Thursday, july 2, 2015 (new)

Oshiomhole accuses Okonjo-Iweala of manipulating figures

National Mirror www.nationalmirr oronline.n et

Thursday, July 2, 2015

9

...nails Jonathan’s govt for reckless waivers, borrowing SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

Oshiomhole

Vol. 5 N0. 1147

E

do State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has ac-

cused former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, of manipulating figures and being economical with the truth

Thursday, July 2, 2015

on the parlous state of the economy inherited by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Oshiomhole insisted that former President Goodluck CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror Online

INSI INSIDE DE

Why Broad Stre of lawlessnes et should be rid s –Traders >47 47

43-year-old TBS still attracting visitors P.48

It’s brisk busin ess at Lagos Islan d parties >48

@NationalMirror

PDP rejects Zakari P as INEC chairman

N150

OBIORA IFOH AND OMEIZA AJAYI

...says plots to rig Kogi, Bayelsa guber polls already hatched

Appointment followed due process –Presidency

eoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday called for immediate removal of Mrs. Amina Zakari as acting Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, describing her appointment as unacceptable.

PDP, which decried the shoddy way President Muhammadu Buhari shoved aside the nominee of former INEC Chair-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

NEMSA faults NERC on technical inspectors’ inauguration ...signs MoU with CPC on power sector matters

P.2

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo commiserating with Mrs Aisha Ibrahim and her daughter, victim of Boko Haram terror at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State, yesterday.

USA, Cuba renew diplomatic ties after 54 years P.52

ABUAD: Pace-setter in Quality and Functional Education –Justice Yinka Ayoola AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY, ADO-EKITI (ABUAD)

News

2

Thursday, July 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NEMSA faults NERC on technical inspectors’ inauguration CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

N

igerian Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, yesterday described as unlawful, technical inspectors recently inaugurated by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC. NERC had last week appointed 14 inspectors, maintaining that the act that established the commission empowers it to do so.

Making the position of the agency known during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between it and the Consumer Protection Council, CPC, in Abuja, NEMSA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Peter Ewesor disagreed with the position of NERC. He said: “Any inspector appointed by anybody at this time, is interloper in the industry, is an intruder in the industry, because the NEMSA Act 2015 makes it very clear, who is the inspector in the industry “Anybody can assign commercial inspectors if they want to but I can tell you that those persons that have been appointed, we will ensure that they don’t intrude in our functions, and we have the mandate

and we will not allow anybody to temper with our mandate.”

The MoU with the CPC is for the agency to provide electrical and technical data, and also offer advice to the Council with a view to enabling it seek redress for electricity consumers if their rights are abridged by operators.

Following the MoU, NEMSA will provide the data on how companies have contravened the rules for CPC to pursue the redress.

Ewesor assured the Council that there will be continuous consultation

on consumer affairs, noting that should NEMSA discover anything affecting electricity end users, it will bring it to the notice of the CPC. According to him, the agency will also follow up such issues with reports on the observation for CPC to seek redress for the consumer.

He urged stakeholders, including all staff of the Council, to furnish NEMSA with information of suspicious inferior electrical installations and equipment for onward solution before they wreck havoc on the citizenry.

“I want to thank you for this opportunity for us to sign this MoU today. I want to say that we will continually have consultations on issues and if we see anything that has to do with consumer, which you are not even aware, we will actually make sure that this is brought to your table, followed up with a report on what we have observed so that you can actually seek redress,” the NEMSA boss said.

In his remarks, CPC Director General, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, said it was impossible for any agency of government to operate without

cooperating with others.

She said there is currently a deluge of complaints emanating from electricity consumers to the council, adding that working with any relevant agency to minimise the complaints would be heartwarming.

“We do know that there are huge complaint that emanated from the supply of electricity to Nigerians.

Of course, we will be glad to have the situation where we will be working with any of the relevant agencies to minimise the complaints.

“For us here, if there are complaints on viola-

tion of standards, we can work with you. You have the technical expertise, but in attempt to resolve complaints we shall be working with you to advise us so that we will be able to know who to hold responsible to provide redress,” she added.

The CPC boss noted that issues like cutting corners in the electricity market at times usually resulted in loss of lives and properties, stressing that NEMSA has the mandate of ensuring that technical specification of equipment are strictly adhered to by suppliers and service providers.

Commander of Onitsha Military Cantonment, Col. Mohammed Bello (middle), FRSC Senior Route Commander, Mrs. Elizabeth Ejiogu (right), Deputy Route Commander, Mr. Emmanuel Anichebe, with other officers from the cantonment and commercial motorcycle operators, during a sensitisation workshop on road safety for commercial motorcycle operators within Onitsha Military Cantonment in Anambra State, yesterday.

PDP rejects Zakari as INEC chairman CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

man, Prof Attahiru Jega, before the appointment of Mrs. Zakari, whose tenure as INEC commissioner expires next month, also alerted of plots to rig the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states.

It would be recalled that Prof. Jega, had on Monday, upon the expiration of his tenure, handed over to one of the National Commissioners, Ambassador Mohammed Ahmad Wali, whose tenure as National Commissioner will expire on August 11, 2015.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh said the appointment of Zakari would inject bad blood in INEC. Explaining why PDP was rejecting the appointment, Metuh said due process was not observed in the appointment and that

Mrs. Zakari, had shown in the last elections that she is manifestly bias in favour of APC. He said: “The PDP is particularly disturbed by the development in INEC where President Buhari, who knew all along that the immediate-past INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega would be leaving office by June 30, had to wait for him to handover to one of the national commissioners only to reverse it immediately, thereby injecting bad blood in the commission.

“The situation in INEC since the PDP government reformed and granted it operational autonomy has been peaceful, but Tuesday’s untidy overruling of Prof. Jega, and appointment of Mrs. Amina Zakari, as acting chairman which, we gathered was influenced by personal relationship

with the Presidency and one of the new governors of the North-west, ostensibly to pave the way for the APC at the electoral tribunals, has completely eroded public trust in the commission.

“Whereas the PDP recognises the right and powers of the President to appoint the Chairman of INEC and the Accountant General of the Federation, AGF, we reject attempts as in the case of the AGF to paint the process as transparent and objective when such was not the case, but brought to question the sincerity and commitment of the present administration to due process.

“Our reasons include the fact that due process was not observed in the appointment and that Mrs. Zakari has shown in the last elections that she is manifestly bias in

favour of APC. Finally her appointment is a clear case of nepotism.”

According to Metuh, if Jega was commended for conducting free and fair elections, he should also be trusted as to who should hold forth in the commission until a substantive Chairman is appointed.

“With the prevailing record of Mr. President on appointments, it is unlikely that a substantive INEC Chairman will be appointed in the next one year.

“Is there a hidden agenda? Has Mrs. Zakari been handed a script to act given that we have cases in the tribunals in addition to the forthcoming elections in Kogi and Bayelsa?

Metuh asked.

However, the Presidency said the appointment of Zakari followed due process.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina in a statement issued yesterday said Buhari did not overrule Prof. Jega in the appointment of his successor.

Adesina, in his reaction to the PDP, said Jega’s purported handing over to another Commissioner cannot be construed as an appointment because only the President has the constitutional authority, which he exercised to appoint Zakari.

The statement said: “Contrary to Mr. Metuh’s allegations, President Buhari’s appointment of Mrs. Zakari as acting INEC Chairman was based entirely on merit, her vast experience in the internal operations of INEC and the President’s commitment to affirmative action in support of gender equality, because,

apart from being fully qualified for the position, Mrs. Zakari was the only woman among the six Commissioners considered.

“Due process was certainly followed in Mrs. Zakari’s appointment. Mr. Metuh’s spurious claims of her appointment having been influenced by ‘personal relationship with the Presidency’ and a governor in the NorthWest ‘to pave the way for the APC’ at election tribunals should be disregarded by the public.

“The allegations are nothing but falsehoods contrived by Mr. Metuh to unjustly denigrate a President popularly elected

by Nigerians to undo the damage done to the nation by years of PDP rule.

“His claim that the PDP has rejected Mrs. Zakari’s appointment is also laughCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, July 2, 2015

3

Photo

4

Thursday, July 2, 2015

NEWS

L-R: Guest speaker, Prof. Akin Osibogun; representative of Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Dr. Ayoade Oladokun and former Lagos Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, during the 8th Ordinary General Meeting/Scientific Conference of the Association of Resident Doctors in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Representative of Road Transport Workers Association, FCT, Mr. Lawrence Fadipe; Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) Assistant Director, Traffic Management, Mr. Kunsa Wuyep; Director, VIO, FCT, retired Deputy Corps Mashal, Danjuma Garba and VIO Assistant Director, Operation, Mr. Aliyu Bodinga, during VIO news conference on FCT drivers in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Members of Seebecly Cancer Care Group with female staff of the News Agency of Nigeria, Lagos, after a health talk and cancer screening at the agency, yesterday.

L-R: Secretary, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), FCT, Mr. Martins Odiete; Assistant Secretary, Bunmi Haruna; Director-General, National Sports Commission, Malam Al-Hassan Yakmut; Financial Secretary, Ikenna Okonkwo and Chairman, Mr. Kayode Adeniyi, during a courtesy visit by executive members of the association to Yakmut over his appointment, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

National News

IGP orders clampdown on LG revenue collectors on highways Omeiza Ajayi Abuja

I

nspector General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase, has mandated Commis-

sioners of Police in states to dislodge officials operating on the highways in the guise of collecting tolls for local government authorities.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, and made available to our correspondent yesterday in

Abuja.

“This order became necessary following complaints and reports of disruption of smooth flow of traffic, extortion and harassment of mo-

torists on the highways,” the police said.

It warned that henceforth any local government staff found wanting in this regard would be made to face the

full weight of the law.

Activities of touts masquerading as toll collectors had often caused friction between them and the motoring public.

Workers paralyse activities in UI over unpaid allowances Kemi Olaitan Ibadan

A

cademic, business and administrative activities were yesterday paralysed at the University of Ibadan as members of three unions in the institution protested non-payment of allowances for the month of June.

National Mirror learnt that as early as 7:30am, the leadership of NonAcademic Staff Union, NASU, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, and National Association of Technologists, NAT, locked all four entrance gates into the university,

preventing movements in and out.

It was gathered that the protest was anchored on what the unions called unfulfilled promise by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Adewole, to increase the top-up earned allowances paid to workers, only for the authorities not to include this while paying June salaries.

It was further learnt that the leadership of the unions met with the council of the university where it was agreed that the earned allowances should be reviewed upward.

The protesters moved

from one department to another to stop their colleagues that refused to participate from working.

With the gates firmly locked, those who wanted to move in and out of the campus were stranded while traffic gridlock became the order of the day.

Many lecturers were seen trekking distances into the campus in apparent move to meet up with their lecture, while their cars were parked at the gates.

Speaking with journalists, the National Treasurer of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Dr Ademola Aremu, who said his

union is not involved in the protest, stated that the protest was occasioned by misunderstanding and information gap.

He said he learnt that while the university wage bill stood at N904m monthly, the management said it received N932m and used the excess in paying promotion arrears of staff.

The ASUU chieftain added that he was also aware that the management had started making frantic efforts to raise more funds while at the same time engaging the unions in dialogue.

Meanwhile, ASUU has called on the Vice Chancellor to provide security for academic staff to carry out their duties.

In a memo sent to the VC and signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Prof. Segun Ajiboye and Dr. Deji Omole respectively, the union condemned the harassment of academic staff by the striking non-academic staff, who chased away many lecturers from the classroom.

The memo by ASUU read in part: “It has come to our notice that members of the three non academic unions

have embarked on an industrial action from the morning of 1 July 2015.

Consequently, many of our members were harassed and chased out of classrooms thereby preventing them from discharging their duties as academic staff.

“With this action, the safety of the lives of our members appears grossly threatened. In the light of this, our Union will want the Administration to take note and take necessary action to avert degeneration of the situation and assure our members a safe space to carry out their legitimate duties.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Thursday, July 2, 2015

5

Oshiomhole accuses Okonjo-Iweala of manipulating figures CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Jonathan relinquished a broke Nigeria, maintaining that the Federal Government would have been in a worse shape than the 36 states if not for its resolve to resort to borrowing to pay wages.

He added that as Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Okonjo-Iweala mismanaged the economy to the extent that waivers running into several hundreds of millions of naira were granted to various organisations, illegally.

Oshiomhole said: “With all due respect to the former Minister Okonjo-Iweala, she knows how to play around with statistics. I have made the point. She keeps opening part of the pages and not the entire book.

“The logic of transparency is that every Minister must publish in full what is accruing to the Federation Account month-to-month and what is distributed to them. What she has been publishing is that this is what went to the Federal Government, this is what went to the state government and this is what goes to the local governments.

“What she never published simultaneously is what accrued during the period out of which this was distributed. So, we can now know what was collected to what was distributed so we can know what is left in the Excess Crude Account, ECA. “You can see her changing the goal post. On the authority to spend, OkonjoIweala was a member of the National Economic Council, NEC. I was a member. I am on record of asking her: ‘don’t give us verbal reports on matters of Federation Account, give us written report because the power to spend is not vested on Commissioners.’

“Look at the Constitution and tell me which section gives the Commissioner of Finance the power. All of them (like Okonjo), they are unknown to ballot; they are not elected. The membership of NEC is clear: Governors, chaired by the Vice President representing the President, the CBN and other relevant ministries. How will she avoid this level of accountability?

“The decision to take money from the excess

crude account, that power is vested in the National Economic Council. The NEC is an institution created in the Constitution. What she is referring to is her own administrative arrangement.

“The $2bn is her last sum because in her last report, she said we had $4.1bn. She said so orally. But it was captured in the minutes only for her to come around again at the last minute to say “X” figure is left. We asked her, what did you pay for?”

On states which owe salary arrears to their workers, Oshiomhole said: “Every employer of labour has an obligation, a contractual obligation to pay those who work. The Bible says a labourer is entitled to his wages.

“Once you have laboured, it has to be paid for and you don’t pay wages because you are rich and you are able to afford it.

You pay wages because the people have worked for it.

It is not a gift from a kindhearted employer, it is an obligation. It is a consequence for work.

“I think what has happened is that at the peak of the oil boom, prices were high, people made projections about their expected expenditure and budget on the basis of those numbers, along the line, there was a sharp drop and this sharp drop that people talk about is not just about a drop in terms of price of crude oil because prices have dropped below this level before.

“What is new is the level of so-called crude oil theft; a situation in which certain persons, powerful in the system, pretend not to know what was going on and simply excuse the huge lapses in terms of crude oil theft.

“So, you have a double squeeze of drop in price and escalation in the volume of alleged theft of crude. The combined effect of these is that the total inflow into the Federation Account dropped sharply.

“This is also compounded by the fact that the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the two of them working together, simply refused to transfer to the Federation Account a lot of the money that ought to have accrued. “For example, over the past 4 to

5 years, the NLNG every year made huge payments between $1.5 to $2bn, which ought to go to the federation account. This money was never transferred to the Federation Account; it was unilaterally expended by the Federal Government.

“We were not even informed of the fact that these money were paid and each time we ask the then Hon. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy what was happening with the proceeds from the NLNG, no explanation was ever offered whether in black and white or in oral and there are several other federal agencies that made huge

sums of money which were illegally and unilaterally spent by the Federal Government, without being allowed to flow into the Federation Account.

“So when you draw up a budget on the basis of anticipated revenue and there is such a sharp drop in revenue arising from diversion and there is also drop in price, obviously something will have to give.

“The federal finances are even worst hit. Over the past 9 months under the past government, Federal Government could not and have not been able to pay salaries from her legitimate income.

“What she has been doing which states could not

do; was to borrow. It uses the CBN through various instruments termed security etc and basically draws down the pension funds because they are the ones who have liquidity to patronise the bond market.

“So if we were to be able to stop the Federal Government from borrowing to pay salaries, the Federal Government would have defaulted in payment of salaries much earlier than states and the number of months the Federal Government would have owed would be worse than the worst state in the federation.

“Just look at the budget of the Federal Government over the past four years and you will see the level of defi-

cit finances that was built into the budget.

“So in trying to understand the financial crisis, you shouldn’t limit yourself to those who can pay. Even those who purport to pay, look at their source of funding the payment.

“If you do, you will find out that whereas the Federal Government frees itself to borrow quite recklessly, reckless in the sense that no serious manager goes month after month to borrow for the payment of salaries.

“I speak on my honor that the Federal Government is just as broke and that they are borrowing using CBN instruments in trillions of naira to pay salaries.”

L–R: Secretary-General, United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon; Chairman, Honeywell Group, Dr. Oba Otudeko, CFR, and Vice Chair, United Global Compact Board, Sir Mark Moody Stuart, during the United Nations 15th Anniversary Celebration of the UN Global Compact in New York, recently.

PDP rejects Zakari as INEC chairman CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

able after he had admitted that the right and power of the President to make such appointments cannot be questioned.”

But the Archbishop of Lagos Mainland, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Adebayo Akinde, yesterday expressed satisfaction with the appointment of Mrs. Zakari.

The cleric said he was not surprised by the appointment of Zakari as “females seem to be taking the positions” in almost every aspect of Nigeria’s life.

“We thank God for the

phase in which Nigeria is; if you look at every aspect of our nation, females seem to be taking the positions down; so I am not surprised. “Many females have occupied eminent positions and have held their own sway.

“So appointing a female as an acting INEC chair, I have every confidence she will deliver; Nigerian women, excellent,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Zakari has pledged to continue to work towards improving the electoral process.

Zakari, who made the pledge yesterday at a brief handover ceremony at the

Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, said her appointment was a call to greater service.

“I accept this with humility and added dedication to serve. We hope to see the continued improvement of the electoral process in the country,” she said.

She maintained that the successes achieved under the leadership of Prof.

Jega must be consolidated.

While praying for God’s guidance to lead the Commission, pending the appointment of a substantive chairman, Mrs. Zakari stressed the need to work harder.

Earlier Ambassador Wali had said it was his pleasure to hand over the affairs of the Commission to Zakari, having himself taken over the affairs of INEC for some hours when Prof. Jega handed over to him on Tuesday.

He assured the acting chairman of his unwavering support.

“If she succeeds, we all succeed; if she fails, we all fail,” he declared.

Wali pointed out that the Commission has always and will continue to work in harmony to promote the interest of democracy and the electoral process.

6

News

Thursday, July 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Curb corrupt practices, Buhari charges hajj commission ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday ordered the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, to collaborate with other agencies to tackle corrupt practices relating to hajj opera-

tions to ensure a hitchfree exercise.

Chairman of the commission, Abdullahi Mukhtar, who disclosed this after meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, also said 76,000 pilgrims would perform this year’s hajj.

According to him,

•76,000 to perform exercise

66,000 pilgrims would come from the states, while 10,000 are under private tour operations.

While speaking on corruption-related issues, Mukhtar said a situation where services were not rendered to intending pilgrims after

making payment would be properly addressed by the commission.

He said the commission would also look into the issue of illegal operators that are not licensed to carry out activities of either umrah or hajj, yet carry out the

activities with impunity.

Mukhtar said the president had also granted all the requests from the commission regarding preparations for this year’s hajj operation, adding that he had also approved the

air carriers.

The chairman also disclosed that the President directed the commission to comply with all regulations laid out by the Saudi Arabian government to ensure successful 2015 hajj operations.

Indiscipline: Reps plan new code of conduct UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

S

peaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, yesterday said a new code of conduct for members of the 8th House would be considered to check corruption and misconduct.

The Speaker, who inaugurated the ad-hoc committee on Code of Conduct for members and another on Media and Public Affairs, also said the 8th House would not conduct any of its businesses in secrecy.

Leadership of the House had on June 23 during plenary announced the constitution of two adhoc committees and that of House Rules Review of

the Standing Order of the House, which was earlier inaugurated on Tuesday.

Represented by Deputy Speaker Yusuf Lasun, Dogara said the Committee on Code of Conduct for members is “expected to develop a formal ethics and code of conduct regime for the House, thereby contributing to wider efforts to promote good governance and to prevent corruption.”

The terms of reference for the committee he said, were the formulation of a Code of Conduct of Members document to guide the House, incorporation

by Reference of the Code of Conduct document as part of the Rules of the House, as well as carrying out all the functions

of the Standing Committee on Ethics and Privileges pending the constitution of the Standing Committee.

Others were the recommendation of amendments to aspects of the Rules dealing with the conduct of Members to be consistent with the Code of Conduct document, any other matter incidental or relevant to the subject matter of the committee jurisdiction, and handling any other matter as may be assigned to it by the House or Speaker.

He said the committee shall develop rules of such ethics and code of conduct regime with an appropriate enforcement mechanism for the House

Defective cars: CPC tackles Toyota, others OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

C

onsumer Protection Council, CPC, has requested franchise holders of four top car brands in Nigeria to provide, within seven days, information on the status of their vehicles in relation to the faulty front passenger airbag inflators.

The faulty airbag has prompted the recall of the brands’ implicated models as part of efforts to safeguard the interest of consumers worldwide.

The CPC in a statement said it was demanding the information as part of its efforts to safeguard the interest of consumers.

According to the statement, the council in its determination to ensure Nigerian consumers who purchased the implicated models from the franchise holders were not left out of the recall policy, had communicated its position to Toyota Nigeria Limited, Nissan Nigeria Limited, Honda Automobile West Africa Limited and CFAO Motors Nigeria, the franchise holders for Mitsubishi vehicles in Nigeria.

The CPC action came

on the heels of the global recall of certain models of the brands from the market due to defects in their front passenger airbag inflators.

Toyota is reportedly recalling 2.86 million vehicles, equipped with certain front passenger airbag inflators in addition to a total of 12.66 million units already recalled.

Honda had recalled 19 million, Nissan is to recall 198,000, while Mitsubishi is to recall 120,000.

More compelling for its intervention, the council disclosed that it had begun to receive complaints regarding burst airbag, which has a correlation with the ongoing recall of vehicles across the globe.

The agency, in its letter to each of the franchise holders in Nigeria and signed by its Director General, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, demanded an update on the faulty passenger airbag inflators, efforts at sensitising the affected customers and measures aimed at recalling the faulty vehicles.

The council’s letter requested each of the franchise holders to, within seven days of the receipt of the letter, furnish it

with information on the status of their vehicles in Nigeria “in relation to concerns on the faulty front passenger airbag inflators and measures being taken to sensitise affected consumers and facilitate a quick recall of such vehicles in Nigeria, if any.”

The council said it had initiated the action in order to ensure that consumers, who purchase these vehicles, are not left out of the benefits of the global recall policy of the auto makers and the compensation fund that may be set up globally for affected consumers.

The statement said, “Nigeria is a very big market, where thousands of consumers purchase and currently possess” these brands of vehicles, which are put to personal and other uses.

The recall of the different models of vehicle brands worldwide was sparked off by announcement from the airbag maker, Takata, that millions of vehicles recalled could have been equipped with airbags that shoot shrapnel into drivers and frontseat passengers upon deployment.”

in order to “ensure that members demonstrate high standards of ethics consistent with the important roles of law making, Representation and Oversight of the Executive branch of government.”

Also, he said the code of conduct should be such that would deter and sanction specific cases of unethical behaviour by members in the broader context of preventing and fighting corruption such as conflict of interest issues, transparency and disclosure of interest on matters before the House.

The Speaker said it should also enhance the level of trust by the pub-

lic in the political system in general, and in parliaments and their members in particular, which will contribute to improving the status and image of the legislature in Nigeria.

Consequently, he urged the committee on media and public affairs to correct these misconceptions, improve the corporate image of the institution of the House and position it as a transparent and accountable institution worthy of its representative character.

Membership of the Ad-hoc Committee on Code of Conduct includes Aminu Shagari (chairman), Ossai Nicholas Ossai (deputy chair-

man), Yunusa Abubakar, Stella Ngwu, Prof.

Moojeed Alabi, Abubakar Amuda-Kannike Garba and Boma Goodhead as members. That of Media and Public Affairs has former Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ president, Mohammed Sani Zorro as chairman, Namdas Abdulrazak Sa’ad, Gbillah Mark Terseer, Kwewum Rimamnde Shawulu, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Akinade-Fijabi Saheed, Obinna Chidoka, Ahmed Yerima and Sodaguno Festus Omoni as members.

The Speaker said the committees would continue to operate until the Standing Committees have been constituted.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Thursday, July 2, 2015

OOU tragedy: Ogun to clamp

down on traffic law violators FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

F

ollowing the tragic auto crash that claimed the lives of 12 students of Olabisi Onabanjo University, OOU, last Friday at Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway, Ogun State government yesterday declared its intention to criminalise traffic offences in the state in tandem with federal statutes.

With particularly reference to highway lawless-

ness, which appeared to be on the increase in the state in recent time, the government said it would empower traffic as well as other security agencies towards making them function optimally.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun made this known while speaking with journalists during his visit to the scene of the crash.

Amosun, who also visited the lone survivor of the crash, Miss Laughter Akibo, at the Babcock Uni-

versity Teaching Hospital, Ilisan-Remo, where she is recuperating, further emphasised that the state would critically study the federal highway codes with a view to making it more potent to criminalise traffic rule offenders in the state, particularly those fond of driving against traffic on the highways.

“Highway lawlessness, which has pervaded our nation, is more pronounced in this state because the expressways predominantly

Aero Contractors’ fleet depletes, two years after AMCON take-over OLUSEGUN KOIKI

F

leet of the oldest airline in Nigeria, Aero Contractors, has depleted from 11 to five aircraft, two years after the Asset Management Company of Nigeria, AMCON, took over the airline.

Investigations by our correspondent revealed that AMCON had spent over N42 million and $250,000 in restructuring exercise of the airline, which a source close to our correspondent said was meagre to turnaround any airline enmeshed in financial mess.

A source close to the airline, who confided in our correspondent, described the take-over and restructuring exercise as a scam, alleging that some of the amount spent on restructuring of the airline was diverted into private pockets.

The source purported that the restructuring exercise was in connivance with some in-house staff of the airline.

The source told our correspondent that the fortune of the airline nosedived after AMCON took it over, instead of improving its fortunes, stressing that the restructuring was made in a way

that those involved in the process became directors in the company.

Stakeholders had expressed concern over the way and manner the restructuring of the airline was carried out in 2013 and called for full scale investigation into the activities of AMCON in the airline especially as some of those involved in the process are back to the company as directors.

AOMCON had in 2013 took over 60 per cent of the total assets of Aero Contractors after it was enmeshed in massive debts to several financial institutions.

Air France/KLM commences outsourcing of passenger documentation OLUSEGUN KOIKI

D

espite protest of the National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, against planned outsourcing of Passenger Documentation in Air France/ KLM, the airline has gone ahead to implement the new regime.

The airline in a statement by its Corporate Communications, Olufunmilayo Ojesina, stated that the airline had decided to outsource its passenger documentation control activity in Lagos from July 1, 2015.

Ojesina in a statement to aviation journalists in-

sisted that it was a procedure already in place at all Air France/KLM stations worldwide as well as other international airlines in Nigeria.

She insisted that the national union, staff representatives and concerned staff were duly informed of the various steps of the project since November 2014 and numerous negotiation meetings were held with their leading unions.

The statement added, “Air France-KLM will continue to do its utmost to find an acceptable solution for all parties involved.”

NUATE had in a protest petition against the airline on Tuesday raised alarm

that Air France/KLM was set to disengage some its Nigerian staff.

The union in a document made available to journalists had accused the airline of engaging in unfair labour practices against its Nigerian members.

The union in a document signed by its Assistant General Secretary, Comrade Olayinka Abioye alleged that the airline planned to sack some of its Nigerian workers in the Document Checking Unit by outsourcing the department to a private company, Checkport Securities Nigeria Limited without following the labour laws of the country.

lie within our corridor. We feel this lawlessness every day. A sane mind does not need to be told to desist from driving against traffic.

“We need the capacity to address this menace. We will look into the federal highway codes and domesticate it. We will even make it more potent and endeavour to criminalise traffic offences,” said the governor.

Amosun, who was accompanied by his Deputy, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, Head of Service, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle, permanent secretaries as well as other service chiefs, however, lamented the inaction as well as the seeming ineptitudes of the law enforcing agencies which he said may have over the years encouraged highway lawlessness.

While commiserating with the families of the deceased and the university community, Amosun also advised OOU students to avoid taking laws into their hands, assuring that government was making effort to get the driver arrested.

7

Nine children cheat death, six missing in Lagos boat wreck FRANCIS S UBERU

N

o fewer than six children are still missing while nine others were rescued when a Fibre Boat capsized after colliding with a canoe at Ojo area of Lagos, yesterday.

It was gathered that the ill-fated boat was conveying about 14 children when the tragic incident happened around 9am.

In a telephone interview, General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Dr. Femi OkeOsanyintolu, confirmed the incident, saying the incident occurred at Irewe area when a fibre boat collided with a canoe.

Oke-Osanyintolu disclosed that eight children and the driver had been rescued alive, with five of them taken to Igando General Hospital and three discharged.

He said six other children were still missing and that rescue operation was still on to remove the children from

the water.

According to him, “at Ojo Local Government, Irewe area, a fibre boat ran into a canoe carrying 14 children around 9am. Eight of the children and the canoe driver have been rescued.

“Five has been taken to Igando General Hospital, while three have been discharged and six passengers still missing. Rescue operation continues.”

The LASEMA boss lamented that the children were not putting on live jacket when the accident occurred, saying that the rescue operation was carried out by the Local Emergency Committee led by the Executive Secretary of Ojo Local Gover nment.

He stated that LASEMA officials and others were still combing the water to see if they could get the other children.

Oke-Osanyintolu appealed to water operators to always make live Jacket available to passengers in order to minimise loss of lives whenever boat capsized.

8

South West

Thursday, July 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Money laundering: Court acquits Fani-Kayode …announces change of name

Wale Igbintade

S

even years after he was arrested and charged with money laundering, a Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday discharged and acquitted a former Minister of Aviation, Femi FaniKayode.

Fani-Kayode was arrested on July 1, 2008, by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, at the premises of the

Senate after appearing at the public hearing on N19.5 billion Aviation Intervention Fund.

The anti-graft agency accused Fani-Kayode of dealing in cash sums above N500,000 to the tune of about N100 million without going through any financial institution, while in public office.

In her judgement, Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia described charges filed by EFCC as feeble, saying “it is apparent that the prosecution’s case is

feeble and has failed to establish that the accused person made or accepted cash sums exceeding the authorised threshold without going through a financial institution.”

Ofili-Ajumogobia held that she was satisfied that the sums of N1m and N1.1m were paid into Fani-Kayode’s account with the then First Inland Bank Plc in September 2006 by his then Personal Assistant, Supo Agbaje, but the prosecution

failed to establish that FaniKayode handed the cash sum to Agbaje and that Agbaje acted under Fani-Kayode’s instruction to lodge the money.

The court stated that “the giver and receiver of the lodged sums that reflected in Fani-Kayode’s bank account was hazy and unproven.”

Ofili-Ajumogobia further stated that whenever a doubt was created in the course of trial, it must be resolved in favour of the ac-

cused person.

The court said it was an elementary principle of law that where there was no sufficient evidence, “the trial court must, as a matter of law, discharge the accused and it could not go searching for evidence that is nowhere and therefore could not be found.” Fani-Kayode, whose trial began in 2008 before Justice Ramat Mohammed, was accused by EFCC to have laundered N100 million while he was Minister of Culture and Tourism and subsequently Aviation Minister.

The alleged laundered sum was reduced to N2.1m on November 17, 2014 after Ofili-Ajumogobia dismissed 38 out of the 40 counts levelled against Fani-Kayode for want of proof.

Responding to the court’s

verdict, Fani-Kayode, who read a prepared speech outside the courtroom, said he was grateful to be free, saying the entire trial that lasted for seven years, almost destroyed his life, family and reputation.

He added that he would be changing his name by dropping his surname “Fani-Kayode” as a mark of honour and respect for the Lord.

He said, “The whole process almost destroyed my life, my family, my reputation, my health and career. I thank God for His goodness, His mercy and for the fact that today the whole nightmare has finally come to an end.

“It will no longer be David Olufemi Fani-Kayode but instead, it shall be David Olufemi Olukayode.”

Court remands suspected killers of ex-FUTA VC Ojo Oyewamide AKURE

S Former Director of Media and Publicity, Goodluck Jonathan National Campaign Organisation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode (3rd left) with his associates, arriving premises of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos State, where he was standing trail in a money laundering case filed by the EFCC, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Ekiti commissioners assume office, promise dedication to duty Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

T

en commissioners were yesterday sworn-in in Ekiti State following approval by the House of Assembly.

The commissioners assured that they would be loyal and dedicated to their duties for develop-

ment of the state and betterment of its people.

Commissioner for Environment, Bisi Kolawole, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues shortly after the swearing-in in AdoEkiti, said they would lead by example to ensure prosperity in the state.

The new commissioners are Lanre Ogunsuyi

(Information), Bisi Kolawole (Environment), Kolapo Kolade (Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs), Kehinde Odebunmi (Agriculture) and Dr Ojo Olurotimi Simon (Health).

Others include Jide Egunjobi (Education), Olugbenga Olajide (Budget and Planning), Mrs

Olayinka Ogundayomi (Women Affairs), Adesua Ayodeji (Public Utilities) and Tayelolu Otitoju (Lands).

The governor had upon assuming office, sworn-in Owoseeni Ajayi as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Oso (Works) and Mr Toyin Ojo (Finance).

Poor funding behind unrests in tertiary institutions —Babalola Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

F

ounder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Afe Babalola, has blamed incessant industrial unrests in the nation’s tertiary institutions on poor funding by the state and federal governments.

Babalola spoke in Ado Ekiti yesterday while hosting members of the InterMinisterial Fact-Finding/ Reconciliation Committee set up by Minister of Education, which commenced its assignment at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, on Monday.

He said funding had triggered industrial crises rock-

ing the education sector in the country.

The legal luminary, however, said the Minister of Education having set up the committee meant serious business on reconciling the parties involved in the crises, judging by the caliber of individuals who made up the committee. He expressed optimism that the outcome

of the fact-finding visit to the polytechnic would bring about the expected peace.

The ABUAD founder advised the committee on the need to widen the scope of its recommendations.

He said no government in Nigeria ever had the political will to wholeheartedly fund education according to UNESCO’s standard.

uspected killers of Prof Albert Ilemobade, former Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Akure, were yesterday arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State capital.

The two accused persons, Daniel Ita Effiom, 24, and Olayemi Bamitale, 36, were docked on a five-count charge of robbery and murder.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Isah Atanegbe, told the court that after investigation, it was discovered that the suspects strangled the deceased to death at his residence in Ijapo Estate, Akure, on June 21.

Atanegbe said the offence was contrary to and punishable under section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap.37, Vol 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.

The charge read: “That you Daniel Ita Effiom and Olayemi Bamitale on June 21, 2015, at about 9pm at No.1, Ikere Street, Ijapo Estate, committed felony to wit: murder, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 324 of the Criminal Code Cap.37 Vol.1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.

“That you Daniel Ita Ef-

fiom and Olayemi Bamitale on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned magisterial district did kill one Professor Albert Adeoye Ilemobade by jointly strangling him to death and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 316 and punishable under section 319 of Criminal Code Cap.37 Vol.1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.

“That you Daniel Ita Effiom and Olayemi Bamitale on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned magisterial district did conspire together to commit felony to wit: robbery and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 403A of the Criminal Code Cap.37 Vol.1 Laws of Ondo state of Nigeria 2006.

“That you Daniel Ita Effiom and Olayemi Bamitale on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned magisterial district did rob one late Professor Albert Adeoye Ilemobade of Rav 4 Jeep 2008 model with registration number Lagos GGE-589-CF value yet unknown and the sum of N7,000, property of late Professor Ilemobade and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 401 of the Criminal Code Cap.37 Vol.1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

9

Thursday, July 2, 2015

INSIDE INSIDE

Why Broad Street should be rid of lawlessness –Traders

>47 47

It’s brisk business at Lagos Island parties >48

10

Broad Street Diary

Thursday, July 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

A weekend party in Lagos

It’s brisk business at Lagos Island parties L agos and Money! Can one confidently say they are children from the same mother? Yes! Lagosians obviously know how to make money.

They are notoriously known for their business oriented lifestyle; they have an insatiable penchant for making money anywhere, anytime, any day and of course parties, especially the Owambe types are not left out! Have you ever been to one? Apart from the organisers of the party, one can undoubtedly conclude that every other individual grace the event to make extra bucks for themselves.

In the history of Nigeria, Lagos is known for the numerous and ridiculous ways they have devised in making money in the most unimaginable locations, including the most fatiguing traffics, churches, mosques, and under the long bridges.

However, the most baffling is the means by which they make money in all kinds of parties. Indeed in Lagos every where Na market A typical Lagos party always have a colour chosen for the event, the colour chosen for the event is then used in decorating the hall or wherever is chosen for the event, women with high “gele” and “aso ebi”, men with their big “agbada” or Ankara shirt and trousers are also to be noticed. Round tables and chairs are arranged for the

guests to sit, DJ stands or in some cases band stands are available.

In a typical Lagos Island party, people find different ways to make their own money no matter how inappropriate it might be.

Only in Lagos Island parties would you find people breaking high denomination of money to lower ones with profits attached.

The guests in their bid to find out who can spend the most basically bring “their banks” to the party.

Then typical Lagosians with the hope of breaking high sums of money down for those interested in spraying started bringing low denominations of money to parties in other to break high denominations down. You could give them a one thousand naira note and in turn, they give you a smaller denomination. In an interview with a guest who refused to give her name at a party recently, she said that, “if you want the change in N100 naira note, you would be given N900 with N100 as their profit, but if you want the money in N50 denominations you would be given N800 with N200 as their profit”.

If one is wondering how they come by these various notes, one may need to go knocking on the doors of any nearby bank. “The truth is that the banks make the crispy notes available to us, and we also buy at a margin to sell to the consumers at parties who like to make lasting impressions with

their spraying of notes”, one of the currency note sellers averred.

