to know the law without knowing their rights to defend when unjustly arrested and detained. It would be recalled that thousands of motorcycles had been earlier impounded by the police in Ikeja metropolis last week as part of move to enforce the traffic law.

Community Mirror

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monarch installs 32 chiefs to supervise Akure markets HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

he Deji of Akure land, Oba Adegboye Adebiyi Adesida, Afunbiowo II at the weekend installed 32 chiefs who will be saddled with the responsibility of overseeing the affairs of the markets in Akureland. The event which was the first of its kind in Akureland had the new chiefs named ‘Asoju Oba Loja’ and ‘Alaje Chiefs’ meaning the king’s representatives on market affairs. According to the monarch, the installation was aimed at promoting peace, unity and improving the administration of the markets in the town. Oba Adesida said the installation of the market chiefs will usher in orderliness and economic improvement in the town. He noted that all markets belong to the ruler in contrast to the general belief that markets belong to the government. He said building of markets does not translate to its ownership, insisting that “all the markets in Akure belongs to me and in Akure, we have the authority over

the markets.” He enjoined the Chiefs and the traders to ensure that peace reign in the markets stressing that it is only in a peaceful environment that businesse could be transacted. The monarch said the chiefs are expected to represent him at every market saying they are to oversee the affairs of the market, even as they are expected to work hand in hand with the market leaders. He urged the chiefs not to abuse the authority and confidence reposed in them, enjoying them to ensure strict adherence to environmental laws by taking care of the markets and maintaining the facilities provided by the government. He said that any offender must be reported to the Deji-in-Council for appropriate steps adding that there must be unity, urging them to avoid religious in differences as all religion reverence God. Addressing the people, he said a non indegene that has spent up to 30 years in Akure with good character is qualified to be installed as a traditional chief with the approval of the mon-

Uzere crisis: Community leader raises alarm over threat to life AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

s the Uzere community crisis in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta state lingers, an indigene and former chairman of the council, Chief Iduh Amadhe has raised the alarm over series of threats to his life, family and political associates. Amadhe, in a Save Our Soul (SOS) letter addressed to the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Udughan and made available to journalists in Asaba, said that his life and that of his family and political associates are under serious threat by some disgruntled individuals in the kingdom who have recruited armed thugs in police uniform to unleash terror in the community. He therefore called for adequate security of his life and that of his family and associates. According to him: “But for God’s mercy, by now my entire family would have been

wiped out by these armed thugs, acting under the instructions of some disgruntled individuals in the kingdom for their selfish aims. “As I talk, marks of bullets, fired severally at walls of my house by these armed thugs are still very visible; all this in a bid to eliminate me and my family including my political associates. Many of my political associates have either been arrested, threatened and others driven into the flooded bush.” While admonishing the state governor against politicising the Uzere crisis, Amadhe called on police and SSS to open investigations into the crisis that has rocked the kingdom since November 29, 2011. He urged Governor Uduaghan to as a matter of urgency invite prominent sons and daughters of the kingdom for a meeting to dialogue on how to resolve the issues at hand rather than using police to intimidate and prosecute innocent citizens.

arch. He however emphasised that the markets belongs to the Deji of Akure and not the government, as a custom which is applicable everywhere in the country. He urged the new chiefs to be united and to work peacefully as they represent him well, adding that they

should not hike the prices of their wares but enjoined them to reduce prices. Also speaking, the Iyalaje of Akureland, Chief Mrs Julianah Ogunsusi appreciated the Deji for the wonderful step taken for appointing the chiefs assuring that the market women will continue to live in peace.

Responding on behalf of the new Chiefs, Mrs Kemi Aisida who is the Asoju of NEPA market appreciated the Deji for the new appointment and promised to perform well. Chief Aisida assured that they will be peaceful and ensure that they oversee the affairs of the vari-

ous markets properly. She also promised that and they would ensure that they improve the economy of the town with their businesses. She expressed her gratitude to chief Ogunsusi for her motherly role and prayed she reap the fruit of her labour and that they will emulate her.

_A homeless woman under Ojota pedestrian bridge preparing a meal. PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Sango-Ota community tasks police on peace FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

he people of SangoOta in Ado Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State have applauded the efforts of the state police command at liberating the area from the firm grip of criminals who hitherto, had been terorising the entire neighbourhood. Ota Community also charged the police to ensure that it maintains the prevailing reduction in crime

in the area for the benefit of the people of the state. A community leader in Ota and former Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives in the state, Chief Jide Ojuko, who gave the charge recently during an interactive session with newsmen in Ota also expressed satisfaction at the way the police had tackled the menace of armed robbery and communal clashes within Sango/Ota Area Command in recent times. Ojuko said Sango Area

Command under Kayode Titilayo as the Area Police Commander had in the past few months successfully managed crimes and traffic situations in Ota and its environs, which he said had impacted positively on the quality of life and economy of the people of the area. With specific reference to the clearing of shanties constructed by traders at Sango Ota tollgate, which had in the past militated against free flow of traffic, Ojuko said residents in Ota and its environs were proud

Agency charges motorists on safety consciousness FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

ith less than a week to the Eidel Kabir celebration across the world, the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) said it has put necessary machineries in motion towards ensuring free flow traffic on all roads within the state. A press statement issued yesterday in Abeokuta by the Public Relations Officer of TRACE, Babatunde Akinbiyi said the corps was ready to ensure that motor-

ist who ply the roads across the state during the Muslims’ annual celebration comply fully with all the federal and state traffic laws. Against the backdrop of the tragedy recorded last Friday along the Shagamu – Ore expressway in which 33 people were drowned when their vehicle plunged into a river, Akinbiyi said TRACE, in collaboration with other security operatives would not hesitate to invoke the appropriate section of the law on any erring motorist who violate the law during the period. The PRO also said that

the Corp Commander of TRACE, Ayo Sangofadeji has issued an operational order to all zones and units of the corp’s command offices for special patrol teams to commence operations on some roads as from today Monday 22nd till Wednesday 31st October. He further said that the operational routes which the patrol will cover include; Abeokuta-Sagamu, Abeokuta-Sango Otta, AbeokutaIbadan, Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Ode-Ondo boundary, Ilaro-Owode-Idiroko, Ojodu/Akute-Agbado Crossing-Iju.

