Thursday 26th may, 2016

Senate summons CBN Gov over state of economy GeorGe oji

S Emefiele

Vol. 6 N0. 1378

enate has invited Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele to appear before it to explain the current

state of the nation’s economy, particularly the monetary and fiscal policies adopted to salvage the current economic situation.

The senate gave the directive yesterday following a motion by Sena-

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Alison-Madueke

tor Bassey Akpan (Akwa Ibom North-east) on the urgent need to address the present economic state of the nation.

The invitation of the CBN governor incidenCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

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We’ll pay $3.9 billion fine to FG –MTN P.6

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EFCC uncovers fresh $153m at Fidelity Bank

...re-arrests MD, director operations E

Marcus FatunMole ABUJA

conomic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday re-arrested the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc., Nnamdi Okonkwo, over a fresh $153m discovered to have been laundered through CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Court denies Metuh’s P.5 application for overseas treatment

President Muhammadu Buhari (R) presenting a souvenir to outgoing Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria, Mr Saeed Koozechi, who paid him farewell visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Reps halt planned sale of refineries

...berate Kachikwu over loss of oil sector control

Over 984 Tiv people killed by Fulani herdsmen –Report

P.4 P.4

Ambode signs N844bn 4th Mainland P.8 Bridge MoU Biafra: Appeal Court dismisses P.10 Kanu’s appeal

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EFCC uncovers fresh $153m at Fidelity Bank CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

the bank by former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

Okonkwo was said to have been apprehended by EFCC in Lagos, alongside one of the bank’s Head of Operations, one month after he was picked up for a similar issue.

According to report, the two top management officials were arrested and detained at the Lagos offices of the EFCC after fresh revelations emerged that the former oil minister laundered the money through the bank for the purposes of rigging the 2015 elections in favour of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Mr. Okonkwo had previously not disclosed the transactions to investigators at the EFCC when he was arrested last month, and the discovery prompted another security sweep of the bank, the report stressed.

It would be recalled that EFCC had last month arrested Okonkwo over his role in a $115m cash lodgements he allegedly received from Alison-Madueke.

Managing Director of Sterling Bank, Mr. Yemi Adeola, Group Managing Director of Access Bank, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, also fell into the agency’s trap recently.

The banks executives were released by the commission on assurance they would make themselves available whenever they are called upon.

National Mirror could not confirm yesterday whether other banks involved in previous $115m allegedly laundered by the minister were also involved in the fresh fund.

EFCC had alleged that Okonkwo helped Diezani convert the $115m to N23bn for the purpose of bribing election officials during the 2015 polls.

Fidelity Bank however reportedly returned N49.7m it earned in profit from the money to EFCC, while other banks who were in-

volved in the saga reportedly pledged to follow suit.

Efforts by our correspondent to get details of Okonkwo’s arrest yesterday from spokesperson of EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, were futile, as his phone was switched off.

More top bank officials are expected to be arrested by the Commission over various funds allegedly plundered through the banks by the last Federal Government.

The commission is yet to arrest son of AlisonMadueke, Ugonna, who was said to have aided the movement of the funds allegedly misappropriated by her mother.

Stalwarts of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have been grilled over the $115m.

Former governor of Cross River, Sen. Liyel Imoke, has been interrogated by the commission over the fund.

Similarly, a former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Imasuen, and a former Secretary to the Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu, have also been questioned for collecting N700m from the money.

The anti-graft agency has also arrested and interrogated former governor of Kaduna State, Ramalan Yero.

L-R: Representative of Visible Concept, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade; Managing Director, Access Bank, Mr Herbert Wigwe; President African Finance Corporation, Andrew Alli and Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adeniji Kazeem signing Memorandum of Understanding on 4th Mainland Bridge in Lagos yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Over 984 Tiv people killed by Fulani herdsmen –Report Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

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he Tiv people in Benue State, under the aegis of Mdzough U Tiv, MUT, yesterday, told the House of Representatives Committee, investigating the killings in the state by Fulani herdsmen that over 984 of their people have so far been killed between 2014 and 2016.

The committee however stepped down the investigation until today as members queried the nonappearance of Inspector General of Police, IGP, Solomon Arase, Department

of State Services, DSS, Director General, Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, Interior minister, Abdulrahman Dambazau and the representatives of the Fulani herdsmen, Miyatti Allah Cattle Rearers Association.

The committee, chaired

by Haliru Jika, which emerged from an executive session to discontinue listening to the Benue Community, summoned all the above parties and agencies to appear before it at the hearing today, or incur the wrath of the legislature.

In a report co-signed

by President General of

Senate summons CBN Gov over state of economy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

tally, happens to be the only recommendation contained in the motion, as a result of which, Senate President, Bukola Saraki said he would not allow contribution by senators on the motion until Emefiele would have appeared and made his presentations on the issue.

Saraki presided briefly at yesterday’s plenary before leaving the chamber to return to the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, to continue his trial over allegation of false assets declaration and money laundering.

Akpan in his lead presentation expressed worry that the declining Gross Domestic Product, GDP, and

unemployment besides the current high inflation rate clearly shows that current economic policies are not achieving desired impact and requires an urgent review to avoid further recession.

This was also as he feared that the current economic contraction is the first major drastic slump since June 2004, which according to the CBN is a 12year low, while the World Bank’s position is 21-year low.

The lawmaker recalled that the CBN had in March, deployed a contracting monetary policy, increasing benchmark interest rate from 11 per cent to 12 per cent and cash ratio from 20 per cent to 22.5 per cent.

The move, he said, raised

the question as to why contracting monetary policy instead of expansionary monetary policy of boosting economic activities at such a critical time as now.

According to him, the current economic situation coupled with lack of required foreign exchange to boost imports of raw materials for the domestic industries will worsen the unemployment and poverty situation in the country.

Akpan further posited that he was convinced that with the current economic slump, meeting the key revenue projections of the 2016 budget is practically impossible and thus the need to have a rethink to avoid deepening deficit or poor budget implementation.

MUT, Edward Ujege and Secretary General, Azer Ukende, presented at the hearing, Ujege told the committee that over 29, 974 people had also been displaced across the state, with property worth over N40bn lost to the mayhem.

The President General, who said he was speaking for Tiv people all over the world by virtue of his office, accused security agencies of neglecting their duties to secure the Benue people.

He specifically accused the police of not carrying out a single arrest of the herdsmen since the killings started.

He said the police and Federal Government had often referred to the killers as unidentified herdsmen But he dismissed the claim as cover up, as representatives of the acclaimed unidentified herdsmen were always meeting with the various authorities to absolve their men of alleged crimes.

From his report, Ujege said in 2014,142 persons were killed in Guma Local Government Area, LGA, 6, 544 others displaced with property worth over N128m lost, while in Gwer East, 15 were killed, 253 displaced and over N53m lost.

In Gwer West, he said 168 were killed, 4,543 displaced and N592m lost; Katsina Ala, 20 killed, 1,679 displaced, over N4bn lost; in Kwande, 3,199 displaced, over N132m lost.

In Logo, 54 killed, 4,088 displaced, over N9bn lost,

and in Makurdi, 484 killed, 3,018 displaced and over N31bn lost.

Ujege further stated that in 2015 and 2016, 28 people were killed in Buruku, 6,650 displaced and over N8bn was lost in two wards of Binev and Mbaya, and in four wards in Logo, 58 killed, as well as in Tarka, where 15 people were killed and Ukum, where 101 were killed.

He lamented that the way and manner the people were killed was barbaric as some were slaughtered and others hit with chemical weapons, causing them to vomit and pass on slowly.

He alleged that all the killings and mayhems were highly coordinated as the killers were often aided by security forces.

He lamented that the incessant attacks had impoverished his people as they no longer went to plant in their farms.

Ujege said the Tiv people were now sore afraid to go back to farm seeing that the herdsmen had taken over their farmlands and were armed to the teeth, ready to kill them.

He said the current food and tomato shortages were fully connected to the activities of the herdsmen, who had made farmers unable to return to their vocation.

After the presentation, the committee members were irked that those who should respond to the allegations refused to honour invitation extended to them.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4>>

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Thursday, May 26, 2016

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Reps halt planned sale of refineries Ubong Ukpong and george opara

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ouse of Representatives Committee on Privatisation yesterday, halted, with immediate effect, the planned sale of the nation’s three refineries by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. This is even as the House raised the alarm that the country has lost control of the oil sector.

The three refineries are located in Port Harcourt, Kaduna.

Issuing the pronouncement in Abuja after engaging officials of NNPC and Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, on the exercise, the Committee declared that NNPC violated the provisions of the BPE Act section 11, 2009.

It accused NNPC of acting unilaterally by going ahead with the exercise without involving other stakeholders as contained in the Act. Prior to its pronouncement by Chairman of the Committee, Ahmed Yerima, there was exchange of words between Group Executive Director, GED, in charge of Refineries, Mr Anibor Kragba and members of the committee, which led to the abrupt adjournment of sitting.

Trouble started when the committee was informed that the Group Managing Director, GMD of NNPC, who is also Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachuikwu, was being represented by Kragba.

Most members of the committee kicked against the arrangement, insisting that the minister should appear personally at a later day based on their past experiences with the Corporation where its Chief Executives had failed to honour invitations.

Proceedings however started after assurances from the Kragba that he had the mandate of the minister to represent him and that he was competent to handle the matter in question.

At this stage, Kragba

was allowed to make his presentation along with the Acting BPE Director General, Mr Vincent Akpotarie.

The GED in his presentation denied that the refineries were being privatized.

According to him, NNPC was only sourcing for core investors to come and invest in the refineries to enable them operate optimally.

The committee sought to know who authorised the Corporation to embark on such an exercise without the knowledge of the National Assembly and the BPE, and Kragba replied that he needed clarification on this, saying he was just appointed into office.

This development irked members, who challenged him on his earlier claims that he was competent to handle the matter to their satisfaction.

At this stage, Kragba said: “With due respect to this Honourable Committee, I was appointed into the office by Mr. President who believed my competency.”

In a swift reaction, the lawmakers went wild for using what they termed ‘derogatory language’ on then and resolved to call off the sitting.

Yeriman, thereafter, ruled that NNPC should stop the privatisation move, which he said was gross violation of the BPE Act. He warned Kragba to be careful of his choice of words before the parliament.

He said: “I am sure if Mr. President reads this BPE Act, he will not be happy with what you are doing.

“We are preaching change, change in our ways of doing things for the betterment of the country and yet we the leaders are doing things the other way round. Impunity is still rampant. I am a member of the All Progressives Congress and promised the people of real change before they gave us their votes.”

Earlier, Mr Akpotaire had raised some fundamental issues in the privatisation exercise that needed to be sorted out

L-R: Children of the deceased, Alhaja Enitan Majolagbe; Chief Olabode George and wife, Roli George and Mrs. Ibironke Onajobi during the funeral service of Mrs. Remilekun Phillip-George in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

before it could be done in the interest of the nation, saying BPE was not part of the process.

In a related development, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sulaimon Lasun, said the nation has lost control of the oil and gas sector.

Lasun stated this when he received the reports of the extractive industries from the management team of Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency

Initiatives, NEITI. He noted that Bonny Light is the second best crude in the world and Nigeria has nothing to show for it.

Lasun further disclosed that in spite of the huge oil deposit in the country, Nigeria was nowhere close to the technology, extraction, marketing and politics of the product.

He accused multinational oil companies of cheating the country, even as he stressed that

agencies, charged with regulating the sector have failed in their duties.

He directed that all biproducts from crude oil must be made to be accounted for by relevant agencies.

The deputy speaker regretted that Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, which had jurisdiction to keep accurate statics on petroleum products exportation and importation, as well as monitor the activities around

the sector was never allowed to go anywhere near the terminals since 1958.

He further regretted that local content laws were not respected by multinational companies, which operated as a cabal, as almost 70 per cent of what Nigerians should do was being done by foreigners.

He insisted that the Nigerian oil sector systems were not properly regulated.

Over 984 Tiv people killed by Fulani herdsmen –Report CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

The committee members had to go to executive session after a disagreement between the chairman and members.

The chairman was eager to have the hearing held, as he made excuses for the non-appearance of the security chiefs, while other members insisted that even their representatives may not be welcomed.

The disagreements made the chairman call for executive session, where they decided to adjourn the hearing to enable all parties to appear.

“The unidentified herdsmen, nobody is here to speak for them, we are giving them 24 hours, between now and tomorrow, to appear otherwise, we will send our report to the House to make its recommendations.

“The IGP, DSS, Army and Minister of Interior must be here. If the rel-

evant agencies fail or neglect to appear, we will be compelled to invoke sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 constitution as amended, to do the needful,” Jika said.

He said the hearing was important because it bothered on the lives of citizens.

“As a House, we will not be distracted from discharging our constitutional responsibilities,” he added.

Meanwhile, police said yesterday that it had arrested five of the suspects involved in the midnight attack on Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State on April 25.

This was contained in a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Kolawole, in Abuja.

It said the arrest followed the police’s renewed determination to rid the society of crimes and all

forms of criminality.

The statement said the arrest was also based on the Inspector-General of Police’s Intelligence Response Team, IRT, credible technical intelligence.

“The IGP’s IRT, based on the intelligence gathered on the attack, arrested the suspects and recovered one Gionee L88 mobile phone with memory card containing the video recording of the massacre in the community,” the statement said.

It said the team also on May 6 busted a 3-man syndicate of deadly bank robbers/kidnappers and recovered arms, ammunition, dynamites and rifle servicing tools from them.

The statement said the gang members had been terrorising Rivers, Imo and Enugu states, respectively.

It said items recovered from them include 3 AK-

47 rifles; 1 LAR rifle; 310 rounds of live ammunition; 12 rifle magazines; rifle servicing tools; cache of dynamite explosive; 1 Toyota Highlander Jeep; 1 Toyota Venza jeep; and 1Ford Edge Jeep.

The statement said the IRT also in Kaduna State, on May 20 arrested three suspects in the state for alleged kidnapping and robbery.

It said different caliber of weapons was also recovered from the bandits.

The statement attributed the recent breakthrough to the growing trust and cooperation between the Force and the public.

It assured Nigerians that the Police would remain dynamic and creative in formulating new strategies for fighting crimes and criminality, urging Nigerians to continue to support the Force.

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Court denies Metuh’s application for treatment overseas DOOsuur iwambe ABUJA

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ustice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday refused an application filed by the embattled National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Olisa Metuh, seeking its leave to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment.

Delivering his ruling on the application yesterday, Abang held that there was fear that if Metuh was allowed to travel abroad, he might abscond and would not be available to face trial.

The judge, in his ruling that lasted for less than an hour, dismissed the application and held that the court

...fears he may abscond lacked jurisdiction to entertain Metuh’s application as there was a subsisting order directing Metuh to deposit his international passport with the chief registrar of the high court as part of his bail conditions.

According to him, Metuh’s application amounted to asking the court to set aside its earlier order, where it requested that the document be submitted as part of the conditions for his bail.

“The first defendant cannot pretend not to know of the existing order. He filed the application as if it is a simple matter. It is not a simple matter.

“Under the law, the court can only vary the bail condi-

He should face trial – A’Court

tion if the defendant had not complied with the bail condition.

“There cannot be issue of variation when the court has complete bail conditions and the defendant has complied. What he is asking for is that court should set aside its earlier order. Once he has complied with the bail condition, the issue of variation does not arise. This court has no jurisdiction to do so.

“This is not a case of sympathy, but a case of law.‎ This court has no jurisdiction to entertain this application. The court is not Father Christmas to give to the defendant what it did not ask for.

“Moreover, the medical

report by Metuh’s doctor, Ugwanyi Ugochukwu, does not include any reason he cannot be treated in Nigeria.

“The application lacks merit. It is accordingly dismissed. The court cannot set aside its decision,” the judge ruled.

Metuh had last week filed an application to the court praying for the release of his international passport to enable him travel to the United Kingdom to treat himself of an undisclosed ailment.

Metuh’s counsel, Ikpeazu, while moving the application, prayed the court to grant the application, saying it has inherent powers to grant the application.

The prosecution coun-

L-R: Representative of National Defense College, Air Commodore Pam Chollom; Panelists, Mr Anders Rasmussen and Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Prof. Oshita oshita, during the 2016 Nigeria Summit on National Security in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

sel, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, who strongly opposed the application for the release of Metuh’s passport, said though the court has jurisdiction to grant the prayers of the defence, the prayers were not properly made.

“There was no specific prayer asking the court to vary its earlier bail condition and in the absence of that, it is doubtful whether the court should make a contrary order,” he said.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Metuh and his company, Destra Investments Limited, on charges including fraudulent collection of N400m from the Office of the National Security Adviser in November 2014 and using same for PDP’s presidential campaign.

Metuh and Destra Investments Limited are also being tried on charges of money laundering involving alleged cash transaction of $2m.

Meanwhile, Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeal brought before it by the embattled past National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Metuh, challenging the ruling of the Federal High court, which held that he has a case to answer.

Metuh had appealed the ruling of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court that ruled that he has a case to answer.

The appellate court, in a unanimous judgment delivered on Wednesday held that it was satisfied that the former PDP spokesman has

a case to answer pertaining to the N400 million transferred from the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, into his company account.

In their unanimous judgment, a three-man panel of justices of the appellate court led by Justice Abdul Aboki, held that EFCC established a prima-facie case to warrant explanations from the defendant.

The appellate court held that trial Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja was right when he dismissed Metuh’s no-case-submission filed by Metuh.

“From evidence adduced before the trial court, can it be said that the 1st defendant has no case to answer?

“The case of the prosecution has raised several questions that only the defendant can answer. It is evident that from testimonies of the eight witnesses called by the prosecution that issues of fact were raised to warrant explanations from the appellant.

“There is need for the defendant to either accept or deny the allegations against him,” the appellate court held.

Justice Aboki who read the lead verdict, maintained that the prosecution having closed its case, the burden of defence shifted to the appellant who he said is “entitled to give explanations as to what actually transpired.

“There is no merit in this appeal and it is accordingly dismissed,” Justice Aboki held.

PDP crisis: NWC members disown Sheriff, back Makarfi ...party to operate from Makarfi’s house as secretariat shut ObiOra ifOh ABUJA

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he Senator Ali Modu Sheriff-led National Working Committee, NWC, members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have withdrawn their support for Sheriff to back the caretaker committee headed by former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Makarfi.

This is as the party has temporarily relocated to the home of Makarfi, as its National secretariat remains under lock since weekend.

A statement signed

yesterday in Abuja by the outgoing Deputy National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus; deputy national secretary, Mr Onwe Solomon Onwe; national legal adviser Victor Kwon; national woman leader, Ambassador Kema Chikwe; national youth leader, Abdullahi Maibasira; national financial secretary, Bolaji Anani; and national treasurer, Buhari Bala, said as products of the party, they accepted all its decisions and resolutions from the Port Harcourt convention.

The officers also said

the party’s national publicity secretary, Olisa Metuh, whom they said is “indisposed on health grounds” has also agreed with the resolution.

“The National caretaker committee constituted by the national convention on May 21, 2016, is fully within the powers of the national convention under section 33 (5) (e) of the party’s constitution. We recognise the Senator Ahmed Makarfiled national caretaker committee of the PDP and offer the committee all our support and cooperation.

“As responsible and hon-

ourable party members who have had the privilege of serving the party at the highest level, we don’t support and are not party to any suit, action or activity seeking to challenge the decisions of the national convention in appointing the national caretaker committee or dissolving the former NWC, which had, at any rate, earlier agreed to go.

“In the absence of the then national chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, the then deputy national chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, presided over the con-

vention in accordance with section 33 (1) (a), 35 (3) (b) of the constitution of the party.

“We enjoin the entire mass of the youths, women, elders, stakeholders and membership of the party nationwide to shun personal interest and cooperate with the Senator Ahmed Makarfiled national caretaker committee so that the party may move forward,” they said.

Meanwhile, all the warring PDP factions yesterday met with the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, with a promise to keep the peace while sorting out their differences in

court.

Also, the Ahmed Makarfiled caretaker committee resolved to be meeting in the chairman’s house, it was learnt.

The party national secretariat has been under key and lock since the party conducted its national convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State where the former National Chairman, Sheriff, and other members of the NWC were sacked.

The resultant crisis that followed the sack led the IGP to order the sealing off of the secretariat to avoid breakdown of law.

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Photo News

Wednesday, May 26, 2016

L-R: Executive Director, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, Dr Otive Igebuzor; Director-General, Electoral Institute, Prof. Abubakar Momoh; former Chairman, National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu; president, Public Interest Lawyers League, Abdul Mahmud and an Abuja Base Journalist, Mr Bodunrin Adebayo, during the commemoration of the first year anniversary of Comrade Emma Nnamdi Ezeazu, in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO:NAN

L-R: Principal Private Sector Specialist, African Development Bank Group, Mr. Emmanuel Akinwumi; Acting Managing Director, Bank of Industry ,BOI, Mr Waheed Olagunju; representative of Kaduna State Governor, Dr Abdulkareem Mayere; Chief Executive Officer, Arnergy Solar Limited, Mr Femi Adeyemo and Executive Director, Corporate Services and Commercial, BOI Mr Jonathan Tobin during the commissioning of the Solar Electrification project at Charwa Community ,Makarfi LGA , Kaduna state yesterday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Assistant Corps Marshal, (FRSC) Manpower Development, Stephen Maitazuma; Corps Marshal, FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi; Head , Media Relations and Strategy, FRSC, Bisi Kazeem, during a meeting with House of Representative Committee on Federal Character in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: Managing Director, Agri-Coll-Ture Africa, Zainab Akwanga; Chief Executive Officer, Ghraizi and Partners Ltd, Mohammad Ghraizi; Managing Director, Chanja Datti Africa, Olufunto Boroffice and Executive Director, the Environmental Art Collective Foundation (ENACOF), Ifesinachi Nwanyanwu, during the ENACOF Media Roundtable on ‘One-Environment’ in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO:NAN

National News

CCT adjourns Saraki trial till June 1 for cross examination

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ode of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, yesterday adjourned the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki, till June 1, to enable defence continue cross examination of the first prosecution witness.

Saraki is standing trial at the CCT on a 16-count charge of allegations bordering on false asset declaration and money laundry prepared against him by the Federal Government.

He had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Earlier, the prosecution witness, Mr. Micheal Wetkas, told the tribunal that Saraki’s name did not appear on the title document of any of the properties in Maitama District, Abuja.

Wetkas, who was cross examined by the defence counsel Paul Usoro (SAN), said the properties located at Plot 2481 Cadastral Zone and 2482 Cadastral Zone were allegedly owned by Saraki.

He said the Commission believed that the property belong to the defendant because when his wife Toyin

Saraki was invited to the commission for questioning she confirmed to EFCC that the company, Carlisle Properties and Investment Limited which bought the property belonged to her husband.

He also told the tribunal that the Power of Attorney of the properties was made in 1992, 10 years before Saraki became governor of Kwara State.

He said the Power of Attorney was issued in the name of one David Baba Akawo and Allied Properties Ltd. He, however, admitted that Saraki’s name did not appear on any of the documents relating to the transactions on the property.

“Even though the document came in the name of Carlisle Properties and Investment Limited, we believed that the properties belong to the defendant because the company belongs to him,” he said.

There was a mild drama when the lead defence counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), asked the court for an adjourn-

ment.

The request was opposed by prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), insisting that the defence had spent 10 days cross examining one witness.

However, a member of the tribunal, Mr Emmanuel Atedze, urged Jacobs to be considerate and fair to the bench.

He reminded Jacobs that the court had to wait addi-

tional one hour for him and his witness before they arrived.

Rotimi, however, explained that his witness had been in the box for 11 days, saying it was the longest

cross examination he had ever witnessed.

Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar, adjourned hearing in the case till June 1 for continuation of cross examination.

We’ll pay $3.9bn fine to Nigerian govt —MTN IsaIah ErhIawarIEn

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he MTN Group yesterday said it was making arrangements to pay the $3.9 billion fine slammed on it by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, over its failure to comply with a directive on SIM card registration, into government coffers.

The Group, in press statement issued in South Africa, confirmed that it was engaging the relevant authorities in Nigeria over the $3.9 billion even as it expressed optimism on reaching a conclusion on the matter in the short-term.

The Executive Chairman, MTN Group, Phuthuma Nhleko noted that the telecoms company will continu-

ously monitor developments with regards to the fine and review the adequacy of the provision at the end of the reporting period.

He disclosed that by the end of June at the latest, a new MTN Group Chief Executive Officer will be announced, and that the company has made provision for the fine in its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2015.

Nhleko who has been holding fort since November 2015, when Sifiso Dabengwa, the former Group CEO resigned, said that the search for a new MTN Group CEO “is well under way” and the company hopes to make an announcement by the end of next month “at the latest”.

He disclosed that at the

end of last month, the group’s subscriber base grew slightly to 230.3 million subscribers across its 22 operations, which included a seven percent decline in subscribers in Nigeria and an 11 percent decline in Uganda, mainly as a result of the non-compliant subscriber deregistration process in these countries which was only completed in the first quarter of 2016.

“The group took an exceptionally conservative stance related to the disconnection of subscribers that were deemed non-compliant, to mitigate future regulatory challenges.”

Since the telecos got into the fine saga last year, it has had several challenges in Nigeria as well as in South Africa where the company is

quoted in the stock market.

During the first four months of 2016, MTN Nigeria’s organic revenue was down six percent yearly, according to its annual report.

The company said that it was mainly due to uncompetitive pricing arising from the suspension of regulatory services and regulatory restrictions that obliged operators to seek permission from customers to charge out-ofbundle rates upon the depletion of data bundles.

Also MTN Nigeria’s data revenue also declined 12 percent mainly due to the withdrawing of regulatory services; however its data traffic increased by 27 percent yearly supported by the continued improvements made to the data network.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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NEWS

Thursday, May 26, 2016

FG appoints Onanuga, others CEOs of information agencies

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ederal Government has announced the appointment of chief executives of six informationrelated parastatals under the Ministry of Information and Culture.

The appointments were announced in Abuja on Wednesday by Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed.

The new chief executives are Mr. Ishaq Modibo Kawu - Director-General, Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Mr. Mansur Liman Director-General, Federal

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Binta Bello (r), presenting prizes to the best dancers, during the Ministry’s party with children from the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) camp, as part of activities for the 2016 Children’s Day Celebration at new Kichingoro in Abuja yesterday, with her is the Ministry’s Director of Child Development, Mrs Georgette Azogu.

Dangote contributes 53% govt revenue in mineral resources sector – FG

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n Agency of the Federal Government, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, has revealed that Dangote Industries Limited generates more mineral resource revenue for the government than the rest of the nation put together. In its reports made available to the press on Wednesday, Dangote Cement was responsible for 53 per cent of the government revenue, that is, N15.9 billion of the total N33.86 billion accrued that year to the Federal Government.

The report revealed that 93 per cent of the total government revenue from solid minerals sector was from five companies: Dangote, WAPCO, Ashaka Cement, Unicem, CCNN and others.

The report states: “53 per cent of the country’s revenue from the solid minerals sector was paid by Dangote Cement Plc to the Federal Government.”

NEITI said Nigeria has about 52 solid mineral resources across all states of the federation, with every state possessing at least two mineral resources. But of all 52, limestone was exploited more in 2013, than 51 others put together. Limestone, which is used for making cement, was responsible for 52 percent of solid mineral productions. Granite, Laterite, and sand were responsible for 27.8, 11.3 and 5.8 percent respectively. Fortyeight other minerals were responsible for only 3 percent of the country’s solid mineral productions.

It would be recalled that

Dangote Cement Plc has recently expanded its frontiers to Asia, by constructing a 3 million metric tons per annum (mmtpa), cement plant in Nepal, as part of its new investment of $4.34 billion into 10 African countries.

Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Cement, who revealed this recently, assured Nigerians that the country will no longer be used as a dumping ground, as the company now has capacity to export more than 10 million metric tonnes of

cement outside the country.

It is currently in 15 African countries, excluding Kenya, Niger and Mali, which are new projects. The company’s current total capacity stands at 48mmtpa, out of which Nigeria alone has the largest chunk of 29.3mmtpa.

Omisore lashes at EFCC, says commission playing persecution script MARcus FAtunMole abuja

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ormer Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Iyiola Omisore, yesterday slammed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for declaring him wanted.

Reacting to last Tuesday’s declaration by EFCC that he was wanted, the former Osun State deputy governor in a statement made available to journalists, said there was no basis for the EFCC action, as according to him, he was in the court with the commission the day the declaration was made.

Omisore said he was not involved in the contract over which the sum of N700 million was allegedly paid through the Office of the National Security Adviser, to a company, Firmex Gill, he was joined in suit by the commission.

The release reads: “I read the statement issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes

Commission purportedly declaring me wanted as an attempt by that organisation and its leadership to tarnish my image.

That statement, if indeed it was issued by EFCC, is the height of mischief and a deliberate attempt to assassinate my character. It is now very clear that EFCC is indeed playing out the script of persecuting and harassing perceived opposition groups in the country.

“To be sure, there is no basis for the EFCC’s so-called statement. Only on Tuesday, May 24, we appeared in court with EFCC asking for permission of the court for extension of time in the preliminary objection to a suit filed against me.

The Managing Director of Firmex Gill, which the EFCC joined in its case, indemnified me from the company’s contracts and any such obligations.

“In other words, there is nothing related to me in the company’s contract deal with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The

company has even sued ONSA for its inability to pay the balance of the contract so awarded to it.”

Omisore added: “Therefore, I am not aware of any issue relating to a contract of N700 million.

There was no issue of N700 million anywhere.

The relationship between the company and ONSA is civil and contractual, which has nothing to do with me,” Omisore said in his statement.

Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Mr. Yakubu Mohammed - Director-General, Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Dr. Garba Abari, Director-General, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr. Bayo Onanuga - Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, and Mr. Osita Okechukwu - Director-General, Voice of Nigeria, VON. The new appointees replace the former bosses of the parastatals who were disengaged on February 15, and the appointments take immediate effect.

We must work towards self sufficiency to cut import bill –Buhari RotiMi FAdeyi abuja

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resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday reaffirmed that his administration was fully committed and determined to do all within its powers to achieve the rapid diversification of Nigeria’s economy in the shortest possible time.

A statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina said Buhari spoke at a farewell audience with the outgoing Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Saeed Koozechi.

The President said he was convinced that with greater diligence, hard work and patriotic determination to achieve self-sufficiency, Nigeria could produce most of the items currently on its import list.

“We made a terrible mistake by becoming a monoproduct economy hinged on oil and we are now in a volatile situation, due to the crash in oil prices.

“We have seen the bene-

fits of diversification which helped Iran to survive many years of sanctions and still come out strong.

“We are now fully committed to economic diversification. Most of the things on our import bills can be produced here. And we are determined to achieve that self-dependency,” Buhari told the outgoing envoy.

At a separate audience with the outgoing Chinese Ambassador, Mr. Gu Xiaojie, the President assured that the Federal Government would continue to do its best to meet its obligations under bilateral agreements with China for the development of critical infrastructure in Nigeria.

The President said because of their importance to Nigeria, his administration would uphold contractual agreements with Chinese companies for the development of essential infrastructure which it inherited from past administrations, and work to ensure speedy completion of the projects.

Kaduna ‘Operation Yaki’ recovered 59,000 livestock from criminals A zA Msue Kaduna

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peratives of Kaduna State security outfit, co-named ‘Operation Yaki’ on Wednesday in Kaduna revealed its men had recovered over 59,000 livestock in various parts of the state from cattle rustlers.

Addressing journalists to mark one year of the Kaduna government in office, Special Adviser to Governor Nasir elRufai and Coordinator of the Operation Yaki, Col. Yakubu Yusufu (retd), while expressing concern over cattle rustling

in the north, said the present government has reduced insecurity.

Yusuf said out of the over 59,000 animals, 30,000 were cows, 20,000 sheep, 9,000 goats, 500 donkeys and 55 dogs which were returned to their rightful owners “after satisfying the conditions and terms laid down by the committee set up by the state.”

He added that 174 cattle rustlers were arrested with dangerous weapons found in their possession, noting that “Investigation into their criminal profile is ongoing for prosecution.”

The coordinator said over

77 suspected armed robbers were arrested and 12 armed robbery attempts foiled while 13 vehicles snatched at gun point “out of which 11 were recovered and returned to the rightful owners.’’

He noted that the outfit launched an onslaught and a total of 59 kidnappers were arrested while a total of 256 miscreants, also known as “Sarasuka,” were arrested.

The coordinator said the Operation Yaki outfit raided black spots and criminal hideouts where illicit drugs were sold and peddled in various parts of the state.

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ambode signs MoU on N844bn 4th Mainland Bridge Francis suberu

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istory was made yesterday in Lagos State as Governor Akinwunmi Ambode signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with consortiums for the construction of the 38km long

4th Mainland Bridge.

While signing the agreement on Wednesday at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, Ambode said upon completion, the N844bn worth bridge would be the longest in the world, adding that the construction is expected to take off immediately.

The bridge which will

be constructed under the Build, Own and Transfer, BOT, concession of 40 years under the Public Private Partnership, PPP programme of the Lagos State Government will have three toll plazas.

The consortiums to handle different stages of the mega project are Visible As-

set Limited, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Hi-tech Construction Limited, J.P. Morgan, Eldorado Nigeria Limited, Nigerian Westminster Dredging and Marine, Africa Finance Corporation, AFC and Access Bank.

Ambode said Lagos was recording another major milestone in its almost 50

Wife of Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun (middle) with some nursing mothers displaying their gift items during the distribution of gift items to expectant and nursing mothers in commemoration of Mrs. Amosun’s 50th birthday anniversary at Oba Ademola Maternity Hospital at Ijemo in Abeokuta, yesterday.

Again, Australia, UK deport 40 Nigerians Olusegun KOiKi

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or the second time in a month, United Kingdom and Australia yesterday jointly deported 40 Nigerians for various immigration offences.

The deportees comprising male and female arrived at the hajj camp area of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 7:25am with chartered aircraft.

Information gathered by our correspondent indicated that chartered aircraft with the registration number ZTA -4741 repatriated into the country 36 Nigerians comprising 29 males and seven females.

Also, Air Seychelles with the registration number SND-1 brought four males into the country for similar immigration offences.

Apart from Nigerians that were deported by the

two countries, some citizens of Africa especially from Ghana, Liberia and Egypt were equally deported alongside the Nigerians.

The returnees were received by various agencies such as Immigration that checked their identities to ascertain their nationalities, Police, National Agency for Protection and Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, and other relevant stakeholders.

A source close to the terminal who didn’t want his name in print told our correspondents that some of the deportees were violent when officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, attached to the international wing of the airport attempted to collect their fingerprints for data purpose.

The source told our correspondent that others who didn’t kick against the fingerprinting were swiftly attended to by the

officers and were allowed to leave the airport after the completion of their documentations.

When our correspondent visited the hajj and cargo terminal where the deportees used as exit, they wore sombre look and refused to speak with our correspondent.

Some of them waited for any available means to get out of the airport without attracting much attention to themselves while others talked in

trickles.

The deportees it was gathered were returned from their host countries for overstaying and other immigration offences.

The Public Relations Officer, NIS, Mr. Ekpedeme King, confirmed the deportation with our correspondent on phone, but could not give details.

He said the service was still awaiting more information from its Lagos office as at the time of filing this report.

years of existence with the signing of the MoU to build the 38km 4th Mainland Bridge.

“The significance of this bridge will be fully appreciated if we can imagine Lagos of today without the 3rd Mainland Bridge.

Almost 30 years after the delivery of the 3rd Mainland Bridge, the State has experienced phenomenal growth to become a megalopolis –a city-State with a population of over 21 million people.

“The increase in the state’s population and expanded commercial activity has led to frequent traffic congestion. This has made it imperative for us to have a 4th Mainland Bridge that will serve as an alternative route to the Eastern axis and decongest traffic in the State. More importantly this bridge will provide the required transportation complement to the rapidly growing industrial activities on the Eti-Osa - Lekki - Epe corridor of the state.

“The proposed alignment passes through Lekki, Langbasa and Baiyeiku towns along the shoreline of the Lagos Lagoon es-

Lagos to demolish structures under high tension poles ...issues 3-day ultimatum Francis suberu

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agos State government yesterday issued a 3-day warning to owners of buildings and structures under high tension wires, saying it has resolved to remove all structures and properties built under high tension cables across the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Devel-

Ekiti workers begin strike today abiOdun nejO ADO EKITI

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orkers in Ekiti State have been directed to stay away from work effective from today.

