Tuesday, July 17, 2012 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Airlines hike fares as flight shortage takes toll

Name change: Senators give UNILAG two weeks to submit cost implication

Lagos-Abuja now N40,000

OLUSEGUN KOIKI Oduah

Vol. 1 2 N0. 115 405

ir passengers will have to pay more owing to the grounding of some

key airlines, resulting in a 40 per cent hike in airfares on major domestic CONTINUED ON PAGE 6>>

P.6

Mark

Tuesday, July June17, 7, 2012 2011

N150 N150

N32.8bn police pension fraud:

EFCC confiscates suspects’ assets ONYEGBULA’S PROPERTIES

4-bedroom duplex, Abuja Ulover International Resources Ltd (building) Kechis Bottling Company, Umuahia 6-bedroom duplex, Lagos Expanse of land, Umuahia, Abia A mansion in Oboro, Abia Two-storey building, Umuahia Two-storey building, Abia Two-storey building of six flats, Aba Student hostels at Michael Okpara University of Agric, Umudike 3-bedroom duplex, Maryland, Lagos 3-bedroom duplex, Maryland, Lagos.

Banks lost N5.8bn to fraud –CBN

ABUJA

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday started taking possession of assets of principal suspects in the N32.8bn police pension fraud. The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Justice Lawal Gumi, had issued an interim order to the EFCC to attach and take possession of the assets CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

SOME OF THE SEIZED PROPERTIES

Mrs. Veronica Onyegbula

Police discover explosives in Kaduna, arrest 174 suspects

Water Bottling factory belonging to Veronica Onyegbula at Plot 140142, Ehinmiri Housing Estate, Umuahia, Abia State, forfeited to the Federal Government.

Terrorism:

Buildings on Plots 103 & 104, Ozuitem Street, Enugu Road, Amuziukwu, Umuahia, Abia State, forfeited to the Federal Government.

Jonathan directs CJN to create special court

Ramadan: Police beef up security in Kano mosques P.12

P.7

ISE-OLUWA IGE

… reconstitutes NNPC board Abubakar

P.5

Steven Covey, famous US author, dies at 79 P.7

News

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ACN’S VICTORY IN EDO GUBER POLL

Akeredolu, Princewill congratulate Oshiomhole FELIX NWANERI

ore Nigerians have continued to congratulate Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State on his re-election last Saturday with the governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, describing his victory as one predicated on the pragmatic, people-friendly and fast-paced socioeconomic developmental policies. Akeredolu, in a statement signed by his media aide, Idowu Ajanaku, made available to National Mirror, added that Oshiomhole’s victory also serves as a green light for

Ondo State ahead of its governorship poll, noting that ACN’s victory in Edo State last Saturday brings back the memory of the transformative achievements recorded under the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo-led administration in the defunct Western Region. His words: “It would be recalled, with immense pride that back then, the government instituted free education, established the first ever television station in Africa, at Ibadan, along with the famous Cocoa House, ultra-modern stadium and massive infrastructural development of roads, schools, farm centres in addition to water supply. “Governor Oshiomhole’s victory at the gu-

bernatorial poll is therefore, a continuation of the worthy legacies left by the Action Group (AG), which has since metamorphosed into the progressive ACN. “This revolution is sweeping across states such as Osun, Ekiti, Ogun and Oyo. They are treading the same noble path under the progressive platform, which would soon be replicated in Ondo State, come October 2012.” Akeredolu, however, described as laughable, statement credited to the National Chairman of Labour Party (LP), Dan Nwayanwu that Oshiom-

hole won the election because he had no godfather. According to him, nothing could be farther from the truth as the world over; some respected politicians have always stood as the rallying point of well-organised political parties. Also congratulating Oshiomhole, a PDP chieftain in Rivers State, Prince Tonye Princewill, expressed happiness over the peaceful and successful conduct of the Edo State election. According to him, “the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of

the victory of Comrade Oshiomhole in the presence of security organs controlled by a PDP government at the centre simply demonstrates that democracy has come to stay in Nigeria.” Princewill, through a statement by his media consultant, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze also commended President Jonathan Goodluck for allowing the will and the verdict of the people to prevail not minding that the PDP was one of the parties that contested the election. His words: “With Governor Oshiomhole polling over

