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COUNTDOWN TO
EDO GUBER POLL JULY 14, 2012
1
DAYS
INEC ad hoc staff take oath
I’ve no hand in October 1 bombing –Sylva Controversy trails
IG bans neigbourhood watch groups Govt declares half working day Don’t use soldiers to thwart poll, FG told
President’s wife appointment
P.13-16;45-46 P.6 NICON Insurance denies owing FG N12.3bn
VOTE
TO GO
Vol. 2 N0. 403
P.7,11
Friday, July 13, 2012
Tanker explosion T kills 100 in PH
N150
ISE-OLUWA IGE, OBIORA IFOH AND CHINEDUM EMEANA ragedy struck in the early hours of yesterday in Okogbe community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State when a fuel tanker, which was involved in an accident with three other vehicles, exploded, burning over 100 people to death. Some of the bodies were burnt to ashes. The casualty figure may still mount as about 60
89 victims get mass burial, 60 injured Jonathan orders relief for survivors
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>
Some of the victims at the scene
The burnt tanker at Okogba, Rivers State, yesterday. More pictures on page 2
Sympathisers looking at charred bodies.
Nigeria not ripe for state police, says IG
Senate lifts suspension on new driver’s licence, number plates
...as FG confirms his appointment
P.4
Dana crash: Preliminary report out, airline absent in court Abubakar
P.5
Oduah
P.6
Mark
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News
Friday, July 13, 2012
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Tanker explosion kills 100 in PH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
persons seriously injured at the scene were rushed to several hospitals where they are undergoing treatment. National Mirror learnt that the tanker did not burst into flames immediately after the accident, a situation that emboldened many people to start scooping fuel which had already spilled all over. Witnesses said some security operatives at the scene could not prevent the villagers from scooping. When the tanker finally exploded, it caught many of them unawares and they were burnt to death. Many of those killed, according to National Mirror finding were commercial motorcycle (a.k.a Okada) riders, who
had rushed to the scene on learning of the accident to fill their tanks. Women and children were also killed. The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Sector Commander for Rivers State, Kayode Olagunju confirmed that apart from the four vehicles involved in the accident, 34 motorcycles also got burnt. Rivers State Police Commissioner, Mr. Mohammed Ndabawa, who also confirmed the incident, said most of those who died were scooping fuel from the tanker. Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker, who spoke to newsmen at the Ahoada General Hospital in company of his Special Duties counterpart, Mr. Emeka Nwogu, said he
What was left after the fire.
Remains of ill-fated fuel tanker and motorcycles at the scene.
counted about 100 corpses. “I will describe this as the worse single incident that has happened to Rivers State since the civil war. It is even worse than the Sosoliso crash we experienced before now. It’s quite a pity. “The situation would have been saved if they didn’t go there to scoop fuel because when the accident happened there was no fire. “The fire, as I heard, started when they started scooping fuel. So, the situation would have been saved if people didn’t go there to scoop fuel. “As far as I’m concerned, this is a national disaster. I don’t think anything like this has happened even in the areas where we are hearing of bomb blasts, Boko Haram or plane crashes.
“I think this is the worse single disaster that has happened to Nigeria. I don’t know of which other one because the corpses I counted alone, those ones that are there alone are over 100 littered about and they have not finished counting. “Cremation is what we see at the site, some people were burnt to ashes, so how many can you count? Look at the number that have been taken to several hospitals,” Parker said. President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday directed all federal relief and health agencies to ensure that survivors of the explosion receive prompt and effective medical attention. The President, who said he was sad, however, described the incident as avoidable. In a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, President Jonathan said the incident was unfortunate because it was avoidable. The statement said: “President Jonathan is particularly distraught by the fact that once again, so many Nigerian lives have been lost in an avoidable fuel fire disaster. “The President has directed federal relief and health agencies to do everything possible to ensure that all those who survived the explosion with burns and injuries receive prompt and effective medical attention.