Organised labour in the state said the directive followed the expiration yesterday evening of the 48 hours ultimatum it issued to the state govern-

ment.

In a statement by Secretaries Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade OP Olayemi; Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade J.A. Adebayo; and Joint Negotiating Council, Blessing Oladele; labour said failure of the government to meet its demands necessitated the action.

They stated that workers had no option than “to

tuaries, further running through Igbogbo River Basin and crossing the Lagos Lagoon estuaries to Itamaga Area in Ikorodu. It then crosses the Itoikin road and the Ikorodu-Sagamu Road to connect Isawo inward Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at Ojodu Berger axis. The Bridge would be made up of 8 interchanges to facilitate effective interconnectivity between different parts of the State,” he explained.

The governor added that the structure would be a four-lane dual carriageway with each comprising three lanes and two metres hard shoulder on each side, while the bridge would be constructed to have a generous median to allow for both future carriageway expansion and light rail facility.

Sheding light on the project, Ger Horgan, Advance Engineering Consultant, said the initial cost of the project operational from 2016 to 2021 was N790 billion, adding that the follow up 10-year programme for “structural pavement” repair of the project between 2018 and 2033is put at N5 billion.

stay at home in order to save the souls of the teeming hungry and aggrieved workers in the state.”

Labour said the action was to compel the state government to attend to the demands of the workers.

The demands included payment of outstanding salaries, payment of deduction from salaries and other sundry welfare issues.

opment, Anifowoshe Abiola, “Buildings on the Right of Way (ROW) of High Tension Electricity Cables are dangerous, illegal and a source of serious concern to the state government.”

He added that building or conducting business under High Tension Power Lines constitute a danger that could have fatal consequences.

According to the statement, the state’s Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2010, not only prohibits building under the centre-line of overhead electricity wires, it also specified the distance to be observed between a property and a public utility such as the PHCN high-tension cables.

“The state government, through its relevant ministries and agencies, will henceforth enforce applicable law strictly by removing all development and activities encroaching on the Right of Way of utilities and services,” it stated.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Thursday, May 26, 2016

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Akure chief strangled to death ojo oyewAmide AKURE

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L-R: Former Director-General, National Centre for Women Development, Lady Onyeka Onwenu; Presiding Bishop, Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Dr Francis Wale Oke and his wife, Tokunbo, at the 2016 Family Life Convention of Christ Life Church, at Victory Garden in Ibadan yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Ekiti seals two banks over tax evasion A biodun n ejo ADO EKITI

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kiti State Government yesterday, sealed off two second generation banks located along the popular Bank Road in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, over alleged non-remittance of withholding tax.

Customers who went to the banks to transact businesses went back disappointed as the gates of the two banks were firmly locked by the state revenue offi-

cials.

The closure, which caught the banks’ staff and customers unawares, brought their operations to an abrupt end.

An official of the State Board of Internal Revenue, who pleaded anonymity, said the two banks were asked to submit documents relating to deductions on withholding tax on interests payable to customers.

The official said: “The banks are supposed to pay the withholding tax

to the state government but they refused to do so.

“We commissioned a consultant to investigate the money they make on the interest on the deduction of withholding tax and we discovered that the amount is huge.

“The government took the banks to court and the court granted our prayers to seal them off to recover the money.

“The court graciously granted the Ekiti State Government the power to seal the banks until they pay the tax. The order

was given by the Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, on May 17.

Commissioner for Information, Lanre Ogunsuyi, appealed to customers of the affected banks to show understanding expressing hope that the matter will be resolved within the shortest possible time.

Ogunsuyi explained that government action was backed by order of the court as government was duty bound to collect taxes in public interest.

One dead, 27 survive boat mishap in Lagos FrAncis s uberu

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ne person has been confirmed dead while 27 others survived a boat mishap which occurred in Lagos on yesterday.

National Mirror gathered that the 30-seater commercial boat, HMS 1 with 28 passengers and a crew member capsized few metres away from the Origin Jetty where it took off at Ebute in Ikorodu area of Lagos.

According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, the boat which took off at around 9.55am from Ikorodu en-route Addax Jetty in Victoria Island

was overloaded, though that was not the sole cause of the accident.

It was gathered that the boat carried 28 passengers rather than the prescribed 21 passengers it ought to have carried, adding that when it collided with logs of wood, it became uncontrollable, leading to the mishap.

Emergency responders such as the Lagos State Water Ways Authority, Nigeria inland water ways Authority, LASEMA Emergency Response Team, LASAMBUS, Nigeria Police which responded promptly to the incident had hectic time rescuing the victims.

General Manager LASEMA, Mr Michael

Akindele, advised boat operators to avoid over speeding and to always comply with safety regulations on the water ways to avoid loss of lives. He said proper investigation would be conducted on the incident.

Managing Director, Lagos State Waterways Authority, Abisola Kamson, had since sympathised with the family of the victim of the incident.

According to a press statement issued from the office of the LASWA Managing Director, rescue operation started immediately and twenty seven passengers were rescued from the incident.

She said investiga-

tion reveals that all passengers were wearing lifejackets, though one passenger was confirmed dead at the scene of the incident.

Kamson reiterated that LASWA and NIWA have issued out new guidelines and Standards to boat Operators in Lagos aimed at Sanitising and improving the waterways including a minimum double hull standard.

She stated that operators are pleading for an extension in the implementation timeline; adding however, that government is committed to ensure that all steps are taken to mitigate any and all unfortunate incidents on the waterways.

n aged man, Dada Oyateru, was on Tuesday morning murdered at his Oke-Ijebu residence, Akure, Ondo State capital.

The 82-year-old Akure chief was said to have been strangled to death by a gang of armed men.

The bandits reportedly removed valuables such as laptops, phones, jewelries and N35, 000 from the house and later escaped with a red Toyota Camry car belonging to the deceased at 4:30am.

The remains of Oyateru, who was the Ayalodi of Akure, have been deposited at the morgue.

One of Oyateru’s widows, Titilola, said a group of three armed men broke into the house at 1:00am through their late husband’s room after cutting the burglary proofs.

She said: “The hoodlums held us hostage for about four hours. They pointed guns at baba and demanded for the money they said he brought home last night.

“He pleaded with them that he didn’t have any money at home and that

he didn’t keep money at home too. But they refused to yield, threatening to kill us if we didn’t give them money.

“Baba ought to have gone for medical checkup at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, on Monday.

He couldn’t go because he had no money on him as a result of the recent nationwide strike that paralysed bank operations and other business transactions.

“He begged them not to kill him and implored them to go with his two cars. He promised to go to bank the following day to withdraw money from his bank account. Baba begged them to mention wherever they wanted him to drop the money for them.

“They insisted that they would kill him if he didn’t give them money that night. They tied his hands with ropes and asked us to lie down.

They pounced on him and killed him by twisting his neck till he gave up the ghost.”

Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident, saying police were making efforts to apprehend the bandits.

Ban on cattle rearing: Ilorin Fulanis exonerate selves, appeal to Ekiti gov Abiodun nejo ADO EKITI

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ulanis from Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, have appealed to the Ekiti State Governor to lift the ban placed on open grazing to save the cattle business of their members across the state.

The Seriki of the Fulani from Ilorin, Alhaji Mahmood Ahmadu, exonerated his members of complicity in the attack launched by suspected herdsmen on Oke Ako Ekiti last Friday, leading to the death of two persons.

The governor had during his visit to Oke Ako in Ikole Local Government on Monday, announced the ban on open grazing, advising farmers interested in cattle rearing to have their private ranches.

Ahmadu, who said he had over 100,000 members in the state, said those who

had their residences and property in Oke Ako, Irele and Ipao Ekiti had vacated them as a result of the order given by the governor that any cattle seen around the vicinity must be killed.

Leader of the Fulani Ilorin said that his members had over three million cattle across the 16 council areas of the state, saying restricting them would bring their businesses to a halt.

Ahmadu promised that his people would join hands with the governor to bring the perpetrators of the nefarious act to book and to secure the state and prevent it from being attacked by killer herdsmen.

He said: “Ilorin Fulani herdsmen are not killers, we are responsible citizens.

I have been in Ado Ekiti for 40 years. My people had property in different locations and are now living in palpable fear.

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Biafra: Appeal Court dismisses Kanu’s appeal Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

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buja Division of the C o u r t of Appeal yesterday, dismissed the appeal filed before it by the selfacclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.

In a unanimous judgment

of the three-man panel of Justices headed by Justice Abdul Aboki, the appellate court dismissed the defendants’ appeal on ground that it was grossly lacking in merit.

The appellate court also declined to order the release of the defendants on bail, saying, the allegations against them are “grievous and serious”.

Ugwuanyi charges new ENSUBEB members on discipline emmanuel ezeh ENUGU

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nugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, yesterday, inaugurated the newly reconstituted board of the State Universal Basic Education Board.

The new board is made up of Chief Ikeji Asogwa, who is the chairman, while Mrs Rose Chiama is the secretary.

Other members include, Elder David Ajah, Chief Dr Sally Adigwu, Mrs Ekwutosi Ngwu, Mrs Benadine Ezeugwu, Honourable Godwin Ezeja Chuka, Mrs Nkiru Ogbodo, Mr. Joseph Ani, Surveyor Juliet Nkem Oloto, representing the State Women Group.

Others, who the governor hinted will later join the board include; a member to be drawn from the state wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers and a member of the Federal Ministry of Education, Inspectorate Division.

Speaking during the inauguration of the board, Ugwuanyi noted that the reconstitution was pursuant to section 8, sub-section 2 of the Enugu State

Ugwuanyi

Universal Basic Education Law, 2010.

He observed that the initiative was part of the measures being undertaken by his government to fulfill the earlier commitment made on resumption of office to raise the standard and quality of education in Enugu State to an enviable standard by conducting a thorough review of the operations and administration of the various establishments in the education sector as well as upgrading infrastructures in schools.

Governor Ugwuanyi charged members of the board to apply themselves to the task of improving primary education in the state as well instilling in teachers and other workers a new sense of discipline, diligence and responsibility that should reflect in the performance and character of their pupils.

The members, he also stated, must oversee the repositioning of the primary schools in the state through the provision of relevant infrastructure and teaching tools, while driving the current efforts of government to renovate, rehabilitate and re-equip the schools to enhance learning.

Responding on behalf of the other members of the Board, the chairman Chief Ikeji Asogwa thanked the Governor for the opportunity given them to serve the state, and assured that they will not fail in the assignment .

He pledged their commitment and dedication to duty and called on the governor to always avail them of his wise counsel.

Justice Aboki who read the lead judgment, said it was not in doubt that the 1st defendant, Kanu, has dual citizenship stressing that Kanu’s possession of both Nigerian and British passports increased the likelihood that he could jump bail if released from detention.

On the procedure adopted by the trial court, the appeal court panel maintained that Justice Tsoho had the discretion to decide how the proceeding should be conducted.

“The lower court has the power to exercise its discretion on the matter and the exercise of such discretion by the trial judge did not amount to denial of fair hearing to the defendants.

“The issues are resolved against the appellants and

the ruling of the trial court is hereby upheld,” the appellate court held.

Kanu and two other pro-Biafra agitators, David Nwawusi and Benjamin Madubugwu, had gone before the appellate court to challenge the ruling of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja that denied them bail and also held that Federal Government witnesses should shield their identities.

Kanu and his co-accused are facing a six-count treason charge preferred against them by the Federal Government.

They had alleged bias in their consolidated appeal against the trial judge, Justice John Tsoho, who not only declined to grant them bail, but also permitted the

prosecution to shield the identity of eight witnesses billed to testify in the matter.

Justice Tsoho, had equally rejected application praying him to discharge and acquit the three defendants in line with section 351(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

Kanu and his co-defendants, through their lawyer Chief Chuks Muoma (SAN), argued before the appellate court that Justice Tsoho erred in law when having refused the application for the witnesses of the prosecution to testified behind screens, or masked” on February 19, 2016, “suddenly varied the said order in the ruling delivered on March 7, 2016, on a mere oral application by the respondent”.

They maintained that the

variation order was made on the basis of a mere oral application by the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, Mohammed Diri, who had informed the trial court that the witnesses scheduled to testify against the defendants said they would not appear unless they were allowed to wear masks or their identities shielded from both lawyers and people observing the proceeding.

Justice Tsoho gave an order permitting the witnesses to testify behind a screen, stressing that the decision did not amount to a variation of a previous ruling that prohibited the witnesses from appearing in mask.

The three defendants, had earlier opposed Federal Government’s application for secret trial.

L-R: Minister of Niger Delta Pastor Usani Usanii with Chairman Presidential amnesty programme Big Gen Paul Boroh, addressing media, during the inauguration of the technical committee on Niger Delta in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO ROTIMI OSASONA

One killed over leadership tussle in Ebonyi alIuna GoDwIn ABAKALIKI

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kwagba community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State boils as one Mr. Onukpa Nwite, was reported killed due to leadership tussle between some group and local government boss in the area.

Investigation revealed that the crisis started when the local government council chairman of the area, Mr. Clement Odah, allegedly dissolved the cabinet of one

Joseph Odanwu, who was elected as the chairman of Ukwagba Central Council.

It was gathered that Odanwu emerged as the chairman of the union following the expiration of tenure of office of the former chairman, Chief Raphael Ituma, on March 2015.

Although, controversy has continued to trail the election that brought Odanwu as the chairman as he was accused of fraud, gunning running and causing crisis in the community, which led to the killing of

Nwite by a rival group.

Odanwu was also alleged of using intimidation to takeover leadership as against the wishes and approval of the stakeholders of the community even as they further accused him (Odanwu) of embezzling the community funds through sealing of all economic trees and land belonging to the people.

In a swift reaction, the embattled chairman of Ukwagba Central Council, Mr. Odanwu, denied all the allegations, stressing that it

was the handiwork of the opposition, who are poised to tarnish his hard earned image and perpetuate their selfish grips on the people of Ukwagba community.

He noted that the constitution of the union did not provide for an interim or caretaker committee which his rival group is clamoring for and warned those that are paddling rumour that he (Odanwu) embezzled community fund among other accusations to come forward and prove it.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

C`River not opposed to cattle grazing —Speaker RichaRD nDoma CALABAR

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peaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, John Lebo, yesterday debunked insinuation that the state government was opposed to grazing of cattle in the state.

Lebo disclosed this while speaking on land tenure system in agriculture at the Stakeholders Forum on farmers and herdsmen in the state.

“We support them, we like them, yes they are our brothers. Government is going to provide grazing area for cattle, we support grazing of cattle but we do not support grazing of cattle in an open land where it constitutes a nuisance. If you find goats roaming and grazing in an open land, then it is a nuisance. But we are going to graze in specific locations,” said the Speaker.

Lebo also mooted that ‘‘the law take cognisance of the culture of people of Cross River and that of the north” as regards its grazing proposals.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr.

Henry Fadairo, said he was going to form a high-powered committee and charged local government chairmen to return to their council areas and form special committees that would look into herdsmen/farmers’ clashes in the state. He further said he would give them a term of reference to follow in the course of discharging the task.

“Let’s have committees in our villages with traditional rulers as chairmen of such committees, so that when the state committee comes to your areas, we will know who to meet. ”Don’t say they will not stay in your community. My dear, allow them to stay; after all, the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria gives people the right to stay anywhere,” the commissioner added.

Reacting, the Imam of Obudu Central Mosque, Yusuf Usman, was elated that the commissioner convened the stakeholders’ forum, stressing that such a timely intervention would help avert outbreak of violence between the Hausa/Fulani herdsmen and their host communities.

I won’t renege on promises to Rivers people —Wike Dennis naku

PORT HARCOURT

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ivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has said he will never renege on promises made to Rivers people, as he is committed to the development of the state.

Speaking in Port Harcourt on Wednesday while commissioning the New Borikiri Road (Dr Abiye Sekibo road), Njamanze/ Abonnema Wharf Road and Industry Road, the governor noted that the road projects are targeted at improving the lives of the people.

During the commissioning of the New Road Borikiri, Wike said he directed the reconstruction of the Borikiri New Road after former Minister of Transport, Dr Abiye Sekibo, drew his attention to the suffering of people living in the densely-populated suburb. While commissioning the Industry Road, the governor said the decision to reconstruct the road was targeted at creating access to the Port Facility in the area and

also create alternate route to Bundu Waterside.

He berated the Nigerian Port Authority, NPA for failing to meet its obligations after it agreed to fund the reconstruction of the road in conjunction with the state government.

The governor said that businesses at the Port have improved with the reconstruction of the Industry Road.

He said the Njamanze/ Abonnema Wharf Road has economic significance as it connects the petroleum tank farms to the state capital and Diobu.

He therefore appealed to the people to support his administration to deliver on critical infrastructure.

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South South

Thursday, May 26, 2016

do State government has withdrawn a letter earlier issued on the Oba of Benin, saying it was issued in error.

In a retraction signed by the Secretary to State Government, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, dated May 25, the government stated: “In deference to the re-

11

Army kills 2 gunmen, rescue 3 kidnap victims in Rivers Dennis naku

PORT HARCOURT

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igerian Army said it shot and killed two armed men during a gun battle in Afam, a community in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Spokesman of the 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army in Bori Camp, Port Harcourt, Captain Eli Lazarus, who disclosed this to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, said four other suspects escaped with gunshot wounds.

However, no soldier died during the encounter with the gunmen that lasted several hours.

Lazarus explained that the soldiers had on Monday trailed the suspected gunmen, numbering six, in a Toyota Camry salon car.

According to the 2 Brigade spokesman: “At about 1pm on Monday, troops of 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, on routine patrol had an encounter with gunmen in Afam, Tai local government area of Rivers.

“Two suspects were killed during the encounter while four others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“Items recovered from the suspects were three AK-47 riffles, one pistol, eight AK-47 magazines and 81 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

“Also, a blue Toyota Camry car with registration number Rivers FC 288 PHC that was used by the suspects was recovered,” he said.

In a related development, Lazarus also said that soldiers, same day, rescued two men and a woman (names withheld) who were abducted by gunmen at Ubima community in Isiokpo local government area of the state.

The Army spokesman said the hostages were freed

from their kidnappers after engaging them in a shootout.

“Immediately the abduction was reported, our men swiftly responded and engaged the abductors who later abandoned their victims and ran into the bush,” he said.

Lazarus said the freed hostages had reunited with their families, adding that troops were on the trail of the abductors.

He called on members of the public to provide security agencies with timely information that would lead to the arrest of criminals in the area.

L-R: Rivers Deputy Governor, Mrs Ipalibo Harry-Banigo; Governor Nyesom Wike; his wife, Suzzeth; Chairman of PDP in the State, Bro. Felix Obuah and former Deputy National Chairman of PDP, Mr Uche Secondus, at the inauguration of Industrial Road to mark the one year anniversary of Governor Wike’s Administration, in Port Harcourt yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Niger Delta youths condemn pipelines vandalism aDeola TukuRu ABUJA

N

iger Delta Youth Coalition, NDYC, has condemned the increasing spate of vandalism of oil pipelines in the Niger Delta, stressing that it was inimical to the common interest of ordinary Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic nationality or region.

Coordinator of NDYC, Odih Rowland, in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, distanced members

of the coalition from the recent pipeline vandalism in the region.

He demanded that more diplomatic measures be deployed in addressing these developments to avert further problems to the economy and Nigerians at large.

The group further urged the Federal Government to stand down any plan to declare war in the Niger Delta following the blowing up of petroleum products pipelines in the region by aggrieved youths.

“The NDYC had long

taken a position in support of the anti-vandalism campaign, and may never retrace its position on that. We vehemently condemned the recent and increasing spate of vandalisation of oil pipelines in the Niger Delta, and considers that it is inimical to the common interest of ordinary Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic nationality or region,’’ it stated.

It further said the purpose and intent of the Niger Delta Avengers and their supporters does not define the opinion of Niger Delta

youths, and cannot be in the overall interest of the people.

“We urge the leadership of Niger Delta Avengers to accept the olive branch and put the interest of Niger Delta people first, as sufferers and beneficiaries of the economic condition of the nation.

“We also call on governors and elder statesmen of the region to work with the ex-agitators and leaders of the Niger Delta Avengers to forestall this dangerous situation,” he said.

Edo govt withdraws letter on Oba of Benin vered age-long tradition and respect for the sensibilities of people of the great Benin Kingdom, the government of Edo State hereby withdraws a letter issued on May 24 entitled: ‘‘Appointment of His Royal Highness Edai-

ken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin.

“The said letter was issued in error as the rites of passage of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin are

still on.

“The government will, in due course, issue a fresh letter on the installation of the Edaiken N’Uselu, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin, in line with

the age-long succession tradition of the Benin Kingdom and in line with Section 19 (1) of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law, 1979 (as amended) and by virtue of all other laws enabling it in that behalf,.

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Thursday, May 26, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

N23billion campaign fund: How Taraba former gov, minister, speaker shared N450m –EFCC Williams attah GOMBE

T

he Gombe zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has revealed how the former Acting Governor of Taraba State, Senator Sani Danladi Abubakar, a former minister from the state and Speaker of the State House of Assembly shared four hundred and fifty million naira campaign funds for

the re-election of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

An impeccable source from the EFCC zonal office where the investigation was carried out told newsmen in Gombe yesterday, that Senator Sani Danladi Abubakar, who represents Taraba North was the Chairman of the Sharing Committee of the funds alongside the former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Joel Ikenya Dan-

lami and former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mark Bako Useni.

According to investigation carried out by the EFCC, the trio played a very prominent role in the collection and sharing of the funds.

The source explained that Joel Ikenya and Mark Useni, signed and collected the fund from Fidelity Bank on behalf of the state before proceeding to the Taraba State Government House

to distribute the fund.

He said during interrogation, Joel Ikenya and Mark Useni, claimed they distributed the money to the sixteen local government areas of the state.

He said they confessed to have given N140m, that is, N28million each to five local government areas, while N264million, amounting to N24million each, went to the remaining local government areas.

He said Useni admit-

ted collecting the funds of Takum Local Government from the N24m on behalf of the local government area.

According to the EFCC source, they confessed to have personally benefited individually from the funds as the former minister admitted to have taken N4million from the fund and presented a Guarantee Trust Bank draft of two million while promising another draft for the same amount on the same day. On his part, the former Speaker deposited a draft from Stanbic IBTC for one million and promised that the balance

would be paid later.

He stressed that the commission investigators have vowed to go after the chairman of the sharing committee in order to recover his personal share of the fund, adding that the EFCC has intensified its investigation of all the funds with the aim of recovering as much as possible from the beneficiaries.

He said the funds came from the N23billion former Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Allison Madueke, set up for the 2015 presidential election.

Boko Haram raids five Borno communities, kills 13 i nusa n dahi MAIDUGURI

A L-R: Ambassador of Cote D’ivoire to Nigeria, Mrs Torini Mamman; Minister of Industry,Trade and Investment, Mr Okechukwu Enelamah; Jigawa State Governor Muhammad Badaru and National President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr Bassey Edem, at the 56th Annual Conference of NACCIMA in Dutse, Jigawa, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Kogi uncovers over 3,000 ghost workers’ bank accounts Wale ibrahim LOKOJA

C

hairman of Kogi State Staff Screening Committee, Brigadier General Paul Olushola Okutimo, has disclosed that the committee has discovered over 3,000 ghost workers’ account He however, dispelled the rumour making the round, that the committee was mandated to retrench workers from the state civil service.

He disclosed that the mandate was to identify and authenticate the genuine workers in the state, saying the screening exercise was not designed to witchhunt anybody.

Okutimo, who made this known while fielding questions from journalists at his office in Lokoja yesterday, stated that the Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, had on 25th of Feb-

ruary,2016 inaugurated a 20-man screening committee to verify the actual staff strength for the state He explained that the Kogi State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Onuh Edoka, was among those that failed the screening exercises.

The screen exercise was headed by Okuntimo, who doubles as the Special Adviser (security) to the governor came under attack with some accusing the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, of planning to use it to lay off the workers.

He pointed out that those making noise are those it with vested interest that were criticizing the laudable programme.

The chairman also disclosed that the committee uncovered a staff drawing salary from 67 points, and another with 23 bank accounts, exposed

through the Bank Verification Number, BVN. “The ghost workers are not particularly significant in our term of reference. Our terms of reference is to determine the number of workers in government, after which we can begin to minus from what is on the ground.

“Ghost workers are of different categories; there are those who are employed by the government, who go elsewhere to work, we call them ghost workers in Diaspora, there are others, say checkers, who device deliberately cooked books in the Account Department.

You will be surprised at the number of those involved. Then, there are those who don’t even exist”.

“Through the BVN, we discovered a lot. In the first list, one had 67 accounts, there is another

with 23 accounts and you can imagine where you have 3,000 accounts for workers that don’t even exist, and this is just the first batch, others are coming. There are also ghost schools.

“My job is not to look out for all that; my job is to make out reports on time, as directed by the governor, so that the bailout funds given the state will be quickly disbursed.

“Yes, the NLC Chairman was screened out.

One of our instructions was that you must put your BVN and he put community bank account, and a community bank does not have BVN and you cannot be screened like that, we screened him out because he was not ready to comply with the instruction. So also was the NUT Chairman, who was put on KIV, but was later cleared.

t least five communities of Ladin Buta near Khaddamari village of Jere Local Government Area of Borno state have been destroyed by suspected members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect who were armed with Ak47 rifles and petrol bombs including Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, sources said.

Jere council headquarters is north east and just about 7 km drive from Maiduguri, the state capital.

This development is coming barely three days after two out of the five displaced emirs of Askira/Uba Local Government Area returned back to their communities after spending two years in Maiduguri when Boko Haram insurgents took over their communities.

The sect members according to reliable security source and fleeing residents invaded the communities around 7pm on Tuesday and set many houses ablaze, after killing 13 residents and injuring scores of others.

Khaddamari village is an outskirt and a stone throw to Maiduguri metropolis which has suffered series of

Boko Haram attacks in the past.

A policeman attached to Jere Division Police Station who did not want his name mentioned as he was not authorised to speak with the press, confirmed the deadly attack and destruction of houses in the communities, as according to him, he was at his duty post when they received a distress call that Boko Haram sect have invaded the surrounding communities of Khaddamari.

He said they remained helpless, as there was no reinforcement from the military to repel the night attack, pointing out that until this morning (Wednesday), that the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, ordered his men to visit the areas.

The police source revealed that after visiting the scene of the incident, the police recovered 13 dead bodies of residents with scores injured with bullet wounds and burns they sustained from the rampaging sect, adding that almost all the houses and structures in the affected communities were destroyed with no arrest.

A l l e f for t to g e t con fir mation from both pol ice an d mil itary au th oritie s prove s abor tive at pre ss time.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

Saraki’s travail at Tribunal and the shrinking support from senators Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

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aving failed to persuade the Supreme Court to save him from prosecution and after series of drama that followed, the trial of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, finally commenced on March 10, 2016.

Saraki came under intense pressure after he assumed the office of the Senate president against the directive of his political party, the All Progressive Congress, APC and its President, Muhammadu Buhari.

His failure to award key leadership positions in the Senate to those chose by the party further compounded issues for him.

The APC had nominated Ahmad Lawan as Senate majority leader, George Akume as deputy majority leader, Olusola Adeyeye as chief whip, and Abu Ibrahim as deputy chief whip.

However, Saraki, on Thursday, June 25, announced Ali Ndume as majority leader, Bala Na’Allah as deputy majority leader and Francis Alimikhena as deputy chief whip after the various APC senate caucuses nominated them.

In his letter dated June 25, Saraki was said to have explained to the party that the APC senate caucuses had already taken a decision on the matter before he received Odigie-Oyegun’s letter.

Saraki’s letter reads: “The said letter (Oyegun’s letter) was received after various APC zonal caucuses had taken their decisions on candidates as principal officers of the senate in line with parliamentary convention and the extant provisions of the senate standing orders 2015 as amended.

“Furthermore, whilst one is strongly persuaded to toe party line and act in accordance with the suggested party position, regrettably clear provisions of our extant rules and standard parliamentary convention have not given me that leeway to act otherwise.

“Therefore, my hands are tied in the circumstances and I seek your understanding in this regard.”

At this point, the APC hierarchy had took a decision on Saraki’s defiance as a rebellion against the party.

The leadership of the APC decided it was time to take the bull by the horn and discipline an “overambitious” Saraki.

On September 15, 2016, the Code of Conduct Bureau slammed a13-count charge against him before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT sitting in Abuja.

The allegations were bordered on false assets declaration he allegedly

Saraki

made during his tenure as Governor of Kwara state from 2003-2011.

The charges were filed before the tribunal by the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

Count one of the charge accused the Senate president of making “false declaration in the assets declaration form for public officers on assumption of office as Governor of Kwara state by making an anticipatory asset declaration in that he claimed to have owned and acquired No. 15A and N0.“15B McDonald Ikoyi, Lagos through your company Carlisle Properties Limited in the year 2000 when the said property was in actual fact sold by the Implementation Committee on Federal Government landed property in the year 2006 to your companies Tiny Tee Limited and Vitti Oil Limited for the aggregate sum of N396, 150, 000.”

According to the charge sheet, Saraki also allegedly operated an American Express credit card account during his tenure as governor, where he allegedly wired at least $3.4 million to it from a Nigerian account. The law bars public officers from operating foreign bank accounts while in service.

However, getting Saraki to come to court for his trial was not an easy task as the federal government had envisaged. The Senate president and his team of lawyers embarked on several tricks to frustrate the trial, as he approached one court after the other to clear himself and to block his trial from holding.

Saraki first approached the Federal High court to stop his trial; when his request was not granted, he approached the Court of Appeal where he also lost the bid to stop his trial.

Not satisfied and still determined

to stop his trial even before it took off, Saraki appealed the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

In the appeal filed at the Supreme Court, the Senate president asked the apex court to determine if Danladi Umar, the chairman and a member of the tribunal can legally conduct proceedings where the constitution says it must be constituted by two members and a chairman.

He also asked the court to determine whether the tribunal is right to have assumed jurisdiction to try him.

The Supreme Court ruled against his bid to stop the trial at the CCT and ordered him to go back to the tribunal to answer all the charges against him.

Dismissing some of his prayers, Justice Walter Samuel Onnoghen who read the judgement held that the CCT was properly constituted to exercise jurisdiction over the trial of Saraki.

Saraki in another bid to keep fighting, filed a motion at the CCT pray-

Not satisfied aNd still determiNed to stop his trial eveN before it took off,

saraki

appealed the judgmeNt of the

Court of appeal

ing it to discharge him of the charges against him but the Danladi Umar led panel of the Tribunal dismissed the application that it was lacking in merit.

However, another drama ensued when one of the lawyers handling the Bukola Saraki’s trial, Raphael Oluyede, on Thursday, April 21 announced the motion he filed against the judge through the Senate president, this angered Umar and he lost his temper in the court room.

Umar who was visibly shaken with rage asked that the lawyer be arrested, but for the intervention of the prosecution Counsel, Rotimi Jacob and other SAN who pleaded on Oluyede’s behalf.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kwara State while reacting to the ruling had alleged that desperate politicians in the country have hijacked the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT and warned that the judiciary may throw the country into needless chaos and pandemonium in view of the hijack.

A statement issued in Ilorin and signed by the state Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Sulyman Buhari, charged President Muhammadu Buhari not to allow some desperate politicians to mess up his reign.

The statement reads, “President Muhammadu Buhari should not be seen to be watching helplessly when politicians hijack a crucial arm of the government to carry out political vendetta against perceived political adversaries.

“It also shows that the CCT is being manipulated and remote-controlled by some desperate politicians.

“Like the counsel to the Senate President rightly noted, we are convinced that the right thing has not been done as far as the charges are concerned.

It is now clear and glaring that due process has not been followed and the CCB has broken its own laws”.

“Given identical cases, Nigerians should note that the CCT under Justice Umar Danladi discharged and acquitted a leader of APC in 2011 based on Section 3 (d) of the CCB/CCT Act. Why is the Senate President’s motion on the same Section 3 (d) of the CCB/ CCT Act being denied by the same tribunal under the same Judge?” the party asked.

Umar however revealed last week in an open court that there were attempts to influence the tribunal to rule in a particular way during the trial of a former Governor of Lagos State, and the National Leader of the All Pro-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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Fulani herdsmen’s menace can’t continue – Opadokun Mr. Ayo Opadokun is the Coordinator of the Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms, CODER. In this interview with AYO ESAN, he speaks on the delay that accompanied the country’s budget which was recently signed by President Muhammadu Buhari and the menace of Fulani herdsmen. Excerpts:

T

he budget took a long of time before it was passed and signed into law. It was also full of controversies. How do you see such development?

Well, when a man who comes to office has a pedigree of decency, honour, integrity and he has been out of office for almost twenty one years and do not know what is going on, there might be inadequate preparation in the first session of budget. It is possible not because he is inadequate, not because they don’t know what to do ,no one could have imagine that public servants would go to the extent in which they have gone in packaging their own thing into the budget and then the conduct of quite a number of people in the national assembly who see the budget proposal as an opportunity for them to add their own into it, so that they can negotiate and nominate contractors , added to what the executive have prepared and that have been going on, that’s why a number of them are stupendously rich . The delay is not a good thing to happen to any nation because in the process quite a number of activity would have happened and there is always a provision that they would continue to spend not up to fifty percent so to say of the last year until this one is okay .It is just because there are critical items in that budget that they have announced to us that cannot be commenced until the budget proper has been signed into law.

I will advise the members in the senate or House of Representatives for them to take a strong decision of establishing a budget office ,the executive has it ,there must be one in the national assembly wherein the executive and the legislature will interact prior to packaging the budget , the executive and the legislator should have a situation office, one in which they could interact so much that when the executive come to make its presentation, there would be nothing really hidden or new to the members of the national assembly That will lead to quick final working of the various committee of the national assembly, tiding up the entire budget without much crisis and that will be good

for us. It is important that I think they must have learnt the cost of experience of this year, one, that the executive needs to summit the budget this year very early ,they should be able to do so between October and November so that before Christmas holiday perhaps next year budget is already with Mr. president signing it into law, first or second week in January. That should be the focus and should be the aim of our government, the legislature ,the executive should have to work that arrangement out so that it would be possible.

As federal government’s effort in curtailing Boko Haram sect is achieving some level of success, the new dimension is the attack by herdsmen on farmers which is now spreading across the country .How do you think the government can go about curtailing this ?

I am happy that you asked this question, I gave a key note speech at a colloquium organized by Journalists for Democratic Rights funded by Ford Foundation recently.The topic I was asked to talk about was ‘conflict, violence and sustainable livelihood in Nigeria’. I did some presentation on what have happened to us as people. In the presentation, the address of Chief Audu Ogbe, the Minister of agriculture to the national assembly and the House of Rep I adopt and accept in total the position he laid out to the national assembly .The migrant Fulani herdsmen is out of it , it is not only in Nigeria that we have cattle rearers, this is not the only place where we have people involved in variety of farming and this is another form of farming. What has happened in Europe, USA ,in the Middle East , quite a number of places in Africa country should happen here also and what is it, government must make deliberate effort to have places within the areas of natural habitation for these herdsmen ,go and import identified grasses that have full nutrients that would help these cows to grow to their maximum level and they would not need to go through the painful, a tortuous journey they have been undertaking in the last, almost a century in Nigerian nation .It

Opadokun

is possible, we cannot continue with the road tides, it has to stop, a situation where herdsmen would just go into the farm of people ,their cows will eat up all live possession of some native farmers and when those farmers complain they go to the police station, they would be the one to be punished for complaining, sometimes it is the complainants who would be detained in the police station.