73 per cent of the votes cast against the PDP’s candidate who polled 23 per cent, our people have woken up to the reality that only performing candidates in any election should be re-elected not political parties. This will also teach our political parties to allow credible and popular candidates to fly their flags in any election they want to win.” He admonished Oshiomhole not to disappoint the people but instead embark on more people-orientated projects that will take the state to greater height.

... NCP chieftain hails him TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

hree-time governorship candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP) in Ogun State, Ogbeni Lanre Banjo, has congratulated Governor Oshiomhole of Edo State for his victory in last Saturday’s governorship election. In a statement made available to National Mirror, the NCP chieftain tasked Governor Oshiomhole to see his victory as an avenue for him to consciously embark on programmes that will bring dividends of democracy nearer to the people and reduce poverty. Ogbeni Banjo also stressed the need for the

INEC to improve on their performance in future elections. He said: “While I commend INEC for gradually removing the mindset that free and fair elections cannot be conducted in Nigeria, it must be stated that Nigerians are concerned that INEC could not conduct elections in 18 local governments without lateness. “After several elections conducted in individual states, one would have thought that INEC would have learnt some lessons in each of the states and used the lessons learned to improve itself. INEC needs to study the cause of lateness and establish procedures to nip it in the bud.”

It’s for Nigerian workers, says TUC MESHACK IDEHEN

he Trade Union Congress (TUC) have said the victory of Comrade Oshiomole at the gubernatorial election in Edo State is a victory for Nigerian workers, adding workers in the state will be the better for it. Further describing the electoral victory as “the victory of the generality of the downtrodden people of Nigeria”, the TUC said: “Nigerian workers and an overwhelming number of the masses all over the country

were deeply interested in the outcome of this election, and keenly watched the events leading to and during the actual election.” In a statement made available to National Mirror in Lagos yesterday, the President and Secretary general of the TUC, Mr. Peter Esele and Chief John Kolawole respectively, said workers all over the country kept vigil despite the fact that a lot of them were not indigenes of Edo State, and followed the returns after returns from around the towns and communities one after the other.

Sen. Chris Ngige(left) and Governor Adams Oshiomhole, during a press briefing on his re-election at the Government House in Benin on Sunday.

Re-election, Victory, well deserved –Rivers ACN a plus for the adding: “This is an indicaNorth –NGF •Calls for Jega’s resignation tion that the PDP cannot CHINEDUM EMEANA PORT HARCOURT

he Rivers State Chapter of the ACN has congratulated the re-elected governor of Edo State, Comrade Oshiomhole on his re-election. The party in a statement in Port Harcourt signed by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jerry Needam, described the massive votes the governor garnered at the election, as an appreciation for his prudent management of the resources of the state, fear of God in handling the affairs of the state and response to the yearning of the people. The party described Oshiomhole’s victory as well deserved, striking, and unparalleled in the face of alleged threats, intimidation and outright display of

money by agents and thugs of the PDP. His words: “The party salutes the good people of Edo State for voting against darkness, under development, god-fatherism, reckless use of public funds and utilities, choosing to vote for a candidate and party that will bring succour, development, and prudence management of their resources.” It also acknowledged the doggedness of the Edo people that put to check activities of the PDP that had relied on rigging in the past to win elections in Edo State. The party further described Oshiomhole’s victory as an indication that only good governance could sustain a political party in power, adding that it would have been a miracle for the PDP to win the election,

rule Nigeria for 60 years. Of course the PDP is on the verge of being voted out of power at the centre. Nigerians are in a hurry to vote PDP out of power, because they need basic infrastructure.” The ACN also condemned in strong terms the shortages and late arrival of materials in some ACN strongholds, pointing out that it was a minus on the part of INEC and alleging that may have been a ploy to favour the PDP in an election it wanted to win by all means. ACN in Rivers State recalled the role Prof Atahiru Jega, chairman of INEC played in the alleged fraudulent and massively rigged elections held last year in Rivers and called for his resignation, describing him as an apologist of the PDP.

PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

hairman of Northern States’ Governors Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has described the re-election of Governor Oshiomhole of Edo State in the last Saturday election as victory for the North. Aliyu said: “Four years on, the Kaduna boy has not disappointed his people. He has constructed roads, built schools and resuscitated the economy of Edo State. His re-election is therefore a reward for service.” In a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo, the forum noted that Oshiomhole’s resounding victory shows that democracy is beginning to take roots in the country.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Photo News

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

L-R: Former Minister of Information, Prof Dora Akunyili; Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone, at the burial of Koroma’s mother, Madam Alice Rosaline Koroma at Makeni in Sierra Leone, on Sunday.

Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio and Commissioner of Finance Mr. Albert Bassey during a meeting with senior civil servants in Uyo yesterday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Innoson Group, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma; Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga and Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, during the PHOTO: NAN minister’s working visit to Awka, yesterday.

L-R: President, Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Joseph Daudu; Secretary, Nigeria Law Reform Commission, Mrs. Folake Ogunleye and former Governor of Edo State, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, at an international conference on law reform and the law making process in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

National News

Sofola, Okunnu okay NJC's bill ….seek overhaul of council’s composition K AYODE KETEFE AND WALE IGBINTADE

s agitations for further amendment of the 1999 Constitution gathers momentum, three Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs, including the Chairman, Body of Benchers, Chief Idowu Sofola, have called for the restructuring of the National Judicial Council, NJC. Sofola, former Federal Commissioner for Works, Chief Femi Okunnu and Chief Gani Adetola-Kazeem made the call on the grounds that the present composition of the body is structurally defective. The lawyers spoke in exclusive interviews with National Mirror against the backdrop of last week’s 52 proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution made to the National Assembly by the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher. The lawyers said that the composition of the council allowed certain individuals to be “too powerful” like the

Chief Justice of Nigeria, while representatives of some bodies like the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, are rendered redundant. The NJC is one of the Federal Executive Bodies created by virtue of Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution. It is saddled, essentially with the issues of appointment, discipline and removal of judicial officers. Restructuring of the NJC is one of the 52 proposed amendments contained in the bill called “Fifth Alteration Bill, 2012,” to the 1999 Constitution submitted by Musdapher. The lawyers said that the NJC should be restructured to make the body “more democratic” and vibrant to discharge its statutory functions. Chief Sofola said lots of powers are vested on the CJN and this calls for restricting of the NJC to rectify it. He said: “A lot of powers are vested in the CJN, he is a member and Chairman of National of NJC and without consulting with anybody, he has the power to appoint members of the

NBA into the council. He also has the power to appoint Chief Judges who are members of the council. “If the person occupying the position of CJN was over ambitious, it could cause a lot of problems. Amendment should be done to ensure that the CJN is not too powerful. Okunnu who described the role of NJC under Nigeria’s constitution as an anomaly said that the NJC under a federal system of government should ideally have no business with the appointment and discipline of judges in the states. “The role of the NJC under a federal constitution should be different, unlike what it does under our system; the role of our own NJC is an anomaly. “Each region or each state had its own judicial service commission seeing to the appointments and discipline of judges. The federal judicial commission had no power whatever over judges of regional or state high courts In his own submission, Chief Adetola- Kazeem called for the restructuring

of the NJC, especially with a view to whittling down the powers of the CJN. He said: “I think that NJC composition needs to be reviewed to some extent. For example, the CJN’s workload is too heavy and weighty. In the NJC as constituted at present, you find that most of the members are expected to be appointed by the CJN, and he who pays the piper calls the tune. “The CJN has the power to appoint almost everybody apart from those exofficio members. He heads

