Tuesday, 25 September, 2012 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Fuel crisis: NNPC awaits security clearance to repair pipeline

Scarcity worsens in Lagos, environs

UDEME AKPAN

he rehabilitation of pipeline at Arepo, Ogun State, expected to enhance fuel distribution may not take

place soon as security agencies have not given the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

FIRST LADYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LA ADYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HEALTH HEALTH::

DAY 31

Jonathan arrives in New York without wifeP.4

Alison-Madueke

Vol. 1 2 N0. 115 455

he Nigeria Red Cross Society yesterday said that it had recovered five bodies of victims of the flood disaster that ravaged Lokoja, Kogi State. The bodies washed ashore River Niger include those of two men, swept away on Saturday night by the raging flood at Ajaokuta Local Government Area of the state, bringing the number of deaths so far recorded to 11. The Kogi branch Chairman of the society, Mr. Mustafa Allah-Dey, who confirmed the development CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Rage of flood:

Tuesday, September June 7, 2011 25, 2012

N150 N150

5 bodies recovered from River Niger More communities affected Sacks 4 schools, 350 families in Bayelsa

Arik bars FAAN MD from flying on aircraft

P.4

National Mirror correspondent wins SERAs Award P.9

Bi-Courtney begins rehabilitation of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

P.7

COUNTDOWN TO

ONDO GUBER POLL October 20, 2012

DAYS TO GO

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole paddling a canoe during his visit to the floodravaged communities of Udaba, Ekperi, Osomhegbe, Udochi, Agenebode and Ilushi in the state, yesterday.

Obasanjo, Sambo, Mark lead PDP campaign

...as Jonathan insists on credible poll P.44

Residents of Udochi in Etsako Central Local Government Area fleeing from their submerged homes.

One killed, 156 arrested as soldiers search for terrorists 11-year-old Bauchi blast victim dies in hospital Police shoot LASU students during protest

P.2 P.7

News

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

One killed, 156 arrested as soldiers search for terrorists OMEIZA AJAYI, A ZA MSUE, EZEKIEL TITUS AND OWOLABI ADENUSI

fierce gun battle and house-tohouse search jointly conducted by the military, the police and the State Security Service, SSS, in Adamawa State has led to the killing of a terrorist and the arrest of about 156 suspects. This is even as the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, the Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda, and the Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, yesterday condemned Sunday’s suicide bomb attack on St. John’s Catholic Church, Bauchi, which claimed three lives and injured 46 others. The raid in Mubi, also led to the recovery of weapons, including Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, chemicals, over 500 knives, nineAK47 assault rifles, locally-made pistols and rocket launchers.

The Brigade Commander, 23rd Armoured Brigade, Yola, Brig.-Gen. John Nwaoga, briefing newsmen yesterday in Mubi, said the house-tohouse search followed the recent upsurge in killings and attacks on communications’ masts in the border town. The destruction of the telecoms firms’ facilities forced the intelligent unit of the security operatives to swing into action, leading to the identification of some hideouts of the terrorists. Nwaoga in company of the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Godfrey Okeke, and the Director of SSS, Mr. Jaye Oba, said the raid had helped the military intelligence to unravel the mystery behind the protracted wave of shootings and bomb attacks in Mubi, a border town with Borno State. “Based on intelligence report, a combine team of the JTF isolated the area, cordoned it and make sure that innocent and law-abiding citizens were

not hurt during the operation,” Nwoaga said. He confirmed that one of the suspects, who engaged the security agents in a shoot-out, was killed. He said: “One of the members of the notorious gang was gunned down as they engaged our men in a gun duel before we were able to overpower them.” The Army boss added that those arrested would be screened and people found to be innocent would be released. Nwaoga said while the operation continues, security forces would expedite action to ensure that it was completed on time to enable residents of the town resume normal activities. The brigade commander called on traditional rulers, village heads and residents to report to security agents unidentified persons residing in their midst. He thanked the state government for granting a 24-hour curfew, which enabled the JTF to carry out the operation success-

fully. The arrested suspects, including six females and five children who were rescued, have being kept

at the military base in Mubi. In Bauchi, the state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Sagir Saleh and the Emir

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

He added that the boats, in addition to the three released on Sunday by the organisation, had been deployed to Ibaji, Idah and other flood ravaged communities to rescue the victims. Allah-Dey said some of the victims, who had taken refuge on treetops since Saturday, had been rescued and relocated to the four camps in Idah. The state Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mohammed Garba, said that movement of vehicles was yet to be allowed on the Lokoja-Abuja road. “The water level is rising, so, no movement for now. What we saw yesterday is not what we are seeing today. No movement is possible on the road now,” Garba said. He added that the FRSC had no idea of when the road would be officially reopened to traffic, and urged motorists to use alternative routes. Some motorists have been struggling to find their way through the road,

in spite of the FRSC’s warning to stay off the road. A NAN correspondent, who visited Natako junction in Lokoja, observed that passengers simply took commercial motorcycles from the junction to Ukomi community, one of the areas where the water had flooded the road. At Ukomi, youths were making brisk businesses out of the situation by ferrying passengers by canoe to Banda charging NI00 per passenger. At Banda area, the youths ferried passengers across at N200 per person to Jamata, where they finally board vehicles going to Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria and other parts of the North. But the FRSC said it had worked out alternative routes to and from Abuja to lessen the agony of motorists. In a statement issued yesterday, the Deputy Corps Public Education Officer, Mr. Bisi Kazeem, urged motorists travelling from Lagos and wishing to use Okene-Lokoja-Abuja route to divert to Okene-Ajaoku-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Traffic gridlock on Ikorodu Road, as a result of a fuel tanker accident at Ojota, Lagos yesterday. PHOTO: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

5 bodies recovered from River Niger to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja, said the bodies were found late Sunday evening. He said that all the corpses were male adults and the areas from which they had been swept away had not been ascertained. The Red Cross boss added that local fishermen discovered the bodies and alerted emergency workers. Allah-Dey said the first three corpses might not be from Kogi State, stressing that they were likely to be among the passengers in a canoe that capsized in a community in Niger State two days ago. He said that the five bodies had since been buried. The chairman noted that the flood was still ravaging some parts of the state, describing the situation in Ibaji and Idah as precarious. Allah-Dey said that the situation had forced the National Inland Waterways Authority to release five additional boats for the rescue operations in Ibaji, where hundreds of people were endangered.

of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleman Adamu, visited St. John’s Catholic Church, the scene of Sun-

ta-Ayangba-Ankpa-Makurdi Lafia-Akwanga-Abuja route. Those coming from the South-East should use Otukpa-Makurdi route and those driving from Abuja to Lokoja were advised to ply Akwanga-Lafia-MakurdiAnkpa-Okene route. He said the commission had also deployed more personnel on the routes to forestall gridlocks. The recent overflow of the River Benue has also blocked parts of the Makurdi-Gboko Highway, especially from Tyo-mu end, about 13 kilometres from Makurdi. A visit to some scenes of the flood revealed that more than half of the road had been submerged, forcing many motorists to avoid the road. Apart from Gwer East, Gwer West, Makurdi and Guma, the road is the gateway to the remaining 19 local government area councils of the state. The road also connects Benue with Taraba and Cross River states. Vehicles travelling to

Gboko and the other parts of Tiv land, now go through Aliade, about twice the distance from Makurdi to Gboko. An unusual traffic density on the Aliade road, which also connects the state with Kogi and the East and South Western parts of the country was also observed. Flood has also ravaged Bayelsa State, sacked four schools and displaced more than 350 families in Sagbama and Tungbo, both in Sagbama Local Government Area. The NAN correspondent, who was taken round the premises of the schools in a canoe, reported that the water level was more than 1.5 metres high. The guide, who took the correspondent round the premises, Mr. Ogbo Akpoeyi, said no fewer than 300 families were displaced by the flood in Sagbama, adding that such flood was last experienced in 1999. Akpoeyi called on the company handling the Sagbama/Ekeremor Road to construct more water

outlets to reduce the flood water that had almost submerged Sagbama. He also called on the various tiers of government to come to the aid of the community, saying, “We need permanent solution to this perennial problem.” Also sacked by the flood were a bakery and a private school, Agua Memorial Nursery/Primary School at Obuware in Sagbama. The owner of the bakery, Mrs. Nurse Adonkie, whose residence was also affected, said that the flood had destroyed flour mixers and other equipment in the bakery. The Chairman of Sagbama Local Government, Mr. Tony Ogullah, said he would conduct an assessment tour of the LGA to get statistics of flood-affected communities for possible distribution of relief materials. Ogullah said that the council would write to the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and other relevant authorities for aid “because the CONTINUED ON PAGE 52>>

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PAGE

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Good Health

Want to stay healthy? Hot tea’s the way to go! TOBORE OVUORIE

here are lots of reasons why you must enjoy and get addicted to hot tea. Apart from the aroma of various flavours, latest medical findings reveal it’s got healing powers. For instance, it has been discovered to be a very good source of preventing everything from cavities to Parkinson’s disease. The benefits of this ancient beverage not only extend throughout the whole body but also save lives! According to experts, drinking hot tea could be key to smaller waistlines, sharper minds, stronger bones and healthier hearts. This was disclosed recently when leading nutrition scientists from around the world convened at the United States Department of Agriculture to present the latest research supporting the role of hot tea in promoting good health. They explained that tea supports heart health and healthy blood pressure, and appears to be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke and heart attack. “There is now an overwhelming body of research from around the world indicating that drinking tea can enhance human health,” said meeting chair, Jeffrey Blumberg, PhD, Professor, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and Director, Antioxidants Research Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston. “The many bioactive compounds in tea

appear to impact virtually every cell in the body to help improve health outcomes, which is why the consensus emerging from this symposium is that drinking at least a cup of green, black, white or oolong tea a day can contribute significantly to the promotion of public health,” he added. Other research findings also reveal that older women who are tea drinkers are 60 percent less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than those who do not drink tea. Wondering why? Because drinking tea regularly for years may produce stronger bones. Those who drank tea on a regular basis for 10 or more years were discovered to have higher-bone mineral density in their spines than those who had not. A recent study published in the journal Circulation found that drinking more than two cups of tea a day decreased the risk of death following a heart attack by 44 per-

cent. Do you take tea once in a while? Studies have found that your infrequent action also has rewards: Consuming just two cups a day decreased the risk of death by almost a third. Don’t ponder too much on the reason for such health freebies because tea is a rich source of the flavonoids quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin, and research shows that high dietary intake of these compounds is associated with a reduced risk of fatal heart attacks. In one study, people who drank about a cup and a half of tea per day were almost 40% less likely to suffer a heart attack compared to tea abstainers. Again, population studies have linked

MANDELA: Still waxing strong at 94 with hot tea.

YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

Regular consumption of sugary beverages linked with increased genetic risk of obesity

esearchers from Harvard School of Public Health have found that greater consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is linked with a greater genetic susceptibility to high body mass index (BMI) and increased risk of obesity. The study reinforces the view that environmental and genetic factors may act together to shape obesity risk. The study appears Sept. 21 in an advance online edition of the New England Journal of Medicine. “Our study for the first time provides reproducible evidence

from three prospective cohorts to show genetic and dietary factors -- sugar-sweetened beverages -- may mutually influence their effects on body weight and obesity risk. The findings may motivate further research on interactions between genomic variation and environmental factors regarding human health,” said Lu Qi, assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition at HSPH and senior author of the study. In the past three decades, consumption of SSBs has increased dramatically worldwide. Although widespread evidence sup-

ports a link between SSBs, obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes, there has been little research on whether environmental factors, such as drinking sugary beverages, influence genetic predisposition to obesity. The research was based on data from three large cohorts, 121,700 women in the Nurses’ Health Study, 51,529 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and 25,000 in the Women’s Genome Health Study. All of the participants had completed foodfrequency questionnaires detailing their food and drink consumption over time.

the consumption of tea with a reduction in risk for several types of cancer. Researchers speculate that the polyphenols in tea may inhibit certain mechanisms that promote cancer growth. Both green and black teas have been credited with cancer-inhibiting powers. Green tea extracts were found to inhibit the growth of bladder cancer cells in the lab — while other studies suggest that drinking green tea protects against developing stomach and esophageal cancers. Now that the rains are pouring like never before, you can boost your fight against flu with black tea. Your best defense against contracting the flu is to wash your hands often and get vaccinated against the influenza virus. But black tea may further bolster your efforts to stay healthy as it has also been discovered that people who gargled with a black tea extract solution twice per day showed a higher immunity to flu virus compared to the people who did not gargle with black tea. Want to display lovely white sets of teeth? Add unsweetened hot tea drinking to your daily dental routine of brushing and flossing for healthier teeth and gums. Guess by now you must have ordered for at least two cups of hot tea to meet your daily health requirement. This is wishing you a hot tea-drinking week ahead!

Low calorie juice lowers blood pressure in healthy adults –Study

egularly drinking low-calorie cranberry juice may help get your blood pressure under control, according to new findings presented at the American Heart Association’s High Blood Pressure Research 2012 Scientific Sessions. In a study that measured the effects of drinking low-calorie cranberry juice, participants drank either low-calorie juice or a placebo drink every day for eight weeks as part of a controlled diet. Blood pressure was measured at the beginning, mid-point and end of the study. After eight

weeks, blood pressure values had significantly dropped from an average of 121/73 mmHg to 118/70 mmHg for those drinking the low-calorie cranberry juice. The placebo group showed no change. Researchers note that cranberry juice is rich in antioxidants -naturally occurring molecules in fruit, tea, wine and other foods -which have been associated with lower blood pressure in other studies. The study was funded by Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. — Science Daily

Photo News

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

L-R: National Mirror Business Correspondent, Ms. Ella Olamiju, receiving the 2012 Nigeria SERA’s award for best CSR reporting from Vice-President, First Assembly Ministries, Mrs. Araba Akonni and communications specialist and member, Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, Mr. Nduneche Ezurike, during the award presentation in Lagos, at the weekend.

L-R: Editor-in-Chief/Managing Director, Deen Communications Ltd; Mr. Mudathir Olaniyi Sanuth; Chief Marketing Officer, MTN, Mr. Larry Annetts and Chief Executive Officer, Fun Mobile Ltd; Mr. Yahaya Maibe, during the draws conducted by MTN to sponsor 18 Muslims and MTN subscribers to the 2012 Hajj, in Lagos, recently.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi (left) and the State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Levi Gogo Charles, at the opening of the three-day training workshop for Ministries, Departments and Agencies on Budget Planning, Implementation and Monitoring System organised by the state Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

L-R: Vice-President, Proteocell Biotechnologies, Quebec, Canada, Mr. Rasheed Tijani; Chief Executive Officer/Publisher, The Abuja Inquirer newspaper, Mr. Dan Akpovwa; former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Managing Director, The Quadrant Company, Lagos, Mr. Bolaji Okusaga, at the CEO Institutional Investment Summit organised by Africa Investor magazine at the New York Stock Exchange, United States, at the weekend.

National News

Jonathan at UN Assembly without First Lady •Visits wife at German hospital

ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan arrived in New York on Sunday for the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly without the First Lady, Dame Patience, who is said to be recuperating in a hospital in Germany, where she is presently being treated for undisclosed ailment. At the 66th session of the General Assembly last year, President Jonathan was accompanied on the trip by his wife, state governors and other top government officials. According to sources, Dame was expected to join her husband in New York for the UN Assembly, but a team of doctors attending to the ailing first lady in Germany warned of dire consequences on her health should she embark on any long trip. It was also gathered from a competent Presidency source that President Jonathan and his wife had planned to use the trip to New York to prove critics wrong and end specula-

tions about the health of his wife. However, since it was not possible for Dame Patience to attend the UN Assembly with her husband, based on doctors’ advice, Jonathan had to make a stopover in Germany to see his ailing wife before arriving in New York. Dame Patience is spending her fourth week in a hospital in Wiesbaden, Germany while the Presidency had kept mum over the health status of the first lady and has not issued any official statement concerning the issue. However, her Media Aide, Ayo Osinlu, said that the First Lady was on vacation and had taken time to rest abroad after hosting the First Lady’s Conference in Abuja. At the UN General Assembly, President Jonathan is scheduled to meet with other world leaders including the Presidents of China, France, South Korea, Brazil, Bulgaria, Finland and Switzerland. He would also deliver a speech at the meeting on the rule of law and join the Prime Minister of Norway,

Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, with whom he currently serves as co-Chairperson of the UN Commission on LifeSaving Commodities for Women and Children in presenting its report to the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon. The President would also attend a high-level meeting on the Nigerian economy, meet with the Chairman and top executives of the global oil giant, ExxonMobil, attend a reception hosted by President Barack Obama of the United States and the Secretary-General’s high-level event on the eradication of polio. Those on the delegation to New York with President Jonathan include Governors Isa Yuguda of Bauchi, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the Minister of Trade and Investment. Meanwhile, the President yesterday in New York assured the global community of his administration’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of

law and implementing all pledges made by Nigeria to the international community. Addressing the first-ever high-level plenary session of the United Nations on the rule of law, Jonathan said it was imperative for the rule to be further strengthened at national and international levels to ensure equity and fairness for all people. The President said that the rule of law at international level must be based on the core principles of the United Nations which were further reaffirmed in the 2005 World Summit Document. This, he said, implies that countries must in good faith, honour their international obligations, including the obligation to refrain from the threat or use of force, the obligation to settle disputes through peaceful means, the obligation to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms and abide by the international humanitarian law. Jonathan stated that: “Nigeria subscribes to the view that it is only an international system based on the rule of law that can guarantee the protection

of the rights of individuals and the interests of the less powerful in the global arena. “The principle of equality of states remains an important element in the promotion of the rule of law at the international level. The international community should therefore discourage any semblance of selective observance and enforcement of international law. “Nigeria recognises the important role the International Court of Justice and other international tribunals are playing in the peaceful resolution of international disputes. The work of the ICJ and other international criminal tribunals have contributed to the promotion of world peace and security as well as ending impunity around the globe by holding accountable, those responsible for grave violations of international and humanitarian law. “Member states should therefore continue to provide support for these international adjudicatory mechanisms to enable them discharge their respective mandates.” The President said that his administration recog-

nised the close nexus between the rule of law and democracy and the primacy of the rule of law as a prerequisite for the promotion and protection of democracy, good governance and sustainable development and therefore envisions the promotion of the rule of law at the international level as a vital means of strengthening cooperation and promoting enduring peace and security among nations. Jonathan said that his administration would continue to encourage the Nigerian judiciary to play a pivotal role in the advancement and elaboration of the rights of Nigerians through effective oversight over the actions of the executive and legislature. The session which was opened by the Secretary of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, was also addressed by the President of the Security Council, the President of the International Court of Justice, the Head of the United Nations Commission for Human Rights the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme and other participating Heads of State and Government.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Fuel crisis: NNPC awaits security clearance to repair pipeline CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

NNPC, the nod to return to site. This means that the corporation and other operators would still have

to depend on tankers to move fuel and other products from one part of the country to another. A General Manager, Group Public Affairs Di-

vision of the corporation, Dr. Omar Faruok, who confirmed the development said: “We are yet to get clearance from security agencies to mobilise

back to site.” He said that NNPC had already met with the leadership of the Special Task Force on Anti-pipeline Vandalism set up by the

L-R: Former Senate President, Ken Nnamani; Vice-President Namadi Sambo and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim, during the bi-annual retreat of SGF in Abuja, yesterday.

One killed, 156 arrested as soldiers search for terrorists CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

day’s suicide bombing, which killed three persons. They sympathised with the Christian faithful in the state with a charge on people to live in peace, even as they condemned the attack. The deputy governor expressed dismay and described the blast as a calculated attempt to smear the good image of the Yuguda administration. He called on the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, to prevail on its members to embrace peace and unity, noting that “religious tolerance is the only option to ensure sustainable development.” CAN Chairman in the state, Rev. Lawi Pokti, said an 11-year-old girl later died in the hospital following the injuries she suffered from the bomb blast. He, however, added that other victims were responding to treatment at the Abubakar TafawaBalewa University Teaching Hospital. Pokti lamented that Christians were the targets of recent attacks in the state and urged government and security agencies to be vigilant in stopping the trend. National Mirror learnt that two policemen who

were at the gate of the church as at the time of the blast were among those seriously affected and were now receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital. The state government also issued a statement yesterday condemning the suicide attack. The condemnation was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ishola Michael. The statement said the state government condoled with the families of the victims and promised to track down the perpetrators of the heinous crime. “There is no way we will allow criminals and terrorists to continue to live among us and keep on terrorising innocent people even in their places of worship,” the statement said. It pleaded for calm and appealed to friends and families of the victims not to do anything that would aggravate the already tensed situation to preserve law and order in the state. “Let us allow security operatives to do their work; we should please avoid anything that will lead to the loss of more lives and disrupt the peace that we are enjoying in the state,” it add-

ed. The ACF, in an electronic mail signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Anthony Sani, called on terrorists to lay down their arms and embrace peace and dialogue. The ACF said: “The Arewa Consultative Forum is shocked by the news of yet another suicide bombing of a Catholic Church in Bauchi yesterday morning (Sunday), which claimed about four lives and wounded about 40 others. “More troubling is the fact that this has taken place despite appeals by many Nigerians to perpetrators of such dastardly violence to lay down their arms and embrace the offer of dialogue by the Federal Government. “The only viable approach to addressing any perceived grievances that can bring about peaceful coexistence and national security needed for systematic socio-economic development of the country, particularly the northern parts of the country is dialogue. “The heart of the forum goes to the families of those who lost their loved ones, and pleads with them to leave vengeance to God, who is

capable of fighting His cause, yet has enjoined human beings to melt the hearts of persecutors with love. “May God grant those left behind, the fortitude to endure what has taken place.” Moro described the attack as cowardly. He assured Nigerians that security agencies would ensure that the perpetrators and their sponsors were brought to book. In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, George Udoh, the minister said: “The attack on defenceless Christian faithful on Sunday of all days, when Christians went out to worship their God. He said that the action must be condemned by all peace-loving people, who value human life and civilised conduct adding that it was a major threat to peaceful co-existence of people of different religious callings in the country. “It is an act of savagery of the most unfathomable nature, to maim and kill worshippers on a day which is globally recognised, as one in which neighbours should extend their hands of fellowship to believers and non-believers in their faith; such an act is even unacceptable on any day anywhere in any civilised society the world over.”

Inspector- General of Police to ensure adequate security for NNPC officials. “On Sunday, we went to the site in Arepo with the Assistant Commissioner of Police in-charge of the task force and they are taking strategic positions to ensure the place is adequately secured.’’ The NNPC spokesman, however, said that the large and swampy terrain of the site posed a serious challenge for adequate security of the place. He said: “People need to understand the nature of the terrain in Arepo and how challenging it is to adequately secure the area. “The terrain is a rugged open land, very swampy and with a lot of trees running into hectares. “So they (security agents) need to assure our officials that they would not be attacked again when they eventually return to site.’’ Farouk added that the chairman of the task force and his team would ensure that sanity returned to the area and engineers promptly returned to effect the necessary repairs on the pipeline. “We are just waiting for the chairman of the task force to give us the goahead to return to site. We just want an assurance of adequate security for our officials,’’ he said. Investigations showed that security agencies were still monitoring the security situation at Arepo and its environs in order not only to advice but also develop and implement adequate security backup for the maintenance of the important pipeline. The area is populated by many illegal operators in petroleum products who have regular supplies from vandals well-armed to protect their trade. The pipeline, located in Ogun State, was breached about three weeks ago by oil thieves. The vandals, who returned to site a few days after, also killed two engineers deployed to rehabilitate the facility. This, coupled with other threats, compelled NNPC to withdraw its personnel from the area as it was not safe for them to continue the rehabilitation. Consequently, NNPC resolved to depend on

tankers to lift the product from the premises of private operators who have adequate capacity to store the product. However, the nation’s fuel scarcity worsened yesterday as workers went back to work after the weekend. The survey of the situation in Lagos and its environs showed that many stations did not have the product to sell in their outlets. Some independent marketers who have limited stocks cashed in on the development to charge exorbitant prices, ranging between N120 and N200, depending on location. Investigations showed that the process of lifting petrol from private jetties where the product and others were stored seemed to be slower than lifting from the NNPC depots. A source, who preferred not to be named, said the situation worsen at the weekend due to the slow pace of lifting fuel. The spokesman of Nipco, Mr. Lawal Taofeek, said some marketers still have the products in a outlets to sell to motorists and other users. He said: “Nipco has been selling fuel even during the weekend. We still have the products in some of our filling stations.” Some operators, however, believed that the situation might improve within the week as stakeholders begin to show more commitment to address the situation. The Executive Secretary of the Jetty and Farm Tanks Owners Association of Nigeria, JEPTFON, Mr. E. B. Kanawa, said that members of the organisation who vowed to embark on strike had returned to duty. He said: “We are all working. Normal activities are ongoing at tank farms controlled by our members. The idea is to ensure we assist to tackle the shortage of the product in the country. “We have reviewed our strategy as the planned strike may not be necessary. We will still meet to adopt the best possible method of addressing the problem.”

National News

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I’ve demolished over 124,000 houses –FCT minister OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

he Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, has disclosed that his administration had demolished over 124,000 houses since 2010. The number, according to him, is higher than the combined figure of 30,000 houses which he said were demolished by his predecessors. Mohammed spoke yesterday at a town hall meeting to end the four-day Good Governance Tour of the FCT. The minister explained that the changing circumstances in the territory ne-

•Senate insists on property tax law

cessitated the demolitions. He said: “My predecessors combined demolished about 30,000 houses but I am sorry to say that I have demolished over 124,000 structures.” Meanwhile, the Senate has, again, disclosed its resolve to enact a Property Tax Law in the FCT to reduce the construction of unoccupied houses by wealthy individuals in the territory. The law will affect most of the properties in the highbrow Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, Garki, Jabi and Utako axis of the FCT. The Senate expressed regret at the manner prop-

erties were being erected in parts of the territory without anyone occupying them, saying that individuals who built such houses in the territory must be taxed accordingly to provide social security for the poor. It expressed its readiness to “take from the rich people and give to the poor people”. Speaking at the town hall meeting, the Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Smart Adeyemi, also commended President Goodluck Jonathan for bowing to superior argument of the National Assembly and reversing

himself on the issue of the planned introduction of the N5,000 banknote. He said: “We have not got to where we want to be but at least, we have moved from where we were. I want to commend the President for reversing himself on the issue of the N5,000 note. The National Assembly, as representatives of the people, was against it and I think we should salute Mr. President for reversing

himself.” On his part, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on FCT, Hon. Emmanuel Jime, berated the FCT Administration for paying lip-service to what he described as the human angle of development. He said: “We must address the human angle issues that bedevil our society. It is good to have good roads, but the hospitals

must also work. It is good to have the Light Rail but our secondary schools must also be brought to standard. “If we do not have hospitals here that can stop people like us from going outside, then development has not started. If we have not brought our schools to the standard that will stop some of us from sending our children abroad, then development has not started.”

Alleged N9bn scam: Judge’s transfer stalls Bankole’s trial ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

he scheduled marathon trial of the immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole, before a Federal High Court over a 16-count charge of contract inflation and fraudulent embezzlement of public fund worth N9bn was stalled yesterday owing to the absence of the trial judge, Justice Donatus Okorowo. Okorowo was said to have been transferred to Taraba State. The reason for the transfer was unknown, it was, however, gathered that transfer of judges is a routine matter which can even be at the instance of the affected judge.

The trial was scheduled for four days spanning September 24 to 27. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, prosecution counsel, Mr. Festus Keyamo, told newsmen yesterday that he was waiting to hear from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court if Okorowo would be coming from Taraba to preside over the trial or if the case would be assigned to another judge. Upon consent of both parties in the case, Okorowo could still adjudicate on the matter. He would be flying from Taraba to Abuja to hear the case. The court had on December 19, 2011 dismissed two applications filed by the former Speaker to stop his trial, as Okorowo insisted

that there was sufficient evidence placed before the court linking him to the alleged crime. Bankole had lost similar applications at the High Court of the FCT. The former speaker, who was arraigned on June 8, 2011, on a 16-count charge of contract inflation and fraudulent embezzlement of public fund, had on June 13 and July 26, 2011 filed two separate motions asking the court to quash the case against him on the grounds that the proof of evidence did not disclose any shred of criminality against him. Bankole also argued that Keyamo should be disqualified from prosecuting the case as he had, though his previous antecedents, shown that his was biased and impartial towards him.

Arik bars FAAN MD from flying on aircraft OLUSEGUN KOIKI

t appears the cold war between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, and the management of Arik Air over the alleged N20bn owed the authority still lingers despite the intervention by the Federal Government. FAAN and Arik have been at loggerheads over the debt issue, which culminated in the closure of the airline’s operations by workers’ unions last Thursday; an action Arik Air believed was sponsored by FAAN, which the latter denied. A source in the authority yesterday confided in National Mirror that the

airline’s management had declared the FAAN Managing Director, Mr. George Uriesi, persona non grata for his perceived attacks against the airline during the grounding of its operations. The source, who did not want his name mentioned, alleged that the airline’s Chairman, Sir Johnson Arumemi-Ikhide, at the weekend, issued an order barring Uriesi from all Arik flights. However, when our correspondent contacted the Media Manager, Arik Air, Mr. Ola Banji, yesterday, he denied any knowledge of the order. “Did my people say that? No, I’m not aware of such

ban placed on the MD of FAAN,” he said in a telephone interview. Uriesi had, during the crisis, told journalists that the massive debts owed FAAN by Arik Air had prevented the authority from carrying out its obligations to the public. He, however, described the action of the unions as counter-productive. Uriesi also accused the airline of not attending any of the scheduled meetings to reconcile the debts. But the FAAN spokesman, Mr. Akin Olukunle, declined comments on the matter when contacted on the telephone yesterday. “I don’t have any information of this,” he said.

President Goodluck Jonathan and the United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, in New York, yesterday.

PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

2012 budget: Reps’ll probe capital projects’ funds –Lawmaker SOLA ADEBAYO WARRI

he controversy over the implementation of the 2012 budget may be far from being settled. The Deputy Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Leo Ogor, disclosed yesterday that the lower chamber of the National Assembly would investigate funds released for the execution of capital projects by the Federal Government. The action, Ogor argued, was in line with the oversight functions of the National Assembly. The lawmaker said the exercise would help to ensure proper utilisation of the funds by the benefitting ministries and agencies in the implementation of core developmental projects. Ogor, representing Isoko Federal Constituency of Delta State, spoke in a

telephone interview with our correspondent. The lawmaker, however, commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the improvement in the release of funds to ministries and agencies for capital projects. He urged Jonathan to step up the tempo to engender all round development in the country. Alleged poor implementation of the 2012 budget had pitched the National Assembly against the Presidency. The House had threatened to impeach Jonathan on resumption from vacation on September 16 if the Presidency failed to improve on the implementation of the budget, especially in the provision of core developmental projects. Ogor spoke barely 24 hours after the Presidency warned the National Assembly against threatening Jonathan with impeachment over routine

disagreements. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, who spoke during a media chat in Abuja on Sunday, said the country’s interest should be paramount in the minds of the lawmakers. But yesterday, Ogor said there was no plan to terminate Jonathan’s administration by the National Assembly. He said: “There is a lot of improvement in the release of funds to the various ministries and agencies by the Federal Government for capital projects. “It is a step in the right direction and Mr. President should be encouraged to do more by releasing more funds for capital projects because it is in the interest of the electorate, who voted us into office that the government should provide development projects.”

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News

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Lagos teachers divided over strike as pupils loiter about MOJEED ALABI

n atmosphere of uncertainty rented the air in many public primary and secondary schools in Lagos State yesterday as pupils were seen loitering around their school compounds, unsure of whether their teachers have resumed with them or not. The national office of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) had, few

weeks ago, ordered its members in 18 states, including Lagos State, not to resume for the new academic session unless the government agrees to implement the 27.5 per cent Teachers Peculiar Allowance (TPA) approved four years ago for the teachers nationwide. The 18 states include Zamfara, Katsina, Abia, Lagos, Delta, Niger, Ekiti, Kogi, Cross River, Enugu, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, Kebbi and Ogun.

It was in response to this order that the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the union, Mr. Samson Idowu, declared that his members would not be resuming yesterday. But late Sunday night, there were insinuations that the union had called off its strike. It was later revealed that another body of teachers in the state, under the umbrella of the Lagos State chapter of Academic Staff Union of Second-

ary Schools (ASUSS) has asked its members not to join the strike. The association’s chairman, Mr. Kazeem Alabi, was reported to have instructed his members to resume work. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government yesterday welcomed the pupils back to school in paid advertisements on newspapers, but visits to some of the schools by National Mirror revealed otherwise.

At the Ojodu Junior High School, Berger, teachers were spotted holding talks in groups, while pupils walked aimlessly on the side of the busy OgbaIsheri Road. The story was not different at All Saints Inclusive Special School and Bishop Oluwole Primary on Iju Road, Pen Cinema, as well as Keke Senior High School, Dairy Farm Senior and Junior Schools all at Agege, pupils were also seen loitering around.

Police shoot two LASU students during protest MOJEED ALABI

L-R: President, Aviation Stakeholders’ Square Table, Capt. Balarabe Usman (rtd); members, Mr. Joseph Ebereku and Alhaji Abba Useni, during a press PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA. briefing to probe the N4bn Aviation Intervention Fund disbursed to Arik Air in Abuja, yesterday.

Patients flay continued health workers’ strike

he situation in federal hospitals is worsening as workers under the aegis of Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) continued the strike which began last week Monday. MHWUN has promised to continue with the strike unless the Federal Government withdraws the purported circular on the contentious skipping of the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Scale (CONHESS) 10, while the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, insisted that there was no going back on the government decision over the issue. The striking unions are the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Senior Staff Association of Universities Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions; Nigeria Union of Pharmacist, Medical Technologists and Professions Allied to Medicine

Reports from Ejigbo Senior and Junior High Schools, Ejigbo Model Primary School, Oba Moruuf Primary School, Fadu Primary School and Ayo Adegboyega Primary School - all within the Isolo Local Government Area, showed that the teachers complied with strike as directed by NUT. As at the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the state chairman of NUT failed as his phone was switched off.

and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions. When National Mirror visited the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) yesterday, only doctors were attending to patients. At ward A, a patient who simply identified herself as Mrs. Ogunniyi, revealed that since the strike began, doctors had been the only

healthcare givers attending to the patients. She said: “The doctors are already stressed up because they cannot do everything. They are doing all within their reach to help cushion the effect of the strike on our part. We can see that they are really stressed up, so government should listen to the striking workers because we are feeling their

absence”. Another patient, who simply gave her name as Adesewa, said: “It is been just the doctors attending to us. Nurses ought to give us injections, but now it is doctors doing almost everything.” The situation was not different at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, as only doctors were seen attending to patients.

Mark advises ECOWAS on integration GEORGE OJI AND TORDUE SALEM

enate President David Mark has urged members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliaments to rise up to the challenges of proper integration in the sub-region as the ingredient for development. Speaking when he hosted members of the ECOWAS Parliamentarians yesterday in Abuja, Mark said such integration was re-

quired to facilitate political and economic cooperation. He urged ECOWAS member nations to work towards ensuring the improvement in the volume of trade among countries in the sub-region. The Senate President said that all barriers militating against free flow of goods and services within the sub-region must be dismantled. Mark also urged member countries to stop unfriendly policies that are capable of retarding efforts at building

an ECOWAS of people with one destiny. Leader of the delegation and Speaker of the National Assembly of Republic of Benin, Mathurin Cofi Nago, commended the Nigerian Government for the continued support and sustenance of ECOWAS Parliament. Nago, however, called for synergy in the activities of the ECOWAS parliaments, saying that the objective is to build an ECOWAS that would be a pride across the globe.

wo students of the Lagos State University External System (LASUES) were reportedly shot by a team of mobile policemen yesterday during a protest over what students described as unclear status of their studentship. The students, under the umbrella body of Joint Campus Students’ Representatives (JCSR), yesterday mobilised themselves for a congress at the Anthony Campus of the institution before the police arrived at the place to disperse them. According to the President of the body and 500 level student of Industrial Relations, Balogun Al-

Almeen, the congress was necessary to discuss their students’ status and meet the appropriate authorities for way forwards. He said: “If we must speak the truth, I will like to let you know that as external students of the Lagos State University, we don’t know where we belong and nobody among the concerned authorities is ready to give us information. As a student running five-year programme, I have been here as a student for about seven years and my results are yet to be released”. But when National Mirror called the Director of the External System, Dr. O.T Abanikanda, he declined to comments on phone, demanding to see the journalist in person.

Bi-Courtney begins rehabilitation of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

oncessionaire of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Bi-Courtney Highway Services Limited, yesterday commenced major reconstruction on the 106km highway with two top contractors. The infrastructure development and management company announced that it has engaged Messrs Borino Prono Construction Company and CCC Construction Nigeria Limited to embark on the major reconstruction works, starting from four critical portions on the road. A statement issued by Bi-Courtney’s spokesman, Dipo Kehinde, says: “The reconstruction exercise will go on simultaneously in four critical portions of the road.” While envisaging that

the works might impact on smooth traffic flow on the road, Bi-Courtney said it had taken the precautionary measures of engaging traffic control officers and flaggers who would facilitate the flow of traffic during construction hours. The statement reads in part: “We urge motorists to drive with care, observe the rules, and obey traffic signs. “We are working with all stakeholders, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), the Nigeria Police Force, tanker owners and other road users, to minimize the impact of this exercise on motorists”.