of the Area Commander’s courage to sanitise the area. He said the initiatives had checkmated the hitherto high crime rate, insecurity of lives and properties and has equally resulted in total reduction of raids on hoodlums’ hideouts as well as putting an end to communal clashes and land disputes in the area. Ojuko however, appealed to industrialists and businessmen and women of the area to take advantage of the prevailing peace and security in Ota and its environs to invest in the area. The former commissioner further canvassed for the people’s cooperation with the police, stressing that cordial relationship between the police and members of the public is important in the quest for an accelerated socioeconomic development and a crime-free society. Ojuko urged the state Commissioner of Police, Ikhemefuna Okoye to keep up his level of dedication to duty and ensure the sustenance of the prevailing low level of crime, order and tranquility reigning in Ota and its environs.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

Obama, Romney meet in final debate on foreign policy

“If the U.N. confirms its experts wrote these outrageous falsehoods, then we’ll withdraw from our mediation role in the conflict between Congo and the M23 rebels.” - UGANDA’S JUNIOR FOREIGN MINISTER, ASUMAN KIYINGI

Mauritanian soldier explains how he shot President Abdelaziz

WORLD BULLETIN

Bomb kills two in South Africa prison van

Mauritanian army soldier who is said to have shot and wounded the president by accident has appeared on state television to explain what happened. Lt Elhaj Ould Hamoudi had been guarding his base in Tweila, north of the capital Nouakchott, on 13 October when the shooting happened. He said he had been alarmed by “suspicious cars” approaching, and opened fire when they failed to stop. President Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz was shot in the arm. Guinea-Bissau soldiers walking on Sunday in a street of Bissau after gunmen raided an army barracks He underwent an operation in Nouakchott, in the capital. PHOTO: ZA NEWS and appeared on television from his hospital bed to say he was OK, before being flown to France for further treatment. Lt Hamoudi said he saw vehicles approaching the base at about 20:00, and got into what he called a “civilian vehicle”, not dressed in full uniform, to drive out to meet them. “At 25 metres from them, I stopped and at destabilisation,” a govern- nior, interrupting a presidenindicated that they should stop. The vehicle PAUL ARHEWE ment statement, read out by tial election between the first slowed down and I studied the people aboard, WITH AGENCY REPORTS Communications Minister and second rounds, which who were wearing turbans,” he told Mauritahe accusation comes Fernando Vaz, said. he was leading after the first nian television. after Gunmen raided Its aim had been to over- round. “I found them suspicious, indicated that an army barracks, throw the transitional govN’Tchama is a former they should get out under the threat of my sparking a firefight that left ernment, undermine the po- member of the “red berets” weapon, but the vehicle drove past me and at least seven people dead. litical process, bring Gomes and returned last week from sped up. Then I took up my position and Guinea-Bissau has ac- Junior back to power and jus- Portugal, where he had been opened fire on them.” cused Portugal, the Commu- tify an international “stabi- undergoing military trainHe said he was relieved that his version nity of Portuguese Language lisation” force, the statement ing since July 2009, security of events had been accepted, and the army Countries (CPLP) and a forsources said. added. would not be taking further action against mer prime minister, of backIn the hours after the raid, Witnesses said the raid him. ing a coup bid after a gunbat- had been led by Captain army vehicles criss-crossed The president had been travelling over- tle that claimed at least six Pansau N’Tchama, the head Bissau, although the situanight to return to the capital for the start of lives. of a commando unit that as- tion in the capital remained the working week, which begins on Sunday Gunmen staged a pre- sassinated president Joao calm. in Mauritania. dawn raid on the barracks of Troops and police were Bernardo Vieira in 2009. Mauritanian radio initially reported that an elite army unit near the It was not immediately also out in force at the airport he had escaped an assassination attempt. capital’s airport on Sunday, clear why N’Tchama might and in the area leading to the But many Nouakchott inhabitants would sparking a firefight in the lathave carried out the assault, capital. believe the “shot by mistake” claims as they est unrest to blight the chronArmy chief-of-staff Generbut the captain is a former are used to seeing the president walk in the ically unstable country. associate of the government al Antonio Indjai, who led the city, play sport and drive his car without “The government consid- overthrown in an April 12 April coup, visited the barguards, BBC Arabic’s Mohammad Taha said ers Portugal, the CPLP and racks after Sunday’s attack, coup. at the time. Carlos Gomes Junior as the That coup toppled the gov- as well as army headquarters President Abdelaziz came to power in a instigators of this attempt ernment of Carlos Gomes Ju- in central Bissau. military coup in 2008 in the West African nation. He won presidential elections a year later held under an agreement with opponents of the coup. imbabwe’s presi- “to shame our detractors” plagued by delays and disdent says a peaceful who believe Zimbabwe putes over the reduction conference to agree can’t solve its problems of powers traditionally held by Mugabe and his upon a new constitution without violence. The previous all-stake- party since independence will help pave the way for national elections he holders conference on in 1980. Mugabe said yesterday constitutional reform was wants in March. President Robert abandoned in 2009 after it was up to the delegates Mugabe, opening the two- violent disruptions by to itemize “imperfections” in the 150-page draft and day constitutional meet- Mugabe militants. Reforms to the consti- recommend improvements ing yesterday, urged 1,300 delegates from all political tution drafted over the reflecting the people’s parties and civic groups past three years have been wishes.

Guinea-Bissau accuses Portugal of coup plot T

Mugabe seeks peace at Zimbabwe’s constitution talks

President Abdelaziz

A blast outside a prison in central Johannesburg yesterday killed three prisoners and seriously wounded four others, a police official said. Prisoners trying to escape from custody detonated an explosive device as a van traveling from court approached the Johannesburg Prison Monday afternoon, South African Police Brig. Neville Malila told The Associated Press. The blast shattered the van’s door and then at least two prisoners tried to flee. Inside the van were 36 prisoners and two police officials, Malila said. “It was an attempt to escape,” Malila said. None of the prisoners succeeded in getting away, he said. At least one of the fleeing prisoners was shot and wounded by the police, he said. Prisons and police officials later told reporters in Johannesburg that an investigation was under way to determine how the prisoners plotted to escape and what kind of explosive device was used. Police Maj. Gen. Oswald Reddy said that “an unknown explosive device was detonated” as the vehicle approached the prison facility. “It was very carefully planned,” he said of the plan to escape. Meanwhile, officials say shooting of 34 miners by police ‘may have been disproportionate’ to the danger faced by officers. Police authorities have admitted that they may have been at fault in the Marikana mine shooting, with some officers either overreacting or mistakenly shooting at protesters in response to “friendly-fire”. In an opening statement to the inquiry into the deaths of 34 workers at South Africa’s Marikana mine, police officials said that “the response of some police officers may have been disproportionate to the danger they faced from the group of more than 200 armed protesters”. The commission is examining evidence surrounding the events of August 16, when police opened fire on miners engaged in a protracted strike action outside the Lonmin platinum mine. It will consider the role of trade unions, mine bosses and police officers in the shooting, dubbed “the Marikana massacre”. “The police officers are prepared to accept that they may have been responding to ‘friendly fire’, believing it to be fire from the protesters,” said the police statement. The deaths sparked domestic and international outrage, and added fuel to widespread industrial action across South Africa. Monday’s hearing has been seen by many as an attempt by President Jacob Zuma to regain popular support after the outcry.