the NJC and even the Privileges Committee and some others. “Granted that as the CJN, he is the head of the judiciary, albeit, I don’t think it is also right for the system to give the CJN so much powers, because as the saying goes, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Everything should not be in the hands of the CJN.” The Executive Director of a Lagos-based non-governmental organisation, Mr. Joseph Chuma Otteh also said that recent scan-

dals in the judiciary is an indication that time is ripe to restructure the council. He said: “The present development makes it selfevident that constitutional reforms are needed to ensure that we do not again fall into this situation in the near future. “As presently structured and constituted, the integrity of NJC’s oversight functions will, in the main, rest on the integrity of an individual, the CJN, who has power to appoint about 60 per cent of the membership of the Council.”

Presidency disowns fake PIB bill in circulation ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

he Presidency yesterday raised the alarm that a document alleged to be the new Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, is now in circulation and has even been published on some websites. Disowning the document, the Presidency expressed dismay over the circulation of the fake bill. In a statement yesterday, the Presidency said: “Before the country is assailed once again with talk

about the promulgation of this very important national law being hindered yet again by the existence of multiple versions, the Presidency wishes to categorically disown the document currently being circulated and published as the new Petroleum Industry Bill. “Following the consideration and approval of its contents by the Federal Executive Council at its meeting last week, the authentic new Petroleum Industry Bill is still being finalized by relevant government

departments and readied to be forwarded to the National Assembly by President Goodluck Jonathan. “Upon its delivery to the National Assembly under the official Seal of the President, the authentic new Petroleum Industry Bill will be available to all interested parties. “The general public and all stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry are therefore advised to ignore the document currently in circulation as it is totally fake and lacking in authenticity.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Corruption: Jonathan directs CJN to create special courts ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday urged the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, to create special courts for terrorism and corruption related cases. President Jonathan made the call yesterday after swearing-in Justice Mukhtar as the first female and 13th indigenous CJN. He said that the security challenges in some parts of the country called for concerted actions by the three arms of government.

The President also advised the new CJN to designate judicial officers with wealth of experience in criminal jurisprudence and terrorism to man the special courts for outstanding results. He said: “I am confident that the judiciary under your able leadership will rise up to the challenge and provide the most needed support for government to address these challenges. “Our citizens complain of delayed trials particularly in cases of corruption, terrorism and other matters of serious concern. “These complaints have

led to frequent calls for special courts or designation of special judges to handle them with the required experience and speed. “It will be your prerogative to consider and decide on this call. But I am sure that the entire country is in agreement that justice delayed is justice denied.’’ The President also urged the new CJN to live up to her promise of reforming the judiciary, as made during her confirmation by the Senate. He told Mukhtar to reform and reposition the judiciary for effective and efficient discharge of its

constitutional mandate. President Jonathan noted that the independence of the judiciary was critical to national development and survival, and called on the new CJN to ensure timely justice delivery. He also asked Mukhtar to ensure that justice was not sacrificed on the altar of procedural technicality and impunity. The President underscored the unprecedented and historic nature of the ceremony of swearing-in the first female CJN in Nigeria. He noted that though

Federal directors of health observing a one-minute silence in honour of the late Sen. Gyang Dantong, at the 55th National Council on Health Meeting in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

his administration had remained focused in projecting women, but the CJN achieved the outstanding feat on account of her brilliance, resilience and hard work. “Ladies and gentlemen, there is the hand of destiny in the life of this distinguished jurist. From the records, her lordship has always been a trailblazer in her judicial journey. “She was the first female lawyer of the Northern extraction, the first female high court judge from the North, first female second in command Kano State judiciary, the first Nigerian female jurist to be elevated to the Court of Appeal where she served for over 17 years at the appellate court. “Today, she has risen to the pinnacle of her judicial career as the first female CJN in further service of our great country. My lord, I congratulate you. “Her lordship’s achievement is an inspiration to all citizens especially womanhood not only in Nigeria but also in Africa and the rest of the world. “The Honourable CJN now joins an eminent and exclusive list of achievers recognised throughout the world as beacon of hope in this century,’’ he said.. The President thanked the immediate past CJN,