South West

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Why unity eludes Yoruba nation –Fasoranti OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

he leader of Afenifere, a Yoruba sociocultural group, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, has identified ego as the reason why the Yoruba nation is divided. Speaking with National Mirror in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the elder statesman said it would be difficult for the ethnic group to achieve unity if its leaders could not control their pride. He said: “It is by subjecting our ego to the general will that we can achieve unity. For instance, we have Yoruba Unity Forum which meets in Chief Awolowo’s home. There is another one which calls itself Yoruba Assembly. It was sponsored by Major General Alani Akinrinade (rtd). There is Yoruba Elders’ Forum within the same ethnic group jostling for leadership. Unless we are able to subject our ego to the general good, the division will continue to be there. “That is not surprising. The Yoruba nation has never been one if you cast your mind on the wars in which the Europeans met us. Chief Awolowo also met us as a disunited group. He tried to bring us together by forming the Egbe Omo Oduduwa, if you remember. He was able to sustain that because of his strong personality and his vision. It lasted as long as he was still alive. As soon as he died, things started to fall

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ogbomoso indigenes accuse Ajimobi of marginalisation

promotions and postings in the Oyo State Civil Service have now become a ndigenes of Ogbomoso question of where you have accused Oyo State come from.” Governor, Abiola AjiHe also accused Ajimmobi of marginalising nobi of frustrating moves them in the sharing of aimed at making Ladoke public infrastructure. Akintola University of The indigenes, under Technology (LAUTECH) the aegis of Ogbomoso solely owned by Oyo State Ajisegiri Youth Forum, because it was located in made the accusation yesOgbomoso. terday during a press He said: “We have conference addressed in watched with keen interIbadan by their Chairman, est the developments in Dr. Sola Oyetunji. LAUTECH for some years Dr. Oyetunji said Ajinow. While we have remobi’s administration had strained ourselves from been marginalising Ogbomaking quick remarks, it mosoland since its incepwill be absurd now if we continue to fold our arms and watch what used to be an enviable state-owned university, once ranked the best state university in Nigeria, destroyed completely.” Emphasizing that the row over the ownership status has not only dwindled the fortunes of LAUTECH, but has left it in near comatose, Oyetunji said: ‘’When it was getting clearer that a settlement was about to be reached during the administration of former Governor Adebayo Alao Akala, that the joint ownership be severed, the loss of Akala in the 2011 election has brought a halt to that move. “Today, Osun State is having its own fullfledged university and L-R: Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye; member, House Committee on Education, Hon. continues to claim joint Mufutau Egberongbe; Governor Babatunde Fashola and Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, during the signing of ownership of LAUTECH. the new Lagos State Polytechnic Law in Lagos, yesterday. The sad aspect of the the governor had not per- whole saga is the fact that formed to expectation, say- even what is called LAUTing: “The transformation be- ECH Teaching Hospital members in Irepodun/If- revitalised to the extent that sava revolution initiatives ing witnessed in education, in Osogbo is also serving elodun Local Government it has now become a beehive of the government.” health, agriculture, youth as the Teaching Hospital Akinyemi, however, faultof many agricultural activiArea. employment and other sec- for the Osun State UniverHe said that revitalizing ties, including the youth Mil- ed a claim by the Peoples tors are enough to testify sity, double jeopardy for the ailing industries “is lennium Farming and cas- Democratic Party (PDP) that Oyo State. that Fayemi has done well.” the best avenue for Ekiti to drive its economy to an en- FRANCIS FAMOROTI viable height”. The judge said the police Police Officer (IPO), for- until early October and she Akinyemi said the exsergeant attitude was a nesought an adjournment merly with the Aswani Pon Ikeja High Court ecution of the robust transgation of the principle of pending the return of the lice Station investigated the yesterday ordered a formation policies of the the rule of law and liberty witness. criminal matter and had alPolice sergeant, CleGovernor Kayode Fayemiof the citizens. Justice Okunnu exready begun his testimony led administration spoke tus Bayern, to appear before The court noted that the pressed her displeasure it unfailingly on Friday or before the court. volumes of the reward if policeman had often been with this situation, saying: But at the resumed hearthe electorate could vote for risk being arrested through disrespectful by his habitual “This is sheer disrespect for ing yesterday , the governa bench warrant. competence and character. absent on fixed days, adding the institution of the court ment attorney from the Justice Lateefat Okunnu He said: “The state govthat such an affront must and no nation that wants to office of the Lagos State Diernment has reached ad- issued the order at the renot be allowed. develop will condone this. rectorate of Public Prosecuvanced stage in its efforts to sumed hearing of the trial Justice Okunnu said: When there is no rule of actualise optimum utilisa- of Akolade Arowolo who is tions (DPP), Mrs. Olayide “This is a matter that should law, we live in anarchy . If Eboda, told the court that tion of the ailing Ire Burnt facing criminal charge for be reported to the Police he does not appear in court the policeman had travelled and ROMACO to effectively the murder of his banker Service Commission (PSC) on Friday to give testimony , to hIs village for a funeral contribute to the economy wife, Titilayo, in their matfor necessary disciplinary I will disregard his earlier ceremony . rimonial home in Isolo last of the state. Mrs. Eboda said the IPO evidence. So get your next action to be taken against “The under-utilised Ikun year. Sergeant Cletus Bayern.” might not return to Lagos witness ready.” Bayern, an Investigating Dairy Farm has also been apart.” He said prominent Yoruba traditional rulers like Ooni of Ife, Alaafin of Oyo, Awujale of Ijebu-Ode, Alake of Egba and Oba of Lagos must come together before proper unity could be achieved, adding that as long as they were divided, it was not likely to have a united Yoruba nation. The Afenifere leader decried what he described as the marginalisation of the Yoruba by the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. Chief Fasoranti said: “No Yoruba is among the

top 13 federal appointments. It has been published and analysed. In fact, there was a time we sent a delegation to President Jonathan. We tabled the whole thing before him. He promised to look into it. We don’t know whether he would do so. It has been some time now, about six months ago. “We are civilized; we are in the fore front in education, we are good in commerce, our civilization is as old as Nigeria itself. Why must we play an inferior part in the setup of Nigeria? He was confronted with statistics and the table.”

KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

tion and allegedly focused attention on developing Ibadan alone, the governor’s hometown. He said: ‘’Since the inception of this government, there have been deliberate policies to concentrate all the projects in Ibadan. Agreed, the state capital deserves a special attention in terms of infrastructure, but not at the detriment of other areas. Governor, what has Ogbomoso done to deserve this ill-treatment in terms of project distribution? What goes round, comes round, they say. “Staff appointments,

Ekiti to revive ailing industries for job creation ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

he Ekiti State Government has promised to expand the frontiers of job creation for youths through resuscitation of all ailing industries and encouragement of foreign investment in the state. The state’s Director General of Bureau of Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinyemi, said the government had taken giant stride in that direction through efforts to actualise optimum utilisation of the ailing Ire Bricks, Road Materials Company (ROMACO) and Ikun Dairy Farms. Akinyemi spoke yesterday at Afao-Ekiti at a reception in his honour by Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)

Titilayo Arowolo: Court summons IPO

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South West

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Traffic law: Respect people’s rights, Fashola tells LASTMA, KAI MURITALA AYINLA

overnor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has called on law enforcement agents attached to the Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, and Neighbourhood Watch to respect people’s rights while discharging their duties. Fashola, who also urged the officers to pursue nonviolence strategy and eschew aggressive measures while enforcing the law, said they would earn respect when they discharged their duties with respect and integrity. The governor gave the charge yesterday at a training programme organised by the office of Senior Special Assistant on Transport Education, Dr. Miriam Masha, for 7,960 law enforcement agents at the state Public Service Staff Development Centre, PSSDC,

•Lagos trains 7,960 law enforcement officers

Magodo. He said: “Display the core values of integrity, courage, commitment, pride, professionalism, self-respect and respect for others and teamwork in the course of discharging your core responsibilities of enforcing laws.

decision making. Always remember that you are working for the people. You are their servant and not their master.” Harping on the need for periodic training of the law enforcement officers, the governor assured the

uphold the ethics of the job. She said: “As a law enforcement officer, one is not expected to apply unnecessary force while apprehending someone who has violated the law of the state. These are things that each of the officers under the state government must know. There is nothing new about this.”

Reconciliation: PDP urges compliance with Tukur’s directive KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

T L-R: Sales Director, SCOA Nigeria Plc, Mr. Amresh Shrivastava; Programe Manager, Ogun State Agricultural Development Programe, Mr. Kunle Onasanya; Regional Business Executive, South-West, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Ayo Adebayo and Group Head, Agric Finance Dept, Sterling Bank Plc. Mrs. Olubukola Awosanya, at the commissioning of Sterling Tractor Financed Acquisition Scheme for Tractor Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria in Ogun State, recently.

National Mirror correspondent wins SERAs Award ational Mirror Business Correspondent and winner of the 2012 Citi Journalistic Excellence Award, CJEA, and Diageo Africa Business Reporting Award, DABRA, Ms. Ella Olamiju, has emerged winner of the 2012 Nigeria Social Enterprise Reporting, SERAs, Award for CSR Reporting. Olamiju won the Tunmise Adekunle Award for CRS reporting ahead of Mr. Princewill Ekwujuru of Vanguard newspaper and Mr. Joseph Chibueze of CSR Watch International. SERAs now in its sixth edition monitors and recognises Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, efforts of corporate Nigeria and rewards outstanding performance to promote sustainable development and contributions towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs. The Tunmise Adekunle Award for CSR Reporting sponsored by Fidelity Bank was instituted for the Nigerian Press category to reward and recognise outstanding CSR reportage within the Nigerian media space. The award in honour of the foremost brands reporter who lost his life after an immense contribution

“As law enforcement officers, you will engage in the difficult yet important business of helping to regulate human behaviour on a daily basis. Your decisions, often taken on the spot, affect people’s lives. And you must bear that in mind in your

participating officers of his administration’s commitment to conducting effective frequent training programmes. On her part, Masha explained the essence of the training, saying that it was organised to prepare the officers for high service delivery and to enable them

to the maiden edition of the SERAs Award has been a coveted press prize since it was instituted in 2008. The 2012 edition of the award follows five hugely successful editions implemented in collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, becoming the gold standard in the assessment and documentation of corporate social responsibility and sustainability programmes of organisations in Nigeria. The SERAs over the years has distinctly presented very effective, unique and strategic platform for corporations that participate to demonstrate to stakeholders that they care about the people, community, and the environment where they operate to make profit. The SERAs annual project, which consists of two major components; an annual report and compendium of best practices, highlighting the innovative ways that corporate organisations continue to engage with the people and the communities where they do business; and a grand award ceremony, now serve to rivet public attention on CSR best practices in Nigeria within the backdrop of global developments.

We’ll boost Osun IGR through tourism –Aregbesola WALE FOLARIN OSOGBO

sun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has promised that his administration would boost the state Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, by developing and showcasing tourism sites in the state to the entire world. The governor, who made the pledge at Imesi-Ile during the 2012 Kiriji Festival, said his government took over the management of the Kiriji War Treaty Site to fast track its develop-

ment. He said: “When the site is fully developed, it will be a centre of attraction that will transform Imesi-Ile and Igbajo as well as boost the socioeconomic development of the state.” Aregbesola, who spoke through the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Sikiru Ayedun, commended the people for promoting and preserving Yoruba cultural heritage, even as he urged them to always value Yoruba tradition wherever they find themselves.

Speaking at the event, the Coordinating Director of the ministry, Elder Adewumi Solomon, commended the people of Imesi-Ile for their commitment towards preserving the arms and ammunition and charms including the native war implements at the site. He then appealed to traditional rulers to further encourage their people to continue to preserve Yoruba culture and organise programmes and events which would enable them to nurture and promote traditional arts.

Man in court for raping 12-year-old daughter WALE FOLARIN OSOGBO

middle-aged man, Mr. Tajudeen Atowoatomo, has been arraigned before an Osogbo Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly raping his 12-year-old daughter. According to the charge sheet, the accused committed the offence on September 16 at Eesa compound, Ikirun, at about 1am. Police prosecutor, Mr. Elisha Olusegun, said the accused forcefully defiled his

daughter, knowing that she was his biological child, thereby committing an offense punishable under the law. He said the accused committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 218 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. 11 laws of Osun State, 2003. Atowoatomo, however, pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge preferred against him and urged the court to temper justice with mercy. His counsel, Mrs. C.

Nnnena, prayed the court to grant him bail in the most liberal term. She assured the court that the accused would not jump bail if granted, adding that she was ready to provide credible sureties if granted bail. Magistrate Adewumi Makanjuola granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. Makanjuola, however, transferred the case to the Magistrate’s Court, Ikirun, for lack of jurisdiction.

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has urged the party organs in the six states in the South-West zone to ensure strict compliance with the directive of its National Chairman, Dr. Bamanga Tukur, on the 30-day grace for the registration of former members willing to return to its fold. The Zonal Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Kayode Babade, made the call in a statement issued yesterday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. He said no state chapter of the party should issue new registers for the exercise, adding that “the clarification has become necessary to avoid misconception”. Babade, however, said the directive was only for former members, adding that “the registration should be done in the party’s old registers in the wards and not new ones.” The PDP national chairman had last week issued an ultimatum to all aggrieved members and those who left the party but are interested in coming back to do so within 30 days. The party directed ward chairmen and secretaries to ensure that such returnees are registered without any inhibitions, reiterating that anyone not allowed to go through the process should report to the next level, and up to the national secretariat of the party. However, while directing strict compliance with the directive, the South-West PDP said with total reconciliation of all aggrieved members and those who left the party, it was confident that very soon, the party would begin to sing its slogan of one family, once again.

South East

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Okorocha, chairmen’s face-off grinds Imo councils CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

ctivities at the secretariats of the 27 councils in Imo State have been grounded following the lingering dispute between Governor Rochas Okorocha and the elected local government chairmen. A visit to the local government secretariats yesterday showed that all activities have been paralysed as grasses, rodents, birds and reptiles have taken over the

offices. Offices of the treasurers, directors of general services and secretary to the local government were under lock and key while office equipment such as computers and files have been removed in most of the secretariats. It was gathered that all the senior council officers except junior workers now operate from unknown places while operations at the council secretariats have been grounded as there are no funds to run

the councils. A visit to Ngor Okpalla Local Government showed a sorry sight as roads are in disrepair, while offices like works department are in decay as many structures have been destroyed by rain. Some of the junior workers, who spoke under anonymity, said they were disturbed by the “ugly situation.” According to them, they nurse fear each day they report to duty. “We don’t know if thugs

will attack us one day,” some of them said. Some of the chairmen told our correspondent that they run the local governments with their personal money. The Ngor Okpalla Local Government Chairman, Mr. Enyinna Onuegbu, said: “I run the council from my pocket.” He said since the Appeal Court granted their prayer, “Governor Okorocha has refused to hold the Joint Account meeting thereby denying the councils their

allocations.” Also speaking, the Chairman of Owerri North Local Government, Dr. Eric Ogwo, said: “The directors of general services and the secretary to local government are operating the local government outside the council.” He said since they were reinstated by the Appeal Court “we have not received salaries and last Thursday, I learnt that my workers were asked to come to another local government, Owerri Municipal Council,

to collect their salaries.” Efforts to get the reaction of the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Okoli, were not successful as he did not pick his calls. However, the Special Adviser to the governor on Media (Print), Ebere Uzoukwa, said the council chairmen elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lacked the competence to discuss JAAC meeting and disbursement of council funds since their two-year tenure expired on August 8.

State creation: Kwankwaso must apologise to Igbo –Group DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

he Igbo Youth Movement, IYM, has asked Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State to tender an unreserved apology to the people of the South-East over his alleged utterance that the zone did not deserve additional state. The IYM President, Mr. Elliot Uko, said in a statement issued in Enugu that his group and other well-meaning Nigerians read with dismay Kwankwaso’s “shocking vituperations” in the newspapers to the effect that the South-East did not deserve an additional state. He said: “It is very disturbing that such a horrible comment could come from a governor such as Kwankwaso. “Such jaundiced and wicked comment, though quite unfortunate, serves as a confirmation that the same section of Nigeria whose military wing muddled up Nigeria and

foisted an unkind structure on the country, are not only unrepentant and unapologetic, but are surprisingly committed to the disintegration of Nigeria as their refusal to correct the deliberate imbalance would lead to an early end of the Nigerian experiment. “The IYM warns Governor Kwankwaso to apologise to Ndigbo without delay. Ndigbo do not need anybody to tell us who our enemies are from Kwankwaso’s stance. “Even the military which imposed these unjust and unfair states and local government structures know that it just cannot endure. “Kwankwaso and his ilk only make it impossible for Ndigbo to vote any northerner as President as, no sane man will vote for his enemy. Kwankwaso lives in a world of his own as Nigerians are unanimous that Ndigbo need two additional states for the sake of justice and equity.”

L-R: Catholic Archbishop of Umuahia, Most Rev. Lucius Ugoji; Abia State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Monica Philips and Governor Theodore Orji, during the handover ceremony of schools to their original owners in Umuahia, recently.

At 52, Nigeria’s stunted growth shameful –Monarch CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

s Nigeria marks her 52nd Independence Anniversary on October 1, the traditional ruler of Awka, Igwe Gibson Nwosu, Eze Uzu II, has rated the country low, in terms of overall performance. The Eze Uzu Awka, who

is the Chancellor of Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, and former Air Force officer and head of Biafra Air Force during the Civil War, said although there were problems everywhere, Nigeria’s 52nd Independence Anniversary was worth celebrating. Speaking with our correspondent on the import of

92% of Anambra prison inmates are awaiting trials –AG CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

he Anambra State Attor ney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Peter Afuba, has expressed concern over the huge number of awaiting trials in prisons in the state. The commissioner said it was unacceptable that out of 1,379 inmates in the three prisons in the state, only 109 were convicts

while the remaining 1,270 were awaiting trials. This, according to him, accounted for 92 per cent of the total number of inmates. Afuba, who spoke at the opening of Anambra Judiciary 2012/2013 Legal Year in Awka, yesterday, also expressed worry over the number of law officers in the Ministry of Justice. He said the 56 law officers in the ministry were

grossly inadequate to meet the number of cases pending in courts. The commissioner said congesting the prisons with those yet to be tried should not be tolerated in any civilised society. Suggesting solution to the problem of congestion of prisons, Afuba urged the courts to make full use of the Criminal Justice Law 2010, which contains ample provisions that will help in ad-

dressing the anomaly. He said: “I urge our courts, especially the magistrates’ courts to be strictly guided by the provisions of sections 132 to 135 of the Criminal Justice Law 2010.” The commissioner disclosed that he had warned the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, that henceforth, delays would no longer be tolerated in the writing of legal opinions and filing of infor-

celebrating this year’s Independence Day, Nwosu said Nigeria as a nation ought to have performed better than it had done, in view of the fact that the country was blessed with huge natural and human resources, including petroleum. The traditional ruler frowned at the slow pace of development in the country. He said: “Why is it possible that a country producing 2.5m barrels of crude oil daily cannot sustain its economy and still talks about borrowing from the lending bodies. It is very shameful that Nigeria still imports fuel. That is why we have failed as a nation. “On the issue of power, we should have done better than we are doing now. For example, it is funny to know that we supply electricity to countries like Niger, yet Niger never does

load shedding.” Nwosu identified corruption and ethnicity as the major factors responsible for Nigeria’s stunted growth. He said that it was bad and sad that in Nigeria, no one could be held responsible for anything, especially as those in government stole a lot of money and nothing was done about it. Slamming ethnicity for its negative role in Nigeria, the Eze Uzu said: “In most government offices, people get positions because of where they come from and it tells in their performance. Like I said, the way the white men set up the country with the concept that the North is bigger in population, which is not true; the North has its own system of development and its pace is not the same with what we are doing here and that has affected the way things are done in Nigeria.”

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South South

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Conduct integrity tests for parties’ leadership, Aginighan tells INEC SOLA ADEBAYO WARRI

ormer Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Pastor Power Aginighan, has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct internal democracy compliance audit for all the political parties in the country. Aginighan, who is also

the immediate past executive director, finance and administration of NDDC, said the action would enable INEC to determine the parties’ compliance with the provisions of Section 85 of the Electoral Act. A leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Aginnighan in an on-line statement to National Mirror titled; “Proscription of undemocratic parties: A key to good governance,” said the exercise

would accord legitimacy to the leadership of the political parties at all levels. Section 85 of the Act empowers INEC to ensure internal democracy within the registered political parties, especially in the election of its leaders at all levels and candidates for elective offices. To this end, the former NDDC’s chief executive, who contested the governorship ticket of PDP in Delta State in 2007 sug-

gested that “the National Assembly should urgently amend the Electoral Act 2010 to provide for proscription of political parties that do not practice full blown internal democracy. “It is my view that the implementation of these recommendations will certainly go a long way in deepening our democracy and freeing us from the grip of predatory feudal lords in Nigeria. “I am bold to say that

there is no party that has fully complied with this provision in the conduct of its congresses and primaries. At best the provision has only been observed mainly in the breach. “The impunity with which political parties violate this very important provision of the law is traceable to the lack of sanctions for non-compliance in the Act. “This has led to the emergence of hand-picked

executives from the ward to local government to state and national levels. Most of the parties are run as private companies of some influential members who subvert the will of the generality of the members of their parties and impose their preferred executives, delegates and candidates on the party. “This has in turn led to the emergence of factions in many of the parties,” Aginighan added.

Ita-Giwa tasks Nigerians on future of Bakassi children TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

ormer Special Assistant to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo on National Assembly Matters, Senator Florence ItaGiwa, has tasked Nigerian governments, corporate organisations and individuals toward giving a better future to Bakassi children. Speaking at a fund-raising event tagged ‘Red Ball,’ which was organised by her in Lagos to raise funds for her foundation to cater for hundreds of displaced Bakassi children, Senator Ita-Giwa stressed the need to rise up for the displaced children. She said this became imperative considering that some of the children have been roaming the streets since the International Court of Justice (ICJ’s) judgement ceding Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroun in 2002. Her words: “We need to focus on the children to make them a better per-

son in future. In the last few years, I have adopted 13 children from Bakassi and with the help of God; I have been training them to make them a better person in life. “I have also catered and empowered many Bakassi youths, but I feel there is need to do more. How I wish I can take about 1, 000 children but I don’t have the capacity to take 1, 000. “Hopefully by next year, I am hoping that I should be able take care of 100. I decided to take the 13, so that I would be able to develop them, concentrate on them and give them love. “It is not the fault of some of the Bakassi children that they found themselves in the situation they are. So, I believe there is need to work very hard on how to develop them, give them all the necessary support and assistance to make them successful in life. “I am happy that some of those children I adopted are doing fine in their aca-

Flooded Sagbama community in Bayelsa State, yesterday

demics. Some of my adopted children, who are excelling in various activities, such as sports, art works, skill shops and many other activities, would have been wasted if they were not fished out and adequately catered for.”

‘ACN, CPC’s proposed merger no threat to PDP’ EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

he proposed merger between the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Congress for Progress Change (CPC) ahead of the 2015 general elections would not pose any threat to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), an official of the ruling party has said. Chairman of PDP Chairmen Forum in the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State, Michael Ogbere, who spoke with journalists yesterday in Yenagoa, said even the merger of 30 political parties would not stop the moving train

of the ruling party. Ogbere, who is also the PDP Chairman in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state said the ruling party was not afraid of any party or merger of political parties, stressing that the party’s dominance and popularity would always win elections in the country. “The people’s votes must count in the 2015 general elections in the country. People’s votes counted in the last governorship election in Edo State because the President assured Nigerians of a free and fair poll in the state where ACN won the poll,” he said. The chairman said it was obvious that President

Goodluck Jonathan would contest the 2015 presidential election and would defeat his opponents due to his rising popularity. Ogbere blamed paucity of funds for the slow pace of work in the dualisation of the East-West Road in the Niger Delta, saying that the road and other projects embarked upon by the Niger Delta Ministry would be completed when there is availability of funds. He faulted the 14-day ultimatum given by the House of Representatives to the President to sack the embattled Director-General of the Security and Exchange Commission, Ms. Aruma Oteh.

2013 budget must be scientific, strategic –Amaechi

ivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has said that the state’s 2013 budget appropriation must be strategically scientific to achieve the vision of his administration. Amaechi spoke at a threeday training programme for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on budget planning, implementation and monitoring system organised by the

state Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Port Harcourt, yesterday. The governor said the initiative would assist government assess the statistical breakdown of budgetary demands by the MDAs in the implementation of government policies and programmes of the current administration. His words: “The key to the 2013 budget is that it must be scientific to

achieve government policies and programmes and I would also demand a statistical breakdown of the budgetary demands by the MDAs to assess our spending.” Governor Amaechi also expressed the commitment of his administration to restructure the civil service to pave way for young officers to achieve sustainable growth.

Gunmen kill driver, abduct two children in Edo

uspected kidnappers in Benin City yesterday abducted two children of Mr. Juande Iyamu, a Benin-based businessman, killing his driver in the process. An eyewitness told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the driver, whose name could not be ascertained, was taking the children to school when the gunmen struck. NAN also learnt that

the incident occurred close to Iyamu’s house, located at Iguosa, behind the 7-Up Bottling Plant in the city. Some residents, who witnessed the incident, told NAN that they rushed out to save the situation but retreated when they saw the suspected kidnappers with sophisticated guns. “We later rushed to the scene after the gun-

men had left to give assistance to the shot driver but it was too late as the driver had died from the bullet wounds,” a witness said. Some residents said the driver might have been arguing with the kidnappers, which led to their shooting him. The father of the children was in shock over the incident and blamed it on insecurity in the state.

North

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

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UBEC: Court urged to stop Jonathan from reappointing Modibbo EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan has been dragged before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, over purported plans to renew the appointment of Dr. Ahmed Modibbo Mohammed, as the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). In an originating summon marked FHC/ABJ/ CS/564/2012, the plaintiff, Mr. Molkat Mutfwang, prayed the court for an or-

der of injunction restraining President Goodluck Jonathan, from extending or re-appointing Mohammed as executive secretary of UBEC on the ground of the latter “not being an educationist.” Specifically, the plaintiff is contending that Mohammed, by virtue of his not being an educationist, coupled with his alleged “brazen abuses of office and acts of oppression” in office, “is not a fit and proper person to be re-appointed as the executive secretary of UBEC.” This claim was, however,

refuted by UBEC’s Principal Public Relations Officer, David Apeh, who noted that Mohammed (1st defendant) “possesses certificates in the management of higher education as well as in virtual learning communities; saying “they are looking for a cheap way of blackmail in order to just run him down.” Listed as defendants are President Jonathan (2nd defendant), Secretary to the Government of the Federation (3rd), Attorney General of the Federation (4th), Minister of Education (5th) and UBEC (6th).

In the suit, the plaintiff further alleged that the 1st defendant awarded contracts in UBEC to his wife “through various companies (registered and unregistered) without disclosing his relationship with her thereby compromising his position as a public officer in violation of the public service regulation. Among other questions for determination, Mutfwang is asking whether, “The record and established conduct of the 1st Defendant, to wit awarding contracts to registered

companies (used as fronts and held out by his wife in bidding for contracts) does not amount to offence against the law and are not inconsistent with his continued occupation or renewal of tenure of office as the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission.” Accordingly, he is seeking “An injunction restraining the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th defendants from recommending, effecting or giving effect to any step geared towards renewing the tenure of the

Again, Muslims protest anti-Islam movie in Kaduna A ZA MSUE KADUNA

Persons displaced by flood in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, yesterday.

Nasarawa governor’s aides buried in Lafia

he bodies of the three aides of Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, who died in the governor’s motorcade on Sunday, were buried in the early hours of yesterday in Lafia, according to Islamic rites. The governor’s motorcade was involved in an accident on Sunday, when one of the vehicles had a head-on collision with an on-coming articulated vehicle along the Keffi-Na-

sarawa-Toto Road. The three aides were the governor’s nephew, Mohammed Zaki-Umar, a security personnel attached to the governor’s son and the driver of the Toyota van with registration number NS 02 A09, who all died at the scene of the accident. A fourth passenger in the ill-fated vehicle, who is the governor’s son, Khalid Al-Makura, had multiple fractures on his leg and hand and was

referred to the National Hospital, Abuja for treatment. Speaking after the burial of the three in Lafia, Almakura described their death as a monumental loss to the people of the state. “Although God has his reasons for taking them away at this point in time, we trust God that He will forgive them their sins and grant them eternal rest. “Their death is a big

Plateau bye-election: ACN candidate doubts peaceful poll JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate in the Plateau North senatorial bye-election, Mr. Jonathan Yusufu Pam, yesterday expressed doubts that the election slated to hold on October 6, will be peaceful. Pam was addressing journalists at the NUJ Sec-

retariat in Jos, the state capital, on his senatorial ambition. His words: “Even the large presence of soldiers and policemen on the streets is enough to create tension. “With the number of security men everywhere, it does not give me confidence that the election will be held peacefully and if it cannot be held peacefully,

1st defendant as executive secretary of the 6th defendant. “A declaration that the 1st defendant, by his actions is not a fit and proper person to be re-appointed as executive secretary of the 6th defendant. “An order of mandatory injunction against the Attorney-General of the Federation to prosecute the 1st defendant for offences against the Code of Conduct Bureau Act, Procurement Act and Penal Code including corruption, criminal breach of trust and perjury.”

then it should not be held at all.” The former commissioner for justice added that in order to avoid any untoward incident, there was the need for the state security council to certify the atmosphere conducive before allowing any election to take place, because the security of lives of the people is more important than any election.

loss not only to their families, but to the entire state and indeed Nigeria.”

Gov. Al-Makura

housands of protesters mostly of the Muslim Shiite sect yesterday barricaded the busy Kaduna Bypass Expressway to protest the recent anti-Islam movie within the metropolis. The protesters converged on the Sheikh Tahir Usman Bauchi Friday Mosque, Asikolaye, along Nnamdi Azikiwe Way, to protest against the blasphemous film and cartoons depicting the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad SAWA in a bad way. The peaceful protest, which was organised by the Kaduna Center of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, witnessed the presence of heavily armed security men. The protesters carried placards with slogans like: “Death to America;” “Death to Israel,” “No to blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad” etc; with men, women and children chanting the same slogans as they marched through

Dutsenma Road terminating the protest at Ibrahim Taiwo Road in Tudun Wada, covering a distance of about four kilometers. The protesters burnt American, Israeli and French flags as a sign of anger and prayed that woe befalls the perpetrators of the blasphemy. Addressing the protesters after the procession, Head of Kaduna Center of the Islamic Movement, Mallam Mukhtar Sahabi, called on all Muslims to live up to their responsibilities. “This procession is not for any particular sect or group of Muslims but for all Muslims because there is only one Prophet Muhammad and he is for all. Our procession is peaceful and we extend our message to the world that we condemn the United States for harbouring the perpetrators of the blasphemous clip,” he said. A Christian representative, Pastor Theophilus Ismaila, who was at the procession to show sympathy with the Muslims, said that it was wrong to blaspheme the prophet of Islam.

Dedicate Friday sermons to Nigeria at 52, Sultan tells Imams A ZA MSUE KADUNA

he Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Imams in the country to dedicate this Friday’s sermons to Nigeria at 52 and to peaceful coexistence, even as he asked Nigerians to be conscious of God and loyal to the nation.

Sultan Abubakar, who also double as the President General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) advised Nigerians to desist from utterances and acts capable of undermining the corporate existence of the nation. Abubakar, who spoke through the SecretaryGeneral of JNI, Dr. Khalid

Abubakar Aliyu, at a press conference yesterday in Kaduna, also tasked Muslims to pray for peace and unity of the country. The Sultan’s words: “As the nation marks its 52nd Independence Anniversary, the entire Nigerian Muslim community is expected to dedicate itself to Allah, take recourse in Him and be more committed to the progress of our nation.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

SUPER TUESDAY

Politics

2015: Igbo presidency can’t be realised under PDP – Okonkwo

14&15

N5,000 note: How Senate shut down Sanusi’s currency restructuring

42&43

INEC and party de-registration saga The last is yet to be heard about the de-registration of seven political parties last year and the planned de-listing of more ‘non-performing’ parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU writes on the various contending angles to the issue.

n August 18 last year, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stirred the hornet’s nest when it carried out what it called the ‘first phase’ of such action, the de-registration of seven out of the 63 registered political parties in the country. A year earlier, the INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, had threatened that his commission would de-register political parties that failed to win at least one national or state legislative seat in the 2011 elections. The de-registered political parties were: the Democratic Alternative (DA), the National Action Council (NAC), the National Democratic Liberty Party (NDLP) and the Masses Movement of Nigeria (MMN). Others are: the Nigeria People’s Congress (NPC), the Nigeria Elements Progressive Party (NEPP) and the National Unity Party (NUP). Jega based his action on the powers granted INEC by Section 78 (7) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), which states that: “The Commission shall have power to de-register political parties on the following grounds—(i) breach of any of the requirements for registration; (ii) failure to win a seat in the National or State Assembly election.” The de-registration, according to him, precluded the affected parties from all political and electoral activities “including, but not limited to canvassing for seats in any electoral process.” He also withdrew the Certificates of Registration, which gave the affected organisations the right to be known as and called political parties. He added that the de-registered political parties did not only fail to win any legislative or executive seat in the 2011 election, but they also failed to present candidates for elective offices during the poll. It is on record that of the 63 registered political parties before the 2011 elections, only 23, representing 36.5 per cent, presented candidates for the 2011 elections; and only 11 (17.5 per cent) won elections at various levels. The 11 political parties which won elective offices were the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which won the highest

Musa

Jega

TOP STORY number of states governorship seats and seats at both the national and state assemblies; the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which won in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states; the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), which had in its kitty Borno, Yobe and Zamfara states; the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) which snatched Nasarawa State from the PDP and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) which added Imo State to Anambra State. Other parties that won legislative seats in the 2011 elections; include the Labour Party (LP), the Democratic Peoples’ Party (DPP) and the Accord Party (AP) which won National Assembly and state Assembly seats in Ondo, Delta and Oyo states respectively; while the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) and the Kowa Party (Kowa) grabbed one seat each in Bayelsa State House of Assembly and the United Democratic Party (UDP) which also won a seat in the Delta State Assembly. The INEC de-registration exercise has generated divergent opinions and views on the legality or otherwise of the action. Two schools of thought emerged on this contentious issue. On the one hand, some stakeholders believe that the more parties on the political turf, the merrier; on the other hand, many others have continued to express worry over the poor or non-performance of most of the 63 political parties

that dot the nation’s political landscape. Political parties, both existing and the de-registered ones, have also expressed divergent views on the issue. While some, especially the ruling PDP, saw the de-registration as a welcome development, to sanitise the political firmament, others, most especially the leading opposition parties, ACN and ANPP, viewed it as an attempt to stifle Nigeria’s fledgling democracy. The ruling PDP praised the electoral commission, saying that the step would “sanitise the nation’s political party system towards strengthening the nation’s democracy.” The PDP commended INEC for taking vital steps to “re-examine the status of political parties in the country, which led to the de-registration of some fringe associations, as an exercise that was long overdue.” The umbrella body for political parties in the country, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) described the action as undemocratic and unconstitutional. The CNPP has a willing ally in the ANPP. The National Chairman of the CNPP, Alhaji Balarabe Musa said: “We deem it unconstitutional and undemocratic, for there is a subsisting Supreme Court judgement on the matter and most importantly any law including the Electoral Act, which is at variance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federation Republic of Nigeria is null and void. We shall get our registration certificate back.” He said the exercise is a ploy of the government of the day.

His words: “In the first place, it is undemocratic to deregister parties. Secondly, the reason for deregistering political parties is that they have not been able to perform. That is no reason for a political party to cease to exist. “Those parties that appear to be performing are doing so with public funds, not as a result of mass followership. What then is the basis for judging political parties when there is no equality? So, some parties thrive on the basis of using public funds. “In any democracy all over the world, political parties are sustained by their members’ contributions. Therefore, members should decide the fate of their parties and not by fiat by any Chief Electoral Officer. “In the First Republic, there was no registration of political parties; we had only recognition of parties. There is no need to deregister political parties. But since the INEC Chairman, Prof. Jega is just a clerical officer in the office of the President; he wants to wield the powers that he does not have.” He premised his arguments on Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 78 of the Electoral Act 2010, saying: “Unfortunately, Jega relies on a proviso in Section 40 to reinforce INEC’s plans to de-register parties. But this proviso refers to parties not recognised by INEC. “Once a political party is registered, it cannot be deregistered. We will make sure that we fight this battle to its logical conclusion,” Musa said. Also speaking through its National Chairman, Ogbonnaya Onu, the ANPP said: “Political parties are living organisms. Their life and death can only be determined by the source of their existence: the people. “Accordingly, by the action of INEC in this regard, it has removed the Nigerian people from the sacred responsibility of exercising their sovereign control in a multi-party democracy. Pursuant to the foregoing, we call on the National Assembly to initiate immediate steps to amend the relevant sections of the Electoral Act from where INEC derived its powers to deregister political parties.” In his own reaction, the promoter and National Chairman of one of the de-registered political parties, the NAC, Dr. Olapade Agoro, not only condemned INEC but wrote a threat letter to the commission, asking it not only to reverse its action, but also apologise to the affected parties, failing which he told Jega to expect legal action from his party. Agoro also demanded compensation in the sum of N10 billion for damages suffered by NAC, accusing Jega of de-registering his party because of his criticism of the INEC boss. CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

Politics

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

2015: Igbo presidency can’t be Senator Annie Okonkwo is the chairman of Committee 21 (C21), a pressure group fighting for the rights of South-East. In this interview with OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOLOJU, he speaks on the quest by Ndigbo to produce the president in 2015 and other issues. Excerpts:

In 2015, President Goodluck Jonathan would have completed his first term and some Igbo leaders in Anambra State have endorsed him for a second term. Don’t you think this would affect the desire of the Igbo to take a shot at the presidency in 2015? I think the situation is very clear. Jonathan is the president of Nigeria under the PDP platform. If the PDP chooses to adopt him for 2015, what is our own business with that? But what we are saying is that Ndigbo want to field their own candidate for the presidency come 2015 and we are soliciting for the support of the other zones to realise this dream and we are going to field our own candidate under the APGA platform. The national chairman of the APGA has already mentioned this and that is exactly what we are saying. So, if anybody is in the PDP and endorses Jonathan, he is on his own; he is not for the Igbo. I can tell you categorically that those people are not speaking for the Igbo. I can tell you that the Igbo would be more united in 2015 and they are more determined to achieve the Igbo presidency in 2015 and they believe that they would be given the opportunity. But there is this fear that the Igbo presidency project may not be realised under APGA given the scope and spread of the party. It is believed that the Igbo would have a better chance under the PDP. I disagree with that. Look at it this way; many Igbo people have tried to attain that level under the PDP, but what became of it? Dr. Alex Ekwueme tried it in 1999 when he was the founding chairman of the PDP and when he was supposedly the best candidate, they sabotaged him. What happened then is still fresh in our memories and this time around, our people do not want to take chances. We have also realised that to make any headway, we need

Okonkwo

You were known to be a staunch member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but recently, you defected to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). What informed your decision? First of all, if you are in this country, you would know what has been happening in the PDP. But to answer your question directly, the need to protect our collective interest informed the decision to move to a platform where our collective interest would be adequately protected. In the PDP today, you will realise that the Igbo do not even occupy the fourth or even fifth position in the arrangement and that is not acceptable to a lot of us. We also have a lot of other challenges. We believe that the Igbo man is not occupying his rightful place in this country; we are not even anywhere and people are not even thinking about this. Despite our commitment to the Nigerian state, despite that the Igbo is the only tribe you can find living everywhere in this country; after the majority tribe in any state, the second largest population are the Igbo. But people are now taking us for granted. So, we decided to reposition the Igbo nation in the country called Nigeria and this informed the berthing of the Committee 21 (C21), a socio-political and economic organisation, which is now a vehicle we intend to use to actualise our dreams and vision. We have to look at the social, political and economic situation of the Igbo man in the Nigerian polity, in terms of our state and our economic situation. The C21 has been able to look at the situation on ground and we felt that the political imbalance must be redressed and the C21 adopted APGA as the platform to achieve our political dreams, because we don’t want to move into where we are not recognised or reckoned with.