World News

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Seven killed as gunmen, soldiers fight in Lebanon

Briefs Italy jails six scientists over 2009 quake Six Italian scientists and an ex-government official have been sentenced to six years in prison over the 2009 deadly earthquake in L’Aquila. A regional court found them guilty of multiple manslaughter. Prosecutors said the defendants gave a falsely reassuring statement before the quake, while the defence maintained there was no way to predict major quakes. The 6.3 magnitude quake devastated the city and killed 309 people. It took Judge Marco Billi slightly more than four hours to reach the verdict in the trial, which had begun in September 2011. The seven - all members of the National Commission for the Forecast and Prevention of Major Risks - were accused of having provided “inexact, incomplete and contradictory” information about the danger of the tremors felt ahead of 6 April 2009 quake, Italian media report.

Ahmadinejad barred from visiting Iran’s prison Iran’s state prosecutor says he has denied permission to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to visit an imprisoned advisor, a further sign of the Iranian president’s rapidly waning influence. Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehi is quoted by the press as saying that Ahmadinejad’s request to visit Evin prison is suspected to be politically motivated. Ahmadinejad demanded to visit Evin after his top press advisor Ali Akbar Javanfekr was jailed last month after being convicted of publishing material deemed insulting to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Ahmadinejad once had the backing of Iran’s clerical establishment but lost it when he was perceived to challenge Khamenei last year. Ejehi said the president would do better to work on Iran’s deepening economic problems that to visit Evin. His remarks were published in several Iranian newspapers yesterday.

World’s oldest survivor of Auschwitz dies at 108 The oldest known survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp — a teacher who gave lessons in defiance of his native Poland’s Nazi occupiers — has died at the age of 108, an official said yesterday. Antoni Dobrowolski died on Sunday in the north-western Polish town of Debno, according to Jaroslaw Mensfelt, a spokesman at the Auschwitz-Birkenau state museum. After invading Poland in 1939, sparking World War II, the Germans banned anything beyond four years of elementary education in a bid to crush Polish culture and the country’s intelligentsia. The Germans considered the Poles inferior beings, and the education policy was part of a plan to use Poles as a “slave race.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney during a debate session recently.

Photo: AP

Obama, Romney meet in final debate on foreign policy

arack Obama and Mitt Romney met early today in their third and final debate ahead of 6 November’s presidential election - focusing on foreign policy. Issues concerning Libya and Iran were featured, as well as terrorism, a rising China and the wars in Afghanistan and Syria. The 90-minute televised event in Boca Raton, Florida was their last head-to-head clash before the election and it drew about 60 million viewers. An NBC poll on Sunday put the men in a dead heat, each with 47% support. The debate at Lynn University which began at 2 am Tuesday (Nigerian time), was moderated by CBS News’ veteran anchorman Bob Schieffer.

Mr Obama was expected to stress his commander-inchief credentials as the man who killed Osama Bin Laden and ended the Iraq war, analysts say, while trying to portray Mr Romney as lacking the experience to steer the nation through a crisis. Polling suggests Mr Obama has a small advantage in voter perceptions about which candidate is best prepared to handle US foreign policy in a chaotic world. For his part, Mr Romney was expected to push his campaign’s position that US foreign policy is “unravelling before our very eyes”. At a confrontational second debate in New York last week, Mr Romney said the 11 September attack on the US consulate in Benghazi which killed four Americans

including the US ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens - and wider anti-American violence in the Middle East were symptomatic of that decline. The Republican candidate accused Mr Obama of initially downplaying the role of radical Islamists in the Benghazi attack - in order to protect a successful anti-terrorist track record. Mr Obama countered that he had denounced the killing as “an act of terror”, snapping that Mr Romney should “check the transcript” rather than trying to score political points from the tragedy. The former Massachusetts governor has accused the president of not being firm enough in support of America’s principal Middle Eastern ally, Israel.

t least seven people were killed and dozens wounded in gun battles in the Lebanese capital Beirut and coastal Tripoli yesterday in further unrest linked to the conflict in neighbouring Syria, security and hospital sources said. The clashes have heightened fears that Syria’s civil war with its sectarian dimensions is now spreading into Lebanon, pitting local allies and opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against each other. The Lebanese army promised decisive action to quell the violence, which was touched off by the assassination of a senior intelligence officer last week. That killing has plunged Lebanon into a political crisis and the army command urged party leaders to be cautious in their public statements so as not to inflame passions further. It issued the warning after troops and gunmen exchanged fire in Beirut’s southern suburbs overnight and on Monday morning while protesters blocked roads with burning tires. Many politicians have accused Syria of being behind the killing of Brigadier General Wissam al-Hassan, an intelligence chief opposed to the Syrian leadership, who was blown up by a car bomb in central Beirut on Friday. Opposition leaders want Prime Minister Najib Mikati to resign, saying he is too close to Assad and his Lebanese militant ally Hezbollah, which is part of Mikati’s government. The worst of the clashes since late Sunday took place in the northern city of Tripoli, the scene of previous fighting between Sunni Muslims backing the Syrian insurgents and Alawites sympathetic to Assad. Six people were killed and about 50 wounded in fighting between the Sunni neighbourhood of Tabbaneh and the Alawite Jebel Mohsen, security and hospital sources said. The two sides exchanged rocket and gunfire, residents said.