Sometimes when the communities decided to meet up with force, the herdsmen through whatever conspiracy and connection they usually have superior arms in their possession and to make matter worse, the security agencies have not been able to handle them from the evidence we have seen which have been happening all over in the middle belt

Look aT whaT happened in one LocaL governmenT in enugu, ThaT cannoT conTinue and i Think some of The righTLy headed peopLe around

presidenT Buhari, i Think

They wouLd work wiTh him To ensure ThaT There wouLd Be no repeaT of wickedness ThaT The herdsmen are causing

area, Jos, Benue , Kogi and the likes in south west here particularly in the Oyo north , Oke Ogun area , Saki and the likes in which quite a large number of people have been disempowered, their farms have been totally ravaged by the cows and when they complain they are the ones who would be blamed. Look at what happened in one local government in Enugu, that cannot continue and I think some of the rightly headed people around President Buhari, I think they would work with him to ensure that there would be no repeat of these wickedness that the herdsmen are causing .It is shameless, pronouncement by the leadership of the Miyyetti Allah, trying to rationalize the wickedness and the ungodly act of killing innocent people , that they could have the effrontery to tell Nigerians that the herdsmen are Nigerians ,they can go anywhere, they have constitutional right, as if someone is preventing them from going to any part of the country .The genuine complain is that they don’t have the right to destroy other peoples’ graze, their own commercial interest is not a religious matter, the business of rearing cattle is a commercial business and enterprise, no other nationality or local people ought to be sacrificed to please the Fulani herdsmen .It is an ungodly act and it is very unreasonable for the leadership of the Miyyetti Allah to imagine that all of us are fools. They have not conquered the Nigerian territory they ought to be mindful and be sensitive to the feelings of other people.

So I think having gone through the experience we have gone through now, we do not need such a thing to remain unresolved permanently.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Thursday, May 26, 2016

15

EFCC reveals how Taraba elections campaign funds were shared Williams attah GOMBE

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he Gombe zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,EFCC has revealed how the former Acting Governor of Taraba State, Senator Sani Danladi Abubakar, a former Minister from the State and Speaker of the State House of Assembly shared four hundred and fifty million naira campaign funds for the reelection of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

An impeccable source from the EFCC zonal office where the investigation was carried out told newsmen in Gombe yesterday that Senator Sani Danladi Abubakar, who represents Taraba North was the Chairman of the sharing committee of the funds alongside the former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Joel Ikenya Danlami and former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mark Bako Useni.

According to investigation carried out by the EFCC, the trio played a very prominent role in the collection and sharing of the funds.

He explained that Joel Ikenya and Mark Useni signed and collected the fund from Fidelity Bank on behalf of the State before proceeding to the Taraba State Government House to distribute the fund.

He said during the interrogation, Joel Ikenya and Mark Useni claimed they distributed the money to the sixteen Local Government Areas of the State.

He said they confessed to have given one hundred and forty million (N140m), that is, twenty-eight million naira each (N28m) to five Local Government Areas while two hundred and sixty four million (N264m), that is, twenty-four million naira each (N24m), went to the remaining local government areas.

He said Useni admitted collecting the funds of Takum Local Government from the N24m on behalf of the Local Government Area.

According to the EFCC source, they confessed to have personally benefited individually from the funds as the former minister admitted to have taken four million naira from the fund and presented a Guarantee Trust Bank draft of two million while promising another draft for the same amount on the same day. On his part, the former Speaker deposited a draft from Stanbic IBTC for one million naira and promised that the balance would be paid later.

He stressed that the Commission investigators have vowed to go after the chair of the sharing committee in order to recover his personal share of the fund adding that the EFCC has intensified its investigation of all gravy funds with the aim of recovering as much from the beneficiaries.

He said the funds came from the N23 billion Mrs. Allison Madueke set up for the presidential election of 2015.

ChairL-R: Member, House of Representatives Committee on Privatisation and Commercerlisation, Hon. Gbenga Ojoawo; Deputy Group the with meeting Committee’s the during Yerima, Ahmed Hon. Chairman, and Mutiu Shadimu man of the Committee, Hon. Managing Director of NNPC on recent invitation for bids from investors for three refineries in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Saraki’s travail at Tribunal and the shrinking support from senators CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 gressives Congress, Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu, a leader of the then opposition to the Peoples Democratic Partyled Federal Government, was charged before the CCT and discharged in 2011 during the administration of the former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Umar, who has faced series of allegations mainly of bias against those standing trial before him on various charges, however swore that he will resist similar pressure if it comes in respect of those being tried at the moment.

While describing as false, insinuations that he was being influenced to see the conviction of Dr. Saraki, Umar vowed that he will not allow external forces to influence him in Saraki’s trial.

According to him, “During Bola Tinibu ‘s case, we were under influence to convict him but we did the right thing.

He vowed to do justice saying “ On our part, the insinuation that we are being influenced to see the conviction of the accused is false. During Bola Tinubu ‘s case, we were under influence to convict him but we did what

we needed to do based on what was before us”, he said.

He urged the lawyers on both sides of Saraki’s trial to conduct themselves in a manner that would enhance speedy determination of the case.

“The bench is begging the bar that we must make progress in this matter,” Umar said.

The Tribunal also berated some media reports which it says have been biased in the reportage of the tribunal proceedings of Saraki.

William Atedze, a member of the CCT panel at the resumption of the trial had berated a newspaper article which alleged his, timid attitude at the trial. The publication further said that he was not making meaningful contribution to the process.

A visibly angry Atedze said there have been a lot of rumours which have painted the CCT in negative light. He specifically pointed out a certain article titled: ‘CCT and the birds of the same feather.’

“What has been at the back of the mind of the tribunal is of national interest. When someone is saying one member is not check-mating the other, do you expect us to fight ourselves at the bench?” he queried.

He further stated that the issue was not about the Senate President but about Nigeria.

“I believe the writer of that article must be a layman”, he said.

Some members of the society had asked the Senate president to resign his seat and answer the charges against him.

Protesters had shortly after the commencement of his trial besieged the National Assembly demanding for his resignation.

The protesters equally asked Saraki to face his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

The group, which called itself: “Occupy Nigeria,” had gathered at Unity Fountain in Abuja before marching down to the National Assembly.

The members of the group bore various placards, including: “Saraki must go”, “Enough is Enough” and “Legislooting” among others.

The National Organising Secretary of Action for Democracy, AD, Abdallah Ibrahim, noted: “Saraki should come to terms with reality, resign and face his case.”

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, described calls for Saraki’s resigna-

tion as ill conceived, stressing that the leader is still innocent.

According to him, “those calling for his resignation are merely exercising their constitutional rights. If you say he should resign, what if he finally wins the case at the CCT? What would follow?

Others have opined that it would be wise of him to step aside, for now, as Senate president. But should he emerge victorious from his travails, he should be reinstated to the office with honour and without questions.

He was accompanied to the tribunal by at least 50 senators on the day his trial commenced.

The second time was on 21st October, 2015 when he was accompanied to the tribunal by at least 81 senators but at the last adjourned date, he was at the tribunal alone.

Whether the population of senators will soar or continue to dwindle in the face of the fact that there are insinuations that some people within the Red chambers are already warming up to the realities of this trial and fearing, if he does not survive then what new other options unfold like the cabbage, only time will tell.

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Thursday, May 26, 2016

Edo 2016: Obaseki sues for peace Onazena abbey BENIN

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overnorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Edo state, Mr Godwin Obaseki, yesterday appealed to fellow contestants to regard the forthcoming party’s primary billed for June 18 as a family affairs and not war.

He made this assertion when he received the party’s nomination and expression of interest form purchased for him by the Edo state APC caucus in the National/State Houses of Assembly, market women and artisans.

The form was presented to him at his campaign secretariat on behalf of the group by Senator Francis Alimekhena representing Edo North Senatorial District who said their decision to purchase the form was because they are convinced Obaseki was the right person to fit into the shoes of Governor Oshiomhole ‘’ He is the only person that can take over from Oshiomhole. That is why we all resolved that he is the one that has the wherewithal to lead us. I am presenting the form to him so that

he will match to Osadebey Avenue. Obaseki is the one we have chosen to represent APC come September 10 governorship election”, Alimekhena said.

Responding Obaseki said: “I thank our members in the National Assembly and everybody who contributed in purchasing this form for me to contest the gubernatorial election in Edo state. I thank former chairmen, market women and the Obaseki family for their contribution. I want to assure you that I will not disappoint you.

“I want to assure you that I will continue the good work Oshiomhole has started, by the time we finish in eight years time Edo state will not be the same again. I have accepted the form and I want to assure you that by the grace of God I will be your candidate come June 18. I want to appeal to my co- aspirants in this race that we are in a contest, we are all trying to serve Edo state.

“It is a contest not a war.

I want to appeal to all of them that we all must go into this contest peacefully because at the end of the day we are still in one party, the ruling party and once they present me I will serve the interest of everybody”

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Bayelsa Gov: Election did not hold in 6–witnesses Southern Ijaw, Dec 6 DOOsuur Iwambe ABUJA

B

ayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson yesterday called twelve witnesses at the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal to prove that there was no election in Southern` Ijaw Local Government Area of the state on December 6, 2015.

In their separate testimowitnies at the tribunal, the wit nesses said the only election that took place in the area was that of January 9, 2016.

Led in evidence by Mr. counTayo Oyetibo (SAN), coun sel to Governor Dickson, the witnesses testified to the concredibility and peaceful con duct of the January 9, 2016 election.

In his testimony before the tribunal, Bilade Ezekiel, who voted at polling unit 15

ward 10 on January 9, 2016, said there was no election in his community on December 6, 2015 as a result of violence.

He was followed by Alamene Emmanuel who also gave evidence to the fact that no election took place on December 6, 2015.

Emmanuel who disclosed that he voted at Unit 12, ward 14 of his community also testified to the credibility of the January 9, 2016 election in the Local Government Area.

Others who gave evidence at the tribunal were Uromo Kenoll; David Thomas; Paul Simon; Ogidi Solomon; Albert Jeff ; John Joshua and Osaribie Macdonald.

Under cross- examination by counsel to the petitioners, Sabastine Hon (SAN) some of them made contradictory statements.

When the governor opened his defence yester-

day, ten traditional rulers from Southern Ijaw testified to the credibility of the January 9, 2016 general election that produced him in office.

Decked in their traditional regalia, the monarchs swore on oath that the disputed governorship election was free, fair and conducted in conformity with the electoral act 2010 and other relevant laws.

They were subpoenaed by the Bayelsa State Petition Election Tribunal sitting in Abuja to testify in the petition brought by the All Progressives Congress,APC and its governorship candidate, Timipre Sylva challenging the credibility of the election.

Leading the pack was His Royal al Highness (HRH) Job David Darius, the paramount ruler of Emiwari community of Southern Ijaw, who told the tribunal that contrary to the claim

of the petitioner that the election was marred with irregularities and violence, the election was peaceful and orderly.

Also at the tribunal as a subpoenaed witness was his Royal Highness Mangiri Clifford Nange, of Olugbori community of southern Ijaw.

He testified to the credibility of the January 9, 2016 governorship election, insisting that the election was peaceful, credible and without violence.

The monarchs were led in evidence by lead counsel to Dickson, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and cross-examined by counsel to INEC, Adegboyega Awomolo and counsel to the petitioners, Sebastine Hon. The paramount rulers had earlier abandoned their depositions (witness statements) made on March 7, 2016.

Cleric lauds Buhari on anti - corruption war

T

he Arch Bishop, Lagos Dioceses of Methodist Church of Nigeria, the Most Revd.

Luke Olukayode Odubanjo has commended President Muhammadu Buhari on his anti- corruption crusade.

He said the president should be commended by all Nigerians for the gallantry he displayed in the fight against corruption.

Odubanjo who was speaking while delivering his sermon with the theme” New birth into a living hope” at the burial service of the mother of former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP , Chief Olabode George, Chief Mrs Remilekun Philip-George in Lagos Wednesday however warned the president not to make the anti- corruption war sectional but should make it general.

Odubanjo also called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency curtail the attack on innocent citizens especially farmers by the Fulani herdsmen this is just as he commended the effort of the government

in reducing the nefarious activities of the Boko Haram Sect.

He said the menace of Fulani herdsmen is a thing of concern and that the Federal Government must do something urgently about it .

He called on politicians to look back and see how they have contributed one way or the other to the situation Nigeria is today saying that in many of the states the resources of the state are not used for the upliftment of the people .

He said God is demanding from our politicians that they should have a new birth and provided hopes for the people of the country..

Odubanjo said if our politicians improve the living conditions of the people then Nigeria will enjoy peace that the Lord has given to us.

Speaking on the late Phillip-George , Odubanjo said she was forthright and Godly while alive saying Nigerian politicians should also emulate her generousity and forthrightness.

Chairperson, House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Nnena Ukeje (left), with the Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, at a summit in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Plateau Assembly probes LGs transition committees James abraham JOS

fairs at the third tier of government in the state.

Plateau state House of Assembly yesterday set up a committee to investigate the financial operations of the 17 Local Government Areas in the state.

The move by the lawmakers is coming barely one year after Governor Simon Lalong appointed transition committee members to run the af-

Only last month, the State House of Assembly renewed their tenure by two months.

It was the third time the lawmakers extended the tenures of the transition committee members since they were appointed by the Governor in July last year .

However, sources close to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly,

Mr Peter Azi informed our correspondent in Jos yesterday that since the transition committee members came into office ,the House had been inundated with series of petitions bordering on financial recklessness, a development which forced the lawmakers to constitute a probe panel on the LGA funds yesterday.

A member of the probe panel who spoke on condition of anonymity con-

firmed the development to our correspondent.

He said:”As a House committed to accountability and transparency, we need to know how the council areas have been utilizing the funds that accrued to them. We can no longer keep silent over what goes on in the council areas.”

According to him, they had been given two weeks to carry out their assignment and report back to the House.

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Thursday, May 26, 2016

17

Chartered secretaries, governance and Nigeria’s development CRITICAL STROKES

KAYODE

KETEFE

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

I

n spite of the critical role Chartered Secretaries play in the socio-economic life of a nation in this modern time, especially in the areas of corporate governance and compliance, there are still a lot of misconceptions about the profession in the minds of many Nigerians, including, strange to say, the educated. In Nigeria, we have Chartered Secretaries working across the diverse sectors in public, private and not-for-profit organisations, and they have contributed significantly to their organisations and by extension, to the growth of the Nigerian economy through their expertise.

But there is no gainsaying that fact the chartered secretary profession has not yet been given its pride of place in this country for reasons not unconnected with misconceptions about its nature and relevance. Not a few people still associate the profession with clerical roles or front desk receptionist/confidential secretary duties!

Perhaps, in illustrating this point an advertisement placed in national newspapers few years ago by a state government in Nigeria would serve to highlight the impression people

still have of the profession. The advertisement listed among the requisite role of the wanted Chartered Secretary competence in stenography! This, of course, is a giveaway that chartered secretaries are still seen in the mould of stenographers and typists! The national secretariat of the Institute had to write a letter to the said state government to clarify issue that ability in stenography or shorthand is not one of the competencies required of a modern Chartered Secretary.

Today a Chartered Secretary is a high-ranking professional basically trained to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance, effective operations, compliance and administration. Chartered secretaries are the primary source of advice on the conduct of business.

This competence spans the whole gamut of business expertise, including but not limited to business administration and management, legal advice on conflicts of interest, accounting advice, the development of strategy and corporate planning.

The corporate failure of some big companies, including the so-called too-big-to-fail organisations coupled with the global meltdown of 2008 has renewed the call for adherence to principles of corporate governance as many companies and countries of the world experiment with diverse models.

Corporate Governance is a process by which a company is directed and controlled; it is essentially an approach of managing efficiently and prudently all the activities of a company in order to make the business viable, stable, survive and realise the objectives of the shareholders in specific terms and in general.

With the advent of corporate governance

the chartered secretary profession has not yet been given its pride of place in this country discipline and its ever expanding role and continued relevance in the commercial and business world, chartered secretaries have become extremely engaged in the dynamics of this fledgling subject to the extent that they have become reliable and primary source of advice.

I have taken the pains to state the above facts to serve as the background for making a case for chartered secretaries to be charged with exclusive statutorily responsibility of corporate governance auditing in Nigeria. This is by no means a seminal proposition; the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), which like ICSAN in Nigeria, is an offshoot of the parent body ICSA in London, has already blazed the trail in this direction. India has bestowed the exclusive right on corporate governance audit of Indian companies on chartered secretaries.

This was done through the amendments incorporated into its Companies Act 2013, which replaced the old Companies Act of 1956. Under this Act, just like in the traditional financial auditing, where auditors audit the books of accounts of the company and report their findings on the affairs of the company to

the shareholders, chartered secretaries now conduct what is called “secretarial audit” into the affairs of the company and assess it and then issue a report.

Secretarial audit is a process to check compliance with the provisions of various laws and rules/regulations/procedures, including maintenance of books, records etc, conducted by an independent professional to ensure, legal, regulatory, procedural as well as due process is followed. It is therefore, a veritable tool for effective governance.

In a nutshell, the objective of this innovation is to foster greater observance of corporate governance principles by companies.

By the same token, Nigeria may toe this line by making “governance audit” conducted by chartered secretaries mandatory for every listed company. The gains accruable from imbibing the culture of corporate governance audit are obviously enormous; not only will it actuate companies and businesses to strive towards observance of good practices, it will also give existing and potential shareholders the benchmarks for assessing the performance of organisations.

In a nutshell, albeit controversially, this writer ventures to think chartered secretaries are good candidates for exclusive CG auditing and that Nigeria will gain by emulating India, which has exclusively bestowed, through statutory empowerment, the practice of corporate governance audit on chartered secretaries.

Ketefe is the Head of Research, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN)

Pipeline vandalism and the military deterrence option Michael Onunwa

We must meet current vandalism challenges but

I conquer my enemies, when I make them my friends - Abraham Lincoln

N

igeria’s continental ranking in crude oil production suffered yet another dip from last March. For the second time in four months, Angola has beaten the once undisputed largest producer in Africa.

Data from the April Market Report of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) indicates that Nigeria produced 1.677 million barrels per day in March, down from 1.744 million bpd in February, while the Angolan oil output rose from 1.767 million bpd to 1.782 million for the same period. The figure has reportedly dipped now to 1.4 million bpd.

A major contributory factor to the huge loss in production is the endemic challenge of pipeline vandalism. The constant intrusion on pipelines by vandals means a constant interruption of production flow for repairs which cost, not just time and money, but also adversely impact on the myriad of other economic activities that thrive on energy supply.

One of the most strategic pipelines in the nation’s entire network is the Trans Forcados Pipeline (TFP) system. As the second largest network in the Niger Delta, TFP transports oil, water and associated gas from fields in the western delta to the Forcados oil terminal. The terminal has an oil export capacity of 400,000 b/d with a 31 kilometre of pipeline delivering crude to offshore loading

also look into What We can do in the future berths for export. TFP is therefore, the major trunk line within the system, into which feeds multiple branches from onshore fields.

With a total capacity of 850,000 bpd, the 26 inch diameter pipeline is largely buried along most of its length and shared by several operators for production evacuation.

Following what it described as “series of leaks” in the Trans Forcados Pipeline, Shell Petroleum Development Company declared a force majeure on the Forcados crude oil stream. Consequently, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Seplat Petroleum Development Company and four other Nigerian companies comprising Shoreline Resources Limited, Neconde, First Hydrocarbon Nigeria (FHN) and Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), shut down some oilfields, effectively disrupting the export of 189,000 barrels per day and led to a drop in power generation by 1,500 megawatts.

“Once Trans Forcados is down, all of us suffer. In 2014 we budgeted 35 days of outage but we ended up suffering 75 days of outage.

In the first 30 days of 2015, we suffered 15 days of outage. So, the Trans Forcados remains a huge problem for all of us, producers in the western Niger Delta, who deliver crude to Forcados…” averred Austin Avuru,

CEO of Seplat.

In a desperate search for a lasting solution to the problem of incessant pipeline vandalism, the Federal Government has ordered the deployment of more sophisticated military machinery in the region to protect the oil infrastructure. Lamenting the damage to Nigeria’s production capacity due to the destruction of oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta by pipeline vandals, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo last month said the country was “…not able to produce as much as we ought to…We are losing large sums of money daily. We look for alternatives, while we look forward to repairing the pipelines.”

He further noted that “the damage done has led to low supply of gas and most of the power plants are not functioning to maximum capacity. We went to Forcados to see for ourselves the sabotage done to our pipelines. We have seen the alternative steps that the NNPC is taking in order to ameliorate the damage that has been done and the problem associated with getting gas from that terminal to all of our plants.”

While acknowledging that a lot of effort is going into pipeline protection, the Vice President said: “We must meet current vandalism challenges but also look into what we can do in the future. One of the future steps the Buhari administration could take to forestall the perpetration of vandalism is to establish a permanent pipeline security force (who) would be armed with sophisticated weapons to ensure we contain the vandalism and

overhaul security.”

He likened pipeline vandals to “terrorists or saboteurs” and called for support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s position on confronting vandals with the severest measures possible. “I agree entirely that pipelines vandals should not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he said.

It could be recalled that in 2012, the former Joint Task Force (JTF) operating in the Niger Delta was reconstituted and renamed Operation Pulo Shield: Pulo is an Ijaw word for “oil”.

The operational scope of the task force, which initially covered Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states was extended to cover six additional states - Abia, AkwaI bom, Cross River, Edo, Imo and Ondo.

Lt. Col Timothy Antigha, the then spokesman of the JTF disclosed in Yenagoa the restructuring, adding that the composition of the outfit had been expanded to include other agencies like National Intelligence Agency, Nigerian Prisons Service, Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.

To be concluded Onunwa, wrote from Lagos via michaelonunwa@yahoo.com

Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs.

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

18

Editorial

Thursday May 26, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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SUNDAY OLAJIDE n MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO LANRE OYETADE n EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS PATRICK ASONYE BEN MEMULETIWON DELE FASHOMI GBEMI OLUJOBI

n n n n

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ACTING EDITOR DAILY CO-EDITOR, DAILY SATURDAY EDITOR

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FG and ending fuel importation in 2019

S

till smarting from the rumpus engendered by Federal Government’s recent hike in the pump price of fuel from N86.50 to N145 per litre, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has said the FG was targeting 2019 as the year the country would end massive fuel importation. “For the first time, I am putting so much strength in terms of what do we do with our refineries, because that ultimately is the solution. I must make the refineries work so that the staff can justify their work. I am going around looking for investors to come in a joint venture basis to put in money into the refineries and make them work…. ”, he stated at a recent public function in Lagos.

The minister said by the time the refineries were working at optimal capacity; and the commencement of production

by Dangote Refinery in 2019, Nigeria would be able to refine 1.4 million barrels per day. The FG, he says, targets to increase the current production capacity from 2.2 million barrels per day to 2.6 million barrels within the next few years. Kachikwu said fuel subsidy regime was no longer sustainable because of various fraudulent practices by oil marketers and other players in the sector. Between 2012 and 2015, Nigeria paid almost N8

trillion as subsidy, monies that could have been used to provide critical infrastructure for citizens, he revealed; reiterating his conviction that the liberalisation of the downstream oil sector would encourage competition and force down the pump price of fuel in coming months.

It is, indeed, a great relief that the FG has at last seen the sense in growing local refining capacity and liberalising the downstream oil sector as the panacea for the perennial fuel shortage crisis and incessant increases in the pump price of fuel. This has been the position of many since the return to democracy in 1999, considering the nation’s privileged position as one of the world’s major producers of crude oil; as well as the fact that other oil-endowed nations, a good example being Venezuela, and even others not endowed, have been striving hard to add value to crude oil through the improvement of local refining capacity. Indeed, that the FG is just realising the need to rest the regime of frequent increases in the pump price of fuel passed off as subsidy removal; radically grow local refining capacity and perhaps, sincerely liberalise the downstream oil sector, seems an indication that the government knew the solution to the problem all these years but chose to play

May it be hoped that the governMent will not revert to the fraudulent subsidy regiMe once the governMent swiMs out of its current financial quagMire the ostrich.

Indeed, the government of former President Olusegun Obasanjo sold one of the refineries, insisting that the decision made a lot of economic sense at a time. But the facility was retrieved by the government of the late President Umaru Yar’ Adua. During the era of President Goodluck Jonathan, the refrain, from the ex-President himself to former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; as well as the erstwhile Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AllisonMadueke, was that making the nation’s refineries work and the building of new refineries were not profitable to the nation.

But it was obvious that humongous corruption was the major reason the nation’s refineries collapsed in the first place. Their prostrate condition was thereaf-

ter sustained by additional grave corruption perpetrated through massive oil subsidy theft and past prodigal governments that regaled in profligacy without an eye on tomorrow or the diversification of the nation’s economy.

There is no doubting the fact that the FG presently arrived at a better option as the way out because of the slump in oil prices, the dearth of foreign exchange and the crushing multiplier effects on the value of the naira, the Nigerian economy and living conditions.

It is obvious the FG became weary of relying almost wholly on imported fuel brought in by a cabal, cronies and corrupt oil sector officials that thrived on huge subsidy frauds because of dwindling foreign exchange.

May it be hoped that the government will not revert to the fraudulent subsidy regime once it swims out of its current financial quagmire. The FG should sincerely create a hospitable environment for a private sectorled club of local refiners, since there is no guarantee that the nation’s four refineries will perform any better under government’s superintendence. Honest liberalization of fuel imports should, however, be encouraged to guarantee supply in the meantime.

ON THIS DAY May 26, 1981

May 26, 2004

Prime Minister of Italy, Arnaldo Forlani, resigned following a scandal over membership of the pseudomasonic lodge P2. Forlani is an Italian politician who served as the 44th Prime Minister of Italy from October 18, 1980 to June 28, 1981. During his tenure, the list of members of secret lodge P2 was published. However, the lateness of the publication earned Forlani heavy criticisms, leading to his resignation.

United States’ Army veteran, Terry Nichols, was found guilty of 161 state murder charges for helping carry out the Oklahoma City bombing. Nichols (April 1, 1955) is a convicted accomplice in the Oklahoma City bombing. Prior to his incarceration, he held a variety of short-term jobs, working as a farmer, grain elevator manager, etc. He met his future conspirator, Timothy McVeigh, during a brief stint in the US Army.

May 26, 2010 Severe flooding began in eastern and southern China that ultimately led to 148 deaths and forced the evacuation of 1.3 million people. Four rounds of torrential rains with landslides and flooding lasted for 20 days and affected fifteen provinces in eastern and southern China. The first round of floods affected twelve provinces in the South and killed 93 people as of May 30, while new rounds of floods began on June 6.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Features

Thursday, May 26, 2016

19

That women may participate in agriculture

Women at work in a farm

Naomi SharaNg

T

he World Farmers’ Organisation describes women as the backbone of the development of rural and national economies comprising 43 per cent of the world’s agricultural labour force.

The organisation notes that in Africa, 80 per cent of the agricultural production comes from small farmers, who are mostly rural women. ``Women comprise the largest percentage of the workforce in the agricultural sector, but do not have access and control over all land and productive resources,’’ the organisation observed.

But experts insist that in spite of these important roles of women, rural women in Africa suffer from illiteracy and they are the most visible face of poverty.

According to them, there should be more gender policies and services designed towards encouraging women farmers to boost their productivity, especially in agriculture.

In his opinion, Dr. Oluyemisi Fawole, Head of Department, Agronomy, University of Ilorin, said that developing such policies would enhance agricultural productivity and profitability that would guarantee food security and reduce poverty.

He observed that in spite of the roles of women and their contributions to the agricultural sector, they were confronted with socio-economic constraints that limited their productivity. ``These constraints include limited access to the essential elements of farming, resources and credit, information and technology, education and training, among others. ``Existing evidence from small-scale studies across Africa documents the numerous disadvantages that women face in accessing the same resources, training, markets and opportunities,’’

‘Education will makE womEn morE EquippEd, skillEd and ablE to compEtE with mEn to takE advantagE of thE bEttEr incomE-Earning opportunitiEs.

’

she said.

Fawole, however, solicited the application of education and gender responsive research to tackle ``the barriers’’ that hold back the productivity of women farmers to enhance gender equality and usher in a broader economic growth. ``Education will make women more equipped, skilled and able to compete with men to take advantage of the better income-earning opportunities. ``To increase the productivity of female farmers, gender responsive research that goes beyond the farming system and examines the entire food value chain is required,’’ Fawole insisted.

Similarly, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, said that the African agricultural sector must increase its responsiveness to the needs and contributions of women for effectiveness and sustainability.

He explained that cultivation of high potential African women scientists would help in addressing urgent needs of small holder farmers.

Sharing similar sentiments, Mr. Kolawole Omotosho, an agriculturalist, said that youths and women should be encouraged to participate in farming.

According to Omotosho, exportation, loan facilities and value chain

have to be improved to favour women and youth participation in the profession. ``The government must endeavour to sensitise farmers by strengthening the faulty agricultural structures on ground. ``This, in turn, has the ability to encourage the youth to get more involved in agriculture, the government also has to look into the area of reducing the interest rate to five per cent on agriculture loans. ``And if the Bank of Agriculture should come out with what we have concluded on the five per cent interest rate, this is another area that would encourage the youth,’’ he said.

In its bid to encourage women participation in agriculture, Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN) says it will engage 10,000 women Rice Seed Up-Scaling Project.

Mr. Richard Olafare, president of the association said that 8,000 youths would also be engaged in the scaling project.

According to him, the number of women and youths represents 50 per cent and 40 per cent of the farmers that will participate in the project.

The project is an initiative of the West Africa Seed Programme with the support of the ECOWAS Rice Offensive Programme inaugurated in 2014.

Olafare explained that other objectives of the programme included targeting the production of 60,000 metric tonnes of paddy rice for Nigeria by December 2017, using 1,200 certified seeds.

He explained further that the project would be implemented between March and December in Kano, Niger, Kebbi, Zamfara, Benue, Ekiti and Ebonyi as pilot states. ``The project will put about 20,000 hectares of farmland to improved seed production in the seven states that have been selected. ``More than 20,000 farmers, 50 per cent of whom are women and 40 per cent youths, will receive access to quality seeds under the two-year programme,’’ he said.

Apart from this programme, Dr. Ahmed Zubairu, Chairman of the Goats Distribution Committee, Jigawa, said that the state government had empowered 220 women with 660 goats in Dutse Local Government Area of the state.

He said that the goats were distributed to beneficiaries in the 11 wards of the local government under the Goat Rearing and Breeding Loan Scheme introduced to empower women in the state.

He said that the beneficiaries would pay back the revolving loan in 18 months, noting that the women were given two she-goats and one hegoat to rear. ``The government decided to give the women goats because of its economic values. This is because both the goats’ meat and skin are useful,’’ he said.

In addition to such initiatives, experts call for the adoption of more pragmatic measures that will facilitate friendly environment capable of encouraging women to engage in agriculture for the purpose of fighting hunger and poverty. *Culled from News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

20

World News

School makes Zuma apology A South African school has apologised for setting an exam question using a satirical cartoon of President Jacob Zuma floating in a pool full of money.

Students had to identify the man in the picture and say whether they would vote for him or not, using the cartoon “as a source” in their answers.

One answer calling Zuma “too stupidand selfish with money” to vote for was given two ticks.

The Education Department for Gauteng province has welcomed the apology.

It said it began investigations into the test question after a complaint from a concerned parent.

The question was part of an English test for grade six students (normally aged 11-12) at an independent school in the province.

Mohamed seeks migrants’ respect Somalia’s President Hassan Sheik Mohamed has called for a better way to bring home refugees from his country, with Kenya insisting that it will go ahead with its plan to close the world’s largest refugee camp.

The Dadaab camp is home to more than 300, 000 Somalis.

Mohamed said forced repatriation was not in the best interests of either country, even as Kenya threatened to close the camp over security concerns, saying attacks on its soil have been planned there.

Kenya did not follow through on a previous threat to close down the camp, made last April following the deadly attack by a Somali militant group al-Shabab on a university 100km (62 miles) away.

African students protest Delhi killing A group of African embassies in Delhi have requested India to postpone a cultural event following last week’s killing of a student, Masunda Kitada Oliver, from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Oliver was beaten to death by a group of Indian men last Friday after an argument in Delhi.

Two men have been arrested in the case.

The embassies said they did not want to participate in Africa Day celebrations on Thursday because of repeated attacks on African students in India.

“The decision to not participate in Africa Day celebrations is because the African community in India, including students, are in a state of mourning in memory of the slain African students in the last few years, including Oliver,” Dean of African Group of Heads of Mission, Alem Tsehage Woldemariam, said.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Camera captures horror migrant boat capsize T he deadly capsizing of a migrant boat in the Mediterranean has been caught on camera by the Italian navy as it rescued 562 people.

The trawler overturned apparently as a result of people on board rushing to one side after spotting a rescue ship, and five were found dead.

People clung desperately to the deck or dropped into the sea.

Italy’s Bettica patrol boat threw life rafts and jackets while another Italian ship sent rescue boats.

The same patrol boat rescued a further 108 migrants in another incident later on Wednesday.

Nearly 6, 000 migrants trying to reach Europe illegally have been rescued from flimsy craft in the Mediterranean in recent days.

Aid agencies say the seacrossing between Libya and Italy is the main route for migrants since an EU deal with

The capsized migrant’s boat seen yesterday as the victims try to escape Turkey curbed the number sailing across the Aegean to Greece.

Meanwhile, an unprecedent-

ed operation by the Italian navy is under way off the coast of Libya to recover the wreck of a migrant boat that sank in

April last year.

Up to 700 migrants died, the largest single loss of life in the Mediterranean in decades.

about Salud’s disappearance had themselves been attacked.

Their belongings, including their equipment, cameras, computers, communication equipment, telephones, were taken from them,” Gurisatti said.

Catatumbo is an area of nearly 5, 000 square kilometers (1, 930 square miles) in the Norte de Santander department. Illegal crops are Catatumbo’s economic engine, according to Gurisatti. In addition to drug traffickers, the Marxist guerrilla National Liberation Army, or ELN by its Spanish acronym, also has heavy presence in the area. Gurisatti said security forces are “nonexistent” there.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos told reporters in Bogota that he ordered an army

commander and the director of national police to travel to the region to oversee search efforts. At one point, Santos said, five journalists were missing Monday night, but two were located shortly thereafter.

There are a number of rebel groups in the region, leading to speculation the journalists were kidnapped by a guerrilla group. Officials have so far not cast blame. “For now, our hypothesis at the prosecutor’s office is that this is a disappearance. As soon as we have any real evidence that this could be a kidnapping, we will announce,” said Jorge Perdomo, the national public prosecutor.

The disappearances of the three journalists, if they were in fact kidnapped, may become

an obstacle for peace talks between the Colombian government and two guerrilla groups: the ELN and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC. Putting a halt to kidnappings was one of the conditions the government set for negotiations.

Salud Hernandez

The battered body of the victim was discovered, naked and tied up, in a forest on the island of Sumatra after she was attacked by a group of teenagers in April.

Seven offenders have been jailed for 10 years.

“Sexual violence against children, as I have said, is an extraordinary crime,” President Widodo told journalists, according to a statement.

“We hope that this law will be a deterrent for offenders and can suppress sexual crimes against children,” he added, also tweeting the news on his official account.

Chemical castration is the use of drugs to reduce libido or sexual activity. It is a legal form

of punishment in South Korea, Poland and the Czech Republic, as well as in some U.S. and Australian states.

Convicted pedophiles who have served jail sentences could also be forced to wear ankle monitors so that authorities can trace their movements.

The law is effective immediately, although Indonesia’s parliament has the power to overturn it or demand revisions.

“These acts threaten and endanger children, and they destroy the lives and development of children for the future,” the president’s statement said.

The law was drafted to address a significant increase in

cases of sexual violence against children, Widodo said, although he gave no statistics to illustrate an increase.

The country has long struggled with a high incidence of sexual violence, and several cases have been reported recently.

Earlier this month, a woman was raped and murdered by three men on the outskirts of the Indonesian capital, Jakarta.

The case of the 14-year-old girl in Indonesia has drawn comparisons to the horrific gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old medical student in New Delhi in 2012, which triggered protests and led to tougher laws against sexual assault.

Three journalists missing in Columbia

F

irst, Spanish journalist Salud Hernandez went missing while working on a story in Catatumbo, a remote region in northern Colombia with a heavy guerrilla and organized crime presence.

Then Colombian TV network RCN said two of its journalists, correspondent Diego D’Pablos and cameraman Carlos Melo, disappeared in the same region while covering the disappearance of Hernandez.

RCN News Director Claudia Gurisatti said that a government human rights official first confirmed the disappearance of her network’s journalists.