The money-making spree also continues with the boys who serve the various dishes. For a guest who needs a good ration there is a way to go about it. According to a woman who identified herself as Mama Modupe, one can get all she wants by making a tip. “It is not happenstance that you see some table more fortified with assorted kinds of dishes than others. It is the tip. If you give the boys serving food and drinks a little money, they will make sure you have enough to eat and drink and possibly also take home.”

Getting a pack to take home some of these items like drinks and food packs become another business opportunity at most Lagos Island parties. And that is the sale of polythene bags. At the local shop it goes for N10, but at parties like this where one is bent on taking away bottles of wine aside food, be prepared to pay N50.

Also in Lagos parties where people pick up empty plastic bottles, plastic spoons and plates to sell to companies that would recycle the plastic products, people also sell polythene bags for those who do not have bags to pack their souvenirs home. Take away packs are also sold at parties for people to put their food in, especially during the Islamic fasting period; the packs are sold at more expensive prices.

Lagosians also do ridiculous things like practically bringing their shops to the party venue; they target children of the guests who love sweet things like biscuits, chewing gums, sweets, chocolates etc. these vendors pack themselves at the entrance of allmost every part on the island in a bid to make extra cash on a busy Saturday.

Another common business scheme Lagosians conduct is photography business, this is mostly done by photographers, they bring their cameras to the party venue and take people pictures, then they run to their office and print the picture out fast, so that they can give the picture to the guests and collect their money before the guests leave the party, it is commonly known as ‘wait and get pictures’ or ‘10 minute pictures’.

Although there are complaints that such pictures do not last long, photographers make brisk business because the guests want to have a lasting memory of that attire they wore to such parties. And availing N250 per pictures will not be burdensome at such instance.

It has also gotten to the extent that people use parties as opportunities to sell their musical albums, body products etc. wannabe musicians, both Christian, reggae, hip hop and rap. They all struggle to produce one CD then try and get the MC of the party to publicise the CD. Writers also bring their

books to the parties, especially story books for children; they give the young children the books and tell them to show their parents to buy the book for them.

Depending on the class of the party, makeup artiste also come to tie gele and do quick makeup for women whose gele are not really authentic, women are known for their “gele competition” for the biggest and well tied gele, so some makeup artiste attend parties mostly high class parties though to add more money to their pocket, as the women enter the party, makeup artistes would waylay them and try to convince them to retie their gele and freshen their makeup so as to look better than other women in the party.

Churches also use wedding ceremonies as opportunity to get money for fund raising in their churches, at a point during the ceremony, the pastor would stand up, start praising God and convincing the guest to raise certain amount for the growth of the church. Basically, not only churches do such, even party host try to raise money for donation of some sort (depending on the party type though), In Lagos nowhere is alien to business and money making. Perhaps, this is one of the reasons why Lagos State is the sixty third largest economy in the world.

– ADEWUNMI PETERS

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Thursday, July 2, 2015

11

N8bn currency fraud: Case adjourned to July 10 Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

A

Federal High Court in Ibadan presided over by Justice Olayinka Faji, yesterday adjourned further hearing of the case against officials of

the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and other banks involved in the N8bn mutilated currency fraud till July 10.

Those arraigned before the court were Kolawole Babalola, Olaniran Muniru Adeola, Toogun Kay-

N1.5bn scam: Court adjourns trial of ex-NIMASA DG to Oct 21 Wale Igbintade

A

Federal High Court yesterday adjourned to October 21, 2015, further hearing in a criminal case filed against former Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Mr. Raymond Omatseye.

The trial judge, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, adjourned the matter for continuation of cross-examination by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC’s prosecutor, Mr. Godwin Obla, SAN. The court, however, adjourned the matter till October 26, following a letter to it by Mr. Obla, seeking adjournment of the case due to his non-availability.

Omatseye is standing trial on an amended 27-count charge bordering on contract splitting and bid rigging to the tune of about N1.5bn.

The offence, according to Mr. Obla, contravenes the provisions of section 58(4) (d) of the Public Procurement Act 2007; and section 14(a) of

Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

O

yo State National and State Assemblies Election Petitions Tribunal, presided over by Justice James Abundaga, yesterday dismissed a petition with suit number EPT/ IB/NA/REP/1/2015, filed by former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mulikat AkandeAdeola, stating that time was of essence in election petition matters It will be recalled that Akande-Adeola, a two-term lawmaker in the lower chamber of the National Assembly and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South and Orire federal constituency in Oyo State, lost the March 28 election to a Labour Party, LP,

the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004.

As at last hearing of the matter, Omatseye had alleged that he was being ‘persecuted’ because he refused to do the bidding of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN).

Omotseye made the allegation while being crossexamined by Mr. Obla.

According to him, while the charges captured contracts awarded between December 2009 and February 2010, the contract award’s threshold for NIMASA was only put in place by the Bureau of Public Procurement in November 2011.

Omatseye told the court that his prosecution was due to his refusal to dance to the tune of the AGF. Omatseye who was led in evidence by his lawyer, Mr. E. D. Onyeke, alleged that his trial came shortly after he declined a request made by the Minister of Justice to discontinue a case which NIMASA had filed against the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas.

ode Philips, (CBN staff), Isaq Akano (a.k.a. Isiaka), Ayodele Festus Adeyemi, Oyebanji Akeem, Ayodeji Alatishe and Ajiwe Sunday Adegoke (First Bank staff ).

The judge adjourned the case after counsel to the second and third accused persons, Barrister Olalekan Ojo, told the court that the prosecution counsel had just served him reaction to the motion he filed on behalf of his clients last Friday and that he would need to file a reply.

Also, counsel to the first accused person, Barrister Olayinka Bolanle, told the court that the prosecution

had not served him the reaction to Ojo’s motion filed last Friday.

In his submission, counsel to the fourth accused person, Chief Nathaniel Oke, SAN, told the court that it was necessary for the prosecution to always serve all parties in the case because it is a joint trial.

However, the prosecution counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, said he did not see any reason inr adjourning the case because of the counter affidavit he served on the defence counsel just yesterday morning.

According to him, the court had directed all the

defence counsel to file all necessary applications and serve all parties before yesterday’s trial but Ojo only served him in court yesterday, adding that he is ready to go on with the case, using the application filed on behalf of the second and third accused persons.

But, while adjourning the case, Justice Faji directed that the prosecution ensures he serves all counsel in the case all necessary documents and that Ojo too should ensure he serves other counsel his motion paper.

He further ordered that fresh hearing notice

be served on all counsel in other cases - FHC/ IB/31C/15, FHC/IB/32c/15; FHC/IB/33c/15 and FCH/ IB/34c/15, adding that a production warrant should be issued on the Agodi Prison management to produce all accused persons on the next adjourned date.

It will be recalled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on the invitation of the CBN had charged all the accused persons to court as a result of the roles they played in defrauding the apex bank of over N8b mutilated money meant to be destroyed between 2010

Members of the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Non-Academic Staff Union and National Association of Academics Technologists, protesting non-payment of allowances by the University of Ibadan, in Ibadan, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Akande-Adeola loses at tribunal, vows to appeal

candidate, Hon. Ebenezer Segun Ogunwuyi.

Dissatisfied with outcome of the election, Akande-Adeola approached the tribunal, praying it to upturn Ogunwuyi’s election on ground that he (Ogunwuyi) did not validly resign his membership of his former party, the PDP, before joining the LP, through which he won the election.

Her counsel, Mr. Yunus Ustaz Usman, a Kadunabased Senior Advocate of Nigeria, in his submissions before the tribunal, said the application being sought by Ogunwuyi’s counsel, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade of Afe Babalola’s chamber to the effect that he filed his reply out of time (a day late) during the pre-hearing ses-

sions should be dismissed because the merit of the case should be looked into and not the other way round.

He cited similar cases, including the general principle in election petition matters to back up his position, and urged the tribunal to dismiss Ogungbade’s application so that the matter could be decided on its merit.

Ogungbade who is the counsel to the 1st and 2nd respondents (Ogunwuyi and LP) respectively, urged the tribunal to set aside the petitioners’ joint reply to the replies of the 1st and 2nd respondents filed on May 27, 2015 - same having been filed a day outside the period pegged in paragraph 16(1) of the first schedule to the Elec-

toral Act 2010 (as amended).

Ogungbade also sought an order setting aside the application of the petitioners dated May 28, 2015 and filed on May 29, 2015 for issuance of pre-hearing conference with the provisions of paragraph 18(1) of the first schedule to the Electoral Act 2010.

While also calling for the setting aside of the prehearing conference notice (form TF 007) dated June 2, 2015, issued by the tribunal and served on both parties, Ogunwuyi’s counsel also prayed the tribunal to dismiss the petition as abandoned because of the failure of the petitioners to apply for the issuance of pre-hearing conference notice in accordance with the provi-

sions of paragraph 18(1) of the first schedule to the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

The tribunal, in striking out the petition in a unanimous decision read by Justice Abundaga, held that in an election petition, time is of essence and that as judges, they were bound to interpret what the law is and not the way it should be.

The judge said: “We are also bound by what the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court decisions were in different cases like the one at hand, especially, a recent court’s decision in Omisore against Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola’s case, and therefore dismissed Akande-Adeola’s petition because it was filed out of time and was therefore

deemed abandoned.”

While responding to the ruling, both Ogungbade and Omoniyi Odeyemi who represented Usman in court commended the judges.

Ogungbade, however, added a caveat in line with the position of the tribunal, saying “as lawyers too, we earn our living based on what the law is and if the law changes, we should move with the tide and be in consonance with the dictates of the law as well.”

However, speaking with journalists on phone, Akanke-Adeola said she is definitely going to appeal the ruling.

She said her lawyer has briefed her on the outcome of the ruling, saying “we are going on appeal.”

12

South East

Ohanaeze seeks govt support for local investors

P

resident of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Anambra State chapter, Chris Eluemunoh, has urged the federal and state governments to support and encourage local investors to create jobs for the youths.

Eluemunoh made the call yesterday when the group presented State Service Award 2015 to publisher of Orient Daily, Godwin Ezeemo, in Umuchu community near Nnewi.

He said the government needs to create enabling environment that would attract Nigerians into enterprise and bring about the desired culture of self-reliance.

“Even as we clamour for foreign investors; we at home need to lead the way by being productive, enterprising and seeing how much people around us can directly give employment and provide food on their tables.

“So, Ohanaeze will always identify and encourage our illustrious sons and daughters, who have distinguished themselves by con-

tributing immensely to the economic development of the country to come home, especially Anambra State, to contribute their quota by providing jobs,” he said.

Eluemunoh, however, urged Nigerians to strive to be employers of labour by dedicating themselves to their businesses and work for growth.

“We are also urging the Central Bank of Nigeria to design a micro-credit facility whereby enterprising Nigerians can get loans to expand their businesses to create jobs and improve the economic climate in the country,’’ he said.

He described Ezeemo as a businessman with the core values of an Igboman, which includes hard work, excellence, patriotism, integrity and being ones brother’s keeper.

Earlier, traditional ruler of Umuchu Community, Igwe Godson Ezechukwu, commended Ohanaeze Ndigbo for remaining a united group and thanked them for the award conferred on his subject.

Thursday, July 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Resume work, Ikpeazu begs striking judicial staff

... as Ekiti JUSUN reopens courts Monday Abiodun Nejo and George Opara

G

overnor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has asked the state’s chapter of Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, to resume work in the interest of the state and court litigants.

Ikpeazu, who made the appeal yesterday when he received a delegation led by the Chief Judge, Theresa Uzokwe, with judges of the state’s judiciary at Government House, Umuahia, pointed out that the strike had crippled activities in the judiciary.

Noting that none of the three arms of government could function effectively without one another, Ikpeazu said his government would ensure cordial relationship between the three arms of government and equally address the challenges facing the state’s judiciary.

However, the governor reaffirmed that his administration would ensure effective delivery of democracy dividends to people of the state despite apparent challenges and open up available resources to serve the people.

Earlier, Justice Uzokwe said they came to welcome

the governor to the seat of power and implored him to look into the demands of the workers to get them back to work.

Meanwhile, Ekiti State branch of the body has suspended its seven-month-old strike with assurance that courts in the state would reopen for normal judicial activities from Monday.

The judiciary workers, under the aegis of JUSUN, Ekiti chapter, had embarked on a nationwide strike for seven months to press home demand for improved welfare packages for members, resulting in the closure of all State High and Magistrate

courts.

The State JUSUN Chairman, Niyi Ogundare, said far-reaching decisions were arrived at during the association’s meeting with the state government with other stakeholders, including the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, in attendance.

Ogundare told journalists after the meeting in Ado-Ekiti that “by the grace of God, the courts shall be reopened on Monday” after the union leaders must have met with the congress.

The JUSUN leader lamented the colossal damage the strike might have caused the judiciary.

NSCIA tasks Muslims on peace, good neighbourliness Gloria Anaeze ONITSHA

N

igerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has urged Muslims to promote peace and good neighbourliness anywhere they find themselves as enshrined in the Qu’ran.

Vice-President of NSCIA, Anambra chapter, Dauda Ajagu, gave the advice yesterday in Onitsha, while speaking on the lessons of the holy month of Ramadan.

Ajagu maintained that Islam was a religion founded on peace and orderliness, adding that those that take to violence without a cause were not following the rightful teachings.

“In our environment in Nigeria, you can see that the closest neighbour to a Muslim is usually a Christian and for the Christian a Muslim.

“So, why can’t we live in peace and promote things that bind us together as humans and a nation?

“Let us remember that the Qu’ran admonishes us to live in peace and conduct

ourselves in a way that would bring and sustain the existing peace in our communities and society at large,’’ he added.

The NSCIA boss, however, called on traders to desist from hiking prices of food stuffs, especially fruits (used in breaking of fast), thus taking the commodities beyond the reach of the common man.

“Please, I plead with market women and men to make prices of food stuffs remain relatively stable for the benefit of all,’’ he said.

The cleric also called on Nigerians irrespective of religious inclination to support the government of President Muhammadu Buhari in his drive to restore the economy as well as internal and territory security of the country.

“Nobody can disunite Nigeria. There is no nation in the world that can be united and peaceful as Nigeria. We should support Mr President.

“I am convinced that he would fulfill his electioneering promises and restore decency and decorum to our society.

Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (5th left); Chief Executive Officer, Traveri NH3 Group International (TNGI), Mr. Innocent Obande (5th right); President of TNGI, Mr. Robert Leth (4th right) and officials of the company, during a working visit to the governor in Enugu, yesterday.

Umahi swears in 18 commissioners, 27 aides Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

G

overnor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State yesterday swore in 18 commissioners, 27 special advisers and board chairmen into various offices.

Last week, the appointees were screened and confirmed by the House of Assembly.

Umahi, while addressing the people during inauguration at Akanu Ibiam International Conference Centre, warned the appointees that it would not be business as usual, but a call to service to help his administration turn

around the state.

He said: “There is no money to give you; you have to be creative, find ways to create wealth and revenue for the state.

“Any appointee that is not ready to work without money should resign immediately.”

He also warned them against victimising politicians, who worked against the victory of the party during the election.

He charged the commissioners to shun corruption and eliminate it in their respective ministries.

They are Emmanuel Onwe (Information and

State Orientation); Mrs. Elizabeth Ogbaga (Commerce and Industry); Mrs. Rebecca Ogbuewu (Women Affairs) and Augustine Nwankwegu (Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice).

Others include Uchenna Orji (Agriculture), Chief Emma Uguru (Power), Sunday Inyima (Lands, Housing and Urban Development), Obinna Nwachukwu (Border Peace and Conflict Resolution), Donatus Njoku (Solid Minerals), Dr. Umezurike Daniel (Health), Akpunike Charles (Sports and Youth Development) and Francis Orji (Water Resources).

Also, Dr. Dennis Eku-

mankama will oversee Ministry of Finance, Ogodo Ali Nome takes charge of Environment, Fidelis Kings will man Works ministry, while Mrs. Euphemia Nwali handles Culture and tourism ministry.

Prof. John Ubochi is Commissioner for Education, while Solomon Okoronwko is in charge of Local Government.

Meanwhile, one of the commissioner-nominees, Sabinus Nwankwegu, was not sworn in because of security issue against him, as was Prince Ama-Ugo Orji over constitutional issue surrounding his appointment.

Thursday, July 2, 2015

I

n the last two weeks, the nation literally grounded to a halt over the inability of the eighth National Assembly to put its house in order and elect for itself its leadership. The emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki as the Senate President and Yakubu Dogara as the Speaker of the House of Representatives was a clear interpretation of the mantra of ‘independence of legislature.’

The nation’s constitution clearly agrees that legislators must be guided by the rules of the National Assembly as well as the constitution of the Federal Republic and not necessarily party laws. But this is not ignoring the fact that the lawmakers are first and foremost party members who should be legislating with the party manifestoes in mind.

However, legislative independence was put to test on the inaugural day of the 8th Assembly when its top leadership was to be instituted. While the ruling party has some personalities in mind to run the legislature, the legislators decided to balance their fate on their own, resulting to a clash with their party.

While most Nigerians appear to interpret the development as rebellion on the part of the legislators for not subjecting themselves to the whims and caprices of the party or ‘party supremacy,’ others argue that democracy would be healthier if the legislative arms is excised from the manipulative tendencies of the party and the cabals.

The resultant conflagration ensuing from this development has refused to be extinguished and the lawmakers have proceeded on forced long vacation, till July 21, but will this bring about the peace in the National Assembly?

The party may as suggested in some quarters apply the sledge hammer on the errant lawmakers or better still just lick its wounds and move on as if nothing has happened.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

8th NASS: Leadership crisis and festering wounds The emergence of Hon. Yakubu Dogara and Senator Bukola Saraki as Speaker, House of Representatives and Presidetn of the Senate respectively, without the approval of their party, All Progressives Congress, APC, has conflagrated not just the party and the legislature but the entire polity. OBIORA IFOH, GEORGE OJI and TORDUE SALEM recount the crisis and the dangerous dimension it is taking.

Emergence of Senate principal officers and the maneuvering Unlike the House of Representatives, last week, the All Progressives Congress, APC, senators were able to maneuver through so many crises and troubled waters and constituted three, out of its four remaining slots of the principal officers of the red chamber which include: Senators Ali Ndume, North-East, as Senate Majority leader, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, North-West, Deputy Leader and France Alimikhena, South-South as the new Deputy Chief Whip.

The only office that is yet to be filled is the Senate Chief Whip, which has been zoned to the South-West geo political region. The filling of the slots, which came almost three weeks after the controversial election of Senator Saraki as the Senate President did not come without serious struggle.

Like the House, there were attempts by some APC senators to stoke crisis that would have scuttled the emergence of the principal officers. However, at the end of the day, those attempts ended up as storm in the tea cup.

Saraki, who was in charge all through the week’s sittings, ensured that he weakened and degraded the ‘trouble makers,’ enough to have his way eventually. It took great tact and wisdom from him to handle the situation.

First, he ensured that the people who eventually emerged were mostly his loyalists. In doing that, Saraki ensured that he was stern, almost to a point of being very brutal, reducing the opposition to a feeble pack.

National Assembly watchers believe that Saraki needed to act that way in order to send very strong signal to his opponents and detractors that he would not brook any nonsense from any of them at all, particularly given the circumstances under which he emerged.

Saraki

Dogara

A polarised Senate

was not yet over.

Thus, when the party came up with its decision that Senators Lawan, Yobe North and George Akume, Benue North West, should be the Senate Leader and Deputy Senate Leader respectively, Saraki and his group knew straight away that the battle was not yet over for them.

APC also nominated Senators Olusola Adeyeye, South-West, and Abu Ibrahim, North West, for the position of Chief Whip Deputy Whip respectively.

Saraki and his group believed that it was inconceivable for them to accept the party recommendations.

Their argument was that accepting the party’s decision would amount to political suicide, because it would mean allowing Lawan group to form the nucleus of the Senate principal and this would simply mean allowing one’s enemies unfettered access to one’s sensitive and volatile territory.

On its part, SLM drew up its own preferred list for the vacant positions. Senators Ali Ndume, North-East; Sani Ahmed Yarima, North-West, were chosen as Senate Majority Leader and Chief Whip respectively. Deputy Majority Leader and Deputy Whip were conceded to the SUF. However, with the backing of the party, the SUF insisted that it was either the supremacy of the party or nothing. Neither of the two separate closed-door meetings called by Saraki could help resolve the matter, as both groups stuck to their guns.

The struggle for the Senate Presidency of the 8th Senate threw up two camps: the ‘Senators of Like Minds’, SLM and the ‘Senator Unity Forum’, SUF. LMS backed Saraki’s candidacy while SUF lined up behind Ahmad Lawan, APC’s preferred candidate.

While SUF members depended on the support of the party apparatus, their rival SLM knew quite clearly that they were on their own and held their fate in their hands.

Having succeeded in installing Saraki as Senate President, it was clear to Saraki and the SLM that the battle

Saraki and his group believed that it was inconceivable for them to accept the party recommendations.

Their

argument was that accepting the party’s decision would amount to political suicide

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

14

Politics

Thursday, July 2, 2015

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

APC’s controversial letter On Tuesday June 22, APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun forwarded two separate letters to Saraki and Dogara respectively. The letters contained the list of the candidates the party said were drawn up after wide consultations.

That of the House listed Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, South-West, as the preferred candidate for House Leader, while Hons Alhassan Ado Doguwa, North-West; M. T. Monguno, North-East and Pally Iriase, South-South, were listed as Deputy House Leader, House Chief Whip and Deputy House Whip respectively.

At the beginning of plenary on Wednesday, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Lagos East, rising under a point of order and citing order 15 of the Senate Standing Rule that deals with matter of breach of personal privileges, argued that the refusal of the Senate President to read the letter or give it consideration in anyway within the last 48 hours in the face of the Senate not having the needed principal officers in place yet, glaringly shows a breach of his privilege had been committed.

He also cited order 28(1), 29(1), 30(1) and 31(1), which states that Senate principal officers from the Leader, down to the Deputy Chief Whip shall be nominated from the party with majority seats in the senate.

He said: “A letter that was written by the chairman of our great party, the APC, was sent here and by the special grace of God, we expected that that letter which has been received in your office, with due respect, would be read in order to see to the resolution of the party’s leadership tussle.”

Surprisingly, Ashafa’s request was opposed by another APC senator, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, Kebbi South, who through a counter point of order, urged the Senate to ignore Ashafa’s request on the ground that “the Majority Leader shall be a senator nominated from and not by the party,” as implied by Ashafa. Saraki overruled Ashafa.

Meanwhile, after two closed door meetings called by Saraki to resolve the issue failed, the Senate President also convened another meeting of the APC caucus at the Senate Hearing Room Three, where the issue once again took center stage.

At the all inclusive meeting, efforts to resolve the matter amicably again failed, almost resulting to a free for all. It was reported that Saraki told the senators that each zonal caucus should meet and present their choices for the offices.

Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, Kaduna North, a member of SUF, was reported to have rejected Saraki’s suggestion, saying it was rather the exclusive preserve of the party to do that. He insisted that the party would bring the names of the officers.

Senator Tayo Alasoadura, Ondo Central, the lone South-West senator in Saraki’s camp, was said to have shouted Hunkuyi down, saying: “Noooh, the party will not decide for us,” questioning the rationale for the choice of Adeyeye by the party, and suggesting instead that Senator Ajayi Boroffice, Ondo North, would have been a better choice.

This outburst was said to have infuriated Senator Kabir Marafa, Zamfara Central, who accosted Alasoadura in anger and pushed him violently, prompting other senators to rush to the scene to rescue him from Marafa’s hands.

Nigerians expect us to really talk about

issues that bother them, which are insecurity, unemployment, but

as long as this

House

is divided, we cannot achieve that.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

8th NASS: Leadership crisis and f

Lawan

Gbajabiamila

It was learnt that Saraki’s group had nominated Francis Alimikhena, the only APC senator from the South-South for the office of the Deputy Chief Whip and Ibrahim as Deputy Senate Leader. But the party opted for Akume who, like Saraki, hailed from the North-Central as Deputy Leader.

Saraki had in his opening remarks before the commencement of the meeting explained that he was ready to work with everyone without any ill feelings with a view to achieving focused leadership as he enjoined his colleagues to bury the hatchet and resolve to work together in the spirit of unity. He also enjoined them to promote a family affair.

He said: “It is time to bury the hatchet and renew that spirit of love, cooperation and trust in one another. The leadership of our party expects us to hit the ground running and the Nigeria populace is waiting to see us in action to deliver on our promises and commitment. Let us start this journey of unity today and let the world see that yes, in the eighth Senate, we are one family. We should not allow ourselves to be distracted by the people around us or be carried away by the noise out there.

Let us remain focused and determined.”

Before the meeting eventually ended, a resolution was taken to allow senators from the various geo political zones meet separately and conduct elections to determine the winners, who would take up the various slots of the principal officers zoned to the region.

On Thursday, June 25, the Senate President read three different letters from the North-East, North-West and South-South caucuses of APC, intimating Saraki of the outcome of their various caucus elections.

A letter from the North-East geo political zone showed that Senator Ali Ndume, Borno-South, emerged winner of the zone’s polls, polling 11 votes to defeat Lawan who polled only two votes. That was how Ndume was declared the Senate Majority Leader.

The outcome of the North-West poll showed Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, Kebbi-North West, emerging winner, and was thus declared the new Deputy Leader. SouthSouth Senator Alimikhena was returned unopposed as the new Deputy Chief Whip.

With this, Saraki and his group finally had their way and ensured that only their loyalists were admitted into the prestigious club of the Senate principal offices.

National Assembly watchers opined that in order to reunite the Senate and bring it back as one body that speaks with one voice, Saraki needs to do more to win the support of all and sundry, irrespective of which political camp they belong. The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is reputed for its cohesion and unity, an attributed that has endeared it to the heart of many.

It needs to reinvent itself in order to return to the path of stabilising the Nigerian polity and provide the needed direction and leadership for the National Assembly.

fireball of uncontrollable crisis, if APC forces its hand discriminately. A disturbing paradox is that Ado Doguwa, Kano-APC, who the party wants as Deputy Leader initiated the crisis.

The same Doguwa, had two weeks earlier with the Kano and Jigawa caucuses, paid a courtesy call on the Speaker, pledging his loyalty and support for his office.

The House’s eruption into a two-hour fracas on Thursday over attempts by Speaker Dogara to effect a close-door session without reading a letter from APC endorsing Gbajabiamila and others as principal officers was a portent.

APC had on Tuesday, June 23, written the Speaker notifying him of its decision to endorse Gbajabiamila, Lagos, as Leader, Doguwa, as Deputy Leader, Monguno, Borno, as Whip, and Iriase, Edo, as Deputy Whip.

The Speaker, who walked into the chamber at 11:02am, directed the chairman, Ad-hoc Committee on Standing Orders of the House, Hon. Orker Jev, BenueAPC, to raise a motion for a closed session.

But mid-way into Hon. Jev’s motion, the House erupted in protest, as Hon. Balarabe Abdullahi Salame, Sokoto-APC and others who claimed to be loyal to the party, made for the mace and the seat of the Speaker.

Doguwa, who went for the mace, was however resisted by chamber staff and parliamentary security and the mace snatched from its platform and taken to the Clerk’s office through the exit door, as the fracas continued.

A defiant Doguwa and his accomplices continued to fire expletives and demanding the ouster of the Speaker, before he was prevailed.

While Dogara supporters, both APC and PDP, formed a protective ring around him on the dais shouting “Sai Dogara” and “APC Shame”, others loyal to Gbajabiamila, shouted “APC” and stressed their belief in the supremacy of the party.

When calm returned and the mace repositioned, Jev, who was described by Hon. Bukar Goni Lawan, YobeAPC, as “acting House Leader,” moved a motion that returned the House to order, before plenary was summarily adjourned to Tuesday, July 21.

The Speaker had before the adjournment, pleaded for peace and understanding by his colleagues, saying: “Events of today are very unfortunate, and as leaders, we must rise beyond partisan interest. This is the House of Nigerian people. We can agree to disagree, but we must put the nation first. We are a very fortunate class. In a nation of 170 million people, only 360 of us are elected to represent our people.

“Nigerians expect us to really talk about issues that bother them, which are insecurity, unemployment, but as long as this House is divided, we cannot achieve that.

I therefore appeal to us that as leaders, all hands must

House of ‘Fisticuffs’ Events unfolding in the House may coalesce into a

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Thursday, July 2, 2015

festering wounds

be on deck to achieve the desired unity to move this nation forward. We will sit down as leaders and make sure these issues are addressed.”

Acting spokesman of the House, Hon. Sani Zoro, APC-Jigawa, also apologised to Nigerians on behalf of the entire House over the fight on the floor, saying: “The House therefore sincerely apologises to Nigerians for the ugly events of today. We reiterate the admonition of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dogara, that the 8th House in fulfillment of its electoral mandate shall devote its time and energy to address the hydra headed problems confronting the nation.”

Rejection of APC nominees for House principal officers A day earlier, APC lawmakers from the North-Central and Imo caucuses had rejected the nominees of the party into the vacant positions of the four principal officers in the House.

The party’s sharing formula angered the two caucuses, who insist they cannot be excluded from leadership positions of the House and condemned the party’s list and vowed to take up the “injustice through all means”.

Leader of the North-Central caucus of the House, Ahman Aliyu Pategi, Kwara-APC, said at a press conference that the region has viewed “with utter disbelief and amazement the purported letter published in the news media stating that the party’s position was taken after due consultation.”

Pategi said as a caucus, comprising over 50 APC lawmakers in the House, the party never consulted them.

The lawmakers said it has been the tradition of the House that after the election of the Speaker and his deputy, other zones fill in the remaining principal office, to represent all the six geo-political zones in the six positions.

They said: “We are also amazed by the directive of the party to the leadership of the House ‘to take necessary action’ on the purported choice made by the party, which we see as a clear usurpation of the powers of the zonal caucuses and their members.

“We therefore strongly reject the purported selection by the party which we see as being in conflict with the principle of federal character as enshrined in the constitution of the federal republic.”

Similarly, the only two APC members from the SouthEast, Chike Okafor and Austin Chukwukere, kicked against the party’s position in sharing the principal officers’ positions.

The duo, from Imo state, said they were surprised at the way the party threw away the spirit of equity and fairness in ceding the remaining four positions to regions that have already secured high offices in the House.

Okafor said what the party ought to have done was to cede to the region more positions as a way of wooing the people of the South-East, instead of further detaching the little presence of the party in the region.

Chukwukere said while they remain obedient party members, the present position of APC has negated the precedence of the past, where any region would have a representative in the leadership of the House.

This came on the heels of another caucus meeting of the South-South, where they threatened to go against the party in their claim of seeming marginalisation in the sharing of the principal officer’s positions.

However, leader of the South-South caucus, Iriase, Edo-APC, eventually made it to the list of the party’s nominees as Deputy Whip.

APC National Executive Council, NEC, called a meeting on Friday to “review the situation in the National Assembly, especially the defiance of the directive of the party on the choice of principal officers by Saraki and Dogara.”

How can the party call for discipline of its principal officers of the House and yet spare the rod against its anointed candidates, Doguwa included?

Francis Suberu

L

agos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has expressed delight over the confirmation of his victory at the April 11 gubernatorial election by the state Election Petition Tribunal, saying it is a welcome development and a reaffirmation of the mandate given to him by the people of the state.

The tribunal headed

by Justice Mohammed Sirajo, had yesterday struck out the petition filed against Ambode’s election by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, following a preliminary objection filed by the counsel to the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN. Chief Olanipekun had

15

Ambode happy over reaffirmation of mandate

...As tribunal strikes out petition against his election argued at the resumed hearing on Thursday, June 25, that the petition should be struck out for being incompetent and that there was no correlation between the reliefs sought by the petitioner and the particulars of application on one hand and the grounds for questioning the election of Mr. Ambode on the other hand.

He stated that there is nowhere in the pleadings where the petitioners attacked the victory of the respondents or questioned the conduct of the election, saying: “I submit that there is no petition before your lordships known to law. There are

no grounds challenging the election of my client under Section 138(b)(c) of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.”

According to him, the court cannot act on sentiment and sympathy of parties, emphasising that sympathy does not override clear provisions of the law.

Reacting to the judgment, Governor Ambode said he was elated at the ruling of the tribunal which according to him stands as an affirmation of his victory at the April polls.

He said: “On April 11, the people of Lagos spoke with their votes about continuity and that is

what the tribunal has just reaffirmed. The task ahead requires concerted efforts from everyone. I urge all my opponents to put the election struggles behind them and in the spirit of sportsmanship join hands with me to take Lagos to the next level.

“It was needless in the first place for the PDP to have petitioned my election which was adjudged to be free, fair and credible. Now that the right thing has been done which of course the people expected, we should all come together above partisanship and move the State forward.”

It said: “We are very jolted and embarrassed that our petition can die prematurely without it been heard on the merit.

“We think there is a miscarriage of justice here. We are interested in the motive and motivators. The panel held that it had jurisdiction to hear our appeal; that our grounds are also competent. It however held that the petition had no life because it didn’t include a

relief for re-election! This is supposed to be determined during the proper trial. In any case, we put as relief a declaration that we be returned as validly elected.

The panel cannot dictate to us what relief to demand.

Why should the panel even expect a relief for re-rerun instead of declaring us as winner?

“We will not allow this miscarriage. Is this the change the All progressives

Congress, APC wants to give us in the judiciary?

“It must have influenced this step knowing well that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s nomination was invalid and he was not qualified to be a valid candidate for the elections. They robbed us at the ballots, they want to do same at the tribunal.

We will pursue this mandate even with the last drop of our blood.”

Tribunal ruling, miscarriage of justice –Lagos PDP Deborah Didi

L

agos state Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has condemned the ruling of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which struck out its petition yesterday.

PDP described the tribunal ruling as manifestly a miscarriage of justice and a monumental draw back in the dispensation of justice.

It has consequently decided to appeal the ruling whilst also considering a report of the obvious miscarriage of justice by the panel to the National Judicial Commission, NJC for necessary disciplinary actions.

The tribunal sitting at Ikeja had yesterday struck out the petition filed by PDP and its candidate, Jimi Agbaje.

The three-man tribunal described the petition as worthless because it did not contain a relief for rerun election.

It would be recalled that the PDP recently raised her hope in winning the petition based on the recent judgment of an Edo Election Petition Tribunal which declared a PDP candidate as winner of the election because the APC did not meet up with the provisions of the electoral act on notice of conduct of party primary.

ACF condemns Akande over statement Robert Awokuse

A

rewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has condemned the statement credited to former chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Chief Bisi Akande and one of the leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, which was published in many newspapers on June 30 that “most northern elites, Nigerian oil subsidy barons and other business cartels never liked President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption political stance.”

In a statement signed and made available to National Mirror yesterday, ACF National Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim, considered such remark as uncharitable and a deviation from the main agenda

of change which Nigerians voted for.

Ibrahim noted that the era of tribal and religious politics or inciting one tribe against the other has no place in the present political dispensation.

He said: “It is sad that an elder statesman in the person of Chief Akande, who worked so tirelessly with other Nigerians to form APC which subsequently won the 2015 elections at the federal level and many states, would now say that the crisis in the National Assembly is a ‘conspiracy of the North against the Yoruba,’ this is most disturbing.”

Speaking on the crisis ravaging the party, Ibrahim noted: “The crisis rocking the ruling APC over the election of the National Assembly presiding officers and the composition of principal officers is not only of concern to

the ruling party but to all Nigerians in view of the ugly development in both chambers of the National Assembly.”

Ibrahim further submitted that the crisis in the National Assembly should be addressed through the party’s internal mechanism of resolving conflicts and not through reckless and unguarded statements by elders that are supposed to be reservoirs of wisdom.

He therefore appealed to Nigerians to show decorum and civility in their utterances, as all hands should now be on deck to move the nation forward.

He said: “President Buhari needs the support and understanding of all Nigerians especially his party men and women to clean the mess he inherited. Nigerians expect so much from Buhari’s administration. Please help and allow him to perform.”

16

Politics

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Mass sack: Ishaku ignorant of Taraba problems –Ex ag. Gov Umar Olajide Omojolomoju

F

ormer acting governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Garba Umar has condemned the ongoing mass retrenchment of workers employed during his administration, saying the action shows the state governor, Darius Ishaku, is ignorant of the state problems.

Umar in a statement signed by the spokesman, Garba Umar Political Organisation, Aaron Artimas, said the problem in the state is not that of over-bloated staff but outright stealing or unbridled corruption through odorous and nauseating behaviors like the cancerous ghost workers syndrome.

Artimas noted that with “Taraba has not formally recruited staff for over 20 years except during Alhaji Umar who

recruited out of very serious need to ameliorate the situation.

“The comical reversal of recruitments and transfers of all staff since November 2012 clearly demonstrates that the government is completely ignorant of the problems of Taraba state.”

Saying that Taraba has over 20,000 vacancies in its public service because nearly 70 percent of staff inherited from defunct Gongola State have either retired or died, Umar said: “Many departments and key sectors like administration, fire service, judiciary, land and survey, education and health now have less than 40 percent of their required staff strength.

“In the teaching service alone there are more than 6,000 vacancies as most of our schools and colleges have no teachers while they continue to churn out poor results.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Igbo group preaches unity among Nigerians Olajide Omojolomoju

A

group, The Igbo Conscience, TIC, yesterday advocated for harmonious and peaceful co-existence among the Igbo and their various host communities across the country, expressing the belief that this was paramount to national unity and integration.

At its maiden press briefing yesterday in Lagos, TIC, speaking through its protem chairman, Mr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, said it came into existence given the rising concern over the safety and interests of Ndigbo in a Nigeria polar-

ized along ethnic and religious lines, particularly following the outcome of the last general elections.