Attempted knife attack on Finnish PM thwarted

ecurity guards stopped a knife-wielding man yesterday from approaching Finnish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen while he was campaigning for municipal elections, government officials said. Police said he did not attempt to attack the Conservative leader, who was unhurt. “The man was stopped before he reached the prime minister. He didn’t have time to stab him,” Kari Mokko, a government spokesman told The Associated Press. “Katainen will continue his duties as normal.” The afternoon incident occurred in the south-western city of Turku, where Katainen was campaigning ahead of Sunday’s municipal elections. Turku police said the man, in his 30s, was in a crowd of people in the city center when he “suddenly wielded a knife.” “The man did not behave ag-

Katainen

gressively or directly threaten the prime minister or others nearby,” a police statement said. “He was quickly apprehended by police and is being held in custody.” Mokko and other officials could not give any details on the suspect. Robert Seger, a Finnish news-

paper photographer who witnessed the incident, said the man dropped to his knees in front of Katainen, holding a knife, but didn’t attack him. “He was trying to get Katainen’s attention,” Seger told AP. Shortly before the incident, the man had shaken hands with Katainen and introduced himself to the prime minister, Seger said. “I didn’t hear his name. But the man said he was in lots of trouble,” Seger said. “Then he just dropped down on his knees and suddenly I saw a knife in his hand ... but he lowered it on the ground.” He said security guards quickly grabbed the man and pulled him away from Katainen, who leads a coalition government after winning national elections last year. The government’s security chief Timo Harkonen told Finnish broadcaster YLE that the

prime minister’s security contingent had closely monitored the incident and “prevented it from becoming a dangerous situation.” Politicians in the Nordic countries often mingle with voters without stringent security measures, despite a couple of high-profile attacks against government officials and political parties in recent decades. In Sweden, Prime Minister Olof Palme was gunned down on a Stockholm street in 1986 and Foreign Minister Anna Lindh was fatally stabbed in a shopping center nine years ago. Both were without security guards. Last year, a right-wing extremist set off a car bomb just outside the Norwegian government’s headquarters in Oslo, killing eight and injuring hundreds. He then massacred 69 people — most of them teenagers — in a shooting rampage at the summer camp of a left-wing youth group.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Cocktail

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

Bald head men are better leaders --Study

WITH DR. DEJI FOLUTILE

Today's Tonic (27)

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all!” –Helen Keller * * * What Do You Call Life? Helen Keller was a blind woman among other disabilities, yet she concluded that life is a daring adventure and achieved so many great feats while alive. You see, life will not give us what you deserve but what we vehemently demand. What is life to you? How do you see life? A burden or a platform to live a meaningful existence? Your own conclusion is so important to your progress and contribution to life. TEL 08104942999 E-MAIL deji.folutile@gmail.com Follow me @TwitterOWOTIDE

Man gets watch back 53 years after theft

man in upstate New York finally has his wristwatch back, 53 years after it was stolen. Ed Grigor says he had long ago forgotten about the 23-jewel wristwatch stolen when he was in the Navy. Then last month the Binghamton-area man got a call from a Las Vegas couple. They were able to track down Grigor because his name was engraved on the back of the watch. The Press and Sun

Bulletin of Binghamton reports that the mother of the woman who tracked down Grigor owned a guest house frequented by Navy servicemen stationed in Virginia Beach. When they ran low on money, she would hold collateral until they paid their bills, but some never came back. When the woman’s mother died, the watch was found among her possessions. Grigor now calls his watch Time Traveler.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Zimbabwean takes wife to court over chicken parts

Zimbabwean man assaulted his wife and dragged her to a village court last week where she was found guilty of disobeying custom by failing to give him the juiciest pieces of chicken. NomusaSibanda, 24, gave her husband the gizzard, wings and one drumstick and ate the chicken breast and second drumstick herself, according to local newspaper, The Sunday News. JabulaniNcube, 40 was incensed and beat up his wife who fled to her grandmother’s house. The next day, he forced her to attend the village court where he complained to the traditional leaders in the Nkayi Communal Land, 100 miles north east of Zimbabwe’s second city Bulawayo, that his wife was “uncultured and disrespectful”. He warned that he would seek a divorce if she again failed to give him the drumsticks and breast which in traditional culture are due to the

man of the house. MrsSibanda was unrepentant and told the court: “How long shall I slaughter chickens and

Chicken drumsticks and breast.

not taste the back portion?” She was found guilty of ignoring custom and fined a chicken, as was

her grandmother GogoMaDawu for failing to teach her granddaughter “how to treat her husband and dish out meals”.

PHOTO: ALAMY

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Kaduna LG poll: CPC members protest imposition A ZA MSUE KADUNA

ggrieved members of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) yesterday protested what they described as the imposition of Alhaji Samaila Suleiman as the Kaduna North Local Government Area candidate ahead of De-

cember election. The protesters, in their hundreds, stormed CPC Kaduna State secretariat on Rabah Road, near Arewa House, alleging that primaries did not hold as claimed by the party’s officials. They also said that the Kanti Bello-led reconciliation committee was against the candidature

of Alhaji Sadeeq Mamman Lagos and other contestants. The protesters’ placards read: “The same Kanti Bello that insult Buhari is now in CPC,” “Kanti Bello, don’t destroy CPC,” “No leadership in Kaduna CPC,” and “No CPC primary elections in Kaduna State,” among others. They, therefore, called

for the rejection of the “imposed candidates.” CPC Chairman in Kabala Ward, Saidu Mohammed, who led the protesters, accused the party officials of destroying Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s ideas. He said: “The party that promised change as its motto and gave Nigerians hope for a better democratic engagement as against

that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is abusing its constitution and laid down processes with impunity to the extent that people are beginning to see CPC as worse than PDP in terms of anti-democratic tendencies and abuse of due process.” The Kaduna State Chairman of CPC, Alhaji Amadu Yaro Coca Cola, however,

confirmed that the party opted for consensus arrangement although some of the aspirants rejected the idea. Alhaji Yaro added that the decision to come up with a consensus arrangement was born out of the desire for the party to achieve success in the forthcoming local government election.

Sallah: Katsina seeks banks’ prompt attention to workers JAMES DANJUMA A ZA M SUE

AND

L-R: Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Yiljap Abraham; Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe; Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku and National President, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Alhaji PHOTO: NAN Mohammed Garba, during the National Good Governance Tour in Jos, yesterday.