“They called us and said that, ironically, the group of journalists who were covering what people in the area knew

Abusers face supreme sacrifice in Indonesia

C

hild sex abuse is now punishable by death and chemical castration in Indonesia after President Joko Widodo issued a new law yesterday following the brutal gang rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Interview

Thursday, May 26, 2016

21

Repositioning the Nigeria police Habila Joshak, the Abia state police commissioner takes a critical analysis of how the reforms in the force has impacted on his performance and improved the public image of the Nigeria police force. He speaks with GeoRGe oPARA. Excerpts: To what extent are the Police reforms by Mr. Solomon Arase, Inspector¬-General of Police, IGP, taking root in your state?

Thank you very much for this opportunity. Talking about the reforms that the present IGP introduced to the system of the Nigeria Police, I can describe the reforms to be very, very robust on crime fighting and control and role model police system. We may not be able to mention all that has taken place because in the last one year, every other day, we had always something new. And that thing that is new is to reform and reposition the Nigeria police as an organization to be effective for positive resultsorientated activities.

Can we know some of the reforms?

I will just summarize quite a number of those reforms and programmes. On assumption of office, the IGP convocated a security summit at the International Conference Centre, Abuja where all critical partners and stakeholders were invited from all walks of life. Cap it all, apart from the captains of industries, the commissioners of police came along with their traditional rulers who are first-class and very exposed, tested and found to be very useful for the administration of this country. By that, we proffered solutions and the way forward and, identified that what we should do was to create partnership between us and all sectors of the various endeavours in every state and the federation. In other words, traditional rulers were also to form a basic platform to start in combating crime.

This is because they are versed in everything happening in their domains.

As the process of selection of traditional rulers is very cumbersome and it encompasses everyone in the community and, he is the number one person in the community. Then, it means that whatever that is happening, he has his ears on ground and so they were picked as one of the first line of action. We have a lot of them ranging from age-grade groups to students. And from the students, we mirrored on all market associations, civil servants, health workers, transport workers and keke operators. And the IGP made it loud and clear that what he was going to do and asked us to do was that he was going to introduce what we call intelligence-led policing.

And this intelligence-based policing, we should take a pro-active action, trying to find out if somebody has committed any offence and whether or not it is true if he has committed what he was alleged to have done.

After gathering this information and intelligence on the person, then, we invite him to confront him. And after confrontation, he would be prosecuted. That means he has gone through

the justice system. By doing that, it means also that you have cut-short period of detention. You also prevent any accusation of long detention and abuse of right and, detained under very horrible condition and interrogation. The totality of it is that you no longer abuse anybody’s right. And so, this is where we are.

And he said we should replicate this factor by trying to include everybody into the system with the introduction of town hall meetings – where we invite all stakeholders and we talk – jaw, jaw. And from there we know what the people expect from the police and we also tell them what the police expect from them within their civic responsibility. We remind them that they have the right to arrest anybody who is committing any offence in their presence bring the person, hand him/her over to the police for further action. But they have the right of arrest. We also tell them they have the right to rise up when their rights are being abused by a police officer who wants to be funny. This also creates confidence and trust in the police by members of public. They now see us as their police and not a police of other police.

And because of that, they tend to look at us as their own. And so in community-policing, you ask what the people want. What are their security challenges? In some cases, it could be cattle-rustling, it could be house breaking and store breaking, it could also be accident upon accidents. In some cases, it could be youths exuberance by way of consuming drugs resulting in raping, maiming, getting very violent and wild on the weaker persons or sex. So, you will be able to know what their security challenges are as you move on.

Then, you domesticate and geolocate a particular crime or security challenges to a particular area and a particular class of people and you bring them together to find solution.

By the solution they will proffer, you

‘ I’m aware.

Habila Joshak

take the lead in trying to implement and you create a cordial relationship between you and those who together with you identified the problems and proffered solutions. And its implementation is done by you even with their representatives. By this, there is no way a police officer will be accused.

He will be loved. He will be cherished.

This brings to question how your command actively key into the implementation of the Complaint Response Unit, CRU, initiated by the IGP as a new moral norm to checkmate some of the excesses of some erring policemen.

The complaint Response Unit, CRU, is one thing that the police so cherish and the thought and originator being the IGP meant good for the force. I think he saw the future and he launched it in the present so that we can be relevant. By it, it is a complementary to ‘stop the bribe’. In other words, he laid down the activities of the police and exposed us and threw us open before the public for the public to look at us. And for the first time, members of the public have the right to put across their complaints there and then as it is happening even with pictures to the IGP independent of the police officer that is being alleged.

That, therefore, gives an opportunity for the IGP to take decision and usu-

He Has In

one of our management meetIngs wItH HIm made It loud and clear and brougHt In one professor of psycHology. and we also Had a lecture on It.

’

ally he receives an immediate feedback because there are a sub-units in all the state commands and he will send a police officer to move quickly and as it is described and being complained, you are likely to see the officer where he is, what he is doing as described by the complainant. And this creates a lot of confidence in the members of public that the police is truly purging itself of the wrongdoings or those things that bring the police into friction with members of public.

So far, any casualty?

There are several casualties even here. We have seen situations where police officers want to extort money.

There was a complaint and, there and then we got them arrested. We have seen under the CRU who went to the road against our directive.

They were stopping and searching and were collecting money and were videoed. We sent signal to the IGP and he quickly ordered. He has called my attention severally through a tipoff that early in the morning; police patrol team instead of going into the neighbourhood went to the expressway towards Rivers state and block the road to extort money and we have also had cause to arrest them. And I can tell you that I don’t have less than ten dismissals. There are a lot of it and it is a thing that we must hold dear to our chest and hand it over to those who are also upcoming.

IGP gave condition for the issuance of firearms henceforth in which case police officers using firearms must undergo snap drug test. How far is the implementation and compliance?

I’m aware. He has in one of our management meetings with him made it loud and clear and brought in one professor of psychology. And we also had a lecture on it. He said the rate of unprofessional ways of using arms by the Nigeria police is taking a very high dimension. We can’t explain some but it has brought us to real conflicts with members of public. And in some cases, some people have hit the streets because they can’t figure out why one of their loved ones was gunned down by the Nige-

ria police. And when we look out at those who did what they did, we discover that it appears there were some disorganization in their behavior and mood. Sometimes, we discover that it could be alcoholic; it could be also be drugs or even anything. It keeps reoccurring once in a while in isolated states. And in the IGP’s reform programmes, he said we have to be very thorough to look at it.

For the implementation, I have directed and from the rank of assistant commissioner of police and above we have given our blood and urine samples for drug test. For the junior officers, we are now getting down.

The last one is from the rank of assistant superintendent of police, ASP, to chief superintendent of police, CSP, and they are now undergoing their medical drug test. For the junior officers, we must zero on them one by one because the training that we received that we call the musket training in colleges and in some courses that we do before promotion and others we do not for promotion and other general courses organized by local and international agencies. So, it is clear that each and everyone of us must have attended one training and we understand that we must be able to know that the conditions that have been set out for you to be able to use your firearms are very, very clear enough. Also, the movement of riffles, there are six movements before ammunition can be fired. Therefore, there is nothing to me and several others like accidental discharge.

What about the enhanced welfare programmes the IGP initiated for all officers and men. How many of you benefitted?

Yes. If you talk about me specifically, that cannot be the fault of the police management team or the IGP. The IG directed that we should secure a land with a certificate of occupancy, C of O. The contractor has been hanging around, calling and asking about the C of O. And the C of O has to be procured from the governor. And the C of O and the land also have to be identified and accepted as a land that you can easily go and build •Continued on Page 22

22

Interview

Thursday, May 26, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Repositioning the Nigeria police •Continued from Page 21

and whether it requires filling. But I can tell you we have been into politics in Abia state. We have done several elections repeatedly. From the general elections into the primaries and re-elections, cancellations and re-elections. From there, we went into the tribunal, court of appeal and went to the supreme court. Today, we are still battling with the senatorial election petitions tribunal. All this while, the state government has not actually sat down to do business. Is not long that the state executive council was constituted. Is not long that the local government chairmen were appointed.

So, having given that, it means that it was to be difficult for anybody to sit down and grant the C of O. But there has been assurance. We have now got a very large piece of a land and c of o. But the good news is that there are other people who have benefitted from this huge housing programme. Not only just benefitting from few houses. Their houses are both fine and cheaper. The IG keyed into the understanding and his explanation is that if we have the land and we have our men who have the certification to supervise building construction, then, we can use them and he would look inward to build their capacity. And here we are. We have very, very cheap expenditure less than half the price of what one would have paid because the land is ours and the c of o was given.

We followed him all round. The one that is in Abuja compete with any other housing estate even better. We have also seen housing estates in various states. Our own, we have cleared the site. And it was delayed because we were responsible because we needed to have the c of o. We needed to have also properly identified the parameter and even the beacons before construction. But I want to let you know that big, big things are happening in terms of housing. We have not forgotten about the scholarship. We captured the scholarship for junior officers’ children including those whose fathers lost their lives in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the northeast. And then some other officers who died in active line of duty.

A lot of scholarships also were given to their children. Even, the serving officers benefitted. The widows were also captured. After that there are so many other programmes that the IG made to motivate those who have lost their breadwinners and, those who are still serving but can’t afford a roof of their own. IG has given them hope.

So, is will soon be our turn.

It appears to post commissioners of police to various states across the federation; certain considerations are made such as experience, performance and capability even with deeper consideration of the security peculiarities of the states. With your qualifications, can we know some of your breakthroughs in fighting crime in Abia?

Ok. Thank you very much. You remember that the IG while posting officers said he would put a round peg in a round hole – meaning that he would carefully select officers to areas they are fit. Luckily enough, I had his favour and, I was posted to Abia state. I don’t know if they want to see if I could bring in some of my experiences that I had while serving

in PortHarcourt, Rivers state but it could be that they want to see how far. But I want to let you know that there was a time in PortHarcourt, we had to bring in our equipment here including armoured personnel carrier, APC, and mobile policemen to enable commercial banks to open for business. I understood there was a directive from the presidency that we could police up to here. So, I was coming here for nine months with helicopter hovering around here.

Don’t also forget that I had served in Azumiri in Ukwa east council area of this state for four years - starting from a unit commander to 2i/c of a squadron. So, I had a good idea of this place. So, I’m here.

Here, we have crime-mapped the state and geo-locate crimes at various places that we know. If you ask me today where do we have the prevalence of kidnapping, I will tell you. If you ask of places of robbery incidents, I will tell you. If you ask about murder incidents in the farm, I will tell you.

If you ask about incessant accidents and loss of lives, I will tell you. If you ask about robbery and where robbers strike, I will let you know. Those who also take drugs and try to be area boys, I will tell you. So, we have been able to know all that. And number one, we came here when kidnapping, however, has reduced but there are still some apprehension and fear.

What we did was to crime-map and did feasibility policing, aggressive patrol and intelligence-led policing. We zero people and their role.

With the strategies that we put in place, complemented by other security agencies, we are able to fight some of these crimes, get to the criminals, get to those who sponsor them and got to the beneficiaries. And today, the crimes have been reduced to a very tolerable rate. After kidnapping, we have the armed robbery. Remember that Aba is a commercial city that plays major role in the south east and also Nigeria as a whole and West Africa. They produce machines that could also produce other machines.

They fabricate spare parts of other vehicles and equipment that can compete favourably. They have factories for shoes and clothing that stand out and can compare favourably in the world.

Given that situation, the actions of power led the companies to shut down. As these companies shut down, all those artisans, beneficiaries and employees got scattered. So, you see a lot of young and able-bodied men who were initially engaged but because of the challenges of power and raw materials and even the foreign exchange, it became difficult to

operate business as usual. So, they are ready tools for criminal activities.

We also have baby factory. Not in anybody’s imagination that here in this country, a husband and wife will come together, bear children and carry some of them to sell outrightly to those who need them. Not in your imagination that a place will be marked as motherless homes, children home or orphanage homes. And they will bring in young girls, some of them in tertiary institutions who cannot make ends meet, some are university drop-outs. Others completed secondary schools but have nothing to do. They operators of the homes take them in, keep and feed them and they are being impregnated. And they have local health officials in the name of nurses to look after them.

And they don’t move out. They walk around the compound. They are provided with accommodation and food and attended to during ante-natal for nine months.

After giving births, two days after, they are cleaned up. If it is a male child, they give them N200,000 to N300,000. If it is baby girl, they offer them N150, 000 to N200, 000. From there, they go. Already, there are those who have registered wanting the babies. Some of the buyers come from PortHarcourt, Abuja, Lagos and Kano and even farther distance to collect the babies and off, they go.

Sources and origin of the buyers are lost. I do believe that those who come to benefit from this do not have any relationship with the operators of the so-called orphanage homes. And that we fought until met their madam Mma who was very popular in Oyibo, a border community of Rivers state, Abia and Akwa Ibom and within the eastern zone. We put them through

giving births, two ‘ After dAys After, they Are

cleAned up. if it is A mAle child, they give them n200,000 to n300,000. if it is bAby girl, they offer them n150, 000 to n200, 000. from there, they go.

’

the justice system. And that led to reducing the incident to the barest minimum. Also, we got to know the drivers that convey the babies of oneday or two-day old to various destinations of need even in the up north, southeast and south south.

And we caught them and process them through the justice system. We discovered that some of the buyers come in pretense to the welfare departments of the local government areas claiming they are foster parents wanting to adopt babies. And we discovered that the legal processes were not complied with. We fought them until they knew that the local government areas and welfare departments are no-go areas for such illicit trade.

And we have brought the incidence to the barest minimum.

As for the robbery, we discovered that there is a correlation between robbery and kidnapping. We also discovered there is a relationship between kidnapping, robbery and idleness. We discovered that unemployment and poverty are some of the reasons why unemployed youths go into kidnapping for ransom to earn a living. We gave it a good fight by establishing what we call operational stand points where vehicles are stationed. The IG also provided vehicles upon vehicles that we line up the streets and highways – we call them, safer highways patrol in place of the road block. And some other vehicles were also given with which we block other areas and all critical points where crime prevails.

We have been able to identify and pin them down on 24-hour basis. IG made it possibler as we get other logistics and fuel. But some state governments are not forthcoming. And that is why the IG intervened.

However, we have reduced crimes here but once in a while we record a few incidents but the rate is not frightening. We have also almost stopped the baby factory operation. We contend with armed robbery. We also embarked on the town hall meetings where we prevail on the traditional rulers to ensure that people do not kill because of one plot of land. We have been singing that and there have been fewer attacks on farmland by relatives. We also tried to solve the problems of herdsmen and farmers. Ours is at a very low level because as they pass they destroy farms but those of them who destroy the farms are not likely to be those herdsmen who are domiciling here but those who come

IGP, Arase

from very far. They ravage the farm early in the morning and, farmers will discover that their farms have been destroyed. They do not have any option but to look up to the Fulani herdsmen who have the cows.

We tried to trace their footsteps to as far as PortHarcourt to find out that those people are either from Niger, chad, Cameroon, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano or Jos. What are the achievements that stand out Mr. Solomon Arase, IGP from his predecessors when he eventually leaves office?

You are right. I’m a professor in policing because I remember the years of my exposure. I have the opportunities that the force has given me to work and eventually worked to such an extent that I had close contacts with the policy makers and police management. Others may have their styles and, they came played their roles and gone. Today, it is a different ball game. Today, if we do not take policing steps forward, we shall lag behind. And we will not be able to control crime. Solomon Arase, on a very serious note, leads us into a policing of the future. All within one year, he has been able to do so much.

As we begin to count all the innovations that he brought within one year, then, we marvel. He has written his name in gold in the history of the Nigeria police and the country at large. For those who want to be frank and sincere, he has created a platform where others would like to build upon. He has made police operations in Nigeria in tandem with what obtains in the fast-moving western world. There are a lot of credits to him upon which he will always be remembered.

He makes innovations with the large heart to carry everybody along.

And the large heart to identify policies and he tries to place them where they are supposed to be. I want to salute his courage and urge others to build on the enviable platform he has created

Thursday, May 26, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

23

Education Today

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY, ADO-EKITI (ABUAD)

Innovative and progressive university —Cynthia Jackson Hammond, President, Central State University, Ohio, USA

May 29: Stakeholders score Buhari low in education

27

‘FG is 100% committed to science, technical education’

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TSA slows down work in tertiary schools —Rector

26

‘‘

How N300m was misappropriated at Osun College of Education —Rights’ group BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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n Osun based rights’ group, Civil Societies Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State (CSCEOS), has explained how it uncovered a multi-million Naira fraud at Osun State College of Education, Ila Orangun.

The institution was recently renamed Adeyemi Oyedotun College of Education, Ila, by its owner, Osun State government.

Giving details of its evidence when invited by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on the petition where the alleged fraud was uncovered, in a statement issued in Osogbo last week, the chairman CSCEOS, Comrade Sulaimon Adeniyi Alimi, said funds meant for developmental projects in the college were allegedly misappropriated by its board.

The statement issued by the group, which also fingered some principal officers of the institution in the alleged misappropriation, said the EFCC in an invitation letter dated May 13th, 2016 with reference No:CR: 3000/EFCC/ IB/T.C/VOL.1/80 and signed by its South West Zonal Head, Akaninyene Ezima, sent to it by the anti-graft body, sought clarification on the group’s petition against the Acting Chairman of the college and others.

According to CSCEOS’s statement, the EFCC’s invite to it reads in parts: “This is to acknowledge the receipt of your petition dated 21st March, 2016 captioned, Request for investigation and prosecution of Mr. Oyeniyi Akande, the Part-time Chairman, Governing Council, Osun State College of Education (OSSCE), Ila-Oragun, Osun State and Nine (9) others for the offence of fraudulent conversation and diversion of N.3billion public funds approved for the TETFund project i.e. the construction of Amphil-theatre and other sundry projects for the growth and development of the college community since 2014.

“Why Civil Societies Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State (CSCEOS) is demanding for investigation, arrest and possible prosecution of the school leadership and to inform you that investigation has commenced.

“In view of the above, you are

…allegation baseless, says Mgt

Aregbesola hereby requested to report to the EFCC Zonal Office at No.16 Revd.

Oyebode Crescent, Iyaganku, G.R.A., Ibadan, for an interview with the undersigned through the Head, Team C, on May 17, 2016, at 10am prompt.

You may wish to contact the office through 08034522541 for further clarification”.

Appearing before the anti-graft body however, Sulaiman was quoted in the statement as appealing to the EFCC official in charge of the matter, Mr. Oseni Kazeem to ensure that the mentioned persons in the petition were brought to justice after thorough investigation by the agency.

Sulaimon , who referred to CSCEOS’s petition to drive home the demands of the group explained: “(The) Sum of One hundred and seven Million naira (N107m) out of One hundred and twenty-five million (N125m), released by the Federal Government through Tetfund as a Special Intervention fund to the college for building of a Lecture Theatre (Amphitheatre) remains unaccounted for as the foundation of the project

IT IS PERTINENT TO STRESS THAT THE MISCHIEF MAKERS ARE COEASU MEMBERS OF THE COLLEGE AND OTHERS WHO WERE INDICTED BY VARIOUS PANELS OF ENQUIRIES FOR THEIR INVOLVEMENTS IN VARIOUS

SOCIAL-VICES IN THE INSTITUTION has not been completed after two (2) years it was awarded to the Contractor, Digitpro Engineering Technology Limited, Ibadan.

“But in January 2015, the sum of Five million One hundred and Thirty six Thousand, seven hundred and sixteen naira, Thirty Kobo was released to the contractor-Digitpro Engineering Technology Limited, Ibadan.

“To our dismay, at one meeting of the college Governing Council where the failed Tetfund Amphitheatre Lecture contract was extensive-

ly discussed, the council noted that though the sum of One Hundred and Seven Million naira (N107m) had been released to the contractor, the evaluators which the Governing Council brought from the Osun State Ministry of Works and Transport, Abeere, Osogbo valued the work done at the site of the project at Thirteen Million naira (N13m).”

The group restated its commitment to ensuring that the matter is pursued to a logical conclusion and CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

24

Education Today

Thursday, May 26, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Corruption: Group organises quiz for Bauchi schools

L-r: Commissioner for Education, Anambra State, Prof. Kate Omenugha; Director of ICT, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Uwem Asomugha; Public Sector Director, Microsoft Nigeria, Hakeem AdenijiAdele; and Education Programmes Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, Jordan Belmonte during the launch of LP+360 digital classroom in Lagos, last week.

EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

T

he Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has organised a quiz competition for students from 10 secondary schools in Bauchi State. The centre held the contest which was supported by Osiwa/ UKaid in conjunction with the Centre for Information Technology and Development.

The quiz according to the organiser is aimed at disabusing the mind of students who are future leaders against corruption and corruptible practices as well as to remind the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari of its campaign promises.

The Programme Coordinator, Kamilu Isa Ahmed made the statement in a chat with newsmen shortly after the quiz at the General Hassan Kastina Unity School, Yelwa, saying there is urgent need to inculcated good behaviour to our future generations for effective development.

He added that the quiz was targeted at over 10,000 students while similar competition had been held in some other states.

The host school came first while Government Girls College Kafin Madaki and Government Girls College Bauchi took second and third position respectively.

Ikpeazu’s aide lifts school, students in Abia TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

A

s part of activities to mark his 50th anniversary, the Chief Press Secretary to the Abia State Governor, Mr. Godwin Adindu has donated 50 wooden desks to the Comprehensive Secondary School, Mgboko Amairi in Obingwa Local Government area of the state.

He also gave scholarship through Nne’s Heart of Gold Foundation School Scholarship scheme to no fewer than 36 students from Mgboko community and adopted one classroom block to be refurbished by some of his friends.

He said in a press release that the humanitarian gesture was in line with Governor’s Ikpeazu- Friends of Abia School Adoption Initiative (FASAI) scheme to tackle the poor infrastructural decay in most of the stateowned schools.

The state’s Commissioner for Education, Professor Ikechi Mgbeoji received the desks on behalf of government from the donor.

While congratulated Adindu on the donation and his golden jubilee birthday which he said was a milestone age in the life of anyone, the commissioner promised that his ministry would also adopt his own classroom block to be re-roofed before the end of the term.

He however disclosed that the state government had already commenced the collection of data of dilapidated schools across the local government areas in the state in addition to mass production of desks for students.

In his remark, the the traditional ruler of the community, Eze Ezenwoke Ananaba thanked Adindu for the project, saying it would go a long way in lifting the educational standard of the state.

ABUAD, hope of education in Nigeria —Envoy ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

T

he Malaysian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lim Juay Jin, has said Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) was the hope of quality and functional education in the country.

Jin, who lauded the facilities and equipment in the private university, described ABUAD as “a place where you can spend time to develop yourself.

The Malaysian envoy, who was Guest Speaker at the maiden edition of a programme tagged: “The Diplomatic Dialogue” organised by the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy (IRD) of the university, charged the students: “What else do you need to develop yourselves?”

He said: “ABUAD is a place where you can study under a peaceful atmosphere. It has a good environment and a complementary state-of-the-earth infrastructure where students can learn and deliver. I know the graduates will be change agents in the system because of learning and character that is in practice here.”

The envoy who said Nigeria and Malaysia had enjoyed cordial relationship and cooperation since 1965 when his country established a diplomatic mission in Lagos, also listed similarities between the two countries.

According to him, about 9,000 Nigerian students are in universities in Malaysia for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in

various fields including accounting, business and finance.

According to him, such Nigerians choose to study in Malaysia, having realised that the country is one of the top tertiary education destinations in the world.

The envoy attributed the development to quality education and availability of facilities; affordable fees and living cost; friendly learning environment, quality tutors; good governance; stable economy and large community of Nigerians.

Jin said his country with a population of just 30 million people, was also making waves in the areas of agriculture, especially palm oil which his country had been able to use to its advantage.

The Envoy who expressed the desires of his country to further deepen its bilateral relations with Nigeria disclosed that 450 Nigerians had so far attended Nigeria/Malaysia Technical Cooperation Programme, (TCP).

Babalola, who appreciated the Malaysian envoy for the privilege, took pride in ABUAD, saying: “We are proud of what we are doing.

We have only one dream - to change the face of education in Nigeria. We are doing this through our students who have just been described as ‘agents of change.’”

The ABUAD founder said it was unbelievable to realise that Malaysia, a rather smaller country which could not compete with Nigeria in anything many years back, had overtaken it.

He canvassed a return of the country to

the days of smaller units of regional governance so that too much power would not be concentrated at the centre, while the country would be easy to administer.

Welcoming the Malaysian High Commissioner and other guests to the event, Head of IRD Department, Dr Adeolu Durotoye, said The Diplomatic Dialogue, which would hold once every semester, a brainchild of the Department, “is aimed at bringing seasoned diplomats, serving or retired, from across the globe to adress, educate and share experiences with our students, in particular, and the entire university community at large, on topical issues of diplomacy and international relations.

“It is our ambition to produce students who will be well informed in the art of diplomacy and who will turn out as critical thinkers and policy formulators within and beyond the shores of our nation in the future.

“We share the founder’s vision that private universities are globally more successful than public universities. It is no wonder then that the Ivy League Universities in the United States and many universities in the United Kingdom are a lot more successful like any private enterprise than public universities.

“We key into this and we have started seeing results and so ABUAD will continue to stand up to the challenge of providing affordable and qualitative education in the mould of the Ivy league universities in the U.S and other leading institutions in Europe, Australia and other parts of the world,” Durotoye said.

Western education, Islam complimentary —Perm Sec TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

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he Lagos State Government has reaffirmed that western education was not against Islam in any way but complimenting it.

This observation was made by the Permanent Secretary in the state’s Ministry of Education, Mr. Adesina Odeyemi during a lecture to com-

memorate the Children’s Day celebration held recently at the Alausa Secretariat Mosque in Ikeja.

According to him, Western education is a blessing that has not only brought civilisation but also made life a lot easier for people.

“Western education in form of science and technology has revolutionised the world in the area of communication, transportation, petroleum, engineering and the whole world including the Arab countries are benefitting from the development today.

While explaining that what is not in tandem with Islam are some

western ways of life which are not in agreement with the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Hadith, he listed cultism, kidnapping, rape, drug abuse, child abuse, homosexualism, sexual harassment, robbery as parts of the contradiction.

He therefore charged parents and clerics not to join the people who always ascribe moral decadence in the society to western education which is responsible for keeping many Muslim children out of the school system, saying the development is dangerous.

Our children can grow in pursuit of “Western education for their de-

velopment as future leaders without losing their dignity as Muslims,” he stressed.

Also speaking, the guest lecturer at the event, Ustaz Sidiq Uthman Okanlawon, who spoke on the “Impact of Western Education on the development of Islam: Focus on the Muslim youths” frowned at the curriculum that does not give priority to the teaching of religion, saying that children who are bred under such condition cannot have the fear of God and that is one of the major problems facing the country.

He enjoined Muslims especially the youths to focus more on Islamic

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Microsoft llists benefits of digital learning solutions TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

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world technology giant, Microsoft has formally launched the anticipated LP+365 learning solution in

Lagos.

The ICT outfit launched the project in conjunction with Dynamiss Digital Learning Solutions Limited, a teaching and learning digital solutions company as well as Learning Possibilities which is the largest learning solutions provider in the United Kingdom.

The learning solution, unveiled at “The Future of Learning” conference last week offered the audience, who are mostly school owners and students the opportunity to access free Microsoft teaching with technology training hosted by the Microsoft Nigeria Education team.

The learning classroom solution which provides 24 hours access to learning for both teachers and students according to Microsoft is a platform that transforms the Microsoft Office365 into a virtual learning environment that enables teachers to design and plan the curriculum, deliver subject material, manage coursework and communicate with learners using simple drag and drop technology.

In his address of welcome at the event, the Public Sector Director of Microsoft Nigeria, Hakeem Adeniji-Adele enlightened people at the launch, saying the evolution in education has caused for new learning tools to remain relevant in knowledge and skills.

Speaking on the package, Chief Executive Officer of partnering company, Dynamiss Digital, Mr. Roland Sodeinde noted that as the world is changing, the need for collaborative learning to enable students work together in and outside the classroom is vital.

A guest speaker at the forum who is also the Commissioner for Education, Anambra State, Prof. Kate Omenugha said in the 21st Century, students must be fully engaged and that this requires the use of technological tools and resources, among others.

She added that it was unfortunate that many state governments could not key into the ICT education until recently when it dawn on them that they would lag behind with right ICT knowledge and skills.

TOSSE holds next week

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Education Today

Thursday, May 26, 2016

ll is set for the annual Total School Support Seminar and Exhibition, TOSSE organised by Edumark Consult, Lagos.

The programme which is in its 8th edition is scheduled to hold between 2nd and 3rd of June, 2016 at Ten Degrees Event Centre, Oregun, Lagos.

According to a release signed by the Chief Consultant, Edumark, Mrs. Yinka Ogunde the event with theme, Creating Successful Partnerships is for teachers, parents, schools, government as well as students.

She also disclosed that the exhibition will create avenue for education providers to get school equipments while the seminars is aimed at improving the performance of teachers.

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WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

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he Rector Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Alhaji Isah Muhammed has disclosed that the Treasury Single Account (TSA) in tertiary institutions in the country is currently posing serious challenges to finances of various schools.

He stated that it is unrealistic and not practicable considering the daily needs in campuses.

Muhammed who made this known while speaking in Lokoja on Monday during a media chat with the state correspondents said he was not in any way condemned the system, stressing that the basic needs of tertiary institution such as payment of electricity, water , security among others may not go in line with the TSA. “We don’t have grant, no subversion apart from payment of staff salaries and there is nothing like capital expenditure.

“So what we do is to rely on our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to be able to attend to those needs that are very vital to the school.

He noted that “even if the state government wants to

L –R, Deputy Provost, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Oto/Ijanikin, Lagos State, Mr. Wole Ajose; Dean of School of Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Omosehin Foluke and Guest Speaker, Dr. Sunday Oludele Babalola, during the college’s School of Arts and Social Sciences Distinguished Lecture Series held recently at the college.

TSA slows down work in tertiary schools —Rector introduce the TSA in tertiary institutions in the state, it is a welcome development as it will remove burden on our heads.”

The rector, who also appealed to Kogi State government to assist the polytechnic

with more hostels to address the accommodation challenges facing the institution, noted that the construction of 1,000 sitting capacity auditorium for lectures is ongoing to reduce the acute shortage

of classrooms in the institution.

He however commended the management of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for providing structures for the polytechnic.

Expert urges female youths to embrace careers in sciences SAIDAT ALAUSA

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ovenant University, Ota, Ogun State, chapter of African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) has launched an initiative to encourage the engagement of female youths in careers in the sciences.

The event, which took place at the conference hall of the university’s Centre for Entrepreneurial Development Studies (CEDS), was attended by students from five secondary schools in Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

In her opening remarks at the event, Professor Nandita Dee, of the Biological Sciences Department, who represented the management, encouraged the students to make use of all the advice and insights received as a catalyst to their future progress in their respective individual educational dreams and goals.

In his remarks, the Head of Department, Biological Sciences, Prof. Adesola Ajayi; represented by Dr. Yemi Ayepola, appreciated the participants from various schools and enjoined them to strive for excellence in their future careers, so as to contribute to

national development.

While making her presentation, the coordinator of the event, Dr. Angela Eni, also of the department of Biological Sciences, stated that science and technology is the practical application of systemically and experimentally acquired knowledge for the good of mankind.

She enlightened the students on how much science and technology has drastically increased the knowledge of the universe; opened up fascinating and improved ways of diagnosing and treating illnesses; ushered in the computer age, “which has made our world a global village; and given us power to manipulate all forms of lives, including

plants and animals, for the benefit of mankind.”

Dr. Eni expressed the need for women to be more involved in the sciences. According to her, “Larger number of women study sciences in secondary schools than in the university.

Fewer female science graduates get to the top of their careers as senior scientists compared to their male counterparts, and worse still, the number dwindles even more for black women in science.”

Speaking on the factors that affect the participation of females in science and technology education in Nigeria, Eni highlighted the ‘Socialization Process’ as the strongest; stating that it is a process by which

a child learns to respond to socially approved values in the society through the guidance of adults.

“While boys are encouraged to be assertive and challenge their mental powers, girls are protected and discouraged from explorative and risky activities.

Boys become independent, initiative and assertive, while girls become dependent, submissive and complacent.

These personality characteristics affect the attitude of girls towards science and technology education, as they believe they are inferior to boys physically and mentally,” she said.

L- R: Nollywood Actress, Shola Shobowale; students of Wellspring College Omole Phase 2, Lagos with the Head Chef / MD, We are Food Limited, Mr. Adeniyi Williams, during the Art of Milk initiative among schools in Lagos State by Peak Milk...last weekend.

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Education Today

Group hails DVC appointment WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

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he Joint Action Committee (JAC) has commended the management of the Federal University of Lokoja on the appointment of Prof.

Makanjuloa Osagbemi as the new deputy Vice-Chancellor of the university, saying the management followed a due process in the exercise.

The committee which is an umbrella body of all unions in the university made the commendation in a statement issued in Lokoja last Thursday.

The Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria University (SSANU), Mr Ajao Abdulhakeem signed the statement on behalf of the group which comprised the Academic Staff Union of Universi-

ties (ASUU), Non- Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists of Universities (NAAT).

JAC expressed displeasure over the position of a nongovernmental organisation, Concerned Citizens for Education Development (CCED) that the appointment was done without recourse to due process, insisting that the appointment was in order.

“The university Senate at its 32nd extraordinary meeting held on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 conducted an election between two nominees for the position of Deputy ViceChancellor and thereafter recommended the winner of the election to the governing council for ratification, which was done the following day,” the statement explained.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG is 100% committed to science, technical education —Minister TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

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he Minister of State for Education, Prof Anthony Anwukah has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s total commitment to the development of science, technical and vocational education in the country.

He said it was only through such strong commitment that the nation’s youth huge unemployment could be tackled appreciably.

The minister made this observation last week at the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC) Yaba, Lagos shortly after he inaugu-

rated a 1, 200 bed space girls’ hostel built by the college’s Parent-Teacher Association to alleviate the accommodation crisis facing the school.

In view of this, Prof. Anwukah, who was also conducted round the various technical workshops in the college however promised that the ministry would boost the learning and acquisition of knowledge and technical and vocation skills most especially in science and technical- oriented secondary schools nationwide.

He also promised that the ministry would revive the various workshops in FSTC in particular and make them functional in line with the

original vision of the founding fathers.

While acknowledging the huge contribution of various PTAs to the unity colleges, he however urged them to work within their mandate which he said was a supplementary role.

Speaking earlier, the Principal of the college, Rev. Chris Ugorji who stakeholders said had transformed the school to appreciable level within less than two years he assumed duty said despite the giant strides recorded, the college was still faced with many challenges which included but not limited to overcrowding classrooms, inadequate hostel accommodation, lack

Unique Height honours exemplary students

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he management of Unique Height School, Isheri-Magodo, Lagos has reiterated its commitment to encourage academic excellence of students of the school through dedication and hardwork.

The Principal of the school, Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo Olatubode gave the assurance during the scholar award ceremony recently, saying the essence of the award in particular was to motivate and sensitise the students to be at their best in their academic pursuits and other endeavours.

She explained that the school honoured the brilliant students with the blue ties to differentiate them from their mates who wear the normal

red ties for the school over their uniform.

“At the beginning of each session, students are encouraged to set achievable goals that will make them stand out, the Blue tie is an honour given to students in the Junior Secondary School who must have scored ‘As’ in 10 or more subjects including English Language and Mathematics while those in the Senior school would have scored ‘As’ in seven or more subjects including English and Mathematics,” she said.

She noted that the initiative started four years ago with 19 students qualified for the award while the figure has jumped to 31 today, leading to healthy competition among the students.

L-R: Principal, Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, Lagos, Rev. Chris Ugorji; Chairperson, Parent-Teacher Association of the college, Mrs. Obiageli Igwillo and Minister of State for Education, Prof Anthony Anwukah during the inauguration of the 1,200 bed space girls’ hostel built by PTA(2014-2017) for the college… last Thursday.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

the accused brought to justice.

The management of the institution, however dismissed the allegations raised in the petition and fingered some academic staff, who were said to have engaged in corrupt

I didn’t want to study in LASU —Best overall gradaund TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

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he best overall graduating student of the Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo, Mr. Michael Arowosegbe yesterday disclosed that he reluctantly came to the institution to study a degree programme.