TUESDAY INTERVIEW

to consult with the other zones and other political parties to make sure that we get it right this time around. Our best chance is 2015, especially with the way the country is today. There is no question of anybody not getting the opportunity, but we have realised the opportunity and we are pleading with the other zones to support the Igbo quest for the presidency in 2015. There has always been the problem of unity among Ndigbo when it comes to political alignment, as the people have always failed to speak with one voice. How do you intend to deal with this problem? We appreciate that fact and we know that it is a problem

NDIGBO WANT TO FIELD THEIR OWN CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY COME

2015

AND WE ARE SOLICITING FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE OTHER ZONES TO REALISE

THIS DREAM... IF ANYBODY IS

PDP AND ENDORSES JONATHAN, HE IS ON HIS OWN; HE IS NOT FOR THE IGBO IN THE

and that is why we are kick-starting with the C21, which is like a vehicle that is going to be used and which is being used today to unite all the political groups in Igbo land, because this quest for the presidency by Ndigbo is the project of all the political groups in Igbo land; and for us to achieve this vision, we need to carry everybody along. But we also recognise that in everything one does in life, there are always saboteurs, who would want to throw spanners in the works, but the truth of the matter is that we have already put in place mechanisms and strategies to take care of those saboteurs and when the time comes, we will take care of them. We are not going to reveal our strategies on the pages of the newspapers; we have realised that there may be a lot of people who would work to scuttle our aspiration amongst our people, but we are ready to make sure that at the appropriate time, we would stop those people from continuing their trade. In view of the ongoing constitutional amendment, what is your take on the creation of an additional state in the South-East and revenue sharing? We are of the belief today that if states are not created in other zones, the South-East deserves an additional state. But we have also come to the realisation that as the question of state creation comes to the front burner, other zones are also agitating for their own states. What exactly are we talking about? We are talking about imbalance. We are talking of imbalance of the states, imbalance of local governments, because these are bases on which revenue allocations are made. In the state creation process by the military, the Igbo were completely marginalised. When we talk of constitutional amendment, it is clear that we cannot continue the way we have been going. Today, we are talking of Boko Haram, yesterday, it was militancy, nobody knows what it would be next. So, for equity and justice, let us return to regionalism. Let the allocation be shared according to the zones and let the zones now share according to the number of states and

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realised under PDP – Okonkwo local governments in each zone. In that situation, any zone that want to have nine states would be free to do that; any zone that want to create 1,000 local governments can do so, as long as each zone has equal share of the allocation from the federation. But a situation where deliberately, some zones are cheated in the creation of states and local governments, where we are not having equality of states and local governments is not accepted. We are making it very clear and boldly that in the process of constitutional amendment, these are issues to be looked at critically. The Northern governors are agitating for a review of the present revenue formula because it does not favour the North while the South-South is agitating for an increase in the derivation. As a former lawmaker, how do you strike a balance in these agitations? The issue is that if we want to practice true federalism, we should practice it to the latter. Today, the emphasis is on oil, tomorrow it could be agriculture, it may be coal in another time; but, unfortunately, we have put too much emphasis on oil and these are things that create problems, especially among the Northern states, with the believe that revenue must be shared equally. But we must come to a time when we must practice true federalism and the people would be taxed according to what they produce and if possible, let each zone or each state control what they produce and don’t be surprised that some states can go into tourism as their main source of revenue, rather than this total dependence on oil and prepare their states and make so much money from tourism, even more than states that have oil. In a state like California in the United States of America, revenue from tourism alone is over $70 billion every year. So, it is not just oil; there are other sources that are yet to be tapped in this country. If our leaders can start thinking with vision, they can find out ways of generating revenues outside oil that we all depended on. I support the practice of true federalism.

do about the erosion scourge devastating the SouthEast? Erosion is one of the major challenges we have in this country, not only in the South-East, in view of the global climate change. We found it very challenging when we were in the Senate and what we did then was to put erosion issues on the front burner and the Federal Government then declared the South-East erosion disaster area, but the truth of the matter is that nothing much has been done about this scourge. We have not seen any improvement; rather the situation is getting worse by the day. What we are now trying to do is to float a non-governmental organisation (NGO), where we can access funds from other developed countries, to combat the erosion menace; because we believe that probably, the government alone would not be able to tackle the erosion problem in this country alone. But honestly, the erosion situation in the South-East is frightening and mind you, if something is not done quickly, in few years time, there may be no state left standing in the South-East. The way things are today, year in year out, many houses are being submerged by the erosion scourge in the South-East and flooding too is taking its own toil, so something must be urgently done to arrest the situation before it completely gets out of hand. You earlier mentioned the high level of corruption in the country. What do you think is the panacea to this recurring decimal, as it seems the government is not doing enough to fight this cankerworm? The major problem in this area is the problem of orientation. Today, people can go to Ghana and invest because in Nigeria, from the gateman to the topmost person in any organisation, are corrupt and unfortunately for us in Ni-

What is your take on the clamour for a sovereign national conference, engendered by the present spate of violence perpetuated by Boko Haram and other sundry security challenges across the country, considering that the National Assembly is kicking against it? As far as I am concerned, it will be difficult for the National Assembly to accede to the convocation of a sovereign national conference. But the truth of the matter is that if you look at Nigeria today, it is better for us to sit down and decide on how we move forward and the terms of our continuous living together as a nation. Don’t forget like I said earlier, today, we are battling with Boko Haram, tomorrow it could be the turn of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and we are yet to get out of the militancy in the Niger Delta, the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) is agitating in the South-East and there are other groups like the Bakassi and the rest. From your own point of view and given the fact that next week, Nigeria would be celebrating 52 years of nationhood; would you say that as a nation, we are where we are supposed to be? It all depends on the angle from which an individual looks at it. But honestly, the truth of the matter, which everybody would agree with, is that the country is not moving forward the way it is supposed to be. The high rate of insecurity is there; the high rate of corruption is there, poverty is endemic, the infrastructure is not there, the integrity of the nation is dwindling by the day, so as a country, we are not moving forward. I think there is supposed to be more and proper orientation of the people. The way things are going, if these issues are not properly addressed, it would not augur well for anybody. I strongly believe that something must be done to start addressing the situation of this country. You were the vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment in the last Senate, what were you able to

geria, a lot of Nigerians have taken corruption as a way of life. So, we must return to re-inventing our values, especially family values of the old days. You can see that within a short time, Ghanaians were able to change their country. For corruption to be adequately tackled, there must be re-orientation. It is not about building infrastructure, neither is it about improving power, because if we build all the infrastructure and power and our people lack the proper orientation, we would be retrogressing rather than progressing. So, the leadership of this country must try as much as possible to avoid celebrating corruption. What we have today is that you see people involved in corruption one way or another on the pages of newspapers and on television being celebrated and honoured with different awards here and there, dining and wining with the president , which is not good for the image of the country and our development as a nation. To discourage people from corrupt tendencies and acts, those found to be involved in corrupt practices and acts must not only been punished severely, but must be seen to be so punished for their crime. There are speculations that you are angling for Anambra State governorship in 2014. First of all, my focus right now is to try and see how we can position the Igbo nation in the entity called Nigeria. As the president of C21, the responsibility lies on my head to reposition APGA to the level where our interest is adequately accommodated. For me, I have not decided exactly what my next line of action is politically and of course you will agree with me that whatever next step I will be taking in my political career would require a lot of consultations with different strata of our people. I am a politician and I am still playing politics and by God’s grace, I will continue to be an active player in the political firmament, so whatever would be my next political step, I think my constituency should be the one to decide. There is no political office that I cannot handle, as a senator, because once a senator, always a senator forever. In whatever capacity my people require my service; I will always be ready to make myself available. Do you think that APGA can win Anambra State governorship come 2014? By the grace of God, definitely. APGA is now stronger than it used to be. There is no other political party that can win Anambra State.

IT WILL BE DIFFICULT FOR THE

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO

ACCEDE TO THE CONVOCATION OF A SOVEREIGN NATIONAL CONFERENCE.

BUT... IT IS

BETTER FOR US TO SIT DOWN AND DECIDE ON HOW WE MOVE FORWARD AND THE TERMS OF OUR CONTINUOUS LIVING TOGETHER AS A NATION

How would you assess President Goodluck Jonathan in almost 18 months of his first tenure? From my own point of view, I think President Jonathan has a lot of good intentions and plans for this country but the greatest challenge is the execution of these lofty intentions, especially on the part of the people working with him. He made a lot of promises and it is just one and a half years and I wouldn’t want to assess him within the short time he has been in office. But we can see that the intentions are there, but what is lacking is the implementation. So, we believe we should give the president another one year before we can make far-reaching assessment of his governance, to see what he could do for this country and see a change in the situation of this country. As of now, there is nothing to celebrate as the situation is not favourable. What is the relationship between APGA and other opposition political parties in terms of forging an alliance to confront the PDP in 2015? APGA is in good relationship with other opposition parties and I think that the possibility of an alliance for 2015 is very high. We don’t have any issue with forming alliances, as long as the other parties share the vision we have. It is just that for now, we are coming out strongly, with high determination to pursue and achieve our vision. We don’t have any problem forming alliance with any party that would help us achieve our aim, but our focus is to effect a change in the way the country is being run.

Politics

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Rotimi ASO ROCK FILE

Sanusi’s currency policy suspended

with

Rotimi FADEYI

Saving National Honours from further ridicule

ational Honours were bestowed on deserving Nigerians last week by President Goodluck Jonathan to appreciate their remarkable contributions to the progress and development of the nation. Telecommunication icon and chairman of Globacom, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr. received the highest award of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), which is usually reserved for the Vice President, Senate President and the Chief Justice of Nigeria. Last year, the president of Dangote Group, Dr. Aliko Dangote was also honoured with the award. Also significant at the award investiture ceremony was the conferment of the national award of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) on the six Nigerian gold medalists at the London Paralympics games. Remarkably, Jonathan spit fire at the event, warning that current holders of the National Honours whose credibility are found to be questionable would be stripped of such honour. Over the years and more recently, there had been criticisms over the selection process of awardees as most critics argued that the award are given to cronies, hangers-on, sycophants, bootlickers and politicians that contributed absolutely nothing to the development of the country.

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Each year, critics argued that rather than to honour Nigerians, who are making impact in the life of the people and meaningful contributions to the development of the country, the National Honours list is packed full of those who had used their privileged positions to siphon the commonwealth of the people and had contributed to the deprivation in the country. But this time, it seems like the President meant business as he has already directed the National Honours Award Committee to compile a list of persons conferred with the National Honours with a view to ensure that only credible Nigerians who are deserving of the award are allowed to retain such honours. The President, who stated that the National Award was not for people of questionable character, said: “I am convinced that the National Honour is a very important part of the symbols of the country’s values in which deserving persons are admitted into the ranks of those honoured by Nigeria while those holders who fall short of our collective expectations must, however, be punished.” Jonathan noted that the decision to strip undeserving Nigerians of the National Honours was to ensure that the honourees are truly worthy of the award and possess sense of value as patriotic Nigerians.

ince the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, announced the planned introduction of the N5,000 note, there has been a flurry of reactions from Nigerians, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a two-time leader of the country. There were also reactions from the Senate and the House of Representatives that the introduction of the N5,000 note would not be in the interest of the country. While other people say that it would lead to inflation and was not in tandem with the cashless policy of the government, professional groups like the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also kicked against the idea. But the National Economic Management Team which include the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman and the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga as well as top Nigerian businessmen and technocrats backed the introduction of the single N5,000 note, saying that it was in the best interest of the economy. The issue pitched Obasanjo and Sanusi against each other. While Obasanjo vehe-

mently opposed the economic policy, Sanusi fired back that the former President was not an economist and therefore not competent to give an expert opinion on the issue. Sanusi had insisted that there was no going back on the introduction of the N5,000 single note. The argument raged on until last Thursday when President Goodluck Jonathan put a stop to it by directing the CBN to suspend the issuance of the N5,000 note, pending when the people had been properly sensitised about the economic policy and its implications. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, disclosed to journalists that the President decided to step down the idea for now to allow for proper public enlightenment on the initiative by the CBN. What Abati did not disclose was when the CBN would commence the enlightenment programme and the strategy that would be employed as that would be the job of the authorities of the apex bank. The intervention of the President on the issue may have calmed frayed nerves, at least for now, as the idea was just suspended to allow for enlightenment and not that it has been totally dropped as the economic policy of government.

FG, governors flex muscles over execess crude account

t is not in doubt that one major issue that is always causing friction between the Federal Government and state governors is that of funds and the sharing formula to be adopted for sharing revenue accruing to the coffers of government. Such friction has become a common occurrence and a tradition; because when it comes to the issue of money, the Federal Government and the states are always at loggerheads. While the states want more money, the Federal Government has argued that since it has a lot of responsibilities, more of the money should be spent by it for the general interest of the people. One of such issues that have caused friction between the Federal Government and the states governors in recent time is the issue of Excess Crude Account. In order to further pursue their position on the matter, the governors at their meeting last week resolved to resume legal action in order to secure judicial pronouncement on the issue. But the National Economic Council (NEC) has urged both the Federal and state governments to explore an amicable out-of-court settlement on the contentious issue. Kwara State governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, who spoke at the end of the NEC meeting in Abuja last Thursday, said though the matter is still before the court, NEC is of the opinion that the Federal

and state governments should encourage counsels in the case to continue out of court approach to resolve the issue. The position of NEC was contrary to the decision by the Governors’ Forum that the matter should continue in court. While clarifying the two different positions, Ahmed stated that the NEC decision was only advisory and not binding on the federal and state governors.

President Goodluck Jonathan presenting National Honours Award Certificate of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) to Grace Anozie, one of the six gold medalists at the London Paralympics Games

As broadband tech takes centre stage

ith the wave of Information Communication Technology (ICT) sweeping through the world catching up with Nigeria, the Federal Government has taken bold steps to develop a comprehensive broadband with a target of five-fold increase in broadband penetration by 2017. And to realise this objective, the government is not leaving any stone unturned to ensure that the broadband technology takes root in the country with the highpowered presidential committee constituted last week. The 14-member committee, made up of technocrats and experts in ICT and the telecommunication industry is to brainstorm for three months to ensure that the initiative of the broadband technology of the government bear fruits. For President Jonathan, ICT is the real technological revolution that the country has participated, stressing that it is only ICT that can take any nation to advanced level.

He noted that “as at the time we talked about industrial revolution, this part of the world never participated, we talked about green revolution, we tried it but it was on the pages of paper. There was no revolution witnessed in this country.” The President pointed out that with the target of five-fold increase in broadband penetration by 2017, the nation has no choice than to work hard to join in the technological revolution Jonathan noted that broadband access and internet technologies are key enablers of socio-economic growth and the attainment of a fully knowledge-based economy. For the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, the broadband roadmap was an initiative aimed at producing fast and reliable internet services for the country. The Minister, disclosed that her ministry would continue to develop plans and strategies to put the country in high pedestal in the ICT technology.

Presidential Villa’s visitors 1. Former Executive Secretary of NCC, Engr. Ernest Ndukwe 2. Chairman of Visafone, Mr. Jim Ovia 3. Yakubu Adesokan, Gold Medalist, London Paralympics games 4. Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of MTN, Mrs. Lynda Saint Nwafor 5. Esther Onyema, Medalist, London Paralympics games 6. Ivory Nwokorie, Gold Medalist, London Paralympics games 7. Chairman of CDMA Forum, Phillip Chukwueke 8. Chief Information Officer (CIO) First Bank, Mr. Rasheed Adegoke 9. CEO of Phase 3 Telecom, Mr. Stanley Jegede 10. Grace Anozie Gold Medalist, London Paralympics games 11. Joy Onaolapo, Gold Medalist, London Paralympics games 12. Loveline Obiji, Gold Medalist, London Paralympics games.

MORE POLITICS STORIES ON PAGES 41-44

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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

The limit of freedom of expression NA-ALLAH MOHAMMED ZAGGA

nder tyranny, people seek liberty; under liberty, people seek tyranny.” These famous words of a great thinker encapsulate the dangers inherent in the abuse of the so-called freedom of expression by those who feel they have the liberty to insult God and other religious symbols. In fact, there should be a fine line between decency and recklessness. Followers of all faith must be united to tackle this challenge posed to our security, safety and peace by atheistic minded writers and like-minded film producers. Just like Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and other faith also have their own share of extremists. Driven by prejudice, these fringe groups don’t give a damn about the consequences of their hatred and intolerance on their societies. What did Nakoula Nakoula (a.k.a. Sam Bacile), the man believed to be behind the latest provocative film that insulted Prophet Muhammad, intend to achieve through deliberate incitement? Although the assassination of the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Mr. Chris Stevens, was carried out by elements who took advantage of the protests against the blasphemous film to execute their agenda, the recklessness of Bacile provided the pretext for the tragic death of the American envoy, who was described as an articulate speaker of Arabic and well-steeped in Arab societies and cultures. The Ambassador’s death opened fresh debates about the limit of the freedom of expression, which “

FOLLOWERS OF ALL FAITH MUST BE UNITED TO TACKLE THIS CHALLENGE POSED TO OUR SECURITY,

SAFETY AND PEACE BY ATHEISTIC MINDED WRITERS AND

LIKE-MINDED FILM PRODUCERS liberal democracy guarantees. In western democracies, people can take liberties to attack God and religion and get away with it. They, however, forget the emotive influence of religion in the minds of other believers. Deliberately provoking the fury of any believers, be they Muslims or Christians, is indefensible. If you don’t like any religion, don’t embrace it; you can keep your hatred and prejudice to yourself. However, where religious passion runs deep and in the light of previous nasty experiences, the latest attack on Muhammad was totally unjustified. Freedom of speech should not entail the right to deliberately endanger peace and social harmony. Extremists have become a scourge to humanity. How do you justify the current commitment of Boko Haram to Islamize Nigeria by violence? Is that realistic or ra-

tional? Even sadder is the fact that fringe authors, journalists and other iconoclastic individuals are stretching the definition of freedom too far. What we are witnessing in effect is the freedom to abuse freedom. In 2006, a Danish cartoonist, Kurt Westergaad, caused outrage among Islamic countries when he deliberately lampooned the prophet of Islam. This protests spread to countries like Nigeria, where innocent Igbo traders were attacked and their shops looted. In fact, there was no reason whatsoever why any responsible Muslim protester should loot in the cause of defending the dignity or honour of Muhammad. Unfortunately, the spontaneity of mob actions is almost always beyond the power of anyone to stop. Westergaad should bear the ultimate responsibility for setting off the trouble in 2006. What did he gain by the death and destruction that followed? When ambassadors of Muslim countries met the Danish government to lodge a formal protest over the derogatory cartoon, the Prime Minister told them that his government had no power to tamper with the freedom of the press or freedom of expression. His explanation was valid, but that was as far as western societies are concerned. However, their journalists, film producers and writers have the power to exercise the discretion of self-censorship. If the consequences of what you intend to publish would cause more harm than good to society, why throw caution to the winds? Perhaps, obsessed with the desire for fame and fortune, the Indian born author, Mr. Salman Rushdie, caused an outrage of his own in 1989 when he published his

controversial “Satanic Verses”, an insulting satirical portrayal of Prophet Muhammad. Predictably, Muslim outrage spread like wild fire around the Islamic world and western cities to protest the deliberate provocation. Writing on the issue in the defunct Inquiry magazine, the African historian, Professor Ali Mazrui, said what Mr. Rushdie did was like “a man who composed a beautiful poem about the private parts of his parents, which he recited for the entertainment of foreigners who paid for the expensive joke!” Rushdie became an instant star in the West and raked in millions from the sales of his controversial book. But was the commercial gain worth the paranoid existence he has lived ever since? What was the value of his so-called freedom of expression when his life was under constant threat, following the death sentence passed on him by the late Iranian Spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ruhallah Khomeini? The British Scotland Yard was spending 10 million pounds annually on his security and eventually gave up because of the heavy cost to the British taxpayers. Rushdie moved back to his native country in India. For than 23 years, Rushdie has lived as a captive of fear, moving from house to house surreptitiously to escape those after him. Why did he bring this needless trouble upon his head by toying with a dangerous subject? To be concluded Zagga, muhazagga@yahoo.com, a writer on current issues, is an Abujabased journalist

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in retrospect SAM UDO ONYEMACHI Continued from last Friday

rosanye Committee submitted its report last April. Since then it has been a season of contentions, a development fueled by the recommendation that the present structure of 263 statutory agencies be reduced to 161, 38 be abolished, 52 be merged and 14 be reverted to departments in parent ministries. Expectedly, the issue has remained in the public domain ever since with views polarized on the merits or demerits of the recommendations. What I have attempted to do in this write up is to make a case against the change of the status quo of NSCDC. My motive is altruistic. As an insider, I appreciate better the dynamics of the organization and the milieu in which it is operating than any outsiders. Let me remind the proponents of merger, acquisition or scrapping of some MDAs that from the perspective of cost-benefit analysis, Nigeria may be worse off if holistically implemented. They are strong arguments for acquisition and merger, there are equally strong arguments for the scrapping of some other agencies. What is unwholesome, however, is to jump to conclusion without a critical appraisal of all the issues that are germane to the topic. Our organization, the NSCDC, has a uniqueness that recommends that its name should not be al-

tered or its essential character lost through any form of merger or acquisition. The incontrovertible facts of its creation lend strong support to my position. First it is not a duplication of any existing security outfit nor was it carved out of the Nigeria Police Force, as some claim. All the over 100 member nations of ICDO have regular police forces and other para-military formations coexisting with the Civil Defence Corps; Nigeria, the 66th member of ICDO, should not be an exception. The forces that gave birth to it in 1967 still exist in more ferocious form today. Moreover, there are privileges, intrinsic values and benefits derivable from membership of ICDO, which Nigeria would lose should any untoward development occur. Already the NSCDC has become a formidable para-military outfit with over 50, 000 members and it is providing surveillance services for the monitoring and protection of oil pipelines, airports, government infrastructure and disaster cites. It is a force to reckon with during elections because of its violence control competency. Above, it presently coordinates and regulates all private guard companies in the country. I dare say we have developed competencies for all these duties over the years. What will be the fate of our staff in the event of merger, acquisition or outright scrapping? What happens to our core duties? Our existence and the fact of our international exposure and collaboration with other global bodies like United Nations

WHAT WILL BE THE FATE OF OUR STAFF IN

THE EVENT OF MERGER, ACQUISITION OR

OUTRIGHT SCRAPPING?

WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR CORE DUTIES? Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), World Health Organization (WHO), UNAIDS, European Commission, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and NaifArab Academy for Security Sciences (NAASS) etc have helped to put Nigeria on the global map. The synergies from the strategic alliance with these global bodies would be lost in the event of our losing our relevance and identity through acquisition, merger or scrapping. Let me reiterate the fact that the NSCDC Bill was not hurriedly passed at the National Assembly and signed into law by the President Obasanjo in 2003 as our detractors claim. The said Bill was formally submitted to the National Assembly in May 2000, critically and robustly deliberated on for not less than three years before it was passed and sent to President’s for all his

important assent, which was done in June, 2003. May we remind our compatriots that our dear nation is facing the most pervasive security challenge since the end of the civil war in 1970. The combustive Niger Delta might have been reasonably pacified, discerning Nigerians, however, know that oil installations and facilities, especially pipelines, are still exposed to risks. Our men and officers have gallantly intercepted and checkmated the bad boys in the creeks of the Niger Delta area from carrying out their evil designs. We have also moved against kidnappers and child traffickers. Our activities have led to several arrests, and thus many children saved. Nigerians need to be better informed, for if one is not informed, he is likely to be deformed. The case against NSDSC is very defective. There is no basis for the change of the status quo. Concluded ACG Onyemachi is Zonal Commander, NSCDC, Zonal Headquarters, Zone “A” Lagos Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

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LCCI on 500% rise in electricity tariff

ecently, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) decried what it said was a 500 per cent hike in electricity tariff. The Chamber noted that the current outrageous electricity bills are not consistent with the billing template earlier advertised by the relevant authorities. Though it acknowledged the relative improvement in electricity supply in recent times, which has been widely acclaimed as a commendable development for the country, especially for business concerns that have for long been weighed down by high cost of production induced by alternative sources of energy, the LCCI objected to the astronomical increase of tariff for electricity consumers. Its Director-General, Muda Yusuf, stated that the current sharp tariff hike, which in some cases soars above 500 percent, constituted a big burden on consumers and should be reviewed. Yusuf particularly faulted the fixed charges method of billing under which companies are forced to cough up so much every month as electricity tariff, whether or not they had electricity supply. While it is understandable that the unbundling of the power sector and its eventual privatisation may necessitate ‘investorfriendly’ costing of electricity tariff, the fact that electricity is a necessity for both private and commercial consumers and that it is an inevitable input for jumpstarting any country’s small and

medium scale industrial sector, demand that its pricing should be implemented with a ‘human face’. A 500 percent hike seems ridiculously on the high side, in view of the spirited sermons of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) before the introduction of the new tariff regime. Indeed, not a few Nigerians feel conned by the NERC, considering the embarrassing bills with which the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) now hounds the citizenry. In addition to the factual observation of the LCCI, reports say private electricity consumers now pay over N10,000 as estimated monthly bill for a two or three bedroom flat, instead of less than N3,000 as was the case before now. It is that bad! Worse still, the prepaid metres promised by the NERC are nowhere to be found, or attract likewise unreasonable costs when seen, though the NERC claimed they were to be supplied at no extra cost to the consumer. The billing experience on ground appears to have really confirmed the position of critics that NERC’s Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) was premised on a myopic and misleading assumption that tariff hike is the sole determinant in attracting foreign investors into the power sector. We recall that the NERC had warned (perhaps merely to douse the fierce public opposition that trailed the new tariff regime) that the increase should not be effected until all consumers are

WE INSIST THAT THE FG SHOULD REVIEW PHCN’S OBNOXIOUS TARIFF ORDER, PROVIDE PREPAID METERS, AND GENERATE MORE MEGA WATTS OF ELECTRICITY provided with prepaid meters. Unfortunately, however, the socalled warning has turned out nothing but a dubious distraction to deceive electricity consumers, indeed, the entire public, with the heartless fleecing of a hapless populace passed off as MYTO. The deceit deserves wide condemnation. Sadly, too, the Federal Government is believed to be working closely with the dubious, patently corrupt and inept power sector officials, and possibly has a hand in the continued exploitation of Nigerians by the PHCN. The burden of high electricity tariff in the land has compounded the existing prohibitive cost of doing business, the closure of companies and job losses. Well over 800 businesses reportedly shut down in the recent past for reasons not unconnected with the country’s inhospitable business climate, for example. It is also clear that the PHCN has the least interest in making the prepaid metering system work. The

incompetent power monopoly prefers the lazy and dishonest system of indiscriminate and estimated direct billing of consumers. Even with the improvement in electricity supply in some areas, most businesses have only connected their administrative blocks to the PHCN while the major manufacturers are yet to switch their production lines to public power supply for fear of unreliability, especially the possible negative impact of the imminent dry season on power supply due to lower water levels in the dams. The FG must realise that the rip-off has gotten to the neck of the citizenry and we predict an unsavoury public response to the FG’s seeming conspiracy in sustaining PHCN’s heavy yoke on companies and private consumers of electricity in the country if it fails to quickly reverse the trend. In addition, we lend our support to the call that the FG should promptly implement the gas-topower framework and ensure that joint venture gas supply agreements with oil companies are firmed up in order to ensure regular gas availability to the nation’s existing and upcoming thermal power stations. Besides, the privatisation of the power sector must be pursued with renewed vigour and transparency; and we insist that the FG should review PHCN’s obnoxious tariff order, provide prepaid meters, and generate more mega watts of electricity, as a matter of urgency.

ON THIS DAY September 25, 2010 Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Mahmoud Abbas, spoke at the United Nations General Assembly and requested that Israel ended its policy of building settlements in the West Bank. Abbas ( March 26, 1935), also known by the kunya Abu Mazen, has been the chairman of PLO since November 11, 2004 and became President of the Palestinian National Authority on January 15, 2005 on the Fatah ticket.

September 25, 2009 United States President, Barack Obama, British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown and French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, in a joint TV appearance for a G-20 summit, accused Iran of building a secret nuclear enrichment facility. But Iran’s leadership said its goal in developing the nuclear programme was to generate electricity without dipping hand into the oil supply it prefers to sell abroad, and to provide fuel for medical reactors.

September 25, 1972 In a referendum, the people of Norway rejected membership of the European Community. The European Economic Community (EEC), also known as the Common Market and sometimes as the European Community even before it was renamed in 1993, was created by the 1957 Treaty of Rome. Its aim was to bring about economic integration, including a common market, among its six founding members: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

N20bn debts: Arik Air, FAAN, unions still on war path

FG’s belated action on group life for civil servants 37

SUPER TUESDAY

www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Budget 2013: Roadmap for fiscal consolidation, real growth

n what could be likened to a last minute effort to meet the expectations of millions of economically deprived Nigerians, the Federal Government, through the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), whose roles in fiscal and monetary re-engineering in economic management remain crucial, has revved up activities that will help its planned laying the 2013 Appropriation Bill before the National Assembly without hitches in about nine days from now. Indeed, National Mirror reliably gathered that over the past two weeks, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Jonah Otunla; Director General of the Budget Office, Dr. Bright Okogwu and the Central Bank Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, and principal officials in their respective organisations have literarily turned their offices to homes of some sorts, working overnight, in an effort to fashion an appropriation bill that would give a new impetus to inclusive growth agenda of the government. Okonjo-Iweala, who spoke on the importance of getting the bill neat and tidied before the President will lay it before the National Assembly last Friday at a media briefing in Abuja, pointing out that, “as long as we continue to be late, we cannot talk fairly on implementation ratios, it will be blatantly unfair. MDAs did not know what

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For Nigeria, the impact of yearly budget on the socio-economic transformation of the lives of the citizenry has remained an illusion over decades, as structural distortions and shoddy implementation remain the hallmark of the yearly ritual. TOLA AKINMUTIMI takes a critical look at the proposed 2013 Appropriation Bill and what experts believe could help in reversing the trend of budgeting without required results.

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

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to implement till April. The crucial lesson out of this is that we must start the budget on time. We have to reverse the trend of starting late so that it does not go into the following year.” This approach to financial re-engineering is especially critical at a time when government’s desire to mitigate the overwhelming burden of poverty, burgeoning unemployment rate, high cost of goods and services and lack of enabling infrastructure, has, for decades, remained mere wishful thinking in real terms. In line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the Federal Executive Council had at its Au-

gust 8 meeting, considered documents provided by the Minister of Finance and the Memorandum on the 2013-2015 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper as the hub around which the 2013 budget will revolve, and left nobody in doubt about its desire to fashion a people-oriented Bill in the fiscal year. At the end of the prolonged meeting, which insider sources said extended to the late hours of the night, government agreed that the 2013 Budget proposal would be anchored on the key thrust of the 2013-2015 Medium Term Expenditure Framework fiscal consolidation with growth

and job creation. In order to achieve the goal, the FEC stated that the resources of the country will be managed prudently and transparently while ensuring that priority is given to key growth sectors of the economy and national security. Specifically, government stressed that the focus of the Budget 2013, as reflected in the MTEF & FSP is that the budget should make practical impact on areas that matter most to the Nigerian people namely, job creation, power supply, roads, rail, other infrastructure and of course, agriculture. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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

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Finance commissioners foresee rise in oil revenues

NDE: How not to tackle unemployment, by experts

Minister warns on danger of ignoring flood alert

Business & Finance

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Budget 2013: Roadmap for fiscal consolidation, real growth SHOULD THE CONTRARY HOLD, THEN FISCAL

CONTINUED FROM 19 In addition, it was also agreed at the FEC meeting that to help achieve this central objective, the proposed budget would support the downward trend in recurrent expenditure and upward trend in capital expenditure. It was projected that in the fiscal year, recurrent expenditure will decline from the current 71.47 per cent to 68.66 per cent while capital expenditure is expected to rise from 28.53 per cent of the current year to 31.34 per cent in 2013 with prospects that increasing capital budget will be sustained in the medium-term. As the formal presentation of the 2013 Appropriation Bill comes up hopefully on October 4 as proposed, stakeholders are already charting what they considered the right path to making the budget achieve its goal in terms of impact on the socio-economic well-being of ordinary Nigerians who, over the past years, are yet to experience improvements in provision of critical infrastructure and social goods such as adequate food, quality education and health services, transportation, housing and other basic necessities of life. To this category of socially deprived and under-served Nigerians, claims of growth in GDP rate, improved foreign reserves and power generation, count as nothing when food is still lacking on their tables. To most analysts, channelling a larger chunk of the funds in the 2013 Budget to projects and programmes that would directly impact positively on the poor remains the most feasible step to achieving the sustainable growth of the economy. Reacting to the fiscal thrusts of the Bill and what government should do to achieve its goal, a seasoned financial and management consultant, Dr. Boniface Chizea, described the focus on job creation as a desirable step towards achieving sustainable growth of the economy in view of the likely socio-economic impact on ordinary Nigerians. He explained that in order to leverage on the modest achievements of the ongoing transformation agenda, particularly its economic component, funding and implementation emphasis should be placed on the major sectors of agriculture, housing and social sectors such as health, education, infrastructure of power and water supply. Chizea said: “It is a good starting point that the authorities have rightly pigeon holed the problem of this economy; that of jobless growth with widening incidences of poverty. What is needed in one word is to make the budget pro-poor. If the budget is pro-poor it means that it will cater to needs of the poor and downtrodden in the society. “So, what does the poor need? In the first place the poor needs to be gainfully employed. And what would facilitate the attainment of this objective? In my humble opinion, it will require that we seek growth in those sectors of the economy that have the potential for creating massive increase in employment opportunities. “There is no prize for guessing which

REVENUE WILL FALL SHORT OF PROJECTION AND THIS WILL INCREASE THE FISCAL

DEFICIT.