Resist attempt to tamper with public fund, Shettima tells LG chairmen INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

overnor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has warned the new caretaker chairmen of the 27 local government areas to shun corruption. Shettima asked them to resist attempts to tamper with public funds, warning that offenders would be prosecuted. He spoke yesterday after the swearing-in of the chairmen at the Government House in Maiduguri, the state capital. Also sworn in was the new Head of Service (HOS), Mr. Yakubu Bukar, who succeed-

ed the late Mr. Zanna Gana. Gana was killed by gunmen last month. Describing the appointment of Bukar as well deserved, the governor congratulated him and asked him to discharge his duties without ethnic or religious bigotry. Governor Shettima also congratulating the new caretaker chairmen, adding that his administration has entered into covenant with the people and that regardless of all odds, including the security challenges confronting the state, the government was determined to provide dividends of democ-

racy to the people. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to robust welfare for the people at the grassroots. The governor, therefore, warned the chairmen to inculcate and internalise the culture of transparency and accountability in the discharge of their duties. Shettima said: “You must shun corruption. Anyone found to be engaged in corrupt practices will not go unpunished, the government will not hesitate to sanction the person because the government has zero tolerance for corruption.” Earlier in his welcome

Gaidam restricts movement in Potiskum INUSA NDAHI DAMATURU

overnor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State has restricted movement in Potiskum following the violent attacks unleashed on residents recently by terrorists. The movement is restricted from 4:00pm to 7:00 am daily. A statement signed by the Governor’s Special

Adviser on Press Affairs and Information, Alhaji Abdullahi Bego and made available to journalists in Damaturu, the state capital, stated that the decision was taken following a meeting that Gaidam held with heads of law enforcement agencies. The statement said that the measure was designed to ensure the protection of lives and property and the maintenance of law and order.

Gaidam, therefore, urged Potiskum residents to cooperate with security agents, especially the Joint Task Force (JTF) men. The governor, however, sympathised with those whose family members were killed by the terrorists. He assured Potiskum residents and all the people of the state that his administration would prevent a recurrence of the incident.

address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai, said the caretaker chairmen, who served for six months were recently dissolved after the expiration of their tenure in line with the Section 3(3, 4) of the Local Government Law 2000. Alhaji Garbai, therefore, urged them to do their best especially in the provision of water supply, construction of roads and drainages, healthcare delivery, agriculture and rural electrification.

anks in Katsina State have been called on to promptly attend to civil servants as they visit the premises to collect their October salary to enable them enjoy the Sallah celebration. The state’s Commissioner for Finance, Mohammed Jari, made the call yesterday at a press briefing in Katsina town. Jari also called on the banks to fill their Automated Teller Machines (ATM) with cash to enable Muslims withdraw money without stress. He said doing so would enable the workers get their money on time as well as keep the bank officials from being over stressed. The commissioner said that the state had released N5.114 billion for the payment of the workers’ salary. Jari said N1.639 billion was released for the payment of the workers’ salary and employees of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University (UMYU).

He said N3.363 billion was released for the payment of workers in the 34 local government areas. Meanwhile, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) yesterday called on Muslims to pray for the nation’s peaceful coexistence. In an emailed statement signed by its Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, JNI said the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of (JNI), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, felicitated with the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria over the successful start of Dhul-Hajj. JNI also pleaded with motorists to drive carefully to avoid accident during the festive period. The statement read: “Muslims are called upon to pray for the peaceful co-existence of Nigeria. “As for the travelling, we implore all to be wary of our roads and drive with caution, taking into account all the precautionary measures while driving. We wish the Ummah,happy Eidel-Adha celebration.”

NHIS promises access to healthcare services IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

he National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has said that it is committed to providing easy access to quality healthcare services for Nigerians by 2015. NHIS Coordinator in the North-Central, Attahiru Ibrahim, stated this yesterday at a one day forum organised for enrollees in the federal ministries, departments and agencies in Lafia, the Nasarawa State

capital. Ibrahim said the management of NHIS had launched two programmes capable of reaching the generality of Nigeria populace. He also said that the Federal Government had approved the commencement of e-NHIS. The Coordinator recalled that recently, there was directive instructing all prospective enrollees to open a web account to enable them access their personal information online.

He said: “This will permit all the principal enrollees to effect some changes like removal of dependant, correction of names wrongly written, change of primary facilities etc.” Ibrahim, however, said it is high time NHIS acquainted its enrollees with the healthcare service expected at each level of care and new responsibilities expected of healthcare facilities as related to professional indemnity insurance.

News

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

ONDO GUBER POLL

OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

ndependent election observers that monitored the governorship election in Ondo State last weekend has urged candidates of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to accept the result announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the result reflects votes cast by the electorate. The election observers operating under the auspices of the Project Swift Count (PSC) said in a post-election briefing in Abuja yesterday that the order and magnitude of the INEC results for each of the political parties is the same as the Project Swift

Election observers urge Oke, Akeredolu to accept poll result

Count estimates. Barrister Olusola Oke of the PDP and Chief Akeredolu of the ACN have vowed not to recognise the results as announced by INEC. But, First Co-chair of PSC, Dafe Akpedeye (SAN), said the group, that had monitored several other elections in the past was able to independently collect and collate official results from polling units and arrive at the same results as INEC and therefore urged the political contestants and the public alike to accord a high degree of confidence that the official results as announced by INEC reflect the votes cast in the Ondo State governorship election.

“Project Swift Count finds generally that the process provided most of the people of Ondo State with a meaningful opportunity to exercise their right to vote and that the official results as announced by INEC accurately reflect the ballots cast at polling units.” PSC congratulated the citizens of Ondo State for their peaceful and substantial participation in the election and observed that the adequate security presence was of tremendous help in maintaining the peaceful atmosphere. PSC also declared that though INEC has improved, but meeting the 7.30am target for arrival of voting materials at polling units still remains a

challenge. “As at 7.30am, polling officials and election materials had arrived at 47 percent of polling units across Ondo State. This is comparable to Kebbi (53 percent) and Sokoto (43 percent), and is better than Edo (26 percent), Cross River (19 percent) and Bayelsa (32 percent). “Accreditation of voters had started by 9.00am in 70 percent of the polling units. This is worse than Sokoto (73 percent) but better than Kebbi (65 percent), Edo (44 percent), Cross River (35 percent) and Bayelsa (32 percent). However, by noon accreditation had commenced at 98 percent of the polling units.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Aliyu urges Mimiko to run inclusive govt

iger State Governor and Chairman of Northern Governors Forum, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has congratulated the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, on his victory in the governorship election, which was held last weekend. A statement signed by Governor Aliyu’s Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo and made available to journalist yesterday, described Governor Mimiko’s re-election as well deserved. Governor Aliyu urged Mimiko to use the fresh

Election free, fair, says Women Arise AYO ESAN

Voters at the Eyinogbe Ward 1 Unit 5, Owo, at the Ondo State gubernatorial election, at the weekend.