He made the revelation during his valedictory speech on behalf of all the fresh graduates of the university at the school’s 20th convocation ceremony held

yesterday. They were 17,695 graduates in all from both the 2013\2014 and 2014\2015 academic sets with eight of them including himself graduated with First Class honour.

Arowosegbe from Oyo State who studied Biochemistry and obtained a Cumulative Gradient Point Average of 4.68 from the possible 5.0 told the audience that he came to LASU after he was denied admission by the Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe, to study medicine and surgery, which he said was

his dream course.

According to him, “I reluctantly chose LASU as my second choice in 2011 UTME and I almost ignored the postUTME too that same year because I had already sat for that of OAU and I scored 278. So, I thought with that high score together with my UTME score of 287 I would be admitted by OAU but I was denied admission there and I then came to LASU to study Biochemistry just to full all righteousness and please my father, who wanted me to be in school by all means.”

of funds and poor power supply, among others.

He said he believes the school would have achieved more if most of these problems are tackled.

Ugorji who thanked the PTA and its leadership for the hostel facility and other sponsored developmental projects in the recent time reassured the ministry, parents and the public that the college would continue to take the lead among its contemporaries in the country.

He noted that the every student of the college was made to acquire at least one entrepreneurial skill and vocation that would put them at advantage in the labour market in future.

The PTA chairperson, Mrs. Obiageli Igwilo on her part was happy that the hostel which was dogged with controversy was eventually delivered. She noted that what inspired PTA to carry out some development projects was the outstanding consistent performance of students in academic and sporting activities as well as moral upbringing, promising that the group would not rest on its oars.

Those who graced the occasion include the Director of Basic and Secondary Education in the ministry, Mrs. Anne Okonwkwo; Ezenwokeoma of Amaofio Kingdom, HRH Peter Ebigbo., among others.

How N.3bn was misappropriated... act and caught by the management, as brains behind the “plot to tarnish” image of the institution’s Governing Council chairman.

According to a statement issued in response to the huge public outcry that followed the first newspaper reportage of the petition, the management of the institution said its uncompromising stand against corruption especially among academic staffers informed the petition written to the anti-graft body.

It further explained that some members of the academic staff caught in the web of corruption, indiscipline and other vices were bent on tarnishing the reputation of Akande because they were disciplined, describing the allegations as “baseless and reprisal.”

The statement reads in parts: “The allegation of

N300m fraud levied against Mr. Niyi Akande, Chairman Governing Council, Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun, was absolutely false, malicious and sentiment-driven which was not only subjective, but a reprisal predicated upon the seemingly injuries suffered by COEASU members of the institution and others who were caught in the web of indiscipline, maladministration and various corrupt practices which characterised their sack during the last staff assessment of the college.

“It is pertinent to stress that the mischief makers are COEASU members of the college and others who were indicted by various panels of enquiries for their involvements in various social-vices in the institution ranging from: extortion, obtaining

money by trick from students, absence from lectures, delay in releasing the results of examinations for processing as well as inability of a large percentage of them to acquire additional qualifications to boost their productivities after 10 to15 years on the job.

“In a bid to stem the trend of the age-long indiscipline and culture of corruption in the system, the council directed that all payments be made through an e-payment portal which many of the staff frowned at, while the corruption through the old system of the payment of school fees had led to the sack of a level 14 officer and others who were depositing money up to N13m in a bank at Iree without producing any teller to authenticate the payment,.” the management stressed

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, May 26, 2016

27

To Minister of Education-A gentle reminder

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t is about one year now since your party swept to power on the mantra of change and about six months since you were appointed to be the chief servant of the ministry of education. Since then a lot of change has taken place in the country especially in the educational sector over which you are superintending but I dare say, not quite the type of change Nigerians have clamoured for. But apart from the absence of the desirable change, we are more disturbed by what appears to be lack of leadership and direction in the sector at the national level.

Without gainsaying, the economic situation in the country is having very dramatic effects on virtually every facet of our national life, and the nations’ universities have not been spared the agony. With a face value of only N403.16 billion, the education budget this year is the lowest in four years. This value is even much smaller if one should depreciate for the currently low purchasing power of the Nigerian Naira. With the recent establishment of thirteen new universities, the potential effect of the budget reduction on the nations’ tertiary education could be devastating.

On the one hand, the economic crunch is affecting the ability of academic institutions to provide basic infrastructure, utilities such as power and water and teaching aids in the laboratories and classrooms. The students have responded with violent protests followed by indefinite closure of the institutions by the administrators and subsequent dislocation of academic calendars. On the other hand, parents and guardians are not able to sustain their children and wards in the public tertiary institutions because of delay or non payment of salaries by the state and local governments. Without doubt, the recent closure of over five universities within a calendar month is only a foretaste of things to come as unrest in the tertiary institutions is bound to increase dramatically as the economic decline bites harder.

The problem of declining quality of the products of our ed-

WITHOUT GAINSAYING, THE ECONOMIC SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY IS HAVING VERY DRAMATIC EFFECTS ON VIRTUALLY EVERY FACET OF OUR NATIONAL LIFE,

AND THE NATIONS’ UNIVERSITIES HAVE NOT BEEN SPARED THE AGONY.

ucational institutions especially, that of the secondary schools remains. This is mainly associated with the phenomenon of semi illiterate teachers that is now a well documented feature of the nation’s basic and senior secondary school system. The All Progressive Congress had proposed in her manifesto to raise the standards of teachers by “launching a programme for the redevelopment of Teachers Training Colleges”; that was over a year ago!

Such redevelopment programme would be aimed at improving the quality of new teachers emerging from our teachers training institutions who would be employed in both the basic education and the Senior Secondary School system.

What would the restructuring process entail? Would it be a nationwide reorganization of the teachers training colleges and faculties of education in the various universities? Would the restructuring ditch the current “concurrent” model of teachers’ training in Nigeria for the more universal and progressive “consecutive” mode of training? Has the blueprint for such

restructuring been produced?

How to improve the quality of teachers already in service is usually a more intractable problem. Previous efforts to retrain teachers have been largely unsuccessful because of the lack of foundation on which to build. These problems must be solved if the standard of education is to improve. There is much work to be done!

The problem of quality is further compounded by the high incidence of examination malpractice which practically removes the incentive for hard work. Examination malpractice has evolved from being a simple vice into an organized criminal enterprise in Nigeria. The non enforcement of penalties is largely responsible for the escalating incidence of this vice and its rapid transformation into the status of an organized crime. The onus lies with the agent of the “Regime of Change” to provide a solution to this hydra-headed problem.

In this era of unexpected decline in the economic fortunes of this country, corruption in the administration of available funds must be checkmated with all available resources in the tertiary institutions. Unnecessary international travels, inflated contracts, purchase of exotic vehicles, duplication of charges payable by students and introduction of other spurious charges are very common in many of our tertiary institutions. It is no news that ICPC, the anti corruption outfit on Nigerian campuses is not functional. They have fully furnished offices for the principal officers of Chairman and Secretary and a retinue of staff but only manage to post zero achievement as no one has ever been brought to book!

Already one year has come and gone since the government of change was brought into office by popular acclamation, but we have not seen any positive change in the educational sector.

In fact we have not seen any movement at all three years to the end of this administration! What needs to be done should be done quickly. Our dear Minister of Education, we urge you to rise up to the occasion, and take proactive steps to prevent further deterioration of the educational sector.

May 29: Stakeholders score Buhari low in education Our students literary works SAIDAT ALAUSA

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S President Muhammadu Buhari administration will be celebrating one year in office in few days, May 29, 2016, stakeholders in the education sector scored the administration low.

An educationist and Chief consultant, Edumark Consult, Mrs. ‘Yinka Ogunde in a telephone interview told National Mirror that she cannot really score the new administration because Nigerians are yet to see what the administration has done.

“We have not seen anything visible the administration has done maybe because they did not pass the budget on time.”

She urged the federal government to improve the education sector by focusing on primary education which is the foundation in the sector.

The Proprietress, Botsun Private School, Lagos, Mrs. Iyabo Onibokun told National Mirror that much has not been done in the last one year in terms of education but however commended president Buhari

for the budget allocated to the sector.

According to her, this gesture if well managed and utilised will go a long way to improve the education sector.

She however urged the federal government to include the private sector in the budget.

“The federal government need to support us, education is not a business as believed by people but our own contribution to the development of the sector and we need to be encouraged.”

A civil servant and parent, Mr. Dele Awobotu on

his part told National Mirror that it is not possible to score Buhari administration for now because all the promises by the party before assumption of office has not really been met, education inclusive.

“We only hear that huge amount of money was budgeted for the sector but they have done nothing in the last one year. In fact the government needs to subsidize education for us because it has not been that easy especially in this dwindling economic.

A student, Miss Yemi Ogunsanmi told National Mirror that students in the

country scored the administration very low. “It is during this administration that we are asked to pay high school fees and we are not happy about it.

“They told us things will change in the country but instead things are becoming difficult that the amenities in the hostels are longer good for us to use.

“The government needs to do something fast so that the standard of education will improve because now we don’t have a conducive environment in our universities that is why many students protested some time ago.”

Principal, Whitesands School, Lekki, Lagos, Dr. David Lorenzo (4th left) with others during the launch of the second edition of “The Sail,” a book written by the students of the school… on Monday.

yielding results —Whitesands

the flair for creative works by showing him the right way to exhibit the talent and n fulfillment of the profit with it in future.

He however disclosed that promise made last year at the launch of the the students were only asked first edition of “The Sail,” just like last year, to suba literary\art publication mit entries of their various put together by students of works for rating by indepenWhitesands School Lekki, dent panel of judges, who he Lagos to make it a yearly said included the winners publication, the school has of the 2012 Caine Prize for come up with a new edi- African Writing, Mr. Rotimi tion of the book which was Babatunde and author of Clinical Blues, Dami Ajayi. launched on Monday.

The 86-page anthology While the former judged the of creative work (less two fiction prose category, the latpages of that of last year) ter, judged the poetry works.

“The top three entries is a compilation of poetry, drama, prose fiction, essays, considered to be outstandand visual arts. And the writ- ing by the judges in each ers who are students in both category are what we put junior and senior arms were together to become ‘The also rewarded for their ex- Sail’ we just launched,” the emplary works at the launch principal added. “And this initiative is already yielding held in the school hall.

The school principal, Dr. result by creating healthy David Lorenzo, told jour- rivalry among our students nalists at the event that the and boosting their creative school found the various writing skills that they can works by students both in grow with to earn reasoncontent and form engaging able income in future. It has and tempting, hence the rea- also helped to increase their son for putting them together performance in external exas a book for present and fu- aminations.”

The principal promised ture references.

He said the school was par- again that the school would ticularly interested in sup- sustain the publication on porting students who have CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

TUNBOSUN OGUNDARE

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat.alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

Shun social vices, JABU VC cautions new students

SAIDAT ALAUSA

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ice-Chancellor, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji Arakleji, Osun State, Prof. Sola Fajana has advised new entrants into the university to shun all social vices in order to safeguard their future.

He gave the advice while welcoming the students to the oneday re-orientation exercise of the university, recently.

The vice-chancellor congratulated the freshers for securing admission into the premier Entrepreneurial university in Nigeria, but charged them to shun all appearances of evil on the campus and take their studies seriously, as only diligence and hard work would earn them success.

Prof. Sola Fajana while playing in loco parentis to the students urged them to live up to expectation by establishing goals and interests aimed only at ensuring academic excellence in the university.

“You must uphold basic values and some of these will include respect for the rights and dignity of others; honesty and integrity in all yours dealings; commitment to the pursuit of excellence in your academic work; and accountability for your actions and conduct.”

While listing various social vices to be eschewed by students, Prof. Sola Fajana said that cases of misconduct have continued to cause major hitch among students’ performance, and this has inevitably interrupted or truncated studies.

EKSU VC reiterates commitment to raising future leaders SAIDAT ALAUSA

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ice-Chancellor, Ekiti State University (EKSU), Prof.

Samuel Oye Bandele, has reiterated his continue support to students in their bid to become future leaders even as he promised to be in the fore-front of the fight corruption in Nigerian universities.

He made the declaration shortly after being conferred with the award of 2016 Kwame Nkrumah leadership award on administration and most outstanding person on education and humanitarian services par-excellence in West Africa by the West African Students Union (WASU).

Prof. Bandele said that vice-chancellors and lecturers in universities should train and prepare students for future challenges which will enable them pay back to the country and their alma mater positively. “What type of future leaders are you producing when your students graduate with pass or third class grades?” “How do you want them to contribute to the country or your university after their graduation when they did not come out with good grades, the vice-chancellor queried?

He, therefore, urged other vice-chancellors and lecturers as well as non-teaching staff of universities to join him in this crusade of training students that would be useful in future for the development of the country.

Presenting the award, the Secretary General of WASU, Mr. Emmanuel Sobio said that the award was in recognition of Prof. Bandele’s unblemished contributions in the field of education, nation building, relentless apostle of an ideal democratic institution as well as youths and student’s emancipator.

Mr. Sobio further said that Prof. Bandele qualified for the award because he is a prudent public servant, community leader, a peace advocate and a man with magnificent experience.

With this award, Professor Samuel Oye Bandele joined the league of personalities such as, former President of Ghana; John Kuffour, former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan; Vice-Chancellor University of Ilorin, Abdulganiyu Ambali, Founder, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola and General Theophilus Y Danjuma among others.

Vice-Chancellor, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Samuel Bandele (2nd left) being presented 2016 Kwame Nkrumah leadership award on administration and most outstanding person on education and humanitarian services par-excellence in West Africa by the Secretary General of West African Students Union, Mr. Emmanuel Sobio at the university, recently.

FG should rebuild North-east fast —NANS presidential candidate ‘YOMI AYELESO

400L, BUS ADMIN, AAUA

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s the fourth National Convention of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) draws closer, a presidential candidate in the election, Sheriff Emeka Zadok has called on the Federal Government to make hast he in rebuilding the entire North East zone that has been battered by the Boko Haram insurgents.

He advocates for the

North-East Development Commission geared towards rebuilding the entire NorthEast.

He also called on the government to mount adequate surveillance across the camps of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to guarantee their safety.

Comrade Zadok who made the appeal while speaking with Campus News, in continuation of his campaign to institutions in Ondo State sympathised with Nigerian residents in the North

East, especially students and assured them that the Federal Government is determined in ending the activities of the Boko Haram in record time.

He opined that insurgents can be countered in Nigeria and globally through education and war of ideas by inculcating morality and harnessing the potentials of students in Nigeria tertiary institutions.

Zadok, a student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka revealed that his campaign team had visited Maiduguri,

Yobe, Gombe and Adamawa states to see the students in the area and promised to go often if given the mandate to lead the 41.1 million Nigerian students.

He promised not to derail on the premises on which the students apex body was founded, which according to him, was anchored on the basis of complimenting the efforts of the Nigerian leaders in advancing the cause of the rapid and uniform socio— economic and infrastructural development of the country.

FUNAAB is committed to human capacity building —VC SAIDAT ALAUSA

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he Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Olusola Oyewole, has reiterated the determination of the university management to the building of human capacity and provides the visionary leadership that would enable FUNAAB maintain high standards, excellent delivery of learning, research and virile community engagements.

Speaking during the 2-Day Capacity Building Workshop for Heads of academic departments in the university, which was aimed at strengthening and empowering the participants, the vice-chancellor recalled that FUNAAB organised a similar work-

shop recently, where academic heads of departments were treated to a retreat and notes were compared on how to do things with the best global academic acceptable standards.

Prof. Oyewole, who is also

the President, Association of African Universities (AAU), stated that academic trends were fast changing, noting that the university could not afford to live in the past.

According to him, “the curricula review we had less

Representative of the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof. Ololade Enikuomehin (left) receiving an award from the immediate past President and Chairman, Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Mrs. ‘Debola Osibogun during a programme at the institution, recently.

than two years ago has called for another review, so it important to always review our curricula, if we desire to move at the global pace and compete favourably with our peers in other climes.”

The VC, who stressed that there was the need to move beyond working with only course synopses, towards being student-friendly in teaching methodology, charged heads of departments, to embrace constructive change that would re-position the university for better performance in global ranking.

He noted that the university was presently benefitting from the collaborative support obtained from notable institutions and organisations in the area of quality assurance in higher education.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

29

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat.alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

FUNAAB radio begins transmission

Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University, Ojo, Prof. Olarenwaju Fagbohun (middle) with the best graduating student and various category award recipients cutting the cake to commemorate the institution’s 20th convocation ceremony, yesterday

F

ederal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State radio station known as FUNAAB radio has begun daily online transmission with effect from Monday, May 23, 2016.

The full radio station, which plans to follow up later in the coming months with its terrestrial broadcast platform, is to operate on the frequency 89.5FM, to reach the university’s diverse publics, dominantly in Abeokuta and reaching external audiences in other parts of Ogun State.

The implication of this latest move is that, with just a click on the Internet, people from across the world, irrespective of geographical boundaries, can listen to news, entertainment talk shows, agricultural programmes and other content transmitted on the radio station. Disclosing this was the coordinator of FUNAAB Radio, Mr. Ayo Arowojolu, while unfolding plans by the station to flag-off its operation.

He explained that the primary philosophy behind setting up of the station was premised on the need to enhance stakeholders and campus communication with the use of a technology that facilitates transmission and dissemination of the concerns, interests and activities of the academic environment to a large and heterogeneous audience.

He said all efforts had been channeled at producing content and programming on themes that advance the development of the FUNAAB community in such a way that many developmental programmes, research breakthroughs and positive happenings would become very visible in the public domain.

Mr. Arowojolu described the FUNAAB Radio website as a fitting complement to the radio’s planned transmission which, going by the wattage power approved by the National Broadcasting Commission, would help overcome the challenge of limiting output to the confines of Abeokuta and environs.

He assured that through this platform, FUNAAB Radio would be able to reach global audience, anywhere in the world wherever there is Internet connectivity, adding that being an information management tool for the university, the visibility of FUNAAB was expected to soar high within a short span.

TEMITOPE YAKUBU AKURE

A

s members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) prepare to elect new leaders on the 31st of May, 2016 in Taraba State to pilot it affairs for the next one year, one of the leading aspirants for the post of National Vice- President (External Affairs), Shuaib Ismail popularly known as Aluta Marshal has vowed to put smiles on the faces of fellow students if elected.

Shuaib made this known during an exclusive telephone interview with Campus News.

According to the Build-

Nacabs Polytechnic to commence HND programmes

‘Our students literary works yielding results’

IGBAWASE UKUMBA

a yearly basis but could not say for now if it would be produced in market quantity in future.

Some of the co-writers spoke to National Mirror shortly after the occasion, expressing their joy for being part of what they called laudable achievement. They said their works were inspired by their observations and personal experiences in life and promised that they would to take creative works more seriously.

They include Jesse Okorafor (SS3C), who won Essay star prize with his essay titled: “Deforestation”; Anthony Azekwoh (SS3C) with his short story, titled: “The Ark of Why” won Poetry prize as well as Prose fiction with his work titled: “Beginning.”

Other star prize winners are Oselumense Ebadan(SS3C) for his visual arts- “Shattered” which was also used as the cover of the book and his counterpart, Oluwatobi laofin from the junior class for the same category.

In the editor’s note, the editor of the book, Mr. Kola Olatubosun said the students’ talents as showing in their respective works was a demonstration that they would do well in life.

LAFIA

T

he second indigenous polytechnic in the northern part of Nigeria, Nacabs polytechnic, Akwanga in Nasarawa state is to commence Higher National Diploma, HND, programmes by October this year.

Proprietor of the polytechnic, Mandy Abuluya, disclosed this to journalists when a team from the Nasarawa state council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, was on an assessment visit of the institution.

He disclosed that the institution was ready for more accreditation of courses it runs as most of the conditions, especially the acquisition of a 50 hectares of land mass, deposition of not less than N100 million naira in the institution’s bank account, have already been put in place.

On the availability of facilities that could warrant accreditation of courses

in the institution, the proprietor took the NUJ team to both laboratories and workshops of the polytechnic which include the electrical and electronics engineering workshop, electronics and communication laboratory, electronics maintenance and installation workshop, computer laboratory, e-library, mass communication studio, among other facilities.

The proprietor however called on both private and public organisations to partner with the polytechnic to enable it provide the needed polytechnic education to indigenes of Nasarawa state as well as the entire country.

This, he said will help to fast track the development of manpower that would assist in the diversification of the country’s economy as enshrined in the change mantra of the federal government.

In his remark, chairman of the Nasarawa state council of NUJ, Dan Yakubu, applauded the efforts of the institution’s proprietor in bringing polytechnic education to complement efforts of government.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

Student election: Aspirant assure mates of better days ahead ing Technology student of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo state, his ambition is solely on the need to raise and build a credible, effective, efficient, formidable, responsible National Association of Nigerian Students(NANS) that would partner and aid efforts of all relevant stakeholders, in the overall interest of the Nigerian students.

He said, “If elected, my office will organise different programmes that will put smiles on the faces of fellow Nigerian Students and further brighten and

make meaning out of their stays on campus, likewise contributing meaningfully to the socio-economic and political growth of our dear nation.

“Though, I won’t promise to build bridges where there are no water or build castles in the air but Nigerian students can be rest assured that I will represent their interest vibrantly.”

Shuaib also said he is ready to foster NANS relationship with other National Unions, International Students and Youth Organizations and other bodies outside the country.

L-R: Marketing Manager, Durex West Africa, Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi Omotola; Nigerian R&B/Pop Singer, Akinmayokun Awodumila aka May D; Content manager, Arcadiamobile TV, Olamide Yousuph during the Durex Campus Heat Awards 2016 in Lagos recently.

30

Thursday, May 26, 2016

“T

HEY have in most cases remained willing collaborators in the depoliticisation of the political system by acquiescing to virtually all the issues….” I cannot acquiesce in the ruination of modern English by some traditionalists.

“It was a most unhurried journey accomplished well over six hours, from 9 a.m. in the morning till about 2.00 p.m. in the afternoon.“ One of these days, somebody will scribble ‘I saw the picture with my naked eyes’! Dear reader, you do not need ‘in the morning or afternoon’ after the abbreviation ‘a.m.’ or ‘p.m.’ A.m. means ante meridiem (before noon). Similarly, p.m. refers to post-meridiem (after noon).

“The domestic homeman, busily hurrying up his life, who literally flew all over the place trying to get the assorted fare billed to assuage the hungry guests.” ‘Literally’ is one of the words generously abused by journalists and writers. There Is no way the woman could have ‘flown all over the place’ because she wanted to organize menu. Emphasis or amplification is not by merely inserting ‘literally’ in a sentence.

‘Literally’, an adverb from ‘literal’, implies the original (exact) primary sense of words—without exaggeration.

“The effectiveness of these provisions are hampered by ignorance and poverty.” This smacks of language poverty. The effectiveness…is “Disbursement under the loan are subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions.…” (Source: as above) All sentences must obey subject-verb stipulation: ‘Disbursement…is’.

“A reflection into our attitude toward claim settlement would expose….” I give the insurance and assurance that ‘reflection’ takes ‘on’ or ‘upon’, not ‘into’ “Earlier this year, FEPA officials had argued that they need an interval of raising public consciousness with regards to the environment.…” As regards or with regard to—you can also use ‘concerning’ in place of any of the two.

“We have heard of people running for office, a running mate, running neck to neck or the race between X and Y being too close to call”. Politicians run neck and neck; not “neck to neck”.

“Problems of one nation have a remarkable way of spilling into other nations as in refugees fleeing from one troubled spot to safe havens”. Good command of language: trouble spot “That same day, Robinson, his supporters and other Nige-

SAIDAT ALAUSA

D

ufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles is once again celebrating the 2016 children day with over 100,000 children across the country.

The event to mark the world children day held in Apapa Amusement Park, Lagos, one of the locations in Lagos State on Tuesday had children having fun with lots of games to play with.

The programme which started on Monday, 23rd May will end Saturday, 28th May, 2016 and will be held simultaneously in Lagos, Benin, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Kaduna.

Speaking at the event, the Group Public Relations and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju said the event is a way of associating with Ni-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Subject-verb agreement IT IS COMMON KNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS ECONOMIC CRISIS IN THE COUNTRY RESULTING TO LOW CAPACITY….” CORRECT FORMS: ‘AN ECONOMIC CRISIS’ OR

‘ECONOMIC CRISES’ AND OF COURSE, ‘RESULTING IN’ (NOT ‘TO’). rians demonstrated in front of the Nigerian embassy on 16th Street, just a stone throw from Trans-Africa’s office.” Democratic English: A stone’s throw “Criminal investigations into the controversial death of… has run into a hitch.” For a hitch-free sentence, change ‘has’ to ‘have.’

“The Akabogu family took the hospital to court last year claiming N50 million damages for the death of….” I claim no damages from Newswatch Daily for all its damage to the English language!

Wrong: forthnight; right: fortnight “It costs between 300 to 1,000 dollars to eliminate each time….” Get it right: between 300 and 1,000 dollars or from 300 to 1,000 dollars. Not a combination “The only time I was opportuned to watch the low-keyed event in Abidjan….” Using ‘opportune’ (no‘d’) in all contexts even when it is not appropriate is indicative of showy but worthless writing.

“In this vein, there must be a body regulating employments in these bodies…” ‘Body regulating bodies’ is shallow, ‘Employment’ does not admit‘s’.

“But since then, the existence of the country has received series of threats of disintegration.” (Nigerian Tribune, May 23) …the country has received a series of—there should be no

delusion about the article preceding ‘series’ (a).

“Never in the annals of history of this country.…” (Source: as above) Pleonasm at its height: ‘Annals’ and ‘history’ cannot function in the same breath. Baba Bayo Oguntunase, the most popular language activist of our time, insists otherwise.

“Anambra police revokes gun dealer’s (sic) licenses” Let us re-write: Anambra police revoke gun dealers’ licences.

“Going by precedence, it means that in about 10 days from today, the minister will be obliged to tell once again how the government performed in the second quarter.” Going by precedent…not precedence (in this instance) “He had probably never seen a balance sheet…talkless of balancing budget.” Balance the sentence by replacing ‘talk less’ with ‘not to talk of’or ‘let alone’ (‘talk less’, as a phrasal verb, is good grammar).

“It is common knowledge that there is economic crisis in the country resulting to low capacity….” Correct forms: ‘an economic crisis’ or ‘economic crises’ and of course, ‘resulting in’ (not ‘to’).

“As earlier mentioned in this piece, lack of funds and machines for exploitation have been the bane of solid minerals production in this country.” (Business TRENDS, May23) Lack of funds and machines has (not have).

“Altogether the CBN has raked in a whooping N85.362 billion.…” Why the mix-up between ‘whopping’ and ‘whooping’?

“At the induction ceremony (sic) of the new provost of Christ Church Cathedral, Lagos, the choir rounded up in the induction ceremony by rendering an anthem….” Even the Bible cannot confuse ‘round off’ with ‘round up’!

“Africa continues to experience sluggish economic growth because more than half of the countries in the continent are among the poorest nations in the world.” This way: on the continent “But they point out that the organization had expended all its ammunitions…” ‘Ammunition’ is non-count.

“The Trans-Saharan Trade which broadened Kan’s fame and fortune dealt principally in slaves and traditional dyeclothings.” ‘Clothing’ does not take ‘s’

Indomie hosts 100,000 school children

gerian children who are the company’s target group.

He said apart from the fact that they are the company’s target group; it’s a

way of appreciating the children because most parents in Nigeria have been so busy and have no time to take the children out.

“As a brand on our own we have decided that the programme would make these children happy and those gaps that we have identified

L-R: Group Head, PR & Events, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju; representative of Lagos State governor’s wife, Mrs. Adeola Rotinwa; National Coordinator, Indomie Fan Club, Mrs. Faith Joshua with members of Indomie Fan Club at the 2016 Indomie Children’s Day Celebration in Lagos.

we wanted to fill it.”

Ashiwaju also disclosed that the company will also be visiting different orphanage homes as part of the celebration on children day, 27th of May, 2016.

“The children you have here today are the privileged ones, these are the ones that can come out through their schools or parent platform to have fun here, we have decided to identify with those that are not fortunate to be here by visiting them and to make them happy during this children week.”

Pointing out other programmes by Dufil Prima Foods Plc, the Group Public Relations and Events Manager said apart from the children day Jamboree, the company also gives equipment to schools, support their prize giving day as well as inter-house sports.

“We also work with their Parents Teachers Association and our budget this year is to have 8million children served indomie in various schools across the country.

The National Coordinator, Indomie Fans Club, Mrs. Faith Joshua in her remark said the club apart from creating avenue for children to learn also want to ensure the children has complete fun. “That is why we choose Apapa Amusement Park where we believe they will have all the fun.”

First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode represented by Mrs. Adeola Rotinwa at the event commended the Dufil Prima Foods Plc for organising the annual event as a gift for the children.

She enjoined the children to be well behaved and face their studies.

Business Thursday, May 26,, 2016

FG to spend N489m on e-government projects 36

Analysing yearly budgetary provisions’ impact on ICT industry 35

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

BoI commissions 24KW off-grid solar power in Kaduna32

Proposed flexible forex policy lifts equities, bonds Johnson okanlawon

T

he bulls dominated the equity trading on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday following the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN,’ announcement that it would adopt a more flexible exchange rate policy.

The CBN had on Tuesday said it would adopt a flexible exchange rate policy, a shift from a peg for the naira seen as overvalued, which had hampered investment.

The benchmark index recorded a strong gain of 3.78 per cent to close at 28,260.61 points to levels last seen on January 5, ending a selloff by foreign investors who had quit due to currency curbs and worries they would get caught in the middle of naira devaluation.

The Managing Director of APT Securities Limited, Alhaji Garba Kurufi noted that considering current inflation rate of 13.72 per cent, investors have started taking position on stocks.

He said, “Some people investment in bonds at 12 per cent coupon but the inflation rate is now higher than the interest rate, so investment in stocks is better.”

To the Head, Research, Afrinvest, Mr. Ayodeji Ebo, the cheering news is that the CBN has come to realise that the country need a flexible exchange rate regime rather than the fixed regime.

According to him, the introduction of a flexible interbank market from a de facto peg of around N197 would boost investors’ confidence and create more dollar liquidity.

But the currency parallel market reduced in value, with the naira closing at N350 from N346 to the dollar, as traders were confused over how the new rules would be implemented.

The Acting President of Bureau De Change Operators, Aminu Gwadabe said the CBN settled dollar bids submitted last week at its pegged rate of N197, implying that the new policy was yet to take effect.

Bond prices rose as traders bought debt to cover positions taken before the central bank decision as they had expected the main rate to stay at 12 per cent to tackle slowing economic growth.

Analysts have enjoined the CBN to clarify on what it describes as a special window for critical transactions for which preferential rates will apply.

The Managing Director of Financial Derivative Company, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, noted that considering the level of corruption in the country, the special window for forex will be abused.

According to him, just like the fuel subsidy was abused, the special window too will be abused as banks will disburse the forex based on their discretion.

He added that the economy desires a transparent forex market which guarantees level playing fields for all investors.

The Director General of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Muda Yusuf said, “We would like to caution against possible abuse and distortions that such a window could create.”

M

asterCard has unveiled the first commerce application for SoftBank Robotics’ humanoid robot, Pepper, a digital payment service.

The app was built by the MasterCard Labs team in Singapore, one of the company’s eight research and development centers across the globe.

The Pepper application adds to ongoing MasterCard programs that bring payments to any consumer gadget, accessory or wearable– from fitness bands to refrigerators and now robots.

The integration with Pepper has the potential to open up opportunities in the world of retail such as personalized shopping and concierge services, in-aisle checkout and the

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

Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50.

Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00.

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

Dana Air

L – R: Kunbi Labiyi, Chief Corporate Services Officer, Benin DisCo; Abu Ejoor, Executive Director, Benin DisCo; Mrs Funke Osibodu, MD/CEO Benin DisCo; Micheal T. Harvey, USAID Mission Director; Mrs Omojola, Director BPE; Engr. Fidelis Obishai Chief State Head, Edo State Benin DisCo at the signing ceremony between representatives of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in Nigeria and Benin Electricity Distribution Plc. (BEDC) in Abuja…Monday

MasterCard launches Special app for commercial transactions niyi Jacobs

31

ability to buy in store but get the goods delivered at home.

The same capability would also be applicable to other consumer engagement locations such as hotels, banks, airports, and other customer service industries.

The application which was showcased at the Pepper Partners Europe event in Paris enables companies to make fast, simple, and secure digital payments across channels and devices.

Pizza Hut Restaurants Asia P/L, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. was the inaugural launch partner, working together with MasterCard to create innovative customer engagement with Pepper.

Similarly, this new app extends the robot’s ability to integrate customer service, access to informa-

tion and sales into a seamless and consistent user experience. Pizza Hut Asia will be piloting Pepper for order-taking and personalized engagement to enhance customer service in-store by end of 2016.

Tobias Puehse, Vice President, Innovation Management, Digital Payments & Labs at MasterCard stressed that “consumers have come to expect personalized service, customized offers and simple and seamless processes both instore and online,” “The app’s goal is to provide consumers with more memorable and personalized shopping experience beyond today’s self-serve machines and kiosks, by combining Pepper’s intelligence with a secure digital payment experience via MasterPass”, he added.

He also mentioned that a consumer will be able to initiate an engagement by simply greeting Pepper and pairing the consumer’s MasterPass account by either tapping the Pepper icon within the wallet or by scanning a QR code on the tablet that the robot holds.

After pairing with MasterPass, Puehse noted that Pepper will be able to assist cardholders by providing personalized recommendations and offers, additional information on products, and assistance in checking out and paying for items. Pepper will be able to initiate, approve and complete a transaction by connecting to MasterPass via a Wi-Fi connection and the entire transaction happens within the wallet.

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

Aero Contractors Lag-Abj: 06.50, 13.30, 16.30, 19.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun), 12.30 (Sun) 16.45 (Sat) Abj-Los: 07.30, 13.00, 19.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat, 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 (Sun, 18.30 Sat) Lag-Benin: 07.45, 11.00, 15.30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12.30 (Sun 15.30 (Sat) Ben-Lag: 09.15, 12.30, 17.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 17.00 (Sat) 14.00 (Sun)Lag-Owe: 7.45am, 2pm daily

32

Business News

Thursday, May 26, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

BoI commissions 24KW off-grid solar power in Kaduna

…..as governor seeks replication of project in states Olufemi adeOsun, AbujA

T

he Bank of Industry has commissioned a 24KW micro-grid solar system in Charwa/Chakun, an off-grid community in Markafi local government of Kaduna State.

The commissioning of the N32million stand-alone solar electrification project, developed by Arnergy Solar Limited, was the last of the sixth pilot programme executed by the development finance institution in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP).

Apart from Charwa/Chakun, other communities where the solar systems have been deployed include:Bisanti, in Katcha LGA of Niger State, Onibambu in Ife-North LGA of Osun State, Ogbekpen, Ikpoba, in Okha LGA, of Edo State, Onono, Anambra West LGA, of Anambra State and Kaltungo LGA of Gombe State.

The six rural electrification projects, which is a combination of micro off-grid and stand-alone solar systems, cost BoI N240.6million and the target is to provide electricity to thousands of rural dwellers who hitherto have no access to the national grid.

Under the stand-alone solar systems model, users are required to purchase electricity vouchers through a wireless mobile technology from a local vendor employed the project developer within the community, which will be used to recharge the pre-paid meters provided in each home.

Speaking during the commis-

sioning of the Charwa/Chakun solar systems, the Acting Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Waheed Olagunju, said that the project had had strong catalytic effects on the lives of the people to the extent that demands for the deployment of solar solution had increased across the country.

For instance, he hinted that Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo, had asked the bank to partner with the state with a view to replicating the solar systems in other 10 local government areas.

According to him, the governor has given the nod for the commencement of the project in two villages of the state and would soon be commissioned.

Apart from that, he explained that other governors, private organisations, multinational corporations religious bodies and communities leaders had also approached the bank for the execution of the solar project in their select communities.

In reference to the project, the BoI boss explained that each home would have sufficient solar electricity to power three LED light bulbs, 1 eletric fan, 1 radio/TV set and mobile phone charging system.

He enthused: “What we are implementing is a tested and commercially sound model for delivering power to the Nigerian rural homes at affordable rate. We want all our rural communities to take control of their energy needs by paying for only energy used.