THEREFORE, GOVERNMENT MUST ENSURE THAT THE OIL PRODUCING NIGER DELTA REMAINS CALM WITH LITTLE RISK TO OIL PRODUCTION

Tanbuwall

sectors will deliver on this desired objective. We must seek to achieve increased impact of the agric sector. It is a known fact that agriculture is the mainstay of the national economy providing in excess of 60 per cent of employment. “And therefore, anything that will boost productivity in the agric sector is sure winner for the creation of employment opportunities. We should therefore expect the 2013 budget to prioritise agriculture in all its ramifications to give needed encouragement to the good work currently being done by the Minister of Agriculture”, he added. While noting that housing sector which has the capacity of also creating job opportunities and inclusive growth has been neglected for so long in yearly budgets, Chizea believes that if government deploys substantial resources into the construction of housing estates across the various regions of this country, employment opportunities will abound and therefore we would be answering to this cry for an inclusive growth. He warned however that for any meaningful success to be recorded in housing sector development, the banks must not be left out of the scheme in view of the inhibitive rates of interest loans. According to him, though quite often it does not appear that the urgency of steady power supply is fully appreciated, if we can achieve good progress with power supply, the effect it will have on the masses particularly the lowly artisan who are self employed will be tremendous. On human capital development, the management expert canvassed an urgent human capacity building drive which he observed, was a big challenge considering the poor state of education, adding that “we need to deploy a greater amount of our budget on education. We might not be able to meet the UNESCO target of 16 per cent but we can certainly do more than what we do currently. “Portable water supply is essential for

the wellbeing of the generality of the population. No efforts should be spared to ensure that quality water supply is within the reach of a greater percentage of the population as this has direct implications for the level of expenditure incurred in treating all manner of ailments. And above all, for any sustainable development to be recorded we must find the will to implement the budget holistically,” Chizea added. In his analysis of the fiscal instrument and what ought to be done to make it operationally efficient, Mr. Maxwell Ekor of the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) who discussed the budget from a broad global economic perspective noted that since Nigeria’s economy is integrated into the larger global economic system, developments at the global level would invariably affect the performance of the budget since Nigeria is a major oil exporter and trading partner of European, Asian and the American economies. He argued that implementation of capital expenditures might be threatened by any negative shocks to the international oil market as well as the not too impressive growth in key economies like China and USA and the lingering crisis in the Euro zone. While noting that though Saudi Arabia had indicated her intention to supply more oil to the market, thereby raising the likelihood of glut and lower prices, he, however, projected that geo-political tension, especially in the Middle East may keep oil prices higher than the $75 per barrel reference price in the 2012-2015 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). Ekor explained further: “Given that the probability of oil prices dropping below the projected $75 bpb benchmark is low, it means that financing the budget should be of little worry to the government as fiscal deficit is expected to be at about two per cent of GDP. It, therefore, implies that effectiveness of budget 2013 will depend on how the government is able to do things differently from what obtains in the past. “For example, failure to include projected inflation rate in the MTEF creates a lacuna in which case the private sector may not be able to use such information to gauge monetary policy direction. This means that reliance will be on past rather than projected inflation for monetary policy decisions. Also, government has to ensure that the projected oil production target of 2.55m bpd is met. “Should the contrary hold, then fiscal revenue will fall short of projection and this will increase the fiscal deficit. There-

fore, government must ensure that the oil producing Niger Delta remains calm with little risk to oil production. Most importantly however, provision of critical infrastructure is key to the achievement of inclusive growth”, he submitted. The economist described the idea of focusing on completing key infrastructure projects rather than embarking on new ones in 2013 as laudable as any new project initiated in 2013 will not start having the desired effect until in later years, adding that, “inclusive growth can only be achieved when the real sector is productive and this can only happen if the infrastructure deficit is reduced”. Speaking in a similar tone of professional depth of knowledge on fiscal management, a financial consultant, Dr Okwu Nnanna, argued that in order to achieve inclusive growth of the economy, government must go beyond the rhetoric that had characterised budget implementation in the past by frontally tackling the ‘binding constraints’ militating against impactful implementation. Specifically, Nnanna, a former Director of the Central Bank of Nigeria, identified key areas requiring prioritised focus to include, infrastructure deficits, weak institutions, pandemic corruption and burgeoning youth unemployment, amongst other critical socio-economic imperatives. He stated: “I believe all economists with developmental bias consult the same oracle and therefore, share the same view. To achieve inclusive growth, government must abandon rhetoric and address the binding constraints in the areas of: infrastructure deficits, weak institutions and fight pandemic corruption in the system. “We must also address the ticking time bomb of mass youth unemployment. In this regard, government’s current efforts to encourage entrepreneurship must be complemented with ‘public works program’ similar to what FDR did in America during the Great Depression. We can’t run away from it. We have so much to do and so little done. Going forward, MDAs should be taken to task. “They must produce an ‘in-put/output’ budget matrix; which will indicate the number of ‘new’ jobs they will generate with their budgetary allocation in FY 13. Overall, the need for an effective monitoring and evaluation mechanism (M&E) cannot be overemphasised”, Nnanna added. It remains to be seen however if the renewed commitment to more impactful budget implementation will become a reality or remain in the familiar realm of empty rhetoric in coming year.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business & Finance

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Finance commissioners foresee rise in oil revenue TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

he Chairman of the Forum of Commissioners of Finance in the country, Barrister Timothy Odaah, has described the drop in oil revenue that was witnessed during the last Federation Account Allocation Committee meeting as a temporary phenomenon that would not have significant impact on the nation’s economy. The country had witnessed a decline of about N260.5billion in federally collectable revenue in the month of August due to what the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Jonah Otunla, attributed to constraints to oil production and lifting operations in some major terminals. The revenue profile dipped to N564.8billion in the month as against the about the N825.4billion maked in the preceding month. The month’s distributions to the three tiers of government had to be augmented to the tune of N143billion. He said, “The gross revenue

L-R: Acting Head, Marketing, Glo, Mr. Niyi Olukoya; Head, Marketing Communication, Mr. Tunde Kaitell and Head, GloWorld, Mrs. Titilayo Ebinisi, during the press conference on Glo 9th Anniversary promotion in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO

of N564.8billion received for the month of August was lower than the N825.4billion received in the previous month by N260.5billion. “The drop in oil production

AMCON to post accounts, declares bridged banks’ results JOHNSON OKANLAWON

sset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) said it will produce consolidated 2011 financial accounts of the corporation and all subsidiary companies acquired in the course of carrying out its statutory resolution function in the next 16 weeks. In line with Section 23(2) of its enabling Act, AMCON audited accounts must be published in widely available media and submitted to all relevant authorities within six months after the end of the financial year. A statement posted on the corporation’s website said the Central Bank of Nigeria has been notified of an up to 16 weeks extension of the reporting deadline. According to the corporation, the extension provides sufficient time for the auditing and reporting of the subsidiary companies. “The management of AMCON has dedicated resources to ensure that this activity is concluded within the period. Any inconvenience emanating from this extension is regretted,” the statement read in part. It added that the corporation has over the past few months consulted extensively with the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCON) to define ifs financial reporting guidelines, given the

unique resolution nature of its operations. The corporation explained that the financial statements have been prepared in line with the AMCON Act and been audited by the external auditor, PriceWaterhouseCoopers. The AMCON had on August 22 said the bridged banks — Keystone Bank Limited, Enterprise Bank Limited and Mainstreet Bank Limited, have all broken even and will soon return to profitability. The corporation’s Executive Director, Finance and Operations, Mrs. Mofoluke Dosunmu, said the banks have taken the necessary steps to reduce the rate of their loss, through the efficient management of the banks. She said, “I would be careful to say whether the bridged banks are profitable. What I would say is that they have taken necessary measure, corrective steps to ensure that the banks run better, going forward, thereby, showing improved performance. “You find that the rate of loss has definitely changed drastically for those that have not broken even. And some of them have broken even.” Dosunmu said confidence has been restored in the bridged banks, adding that they are now effectively competing with other banks in the country.

was due to a number of factors among which are the security challenges faced by the NNPC, force majeure declared at Bonny

Terminal and shutdown of Balema Gas Plant and Trans Niger pipeline as well as decreased in Production Sharing Contract and

Modified Carry Arrangement”, Otunla added. Despite the worrisome development, Odaah has allayed fears about the implications for projects execution at all levels of government, saying that the development would be reversed before the FAAC meets next month given the prospects for improved operational climate in the oil producing states. He said: “There is much understanding because we wouldn’t have agreed totally but the circumstances have made us to agree to the terms and by next FAAC there would be much more improvement. “For example you can see that the total amount put forward for the purpose of distribution there is augmentation that would be coming up which is N143billion and it was endorsed here as part of what will be distributed and if that is to be done you will see that it would be around N670billion. “So there is comparatively better improvement unlike what it was last month”, Odaah predicted.

Naira trades flat against dollar on strong demand

he naira traded flat against the United States dollar at both the interbank and foreign exchange markets yesterday, as strong demand for the greenback soaked up liquidity from two oil firms and the central bank’s currency auction. The naira closed at N157.80 to the dollar, around the same level it ended at on Friday. At the bi-weekly auction, the Central Bank of Nigeria increased dollar supply to $200million, from the $180million it sold at last Wednesday’s

auction, but maintained the rates at N155.78. Dealers said the local unit of French oil firm Total sold $44million to some banks, while Agip sold around $7million, but strong demand lapped it up. The naira has traded around the N157 to N158 level to the dollar over the past one month, owing partly to dollar sales from oil companies and inflows from offshore investors buying bonds. Dealers expect the currency to hover around current levels throughout this week, as

month-end dollar inflows from oil firms boost liquidity. Meanwhile, there will be a Treasury bill issuance of about N104.7billion across all maturities during the week. Also expected are treasury bills and OMO bills maturity worth N96billion and N93billion respectively each across different maturities. Analysts at DLM research, an investment firm noted that cut off rates during the auction will come out reflective of the current secondary market rates.

Aviation stakeholders demand financial audit of Arik Air

viation Stakeholders Squaretable has called on the Ministry of Aviation to conduct a financial audit of Arik Air Limited. They have also called on the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to investigate the alleged non-remittance of about N5 billion VAT by Arik Air Limited. President of the Aviation Stakeholders Squaretable, Capt. Balarabe Usman, at a news conference in Abuja yesterday also called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to probe the whereabouts of N35billion Aviation intervention fund disbursed to Arik Air by the Bank of Industry (BOI). Usman, who was the pioneer Director of Safety and Security, FAAN, further said the audit will fast-track current efforts by

the Minister of Aviation, aimed at building confidence and developing partnerships with foreign airlines, He said, “We are also concerned by findings from the Central Bank of Nigeria which blacklisted Arik Air Limited and its chairman for not being able to service its debts of more than N85billion. We are also aware that the airline received about N35million from the Bank of Industry as intervention fund. Where is all the money going to? For an industry that relies on adequate and prudent management of funds, these indications of financial insolvency cannot be swept under the carpet. “As aviation veterans we have a responsibility to avail our experiences so that history will

not repeat itself. For example, the case of the now defunct Bellview Airline, founded in 1992, should serve as a lesson. Bellview Airline grew so well that at a point, the airline flew 11 international destinations – amongst them Amsterdam, London, India and others. It was the first domestic airline to be certified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). By June 1997, Bellview was worth $15m, winning both continental and domestic laurels. However, where is Bellview today? With all the resources going to Arik airline, we are worried? How did they find themselves in this situation? The Ministry of Aviation must probe Arik air and give us answers before they runs into turbulent waters” the statement continued.

Business & Finance

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Flood: ADB intervenes to avert food crisis MESHACK IDEHEN

he National Co-ordinator of African Development Bank Community-based agricultural and rural development programme, Dr. Ibrahim Arabi, has said farmers will urgently receive early yield varieties of maize, cowpea, and rice seedlings to prevent an imminent food shortage crisis in the country. This development according to him follows anticipation of imminent food shortage crisis after the flooding that ravaged certain parts of the country in the last three weeks. Arabi said reprieve is on the way for farmers, as the African Development Bank and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) are ready to support farmers with early yields varieties in flood-affected states.

Speaking with journalists on Monday, he said meetings have been held with state government officials and affected farmers, while reiterating that the measure was to curtail imminent food crisis as a direct consequence of the floods. According to him, “the bank has concluded arrangement with the management of IITA to urgently provide and release early yield varieties of maize, cowpea and rice among others to farmers in flood affected states to curtail the imminent food crisis. “Short-time varieties are to be provided to replace the already submerged crops whenever the flood subsidised and these varieties are expected to be harvested within 60 to 80 days this year. “Anytime from now, when the flood begin to subsidise, farmers should start planting the

seeds because we still have two months or more of rain season in some parts of the country and that period would enable them grow the crops,” he said. Arabi, who is also the Zonal Director, North-East at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that among the beneficiary states were Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kwara and Kaduna, adding that arrangement are in top gear to extend the provision of the seeds to other affected states. He said the ministry is expressing shock on the level of devastation caused by the flood, especially on farms and urged the Federal and state governments to find a lasting solution to the disaster. Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Kayode Oyeleye, told National Mirror that the farmers are already set for another round of planting. He said concrete plans have been made to by the ministry to urgently bring farmers in other flood devastated states on the schedule.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Omatek to drive efficient IT solutions for businesses KUNLE A ZEEZ

matek Engineering Services Limited (OESL) has produced the first range of Interruptible power supply, UPS, inverters and solar PV panels that are compatible with Nigeria’s environmental conditions aimed at driving effect IT solutions provisioning for Nigerian businesses . The power solutions were made in partnership with China’s based Kehua Group. The energy solutions form part of a green energy package that the Nigerian technology company is unveiling for homes, corporate Nigeria, the education and telecom sectors to address the rising energy needs. The new energy products line also includes battery chargers, battery monitoring devices, surge protectors, Automatic Transfer Switches, SNMP modules, LED lights, Sign Lights

Over 1,500 to win prizes in Glo Made4Life promo KUNLE A ZEEZ

igeria’s second largest t e l e c o m m u n i c at i o n s operator, Globacom, has launched a new promotion which offers subscribers the opportunity to own a fleet of 52-seater luxury buses, mini buses, luxury taxes and cash prizes. Called Made4Life, the promotion will reward over 1,500 Glo subscribers with mouthwatering prizes and is the first of its kind in the Nigerian telecommunication industry. It is open to both new and existing subscribers on both the prepaid

L-R: Head of Marketing, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Manpreet Singh; Third Prize Winner, Lekan Adebayo of De-Crown Nur/Pry School, Lagos and, Managing Director, BD Consult, Mr. Tola Bademosi, during the prize presentation of Indomie Art Competition in Lagos at the weekend.

LADOL nets N9.6bn as local content yields dividends FRANCIS EZEM

ederal Government’s local content initiative may have started yielding dividends, as the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistic Base, says it has realised a whopping sum of N9.6billion ($60m) between January and August, 2012 arising from local content activities. The base, which incorporates the LADOL Free Zone, a fully indigenously owned world class one -stop shop deep offshore logistics facility had invested in excess of $100million in its six years of operation. Chairman of the base, Mr. Ladi Jadesimi, told participants at the just concluded

2012 Oil and Gas Trade and Investment Forum, held in Onne, Rivers State that the company is more than ever committed to the advancement of the local content policy, part of which is job creation for the nation’s teeming youth population. The theme of the forum is “Harnessing investment opportunities in the oil and gas sector: The Role of the Oil and Gas Free Zones in the Transformation Agenda”, which was organised by the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment in conjunction with Orlean Investment West Africa. Jadesimi, who was represented by the spokes person of the company, Mr. Alex Akao, noted that economic growth is synonymous with youth empowerment through jobs

creation which could best be achieved by encouraging and promoting local investment, development, indigenous ownership, and management of job creating facilities by Nigerians. The company had in the last few months won several contracts for rig maintenance and repair works at its facility located near Lagos Ports Complex, Apapa, through which it has created both direct and indirect jobs apart from its regular logistics operations. “LADOL is the only facility of its kind in Nigeria, being the first Greenfield specifically designed and built deep offshore logistics base. As a wholly indigenous facility, the organisation is a champion for local content and one of its greatest success stories in the provision of a hassle- free onshore offshore logistics supports for oil and gas production and exploration”, he said.

and lightning arrestors. All products have passed the QC tests, EMC test and ISO certifications to make them conform to global standards and offer the Nigerian market worldclass energy products. OESL is a subsidiary of Omatek Ventures PLC, Nigeria’s leading ICT company which recently opened its new ultra modern integrated factory in Ikeja, Lagos, the country’s commercial hub. The new green energy products are the outcome of Omatek and Kehua joint researches to develop renewable energy solutions that will provide a practical alternative to wired or diesel-generated power. The solutions are designed to target the numerous clients of Omatek Engineering Services cutting across the banking, oil industries, government, education centres, private, corporate institutions, and private individuals.

and postpaid platforms. Announcing details of the promotion at the press conference in Lagos on Monday, Acting Head of Marketing, Niyi Olukoya, said the first prize winner will go home with two 52-seater luxury buses, while the second prize will be won by three subscribers who will each go home with three 16-seater mini buses. Nine lucky subscribers will win the third prize which is a fleet of 27 luxury taxis. Each of the winners will be presented with three taxis. The promotion is also offering a cash prize of N100,000 for 1,500 winners as fourth prize, Olukoya disclosed.

ABM Global CEO for Ghana oil & gas conference

hief Executive Officer of AMB Global Services, a Port Harcourt based oil services company, Prince Alex Mbata will this week be part of a global oil conference in Ghana where he is billed to deliver a paper. A release from the company made available to the media in Lagos disclosed that the 2-day conference which is attracting stakeholders in the oil industry from different parts of the world will run from September 26 to 27 at the Ambassador Hotel, Accra . Spokesman for the company, Mrs Chidinma Don-Okite stated that ABM Global’s chief executive officer Prince Alex Mbata would have the honor of addressing the forum on the 27th. “The organisers have written to us to confirm that our chief executive officer will be given the opportunity to address the delegates on the 27th. Next Generation Oil and Gas Summit Africa

will serve as an arena for senior level executives to engage in clear and focused dialogue with their peers and examine their management objectives in a relaxed and vibrant environment. There will be over 65 CEOs and senior corporate officers from small, mid and large cap Oil & Gas producers who have an eye for next generation technologies”, the release stated. ABM Global Services has been nominated for the Leader in Innovation(Solution provider) award. The awards ceremony will take place at a dinner on the 26th. It would be noted that ABM Global last year won the African Energy and Infrastructure award in Ghana as the best Casing and Tubular company of the year 2011.The award was bestowed on it at the prestigious Golden Tulip hotel, Accra.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jobs & Career

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

NDE: How not to tackle unemployment, by experts I n a recent interview with National The National Directorate of Employment (NDE), which was Mirror, the immediate past President of the Association of Professional established by the National Directorate of Employment Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), Mr. Olusegun Act 1989 may have lost relevance based on the opinion of Ajanlekoko, said the body has decided to stakeholders, many of who are also canvassing for the probe tackle headlong, the challenge of unemof the organisation’s activities since it was established, writes ployment particularly amongst youths, through the establishment of academies MESHACK IDEHEN. and centres that will provide high quality, vocational and technical education in a structured pattern that can address unemployment. Identifying the “failure of agencies and organisations set up by Federal and state governments; and the pathetic operations of some of those agencies that still lay claims to providing some services regarding initiatives that can tackle unemployment”, Ajanlekoko told our correspondent that agencies like the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), the Youwin Scheme amongst several others must become more alive to their responsibilities. Those views, coming from someone who was a past president of all the chartered and recognised organisations by Federal Government said concerned stakeholders, is an indication yet, that efforts and initiatives by the government towards grappling with unemployment in the country is not yielding desired results, particularly when consideration is given to the army of unemployed people in the country. Describing NDE as still suffering from Mohammed Jonathan the hangover of its military era creation, Principal Partner of Union Associates, UNLIKE THE WHICH CAN AT LEAST BE Barrister Izu Osuigwe, said it is not surprising that the NDE’s lack of concern SEEN TO BE FUNCTIONAL IN DISCHARGING ITS towards its given mandate has become MANDATE NOTHING CAN BE SEEN OF THE more manifest. Osuigwe whose organisation is inWHOSE OFFICES CANNOT BE LOCATED AND volved in the provision of vocational and technical education for those in the WHOSE NUMBERS NEVER EXISTS agricultural sector, said that the NDE which was established by the retired General Ibrahim Babaginda adminis- a scourge the NDE is supposed to be tants of Nigeria Fellow, Mr. Emeka Ifezutration in 1989 to design and implement combating through properly activating like, government has no clue whatsoever programmes to combat mass unemploy- one of its founding mandate, which is to on how it wants to tackle unemployment, ment; and articulate policies aimed at obtain and maintain a data bank on em- and the operations of agencies it has set developing work programmes with la- ployment and vacancies in the country up in that aspect are nothing to writ bour intensive potential has failed to dis- with a view to acting as a clearing house home about. charge its mandate. Ifezulike, who also mentors young to link job seekers with vacancies in colHe added that the reasons for the laboration with other government agen- people through the facilitation of trainagency’s failure are not farfetched, given cies. ing and entrepreneurship opporturnithe unemployment level in the country, For the Institute of Chartered Accoun- ties, explained that even the recently

ITF

NDE,

introduced schemes like the Youwin may end up suffering the same fate as the “non performing NDE” and the “fairly performing ITF”,if steps are not taken by stakeholders to correct observed lapses. Human Capital Development Expert, Mr. Kunle Rotimi, on his part is worried about the “lingering posture of great accomplishment” that is put up by some of the agencies of government that are responsible for providing essential training and opportunities despite their “obvious failings”. Rotimi explained that he has spent weeks and months trying to locate some of the offices of the NDE in Lagos and Ogun (his own home state) without success, and that not even an online site exist that can adequately inform stakeholders on the “activities and whereabout”of the NDE. According to him, “unlike the ITF which can at least, be seen to be functional in discharging its mandate, nothing can be seen of NDE, whose offices cannot be located, and whose numbers never exists”. He urged the government to embark on a comprehensive audit and probe of not only the NDE, but also of the ITF and other schemes that have been established to take action that can curtail unemployment to its barest minimum, through the provision of world class technical and vocational training. He said the claim that partnership of the NDE with some organisations has seen successful graduates employed in the oil and gas, telecommunications and banking sectors of the economy should not be taken seriously. “I am challenging the NDE to produce 20 Nigerians from each state that they have trained and who are engaged by companies in the sectors listed. Lets not deceive ourselves, the world has moved on beyond the NDE, since its training methods, if the directorate still exists, is not working at all”, he explained. Efforts made to reach the agency failed. Phone calls did not get through. However, a statement attributed to the Director General of the NDE, Mallam Abubakar Mohammed on several websites claiming to be in some form of partnership with the directorate said training and grant beneficiaries are still emanating from the scheme.

ICAN says poor budget implementation is cause of poverty MESHACK IDEHEN

he Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has blamed the high level of poverty in the country on the systemic failure of budget implementation by the three tiers of government. In a statement after the conclusion of the Institute’s symposium on budgets, ICAN President, Mr. Adedoyin Owolabi said not much had been achieved in annual budget implementation both at micro and macro levels. He said each year, huge budget proposals are presented by the government to the National Assembly, with the latter

subsequently approving it with amendments, yet, at year end, not much appears to have been achieved if the rates of unemployment, poverty, inflation, amongst others, are anything to go by. Owolabi said the symposium was designed to take a retrospective look at the 2009, 2010 and 2011 budgets with a view to assessing their impact on the economy, and how governance and management of some key macroeconomic indicators have affected the successful implementation of the budgets. “As a stakeholder in the economy, the Institute is deeply concerned about the nation’s paradox of poverty in the midst of wealth. The nation is richly endowed with human and natural resources and

therefore has no reason to be a poor sprinter in the economic development race”. The ICAN president also criticised government’s resort to external borrowing to finance budget deficits even when there are minimum impact in the lives of Nigerians. “The huge on value of budget deficit financed mainly with borrowings from the banking system has continued to negatively impact cost of funds in the economy. Capacity utilisation in the real sector has not improved phenomenally; availability of efficient infrastructural facilities has remained a dream, as capital allocations have remained disproportionate to the extent of need.”

Owolabi

Jobs & Career

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NECA seeks CITN’s help on taxation challenges MESHACK IDEHEN

he Director-General, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo, has said tax experts must help business owners adopt measures that support employers, and simplify tax issues with government. The NECA DG urged the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, (CITN) to always render necessary support to its members on how to effectively handle their tax issues with regulatory authorities. Speaking recently when the Chairman of Lagos District of CITN, Mr. Kolawole Babarinde, led a delegation of the council comprising of the Vice Chairman, Mrs. Aderonke Oloruntoye and the Secretary, Mr. Adebayo Adeyeye, on a visit to NECA, Oshinowo said often times, tax authorities are driven by their quest to maximise revenue. According to him, many companies want to play around the rule to minimise what they are going to pay

as taxes, adding; if in the process of companies engagement with tax authorities they are able to get CITN members as professionals to intervene, the regulatory authorities will be compelled to listen more to their point of view. He urged the CITN to make such professional interactions a permanent feature, in order to enhance access to professional advice, which in turn can promote the ease of doing business. On his part, the CITN Lagos District Chairman, Mr. Kolawwole Babarinde, said as the professional body in charge of taxation in the country, the institute will strive to be more visible in advocating positively on issues, and making sure that taxation matters were professionally carried out by regulatory authorities. While calling for more collaboration between the two bodies, he emphasised on effectiveness in the collection system, saying that the way tax collection was carried out could also affect the business environment. Babarinde observed that as the umbrella body of employers in Nigeria, NECA has a lot

Trade and Investment Minister, Olusegun Aganga

Oshinowo

to do with taxation because it absorbs substantial part of the workforce in the country. “For us as the professional body of taxation in Nigeria,

we believe we have a lot to share together and collaborate in areas of organising seminars and developing human capacity.”

According to him, the purpose of the visit to NECA was to see how both bodies can develop a better working relationship on tax issues.

Informal workers want review of Lagos traffic law MESHACK IDEHEN

he Federation of Informal Workers’ Organisations of Nigeria (FIWON) has called for a review of the recently enacted Lagos Road Traffic Law 2012 by the Lagos State government. FIWON said that it is expressing support for commercial motorcyclists, also known as okada, and tricycle operators in the state, because if al-

lowed to be implemented, the law would render many transporters and struggling youths jobless. The General Secretary of FIWON, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, in an interview with journalists, said the new law, when implemented, will lead to unnecessary harassment and extortion of okada and tricycle operators” on the roads and generally make life more difficult for members of the public”. He said that while FIWON

eading job vacancies for the week, are positions at the Pan African University/ Lagos Business School in the Faculty Economics,(www.jobberman.com/ job).The position requires an MBA with experience of between 3 - 5 years The responsibilities for the position includes teaching participants using appropriate methods such as lectures, case studies, tutorials, seminar, supervising students’ projects and dissertations and marking and assessing students’ work, and invigilating at examination. Other responsibilities are facilitating in executive education programmes and in-house management development, including conducting independent research leading to publications in repu-

commends the principle that informed the promulgation of the new law, the organisation is concerned about some of the high-handed provisions of the law, saying also that the ban of okada and tricycles on many routes across all local government areas of the state leaves much to be desired. “Most of the routes listed are inner city roads, while several others are roads in rural Lagos where very often, okadas are the only means of commut-

ing. The penalties imposed on infractions of these laws are also rather high-handed. “When a law imposes a fine of N20, 000 and above, which is more than the minimum wage and/or jail terms of three years for simple road contraventions; then, it is an open invitation to corruption for the personnel of the implementing agencies and penury for the people,” the informal workers sector leader explained.

President of Trade Union Congress, Mr. Peter Esele

Job vacancies table academic journals. Professional practice and industry experience will be an added advantage, alongside excellent written and oral communication, good leadership interpersonal skills and high ethical orientation. Also on offer for the week on job vacancies, is the post of Vice President, Financial Advisory and Investments offered by (www.travantcapital. com) on the (www.findjobs africa. com) website, by Lagos based Travant Capital Partners. As a boutique investment and advisory firm actively seeking to grow its business, the company said it is looking to fill the position that will be reporting directly to the Managing Director, with key responsibilities of leading in the origination and execution of fi-

nancial advisory and investment transactions, and managing investments in Travant’s and its clients’ portfolio companies. Other responsibilities include managing high level stakeholder relationships and assisting in driving the growth and development of the business. The qualifications for the position include having a minimum of a 2:1 first degree qualification, a master’s degree in business, finance or economics and/ or a relevant professional certification, e.g, CFA, ACCA, ICAN which would be considered a bonus, alongside a minimum of five years experience in the financial services sector. A good understanding of the Nigerian business environment is required.

The position for an Executive Director-Training Unit by (www.findajobinafrica.com) to be based in Lagos is also on offer this week. The Executive Director is expected to manage multiple large, complex and cross functional projects, set up strategy and direction for the company, design, develop and implement the strategic plan for the company in the most cost effective and time efficient manner and direct largescale, complex projects involving multiple internal and external constituents. For qualifications and experience, the candidate will have a minimum of Bachelors degree or its equivalent in the Arts, Social Sciences or Sciences, 10 years project related, and/or marketing, and/or training experience and working knowledge of project management.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Real Estate & Environment dayoayeyemi@yahoo.com 08033312578

Flood prone areas in Lagos

Minister warns on danger of ignoring flood alert A

s more and more people suffer from the devastating effects of floods which have rendered thousands of people homeless and submerged hundreds of houses, the Federal Government has harped on the importance of adherence to the country’s flood alert system. Minister of Environment, Mrs. Hadiza Mailafia, who gave the warning after inspecting flood ravaged areas in Bauchi, Benue, Jigawa, Kano and Plateau states, said the impact of the natural occurrence could have been reduced if the people had taken the advantage of the flood alert system provided by the relevant authority. A release by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), had as at last week, put the number of registered Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at 13,428. Apart from that, over 30 communities were also said to have been submerged in Taraba State alone. Mailafia who led a special delegation constituted by the Federal Government to the flooded areas in Bauchi, Jigawa, Plateau and Benue states, expressed the personal anguish and pain of President Goodluck Jonathan

Some states in the country, particularly those in the Northern part, have suffered serious devastation, occasioned by floods. In the climate onslaught, no fewer than 13,428 people have been rendered homeless while over 30 communities were reportedly submerged. The Minister of Environment Mrs. Hadiza Mailafia, who was at the affected states to ascertain level of destruction, warns on the danger of neglecting flood alert system. OLUFEMI ADEOSUN, reports.

THE MONUMENTAL LOSSES SUFFERED IN MANY STATES, AND THE DESTRUCTIONS TO LIVES AND PROPERTIES CALL FOR SOBER

REFLECTION. IT CALLS FOR REVIEW OF OUR STRATEGIES AND COMMITMENTS TOWARDS MITIGATING THE DEVASTATING EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE at the immense suffering the floods had caused to the victims, those who lost their loved ones and all their lives’ savings, and the displaced. She said, “The monumental losses suffered in many states, and the destruction to lives and properties call for sober reflection. It calls for re-

view of our strategies and commitments towards mitigating the devastating effects of climate change” She stated that incidents of recurring flash floods in various parts of the country, particularly in the North hitherto noted for drought, underscored the reality of climate change.

She reiterated the need for citizens, particularly residents of flood-prone areas, to heed the early warnings of the ministry on impending floods, and to promptly evacuate so that lives are not avoidably lost. She urged Nigerians not to hesitate or procrastinate in vacating their abodes when directed to do so by local authorities. NEMA had, at the wake of the flooding onslaught echoed the minister’s view, advising people to leave flood prone areas, but such advice has been flagrantly scorned, a development said to be responsible for the soaring number of IDPs. Also, as part of the measures to curb flooding, the minister appealed to residents to refrain from dumping refuse CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Modern technology: Land surveyors urged to sharpen their skills DAYO AYEYEMI

n the face of changing technology across the globe, professionals under the umbrella body of technology Association of Private Practising Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN), have been urged to arm themselves with new technology as it affects their practice in order to be relevant. Speaking during the one-day seminar organised by the body in Lagos at the weekend, representative of Lagos and Ogun State on the seat of Surveyors Registration Council of Nigeria, Mr. E.F Durodola, reminded practicing surveyors of the changing operating environment, urging them to develop themselves through training in order to embrace modern surveying equipment in operation. The theme of the professional development seminar is “ Surveying and Technology in a Changing Environment”. Chief Executive of Quest Consolidated Limited, Mr. Abiodun Awofeko, who doubles as one of the guest lecturers, noted that apart from the numerous software and hardware for capturing data that are available, challenges and responsibilities of surveyors are enormous in the area of globalisation, demographic change, reduction of poverty, energy supply, climate change and security, appealing that they need to re-brand themselves through skill acquisition, training conferences and workshops in order to be relevant. He urged them to adapt to the new tools in terms of software and hardware, adding that the future of registered surveyors in evolving technology required deepening partnership and building institution with specialties in different fields.

A surveyor on duty

According to him, surveyors should not allow the emerging technology to becloud sense of reasoning in terms of their standard for integrity, saying they should check all field records, quality control and accuracy of field data to find presentation. He said, “ Apart from normal deliverables on sun print, modern technology deliverables done through social media, smart phones, tablets, android and Iphone among others as clients wish, surveyors need to fine-tune to this technology.” Lecturer in the Department of Surveying and Geo informatics, University of Lagos, Professor James Olaleye, re-

marked that advances in technology have impacted on surveying and mapping, saying the traditional data acquisition which had been the preserve of surveyors is continually being turned into black box. To be conversant with modern surveying tools, he urged that surveying curriculum must be expanded such that professionals will have the necessary empowerment to function effectively in the modern social-economic order. “The immediate impacts of computing and other emerging technologies need to be appropriated in the training of the professionals surveyors so that his contributions to human develop-

ment can be readily appreciated”, Olaleye stated. He listed challenges confronting surveyors to include erosion of the professional status, competition from non-surveyors, pressure of more costeffective service, compelling need for adaptive skill adjustment, and insufficient breadth of skill. In responding to the challenges posed by modern technology, he said surveyors have options to choose from, saying they could feel unconcerned, ban technological innovation in surveying, protect professional status of surveying by legislation, adaptive learning and retaining and re-professionalisation.

Minister warns on danger of ignoring flood alert CONTINUED FROM 25

on drainages, gutters, and the blockage of canals which aggravated floods. She also warned against building houses in flood plains, or at the bank of rivers and streams, in spite of their prohibitions by Town planning authorities. She called for the stoppage of tree felling, which contributes to environmental degradation. She appealed to people to embrace the use of alternative sources of cooking such as gas stoves, to preserve the country’s wood lots. The minister observed that tree felling was detrimental to the Federal Government’s Presidential Initiative on Afforestation, explaining that the aim of the programme was to stem the tide of desertification and the consequent loss of arable lands. She stated that massive afforestation programmes also aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change through massive re-vegetation and sustainable management of the nation’s forest re-

Minister of Environment Hadiza Mailafia (holding mic), inspecting flood ravaged area in Bauchi.

sources. The minister, therefore, called on states that were yet to take advantage of tree seedlings available under the Presi-

dential Afforestation Initiative to do so without further delay. While appealing to Nigerians to take environment issues more seriously and

act individually or in concert with others to protect the environment, she said that only in doing so would the country be placed on the part of sustainable development. She noted that the best approach to managing environmental challenges was to act proactively and, rather than wait for disasters to occur, and begin emergency response. She appealed to state and local governments to widen the scope of their sensitisation, advocacy and public education programmes, along with greater budgetary allocations for environmental programmes. The Minister of Environment is heading a delegation constituted by the Federal Government to visit flood affected states, with a view to assessing the extent of damage and to take more remedial action. Members of the committee include the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe and the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund office, Dr. MacJohn Nwaobiala.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Way forward for track and field –Ikhaobomeh 30

Sport

The Lone Star’s threat doesn’t bother me. I am only certain that we will prevail over them in Calabar - Super Eagles defender, Efe Ambrose

Eagles got appropriate bonus –NFF AFOLABI GAMBARI

Flamengoes’ striker, Alimat Ayinde (m) vying with Canadian defenders during their opening group game in Baku on Saturday

Flamingoes set to stun hosts YEMI OLUS

igeria’s U-17 women’s team will be faced with a superiority battle against host Azerbaijan today in a crucial encounter for both teams in their second Group A match scheduled for the Lankaran City Stadium. The Peter Dedevbo-coach side was

wasteful in its first game against Canada, as the strikers barely hit the target despite enjoying 53 percent possession and 27 shots at goal as against their opponents’ eight attempts. But the Nigerians were lucky to snatch a vital point after the Canadians took the lead. Azerbaijan will be looked upon as underdogs after falling 4-0 to Columbia in their first game and sits at the bottom of the group with no point. Nige-

ria occupies second place with a point while Colombia tops the group with three points. Meanwhile, Flamingoes Coach, Peter Dedevbo, has promised that his wards will secure full points in this game, saying the team has learnt vital lessons from the last game. “Tomorrow’s (today’s) match will be different as my players will be sharper and accurate at goal,” the coach said.

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has denied that the Super Eagles received full win bonuses for recent away draws. “There is no truth in the story that we paid the team full bonus for matches they drew because in the first place, we do not have the money to even do so,” NFF spokesman, Ademola Olajire, defended yesterday. “The team therefore received what was due as bonuses based on the results they recorded.” Reports said that the Eagles were paid full bonuses for drawn games in Liberia, Malawi and Rwanda with a Europe-based player who featured in the 2-2 draw with Liberia in Monrovia among those who confirmed this. The Eagles are entitled to $10,000-a-man for a win whether in the Nations Cup or World Cup qualifiers, while they get half that amount in the event of a draw. “We have insisted on financial prudence and as such will not do anything contrary,” Olajire further said, stressing, “We are even being forced to review the bonuses due to our lean resources.”

AWC 2012: Motivated camp excites Ikhana AFOLABI GAMBARI

uper Falcons Head Coach, Kadiri Ikhana, yesterday expressed satisfaction with players in camp ahead of the 8th African Women’s Championship billed for Equatorial Guinea next month. The camp officially opened in Abuja on September 16 with 27 players invited to battle for spots. “The players have shown high level of discipline and commitment and I couldn’t have asked for more,” Ikhana said He, however, said he would work with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to ascertain the foreign-based players to be invited. “Players like Perpetua Nkwocha, Rita Chikwelu, and Onome Ebi will be

invited alongside others and I think we will invite at least eight more players from outside the country to join those already in the camp,” the vastly experienced coach said, stressing that only quality players would make the cut.

“I can assure that there will be no automatic spot for any player as all must fight for places,” he further said. Nigeria will kick-off its AWC title defence against Cameroon on October 29. NFF boss, Maigari

City, others chase Echiejile AFOLABI GAMBARI

R Falcons coach, Ikhana

eports yesterday claimed that representatives of Manchester City, Manchester United, Montpellier and Deportivo La Coruna saw Super Eagles defender, Elderson Echiejile, feature for Sporting Braga against Rio Ave in the Portuguese league on Sunday. According to the reports, the player was scouted with a view to considering his signature for the clubsides after Braga crew

seemed to ignore him for earlier matches. In a related development, Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi is looking at several other players to replace Italy-based Obiora Nwankwo who struggled in the crucial Afcon 2012 qualifier with the Lone Star of Liberia in Monrovia on September 8. National Mirror learnt yesterday that Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel is in the frame for a recall to bear his experience to bear on the team as it seeks to edge the Liberians out of the race to South Africa next January.