Justice Dahiru Musdapher for the spirited efforts he made to restore public confidence in the judiciary within his short tenure in office. “We wish Justice Musdapher, a well deserved retirement and hope that he will avail his wealth of experience in the continued service of our nation especially as he is now a member of Council of State,’’ he said. The President conferred on Justice Mukhtar the honour of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, GCON; the second highest national honour. In an interview with State House correspondents, Mukhtar said she would partner with the relevant authorities in curbing the menace of corruption and terrorism. She said she would bring on board laudable policies in the bench and the bar as well as the review of relevant laws in ensuring speedy dispensation of justice. The new CJN said that designated judges would be assigned at the federal and state levels to handle corruption and terrorism cases. Justice Mukhtar who hails from Dawakin Tofa, Kano State, was born in Lagos on November 20, 1944. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6>>

N32.8bn police pension fraud: EFCC seizes suspects’ assets CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

of the erstwhile Director of Police Pension Fund (Finance), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Kigo, and five others for allegedly defrauding the Police Pension Office to the tune of N32.8bn. The trial judge granted the order following an application by the EFCC. Justice Gumi also ordered the freezing of the bank accounts of all the accused persons pending the hearing and final determination of the corruption case against them. Besides Kigo, the five others, who were stripped of their assets, movable and immovable were Esai Dangabar, Ahmed Inuwa Wada, John Yakubu Yusufu, Mrs. Veronica Ulonma Onyegbula and Sani Habila Zira. Kigo was the Director of the Police Pension Office, before he was made

permanent secretary. Already, the EFCC had taken possession of all monies in their bank accounts, while it has begun execution of the forfeiture order on the landed property. The property of Onyegbula already attached by the court order had been taken over by the EFCC. The execution of the forfeiture order coincided with the commencement of a fresh criminal charge launched against them by the Public Complaints Commission. Sources at the EFCC yesterday also told National Mirror that fresh revelations about the hidden assets of the accused persons have begun to emerge. The source said that as soon as a fresh list of such assets is compiled, a fresh order shall be procured to attach them alongside oth-

ers already forfeited. In the ruling of the Abuja High Court chief judge, which is now being executed, 15 of the 45 properties which were ordered forfeited on interim basis, belonged to Dangabar, 11 to Mrs. Onyegbula, six to Wada, five to Kigo and four each to Yusuf and Zira. According to the order, “all the bank accounts currently being operated and maintained by Inuwa Wada at Keystone and Zenith Bank, all totalling 11 in number are hereby temporarily frozen until the determination of the charge Number FCT/ Cr/64/2012. Similarly, all the bank accounts presently being operated and maintained by Esai Dangabar, Atiku A. Kigo and Veronica Onyegbula in the following banks: EcoBank, FCMB, Access Bank,

Skye Bank, Fortis Micro Finance Bank, Aso Savings, GTB, Mainstreet Bank and Wema Bank are hereby temporarily frozen pending the hearing and determination of all the said criminal charge No. FCT/64/2012 presently pending before this court,” the judge ruled. The 15 properties belonging to Dangabar are: block of three Bedrooms flats at Gwarinpa (6 units), along EFAB Estate, Life camp; a block of three bedrooms flats (6 units) at Mabushi District, beside Ministry of Works; Estate of four bedroom duplexes (16 units) Behind Wuye Modern Market, Abuja; a mini estate at No.19, Ukpabi Asika Street, Asokoro, Abuja; 12 units of two bedroom flats at 1, Waziri Ibrahim Crescent, Gudu District, Abuja; five bedroom duplexes at 1, Waziri Ibrahim Crescent,