“He conveys his sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and the government and people of Rivers State.” Rivers State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Dr. Kayode Olagunju, however, said 93 people died in the inferno. He said: “There was a major fatal crash at Okogbe, about 11 kilometres from AhoadaMbiama on the East-West Road in Rivers State. The accident occurred about 6.30 a.m. “A tanker laden with petrol crashed with three other vehicles: a Toyota Corolla, Hummer bus and a Mitsibushi bus. Thirty five motorcycles also got burnt. People were scooping fuel from the felled tanker, when the tanker exploded. FRSC, police, fire service, JTF personnel came to the the scene. “Final casualty figures on the Okogbe tanker crash incident: 93 died on the spot, 2 died in hospital. 18 persons were injured.” Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has confirmed that 95 bodies have been recovered and 18 victims are on admission in hospitals. Rescue workers from the police, FRSC, fire service, civil defence and NEMA were at the scene to evacuate victims and control traffic. Two small vehicles were also affected.
The raging fire at the scene of the accident.
89 victims get mass burial
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he FRSC said that 89 victims of the explosion were given mass burial at Okogbe village yesterday. FRSC Sector Commander, Olagunju, in a text message to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, said that the 89 bodies were burnt beyond recognition and were all given mass burial at the scene. He added that six of the victims who died were identified and released to their respective families. The FRSC said that 89 victims of the explosion were given mass burial at Okogbe village yesterday. FRSC Sector Commander, Olagunju, in a text message to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, said that the 89 bodies were burnt beyond recognition and were all given mass burial at the scene. He added that six of the victims who died were identified and released to their respective families. Reacting to the accident, Anambra State Governor Peter Obi said it was another case of loss of lives in a magnitude and circumstance that was heart- rendering and pathetic. He condoled with his Rivers State counterpart, Rotimi Amaechi and the people of the state over the tragedy. He said: “In this your troubling time, I assure you that we share in your grief and pray to God Almighty to grant you, especially President Goodluck Jonathan as the father of the nation, and all those directly affected by the accident, the fortitude to bear it, always trusting that the will of God is supreme at all times.”
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Friday, July 13, 2012
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Photo News
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Friday, July 13, 2012
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (m) and his Deputy, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (r) during the State’s 2012 Quarterly Budget Review meeting for the second quarter in Lagos, on Wednesday.
L-R: Guest Speaker and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi; President, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Dr. Micheal Olawale; Mr. Jide Benson and former President, NIM, Dr. Micheal Omolayole during an award presentation to the guest speaker at NIM’s lecture PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA in Lagos, yesterday.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
Chief Olu Falae in a warm handshake with Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, during a banquet in honor of the conferees in Akwa Ibom, yesterday.
L-R: Regional Manager, Commercial Banking, South East Region, Keystone Bank Limited, Mr. Dennis Amadi; Divisional Head, Public Sector Group South East, Raymond Nnah; Divisional Head, Commercial Banking, South South/South East Region, Mr. Darlington Lawson, and Executive Director, Commercial Banking, Mrs. Sally Uwechue-Mbanefo, at the bank’s South-South Customers’ Forum in Asaba, Delta State recently.
National News
Nigeria not ripe for state police-IG …becomes substantive IGP
ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA
I
nspector General of Police, IGP, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar yesterday reiterated his position that Nigeria was not ripe for state police. This is even as the Nige-
rian Police Council, NPC, has confirmed his appointment as the substantive Inspector-General of Police. Abubakar, addressing State House correspondents after his confirmation, said the police administration gives room for state governors to issue
lawful instructions that have to do with maintenance of law and order in their domain to police commissioners. According to him, Commissioners of Police in the states were duty bound to obey such instructions from the governors, except they are in doubt and would need clarifications
from the office of the IG. Commenting on the change in the uniform of the police, the IG said the move was to improve on the image of the service. “We are not just changing uniform because the issue of image is key and critical particularly in an organisation like the Nigerian Police.