TIC said it was a group of well meaning Igbo professionals of diverse fields of human endeavour, “committed to building a sustainable relationship between Ndigbo and other tribes in Nigeria.”

In attendance at the briefing were TIC protem secretary, Peter Claver Opara; Chris Nwokoabia, Oby Onu, Okey Nwanguma, Chief Garby Dimude, among others.

Ubani said: “We came to a situation where hate, anger and mistrust had come to define our existence, living in such a way that many Nigerians, along

tribal lines, see other Nigerians as enemies that must be crushed for them to survive.

“Under such scenario, we feel the Nigerian project remains perpetually sabotaged and Ndigbo remain endangered from such dangerous worldview.”

He said with xenophobia threatening to catch up with Nigeria, TIC felt it had gotten to a time “Nigerians must come together and meld a country where no one was oppressed.”

He added: “We feel Ndigbo must bond with other Nigerians for them to excel in whatever they do, most especially, we feel it has come to a time we must work fully on the task of working on building a common

platform of understanding and unity that will unite all Nigerians as one and not fan divisive embers that diminish us individually and collectively.”

For it to achieve its aim of building a better and united nation, TIC would identify with progressive and informed Igbo professionals to work for the interests of Ndigbo while not undermining the interests and well- being of others.

It said it would also work with groups with similar worldview from other ethnic groups in Nigeria, adding: “As it stands today, our main focus is to work to strengthen and build on the frayed relationship between Ndigbo and Yoruba in Lagos and elsewhere.

Bayelsa 2016: Siasia to run on PDP platform Francis Suberu

C

hairman of Mosilo Group and Nigerian Young Professional Forum, NYPF, Mr. Moses Siloko Siasia, has declared his intention to contest the 2016 governorship election in Bayelsa State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Siasia, one of leading African business men recently listed by Choiseul Institute for International Politics and Geo-economics in its ranking of top 200 young economic leaders of Africa said the high level underdevelopment in the state informed his intention to vie for the governorship position.

In a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists yesterday, Siasia said he decided to heed the outcry of his people after wide range consultation with family, friends and other stakeholders in the state.

He said: “For too long, my people have suffered from political oppression.

Despite being one of the wealthiest states in Nigeria, with abundance of natural resources, Bayelsa has one of the highest unemployment rates in Nigeria.

Our children do not have modern schools or tools to educate them. Our students

abroad are stranded without resources to complete their education.

“Our infrastructure has been neglected resulting in dangerous impassable roads, lack of potable water, and basic human hygiene.

Our older citizens have been abandoned and left to die in poverty and poor health. Our young, internationally educated young men and women have been denied the opportunity to run for office, and are told that the office of the governor is not for boys.”

He therefore urged other proven successful businessminded professionals to join him in the bid to rescue the state and reposition it for greatness.

Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong (left) and wife of Kaduna State Governor, Hajia Asia El-Rufai, during her courtesy visit to Jos, yesterday.

Lai Mohammed’s 9th Ramadan Lecture holds today Olajide Omojolomoju

T

he 9th annual Ramadan Lecture organised under the aegis of the Lai Moham-

med Ramadan Lecture Series will hold today, July 2, at the Muslim praying ground, Oro, Kwara State, at 10 a.m. prompt.

The organiser, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the

Ramadan Lecture is an annual event which attracts political and religious leaders as well as captains of industries from far and near.

Unarguably the big-

Group cautions against politicising TETFUND •Applauds Bogoro Ezekiel Titus BAUCHI

P

eace and Mobilisation Group of Nigeria, PMGN, has cautioned against politicizing the office of the executive secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, even as it applauded the occupant of the office, Prof Suleiman Elias Bogoro, for turning around the education sector, compared to the past.

PMGN also warned all and sundry against un-

guarded utterances deliberately intended to drag Bogoro’s integrity into the mud, and especially linking him to politics, saying that his appointment was effected to correct the ills and decay in education sector.

Addressing a press briefing in Bauchi, PMGN president, Alhaji Sani Musa, said Bogoro’s appointment came at a time the nation was in dire need of credible and technocrats to implement the All progressives Congress, APC agenda.

Musa said Bogoro’s appointment has brought

gradual improvement to education in the areas of infrastructures, learning materials, easy accessing to TETFUND funds for genuine development in all tertiary institutions unlike in the past where bureaucracy was a major setback.

He said: “It is noteworthy that most of tertiary institutions now enjoy access to reference books with the introduction of e-library by Bogoro, aimed at bringing education to door step of all categories of Nigerian students, apart from plans that have reached advance

stage for TETFUND to establish its office in all the six geo-political zones for proper coordination of its activities in providing structures to tertiary institutions irrespective of their locations.”

It therefore expressed displeasure with recent campaign of calumny against Bogoro, in spite of his monumental giant strides in TETFUND, which it ascribed to a faceless coalition leader, who it said wanted to link Bogoro to politics.

Musa said: “Honestly,

gest Islamic event during the holy month of Ramadan in the Kwara South senatorial district, the Ramadan lecture has paraded guest lecturers in the moulds of reputable Islamic scholars like Dr Femi Abbas, a columnist; Sheikh Ahmad AbdulRahman, the National Missioner of Ansar ud deen Society of Nigeria; Alhaji Abdul Lateef Bello, the Chief missioner of the AlFaith-ul Quareeb Islamic Society of Nigeria, Otta Branch and reputable clerics from within and out of Kwara State at various times in the past.

This year’s lecture will be delivered by Khalifah Muhyideen Nojimudeen Al’kubra 11, Chief Missioner of Al’Rahman Islamic Center, United Kingdom.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Views

Thursday, July 2, 2015

17

Why bad eggs must leave the legal profession CRITICAL STROKES

KAYODE

KETEFE

kketefe@nationalmirroronline.net 08032147720 (SMS only)

W

e are supposed to be in an era of ‘change’, and Nigerians naturally expect changes across the whole gamut of socio-economic and political constellation. One of the areas this ‘change’ is required is justice administration. The primary stakeholders in this sector are lawyers and judges - they make up the legal profession.

The importance of the legal profession rests on the fact that the concept of justice is the fabric that holds the society together. The problem of unethical lawyers is, therefore, a major drawback to effective justice administration anywhere. The war against bad eggs in the legal profession has been waged since the advent of legal profession in Nigeria.

However, it appears that the battle seems to be getting more deservedly severe.

Every profession has disciplinary machinery by which it upholds its ethical integrity. There are two bodies in the legal profession for this task: the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee, (LPDC) and

National Judicial Council (NJC). The LPDC is a body charged with the responsibility of ensuring adherence to the ethics of the profession, while NJC deals with the discipline of the judicial officers.

The LPDC gets its power from the provisions of Section 10 of the Legal Practitioners Act, which provides thus: “There shall be a committee to be known as the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee which shall be charged with the duty of considering and determining any case where it is alleged that a person whose name is on the Roll has misbehaved in his capacity as a legal practitioner or should for any other reason be the subject of proceedings under this Act.” There is also Rules of Professional Conduct that guides conducts of lawyers which the LPDC also invokes to impose sanctions.

Over the years, the popular impressions have been that the Committee has not been very active in baring its punitive fangs against unethical lawyers. It is, however, not that erring lawyers have not been getting punished, what the critics are saying is that the rate of those who are getting punished is low compared to the number of complaints lodged against legal practitioners every year.

It has also been alleged that some complaints were not even investigated at all, not to talk of anybody getting punished. Some of the allegations that have been lodged against lawyers over the years till present included mismanagement or conversion of clients funds, showing contempt to court,

THE WAR AGAINST BAD EGGS IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION HAS BEEN WAGED SINCE THE ADVENT OF LEGAL PROFESSION IN

NIGERIA

perjury, deliberately misleading clients for personal gains, attempting to bribe judges to pervert the course of justice, indulging in conducts unbecoming of lawyers like engaging in physical fights within court premises, etc.

There is a general consensus among lawyers and other stakeholders that there is increasing breach of the ethics of the profession compared to the standards that obtained in the past. In apparent response to this perception, the LPDC seems to be shaking off its proverbial lethargy by moving against the breakers of the rules. Within the last three years not less than 10 lawyers have been derobed by the LPDC, while not less than 50 lawyers have been queried after the Committee believed it had received prima facie allegations worthy of investigation against them.

In 2013, the LPDC directed the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, who has custody of the Roll of Legal Practitioners in Nigeria, to strike out the names of six lawyers from the said Roll with immediate effect on the grounds

that the said lawyers were guilty of professional misconducts. Two more lawyers were suspended. The six lawyers who were derobed are Timipa Okponipere, Dr. Yakubu Fobur, Anozie Ibebunjo, Dominic Ntiero, G.C Monyei, and J.A Agwuncha. The two lawyers who were suspended for five years each are Mr. Olawale Ojoge-Daniel and Mr. Lanre Mabawonku. Between March 3 and 12, 2015, the Committee entertained not less than 25 cases against lawyers!

In May this year, the Committee barred a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Kunle Kalejaye, from further practising as a lawyer after he was adjudged guilty of professional misconduct by a five-man panel of the LPDC, led by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa. The alleged offence against Chief Kalejaye was that he engaged in “private and confidential telephone conversation” with the chairman of the Osun State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, Justice Thomas Naron, without the knowledge of the other party.

Nigeria, as the largest economy in Africa and a natural leader of the Black people on numerous fronts, surely needs a very strong Bar composing of upright fit and proper professionals. The Bar must, therefore, constantly engage in self-cleansing to ensure the bad eggs do not disparage the image of the profession and undermine people’s confidence.

Ketefe may be followed on twitter @ Ketesco

Buhari and the challenge of terrorism OLALEKAN WAHEED ADIGUN

T

he reality today in Africa is the challenge of terrorism. We have had to cope with the deadly acts perpetrated by the notorious al-Shabab in Somalia, Tanzania and recently in Kenya. We are equally witnesses to the ruthlessness of Boko Haram in Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Chad. We need not forget so soon the havoc wrecked by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda for many years. In the centre of this reality is the question of overcoming this monster of terrorism!

During the 2015 presidential election campaign, President Muhammadu Buhari made it clear that top of his priorities when elected as Nigerian president is to see the end of terror and its attendant evils in Nigeria. This was at the period when the dreaded Boko Haram was at the peak of their nefarious activities in the north eastern region of the country.

It is on this note that President Buhari gave an unusual order in his inaugural address to the nation on May 29, 2015 for the Military High Command to with immediate effect relocate to Maiduguri, the ancient capital of Nigerian north eastern region, which is also the terrorists’ stronghold. This order has been given different interpretations from several quarters within and without Nigeria. Irrespective of anyone’s interpretation(s) of the order, one thing is clear: Fighting terrorism requires taking some hard and tough choices like moving the entire military brass to the

TERRORISM POSES UNUSUAL CHALLENGES AND DEFEATING IT WILL

REQUIRE SOME RADICAL, UNCONVENTIONAL, AND

IN SOME CASES, STRANGE DECISIONS FROM THE POLITICO-MILITARY LEADERSHIP terrorists’ strongholds!

Like I have always said on this matter, terrorism poses unusual challenges and defeating it will require some radical, unconventional, and in some cases, strange decisions from the politico-military leadership. No one recalls terrorism being a “Nigerian” issue some two decades ago.

Terrorism was almost missing from Nigerian glossary of terms over a decade ago, but it features prominently today. This is why it must never be taken lightly. It is on this note that the recent formation of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) led by Nigeria against Boko Haram makes a lot of sense.

Since the new administration was sworn-in about two weeks ago, the terrorists have done their very worst in their intensified assaults against the Nigerian state. In doing all these, the terrorists may only be taking the very chance that the Buhari government is yet to properly formed.

This is why I will advise Mr. President to cut short his “honeymoon” and get to work before things get out of hand!

On my part, I will advocate that Nigeria must wake up to his historical role of providing leadership at the continental level. The formation of the MNJTF is welcome, but that alone will not be enough to defeat terrorism. Nigeria provided leadership during the struggle against colonialism. Nigeria must canvass for the African Union (AU) to take a stand against terrorism. It must insist the Union put its feet down and roar ferociously against the insurgents in any part of the continent. President Buhari must, in his capacity as AU Chairman, canvass for an AU High Command, a special anti-Terror Squad, or under any appropriate name, comprising volunteers from member-states in Africa’s bid to conquer insurgency.

For so long, it appears the AU fell asleep immediately it achieved its mandate of “eradicating colonialism in Africa.” One would have thought that since all African countries are now politically independent, the AU would have sought a new mandate, which should naturally be, “eradicating terrorism, insurgency and poverty in Africa.” One will equally have thought that the change of name from the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) to its present name would have meant a change in approach, philosophy, tactics, mandate and perspectives.

The AU must come to the realisation that the rise of insurgency on the continent is a direct attack on its corporate

existence. This is where President Buhari must prove to be the difference!

Some may question the workability of our proposal. We would then be quick to point out that Nigeria is on record to have helped funded the powerful OAU organ, the Liberation Committee. The Committee, with its Secretariat in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania trained guerrilla fighters in African leaders’ determination to achieve the core mandate of the defunct OAU. Nigeria supported groups such as the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, the South West African People’s Organisation(SWAPO), Front for the Liberation of Mozambique(FRELIMO) and the likes. Probably OAU’s support for these groups made it difficult for it to give a definition to the word “terrorism” at that period. If the same passion deployed to fight colonialism is deployed in our war against insurgency, it is only a matter of time before we prevail!

This is just a piece of advice to President Muhammadu Buhari on this matter.

Adigun, a politician, academic and researcher, wrote from Lagos via adgorwell@gmail.com and could be followed on twitter @adgorwell 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 July 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

SUNDAY OLAJIDE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO BEN MEMULETIWON ACTING DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN SUNDAY EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

Revocation of pipeline protection contracts

T

he Federal Government recently cancelled the overly politicized pipeline protection contracts awarded to some (ex?) - militant leaders in the Niger Delta area and their counterparts from the coastal areas of Ondo State by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Officers of the Nigerian Army and their colleagues from the Nigerian Navy were reportedly ordered to take over pipeline protection from the ethnic militiamen, whose juicy contracts amounting to billions of naira exacerbated oil theft instead of abating the criminal escapade believed to be thriving with the support of those to whom the custody of the nation’s oil wealth is entrusted, directly and indirectly.

Recall that in the first quarter of this year, Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Ohi Alegbe, confirmed that the corporation renewed and extended pipeline protection contracts awarded to mostly ex-leaders of militant groups operating in oil-bearing communities. Such contracts which raised public eyebrows were first awarded in 2011. Among the beneficiaries then were firms owned by Mr. Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) $22 million; Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo $9 million; Boyloaf

and Tom Ateke $3.8 million each.

With the renewal and extension of the contracts, however, more ex-militant leaders in the Niger Delta region, and Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) leaders in the South-West, joined the fray about March, 2015.

Hopefully, however, the oddity is over. For, outrageous losses being sustained by the FG as a result of crude oil theft were said to be the main reasons for the award of the contracts. But the stealing, instead of being scaled down, escalated beyond the imagination of Nigerians. Early in the second quarter of 2012, former Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke, disclosed that the country was losing 180,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) to crude oil thieves, which translated to $7 billion annually.

In addition, according to her, the oil industry between 2011 and 2012 spent $5 billion on the repair of pipelines vandalised by oil thieves, reflecting a total annual loss of $12 billion. Ex-Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, also said in 2013 that Nigeria was losing N155 billion monthly to oil thieves. Later, the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Usman Jibril, added that Nigeria was still losing N1.18 billon daily to oil theft.

It was, indeed, a huge loss when added to the oil pipeline protection contract drain-pipe which the

OIL PIPELINE PROTECTION CONTRACTS COMPROMISED THE

NATION’S SECURITY AND EMBOLDENED

THE IMPUNITY OF EXMILITANT LEADERS Jonathan administration patronised, due, perhaps, to the fact that it was overwhelmed by the enormity of the security challenge; or the government just wanted to sustain job for the ‘boys’. It was obvious that the militants abused the privilege. Allison-Madueke once said so. And whereas NNPC’s spokesman, Alegbe claimed the contracts did not in any way undermine the responsibility of Nigeria’s regular security agencies, the contrary was the case. A huge compromise was in place, which will help explain why the Muhammadu Buhari government had no qualms sending the ‘security contractors’ packing.

In 2013, former President Olusegun Obasanjo raised strong objection against the contract awards. “I heard that they are going to setup an agency for pipeline protection. What are the police there for? What are all the securities agencies that we have there

ON THIS DAY

July 2, 1964

July 2, 2010

United States’ President Lyndon B. Johnson, signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, meant to prohibit segregation in public places. It is a landmark piece of civil rights legislation in the US that outlawed major forms of discrimination against racial, ethnic, national and religious minorities and women. It ended unequal application of voter registration requirements and racial segregation in schools, etc.

The South Kivu tank truck explosion in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) killed at least 230 people and injured 196 others. The truck explosion took place late in the afternoon of July 2. A tank truck travelling from Tanzania overturned in the village of Sange in South Kivu, and later exploded, resulting in the deaths.

The village of Sange is located near the Congo-Burundi border.

for?”, Obasanjo wondered. The general public impression given, as we warned then, was that the nation’s security community lacked what it takes to protect the nation and its resources. We cannot, even at this stage, claim to be vindicated as yet, until the Nigerian Army and Navy now charged with the responsibility make a difference. We insist, however, that without official conspiracy from the powers that be and the bad eggs in the security agencies detailed to protect oil pipelines, oil theft will not attain the terrifying surfeit inherited by the Buhari administration.

Oil pipeline protection contracts compromised the nation’s security and emboldened the impunity of ex-militant leaders. The same ex-militant leaders were beneficiaries of FG’s amnesty and other rehabilitation programmes, unfortunately. They also indulged in reckless and provocative utterances and actions that generated bad blood and heat in the polity, all because Jonathan had a very soft spot for them. Their nuisance would have continued had there not been a change of government.

But the Nigerian Army and Navy should also be ready for public angst and interrogation should they reduce themselves to the revellers and thieves that Nigerians felt the discredited pipeline protection contractors were.

July 2, 2013 A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck the province of Aceh on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, killing at least 42 people and injuring 420 others. Earthquakes are common in Sumatra as it lies at the convergent boundary where the Sunda Plate is subducting beneath the Indo-Australian Plate. In 2004, Sumatra was devastated by the Sumatra–Andaman earthquake and the resultant tsunami killed tens of thousands.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, July 2, 2015

19

Education Today Let TETFund concentrate on select schools 23

Okebukola proffers solution to insurgency ... wants curriculum geared towards religious tolerance

While schools should make sure staff,

Saidat Alausa

R

enowned educationist, Prof. Peter Okebukola, last week, took a critical look at the pervasive problem of insurgency in the African region, especially in the education sector where extremist individual and groups now seem to have a free reign of terror against the people, especially students, and warned that all Africa governments as well as proprietors of schools must act decisively and take security matters very seriously to reverse the ugly trend.

Delivering the 10th convocation lecture of Covenant University titled, “Higher Education and Africa’s Future: Doing What is Right” last week, the former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, NUC, said safety in schools which he described as “a small animal in the education sector with a loud roar,” has become a global concern that must be tackled.

He explained that no country is exempted, noting that narratives of practices and actions which harm members of the schooling community including students, teachers and administrators have rented the airwaves over the last ten years. And these, he declared, should be accorded more attention.

For a start, he says “the obnoxious and warped ideologies” of Jihadist groups which abhor schooling, especially of girls and women must be addressed fully as this cannot be demolished by a few trite statements of condemnation.

Not only that, Okebukola, who is also the Chairman of Council, Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State counselled that measures for safety in schools must be adopted and these should include physical screening of perimeter of schools against intruders with installed CCTV coverage, while all areas within and immediately outside the school should be designed with safety in mind. Also, according to the scholar, access into schools should be controlled and visitors should be well monitored while safety problems should be reported quickly and appropriately addressed by schools authorities.

students and visitors are safe, they also need to make sure that as citizens of

tomorrow, students are helped to become risk aware.

Okebukola According to him, a planned approach is needed not just to prevent physical and psychological danger to both staff and students but to build a culture of safety consciousness linked to the university curriculum where teaching young people can develop their capability to assess and manage risks associated with schooling.

“While schools should make sure staff, students and visitors are safe, they also need to make sure that as citizens of tomorrow, students are helped to become risk aware without becoming unnecessarily risk averse,” he stressed.

In the case of Nigeria, the education ex-

‘No room for indiscipline in Ogun schools’ 20

pert said the Boko Haram insurgency can be halted in its tracks through several interventions especially by toning up the basic education curriculum to which all 6 to 15 years olds are exposed “because Boko Haram is about ideology and indoctrination.”

“The Nigerian Educational research and Development Council which is charged with curriculum development and renewal should embed topics in all subjects in the basic education curriculum that can steer the young hearts and minds of Nigerian children and youth away from religious violence and jihadist tendencies.”

He said the message of religious toler-

‘UNICAL VC’s job: I’m a better candidate’ 21

ance should hit the children from all sides in every subject they learn and every day in school. “Even the school anthem should contain a line or two which promotes temperate living.”

The lecturer also said that teachers should be trained in efficient and effective ways of delivering the curriculum. Another angle of attack through education according to him is to invest in child-friendly schools and resuscitation of the school feeding programme.

“Schools should compete in demonstrating that they are amenable to Boko Haram incursion and stepping up of the delivery of entrepreneurial education at all levels of the educational system so that products of basic and higher education are better tooled to work because Boko Haram feasts on idle hands.”

Narrowing it to the university, Okebukola said there is need to rework the General Studies curriculum to ensure inculcation of socio-politico-ethno-religious tolerance.

“We should gear teacher education curriculum in a way that all faculties of education should prepare a new breed of teachers who are able to foster ethno-religious harmony in schools.

“Also six universities, one in each of the geopolitical zones, should be kitted for research and development in weapons and surveillance systems, strengthening the delivering of peace and conflict studies in the universities.”

The lecturer also added that the AssociaCONTINUED ON PAGE 21

FUTA student to represent Africa in Microsoft contest 21

20

Education Today

Thursday, July 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Educationist urges patronage of mission schools

L-R: Principal, King’s College, Lagos, Otunba Dele Olapeju; Chairman, School Board Management Committee, Mr. Samuel Agun and Chairman, Parent\Teacher’s Forum, Chief Emmanuel Oriakhi at a press conference to react to a media report on the state of the college, on Tuesday

Richard Ndoma CALABAR

A

renounced educationist based in Cross River State, Mrs Okang Assim-Ita has charged parents to take advantage of mission schools to educate their children.

Giving the advice, she stated that this was necessary in that mission schools give children all-round education.

According to her, mission schools have capacity to develop a child mentally, morally and physically for them to stand a better chance for employment and productive activities after school.

Assim-Ita, who is the Head Teacher of Presbyterian Church of Nigeria George Memorial Nursery/Primary School, Ikot Omin, Calabar made the assertion in Calabar at the 2015 Inter House Sport competition by the schools in the state.

The teacher maintained that sport is a veritable tool in human development and stressed that “the essence of competitions such as this is to catch the children young.”

Events competed for by the pupils include match past, foot balling, catching the train, filling the basket, 100 and 50 meters for both boys and girls, threading the middle, among others.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman on the occasion, Elder Willey Okokon, who is one time Chairman Cross River State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, encouraged parents to send their children to mission schools.

The former NUJ chairman frowned at the current trend in society where children are no longer do physical exercise such as trekking long distance, cutting of grass or engaging in manual work.

ERC commiserates with OOU students

E

ducation Right Campaign, Ogun State chapter has commiserate with the students of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State over the untimely death of some students of the university along the Sagamu-Benin expressway, last week.

In a release by the body and signed by the acting state coordinator, Ayo Ademiluyi and made available to National Mirror, ERC said the nature of the fatal accident in which a truck laden with a container had an head-on collision with the commercial bus in which the students were travelling is a metaphor of the backward conditions of life in present day Nigeria.

“If the railways were working as they should, there would be no need for trucks on our roads as haulage of heavy goods especially across great distances would be restricted to the railways.”

Commiserating with their parents and families for the huge loss that the death of their wards might cause, Ademiluyi said ERC is in support of the mass actions that have been undertaken by the students and the demand that all the culprits of the ignoble act be brought to book.

He also called for the improvement of health care facilities and emergency response and rescue agencies across the state to ensure timely response which can help victims during such mishaps.

No room for indiscipline in Ogun schools —Commissioner Tunbosun Ogundare

T

eachers in public secondary schools in Ogun State have been urged to sharpen their skills so as to sustain good academic record of students in the state.

The Commissioner 1 of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Otunba Timothy Adebowale gave the charge while monitoring activities of teachers in some of the schools in the state, recently.

Discovering some teachers forming the habit of teaching without lesson notes, the commissioner explained that lesson notes

Justin Tyopuusu JALINGO

P

rincipal of Government Science Senior Secondary School (GSSSS), Jalingo, Taraba State, Mr. Ignatius Jellason has debunked allegations that some students of his school were involved in secret cult activities right inside the school.

National Mirror recalls that there has been a great concern among parents in the state in re-

not only served as guideline, it also a way of ensuring that teaching is based on syllabus.

The Press Officer of the commission, Mr. Tolulope Ogunjimi in a release, said Adebowale also encouraged the teachers to ensure they always sign their lesson notes from their principals or heads of department before going to classes.

According to him, the era of teaching without lesson notes is over and no teacher will be allowed again to teach without a well-prepared and dully signed lesson note. ”Preparing lesson notes will not only help the teachers equipping themselves well for class but will also help the students

to assimilate and perform well in their studies and examinations,” he stressed.”So the era of indiscipline is no more in the state.”

For students, Ogunjimi urged them to make judicious use of the instructional materials distributed to them by the state government, saying that was the only way to justify the essence of the investment.

Earlier in his address of welcome, the Principal of Adenrele High School (Senior) Ifo, Mr. Ebenezer Ogundele assured that the teachers under his supervision would teach in accordance with guidelines and remain committed to achieving excellence at work.

We don’t have cultists in GSSSS Jalingo —Principal cent time that some students of the school and their counterparts in other public schools in the state were engaging in cult activities.

But the principal of the school who debunked the claim, describing it as a mere rumour said the recent fight among some female students in the school was as a result of mere misunderstanding and not a

cult clash as being insinuated.

He said although, some parents transferred their children elsewhere but the action had nothing to do with alleged cultism.

The principal, who observed that the students were too young to be linked with cult related activities, however warned that the school authority would not hesitate to expel any student

found to be engaging in such social vice.

He said the school had set up a taskforce to monitor activities of students and enforce discipline accordingly.

He used the medium to appeal to the state government to employ more science teachers and additional infrastructure that would boost learning in the school.

Be digital-complaint, Redeemer VC tells university administrators powers to compete favourably the internet has globalised all with other institutions of higher human activities. We have no learning, especially our foreign choice than to be digital compliant,” he said. ice-chancellor, Redeem- counterparts.

Prof. Adeyewa also disclosed “We live in a digital world where er’s University, Ede, Osun State, Prof. Debo Adeyewa, has reiterated the need for university administrators to avail themselves of the wide range of opportunities of being digital-complaint.

According to him, without computer literacy it would be impossible to compare favourably with foreign universities.

He said this during his interaction with the Registry Department of the institution at its yearly celebration.

L-R: Librarian, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dr. Mulikat According to him, “As uni- Salaam; Registrar, Mr. Mathew Ayoola; Bursar, Mr. Moses Ilesanmi and versity administrators, we must the Acting Head, Internal Audit, Mr. Olufisayo Amubode during a oneday awareness workshop, organised by the Bursary Department of the ensure that we do all within our institution, recently.

Saidat Alausa

V

that as an institution, the university is set for global relevance.

“The task may appear difficult but we know that it is not impossible. Things are changing very fast and we must not be left behind.”

The Vice-Chancellor added that the world is ready to compensate people who are ready to multi-task through digital skills.

He, however, assured that the institution would equip all staff digitally by providing Office 360 whereby the staff will be able to connect through their desktop.

Earlier in her opening remark, the Registrar and convener, Mrs. Bolatito Oloketuyi, said the purpose of the event was to take stock of the department operations and re-energise towards achieving success in their job.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, July 2, 2015

FUTA student to represent Africa in Microsoft contest Tunbosun Ogundare

A

100-level student of Electrical\ Electronic Engineering, Federal U n iv e r s i t y of Technology, Akure ( F U TA ) , Okusenogu Mr. Saviour Okusenogu will be representing Africa at the “Microsoft Youthspark Challenge for change contest” coming up this August in Nicaragua. The competition is organised

by Microsoft Corporation to encourage young people to create and work on ideas that change the society for better using technology.

Okusenogu got the ticket for the global event out of over 2,000 contestants from Africa based on his emergence as one of the 10 winners of the initial stage of the competition at the regional level held earlier. And for the achievement, he was rewarded with US$2,500 cash, a Surface Pro 3 Computing System, a window phone, a flight ticket to Nicaragua. He is also named as Microsoft Youthspark Advocate.

The university’s spokesman, Mr. Adegbenro Adebanjo in a press release said Okusenogu’s project which won him the honour is titled: “Become Inspired in Science and Engineering Technology (BISET).”

He noted that the work encouraged many more youths including those in secondary schools to embrace science and technology as a career.

In his remark, the Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola, delighted with the achievement of Okusenogu said Okusenogu’s achievement was further reaffirming quality the university is known for in knowledge and character.

‘UNICAL VC’s job: I’m a better candidate’

In this interview with RICHARD NDOMA, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), University of Calabar and one time Commissioner for Education in Cross River State, Professor Zana Akpagu speaks about his ambition to become the next vice-chancellor of the university and other sundry issues. Excerpts:

A

more than eight years. So you cannot claim to be knowledgeable about the needs and concerns of the system you are not part of.

They will need to be re-integrated into the system while I am in it already.

Could you please tell us why you are vying for the position of the Vice-Chancellor of this university?

That is simple. I am propelled by the passion of being an alumnus of the university to run for the office. I had my first and second degrees here and I have also worked for many years in the institution. So, I know the university very well as a student and as a teaching staff.

I have good grasp of the problems of the institution having spent my lifetime teaching in the university. I am also propelled by the passion to move my Alma Mata to the next level.

I want to transform the University of Calabar to one of the best universities in the world and perhaps transform it to a worldclass ICT-based institution.

I think I have acquired enough work experience. In addition to that, I have a very wide political exposure having served as Commissioner for Education under Duke`s administration and as a Special Adviser on Special Duties under Imoke`s administration. It is these experiences that I want to bring to bear in the office. I was once a Dean of Students’ Affairs under Ivara Esu. I had also been a member of the governing council of this same university. I had been Dean of Faculty of Arts and now I am the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of administration.

We want to make the university one of the most sought after university in Nigeria.

That is our aim and our mission. Right now, we are ranked 37th in the country and that is a very poor rating.

What we want to do is to make sure we increase the standard of our university by instilling academic excellence so that we can be ranked among the best in the country.

In the face of other strong contenders for the position, how do you see your

RCCG organises free Maths holiday coaching ll is set by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Kings Court Parish, Ikeja, Lagos to organise an holiday Mathematics coaching for the senior secondary school students irrespective of religion affiliations and tribes.

The coaching which will take place inside the church auditorium is expected to run between Monday, July 20 and Friday, July 31, 2015 in the morning and afternoon sessions.

The church initiated the free coaching programme as part of its direct contributions to the society to develop the students’ interest in taking and passing the subject largely because of its importance to learning at that level of education.

Assistant Pastor-in-charge of Lagos Province 27 under which the organiser is, Ephraim Osunde in a press release said facilitators would break down the Mathematics techniques to students in the way they would become mastery of the subject.

He stressed that it was disheartening that

21

many students in the country had aversion for the subject despite it is a must for most of them to obtain a minimum of credit pass in the terminal examination.

He noted that to make the coaching more interesting and rewarding for the organiser and participants, the best student in academic and behaviour during the exercise would be presented with a brand new Samsung tablet.

Adeboye

Akpagu chances?

First and foremost, I have an edge over all other contenders because none of them have been Deputy Vice-Chancellor. I have better knowledge and idea of how to run a university more so that I have been acting in the absence of my boss. So I have the best experience to run University of Calabar.

I am the product of the school as well as a member of staff for many years. That is one of the edges I have over them. In any case, that is a scoring point for me. Some of the contenders have been out of the system for

But there is a rumour that the position has been zoned to favour candidate from the Northern Senatorial District of the state where you are from, what exactly is the situation?

That is an unwritten zoning agreement.

It is a moral issue and those who are canvassing for the position to be zoned to the north are saying that in the 40 years of establishment of this university, nobody from the north has ever occupied the post of the VC. The South has so far produced four vicechancellors, namely: Professors Charles Effiong, Solomon Unoh, Ivara Esu and Bassey Asuquo while the Central Senatorial district produced two- Professors Kevin Etta and the incumbent, Epoke. The North has produced none! We are just saying that for equity and fairness, the north should be given a sense of belonging now around. We are part of this state just like we asked in the political arena and the politicians understood and conceded to the north.

At least for the first time, let a governor of this state come from the north, and it came to pass. It is in the same vein that we are also pleading in the interest of equity and justice that the north be allowed to have a shot at that office for the first time.

Okebukola proffers solution to insurgency CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 tion of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) should partner the National orientation Agency as well as State and Federal ministries of information to conduct advocacy in major Nigerian languages in conflict prevention, mediation, resolution and peace building.

He also said that there must be massive reform of Nigeria police through the Nigeria Police Academies and Police University to train officers and other ranks level to work towards producing a new breed of cops for an envisioned new Nigeria.

On how to achieve standard higher education, Okebukola noted that higher education system of Africa is currently not capable of responding fully to the immediate skill

needs in the 21st century.

Listing challenges facing higher education in the continent to include depreciating quality higher education teachers, research capacity deficit, infrastructural and facilities inadequacies and poor quality of entrants into higher education from secondary level, he reiterated that it is only investment in quality of higher education that can change the story of the continent. And this can only be achieved by doing what is right.

The professor of Computer Science explained that there must be refinement of appointment process for teachers, capacity building in pedagogical skills and bridging the gap of the physical facilities of African universities in relative to what is required to deliver university education.

Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Tope Ojo (4th left) with Medical students of College of Medicine, UNILAG from left, Mercy Elijah; Funmilayo Ainatolofari; Okwuokei Nerrisa; Thomas Oyinlola and Uwaire Onikpite, during NMA and Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee World Blood Donors’ Day 2015, in Lagos, recently.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

22

Education Today

NBTE suspends engineering programmes at Idah Poly

N

ational Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has suspended admission of students into all engineering programmes at the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Kogi State.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Board’s Public Relation Officer, Malam Suleiman Gwarzo, in kaduna on Tuesday.

The statement stated that the suspension followed a petition by National Diploma students of the polytechnic.

It stated that the students reported the absence of practical learning in the polytechnic School of Engineering as workshops and laboratories were locked permanently.

They also complained that enrollment of students into the engineering programmes was between 300 and 500.

This according to NBTE was in violation of the approved carrying capacity for the programmes adding that the suspension will continue until all the deficiencies observed are corrected.

Thursday, July 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FUNAAB VC calls for attitudinal change among student leaders Saidat Alausa

T

he Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, has called for attitudinal change among student leaders in the nation’s ivory towers if they are to impact their generation positively.

Professor Oyewole made the call while declaring open a 2-day seminar for FUNAAB student leaders with the theme, “Attitude for Development Leadership.”

The vice-chancellor charged the students to always be peaceful and show maturity in the course of any demand from the authorities.

While challenging Nigerian students to

Oyewole

emulate their counterparts in Europe, Prof.

Oyewole charged participants at the seminar to lead by example while strengthening and promoting development and collabora-

tion with the management in making the university a world-class institution. He however pledged management support towards the building of the proposed FUNAAB Students’ Union Centre.

Dean, Student Affairs, Prof. Yemi Akegbejo-Samsons in his own contribution, disclosed that the workshop was organised to enlarge and expand the knowledge horizon of the student leaders for the task ahead of them.

The President of the Students’ Union, Peter Olajumoke, thanked the vice-chancellor for his magnanimity and kindness for relating with them freely like his own biological children in terms of welfare.

He also appreciated the efforts of the Dean of Student Affairs in ensuring that the training programme eventually took place.

Corps members organise career talk for students Kemi Busari

CORPS MEMBER, KADUNA

T

he Editorial Board of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Kaduna State recently organised a quiz competition and career talk for the secondary school students in Kaduna State.

The programme which was held at the Federal Government College, Malali is part of the Community Development Service (CDS) of the outgoing 2014 Batch B corps members of the Editorial Board.

In his welcome address, the president of the CDS group, Yohanna Musa said the programme was aimed at impacting positively on the students who would soon become leaders of the country.

He enjoined then to learn, relate with one another and imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship as all of them are winners.

Speaking on the topic “Your peer, the pressure and the future”, a corps member, Maureen Joshua said that students fall for peer pressure for different reasons such as curiosity, peer influence and the urge to feel sense of belonging.

Advising them on how to overcome peer pressure, she said that the young ones should stand on their decisions even though it is difficult in today’s society full of decay.

The quiz competition was contested among four secondary schools - Kaduna Capital School, EHCOWAS Discovery Academy, Federal Government College and Government Technical College, all in Kaduna.

At the end of the contest, Federal Government College Malali emerged as first, Capital School second and Government Technical School came third.

The contestants were given certificates of participation while the first, second and third positions were awarded plaques for their performance in the quiz competition.

In her remark, Miss Makun Mercy, one of the staff advisers of the CDS group noted that the outgoing Batch B corps members are hardworking and advised them to remain focus in their endeavours.

L-R: Vice- Principal, junior arm, Whitesands School, Lekki, Lagos, Mr. Emeka Enemuoh; Principal, Dr. David Lorenzo and a parent, Mrs. Ngozi Udohetuk during the launch of “The Sail,” a book written by the students of the school, last week.