Sport

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cisse nicks Pardew’s support

My plan f

There can be few advantages of play the 24-year-old mid country. Born and Dortmund before before coming on

ewcastle United Manager, Alan Pardew, believes it will take just one goal to get Papiss Cisse back to his best this season. The Senegal international scored 13 times in 14 appearances for the Magpies last season in a sensational start to his career in England, but has yet to open his account this term. He endured a frustrating afternoon against Norwich City on Sunday, missing a number of chances and blazing a penalty over the crossbar. However, Pardew has no fears that he will rediscover his touch and start to produce the kind of breathtaking moments currently being provided by Frenchman Hatem Ben Arfa. “Papiss is one of those players who don’t really carry too much baggage, if I am honest. “One goal, one moment will get him back into the groove. He’s a great player and like all great players you have got to stand by him.”

In nine months the footb attention to Turkey... Yes, we’re hosting th I can tell you already th drive and anticipation p great opportunity for T organise a big tournam huge role in everyday l the biggest role. Not a d ball isn’t mentioned. We really looking forward to compatriots will enjoy th

Papiss Cisse

Mancini, Balotelli in talks

In your opinion, what is capable of achieving on year’s tournament? I have to say, I don’t well, but generally Tu go far once they’ve qu That’s why I’m convinc make an impact. They and will go into each g country behind them. W in place, winning the ti realm of possibilities.

John Terry

Terry’s quit action shocks FA

ootball Association General Secretary, Alex Horne, was mystified by John Terry’s decision to retire from international football, insisting his disciplinary hearing over a racism charge was entirely separate to his England prospects. Terry announced he was quitting the international scene in a statement on Sunday, claiming the FA’s decision to pursue a case against him after he was cleared in court of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand made his position in the national team “untenable”, but Horne did not agree that was the case. “It’s a personal decision. I don’t see how we’ve made it untenable, they’re two very separate processes,” Horne said yesterday. “It’s something that hap-

pened in a match and it shouldn’t be taking a year to resolve but we feel we’re reaching a conclusion on that. “That’s a very different process from our England procedures, they sit in different compartments and I could separate the two in my mind, but it doesn’t look like he could.” Terry could face a lengthy ban if found guilty by the FA of using racist language during a match for Chelsea against QPR on October 23 last year, but has taken any decision over his England future out of his hands as a hearing was scheduled for Wembley yesterday, although the FA did not confirm that. Meanwhile, Club England Managing Director, Adrian Bevington, who spoke yesterday, said Terry had “always given his all” and had been a “great servant” for his country.

anchester City Manager, Roberto Mancini, was scheduled for talks with Mario Balotelli yesterday amid reports the manager pushed him down the tunnel after the draw with Arsenal. Mancini reportedly clashed with the Italian striker in the wake of Sunday’s 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium after Balotelli confronted the boss. The manager admits the 21-year-old was “probably” unhappy at only being used as a late substitute after coming on five minutes from time following Laurent Koscielny’s 82nd-minute equaliser for the Gunners. The omission came after Mancini also left Balotelli out of his squad for the 3-2 UEFA Champions League defeat at Real Madrid in midweek, with that snub also prompting reports of a row between the two, which the boss denied. Mancini had claimed on Saturday he has “endless patience” with the temperamental youngster but refused to deny shoving him after the game, although did not expand on why they had quarrelled.

Balotelli and Mancini

With your experience, h a young player to take p tional tournament? It’s priceless, especia ment. These kind of t first step into professio pear on television for t return home full of you’ve tested yourself a wonderful memories of in Peru in 2005. For me troduction and I had a l ment made the next ste was a big help in makin

Ashley Cole

Cole gets Blues’ ‘all clear’

helsea Manager, Roberto Di Matteo, is optimistic of defender Ashley Cole signing a new contract at Stamford Bridge before the transfer window opens. The left-back’s first goal for 28 months against Stoke kept the Blues top of the Premier League as they triumphed 1-0 on Saturday. After scoring the winner, the 31-year-old said he felt as fit as I’ve ever been. Di Matteo has no fears the man he hailed as a Chelsea “legend” would reach January in a position to be able to pen a pre-contract agreement with a rival club. “I’m very optimistic that it will be dealt with before that,” the manager said after watching Cole net the Blues’ vital late winner on Saturday. Di Matteo confirmed he had recommended to the Chelsea board that they keep Cole “as long as they can” before waxing lyrical about the defender, who controversially joined the club from Arsenal six years ago. “He has become a legend and he is now Chelsea through and through,” Di Matteo said.

Where do you think Turk stands compared to the Unfortunately the s volved at the last two b 2010 World Cup and EUR Ukraine. That was a hug pecially when you cons ished third at the 2002 W

Nuri Sahin

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

for Liverpool, Turkey –Sahin

Turkish players with better first-hand knowledge of the ying internationally at youth level than Nuri Sahin, even as dfielder has already made 32 senior appearances for his raised in Germany, Sahin, who has featured for Borrusia venturing Real Madrid where he had a bit part period loan to Liverpool last summer, spoke to FIFA.com

ball world will turn its

he U-20 World Cup and hat everyone is full of preparing for it. It’s a Turkey to prove it can ment. Football plays a life in Turkey, maybe day goes by when foote’re so passionate. I’m o it and I know that my he tournament a lot.

ow important is it for part in a major interna-

ally for their developtournaments are the onal football. You apthe first time and you confidence because against the best. I have f the U-17 World Cup e it was the perfect inlot of fun. The tournaeps easier for me and ng me a better player.

the Turkish U-20 team n home turf at next

t know the team that urkish sides tend to ualified for the finals. ced that the guys will y’ll be well prepared game with the whole With those conditions itle is well within the

kish football currently e world’s top teams? enior side wasn’t inbig tournaments, the RO 2012 in Poland and ge step backwards, essider that Turkey finWorld Cup and got to

Sport

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

the semi-finals of EURO 2008. But it’s something we just have to accept and now we must look forward to the future optimistically. Where does that optimism come from? We have a new coach, we’re taking his playing philosophy on board and we’ll return to our former strength. But there’s one thing we can’t forget: there are no small teams in international football anymore. There are three or four sides at the top but it’s very close after that. That affects us too. What has been the biggest change under the new national team coach Abdullah Avci? I think we’re all benefitting from him. He knows almost the entire team as he worked with several players in the youth sides. There’s no-one else in the whole country who knows the players as well as he does. For example, he coached me at U-17 level. The advantage is that he is aware of every player’s strengths and weaknesses. Looking ahead to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, what can you achieve there? Our first objective is of course qualification, no doubt about it. We’ve started fairly well and are confident going into the games. After losing 2-0 in the Netherlands we beat Estonia 3-0 at home. But we can’t afford to make the mistake of underestimating our opponents. What are your personal aims for the next couple of years? First of all, I’ll give everything to have a successful season at Liverpool and to play as many games as possible. Recently I’ve experienced how quickly an injury can set you back. And of course, I want to be in the starting eleven for Turkey. That’s my main aim and I think I’m close to achieving it. To go to Brazil as a starter in the Turkish side? That’s my goal and I’m confident I’ll be on the pitch in Brazil as long as I stay healthy. That’s what I’ll be focusing on.

Tit bits...

Podolski

Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger, feels the Gunners have landed Lukas Podolski at his peak. Although the player flopped when he went to Bayern Munich earlier in his career, Wenger believes that, at £10.9m, he has signed a genuine world class talent with something to prove. “I think sometimes a player goes to a big club early and there are other players that they cannot take the place from,” Wenger said yesterday.

Casillas

The lack of celebration by Real Madrid captain and goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, for Cristiano Ronaldo’s winner against Manchester City has been explained. Casillas did not move out of respect for Dawid, the Polish child who passed away last Tuesday. “Everyone has his own reaction for entirely different reasons,” Coach Jose Mourinho said yesterday.

Guardiola Former Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola, says he won’t be making a return to football this year. Guardiola admits he could consider taking the AC Milan job, but said: “I won’t coach this year.” Asked about Manchester United or Milan, he replied: “I don’t know. I am learning English and getting to know the city. I don’t know when I will return to football.

Cavani

Napoli President, Aurelio de Laurentiis, is delighted with Edinson Cavani’s new deal. Cavani inked terms after a summer of transfer speculation. “I flew to Cardiff during the Olympics with Cavani’s agent and our general manager. We’d hold negotiations in fits and starts, in-between Cavani’s training sessions with Uruguay,” De Laurentiis revealed. “At the end of the day we finalised the terms in my Rome office and then signed the contract at the Castelvolturno training ground.”

Lloris Former Manchester United goalkeeper, Fabien Barthez, believes Hugo Lloris will soon become Tottenham’s number one. The Frenchman was bought in by Spurs for around £12m from Lyon during the summer transfer window but has not been able to displace American veteran Brad Friedel in Andre Villas-Boas’ first team. “Lloris is one of the five best goalkeepers in the world,” the exMarseille, Monaco and Les Bleus goalkeeper said yesterday.

Rivers Governor’s Cup advances IFEANYI EDUZOR

itle holder Obio-Akpor served notice of its intention to defend the Rivers State Governor’s Cup with a 6-2 defeat of Andoni at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt on Sunday. Okrika beat Etche 3-1, Degema and Abua/Odual played goalless while Opobo/Nkoro beat Eleme 2-0. Omuma beat Ogu/Bolo 1-0, Oyigbo lost 3-0 to Asari-Toru and Akuku-Toru beat Bonny 4-3 defeat while Ahoada East beat Ahoada West 1-0. Battle for the knock-out stages begin today as Obio/Akpor faces Ogu/ Bolo while Omuma meets Onelga while Abua/Odual tackles Oyigbo. Ahoada East will also meet Okrika as Opobo/Nkoro faces Bonny. Etche and Ahoada West need a win to hope to progress as defeat for Eleme against Akuku-Toru will kill off their title dream while Asari-Toru need another win against Degema to book a place in the knock-out stage.

Governor Amaechi

The competition, sponsored by the Shell Petroleum Development Company, is aimed at developing and promoting sports at the grassroots. Organiser of the competition and General Manager, Business Development and Projects of Deportivo Vandyke, Amadike Enyadike, said this year’s edition would feature camp for kids between the ages of 5 and16 in the last week of the event.

Street soccer gets La Casera thrills

he 5th Lagos Street Soccer Tournament held at the Campos Mini Stadium at the weekend was excited by a range of soft drink La Casera as the company cosponsored the tournament. According to the General Manager Marketing, CB Total Impact, Mr. Gary Carlton, La Casera’s involvement in the tournament presented another opportunity for the company to give back to its teeming consumers and the public.

“By contributing our resources to such worthy causes, we believe we are helping to promote the development of grassroots sports in Nigeria thereby building a greater nation for everyone,” he explained. Meanwhile, players and coaches who took part in the tournament have hailed the sponsoring company for its commitment to youth development, as well as for the support provided during the event.

RON table tennis serves off YEMI OLUS

bout 22 states and four clubs commenced battle for N2m as the fourth edition of the Reachout Nigeria Table Tennis Championship stroked off yesterday at the auditorium of the Christ Embassy in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The competition has also taken international dimension as Benin Republic and Congo Brazzaville are participating in the event while remained uncertain at press time if Togo and Cameroun would feature. The four clubs participating in the seven-day competition are Union Bank Sports Club, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Aso Club Abuja and a club from the Benin Republic. Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Deacon Ayo Olufemi, noted that the competition had become one of the leading open championships in the country. “We are trying to take the competition to the next level and we must thank our pastor, Emeka Nnabuko, for endorsing the innovation we are bringing into this

year’s edition,” Olufemi said. “We also aim to produce world stars through the RON Table Tennis championship and develop the skills of players who are the major beneficiaries of the event while also giving back to the society,” he added. The LOC chairman, however, commended the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) for its continuous cooperation, even as he tasked the body to assist in mobilizing athletes from within and outside Nigeria.

NTTF boss, Omotose

Sport

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

On the track with

YEMI OLUS danyella172003@yahoo.com

Way forward for track and field –Ikhaobomeh Sore moment as this when Nigerian hopeful, Blessing Okagbare (l) trailed competitors requires turnaround, says athletic coach, Isaac Ikhaobomen (Inset)

As activities for the much anticipated 2012 athletics come to an end, athletic coach, Isaac Ikhaobomeh, takes a look at Nigeria’s performance at the London 2012 Games and proffers advice for the incoming season What should come next after the London 2012 Games? I already predicted that we would not do well so I was not surprised that it came to pass. What we need to do now is to look for the way forward for Track and Field and sports generally in Nigeria. Right now there is no board since the current one is about to be dissolved but we hope the incoming board will not be made up of recycled members. We need fresh hands that will take over the running of athletics in the country and let them be people who have vision, flair and passion for the sport. We don’t need people who are only thinking of how to make money but those we will get sponsors, organize competitions and take our athletes to the next level. What about the technical aspect? That is where coaching comes in. I saw Coach Tony Osheku recently in this country and I believe he is one of those that can take us the height that we desire. People like him and Tobias Igwe should be brought in alongside other coaches who can work with them, not people that will be imposed on them. I believe that they will do well. Osheku has worked with so many coaches around America and Europe and has seen it all in Track and Field. He single-handedly produced someone who gave us a medal at the Olympics. I believe that he can use this experience to help our athletes if they are ready. We don’t want athletes who will just make

the team and then go to sleep afterwards. We want athletes that are very hungry to make themselves and the country very proud. The coaches should be able to fish them out and work with them so that by the next four years, we will be thinking of which medal to win. I’m not saying that four years is enough for us to prepare. For instance you can give the head coach an eight-year programme and set the process in motion. We must start now if we want to do well in global competitions. How would you assess the performance of the outgoing AFN board? The board did its best just like others before but its best has not taken us anywhere. We need people who will put in more than their best, those who will take us to where we need to be in Africa and the world at large. Some years back, Nigeria was a country to reckon with in Track and Field and we were in circuits and the forefront as far as sprints, relays and even jumps were concerned. There was a time when all the sprint and jump records in Africa were held by Nigerians but that is not the case now. Some other countries have overtaken us which shows that we are lacking in some areas. We are no longer the giant of Africa. We need to go back to the drawing board or what is left of it. By this I mean we need to go back to age-group competitions and let the government liaise with the Ministry of Education and National Sports Commission.

Let them harmonize and see how to move sports forward and put it back in schools. Does the poor state of track and field in the country reflect in the fact that of the 13 medals won by Nigeria at the Paralympic games, only one was gotten from athletics? Let me make a point of correction. I won’t call them Paralympians. They are the real Olympians and the able athletes we have now because they came back with medals. They deserve to be honoured and I am glad that they were honoured by the Federal Government. It was a good step taken by the president; especially for the fact that they were also given national awards. Let those who think that they are somebody wake up now. Now back to your question, you will find out that fewer athletes were taken this time around but I also think that the rules of the competition were not too clear to them and they could not do well. By and large they have done their best. With the season over, what should be done with the athletes who took part in the Olympics? I do not think that many of them will be available in 2016. I believe that someone like Blessing Okagbare will be there; Bukola Abogunloko and a few others would still be relevant by that time. The male athletes would need to be under a strict programme to be able to recover their form, perhaps working under Osheku or Toblow

or else we are planning to fail once again. But should the athletes be blamed for their woeful performance, considering the lack of facilities on the ground? I know that we don’t have facilities in this country. Even the National Stadium is not open to us like before because there are days when the mainbowl is locked up. I don’t know why the stadium was built in the first place. Instead all we keep seeing is so many shops being erected meanwhile sportsmen cannot use the facilities on ground. We will do well if we have good facilities and good athletes but if we have all of these but lack in the coaching aspect, we still will not go anywhere. We have good athletes but the problem is how to harness them. What do you think about officiating as the National Sports Festival draws near, considering the controversy that trailed the event in the past? Anybody saying that is not being truthful to himself. If I am officiating perhaps in the timing, why should I want to cheat anybody? If perhaps I am holding the tape during a field event, it is my job to officiate and get out of there. I don’t need to know anybody. We have some officials who are always biased but that is when you place such a person or his or friend in an event that his athlete is taking part in. By and large I believe that majority of officials are fair in their judgment.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

FG mulls $10m pedestrian bridges in FCT to reduce accidents

A pedestran bridge

he Federal Government has expressed its commitment towards the protection of lives of its citizens crossing the highways by construction of pedestrian bridges at the initial cost of $10million in Abuja. This is part of the projects being sponsored by the World Bank. The move, according to the Ministry of Works, is part of the Federal Road Development’s objectives to reduce fatalities on Nigerian roads by 50 percent The Minister of Works, Arc. Mike Onolememen made this known during the occasion of the official flagoff ceremony of the construction of six pedestrian bridges in Abuja at the weekend. Onolememen added that this was to improve safety on roads as part of the Safety Road Corridors Concepts. The minister said that the collaboration between the World Bank and the Federal Government in financing

Jonathan

projects at a ratio of 9-1 respectively under the Road Sector Development Team of the ministry was imperative and represented the way forward for all critical infrastructure in line with the Federal Government’s policy of promoting partnership with multi-lat-

Onolememen

eral and private sector financiers. He added that, “the project when completed will substantially improve the safe movement of people in a manner that will ensure the achievement of the common objective of combining efforts and resources to address

the crucial issues on road safety in Nigeria and most importantly, to save lives.” The minister enjoined the Road Sector Development Team (RSDT), the Unit which oversees the Federal Roads Development Project of the World Bank to rededicate themselves anew to the task of successfully delivering the project within the scheduled of six months’ time frame. He urged contractors to pay attention to quality of works being executed and the deadline set by the government, explaining that the pedestrian bridges were expected to bestow significant safety benefits to an eagerly expectant population. The areas where the pedestrian bridges would be constructed, according to the minister, included Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway by Tafawa Belawa Way (Old Secretariat Junction), Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway by Olusegun Obasanjo Way (Wuye Junction), Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway by Ahmadu Bello Way (Banex Junction). Other places are: Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway by Shehu Shagari Way (NICON Junction), Shehu Yar’adua Way By Okonjo-Iweala Way (VIO Mabushi Junction), Shehu Yar’adua Way by Kwali Way (Sheraton Junction). Messrs Enerco Nigeria Limited, Messrs Dutum Company Limited and Merrrs Rural Steel Bridging Limited are the contractors that will handle the project. Earlier in his welcome address, the Manager, Road Sector Development Team, Engr. Ishaq Mohammed stated that World Bank approved the provision of $10 million for the construction of four pedestrian bridges in phase 1 and two pedestrian bridges and three traffic management measures in phase 11 along some selected roads in Abuja, FCT. He assured that the project would be implemented with strict adherence to specifications.

NESREA begins anti-littering enforcement campaign

he National Environment Standards and Regulations Agency (NESREA) has begun anti-littering enforcement exercise at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. According to the Deputy Director on Environmental Education, Mrs. Florence Oti who led the enforcement campaign to Bwari Area Council, the exercise was aimed at making the inhabitants keep clean and safe environment. During the antilittering enforcement campaign, residents with untidy environments were mandated to clean up instead of being issued a monetary fine. Explaining the essence, Oti said, “Its NESREA’s business to make sure the environment is clean, if it’s dirty, then, we are not doing our job. We want people to be vanguard of their environment. We want to enforce our regulations and right now, we are partnering with the

Local government for them to improve on the pace we have started.” She added that ignorance was not to be considered on the consequences of keeping a dirty environment, urging that the culture of cleanliness be imbibed, since it was for the good of everyone. She also advised that residents should desist from throwing waste into the gutter during rainfall, stressing that the practice of dumping refuse in the drains blocked water channels. According to her, “keeping a tidy environment is one of the surest ways of maintaining good health. And in ensuring that the environment is made habitable, the practice of dumping refuse in the drains must also stop because when the drains are blocked; there will be obstruction to water passage. The resultant effect of this, both on the short and long run, is flooding with all its eco-

nomic and human cost. Also speaking, the Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Mr. Peter Yohanna Ushafa, stressed that there was an urgent need for people to be sensitised on ensuring a clean environment. He stated that he had opened a communication channel with the Federal Capital Territory Administration with a view to coming up with a bye-law that would ensure that people comply. The council boss said that the communities needed the law to make the people fall in line, stressing that experience had shown that people would not do the right thing until being forced. Commenting, the Chief Executive Officer of Environment Management Skills, Mr. Emmanuel Sule, urged NESREA to extend the exercise to other remote villages and also create more awareness on the need for a clean environment.

Oti

Real Estate & Environment

f you happen to be a book lover or a voracious reader and you have built up quite a collection of books over the years, expert at www.homedesign.com, said home libraries will help you to organise your book collection, make it easier to find books and make reading fun and relaxing within the comfort of your home. Here are a few tips to design your home library: While building a home library, the three basic elements required are: space, shelves and books. You can either custom build a new room or choose an existing spacious room to house your books. Recessed or built-in bookshelves can provide floor-to-ceiling storage and space savings. You can also mount hanging bookshelves onto the wall or buy glass cases, which might be preferable if your collection includes antique books that you want to preserve. As your bookshelves creep up the wall, you may need a library ladder to reach them. When considering library furniture, you may want desks if you are writing and taking notes on your reading. Bookstands are also helpful for reading those big volumes that are too heavy to hold up comfortably. You can include overstuffed couches and chairs which will beckon guests to spend a few hours reading. When selecting lighting, look for a lamp that will help you see the smallest text you read. The lamp should be positioned over your shoulder, so that the light is not directly in your eyes. This way it will also help to minimize glare. Your lamp should be brighter than the rest of the room. However, all light will eventually damage books, so use it at a minimum. Finally, a good system of organisation will help you find the book you want quickly. You can also decorate bookshelves with personal items, such as photographss and souvenirs which can break up the e rows of books visually, and it would also o give you room to expand as your collection n grows.

Source: www.homedesign.com

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

How to create a relaxing home library

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

New investment guide for forestry resources released DAYO AYEYEMI

he most detailed discussions to date between investors and forest rights-holders have resulted in new guide for investments that can create a ‘triple win’ of returns for investors; livelihood security for local communities and protection for forests. The advice on investment in locallycontrolled forestry appears in a forthcoming guide by the Growing Forest Partnership (GFP) initiative, and presented yesterday at the conference of the Committee on Forestry at the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). “We believe almost any individual or group with imagination, enthusiasm and access to expertise can build and manage a successful forest enterprise that yields sustainable returns,” said Gary Dunning of The Forests Dialogue (TFD). “The guide shows how investors and forest-dependent communities can form mutually-beneficial partnerships that deliver social, environmental and economic gains.” The guide emerged from 11 meetings organised on behalf of Growing Forest Partnerships initiative, itself catalysed by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, FAO and the World Bank. These meetings gathered indigenous people, family foresters, researchers, government representatives, investment bankers, donors and philanthropists to share views on the role of investment in the forest sector. The new guide presents insight along with 17 case studies from across the world, from new to long established businesses, in both developed and developing countries. It shows how investing in locally-controlled forestry offers inves-

Construction workers working on the Elebu, Oluyole Estate Extension road in Iddo Local Government Area of Oyo State, recently.

tors secure access, a ‘social licence to operate’, reduced risks and better long term management opportunities, as well as evidence of social and environmental sustainability. “Investment in locally controlled forestry not only leads to improved economic outcomes, it also improves the political economy in a manner that can help governments in developing countries shift onto a more sustainable, low-carbon development path,” says the guide’s lead author, Dominic Elson. “Local controlled enterprises mean better asset protection and a higher sustainable income from forest resources in future.” The guide looks in detail at how to encourage a happy marriage between ‘enabling investments’ that prepare the

ERA urges FG to curb deforestation from monoculture tree plantations ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

he Environmental Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/ FoEN) has advised the Federal Government to muster the political and adopt realistic and community-friendly approaches to fighting the climate change phenomenon instigated by unsustainable forest practices. The group gave this advice on the occasion of the International Day Against Plantations and Monocultures recently and called on the government to revoke the lease agreement between Michelin Nigeria Limited and the Edo State government entered into on May 28, 2007 for non-compliance. The 2012 event is premised on the outcome of researches which conclude that globally, the clearing of forests for plantations have contributed to carbon emissions, contributing around 20 per cent of global CO2 output. This development is egged on by rich countries and transnational companies that buy chunks of forests, while still polluting. Deforestation and conversion of forests

to plantations has been identified as the second largest contributor to global warming. In a press release issued in Lagos, ERA/ FoEN urged the Nigerian government to prioritize community concerns over profits as the emergence of plantations have not brought development but rather impoverishment on communities wherever they exist. “As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark this annual event to promote a safe environment and sustainable environment, we demand that the Nigerian government stop gambling with our forests and adopt realistic and practical steps in fighting climate change. The way to go is first stopping further leases for expansion of monoculture plantations and then engaging community forest management practices” said ERA/ FoEN Director, Programmes & Administration, Godwin Ojo. Ojo explained that the predominant plantation types in Nigeria are rubber and palm oil plantations, with Okomu Oil Palm Plc and Michelin Nigeria acting as the key corporations behind the expansion of plantations in southern Nigeria to the detriment of local communities.

ground for commercial success and ‘asset investments’ that seek a return, usually as profit or products. “Strong businesses generate profits worthy of asset investment,” said Chris Buss of IUCN, who led the team that produced the guide. “But growing those businesses may need enabling investments from NGOs, philanthropists or governments for infrastructure, capacity building or to secure and formalise commercial forest rights. Recognising these two investment roles offers a credible way to support enterprises that are too big for microfinance but too small to attract conventional investment or financial services.” Duncan Macqueen of IIED, who also contributed to the guide, added: “About

a quarter of the world’s forests are locally controlled by members of three major alliances of indigenous peoples, forest communities and private family smallholders. These forests provide livelihoods for a billion people, and goods and services worth US$75—US$100 billion per year. What’s missing is the investment that can boost these benefits in a sustainable way and put local people in the driving seat.” The guide also includes a roadmap to successful investment in locally controlled forestry. This covers the business stages of: proposition, establishment, validation, preparation, negotiation and performance; with specific advice on challenges for both investors and enterprises.

LAWMA warns on dumping of refuse on rail corridors DAYO AYEYEMI

esirous of combating the menace of waste in Lagos metropolis, the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has called on residents of the state, especially those living along rail-corridors not to treat it as a dumping ground. In a statement released to the media, the authority frowned at the attitude of some residents who engage in the act of dumping refuse along such a sensitive location. The statement asserted that such habit, if not stopped, is capable of spreading diseases, defacing the environment, thereby endangering lives and properties of people living in the axis. Railway transportation in the state eases the burden of transportation for a reasonable percentage of the populace and dumping garbage along those lines can hamper its efficiency and safety as a means of transportation. While emphasising Lagos State Government’s unalloyed commitment to-

wards effective waste management, the authority warned that anyone caught violating the environmental sanitation laws through such illegal dumping will face the full wrath of the law. In the same vein, the authority reaffirmed its call on people who own properties and shops on major roads and highways to comply with government’s directive to secure covered containers for proper disposal of their refuse. They are also being reminded not to patronise cart-pushers but use only PSP operators for the evacuation of their wastes. Highlighting the measures put in place, the authority disclosed that the activities of sweepers in the state is being expanded to cover the hinterlands, while local policing are being assigned to such spots for effective monitoring. Accordingly, the authority appealed to residents to join hands with government in ensuring that the various programmes and measures put in place by the government to ensure a cleaner and better environment for all is a success.

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

US underwater homeowners regain equity as prices climb

ore than 1.3 million United Stateshomeowners regained equity in their properties this year as prices rose after the worst real estate collapse since the 1930s, according to CoreLogic Incorporated

About 600,000 borrowers who had been underwater, or owed more than their homes were worth, reached positive equity in the second quarter, the Santa Ana, California-based data provider said Friday. That added to the tal-

ly of more than 700,000 in the first three months of the year. About 22.3 percent of homeowners with a mortgage had negative equity at the end of June, down from 23.7 percent three months earlier. Real estate prices are climbing as

A property in Nevada

demand increases, giving homeowners more equity in their properties and the flexibility to sell or reduce their borrowing costs by refinancing. U.S. home prices increased 3.8 percent in July from a year earlier, the biggest annual gain in almost six years, according to a CoreLogic index released September 4. “Prices are snapping back quickly and it’s having a material impact on reducing negative equity,” Sam Khater, CoreLogic’s senior economist, said in a telephone interview. “Equity comprises the largest component of homeowner wealth, and their wealth is finally rising.” Almost 2 million more borrowers with negative equity would be above water if home prices nationally increased by 5 percent, Anand Nallathambi, president and CEO of CoreLogic, said in a statement. Home prices are rising faster than the U.S. average in many of the states that have the largest shares of underwater borrowers, Corelogic said. In Nevada, 59 percent of homeowners with a mortgage were underwater, the biggest share in the U.S., followed by Florida with 43 percent, Arizona with 40 percent, Georgia at 36 percent and Michigan with 33 percent. Those states combined account for 34 percent of the total amount of negative equity in the U.S. Home prices in Arizona jumped 17 percent in July from a year earlier, the largest increase, according to CoreLogic. They climbed 6.6 percent in Florida, 5.1 percent in Nevada and 4.8 percent in Michigan. Prices fell 0.2 percent in Georgia..

Mortgage putback threat reduced U.K.’s average rents reach record high as banks restrict lending for lenders under new rules

he United States overseer of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, seeking to reduce the threat that banks will have to buy back flawed mortgages from the two firms, laid out new rules designed to spur lending and ease the housing crunch. The changes will apply to future loans, not those that are the subject of current bank complaints that the taxpayerowned companies are being too aggressive in forcing them to buy back loans made at the height of the housing bubble, the Federal Housing Finance Agency said in a statement. The new system, which takes effect on Jan. 1, should give banks more certainty about future costs by flagging potentially faulty mortgages earlier, FHFA said. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will use data collected on the loans they buy to spot potential defects, and will review samples within three months of purchase instead of waiting until borrowers default. “Lenders want more certainly about their risk exposure, and the enterprises want to ensure the quality of the loans,” Edward J. DeMarco, FHFA’s acting director, said yesterday in a North Carolina speech where he outlined the changes. Regulators including FHFA and the Federal Reserve have said that banks are shutting out otherwise eligible borrow-

ers and demanding higher credit scores than necessary because they are afraid Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will force them to repurchase loans if they become delinquent. David Stevens, president and chief executive officer of the Mortgage Bankers Association, said the rules probably will give banks more confidence that they won’t be forced to buy back loans unless there are serious problems with origination. “Obviously, we need to see the details, but anything in this direction is really important, because lenders today are lending defensively,” he said Friday in a telephone interview. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac provide liquidity by buying mortgages from originators and packaging them into securities on which they guarantee payments of principal and interest. They also buy some loans to hold on their books. Under the new rules, the companies won’t force lenders to repurchase defaulted loans if borrowers have made 36 months of consecutive on-time payments. Banks will be protected from buyback requests after only 12 months of payments for certain types of loans, such as those originated under the federal government’s Home Affordable Refinance Program, DeMarco said in the Raleigh, North Carolina, speech.

he average rental cost of a United Kingdom. home surpassed 800 pounds ($1,280) a month for the first time as restricted mortgage lending increased the number of people seeking to lease property, according to HomeLet. The average rental amount rose 2.1 percent in August from a month earlier to 806 pounds, the Lincoln, Englandbased company said in an e-mailed statement. London rents reached a record of 1,272 pounds a month after rising 2.3 percent, according to an index compiled by HomeLet, which checks references and

London Property

other information for clients. “Despite mortgage payments being at a 15-year low, securing a mortgage still remains difficult, and a higher amount of people are turning to the private rented sector when moving to a new home,” said Ian Fraser, managing director of HomeLet. “This has caused an increase in demand, shortage in housing supply and increasing, and now record, rents.” U.K. mortgage approvals rose in July from an 18-month low the previous month, when an extra public holiday slowed activity. Lenders granted 47,312 home loans, compared with 44,124 in June, the Bank of England said August 30. The average for the previous six months was 50,729, less than half the monthly average in the decade to 2007, before the financial crisis. The government is trying to make it cheaper and easier for households to borrow by guaranteeing part of a loan to some buyers of new properties. HomeLet, an affiliate of Barbon Insurance Group Ltd., also provides specialized insurance for agents, landlords and tenants, according to the company’s website.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Aviation

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

N20bn debts: Arik Air, FAAN, unions still on war path

he cold war between the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), aviation in-house unions and the management of Arik Air has been ongoing for sometime now with each party trying to be diplomatic with their agitations. But stakeholders in the industry knew that the cold war would explode in a matter of time. While the management of FAAN overtime has said that the agency would adopt all rightful means to collect all the debts owed it by all its customers including Arik Air. However Arik that was alleged to be the highest debtor among other debtor airlines severally insisted that it was not indebted to the agency or any of its clients. The unions on the other hand, threatened to ground operations of any operator in the industry that owe FAAN and other agencies massive debts and eventually carried out their threat last Thursday with the total grounding of flight operations of Arik Air at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) of the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA), Lagos. Although, the grounding was lifted by FAAN barely 24 hours later. This move by the industry’s Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has however raised some critical questions about the viability of an airline, which prides itself as the largest carrier in West African sub-region. Industry players fear that the airline, which was alleged to be indebted to agencies like FAAN, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to the tune of about N20bn apart from other clients like fuel marketers, may be experiencing some financial difficulties. However, the management of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BSAL), operators of Murtala Mohammed Airport Two (MMA2) in recent time claimed that whatever debts owed FAAN from the GAT since 2007 belongs to BASL, citing the 2003 concession agreement between it and Federal Government, which allegedly ceded the terminal to it. National Mirror about two weeks ago had carried a report on how Arik Air was allegedly indebted to FAAN to the tune of N7.2bn in all the services rendered to it by the agency and how it owed it N682.2m in six months from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos alone. In all, all airlines operating into MMIA jointly owed FAAN over N1.7bn in six months. The debts were incurred between March and September 1, 2012 when the Societe Internationale de Telecommunique Aeronautiques (SITA) under the International Air Transport Association (IATA) took over the aeronautic revenue point for the agency in March this year. The debts exclude flight operations into other airports in the country by the airlines while debts owed the agency before SITA took over in March was also not included in the current debts. Investigations by National Mirror had indicated that Arik Air owed N682.2m, Aero Air, N122.2m; Saudi Arabian Air, N77.1m; Emirates, N74.2m; Ethiopian Air, N74m; Virgin Atlantic, N49.3m; British Airways, N47.7m, Etihad Airways, N45.5m; Allied Air, N40.3m; DHL Aviation, N39.6m; KLM Royal Dutch Airline, N38.9m. Other airlines with massive debts profile include Cargolux, N38.6m; South African Airways, N35.8m; United Airlines, N35.4m; Middle East, N35m; Delta Airlines, N31.7m; Groupe Air France, N31.2m, Qatar Airways, N31.2m; Lufthansa, N28m; Avient Aviation Limited, N27.7m;Kenya Airways, N22.7m;Turkiah, N22.1m. Airlines with lesser debts include Air Cargo Germany, Alitalia, Aksy, Associated Aviation, Bristow Helicopters, Caverton Helicopters, Chanchangi, Dana Air, Egypt Air, Iberia, IRS, Julius Berger, Mobile Producing Limited, Overland Airways, Pan African, Royal Air Maroc, Rwanda Airways, Sudan Airways, Top Brass Aviation, Wings Aviation, World Airways and Zambia Airways. Speaking on the issue in a telephone interview with National Mirror, the President, Aviation Round Table (ART), Capt. Dele Ore said that the alleged debt profile of the airline indicated that the airline was in a financial

The last week’s grounding of operations of Arik Air by aviation unions has brought to the fore the financial situation of the airline, even as stakeholders want the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to take a critical look at the status of the airline. OLUSEGUN KOIKI writes.

Ohunayo

Ore

IF YOU CAN NOT PAY YOUR DEBTS, YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS IN SUSTAINING

SERVICES.

SOMETHING IS WRONG SOMEWHERE. IT’S A VERY SERIOUS MATTER AND THAT TAKES US DOWN TO THE VALIDITY OF THE FINANCIAL AUDIT EXPECTED FROM THE REGULATORY AUTHORITY,

NCAA

mess. Ore challenged the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to publish to the public the financial status of the airline and other airlines in the sector for them to know the healthy ones among them, predicting that if government does not take a pro-active step, the Nigerian domestic aviation would die soon. He said, “Arik is in more than financial crisis. If you can not pay your debts, you have no business in sustaining services. Something is wrong somewhere. It’s a very serious matter and that takes us down to the validity of the financial audit expected from the regulatory authority, NCAA. It is for the pubic, they have the right to know so that they will have informed notice of who to book or fly with and who to avoid “The ones that have head have no cap; the ones that have cap have no head. One by one, all these airlines will fade away. The industry will die that is if they are not dead right now. It is a serious issue. It is not the number of aircraft that you have that determines your success. The manpower, aircraft and management have a lot to play in this. We are deceiving ourselves in this industry.” Also, the Head, Research, Zenith Travels, Mr. Olumide Ohunayo explained that the airline was in a deep financial crisis and wondered why some people somewhere are shielding it from paying its debts to the various agencies and organisations in the sector. Like Ore, Ohunayo challenged NCAA to publish the financial audit of the airline for public consumption just like it is done in advanced aviation industries, saying that without this, it would be difficult for the public to

know the financial status of the airline and others. “The airline is in a big financial crisis. How can an airline owes so much and still continues to operate? It is in a deep crisis already and we need to do a lot of things to change some things in the sector,” he said. But, the Managing Director, Arik, Mr. Chris Ndulue in a press briefing last weekend, accused the ministry of aviation of persistent hostility against the airline, adding that the war against the airline was a personal interest as against national interest, which overrides every other interests. He said that the airline had an outstanding debt of N1.6bn as against the over N7bn being peddled around by the unions. According to him, the outstanding debt was owed before the commencement of the ‘pay as you go’ scheme introduced by FAAN over 18 months ago; stressing that it had since been paying N100m to the coffers of FAAN monthly as ordered by the minister. Ndulue also accused the management of FAAN of refusing to attend meetings called by stakeholders to reconcile the debts, warning that if the threats against the airline continue, it would be forced to close shop. Besides, the Managing Director of FAAN, Mr. George Uriesi has said that the massive debts owed the agency by the the airline overtime has created a big hole in the financial situation of the agency, maintaining that FAAN had been striving to pay salaries of workers as at when due. He explained that the revenues generated by FAAN allow it to invest in capital expenditure, but was not able to render such to the public due to its financial constraints. He said that before now, FAAN management had called for a meeting between it and Arik, but the airline’s management declined to attend any of the meeting, stressing that FAAN was not in support of the action of the unions. He said, “I don’t know if there is any big man somewhere that is trying to prevent Arik from paying its charges to us. I don’t know, but I think it’s coming to an end now. The unions took an action we don’t support, which is counter-productive, but what it has succeeded in doing is unveiling the big masquerade because their statement tells me they don’t want to pay us. “They went to the public saying that they don’t owe FAAN that it is a personal vendetta against its operations by the ministry and FAAN itself. It shows they want to runaway from their obligations. We have called for several meetings, notifications, reconciliation meetings, which they don’t show up. They just don’t care.”