Group slams PDP leaders for congratulating Mimiko OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

he Ondo State Youth Assembly (OYA) yesterday criticised the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for sending congratulatory messages to Governor Olusegun Mimiko, over his victory in the just concluded governorship election in the state. Describing the congratulatory messages as hasty and unacceptable, the group said the national leaders of the party should have listened to the people in the state before congratulating Mimiko. In a statement by its Chairman, Rasheed Elegbeleye, the group

said it rejected the outcome of the election because it was characterised by what it described as scientific fraud. OYA, a group within the PDP in Ondo State, alleged that the election was full of irregularities in many of the local government areas in the state including Akure South, Akoko North East, Idanre, Ilaje and Ese-Odo. It said: “The election was full of mass irregularities. In EseOdo Local Government Area, the leader of the ex-militants, who has been receiving N30 million every month from Mimiko for more than a year now, led a team of erstwhile militants from Balyesa State to disrupt the election in three

wards which constitute the stronghold of the PDP in the area. “In Idanre, the LP thugs thump printed ballot papers in all the rural areas. There were no security men in those places for reasons which we don’t know.” The group alleged further that while election materials were not brought to some parts of Ilaje, results of some wards where PDP won were also cancelled. According to OYA, “Some ballot boxes were snatched in Akure South and ballot papers thump printed by LP thugs. There was over voting in some units in Akoko North East and most of the observers were LP supporters like FOMWAN.”

PHOTO: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

term of four years to consolidate on the good work he started during his first tenure as governor of the state. He advised the Labour Party (LP) government to extend a hand of fellowship to those who were defeated at the poll, saying only an all-inclusive government can bring about the desired change for a better Ondo State. Governor Aliyu thanked the people of the state for their orderly conduct throughout the period of the election, urging them to continue to keep faith with Dr Mimiko.

ne of the accredited observers of the just concluded governorship election in Ondo State, Women Arise, has described the election as free, fair and peaceful. Speaking through its President, Joe Okei-Odumakin, Women Arise said: “After observing the Ondo State gubernatorial election closely and despite the fears that were created before the elections that the election might

be marred with irregularities and violence, we hereby declare that the election was free, fair and credible. The collective resolve of the people and all election stakeholders to have a peaceful election has made this to happen.” Okei-Odumakin said in all the wards and local governments where the election was observed, “voters turned out as early as 7.00am to exercise their franchise, it was a large turnout in Akure, Owo, Idanre, Igbara-Oke, Ore, Okitipupa and Ikare.”

Oshiomhole hails Ondo gov on re-election

do State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has congratulated Governor Olusegun Mimiko, on his emergence as the winner of the electoral contest of October 20, in the state. In a statement obtained yesterday at the Government House in Benin City, from his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Tony Iyare, Oshiomhole hailed Mimiko as the choice of the people of Ondo State. The governor also saluted the former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retired) at the anniversary of his 78th birthday, as one of the most inspiring leaders the country has produced. On Mimiko’s re-election, Oshiomhole said, “I wish to congratulate Governor Olusegun Mimiko

on emerging victorious in the titanic electoral contest in Ondo State on October 20. From the results, it is quite clear that the Labour Party’s candidate is the people’s choice just as the standard-bearers of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) deserve praise for giving a good account of themselves. In the circumstance, it is only natural that one person will carry the day.” The governor, who also emerged from a similar situation in Edo State on July 14, advised the election winner to be magnanimous in victory. “So, I also like to congratulate the duo of Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) of the ACN and Chief Olusola

Oke of the PDP for a gallant showing. For me, the ultimate victor in this contest is the people of Ondo State for turning out in large number to exercise their civic rights. Such engagement is surely needed to enrich our electoral experience, thereby deepening the architecture of our democracy. Against this backdrop, I urge you, Governor Mimiko, to work conscientiously to reach out to your opponents, particularly the leadership of ACN and the candidate with a view to forging reconciliation and move the state forward. He concluded, “My comment here is without prejudice to whatever might be the ultimate decision of ACN after a detailed study of the results of the election.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Features

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Otulu: A community under siege of hoodlums The spate of violence seems to be on the increase in the country, as many communities now live under constant siege of kidnappers, robbers and rapists. Even at that, the authorities and law enforcement agencies are either overwhelmed or incapable of combating rising incidences of lawlessness. One of such communities taking the brunt is Otulu, a rural homestead in Imo State. CHRIS NJOKU was there and reports of the mayhem caused by social miscreants.

A rural road in Otulu.

Mr Orji

THIS VILLAGE IS

HOME TO HOODLUMS.

NO DAY PASSES WITHOUT THE

HARROWING TALES OF BRIGANDAGE AND DARE DEVILRY

Mrs. Okechukwu

thanasius Orji, a retired civil servant was in the church one Sunday morning for thanks giving service on the life of his daughter who was released from captivity by kidnappers after holding her for than one week. Few minutes into the prayer session, he received a distress call to hurry home. What initially occurred to him was that his only daughter who stayed back in the house was dead. “I rushed back home thinking my daughter in the house was dead but that was not to be”. As he approached the door, he saw five stern looking boys with knives and holding his wife and daughter by the throats. By this time, they took turns in raping his daughter who lost her virginity and property worth N100, 000 carted away. Such scene and damning incidence have become regular occurrence in the sleepy community of Otulu in Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State where robbery, kidnapping, and rape thrive. Ordinarily, the community which is only 20 minutes drive from Owerri, the state capital could have provided a peaceful settlement for recreation with its natural setting. But constant cases of robberies, ritual killings and other untoward incidents on daily basis have become a constant source

of worries to the villagers, who now sleep with eyes open. “This village is home to hoodlums. No day passes without the harrowing tales of brigandage and dare devilry exploits of bandits,” Orji said. Narrating further his ordeal, he said on the fateful day, two of the hoodlums took his daughter to an uncompleted building in the compound, while one held him back, the others dragged my wife from one room to another demanding for money.” With painful expressions of anger and helplessness, Orji described the situation in his community as hell where human lives have become worthless. “In fact we are in the ancient Macedonia, and we don’t know what will happen after speaking to you. We live in constant fear,” he told National Mirror. Have they been reporting their experiences to the police? According to him “I reported the incident at the Igbidi Police Station, but until now, no action has been taken to apprehend those responsible. The police authorities are unconcerned over what happened to my family. “We want the government to intervene and come to our rescue; otherwise the community would be overrun by hoodlums and dangerous characters. Otulu has been turn to a habitation for Barbarians. It is a place