Whitesands School grooms creative students

Tunbosun Ogundare

T

he Whitesands School, Lekki, Lagos is strongly supporting its students who have flair for creative arts by showing them the right way to exhibit their talents to live their dreams in the profession.

With this development, the schools last Thursday launched its first ever publication put together by some of its students, in both the junior and senior arms who are between 12 and 16 years old.

Named “The Sail,” an 88-page anthology of creative work is a compilation of poetry, drama, prose fiction, essays, and visual arts.

The principal of the school, Dr. David Lorenzo, told journalists at the launch that the school found the various works by students both in content and form irresistible hence reason for putting them together as a book for now and future references.

He noted that the students were only

asked to submit entries of their various creative works for rating by independent panel of judges, who included the winners of the 2012 and 2013 Nigerian Prize for Literature, Dr. Chika Unigwe and Mr. Tade Ipadeola, respectively. While the former judged the fiction prose category, the latter, who is also the book reviewer judged the poetry works.

“The top three entries considered to be outstanding by the judges in each category are what we put together to become ‘The Sail’ we are launching today,” the principal stressed. “This idea will create healthy rivalry among our students and boost their creative writing skills that they can grow with to earn reasonable income in future.”

A copy of the book however was given free to every student and teacher of the school as well as guest at the launch.

The principal added that the school had resolved to make the publication a yearly event but could not say for now if the school would be producing them in market quantity.

Some of the co-writers spoke to National Mirror shortly after the occasion, expressing their joy for being part of history. They said the efforts and the respective prizes won would spur them to take creative works more seriously.

They include Elton Odoemenam who won Prose Fiction prize with his short story titled: “Beserk”; Tamilore Ogunbanjo with his work titled: “The Mask” won Poetry prize while essay prize went to Chukwuka Omene for “Bullying and Its Many Dimensions.”

Other star prize winners are Chukwudubem Okoli for his painting “Independence,” which was also used as the cover of the book and his counterpart, Fikayomi Olagbemi from junior class for the same category.

In his remark, the editor of the book who is also the English Language teacher of the school, Mr. Kola Olatubosun said keeping the work in a book form is a way of keeping it in public record.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Education Today

Thursday, July 2, 2015

23

Let TETFund concentrate on select schools

T

he emergence of the educational trust fund (ETF) which later metamorphosed into the tertiary education trust fund (TETFund) was a child of circumstance. Towards the late eighties, the imminent collapse of the educational system appeared inevitable; the educational infrastructure was crumbling and dilapidated pieces of equipment littered the higher institutions. The President Ibrahim Babangida administration was jolted into action to constitute the Grey Longe Commission to review the status of higher education in Nigeria in December 1990. Among others, the Longe’s Commission recommended the funding of higher education through a special tax on all companies operating within the territory of Nigeria. This is the genesis of the Educational Trust Fund which later metamorphosed into the Tertiary Education Trust Fund. The Educational Tax Act which was promulgated in 1993 imposed a 2% tax on profits accruing to all companies in Nigeria.

The resultant accumulated funds which later came to be known as the Educational Trust Fund was meant to restore the lost glory of the Nigerian education system.

The ETF was however overburdened by an over-bloated mandate which among others include the disbursement of the funds to Federal, State and Local Government educational institutions including primary, secondary and tertiary institutions for the provision of infrastructure, research equipment, staff development, library development, conference attendance and execution of the 9-year compulsory basic education programme among others.

As a result it made no significant impact on the decaying educational system. An important manifestation of the deterioration was the increase in the twin vices of examination malpractice and cultism, further blighting the already tarnished Nigerian educational system. The realization of the problems of the ETF mandate resulted in the streamlining of its coverage and the transmutation into the tertiary education trust fund in 2011.

Thus the mandate of TETFund was restricted to the tertiary institutions only, with areas of intervention lim-

The disbursement of funds to all institutions failed to address the decay in the educational system in a holistic manner. ited to the provision of essential teaching and learning infrastructure, provision of instructional material and equipment, assisting research and publication and academic training and development. The intervention has however not been able to restore the public university system to its previous glory.

The problems are many. The law establishing TETFund requires that the board of trustees disburse the funds to all public tertiary institutions on the basis of equality of states.

Furthermore, the government was not able to prioritize the intervention process and hence unable to maximise outcome. Available funds are often diverted or lost to corrupt practices. The disbursement of funds to all institutions failed to address the decay in the educational system in a holistic manner. In the first instance, the available funds were spread so thin that it did not achieve any meaningful change in the status of the recipient institutions. We believe that improving infrastructure and

research equipment status in an institution that has a fair complement of academic staff would permit rapid training of competent academic staff for less endowed institutions.

The NEEDS assessment report revealed yawning gaps in the academic staff situation of Nigerian universities with the greatest shortfalls recorded in the sciences.

Of a total of 50,000 academic staff required as at the time of the report, only 28,000 were available, and less than 14,000 of these are actually qualified!

With the rapid increase in the university population the total academic staff need would be approaching 80,000 as at today! This situation is further aggravated by the illadvised increase in the admission quota in virtually all Nigerian universities in an environment of near static academic staff strength. The current achievements of the ETF/TETFunds in training only about 4000 in both local and foreign institutions as at 2011 cannot fill the yawning gap in the academic staff needs of the Nigerian university system. It will be more pragmatic to stabilize and consolidate the university system than attempt to increase the carrying capacity at the same time.

In order to ameliorate this situation, the NEEDS Assessment Report recommended the establishment of six National laboratories fully equipped with state-of-theart facilities for cutting-edge scientific research to facilitate the training of academic staff locally. We would recommend rather the establishment of not six but 12 model universities, that is, two in each geopolitical region which would facilitate rapid training of qualified academic staff locally. These model universities would be derived from the most suitable state or federal government institutions in each geopolitical region, through massive infrastructural development and supply of equipment for teaching and research. This we believe will provide a continuous stream of needed manpower to man the surrounding institutions at a much cheaper rate, and improve their academic staff situation in the shortest possible time.

FUTO VC cautions Nigerians on environment management Chris Njoku OWERRI

V

ice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO, Prof.

Chigozie Asiabaka has cautioned Nigerians to be mindful of the ways they handle the environment during and after execution of production activities, saying that development of any nation depends on how the people handle their environment.

He said with a rising population of about 9.5 billion, the world might require triples its current planet to sustain the human way of life except something urgent is done to change the consumption and production pattern of the people.

Asiabaka speaking in his address at the 2015 World Environment Day celebration in FUTO, observed that human activities ranging from the simple agricultural soil tillage to waste disposal, town planning and road layout and industrial production processes are worrisome as the people do not restore the environment to pre-construction condition after they had executed their projects.

This, he pointed out initiates

and accelerates environmental devastation such as gully erosion, cancer and other dangerous diseases which he said effect our health and environment.

Explaining further, he said soil degradation, rapid deforestation, urban air and water pollution and desertification have become sources of concern to the people, just as the environment has suffered serious damage now manifesting in the form of climate change and rising sea level.

He called for attitudinal

change in the ways we treat and handle our environment. “There is therefore the need for all of us, no matter how highly or lowly endowed to learn to appropriately align our activities and values,” he said.

In her keynote paper: “A Question of Human Rights: Transnational Targeting of Environmental Justice Communities,” Executive Director, Deep South Centre for Environmental Justice, Dr. Beverly Wright, urged communities all over the world

to learn from the three cities in United States-Cancer Alley, Louisiana, Geismar that had suffered decades of environmental pollutions, adding that a community not well organized would become a dumping site for toxic wastes from industrialized nations.

Citing the three cities as case studies, Dr. Wright described the strategies adopted by transnational corporations and the environmental regulatory system both national and international as having failed to protect most

Vice-Chancellor, Redeemer University, Osun State, Prof. Debo Adeyewa (middle)with other principal officers of the institution during the unveiling of the environmental sustainability and beautification initiative anchored by the landscaping committee of the university, recently.

communities at risk of being targets for destruction of their health and environment.

Dr. Wright pointed out that decades of environmental injustice in these cities now represents the turning point in the international environmental justice crisis.

She however hoped that “the decision of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in this case could mean the realization of environmental justice for people around the world.”

Speaking also, the Director, Centre for Women, Gender and Development Studies, FUTO, Prof. (Mrs.) Ihuoma Asiabaka noted that with the theme: “Our environment; we can get it right by doing things right”, “we are encouraged to take action to improve the efficiency with which we use natural resources such as fertile land, freshwater, air, energy from the point of extraction to the way we use and dispose of the products made from them.”

She called on the people to begin to do things right by reducing pollutants, use energy efficient facilities and embrace a holistic change of attitude towards how they consume and dispose waste products.

24

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat_alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

FUNAAB postgraduate students mark week

P

ostgraduate Students Association (PGSA) of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State recently marked its week with a charge to students to always strive for excellence.

Speaking at the event, the ViceChancellor, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, tasked the students to always ensure that the quality of researches carried out by them is standard, as various processes had been introduced to make this possible in the university through writing of abstracts, production of quality softbounded dissertations and theses for external assessors.

The VC, who was represented by the Dean of Postgraduate School, Prof. Ololade Enikuomehin, used the occasion to formally introduce the new Deputy Dean of the school, Dr. Adebayo Shittu, while assuring the association of the continued support of management.

The President of PGSA, Mr. Adesina Adesoji, outlined the achievements so far made by the association to include, increase in internet quota to postgraduate students from 35 to 70, securing of approval deadlines for the payment of school fees, securing of extension deadline for the submission of theses and dissertations, as well as the inauguration of donated notice boards to colleges.

…As corps members donate to school

T

he 2014/2015 Batches B and C corps members, who served at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State have donated copies of official name-plates to some offices in the Senate and Unity buildings of the university.

The gesture was part of the corps members’ social responsibility programmes in their places of primary assignment and for appreciating the university management because of its support.

The Internal Corps Liaison Officer (ICLO) in the university, Mr. Emmanuel Ebere-Dinnie, said the donation was done to facilitate easy identification and accessibility to the beneficiary offices, adding that two name-plates were also provided for the registrar’s office.

Receiving the name-plates which were thirty-five in all, the Deputy Director, Establishment Matters, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Dawodu, appreciated the corps members for their generosity and wished them the very best in their future endeavours.

A Cross section graduates of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State during the institution’s 10th convocation, last week.

NANS demands autonomy from school authorities Temitope Yakubu, FEDPOLY, ADO EKITI

T

he national Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone B has called on various school authorities to grant their respective Students’ Union Government full autonomy starting with the zone.

Decrying a situation where the union executives would have to pass through the management even on matters of urgent public importance to students, the

union said such practice would have to be stopped forthwith.

The Public Relations Officer of the apex student body in the zone, Pedro Obi in a release noted that in as much as Academic Staff Union of Universities, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics and their counterparts in the colleges of education do not pass through such rigorous process to carry out their official and constitutional duties, the students’ union government should equally be given same free hand in running its af-

fairs.

“The flimsy excuse of management checks to avoid financial recklessness on the part of the union’s executives holds no water, as the union constitution has a well established parliament to effect check and balances on the union executives in line with the constitution,” Pedro stated.

Citing Abia State University, Uturu is one of the schools in the category, the PRO called on the Vice-Chancellor; Prof.Chibuzor Ogbuagu to forthwith desist from

further interference in the fiscal and administrative running of the students’ union government.

This, he said, had no doubt impended the smooth running of the students’ union, which is first and foremost provision of adequate welfare for the Nigerian students.

Pedro equally called on the Rector, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Dr. Edna Mogekwu to hands off in the running of the affairs of the school’s Students’ Union Government.

Pro-chancellor institutes N1m anti-corruption essay contest Yomi Ayeleso

300L, BUS ADM., AAU, AKUNGBA-AKOKO

T

he Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU), AkungbaAkoko, Ondo State, Amb. Oladele Akadiri, has instituted a N1m anti-corruption essay competition for staff and students of the institution as part of measures to engender transparency and due process in the nation.

He made the pronouncement during a three-day workshop, titled: “Building university culture in Adekunle Ajasin University” held recently on campus.

He proposed the topic “Can corruption and indiscipline be eradicated from Nigeria? How and what role can AAUA play in such an undertaking for the essay competition.

Akadiri, who described such intellectual engagement as an indispensable element of university culture, said he was doing this to inculcate a competitive academic exercise on campus in form of an essay that would be open to all students and staff.

“The exercise will take off this month and end in September this year, so that necessary

awards could be given to the winner and two runners-up in October, 2015, all totaling one million naira at my own expense,” he said.

The pro- chancellor therefore asked the university management to set up a three-man committee to come up with guidelines that will make the

competition worthwhile.

He noted that universities should be able to inculcate culture of transparency, honesty and absolute integrity on both the students and workers as a way of contributing to the fight against corruption in the country.

A cross section of new Covenant University graduates during the institution’s 10th convocation last week.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

25

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Edited by: Saidat Alausa saidat_alausa@yahoo.com 08027633686

Akure students honour benefactor Kemi Busari

CORPS MEMBER

T

he National Association of Akure Students (NASS) last Saturday presented an award of excellence to the Special Assistant to the State Governor on Appointments, Miss Taiwo Afilaka.

The award according to the student’s body is for her continuous support to the association.

The award was presented during a brief reception at the Governor’s Office in Akure.

Describing the honoree as ‘the mummy of the association,’ NASS President, Oluyi Akintade said the award was a ‘little way of

showing recognition for her effort towards development and growth of youths.

Speaking at the event, NAOSS National Senate President, Israel Fagbemigun noted that the outstanding performance of the governor’s assistant in the area of youth development had won the heart of Ondo students, hence the award.

In her response, Afilaka thanked the students and advised them to embrace dialogue and consultation in driving home their demands.

“I have always known you to be responsible students, therefore you should at all times allow diplomacy rather than violence in telling the government what you want,” she counseled.

Fun as UNIBEN History students celebrate classmates Sunny Ibeh Jnr.

300L, HISTORY,UNIBEN

I

t was a day characterised with great joy for the 300 level History students of the University of Benin, Edo State as they convened to celebrate their mates whose birthdays fall in the month of June.

The event which turned out to be a memorable celebration took place last weekend at the Faculty of Arts Lecture Theatre of the university.

The atmosphere of the event took another dimension when Natasha Awele who is also known as the mummy of the department was called to the podium to anchor the event.

Mama Natash, as she is fondly called by her admirers gave different students the opportunity to talk about the celebrators. .

History students of University of Benin, Edo State during the monthly birthday for classmates, recently.

They described them as hard working, intelligent, friendly, generous and sincere friends and mates, among other characteristics.

The event came to its climax with the cutting of the birthday cake by all the celebrators in company of some of the fellow students.

The celebrators include Chiamaka Anadu, Iroegbu David, Onose Emmanuel, Obiora Daniel, Celestine Okpalaugo and Glory Ugonma.

Speaking shortly after the event, the president of the department, Samson Chika told Campus News that the event was organised in order to keep the ember of unity and love among the students burning and also to demonstrate love and respect to the celebrators whom he described as the architects of their victories.

Get involved in politics, medical students told

Cross section of Nigerian Medical Students Association with guests during the maiden leadership summit of the association at Igbinedion University, Okada, last week.

Eddy Uwoghiren

300L, MED AND SURG,UNIBEN

T

he maiden leadership summit of the Nigerian Medical Students Association (NiMSA) ended last Saturday at the Igbinedion University Okada, (IUO), Edo state with an advice for participants to be more political inclined and see beyond medicine.

The four-day event, tagged: “Leading for now and the future” was chaired by Rev. Olu Martins.

Dr. Philip Ugbodagha who spoke on “Medicine and Politics: Mentoring Medical Students for Leadership” stressed the need for the students to develop their leadership skills while in school in order to function effectively when they graduate.

The lecturer, while observing that medical students should henceforth begin to add politics with their studies said the few medical personnel in politics is grossly affecting the advancement of the profession.

He observed that the growing need for medical personnel was one reason medical students must take up leadership role with seriousness.

Observing that most professions have members in the political corridors and pursuing their collective course, Ugbodaga said sadly, many medical students are too conscious of the workload they have to cover that they fail to develop their political and leadership skills while in school.

“If we have enough doctors in the National Assembly perhaps they may have push for laws that will better the

health of Nigerians. Most of the pending health-related bills might have also been passed into law and medical students will even benefit especially in the area of their exchange programmes,” he said.

President, Medical Women Association of Nigeria(MWAN), Edo State chapter, Dr. Amina Okhakhu, while speaking on “Medical career and life outside medicine: Finding a balance” told the students to always strike a balance with whatever activities they have embarked on alongside their studies.

Earlier, National Vice-President, Internal Affairs, NiMSA Stephanie OniOgunbor, in her opening speech, said the aim of the workshop was to teach medical students effective and practical leadership skills.

Excitement as KWASU students visit ECOWAS countries Quadri Babatunde

400L, MASS. COMM, KWASU, MALETE

A

s part of their course fulfillment, the students of Mass Communication, Kwara State University, Malete recently went on a one-week media excursion to three West Africa countries, namely: Ghana, Republic of Benin and Togo.

It was an excitement moment for

the students, who are in different levels as many of them were traveling out of Nigeria for the first time in their lives.

They visited some interesting places and notable media organisations including La Nation Newspaper in Republic of Benin and Crystal TV in Busia, Accra.

Receiving them warmly, Madam Florence who is the deputy editor of La Nation conducted them round the major departments of the publishing house including newsroom, graphics and the press showing them the process to publish a newspaper.

Interestingly, while Florence who could communicate in both English and French languages had a free and unhindered chat with the students, many other workers were helpless as they could only communicate in French which visitors do not understand.

She later presented 50 copies of the latest edition of the newspaper to the

tour guide, Mr. Anthony komolatse Corsy who is also a Ghanaian.

From there, the students went to the Republic of Togo where they visited only Lome Port and also had some fun and bought some items they gave to their friends and families back home.

Now in Accra, Ghana, they visited Crystal TV, a privately-owned station where they were received by the Director of Programme, koji Yaw. Yaw took them round some departments such as studio, editing and technical units and library and explained mode of operations in each of them.

Here, the students were livelier as they were able to interact freely because of the same mode of communication.

In his remark, the course instructor, who is also part of the trip, Dr. Ayotunde Alao while thanking God for the journey mercy, urged the students to make good use of knowledge gained from the exercise as they returned to class.

26

Thursday, July 2, 2015

“B

ishop to newly elected (newly-elected) legislators: Slash your outrageous allowances” This is an example of compound adjectives.

“Reps (Reps’) speaker: South East coalition lobbies Buhari” NATIONAL Mirror of April 27 comes up with copious grammatical crises: “We’ll restore peace in (to) APGA— Ufomba” Next is its Views Page: “Parents have thus out of greed or fear of discharging their responsibilities to the (their) children, (needless comma) give (given) them out….”

“Both the federal and states (sic) government (federal and state governments) must take steps to ensure that….”

“There is thus the need to separate politicking from electioneering campaign.” (Editorial) ‘Electioneering’ encompasses ‘campaign.’ “…and the ousted leadership of the school’s parents/ teachers’ association.” Education Today: parent-teacher association “St. Saviour’s school commissions (inaugurates) N200m classrooms” “Forex reserves drops (drop) 0.17% to three month (threemonth) low” Because of its grouping role, the hyphen forms adjectives. Otherwise, some lexical combinations will become awkward and ambiguous.

Please note that ‘but’ and ‘however’ cannot co-function.

And this: ‘at’ applies to a definite time; while ‘about’ refers to an approximate time. Therefore, to use both in the same environment is contradictory and confusing. But you can say ‘at or about’…in an informal setting that allows such escapist latitude! Lastly: ‘likes’ take ‘compare with’ and unlike terms ‘compare to.’ An example, talking football: You can compare FC Barcelona striker Lionel Messi with Real Madrid playmaker Christiano Ronaldo, but Messi to Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man. However, at a classical level, some likes are incomparable with one another: Nigerian local league players cannot be compared with, but to, either Messi or Ronaldo!

Compound adjectives

Still on National Mirror: “…activities of unlicensed designers is (are) shrinking its market in Nigeria.”

“Air-purifying, energy saving (why omit the second hyphen?) AC unveiled as Panasonic stirs competition” “Police counsel Ogun monarchs on grassroot (grassroots) policing” “Unlawful possession of firearms: Vigilante boss exonerated” Community Mirror: vigilance boss or vigilantes’ boss “Ota DPO calls for concerted efforts (effort) in traffic management” Finally from the Back Page of NATIONAL MIRROR which circulated three blunders: “In this critical area, this government has failed woefully (abysmally)….”

“Another job creating (job-creating) initiative like the….” “…functional national infrastructure which are still lacking in our oil dependent (oil-dependent) economy.”

“Mama, tens of decades of exemplary contributions to the upliftment (uplift) of common people….” There is no such word known as ‘upliftment’ in the English language lexicon.

THISDAY of April 22 did not practise robust journalism, as it advocates, on nine occasions: “Enjoy round the clock banking!” (Full-page advertisement by GT Bank) At your service adjectivally: round-the-clock banking!

“HICC pledge (pledges) to support FG’s war against corruption.”

“Our daddy, on this auspicious occasion of your birthday anniversary….” ‘Birthday’ and ‘anniversary’ cannot co-function in the same environment.

“I am not an advocate for albinos to marry themselves (one another)….”

“It was a beehive of activities…as the celebrant’s (celebrator’s) parents….” Fairground: a hive of activity (not a beehive of activities)!

“Your fight for the less privilege (less-privileged) and down

UK Varsity honours UI VC

Adewole

A

United Kingdombased University of Sunderland has nominated the ViceChancellor of University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole as one of the few individuals from across the world to be honoured with the conferment of the Doctorate of Science of the institution.

In a letter signed by the University’s Interim Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Shirley Atkinson stated that Adewole’s nomination was based on his outstanding academic career and commitment to the promotion of medical screening and preventive medicine in Nigeria.

Prof. Adewole, a medical doctor-turned university administrator is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the University College Hospital/College of Medicine as well as Adjunct Professor at North Western University Chicago, Illinois, USA. According to the letter, “Each year, the university

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

of Sunderland confers honorary awards on a smaller number of distinguished people in recognition of their outstanding achievements in a particular field.

On behalf of the University’s Honorary Award Committee, I am pleased to invite you to accept the award of Honorary Doctorate of Science of our uni-

versity.”

The UI’s spokesman, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo in a press release, said the award ceremony would be held in UK on July 8, 2015.

He added that UI’s ProChancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. Umar Musa Mustapha had already sent congratulatory message to the honoree.

L-R: Tutor General\Permanent Secretary, Education District 3, Lagos State, Mr. Yinka Olaniyi; celebrator and immediate past Principal of Aunty Ayo Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Ikoyi, Lagos, Mrs. Janet Adebo and her husband, Mr. Samuel Adebo during her retirement party in the school premises, on Tuesday.

trodden (downtrodden) has (had) indeed changed lives for the better, (a full stop) you are (were) indeed a rare gem.” (Fullpage advertisement) National Mirror Views Page of April 20 takes over the baton with this error: “…the interest of the common man in the street.” The man in the street is basically common! Do not aggravate his circumstance by adding ‘common’!

“Glo’s Move to Greener Pastures (Move-to-Greener-Pastures) campaign hits over 50, 000 views (sic)” “Globacom to storm eight cities with Glo slide and bounce tour” Voice of The Nation: Glo slide-and-bounce tour. Does the telecommunications company have issues with hyphenation?

“Encomium galore as Anambra council boss bags award” City SUN: Encomiums galore “The Lagos PDP, until recently, was bedevilled by intra-party crisis (an intra-party crisis) that has made….”

“APC presidential shoes fits (how?) Okorocha” “Obituary announcement” Just obituary!

“Corruption destroying the fabrics (fabric) of Nigeria” “Eagles (Eagles’) attack worries Keshi” “Aba IPP to be commissioned (inaugurated/launched…) in August—Prof. Nnaji” The Guardian of April 18 goofed: “…work at Baro Port (Niger State), Oguta (Imo State) and Jamata (Lokoja, Kogi State) (a comma) according to the government (another comma) has reached an advanced stage.” What is ‘an advanced stage’?

How is the reader expected to know the extent of work carried out with this kind of ambiguous phrase (journalese)?

This is loose thinking and speculative writing! Let reporters and their editors express their findings in graphical or statistical terms (percentage)—this way, the reader develops a fair idea and perception of the scope of work done. This makes sense in the absence of exactitude!

LASPOTECH gets new rector

M

r. Samuel Sogunro has been appointed the 10th rector for the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu.

He was appointed by the state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode with his appointment taking effect from June 1.

Until his appointment, Sogunro, 54, who hails from Lagos Island Local Government area of the state was Deputy Rector in charge of Administration.

He started with the polytechnic in January 1990 as a Lecturer 111 in the Department of Mathematics from where he rose to become Chief Lecturer in 2010. He also served as a Director of Academic Planning between 2010 and 2013.

An alumnus of AnsarUd-Deen College, Isolo, where he did his Higher School Certificate (HSC), Sogunro bagged Bachelor of Science (education)

degree in Mathematics in 1987 from the University of Lagos Akoka where he also obtained his Master’s degree in Statistics in 1996.

He is also a member of Nigerian Institute of Management (chartered); Mathematics Association of Nigeria; Nigerian Mathematics Society; Nigeria Statistical Association and fellow of Royal Statistics Society, United Kingdom and Institute of Classic entrepreneurship, Nigeria.

Sogunro is married and blessed with children.

Sogunro

Business

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Nigeria’s crude oil export up by 60,000bp/d in June –Report

29

Malfunctioning websites hamper MDAs’ e-governance dividends to citizens

Does advertising influence buying habit?

31

Core investor targets 2,200MW at Ughelli Power Plant TOLA AKINMUTIMI

T

ranscorp Ughelli Power Limited, the core investor of Ughelli Power Plc, has unveiled plans to raise the generation capacity of the plant from the current installed capacity of 972 megawatts (mw) to 2,200mw within the next three years.

Giving the hint when he briefed the visiting post privatization monitoring team from the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, to the plant, the core investor’s Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Adeoye Fadeyibi, said that on take-over of the plant in November 2013, the company inherited only four operational turbines generating 160mw of power.

A statement by BPE’s Head, Public Communications, Alex Okoh, quoted Fadeyibi, who was represented by the Chief Finance Officer (CFO), Mr. Olukunle Fagbayi, as noting that by this month, the core investor had rehabilitated and made 13 out of the 18 units fully operational and generating about 635mw of available capacity.

He further pointed out that in the company’s generation forecast, by December this year, the generation capacity would be raised to about 850mw and in December 2017 to about 1650mw and

2200mw in 2018.

Fadeyibi, however, lamented that due to the quality and quantity of gas available to the plant, only about 350mw could be made available to the grid, noting that another major challenge facing the company is the wheeling capacity of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

While urging the Federal Government on investment in the transmission segment of the value chain of the power infrastructure to strengthen the wheeling capacity of TCN, the industry ex-

pert disclosed that since takeover in November 2013, the company had engaged an additional 45 staff in its payroll, assuring that Transcorp was going to surpass all the key performance indicators (KPIs) covenanted in its Post Acquisition Plan (PAP).

The Chief Executive also revealed that as part of its corporate social responsibility, the company runs a model school with about 1,000 student enrollment as well as skills acquisition schemes for the host communities.

It would recalled that the Bureau was charged with monitoring the performances of privatized enterprises to ensure adherence to the tenets of the Share Purchase Agreements (SPAs), Performance Agreements (PAs) and full implementation of investors’ Post Acquisition Plans (PAP).

The BPE Post Privatization Monitoring team to Ughelli Power Plc was led by the Director, Post Privatization Monitoring Department, Mr. Chigbo Anichebe.

T

he Federal Government has unveiled plans to create and sustain an enabling environment for prospective investors desirous of investing in the Shestco Science and Technology Park.

This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. Winifred Oyo – Ita, during a meeting with Thomas Chackunkal of Contec Global Agro Limited in her office in

35

AIRLINES’ FLIGHT SCHEDULES Dana Air 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

L-R: Business Manager, Ogudu branch, Sterling Bank Plc, Mrs. Toyin Olateru; Head of Secondary, The Childville, Ogudu, Mrs. Eta Ezinwanne; Member, Governing Council, The Childville, Ogudu, Mr. Ayomide Smith; Head of Primary, The Childville, Ogudu, Mrs. Bamigboye Bunmi and a member, sOne Education, Sterling Bank Plc, Mrs. Zoe Jibunoh, during The Childville drama presentation of ‘Agho Obaseki’ in Lagos.

Science, Technology Park: FG to attract foreign investors REGINA OTOKPA

27

Abuja.

According to her, the new government in place with the concept of change is willing and interested to partner and collaborate with any investor so as to develop its science and technology potentials for the benefit of the citizenry adding that it would give investors the maximum support needed for them to thrive.

To demonstrate this commitment, she gave the assurance that the Shestsco Science and Technology Park was available to the global community for en-

gagement and participation.

Oyo-Ita noted that modalities were in place to provide an enabling environment and a strong legal framework that would guarantee its full operation as a Science and Technology Park in addition to the availability of a wide market for variety of products produced across Nigeria and the sub – region.

She reiterated the tremendous opportunity offered by the park for job creation, financial empowerment, especially in the area of agriculture in which vast majority of Nigerians were

involved, and the potential to transform the nation as the administration was determined to diversify the economy.

Earlier in his presentation on the concept of Bio – Fertilizer, Thomas Chackunkal, said that the intended projects in Nigeria would bring succour to peasant farmers as their products would improve considerably alongside soil fertility, plant production, enhance productivity and reduce disease burden occasioned by the application of chemical fertilizers.

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

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

28

Business News

Thursday, July 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria’s crude oil export up by 60,000bp/d in June –Report UDEME AKPAN

WITH AGENCY REPORT

T

he nation’s crude oil supplies to the global market rose by 60,000 barrels per day, bpd in June, this year.

The country’s export could have been higher if not for much loading delays at Bonny terminal and a force majeure on exports of Forcados crude.

The Reuters confirmed the development maintained that, “Nigeria increased output by 60,000 bpd and the increase would have been larger without loading delays at the Bonny terminal and a force majeure on exports of For-

cados crude.”

Investigations showed that the nation’s production and export were also drastically reduced because of pipeline vandalism and oil theft during the period.

Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC which remains the highest petroleum producer indicated in its report that crude oil theft is till high in the Niger Delta.

“Crude oil theft, sabotage and illegal refining are the main sources of pollution in the Niger Delta today and were the cause of 75per cent of spill incidents from Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Joint

Venture (SPDC JV) pipelines in 2014.”

“An average of 37,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day (boe/d) were stolen from the SPDC JV network in 2014, with an additional 110,000 boe/d of production deferred due to illegal interference with pipelines and other illegal activities such as theft of well head equipment,” it added.

However, Reuters report indicated that the countries with lower output, Libya posted a slight decline as supply remained disrupted by unrest and negotiations to reopen closed oilfields had yet to succeed. Angola exported fewer cargoes following

a strong month in May. Generally, the report maintained that the oil output of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, climbed to 31.60 million barrels per day, bpd, in June, showing a three-year high due to increased supplies from Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

According to the report, the boost from the OPEC puts output further above its target of 30 million barrels per day (bpd) and comes despite outages in Libya and Nigeria that curbed supplies.

The report indicated that OPEC supply has risen in June to 31.60 million bpd from a revised 31.30 million bpd in May, accord-

ing to the survey, based on shipping data and information from sources at oil companies, OPEC and consultants.

It maintained that the group has raised output by more than 1.3 million bpd since it decided in November 2014 to defend market share rather than prices.

The report indicated that a final deal between world powers and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear work could add to supplies.

“If sanctions were to be eased, additional oil from Iran would flood onto the already oversupplied oil market,” said Carsten Fritsch, analyst at Commerzbank in Frankfurt.

Global poverty to end by 2030, says World Bank SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

W

orld Bank Group has said its plan to end extreme poverty by the year 2030, was hinged on the need to promote freer and more inclusive trades across the continents.

President of the World Bank Group President, Jim Yong Kim, who dropped the hint said that the multilateral institution’s plan to end poverty must include “two objectives-expanding opportunities for low and middle income countries to participate in trade and reducing what we call “trade costs” obstacles preventing the poor and the vulnerable from participating in trade, which constrains their opportunities to reach their full potential’’.

Noting that since 2000, developing countries’ share of world trade has grown from 33 to 48 percent, he said such move has helped to stimulate growths in low- and middle-income counties while accelerating poverty reduction.

Citing China as example, Kim said that such move had tripled its share of world trade since joining the World Trade Organisation, WTO in 2001, thus cut-

ting its extreme poverty rate from 36 percent at the end of the 1990s to 6 percent in 2011.

In all, developing countries’ gain from trade contributed to reducing by half, the proportion of the global population living in extreme poverty between 1990 and 2010, achieving this First Millennium Development goal five years ahead schedule.

He said, trade’s contribution to poverty reduction on this scale, did not occur by accident as governments took cross-sector steps to integrate poor communities into global markets through domestic reforms and international agreements.

Vietnam, he noted has cut its rate of extreme poverty from over 60 percent to less than 3 percent, thereby reducing trade barriers and domestic economic reforms while promoting private sector development.

Between 2007 and 2011, extreme poverty in Cambodia fell from 30.8 percent to 10.1 percent as a result of such policy.

In Ethiopia, an export of cut flowers from one firm to the European Union has helped the export market that now employs 50,000 workers while generating more secured wage employment, which is a pathway to eliminating poverty.

Customers crowding a bank in last minute bank verification exercise in Abuja, yesterday.

SPDC’s Afam delivers 20m mw to national grid in 8 years UDEME AKPAN

S

hell Nigeria’s Afam VI Power Plant in Rivers State has delivered over 20million megawatts, mw of electricity to the nation’s grid between 2008 and June 2015.

The company,which confirmed the development in a statement, indicated that the plant consolidated its position as a major contributor to the country’s grid.

It also disclosed that the operations at Afam VI plant had led to subcontract opportunities and employment for over 150 Nigerians from the 16 host communities.

The 20 million mw of electricity is equivalent to 24-hour power supply to over one million residential consumers or nearly 180,000 medium-sized commercial enterprises for six years. It is also worth six years of 24-hour power supply to Port Harcourt city alone!

The company maintained that the power plant was built by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) Ltd Joint Venture and achieved first power in August 2008 about three years after the contract was awarded.

SPDC Managing Director and Country Chair, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, said: “The SPDC JV is pleased

AfDB forecasts huge investments in Africa’s cocoa sector SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

A

frican Development Bank and the International Cocoa Organization, ICCO, said, huge business opportunities abound in Africa’s cocoa industry, including employment opportunities for men and women in the continent.

The two groups, which met in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire to foster the transformation of cocoa industry in Africa, noted that cocoa is one of the five Cs, namely cocoa, coffee, cotton, cassava and cashew, listed for immediate support under AfDB’s new Agriculture and Agri-business Draft Strategy.

Africa, they said, produces 73 percent of world cocoa with over

PHOTO ROTIMI OSASONA

70 percent of the figure coming from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria. ‘’It is a major export earner, yet its production is still in the hands of ageing small farmers with over 70 percent productivity losses as a result of numerous challenges. In addition, the processing and market are in the hands of foreign investors’’, they stated.

While global cocoa production is valued at approximately $12 billion on the export market, with cocoa farmers receiving about $8 billion in revenue, the world chocolate market is valued at US $110 billion.

In other words, the chocolate value addition in warehousing and other logistical services, chocolate production and packing, retail networks, and all as-

to be a reliable partner in the quest for stable power supply in Nigeria.

What is most exciting is that the plant has achieved this milestone while also touching the lives of community people and helping youths to acquire key engineering skills.”

Located at Okoloma village in Oyigbo Local Government, the plant has an installed capacity of 650MW and consists of three gas turbines each rated at 150MW, and one steam turbine rated at 200mw.

The gas turbines were inaugurated in July 2009, while the steam turbine came on stream in December 2010.

sociated logistics is ten times the value of Africa’s cocoa exports.

“The large potential and opportunities offered by the cocoa sector have not been fully exploited by producing countries, nor have they taken advantage of existing technological progress and innovations in the way other commodities have,” said Chiji Ojukwu, AfDB’s Agriculture and Agro-Industry Director.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Information Security Society lauds enactment of Cybercrimes Law TOLA AKINMUMTIMI

T

he Information Security Society of Africa-Nigeria (ISSAN) has commended the signing of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act 2015 by the former President, saying the law would save the nation billions of Naira being lost to cyber criminals every year.

In addition, the group also pointed out that the Act would also be helpful while in current collective efforts targeted at sanitising the country’s cyberspace already riddled with a web of frauds and malpractices.

In a statement signed by its President, Dr. David T Isiavwe, the society expressed delight that with the law now in place, it will no longer be business as usual for criminals whose business is to defraud innocent people of their hard earned money and resources through the internet and other electronic means.

Isiavwe stated: “We are delighted that Nigeria has joined the few countries in Africa and indeed, the world at large, to have a law which provides effective, unified and comprehensive legal, regulatory and institutional framework for the prohibition, detection, prosecution and punishment of cybercrime in the country, while also ensuring the protection of computer systems and networks, electronic communications, data and computer programs, intellectual property and piracy rights.

“We now expect that the law will be implemented under the new government of President Muhammadu Buhari, given his antecedents and tough posture on corruption and other crimes.

“ISSAN has, in the last few years, championed the call for an appropriate law and regulations to save Nigerians from cyber criminals who are increasing by the day in the country. It is indeed gratifying to note that this law is

now in place”, he added.

The ISSAN leader, who is a seasoned banker, disclosed that the society would soon embark on a massive public enlightenment on the new law to prevent Nigerians from falling victims to cyber criminals and also help discourage people from indulging in cyber crime to avoid stiff sanctions imposed by the law.

He noted that with the new Act it would no longer business as usual for cyber criminals as the law stipulated heavy penalties for culprits which they should be made to know and possibly deter some from embarking on their ‘suicide’ mission.