Aviation

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Kano Govt to partner NACAN on safer skies

L-R, Managing Director, Med-View Airlines, Alhaji Munieer Bankole, Mrs. Edida Nwolisa and Mrs. Remi Ajose-Adeogun both representatives of First Bank and General Manager Med-View Airlines, Mr. David Babatunde during the arrival of Med-View aircraft Boeing 737-400 from the United States of America at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

represented by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Nnamdi Udoh, commended the governor for his exemplary and favourable disposition to the activities of the ministry to give airports in the country a facelift. She explained that the ongoing remodelling at the Mallam Aminu Kano Airport had reached an advanced stage and would be completed before the end of the year. She, however, called on participants at the conference to be more proactive in the discharge of their duties bearing in mind the sensitive nature of their job. She also tasked members of the association to make themselves more visible and relevant in the scheme of things in the agency and to stay abreast with ongoing developments in the profession in order to benchmark with global best practices. She therefore tasked members

of the professional body to embrace change saying; “Until you decide to do the same thing differently, you can’t get a different result.” She described the job of Airtraffic Communicators as highly sensitive with critical security implications as regards the information at their disposal if allowed to get into wrong hands and called on stakeholders and industry players to embrace safety and security in the air transport sector in line with the sensitive nature of the service it provides to air users. Commenting, the President of NACAN, Comrade Philip Aderosoye noted that Air Traffic Communicators play a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of any flight in view of the information at its disposal, which it sends out to operating aircraft on regular basis and all through the flight anywhere in the nation’s airspace.

Delta introduces full flat-beds for Nigerian business elite clients

elta Air Lines last week unveiled full flat-bed seats in its BusinessElite cabin onboard its daily service between Lagos and Atlanta with a plan to introduce in-flight internet service for the same passengers in the class in early 2013. The Commercial Manager, West and East Africa for the airline, Mr. Bobby Bryan told journalists in Lagos that the changes form part of Delta’s ongoing plan to invest more than $3billion in enhanced global products, services and airport facilities.

AIRSIDE

shegzzy4live2000@yahoo.co.uk 08186007273

Need to change the position of male toilet facilities at MMIA

STORIES: OLUSEGUN KOIKI ano State Governor Musa Rabi’u Kwankwaso, has pledged his administration’s commitment for the provision of safer skies in the country’s airspace. He made the pledge at the 1st Annual General Meeting of the National Air-traffic Communicators Association of Nigeria (NACAN), held recently in Abuja. The meeting with the theme: “Air-Traffic Communications Service As A Bridge In Aviation Safety And Security,” the governor said that Kano has always played a leading role in the aviation industry in Nigeria having been the centre of aviation activities in the country from inception in 1925. The governor who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje noted that the state government realises the important role of air-traffic communicators and has consistently supported the profession, adding that his administration remains committed to lending a hand where necessary to ensure its members are empowered to efficiently carry out their functions. He said, “Kano State has always worked closely with the aviation authorities and we were one of the first states to send our citizens to the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria for training in various aviation courses.” Also, the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Odua, who was

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Delta’s daily nonstop service between Lagos and Atlanta operates with a 201-seat Boeing 767-300ER aircraft offering 36 full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite. The design of Delta’s new BusinessElite seats, Bryan said is to optimise each passenger’s space, giving them privacy to work or relax in order to arrive at their destination ready for a day’s business. He said, “Each seat converts to a 180-degree fully flat-bed and offers direct aisle access in a 1x2x1 configuration. The new seats are forward-facing and 22

Flat-bed introduced Delta Air Lines for Business Elite

per cent wider than the seats they replace. All feature a 10.6” individual screen and a broad range of on demand entertainment in addition to a 110v AC power source and USB port. Delta will offer more than 500 of these seats each week between Nigeria and the United States. “Lagos is an extremely important market for Delta and with its strong commercial links to the United States our new full flatbed product will provide a new level of comfort to our premium customers. As we approach our fifth anniversary of service between Nigeria and the United States, we continue to respond to our customers needs and invest in our product offering with initiatives such as the full flat-bed and the roll out of Wi-Fi onboard next year.” The introduction of Wi-Fi on Delta operated flights between Nigeria and the U.S. will enable customers to get online throughout their journey. The international service will use high-bandwith Ku-band capacity satellites to provide global coverage.

he ongoing remodeling of 11 airports in the first phase by the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah has really uplifted the face of aviation activities in the sector though with some expected challenges to the flying public. However, there is an urgent need for the minister to oversee some of the works being done by the contractors. For instance, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, the male toilet facilities at the press centre is poorly positioned by the contractors. Airside observes that the

toilet facilities for urination is placed so close to the door that whenever the door is opened and there is a user in it, other people within the press centre can conveniently see the users. Experience shows that toilet facilities in all public places are placed far away from the door or even at the back of the door to protect the users, but the reverse is the case here. Airside appeals to the minister to order the contractors to change the position of the toilet facilities or the direction of the door to give the users some levels of privacy when using the facilities.

IATA or Avitech Software, the crisis continues

he Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah some few weeks back announced the engagement of Avitech Software as the revenue collector for all the agencies in the sector thereby taking over from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in some of the agencies. For instance, IATA has been in charge of revenue collection for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the aeronautic revenue of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for sometime now. At FAAN, IATA charges $1.40 per cent commission on revenues collected while it charges $1.50

from NAMA on revenues collected on behalf of the agency, but Avitech Software is to collect five per cent for same services rendered to the agencies. This arrangement has not gone down well with the in-house unions and some stakeholders in the aviation industry recalled the struggles FAAN had to go through before successfully evicting Maevis Nigeria Limited. The case is still in court. Airside thinks Oduah needs to carry along stakeholders, especially the unions in her drive to ensure sanity and block all loopholes in the revenue collections of all the agencies. This will go a long way in aiding her work.

Etihad announces new visa service for Nigerian passengers

he national airline of United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways last week announced the launch of its new in-house visa service for Nigerian passengers travelling in Pearl Business Class to the UAE, or making a stopover visit in the UAE en route to their final destination. The General Manager, Nigeria and West Africa of the airline, Maurice Phohleli said that the new visa service will facilitate travel for its Business Class passengers visiting or transiting through the UAE, stressing that Nigeria is a key market for the airline and assisting its passengers, whether travelling for business or for pleasure, is part of the airline’s commitment to provide them with excellent levels of service. Phohleli stated that Pearl Business Class passengers may apply for their visit visas by submitting an application at the airline’s office in Ikoyi, Lagos. The cost of the visit visa depends upon the duration of the stay and ranges between US $80 for 96 hours to US $400 for 90 days. Passengers travelling in Coral Economy Class can apply for their visit visa online at www.ttsuaevisas.com or directly in person by

visiting the UAE Visa Application Centre at Falomo Shopping Centre in Awolowo Way, Ikoyi, Lagos. Passengers submitting their visit visa applications through the airline’s office Phohleli must hold a valid international passport, a paid Etihad Airways Pearl Business Class ticket, one coloured passport photograph with white background, confirmation of hotel accommodation in Abu Dhabi, and the visa fee in US Dollars. Passengers below 40 years of age will also have to present a birth certificate and/or marriage certificate where applicable. It will be recalled that Etihad Airways launched its new service from Lagos on July 1, 2012. The direct flights link Lagos and Abu Dhabi six times a week and are operated by a two class A330-200 aircraft with 22 Pearl Business Class and 240 Coral Economy Class seats. The flight schedule offers morning and evening flights to Abu Dhabi, providing seamless connections over Abu Dhabi to key North and Southeast Asian destinations and markets in the Indian Subcontinent and Australia.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insurance

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

FG’s belated action on group life for civil servants

hen a government makes law for its citizens, it is expected to lead by example by obeying such laws in other to diligently enforce the

laws. In this instance, the Federal Government made Group Life Assurance Policy compulsory for both private and public sector employees through their employers. The guidelines for life insurance policy for employees jointly issued by National Insurance Commission and National Pension Commission, Section 9 (3) of the Pension Reform Act 2004 requires every employer, to which the Act applies, to maintain Life Insurance Policy in favour of the employee for a minimum of three times the annual total emolument of the employee. Under the policy, total annual emolument is defined as the basic salary, transport and housing allowances and shall not include bonuses, overtime, directors’ fees or other fluctuating emoluments. The policy provides cover to the insured against death, disappearance, and permanent disability. In line with the guidelines, the Federal Government was required to bear all costs in relation to procurement of this policy. This shall be in addition to, and separate from, the contributions to be made by the Federal Government to each employee’s Retirement Savings Account, as required by the Pension Act. The life insurance policy is to be effected through the purchase of a life policy issued by a Nigerian registered insurance company, licensed and authorised to conduct life insurance business by NAICOM under the Insurance Act 2003. The insurance coverage is for 12 months, from January through December, and it is expected to be renewed at the end of each coverage year. But it has been discovered that while many private sector employers have been reluctant to comply with the group life insurance mandated by the Pension Reform Act 2004, the scheme for federal workers which is arranged by the Head of Service of the Federation is not renewed as and when due and premiums are not been paid to the insurance companies handling the scheme The issue was thrown open to Nigerians generally by the Dana air crash of June 3rd. It was revealed that six months into the year, the Federal Government was yet to renew the Group Life Assurance for its workers and life insurers were yet to be appointed to underwrite the risks. Besides, no premium had been paid on the programme by June for a cover that is renewable yearly and as a result, Federal Government workers who died in the crash may have lost compensation from the scheme. The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), was said to have lost four senior staff while the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC), lost five senior staff as well to the crash. This means that families of the people and other federal civil servants affected by the crash cannot be compensated under the group life insurance scheme because of the failure to get insurance cover for the year. While the Head of Service who coordinates the scheme was expected to have put it in place as early as January, sources in the industry said no insurance company was appointed to handle the scheme before June. It was also gathered that no life insurance firm was issued letter of appointment to provide the group life insurance cover for Federal Government’s employees before June. Sources close to the Federal Government confirmed that while life insurance companies have since submitted the data required in computing the premium that would be paid for the insurance contract, the Head of Service was yet to either conclude the arrangement or pay the required premium. But immediately after the accident, the government

Group life insurance policy requires every employer, to which the Act applies, to maintain Life Insurance Policy in favour of the employees for a minimum of three times the annual total emolument of the employee. This has not been the case with civil servants as the Federal Government has continued to breach the policy, exposing its staff to risk with no benefit in case of death. OMOBOLA TOLU-KUSIMO reports.

Daniel

Ahmad

THE INSURERS ARE HELPLESS AND HAVE DECIDED TO SETTLE FOR LESS, BUT THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A PROBLEM WHEN CLAIMS THAT ARE OUT OF PROPORTION ARISE rushed to appoint some insurance companies to arrange the group life insurance policy for its employees with about four months to the end of the year. The insurers were being paid the full premium for the whole year. It was gathered that government dispatched letters to the affected life insurance companies stipulating the premium to be paid to each of the underwriters in the month of August. While about two companies got more than N2billion each as their share of the premium, the remaining companies got between N600million and N1billion each as premium. The issue however, seems to have been resolved at the moment with the recent payment. At a recent seminar organised by NAICOM for journalists at Calabar, Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel said both the Federal Government and the insurance companies handling the group life assurance policy of government employees are free to backdate the policy if the two parties agree to do so. Although the guidelines for life insurance policy jointly issued by NAICOM and PenCom stipulates that the premium payable on the policy shall be pro-rated as applicable where an employee joins the scheme in the course of the year, the Commissioner said if the government and insurers have agreed, the policy can be backdated. He stated, “between the end of March when the old scheme terminated and August, a lot of deaths have occurred. Underwriters and government have been interfacing. So, if they mutually agree to backdate the policy, there is nothing wrong with it because the rationale behind it is that there should be no break in the contract. The new NNPC spokesman, Mr. Omar Farouk who spoke with National Mirror on telephone said the staff that died are comprehensively insured under the

scheme as at the time of their death. Experts in the industry have, however, criticised government’s action describing it as a belated measure. A consultant in the insurance industry who spoke on condition of anonymity said it is unfortunate that the Insurance Act 2003 stipulates ‘No Premium, No Cover’ and government thatmade the law is breaching it. He added that the insurance companies have not been receiving premiums that are commensurate with cover provided under the scheme and that government behave as if it is a gift for them. He stressed that though NAICOM is the regulator of the industry and an adviser to government on insurance, government is not listening to them. “The insurers are helpless and have decided to settle for less but there will always be a problem when claims that are out of proportion arise. “There is a lot of competition that has brought backbiting, rate cutting among others and it will take government leading by example to correct some of these things”, he said. Another expert who also does not want his name mention said the Group Life issue is a sensitive one as some insurance companies have formed themselves into a cabal. “It’s a scheme of some syndicate. We have some of our leaders in the industry who are satisfied with the current situation of government not paying premium regularly because they benefit from the system. They collude with some government officials who keep the premium to themselves and pay almost at the end of the contract.” He said things are however getting better for the industry since the National Assembly started showing interest in the insurance of government assets and properties. He urged the National Assembly to continue to show more interest as this will make government agencies to insure more by next year.

Insurance

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Royal Exchange posts N961m profit in 2011 OMOBOLA TOLU-KUSIMO

oyal Exchange Group has recorded a profit before tax of N961million in the 2011 financial year as against the N145million achieved in the 2010. While the group achieved a profit before tax of N105million on its core business in the year under review, a decline from N145million in the previous year, it was able to post N961million in 2011 as a result of N855million profit made from exceptional item. The company, however, declared a dividend of 4k per 50k ordinary share to shareholders for the year ended December 2011. During the period under review, it also achieved gross earnings of N5.2billion while that of the preceding year was N3.2billion, an increase of 59 percent. This further translated into net income before overhead expenses of N2.3billion as against N1.8billion in 2010. Chairman of the company, Kenneth Odogwu who disclosed this at the 43rd Annual General Meeting held recently in Lagos, said inspite of the hostile operating environment for the insurance sub sector in particular and finance industry in general, Royal Exchange group was able to identify and exploit

Chike

new opportunities which affected significantly, its general performance. According to him, investment income increased marginally to N280.4million from N254.3million in 2010. The slow recovery of the capital market and relatively low rates that prevailed in the money market in the first three quarters of the year restricted the ability of the company to maximize investment returns from our quoted equities and cash portfolios. He said management expenses was N1.8billion against N1.7billion recorded in 2010 showing a marginal increase of 3.8 percent. This he noted was due to the imple-

NAICOM insists on sanctions for erring insurers

MD LASACO Insurance, Olushola Ladipo-Ajayi

MD, Mutual Benefit, Akin Ogunbiyi

he National Insurance Commission has promised to continue to apply tough sanctions on insurance companies in the country for every infraction and other unethical practices detected in their day to day activities. The commission said aside from sanctioning the erring companies, they are compelled to explain to the shareholders by stating such sanctions in their annual report as required by the new Internation-

al Financial reporting Standards (IFRS). Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel who stated this recently while speaking to journalists in Calabar said the commission would also not hesitate to suspend the operational license of errant insurance companies. He said, “One of the functions of the commission is to protect policyholders and for us to perform it effectively, we will continue to do onsite and offsite inspec-

House of Reps to amend NHIS Act

he National Assembly may soon begin the amendment of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Health, Honourable Ndidi Elumelu recently said that the National Health Insurance Scheme must be amended to ensure that Nigerians have a qualitative health insurance policy.

He stated this at the public hearing on an act to repeal the NHIS Act of 1999 and enact a National Health Insurance Commission bill. Majority of the participants who spoke at the event were however in support of the amendment. It would be recalled that compulsory health insurance scheme agitation was boosted by the Federal Government as it agreed that the Act needs amendment.

mentation of stringent cost control measures aimed at minimising operating cost without impacting negatively on productivity. He revealed that the performance of the group’s subsidiaries showed significant improvement except that of Royal Exchange Prudential Life which posted a loss of N240million noting that the performance of the companies has been analysed and remedial measures have been put in place to turn around the company. Two subsidiaries, Royal Exchange Healthcare Ltd and Royal Exchange Microfinance Bank Ltd broke even during the period under review, he said. On the future outlook of the company, Odogwu said, “The repositioning of the company is now complete but the inability to meet some performance expectations within the specified time frame has necessitated a review and fine tuning of the restructuring process. “We are realigning our business model to enable us harness the numerous opportunities created by various reforms in the domestic economy and those presented by the advocacy of the regulatory authorities, the National Insurance Commission, Central Bank of Nigeria and Securities and Exchange Commission”, he said. tions. “We will fine or take over any company when necessary even though we are not interested in killing any company. Ours is to regulate and ensure that things are done the right way. “In the past, we have had to intervene in the business of some insurance companies before they run the company down. We have intervened by taking over Spring Assurance, Investment and Allied Assurance and most recently, Alliance and General Insurance Plc.” Daniel noted that the commission is confronted by various abuses committed by some companies on daily basis but its duty is to ensure that there are players who are ready to settle claims as it arise, render financial returns to the commission on quarterly and annual basis and operate insurance with utmost good faith. “Before now, we were being soft on some of these companies believing they will change their ways but we were advertised as toothless bulldog. These have changed and we have no apologies to companies that think the fines are too much.” The commissioner believes that for the fine to be meaningful, it has to be weighty. The Act establishing the NHIS, mandates it to operate a social security health insurance system that guarantees the provision of needed health services to persons, on the payment of token contributions at regular intervals. It was established to improve the health condition of Nigerians at an affordable cost, while imposing on it the statutory authority for the scheme’s benefits and programmes, as well as set the general rules and guidelines for the operation of the scheme.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Problems with Insurance? Send a text: 07080735854

You might have less car insurance than you think!

nsurance is supposed to serve as a safety net, but sometimes that net has some unexpected holes. Even if you have full car insurance coverage, you could have less protection than you think because of exclusions and limits lurking in your policy’s fine print. Car insurance policies can vary considerably when it comes to who’s covered and when. • Here are six examples of how coverage might be less than you expected. • Lower liability coverage for some drivers In some states insurance companies can include “step-down provisions” for auto liability coverage, which lower the policy’s liability limits to state minimum insurance requirements when you let a driver who’s not on the policy use your car. Confusing underinsured motorist coverage Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough liability coverage to pay all your medical bills after you suffer injuries in an accident. (Uninsured motorist coverage pays for medical treatment when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all.) That might sound simple, but the payout for UIM is complicated. Why? The amount paid from the at-fault driver’s liability coverage is deducted from the amount you can claim against your own UIM coverage. Say, for instance, you face $50,000 in medical bills for injuries after a car accident; the at-fault driver has $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage, and you have $25,000 in underinsured motorist coverage. The payment from the other driver’s policy -- $25,000 -- would be deducted from what you can claim on your $25,000 of UIM coverage. The result: Your UIM insurance would pay nothing and you’d be $25,000 short of the $50,000 you need. Your UIM coverage must be higher than the at-fault driver’s liability limits to do any good. In some states, you can “stack” your UIM coverage – meaning combine the limits on two or more vehicles you’ve insured to get more protection. And in Connecticut, you can buy “conversion” coverage, so payments from your policy are not reduced by payments from the at-fault driver’s insurance. Gusner says you should make sure you know how your UIM coverage works and evaluate whether to increase the limits on your policy. No coverage for injuries if you drink and drive Thirty-seven states have alcohol exclusion laws, which allow insurance companies to deny medical coverage for injuries due to intoxication, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. That means in those states your insurance company could refuse to pay for your medical treatment if you crashed and were injured while driving and impaired by alcohol or drugs. Coverage excluded for unlicensed drivers Some policies exclude coverage if an unlicensed driver uses your vehicle and crashes. Bottom line: Be super picky about who drives your car. “It’s awkward to ask to see your friend’s driver’s license, but then again you’re trusting someone with your car, and if they wreck and there’s no coverage, you’re the one who’s going to be responsible,” Gusner says.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

NSE gives guidelines on securities lending, meets brokers today STORIES: JOHNSON OKANLAWON

he Nigerian Stock Exchange has said that only dealing member firms approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission may participate in securities lending. In a circular to the firms posted at its website yesterday, said that only securities owned by qualified institutional investors may be used for securities lending. The circular signed by the Head, Broker/Dealer Regulation of the NSE, said thet SEC has registered Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc as securities lending

agents. According to the NSE, short selling is the sale of a security that the seller does not own, or any sale that is completed by the delivery of a security borrowed by the seller. It explained further that naked short selling is a practice of seeking to profit from an expected fall in the price of an asset by selling shares you do not own without borrowing, or making arrangements to borrow them. The rules stated that a dealing member may not accept a short sale order in any security from another person, or effect a short sale in any equity security for its own account, unless the dealing member has

borrowed the security, or entered into a bonafide arrangement to borrow the security which will be delivered on the date of delivery. The Exchange, however, prohibited naked short selling, saying that all orders for short sale must be marked short sale. The Chief Executive Officer of the NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, had explained that market making would go a long way to boost activities in the equities market, adding that investors were in for good times. He assured all stakeholders that the introduction of market making should help to drive liquidity in the marketplace to the benefit of retail investors, institutional investors, the broker

dealer community as well as regulators. Onyema said, “The introduction of securities lending should drive efficiency through the market; and implementation of short selling should allow for a more symmetric market as investors can impose more discipline on quoted companies. All of this should improve the price discovery process and thus reflect the true value of companies.” “I believe you will agree with me that the market is in for better times with the introduction of the market making, securities lending and short selling initiatives. Let us collectively give it all the support it needs, especially during the six month rollout period.”

First Bank divests from its registrars, to share profit

he Group Managing Director of First Bank Plc, Mr. Bisi Onasanya, has said that the bank will divest from First Registrars Nigeria Limited and share profit to shareholders. Speaking at a Court Ordered Meeting to endorse the bank’s HoldCo structure in Lagos yesterday, he said that the diverstment of the bank’s shareholding in First Registrars is currently ongoing and will be completed by September 30, the Central Bank of Nigeria deadline. According to him, the bank’s Board of Directors has appointed

financial advisers to assist with the diverstment. He assured shareholders that there is no change in the value of their investment in the bank as existing shareholders of First Bank would be migrated to FBN Holdings via a share-for-share exchange between the shareholders of First Bank and FBN Holdings. Onasanya explained that the bank’s shareholdings in each of the HoldCo subsidiaries and the associated investments will be transferred to FBN Holdings while the bank’s shareholdings in each

of the Investment Banking and Asset Management subsidiaries will be transferred to FBN Capital Limited, which in turn will be owned by FBN Holdings. He said, “Nothing will change in the way and manner the bank is being run. We will be much more focused and do better job. We wil leave the management of the subsidiaries Holdco.” The bank boss stressed that the restructure will enable the bank to specialise in core banking business, saying that the change has been the bank’s dream even before the CBN’s directive.

The shareholders approved the HoldCo structure for the bank and expressed excitement over the benefits they would derive from the new structure of the bank. The National Cordinator of Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr. Sunny Nwosu, lauded the share arrangement, as the shareholders investment remain same in the HoldCo. Another shareholder, Mr. Joseph Olatunde commended the bank for having the shareholders interest in the scheme of share arrangement.

Index sheds 0.13% as bears sustain hold

rading in equities continued on bearish note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investors took profit. Specifically, the AllShare Index dropped by 0.13 per cent to close at 25,839.00 points, compared to a decline by -0.01 per cent recorded on Friday to close at 25,873.71 points. Red Star Express Plc led the gainers’ table with 30 kobo or 10 per

cent to close at N3.30 per share, followed by Sterling Bank Plc with 14 kobo or 9.09 per cent to close at N1.68 per share. Fidson Healthcare Plc gained nine kobo or 5.81 per cent to close at N1.64 per share, while AIICO Insurance Plc appreciated by three kobo or five per cent to close at 63 kobo per share. Cadbury Nigeria Plc rose by N1.13 or 4.99 per cent to close at N23.76 per share. On the flip side, Live-

stock Plc lost seven kobo or 4.96 per cent to close at N1.34 per share, while Transcorp Plc dipped by five kobo or 4.95 per cent to close at 96 kobo per share. Air Service Plc fell 10 kobo or 4.81 per cent to close at N1.98 kobo per share, while Japaul Oil Plc declined by three kobo or 4.76 per cent to close at 60 kobo per share. Diamond Bank Plc depreciated by 16 kobo or 4.46 per cent to close at

N3.43 per share. Market capitalisation shed N11.1bn to close at N8.22trn, higher than the decrease by N0.51m recorded on Friday to close at N8.23trn. Transaction volume in equities dipped by 18.7 per cent, as a total of 295.80 million shares worth N2.08bn were exchanged in 5,180 deals, as against 364.02 million shares valued at N2.78bn traded in 4,890 deals on Friday

Source: NSE

Source: FMDA

Market indicators Market indicators

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

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

ROYALEX

0.60

0.63

0.03

% CHANGE 5.00

INTBREW

13.60

14.28

0.68

5.00

ROADS

9.74

10.22

0.48

4.93

DIAMONDBNK

3.27

3.43

0.16

4.89

UBN

7.18

7.53

0.35

4.87

UAC-PROP

10.50

11.01

0.51

4.86

FIDSON

1.05

1.10

0.05

4.76

CUTIX

1.51

1.58

0.07

4.64

TRANSCORP

0.89

0.93

0.04

4.49

UPL

4.36

4.55

0.19

4.36

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

CADBURY

21.44

CLOSING 20.37

1.07

-4.99

MAYBAKER

1.65

1.57

0.08

-4.85

NPFMCRFBK

1.05

1.00

0.05

-4.76

AGLEVENT

1.35

1.29

0.06

-4.44

STERLNBANK

1.37

1.31

0.06

-4.38

ASHAKACEM

12.70

12.22

0.48

-3.78

BAGCO

1.89

1.84

0.05

-2.65

24.74

24.16

0.58

-2.34

LIVESTOCK

1.48

1.45

0.03

-2.03

UBA

4.67

4.59

0.08

-1.71

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Day

32,970.71

14.10

20-Sep-12

182-Day

50,000.00

15.40

19-Sep-12

364 -Day

60,000.00

9.05

6-Sep-12

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

48Days

7,302.20

14.39

20-Sep-12

118-Day

50,282.86

14.08

30-Aug-12

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$190m

N/A

$130m

17-Sep-12

$200m

N/A

$200m

12-Sep-12

Capital Market

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at September 24, 2012 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

CONTINUED FROM 13 The National Chairman of the Freedom Party of Nigeria (FPN), Chief Frank Ohwofa, saw the action of INEC as anathemic to Nigeria’s democracy, he said that the action was not “in the good interest of a growing democracy like ours.” But curiously, the CPC aligned with INEC when it said the de-registration of the seven political parties should not be seen as an act of witch-hunting, especially if it was in accordance with extant laws of the land. The National Secretary of the CPC, Alhaji Buba Galadima, opined that “if the de-registration of some parties by INEC was done without bias, then we should see it as necessary.” However, political pundits who support INEC faulted the perceived show of bravado put up by the lesser parties at election time to position themselves for the largesse made available to the parties by the Federal Government through INEC, saying that this was why some individuals registered political parties which are made up of their immediate family members and friends, without any visible office outside the state of origin of the promoter. Legal experts and lawyers also expressed divergent views on this issue. Niyi Akintola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), described INEC’s action as “the right step in the right direction because many political parties only exist on paper and they don’t have any structure or purpose. “Then they go about pledging allegiances to the ruling parties at the federal and state levels in order to get contracts.” Akintola added that the attitude of some of the parties had denied the nation of a vibrant opposition, adding that any party that does not win up to 10 per cent of electoral seats in any state of the federation should not exist. But Festus Keyamo, a human rights lawyer said it was wrong of INEC to deregister political parties based on performances. Keyamo said: “INEC has no right to do so. One of the criteria for deregistering political parties is certainly not based on their electoral fortunes.’’ As the dust raised by the de-registration exercise carried out last year is still yet to be settled, the INEC boss, Jega again threw another bombshell recently. On Thursday, June 21, Jega, said that more of the moribund political parties would be de-registered. He disclosed that INEC was waiting for the determination of all electoral cases at the tribunal before the next batch of parties to be de-registered would be announced. His words: “There are electoral litigation at the tribunals, but as soon as they are disposed of and INEC pronounces any party de-registered, it will be a solid pronouncement that cannot be faulted.’’ Jega added: “Our constitution allows for a multi-party system but we have the power to de-register parties and we have started and it is a continuous process and we will continue to de-register parties that do not meet requirements of continuing to be registered.” Perhaps, it was in an attempt to stop Jega from further de-registering political parties that informed the decision a week later by 52 political parties to approach a Federal High Court in Abuja, to stop INEC from further de-registration exercise. Under the aegis of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the parties asked the court

INEC and party de-registration saga

Nwanyanwu

OUR CONSTITUTION

ALLOWS FOR A MULTIPARTY SYSTEM BUT WE HAVE THE POWER TO DE-REGISTER

PARTIES AND WE

HAVE STARTED... TO

DE-REGISTER PARTIES THAT DO NOT MEET REQUIREMENTS to determine among other things: “Whether INEC can de-register a party which has fulfilled and satisfied all requirements of registration simply because it fails to win a seat in the presidential, governorship, national or state Assembly without considering other elections like the local government chairmanship and councillors elections; “Whether it will not amount to abuse of fundamental human rights of the citizenry as enshrined in the constitution for INEC to proscribe a political party by way of deregistration on the ground that the party does not meet the requirements of Section 78(7) (ii) of Electoral Act 2011 as amended.” IPAC, in an originating summons it filed through its counsel, Kan Osieke, sought the following reliefs: “A declaration that Section 78 (7) (ii) of the Electoral Act 2011, as amended, is unconstitutional and in effect null and void; “A declaration that Section 78 (7) (ii) of the Electoral Act 2011, as amended, is a calculated attempt to suffocate life from young enterprising and growing political parties and an attempt to stop them from participation in Nigerian politic; “A declaration that the said Section (7) (ii) of the Electoral Act 2011, as amended, be expunged as same offends Section 40 of the 2011 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which is a light to other laws, acts, rules and regulations; “A declaration that the plaintiffs have the right to belong to any political party of

Onu

their choice, work hard for them to grow, after being duly registered according to law.” A 14-paragraphed affidavit deposed to in support of the suit by the National Chairman of the African Liberation Party (ALP), Emmanuel Okereke, averred that the parties had, ab initio, satisfied all the requisite conditions stipulated in the constitution for registration as political parties and was accordingly registered by INEC at various dates. The suit was fixed for October 25, when hearing would commence. While this was ongoing and with the insistence of the electoral umpire to forge ahead with its de-registration of political parties in accordance with Section 87(7) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), the National Conscience Party (NCP) approached a Federal High Court in Lagos to challenge the constitutionality of Section 87(7)(ii) of the Electoral Act 2010 and restrain INEC from de-registering it. And penultimate week, the NCP won a decisive first step victory, when the presiding judge, Justice Okon Abang, while ruling on an interlocutory application by the party, restrained the INEC from de-registering the NCP. Warning against disobedience of the order, Justice Abang said that the order must be endorsed with Form 48, which is Notice of Consequence of Disobedience of Court Order. He also ordered that it should be “served personally” on Jega. He however refused the second leg of the application filed by the NCP to the effect that it should restrain INEC from de-registering any other political party, saying that its order was “only binding on the parties before it.” But despite all of these brouhaha over the propriety of the INEC de-registration of ‘unviable’ political parties, the truth remains that viable political parties are not up to 10. The others are simply what one could call paper tigers. Many of those that won state Assembly seats in the 2011 election did so not because of their popularity, but because of the popularity of the candidates that contested on their platforms, especially those that decamped from the major parties when they were denied their party tickets. Many of them have since the election returned to base, after using such platforms to achieve their political relevance and dexterity. But feelers from the INEC, accord-

ing to National Mirror investigation, are that only few parties would at the end of the day escape the de-registration hammar and these parties include: PDP, ACN, ANPP, CPC and APGA. Others are: the LP, DPP, AP, PPA, UDP and Kowa Party. Meanwhile, the national chairman of the LP, Nwanyawu had come out to say that the ruling PDP ”owned and sponsored” 30 of the existing political parties, adding that of all the parties in the country, only 9 had functional offices in Abuja, as stipulated by the law. He said: “Out of the existing 62 political parties in Nigeria, 30 of them are owned by the PDP out of which just 9 have functional offices in Abuja while the rest of the parties have their offices in their briefcases. As the battle line is drawn between INEC and its supporters and those against the de-registration of parties, former presidential candidate on the platform of the Social Democratic Social party (SDMP), Prof. Pat Utomi, has advised all progressives among the parties slated for de-registration by INEC to join the ACN en masse. Utomi said: “I have already proposed that all progressive parties merge into the ACN.” But many political analysts and observers are of the opinion that trimming down opposition parties would only bring meaning to the nation’s nascent democracy, to engender robust opposition. Also of great concern to political pundits was the lack of ideology in the political system of the country, as the manifestoes of the 63 political parties, prior to the 2011 elections were almost the same. This is more so considering the allegation that the manifestoes of the PDP, the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (APP) -which later metamorphosed into the ANPP and the Alliance for Democracy (AD), were written by the late Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Bola Ige. Also of concern was the allegation by the major opposition parties – the ACN, the ANPP and the CPC – that most of the lesser political parties have become tools of divide and rule in the opposition in the hand of the ruling party. But the major opposition parties have not been consistent in their stand on this contentious issue, while in one breath they are against de-registration of political parties by INEC, in another breath, they support it. Meanwhile, as analysts and stakeholders continue to wait with bated breath over where the pendulum will eventually swing, the National Chairman of IPAC, Shittu Mohammed, said that INEC lacks the power to de-register any political party. He told National Mirror in an interview that there are over 76 ‘recognised’ political parties in the United States of America. As the debate whether Jega was right or wrong to de-register non-performing political parties rages on, the nation waits with bated breath as the judiciary is once again put to the test on whether it would do justice or not in the matter before it. However, what is yet to be seen is how far the de-registration of non-performing political parties would put the active parties on their toes and challenge them to use their platforms to better the lot of the teeming Nigerian masses who live daily in abject penury in the midst of plenty.