Emergency rule in Plateau, Borno, others has expired, says Reps OMEIZA AJAYI
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he House of Representatives yesterday declared that the emergency rule, proclaimed in some local governments in four troubled states in the north has expired. President Goodluck Jonathan had in his January 1 address to the nation declared a state of emergency in areas plagued by violent insurgency. The President had listed the affected local governments to include Suleja, in Niger State, which is at the horn of the nation’s capital
….. reject debate on Jos massacre Abuja; the northern half of the conflict-prone city of Jos, and parts of Yobe and Borno states. But, relying on Section 305(6) (C) of the 1999 Constitution, the House said a proclamation of a state of emergency in any state or area becomes invalid after six months. The particular sub-section states: “A Proclamation issued by the President under this section shall cease to have effect after a period of six months has elapsed since it has been in force: “Provided that the National Assembly may, before the expiration of the
period of six months aforesaid, extend the period for the Proclamation of the state of emergency to remain in force from time to time for a further period of six months by resolution passed in like manner.” However, the President has not written the National Assembly to request for an extension. Although, Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, who presided over the session did not allow the issue to be deliberated upon as he immediately directed the Clerk, Mr. Ataba SaniOmonori to communicate the President, Minority
Leader of the House, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila had stated that since “we are in July now, the state of emergency ceases to exist.” “Thank you Mr. Gbajabiamila. The Clerk will administratively communicate to the president,” Mr. Ihedioha immediately ruled. Meanwhile, the lawmakers yesterday avoided a debate on Sunday’s killing of about 120 residents of Matse village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, fearing that its position on the issue might inflame passion among lawmakers and aggravate the already tensed situation in the region.
“Every country you go, the police is the symbol of government and the people of a country and that is what we want to replicate in this country,” he said. He expressed gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan and the Council for the confidence reposed in him and assured improvement in security management. He said his administration would continue to put priority attention to the issues of remuneration, barracks accommodation, office accommodation and transportation of the rank and files. On the spate of insecurity in the country, Abubakar said the police would put in more action, vigour, efficiency and effectiveness in their service and performance. He said the high profile cases of corruption being investigated would be pursued to a logical conclusion. He added that the police under his leadership would live up to their constitutional responsibility of fighting crimes and corruption and would not condone the menace in the service and the country in general. Abubakar said the police
would provide adequate security to ensure the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in Edo State on Saturday. “We must provide safety and security for voters to be assured that they can come out to cast their votes and discharge their civic responsibilities “We have moved massively man and materials to Edo State to be able to dominate the state and give them the required safety and security that they suppose to have,” he said The Council at its meeting presided over by President Jonathan which held at the Presidential Villa had earlier conformed Abubakar’s appointment. The Council meeting was also attended by Vice President Namadi Sambo, Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Chief Pius Osayande, the 36 state governors and the Minister of the FCT. Abubakar was appointed in acting capacity by the President on January 25, this year. The appointment followed the compulsory retirement of his predecessor, Hafiz Ringim and six Deputy Inspectors General of Police.