Isiavwe stated further that another benefit of the new law remained in the fact it would “help individuals to know their rights as well as the appropriate use of their computer systems and the need to protect themselves against the activities of fraudsters in electronic communications.

L-R: Category Business Manager, Diary, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Temidayo Eseigbe; Regional Consumer Services Manager, Imabong Martins; Commercial Manager, Richmond Mejico and Sales Performance Development Manager, Stanley Okechukwu, during the Star Prizes Raffle Draw, in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Aviation union, Air France/KLM on war path over planned workers’ sack OLUSEGUN KOIKI

T

he relationship between the National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, and Air France/KLM may turn sour following the planned disengagement of some Nigerian staff of the airline.

The union, in a document made available to journalists on Tuesday, accused the airline of engaging in unfair labour practices against its Nigerian members.

Signed by its Assistant General Secretary, Comrade Olayinka Abioye, the document alleged that the airline planned to sack some of its Nigerian workers in

the Document Checking Unit by outsourcing the department to a private company, Checkport Securities Nigeria Limited without following the labour laws of the country.

NUATE claimed that it was currently undergoing negotiations with the management of the airline and express its surprise that the airline had already outsourced the department to the company, maintaining that it was in flagrant disregard of existing labour law in the country.

The union also accused the airline of embarking on a campaign of calumny, distrust, hatred and unwholesome falsehood against it in a bid to coerce, cajole and or

hoodwink its members into accepting one month redundancy benefit, insisting that it would not allow the airline to treat the Nigerian workers as slaves.

It stated further: “We have chosen this honourable part writing you because we are convinced that as a responsive and responsible partner, you will not wish to be caught in the trap of connivance as a third party company interested in the disintegration of another.

“By this letter therefore, we wish to crave your indulgence to stay action, be an onlooker until all processes between our union and the management are fully trashed out.’’

29

Jeb Bush to publish 33 years of tax information

R

epublican presidential candidate Jeb Bush plans to release 33 years of tax returns on Tuesday, a scope his aides say is unprecedented for any White House contender.

Bush’s plan to release the tax information, shared by spokeswoman Allie Brandenburger, is an attempt to suggest the former Florida governor’s commitment to transparency, similar to his move earlier this year to publish e-mails from his time in state office. But like the e-mails, many of the tax returns Bush plans to make public have already been released. Bush released 10 years of tax returns during his unsuccessful governor’s race in 1994, and was required to release financial information when he ran in 1998 and each of the next eight years when he was in office.

Bush’s net worth was about $2 million when he took office in 1999, and dropped to about $1.3 million when he left eight years later, according to public disclosure filings.

Still, the tax returns will offer new information on his earnings since leaving office in 2007.

Bush’s work in the private sector during the past decade has included positions with Barclays and Lehman Brothers and his foray into into the world of private equity with an ownership stake in Britton Hill Partners LLC. Bush also sat on the board for Tenet Healthcare and made more than 100 paid speeches.

Bush will present a contrast with 2012 nominee Mitt Romney, who released limited returns in January of that year under political pressure from opponents.

Markets on edge as Greece heads for default

E

uro zone stocks and lowrated bonds recovered the worst of their losses on Tuesday but remained on edge as Greece looked set to default on a debt repayment to the IMF and plunge deeper into financial crisis.

The breakdown of talks between Athens and international creditors over the weekend has led Greece to close its banks and impose capital controls. It has provoked market jitters worldwide, with Greeks due to vote in a referendum on Sunday that EU partners say will amount to a choice between staying in the euro or leaving.

There have been few signs of market panic even as the uncharted territory of a Greek exit from the euro zone becomes more likely, with investors citing Europe’s improved ability to fight financial

contagion since the height of the euro debt crisis in 2011.

Top euro zone stocks were up 0.2 percent at 1148 GMT after Greece’s finance minister said Athens would not repay the International Monetary Fund debts due on Tuesday but added he hoped for a deal with international creditors. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the door was open for talks.

U.S. equity futures SPc1 pointed to a higher open, though the euro was down against the U.S. dollar as hedge funds stepped up sales.

“We are relatively bullish,” said Antonin Jullier, head of equity trading strategy at Citi. He said a Greek ‘Yes’ vote would be a positive outcome but a ‘No’ was likely to see the European Central Bank step in with tools to fight contagion.

Chinese stocks surge after posting biggest swing since 1992

C

hinese stocks rallied, sparking the benchmark index’s biggest intraday swing since 1992, on speculation the government will take steps to prevent bear-market losses from deepening.

The Shanghai Composite Index rose for the first in four days, jumping 5.5 percent to 4,277.22 at the close, the most since March 2009. The gauge swung 432 points from the highs and lows, propelling a volatility measure to a seven-year peak. An industry group representing brokerages called on investors and fund managers to take responsibility to stabilize the market after a weekend interestrate cut failed to stem a rout.

“After the recent correction, investors might think stocks are oversold and hope regulators will introduce further measures to support the market,” said Shen Zhengyang, an analyst at Northeast Securities Co. in Shanghai.

“The fund industry association’s remarks on stocks might also have boosted investor confidence.”

Speculation is growing that policy makers are preparing stock-boosting measures after the Shanghai Composite plunged more than 20 percent from a June 12 peak amid surging valuations and concern record high levels of borrowing to buy stocks were unsustainable.

30

Taxation

Thursday, July 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

...e-Tax Pay the easy way to pay your tax

T

he tax system since medieval times has undergone reforms.

These reforms, focused on taxpayers, are meant to increase service delivery and customer satisfaction. The FIRS has not been left behind as, for some time, reforms are ongoing to make its operations friendlier, convenient and conform to global best practices. In order to simplify payment methods, FIRS has designed a new payment platform called e-tax Pay. What is e-tax Pay? E-tax Pay is an online self-service tax payment system whereby the taxpayers are given an opportunity to pay their taxes through their banks’ online payment portal. It is an initiative put in place by FIRS in collaboration with Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) and approved collecting banks.

This is to assist taxpayers to pay their taxes with maximum ease. Taxpayers can do it themselves using the electronic service channels provided by their bankers. (These service channels will include the banks internet banking, ATM and other mobile banking platforms.)

Conditions to meet before using the e-tax Pay platform: • You must have registered and obtained Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

• You must have an account with the bank.

• You must have sufficient funds in the account to cover the tax liability/ transaction.

Steps to take to make payment through e-tax Pay platform Having satisfied the condition of having a registered TIN, an existing account and sufficient funds, then; • Select the service (e-tax Pay) from the list of services displayed on the bank self-service channel or request for this service from the bank branch.

• Provide all the required information including the taxpayer`s TIN. • Select the tax type (e.g. Company Income Tax, Pre-operation Levy, Value Added Tax, etc).

• Enter the amount to be debited from the account provided.

• Confirm that all the information provided are correct and valid.

• Submit the request.

When this process is completed the platform will notify FIRS online in realtime. Also, FIRS has online access to the tax portal to view transactions real time to know taxpayers that have made tax payments.

Taxes that can be paid using the e-tax pay channel You can use the e-tax Pay channel to pay all taxes/levies collected by the FIRS. They include: • Petroleum Profit Tax • Education Tax • Companies Income Tax

• VAT • Personal Income Tax/PAYE (Residents of FCT and non-Residents) • Withholding Tax • National Information Technol-

Ogungbesan

ogy Levy • Capital Gains Tax • Pre-operation Levy • Late filing penalty • Stamp duties • Etc. Documentation required when you want to pay tax • Prepare the relevant tax returns • Compute tax payable or prepare remittance schedule (CIT/PAYE/WHT/ VAT) • Fill the relevant self-assessment forms Benefits of using e-tax Pay • Promotes transparency and boosts the taxpayer’s confidence and trust in the tax system.

• Promotes voluntary compliance.

• It is convenient, saves time and compliance costs as taxpayers can do it themselves within the confine of their offices without going to the banking hall.

• E-tax Pay solution streamlines the process flow in tax remittance, with all banks collecting for FIRS using their various channels.

• Banks integration to the NIBSS e-tax Pay is a veritable avenue for en-

abling all forms of tax payments/collections particularly from the bank accounts of taxpayers to the designated bank accounts of FIRS. • This solution harmonizes online tax assessment with the e-tax Pay platform; which gives convenience of assessment and remittance.

• NIBSS collection platform has been integrated to the system(s) of FIRS for data acquisition and online real-time notification of transactions.

• The security of payment is intact as the platform leverages the robust security infrastructure of banks.

• It makes account reconciliation easy for FIRS. • It enhances effective budgeting and forecasting due to the availability of adequate information on details of tax revenue realised over a period of time.

Security of the e-tax Pay platform The e-tax Pay service is safe and secure. The platform leverages on the security measures provided by the service channels of the banks. The system through NIBSS validates taxpayers’ information against FIRS records and automatically notifies FIRS. … fast track your tax payment, use the e-tax Pay.

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Info Tech

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

31

Malfunctioning websites hamper MDAs’ e-governance dividends to citizens Claims by governments across the country about their commitment to using ITdriven platforms to enhance governance appear to be mere slogans. Investigations show that most MDAs’ websites that should keep the citizens informed about government policies and programmes are either nonexistent of malfunctioning.

ISAIAH ERHAWARIEN reports.

I

n the first quarter of this year and before the exit of the former Minister of Communication Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson, a report she credited to the bi-annual United Nations e-Government Development Ranking index stated that Nigeria has moved 21 places in the ranking.

However, assessment of some government websites does not reflect the indices that gave e-governance in Nigeria that ranking.

According to the ranking, there was said to be standardisation of all MDA websites and deployment of ICT in all government parastatals while daily routines had become seamless.

Nigeria in the ranking pooled a total of 190 points to climb to 141st position in 2014, from 162nd in 2012, thereby moving to 21 places from the previous ranking in 2012.

How investigation by National Mirror revealed that a lot of the MDAs websites far from what should be regarded as standard websites.

Our investigation, which was narrowed to key areas such News and Media menu, and the link of such websites to the social media as well as social media activities on some selected MDAs website reveals a sad state.

Our investigation particularly examined how often news and development are updated on such websites. It also examined the news update from national dailies posted on the website.

A visit to the website of the Ministry of Communications Technology revealed that the last posting made in the News and Media menu of the website was in March 2015 while most of the photos posted on the photo gallery were photos of 2013 and 2014.

The last posting of daily newspaper report posted on the Daily News Report menu of the website was made in March 2015 while the last tweeting activities on the Ministry’s tweeter was June 24.

It was gathered that even in the use of

Former Minister of Communication Technology, Omobola Johnson

Emmanuel Amos

the social media, the Ministry of Communications Technology was far behind global standard.

For instance, the last post on the Facebook of the Ministry was in April 2015 while only 144 people of the about 80 million Nigerians that visited the page which was created in 2012.

The Ministry has five departments under its supervision namely: Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Nigeria Technology and Development Agency, NITDA, NIPOST and Galaxy Backbone Plc but of all, the most active of them is the NCC. It was discovered that NITDA has no news event menu that captures development and trends in an agency that is supposed to technology development in the country while the last news item posted on its latest news menu was in April 2015.

Investigation further revealed a dormant social media presence for NITDA as the last post on its Facebook page was in September 29, 2014 while the page, which was created in 2001 so far had only 3,566 likes.

Its tweeter account revealed that NITDA has only one tweet, five following, 25 followers and one favourite.

As for the Nigeria Postal Service, its website has no posting on its News and Media menu and there was no link to any Facebook and Tweeter accounts while the only post made was on its photo gallery, which was a 2013 photo award ceremony.

For NIGCOMSAT, the story was the same with no link to a Facebook account except for Tweeter account whose last tweet was

in June 15, 2015 while the last time its News menu content update was in June 8, 2015.

Also a visit to the website of Galaxy Backbone Plc., a company that is a key driver of telecoms infrastructure in the country revealed that the last news update concerning its online activity was in May 2015, besides there is no news update of national dailies its the website.

A look at the Galaxy Backbone FaceBook page showed that the page, which was created in 2006 had only 384 likes while the last post on the page was in June 18, 2013.

However, it discovered that the Galaxy Backbone appears to be current with global trending events and news as indicated in its Tweeter account although the news item tweeted on June 29 2015 reported on June 18 on a telecoms news websites. The last tweet was tweeted on June 29, 2015 at the time of filing in this report.

But the account, which was created in 2010, has only 176 tweets, 45 following and 316 followers.

So far in the entire MDAs websites visited, only that of the NCC has a Norton security protection while none of them have the security key icon meaning that they are not secured and are vulnerable to the least experienced hackers.

Commenting on our investigation, software developer for the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Mr. Emmanuel Amos disclosed that it is a reflection of the infancy state of e-governance in the country.

He noted that an efficient government website must not only be functional but

MOST OF WHAT IS HOSTED TODAY AS WEBSITES BY THE MDAS IN THE COUNTRY ARE JUST SCREEN PAINTINGS WITH NO EFFECT

should start and end a process for the common citizen, which should indeed reflect standard e-governance.

According to Amos, most of what is hosted today as websites by the MDAs in the country are just screen paintings with no effect saying that the cheapest service such drivers licence application or immigration service cannot fly on those websites.

While expressing worry about the kind of websites qualified platform for e-governance he stated that “to a great extent our people contribute to these failures because they want to truncate standard best practice processes and give room for human circumventions for corruption.”

He noted that these websites are not up to standard because of lack of readiness and enforcements to do the right adding that “Why do they work in other countries. We are simply corrupt.”

Amos observed that Nigerians are a major problem of e-governance and that technologies have always been in government stressing that the people do not want the government to get to the level of deploying technology for everything due to corruption.

While revealing that government automation process lacks auditing, he said that there are evidences that every aspect of governance requires technology to be effective saying that even the “Our health system needs data. The power supply we all worry about need data to enable proper planning.”

Notwithstanding the poor standard of most government websites, Amos noted that there good efforts made in many areas of e-governance saying however that they are all work in silos which reduces our egovernance next to nothing.

He explained that “you can see the National ID thing, e-voting system deployment, the banking BVN, the XoXo try ‘ s Credit Bureau responsibility has gone into oblivion.”

According to him, that is one reason government cannot function well and thereby satisfy the citizens in the current dispensation.

Managing Director, Internet eXchange Point of Nigeria, IXPN, Mr. Muhammed Rudman however said that there areas that these MDAs have done well besides the current state of their websites stating that there are challenges in the country as far as e-governance is concern.

He explained that the challenges of egovernance was what gave rise to the Nigerian e-Governance Forum so that issues that security and how to protect children and youths online.

He added that there are still challenges as to why Nigeria cannot share telecoms infrastructure with neighbouring West African countries so that regional traffic will not be a problem to the citizens of the region.

32

Info Tech

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Tech Box Monitoring your pets health with wearables

MainOne invests $300m to boosts internet access in W/A STORIES: ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

T

elecommunications and data services company, MainOne has invested about $300 million in West Africa in order to boost access to the internet and provide other data related services in the sub-region.

The investment is part of the five years operation that the company had for the sub-region, which it claimed resulted to the transformation of the region’s internet landscape.

The Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Funke Opeke, during at a press conference to mark the company’s five years of operations, said that the company started as a submarine cable operator to becoming a full-service businessto-business communications ser-

S

tepping beyond simple activity and sleep tracking, Voyce records heart and breathing rates to build a comprehensive view of your dog’s health over time.

The Voyce health and wellness monitor bypasses human biology entirely, and sets its sights on canis familiar is, a species with much less capricious technology habits.

Yeah, it’s another canine wearable. But instead of merely recording pawsteps, the Voyce band also tracks resting heart and respiratory rates, two biometrics that can provide deep insights into a dog’s health.

It’s also limited to dogs with 12-inch necks or larger. It’s also got an annoying, ever-blinking LED, and looks like cold, sterile medical equipment. And the Voyce data dashboard is web-only, and loads rather slowly.

The Voyce collar quickly picks up scuffs, making an already industrial-looking band look a bit more janky.

The manufacturer, i4C Innovations, said it’s working on fixing some of these issues, but even the 1.0 version of Voyce is super-cool technology. And this is the big innovation that should be of particular interest to veterinarians.

The device’s special patented technology is a sensor that uses

low-frequency radio waves to measure heart rate (tracking pulses of the carotid artery) and breathing rate (tracking muscle movement in doggie’s chest).

The FCC finally landed on a protocol for testing and certifying this application for dogs, and now the Voyce band is shipping.

This rolling-average approach smooths out the natural variability of canine heartbeat and breathing rates, presenting only baseline measurements that can show trends over time.

But here’s the really important thing, according to Voyce: Because the measurements are collected when your dog is perfectly calm, the readings will be much more instructive than anything measured during the cortisol-driven emotional duress of a veterinary visit.

To this end, the Voyce platform include a “vet view” that gathers up all relevant data, and exports it to PDF. You can then send the file to your pet doctor to provide him or her with a deeper level of diagnostic insights.

Voyce said its technology is greater than 90 percent accurate when compared to a holter monitor or Televet. These unwieldy veterinary devices measure a dog’s heart rate at rest, but just aren’t practical for continuous, everyday use.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

vices provider.

Opeke noted that within the period, the company had made further investments in growing directly and through partnerships its fiber terrestrial network and POPs across the region and opened a Tier III Data Center, MDX-I, which was first of its kind for the region in Lagos earlier this year.

She explained that since inception, MainOne’s objective has been to bridge the digital divide in West Africa and to become the preferred provider of wholesale Internet services and enabler of online business within the region.

According to her, the company has achieved this with services delivered to seven countries in West Africa, and covering a list of over 500 major telecom operators, ISPs, government agencies, large enter-

prises, and educational institutions in the region on its network.

She disclosed that MainOne had the region’s highest lit capacity on its submarine cable, and is the number one Internet transit provider in West Africa, interconnected with the London Internet Exchange (LINX), Amsterdam Internet Exchange (AMIX), Nigerian Internet Exchange (IXPN) and the Ghanaian Internet Exchange (GIX).

“Despite the challenges we face in this region, predominantly a dearth and high cost of infrastructure, we are excited about the future prospects in the broadband market and are determined to remain consistent in our resolve to bridging the digital divide between Africa and the rest of the world”, she said.

L-R: Senior Manager, Data Services, Airtel Nigeria, Uduak Ekpo-Ufot, Airtel Ambassador, Chibuzo Azubuike (PHYNO), Vice President, Data and Digital Services, Nitin Anan and the Public Relations Manager of the communications company, Felix Ofulue, at the launch of Airtel Unlimited Data Bundle, held at the company corporate head office in Lagos.

Despite printers’ shipment lull, Nigerian market booms –Report

T

he high cost of procuring the dollar to import printers by vendors, distributors across the African printer market made the volume of printers shipped from abroad to Africa to drop considerably.

It was learnt that the market demand for printers to the region had declined to 470 000 units but Nigeria was said to have recorded stead growth.

The International Data Corporation’s, IDC’s, latest research showed while most of the continent’s HCP markets contracted in the first quarter of 2015, the IDC pointed out that Nigeria bucked the trend, recording yearly growth in volume and value on the back of successful vendor promotions in the colour inkjet space.

Government tenders and de-

mand from the small and medium business (SMB) sector also helped Nigeria’s laser market to grow, the report revealed.

The IDC report revealed a substantial yearly decline in shipments of hardcopy peripherals (HCP) to Africa in terms of value and volume in the first quarter of the year.

The global technology consulting firm said that the ongoing currency volatility experienced across the region saw the market shrink to 470 000 units to reach $190 million in value, a drop of 16.6 percent on the previous quarter and 12.7 percent annually.

“We have seen consistent demand from SMBs within the continent and we project this will continue over the coming few years, despite significant challenges

remaining due to continuing currency fluctuations,” said Research Manager for Imaging, Printing, and Document Solutions at IDC Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, Mr. Roberto Alunni.

He stated: “IDC believes that despite the year-on-year decline seen in Q1 2015, Africa will continue to offer strong growth potential across all the hardcopy technologies in the medium- to long-term.

The growth will be led by businesses, as regardless of their size, reliance on physical documents continues.”

IDC noted that overall inkjet shipments to Africa fell by a quarter in the first quarter to total just over 210 000 units, with a corresponding decline in value of about $21 million.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Info Tech

Thursday, July 2, 2015

33

Government Technology

Chams loses case against NIMC on National Identity Cards ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

J

ustice-A.R. Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting at Abuja has granted the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, all the prayers it sought and granted stay in the cases filed

by Chams Consortium Limited against the Commission.

In his ruling, Justice Mohammed ordered that both parties should commerce Arbitration, as agreed in the concession agreement signed in 2010.

The motions for stay were unchallenged by Chams Consortium Ltd as it conceded to the prayers in the motion, having discovered its follies in filing the cases against the spirit of the concession agreement.

In the suit filed by Chams Consortium Limited, the company prayed The Federal High Court to restrain the Commission from doing certain things which include: “An order of perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant, it’s agent, assigns, privies, and successors in title from contract-

ing or further contracting either in whole or in part, the contract for personalisation of National Identity (Smart) Cards and the concession agreement for the provision of data capture services, personalisation, issuance and distribution of General MultiPurpose Cards (GMPC), deployment of Cards Acceptance Devices (CADs) and for the related services and operations to any other company or companies”.

“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, it agents, privies, servants, employees, assign, alter ego, or any other persons however described acting for it or on its behalf from breaching and or further breaching the non- disclosure agreement by the engagement of contracted third parties of the plaintiffs in the implementation of the front end segment of the rollout phase or phases of the concession.

“An order of general damages in the sum of 25,000,000,000 (twenty five billion) against the defendants being damages for breach of the non- disclosure agreement executed between the 2nd plaintiffs intellectual prop-

erty by the defendant. An order setting aside the termination of the plaintiff ’s operation of the National Identity Card Concession by the defendant via the notice of termination dated 9th February, 2015.”

Prior to the filing of these suits, Chams Consortium limited had activated the clause 4 of the concession agreement that made Arbitration a means of

settlement of the dispute arising from the concession agreement. The NIMC had therefore, through its legal team filed various motions urging the court to stay proceeding and direct that parties should observe the sanctity of the Arbitration clause.

“The NIMC and the Chams currently have an Arbitration panel which consist of NIMC’s appointed arbitrator, Chams ap-

pointed arbitrator, and the presiding Arbitrator appointed by the two arbitrators. The composition of the arbitral panel makes it almost impossible for any party to compromise it. The arbitrators will meet by September, 2015 and hopefully, a decision would be reached in December, 2015,” said NIMC in house counsel.

(L-R) Mobile Advertising Sales Manager, MTN Business,Chinedum Adim; Vice President Africa, Opera Software,Richard Monday and Country Group Head, Naij.com, Goke Olaegbe at the launch of Naij.com and Opera Software’s 1 million days of free internet on the MTN network.

Financial Technology

Finacle Core tops banking transactions STORIES: ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

F

inacle Core banking system developed by a Nigerian company, Computer Ware-

house Group Plc, , CWG, was ranked tops in banking transactions in Nigeria, accounting for 60 per cent of the IT solutions.

It is installed in 10 of the 21 Nigerian banks while about 20

percent of bank branch transactions on data links are carried out through CWG’s Network Infrastructure.

Chief Technology Officer of the company, Mr. James Agada,

GOtv expands coverage in Edo State

G

Otv’s coverage in Edo state has been bolstered with its signals now reaching Auchi, Aviele, Ewu, Igarra, Jattu and Okpella.

GOtv Public Relations Manager, Efe Obiomah said: ‘GOtv first made an entry into Edo state when it launched in Benin, the state capital. We are excited to be taking GOtv beyond big cities to the hinterlands. This move further demonstrates our commitment to enable Nigeria achieve a speedy migration from analogue to digital broadcasting’.

‘Africa Independent Television (AIT) is of great significance to the people of Auchi and environs. Afemai / Etsako people can now access AIT on GOtv and enjoy news and cultural programmes in digital pictures

and sound. This is in addition to the wide variety of family entertainment on GOtv’, she added.

‘In the month of July, GOtv celebrates African music talent with the live broadcast of the MTV Africa Music Awards 2015 on GOtv. Subscribers can also look forward to the premiere of a new series on Telemundo, Husband for Hire, and the Season 2 premiere of I Survived on Sony Entertainment Television”, she concluded.

GOtv offers two bouquets: GOtv Plus for a monthly subscription of N1,800 and GOtv Value for N1,200 monthly. Both bouquets give families a good selection of international and local channels with 42 channels on the GOtv Plus bouquet, and 28 channels on GOtv Value.

The GOtv channel lineup in-

cludes a wide selection which caters to different tastes within the family. Some of the channels on GOtv are; AfricaMagic Family, AIT, M-Net Movies Zone, Telemundo, Zee World, Discovery World, SuperSport Select, Al Jazeera, CNN, MTV Base, Soundcity, Disney Junior, Nickelodeon, JimJam, Islam Channel and Faith.

Television lovers in these towns can get the latest approved GOtv DBV-T2 decoders including one month subscription to the GOtv Plus bouquet at the highly subsidised price of N2,900. To receive optimal signals, GOtv subscribers are advised to make use of the outdoor antenna (GOtenna) which is sold for a standalone price of N1,600.

disclosed this when the Chief Information Officer of Standard Bank, PBB Rest of Africa, Klaas Kruger and his team visited CWG his company’s Head Office in Lagos.

CWG and its partner, Infosys have also extended the Finacle Core Banking System to other African Countries where it has physical presence, with CWG’s certified technical staff handling both the implementation and support.

The visit was aimed at strategic discussion on technology solutions that the company offers and the value it can add to the bank’s operation.

Earlier while receiving the team, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Austin Okere said that his company had world class IT facilities and capabilities as well as strong relationships with global technology brands and esteemed clientele spanning over two decades.

He unveiled plans by the company to replicate the unique value Pan-African wide to meet the growing requirements of her global customers, who want a consistent service level across their

Africa operations.

Okere revealed that the strength of CWG in the industry were facility, capability and relationship, noting that the trio have given his company an edge in providing IT services and support in the various industries as well as countries of its operations.

He added that about 50 percent of Mobile calls in Nigeria were routed through enterprise servers and storage managed and supported by CWG while also providing about 40 percent of Telecoms Information Systems Managed Services.

“Same applies to the banking industry, about 30 percent of Automated Teller Machines’(ATMs) transaction pass through CWG’s Wincor-Nixdorf ATMs while about 35 percent of ATMs installed base in Nigeria are supplied and supported by CWG” Okere said.

Kruger expressed his excitement about working with CWG on the bank’s upgrades and support of their Finacle System saying that they are looking forward to extracting more value from the later version of Finacle.

34

Global News

Thursday, July 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

EU makes last-ditch bid to save Greek bailout G

GE to sell European private equity financing unit to SMBC

E

U authorities made a last-minute offer to salvage a bailout deal that could keep Greece in the euro as the clock ticked down on Tuesday, with Germany warning that time had run out to extend vital credit lines to Athens.

With billions of euros in locked-up bailout funds due to expire at midnight, the European Commission urged Greece to accept the proposed deal, while holding out hopes that some tweaks could still be possible.

If no agreement is reached, Greece will default on a loan to the IMF, setting it on a path out of the euro with unforeseeable consequences for the European Union’s grand currency project and the global economy.

Greek officials, who insist that a referendum on the bailout package on Sunday is part of the negotiating process, said they wanted a deal though there was no firm offer or move towards accepting European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’s proposals.

“We want a viable solution. If we get a credible proposal that leaves even a sniff of a viable solution, we’ll be the first to take it,” a senior finance official told reporters.

However prospects of a breakthrough were dampened by a cool response from German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

“This evening at exactly midnight central European time the programme expires. And I am not aware of any real indications of anything else,” Merkel said at a news conference with Kosovo’s prime minister.

“All I know is that the last offer from the Commission that I’m aware of is from Friday of last week.”

EU and Greek government sources said Juncker, who spoke to Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras late on Monday, had offered to convene an emergency meeting of euro zone finance ministers on Tuesday to approve an aid payment to prevent Athens defaulting, if Tsipras sent a written acceptance of the terms.

He also dangled the prospect of a negotiation on debt rescheduling later this year if Athens said “yes”.

By early afternoon on Tuesday no firm response had been received from Greece, Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas told reporters.

“As we speak, this move has not yet been received, registered, and time is now narrowing,” Schinas said.

The growing possibility that Athens could be forced out of the single currency brought into sharp focus the chaos that could be unleashed in Greece and the risks to the stability of the euro.

Juncker

“What would happen if Greece came out of the euro? There would be a negative message that euro membership is reversible,” said Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who a week ago declared that he did not fear contagion from Greece.

“People may think that if one country can leave the euro, others could do so in the future. I think that is the most serious problem that could arise.”

The last-ditch bid from Brussels came as uncertainty built ahead of Sunday’s referendum, with a string of European leaders warning that it would effectively be a choice between remaining in the euro or reverting to the drachma.

Apple conspired to fix e-book prices – U.S. appeals court

A

divided federal appeals court on Tuesday said Apple Inc (AAPL.O) orchestrated a conspiracy with five publishers to increase e-book prices, in a victory for the U.S. Justice Department.

By a 2-1 vote, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with a lower court judge that the conspiracy violated federal antitrust law, and that the judge acted properly in imposing an injunction to prevent a recurrence.

Writing for the majority, Circuit Judge Debra Ann Livingston said that by organizing the conspiracy,

Apple self driving car

“Apple found an easy path to opening its iBookstore,” while ensuring that marketwide prices rose to a level that Apple and the publishers wanted.

The ruling will uphold not just Apple’s civil liability but also the terms of an injunction that limited its agreements with publishers.

The decision also means Apple will be required to pay $450 million as part of a related settlement with 33 attorneys general and lawyers for a class of consumers. The accord had been contingent on Apple’s liability being upheld.

Neither Apple nor the Justice De-

partment, which had pursued the civil lawsuit to trial, responded immediately to requests for comment.

The appeal followed a 2013 decision by U.S. District Judge Denise Cote in Manhattan finding that Apple played a “central role” in a conspiracy with publishers to eliminate retail price competition and raise e-book prices.

The Justice Department, which secured the ruling following a non-jury trial, said the scheme caused some e-book prices to rise to $12.99 or $14.99 from the $9.99 price charged by the dominant player in the market, Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O).

The publishers that the Justice Department said conspired with Apple include Lagardere SCA’s Hachette Book Group Inc, News Corp’s HarperCollins Publishers LLC, Penguin Group Inc, CBS Corp’s Simon & Schuster Inc and Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holtzbrinck GmbH’s Macmillan.

In a dissenting opinion, U.S. Circuit Judge Dennis Jacobs said he would have reversed Cote’s 2013 ruling, finding that Apple’s behavior was pro-competitive in taking on a “monopolist,” Amazon, which controlled 90 percent of the market.

eneral Electric Co (GE.N) said it would sell its European private equity financing business to a unit of Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp (SMBC) for about $2.2 billion as the U.S. conglomerate sheds financial assets amid a restructuring.

The portfolio represents about $2.2 billion of total invested capital, GE said on Tuesday.

The portfolio carries a wider spread margin than most corporate loans, a source familiar with the matter said.

This makes the deal attractive to the core banking unit of Japan’s third largest bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) (8316.T), which is trying to diversify away from the fiercely competitive corporate lending sector.

Major Japanese banks such as SMFG have been aggressively buying businesses and extending loans overseas to make up for a weak domestic market.

In 2012, SMFG acquired an aircraft leasing company from Royal Bank of Scotland Group

(RBS.L) for $7.3 billion and this year, Mizuho Financial Group Inc (8411.T) agreed to buy the U.S. and Canadian loan portfolio of RBS for $3 billion. (reut. rs/1g6apGT) In April, GE announced plans to exit $200 billion worth of finance assets which made it subject to government regulation as a financial institution.

The U.S. industrial conglomerate has since signed agreements to sell about $23 billion worth of assets, including the latest deal.

Japan PM, Shinzo Abe

Microsoft hands display ads to AOL, maps to Uber

M

icrosoft Corp (MSFT.O) said on Monday it will hand over its display advertising business to AOL Inc and sell some map-generating technology to ride-hailing app company Uber, as it slims down its money-losing online operations.

The moves mean Microsoft will focus on its growing search advertising business based on its Bing search engine, and displaying maps on its Windows devices rather than generating the maps themselves.

Microsoft, which employs hundreds of people in its display ad business around the world, said those employees would be offered the chance to transfer to AOL and that it was not making any layoffs.

The world’s largest software company no longer breaks out results for its online operations, chiefly its MSN web portal and Bing, but they have lost more than $10 billion over the past five years. Chief Executive Satya Nadella has said Bing will turn a profit next fiscal year.

Microsoft office

“Today’s news is evidence of Microsoft’s increased focus on our strengths: in this case, search and search advertising and building great content and consumer services,” said Microsoft in a statement.

Under a 10-year deal struck with AOL, now a unit of Verizon Communications Inc (VZ.N), AOL will sell display ads on MSN, Outlook.com, Xbox, Skype and in some apps in major countries. As part of the deal, Bing will become the search engine behind web searches on AOL starting next year.

Microsoft also struck a multi-year extension to its existing deal with AppNexus, which provides the tech platform for buyers to purchase online ads.

Microsoft and Uber did not disclose financial terms of their deal, under which Uber will take over the part of Microsoft’s mapping unit that works on imagery acquisition and map data processing. Uber will offer jobs to the 100 or so Microsoft employees working in that area, according to a source familiar with the deal.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Brands & Marketing

35

Does advertising influence buying habit?

Have you watched a television, radio or newspaper advertisement of a product and you say wao, I am going to buy this product?

Does advertisement influence your buying habit? David Audu reports on ads’ influence on consumers.

T

he argument in favour of whether advertising influences consumer behaviour is short and simple.

Former President of Advertising Agencies Association of Nigeria, AAAN, Mrs. Bunmi Oke, in a chat with National Mirror sometimes ago said: “You can’t buy what you don’t know exists”. In other words, advertising exposes the public know what goods and services are available, at what prices and in most cases, where to pick the goods or service.

This runs contrary to the argument of some critics that advertising is more like a showbiz, packaged to deceive people into buying what ordinarily they will not buy. They argued further that since without it people still buy what they want to buy; advertising may not be as relevant as it is portrayed.

Oke debunked the claim, saying it is not true.

She clarified: “You know why? You can’t buy what you don’t know exists.

You can only buy what you know exists in your mind. For example, some of us, who have the privilege of education and travel, are exposed to new things.

But we also have some of our sisters and brothers who are living in the villages, and they don’t have any clue that not only that people are not just going to Lagos in planes but that they are going to space now.

“Because they don’t know, does it mean that it doesn’t exist? That an astronaut studies to go to space is because he knows. That is why they say ignorant is bliss. You only know what you want to buy based on your exposure”, the industry expert added.

This statement cuts effectively into the heart of the relevance and influence of advertising. Highlighting the influence of advertising starts with understanding how it works, what it does, and how it intends to influence the public.

While you may be taking advertising for granted, it does seek to influence what consumers spend their money on. Many may not believe that they’re susceptible to being influenced, let alone manipulated, by advertising.

The truth, however, is that advertising would not be so omnipresent as it is if it is not working.

Experts believe advertisers hide the manipulative parts of advertising, because people will not accept it if they notice they are being manipulated. So, advertising needs to appear innocent in order to have an influence.

Ufot Udeme

Nwosu

THE POWER OF ADVERTISING RESTS IN THE REPETITIVE NATURE WHICH HAS A WAY OF STICKING TO THE MIND What are these subtle gimmicks of advertising? It is widely known that sex sells. So, advertisers will put sexy women next to cars, use handsome actors tell how great a product is, or display women in bikini to show how great the beach is.

For men, sexy and attractive women in ads will grab their attention, instantly, and without a need to explain anything. That is what advertisers want, to instantly have attention, as their message by itself may not really be that interesting to us.

The reason brands advertise is to inform people of the existence of products and services the public might be interested in buying. It has been proved that no one will buy something they donot know exists. But in the process of announcing its existence, does it influence purchase?

Random opinion of individuals by National Mirror reveal that people are largely influenced by advertising at one point or the other when deciding to make purchase.

Joan has a provision store on Awolowo way Ikeja, but while she refrained from being drawn into the argument if she buys product based on it being advertised, she however admits seeing ads’ promoted products she would love to buy when she has money.

On the part of Omolara Jacob, a house wife who lives in Ikorodu area

of Lagos, while displaying indifference, she however admitted seeing a lot of ads on television while watching her favourite programmes.

Pressed further if she had made shopping decisions based on those ads, she admits she did on few occasions.

On why she buys based on some ads, she said “sometimes when I want to buy something I suddenly remember seeing those products on TV and I want to try them out”.

Ifeanyi Ndukwe works with Hygeia Group, a healthcare management organisation on Lagos Island.

He confessed to have been influenced by advertising and that advertising does influence buying habits. He told National Mirror that when brands advertise on radio and television, people feel comfortable about that brand and when they go into the market they think about that brand. Let say, Mouka Foam, for example, when the company advertises Mouka frequently, people get to know it and would want to try it to see whether what they say about the product is true.

“I want to use myself as example.

When I wanted to buy mattress, the first thing that entered my head was Mouka, and when I got there I first ask if they have it because it is that Mouka advert impression of good foam I have in my head. This is because I have been hearing the jingles and seeing the ad-

vert on television. And again, for them to advertise it means there is quality in the product. So, the consumer will decide based on that advert and want to try it out. It is when we try the product and it is not good as advertised that you will now want to try other products. He agrees that advertising actually have influence on consumer purchasing habit.

On what if the product advertise is expensive in relation to its competitors, he said, pricing does not really matter if you are comfortable with a product, adding that pricing also depend on the individual. “People don’t buy product because it is expensive or cheap, but on values. Pricing depends on the individual. As I said earlier, I have bought Mouka Foam based on seeing it being advertised; and my wife also bought Power Cooking Oil because, as she told me, she keeps seeing the advert and she tried it and found out that it was good. So, advertisement influences consumer behaviour and to a large making decision to buy certain product.