“This is the sixth of the last pilot project that is being implemented in partnership with the UNDP. We have achieved our objective of en-

suring that we sensitise Nigerians to alternative renewable energy sources that are more efficient, cleaner. Testimonies from the five communities where we have successfully commissioned off-grid so-

lar solution are quite positive.

In his remarks, Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir elRufai, said the project would strengthen the government’s initiative to providing the creation of the much needed employment in the state.

Walk for Life organize by Lawn Tennis Club Onikan Sponsor Stering Bank Plc in Lagos.

Controversy trails introduction of GMOs into Nigeria Regina OtOKpa

F

resh controversy has broken out among stakeholders over the move to introduce Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) into the country.

The Ministry of Environment, Open Forum on Agriculture Biotechnology (OFAB), National Biosafety Management Agency

(NBMA) Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) and Home of Mother Earth Foundation (HoMF), Tuesday expressed divergent opinions over GMO with some kicking against its acceptability.

The Minister of State for Environment Ibrahim Jibril delivering his keynote address at the ‘Just Governance: The Nigerian Biosafety Act and GMOs Implications for Nigeria and Africa’ in Abuja

Returns on Nigeria’s aviation sector Nestle downplays risk of Brexit to operations investment over 30% –Sirika Olusegun KOiKi

I

nvestors have been called upon to invest in the Nigerian aviation industry given the potential return on investments currently estimated at over 30 per cent.

The Minister of State, Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika made the call in his keynote address during the week at the just concluded International Air Transport Association, IATA, Day 2016 held in Abuja Sirika said opportunities abound in the proposed concessioning of four international airports, establishment of a national Carrier, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul, MRO, facilities, Aviation Leasing Company, ALC, and development of agro-cargo terminals among others.

He insisted that Nigeria was strategically located in the Gulf of Guinea with a population of 173million people and accounts

for 47 per cent of West African population, adding that Nigeria, being strategically located on the mid-belt of Africa, serves the West and Central African Market with a captive population of 600 million people providing huge business opportunities.

The Minister assured stakeholders that the Federal Government had put measures in place to address challenges of foreign exchange remittance, cost and availability of aviation fuel as well as high cost of aircraft maintenance.

In his remarks, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Hussein Dabbas, projected that Africa was set to be one of the fastest-growing aviation regions over the next 20 years, with annual expansion averaging nearly 5 per cent, adding that this opens up incredible economic opportunities for the continent’s 54 nations.

According to him, if the commissioned project provides electricity for 200 homes in Charwa/Chakun, its replication in other selected nine communities would bring the total number of homes having access to off-grid electricity to 2,000.

N

estle SA Chief Executive Officer, Paul Bulcke, said he expects the U.K. will choose to stay within the European Union, though an exit wouldn’t be a huge risk to the world’s largest food company.

Brexit probably isn’t among the top 10 risks for Nestle, Bulcke said Wednesday at a presentation to investors at its headquarters in Vevey, Switzerland. ‘‘I am quite confident wisdom will prevail,’’ he said. Nestle has something of a ‘‘natural hedge’’ in that market anyway, as most of what it sells in the U.K. is also produced there, he said. Nestle’s U.K. brands include Aero chocolate bars, Nescafe coffee and Herta hot dogs.

Companies serving consumers like foodmakers and retailers have been cautious to tread into the Brexit debate, for fear of alienating customers. Tesco Plc, the

U.K.’s biggest grocer, has said the referendum is a decision for the people of Britain. Should the June 23 referendum lead the U.K. to pull out of the EU, the implementation of trade barriers may raise costs for food retailers. One group that’s rallied to keep Britain in the EU is Scotch whisky distillers, who argue that Brexit would jeopardize hard-won market access.

Michael Bloomberg, the founder and majority owner of Bloomberg LP, the parent company of Bloomberg News, has publicly supported the campaign to keep the U.K. in the EU. Separately, Nestle Chief Financial Officer Francois-Xavier Roger said mergers and acquisitions are exciting and can add to the company’s business, though the challenge is picking the right ones as deals need to meet sound financial criteria.

(Source – Bloomberg.com)

maintained that Nigeria would not mortgage the safety of its citizens by introducing unproven products into the country.

He noted that in as much as government would continue to support farmers shift from chemicals that would degrade the environment, government would not relent in its effort in addressing issues confronting GMOs. He said: “Modern law raises the bar for best biosafety practices retreating African concern about the safety impact on Africa on the very basis of survival. We in Nigeria will not mortgage the safety of our people, our policies will be that that would give empowerment to our farmers.

“This government will ensure that Nigeria is in a healthy and protective manner, government will not be redirected into using any unproven system or acceptable norms because government is concerned about the issue of GMO, the biosafety management agency.”

Director General NBMA, Rufus Ebegba, on his part assured Nigerians on the credibility of GMOs adding that the agency was equipped to carry out risk assessment on any genetically modified organism before it was released for any purpose.

Stressing on the importance of GMOs in advancing national development he maintained that “Nigeria will not fold its hands and allow good technology bypass the country as long as we are sure anything is safe Nigerians will embrace it.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Global Business

Thursday, May 26, 2016

33

Greece bailout: Eurozone deal Microsoft hangs up on smartphone workers M unlocks 10.3bn euro

G

reece has agreed a deal to unlock a further 10.3bn euros ($11.5bn; £7.8bn) in loans from its international creditors, after talks in Brussels.

Eurozone finance ministers also agreed on debt relief for Greece, extending the repayment period and capping interest rates.

Greece needed this tranche of cash to meet debt repayments due in July.

The Greek government owes its creditors more than 300 billion euro - about 180% of its annual economic output (GDP).

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been at odds with the Eurogroup of eurozone finance ministers for months over the issue of debt relief for Greece.

The IMF considers debt relief essential, but Germany in particular was opposed.

Now that a deal has been reached, the IMF will consider contributing to the bailout.

The 19 ministers said the deal had been made possible by Greece’s economic reforms and called it a “breakthrough”.

Wednesday’s deal does not reduce the amount Greece will have to repay.

Instead, debt relief will be phased in from 2018, after Germany’s general

election late next year. As such, the deal is being seen by many as a compromise intended to buy time.

Will the deal change anything?

Greece’s debt jargon explained How bad are things for the people of Greece?

How has austerity worked out for eurozone countries?

“We achieved a major breakthrough on Greece which enables us to enter a new phase in the Greek financial assistance programme,” Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem told reporters early on Wednesday.

He said the package of debt measures would be “phased in progressively”.

This review was the first under Greece’s third eurozone bailout, secured in August last year, after which Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras called a snap election.

The move came two days after the Greek parliament approved another round of spending cuts and tax increases demanded by its international creditors.

The bill also created a state privatisation fund requested by eurozone finance ministers.

Opponents of the measures demonstrated outside parliament on Sun-

IMF, MD, Lagarde

day.

The Greek government, led by the leftist Syriza coalition, agreed to a third bailout worth 86 billion euro (£67bn; $96bn) last year.

The Washington-based IMF will still have to give final approval at board level to the fund’s continued participation in the Greek bailout.

The organisation says Greek public debt is unsustainable at current levels of about 180% of Greece’s gross domestic product (GDP).

IMF European Director Poul M Thomsen said: “We welcome that it is recognised that Greece needs debt relief to make that debt sustainable and it can’t do it on its own.”

icrosoft has announced plans to cut up to 1,850 jobs as part of efforts to scale back its smartphone business.

The firm also said it would post a $950m (£646m) writedown, part of which is to cover redundancy payments.

A union official suggested the firm had cancelled plans to manufacture further handsets of its own, although this has not been confirmed.

The move comes just two years after the US company paid $7.2bn for Nokia’s handset business.

Last week, a study indicated Windows-powered handsets accounted for less than 1% of global smartphone sales over the first three months of the year.

Microsoft is also in the process of selling its Nokia-branded feature phones business.

Microsoft said up to 1,350 of the job cuts would be made in Finland as a result of the latest announcement.

“My understanding is that Windows 10 will go on as an operating sys-

tem, but there will be no more phones made by Microsoft,” said a union representative.

A statement issued by Microsoft’s chief executive did not make clear if this was indeed the case.

“We will continue to innovate across devices and on our cloud services across all mobile platforms,” said Satya Nadella.

The company has promised to provide more information when it posts an earnings update in July.

But one expert said he still believed it still had plans for new handsets.

“The writing has been on the wall for some time about Microsoft’s remaining smartphone operations in Finland,” said Ben Wood from the CCS Insight consultancy.

“But Nadella’s vision for Windows 10 is predicated on delivering the operating system to any screen, whether its a watch, a giant TV or a phone.

“So, Microsoft will continue to support smartphone licensees - including Alcatel, Acer and HP - for as long as it can.

Tata Steel considering bids for UK plants

T

ata Steel is still in the process of considering bids for its UK operations, the company has said.

A shortlist of bidders had been expected following a Tata board meeting on Wednesday.

But finance director Koushik Chatterjee said bids were still under “active consideration”.

Business Secretary Sajid Javid and Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones had travelled to Mumbai to meet Tata executives.

Mr Chatterjee said: “We are in the process of evaluating the offers and bids that have come up.

“We are in the confidential phase of this process so you have to give time to the company to evaluate the bids.”

The deadline for potential buyers to make formal bids closed on Monday.

Tata has declined to say how many

Cameron

actual bids it has received.

Earlier in May, it said there had been seven expressions of interest in the business, which also has sites at Newport and Rotherham.

Who are the potential bidders?

Jack: How Excalibur and Liberty could join forces The rise and fall of Britain’s steel industry Among those reported to have put their hats in the ring are Greybull Capital, which has already bought Tata’s long products business.

The management buyout vehicle, Excalibur Steel, which is led by Stuart Wilkie, the head of Tata’s UK strip steel unit, based in south Wales is another.

Sanjeev Gupta’s Liberty House, which has acquired two of Tata’s smaller mills has also expressed an interest.

While they have submitted independent bids, it is thought there is potential for them to work together.

Others said to be in the running include JSW Steel, which is India’s second biggest steel producer, China’s Hebei Iron and Steel Group, and Endless, one of the UK’s largest turnaround specialists based in Leeds.

Media captionJeremy Corbyn: “The industry must not be destroyed and we will make sure it is not destroyed” There have also been reports that Nucor, the biggest steelmaker in the US and US billionaire investor Wilbur

Ross were interested.

The general secretary of the TUC, Smartphone Frances O’Grady, urged Tata to give careful consideration to the bidders.

“We don’t want a rushed decision, we want a good decision, and the TUC and the steel unions have been pressrance’s Sanofi SA (SASY.PA) is ing Tata that we want them to behave preparing to name candidates like a responsible and ethical seller,” it will put forward to replace she said. the entire board of U.S. cancer drug “This has to be about ensuring that company Medivation Inc (MDVN.O) we protect jobs and communities [and] as early as Wednesday, according to the whole industry - it can’t be about aspeople familiar with the matter. set stripping or cherry picking.”

Sanofi has threatened to oust the Earlier she had called on the UK to board after Medivation rejected its follow the US and impose stiff import unsolicited $9.3 billion acquisition oftariffs to stop China dumping steel on fer late last month, taking advantage world markets. of a so-called ‘written consent’ rule Mr Jones said at First Minister’s that gives Medivation shareholders Questions on Tuesday that although the ability to act at any time to rethe Excalibur bid had considerable place directors. technical expertise, it was yet to raise Medivation has declined to enfunding.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who was on a flight to Japan for a G7 meeting, said: “We continue to work towards trying to get a good outcome for Tata in south Wales, the sales process is under way, there has been an encouraging number of serious offers coming through.”

However, he added: “There are no guarantees, we can’t guarantee this is going to work, but we are doing everything we can.”

Meanwhile, hundreds of steelworkers protested in London to highlight the crisis facing their industry in the UK. France President, Hollande

Sanofi to unveil challenge to Medivation’s board – Sources

F

gage in sale talks with Sanofi unless the latter raises its $52.50 per share cash offer first, sources have said. The French drugmaker has said it is willing to raise its bid only after Medivation engages with it in negotiations.

Medivation shares ended trading on Tuesday in New York at $61.91.

Among Sanofi’s eight nominees are Michael Campbell, the former chief executive of Arch Chemicals Inc, Ronald Rolfe, a retired partner at law firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, and Barbara Deptula, a former executive vice president and chief corporate development officer of biopharmaceutical company Shire Plc (SHP.L), one of the people said.

The sources asked not to be identified because the names of the nominees have not been disclosed. Medivation and Sanofi representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Medivation has signed non-disclosure agreements to share confidential information with other pharmaceutical companies interested in an acquisition, including Pfizer Inc (PFE.N) and Amgen Inc (AMGN.O), sources told Reuters earlier this month.

Capital Market

34

Tuesday, May 26, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at May 25, 2016 Prices for Securities Traded as of 25/05/2016 Printed 25/05/2016 14:32:25.025

Prices for Securities Traded as of 25/05/2016 Printed 25/05/2016 14:32:25.025

1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals Quotation(N) Price List (Equities)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

BANKING ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

518,356.11

16.51

10.07

622

48,230,555

622

48,230,555

BANKING S/N 2

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FBN HOLDINGS PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

143,222.22

3.99

5.28

522

73,887,274

522

73,887,274

1,144

122,117,829

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FINANCIAL SERVICES

3

BUILDING MATERIALS DANGOTE CEMENT PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

3,016,169.81

177.00

4.11

67

1,328,000

67

1,328,000

BUILDING MATERIALS INDUSTRIAL GOODS PREMIUM BOARD TOTALS

67

1,328,000

1,211

123,445,829

Price List (Equities)

CROP PRODUCTION PrintedS/N 25/05/2016 14:32:25.025

0.50

-

1

1,150

3,070.54

0.50

-

0

0

1,291.15

0.50

-

0

81

UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC

6,933.33

0.50

-

0

0

82

UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

8,000.00

0.50

-

1

11,000

83

WAPIC INSURANCE PLC

6,691.37

0.50

-

14

2,670,427

67

9,064,563

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

11,776.80

5.15

-

0

0

2,606.77

1.14

-

3

22,000

3

22,000 VOLUME

S/N

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

84

FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

85

NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC

971,030

S/N

MORTGAGE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

12,000

86

ABBEY MORTGAGE BANK PLC

48

983,030

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

4.26

-

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

2,100.00

1.05

5.00

0

0

0

0

TRADES

Page 41

1

MICRO-FINANCE BANKS

ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Prices87 for Securities Traded as of 25/05/2016 88 INFINITY TRUST MORTGAGE BANK PLC Printed 25/05/2016 14:32:25.025

VOLUME

7,505,581

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

9

A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC.

2,647.29

1.00

-

1

20,410

10

CHELLARAMS PLC.

2,588.07

3.58

-

0

0

11

JOHN HOLT PLC.

319.10

0.82

12

S C O A NIG. PLC.

2,573.31

3.96

-

0

0

13

TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC

51,227.88

1.26

3.28

-

212

39,557,706

14

U A C N PLC.

39,320.09

20.47

4.97

52

997,054

DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES

267

40,582,130

CONGLOMERATES

267

40,582,130

2

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

748.44

5.04

-

6,960

Prices for Securities Traded as of 25/05/2016 S/N

BUILDING STRUCTURE/COMPLETION/OTHER

16

COSTAIN (W A) PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

542.19

0.50

-

BUILDING STRUCTURE/COMPLETION/OTHER S/N

INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION

17

JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC.

18

ROADS NIG PLC.

INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES S/N

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

19

UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED

TRADES

VOLUME

0.11

28

213,974

6.60

-

165.00 Price List (Equities)

of

7,201.56

4.19

-1.87

32

1,448,375

32

1,448,375

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,000.00

100.00

-

0

0

0

0

45.22

-

22

UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

26,682.70

10.00

-

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)

Prices for Securities Traded as of 25/05/2016 CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE CONSUMER GOODS Printed 25/05/2016 14:32:25.025

1

VOLUME

5,000 1,771,977

BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS

26

GUINNESS NIG PLC

27

INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC.

28

NIGERIAN BREW. PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

2,386.33

0.50

-

MARKET CAP(Nm)

Price List (Equities) 21,922.59 231.34

TRADES

29

PREMIER BREWERIES PLC BEVERAGES--NON-ALCOHOLIC

30

7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC.

0

0

0

0

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2.80

3.32

22

285,221

0.85

-

3

26,285

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

150,362.94

99.85

4.99

33

148,797

65,819.10

19.98

-

8

27,620

1,062,420.23

133.99

5.00

83

1,397,439

2,751.58

2.81

-

0

0

149

1,885,362

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

90,323.24

141.00

-

17

Page 17

FOOD PRODUCTS

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC

81,840.00

6.82

0.74

48

FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC.

60,068.79

22.89

0.26

90

496,481

33

HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC

13,639.94

1.72

4.88

29

1,919,042

MARKET CAP(Nm)

MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC

1,861.25

0.50

-

0

0

N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC.

1,185.03

6.65

-

0

0

36

NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC

22,520.23

8.50

3.28

41

CADBURY NIGERIA PLC.

42 NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES FOOD PRODUCTS--DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER GOODS HOUSEHOLD DURABLES

Published The Nigerian Stock Exchange 43 byNIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. © VITAFOAM NIG PLC. PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

45

P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC.

46

UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC.

-

0

0

9.21

105

5,458,940

616.69

0.50

-

0

0

3,091.46

11.31

-4.96

1

100,000

300

9,309,532

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

16.00

-2.32

37

622,181

750.00

2.74

39

61,096

76

683,277

Price List (Equities) 30,051.23 594,492.19

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

1,886.86

29.78

-

4,794.90

4.60

0.65

47

ACCESS BANK PLC.

48

DIAMOND BANK PLC

49

ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED

50 FIDELITY BANK PLC PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES BANKING

51

GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC.

52

SKYE BANK PLC

53

STERLING BANK PLC.

54

UNION BANK NIG.PLC.

55

UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC

TRADES

FCMB GROUP PLC.

95

NIGERIA ENERYGY SECTOR FUND

98

STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC

99

UNITED CAPITAL PLC

S/N

HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

101

UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC

S/N

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

102

MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. PHARMACEUTICALS

103

EVANS MEDICAL PLC.

104

FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC

105

GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC.

106

30,892.23

1.56

9.86

118

411.91

552.20

-

of

23,149,930

2

691,290

2,572.69

0.50

3,313.67

103.24

-

0

169,200.00

16.92

4.96

44

948,628

2.18

6.86

238

24,360,483

13,080.00

Price List (Equities)

578

60,556,438 267,538,826 VOLUME

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

1,765.05

3.54

-

0

0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,776.57

0.50

-

0 0

0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

251.09

1.65

-

0

0

0

0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

3

103,039

366.17

0.50

-

0

3,300.00

2.20

-

9

24,503.51

20.49

-4.87

13

168,193

MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC.

1,038.80

1.06

3.92

12

1,609,943 147,440

NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC

1,459.68

0.93

2.20

6

556.71

3.62

-

0

422.80

1.95

-

0

Page 43

24,550

0

9

0

of 23 2,053,165

43

2,053,165

COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC

VOLUME

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

1,776.00

0.50

-

1

5,000

1

5,000

S/N

COMPUTERS AND PERIPHERALS

111

OMATEK VENTURES PLC

COMPUTERS AND PERIPHERALS

VOLUME

S/N

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 112 MTECH COMMUNICATIONS PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

1,470.89

0.50

-

0

Price List (Equities)

0

0

0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

4,519.67

0.91

-

0

0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES Page

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

6,741.29

2.67

-

0

0

ICT ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES S/N

IT SERVICES

113

COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC

0

10

VOLUME 23 of 0

VOLUME

114

NCR (NIGERIA) PLC.

970.92

8.99

-

3

12,900

115

TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC.

796.88

1.61

-

1

2,438

4

15,338

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,348.03

0.50

-

0

18,690.00

4.45

3.49

IT SERVICES S/N

PROCESSING SYSTEMS

116

CHAMS PLC

117

E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC

PROCESSING SYSTEMS S/N

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

118

MASS TELECOMMUNICATION INNOVATIONS NIGERIA PLC

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

2,446.80

0.50

-

1

10,000

ICT

119

AFRICAN PAINTS (NIGERIA) PLC.

120

ASHAKA CEM PLC

121

BERGER PAINTS PLC

122

CAP PLC

123

CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC

124 DN MEYER PRICES FOR MAIN PLC. BOARD SECURITIES 125 FIRSTGOODS ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC INDUSTRIAL S/N

BUILDING MATERIALS

126 LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Published

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

700,010 700,010

MARKET CAP(Nm)

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

Prices for Securities Traded as of 25/05/2016 INDUSTRIAL GOODS PrintedS/N 25/05/2016 14:32:25.025 BUILDING MATERIALS

0

5 5

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

1

10,000

11

730,348

TRADES

VOLUME

954.31

2.59

-

0

0

44,856.25

20.03

4.98

16

257,363

2,260.62

7.80

-

3

4,878

26,600.00

38.00

104,710

-

8

7.86

-

13

115,393

292.50

0.90

9.76

4

155,000

1,055.18

0.50

-

1

7,500

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

368,263.81

80.85

5.00

Price List (Equities) 9,877.49

53 Page

11

296,117 23 of

-

0

34

586,395

129

PREMIER PAINTS PLC.

1,277.97

10.39

-

0

0

35

586,495

98

940,961

TRADES

VOLUME

BUILDING MATERIALS

86,000.53

21.66

-0.69

29

130,289

117,282.18

31.00

-

25

200,322

54

330,611

631

12,802,261

S/N

S/N

ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS AUSTIN LAZ & COMPANY PLC

2,256.91

2.09

-

0

0

1,391.44

1.58

-

10

97,093

10

97,093 VOLUME

PACKAGING/CONTAINERS

132

AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS

VOLUME

133

BETA GLASS CO PLC.

162,285.92

5.61

7.88

167

13,787,602

134

GREIF NIGERIA PLC

179

21,242,929

55

354,992

1.30

2.36

166

29,608,949

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

617,171.83

20.97

3.81

493

45,699,428

17,211.57

1.24

8.77

176

45,888,278

47,792.09

1.66

3.75

46

3,114,069

86,711.33

5.12

2.40

50

490,525

176,681.29

4.87

10.18

191

27,443,109 2,573,045

45

7,671,237

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

10,292.50

0.50

-

0

5,405.56

1,600

Page

VOLUME

of

0

S/N

TOOLS AND MACHINERY

NIGERIAN ROPES Prices135 for Securities TradedPLC as of 25/05/2016 TOOLS AND MACHINERY Printed 25/05/2016 14:32:25.025

S/N

CHEMICALS

136

B.O.C. GASES PLC.

CHEMICALS S/N METALS PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 137 ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION IND. PLC. NATURAL RESOURCES

VOLUME

1

5,184,050

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

0.58

-

0

EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC.

7,000.00

0.50

-

1

15,000

65

GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC

2,411.47

0.53

-

0

0

66

GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC

1,913.74

0.50

-

0

0

67

GUINEA INSURANCE PLC.

3,070.00

0.50

-

0

0

68

INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

642.04

0.50

-

1

400

of

6,223 6,223

TRADES

PRICE

64

6

%CHANGE

127.60

0

Page

PRICE

MARKET CAP(Nm)

0

400

MARKET CAP(Nm)

5

VOLUME

-

1

5

5,184,050

0.50

-

TRADES

-

1

7,364.75

0.50

%CHANGE

3.76

TRADES

CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC.

4,000.00

PRICE

1,565.08

Price List (Equities)

-

10,000

MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC.

VOLUME

MARKET CAP(Nm)

%CHANGE

1

72

0 1,038,304

0.50

-

0

0

0

PRICE

1.04

0

0 109

2,130.97

10,787.65

10,000

-

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PAPER/FOREST PRODUCTS

0

7.46

MINING SERVICES

THOMAS WYATT NIG. PLC.

0

1,966.97

0

MULTIVERSE MINING AND EXPLORATION PLC

S/N

1

VOLUME

S/N

139

-

TRADES

138

Published

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © METALS 23

400

-

%CHANGE

1,100

731,259

-

250

PRICE

VOLUME

257,645

0.50

1 MARKET CAP(Nm)

2

1

0.51

0

TRADES

6

0.50

-

-

21

4,000.00

9.23

%CHANGE

-

1,753.04

250

393.57

9.84

4.98

3,661.72

0

1

PRICE

4.00

LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC

0

2,164.37

2.11

LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC.

-

MARKET CAP(Nm)

0.50

LASACO ASSURANCE PLC.

TRADES

1.45 43.23

METALS

S/N

0.78

71

PRICE

NATURAL RESOURCES

3,000.00

70

%CHANGE

991.76 21,613.79

INDUSTRIAL GOODS

22,155.00

69

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PACKAGING/CONTAINERS

197,874,163

5

0

CUTIX PLC.

TRADES

9.90

%CHANGE

0

130

%CHANGE

1.28

PRICE

0

131

PRICE 2.11

MARKET CAP(Nm)

ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS

MARKET CAP(Nm)

15.80

23

0

2,253

PHARMA-DEKO PLC.

VOLUME

BANKING

VOLUME 200

NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC.

TRADES

37,667.24

0

8

1

107

%CHANGE

48,868.42

Page

-

32

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

0 TRADES

23

490,187

0.99

4.00

63

%CHANGE

of

1.96

3.80

CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC

0.52 PRICE

VOLUME 10,915,720

784.99

0.78

62

780.00 MARKET CAP(Nm)

-

7

11

109

PRICE

289,922.91 Price List (Equities)

Page

784.00

0.82

AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC

164

-

PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC

9,585.26

CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC

TRADES

2.76

3.61

PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC

30,088.08

60

%CHANGE

2.98

127

UNITY BANK PLC

61

PRICE

108

110

VOLUME

WEMA BANK PLC.

AIICO INSURANCE PLC.

94

21,233.53

128

4

56

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Price5,960.00 List (Equities)

of 100 23

Page 1

57

Published

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © 58 AFRICAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

S/N

MARKET CAP(Nm)

0

ICT

FINANCIAL SERVICES S/N

AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC

Prices for Securities Traded as of 25/05/2016 S/N COMPUTER BASED SYSTEMS Printed 25/05/2016 14:32:25.025

FINANCIAL SERVICES BANKING

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

91

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD Prices for Securities TradedPRODUCTS as of 25/05/2016 CONSUMER GOODS Printed 25/05/2016 14:32:25.025 S/N

S/N

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

HEALTHCARE

412,818

5.35 5.10

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES S/N

27

214.00 25,500.00

FOOD PRODUCTS FOOD PRODUCTS--DIVERSIFIED

21,662

Published

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © PHARMACEUTICALS

922,251

34

UNION DICON SALT PLC.

1,562

5

S/N

VOLUME

35

40

1

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

of 6,98423

32

S/N

0

-

HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

6,984

3

31

U T C NIG. PLC.

-

S/N

MARKET CAP(Nm)

S/N

39

20,000

3.17

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

BEVERAGES--NON-ALCOHOLIC Published

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

P S MANDRIDES & CO PLC. Prices37 for Securities Traded as of 25/05/2016 TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC Printed38 25/05/2016 14:32:25.025

100

3

0.50

S/N HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 100 EKOCORP PLC. HEALTHCARE

VOLUME

PRICE

BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS S/N

1

-

3,095.70

HEALTHCARE

CONSUMER GOODS S/N

-

1.54

5,664.87

FINANCIAL SERVICES

5,000

1 66

0.50

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

23

0

7,370.87 6,422.50

COMPUTER BASED SYSTEMS

AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS

25 GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES

2

TRADES

11,305.89

CHAMPION BREW. PLC.

Page

%CHANGE

UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (REIT)

24

3,866 217,840

PRICE

21

BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS

1 29

MARKET CAP(Nm)

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)

S/N

100,757 100,757

%CHANGE

SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC

DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC

3 3

45.05

20

23

VOLUME

PRICE

S/N

AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS

TRADES

59,466.00

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

S/N

5 5

0

UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC.

Prices96 for Securities Traded as of 25/05/2016 ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. Printed97 25/05/2016 14:32:25.025 SIM CAPITAL ALLIANCE VALUE FUND

VOLUME

1 1

MARKET CAP(Nm)

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

TRADES

TRADES

-

RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

%CHANGE

1.25

90

FINANCIAL SERVICES PRICE

PRICE

5,250.00

0

89

92 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES 93 DEAP CAPITAL MANAGEMENT & TRUST PLC

CONGLOMERATES MARKET CAP(Nm)

MARKET CAP(Nm)

MORTGAGE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

23 of 6,522,551

89

59

5,996.59

STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC UNIC INSURANCE PLC.

6

AGRICULTURE

S/N

STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC.

79 80

42

6,522,551

44

78

-

41

S/N

0 1,728,597

0.07

Printed 25/05/2016 14:32:25.025

VOLUME

1

35.71

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

TRADES 0

29.02

ARBICO PLC.

%CHANGE -

35,710.00

15

PRICE

-

27,682.47

S/N

250

MARKET CAP(Nm)

0.50

PRESCO PLC

DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES

1

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES

S/N

-

0.50

OKOMU OIL PALM PLC.

LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES

0.50

4,170.41

0

Published The Nigerian Stock Exchange © 8 byLIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC.

500,500

2,759.15

3,334.38

VOLUME

511.20

3,127,535

3

SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC

0

7 ELLAH LAKES PLC. PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES FISHING/HUNTING/TRAPPING AGRICULTURE

VOLUME

13

-

REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC

TRADES

Price List (Equities) MARKET CAP(Nm)

TRADES

4.05

0.50

77

-

FISHING/HUNTING/TRAPPING

%CHANGE

0.77

3,869.74

76

%CHANGE

CROP PRODUCTION

PRICE

4,065.99 Price List (Equities)

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

0.50

6

MARKET CAP(Nm)

S/N

PRICE

5

S/N

N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC.

1,100.00

FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC

S/N

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES

73

MARKET CAP(Nm)

4

Value of Shares(N)

FINANCIAL SERVICES

PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES AGRICULTURE Prices for Securities Traded as of 25/05/2016

S/N

74 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. PRICES FOR MAINASSURANCE BOARD SECURITIES 75 PRESTIGE CO. PLC.

INDUSTRIAL GOODS S/N

Quantity Traded

FINANCIAL SERVICES

FINANCIAL SERVICES 1

No Of Quotation(N) Price ListDeals (Equities)

PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES

PRICES FOR PREMIUM BOARD SECURITIES S/N

Prices for Securities Traded as of 25/05/2016

Sector Company name Printed 25/05/2016 14:32:25.025

MINING SERVICES

Page 2

12

of 1,100 23

0

PAPER/FOREST PRODUCTS

0

0

NATURAL RESOURCES

8

5,191,373 VOLUME

OIL AND GAS S/N

ENERGY EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

140

JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

3,131.35

0.50

-

0

ENERGY EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES S/N

INTEGRATED OIL AND GAS SERVICES

141

OANDO PLC

0

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

79,789.52

6.63

10.13

120

3,984,028

120

3,984,028

MARKET CAP(Nm)

PRICE

%CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

1,858.49

0.50

-

0

INTEGRATED OIL AND GAS SERVICES

23

0

0

S/N

PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTORS

142

BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC

143

CONOIL PLC

15,960.90

23.00

-

41

231,953

144

ETERNA PLC.

4,238.47

3.25

4.84

96

1,018,279

268,584.63

206.21

-2.95

82

59,948.96

166.25

-5.00

57

459,533

9,278.21

36.53

-

22

101,781

57,718.71

170.00

0.59

39

94,461

145

FORTE OIL PLC.

146

MOBIL OIL NIG PLC.

147

MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC.

148

TOTAL NIGERIA PLC.

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Page

0

189,813

13

of

23

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, May 26, 2016

35

Info Tech

Analysing yearly budgetary provisions’ impact on ICT industry Over the years, successive governments have been churning out budgets for boosting the nation’s ICT capabilities for broad-based development. But then, realities of the fiscal measures indicate clearly that results continue to fall short of targets thereby raising concerns among stakeholders on the imperatives of research-based budgeting for the industry.

Isaiah Erhiawarien reports.

T

here are indications that the based on current realities, the nation’s ICT sector may be hampered from fully exhibiting its potentials if provisions in this year’s budget for the industry are used as performance assessment parameters The reason, according to National Mirror investigation, is that major industry constraints such as the paucity of telecoms infrastructure as well as palliative measures for the sourcing of forex, which the sector depends largely on to offer quality services to Nigerians, are yet to be addressed.

Another lingering issue is that of multiple taxation, of which the telecoms sector has been the worst hit, unfortunately, government is said it intend to raise N1.45 trillion of its revenue from the non-oil revenue of the economy, of which ICT is a key target considering the oil to ICT campaign coming from several quarters.

The implication is that the industry should get set for the introduction of all manner of taxes, and indeed barely less than a month after the budget was signed into law, former Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Engr.

Ernest Ndukwe raised alarm over the plan by the National Assembly to introduce nine percent taxation on communication.

The new tax if implemented will invariably slow down the quest by the National Broadband Council of achieving the 30 percent broadband penetration target of December 2018, as contained in the National Broadband Plan.

The plan, which is currently being affected by the alleged back-off of the telecoms operators from the proposed 2.6 GHz auction by the NCC, is now creating concern amongst stakeholders since it is a key factor from internet penetration in Nigeria.

Some key sector stakeholders who don’t

Amos

Shittu want to mention blamed the failed auction on the unwillingness of government to reduce fee for the spectrum.

The expectations of the stakeholders was that government should have even considered making the fee minimal considering that forex is not easily accessible in the country due to the present challenges in the economy.

While industry was eagerly awaiting the budget, their expectation was raised when the Minister of Communication, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, disclosed that there were several projects to be executed but the challenge was the delay in the passage of the budget.

During a visit to Lagos, Shittu told stakeholders in the sector that delay of the budget passage was affecting the execution of telecoms projects across the country.

Listing some of the telecoms project that his ministry intends to carry out this year, he said the ministry planned to establish four technology hubs in Maiduguri, Katsina, Ibadan, and Owerri, as well as establish learning centres across several high schools in the country.

He said these projects, designed to boost capacity building in the area of technical skills, have been put on hold, pending when

the budget is signed.

“The planned technology hubs and the learning centres, will drive skills development in the country, bridge the already existing skills gap and also create millions of employment for Nigerians. We are also looking at generating social security funds and use such funds to boost the projects, just like it is done in other countries of the world,” Shittu said.

As stated in the 2016 budget of the Ministry of Communication, the government under the heading of the Nigeria Communication Satellite, the sum of N181,990,140 was budgeted for the completion of Direct to Home Platform (DTHt) satellite TV headend infrastructure, N318,009,860 provision of broadband internet services to National Assembly and N579,999,999 Nigcomsat 1r And Ground Infrastructure Insurance.

The Ministry also earmarked the N50 million for the Also at the headquarter of the Ministry, the sum of Construction Of ICT Centre In Kisi Local Government Area, Saki West Local Government Area, Iseyin Local Government Area in Oyo North Senatorial District.

Other areas which money has been earmarked for spending in this year are the National ICT Strategic Plan 2016 -2020, De-

The planned Technology hubs and The learning cenTres, will drive skills developmenT in The counTry, bridge The already exisTing skills gap and also creaTe millions of employmenT for nigerians. we are also looking aT generaTing social securiTy funds and use such funds To boosT The projecTs, jusT like iT is done in oTher counTries of The world

velopment Including Data Bank and Management of ICT Cadre, Implementation of National Addressing System and National Council on Communications/Stakeholders forum.

President of Programos Software Group, Mr. Emmanuel Amos, while assessing the capacity of the Ministry of Communications budget to address challenges in the ICT industry said that what should bother stakeholders in the sector is just the amount of the allocation or the target area but the use of the allocations for the planned purposes.

According to him, the experience this year will confirm if there will be any change in budget policy implementation of the Federal Government noting that he does not like speeches as that is of traditional analysts.

He disclosed that “the ICT domain can be very difficult to understand because it is one sector in the entire economy of the country that has proper needs and requires careful understanding saying that most allocation for some of the areas that money have been earmarked for may not have been right.”

Amos who is also the First Vice President Information Technology Association of Nigeria, ITAN, said that over budgeting is caused by lack of good measure and that it gives room for allocations to be misappropriated.

While expressing hope that the ICT industry can succeed in a harmony, he said that it is not proper spending a dime when “our problems are yet researched and dimensioned for budgetary considerations.”