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
News
Friday, July 13, 2012
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Senate seeks revenue sharing formula review GEORGE OJI AND EMMANUEL ONANI
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he Senate yesterday recommended the review of the current revenue sharing formula that guides the disbursement of the resources accruable to the Federation Account. Even though the lawmakers fell short of recommending what it considered would be the appropriate sharing formula between the three tiers of governments, they advised that the review should be done in such a manner that the states and the local government councils should enjoy the lion’s share. The lawmakers adopted the recommendation as part of the proposals contained in the report of the Senate Ad hoc committees on national planning, economic affairs and poverty alleviation; appropriation; finance and states and local governments titled: “The looming danger of bankruptcy in states: the need for fiscal examination.” The Federal Government currently receives the highest share of the federation account followed by the states and local governments. While the Federal
Government receives 52.68 per cent, states and local governments get 26.72 per cent and 20.60 per cent respectively. The lawmakers said the proposed review of the sharing formula must also attract commensurate increased responsibilities arising from further devolution of powers. They said the revenue sharing formula review should take into cognisance Section 16(1)(2) of the 1999 Constitution. The senators also expressed concern over the high cost of governance in the country. They recommended that this could be curbed through cutting down on recurrent expenditure, particularly the pegging of political aides; harmonisation of the functions/activities of ministries, departments and agencies and elimination of ghost workers at all levels of government. Also, the lawmakers said governments at all levels should imbibe budget discipline in producing balanced budgets and ensure strict budget implementation. The senators added that the legislature should consider appropriate legislations limiting the total ex-
…says states, LGs deserve lion’s share posure of states to external and domestic borrowing to not more than 20 per cent of their allocations from the Federation Account. Such borrowing, they said, should be for economic projects only. Also as part of measures to ensure prudent application of public funds, the lawmakers want all relevant government institutions to be strengthened to effectively monitor and ensure full compliance with the extant laws in the use
of public funds. They added that grants, Stabilisation Fund and Allocations from the Excess Crude Account should be targeted at economic projects that had direct impact on the people. Also yesterday, the Senate reiterated its earlier position that most states of the country were distressed and needed urgent measures to bail them out of that situation. Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who pre-
sided at yesterday’s plenary, while decrying the bankruptcy in most states, said there were no reasons why such situations should persist. “We have noted that most states are bankrupt and I use the word advisedly. They are not supposed to be bankrupt due to the available resources at their disposal. “States and local governments must henceforth apply the limited resources available and explore viable alternative sources of revenue,” Ekweremadu
said. The ad hoc committee report, which was adopted by the Senate, revealed that the cause of the bankruptcy of the states stemmed from their over-dependency on the statutory allocations from the Federation Account and Excess Crude Account, which are dependent on the vagaries of the oil market. The senators advised the states to also diversify their economies to enhance internally generated revenue in such areas as agriculture, tourism and solid minerals.
L-R: Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar; former President Shehu Shagari; former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan and President Goodluck Jonathan after the National Council of State meeting in Abuja yesterday.
Dana Air: Cause of crash remains unknown FRANCIS FAMOROTI AND OLUSEGUN KOIKI
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he Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, yesterday said that the Flight Data Recorder of the Dana Air plane that crashed in Lagos on June 3 melted during the accident, thereby making it difficult for the agency to know the exact cause of the accident AIB, in its preliminary report, said that the solid state based memory Cockpit Voice Recorder of the crashed aircraft was in good condition and retained 31 minutes of audio information prior to the accident. It, however, dispelled speculations that the accident was caused by contaminated fuel. The bureau said that the fueling records indicated the plane was uplifted with 8,000 pounds of fuel before departure from Abuja while
the flight crew reported to air traffic controllers that they had 26,000 pounds of total fuel. The bureau added that the preliminary analysis of fuel samples from the refueling truck and the supply tank at Abuja were negative for contamination. AIB Commissioner, Capt. Muktar Usman, in the report made available to journalists yesterday, stated that the two flight recorders, Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder were analysed at the facilities of the National Transportation Safety Board, NTSB, Washington, D.C., USA. Usman stated that the solid state based memory in the CVR was in good condition while the FDR succumbed to the post-crash fire and melted, consequently no data could be recovered. The AIB helmsman emphasised that future investigative activities would, how-
…Coroner threatens to arrest airline’s top officials ever, include the detailed examination of the engines, further testing of fuel samples, continued factual gathering of relevant historical, operational, maintenance and performance information of the ill-fated airplane in addition to other similar airplane models. Further investigation, AIB said, would include development of the background of the flight crew, further analysis of the CVR audio recording and review of pertinent issues associated with regulatory oversight. The agency added that the aircraft was mostly consumed by post-crash fire, while the tail section, both engines and portions of both wings, representing only about 15 per cent of the airplane, were recovered from the accident site for further examination.