From an expert perspective, the views above buttress the facts that advertising is powerful in influencing how purchasing decisions are made.

Commenting on advertising influence on consumers, President of Advertising Agencies Association of Nigeria and Managing Director of TBWA Concepts, Mr. Kelechi Nwosu, affirmed that indeed advertising has influence on consumers. He said carefully crafted ad messages have a way of staying in the mind of consumers such that when they go out shopping it is that product they will remember first to check.

The power of advertising, according to him, rests in the repetitive nature which has a way of sticking to the mind, thus make consumers to recall anytime they want to buy such product.

He however explained that for a successful ad to work it has to target specific segments of the public. Again, he said the advertiser must also do its home work on the advertisement message to ensure that it is effectively communicated in a clear language to the consumers. This also tally with the hierarchy of effects of advertising. Effective advertising aims to influence consumer behavior at each and every stage of the consumer buying process, he noted.

36

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Colgate, most patronised brand globally – Report DAVID AUDU

I

n a new global report released recently by Kantar World panel, Colgate toothpaste emerged as the leading brand with highest patronage and consumption in most households worldwide.

The report shows that Colgate is the only brand bought by over half of the world’s households, according to Kantar World panel’s Brand Footprint report, an annual study of the 50 Most Chosen Global Fast Moving Consumer Goods, FCMG and Brands.

Brand Footprint provides information on real consumer behaviour rather than attitude. The ranking was based on Consumer Reach Points, CRPs. CRPs is an innovative metric system that measures how many households around the world are buying a brand-penetration, and how often

-frequency.It also provides a representation of shopper choice.

Colgate also emerged as the most chosen health and beauty brand by consumers worldwide, growing its Consumer Reach Points by three per cent and gaining 19 million new shoppers in 2014.

According to the report, the brand market penetration shows positive growth in every region across the world with Indian shoppers contributing to at least half of its new buyers, with the brand entering 86 per cent of households in the country.

Ranked second after Coca-cola, Colgate remains the only brand bought by over64.6 percent, half of global households, having achieved 19 million extra shoppers in the last year. Despite keeping its reputation as most chosen brand worldwide, Coca-Cola, failed to beat Colgate in household penetration, with only 43.3 percent.

The rankings track consumer behaviour patterns through ‘Con-

sumer Reach Points’, which measure how many households worldwide are purchasing a brand, and how often.The report analyzed 11,000 brands and 250 billion shopping decisions.

According to Global CEO of Kantar World panel, Josep Montserrat, “Brand Footprint is one of the most comprehensive studies on FMCG brands across the globe, providing key findings for driving growth and success. This year, we reveal that growing FMCG brands follow one simple rule, growth is about penetration. That is retaining and increasing the number of shoppers choosing the brand.

“To enable even better understanding of brand growth, this year’s report includes more expert commentary than ever. You will hear from global and regional marketing chief officers about their growth strategies. There is an increased focus, too, on future trends by Kantar World panel specialists.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NBC donates transformer to Zaranzong community DAVID AUDU

N

igerian Bottling Company, NBC, has donated an electricity transformer to the Zaranzong community in Jos, Plateau State. The company handed over the transformer in a ceremony at the Zaranzong Community Centre, Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The company’s Managing Director, Ben Langat, said at the donation venue that “partnering with our communities wherever we operate remains our top priority.

“The provision of a transformer to support power supply in Zaranzong Community is coming at a time when there is a high need for community development, entrepreneurial spirit and youth empowerment, which are key drivers for our community impact programs.

Today, power supply remains a

major society challenge and this gesture is a way of empowering the Zaranzong community.

The success and development of communities we operate in, is our company success too.” Langat added.

UzoOdenigbo, Head of Public Affairs and Communications, NBC Limited, thanked the Leadership of Zaranzong Community Traditional Council and the Zaranzong Youth Association, adding that the Jos community and NBC Limited always enjoy a mutual and sustainable relationship in the community.

The collaboration and partnership between NBC Limited and communities in Jos spans across community youth empowerment, educational support and water supply, including donation of furniture to schools in the community and provision of access to potable water amongst other value adding legacy projects.

Programmatic ad spend worth £1bn DAVID AUDU

P

L-R): Winners of British Airways Leaders of Tomorrow Season 1, Adachie Gabriel Eneojo, Peter Fajemisin and British Airways CEO, Keith Williams during the presentation of certificate to the winners in London, recently.

Centrespread, Noahs Ark win Airtel advertising business DAVID AUDU

F

inally, the much awaited result of the Airtel Advertising business has been released after an energy sapping and apprehensive financial stage following an equally demanding strategy presentation by selected agencies.

From a list five agencies invited for the main pitch after broader credential presentations, Centrespread Advertising and Noah’s Ark Advertising were selected winners ahead of the pack of agencies that contested for the business.

In a bid to zero down to final winners and would be custodians of the business, the review entered into the financial stage which warranted prospective handlers to

submit and defend their financial requirements with a view to availing the client opportunity to align demands with its realistic budgets and financial projections.

According to our investigation, the client has finally selected two shops as final winners of the review which was called a few month ago to fill the yawning gap for the positions of the brand’s roster agencies.

Centrespread under the leadership of a new COO, Mr. Wale Akintunde and Noah’s Ark steered by Creative impresario, Lanre Adisa qualified on all rounds to win and become eventual handlers of the Airtel Advertising business in Nigeria at least for the next two years.

It was gathered that this busi-

ness will probably be what these winners have been waiting for to make a mark in the industry.

For instance, Noah’s Ark has proved its mettle as a creative firebrand but it has not been too blessed with creative latitude and funds to express itself such that only telecoms clients can avail an agency.

In the same way, Centrespread will most likely use the business to improve its rating and pedigree in the industry especially after a lull occasioned by the loss of some senior hands. It is gathered that the Anthony village based agency has since commenced a reorganisation and repositioning exercise aimed at creating a youthful brand out of the over three decades old agency.

rogrammatic ad spend accounts for nearly half of all display ads in the UK and is worth close to £1 billion, according to a study released recently by the Internet Advertising Bureau.

The IAB’s “Media Owner Sales Techniques” study, conducted by research consultancy MTM, reveals 45 per cent of display ads across the internet were traded programmatically last year.

Meanwhile mobile, both display and video, ads traded through programmatic doubled from 2013 to 2014. The platform accounts for nearly two-thirds of sales volume for mobile.

Total adspend for display was £2.13 billion last year, with programmatic accounting for £960 million. This is up from 28 per cent in 2013.

Direct sales between publishers and buying is still the most popular form of trading in display advertising, the study said, but only just at 49 per cent (down from 51 per cent in 2013).

Only 6 per cent of these ads were bought through ad networks, down from 22 per cent in the previous year.

Tim Elkington, the IAB’s chief strategy officer, said programmatic is estimated to account for up to 80 per cent of all digital spend by 2018.

He said: “Some still consider programmatic primarily as a direct-response tool. However, its increasing role in video ads – a branding medium like TV – shows programmatic is on advertising’s top table.

“Consequently, due to the rise in mobile and video ad spend, we estimate around 70 to 80 per cent of all digital spend will be programmatic by 2018.”

R/GA New York wins Agency of the Year at Cannes

R

/GA New York has won Agency of the Year at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity, the first time a digital shop has taken the accolade.

Grey New York was given a second place by the jury while Ogilvy Brazil, Sao Paulo, was placed third.

The gong is awarded to the agency that received the most number of points during the festival last week.

The Interpublic Group shop picked up awards for its work with the Ad Council for “love has no labels” (in the video, below), Hammerhead for “Hammerhead navigation” and Equinox for “the pursuit”

Adam & Eve/DDB took home the trophy for the UK last year, the only British winner of the award since 2002 when it was won by Saatchi & Saatchi.

The UK has produced six Agencies of the Year winners since the award was launched in 1993. Bartle Bogle Hegarty won the inaugural and again in 1994, followed by Lowe Howard Spink in 1995 and Saatchi & Saatchi in 1996.

Watch: Claire Beale, the global editor-in-chief of Campaign, interviewed Bob Greenberg, founder and chief executive of R/GA, at Cannes last week

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brands & Marketing

Thursday, July 2, 2015

OAAN President lists outdoor advertising challenges DAVID AUDU

P

resident of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria, OAAN, Charles Chijide, has lamented that in spite of the efforts of the sector to elevate the practice of out of home advertising in Nigeria they are still confronted with numerous industry challenges.

Chijide, who disclosed this in his opening remarks during the association’s 9th annual Poster Award in Lagos recently said, “prominent on the industry’s headaches is the twin yoke of unrestricted government regulation and multiple taxations, and also the issue of inter sectorial indebtedness.

He said these issues were hitting hard on the industry.

“This has made it impossible for most of our members to meet their obligations to their staff, their suppliers, and even to government while assuring however that the is-

sues are being tackled at the appropriate levels with the hope of bringing changes to the sector” Earlier, he restated outdoor’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic development and the marketing communications in particular, noting that outdoor has always easily adapted to prevailing trends.

“It has consistently been influenced by and has benefitted tremendously from prevailing technological advancements. Furthermore, outdoor has also helped to light up and beautify our environment.

It makes the skyline of our cities more beautiful. Above all, outdoor advertising is the most viewer friendly platform when compared with other media”, the OAAN president said.

The OAAN chief also spoke on efforts to lift the practice of outdoor in Nigeria, stressing that as professionals they are committed to observing industry’s ethics and global best practices so as to meet

the expectations of their clients, adding that outdoor ad practitioners “are investing more than ever before in training and embarking on research relevant to information needs of member agencies” The Poster Award which saw about 110 entries this year and themed “Be Bold’ was an award to corporate organisations, according to the association, was designed to appreciate them for their patronage and to also encourage their creative agencies to always deploy their best creative arsenal at all times.

“In coming up with the theme, we felt convinced that creativity is largely a product of ingenuity; that it takes thinking out of the box to come up with a message that will connect the mind and pocket of the viewer with the product offering in just seven or fewer words. We believe that creative excellence requires certain bold initiatives, hence the expression ‘Be Bold’ to describe the award”, Chijide explained.

Mouka expands retail outlets in Abuja DAVID AUDU

M

ouka Limited, manufacturers of household and industrial items, has expanded its retail outlets in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, with the opening of two new Mouka Lifestyle Stores and a Depots to meet increasing demand in the market.

The Acting Managing Director, Mouka Limited, Mr. Femi Fapohunda, said that the new stores and the Depot were opened as a strategic business move to bring the company’s products closer to its esteemed customers not only those living within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja but also customers in the neighbouring states –Niger and Nassarawa. ‘’With increasing population and growing demand for Mouka foam in Abuja and the neighbouring states, it became imperative for us to open these two new lifestyle stores and

depot to cater for the yearnings of our esteemed customers’’ he said.

He reiterated that the Mouka brand is synonymous with quality, offering value, standard and aesthetic appeal and comfort that inspires sleep for users, adding that the company was the first foam company to offer a quality warranty on its mattresses and poly-urethane products.

The Chief Financial Officer, Mouka Limited, Dr. Mrs. Azuka Onya, also explained that the range of household products available at the stores offers a unique combination of quality and affordability to the target customers especially residence of Abuja and the neighbouring states.

The Marketing Manager, Mr. Olusegun Ajala, in his comments described the stores as one-stop bedding solution outlets where customers can shop for all household-bedding needs.

Mantrac restate commitment to economic growth DAVID AUDU

M

Mrs. Amaka Okafor, General Manager, Mouka Lifestyle Store, Garki, Abuja, Mr. Femi Fapohunda, Acting Managing Director, Mouka Limited and Dr. Mrs. Azuka Onya, Chief Financial Officer, Mouka Limited at the opening of the new Lifestyle Store and Depot in Abuja recently.

37

antrac Nigeria, has restated its commitment to satisfy and support customers and business partners across Nigeria as part of its drive to offer value that will enhance business development and economic growth, This comes as the company launched an offering to give customers the opportunity to purchase and rent a wide-range of used Caterpillar certified equipment at special discount prices.prices and with six months warranty.

Cartapillar Used and Rental Equipment Sales Manager, Greg Obioha, disclosed that the campaign is aimed at interacting and fostering a stronger relationship with customers as well as giving customers the opportunity to see the quality of machines available.

“As a market leader in the industry, we offer unique opportunity to our customer and potential customer through cutting-edge offerings. For this campaign, we are offering up to

30 per cent discount for a limited period and while stock last” He added.

Commenting on the quality of the used equipment on sale, Obioha stated that the fact that the used machines are coming with a six months warranty “shows that we are very confident of the standard and quality of the machines we are selling. When it comes to reliability, Caterpillar machines are top-class performers.”

He stressed that one of the aims of displaying the equipment is to educate Nigerians on the rudiments and choices that are available in the used equipment market, pointing out that when buying used equipment, there are certain indices that need to be put into consideration to determine that the buyer is not taking so much risk.

He stated that “Mantrac Nigeria has taken responsibility as a Caterpillar certified dealer, to help the customer make the right choices.”

“As a market leader in this category, we imports the machines and do all the necessary checks according to Caterpillar standards to determine the status of the machine.

How brands can engage Gen Z to combat terrorism

G

oogle made a bid this year at Cannes to get advertisers to help provide a counter narrative to terrorist propaganda online raising huge questions for the industry.

Isis is not only imitating social and digital marketing strategies used by brands, the organisation is selling state-branded goods YouTube is still receiving beheading videos on a weekly basis from Isis. While these aren’t getting reported in the media, they show that brutality and the pernicious rhetoric of hate online is as robust as ever. A study

by US researchers at the Brookings Institution found more than 46,000 active Twitter accounts supporting Islamic State in a two-month period. And as soon as one account is closed down, more appear.

Google made a bid this year at Cannes to get advertisers to help provide a counter narrative to terrorist propaganda online. Google director of policy strategy Victoria Grand said: “Isis having a viral moment on social media and countervailing viewpoints are nowhere near strong enough to oppose them.”

She and Google’s chief legal of-

ficer David Drummond urged advertisers to help to combat Isis’ deft command of social media. “Advertisers are the most gifted storytellers out there. As storytellers, all of us have a responsibility to start countering these voices,” said Drummond.

Isis is not only imitating social and digital marketing strategies used by brands, the organisation is selling state-branded goods, from baby wear to wedding rings. Google has ramped up surveillance of services like YouTube and Gmail in response to Isis’ recent huge online push to raise its profile and convert

new members.

In an effort to combat radicalization among young people, YouTube stars have been signed up to work with counter terrorism organisations. One such is British Muslim YouTube comedian HumzaArshad whose 15-minute film, called Think for Yourself, stars Arshad’s ‘Badman’ character as a pastiche of a ‘streetwise’ young British Muslim. The film focuses on the issues of extremism and the ways in which alienated young people can be exploited.

Advertisers and agencies arguably know better than any-

one how to target young people.

One of the trends at Cannes this year is brands powering social good. That movement needs to be extended to actively fighting the hatred that is spreading online. Having spent my whole career in this industry and having my roots firmly in Iraq (I’m Kurdish but was born in Baghdad), I’m passionate we should be working with and supporting government and counter terrorism groups to provide a different and powerful viewpoint for malleable teens online is an obvious step forward for this industry.

38

Insight

Thursday, July 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Judgment debts: Why luxurious A

ttachment” is the legal process of seizing property to ensure satisfaction of a judgment while the document by which a court orders such a seizure may be called a writ of attachment or an order of attachment.

Originally, the main purpose of attachment was to coerce a defendant into appearing in court and answering the plaintiff ’s claim. The court’s order will possibly make the Sheriff to take the defendant’s property into custody, depriving the individual of the right to use or sell it. If the defendant obstinately refuses to appear, the property could be sold by the court to pay off any monetary judgment entered against him or her. Today, the process of attachment has two functions, as a jurisdictional predicate and as a provisional remedy.

Attachment of property within reach of the court’s jurisdiction gives the court authority over the defendant to the extent of that property’s value even if the court cannot reach the defendant personally. For example, a court must have some connection with the defendant in order to require that person to appear and defend himself or herself in an action before that court.

Different facts are sufficient to give the court jurisdiction over the defendant’s person; for example, the defendant’s residence within the state, the defendant’s commission of a wrongful act within the state, or the defendant’s doing business within the state.

If none of these kinds of facts exist to give the court jurisdiction over the defendant’s person, the court may nevertheless assert its authority over property that the defendant owns within the state.

In such a case, the plaintiff cannot recover a monetary judgment for an amount larger than the value of the property nor can the individual reach the defendant’s property outside the state, but this sort of jurisdiction, called jurisdiction in rem or quasi in rem, may be the best the plaintiff can get. Before the court can exercise jurisdiction over the property, the plaintiff must obtain a writ of attachment to bring it into custody of the court.

Attachment may also be a provisional remedy, that is, relief that temporarily offers the plaintiff some security while pursuing a final judgment in the lawsuit.

For example, a plaintiff who has good reason to believe that the person he or she is suing is about to pack up and leave the state will want the court to prevent this until the plaintiff has a chance to win the action and collect on the judgment. The plaintiff can apply for an order of attachment that brings the property into the custody of the court and takes away the defendant’s right to remove it or dispose of it.

However, National Mirror investigations in some courts in the country have shown that many judicial divisions in various parts of Nigeria are fast becoming dumping ground of vehicles, which were either recovered from judgement debtors or impounded in the course of court proceedings.

In the process, the confiscated vehi-

Attached vehicles worth millions of naira are rotting away in various Federal and State High Court premises, even as pending cases on these moveable assets are yet to be disposed of several months and perhaps, years after they were instituted. WALE IGBINTADE and MATTHEW IRINOYE report that these cars seized for judgment enforcement purposes, apart from becoming eyesore, are preventing lawyers and litigants from operating freely in the courts.

Some of the seized expensive cars parked in the court premises

IN NIGERIA, THE POWER OF A COURT TO ENFORCE AND ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH ITS

SECTION 6(6)(A) OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION (AS AMENDED)

JUDGMENT OR ORDER IS DERIVED FROM

cles are exposed to the vagaries of weather in the judicial divisions where they are parked.

Most litigants and lawyers are miffed at the sight of the number of exotic vehicles that litter court premises in the country.

At the Lagos Judicial Division of the State High Court, several vehicles worth millions of naira have taken over car parks thereby reducing the quantum of parking space reserved for lawyers and litigants.

Recently, a Lagos High Court had ordered an interim forfeiture of three vehicles allegedly seized from one Lawrence Orimogunje, a 28-year-old undergraduate of Lead City University, Oyo State. He was said to have acquired them through fraudulent activities.

The vehicles, according to investigation are, a Nissan Infinity G35 with registration number EP150 ABJ, a Chrysler 300 with registration number OLD-01,

and a Range Rover Sport with registration number OLD-03.

A visit by our correspondent to Ikeja Judicial Division of the state judiciary equally revealed that no fewer than 37 vehicles attached on the order of the court littered the nook and cranny of the premises.

The vehicles with deflated tyres were parked in every available space within the court premises. Among the vehicles are; seven space buses, six jeeps, and several exotic cars.

Enquiries from an auto dealer showed that a space bus is sold for between N1.5million to N1.9m per one depending on the brand and the year of manufacture. Each of the Extera Jeeps sells for about N1.3m; a Benz Jeep is sold for about N2.2m while each of the Toyota Land Cruisers sells for about N2.2m.

National Mirror gathered that some of the vehicles have been seized and brought to the court premises for past

three months.

Efforts made by our correspondent to speak with the Chief Registrar (CR), state high court and the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the court proved abortive.

But speaking on the issue, a Lagos lawyer, Mr. Napoleon Nwachukwu, said, ‘’Properties that have been impounded by the order of court are something that many of us are still worried about. This is because when you come to court you see spaces that ought to be used for more meaningful things are occupied by confiscated or impounded vehicles belonging to judgment debtors. It tells a lot about a people, in saner environment once judgement is given against you make the effort to comply with the judgement of the court, you pay.

Nwachukwu continued, “It shows you believe in the system that found you guilty and that you are honest. But in Nigeria, a judgement creditor will have to pursue a debtor by another round of litigation. You spend more money and time to reap the fruit of your judgement. If people obey the judgement of court there would be no need for writ of fifa to seize your properties and thereby littering the court premises. We need to imbibe the culture of obeying court orders.”

In his view, another lawyer, Mr. Akinwumi Akinfule, said, ‘’It is an unfortunate development to have so many abandoned vehicles within court premises.’’

Akinfule said though the vehicles

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insight

Thursday, July 2, 2015

cars rot in court premises

Another set of attached cars

CJN, Justice Mohammed

might be seized in one way or the other yet, where their owners have refused to show up to do what is required of them in accordance with the law, the authorities concerned should auction the vehicles after proper notice had been given to the owners to avoid another round of litigation.

“For instance, I could not see space to park my car within the court premises so, I had to park outside where I do not even know whether my car is safe or not.

“I just have to park and come to court to do what I wanted to do, I think in one breath keeping abandoned vehicles within the court premises is an aberration and it is highly condemnable.”

Lagos lawyer, Abdulbarka Samsudeen, described the problem as an administrative issue which needed urgent attention by the State Chief Justice, Olufunmilayo Atilade, to quickly intervene.

He said, “I want to urge the CJ and other stakeholders to do something about the issue because it is really affecting lawyers and the litigants.”

Samsudeen revealed, “A friend of mine once told me that he had a matter and he could not see where to park within the court premises, he had to move elsewhere and before he could park and appear before the court, the matter had already been called and a new adjourned date was fixed because he could not get

Barr. Napoleon Nwachukwu not happy over the development

MANY JUDICIAL DIVISIONS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF

NIGERIA

ARE FAST BECOMING DUMPING GROUND OF VEHICLES,

WHICH WERE EITHER RECOVERED FROM JUDGEMENT DEBTORS OR IMPOUNDED IN THE COURSE OF COURT PROCEEDINGS

where to park conveniently and attend to his case in court.

“We are aware that those vehicles are there for one reason or the other but it should not occupy space that lawyers and litigants usually use when they come to court. It is a serious matter that really

Lagos Chief Judge, Justice Atilade

needs an urgent attention.”

The Assistant Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch, Mr. Adeyemi Abijo, said the abandoned vehicles within the court premises usually deprive the lawyers and litigants the opportunity of making use of parking spaces within the court premises.

Admitting though that the vehicles were confiscated by the courts through process of execution of court’s judgment, Abijo supported his colleagues’ call that the state judiciary should look into the issue so that lawyers and litigants who come to court with their vehicles could have enough parking spaces.

He said, “Of recently, lawyers and the litigants find it difficult to secure space to park cars within the court premises to the extent that the Divisional Police Officer of (Area F) Command visited the bar centre to complain on the habitual indiscriminate roadside parking of vehicles by lawyers and litigants within the precinct of Area F Command, Ikeja.

From Oyo State Judiciary, our correspondent reported that only about seven impounded vehicles were parked in both Oyo State High Court premises in Iyaganku and Ring Road, Ibadan respectively. With this development, it would not be out of place to say that the state has one of the least attached goods in its court premises.

39

But speaking on this development, the state Chief Registrar, Mrs. A. A. OlatunjiDaniel, said it was not long that the abandoned vehicles in court premises across the state were disposed off.

According to her, the vehicles presently in court premises in the state are there because there are court cases surrounding them.

Olatunji-Daniel said, “We do not have abandoned vehicles in our court premises right now. This is because it was just last year that we disposed off those who littered the courts. The few that we have now are there because cases are going on concerning them.”

Indeed, it is trite that every successful litigant is entitled to the fruit of his judgment. It is also a truism that the overriding function of the judicial process of enforcement is to enable the judgment creditor reap the fruits of his judgment with a view to obtaining for him due satisfaction, compensation, restitution, performance or compliance with what the court has granted by way of remedy or relief. The process of enforcement is broadly referred to as execution.

Lord Denning aptly summarised the process thus: ‘’Execution means quite simply the process for enforcing or giving effect to the judgment of the court… In case when execution was had by means of a Common Law writ, such as fieri facias; it was legal execution; when it was had by means of an equitable remedy, such as the appointment of a Receiver then it was equitable execution because it was the process for enforcing or giving effect to the judgment of the court.’’

At all times however, the process of enforcement is at the initiative of the successful party. In Nigeria, the power of a court to enforce and ensure compliance with its judgment or order is derived from Section 6(6)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

This portion of the country’s organic law directs that the judicial powers of the court “shall extend notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this constitution to all inherent powers and sanctions of a court of law.” Outside of the constitution, other laws that regulate enforcements of judgments in Nigeria are the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act, the Sheriffs and Civil Process Laws of the States and the Judgments (Enforcement) Rules made there under.

It must be emphasised that the Judgments (Enforcement) Rules do not apply to proceedings in customary courts because the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act under which the Rules were made defines “court” as including only the High Court and Magistrates’ Court.

The said Act also defines a judgment as including an order and as a consequence, references to judgments in this piece include the orders of courts. It should be observed that these laws name the Sheriff, the Deputy Sheriffs and the Bailiffs as the officers critical to the entire process of execution of the judgments of courts.

•Additional report from Kemi Olaitan, Ibadan

40

Cocktail

Thursday, July 2, 2015

xx

Oddities

Man jailed for not paying $749 fare for 300-mile cab ride

P

olice say a man who took a 300-mile cab ride across Pennsylvania to surprise his fiancee has been jailed because he couldn’t pay the $749 fare.

Police say 35-year-old New York City resident John Williams Jr. took the taxi from Philadelphia to Uniontown with his children early Saturday.

But when they arrived in Uniontown, authorities say,

Williams refused to pay the bill, and the cab driver called police.

Police say Williams told them he didn’t have cash and “his credit card was maxed out for the day.”

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (http://bit. ly/1FNmUMj) reports that Williams was charged with theft of services. He was jailed on $2,500 bail to await a preliminary hearing July 7.

Meet Weesay, the Blind and Homeless Oil Can Guitar W

esseh Freeman, a.k.a Weesay, became an internet sensation last December for his badass strumming skills.

His unique handmade guitar – cobbled together from an old stick, a paint can, and three used strings – caught the attention of brothers

Nikhil and Sachin Ramchandani, the owners of O! Chips, a potato chips company in Liberia. So they asked him to write a jingle for their brand, and posted a video on the company’s YouTube channel.

The two-and-a-half minute clip instantly went viral.

Maine woman pleads guilty to stealing wreaths from cemetery

A

Maine woman has pleaded guilty to stealing Christmas wreaths and arrangements from grave sites in a Saco cemetery to decorate her own properties during the holidays.

Saco police announced that 56-year-old Pamela Golarz, of Old Orchard Beach, was fined $950 af-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ter pleading guilty to theft in York County Superior Court.

A charge of falsifying physical evidence was dismissed, and if Golarz does not commit any crimes in the next year, the charge of theft by unauthorized taking or transfer will also be dismissed.

Police say Golarz stole

15 holiday wreaths and arrangements worth a combined $800 from Laurel Hill Cemetery in November and December.

Investigators were led to Golarz by video from a hidden camera installed by someone whose loved one’s grave had been victimized. A tip led to her arrest.

Freeman

Weesay, 37, is blind and homeless. But that hasn’t affected his musical abilities in the least. The man is truly gifted, and that’s evident just from the guitar he managed to fashion for himself.

According to Guitar World, “His frets are made from bike

spokes or coat hangers and are apparently movable; yet he has a mastery of intonation. This instrument should be completely out of tune…but it’s not! Weesay plays it like a boss.”

“Being a fan of reggae music, Weesay has the frets set up mainly for I, IV, V chords and tunes his strings to a root, third and fifth for a major chord,” the report added. “This allows him the ability to play common reggae rhythms.”

Shortly after the video was posted, things got a bit better for the self-taught singer and composer. An American admirer sent him an Ovation-style guitar. The Ramchandani brothers later set up an Indiegogo campaign, to raise funds to help Weesay get his sight back and to buy a him a home. Although they had a goal to reach $70,000, the campaign only managed to collect about $1,000 in two months.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Thursday, July 2, 2015

41

Investors lose 21bn in bearish trading Johnson Okanlawon

E

quity trading on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday ended on a bearish note with market depreciating by N21 billion.

Specifically, the market capitalisation closed at N11.21 trillion as against N11.42 billion on Tuesday.

The all-share index went up by 406.6 basis points to close at 33,863.43 from 33,46.83 points on

Tuesday.

Livestock feeds led the gainers’ pack with10k to close at N2.26per share.

Sterling Bank trailed with N nine kobo to close at NN2.09 per share, while 7Up grew by N6.90 to close at N186 per share.

Presco garnered N1.00 to close at N35 and International Breweries appreciated by 49k to close at N19.50 per share.

Conversely, Nestle recorded a loss of N32.20 to

close at N857 per share.

Forte Oil came second, dipping by N2.88 to close at N188.22 while PZ lost N1.55 to close at N30.45 per share.

Cadbury dropped N1.47 to close at N35.03 while Transcorp declined by 93k to close at N8.70 per share.

Further checks on the market data showed that Zenith Bank Plc emerged the most traded equity, accounting for 90.38 million shares worth N1.78 billion.

Sterling Bank followed with 36.57 million shares valued N72.98 million, while Unilever sold 19 million shares worth N864.72 million.

UBA accounted for 17.67 million shares valued N88. 21 million, while Access Bank exchanged 16.94 million shares worth N96.23 million.

In all, investors’ staked N4.090billion on 323.56 million shares exchanged in 4,090 deals.

U

The dividend is 8.75% higher than the N0.08 that was paid in the previous Fund year.

Given that the average inflation rate in the Fund year was 8%, the dividend represents a real return of 0.75% to investors.

In the audited results for the year ended June 30, 2014, Legacy Equity Fund recorded a gross income of N115.20million. Also, the Fund recorded a net profit of N92.81million as at 30th June 2014.

Speaking at the AGM, the Managing Director of CSL Stockbrokers Limited, Mr. Olugboyega Balogun, said that, ”the Legacy Equity Fund continues to create real value for all unit-holders.

This is a reflection of our commitment to delivering

“best-in-class” performance to investors, who have entrusted us with their savings”.

The Chief Executive Officer of First City Asset Management Limited, Mr James Ilori, stated that the recent approval granted by the Securities & Exchange Commission for the revised Fund Strategy, should positively impact Fund performance.

“We aim to outperform the benchmark, the Nigerian Stock Exchange All-share index, on an on-going basis, at relatively lower volatility of returns. At First City Asset Management Ltd, we continue to emphasise talent, teamwork, innovation, integrity and consistency” Legacy Equity Fund is specifically designed for indi-

Global shares rise as Greece defaults

E

uropean shares and peripheral euro zone bonds rose yesterday and the euro held its own as some investors kept faith with expectations that, despite defaulting on an IMF loan, Greece will find a way to stay inside the currency zone.

While an unwelcome milestone for Athens, the default came as no surprise to markets after weeks of debt-talk brinkmanship, and news that the bloc’s finance ministers were to hold another teleconference later, show the drama is far from over.

Stocks in London, Paris and Frankfurt as well as Italy, Spain and Portugal opened 0.6 per cent to 0.9 per cent higher, while the euro hovered just above $1.1110 versus the dollar.

There was plenty of uncertainty though. The failure

to reach a deal kept Greece on course for a referendum at the weekend on whether to accept the euro zone/IMF demands for more swinging spending cuts.

Arguably the biggest focus of the day was whether the European Central Bank would begin cutting the emergency funding it is providing to Greek banks following the missed payment to the IMF. “It is very difficult to see how one could conclude that banks that are basically closed because they have no access to cash, operating under a government that has just defaulted to the IMF, could possibly be solvent,” said Gary Jenkins, chief credit analyst at LNG Capital.

“So it really becomes a political decision as to whether the ECB sticks to its rules or decides to keep everything as it is.”

With the feeling that the ECB would not want to deliver the fatal blow to Greece and investors still harboring hopes of a deal at some stage, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Ireland -- the other high-debt countries that were in the crosshairs of the euro zone crisis a few years ago -- saw their bonds hold firm.

Currency markets were also relatively range bound.

The United States dollar index was up 0.08 per cent at 95.568, having bounced from Tuesday’s low of 94.847.

Against the yen, the dollar stood at 122.57, up from a fiveweek low of 121.93 plumbed on Tuesday.

There was a flurry of European economic data too.

France’s manufacturing sector grew in June for the first time since early 2014 while the equivalent data from Spain and Italy dipped

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

$1

N196.95

Legacy Equity Fund pays 8.7k per unit dividend to holders

nit holders of Legacy Equity Fund held their 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos on Tuesday and considered the report and financial statements of the Fund for the year ended June 30, 2014.

The Fund is being managed by First City Asset Management Limited (a subsidiary of CSL Stockbrokers Ltd, a member of FCMB Group, Plc), This meeting, among other things, passed a resolution to pay a dividend of N0.087 per unit payable to unit holders of the Fund whose names appeared in the Register of Members at the close of business on Friday, June 19, 2015, with effective dividend payment date ofJuly 7, 2015.

Source: NSE

Market indicators All-Share Index 32,863.43 points Market capitalisation 11.22trn

viduals who want a broad exposure to the Nigerian Stock Exchange. This allows the client to invest in a well diversified portfolio of shares on the stock exchange with as little as ten thousand units at the prevailing offer price.

As the manager of the Fund, First City Asset Management Ltd ensures that the public subscribe to the Fund and thereafter invests such money in quoted companies and other financial instruments in accordance with the Trust Deed. The Fund has investment in most of the twelve sectors of the Nigerian economy, including Agriculture, Construction/Real Estate, Consumer Goods, Financial Services and Industrial Goods.

as factory growth remained tepid in the euro zone overall.

Underlining Greece’s woes, manufacturing activity there shrank for the 10th month in a row, as export orders and production slumped anew.

Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

13

Crude oil price

$58.96

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LIVESTOCK

2.16

2.26

0.10

4.63

STERLNBANK

2.00

2.09

0.09

4.50

7UP

179.10

186.00

6.90

3.85

PRESCO

35.00

36.00

1.00

2.86

INTBREW

19.01

19.50

0.49

2.58

UPL

5.89

6.03

0.14

2.38

WEMABANK

0.94

0.96

0.02

2.13

TRANSCORP

2.71

2.76

0.05

1.85

BETAGLAS

35.50

36.00

0.50

1.41

FIDELITYBK

1.72

1.74

0.02

1.16

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

NEIMETH

1.39

1.28

-0.11

-7.91

EVANSMED

1.21

1.15

-0.06

-4.96

UBN

9.79

9.31

-0.48

-4.90

DANGFLOUR

3.99

3.80

-0.19

-4.76

MAYBAKER

1.57

1.50

-0.07

-4.46

DANGCEM

180.00

172.00

-8.00

-4.44

ACADEMY

0.91

0.87

-0.04

-4.40

DIAMONDBNK

4.39

4.20

-0.19

-4.33

ACCESS

5.65

5.42

-0.23

-4.07

NEM

0.75

0.72

-0.03

-4.00

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.13

98.50

14.50

98.65

14.35

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.82

100.51

14.73

100.66

14.63

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.00

103.38

14.85

103.68

14.75

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.62

102.02

14.90

102.32

14.81

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.58

106.90

14.71

107.20

14.64

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.70

97.71

14.66

98.01

14.60

Closing Market Prices of July 1, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

01-Oct-15

13.12

13.57

WAUA

270

USD

197

24-Dec-15

13.60

14.55

EURO

214

02-Jun-16

12.68

14.36

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

8.5000

POUNDS STERLING

293

1M

14.8801

3M

16.2136

SDR

273

6M

17.0458

NIBOR

The Fixings of July 1, 2015

42

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Community Mirror If any disease is not appropriately diagnosed, it cannot be effectively treated.

Any government that is truly desirous of bringing about real change will not act hastily and without the necessary understanding of what is on ground.

–Lai Mohammed

Delta youths lament over Ogwashi-Uku roads AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

O

gwashi-Uku youths in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State have decried the deplorable condition of roads network in the community.

Addressing a press conference in Ogwashi-Uku, President of Ogwashi-Uku Youth Development Association, OYDA, PortHarcourt branch, Mr. Ubabudike Osume, expressed displeasure over the way and manner past administrations neglected the community, adding that the situation of roads in the community calls for urgent attention.

“The condition of internal roads in our community is very

deplorable, very worrisome and calls for government intervention. It is saddening that a historical community like Ogwashi-Uku is inaccessible. It is difficult to drive from one village to another within the community.

“Almost all roads linking the nine villages of the community have collapsed over the years.

Sadly, we are where we are today because there had been no concrete effort to address this problem,” the youth leader stated.

Osume named the most deplorable roads in the community to include, the central motor park-Ishekpe road, the Agidiasei road, the Ishiekpe- Azungwu road, the Motor park-Agidiehe link road, the Umuokwuni-

Ogbeubu road and the IshekpeUmudei road.

He, however, berated past administrations in the state for not doing enough to address the problems in the community, regretting that a communitythat

boast of a higher institution of learning, the Delta State Polytechnic has impassable roads.

“Due to the increasing rate of degradation of the roads, commercial motorcyclists, who run intra-city transport in the

communities are now refusing to play some of the villages.”

Osume used the medium to appeal to the new administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to help address the situation.

Cleric tasks philanthropists on community development ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

P

hilanthropists and wellmeaning Ekiti indigenes have been urged to impact on their communities and the state through investments.

General Overseer, Hour of Mercy Prayer Ministry, Prophet Moses Muyideen Kasali, said investments in the state would aid development and transform the people’s lives through improved economy.

Kasali, who was in Ekiti State for a five-day revival, spoke in Ado Ekiti during a visit to the Chairman, Prosperous Group of

Companies, at Prosperous Royal Hotels and Resort Centre, praising the industrialist for investing in the state.

The cleric said: “If we can see people like him establishing industries in our communities, there will soon be a new Ekiti State and a new Nigeria. There will be drastic changes in the economy of the people and the state”.