He added that “research is the key and I have not seen this much. We just calibrate on old measurements that were also baseless and that is why we are often putting cart before the horse in our budgetary allocation.

36

Info Tech

Thursday, May 26, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG to spend N489m on e-government projects

StorieS by iSaiah erhiawarien

T

he Ministry of Communication earmarked the sum of N489 million for several e-government project in the 2016 budget as part plans to ensure transparency and curb the menace of corruption in govOur primary focus is to create sustainable partnerships with Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government that would fast-track their transition into the digital platform, The e-government project, the Ministry of Communications during the year in focus intends to make presentation on the master plan for e-governance to the federal executive council for approval and adoption as national strategy document for the implementation of e-government in Nigeria that will cost government N8 million.

Similarly, the N19, 480,500 million has been pencilled down for media conference on the master plan and roadmap to create awareness about the project to the general public.

To enhance government revenue generation, the Ministry will be spending N18.6 million on the appreciation of E-Revenue Collection Platform. 2.

Knowledge of Role Players and Payment Mechanism. 3. Assessment of Gap Analysis. 4. and the Re-Training of Staff.

Government has also decided to invest N18. 6 million on the acquisition of the knowledge of IPSAS Cash Basis, Migration from IPSAS Cash to Acrual Basis, Knowledge of System of Identification And Registration of Assets and Liabilities on IPSAS Basis.

On skill development for the civil servant, the Ministry will

spend N18. 6 million on computer literacy knowledge, payments of staff claims through the Gifmis platform, knowledge of treasury single accounts system, the use of NCOA for the preparation of transcript/ final accounts. 5. and preparation of periodic management.

The government will further spend over N121.1 million for extension of government ser-

vice for the wide e-government project as well as N50 million for the construction of ICT Centre In Kisi Local Government Area, Saki West Local Government Area, Iseyin Local Government Area In Oyo North Senatorial District.

According to the National eGovernment Strategies, NeGSt, a special purpose vehicle created in March 2004 by the Fed-

eral Government through the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA e-government the Nigerian model for implementing e-Government leverages on government’s transformation agenda which includes deliberate programme to nurture the private sector for overall economic development and national competitiveness.

Motorola unveils new devices

M

otorola Solutions, Incorporated, provider of mission-critical communication solutions and services, has brought into the country solutions that will address challenges of battery life in communication devices.

According to the company, the launch of its next-generation communication solutions, which include next-generation MOTOTRBO radios and interoperability communication solution WAVE 3000 will be available through Motorola Solutions’ experienced Nigerian partners.

Director of Sales Channels for Motorola Solutions Africa, Laurent Tribout, who launched the product in Lagos assured of Motorola Solutions desire to continue to build local knowledge and understanding in the Nigerian market, while working with dedicated partners.

“We are committed to providing best-in-class products, solutions and services to the Nigerian market by building upon our 40 years of doing business across Africa.

Our trusted partner network provides service and support for our high-quality products to ensure customer satisfaction”, he said.

He disclosed that one of the products, the Motorola Solutions’ latest MOTOTRBO digital radios use WiFi connectivity to update and saves hundreds of hours of lost productivity adding, “For a group of 350 workers, updating devices can mean 400 lost hours.

MOTOTRBO radios update seamlessly without the need to drop off devices, and coupled with 29 hours of battery life, the new line keeps workers in the field or on the job instead of waiting for new software.”

Senior Regional Sales Manager, Motorola Solutions Africa, Uzonna Izugbokwe explained that “the features and functionality, as well as scalability of our products, reflect the needs of customers for enhanced productivity, efficiency and worker safety, and that worker safety features such as man-down alerts and indoor tracking which are crucial for working in hazardous areas.

He said that the next-generation MOTOTRBO also includes the SLR 8000 series, a high-power repeater that amplifies a signal to help extend coverage for communication networks such as Capacity Max.

L-R: Director and Business Leader, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas; Winner, Samsung “Inspire Bigger Dreams” contest, Ibrahim Salihu; Manager, Product Marketing, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Chaejin Im; Winner, Samsung “Inspire Bigger Dreams” contest, Ibrahim Ambali and Operator/Mobile Communications And Activations Specialist, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Ms. Nkem Odini during the presentation of Samsung mobile devices to winners of its just concluded campaign at Samsung Offices in Lagos.

Etisalat boosts IT skills through internship programmes

E

fforts to boost the engineering capacity of IT skills in country have begun to yield desired results following the graduation of interns from the another set of postgraduate stu-

VoguePay bags e-payment award

T

he enhanced security features of VoguePay.com e-payment platform that serves hundreds of thousands of small businesses in four continents across the world, including Nigeria, has earned it the best emerging online payment platform in Africa.

At the African Information Technology and Telecom Awards (AITTA) 2016 held at the Kempinski Hotel, Accra, Ghana, VoguePay , which was launched in 2012, with a vision to make online, cross-currency payments and transactions safer, cheaper and more accessible for businesses, traders and consumers in Africa and internationally beat several others to emerge the winner.

The platform offers both users and merchants an opportunity to transact without directly using their card or bank details.

Chief Executive Officer of VoguePay, Mr. Micheal Simeon,

while receiving the award, reiterated his company’s commitment to champion online payment security, stating that VoguePay’s financial framework is designed to meet International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) and the platform deploys several second-level authentication protocols in order to prevent unauthorized access to merchant’s account.

He said that these security algorithms include geo-location monitoring and behavioural pattern analysis systems, transaction patterns monitoring systems, IP monitoring, SSL Security Encryption, GeoTrust with EMV, audit trail, and data encryption technologies are actively in place to ensure security.

Director of Marketing and compliance, Vogupay.com, Geoffrey Weli-Wosu, noted that the award is well deserved given VoguePay’s innovative solutions including being the first payment platform in

dents of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria as part of its 2015/16 Etisalat Telecommunication Engineering Postgraduate Programme, ETEPP. The graduates were unveiled during the closing ceremony of the 2016 edition of the internship programme held in Abuja.

The internship is part of the corporate social responsibility initiative of Etisalat for a Master’s degree course in telecommunication engineering, which provides students with the opportunity to gain practical knowledge through a month-long internship stint with various departments of the technical division of the company nationwide.

Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria, Ibrahim Dikko explained that the internship programme which commenced in 2013 takes the intern through the various departments of the engineering section of Etisalat, to augment and buttress their course work in school.

“The objective of this programme is to drive and improve the quality of local manpower in the telecommunication industry by adding practical knowledge to the theory students have learnt in the school. Through this initiative,

Etisalat is grooming local telecommunication engineers that would take the industry to the next level in the next 10 to 15 years,” he said.

Chief Technical Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Stephane Beuvelet disclosed that the students will be added to telecoms company assets and will have impact on the telecommunication industry in future saying that the internship is a major step towards the development of rounded engineers that would excel in both theoretical and field work.

Beuvelet explained that Etisalat took the challenge of raising and improving local manpower in the telecommunication industry in Nigeria after observing a gap in Nigerian universities offering courses in telecommunication engineering in the country.

“We are working in partnership with Plymouth University UK, the Etisalat Academy, UAE and the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. In addition to the Students Masters’ programme, lecturers of the Ahmadu Bello University are also sponsored for their Ph.Ds in Plymouth University UK, while three best students of ETEPP will be at the Etisalat Academy in the UAE,” he added.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Brands & Marketing

37

Anxieties in Lagos Outdoor industry as foreign agency debuts

The challenges facing outdoor business in Lagos State may be far from over as report says the State Government have concluded plans to handover the state’s out-of-home business to Jean Claude Decaux, a France based outdoor advertising firm, DAVID AUDU report

O

rdinarily, any foreign investment in any sector of the Nigerian economy should be a welcomed development.

But if such investment is coming with misgiving from local players who feel there is intent to muscle out indigenous players, then, it calls for concern by industry practitioners.

When the current president of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria, OAAN, Mr. Babatunde Adedoyin declared recently that the Out-of-Home advertising business has become an endangered species in Nigeria, perhaps, he had at the back of his mind that his business and that of many others may soon be in for a turbulent time.

During an interactive session with journalists in Lagos, Adedoyin had taken the reporters through the various challenges facing the industry. Specifically, he mentioned among other things; the issue of one billion naira owed his members by Lagos State Government, multiple taxations and the outrageous payment on vacant boards in a few states, especially Lagos.

“Outdoor sector has become endangered species in the country as practitioners contend with regulatory bottlenecks and harsh economy. From left, right and front, we are being batched. Government careless about our challenges and keep putting pressure on us, not minding the challenges we are facing as businessmen. Outdoor practitioners are not operating in isolation but within the same harsh economic environment and government appears not to be concerned about our plight,” Adedoyin had declared during the interactive session.

If the rumour making round is anything to go by, then Adedoyin and his team have gotten a bigger challenge to contend with.

A reliable source close to Lagos State Government recently confirmed that the state has concluded on its intention to bring in a foreign agency, Jean Claude Decaux, to take over outdoor activities in Lagos.

Investigations showed that the Decaux will not come in just as a practitioner like

Garba Kankarofi

zz

INVESTIGATIONS SHOWED THAT THE DECAUX WILL NOT COME IN JUST AS A PRACTITIONER LIKE SCAN GROUP, AN ADVERTISING AGENCY OWNED BY BHARAT THAKRAR, A KENYAN-BORN INDIAN THREE YEARS AGO. IT WILL DEBUT AS A REPOSITORY OF THE OUTDOOR ADVERTISING BUSINESS IN NIGERIA. WHAT THIS IMPLIES IS THAT THE AGENCY WILL SERVE AS BOTH A REGULATOR AND PRACTITIONER AS IT WILL BE IN CHARGE OF SITE ALLOCATION TO OTHER PRACTITIONERS Scan Group, an advertising agency owned

by Bharat Thakrar, a Kenyan-born Indian three years ago. It will debut as a repository of the outdoor advertising business in Nigeria. What this implies is that the agency will serve as both a regulator and practitioner as it will be in charge of site allocation to other practitioners.

The question many observers are asking are; what has become of the industry reform which was rolled out three years ago to spell out the percentage of ownership that can be accrued to a foreigner, who intends to invest in the industry, what is the fate of local practitioners and thousands of Nigerians who are employed by the industry, is APCON concern only about creative agencies or has the regulatory body gone to slumber?

Aside the fact that bringing in J C Decaux will lead to job loss, many have raised the question around local content and capital flight. At a time Nigeria is undergoing serious economic recession, pundits believe that bringing a foreign agency into an active industry where Nigerians are performing greatly is like killing the business of local practitioner, thereby creating another phase

of poverty in the land.

With the agency, it is believed that local practitioners would find it tough to compete because of the exchange rate, which will be at the advantage of the foreign firm. Reacting to this, Adedoyin said the association had had about it but that it still remains a rumour. He pointed out that both the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, LASAA, and the Registrar of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON, Alhaji Bello Kankarofi, allayed their fears that it was a mere hearsay.

Meanwhile, LASAA MD, Mobolaji Sanusi was recently reported in a national newspaper that the agency will not frustrate local practitioners. And for Governor Akin Ambode of Lagos, who is always eager to state how keen he is about job provision, the invitation of this agency could make many view the governor as a double standard character.

As things are, both Sanusi and OAAN leadership are on the defensive.

Looking back at the 2013 reform, JC Decaux cannot be said to have met or is prepared to meet the guideline spelt out by APCON. As stated in December 2010, when the Committee

on Advertising Practice Reforms (ACARP), was inaugurated that the condition for entry into the profession must be reviewed and that local and foreign practitioners must be properly registered before being allowed to practice, the report spelt out hitherto the condition of entranced and practice.

Meanwhile, the 2013 reform, which emphasized the need for all corporate firms to be licensed, also touched on the need for local content to be encouraged. Again, based on Decree 55 of 1988, that established APCON, the new arrangement is like a total disregard for the law of the land. According to the decree, all practitioners, whether individual or corporate, shall consider Nigerian content as an important element of their overall business management, project development and execution. With a foreign agency dictating the pace, one may be tempted to ask of what the situation will now be in the market.

With Nigeria’s market being adjudged as one of the fastest growing economies in this part of the world, it has, in recent time been attracting foreign practitioners more than ever before. Aside the fact that the situation is beginning to tell on the business of local practitioners, the belief that the foreign agencies are not following due process has since been generating controversies.

This must have informed why the reform states equivocally that qualified Nigerian practitioners shall be given first consideration in any advertising project. It also indicates that APCON shall be responsible for verifying compliance, among others.

Giving the highlights of the reform, the then APCON chairman, Mr. ‘Lolu Akinwunmi had stated that going forward, foreign agencies and practitioners must be properly certified and regulated the same way Nigerians are.

“This would present a level playing ground and would also ensure that Nigeria was not turned into a dumping ground for all manner of unqualified practitioners,” he said.

Sanusi

38

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, May 26, 2016

UBA, Konga boost e-Commerce with mobile POS DAVID AUDU

U

nited Bank for Africa, UBA, Plc has partnered Konga, one of Nigeria’s e-commerce company and Innovectives Nigeria Limited to create a seamless delivery and payment system by integrating mobile point of sale solution into Konga’s delivery system.

Mobile POS, mPOS, which is powered by UBA PLC and MasterCard will make it easier for Konga customers to pay for their orders thereby enhancing payment acceptance and making reconciliation easy for Konga customers and sales agents.

Divisional Head, Digital Banking, UBA Plc. said Dr. Yinka Adedeji, the bank partnered with Konga for the payment solution because it offers

convenience to Nigerians who are increasingly shopping online.

“Mobile POS offers a significant improvement in transparency in the way customers pay for their goods.

Konga delivery people will be able to accept payments from a phone-like POS terminal and UBA is powering this with its advanced digital payments technology” Adedeji noted that the new Mobile POS will accept MasterCard, Visa and Verve cards from all banks and enable Konga delivery agents to easily capture sales. Customers can also confirm payments on the spot thus improving accountability in ecommerce transactions.

Konga has adopted convenient, cutting edge and secure payment solutions to reduce cash handling and enhance the shopping experience for

its customers.

With a customer base in excess of 10 million, UBA has invested heavily in building a robust and secure Digital Banking platform that supports its digital banking operations globally through strategic partnerships with various local and international organizations.

The UBA Group is a highly diversified financial services provider, with business offices in New York, Paris and a subsidiary in London.

A leading player on the African continent, UBA has significant market share and operations in 19 different African countries. The Group has a strong retail franchise across the continent offering its customers a bouquet of products and services tailored to meet their different financial needs

L-R: Executive Director, Corporate Services, UAC of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Joe Dada, the Managing Director, Chemical & Allied Products (CAP) Plc, Mrs. Omolara Elemide, the Human Resources Manager, Chemical & Allied Products (CAP) Plc, Olumide Adediji and Head, Human Resources, UAC of Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Osa Osowa, during the presentation of the Great Place To Work Award to CAP Plc recently. Photo CAP Plc

LG’s new products to define home electronics trends DAVID AUDU

H

ome electronics and appliances manufacturer, LG, is bracing up to addressing today and tomorrow’s biggest environmental challenges with a new technology known as the Therma V line.

According to LG, the new innovative technology extracts heat from the surrounding air to minimize consumption of power thereby reducing billings drastically, which invariably affects the environment positively.

Commenting on the issue, Head of Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Rajesh Agnihotri said the firm care about consumers and their well-being which inform their commitment to producing cutting-edge technologies that will not only shape their lifestyles but also solve their problems.

“The eco-friendly technology powering the Therma V line up is affordable and can be installed with ease, aiding home owners to switch

easily from obsolete home appliances to more advance innovative climate control devices”.

He said the new LG air and water purifiers may therefore become helpful in the future, adding that until the future city catches up and is able to solve these issues on a larger scale, these types of appliances will become absolutely necessary in emerging economics during the short term.

“The health benefits they provide will ensure that a foundation for an improved standard of living in the home is in place, making the city more habitable, ensuring smart living and benefitting society as a whole.

He also explained that the LG Signature line of home appliances are perfect examples of what the future will looks like.

In the eyes of the electronics giant, future appliances will not only look great, they will be much easier to use, noting that the appliances that is likely to dominate the future will boast of features such as doors

that can automatically open when you approach, easy to understand control panels in accessible areas, and panels that become translucent to touch.

“The future appliance will be more efficient and quieter; all of these features can be found in the LG signature. With this in place, the ideal future home and the future city will not only look good, but it will change ways and manners consumers interface with these devices”.

Speaking further on the futuristic features of LG Electronics as one of the world’s leading manufacturer of front-loading washing machine, he said LG has the credentials to back up its forecast.

A look into the futuristic design of the LG Signature washer in its native environment will make it obvious that LG thinks tomorrow’sappliances do not have to be hidden in the basement or in a closet. “The refrigerator also seems as if it could set the tone in the future kitchen with the ability to blend in anywhere”.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Noah’s Ark opens new office

O

ne of Nigeria’s advertising agencies, Noah’s Ark Communications Limited, has made a bold statement with the relocation from its Maryland Estate office to a new office in the highbrow Area in Ikeja, GRA, Lagos.

According to the Managing Director, Noah’s Ark Communications Limited, Mr. Lanre Adisa, the new office became very imperative considering the growth experienced by the company which has led to an increase in the clientele base of the Agency and invariably increase in human resources and capacity.

Adisa further explained that the relocation of the company to its new office is in line with the vision and mission of the company to create an excellent working environment for our people who are the most valuable assets of the company. ‘’With the new office, we have made a very bold statement; although we pride ourselves as young and nimble, sometimes size does matter. And indeed we have grown considering the kind of clients we service and the strides we have achieved in the industry in the last eight years”, he said.

Caritas upgrades Reputation Solutions Faculty

C

aritas Communications Limited, a full service reputation and marketing communication solutions provider, says it has upgraded its training programs.

According to the director of the Faculty, Okwudili Onyia, the upgrade becomes necessary in order to address the challenges that organizations face in the wake of today’s harsh operating environment.

He said the company provides training through its training unit, ‘The Reputation Solutions Faculty’.

Onyia said the company is committed to playing its part to promote the development of world class organizations in Nigeria. “We want to exceed our own records. Consequent-

ly, we have continued to stretch ourselves to make improvements.

“At the Faculty we are focused on helping organizations achieve their long term visions without needless distractions occasioned by issues and crisis that may derail them. It may interest you to know that our bespoke training programs have received numerous commendations from across the Nigerian corporate landscape.

‘When we receive such commendation, we see it as a call to do more. Expectations are already high and we cannot afford to lower the bar at this point. We are committed to improving the effectiveness of corporate leadership through our bespoke trainings” he said.

Orange launches Social Venture Prize in Africa, Middle East

M

obile operator Orange has launched a call for candidates for the 2016 Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East, which will reward startups with prize money totaling US$62,000 The Orange Social Venture Prize has been extended to the Middle East for the first time this year, with application open until 21 September 2016.

Five startups will be recognised during the awards ceremony with prize money totalling EUR55,000, US$62,000, while the 10 finalists will receive special support from the Grow Movement NGO for six months.

The public can participate in the selection by choosing their favourite project on the

new Orange portal for entrepreneurs in Africa and the Middle East: The Orange Social Venture Prize showcases entrepreneurs offering innovative products and services meeting the health, agricultural, educational, energy, commercial or industrial needs of local communities.

“Orange MEA is a strategic partner for the digital transformation in Africa and the Middle East to serve its 110 million customers; it plans to play a leading role in supporting the digital transformation of the African continent and to be a major partner to startups,” said Bruno Mettling, deputy chief executive officer of Orange operations in Africa and the Middle East.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Thursday, May 26, 2016

39

Investors stake N3.50bn on shares Johnson okanlawon

T

he total value of stocks traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange up 127.6 per cent to N3.50billion, from N1.54billion recorded the preceding day.

The total volume of stocks traded was 474.40million in 5,260deals and the three most actively traded stocks were FBN Holdings with 73.88million shares, Zenith Bank with 48.23million shares and Skye Bank with 45.88million shares.

The All Share Index appreciated 3.78 per cent to close at 28,260.61 points, compared to an increase of 0.80 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 27,231.50 points.

Market capitalisation gained N354 billion to close at N9.708 trillion, compared to the rise of N74 billion recorded the preceding day to close at N9.352 trillion.

United Bank for Africa Plc led the gainers’ table with 45 kobo or 10.18 per cent to close at N4.87 per

share, followed by Oando Plc with 61 kobo or 10.13 per cent to close at N6.63 per share.

Zenith Bank Plc appreciated N1.51 or 10.07 per cent to close at N16.51 per share, while Diamond Bank Plc added 19 kobo or 9.90 per cent to close at N2.11 per share.

FCMB Plc gained 14 kobo or 9.86 per cent to close at N1.56 per share, while DN Meyer Plc was up eight kobo or 9.76 per cent to close at 90 kobo per share.

On the flip side, Mobil Plc shed N8.75 or five per cent to

close at N166.25 per share, while Union Dicon Salt Plc lost 59 kobo or 4.96 per cent to close at N11.31 per share.

GSK Plc fell N1.05 or 4.87 per cent to close at N20.49 per share, while Ikeja Hotel Plc dropped nine kobo or 4.48 per cent to close at N1.92 per share.

Forte Oil Plc dipped N6.26 or 2.95 per cent to close at N206.21 per share, while Cadbury Plc depreciated 38 kobo or 2.32 per cent to close at N16.00 per share.

Union Dicon Salt diversifies into agriculture Johnson okanlawon

U

n Union Dicon Salt, which operates in the Consumer Goods Sector of equities segment of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, has been diversifying into the Agro Industrial Sector, with an initial concentration of cassava, and starch processing.

A statement from the company yesterday said it has finalised agreement with GEA Westfalia of Germany to build the largest industrial starch processing facility in Nigeria.

According to the company, following the signing of a term sheet for the purchase of Ere Egwa farms, last month, it has signed the share subscription agreement to finalise the transac-

tion.

It stated that the company has now completed the first phase of its transformation strategy to becoming a fully integrated Agro Industrial National champion.

In addition to this agreement, it added, Union Dicon has also signed an agreement to acquire an additional 15,000 Hectares of land in Ebonyi state for the cultivation and processing of cassava, to starch.

“This transaction will ensure security of feedstock supply, as UDS Plc establishes its Cassava processing facilities in Ebonyi, Edo & Delta State. It will also fulfil management’s commitment to become cashflow positive before the end of 2016,” it stated.

The Secretary to the State

Government, Ebonyi State, Prof. Bernard Odoh, said, “This is a sign of the trust we have in Union Dicon Salt Plc, to participate in the Agricultural Industrialisation of Ebonyi State.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Union Dicon Salt, Mr. Chuka Mordi, said, ”The Governor of Ebonyi State, H.E David Umahi was crucial in concluding this transaction, and his visionary outlook for the development of his state, has driven this process.

“We believe that the 15,000 hectares, added to our existing operations, will enable us develop the leading Cassava & Starch operation in West Africa.”

The company had in November 14, 2013 announced that a new core investor, CBO, Capital Partners, has

W

The Fed last raised its key interest rate in December by quarter of a percentage point to between 0.25 and 0.5 per cent.

“Wall Street is getting a little bit more comfortable with a hike and knowing that the sun will rise even after the Fed hikes rates,” said Paul Nolte, portfolio manager at Kingsview Asset Management in Chicago.

“The recent economic data suggests that the economy is better, but continues to be uneven.”

Energy shares rose as oil prices hovered near $50 a barrel for the first time in seven months on expectations of shrinking supply. [O/R] Chevron (CVX.N) was up 1.21 percent.

The Dow Jones industrial average was up 163.74 points, or 0.92 per cent, at 17,869.79, the S&P 500 index was up 16.89 points, or 0.81 per cent,

at 2,092.95 and the Nasdaq composite index was up 42.03 points, or 0.86 per cent, at 4,903.08. The gains were broadbased, with nine of the 10 major S&P sectors trading higher.

The S&P 500, which has risen about 15 percent since its February lows, is up about two per cent for the year.

Shares of Computer Sciences soared 34.5 per cent to $47.90 after Hewlett Packard Enterprise said it would spin off and merge its struggling IT services business with the company. Hewlett Packard Enterprise was up 9.1 per cent at $17.73.

Alibaba Group was down 4.7 per cent at $77.34 after the company said it was being investigated by the US Securities and Exchange Commission over whether its accounting practices violated any federal laws. Yahoo in which Alibaba own a stake, was down 2.8 per cent at $36.49.

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

$1

N197.00 Gainers and Losers

Market indicators

StartmiDate 24/05/2016 through End Date 25/05/2016 become a significant All-Share Index 28,260.61 points Print Date 25/05/2016 nority shareholder in the Market capitalisation 9.71trn company.

It said CBO Capita PartGainers for Equities ners has been given a man2016-05-24 2016-05-25 agement contract to turn- S/N Closing Price(N) Closing Price(N) Symbol 1 UBA 4.42 4.87 around the company.

2 OANDO 6.02 6.63 With the deal, CBO 3 ZENITHBANK 15.00 16.51 Capi¬tal has acquired 41 4 DIAMONDBNK 1.92 2.11 1.42 1.56 million ordinary shares 5 FCMB 6 DNMEYER 0.82 0.90 of the com¬pany and has 7 TIGERBRANDS 4.67 5.10 1.14 1.24 also acquired an option to 8 SKYEBANK 9 ACCESS 5.20 5.61 purchase a fur¬ther 240 10 UCAP 2.04 2.18 million ordinary shares for 11 FBNH 3.79 3.99 77.00 80.85 a consideration of N3.36bn. 12 WAPCO 13 LIVESTOCK 1.00 1.05 The Executive Director 14 NB 127.61 133.99 95.10 99.85 of CBO Capital, Mr. Bex 15 GUINNESS 16 MANSARD 2.01 2.11 Nwawudu, said CBO Capi- 17 ASHAKACEM 19.08 20.03 tal is very conscious of the 18 UACN 19.50 20.47 16.12 16.92 exceptional history of the 19 STANBIC 20 TRANSCOHOT 5.30 5.56 company, and fully intend 21 HONYFLOUR 1.64 1.72 3.10 3.25 to take it to greater heights. 22 ETERNA NAHCO 4.78 5.01 “This is a part of our 23 24 TRANSEXPR 1.33 1.39 in¬vestment philosophy of 25 DANGCEM 170.01 177.00 0.74 0.77 dedi¬cated to developing 26 NEM 27 AIICO 0.75 0.78 Nigeria,” he added.

28 WEMABANK 0.75 0.78

Gains in financial, energy stocks lift Wall Street

all Street was higher in afternoon trading yesterday, extending gains from Tuesday as oil prices rose and investors became more comfortable with the prospect of an interest rate hike as early as next month.

The S&P financial index was up 0.95 per cent, after hitting its highest this year in morning trading. Bank of America, JPMorgan and Citigroup were up between 1.5 and two per cent.

Comments from policymakers in recent days and upbeat US economic data have raised expectations that the Federal Reserve could pull the trigger on a rate increase much sooner than previously thought.

Traders are now pricing in a 38 per cent chance for a rate hike in June and 45 percent in July, according to CME Group’s FedWatch tool.

Source: NSE

Inflation

12.77

MPR

12

Crude oil price

$42.41

% Change

0.45

10.18

0.61

10.13

1.51

10.07

0.19

9.90

0.14

9.86

0.08

9.76

0.43

9.21

0.10

8.77

0.41

7.88

0.14

6.86

0.20

5.28

3.85

5.00

0.05

5.00

6.38

5.00

4.75

4.99

0.10

4.98

0.95

4.98

0.97

4.97

0.80

4.96

0.26

4.91

0.08

4.88

0.15

4.84

0.23

4.81

0.06

4.51

6.99

4.11

0.03

4.05

0.03

4.00

0.03

4.00 3.92

29

MAYBAKER

1.02

1.06

0.04

30

GUARANTY

20.20

20.97

0.77

3.81

31

UNITYBNK

0.79

0.82

0.03

3.80

32

STERLNBANK

1.60

1.66

0.06

3.75

33

ETRANZACT

4.30

4.45

0.15

3.49

2.71

2.80

0.09

3.32

8.23

8.50

0.27

3.28

1.22

1.26

0.04

Advancing issues outnum- 34 CHAMPION NASCON bered decliners on the NYSE 35 FGN Bonds 36 TRANSCORP by 2,047 to 895. On the Nasdaq, 1,852 issues rose and 891 fell.

Description The S&P 500 index showed 15.10 27-APR-2017 34 new 52-week highs and no Published by The Nigerian Exchange © new lows, while the Nasdaq 16.00Stock 29-JUN-2019 recorded 84 new highs and 15 15.54 13-FEB-2020 new lows.

16.39 27-JAN-2022 Rate (%)

Gain(N)

Bid

3.28

Offer

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

1.08

104.96

10.09

105.11

9.95

3.25

114.56

10.57

114.86

10.471

3.87

112.10

11.56

112.40

11.47

5.83

120.50

11.46

120.80

11.40

14.20 14-MAR-2024

7.95

109.35

12.32

109.65

12.26

12.50 22-JAN-2026

9.81

100.24

12.45

100.54

12.40

Page

Closing Market Prices of March 30, 2016

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

30-Jun-16

8.15

8.32

WAUA

270

22-Sep-16

8.71

9.10

USD

196.98

EURO

214

16-Mar-17

9.31

10.22

CFA

0.32

NIBOR

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

15.0000

1M

10.6864

POUNDS STERLING

293

3M

12.4601

SDR

273

6M

13.8466 CBN Clearing Rates of January 7, 2016

of

4

40

Thursday, May 26, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror

You also have a role to play as traditional rulers, because we are Let me again repeat what I have been saying that Goodluck Jonathan has no all under your rule. That is why I invited you because we need to personal agenda in convening this national conference. collaborate in finding a lasting solution to this problem.

49

AfolAbi GAmbAri

A

customer with First Bank Plc, Mrs. Olufunke Bukola Adeniyan, has launched a strident call over an amount of money she allegedly lost in her account with the bank.

Adeniyan, whose resident branch is Agege Abattoir in Lagos State, said an unknown individual had withdrawn a sum of N50, 000 from her account on March 25, using the Automated Teller Machine card.

“I did not get an alert as usual, notifying me of the withdrawal, until my younger sister posted N25, 000 to me on March 30. After receiving the alert, I got dis-

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN KADUNA STATE GOVERNOR, MUKHTAR RAMALAN YERO

Cash withdrawal: First Bank customer cries foul turbed as I saw my balance with N50, 000 missing,” the disappointed customer narrated to National Mirror.

“I came to the Broad Street, Lagos branch of the bank to lodge a complaint immediately and advised them to give me a printout of the withdrawal on March 25 and the photograph of the individual of withdrew the cash,” he added.

“To their credit, they complied favourably and the print out showed that the N50, 000 was withdrawn three times in N20, 000, N20, 000 and N10, 000. But the photograph on the printed paper was blurred and I couldn’t

see it clearly.”

Adeniyan said she thereafter demanded that the illegally withdrawn cash be returned to her as the rightful owner but the demands failed to yield any positive response.

“They said my money will not be returned and after all my pleas failed to make any difference, I opted to resort to coming to the media to bare my mind,” she further

said, stressing, “It is impossible for me to let go N50, 000 just like that.”

According to Adeniyan, she also contacted her accounts officer at the Agege Abattoir branch in the quest to find solution to her plight.

“Unfortunately I got the biggest frustration from the accounts officer by name Mary Temitope Ajayi. Although she willingly obliged me with her telephone num-

ber and asked me to call her for updates, she has refused picking my calls and I have called her several times,” Adeniyan also said.

“Her negative attitude towards my problem further encouraged me to take my matter to the media because I really could not understand the sudden twist in her behavior,” she concluded, saying she would not rest until she got justice.

Ogun monarch raises alarm over threat to life by land speculator femi oyeweso, ABEOKUTA

T

he traditional ruler of Ikogbo-Ejila Awori in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government area of Ogun State, Oba Nurudeen Osoja and hundreds of residents of the town yesterday appealed to the state government to safe their community from the alleged threats of the land speculators accused of plans to assassinate their monarch.

The Ikogbo-Ejila Awori residents, which included women, children and youths, also staged a protest round their community, calling on relevant authorities in the state to safe their community from being wiped away by the hoodlums allegedly working for a popular land speculator identified as Mutairu Owoeye.

While leading the protest against the activities of the land grabbers, Oba Osoja said hoodlums allegedly working for the land speculator, Owoeye have been moving in and out of the community, causing violence and apprehension.

The monarch further alleged that the peaceful coexistence of the community was being threatened by the activities of the land grabbers whom he said were plot-

ting to dump corpses in the community so as to provoke government’s anger against the town.

The monarch further emphasised that the game plan was meant to distract them with crisis and security breaches to enable the unnamed land grabbers have a field day occupying the community land, stressing that property worth millions of naira have been destroyed while many residents of the area have also sustained injuries inflicted on them by hoodlums.

He lamented that the police and the state government have refused to act on many petitions forwarded to them about the threat posed to their community by the hoodlums.

Reacting to the allegations however, Owoeye denied the knowledge of any threat to the life of the monarch and pleaded that he should be exonerated from the crisis confronting the community.

Owoeye, who spoke with journalists on phone in Abeokuta, admitted that it was true that he bought land spanning acres from the community, stressing that his decision to reclaim his parcel of land from the community was what informed the allegation of threat to the life of the monarch.

Some suspected criminals paraded by the Nigeria Police, Kaduna State Command in Kaduna yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Ambode tasks girls on moral uprightness

frAncis suberu

W

ife of the governor of Lagos State, Bolanle Ambode, has charged girls in the country to live morally, have confidence in themselves and adopt the winning attitude.

She gave the charge at the Queens College, Sabo, Yaba, venue of the Mentoring the Girl-child Initiative 2016, organised by the Iyalode of Lagos, Bintu Fatima Tinubu.

Bolanle noted that the society had thrown too many challenges in the way of the girls, which consequently weigh them down, make them lose their confidence, sense of security, leaving them largely unfulfilled.

Ambode said: “We live in very challenging times that have made our girls to be wrongly exposed.

Some of those challenges include

assault, child labour, open discrimination, rape, and domestic violence, among others. These challenges have clearly taken a toll on them, by seriously eroding their sense of security and self confidence, making them fall short of expectations.”

She advised them to build their self confidence and move with the assurance that they are capable of winning at all times, in tune with the theme of the programme: ‘Building the Winning Attitude in Every Girl-child’.

“The winning attitude is about belief in yourself, your ability and potential for success. It is about adopting the ‘I can’ attitude that leaves you with the confidence that you too can do it,” she stressed.

Speaking further, she urged the girls to engage only in things that would add value to them as whatever they did now, would form the

foundation of their future adult life.

The convener of the programme and Iyalode of Lagos, Bintu-Fatima Tinubu, regretted the serious decline in moral values among the girls, noting that only girl-child education and good social re-orientation, would rescue the society.

In her presentation, the guest lecturer, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, advocated for girl-child education, stressing that parents should accord equal prominence to girl education as they often do for the boys.

She charged the girls to build the winning attitude by remaining focused, believing in their own abilities, cultivating a reading habit, keeping good company and using the social media responsibly, warning that just one costly mistake could derail a girl’s life.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

41

Thursday, May 26, 2016

World News think Ukrainians have suffered a lot over the last couple of decades and I think they are currently suffering at the hands of a bully.

–FORMER AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER, TONY ABBOTT

Thousands march in ‘Mugabe solidarity’ AfolAbi GAmbAri

WITH AGENCY REPORT

T

housands of Zimbabweans yesterday in the capital Harare turned out to celebrate President Robert Mugabe and the ruling ZANU-PF party in response to a rally organised by the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) last month.

The marchers, many of whom were transported to the capital by bus, sang songs praising Mugabe and wore T-shirts displaying his image as they gathered at a central square to hear him address the crowds.

“We are happy that we are marching for our president to prevent the opposition from distracting the country’s leader,” a 56-yearold housewife and supporter of Zanu-PF, Taremedzwa Chikara,

Pro-Robert Mugabe supporters bearing posters of the President and wife, Grace, in Harare yesterday

said.

“Our president has the people at heart and we support that a lot,” Chikara said.

A 28-year-old farmer, Learnmore Muzarabani, said he showed his

loyalty to Mugabe over controversial land reforms.