Meanwhile, a Lagos State coroner’s court yesterday threatened to issue a warrant of arrest against the management of the Dana Airlines for failing to appear before the court conducting inquest proceedings into the June 3 air crash at Iju Ishaga in Lagos. The coroner, Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe, who made the threat at the resumed inquest proceedings, was particularly irked that the airline’s management was not represented at the hearing. He said: “I do not think Dana Air is represented. “If you are summoned and you are not here you can be arrested. A publication has been made in a dailies. You should be aware.” The coroner noted that from the records before him, the court Sherriff had duly served Dana Air with the
summons asking its officials to appear in court. Komolafe also urged members of the public who have useful information that could assist the court to come forward rather than shying away from appearing before the court. His words: “Don’t sit down and criticise. Come forward if you have anything that will help.” Earlier, lawyers who appeared before the court had disagreed on the procedure to be adopted while conducting the inquest. However, the coroner ruled that the lawyers to the various parties could file written depositions which would be served on everybody by the sheriff of the court. Komolafe further stated that oral testimonies and evidence on oath would
also be accepted by the court adding that the strict rules of Law of Evidence would not apply during the proceedings. “We are here for factfinding. There was a crash, some people were responsible. It was alleged that the aircraft was not airworthy....We are not going on a voyage of discovery that has no end. Let us avoid arguments on the Rule of Evidence,” he said. No fewer than 24 interested parties were present at Thursday’s proceedings. Some were represented by lawyers while others appeared in person. A former pilot with 35 years’ experience, Captain Tito Omaghoni and an exworker with the defunct Nigerian Airways, Dafe Sama were at the proceedings.
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News
Friday, July 13, 2012
National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net
NICON Insurance denies owing FG N12.3bn SAM OLUWALANA
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he management of the National Insurance Company of Nigeria has debunked the claims by some national dailies that the company owes the Federal Government about N12.3bn in unpaid insurance claims for a period of four years. The Technical Director of the company, Mr. Bay-
ode Samuel, in a statement issued yesterday, expressed surprise at the insinuations contained in certain national newspapers which reports contained embarrassing distortions and false information about the proceedings at the on-going investigative public hearing on government assets and property, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on
Finance. NICON averred that rather than it owing any Federal Government agency as reported, some Federal Government agencies are owing it about N12.3bn, especially Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) which alone is owing NICON N2.6bn. Samuel also revealed that the company’s liability stands at a healthy
N5bn, which has been reduced to N1.3bn. The statement reads in part: “Our attention has been drawn to news reports carried by some national dailies of July 11th, 2012 that ‘Reps query NICON’s Insurance over failure to pay backlog of insurance claims worth N12.3bn to Federal Government agencies over the past four years’. “The true position
is that Federal Government’s parastatals and agencies owe NICON Insurance Limited over N12.3bn with the Power Holding Company on Nigeria (PHCN) alone owing us N2.6bn out of the N12.3bn. NICON’s liability in terms of general business stood at N5bn which it has been reduced to N1.3bn”, the statement said. Samuel, who presented
SAN: LPPC okays Falana, Rotimi Jacobs, 23 others ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA
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Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar (left), after the Nigeria Police Council ratified his appointment in Abuja, yesterday
Senate lifts suspension on new driver’s licence, number plates GEORGE OJI AND EMMANUEL ONANI
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eprieve may have come the way of vehicle owners in the country, as the Senate yesterday lifted, with immediate effect, the suspension hitherto placed on the issuance of new driver’s licence and vehicle number plates, by the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC. The upper chamber also ordered the police to suspend forthwith the introduction of the Biometric Central Motor Registry, BCMR, as well as the N3,500 charged for it. The amount is said to be “an additional burden and unnecessary duplication of the ongoing scheme by the FRSC on the vehicle owners which is capable of translating into hike in transport fare for commuters”. These resolutions were reached at plenary yesterday, upon consideration of the long-awaited report by the Senate Committee on
NICON Insurance’s position at the public hearing on Wednesday, said at no time during the session did anybody state that NICON Insurance owed the Federal Government N12.3bn. “We therefore urged the House of Representatives Committee on Finance and the general public to be guided accordingly” the statement added.