EXPLOITS OF BANDITS where anybody walks up to you and broke your head,” Orji who now supports his doors with bamboo trees each time he goes to sleep, said. If Orji’s case is pathetic, that of Sylvia Okechukwu, a female drug vendor is even more gruesome. Three boys arrived at her home at 10 pm armed with knives and clubs, and then broke down the door looking for what to steal. But she did not let the hoodlums go without putting up a fight. In the attempt to resist them, she was beaten to a coma before being dispossessed of valuables including N150, 000 which she said was meant for purchase of drugs the next day. “I held one by the shirt shouting for help, while others beat me up, but no one came to my help,” Mrs. Okechkwu who sustained bodily injuries with swollen face, lamented. Another victim, Beatrice Ozokwere, a meat seller, whose three months daughter was forcefully taken away from her was initially admitted at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri, following injuries she sustained from knife stabs. She was stabbed several times on the stomach, while her little baby till today is still missing. When National Mirror visited at her

home in the village, she was said to have been taken to another hospital for obvious security reasons. Speaking, a community leader, who did not want his name in press for fear of been victimized, said it is difficult to speak freely because of the worsening security situation. He said that the people are so traumatised that they do not speak freely for fear of being attacked by hoodlums. “It is true we don’t speak freely now in the community as you can be attacked any moment and anywhere,” he said. According to him, the local vigilantes have been rendered ineffective by some persons in the community because of their involvement in the mayhem and destruction going on. “These shady and devious characters control the vigilantes and instructs on what to do or where to go”. It was gathered that the robbery operation is more pronounced in Umuezem than Umuohu, the two villages that make up Otulu community. “This is why we believed that what is happening in our community is organized by outsiders,” a source said. It was also learnt that whenever the people tried to complain, they are attacked by the hoodlums. “When we held a forum with the state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, a man stood up and told him that people in the community now live in the bush due to activities of robbers. Later, the man who made the complaint was manhandled by some hoodlums,” the source further disclosed. But the traditional ruler, Eze Sunday Nnabue, he denied any involvement in the security arrangement of the community, even as he confirmed that he is the chief security officer of the area. He admitted that a woman was attacked and that he was aware of the incident, but also he denied that the woman is from his community.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Features

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

A typical ward in Lagos Hospital.

Waiting room of a Lagos Hospital

Lagos: When fighting maternal and child deaths become imperattive Despite massive spending on healthcare, Nigeria continues to rank among countries with the highest mortality rates among pregnant mothers and children under five years of age. Due to this, governments are embarking on various projects to stem the tide. In this piece, MURITALA AYINLA looks at ways which the Lagos State Government plans to combat many of the preventable diseases responsible for such deaths.

esearch has shown that Nigeria loses about 2,300 of under-five year old and 145 women of child bearing age daily to one preventable diseases or the other. This, development, is responsible for ranking of the country as the second highest with incidences of child and maternal mortality in the world. In every home, there story of tragedy resulting from loss of a pregnant woman, and child under five years old abound. Although, research reveals that if there had been prompt medical interventions the deaths would have been avoided, but lack of essential services by the government in many instances have led to needless loss of lives. The losses are mostly from preventable or treatable diseases such as malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, measles and HIV/AIDS, which account for more than 70 per cent of the estimated one million under-five deaths in Nigeria. It is on such ugly note that the Lagos State Government, in conjunction with other partners initiated several maternal deaths reduction programme. Speaking before inauguration of the programmes by the Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, said the programme would address all the factors responsible for such avoidable loss of lives. According to him, the Maternal Mortality Reduction Program Advisory Committee, was inaugurated in 2008 with membership drawn from relevant stakeholders - the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Nigeria (SOGON), Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Association of Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN), Lagos State Board of Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB), Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (co-opted on Board inauguration in February 2009), Local Government Service Commission, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty

Alleviation and officials in the Ministry of Health. Idris, added that series of public enlightenment and health promotion activities were embarked to stem the tide of child and maternal mortality in the state, adding that the advocacy and sensitization campaigns at the community level, was geared to towards creating awareness among women of child bearing ages and to address some of the problems associated with pregnancy, delivery and in the post natal period. He added that the programme when launched, it would serve to inform women on various maternal and child health services available at the primary health centres, to improve their health seeking behaviour and to emphasize the need for prompt and timely referral. To effectively pass the message to the public on some of the attitudes that promote child mortality, the following was undertaken; production and dissemination of Behavioral Change Communication (B.C.C.) materials which employed in house-hold practices of women, family members and communities through production of posters and handbills on danger signs in pregnancy, birth preparedness, exclusive breastfeeding, ten steps to successful pregnancy, nutrition in pregnancy, nutrition for school-age children, community-based newborn care, immunization schedule and management of diarrhea. Harping on the arrays of communication techniques employed in changing attitude of the people, Idris stressed that music, especially from popular artistes and other documentaries relevant to the various maternal and child interventions are being implemented. The state, according to him has also embarked in capacity building of health workers on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health interventions to carry out the task effectively. He said: “In collaboration with development partners, the state conducted series

Fashola unveiling the programme handbooks.

WHEN LAUNCHED,

IT WOULD SERVE TO INFORM WOMEN ON VARIOUS MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THE PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRES of competency based trainings with the objective of enhancing the quality of health care services provided. Health workers were trained on Life Saving Skills, Emergency Obstetric Care, Essential Newborn Care, Contraceptive implant insertion, use of pantographs for active management of labour, Contraceptive logistics management systems, use of Non-pneumatic Anti-shock Garments and Manual Vacuum Aspirators for management of obstetric complications in pregnancy, post abortion care and community-based newborn care. “We have also provided the infrastructural development and supplies, including basic obstetric drugs (Misoprostol and Magnesium sulphate) for health facilities. For instance, a total of 57 Primary Health Care (facilities offering 24-hour services in each of the 57 LGAs/LCDAs were renovated and provided with Emergency Obstetric Equipment to enable them function as Basic Emergency Obstetric Centres. Also, there is provision of Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garments (NASGs), Mama Kits and Manual Vacuum Extractors (MVAs) for each of the Basic and Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric Centres. The state also procured and distributed basic obstetric drugs

(Misoprostol and Magnesium Sulphate), required for effective implementation of Emergency Obstetric Care services. These drugs have proved to significantly reduce maternal mortality caused by post-partum haemorrhage and eclampsia.” He explained that procurement of blood banking equipment to ensure provision of blood banking services at public secondary health facilities was to enable them function optimally as Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal/Child Care Centres. He noted that the governor, has approved the construction and provision of facilities in eight Maternal and Child Health Centers in Ikorodu, Ifako-Ijaiye, Isolo, Surulere (Gbaja), Ajeromi, Amuwo-Odofin, Alimosho and Lekki, Eti-osa. The first five of these facilities have been commissioned and are operational, adding that other three are at various stages of completion. The commissioner added that approval for the construction and equipping of similar facilities at Epe and Badagry General Hospitals are at advanced stages. The Maternal and Child Health Centers are designed to serve as secondary care level referral centers. Ongoing renovation and extension of Ayinke House, the State’s tertiary Obstetric and Gynaecology health facility development and production of a Maternal Health Booklet for women of child-bearing-age in the State. This, according to him, is a comprehensive health promoting home-based booklet which includes birth planning, pregnancyrelated health check-up schedules and emergency care, delivery information, postnatal care, family planning, immunization, neonatal and child care guide. “It acts as a two way-communication tool between health care provider and pregnant mother to raise awareness on safe motherhood and quality maternal and child health services,” he said.