He charged Isinkaye to continue to use his resources for the betterment of humanity and promotion of the gospel, saying: “This is just a beginning. God will honour you and multiply your establishment”.

Obey traffic rules, Army cautions Okada riders

C

ommander of Onitsha Military Cantonment, Colonel Mohammed Bello, has warned commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as okada, against overloading in the cantonment.

Bello gave the warning at a workshop involving motorcyclists plying the cantonment on Wednesday.

The commander said the cyclists must comply with government directive of having two crash helmets, one for himself and another for his passenger.

“We do not want any confrontation with the civil authorities; you must comply with all laid down safety rules guiding commercial motorcycle work, as well as maintaining a very limited speed within the cantonment.

“The days of carrying four passengers are over and I have also warned soldiers to desist from such risky act.

“You must make sure you have a valid driver’s license which will support your qualification to ride because the day of reckoning for those without license is coming,’’

Members of Nigeria Union of Journalists protesting justice delay on Ben Uwalaka’s brutality case at Somolu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, yesterday.

Steer clear of gas pipelines, Lagos warns residents

... LASTMA set to clear Tejuosho, environs FRANCIS SUBERU

L

agos State government has advised residents to steer clear of gas pipelines so as to avert the dangers inherent in locating mechanics and artisans workshops on gas pipeline.

Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, Administrator, Mr. Deji Badejo, who gave the warning, added that the state government has warned against such act and directed an enlightenment campaign to educate residents to desist from the practice.

He said Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has directed the Ministry of Environment to embark on immediate public enlightenment with a view to sensitising those affected to relocate in order to prevent disaster.

According to him, in line with this directive, the Ministry of Environment and KAI Brigade have commenced inspection around gas pipeline areas and have started

sensitising the public on dangers and security implications of their continued stay in such places.

Badejo, while addressing those involved around Otedola Bridge, warned them on the dangers of their action.

He pointed out that the land is reserved as setback for the gas pipeline and urged them to voluntarily vacate the place for their safety.

Meanwhile, in a determined move to ensure free-flow of traffic in Yaba area of Lagos, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, is set to move in and clear the area of all impediments, so as to reduce undue hardship daily experienced by other road users in the area.

This warning was made on Tuesday during a joint monitoring exercise embarked upon by the management of LASTMA and the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and other Special Offences to access the impact of street trading on traffic congestion

associated with the area.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Babatunde Edu, who led the team, recalled that the popular Tejuosho market is gradually turning into a traffic bottleneck area due to the excess of traders, commercial bus drivers and street urchins who have narrowed the road to suit their illegal operations thereby causing serious traffic congestion and security threat to motorists.

According to him, this is the right time for the agency to wade in and curb the tide of the traders and make the route accessible to others.

He said the agency is mindful of the peculiarity of the area in terms of commercial activities, but maintained that traffic laws must be obeyed at all times.

He also disclosed that series of complaints had also been received from other road users and importantly the people living in the area, hence the move to curb the menace.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, July 2, 2015

43

Dan Foster, Olisa Adibua partner OLX to donate to charity

Leonard Okachie

P

acelli School for the Blind, has become the latest beneficiary of the charitable donation of N746,000 raised by the OLX Gives Back initiative in partnership with Dan Foster and Olisa Adibua.

The OLX Gives Back initiative supports Olisa Adibua and Dan Foster in donating to charities of their choice. The two personalities sold items on OLX and proceeds from the sale of the item were donated to Pacelli School for the blind.

Speaking at the event, the OLX country manager, Lola Masha said “We are the number one classified site in Nigeria and we recognize the importance of supporting our local communities. Masha also added that we partnered with Olisa and Dan because we appreciate their commitment to supporting the youth through their work on radio.

Radio personality Dan Foster stated that he joined the OLX Gives Back Campaign because it is important for

Nigerians to know that items that are no longer needed at home can be traded for cash and used for a good cause.

With OLX, everyone’s a winner, said Olisa Adibua “I was able to sell my TV and washing machine to folks who bought them on OLX at a very good deal and I get to support Pacelli where visually impaired children go to school for free”.

Expressing her gratitude towards OLX and the radio personalities for their generous donation, the principal Pacelli School for the Blind,Sister Jane Onyeneri said “we rely on generous donations like these to keep the school going and we are very grateful to OLX for this initiative”.

The OLX Gives Back Campaign began i 2014, with fellow on-air personalities Manny, of Cool FM & Wazobia FM’s Yaw donating to the Modupe Cole Foundation, The Down Syndrome Foundation, Bethesda Home for the Blind and the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy for early cancer testing.

OLX is the world’s leading classifieds platform in growth

L-R: Dan Foster; pupil of Pacelli School for the Blind Surulere, Light Onodu; Country Manager, OLX, Lola Masha; another pupil, Jacob; Rev. Sister Agnes Onwudiwe and Olisa Adibua, during presentation of a cheque to the school in Lagos.

markets and is available in more than 40 countries and over 50 languages. OLX connects local people to buy, sell or exchange used goods and services by making it fast and for anyone to post a listing through their mobile phone or on the web. Every month, hundreds of millions of people in local markets around the world use OLX’s online

marketplace to find and sell a wide range of products, in-

cluding vehicles, electronics, phones and much more.

Youths thrill at 2nd Korean speech contest Joel Ajayi ABUJA

K

orean Cultural Centre Nigeria established five years ago has been the vanguard of promoting cultural ties and deepening bilateral understanding with its host country.

The centre has consistently organised programmes that highlight the cultural similarity of the two countries as well as breeding creativity amongst children and youths.

Here again, the 2nd Korean speech contest came alive on Tuesday, in Abuja, a yearly event, where students of 2015 Korean language class participate in the contest, as cash prize worth of over N140,000 and other items such as English Korean dictionaries and umbrellas were presented to all contestants.

Korean speech contest is an event to arouse and motivate interest of Nigerians youths to learn Korean languages.

On his remark, the Direc-

tor of KCCN, Mr. Kwon YongIK, while giving his welcome address, noted that the centre would do everything possible to foster greater ties between Nigeria and Korea.

According to him, Korean speaking contest serves as an opportunity for contestants to share their thought and communicate with others through their own perspectives on the unique beauty and values of Korean culture.

Director said: “And this year’s contest is significant in the sense that 2015 marks the 600th anniversary of the birth of Sejong the great, the creator of Hangeul.

“I am greatly impressed with ardent person and desire of contestants to learn more about Korean language, their creative and expression concerning Korea, irrespective of their linguistic proficiency in Korean, their target language.

“Winner at today’s speaking contest will be given qualification to apply in the final round held in Korea by the king Sejong institute

Korean language students singing

foundation.”

He however, calls on Nigerian who wishes to learn Korea language to come and reg-

ister with centre for free; “I would like to make one thing clear crystal clear. All will be welcome at Korean Cen-

tre Nigeria, which is open to anyone who would like to begin or continue studying the Korea language.”

44

Young & Next Generation

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Wada rewards 10 corps members Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA

T

he Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada has rewarded 10 outstanding corps members with the state honours award, saying their contributions to the state health and education have improved service delivery in both sectors.

The awardees are selected and rewarded out of the 2245 corps members of 2014 batch ‘B’ passing out from national service in the state.

While speaking during the award ceremony at Government House in Lokoja, Wada described various community development projects executed by each awardee as a positive gesture which no doubt is having immeasur-

able impacts on the residents of their communities and other beneficiaries.

He commended the dedication and perseverance of the corps members adding that the country look up to their leadership capabilities which they have acquired through their worthwhile exposure during National service.

He said, “NYSC has been an integral part of Kogi State success stories, corps doctors, pharmacists and other pra-medicals have greatly helped to improve our health service delivery and also our education sector in the state is positively impacted. ”It is pertinent to mention that the outstanding achievement of these 10 corps members for State honours Award is being rewarded by the state

government with a token of N50, 000. ”I charge you to apply the skills and entrepreneurial training you acquired during the service year by going into viable ventures to avoid post-service frustrations experienced by unwary ex-corps members.”

In his words, the commissioner for youth and sports, and Chairman, Kogi state NYSC governing board noted that the state remains second home to passing-out corps members at all times. ”The corps members have made their modest contributions towards the socio-economic and educational development of the confluence state and we shall always receive them with open hands. ”The friendship you have cultivated

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

and nurtured in your host communities are for life, therefore I urge you not to only visit but also find sustainable enterprises as means of self reliance,” he added.

Also speaking, the NYSC Kogi State Coordinator, Mrs. Olabanji Agatta appreciated the state government for its supports, noting that the awardees would have achieved nothing without the enabling environment and platform creating by the state and its people. ”The corps members (awardees) have made sacrifices and contributions of monumental dimensions in their host communities and places of primary assignment and therefore call on their colleagues still in service to emulate them,” she added.

The Future Awards Africa calls Science for Kids for nominations Why do chimpanzees look

like humans?

C

The Future Awards Africa team during a courtesy visit to Canadian Embassy in Nigeria

A

s part of its launch of the 2015 season of The Future Awards Africa (TFAA), The Future Project (TFP) paid courtesy calls to the Canadian High Commissioner, Mr. Perry John Calderwood and Swiss Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Daniel Cavegn in Abuja recently.

The courtesy team will also be visiting Senegal, South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya and Ghana throughout July 2015 in order to introduce TFAA and its goals.

The courtesy team included, Executive Director, The Future Project, Mfon Ekpo ; Team Lead, The Future Project, Bukonla Adebakin; Winner, The Future Awards Africa Prize in Community Action 2014, Jake Okechukwu; External Relations Director at RED, Debbie Magnut and Lead, The Future Project Volunteer, Abuja, Ikechukwu Akagba.

The courtesy visits also announced the commencement of nominations for the 10th annual TFAA, and the awards are seeking nominations from the public, for people between the ages of 18 and 31 who have been able to create incredible impact and well documented accomplishments within their community and/or globally in the past year.

These achievements should revolve around their results, potential for growth plus the ability to inspire other young people in Africans.

The theme for this 10th anniversary is

Imagine Africa!, chosen to highlight young Africans fulfilling the promise of the continent.

TFAA is proud to demonstrate the richness and variety of positive change catalysed by these young ideas.

“Locally and globally, young Africans continue to reshape and redefine the narrative of just what it means to be a young individual in a developing country,” said Mfon Ekpo, Executive Director, The Future Project Africa. “They are demonstrating incredible resilience and resourcefulness, and in doing so are reshaping a continent and helping to create brighter futures for a continent of over one billion people. It really is an exciting time for us as we highlight the incredible things occurring.”

The award categories for 2015 are: The Future Awards Africa Prize in Education, Agriculture, Advocacy, Technology, Public Service, Community Action, Entertainment and Enterprise Support.

Other categories include The Tony O. Elumelu Prize in Business and The Future Awards Africa Prize for African Young Person of the Year.

Nominations close 11 September, 2015 while the Award is supported by supported by Ford Foundation, Microsoft, the US Consulate, the Canadian High Commission and the Tony Elumelu Foundation.

himpanzees are our closest living relatives, sharing more than 98 percent of our genetic blueprint.

Humans and chimps are also thought to share a common ancestor who lived some four to eight million years ago.

Chimpanzees live in social communities of several dozen animals, and can habituate themselves to African rain forests, woodlands, and grasslands.

Although they normally walk on all fours (knuckle-walking), chimpanzees can stand and walk upright. By swinging from branch to branch they can also move quite efficiently in the trees, where they do most of their eating.

Chimpanzees usually sleep in the trees as well, employing nests of leaves.

Chimps are generally fruit and plant eaters, but they also consume insects, eggs, and meat, including carrion. They have a tremendously varied diet that includes hundreds of known foods.

Chimpanzees are one of the few animal species that employ tools. They shape and use sticks to retrieve insects from their nests or dig grubs out of logs. They also use stones to smash open tasty nuts and employ leaves as sponges to soak up drinking water. Chimpanzees can even be taught to use some basic human Chimpazee

sign language.

Females can give birth at any time of year, typically to a single infant that clings to its mother’s fur and later rides on her back until the age of two. Females reach reproductive age at 13, while males are not considered adults until they are 16 years old.

Although chimps and humans are closely related, the apes have suffered much at human hands. These great apes are endangered and still threatened by bushmeat hunters and habitat destruction.

Source : nationalgeographic.com

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Media

Thursday, July 2, 2015

45

Photojournalists hold workshop to empower members Leonard Okachie

D

espite the fact that photojournalism practice is an integral part of the media, practitioners in Nigeria are faced with numerous challenges that make it extremely difficult to compete with their foreign counterparts.

In response to this challenge, photojournalists under the umbrella of Photojournalists Association of Nigeria (PJAN), held a workshop last Saturday, to explore new techniques in modern photojournalism practice.

The training workshop, which was held at the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Chapter, Ikeja, had in attendance members from various media organisations.

The workshop was in the series of programmes that will culminate in the PJAN Press Week by December.

Speaking on the topic, ‘Single image or documentary’, the guest lecturer, Mr. Boye Ola, who is the Head of Department, Photojournalism at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), taught participants on the difference between single image and documentary.

Boye, who had practised as a reporter and photojournalist with some local and international media organisations, explained that single image is a story telling image within a single frame with powerful impact, adding that it is unbiased, complete, factual, attention-getting and courageous.

On the other hand, he said that a documentary is story-telling images focussing on a single subject of interest to a photographer and executed within a period of time.

According to him, a documentary is supposed to dig deep, get at big news, be concerned about the society as well as play an active role in social change.

Boye noted that the essence of documentary is to produce a visual narrative that explores the effect of globalisation as well as to produce a material for exhibition.

He maintained that photographs get meaning, like all cultural objects from their contexts, adding, “It should be clear that brilliant images are not enough. You need the text, you need great headlines, great captions, great introductions, good text to amplify and expand the sense of what the pictures are doing and give them context and meaning.”

While encouraging participants to put more effort in documentary photography, he pointed that its focus is

Members of Photojournalists Association of Nigeria during a workshop last Saturday in Lagos.

to create photographs that tell stories, educate and reach into the social conscience, stressing that it is not every documentary that uncovers social problem.

He advised photojournalists to pursue photography with a mission, urging them to sharpen their skills for an enhanced performance on the job, as well as raise the standard practice to be at bar with their counterparts in other climes.

Giving reason for the workshop, Chairman of PJAN, Mr. Akinlabi Ademola said it was part of the association’s attempt to bridge the gap between its members and their international colleagues.

He said: “We started the workshop in May and the topic was: ‘Ethics in practice of photojournalism in Nigeria.’ The lecture was delivered by Mr. Oluwole Adefemi, lecturer from Redeemer University, Osun State. We had about 40 members in attendance.

“In today’s practice why are some us not having the right photographs for the cover? Our employers want photographs that will attract advertisers, in order to pay salaries. But in real photojournalism practice what attracts readers is news photography.

“During this seminar we were taught on single image – image that is news worthy, not press conference,

book launch and so on.

“We were also taught that series of photographs in documentary are capable of making the front page and through the documentary photograph we can change the community and the society for the better.

“So the idea of the workshop is to encourage our members to get the techniques and methods of getting documentary photography. That is going to enhance our professionalism.”

On the challenges facing photojournalism, in terms of job hazards, Ademola stated that they are not peculiar to Nigeria, adding that their counterparts in other parts of the world contend with similar issues.

“But we have to be extra careful.

What we are taught is that if it is not possible there will always be an alternative. Because we are the bread winners in our families we don’t necessarily need to expose our lives to danger. We should always look for alternatives where there is difficulty in getting our job done professionally”, he cautioned members.

The chairman said that the association has lined up more activities in terms of workshops and seminars to empower members, but decried lack of sponsorship.

He continued: “Now we are look-

ing for sponsors. The profession is not being is not being encouraged in terms of professional education, development and good remuneration.

So practitioners are compelled to out for press conference assignments.

Non governmental organisations organise training workshops without giving consideration to training of photojournalists.

“But we need to acknowledge the effort of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Reporting (WSCIR) especially on documentary because some of our colleagues have benefitted from their programmes.”

In an interview with National Mirror, a participant and photojournalism veteran, Mr. Femi Akintobi expressed happiness for the workshop, stressing that such programme should be held regularly to encourage the younger colleagues who might feel ‘threatened’ by the influence of New Media.

Akintobi, who is about 70 years old and had spent over 25 years working in different news media, before starting his own photo agency, urged colleagues to be more creative in their job, even as he emphasised that photojournalism is not about clicking shutter, but to create pictures that have meanings and tell stories.

46

Thursday, July 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NBC warns against Radio ‘Biafra’ transmissions ...Says digitisation on course

NBC DG, Emeka Mba

Stories By Leonard Okachie

N

ational Broadcasting Commission, NBC has urged the public to ignore the inflammatory content of broadcasts by Radio ‘Biafra’ and continue to work towards national unity.

A statement by the NBC Director, Public Affairs, Awwalu Salihu, posted on the Commission’s its official website said: “The National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, has become aware of a pirate radio station transmitting seditious and divisive content contrary to the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and the law.

“The Commission wishes to assure the public that it is working in conjunction with the security forces to track the source of the

broadcasts and possibly apprehend all those behind the station.

“The Commission further urges Nigerians to ignore the inflammatory content of the broadcasts and continue to work towards a strong, united and prosperous nation.”

Meanwhile, the Digital Switchover (DSO) contact team set up by the NBC to drive Nigeria’s digital transition met recently in Lagos.

The Commission engaged industry stakeholders including but not limited to Digiteam, authorised set-top-box (STB) manufacturers, signal distributors, licensed digital content providers, content aggregators and a host of others.

Nigeria failed to in its inability to meet the ITU deadline of June 17, 2015, in achieving the switchover from analogue to digital broadcasting due to funding restraints.

Addressing stakeholders, the Director General NBC, Mr. Emeka Mba, stated that although the Commission could not meet the ITU deadline for 17th June 2015, the regulator would need to set another target date commencing from when funds are made available to enable the Commission achieve the switchover process.

The DG in a presentation, gave an update on the set-top-box ordering and consumer pricing for the Jos launch, channels selection and the transmission processes.

Mr. Mba also stated that the Commission would be looking at the last quarter of 2015 for the first phase launch in Jos while phase two would take place in 2016.

He reiterated that the Commission would pay subsidy to the original equipment manu-

Media Abroad

Ex-NoW deputy editor cleared of hacking

F

ormer News of the World deputy editor Neil Wallis has been cleared of conspiracy to hack voicemails.

He had accused the Metropolitan Police of being “extraordinarily vindictive” in their investigation, saying the case caused him “irreparable harm”.

Mr. Wallis, 64, from London, was not accused of hacking phones, but prosecutors alleged he “knew” it was happening and “agreed” to it.

An Old Bailey jury cleared him after four days of deliberations.

Mr Wallis broke down in tears as he was cleared of conspiring to illegally intercept voicemails between January 2003 and August 2006, the time he had been editor Andy Coulson’s right-hand-man.

After the verdict, he tweeted: “Thanks so so much to all those who stood by me - so grateful #StillStanding.”

Mr. Wallis is the last of the journalists from the now-defunct Sunday tabloid to face legal action over the hacking it deployed in the hunt for exclusive stories.

The verdict in the Neil Wallis case marks the end of the last outstanding News of the World “phone-hacking” trial.

It’s the best part of a decade since £100k-ayear phone-hacker Glenn Mulcaire and royal editor Clive Goodman were jailed. Since then we have seen senior journalists, editors and executives face justice and the secrets of ce-

facturers (OEMs) to achieve a $20 target price for licensed manufacturers to import STBs at a reduced cost due to the provision of subsidy to enable consumers afford them, adding that the entire chain of distribution and retail sales would be at the target price of $20 inclusive of the first year Digital Access Fee (DAF).

The Director General also added that on the Channels EOI, the Commission got promising responses with over 100 channel applications for 32 slots and also a good mix of Nigerian

and International channels.

He further stated that as a result of the good responses from channels’ applicants, the Commission would publish a request for proposal (RFP) for additional information on the channels.

On the transmission process, the NBC Boss stated that Nigeria will be divided into Market Designated Areas (MDAs) and these MDAs would be grouped to achieve a mix of cities and rural areas for equality of purpose.

NUJ to sue Customs over battering of journalist

S

equel to the battering and near-murder of a journalist, Yomi Olomofe, in Badagry last week, the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is set to file a wide-range of law suits against the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), having briefed its lawyers on the sad occurrence.

The Chairman of the union, Comrade Deji Elumoye, made this known in Lagos in a statement issued in Ikeja on the steps taken so far to seek redress over the unfortunate incident Elumoye said he was baffled that Olomofe, who is the Executive Director and Chairman, Editorial Board of Badagry Prime, a news magazine, was last Thursday beaten into a state of coma by smugglers, in the full glare of the public, within the premises of the SemeBorder Command of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Wondering why a journalist going about his lawful duties would be so harassed and molested, Elumoye noted that the leadership of the union has instructed its team of lawyers to file charges, which includes but not limited to attempted-murder, accessory, aiding and abetting, manslaughter, harassment and assault, among others, against the Service and some of its officers, in order to see that justice is done on the matter.

The union boss also vowed to ensure that the case would be pursued to a logical conclusion. He further enjoined journalists in the country not to be deterred by what happened to “one of our colleagues” but rather brace up for more challenges in the course of duty, if they are to live up to their billing in exposing the ills and rots in the society.

Olomofe

“Customs and its officers are to be held responsible for this, because the incident happened within their territory. They had a duty to protect their visitors but they reneged in their duty.

“And why would they allow smugglers and hoodlums into their premises? Those are the people they are supposed to checkmate, but it seems they are now working together.

“They will have to explain to the law. We won’t be scared from doing our job. They think they can harass journalists from exposing smugglers, but they have failed. As a matter of fact, this will further spur us to work harder”, the statement further said.

Elumoye also reminded his colleagues and employers in the media industry of the existing insurance scheme put in place by the union, urging them to take advantage of the scheme and key into it for individual and collective benefits.

Facebook is opening first office in Africa Wallis

lebrities, politicians and royalty re-examined, in excruciating detail, in open court.

We also learned about some of the secrets of the tabloid newsroom. The illicit, painful love affair between Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson was revealed. Emails sent by Mrs Brooks pointed to her close relationship with Tony Blair.

We saw how those in charge of a 168-yearold newspaper indulged in “dark arts” and illegal newsgathering on an “industrial scale” and how their disastrous conduct led to the Sunday tabloid’s demise and lit the touch paper for a massive police investigation into illegal payments to public officials.

So, is this the end of the phone hacking saga? Maybe. Journalists at Mirror Group Newspapers also hacked phones to get the next scoop, but it remains to be seen if any of them will be charged. There is also the possibility of corporate charges against the News of the World’s former owners.

Source: BBC

F

acebook, which has been working to build its user base in Africa through programs like Internet.org and lightweight versions of its app, is opening a new business office in Johannesburg, South Africa, the company’s first permanent office on the continent.

The office will serve as a sales hub, helping Facebook learn about and attract small businesses from the region that may want to advertise to Facebook’s audience, which is growing in the region. Facebook has hired Nunu Ntshingila, chairman of Ogilvy South Africa, to run the new office as the company’s Head of Africa, a new position.

International revenue has always been important for Facebook. More than half of the company’s ad revenue comes from outside the United States and Canada, and has for a number of years.

That percentage is slowly eroding, though, from 56 percent in Q1 2013 to 52 percent last quarter. Facebook is relying more and more on high-priced ads in North America versus other parts of the world. A new office like the one in Africa could help expand on that international business.

Facebook is also hoping to learn more about what kinds of advertising actually work in Africa as a way to lure big brands like Coca-Cola and Virgin Mobile that may want to reach the site’s African user base. The company launched a Creative Accelerator program earlier this year to do just that.

Product head Chris Cox also talked at the Cannes Lions advertising festival last week about Facebook’s plans to build ads that work on feature phones for users who don’t have strong wireless connections.

All of this adds up to a pretty healthy interest in Africa, and Facebook hasn’t been shy about its aspirations. Africa is still very much an emerging market; most of the continent is still without Internet access and those who are online are getting there on mobile devices. For Facebook, a service that’s already amassed 1.4 billion users, Africa provides a region where there’s still plenty of room for growth.

Facebook is experiencing some of that growth now. There are now 120 million Africans who visit Facebook each month, up from 100 million back in September. That’s 20 percent growth in nine months, almost three times the growth rate of Facebook’s total user base.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

B Shoppers’ S

D

B

Guide

road Street, Lagos, is popular for its uniqueness, large population of bubbling men and fashionable women that traverse its soil, day and night.

Its length and breadth are full of unrivalled daily commercial activities. It may simply be defined as a street where three out of five souls walking in it are traders with the motive of winning customers’ patronage.

But this important area of Lagos Island, also play host to some imposing multi-storey corporate organisations, impressively planned and exquisitely painted offices, vehicles of different colours and makes, fashionable ladies and well-spruced men who ‘fight’ for right of way with hundreds of street traders on their way to their work places.

Other places in the world that share the same nature and character with Broad Street, Lagos, are Broadway, a thoroughfare in New York City, United States of America, a centre of commercial activities, which also provides entertainment to ardent supporters of music, plays, opera and orchestra in specially-designed buildings. In London, there exist other Broad Streets in Birmingham, Bristol, Oxford and Reading, all in Britain.

Reports have it that the Broad Street in Philadelphia serves as a major arterial street and yearly enhances the tourism strength of the United States, where, despite having been in existence for many decades, it still serves as the home of several Philadelphia cultural landmarks, and it is hence called the Avenue of Arts and home of art gallery in the United States.

According to information, Broad Streets in these countries have largely held on to their originality, and hence, they are believed to still be in the same shape they were decades ago.

Sadly, however, the same cannot be said of Broad Street, Lagos, because as with the case with many communities in Nigeria, Broad Street, Lagos seems to have changed dramatically from what it used to be decades ago particularly in aesthetics.

According to reports,

Broad Street Diary

Thursday, July 2, 2015

47

Why Broad Street should be rid of lawlessness –Traders the street once known for peace, quiet and tranquillity, has over the years, evolved into a land of hustling and bustling with little room for organisation and control.

Aside street trading, which has become the order of the day on Broad Street, car parks full of the ubiquitous 18-passenger buses have also sprung up, a development that can be said to have also aggravated the rowdy nature of the once serene environment.

Broad Street in Lagos, the economic capital of Nigeria, like the ones in other major cities of the world, also boasts of important architectural landmarks that represent the Federal Government despite the movement of the seat government to Abuja.

Some of such structures include; the Federal Government Press, Federal Dental Clinic, Lagos General Hospital, Odan; Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigerian Ports Authority, General Post Office, the Western House among others.

Also, comfortably seated in the area are structures like the Freedom Park, Sterling Towers, AP House, 25-storey United Bank for Africa (UBA) Corporate Headquarters, 17-storey Elephant House, 14-storey Energy House, Premier Bookstore, CSS Bookshops, sundry shops and several stalls, all private business concerns and a sizeable residential buildings, now occupied by men and women and their large population of children.

However, Broad Street, Lagos has transformed into a shadow of its pristine self, degenerating to an environment some degrees a bit better than most traditional markets in Nigeria and important historical cities.

Indeed, except urgent steps are taken to reverse the trend, the business district may soon turn into such places as Jankara, Oshodi, Ajegunle, Idumota, Mile 12 and Alaba markets in Lagos, which all grew naturally to heights but now manifest in various ways, environment of filth and squalor.

Although in an effort to bring sanity to this business district, which was

Traders at Balogun market once a toast of companies throughout Nigeria, the Lagos State government has established the Lagos Central Business District Task Force to oversee the dayto- day activities of traders and motorists, thereby creating an enabling business environment for the citizenry.

The intention of the Lagos State Government in establishing the task force to maintain law and order in this densely populated business environment, however, seems to have turned sour, as officials of the task force has turned themselves into demigods demanding sacrifices, as they daily terrorize traders and motorists.

Speaking with Broad Street dairy recently in an interview, a trader, who declined to disclose her identify for fear of being singled out for victimisation by the officials, narrated an incidence she said she personally witnessed.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN The trader alleged that officials of the task force were greedy and behaved sometimes irrationally.

“One day, a driver illegally packed his vehicle, obstructing other motorists and this attracted the attention of this officer, and in order to arrest the driver, the officer immediately moved to the driver’s side of the bus and started deflating the tires of the bus.

“I was surprised at this because I don’t know the way he was going to move the vehicle after deflating its tires. In fact, the traffic was already building up at that very moment.

“To cut a long story short, after about an hour, the driver ended up parting with N3, 000 before they could let him off the hook.

I was so surprised because I never expected that an official of government who was expected to maintain law and order would be-

have in such a way.’’

For Segun Tella, a Danfo driver who plies the CMSOrile route, he said without greasing the palms of the CBD task force officials, drivers plying the axis would end up being arrested for various offences and their vehicles towed to their task force office, adding, to settle them is better than being arrested and taken to their office.

“When you settle them, you save yourself much trouble and you will be free to do your business.”

Tella’s claims of bribe could easily be noticed as drivers who openly violate the keep moving order, parked at the middle road to pick passengers and gave complimentary slang to the officials like ‘baba agbalgba tuale’ which the officials nodded in response and looked the other way.

A wristwatch repairer Ajani Wasiu, who has his

small stall (a table and chair) directly under the Apongbon Bridge said most of the CBD officials are former street boys who he has known for the past 20 years, he said they were part of the boys employed by the government to fulfil their campaign promises to provide jobs for them during the election.

He said: “Most of those boys you see in that uniform are street boys that don’t have anything to do prior to been given this job by the government, that’s why you see them behaving like ‘agberos’ why carrying out their duties. They always harass and collect money from those bus drivers and market women.

“They don’t disturb me at all as they always hang around my spot to escape from the sun or take a rest after hours of standing by the road side,” he added.

–Dare Akogun

Poor sanitation: Lake Street residents cry out for help

R

esidents of Lake Street, one of the streets off- Oke -Olowogbowo Street in Lagos Island have called on the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, and the Lagos Island Local Government to come to their rescue over man-made environmental degradation in the area.

Speaking with the Na-

tional Mirror yesterday, one of the residents who simply identified himself as Mr. Lukman Olatunji, said that several houses within the Lake street are without toilet facilities or their toilets filled and have now resorted to channelling their waste through pipes into the public gutter which makes the area unhealthy for living as the odour

oozing out of the area are virtually becoming unbearable for human habitation.

Apart from piping their defecation into open public gutter, Lukman said that many of the inhabitants have formed the habit of folding their defecation in nylon and polythene bags and throwing it into the main road at night an attitude he said,

is threatening the area with cholera epidemic.

He urged the appropriate agencies of government to urgently come to their aid to avoid diseases spreading, as a result of the negligence of some landlords which he said, may negatively affect other law abiding residents in the area.

–Matthew Irinoye

48

Broad Street Diary

Thursday, July 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tafawa Balewa Square

43-year-old TBS still attracting visitors T

afawa Balewa Square, Lagos, popularly called TBS, was built in the commercial heart of Lagos State in honour of the first Prime Minister of Nigeria, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

The square was constructed in 1972 over an area that was previously the track for horse racing and has a capacity to accommodate over 50,000 persons at a time.

The TBS as it is popularly called has some monuments which include statues of gargantuan horses, the Remembrance Arcade (with memorials to WWI, WWII and civil-war victims) and the 26-storey Independence House, built in 1963.

Major national functions as well as other events like musical jamborees and religious gatherings are often held at the square.

Location Tafawa Balewa Square was where Nigeria’s independence celebration took place on October 1st, 1960 with the then Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa, delivering his independence speech.

The TBS is bordered by the 25-storey independence building, which was for a long time, the tallest building in Nigeria. The entrance to the square has 4 white giant horses suspended above the gate and 7 red eagles; these are symbols from the national emblem signifying strength and dignity respectively.

The square is home to the multipurpose Onikan Stadium and the Nigerian National Assembly building. A short walk from the square you’ll find the National Museum, featuring the Benin City brasses, traditional ivory carv-

TAFAWA BALEWA SQU QUARE WAS WHERE NIGERIA’S INDE INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION TOOK P PLACE ON

OCTOBER 1ST, 1960 WIT WITH THE THEN PRIME MINISTER, TAFAW AFAWA BALEWA, DELIVERING HIS INDEP INDEPENDENCE SPEECH ings, royal crowns and the Nok Terracotta as well as some of the world’s most beautiful artefacts.

TBS was concession to a private developer – BHS International and is expected to be turned into a world-class facility that will boast of a 5000-seater convention centre, conference halls, a 5-star hotel, 1,500 spaces shopping mall, 10 floor creativity blocks, 60-floors offices, 200 luxury apartments and 10,000 spaces of car park.

However, due to the movement of the nation’s capital to Abuja coupled with decay in government owned infrastructures, the TBS was concession to BHS International Limited, a company that was incorporated in 1996 as Tourism Infrastructural and Industrial development specialist.

The concessionaire apart from repairing the dilapidated facilities at the square is also saddled with the responsibility to provide socio-economic development and turn the national monument into a world class city centre and

destination of choice.

The proposed City Centre according to the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, will be the first of its kind in Nigeria and West Africa, modelled after the “Sandton City Centre” of South Africa and the “Trade Centre” in Dubai.

Project brief .The overall concept of the project is to provide for socio-economic development as done worldwide. .Renovation and expansion of the current 375 shops/offices complex: to provide modern shopping complex that compares favourably with internationals standards. .Provision of automated pre-fabricated two level underground car parks of about 10,000 spaces under the existing parade ground. .Provision of two level underground car parking under the existing parking to the rear. .Provision of huge shopping mall of about 1,500 shopping/office spaces.

.Provision of 3 star hotels with all tourism and entertainment potentials: this would create accommodation and all that would measure up to world standards for high brow customers. .Construction of 1,500 capacity auditorium, office complex,Events Hall with restaurants and snack bars.

Other aspects of the development programme include construction of Observatory Towers.

The overall concept is designed in line with “Sandston City” in South Africa and the “Trade Centre” in Dubai, as a centre-point for tourism, sports entertainment with commerce.

The concessionaire presently manages a complex comprising of 375 offices and enclosed lettable spaces occupied by banks, law firms, travels agencies, medical laboratories, estate surveyors & property firms, media & communication outfits, botanical gardens, insurance broking firms, security & stock broken firms, nursery/ primary school, sports shops and host of other businesses and support services.

36,000 Square meters Arena with a sitting capacity of 50,000 to 70,000 suitable for various events such as trade fairs/exhibitions, concerts, wedding receptions, parties, political rallies, carnivals, religious gathering.

Multi-purpose hall with a sitting capacity of 600 – 800 for events like Indoor exhibitions, seminars and other social functions.

To further raise the edifice to the world standard, the development projects mentioned above have to be put in place.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Thursday, July 2, 2015

49

Host communities plot shutdown of NPDC operations Theophilus Onojeghen WARRI

D

windling oil production in the country may worsen in the days ahead as palpable tension is mounting between oil companies and their host communities.

Currently, management of the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, and aggrieved Ijaw oil-bearing communities of Diebiri-Batan and Ajuju in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, are now at loggerheads over a multimillion naira dredging contract and compensation for oil spill in the area.

It was gathered that oil production activities in the area may be shutdown if urgent steps were not taken to address the grievances of the host communities, which also accused the oil company of violating the Local Content Act. In two separate documents made available to National Mirror by leaders of the communities yesterday in Warri, they alleged that NPDC falsely obtained a ‘Freedom to Operate,’ FTO, from the communities claiming that local contractors were involved in the bid for the dredging contract.

The Ajuju community’s document was signed by Chief Favour Izoukumor and Mr. Samson Oyimi,

Theophilus Onojeghen WARRI

T

he Itsekiri of Ugborodo community in Warri South West Council Area of Delta State has urged a Federal High Court sitting in Warri to stop the Federal Government from naming the controversial deep seaport in the area after Gbaramatu, an Ijaw name.

In a suit marked FHC/ WR/86/2015, filed on behalf of the community by a Niger Delta youth leader, Chief Ayerimi Emami, and four others, the group told the court yesterday that where the proposed project site is located belongs to Ugborodo community, thus naming it after Gbaramatu would be in bad faith.

Respondents in the case are the Federal Government, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Nigerian Ports Author-

chairman and secretary respectively, as well as Fulani Arthur and Peter Potoki, women and youth leaders, among others. It lamented the nonchalant attitude of the oil firm to spills and contracts for the host communities.

According to the document, “NPDC awarded contracts without due process; it is pertinent to note that NPDC as a Nigerian-company which obligation is to respect the Local Content Act, awarded contracts without due process to their friends and associates, neglecting community-based contractors.

“In the process of obtaining the FTO, NPDC representatives told us that community-based contractors were also invited for the bidding process but that they did not scale through the bidding process. It was discovered that they were not invited; therefore, the FTO stands null and void.”

On its part, the DiebiriBatan community, in a letter to the managing director of NPDC signed by one Chief Samson Amakubukro and Mr. Albert Amakubukro Leaders of Thought in Diebiri-Batan, the community called for the reversal of the dredging contract awarded to Iterlen Nigerian Services Limited because it allegedly lacked competitive bidding process and thus violated the Local Content Act.

Outgoing Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Dan Bature (right), handing-over to his successor, CP Chris Ezike, at the Police Headquarters in Port Harcourt, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Cross River seeks death penalty for kidnappers …Ayade sends bill to lawmakers

Richard Ndoma CALABAR

G

overnor Ben Ayade of Cross River State yesterday forwarded an executive bill to the House of Assembly, seeking death penalty for kidnappers in the state.

The bill seeks to empower the state to seize and confiscate the property of convicted kidnappers and other

criminals.

If the bill sails through to become a law, it would grant the state government an opportunity to reward any citizen of the state who gives credible and useful information that aids security agents in arresting kidnappers, while also stemming the tide of all forms of criminalities.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Christian

Ita, disclosed this in a statement to journalists in Calabar.