•Orders police to stop N3,500 BCMR charge Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs. The committee headed by Senator Dahiru Kuta had submitted its report on May 23, but was directed to do a further summary of it as there was the need for a more in-depth consultation with the Joint Tax Board, the FRSC and the Consumer
Protection Agency, since the development directly or indirectly affects price review of the items. Interestingly, all the nine recommendations made were approved in committee of the whole, presided over by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who took charge upon the departure
of the Senate President, David Mark. Other recommendations approved by the lawmakers include: “That the FRSC must embark on massive orientation, education and enlightenment campaigns to explain to the people the advantages and other security details of the new scheme.
Governors’ Forum may sue FG over fuel subsidy deductions OBIORA IFOH ABUJA
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he Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, said that it would take legal action against the Federal Government for deductions from the Federation Account to offset fuel subsidy payment. This was part of resolutions reached at its meeting, which ended early yesterday in Abuja. In a communiqué read by its Chairman, Governor Chibuike Amechi, the group said it took the de-
cision after long deliberations. The communiqué reads in part: “The forum deliberated extensively on the continuing illegal deductions from the Federation Account towards offsetting oil subsidy, excess crude by the Federal Government and unanimously resolved to go to court to seek legal redress.” The Forum sympathised, particularly with the government of Plateau State on the recent loss of lives and property in the state and
condemned the recurring insecurity in the country.
Amechi
he Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee, LPPC, yesterday endorsed the radical lawyer, Mr. Femi Faana, Rotimi Jacobs, and 23 other legal practitioners for admission into the prestigious club of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN). The endorsement followed stages of thorough screening of the candidates for the award. Announcing the list to newsmen, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mr. Sunday Olorundahunsi, who doubles as the secretary of the LPPC, said the committee selected the 25 from the 71 applicants invited for interview from the 125 lawyers that applied. Top on the list of the successful lawyers are Falana, Jacobs, Professor Yemi
Akinseye George and Professor James Clement Dakas. Others include Mrs. Joy Okungbowa Adesina, Mrs. Connie- Jean Aremu, Mahmud Abubakar Magaji, Ogwu James Onoja, Garuba Usman Tetengi, Henry Oghogho Ogbodu, Selekeowei Larry, Abenny O. Mohammed, Charles Nwanne Obishai, Luke Chukwudi Illogu, Francais Chuka Abgu, Paul Ananaba, Akinlaja Dayo Moses. Others are Ahmed Raji, Adekunle Theophilus Oyensanya, Rotimi Oluseyi Oguneso, Oluseye Samuel Opansanya and Aduroja Claudius Olumuyiwa. Answering questions from journalists, Olorundahunsi said the number of applicants reduced this year because “the selection criteria are becoming too stringent. So we have less number of people that applied this year”.
Council of State holds closed-door meeting on insecurity ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA
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he Council of State yesterday met at the Presidential Villa in Abuja over sundry issues including the growing insecurity in the country. Though other issues like the recommendations in Justice Alfa Belgore Committee on the review of the 1999 constitution were also discussed, the security matter was said to top the agenda of the meeting. The National Council of State is the highest national advisory body to the government. Its composition includes all former Presidents and Heads of State, all incumbent state governors, the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Other members of the Council are incumbent and retired Chief Justices of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and the National Security Adviser, NSA. Former President Shehu Shagari, former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan and former Head of State, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar attended the yesterday meeting. The meeting, which lasted for over three hours, was presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa. The outgoing CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, and two of his predecessors, Justices Mohammed Uwais and Alfa Belgore, also attended the meeting.