WORLD RECORD

Newest human type Vol. 02 No. 475

Stamps as projection of national identity

rom recent media reports, we learnt that as part of activities lined to celebrate the golden jubilee of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, the institution has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Nigerian Postal Service, NIPOST, to release a set of commemorative stamps to mark the anniversary. Of all the activities earmarked, the one that ordinarily looks out of place is the issuance of postage stamps. As we all know, a postage stamp is a tiny piece of adhesive label affixed to letters or parcels to indicate that an amount equivalent to the face-value has been paid for the processing and delivery of the item. Questions like, who will use the stamps? Are people still posting letters? Is the university looking forward or backward? could easily be raised. Reasons for such questions are not farfetched. The emergence of modern means of communi-

N150

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

The newest group of fossil humans to have been discovered is Denisovan Man - a fossil group whose former existence was publicly revealed in March 2010 following the discovery in Denisova Cave, Russia, of bone fragments from a juvenile individual that had lived around 41,000 years ago.

till smarting from losing the Ryder Cup in extraordinary circumstances, Tiger Woods, has his sights on quick payback against world number one, Rory McIlroy, in China on October 29. The world’s top two players will go head to head in an 18-hole medal match at Jinsha Lake in

Guest Columnist

Abdulwahab Matepo

cations has relegated the affixing of stamps on letters to the background. The overwhelming success of email and even more so that of social and mobile media, have led to decline in physical mail volumes for which the stamp is often required. For instance, Face book alone, handles more messages than the sum of all the letters in the world. Research by the Radicati Group, specializing in monitoring wireless messaging and communication trends, estimates the number of emails sent in 2010 within Europe at 20.7 trillion, outnumbering physical mail by 81:1. According to the most recent Universal Postal Union (UPU) statistics, posts worldwide delivered 376 million pieces of domestic mail and 4.8 billion international items in 2010. This is 2.3 percent and 2.6 percent less items respectively than in 2009. However, the decline in the volume of physical mails and relevance of the postage stamp in today’s scheme of things are two different things. While it is true that the stamp was originally intended to prepay postage, it has, in its 172 years history, earned additional values. These values are the driving force behind Ahmadu Bello University’s choice. Even if it were limited to its use on mails, the stamp still has a unique position. Research has shown that mails that carry postage stamps are twice as likely to be opened first, as opposed to those with postal franking. Like currencies, postage stamps are issued by sovereign states. Shortly after Britain issued the first postage stamp in 1840, other states began to realize that

WHILE NIGERIA MIGHT NOT HAVE DONE WELL IN TERMS OF OVERALL

DEVELOPMENT, MUCH HAS BEEN ACHIEVED IN SHOWCASING HERSELF THROUGH POSTAGE STAMPS.

stamps could be used as a seal of sovereignty and window of information on the culture, history, industry, sports and institutions of a country. After World War 1, it was further realized that stamps could be used for public enlightenment and information, if they were not used for outright propaganda. Consciously, it began with the use of stamps to project national identity, mainly through national symbols, the use of the national autonym, or self-name, e.g. Polska for Poland, Suomi for Finland, Hellas for Greece and the heads of sovereigns. Thus, between 1874 when the first adhesive stamps were released in Lagos and independence in 1960, our stamps bore the portrait of the reigning British monarch. But after independence, Nigeria carved out a new philatelic identity for herself, and developed new strategies of projecting her image both at home and abroad. Of special interest, is

the Nigeria Coat of Arms stamp released along four other stamps to commemorate the first independence anniversary in 1961. This 3d (three pence) stamp was the first in the world designed to be issued in seven colour photo gravure. To ensure that Nigeria complied with international best practice, the federal government established a philately service in Lagos. Issuing stamps without a philately department is like issuing currency without a central bank. At the inauguration in April 1969, MallamAminu Kano, then Federal Commissioner for Communications, emphasized the need to have a robust stamp-issuing policy, as they seek to portray the various aspects of a country’s life, culture, civilization, heritage, etc. While Nigeria might not have done well in terms of overall development, in the light of the enormous oil wealth and level of poverty among the citizenry, much has, been achieved in showcasing herself to the outside world through postage stamps. About 240 sets of stamps have been issued in 750 denominations, running into millions of stamps. Thus, stamps have been issued on most spheres of our country’s endeavour: politics, history, sports, natural resources, education, industry, health, culture, science and technology etc. Similarly, being the 99th member of the United Nations and 111th member of the Universal Postal Union, Nigeria participates in various stamp issuing programmes, sponsored by the UN and its agencies and also those under agencies of the Universal Postal Union. It is understood that one of the ABU stamps will carry the portrait of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello after whom the institution was named. Although we have stamps with the portraits of Dr.NnamdiAzikiwe and Chief ObafemiAwolowo, they were not in recognition of the universities named after them. Rather, it is because of roles they played in the struggle for Nigeria’s independence. A similar honour has also been bestowed on other founding fathers like Herbert Macaulay and AbubakarTafawaBalewa, excepting Ahmadu Bello, who will now be compensated by the ABU stamp. Abdulwahab Matepo wrote from Lagos

Sport Extra

Woods ambushes McIlroy in China Zhengzhou, with Woods clearly fired up by his rivalry with the Northern Irishman. “We’ve all seen how talented Rory is,” said 14-times major winner Woods, who routed McIlroy by six strokes in the World Golf Final in Turkey the week after

the Ryder Cup. “It’ll be fun to battle him for the next decade or so and hopefully we’ll have many battles to come.” Woods and McIlroy experienced the gamut of emotions at the Ryder Cup earlier this month, when Europe stormed back from

10-6 down to pinch the golden trophy from under America noses. McIlroy, twice a major winner, almost missed his tee time but the 23-year-old made it in the nick of time to win his singles match in an astonishing European comeback at Medinah.

Woods

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