“We are here because we love our president. He has done a lot for us. He gave us land and now we are supporting his indigenisation pro-

Obama votes Vietnam human rights

P

resident Barack Obama yesterday made a forceful case for human rights in Vietnam during a speech in Hanoi and he called for the peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea. Obama stressed the need to uphold human rights in his remarks to the Vietnamese people and were broadcast on television in a nation that has a dismal record on the issue.

“Human rights is not a threat to stability but reinforces it,” Obama said.

Freedom of speech and expression fuels the economy and that is how some of our greatest companies began.”

Highlighting freedom of the press, assembly, and religion, Obama said that while the U.S. did not try to impose the American form of government on Vietnam, the country should be more open to scrutiny in order to grow stronger and more prosperous.

The White House said the President’s speech was broadcast on Vietnamese television.

It is almost unheard of for criticism of the country’s human rights’ record to be aired on state-run TV. Obama earlier met with six leaders from Vietnamese civil society, noting that several activists had been prevented from

attending the meeting.

“We are not going to be able to release any names of folks that could not attend, but as the President said, a small number of invitees faced obstacles in attending the meeting,” White House spokesman, Eric Schultz, said.

“Vietnam will have greater access to the equipment you need to improve your security.

Nations are sovereign and no matter how large or small a nation may be, its territory should be respected,” he further said.

Though he did not mention the country by name, China has been making aggressive moves

WORLD BULLETIN gramme,” Muzarabani said.

Zanu-PF supporters, many of them young and waving national flags, arrived in Harare from across the country by bus, train and truck to attend what organisers had dubbed a “million man” march.

“Comrade Mugabe is not sick, people lie,” supporters sang in one song defending the 92-year-old president, who has been the subject of regular rumours about his alleged ill health.

“Forward with president Mugabe,” others chanted, as they carried placards carrying messages such as “Youths march in solidarity with the visionary and iconic leadership of President Robert Mugabe.”

Police in anti-riot gear surrounded the speech venue, searching people while heavy security patrols were on the streets of Harare in vehicles and on horseback.

in the South China Sea, where it has multiple territorial claims.

“Big nations should not bully smaller ones and disputes should be resolved peacefully,” he also said.

President Barack Obama

Petrol pricing: Diasporas back Buhari, Kachikwu AdeolA Tukuru ABUJA

T

he Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group has commended Presi-

President Muhammadu Buhari

dent Muhammadu Buhari for liberalising the petroleum sector of the country’s economy, describing the action as the beginning of economic rebirth.

The group also said Buhari and the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, deserved laurels for daring to do the right thing.

“The inherited rot that left Nigerians suffering on fuel queues was becoming an international embarrassment until President Buhari took the bull by its horn,” a statement by the United Kingdom Coordinator of the group, Adeka

Onyilo, said yesterday.

“The cartel that acquired forex from government under the guise of importing petrol only embarked on round tripping has been severed from the supply chain and should leave the government with some money to invest in other sectors that will touch the lives of citizens across board.

“We urged the government to ensure judicious and prudent management of the resources of the country because this is im-

portant to the nation’s prosperity,” the statement advised, even as it tasked Buhari and Kachikwu on the need to ensure that Nigerians were not shortchanged by fraudulent marketers who under-dispense the petroleum products.

“We further urged the minister to enforce the price cap as reports indicate that some outlets still sell above the computed N145 per litre. Such development can cause another price hike or petrol scarcity with the marketers citing the willingness of the people to pay more as excuse.”

Campaign: Clinton, Trump sharpen skills US presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have sharpened their attacks as they both turn their attention to the general election.

Clinton targeted Trump’s business record, noting firms run by the New York businessman have filed for bankruptcy protection four times.

“How could anybody lose money running a casino?” Clinton asked yesterday.

Trump released an advert on Monday re-airing sexual assault allegations against Clinton’s husband.

The advert featured two women, Kathleen Willey and Juanita Broaddrick, who have accused former President Bill Clinton of sexually assaulting them years ago.

The video includes footage of Clinton with a cigar in a mouth and the wife laughing.

But Clinton has repeatedly denied that he assaulted the women, and he was never criminally charged as a result of the accusations.

Syria conflict: ISIS invades Russia base New satellite imagery yesterday appeared to reveal extensive damage to a strategically significant airbase in central Syria used

by Russian forces after an attack by so-called Islamic State (IS).

Four helicopters and 20 lorries were destroyed in a series of fires inside the T4 base last week, the images from intelligence company Stratfor suggest.

The cause of the inferno is unconfirmed.

The Russian military has denied that it lost helicopters at the base as a result of an ISIS attack.

A news agency linked to IS, Amaq, was the first to report the incident, without saying what had caused the fires, says BBC Arabic Syria correspondent Rami Ruhayem.

Ambassador seeks Tunisia reforms Tunisian officials have urged the UK government to relax its advice warning against all but essential travel to the country, after a 90% drop in British visitors in the first part of 2016.

The guidance has been in place since 31 British holidaymakers were killed in two terror attacks in Tunisia in 2015.

The Tunisian Ambassador to the UK, Nabil Ammar, said the government should take into account security improvements since last year.

The Foreign Office said the safety of British nationals was its main concern.

Thirty Britons were among 39 people killed when a gunman opened fire on tourists in a beach resort near Sousse on Tunisia’s Mediterranean coast in June last year.

42

North

Thursday, May 26, 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LG appointments: 16 political parties sue Kogi govt

Wale IbrahIm Lokoja

A

t least 16 registered political parties in Kogi have taken the state government before Federal High Court, Lokoja, following the appointment of 21 administrators and four members each for councils without recourse to democratic process of election.

This is contained in the

Originating summons signed by counsel to the political parties, Williams AliwoEsq, dated May18 and made available to newsmen yesterday in Lokoja.

The claimants sought five reliefs and raised four issues for determination of the court.

The defendants in the suit are the Kogi State government, the stateAttorney-General, Accountant-

General of the Federation and Attorney-General of the Federation.

The parties had noted that the state government contravened Section 7 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended by reconstituting the 21 local government councils on May 6, without conducting elections.

The plaintiffs therefore sought among others, a

declaration of the court that the reconstitution of the councils by the defendants in defiance of the stipulated democratic process was unconstitutional, unlawful, wrongful, and null and void.

They also sought a declaration that having contravened section 7 of the Constitution, the reconstituted councils “are not recognisable for purposes of enjoying financial patronage of

the Federal Government through the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.”

They equally sought an order directing the Accountant-General of the Federation to stop any allocation or any kind of financial resources to the councils until they are properly constituted.

They also sought an order directing the 1st defendant (Kogi government) to reconstitute local councils in the state by democratic process.

The originating summons was supported by a 33-paragraph affidavit deposed to by IliyasBadanga, state chairman of United Progressive Party, UPP. The claimants raised four issues for determination including whether the 1st defendant was right in reconstituting the councils, whether the action was democratic and whether the councils could be granted financial allocations in view of the anoma-

lies associated with the constitution.

The political parties in their Motion on Notice however sought three orders of interlocutory injunctions to restrain the respondent from recognising the reconstituted councils and distribution of federal allocations to them pending the determination of the suit.

The political parties include ActionAlliance, AA, Advance Congress for Democrats, ACD, Alliance for Democracy, AD, Citizen Popular Party, CPP, Hope Democratic Party, HDP, Kowa Party, KP,Labour Party, LP, andUPP. Others are Fresh Democratic party, FDP, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Independent Democrat, ID, New Nigeria Peoples Party,NNPP, Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, Peoples Democratic Movement,PDM, Young Democratic Party, YDP, and Peoples Party of Nigeria, PPN.

Masari orders 600 council staff to teach in schools James DanJuma katsina

Representative of the Chairperson of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs Victoria Irabor (l), laying the foundation for a Day Care Centre and Nursery School at the Maimalari Barracks in Maiduguri yesterday, right is the wife of the GOC, 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Mrs Appolonia Ezugwu.

‘Katsina VVF centre has treated over 40,000 patients’ James DanJuma katsina

N

ational Obstetric Fistula Centre, Babar Ruga in Katsina State has treated more than 40,000 women living with Vesico Vaginal Fistula, VVF, in the last 32 years.

Most of the women were then given grants, trained and given vocational equipment to become self-reliant after treatment.

Pioneer Managing Director of the centre, Dr. Aliyu El-ladan, yesterday told newsmen that since the centre’s inception in 1984, it has

been treating an average of 600 VVF patients annually.

El-ladan said the centre with three qualified consultants, was providing treatment to four to five VVF patients daily, and that the standard had been maintained over the years.

He said the centre, which was under the state government but converted to a federal institution in December 2013, was receiving and treating VVF patients from neighbouring states and Niger Republic.

Lamenting on the number of VVF cases in parts of the country, El-ladan said

current statistics indicated that the North- East zone had the highest cases of VVF, followed by the NorthWest and North-Central.

He said few of the patients often came for treatment for the disease on two or more occasions, and that some of them needed to be given special attention which the centre hopes to do soon.

As a way of addressing VVF in the country, he said the Federal Ministry of Health would soon conduct a survey to identify actual number of VVF patients in Nigeria.

He said the survey would assist government to provide needed facilities and make for proper budgeting for treatment of VVF patients in the country.

The managing director said after treatment at the centre, patients were trained in vocations like soap making, knitting, cake baking, pomade and provided with cash assistance.

He said the training was conducted in collaboration with some non-governmental organisations, the state government and the then Millennium Development Goals, MDG.

S

ix hundred and sixty-five local government area workers have been directed to teach in primary and secondary schools in Katsina State.

Governor Aminu Masari gave the directive yesterday when he received interim report on a Committee for Deployment of Local Government Staff with requisite teaching qualification.

Masari said the affected staff should be posted to the schools that needed their services before commencement of next school calendar.

He also directed that teachers in primary schools with higher qualifications should be immediately posted to teach in government secondary schools.

Masari however called on those handling the postings to be unbiased in carrying out the assignment, as doing so would go a long way to promote effective service delivery.

The governor lamented that government had not been able to promote quality socio-economic development due to limited federal allocation accruing to the state.

He said the challenge had been compounded with the 34 local government council areas’ inability to generate much internally-generated revenue.

He said the state government had to borrow council areas money on monthly basis to enable them pay their workers’ salaries.

Chairman of the committee, Maigari Danjuma, said the 665 local government workers were collectively being paid a total of N39.1 million in monthly salaries.

Danjuma said 1,435 primary school teachers with higher qualifications had been identified for teaching in secondary schools in the state.

He also said the committee had identified 764 local government staff that absconded from duty and were collecting monthly salaries amounting to N34.2 million.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Milo B’ball: Semi-finalists emerge in Equatorial Conference

47

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

43

Sport

Sugar Ray Leonard’s retirements last as long as Elizabeth Taylor’s marriages – Bob Arum (1987)

Yobo testimonial live on SuperSport

...as DStv slashes decoder price for Euro 2016 EvErEst OnyEwuchi

S

CSKA confirm £23m Leicester bid for Musa E

nglish Barclay Premier League champions, Leicester City, have put in a bid for Nigeria striker, Ahmed Musa.

According to CSKA Moscow manager, Leonard Slutskiy, the English side have made a bid close to £23million for the attacking winger.

Leicester first established their interest in the Nigeria international in the January transfer window but CSKA turned down the idea of selling as they felt the English club did not meet Musa’s valuation and at the same time, the 23-year-old remained their only in-form striker in a season they emerged Russian champions.

But Slutskiy lifted the lid saying that Leicester are back in the race to prise away the striker, who is also keen to move to the King Power Stadium in the summer.

“The British club offered a bit less than 30 million (£22.86 million).

“Musa came to me a few days ago and asked when he (Ranieri) is back for the holidays and I told him I do not know, I do not know Ranieri,” Slutskiy told Match TV. However, the CSKA Manager appears to be accepting the reality that it is a matter of time before Musa leaves the Russian champions.

“I do not know for sure. It is the work of our management but I think the probability is high,” he said about the imminent departure of Musa.

Musa scored 13 goals in 30 league appearances for CSKA this season with five assists. He averaged 206 minutes per goal.

The CSKA man and Super Eagles deputy captain will join up with a number of top football stars to honour former Nigeria captain, Joseph Yobo, in a testimonial game in Port Harcourt tomorrow.

uperSport announced yesterday that it will broadcast live tomorrow’s Joseph Yobo testimonial game.

The direct satellite television station said the game will be live on SuperSport 3HD from 4pm.

Already, Nwankwo Kanu, John Terry, Samuel Eto’o, Andre Ayew, Aaron Mokoena and Yaya Toure are among the stars who will take to the field in honour of former Nigerian captain, Yobo, as he takes his final bow from football in Port Harcourt tomorrow.

Yobo, the first Nigerian to play a century of matches for the Super Eagles, recently hanged his boots after an illustrious career which included spells with Everton, Marseille, Fenerbahce and Standard Liege.

Other players who have confirmed their participation include current Nigerian skipper, Obi Mikel and his deputy, Ahmed Musa, Saido Berahino, Sulley Muntari, Treso Lomana LuaLua, Kolo Toure, Jordan Ayew and Austin Okocha.

The match pits the Friends of Joseph Yobo XI against a select Super Eagles XI. Former Everton and Manchester United coach, David Moyes, will manage the Friends of Yobo XI with Shaibu Amodu managing the Super Eagles.

Also, DStv will broadcast live the 2016 Euro tournament taking place in France and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil.

General Manager, SuperSport West Africa, Felix Awogu, told newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday that for the duration of both fiestas, Euro 2016 will be available on SS11 (channel 231) and SS 12 (channel 232), while the Olympics will have seven dedicated channels to broadcast all the actions live.

The SuperSport studios will also provide highlights and analyses of the tournaments by experts such as Austin Okocha, Victor Ikpeba and Benny McCarthy, among several others.

“SuperSport has always been associated with quality and we pledge to always deliver world-class content to our subscribers.

In furtherance to this tradition, we will be bringing the Euro and Rio 2016 tournaments live to the living rooms of subscribers, entertaining them with the blow-by-blow actions of all the matches,” Awogu said Meanwhile, DStv is offering the HD Zapper decoder at N9,900 to prospective customers. This offer is effective from tomorrow, May 27, 2016.

The General Manager, Marketing, Multichoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho, who announced this, said the price slash is to enable Nigerian fans watch the Euro 2016 in the comfort of their homes.

“The offer will take effect from Friday May 27 and will last for the duration of the Euro 2016 tournament, after which it will revert to its original price,” Mabutho said.

44

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OKORIE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKORIE JULIET CHINEYENWA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHIKARA JULIET CHINEYENWA. All former documents remain valid General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ONOKWULU UCHENNA, now wish to be known and addressed as AJUESHI EFETOBOR UCHENNA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MACAULEY: Formerly known and addressed as MACAULEY BANK DAVID now wish to be known and addressed as MACAULEY BANK FRIDAY. All former documents remain valid. ECO BANK and General public take note

IKEJI: Formerly known and addressed as IKEJI CHUKUWKA now wish to be known and addressed as OSADARE CHUKWUKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME ADENIBUNYON: This is to inform the general public that my name was wrongly spelt and stated as ADENIBUNYON BOLA SHADIA and ADENIBUYO BOLANLE SHADIA instead of BOLA SADIAT AJOSE. Henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as BOLA SADIAT AJOSE. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OPELOYERU: This is to confirm that OPELOYERU USMAN AKANNI and OPELOYERU USMAN OLADIMEII refer to one and same person. All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid and should be treated as one person. general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as UDEH AKPA now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL UDEH AKPA. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

USMAN: formerly known and addressed as USMAN ALHAJI now wish to be known and addressed as CAMARA OUSMANE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OLUYINKA OLUWASOJI JOSEPH. Now wish to be known and addressed as AWOYINKA OLUSOJI AJANI. All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

MBARH: I, formerly known and addressed as MBARH IFEOMA CHRISTIANA, now wish to be known and addressed as . All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm and certify that EZE GRACE NKECHINYERE and EZE GRACE IGNATIUS refer to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as EZE GRACE IGNATIUS. All former documents remain valid.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

EMILY: formerly known and addressed as EMILY ILEVBARE now wish to be known and addressed as EMILY UBOGUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

45

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Onitsha market women protest against government Raymond nnoRuka AWKA

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bout 300 women from Coca cola market in Onitsha Anambra state have protested against the planned relocation of the market to a new site along Atani road Ogbaru local government area .

The traders who were mostly widows barricaded the entrance gate to the government house Awka yesterday amidst tears and songs of sorrow urging government to rescind its decision to move the market to new site .

Some of the women who narrated their ordeal to newsmen , did not mince words in saying that relocating them from where they are at the moment to the new site will spell doom for the traders as they described the new market site as den of hoodlums .

Mrs. Chinasa Eze a tomato seller said they were at the government house to appeal to the state government to allow the women remain at the Coca cola market as the new site is not conducive for business due to the activities of hoodlums in the area pointing out that miscreants dispossessed them of their be-

longings and rape women .

Mrs. Miracle Ekoye who narrated a story of how her daughter was raped at the new site along Atani road by men of the underworld lurking in the area , disclosed that in the early hours of sunday , a combined enforcement team comprising Ocha brigade and other security agencies stormed Coca cola market , demolished their stalls and destroyed their wares . Mrs .Ekoye said they were at the government house to make their grievances known to government .

Another trader Mrs. Blessing Okame who said she has been selling vegetables for 17 years at the Coca cola market Onitsha , noted that they have been selling their wares at the market since 2002 without government interference .

She therefore implored the state government to allow them remain at the market rather than relocate them to Atani .

L-R: UNFPA country representative, Ms Ratidzai Ndhlovu; Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mallam Ado Lawal and the Acting Managing Director of NAN, Mr Jones Afolabi, during the visit of the UNFPA’s boss to NAN headquarters in Abuja, yesterday.

Kwara police nab wanted notorious hoodlum Wole adedeji, ILORIN

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n alleged notorious hoodlum said to be involved in series of breakdown of law and

PUBLIC NOTICE POSTPONEMENT FIRST NIGER DELTA YOUTH LEADERS’ SUMMIT ON PEACE AND SECURITY This is to bring to your notice of stakeholders, members of the public and invited guests that the First Niger Delta Youth Leaders’ Summit on Peace and Security ‎2016 earlier scheduled for 18th -19th of March 2016 at Delta State Conference Centre , Asaba which was earlier postponed will take place soon.

A new date for the event will be announced in due course.

The Peace and Security Summit is being organised by Josdan Global Peace Foundation Network in ‎collaboration with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

Please bear with us for the inconveniences the postponement may have caused.

Organizing Committee 25th May, 2016

had allegedly gone to visit his friends which could have his hiding place all along.

He was arrested by the officers and men from the Criminal Investigation Department, CID of Kwara state Command, ac-

order as well as hose breaking cases was yesterday arrested in his hide out.

The suspect; Ariyo Olatunji. was arrested at Oke Oyi, headquarters of Ilorin East local government area of the state where he CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

IKE: Formerly known and addressed as IKE STANLEY CHIKA now wish to be known and addressed as IKECHIDOZIE STANLEY CHIKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

AGUNBIADE: Formerly known and addressed as AGUNBIADE SHERIFAT ABIODUN now now wish to be known and addressed as AKINBORIOYE SHERIFAT ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

PRIEST: formerly known and addressed as PRIEST BRIGHT KEGBAMI now wish to be known and addressed as BRIGHT OKEGHANOH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLAYIWOLA: formerly known and addressed as OLAYIWOLA ABIDEEN ABIODUN now wish to be known and addressed as OLAYIWOLA ABIDEMI ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

OLAKUNLE: formerly known and addressed as OLAKUNLE ODUNTAN now wish to be known and addressed as OLUKUNLE ODUNTAN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

EMILAGBA: formerly known and addressed as EMILAGBA TOHEEB FEAR-GOD now wish to be known and addressed as EMILAGBA TOHEEB ODEWALE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

PUBLIC NOTICE .

FAMILY CHANGE OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that the family members of Ezeagu were formerly known as follows : 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

MR GREGORY OKEKE EZEAGU MRS AMAKA NGOZI EZEAGU MISS VICTORIA EBERE EZEAGU MR VINCENT AMOBI EZEAGU IFEANYI AUGUSTINE EZEAGU MARY JANE CHIDUBEM EZEAGU UGOCHUKWU CELESTINE EZEAGU

NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND CALLED AS FOLLOWS: 1. MR GREGORY OKEKE ACHUJEONYE 2. MRS AMAKA NGOZI ACHUJEONYE 3. VICTORIA EBERE ACHUJEONYE 4. VINCENT AMOBI ACHUJEONYE 5. IFEANYI AUGUSTINE ACHUJEONYE 6. MARY JANE CHIDUBEM ACHUJEONYE 7. UGOCHUKWU CELESTINE ACHUJEONYE All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

cording to police sources.

Investigations on his past activities particularly, cases of recent breakdown of law and order in the state in which Ariyo allegedly played active roles.

Spokesperson of the CHANGE OF NAME

OGBUABOR: Formerly known and addressed as OGBUABOR EMEKA EKWUTOSI now wish to be known and addressed as OGBUABOR CHUKWUEMEKA NICHOLAS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

TOLANI: Formerly known and addressed as TOLANI KAZEEM AMOO now wish to be known and addressed as TOLANI KAZEEM TITILADE All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

KYAUTA: formerly known and addressed as KYAUTA OKOROAFOR now wish to be known and addressed as IBSEN BROWN BENJAMIN . All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

RASAQ: formerly known and addressed as RASAQ KEHINDE HASSAN now wish to be known and addressed as RASAQ KEHINDE ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as BABATUNDE DAUDA, now wish to be known an addressed as OLAMIDE YUSUF DAUDA. All documents remain valid.

General public take note.

state Police Command, Mr Ajayi Okasanmi confirmed Ariyo’s arrest and under police interrogation.

He said the suspect was among the suspects in the police wanted list since February this year.

ADDITION OF NAME

ALLI: Formerly known and addressed as ALLI YISA now wish to add KEKERE-EKUN to my name. Therefore, henceforth wish to be known and addressed as ALLI YISA KEKERE-EKUN..

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

EZEOKE: formerly known and addressed as EZEOKE GODWIN now wish to be known and addressed BERNARD GODWIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

ODEKHIRAN: formerly known and addressed as ODEKHIRAN MORENIKEJI IGILOHIE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OBISESAN MORENIKEJI IGILOHIE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

AKINTADE: formerly known and addressed as AKINTADE FEBAFA JANET now wish to be known and addressed as AKASSA FEBAFA JANET. All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank EcoBank and the general public take note.

Confirmation of name-

I hereby confirm that the person bearing SUNDAY ISAAC is the same as ANKYANGS ADAMS,but want to be known and addressed as ANKYANGS ADAMS.All former documents remain valid, general public take note

46

Sports

Thursday, Thursday,March May 265,, 2015 2016

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Mourinho c an deliver at M an United’ o

J

Yuliya

se Mourin ho will bri ng attacking flair back to Mancheste r United, ing learnt havfrom the m istakes of Louis van Gaal, the cl ub’s former midfi elder, Pau l Scholes, has said.

The Dutch manager’s tw tenure at O o-year ld Trafford ended on Monday, two days after h is side won the FA Cup -United’s firs t trophy in three years -- with Mou rinho set to replace him .

The Portugu ese coach, w sacked by C ho was helsea in Dec ember, has agreed pers onal terms with United to take over from Van G aal, according to report s by Sky TV. “The fans at Man Un ited demand ente rtaining fo otball, and I’m sure M ourinho wil l come and try and give it,” Scholes told British media.

The former midfielder, w 11 league titl ho won es with Unit ed, was an outspoken cr itic of Van G aal’s time at the helm.

United finis hed fifth in the Premier Leagu e this season under the Dutchman, scoring 49 goals, their lowest tally since the 19 89-90 campaign, and Scholes said Mourinho was the righ t man to spar k a revival at Old Traff ord.

Olympics: Russia to lose 9 Beijing medals after samples retests

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ussia could lose nine medals won at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games after 14 athletes from the country reportedly tested positive following the re-analysis of samples.

This comes after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) revealed last week that retests of 454 samples using new technology had been completed in conjunction with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), focusing on those who are likely to compete at Rio 2016.

A total of 31 athletes spanning 12 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and six sports were implicated, the IOC said.

All those NOCs are currently being notified - with retesting of Bsamples expected later this month and the names set to be formally confirmed soon after.

But Russian state television and the TASS news agency have now published a list of athletes they say have been notified of failures, citing an unnamed source in the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC).

These include Yuliya Cher-

moshanskaya, a member of the gold medal winning 4x100metres relay quartet, and Anastasia Kapachinskaya and Tatiana Firova, who both won silver as part of the 4x400m relay team.

Others include bronze medal winning high jumper Anna Chicherova, who has since won gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games, javelin sil-

ver medallist and 2011 world champion Maria Abakumova and bronze medal winning 50km racewalker Denis Nizhegorodov.

Yekaterina Volkova, the 2007 world champion who won bronze in the 3000m steeplechase behind world record breaking team-mate Gulnara Galkina-Samitova, is also named, as is Denis Alexeev, a member of the

Xavi backs Guardiola to succeed at City

bronze medal winning 4x400m quartet.

The list is completed by two weightlifters in under 58kg silver medallist Marina Shainova and under 75kg third placed finisher, Nadezhda Evstyukhina.

Belgium stand poised to claim 4x100m relay gold if Russia’s women are disqualified.

French Open: Murray survives 5 thrilling sets

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orld number two, Andy Murray, had to fight back to beat wildcard, Mathias Bourgue, in five sets and secure his place in the French Open third round.

BBC Sports reported that the British number one lost eight consecutive games to drop the second and then the third sets to the inspired 22-year-old Grand Slam debutant.

But Murray, 29, used all his experience to seal a 6-2, 2-6, 4-6 6-2, 6-3 win over the world number 164 from France.

Fellow Briton, Kyle Edmund, lost 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to American 15th seed, John Isner.

Aljaz Bedene, who plays today, is

the only other British player left in the singles tournaments in Paris.

Murray was also taken to five sets in the first round by veteran Czech, Radek Stepanek.

The Scot’s inconsistent form has

been perplexing considering he beat Novak Djokovic in the Italian Open final in his last match on clay.

He now goes on to face 27th seed, Ivo Karlovic, from Croatia in the third round tomorrow.

F

ormer Barcelona and Spain midfielder, Xavi, has backed incoming Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, to leave his mark on the Premier League after taking over from the departing Manuel Pellegrini on July 1.

Guardiola won 21 trophies in his time in charge of Barcelona and Bayern Munich and has been hired

by City’s owners in the hope that he can lead the team to a first Champions League title.

City reached the semi-final of Europe’s elite club competition for the first time this season but were knocked out of the tournament by 10-time winners, Real Madrid.

“It’s a big opportunity for him at Manchester City. I think he will change the face of English football,” Xavi, who joined Qatari club Al Sadd in May last year, told the website for Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (www. sc.qa).

Guardiola achieved a double in his final season in Germany, with Bayern winning the Bundesliga and beating Borussia Dortmund on penalties to win the German Cup in his last game in charge.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Thursday , May4,26, 2016 Thursday September 2014

47

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Carl Ikpeme

Int’l friendly: 17 Eagles in France, Iheanacho, Omeruo in visa hitch W

atford FC of England striker, Odion Ighalo, was the first player at the Super Eagles’ camp in France on Tuesday night, but has since been joined by 16 others as Nigeria prepare for a friendly international with Mali’s Les Aigles at the Stade Robert Diochon in Rouen tomorrow night.

In a statement yesterday, the NFF said the list of 17 players included the nine who left from Abuja aboard an Air France

flight on Tuesday: Ogenyi Onazi, Brown Ideye, Abdullahi Shehu, Umar Aminu, Kingsley Madu, Elderson Echiejile, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Etebo Oghenekaro and Musa Muhammed.

Others included Englandbased goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme; Germany-based defender, Leon Balogun; Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi and Belgium-based forward, Moses Simon.

Morocco-based midfielder, Babatunde Michael and Turkey-based Raheem Lawal and

Gbenga Arokoyo were being expected as at press time, according to the statement.

South Africa-based goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi and Norway-based defender, William Troost Ekong, are expected today, but Manchester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho and Turkey-based defender, Kenneth Omeruo, have been held back by visa hitch.

However, Super Eagles’ administrator, Enebi Achor, said both players were hopeful of getting their visa latest today.

The team trained yesterday evening, and will train twice today, at 9am and at 6pm.

Milo B’ball: Semi-finalists emerge in Equatorial Conference IfeanyI eduzor

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t. Jude Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Bayelsa State will square up against Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School, Enugu State in the semi-final of the ongoing Nestle Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship Equatorial Conference holding at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

The Bayelsa girls earned their ticket to the last four after overcoming Emeka Aghasili High School, Nise, Anambra State by 45-02 points victory.

Trans Ekulu Girls had to wait till the last quarter to claim a 12-09 victory over hard fighting Federal Airport Authority Secondary School, Calabar, Cross Rivers State.

Holy Rosary International College, Owerri, Imo State, got more than they bargained

for, as they were beaten 18-11 by their more illustrious opponents, Marist Comprehensive Secondary School, Uturu, Abia State.

The last quarter final match saw

Fortune High School, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State outclass Annunciation Secondary School, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State by 1914 points.

Trans Ekulu and FAAN teams during their game

Federation Cup: Heartland, Giwa out!

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PFL side, Heartland FC of Owerri were bundled out of this year’s Federation Cup competition yesterday, just as Giwa FC of Jos also crashed out.

Heartland fell to non-league team, Top World FC of Ekiti at the Oleh Township Stadium, while Lokoja’s Confluence Stadium was the venue of Giwa FC’s fall, as the team was spanked 2-0 by Sunshine Stars.

The Federation Cup fully lived up to its character of surprises and more surprises with another NPFL highflying club, MFM of Lagos made to sweat before eliminating El-Kanemi Babes of Maiduguri on penalties in Kaduna.

Men’s results Sunshine Stars 2 0 Giwa FC J. Atete 1 0 Akwa Starlets Fasbir FC 0 2 Niger Tornadoes Prime FC 2 1 Inneh Stars Kogi United 1 1 Ekiti United (Kogi win 4-3 on penalties) Go Round 3 1Yobe Stars MFM FC 1 1 El-Kanemi Babes (MFM win 3-2 on penalties) Shooting Stars 2 0 Wikki Feeders Heartland 0 0 Top World FC (Top World win 4-3 on penalties) Rivers United 4 3 FC Papilo Plateau United 4 0 Zara FC Wikki Tourists 1 1 FRSC FC (Wikki win 3-2 on penalties) Yarmalight 2 3 Warri Wolves Katsina United 3 0 FC Lokoja (W/O) Jigawa Golden Stars 3 0 Gashaka Buffaloes (W/O) Sokoto United 1 3 Crown FC Rovers 1 1 Flash Flamingoes (Flamingoes win 5-4 penalties) FC IfeanyiUbah 1 0 Ebonyi United *ABS vs Yenegoa City rescheduled for today after heavy downpour in Ijebu-Ode Women’s result Martins White Doves 3 0 Tokas Queens (W/O)

WORLD RECORD

Largest violin

N150

Vol. 06 No. 1378 Thursday, May 26, 2016

The largest violin is 4.27 m (14 ft) long, has a maximum width of 1.4 m (4.5 ft), made by the Vogtland masters of violin and bow making in Germany, and completed on June 14 2010.

Buhari and the exigencies of vox populi

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y friends all, it is obvious from recent experiences that President Buhari has the clear mandate, compassion and confidence of the vast majority of Nigerians. Never in our history has a man’s profile instilled so much confidence in the long-suffering populace to the extent that for once, they would refuse to heed the voice of Labour and choose to stand behind their government.

The message is made more pungent by the harsh realities of this epochal popular act of faith. Not only did the economic downturn and the spiral downfall of the Naira make the need to abandon the government easy; the deep gorge thrust into the pockets of ordinary citizens by the exorbitant fuel price increase was enough reason to turn their backs against Buhari. But in an extraordinary display of empa-

MARKERTER?

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rsenal yesterday, announced the signing of Switzerland midfielder, Granit Xhaka, from Borussia Moenchengladbach.

The Premier League side said the deal has yet to be officially ratified, but terms have been agreed with the 23-year-old.

“Arsenal have reached an agree-

Guest Columnist

Sola

Ojewusi

thy and patriotism, the majority of the people decided to overlook the nagging, excruciating pains inflicted by executive decisions and, for once, stand behind the government against Labour’s move!

The current euphoria and sense of de ja vu in government circles is, therefore, palpable. Many in government must by now be basking in the glory of one rare triumph over and unusual chastening of the ever-irritating-to-government Labour! While I would not begrudge Government its hard-earned “victory”, I must, however, caution that the clear message of the people to Labour for now should not be a licence for government complacency and any tendency to impunity.

Every discerning observer must know that the people’s response to the call for strike and the attendant failure of Labour’s scheme to shut down the nation because of the painful decisions government took is a virtual second endorsement for President Buhari. But it is not in any way a rejection of Labour. The people who said NO to Labour yesterday may not hesitate to endorse their action tomorrow. The momentum is huge now that the people have demonstrated that immense display of tolerance but now the buck stops on your table, Mr. President.

For too long, the dream of the people for a better tomorrow has been stymied by administrative lawlessness and executive delinquency. The decision of the people to stand by the government is a clear message that given

The war on corrupTion musT bear no colour, creed or parTisanship the incipient signs that with Buhari it would not be business as usual, they were ready to swim the tide with the government. Which makes Buhari’s job harder. Now he must tighten his belt to earn this national expression of faith. He must never see the people’s action as an endorsement of the many hesitant moves witnessed in the past one year. Rather, he must see the people’s faith in the ultimate desire to give him a chance given his seeming sincerity of purpose.

In so many ways, the President has been too hesitant about matters requiring urgent, quick-fire attention. The perennial ailments of our national life like incessant, seemingly intractable power conundrum, has been allowed to linger too much in the season of change. The president must rise up to this very challenge. The propensity of the power managers of the past for monumental failure should be seen as a great curse that must be cleansed by more definiteness of purpose. It is just too embarrassing a national disgrace for the so-called giant of Africa to continue wallow in unending power inadequacy.

The quest to put graft down forever should never be relented. Far more than any reason, it is this reputation

of an anti-corruption crusader that won the people for Buhari. But he must know that any faltering step and any uncharitable loss of momentum would easily win for him commensurate loss of the current popular support. There is also the brewing tendency in many quarters to see the anti-graft war as being onesided. Considering the overwhelming ratio of PDP to APC members’ arrests, it is difficult not to agree with the skeptics. To be the hero and timeless leader he certainly desires to be, Buhari must be ready to hurt his friends. When even friends are exposed to the kind of scrutiny the opponents now face, then Buhari would have truly earned the people’s faith.

And it would be a great lesson, a precedence for the future generation of Nigerians, who would aspire to power.

Buhari has a chance to show the world, and posterity, that his leadership is yet unfettered by nepotism, that nauseating enemy of true leadership. Buhari must teach us to be above board while on the saddle. He must make what is good for the goose of corruption good for the gander of graft. The war on corruption must bear no colour, creed or partisanship.

Next is the nagging issue of our dwindling economic fortunes and disturbing hyper-inflation ravaging homes across the land. Mr. President, even if you haven’t been to the local markets, haven’t you popped into Shoprite lately? Trending this week is a bag of twenty tomatoes allegedly selling for N7, 800! That’s seven thousand eight hundred naira! Besides the grim reality of this market outrage, the popular comic relief is the saying that “for the first time in national history, tomato has now triumphed over apple in the price market.” No other person but you should assume responsibility for the return of sanity to the markets, dear Mr. President.

Ojewusi wrote via solaojewusi@yahoo.com

Sport Extra

Arsenal sign Swiss midfielder, Xhaka ment with Granit Xhaka to join the club on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee,” said a statement from the Gunners.

Xhaka, the son of Kosovo Albanian immigrants, has represented Switzerland 41 times and helped Gladbach to a fourth place finish

this season, bringing with it Champions League football.

Gladbach had said last week that they had received an offer for Xhaka, who then admitted he could see himself playing in an Arsenal shirt.

“Granit Xhaka is an exciting young player, already with good

Champions League and Bundesliga experience,” said Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, of his first close season signing.

“We wish Granit a good Euro 2016 with Switzerland and look forward to welcoming him to Arsenal ahead of next season.”

Xhaka

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