In another development, Governor Ayade appointed Mr. Jude Ngaji as State Security Adviser, SSA. The appointment takes immediate effect.

The state’s legislature also yesterday approved the governor’s request to engage 35 special advisers.

Ayade`s request was con-

tained in a letter dated June 29, 2015, and endorsed by Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mrs. Tina Agbor.

The legislature, which approved the request, urged the governor to ensure that the exercise conforms to section 14 of the amended 1999 Constitution with regards to the principle of federal character as applicable at state level.

Group opposes naming of seaport after Gbaramatu ity, Delta State government and Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who are the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th respondents, respectively.

The plaintiffs are also urging the court to grant them an order of interim injunction, restraining the defendants and their agents or officials from naming the deep seaport after Gbaramatu, pending determination of the suit before it.

Counsel to the plaintiffs, Chief Efe Akpofure, had told Justice Abubakar Shittu of the Federal High Court during Wednesday’s hearing that the 4th and 5th defendants acquired a large expanse of land (about 2,700 hectares) at Ogidigben in Ugborodo for the purpose of constructing the Export Processing Zone, EPZ, and ancillary seaport projects of

the 1st and 2nd defendants which are sited in the plaintiffs’ community.

The plaintiffs stated further: “Surprisingly, after about 2,700 hectares of land

of the plaintiffs have been acquired by the defendants for the purpose of the EPZ and seaport facility, the 3rd defendant has applied to the 4th and 5th defendants for

another piece of land, measuring 1,500 hectares to construct a seaport facility. This time, the defendants have proposed to name the seaport as ‘Deep Seaport Gbara-

matu.”

Ruling on the application, Justice Shittu adjoined the case to July 8, 2015, to enable the defendants respond to the application.

My inclusion in probe panel, a call to duty —Udom

G

overnor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has described his recent appointment into the four-man committee to scrutinise accounting records of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, as a call to duty, which transcends party partisanship.

The governor stated this at Ibom International Airport on his arrival from the Presidential Villa, where he was inaugurated into the committee by Vice PresidentYemi Osinbajo.

In a chat with Govern-

ment House correspondents, the governor said he was committed to delivering on the responsibility assigned him by President Muhammadu Buhari, as he had earlier sworn an oath to serve the country.

He explained that the President, like himself, was elected to serve the people and that political parties only serve as springboard for them to provide quality leadership and deliver democratic dividends to the people.

His words: “The question that should be uppermost in

our minds is: are we delivering the dividends of democracy to the people? This is what the President stands for and you know when I also took office, I pledged my total loyalty to the President; I pledged to work very well with him. I see a President who is ready to work and who is willing to work.”

The committee is to unravel the N3.8 trillion not remitted to the Federation Account from 2012 to May 2015 as well as $2.1 billion said to have been deducted from the Excess Crude Account without due process.

Governor Udom is to work in the committee alongside Zamfara State Governor, Abdulazeez Yari; Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomele; and Kaduna State Governor, Nasir ElRufai.

Udom

50

North

Thursday, July 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG to rebuild, rehabilitate communities Four killed in destroyed by Boko Haram –Buhari Plateau violence INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari said the Federal Government will soon embark on rebuilding and rehabilitation of villages, towns, houses, markets and places of worships destroyed

by Boko Haram insurgency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

This was disclosed by Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, during a oneday working visit to Borno State.

In Borno State alone, which is the state most hit, about 22 of the 27 local government areas were sacked and destroyed by insurgents, living hundreds of thousands of internally displaced per-

•Twin suicide bombers kill selves in Borno

sons, IDPs, now taking refuge in various camps in Maiduguri and other places.

Osinbajo said he was sent to Maiduguri to assess the condition of the IDPs and see how best the Federal Government could work with the state government, international organisations and donor agencies to resettle the IDPs. Osibanjo who arrived Maiduguri International Airport aboard a presidential jet at about 10am, drove straight to the Dalori IDPs’ camp in Maiduguri amid tight security, before he visited the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

He also paid a visit to

the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Garbai El-Kanemi.

He said despite the scarce resources, the Federal Government takes the issue of the displaced persons with outmost concern; hence, the visit to ensure that the already traumatised IDPs did not stay longer in the camps.

While at the Shehu’s palace, Alhaji El-Kanemi called on President Muhammadu Buhari to redeem his pledge of rebuilding all affected communities and provide jobs for the teeming youths of the state, especially in the military and para-military outfits.

He also commended President Buhari and the

Traditional rulers from Jigawa Emirate Council disbursing cash to indigent women in Dutse, yesterday.

Vice President for their concern for the IDPs in the state and North East in general.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the visit, Osinbajo commended Governor Kashim Shettima and the Borno State government over the way and manner his administration handled the welfare of the IDPs in the state.

The Vice President who left Maiduguri at about 3:30pm was also expected to pay a similar visit to Yola, the Adamawa State capital among other states affected by insurgents in the North East.

Meanwhile, two suicide bombers yesterday, accidentally blew themselves up in Borno State.

PHOTO: NAN

El-Rufai inaugurates 16-man committee to end killings in Southern Kaduna

G

overnor Nasiru elRufai of Kaduna State on Wednesday inaugurated a 16-member committee to find solutions to incessant killings in the southern part of the state.

The committee headed by retired General Martins Agwai, a former Chief of Defence Staff, has 30 days to unravel causes of the attacks.

News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that statistics released by the National Emergency Management Agency showed that 23,890 people were displaced by communal clashes in Kaura, Kachia and Sanga local govern-

ment areas of the state in 2014.

El-Rufai said government was determined to end the circle of violence through dialogue.

“The circles of killing in the southern part of Kaduna have been a source of great concern to us.

“We are concerned because communities that have lived together for hundreds of years have suddenly turned against each other.

“We know this problem can only be solved through community dialogue so as to get to the root of the problem and bring everyone to the table and hear his side,’’ the governor said.

According to him, the setting up of the committee is part of the government’s multi-dimensional approach in finding lasting solutions to the problem.

“The idea behind the committee was started by the previous administration, but for some reasons the committee never took off.

“When we came in and saw the idea, we thought it is a very good one that can contribute in no small way in resolving the problems that had resulted to the killings in Southern Kaduna.’’

El-Rufai commended Agwai for agreeing to serve, and hoped that he

would deploy his experience in crisis management at national and international levels to end the conflict in the area.

He pledged that the administration would use the committee’s recommendations and that of the Peace and Reconciliation group “to lay the foundation for sustainable peace, reconciliation and progress in the state.”

Responding on behalf of the committee, Agwai pledged to deliver on the mandate given to him.

“I promise that we would do our best and meet the 30 days deadline to come out with the report on the findings,’’ Agwai said.

...Berom, herdsmen trade blames

JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

B

erom people and Fulanı herdsmen ın Plateau State yesterday traded blames over fresh violence in Barkın Ladı Local Government Area of the in which at least four persons were killed.

It was gathered that three soldiers were allegedly injured in the violence, which occurred in Foron village in the local government.

Acting national chairman of Berom Youth Moulders, BYM, Samson Tsok, said: “One Berom village, Foron, was attacked by gunmen suspected to be Fulani last Tuesday night; two of our boys were killed in the attack and four people are still missing.

“Early this morning, some soldiers of the Special Task Force, STF, stormed the village without notice; we were embarrassed and felt under siege.

“The soldiers came to ransack our village without informing our community and youth leaders. We don’t even know what they were searching for; they came in company of some Fulani people who were pointing at which house to raid; they just burst into any house and started searching.

“At the end of the socalled search, they did not tell us if they found anything.”

But leaders of the Fulani people in the local government faulted the claim.

Muhammed Adams said: “Some of our boys went for grazing with cows on Tuesday evening; while grazing, some armed men suspected to be Berom youths shot our cows and killed eight of them.

“Apart from shooting our cows, the herdsmen grazing the cows were killed; we have found one of the bodies of the herdsmen killed, but the other four are still missing.”

When contacted, spokesman of the STF codenamed, ‘Operation Safe Haven,’ Captain Ikedichi Iweha, said: “We did not go to the village for

nothing; it all started last Tuesday evening at about 4:30pm. About 400 cows were rustled in Foron; we followed up the report and recovered the cows.

“Apart from the cows rustled, eight cows were shot, six of them died; the other two were injured.

“In addition to that, the herdsmen who were grazing the cows could not be found. So, early morning of yesterday, we went to the village to search for the missing herdsmen. We later found one body of the missing herdsmen; we are still searching for the remaining five missing Fulani herdsmen up till this moment.

“But while our men were conducting the search, some Berom youths attacked men of the STF; they shot three soldiers who were on peace keeping mission.

Two of the men shot are in critical condition, but the other one is stable.

“Now, our frustration as soldiers on national assignment is that why are the people we are protecting attacking us?

That has been the habit of the people of this local government, especially the people of Barkin Ladi. Why should we be subject of attack?”

The STF has warned the people of the state against arbitrary attacks on personnel who are on peace keeping operations.

“We want these attacks on soldiers to stop henceforth so that it will not get to a point where the STF will be forced to react against its attackers.

“STF has restrained itself from responding to those attacks with forces, but we plead that such attacks on soldiers on national assignment should stop forthwith,” warns Iweha.

Gov. Lalong

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Thursday, July 2, 2015

51

Niger gov spits fire over illegal salary deductions ...institutes probe panel PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

G

L-R: Bauchi State Governor Mohammed Abubakar; his Gombe counterpart, Ibrahim Dankwambo, and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Mallam Garba Shehu, before a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House in Abuja, yesterday.

Saraki, Dogara’s elections not negotiable –Senator

PRISCILLA DENNIS, MINNA

L

awmaker representing Niger East in the National Assembly, Senator David Umaru, has said existing laws clearly state that legislators at both Senate and House of Representatives have the right to elect leaders of their choice they can work with.

Against this backdrop, he said the election of Senate President Bukola Saraki and that of Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, is not negotiable even at the National Executive Council, NEC, meeting of

the All Progressives Congress, APC, fixed for the weekend.

Umaru, who stated this in a chat with journalists in Minna, hinged the leadership crisis rocking the National Assembly on unnecessary interference from outside to prevent members from electing leaders of their choice.

Umaru insisted that the party has neither the powers nor reason to interfere or take sides in the crisis and even allocate positions to individuals at the National Assembly.

He argued, “The existing laws are very clear; it is the Senators or House of Representatives members that should elect

their leaders. There is a very good reason for this, and that is because the lawmakers are the ones to work with their leaders. The issue of the election of Dr. Bukola Saraki as Senate President and Yakubu Dogora as Speaker is not negotiable. It cannot be negotiated outside the National Assembly.

“And the issue is not that of disloyalty to the party, nobody wants to be disloyal to the party. But after the elections, the Senators and the members become that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not that of the party.”

He also debunked claims that the Saraki group of Like-Minds Sen-

ators traded off the post of Deputy Senate President to the opposition, pointing out that during the election, Senator Ike Ekweremadu of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had the majority of Senators present.

“It is not true, it couldn’t have been. We were lucky that the PDP members were reasonable at the time of the election, otherwise the result would have been more devastating,” Umaru stated.

He described Saraki as having the leadership qualities to lead the Senate in supporting President Muhammadu Buhari to bring about the change Nigerians are waiting for.

NANS kicks against scrapping education agencies JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

N

ational Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has faulted calls for scrapping agencies in the Education Ministry, warning that it would further diminish the fortunes of the sector.

The association, which was reacting to a publication in the Leadership Newspaper entitled ‘13 dormant education agen-

cies got N36.77 billion’, said if it was proper for government to cut down its size considering the fall in revenue generation, it was only proper that care be taken before such steps were taken.

In a statement signed

by NANS President, Comrade Tijani Usman, the student body argued that most of the agencies were set up through legislation for specific purposes. It added that if such agencies had failed, it would

not be out of place to assess the performance of heads of such agencies rather than scrapping them outright.

The statement noted that the leadership of NANS was also carrying out some level of assessment of performance of these agencies, with a view to making recommendations to the President.

Leadership Newspaper had reported on Wednesday that of the 22 agen-

cies under the Education Ministry, only six seemed to understand the aim behind their establishment.

The report said the six that performed up to expectation deserved pass mark, while the dormant ones were performing below 40 per cent, the lowest pass limit.

However, the student body faulted the report, saying it was not in good light wondering how the media outfit came about its conclusion.

overnor Abubakar Bello of Niger State has vowed to punish anyone involved in deduction of salaries of civil servants in the state.

The workers emolument paid on Monday had shortfalls of between N10,000 and N20,000 in some cases.

Describing the development as a deliberate fraudulent action and sabotage of his government, he directed Secretary to the State Government, SSG, to set up a panel to investigate the issue and report back to him next Tuesday.

In his address at the 13th Niger State Trade Fair, Bello said his government has zero tolerance for corruption in line with the resolution of President Muhammadu Buhari to end it, and would therefore not spare anyone involved in any act of corruption.

Expressing doubt over claim that the development may be due to system failure, the governor said, “This is an unfortunate situation, which sounds and appears to me like a deliberate fraudulent

action that workers salaries have been reduced

by N10,000 and N20,000 in some cases.

“It could be system failure which has reduced workers salaries. Be that as it may, I have directed the SSG to set up a panel with immediate effect to investigate what actually happened and report back to me by Tuesday.

“I do hope and pray it is a systemic mistake but if it is someone’s effort to deprive the workers of their salaries, whoever is involved will be severely punished. I have resolved to move Niger State forward and change the ways of the past.”

Bello also warned civil servants that are out to make money to do so legitimately, saying it is a crime to shortchange their fellow colleagues in order to make money.

He warned: “If you are a government worker and want to make money, you can start your company or business. If you do it well, we will patronise you and you would make legitimate money. But if you use your position to fill your pockets, you will face the music if I catch you.”

Robbers loot Minna bank ATM machine PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

A

t least, 20 armed robbers attacked First City Monument Bank, FCMB, near Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Minna, and carted away undisclosed sums of money.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday.

A staff of the bank that pleaded anonymity said they were shocked when they resumed work that morning to find security operatives milling about the premises.

“The robbers could not gain entrance into the main banking hall because the doors are bullet proof, but they broke the Automated Teller Machine, ATM, and went away with huge amounts of money.”

The source stated that the security men on duty

were tied up by the robbers, even as the police security that had a gun ran away from the scene.

It was gathered that the security men have been taken to the police station for interro g ation.

A security guard attached to the bank under confidentiality explained that about 20 robbers car ried out the nefarious act after assaulting the police man on duty.

He said, “At about 2am, the robbers attacked the bank and injured the police man on duty. They took away his AK-47 rifle and tied the civil security guard on duty.”

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, stated that the command was yet to make any arrest, adding that they were on the trail of the robbers.

52

Thursday, July 2, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News Philanthropy is a personal responsibility, which I embarked upon more than three decades ago and is an intrinsic part of my Islamic faith –Saudi billionaire Prince, Alwaleed Bin Talal

US, Cuba renew diplomatic ties …after 54 years of broken relationship AFOLABI GAMBARI

WITH AGENCY REPORT

P

resident Barack Obama said yesterday that it was past time for the U.S. to reestablish diplomatic relations with Cuba as he announced that the two countries will reopen their embassies after 54 years.

“When the United States shuttered our embassy in 1961, I don’t think anyone thought it would be more than half a century before it reopened,” Obama said at the White House Rose Garden.

Earlier in the day in Havana, a U.S. diplomat delivered a note from Obama to Cuban President Raul Castro restoring diplomatic ties.

The short ceremony at the Cuban Foreign Ministry in Havana ended the broken relations that began during the Eisenhower administration.

“We want to develop a friendship between our two nations that is based on the equality of rights and the people’s free will,” Castro said in the letter.

“Cuba hopes to resolve differences with the United States through peaceful means, that each nation must respect the territorial integrity of the other and they should not interfere in each other’s political affairs,” he added.

However, the Cuban Foreign

Ministry indicated that hurdles still remained in the thaw of U.S.-Cuba relations due to the embargo that the U.S. has imposed on Cuba.

“There could be no normal relations between Cuba and the United States as long as the economic, commercial and financial blockade continues to be fully implemented, causing damage and scarcities to the Cuban people,” a statement said.

But U.S. Congress, controlled

by Republicans, has shown little

sign that it intends to end the embargo. Several GOP candidates for President expressed their opposition to the shift in policy.

In a statement, Florida Senator Marco Rubio vowed to oppose the confirmation of an ambassador to Cuba until the Castro regime makes several concessions, including “securing greater political freedoms for the Cuban people.”

And former Texas Governor, Rick Perry, also said the Cuban

government had made no changes that suggest re-engagement would benefit Cuban citizens.

“The Cuban people today are not any freer politically or economically, and President Obama has failed to account for what the Castro regime has done in the last several years that warrants such an enormous shift in a longstanding U.S. policy,” he said.

The U.S. already removed Cuba from its state sponsors of terror list in May.

N

ot only did he put a stop to reckless over speeding, he has also ruled against indiscriminate and environment-polluting blaring of siren when on the road.

He must have borrowed a leaf from former Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, who earned the respect of Lagosians with the admirable decorum he handled the spoils of his office. Governor Bello’s wife, Dr. Amina, is also said to be toeing the line of her husband. Not only would her convoy not blare sirens, like her hubby, she ensures that traffic lights are obeyed and other road users not intimidat-

Two more cases of Ebola have been confirmed in Liberia following the death of a teenager from the virus on Sunday, officials said yesterday, despite the country having been declared Ebola-free more than seven weeks ago.

Both of the new cases were in Nedowein, the same village where the boy died, the ministry of information said.

Liberia’s authorities quarantined the area after the teenager’s death and said his funeral was carried out safely.

Health official, Cestus Tarpeh, however said that the pair had been in physical contact with the 17-year-old before his death, adding that a herbalist who had treated the boy had evaded the authorities and was on the run.

It is still not clear how the teenager who died was infected.

Greek TM defiant under pressure

G

President Barack Obama

Interesting signs from Minna Govt House CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE

WORLD BULLETIN Ebola case spreads in Liberia

ed. For a couple with such powers, this is really inspiring and I hope other leaders emulate.

Another novelty style emanating from Minna is the self effacing attitude of the governor.

Unlike others who would want to use every opportunity to discredit their predecessors and score cheap political points, Governor Bello seems to have decided to concentrate on the job at hand rather than dissipate energy on showing the bad sides of his predecessor. A case in point came up during a tour of schools and when his media team wanted to exhibit the sordid and dilapidated nature of the school buildings handed over by the previous

administration, Governor Bello refused. “Don’t play politics with that,” he firmly admonished his aides, an action that earned him more respect from his media handlers and observers. Politics without bitterness indeed!

Another factor that impresses me about this Governor is his guts. In one of his interactions with journalists on June 5, he dared the pen pushers to write anything they consider wrong about his government, only pleading that they be professional in doing so. It shows a Governor determined to have nothing to hide. It is a sign of a man hellbent on making a difference.

Niger State, like most Nige-

rian states, is in need of redemption; and I must say that the signs emanating from Minna Government House are encouraging indeed. I hope the Governor sustains the momentum. He has no reason to fail. With such enviable pedigree - his father was a former military governor of Kano State and his father-inlaw a former head of state - Sani Bello has a great repository of leadership experience to tap from.

This hardworking Governor must be on his toes, fighting hard and unrelenting towards victory. For Niger State’s sake.

Ojewusi wrote via solaojewusi@yahoo.com

reece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has made a defiant speech as cash withdrawal limits begin to bite for Greek bank customers.

Tsipras promised Greeks their pensions and wages would be safe as he made new proposal to the European Union.

Germany had already said talks with Greece will not be possible until after a referendum called by Tsipras for Sunday.

Eurogroup President, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, also said finance ministers had a conference call on late evening yesterday and they saw “no grounds for further talks at this point”.

In Sunday’s vote, Greeks will be asked to accept or reject proposals made by creditors last week.

Tsipras’s latest offer to creditors is tied explicitly to agreement on a request for a third bailout from the eurozone’s bailout fund lasting two years and amounting to €29.1bn.

Tsipras

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Thursday September 4, 2014

By far, Rafael Benitez is the best coach Real Madrid.

I think he will do better and he needs all the support

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

53

Sport

Ahmed, Shear tipped as coaches

55

–New York Cosmos striker, Raul

NFF secretary admits failure over 79 goals match-fixing scandal Joel Ajayi ABUJA

G Glo League Result

Ogenyi Onazi in action against Chad in Kaduna

Red Card:

El-Kanemi

1

0

Wikki

1

1

Dolphin

Giwa

Heartland

1

0

Ifeanyi

3SC

1

0

Shark

Nasarawa

2

0

Taraba

Kwara

2

3

Enyimba

Abia

3

1

Bayelsa

Wolves

1

0

Lobi

Sunshin

3

1

Akwa

Rangers

2

1

Pillars

Onazi appeals $5,000 fine Everest Onyewuchi

S

uper Eagles’ midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, has appealed against the $5,000 USD (about N110,000) fine imposed on him by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the off-the-ball incident that earned him a straight red card in last month’s Nations Cup qualifier against Chad in Kaduna.

While appealing the fine, the Italy-based player, however, formally apologised to the NFF for his un-sportsmanly action.

The NFF said yesterday that Onazi made his appeal in a letter dated 30th June,

2015 and addressed to the NFF General Secretary.

In the letter, the SS Lazio of Italy midfielder wrote, “Sequel to your letter REF: NFF/OGS/Admin/Vol.V/009, I hereby tender an unreserved apology with respect to my conduct which led to my dismissal in the game against Chad in Kaduna.

“I accept the fact that my act was tantamount to an unacceptable one on the field of play. However, I want to inform you that my action on the pitch was not premeditated and was only a reaction to a violent attack on me by the Chadian player, who hit me from behind while I was standing out-

side the penalty box.

“In addition, I had tendered an unreserved apology immediately after the match via my official social media accounts, as well as in the traditional media, to my teammates and to Nigerians who felt let down by an act they considered surprising because of my reputation in that regard.

“Also, I had volunteered to attend the two matches that I have since been punished for

by CAF both at home and away, to support my teammates. I believe this is an amenable punishment and therefore appeal for the further fine of $5,000 that was imposed on me by the NFF.”

eneral Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr. Sanusi Mohammed, has admitted failure over delay in releasing report of investigation into the match-fixing scandal four amateur clubs seeking promotion to NationWide League got enmeshed in two years ago.

It will be recalled that in July 2013 the ridiculous goal score lines from Plateau United’s 79-0 win over Akurba FC and Machine’s 67-0 thumping of Babayaro FC riled the nation.

Although the four clubs and players involved in the match-fixing saga had been banned indefinitely, and a probe launched into the football crime by the NFF, no report has been released two years after.

But, while answering a question at a joint press conference by the League Management Company (LMC) and NFF to chat a way forward for the Nigerian League in Abuja on Tuesday, the secretary who was Director of Competitions then took responsibility for the delay.

“Talking about the case of 79 goals, I was the head of that investigation; I want to assure you that we cannot claim to be perfect as human beings. We can make mistakes, but I want to tell you that by the grace of God we will not make deliberate mistake.

“This investigation is on and the outcome of this investigation will be made known very soon.

Whoever is found culpable will be adequately punished and it will be made public,” Sanusi said.

Sanusi Mohammed

54

Sports

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Wimbledon Open 2015:

NFF boss, Amaju

‘Weather favours Nadal, Federer’s chances’

Bribery: NFF beams NPL matches live Paul Erewuba

N

igeria Football Federation (NFF) says it will show live matches involving teams in the Nigeria Premier League to stem allegations of bribery and corruption.

The 1st Vice President of the NFF, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, said this has become necessary in view of the incessant allegations levelled against match officials.

FIFA had recently questioned the performance of of-

ficials in the match between FC Ifeanyi Ubah and Sharks of Port Harcourt and has subsequently instructed NFF to investigate same.

“We believe live telecast of the league matches will reduce malpractices by the referees,” Akinwunmi added.

Chairman of League Management Company (LMC), Shehu Dikko, has also said that plans are underway to put the league in order with a view to enforcing the rules strictly.

How, however, gave no details of how the LMC would actualize the plan.

Election: Baba- Ali unfolds Kogi sports plans

A

governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in Kogi State, Alhaji Suleiman Baba-Ali, has promised a massive turnaround for sports in the state if elected.

Kogi State election is scheduled to hold in October but the primary poll will take place later in July.

Baba-Ali was the Managing Director of Team Nigeria to the Algiers 2007 All Africa Games where he sourced funds for the country’s athletes for the continental event.

He said the state of sports in Kogi required a change as he expressed concern over the fortunes of Kogi United Football Club and Confluence Queens.

Kogi United are in the last position on the Nigeria National League Table with just six points from seven matches while Confluence Queens are

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

fourth on the female football league table with three points from three matches,” the aspirant said.

“I have knowledge of what to do to boost the two teams in the state. The male team will have to move up to the elite class to attract bringing other top teams to the state and also to play in the continent. The female team is good and we are going to encourage them especially by bringing in private sector to provide the basic things.”

On the other sports, BabaAli said: “We were 24th on the final medals table of the last National Sports Festival and that is not acceptable. We have to move up because we have talented youth all over the place who can make the state proud.

We just need to plan ahead and generally have a template for development of our youths.”

T

op stars Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer will be happy at the current heat wave at the All England Club, according to former British tennis player Barry Cowan.

Cowan believes the scorching heat will speed up the Wimbledon courts and suit the more attacking players, particularly in the second week.

“The weather we’re having this week, definitely Nadal’s rubbing his hands with glee and Federer’s rubbing his hands with glee because the hotFederer ter it i s , the

court will get quicker and higherbouncing,” he said.

“We know that’s going to suit Rafa and I think Roger a s

well because realistically at the moment, Roger will find it more difficult to beat the likes of a Murray, the likes of a Djokovic, the great baseliners, the great defenders, when the courts are a bit slower.

“I re-

roof is on and Wawrinka found it very comfortable.

“But in the second week, I think it’s going to be very quick and that will favour the attacking players which

w i l l definitely favour Federer.”

Cowan, however, tipped Murray to regain the Wimbled o n

Nadal

member a couple of years ago, 2009, the first year of the roof, when Murray played Stan Wawrinka, it’s a lot slower when the

crown.

“I really like Andy’s chances because he’s playing good, he’s playing great tennis, he’s confident, he knows he can win here at Wimbledon.

“He’s the best player in the world, everyone expected him to win the French Open after beating Rafael in the quarters.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Thursday, July 2, 2015

55

Afrobasket:

Ahmed, Shear tipped as coaches Paul Erewuba

A recent basketball action in Lagos

T

eam Nigeria’s assistant coaches to the London 2012 Olympics, Sani Ahmed and Timothy Shear, may emerge this week as coaches for the country’s basketball team to the Afrobasket Men’s finals in Tunisia.

National Mirror gathered yesterday that other coaches in contention for the job include Josep Maria Berrocal Riera (Spain), Ri-

Onigbinde conducts coaching clinic Ifeanyi Eduzor

F

ormer Super Eagles coach and FIFA/CAF instructor, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, will be the key instructor at a grassroots coaches’ seminar and workshop scheduled for Saturday at the Strong Tower Playground, Ikorodu, Lagos.

Organised by the Ikorodu Youth Sports Development Association under the sponsorship of the Teslim Balogun Foundation, the event is part of the ongoing Teslim Balogun National U-17 Championship.

A Director in the foundation,

Engr. Olajide Teslim Balogun, said the clinic was also part of the events marking the 2015 Olympic Day Celebration of the International Olympic Committee.

With the theme of “Preparing a Youth Team for a Tournament,” Onigbinde will focus on responsibility of a coach in youth tournament starts with the coach, as well as plans and efforts to achieve them.

About 60 coaches from various youth clubs in Lagos and other parts of the country will participate in the one-day workshop which will also welcome coaches from youth and amateur clubs.

AAG: Abuja ready for judo trials Ifeanyi Eduzor

J

udokas from across the country will converge on Abuja today for trials to raise a team for the 11th All Africa Games.

The trials featuring judokas in men and women categories is scheduled for Friday and Saturday while athletes will depart on Sunday.

About 250 judokas from the states, the military, para-military and clubs are expected at the trials which will take place at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Academy in Sauka.

President of Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF), Dr. Musa Oshodi, told National Mirror that the trials would be open to judokas with current licence and should not be less than 18 years

of age in August 2015.

“Judokas who have the patriotic zeal to represent Nigeria at the All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville in September will be welcome,” Oshodi said.

Meanwhile, champion in the 63 kg category for women, Esther Augustine, says she is ready for the event.

“I will give my best because my dream is to represent Nigeria,” the NSCDC athlete said.

cardo Daniel Maffei (Argentina) and Guy Arnaud (France).

Others are William B. Voigt (USA), Sodini Marco (Italy), Dennis Felton (USA) and Aramis Naglic (Croatia).

It was further learnt that they would be assessed against a 10-point criteria drawn up by the Nigeria Basketball Federation.

But the Nigerian duo are believed to be most considered for the task.

“We have tested world basketball coaches who have applied

for this job but I think Ahmed and Shear are favoured,” a source at the federation said.

Meanwhile, the federation has charged Nigeria’s U-16 coach for FIBA Africa-U16 Women’s Championship in Madagascar, Adeka Dauda, to see the task as a learning curve.

The federation explained that Dauda would be assisted by First Deepwater stand-in coach Shola Shomala and both would select from a list of 20 young players.

Osho returns as Kogi Coach Afolabi Gambari

F Osho

ormer coach of Nigeria National League side Kogi United FC, Fatai Osho, has made a swift return to the Lokoja outfit with a quest to help the team achieve set objectives.

Osho, who left Kogi United mid-way through last season, has been tasked to restore the fortune of the Wada Boys who are yet to gain considerable bal-

ance in the ongoing season.

Team Manager of the club, Henry Ameh, said Osho’s return would add flair to the team based on the gaffer’s pedigree.

Osho also expressed delight at his return.

“I thank the management for this second chance and I promise to make everybody proud,” the former Remo Stars and Supreme Court handler said, adding, “I demands discipline from the team and together we can achieve greatness.”

Minimah boxing enters q/finals Ifeanyi Eduzor

D

elta State boxer, Odigbo Stephen, yesterday qualified for the quarter finals of the on-going maiden Kenneth Minimah National Men and Women Open Boxing Championship when he knocked out Oliwo Kazeem of Lagos State in round one of their three rounds bout.

A deadly upper-cut delivered in the early seconds of the first round confirmed Odigbo’s supremacy over Kazeem to pick his quarter-final ticket from the first bout of day two of the weeklong championship.

Also in the quarter-finals

are Tunde Olejede of the Nigeria Army who defeated Kabiru Oladejo of Kaduna State 2 -1 in their second round preliminaries while Borno State Pugilist, Rotimi Abayomi out-punched M. Onyemachi of Abia State.

Kazeem Oseliu of Ogun State also beat Adesola Abiodun of Adamawa State 3-0 in their 56kg weight category clash.

Fatai Sikiru of the Nigeria Police sttopped Ismaila Ajibola from Adamawa State in round two of their three rounds bout while Sanusi Abiodun of Civil Defence Corps knocked out Sherif Ogubanjo of Oyo State in round one.

Rasheed Adeniran of Imo

Minimah

State also outpunched representative of Nigeria to the 2013 World Junior Championship in Khazastan, Olayinka Yusuf of Oyo State, 3-0.

Para-Power body invites 15 lifters Mercy Jacob

A

bout 15 athletes have been invited by the Para-Power Lifters Federation of Nigeria to camp in Abuja ahead of the Paralympics qualifying competition slated

for July 24 to 31 in Kazakhstan.

Secretary of the federation, Dapo Akinyele, said yesterday that the Para-lifters would be camped for two weeks to compete for slots in the Paralympic Games’ team, after missing out at the World Championship in Dubai due to lack of fund.

“Athletes who perform well will join others to prepare for another camping ahead of the 11th All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville,” Akinyele said.

“I believe the athletes will make it up in this competition despite missing out in the last Paralympics Power lifting World

Championship at Dubai,” he added.

“I am confident that the set of Paralifters we have right now will make us proud in the coming Paralympic qualifiers. Immediately after the qualifiers, we will resume camp for the All Africa Games.”

WORLD RECORD

Fastest marathon dressed as a telephone box The fastest marathon dressed as a telephone box is 5 hr 54 min 52 sec and was achieved by Sid Keyte (UK) at the 2014 Virgin Money London Marathon.

N150

Vol. 05 No. 1147 Thursday, July 2, 2015

Interesting signs from Minna Govt House T here is something particularly interesting about Niger State. Apart from being one of the few states to have produced two former heads of state, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Niger State has contributed so much in its chequered history to the development of Nigeria, especially in the area of power generation and indigenous manufacturing. Two major dams of great importance to the national economy, Kainji Dam and Shiroro Dam, commissioned in 1968 and 1990 respectively, are located in the state.

The state is also credited with generously donating a large chunk of its land to the now bustling Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. With such important history and immense contribution to the larger national interest, and given its strategic relevance as a neighbour to FCT, one cannot but expect the best in terms of

S

omali-born British long distance runner, Mo Farah, says drug cheat claims are demoralizing him and has urged his coach, Alberto Salazar, to swiftly disprove the allegations.

Allegations were made against Salazar in a recent BBC Panorama programme, suggesting that that

Guest Columnist

Sola S l

Ojewusi

governance and development from whoever leads the state.

It is, therefore, sad that in terms of true development, there is scandalously little to cheer after many years of democratic governance. In spite of the best intentions of the former administration, the outcome sadly, was more of sound and fury than true, tangible development.

The recent change in the state’s political leadership, in which the people voted out the ruling PDP was indeed a very loud expression of disillusionment with a government that appeared to have lost it grooves. It is, therefore, refreshing to see the new administration of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, in action, speech and body language, determined to take headlong the throng of developmental challenges of this otherwise promising state. Since his inauguration on May 29, he has shown unequivocally that he is determined to make a difference and run a government of true vision.

The Governor’s pronouncements and body language has revealed that he is determined to prove that Niger State is viable despite contrary opinions. To him, Niger State is, like many other states, only bedeviled by vision-free policies and misplaced enthusiasm. Given the right direction and determined leadership, Governor Bello seems to believe that the state can be rescued from the woods. It is thus encouraging to see him hitting the ground running, rolling up his sleeves to show true example to his people and really getting out of the cosy environment of his office to be on the

SINCE HIS INAUGURATION

MAY 29, GOVERNOR SANI BELLO HAS SHOWN ON

UNEQUIVOCALLY THAT HE IS DETERMINED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE road preaching the gospel of change and demonstrating that it would not be business as usual.

Among the many policy directions showing signs of serious departure from the norm is the new Governor’s recent declaration of emergency in the state’s water sector. This is a long overdue intervention in a sector that had often put a lie to the much-bandied welfarism of the previous administration. Indeed, for a state that earned its name from one of Africa’s most renowned rivers, it is ironic that for years the people had had to grapple with incessant water scarcity.

It is not unusual to see children on odyssey to distant rocky plains to scoop water, or water vendors becoming tin gods in a state with such abundance of water resources.

So the unequivocal decision of Governor Sani Bello to tackle the intractable problem once and for all is encouraging and I hope he gives true teeth to this promise and cure his people of the dis-

illusionment that broken promises and white paper fantasies have inflicted on them. His incipient Water Supply Rehabilitation Project is welcome and he must see it to maturity. He must correct such anomalies as the Minna waterworks in Chanchaga, which produces only 30,000 cubic meters of water in a city in dire need of at least 120,000 cubic meters of water. The rehabilitation of Gurara Dam also appears to be on the Governor’s front burner. Good step. It is surely another way of wrestling down the perennial water problem in the state.

The Governor has taken on a lot of other infrastructural sore points with the grit and zeal of a determined fighter. Minna, the capital is a shadow of its old self and Governor Sani Bello’s newly declared Operation Zero Potholes in the city is a step in the right direction. One of the horrific eyesores of this historic city is the dilapidated roads, and the quick intervention in that direction will surely gladden the hearts of the citizens.

The Governor has also promised prudent management of the resources of the state. He has already started giving meaning to this. There’s the news making the rounds in Niger that mindful of the state’s lean resources, the Governor often pays for his aides’ accommodation from his personal funds! The tendency to also block all financial drain pipes in the state gives the impression of a Daniel coming to justice as far as the state’s coffers are concerned. Keeping this momentum will surely bode well for Niger.

Another issue is the Governor’s attitude to the rule of law and deep respect for the people. This is one Governor who would not subscribe to the usual convoy recklessness that had in the past given many a Governor bad names. Feelers from the Minna Government House revealed that Governor Sani Bello has made it a point of duty to always put his security details in check anytime he is on the road.

Continues on page 52

Sport Extra

Doping allegation: Farah seeks ‘all-clear’ status he was involved in doping US runner Galen Rupp, training partner of Farah’s, in 2002 at the Nike Oregon Project in Oregon.

There is no suggestion Farah has broken any rules, but the media storm has plagued the double Olympic champion, forcing his

withdrawal from the Diamond League in Birmingham three weeks ago.

“I work every day and every year I spend seven months away from my family. To call me a cheat is most unfair,” the Olympian said yesterday.

Farah is hoping to compete in the 5,000m at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne on July 9, as well as in Monaco on July 17 and at the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from July 24 to 26.

Farah

Printed and Published by Global Media Mirror Ltd: Head Office: Mirror House, 155/161 Broad Street, Lagos Tel: 07027107407, Abuja Office: NICON Insurance House, Second Floor, Central Business District Area, Abuja Tel: 08070428249, Advert hotline: 01-8446073, Port-Harcourt Office: Suite 115, NICON Hotel, 6, Benjamin Opara Street, Off Olusegun Obasanjo Rd, GRA Phaze 3, Phone: 07032323254 Email: mail@nationalmirroronline.net.

Acting Editor: BEN MEMULETIWON. All correspondence to PMB 10001, Marina, Lagos.

Printed simultaneously in Lagos, Abuja and Akure. ISSN 0794-232X.