Politics THE

PARLIAMENT

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

N5,000: How Senate shut down

The Senate devoted the first day of resumption from its annual vacation to deliberate on the proposed restructuring of the currency, particularly the introduction of N5,000 note and came up with a strong resolution, asking President Goodluck Jonathan to immediately halt the implementation of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) policy, which has now led to its suspension. In this report, GEORGE OJI writes on the contributions of some of the senators during the debate.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

he Senate last week once again provided leadership. This is the second time in a row this year. In January, the red chamber, led by Senator David Mark, saved the nation from what would have been a catastrophic crisis ocassioned by the strike called by the organised labour to protest the increment in the pump price of petrol. This time around, while the lawmakers were on vacation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi announced that the apex bank had concluded plans to restructure the nation’s currency, the naira. Part of the restructuring, involves the introduction for the first time, N5,000 note, N5, N10 and N20 coins while other denominations will experience significant changes in their features. Unknown to many Nigerians, the CBN governor had since December last year, obtained the approval of President Goodluck Jonathan to implement the new policy. As if that was not enough, the Federal Executive Council, the board of the CBN, the Economic Management Team of the administration, as well as some other influential aides of the president had all lined up behind the CBN governor in support of the new naira regime. So, while Nigerians busied themselves marshalling reasons why government must rescind the policy, Sanusi was putting finishing touches to plans to bring the scheme on board in the first quarter of next year. This was the situation when the National Assembly reconvened from its annual vacation last week. As the representatives of the people, it was not surprising that the lawmakers considered this as the first assignment they must discharge for the Nigerian people. But while members of the House of Representatives resolved to invite the CBN governor to appear before it to dialogue with them on the rationale behind the introduction of the policy, the Senate felt that that strategy would not be very effective in addressing the problem. Thus, after a very exhaustive debate on the policy, (which lasted for the whole day), via a motion brought by Senator Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom North-East) and supported by the rest 108 senators, the lawmakers resolved not to honour Sanusi with an invita-

tion but instead chose to deal directly with his boss, the President. For the first time in the history of the present 7th Senate, the motion was supported by all the senators without exception. In the resolution passed, members of the red chamber asked President Jonathan to put an immediate halt to the implementation of the proposed policy. The lawmakers did not stop at that, the leadership of the Senate caused a meeting to be convened same day between the leadership of the National Assembly and the President at the State House, Abuja. National Mirror gathered that it was at the meeting that the lawmakers further reinforced their nonnegotiable opposition to the policy. The President had to bow to the demands of the lawmakers and consequently announced the suspension of the policy through his spokesman, Reuben Abati. The following were the opinion expressed by some of the senators during the debate on the motion to stop the naira restructuring policy:

Mark

Sanusi

Ningi

Adeyemi

store of values for them. If you give them a better store of value, they will move away from US dollars and reduce the demands for American dollar notes and move into our own currency as opposed to the use of dollars to hide their loots.” This was Peterside speaking to Nigerians on why they should support this new naira policy. Here we are as legislature, part of the ruling class that is being referred to here that this note is meant for us to “hide loots.” It is true that the US dollars and the British pounds are stores of value outside the U.S. and the UK. You want to store your value in a currency that is stable, that is hard, not the naira. We need to work the naira to the level of reputation that other international currencies are enjoying now before we can position naira to store value locally. We are also told that the equivalent of this N5,000 note is only about $30. I see a contradiction here in the thinking of the Economic Management Team to provide this note for the store of value whether looted or un-looted, it is clearly an argument that is not plausible or competitive. The real purpose of this note is to secure large ticket transactions and to reduce the cost of currency management within the banking system. The CBN has complained that the cost of managing currency year in and out is too much, it is looking for bigger notes that reduce the volume of the naira that they have to manage over time in or-

der for them to reduce costs. We are saying that if the cashless economy is meant to reduce cash movement, then this policy contravenes the very objectives of government that cash should not be the most preferred means of transacting business in Nigeria. What the CBN is doing is giving me an opportunity to put inside my pocket about N2.5 million and I carry it around unnoticed. There are contradictions here. What we are seeing here between the cashless policy and this policy on the naira are policy contradictions, they are totally inconsistent and the argument of Peterside completely makes nonsense of everything that is being said about this N5,000 note. On inflation, the CBN has told us several times that theoretically there is no linkage between currency denomination and inflation, yet the CBN in self-contradiction came out and said in a newspaper advertisement how the introduction of higher naira denomination in 2006 and 2007 led to the reduction of inflation in Nigeria. The inflation that Nigerians are worried about is the withdrawal of lower denominational notes into coins that tends to change the behaviour of marketers at the retail end of the business, which is moving to the next available currency. That is the history of the behaviour in the market place in this country and we are not sure that anything has changed that will make the contrary to be the consequence of this action. Given

Victor Ndoma-Egba (Senate Majority Leader) In a democracy, no matter how strongly we believe in a policy or an issue, we can never claim monopoly of knowledge or wisdom. Monopoly of knowledge or wisdom is strange to democracy. Even if the policy were to be for the good of the people and the people say ‘we don’t want it’, it is their right to even reject what is even good for them. This is one moment that our policy-makers must listen to every Nigerian, even the Nigerians on the street. In this case, I am not an economist and I do not pretend to be one, but former heads of state of the country have spoken against it. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has spoken against this policy and recently, the very respected Yakubu Gowon spoke against it. They may not be economists as alluded but with their knowledge or lack of economic knowledge, they managed the economy of this country for many years. We must listen to them. Secondly, we must reaffirm our commitment to the fight against corruption, we cannot in one breath say we are committed to the fight against corruption and in the same breath, we make it convenient for people to move about with millions of naira in their pockets. On those two points, because I believe that there are several others, I support this motion.

Olubunmi Adetunmbi (Ekiti) This is a very important debate because it has a lot of technical content as well as emotional aspects and this Assembly must be able to distinguish between both and be seen to inform the Nigerian public appropriately. There are about four platforms upon which this policy is predicated. The very first one is the issue of dollarisation. A respected member of the Economic Management Team of the President, Mr. Atedo Peterside said: “Money is a store of value, all these thieves and vagabonds running about in various states and all over the country, when they steal money they will want to keep it outside the banking system, so they need higher denominational notes. Right now they are using the $100 note all over Nigeria, because they are the best

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Sanusi’s currency restructuring

Ndoma-Egba

Adetumbi

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE HISTORY OF THE PRESENT

7TH

SENATE, THE MOTION WAS SUPPORTED BY ALL THE SENATORS WITHOUT EXCEPTION

Markafi

all these arguments, I don’t think this is a policy that this Senate should support.

David Mark I think the important thing is if Nigerians say they do not want a particular policy at a given moment there is no harm in government retracing her stand on the issue. I have listened to arguments of those who supported it, but those arguments appear to me not convincing; they appear to me to be highly theoretical, technical in nature and do not address any practical issues on the ground because any economic policy that does not address issues directly, but just talking about indices that you cannot verify, I think for now should wait because we have not reached that level. We are just talking about hypothetical thesis all the time. I think the disadvantage of the introduction of the N5,000 note at the moment far outweighs not introducing it and on balance we should not go for it. Also, from the contributions on the floor, we are in support of the fact that the timing is wrong, the policy is unnecessary at the moment and the arguments at the moment being advanced are not convincing and there is no urgent need for it to take place now.

Ahmed Markafi When the governor of the CBN came out to announce that the N5,000 note was

not supposed to be for everybody, I considered it a slight on Nigerians. It’s like telling Nigerians that I know you cannot afford N5,000 but we are going ahead to do it for a few people. If Nigerians are saying that this will promote corruption and you are saying that you will go ahead and do it, honestly speaking, we would have dealt a mortal blow against the fight against corruption. I know that the economic team came out in support of the N5,000, I wonder if they use naira anyway. If they need the naira or use it, in my opinion, instead of spending N40 billion to do the redenomination or printing of the N5,000 note, they should provide money so that naira notes will be printed for them. But I think that the Nigerian mood is that this is an unwelcome development. We should be democratic enough and learn a lesson from this ongoing debate that before you can announce a major policy such as this, you must subject it to wider public debate and discuss to avoid going back and forth. Just waking up one morning and announcing a major fundamental economic policy such as this is taking Nigerians for granted and this should be reversed.

Isah Galado Nigerians have spoken in one voice; they don’t want this policy. The CBN said that the policy is not in contradiction with the cashless policy, then it’s a hoax because when you ask why it was introducing this policy in view of the cashless policy, it says it wants to reduce the cost of production. If you want to reduce the cost of production, why can’t you produce one million naira note? They say no. About one per cent of Nigerians keep US dollars because of inflation, when they want to buy goods and services their money would not be eroded.

The CBN Act 2007, section 8, provides that the governor must appear before the National Assembly biannually to brief the National Assembly on the implementation of its objectives, policies and how it affects the economy. Section 8(4)(b) indicates that the CBN must make a formal report and presentation to the National Assembly through its respective committees. Unfortunately, since I came to the National Assembly, I have never seen the CBN governor come here to address us. The two times we had interaction with the CBN governor was at our own invitation. What it means is that the CBN governor respects section 6 of the CBN Act for the budget independence of the bank. The governor of the CBN also respects the powers given to him by the Act to re-dominate the naira. It means that he picks and chooses sections of the Act, which he wants to obey and respect. The Senate committee chairman gave a directive that the policy should be stopped until the CBN briefed us and if the CBN did not brief us it is not breaking the law. To my dismay, the economic team came out to say that it endorsed the policy. It is an insult to bring Dangote to say he agrees, what do you expect? It is also an insult to bring Otedola to tell us that N5,000 is good. Mr. President and my colleagues, we reject the N5,000 note, we reject N50, N20, N10 to be coins.

Abdul Ningi In a democracy, like our own, it is always important to remind our colleagues that as members of the National Assembly, we are the custodians of the people’s hopes, aspirations and vision. And it is important that while we are debating on any law, what should preoccupy our minds are the people. It is important that when a matter like this is brought to a parliament, we ask ourselves the desirability of that matter and then the necessity of that matter. I have no doubt that the re-denomination could be a desirable thing, but the question is: is it necessary now? In any issue like this, it is not only the economic contents that should concern all of us. There is the political content, the ethical content and the moral content. I have listened to the advocates of the N5,000 note and I have not heard any one of them mention that a certain country has become economically buoyant or prosperous because it upgraded its denomination. I want to challenge anybody to name a country that has attained economic prosperity because it upgraded its currency. And I want to challenge any person to say that upgrading the currency is not a panacea to economic prosperity because the three performing economies of the world right now have a low denominated currency – China, Germany and India. Therefore, if you are bringing this policy to the Nigerian public, you should be able to convince all of us that once you do this there will be economic prosperity. I want to also say that there is no reason, having heard all the arguments while we were on recess, to instruct any committee of ours to go and consult. There is enough data going about on this matter; there have been enough discussions and debates on this

matter and I would wish this chamber takes one position and ask the president and the CBN to suspend this policy forthwith. In order not to go into wild goose chase, this matter is well debated, it is well articulated, we should just send the word that this Senate is against the upgrade.

Smart Adeyemi I rise to announce that myself and all the people of the Kogi West totally disagree with the introduction of the N5,000. In the course of the debate, I overheard the CBN governor saying that the introduction of the N5,000 note is actually meant for a class of people. On this note, I want to say that it is ungodly, un-African, unconstitutional, it is immoral for anybody to attempt to introduce a particular denomination for a class of people; I equally want to say that it does not make a reasonable economic sense for a country that is still languishing in poverty, a country where most of the people are still below the poverty line. Some years back, former governor of the CBN, Prof. Charles Soludo in one of his presentations in Kaduna said about 70 per cent of Nigerians are poor. He even went further to say that majority of the poor in this country are from the northern part of this country. Sanusi would not deny the fact that if you go to Kano you will see people carrying kolanuts, which value is not more than N2,000 for a family man. The psychological pains that most poor people will have to go through by just issue like two pieces of the N5,000 to pay the salaries of workers is enough not to introduce the N5,000 note. We do not have to be economists to know that when you pay an individual N20,000 and give him four notes, it is enough to depress him. The CBN governor must not claim monopoly of knowledge and I dare say that I have no doubt that he is a very intelligent man. But I put the question to him: what was the exchange rate when he came on board as the governor of the CBN and what is it today? The exchange rate when Sanusi came was about N130 to a US dollar. So, if he is claiming to be a wizard in economic management, if he is so intelligent to say that some people do not have any knowledge of economics, we put it to him that he is one of the people who have been misleading this administration. In fact, I want to submit that the agenda of introducing the N5,000 note is part of the IMF style of trying to introduce poverty in developing nations. Our economy seems to be on track somehow. I want to call on President Jonathan to be wary of some of his ‘lieutenants’, because some of the policies that this administration is introducing, especially those fiscal policies are tailored towards the IMF ideologies, which has never helped any nation. I feel very emotional because there are Nigerians who cannot eat three square meals today. We must take a decisive position on this matter. We should tell Sanusi that he cannot be bigger than this nation and that he cannot have monopoly of knowledge over 160 million Nigerians who are seated here and that the people of our constituencies are opposed to the introduction of the N5,000 note.

Politics

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Obasanjo, Sambo, Mark, Tambuwal, ONDO Amaechi lead PDP campaign COUNTDOWN TO

GUBER POLL October 20, 2012

DAYS TO GO

Mimiko: Group faults opinion poll OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

political group, Ondo Democracy Fighters (ODF) has faulted an opinion poll, which scored the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Governor Olusegun Mimiko 77 per cent. In the result announced yesterday in Akure, by its Principal Consultant, Chief Anthony Chigbo, 14,500 voters from the state were said to have participated in the MTN SMS opinion poll. According to Chigbo, Mimiko scored 11,164, the Action Congress candidate (ACN) candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), had 1,420, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olusola Oke scored 1,230 votes. But, the group alleged that Gallop Limited was being sponsored by the state government to create an impression to the masses that the LP was the most popular political party in the state. Speaking through its coordinator, Sowore Fabuluje, the ODF alleged that the whole process was stage-managed by the state government. His words: “As part of efforts to ensure the poll favoured its sponsors, Gallop only gave a chance to the people who are MTN subscribers to participate in the poll. But we are aware that in the previous poll conducted in other states earlier by the independent agency, the subscribers of all the telecommunications companies were allowed to participate. There was no proper enlightenment before the opinion poll. “The organisers should have been aware that 70 per cent of Ondo State residents live in rural communities. By conducting this poll, the market women, artisans and farmers among others have been deprived of the opportunity to participate.” Further faulting the result of the poll because the brains behind it were alleged to have been lodged at the Royal Bird Hotel at the expense of the state government, the ODF urged residents of the Sunshine State to disregard the result and come out en masse on October 20 to vote for the candidate of their choice.

...as Jonathan insists on credible poll OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

head of the October 22 governorship election in Ondo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice-President Namadi Sambo and the Senate President, David Mark to lead the party in its campaign to return to power in the state. While inaugurating the committee, President Goodluck Jonathan urged the members to intensify their electioneering even as he assured Nigerians that the election will be free, fair and credible. Speaking at the inauguration, Sambo, who represented the President, told the PDP chieftains that Jonathan is not going back on his promise to Nigerians that every election on his watch must be free and fair.

He told the campaign committee members that it is going to be “one man, one vote” as witnessed during the governorship election in Edo State in July. “We want to assure you that this time around there will be free and fair election in Ondo. It will be one man, one vote,” he said. The vice president, however, expressed optimism that PDP will win the election because of the calibre of the governorship candidate of the party, Chief Olusola Oke. “With Oke’s wealth of experience, with Bamanga Tukur’s wealth of experience including that of members of the National Working Committee, zonal party organisation as well as Ondo PDP, we are confident that come October 20, we will be in the Government House”. In his address, the PDP national chairman, Tukur, bemoaned

the loss of Ondo State to Labour Party in the election tribunal four years ago. “Ondo State is a PDP state and a very important one to our party for that matter. It was therefore a matter of distress to us when we lost it, not through the polls but through a judicial process. Our resolve to win Ondo State back is the underlying factor for setting up this high powered committee.” Tukur, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, enthused that the high popularity and acceptance of Oke is a strong indication that Ondo State will return to the comity of PDP states by next month. Tukur emphasised that one of the strategies adopted by the PDP for the Ondo election is to work towards winning the election from the ward level. “Our slogan for this election shall be ‘deliver your Ward and deliver your local government’. It

Oke addressing the gathering at the Governorship Interractive Forum in Akure over the weekend.

Osun raises alarm over plot to attack officials

he chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Osun State, Adelowo Adebiyi, has raised alarm that the Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State has concluded plans to target top officials of the government of the state with explosive devices. Adebiyi said that the LP wanted to cause mayhem in Osun, so that the ACN will be distracted from focusing attention on the crucial governorship election coming up on October 20, which the party was confident of win-

ning to take over power from the Mimiko-led LP administration. The allegations were made during a press briefing by the ACN chairman in Osogbo yesterday. He did not provide further details. According to Adebiyi, the LP is hoping that when these planned explosions occur, the ACN will blame it on the PDP, its arch-rival in the state and focus more attention on the event rather than the election in Ondo State. He therefore alerted “both

the public and security agencies to be on the lookout for suspicious characters who could be laden with explosive devices targeted at ACN leaders in order to prevent a calamitous event that could resonate violently beyond the borders of Osun State.” Reiterating the determination of the ACN to concentrate fully on the October 20 poll, Adebiyi said that his party would “do everything within democratic limit” to ensure that it emerges victorious.

is by so doing that we will ensure the success of the party in the election,” he said. Other members of the campaign committee are the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal; Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Amechi of Rivers State; former Governor Olusegun Agagu, former Governor Segun Oni; all ministers and federal lawmakers from the South-West.

Omoluabi berates Alasoadura over comment on Agunloye

political group in Ondo State, the Omoluabi Platform, yesterday berated former Commissioner for Finance in the state, Chief Tayo Alasoadura, for calling its leader, Dr. Olu Agunloye a “betrayer” Speaking in Akure yesterday, the group spokesperson, Wemi Ajegbemiga, described the statement as unwarranted, saying that Alasoadura was acting the script of leaders of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)’s candidate. He accused Alasoadura of misinforming the leadership of the ACN with the hope of securing the party’s ticket for the governorship ticket for his personal ambition. Ajegbemiga said: “To put the record straight for the purpose of providence, it was Alasoadura who was full of deceit by misinforming the national leaders of the ACN of a non existing network he claimed to have put in place towards actualising his candidacy within the party.” He also accused Alasoadura of dumping his principal, who he served for six years, former Governor Olusegun Agagu to pursue his “personal and selfish ambition.” Recalling Agunloye’s role in bringing ACN back to life in the wake of the 2011 elections, Ajegbemiga said: “We are all witnesses to Agunloye’s Midas touch in ACN when he joined the party a few months to the general election, when the leaders of the party in Ondo State came to persuade him to vie for the senatorial seat under the banner of their party when there was no candidate for the post.” He added that Agunloye had nothing against the leadership of the ACN or any of the aspirants, but was only against the process that the produced the candidate, which he said was not only faulty but fraudulent.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror

“We cannot solve the problem of refining with illegal refineries.”

CD lauds NAPTIP over justice to house-help

MINISTER OF INFORMATION, LABARAN MAKU

Car snatching gang smashed FRANCIS SUBERU

he long arm of the law has finally caught up with four suspected robbers who specialize in snatching vehicles at gun point in Lagos. The four suspects, Ikechukwu Nnamba, Eneh Evaritus, Benjamin Ekeze and Friday Agbalagba, allegedly snatched a Toyota RAV4 Jeep from its owner in Lagos and later sold it to a buyer at Enugu. However, security operatives attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos State Police Command, were able to trace the vehicle through a tracking device and arrested the suspects. Community Mirror gathered that one Olumide, now at large, brought the stolen vehicle to Ikechukwu Nnamba, an automobile mechanic, with a workshop at Oladipo, Oshodi, Lagos, which he claimed belongs to his uncle in Malaysia. According to Ikechukwu; “It was Benjamin who introduced Olumide to me. He said his uncle asked him to sell the jeep so he could raise money to procure air ticket. I did not know him, but he came with Benjamin, a friend from Udi, Enugu State. “I did not know it was a stolen vehicle, but I promised to inform friends on the possible purchase.

He was desperate and he borrowed N70, 000 from me, with a promise to pay back as soon the vehicle is sold. I eventually lent him the money, which he later paid back”. Eneh Evaritus, who claimed to be a graduate of Economics of the Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT), said he got involved when Collins, a classmate and friend to Olumide, the principal suspect, called from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he sells electrical appliances to look for a buyer for the jeep. “When I heard this, I called my friend, Kingsley Nwoko in Udi, inquiring whether he was interested in purchasing the vehicle, even as he expressed interest. I left Port Harcourt to Enugu for a meeting with Olumide and Collins in a hotel. “I never knew Olumide until July this year. I saw the jeep and Kingsley joined us to inspect the vehicle and eventually paid N1.4 million for it.” Another suspect, Benjamin Ekeze, a chauffeur, who is said to be close to Olumide, claimed he lost his N25,000 paying job before joining the gang. “Olumide and I live at Jakande Estate, Lekki, Lagos and through him, I have been making a living. When I first knew Olumide, he was driving a Toyota PRADO Jeep, but later bought another

Passengers struggling to purchase tickets for BRT bus at Ojota, Lagos.

vehicle. When I asked him where the jeep was, he said, he had given it out to a friend to operate a ‘car hire’ business. “Later, I saw him with a RAV4 jeep and he said he wanted to sell it. He asked if I knew anyone who would be interested and I promised to inform my friends. I called on Ikechukwu to discuss the purchase with someone.

We drove the vehicle to Enugu and it was only when Kingsley requested for the documents, that he noticed they were not complete. Olumide admitted the incomplete particulars, as he claimed the vehicle actually belonged to his uncle’s wife residing in Malaysia who wanted to sell it to purchase an air ticket. The last suspect, Friday Ag-

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

balagba, absolved himself of complicity. The 21-year-old Ukpe Isoko Delta State-born suspect, said his friendship with Olumide was what led to the conclusion that he was a member of the gang. When contacted, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and Lagos State Police Command spokesperson confirmed the report.

Commissioner lauds Anambra oil: Group tasks partnership with agencies boundary commission OKAY OSUJI

artnership and Networking has been identified as panacea for human development and societal progress. This was disclosed by the Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Edak Iwachuckwu when a team from the National Centre for Women Development, Abuja and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency visited her. The commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Nchajeno Owan, commended the initiative of the Japanese agency, pointing out that the government was already

collaborating with it in various areas. Owan, who lauded government and the Japanese agency’s initiative in supporting three women development centres, noted that partnerships are inevitable to progress while reiterating commitment to the progress and development of women in the state. Earlier, leader of the team, Mr. Umar Idris, told the commissioner that they were in the state to observe the operation and use of the equipment donated to the centres and how beneficial they are to women, adding that the project will be in segments to enable them impact positively on the skills and mitigate poverty among women.

NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

ith mounting debates over the declaration of Anambra as an oil-bearing state, the Ohanaeze Media Forum, OMF, a body of journalists has called for caution to avert any act of violence amongst the several contending communities. In a communiqué signed by the National President, Peter Anosike, the Forum stated that great care must to be taken to forestall any violence as evilminded politicians may take advantage to perpetrate their nefarious designs and plunge the

people into avoidable bloodbath. “It is a sad development that something like oil that should be a source of joy for communities that have co-existed peacefully for centuries should now deteriorate to war of words and championed by politicians with evil motives. Some have been lending their voices to heat up the polity in order to perpetrate violence. The people of Aguleri in Anambra, Ibaji in Kogi and Uzo Uwani in Enugu states respectively, must not allow themselves to be used by some crooked politicians who will go to any lenght to achieve their evil purpose by fomenting trouble. Violence will only leave the

society, especially youths who are most vulnerable, worse off.” The Forum however advocated dialogue and active involvement of the National Boundary Commission in resolving the problem. “While recommending dialogue, the Ohanaeze Media Forum, urges the commission to get to work immediately to resolve this matter, while making sure that boundaries amongst states and local governments are properly delineated to forestall future disputes. It is not in the interest of Nigeria that such a laudable investment in a key sector through private efforts should be so scandalized,’ it said.

Community Mirror

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CD lauds NAPTIP over justice to house-help CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

he Campaign for Democracy (CD), South-East zone, has commended the National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP), for bringing justice to a maltreated 13-year-old house help, Chinenye Emeka, after she had her buttocks bruised with hot electric iron. Mrs. Ifechukwu Akabekwa, a resident of 7, Abazuonu Street in Iyi-Owa Odekpe, was accused of

inflicting bodily injuries on Chinenye after she used N1, 000 given to her by a philanthropist for payment of school fees without permission of Akabekwa. The matter, taken up by the Campaign for Democracy (CD), has landed Mrs. Akabekwa, in the Onitsha Prisons, even as the case is still with Atani Chief Magistrate’s Court. In a statement forwarded by Dede Uzor A. Uzor, Chairman, CD South-East zone, the human rights organization lauded the ef-

forts of NAPTIP for coming to the rescue of the house maid. It states, “CD lauds the efforts of Mrs. Nkiru Micheal, Co-ordinator of NAPTIP, South-East, for coming to the aid of the helpless house-help, Miss Chinenye Emeka. We would also commend her doggedness in seeing that Akabekwa was brought to book, as well as the recent arrest by NAPTIP of a woman who had maltreated her housemaid at Onitsha and another in Oguta,

Anambra and Imo states respectively. The statement, however, urged the Federal Government, through the NAPTIP national headquarters, to provide its branches with more logistics in terms of vehicles and personnel. Meanwhile, the human rights organization, has urged the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Re-

lated Offences Commission (ICPC), to arrest Mr. Stanley Akabuogu, Chairman of the Anambra State Chapter of Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), for allegedly extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public in the disguise of giving them loan from the Federal Government. The statement also called on the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Peter Obi and other South East gover-

nors, to ban the activities of NASSI in their various states “Governor Peter Obi, should immediately ban NASSI and other investment and credit ventures in the state not duly approved and monitored by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),” the statement said, adding that “other governors in the SouthEast should follow suit and stop the extortion of money from people, especially the poor and down trodden,’’

Heavy rainfall causes landslide in Cross River

he inhabitants of Boje, Kataba and Buanchor communities in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State are now living in fear following persistent rainfall that has caused a landslide, destroying property, economic trees and cutting off access roads. When the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Barr. Efiok Cobham, visited the area, he attributed the phenomenon to climate change causes as he promised to give the affected communities necessary and urgent attention, even as some of the relief materials have been provided by the government and other public-spirited individuals. Furthermore, the Chairman of Boki Local Government Council, Hon. Jonas Obi Otu, has procured an engine boat to enable the affected communities have a temporal means of transportation for their goods. “We are still appealing to the state and Federal Government to come to our aid. We have no option but to turn to the media to, make our plight known to the world, especially the Federal Government, World Bank and International donors. We feel the menace is beyond the state government, ” lamented one of the victims.

A cross section of Palace Guards waiting for the Emir in Minna, Niger State.

Committee embarks on clean up in Abuja OMEIZA AJAYI

he Ministerial Committee on Clean and Green Greater Abuja Initiative says it has deployed road building equipment to Karu, Nyanya and Mararaba to evacuate the huge waste generated by residents of the satellite towns. This is even as it stated that it has also established five subcommittees to take charge of publicity and sensitisation, enforcement, mop-up operation parks and greening, and monitoring. In a statement by the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister of State in the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Oluy-

inka Akintunde, the Clean and Green workers, which commenced the evacuation of refuse in Afizere Road, Karu General Hospital, Karu Children’s Home and other parts of Abuja have completed the exercise. He disclosed that the evacuation of heaps of refuse in Nyanya and Mararaba was now underway. Akintunde, who is a member of the Committee on Clean and Green Greater Abuja Initiative, said “the committee was assisting the Area Councils to clean up the satellite towns and regional road corridors. He explained that the Area Councils were expected to clean up the villages, including the minor settlements.

Secretary of the Committee, Mr. Olusegun Olusa, who led the evacuation and mop up exercise in Karu, Nyanya and Mararaba, said the refuse evacuation was part of the terms of reference of the committee and would be a continuous exercise. “We are putting together sustainable waste management and enforcement strategies in the cleaning and greening of the satellite towns. The committee has established five subcommittees: Publicity and Sensitisation, Enforcement, Mop-up Operation, Parks and Greening, and Monitoring to carry out its mandate of cleaning and greening the satellite towns”,

Two communities get autonomy in Ogun AYO ESAN

n a bid to ensure more development, the Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Council in Ogun State, has created two more areas out of Ire Akari Community Development Association. The two communities are Oluwasemilore and Ifejoba, which have been presented with certificates by the Community Development Officer of the council, Mr. Kehinde Ogunleye. Speaking after presentation of the certificate, the president of Oluwasemilore Community

Association, Elder Emmanuel Akolawole Bruce, said his primary assignment is to make life more meaningful for the people, through assuring an open door policy. “The certificate presented to us today marks the beginning of new development in our community’, he said. According to the retired customary court president, Oluwasemilore will develop rapidly now that it has autonomy. Also speaking, the president of Ifejoba, Benjamin Olukorede, said his priority will be to carry people of the community along by the administration.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

Israeli ex-PM Olmert gets light sentence

PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

ix civilians have been shot dead by a Kenyan soldier advancing towards the al-Shabaab stronghold of Kismayo, the Kenyan army has confirmed. The soldier has been detained pending an investigation, it said, noting the incident followed a militant attack. Somali army spokesman Adan Mohamed Hirsi earlier told the BBC it had been “a deliberate killing”. Meanwhile, the Hizbul Islam group has announced that it is leaving the al-Shabaab militant organisation. BBC Somalia analyst, Mohamed Mohamed, says it is a significant setback for al-Shabaab, following recent military defeats. Kenyan troops intervened in Somalia a year ago after a spate of cross-border attacks blamed on the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab. It is the first time in its history that Kenya has sent troops into a foreign country in anger. Kenyan forces are now officially integrated into the African Union force, known as Amisom. But co-ordination with Amisom has not always been smooth. The Kenyans have sometimes been perceived as unco-operative and impetuous, operating in the south of the country, independently of central command in Mogadishu. It was the first time Kenyan troops had been sent abroad, except as peacekeepers. Sunday’s shooting happened about 50km (30 miles) from Kismayo, the largest city still in militant hands.

- INTERNATIONAL MEDIATOR ON SYRIA, LAKHDAR BRAHIMI

Kenyan soldier kills six Somali civilians

Kenyan troops standing guard in Somalia

Mr Hirsi condemned the killings and asked the Somali government to take action. “This incident is very hurtful,” he told the BBC’s Somali service, saying a group of young men were shot outside a shop in the village of Janay Abdalla. They were reportedly queuing to buy sugar. In addition to those killed, two civilians were seriously wounded, Mr Hirsi said. Kenyan military spokesman Col Cyrus Oguna said the incident happened shortly after al-Shabaab militants attacked Kenyan soldiers who were escorting people to collect water from a well in the village, killing five civilians and one soldier.

Egyptian court sentences 14 to death for Sinai attacks

n Egyptian court has sentenced 14 members of a militant Islamic group to death by hanging for attacks against police last year in the Sinai Peninsula. The court ruled yesterday that men are members of the Islamic militant group el-Tawhid wi el-Jihad that carried out the deadly 2011 attacks against civilians and policemen in northern Sinai’s el-Arish city. Egypt’s top religious cleric approved the executions as is

“I do not have a full plan for the moment, but I have a few ideas. I have agreed with the council I will come back here as soon as possible with more ideas on how we move forward.”

customary for death sentences under the nation’s legal system. Another six men involved in the case were sentenced to life in prison. Four others were found not guilty. Militants in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula are believed to have grown in numbers since last year’s political upheaval. In a brazen attack, militants killed 16 Egyptian soldiers near the Egypt-Gaza-Israel border in August.

PHOTO: AP

“Later on in the day, several people approached KDF [Kenya Defence Forces] defensive positions, where a KDF soldier allegedly opened fire killing six people,” he said in a statement. “The soldier was disarmed and has since been put on guard-

ed seclusion,” he said, adding that appropriate action would be taken after the investigation. Col Oguna said the Kenyan operations in Somalia should not be judged by this “unfortunate incident” and that the “utmost care and concern for civilian safety” were taken.

398 unescorted Nigerian women held in Saudi pilgrimage

igerian officials say 398 Muslim women pilgrims travelling to Mecca were temporarily held at a Saudi Arabian airport for travelling without male relatives. A spokesman for Nigeria’s National Hajj Commission said Saudi authorities held the Nigerian women between Thursday and Monday at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah. Spokesman Uba Mana said the women were allowed to proceed with their pilgrimage yesterday following diplomatic

Nigerian pilgrims at Saudi Arabia

intervention. He said Saudi authorities held them for not travelling with a male relative due to a “communication gap.” He said an agreement between the countries exempts Nigerian women from requiring a male relative to escort them during the Hajj pilgrimage, which costs about $4,000 per person. All able-bodied Muslims who can afford it are expected to perform Hajj at least once in their lives.

PHOTO: NAN

WORLD BULLETIN

Mali agrees to host anti-Islamist ECOWAS force The West African state of Mali has agreed to host a regional military deployment aimed at dislodging radical Islamists in control in the north. UN backing for the force will be sought this week by the Malian government and the West African regional body, ECOWAS. Militant Islamists captured northern Mali in April, prompting fears of instability across the region. Mali was initially opposed but has now agreed to host the 3,000-strong force in the capital, Bamako. After intense regional diplomatic efforts, the authorities have given the green light for a logistical base on the outskirts of the city, BBC West Africa correspondent Thomas Fessy reports. Mali’s interim President Dioncounda Traore was known to be unhappy about foreign troops being posted in the capital. Islamists seized control of the north of the country, taking advantage of chaos that followed an army coup in March. Sharia law has been implemented in the towns of Timbuktu, Kidal and Gao and ancient shrines deemed idolatrous have been destroyed. On Friday, the UN Security Council expressed its concern about the “increasing entrenchment of terrorist elements including al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and affiliated groups” in northern Mali. UN Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay has spoken of serious human rights violations and “possibly war crimes”.

Ivory Coast reopens air space with Ghana Ivory Coast says it will allow flights to resume with Ghana, and has reopened its air space after closing its borders following last week’s cross-border attack. However, the country has not yet agreed to reopen its land and maritime borders. Four gunmen were killed in an attempted raid on security posts on Friday in the town of Noe, near the Ghanaian border. Military officials said late Sunday they believe the attack originated in Ghana, and the government announced Friday that all borders would be closed. Ivory Coast accuses allies of ousted President Laurent Gbagbo, including some hiding in Ghana, of being behind a spate of attacks on military positions that began in August. Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has vowed not to let his country be used as a staging ground.

World News

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Argentine president challenges critics in US

Briefs Clinton urges tolerance amid anti-US protests Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton appealed yesterday to Muslims to show “dignity” and not resort to violence as they protest an anti-Islam film produced in the United States. Speaking at the Clinton Global Initiative before meeting the presidents of Afghanistan, Egypt, Libya and Pakistan on the sidelines of the annual U.N. General Assembly, Clinton said the United States would always champion the rights to peaceful protest and free expression even if it deplored the content of the speech. But, she said, “dignity does not come from avenging insults.” Her comments came as demonstrators angry over the vulgar depiction of the Prophet Mohammed in the video continue to protest around the Muslim world. “Dignity does not come from avenging insults, especially with violence that can never be justified,” she told participants in her husband’s Clinton Global Initiative. “It comes from taking responsibility and advancing our common humanity.” Fomenting grievance, Clinton said, produces violent protests that accomplish nothing in the way of improving living standards, creating jobs or developing societies. “Building schools instead of burning them, investing in their people’s creativity, not inciting their rage, opening their economies and societies to have more connections with the wider world, not shutting off the internet or attacking embassies” is the way to better life, she said. “Extremists around the world are working hard to drive us apart,” Clinton warned. “All of us need to stand together to resist these forces and to support democratic transitions under way in North Africa and the Middle East.”

Soldiers discover abandoned baby in Afghan roadside A newborn baby girl left abandoned on the side of the road in southern Afghanistan has been discovered by a group of Polish soldiers. The soldiers came upon the baby, who they have named Pola, after Poland, wrapped in a towel on Wednesday while they were checking a route near their Waghez military base for safety, Defence Ministry spokesman, Janusz Walczak, told The Associated Press. The group of soldiers was first suspicious when they discovered the baby, as there is a risk of hidden roadside bombs across Afghanistan. It is still unclear who left baby Pola on the side of the road. The AP reported that there was no one found in a mile radius of where the baby was discovered. After the troops found her, she was brought to a medical center at their base. The soldiers then bought the girl baby formula, a bottle and a bib.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Former Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, right, standing by his ex- aide, Shula Zaken attends the sentence hearing at Jerusalem’s District Court, yesterday. Photo: AP

Ex-Israeli PM Olmert gets light sentence

Jerusalem court yesterday ordered former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to pay a fine and serve a oneyear suspended sentence for his role in a corruption case that forced him from office, a relatively light punishment that could clear the way for a political comeback. Olmert, who had faced the possibility of jail time or community service, was ordered only to pay an $18,000 fine. By avoiding those stiffer penalties, the former leader is now eligible to run for parliament, though he remains barred from serving in a Cabinet post while he faces another corruption trial. The 66-year-old Olmert has not said whether he wants to seek office again, but confidants say he is certainly considering it. “I sense that many today among us need to

see Olmert come back,” Ronnie Bar-On, a political ally of the former premier, told Israel’s Channel 2 TV. “It is now very clear to everyone that Prime Minister Olmert was removed from office against his will and unjustifiably so.” Olmert was deeply unpopular when he was forced from office, but he has enjoyed a comeback of sorts in recent months. Many commentators have lamented the breakdown in Mideast peace efforts under the current Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and wondered whether Olmert, who conducted more than a year of intense negotiations with the Palestinians, might have delivered an agreement if he had not been driven from office. In the coming months, Olmert will remain preoccupied with a separate trial for his alleged role in a Jerusalem real estate bribery case. Still, Monday’s sentencing

Political scandal: China jails police chief for 15 years

he ex-police chief at the heart of China’s biggest political scandal in years has been sentenced to 15 years in jail. Wang Lijun was jailed for ‘’bending the law for selfish ends, defection, abuse of power and bribe taking”, Xinhua said. The policeman’s flight in February to a US consulate led to the downfall of his ex-boss, top politician Bo Xilai. Mr Bo’s wife was convicted in August of killing UK national Neil Hey-

wood. Wang was accused of helping in a cover-up. Wang - the former chief of police in the city of Chongqing, where Bo Xilai was Communist Party leader - had faced up to 20 years in jail, but prosecutors called his cooperation “meritorious service”. The ‘’combined term’’ of 15 years in prison included nine years for bribery, seven for bending the law, two for defection and two for abuse of power, state television reported.

was a clear victory for the former premier. “I walk out of here with my head held high,” he told reporters. Olmert was forced out of office nearly four years ago under the cloud of scandal, accused of accepting cash-stuffed envelopes from an American political supporter and allegedly double billing supporters for overseas trips.

resident Cristina Fernandez comes to Wall Street and Washington yesterday with a message for critics who say Argentina is headed for economic disaster by refusing to play by the rules of the global financial system: good riddance to the rules. Her government has racked up a long list of unpaid IOUs while helping the country recover from its humiliating, world-record debt default a decade ago. And Fernandez argues Argentina’s economic rebound has been possible precisely because its leaders have stood up to foreign pressures and put their people first. Argentines used to be “dazzled by the North,” she said last month while inaugurating an expanded highway, one of many infrastructure projects she said would have been impossible had her government done as outsiders demand. “They hadn’t noticed

that the rich countries don’t want partners or friends; they just want employees and subordinates. And we’re not going to be anybody’s employees or subordinates. We are a free country, with dignity and national pride.” As Fernandez addresses the United Nations Tuesday and then takes questions at Georgetown and Harvard later in the week, she’s sure to insist, as she has often in the past, that her forceful management of the economy has made factories rebound, jobs more secure, society more egalitarian and the future brighter than it has been in years. Fernandez says corporations no longer tell Argentine presidents what to do, and instead must heel to a government that puts the people’s needs first. Natural resources are once again sovereign, and Argentina is freer than ever from international debt obligations.

Belarus elects entirely pro-government parliament

At least 20 independent election observot a single opposition politician won a seat in Belarus’ parlia- ers were detained, according to rights acment in a weekend vote that tivists. Political analyst Leonid Zaiko said the has been condemned by international observers and looks set to deepen the way the elections were held highlighted former Soviet nation’s diplomatic isola- Lukashenko’s desire to prepare for another beckoning economic crisis. “He plans to tion. Critics also said the 74.3 percent turn- control the situation with an iron fist. He out reported by the Central Elections has no time for any opposition, not on the Commission chairman yesterday was way street and certainly not in parliament,” Zaiko said. too high and indicated widespread fraud. Lukashenko’s landslide win in the 2010 The main opposition parties, which were ignored by state-run media, boycot- presidential election triggered a mass street protest against election fraud that ted the election to protest the detention of political prisoners and ample opportuni- was brutally suppressed. Some of the 700 people arrested at that protest are still ties for election fraud. The vote filled the parliament with in jail, including presidential candidate representatives of three parties that have Nikolai Statkevich. Opposition politicians have cautioned backed the policy agenda of President Alsupporters to refrain from holding protest exander Lukashenko. “This election was not competitive from rallies this time. The opposition had hoped to use this the start,” said Matteo Mecacci, leader of the observer mission of the Organization election to build support, but 33 of 35 canfor Security and Cooperation in Europe. didates from the United Civil Party were “A free election depends on people being barred from television, while the statefree to speak, organize and run for office, owned press refused to publish their election programs. and we didn’t see that in this campaign.” Belarus’ parliament has long been considered a rubber-stamp body for Lukashenko’s policies. He has ruled the former Soviet nation since 1994 and Western observers have criticized all recent elections in Belarus as undemocratic. Local independent observers estimated the overall turnout as being almost 19 percent lower than the official 74.3 percent figure. “Belarus gets ever closer to the worst standards of Soviet elections,” said Valentin Stefanovich, coordinator of the Rights Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko Activists for Free Elections group.

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World News

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Malian insurgency and the creation of Azawad state

ith the terrorist consequences of fundamentalist state taking root, in the mid-Sahara, north of the West Coast of Africa, it is expected that ECOWAS will either be dealing deadly blows to that monster or would have decisively mopped up that source of instability in the region. Now that the situation looks amorphous, and line of action difficult to determine, it has become necessary to do a further take on the subject perhaps with a view to stimulating action towards some kind of solution to save West Africa the unwarranted and senseless bloodshed that may arise from complacency on the subject. The current crises gripping northern Mali has its origins in the early years of the Bush Administration, when the US declared the Sahara Desert a hot bed of terrorism and sent in arms and Special Forces into the area as part of the Trans-Sahal Counter Terrorism initiative. The US military claimed that when the Taliban fell in Afghanistan, terrorists moved west into the Horn of Africa, the Sudan and the Sahara desert. Anthropologists Jeremy Keenan calls it ”a mere figment of imagination” adding that the military foot print of USA into Africa was intended to lie in-wait for fortuitous times when USA could occupy and exploit the emergent economic blue prints of neo-Africa. These are the new finds of oil and gas resources and the need to counter the increasing threat of China on the African continent. The US currently receives 18% of its energy supplies from Africa. In 2015, the supplies are expected to rise to 25%. Africa currently provides about one third of the energy needs of China, including vast resources of copper, platinum timber and iron ore. The more Washington stifles the growing partnership and alliances between China and Africa, the more domination US imperialism will have over the economic interests of Africa. The recent visits of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Senegal, South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and Benin was to strengthen US hold on the emerging economies of neo-Africa. New dis-

he European Court of Human Rights has given its final approval for the extradition of five major terrorism suspects from the UK to the US. The court’s highest judges said they would not re-open the cases of Abu Hamza al-Masri, Babar Ahmad and others. The decision means that the extradition of the men, wanted for years by the US, is likely to happen within weeks. The Home Office welcomed the decision, saying it would ensure the extraditions happen as quickly as possible. Each man had said they would face inhumane treatment in the United States if they were sent there.

Malian Tuareg fighters

Photo:Akata News

coveries of oil and natural gas in West, East and Central Africa are estimated to worth trillions of USD (US Dollars). The mid-Sahara region comprising the State of Azawad is a huge desert zone and is difficult to control. It is a suitable territory for trafficking in arms and drugs. It is also rich in petroleum, natural gas, Uranium, gold, diamonds, copper and phosphate. It includes a part of Southern Algeria and northern Niger Republic. Oil is found in the Taoudeni Basin of Azawad, also spanning parts of Mauritania. The social matrix in Mali over the past two decades has been characterized by urban banditry as well as inter-communal and religious conflicts. The Tuareg Rebellion in the north between 1990 and 2012 added to trans-border criminality by gangs trafficking in cigarettes and drugs, including weapons of all sorts. At the moment, they present excellent terrorist operations with the al-qeada of Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) making the region, one of the most insecure in Africa. This has rendered the ECOWAS sub-region, particularly vulnerable. Boko Haram insurgency has a hyper boost and may remain lethal, much longer. Mali’s neighbours are increasingly anxious about breakaway Azawad turn-

ing into an exporter of militants in the West Coat of Africa. They worry about waves of refugees fleeing the sharia law, imposed in the territory by the fundamentalist Ansar al-Din group. Unconvinced by the ability of the fractured and weak Mali authorities to tackle the bad situation anytime soon, they plan to seek a United Nations Security Council resolution authorizing the use of military force by a coalition of ECOWAS countries to oust the Islamist fundamentalists. The coalition led by the President of Niger Republic is seeking French and US logistic operations support to embark on the campaign when authorised. Sharia law in Azawad is imposed on a reluctant population causing about 400,000 people to flee the area. The situation in Azawad is tending towards the production of a Jihadist organisation or country with the training of the fundamentalist and those of Boko Haram according to a BBC report undertaken in Afghanistan and Pakistan. This is in keeping with the international practices of the al-qeada. The terrorist groups of Ansa al-Din, al-Tawhid wa al-Jihad and the AQIM are stoning people to death, tearing down Sufi Shrines and enforcing rigid sharia law in Azawad. Moderate Tuareg Moslems have already aban-

doned the new state they declared, and have returned to the desert abandoning cities like Timbuktu, Gao and Kidal to the Islamic groups. The position of things in Azawad presents and intricate webb, one that suggests an unstoppable brew of blood thirsty Islamic radicals. The major stakes are helpless. A decade of US military involvement in the area as in other parts of Africa has failed to curb instability and the growth of terrorist groups. In the height of the deepening economic crises in the US and the growing influence of China in Africa, Wall Street and their bosses offer little new policies to help the economies of Africa grow. The US must inconsequence; restrategise to reduce the pains to its 21st century scramble for the resources of Africa. The situation in Azawad presents rather difficult options. The AQIM comprises Mauritanian and Algerian Moslem fundamentalists, while Chad is not a member of the ECOWAS Algeria and Mali want dialogue. France wants military action against the reactionary government in Azawad however with ECOWAS offering leadership. The US are on the side walk unwilling to act. On the whole, the ECOWAS though is proposing military action is unwilling to pressure the United Nations to give he mandate. At the moment, the movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) has taken the entire population hostage with a circle of land mines planted in the area, to ensure that no one escapes. It is an extremist government comprising three factions joined in the same extremist objective, the Al-Qeada (AQIM) the MUJAO and the Anser al-Din. Meantime the call for Mali to form a military government given on the 31st of July 2012 by ECOWAS has not been heeded. Nigeria remains the foremost recipient of the satanic brew of Islamic fundamentalism in Azawad. Perhaps our voices must be the loudest in pressing the United Nations and ECOWAS to press for the resolution for military action. Kamalu Igirigiri Ex-FRCN Staff, writes from Lagos

UK approves extradition for terror suspects Abu Hamza is accused of planning a terror training camp in the US and assisting hostage-taking in Yemen. The US says that Babar Ahmad and his co-accused, Syed Talha Ahsan, ran a jihadist website in London that provided material support for terrorism. Adel Abdul Bary, Khaled Al Fawwaz are accused of being aides to Osama bin Laden in London. In a statement, the Strasbourg court said: “On 10 April 2012 the European Court of Human Rights held, in the case of Babar Ahmad and Others v. the United Kingdom, that there would be no violation of the applicants’ rights if extradited to stand trial in the

United States. “On 9/10 July 2012, five of the applicants lodged a request for referral of the case to the Grand Chamber. Today the Grand Chamber Panel decided to reject the request. This means that the Chamber judgment of 10 April 2012 is now final.” Abu Hamza had alleged that he faced inhumane and degrading treatment if imprisoned for life without possibility of parole. The other four men, Babar Ahmad, Syed Talha Ahsan, Adel Abdul Bary and Khaled Al Fawwaz said that they faced an inhumane regime of solitary confinement in a special “supermax” prison. A Home Office spokesman said: “The Home Secretary wel-

comes today’s decision not to refer the cases of Abu Hamza and four others to the Grand Chamber. This follows the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights on April 10 to allow the extradition of these five terrorism suspects to the US. “We will work to ensure that the individuals are handed over to the US authorities as quickly as possible.” Abu Hamza could be extradited within weeks Babar Ahmad’s family said: “The decision of the Grand Chamber is largely irrelevant to us as this matter should never have come to this stage had the British police done their job almost nine years ago and provided the material seized from

Babar’s home to the CPS, rather than secretly passing it to their US counterparts. “The CPS is now in possession of all that material which forms the basis of the US indictment and should immediately prosecute Babar for conduct allegedly committed in the UK. “There is enormous public interest in Babar being prosecuted in the UK, as reflected by the fact that almost 150,000 members of the British public signed a government e-petition to this effect last year. “Moreover, a British businessman Karl Watkins has recently commenced his own private prosecution of Babar based on the principle of the matter.

Cocktail

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

WITH DR. DEJI FOLUTILE

Today's Tonic (9)

David killed Goliath before Goliath died; he slew him with his words. **David Oyedepo +++ Your Tongue Is A Weapon! It is commonly agreed that Mohammad Ali won most of his fights with his mouth rather than his fists!. He was always declaring himself to be the greatest. He was always talking confidently and intimidating his opponents both within and outside the ring. Our words are eternal weapons of victory if we know how to effectively use it. Adverse situations will bow to the confident and constant confessions that comes out of mouth. Weak words will make us weak while strong words will make us strong. When we stubbornly refuse to talk our circumstances but our positive expectations, we stand a better chance of winning our daily battles as they come. Your condition today can change for the better with the proper use of your tongue. Our tongue can make us live a healthy life. Our tongue can make us live long. Our tongue can make us rich. The words we speak daily are creative in nature. Using our words to create a better life is a great privilege that we should not take lightly! Never verbalise what you do not want to see in your life.

Oddities

Woman rides bike 26 miles to apply for job

North Carolina woman who has been unemployed for a year and a half said she made a 26-mile round trip on her daughter’s bicycle to put in a job application. Kimberly White, who was laid off from

her administrative assistant job in February 2011 and ran out of unemployment benefits two weeks ago, said she rode her daughter’s pink mountain bike from her Cherryville home to the JobLink Career Center in Lincolnton Sept. 10 to get

her application in before the deadline for a posting, the Gaston (N.C.) Gazette reported Wednesday. “I do like to get out and bike, so I didn’t think that that was too much to ask to get a really good job,” White said. “I never thought twice about

TEL 08104942999 E-MAIL deji.folutile@gmail.com Follow me @TwitterOWOTIDE

Attempted burglar found asleep on floor

heriff’s deputies responding to a burglary call say they found a 20-year-old man asleep on the kitchen floor of a home in Oregon. The Washington County sheriff’s office says the homeowner discovered the sleeping stranger early Friday. Deputies arrived

to find Cristian VillarrealCastillo, who had in his pockets small electronic devices believed to be stolen from unlocked vehicles. Deputies say many items in the home in the Rock Creek neighbourhood of Hillsboro had been ransacked in an apparent attempt to find valuables.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

A man and his horse trying to fix a car Photo: creativenerds.co.uk

hopping on the bike and trekking up there. A good job is a make it or break it for my household.” White said the 26-mile round trip took her about 3 hours. She said she was waiting to hear a response to her application.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kwara ACN alleges likely attack on its members MURITALA AYINLA

ollowing the recent defection of prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) to Action Congress of Nigeria in Kwara State, the latter yesterday raised the alarm over an imminent crackdown on its members. In a statement issued in Akure by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, ACN expressed concern over the “sabre rattling and provocative statements that have been emanating from the PDPcontrolled government in Kwara State before, during and after the defection.” The statement read: “It has become fashionable for the PDP-controlled government in Kwara State to find in the ACN a ready scapegoat for its maladministration, incompetence profligacy and anti -people policies which have totally alienated the long suffering people of the state from their underperforming government. “It is no longer a secret that Kwara State Government owes its workers several months of unpaid salaries. However, in its usual penchant for looking for a scapegoat for its shortcomings, the state government has perfected plans to arrest and detain ACN chieftains whenever the workers go on strike as if the workers need to be instigated by anyone to demand their legitimate

•Allegation not true, says govt

rights.” The party also flayed the Kwara State Government for blaming the violent protest that greeted the ban of commercial motorcycles on ACN, saying the government lacks pro-people policies. The ACN added: “The profligacy, scandalous massive deductions by the state government of funds meant for local government councils, incompetence and anti -people policies of the government has brought untold hardship to the people and left the state underdeveloped that the people are left with no choice than to leave the sinking PDP in droves and embrace ACN. “For a government that has repeatedly proclaimed to the world that the opposition is dead in the state, the recent massive defection of its former loyalists was bound to jolt and send it to overdrive especially given the quality of the political giants that left to join the ACN.” But the state government dismissed the allegation, saying that it has no plan to intimidate anybody. It said: “As a democratically-elected and constitutionally recognised government that believes in the rule of law and freedom of expression, we cannot intimidate or otherwise abridge citizens’ right to express their views, political or otherwise.

“It is, therefor,e completely untrue as the ACN claims that Kwara State has intimidated or plans to intimidate political opponents. “It is ludicrous that the ACN feels the PDP is unduly agitated over the said exit of some members. The socalled decampees from the PDP are individuals with doubtful political value. So, we are not losing any sleep over their departure. Once they realise their folly they will return shortly.”

gala residents in Lagos State have asked President Goodluck Jonathan to declare Kogi as an oil producing state. Their leader, Mr. Sanni Ejima, who doubles as the National Chairman of Onu Igala Forum in Nigeria, said yesterday in Lagos that oil was found in Odeke area of Ibaji Local Government of Kogi State. Ejima said that the “volume of the oil found in Odeke is more than what we have in the Niger Delta region.” He said it was the oil

ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

he Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, has struck out a suit filed by the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and its governorship candidate, Chief James Ocholi and others against the state governor, Capt. Idris Wada. Wada was elected Kogi State governor on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform on December 3, 2011. The plaintiffs had sued Wada and the Independent National Electoral Commis-

sion (INEC) over the process through which the governor emerged the PDP candidate. They wanted the court to determine whether the process through Wada emerged as PDP candidate was constitutional. In his ruling yesterday, Justice Inyang Ekwo said that the plaintiffs failed to provide enough evidence to prove that the process that brought up Wada was faulty. He said it is conjecture and hypothesis of the palliatives to say that the administrative process was wrong. Stressing that in determining the administrative process in the legal matter,

the onus lies on the plaintiff to provide clear evidence. On whether the court has jurisdiction over the matter, the judge said there was no evidence the election petition tribunal had determined most the issues brought before the court. Reacting to the judgment, Governor Wada described it victory for democracy and rule of law. He said: “It is time now to pursue the transformation agenda for the development of Kogi State.” Wada, however, called on the opposition to join hands with his administration to develop the state.

PHOTO: NAN

Group backs Northern governors’ peace committee A ZA MSUE KADUNA

group under the auspices of Coalition for Good Governance and Probity (CGGP) yesterday praised the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) peace committee set up to end insecurity in the found in Kogi that was mis- North. taken for Anambra, adding that Odeke, where the oil was found, is not close to the boundary, but rather the bor- EZEKIEL TITUS der village between Ibaji and BAUCHI Anambra State is Echenyo. he newly elected Ejima, who is also the Vice chairman of Miners’ Chairman of Arewa Council Association of Nigeof Chiefs in Lagos State, said: ria in Bauchi State, Alhaji “Failure of government to Inuwa Galoji, has decried do the right thing at the right what he called high rate of time always leads to avoid- dependency on government able counting of corpses at by miners. the end of the day,” just as he In a statement signed expressed confidence that by the publicity secretary The president will look of the association, Babayo into the matter “and do the Sanusi Adamu, a copy of right thing to avoid unnec- which was made available essary agitation from our to journalists in Bauchi, Galaw-abiding people.” loji urged Nigerian youths

The group said that if supported, the committee would bring about peace and security in the region. In a statement signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Mr. Abdullahi Suleiman and Mrs. Amina Ibrahim, the group condemned what it called subtle campaign of calumny against the NSGF Chairman, Governor Babangida Aliyu. The statement reads: “The

Coalition for Good Governance and Probity condemns the sponsored attack against Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu by hired agents masquerading as members of the opposition. “The allegation against Governor Aliyu is nothing but a political mischief by some persons who felt threatened by his rising profile and his outspokenness on nation-

to be self-reliant. He said mining activities would reduce unemployment if explored. Galoji said: “Mining not only offers employment opportunity to the vast populace of the country, but also gives lucrative jobs to the teeming populace. “Our association’s prime objective is to educate, create awareness and explore opportunities in the mining sector by taking responsibility in helping the state and Federal Government to invite foreign investors

and partners to stimulate local miners and to empower them by establishing strong relationship between the government and mine workers.’’ He said mining began in 1903 in Nigeria when the then mineral survey in the Northern protectorate was created by the British Colonial Government. The chairman said Nigeria was endowed with abundance solid minerals, such as limestone, gypsum, zinc, lead, copper quartz, emerald, Kaolin and oth-

Miners decry dependency on govt

Court strikes out suit against Wada

Knives recovered in the house-to-house search in Mubi, Adamawa State, yesterday.

Jonathan asked to declare Kogi oil producing state SINA FADARE

North

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

al issues. “The coalition is of the belief that the committee is capable of ending the Muslim/Christian violence in northern Nigeria and the insurgence that is going on in the North at the moment.” The group, however, called on the Federal Government to support efforts by the NSGF to end violence in the North. ers. The country, according to him, is the world major producer of Tin, Columbite, and coal when in 1940 the mineral survey of Southern Protectorate was founded. Galoji noted that the discovery of oil in 1956 hurt the mineral extraction industry as government and industries began focusing attention on the new resource. He said the mining industry was monopolised by state owned public corporations which leads to the decline in productivity in almost all the mining industries.

News

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fashola endows council with N200m

agos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, yesterday inaugurated the state research and development council with an initial working grant of N200m. Fashola said the council was constituted to generate ideas that would enrich government policies and offer solutions to some of the state’s major challenges. He said it was created to address the problem of poor funding of research in Nigeria and to create a platform for people with ideas to make positive impact on the society. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that members of the 10-man council include Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo and Prof. Olumide Olusanya of the Uni-

versity of Lagos and Prof. Olufemi Bamiro of the University of Ibadan. “One of the things we set out to do from the outset of this administration was to have a government driven by methods and processes. “A government that would implement only programmes that have been empirically proven to be workable and necessary and not what we feel like doing. “At the heart of the government has been the process of research, development and innovation, and that can be seen in the many of the day-to-day decisions that we have taken in our public life. “The Security Trust Fund is one of them. The Rice for Jobs initiative is another, the conversion of

IJEOMA EZEIKE

She regretted that legal and customary barriers to ownership of or access to land, natural resources, capital, credit, technology and other means of production, as well as discriminations, have contributed to impeding the economic life of women.

graduates in various disciplines to teachers of core subjects in our schools is also one of our innovative policies.” Fashola said there was the need for Nigeria to fund

and encourage research in tertiary institutions, saying this would help to create a pool of ideas for the development of the country. He said government would continue to tap the

potential of research to further the development of the state. Bamiro, on behalf of other members, commended the governor for constituting the council, saying the

step showed that he was serious about the development of the state. He pledged that members would do their best to justify the confidence reposed in them.

A house submerged by flood at Udaba in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

110,000 jobs for young women –Minister

ABUJA

he Federal Government is to generate about 110,000 jobs for unemployed Nigerian young women between the ages of 14 and 45 under the women edition of the Youth Enterprise with Initiatives in Nigeria, YouWin. Minster of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, disclosed this yesterday at the launching of the North-East Zone chapter of the programme in Yola, Adamawa State. Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. George Ossi, the minister said the programme would generate jobs by encouraging and supporting aspiring young women entrepreneurs to develop and execute business ideas that would lead to job creation. Maina noted that the programme had been carefully designed to promote and strengthen micro-enterprises, new small businesses, cooperative enterprises, expand markets and other employment opportunities including where appropriate, facilitate women’s transition from the informal to the formal sector.

A family being evacuated to safety at Udaba.

5 bodies recovered from River Niger CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

situation is beyond the council.” At Tungbo, where about 50 families were displaced, the people had begun to relocate to the homes of relations and friends not yet affected by the flood. Several communities on the banks of the River Nun and River Forcados are under threat by the ravaging flood, which has kept surging every day. Locals also said that the first time a flood of such magnitude was recorded in the area was in 1969 during the civil war. In Edo State, Governor Adams Oshiomhole ordered the immediate release of N100m to provide relief materials for victims of flood-ravaged communities in Etsako Central, Etsako East and Esan SouthEast Local Government Areas of the state. He also said that govern-

ment would find a longterm solution to avoid a reoccurrence. Oshiomhole added that he would liaise with the Federal Government for relief materials for the displaced persons. The governor said that the disaster caused by the overflow of the River Niger had led to the loss of property worth billions of naira in the state. “What has happened is an act of God and no one can challenge the will of God. “In other parts of the country, we have heard of loss of lives, but so far we have not recorded any death here. “Let us pray that the river goes back to its boundary. “As a government, we will try as much as possible to reduce the hardship suffered by the people by providing relief materials. “What we cannot

change, we will bear. President Goodluck Jonathan and the Federal Government are concerned about this calamity.” The ravaging flood, which has taken over about 20 communities with a combined population of over 500,000 people, destroyed buildings, household materials and food crops in the affected communities. At the Ekperi Grammar School, Ugbekpe-Ekperi, there were over 60, 000 refugees from Yuluwa village, Ofukpo, Agbabu, IguziOfukpe, Udaba, Unudoboh, Udaba-Ogho and Anegette, all in Etsako Central. The palace of the Daudu of Usumegbe, Chief John Musa, and that of the Village Head of Udaba, Chief David Inetape, are among the buildings that have been submerged. In Agenebode, the headquarters of Etsako East Local Government Area,

the surrounding villages have also been taken over by flood, while Ilushi, Urho, Urhowa and Inyelen in Esan South-East Local Government Area have completely been destroyed by the flood with the entire people moved to Ubiaja, the council headquarters. Narrating his ordeal, one of the affected persons, Alhaji Sedenu Mohammed, said he fled his Udochi community with his two wives and seven children without salvaging anything from his house. Meanwhile, public-spirited individuals have started sending relief materials to the displaced persons to ameliorate their plight. In Nasarawa State, Governor Umaru Al-Makura has donated cash and relief materials worth over N5m to over 34,000 displaced persons ravaged by flood in some villages in Toto Local Government Area of the state.

Al-Makura, while donating the relief items to the victims at Umaisha village on Monday, noted that government was sensitive to the plight of the people. He appealed to the Federal Government to come to the aid of the people in the affected communities. The Chairman of the Toto Local Government Area, Alhaji Umar Bamu, said that 34,210 persons had been displaced by the flood across seven communities in the area. He said about 9,000 houses were submerged by water, among them the Primary Healthcare Centre, PHC, and a primary school, while crops and other property worth millions of naira were lost to the flood. The governor was also at the palace of the traditional ruler in the area, the Ohimege Opanda, Usman Abdullahi, to commiserate with him and the people of the area over the disaster.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Features

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Benue: When angry floods came raging The recent flooding of Makurdi and several parts of Benue State has brought with it, problems of resettling the victims. Moreover, many have lost their properties and means of livelihood. In this report, HENRY IYORKASE visited the affected areas and unveils what is being done to ameliorate the situation.

A rural hamlet submerged in flood.

Another area of the state capital affected by flood

Parts of Makurdi ravaged by flood water.

enue is located in North Central Nigeria valley with the river Benue flowing through Makurdi, the state capital. The river which has been a source of blessing to inhabitants of the town who are mainly farmers and fishermen has also been a source of agony. The peaceful atmosphere that hitherto been observed in the state capital and beyond, however has now been shattered by flood waters from Lagdo Dam in the neighborhood Cameroun Republic, bringing with it pain, anguish and gnashing of teeth. The flooding which had been anticipated and several warnings by the Federal Ministry of Environment, for inhabitants close to the river to leave the area and relocate to higher grounds fell on deaf ears, as no one estimated the impact of the impending disaster which had not been witnessed in the history of the state. The heavy downpour started on September 10, 2012 as has been the normal weather pattern every year, especially as in the months of August and September as torrential rains accompanied by flooding, but of which causes minimal damage. However, this year’s situation appears to be different, owing to the release of excess water from sluices of the Lagdo Dam. A visit by National Mirror to some of the affected areas along the River Benue trough, was shocking as the whole area was devastated with endless scenes of dead livestock, washed up properties, farmlands as well as houses were destroyed. Areas worse hit by the flooding include the Wadata rice mill, where more than 100,000 bags of rice stored for milling were submerged by the rushing water with some of the buildings marooned. Efugo farms owned by Audu Ogbe,

NOW WE ARE THE ONES BEARING THE BRUNT OF THE FLOOD WITH OUR FAMILIES. THIS IS PURE NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE RESPECTIVE GOVERNMENTS former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, also received its share of the flood baptism with Olams rice farms as well as Bridge view fish farms, all located on the MakurdiGboko Federal Highway were all totally submerged. Aside Makurdi, the state capital, other areas like Agatu, Otukpo, Buruku, Katsina-Ala Ushongo, Ohimini as well as Kwande Local Government areas were affected by the flood, as the calamity left its victims in awe of the destruction that occured. Meanwhile residents in these areas most of who are students, have continued to grapple with the aftermath of the sad experience, as some of them who spoke, lamented the negligence by the Federal and state governments in taking proactive measures to avert the flood, blaming them for being very insensitive to the wellbeing and plight of the citizenry. “Now we are the ones bearing the brunt of the flood with our families. This is pure negligence on the part of the respective governments. Even now that we are trying to relocate, there is no government official here. They promised to move us to a community school but I can’t wait for them”, said Mr. Romeo Dajoh, a resident of Kucha settlement lamented. In his words, Mr. Daniel Dior, a civilian staff of the Nigerian Air Force base in Makurdi, who lives at Km. 10, described his experience as very traumatizing, saying his house and entire property were overtaken by the flood water, even as he said that he has relocated and

now taking refuge with a relative somewhere in the town. Another resident, Mr. Emmanuel Terdoo, the manager of Bridge view fish farm, described the experience as horrible, adding that more than 200,000 catfish estimated at over N30million were completely lost when the rushing flood swept away his ponds and bemoaned that though, he tried to salvage the situation but the rushing waters were too vicious and heavy. The situation was the same Mrs. Helen Abandi, a widow and wife of a late Airforce officer, who had this ugly tale, that her house just opposite the Airforce Base was overrun by the flood water trapping the property and so she could not evacuate any of her belongings, even as she called on public spirited Nigerians to come to her aid. At the Makurdi Zoological Garden, the crocodiles were not spared as their cages got were swept away by the raging flood thereby raising the water to a dangerous level and increasing the fear that some of may soon escape bringing with it the attendant risk of wild animals roaming the city streets. In an attempt to cushion the negative effects, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has set up three camps to serve as make shift shelters for the more than 10,000 displaced persons. The camps located in the areas of Wurukum, Wadata and another on Abu King Shuluwa road, all in Makurdi, are already playing host to the victims with relief materials such as food and clothing being pro-

vided. Speaking with National Mirror in one of the camps, Mr. Terumbur Alabar, the camp commandant, said that food is being served to the victims three times a day, as he admitted that at the first there were hiccups as a result of inadequate provision of food but that has been sorted out. Also speaking, the Zonal coordinator of NEMA, Mallam Abdulsalam Mohammed, described the influx of affected persons as unprecedented, saying that the flooding is an exceptional case, even as he insisted that they are living up to expectations by ensuring that food as well as other necessities are promptly delivered. Some of the affected persons who spoke corroborated that they were being fed at the camps three times a day, and one of the victims, Mrs. Mary Agada, were full of praises for the magnanimity of the government at ensuring that their well being is being properly looked after. Governor Gabriel Suswam, who visited the affected areas, had pledged to construct a drainage system with view to putting a permanent flood channel where water will flow through, especially during the rainy seasons, as he disclosed that a survey has already been carried out in that regard, while the cost has been put at N700 million. Speaking in the same vein, the state executive secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Adikpo Agbatse, said government is giving the desired assistance towards the upkeep of the victims, saying the displaced persons are being properly taken care of. Meanwhile, it has emerged that Makurdi may be sitting on a time bomb, if urgent measures are not taken to avert the looming dangers, as the rains have also intensified. Report says, the flood is fast spreading into the hinterland and other low lying areas of the capital and beyond, bringing panic to the entire population.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Features

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Protesting youths and their parents.

Large oil spill on a farmland in the community.

Egbema: A community in arms over oil spillage The frequent crude oil spillages spillages, especially from pipelines have constituted major problems for many communities. The resultantt effect has been pollution of the environment. CHRIS NJOKU was at Egbema, one of such communities, where the people have been demonstrating against the degradation of their farmlands byy one of the oil majors.

he people look emaciated and improvised. The people of Umudike Community, Egbema in Imo State have suffered massive neglect and deprivations in the midst of wealth, yet, billions of naira passes through their homes and farmland daily through underground pipelines constructed by oil companies in their community. On Thursday September 10, 2012, women in the community for the first time joined their children numbering more than 500, to seize the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) pipelines, following a massive crude oil spillage along the Umuduke-AssaRumuekpe Oil delivery pipeline. The people said they decided to take their fate in their own hands to demonstrate against broken promises, shifting commitments, shady deals and ignored legislation which Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has either ignored or refuses to implement. On this day, the people decided to take over the site where the spillage occurred, chasing away the officials from the giant oil, adding that since the company started oil exploration in 1964, the community has passed through very difficult times resulting from frequent and constant spillage from the rickety pipelines. The demonstrators told National Mirror at the scene, that they could no longer bear the endless deaths from hazardous chemicals of their people who were mainly farmers. “We want the SPDC to leave our community’, as we are tired of endless killing of our people and destruction

of our farmlands, without compensation.” The protesters, who accused SPDC of neglect, hazardous practices among other inhuman treatments, said they took over the affected pipelines to prevent the company from hurriedly covering up the spillage, without the required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), to determine the extent of damage on the environment. According to them, this was not the first time that SPDC would perpetuate such inhuman act against the community without commensurate compensation. It was reported that in 1997, there was a spillage that was poorly handled by the company and in 2001; there was another massive oil spillage that led to the deaths of 15 people, while severally others sustained severe burns that incapacitated them. At scene of the spillage, which was manned by heavily armed soldiers, the community youth leader, Ogini Reginald, stated that they embarked on the protest to register their grievances against the many injustices done to the community by the oil company, adding that SPDC had sneaked in to carry out hurried repairs on the pipeline without consulting the host community. “This is not the first time they have done this act of sabotage and confirmed there was corrosion, but this time, we are prepared to resist them until the right thing is done. Since this company came here in 1964, they have done nothing to improve the living standard of the people, as there

Some of the protesters

IT WAS GATHERED THAT N4BILLION COMPENSATION WAS AWARDED BY A HIGH COURT IN FAVOUR OF THE COMMUNITY,

UPTIL NOW, IT HAS NOT BEEN PAID TO THEM are no hospitals, schools, good roads and more than 100 graduates from the community are unemployed”, he stated. The protesters demanded among other things, that SPDC remove old pipes and replace them with new ones, to avoid spillage and attendant consequences, pay compensation for environmental damages from previous incidents, and provide employment opportunities for the teeming youths. Pathetic among the protesters, was a 99-year-old woman, ‘Mama Felicia’, who tearfully claimed that SPDC had through its activities been systematically “killing” their children, while their land are no longer fertile for agriculture. However, when contacted, the traditional ruler of Umudike Autonomous Community, Ezeali James Nwanro, said that, “when the spillage occurred, the

SPDC contacted me and I told them to carry out their preliminary assessment to ascertain if it was an act of sabotage or equipment failure before the issue of compensation can arise”. However, our investigation revealed that there were reported cases of previous disobedience to court order which had awarded compensation to the host community, following extensive damage done to the peoples’ farmland. It was gathered that N4billion compensation was awarded by a high court in favour of the community, uptil now, it has not been paid to them, though the traditional ruler disclosed that the case is still in the court because the oil company decided to appeal the judgment.” Some of the people, who were injured in 2001 explosion, said that many of them are now disabled and could not perform any meaningful job. A victim, Uchenna Obi, said, “When accident happened, Shell promised to compensate us but up till now, nothing has happened. We are hungry because and the serious nature of our injuries cannot allow us do anything under the sun.” Efforts were made to contact SPDC public relations department but to no avail as none was prepared to speak on the matter, however a source close to the company’s corporate office in Port Harcourt said the company would make its position known soon.

WORLD RECORD

Largest array of radio telescopes Vol. 02 No. 455

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

N150

The VLA (Very Large Array) of the US National Science Foundation is Y-shaped, with each arm 20.9km 13miles long and with 27 mobile antennae (each of 25m 82ft diameter) on rails. It is 80km 50miles west of Socorro in the Plains of San Augustin, New Mexico, USA and was completed on 10 Oct 1980.

When nature’s gift turned deadly

he recent report from other parts of the country on the effects of flood and the aftermath in some states leaves much to be desired and it says volume about our approach to handling disasters as a nation. Maybe due to years of drought suffered in some of the affected states, it was hardly expected that when the rains will come, they will be accompanied with devastating flood that will leave in its trail destructions, deaths and despair. It was, therefore, shocking to see the extent of the effects of the flooding at a time that the rains should have been celebrated, particularly by farmers who must have been eagerly awaiting a period like this to boost the harvest

op player Colin Montgomerie has claimed he would not have world number one Rory McIlroy facing Tiger Woods in the Ryder Cup singles on September 30 if he was still Europe’s captain. Montgomerie, who led Europe to victory at Celtic Manor two years ago, said he would try to

TALKINGPOINT Seyi Fasugba

seyifasugba@yahoo.com 08053069514 (sms only)

season. But this was not to be as most farmland and worst still, livestock, were washed away by the rampaging flood which in this instance, caught the farmers unawares or simply came in a torrent too much for them to comprehend and to handle. What had happened thus far has, however, defined us as a people and a nation. It has revealed the extent to which we plan for emergencies before they eventually happen. For most of the coastal states that are prone to flood, what were the projections, precautions to prevent the calamities being recorded in some of these places. Just at the weekend, Lokoja, the Kogi State capital was submerged due to the increase in water level of River Niger. The effect was such that the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, had to raise the alarm and later closed the Lokoja-Abuja highway to motorists in order to prevent further disasters. Before getting to that extent, a number of villages and hamlets may have been totally submerged such that it will be difficult to trace the belongings of the villagers forced to relocate to save their lives. Before this, Lagos recorded a fatal one in August with the ocean surge that claimed

THE IBADAN INCIDENT WAS MORE PATHETIC DUE TO HUMAN FACTOR THAT AIDED THE TRAGEDY the lives of some inhabitants of the Kuramo Beach. Definitely the disaster did not happen suddenly but there was negligence on the part of those charged with certain responsibilities which should have mitigated the disaster. So the country could have been spared the agony of watching innocent souls washed away by the furious flood in the dead of the night only to discover their corpses floating the following morning. Prior to that, early in the year in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital witnessed another dastardly effect of the flood where a family with seven children were ejected from their apartment by the fiery force of the flood and washed away only for their lifeless bodies to be discovered the following day. Unlike the case of the ocean surge and the overflowing rivers, the Ibadan incident was more pathetic due to the human

factor that aided the tragedy. The agelong habit of blocking the drainages with refuse and occupying the flood path with indiscriminate erection of buildings, which can be avoided led to this monumental destructions. What happened in Lokoja where people had to be rescued from the top of the trees is a sad reminder to a similar development in New Orleans in the United States where aged persons and the physically-challenged died in the flood after Hurricane Katrina before help could get to them. Such development could not be ruled out in the case of Lokoja incident. The floods again descended on villages of Edo State this weekend wreaking havoc and untold hardships on the hapless villagers who initially would have welcome the rain as a soothing relief to the harsh weather, not knowing that it brought along with it sadness and sorrows. But taking a lesson from the way the last Hurricane Isaac was handled in the US recently points to how best to avoid disasters from natural occurrences as witnessed in the past. Apart from creating the awareness through adequate enlightenment on what it takes to avoid being a victim, there is also the need for effective build up and analysis of the expected degree of effects before it eventually happens. This will surely compel the people to relocate or be evacuated before the dangerous storms land. In all, about two million people have been displaced while the number of deaths keeps soaring by the day. Given advancement in science these days, it is profitable to give adequate recognition to weather forecasts as it is done in civilized world to make adequate preparations and give the necessary warning ahead of natural disasters.

Sport Extra Golf: Monty wants Woods, McIlroy in separate matches avoid golf ’s two biggest attractions going head-to-head, despite the public clamour for it. “I would leave Woods well alone,” Montgomerie said yesterday. “No one should go anywhere

near Woods, especially in America, as he is playing an awful lot better than he has been and I really think I would want Rory to be playing someone else in the singles if you don’t mind. The only Ryder Cup singles

match Woods has lost was on his 1997 debut where Italian Costantino Rocca beat him at Valderrama, although Davis Love would be just the second American captain to send him out first if he does so next weekend.

Colin Montgomerie

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