Gudu District, Abuja; four bedroom bungalows at 1, Waziri Ibrahim Crescent, Gudu District, Abuja; two bedroom flat at Zone C, Apo Resettlement, layout. Others are: five blocks of one bedroom flats at Zone C, Apo Resettlement layout, Abuja; twin duplex of five bedroom and three rooms, 33, ML Wushishi BQ 1 Crescent, Utako, Abuja; two Blocks of three bedroom flats, Area 3, Former NYSC Office, Abuja; two bedroom flats, Area 2, Abuja, behind shopping, complex, three bedroom flats, 2 Goran village, along Adi Farms Ltd, Abuja-Keffi road; 180,000 litres storage facility on a land of about 5,000sqm, with office building, workshop and 20 loading bay at Suleja, Niger State. The 11 properties belonging to Mrs. Onyegbula are: four bedroom duplex at No.3, Andorra Street,

Sun City, Galadimawa, Abuja; Building Housing Ulover International Resources Ltd, Kechis Bottling Company, Plot 140 - 142 Ehinmiri Housing Estate, Umuahia, Abia State; building (six bedroom duplex), Housing Somadok, 14, Ola Adeshile Street, Ajao Estate, Oshodi-Isolo, Lagos; large plot of land for international primary & secondary school, Ehinmiri Housing Estate, Phase 2, Umuahia, Abia State; A mansion with a BQ at Umugbalu Village, Oboro, Ikwuano LGA, Abia State. Others are two-storey building with shops and flats at No. l03, Ozuitem, Street, Enugu Road Amuziukwu, Umuahia, Abia State; 1, two storey building with shops and flats at No. l04, Ozuitem Street, Enugu Road Amuziukwu, Umuahia, Abia State; two-storey CONTINUED ON PAGE 6>>

News

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Airlines hike fares as flight shortage takes toll CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

routes. Airline passengers, who are even prepared to pay the exorbitant fares, are also having a hard time booking flights, especially on Lagos-Abuja; Lagos-Port Harcourt and Lagos-Kaduna routes. Air Nigeria had suspended operations due to industrial action by workers; First Nation suspended flight operations for maintenance checks on its three Airbus 320-200 aircraft; Chanchangi Airline stopped operations because of inadequate aircraft while Dana Air remains grounded after its MD 83 aircraft crashed on June 3. Investigations by National Mirror showed that passengers are now arbitrarily charged up to N40,000 for an-hour flight. Passengers to Abuja and Port Harcourt are most hit by these exploitative charges by the remaining air carriers. Before now, no fewer than 35 flights emanate from Lagos to Abuja daily

while Port Harcourt had about 10 flights from various carriers. Air Nigeria was operating seven flights daily to Abuja, Chanchangi, two; Dana, four; First Nation, five; Arik, eight; IRS, three and Aero with seven flights. But at present, only IRS, Aero and Arik Air are operating scheduled flights while Landover Aviation operates skeletal services to Asaba and Ilorin among few other routes. However, the absence of Chanchangi, Air Nigeria, First Nation and Dana airlines have created a vacuum as at least, 6,000 seats or close to 50 per cent of usually available seats, have been removed daily from the Lagos-Abuja routes. National Mirror observed that the operating airlines are finding it difficult to cope with the demand and have capitalised on the situation to increase their airfares without notice to the passengers.

For instance, an early morning flight to Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kaduna from Lagos on any of the airlines attracts a huge sum of N40, 000 while subsequent flights on the same routes cost between N33, 000 and N35, 000. On the Asaba route, which is less than 35 minutes by air, Arik Air charges N31,500 while Overland charges N24,000 and above. With the high fare rates from the airlines, some potential and will-

ing passengers have now opted for road transportation. Some of the passengers who even indicated willingness to travel by air despite the skyrocketed fares could not secure seats with any of the airlines. One of the airline staff who does not want to be named, said that the current numbers of airlines with their fleet are finding it difficult coping with the increased capacity on the routes.

A passenger with one of the carriers at the Murtala Mohammed Airport Two, Lagos, Mr. Wale Onabanjo, decried hike in airfares, saying Nigeria lacks adequate fare regulation. “It is unfortunate that the passengers are charged arbitrarily by the airlines without any regulatory authority checking their excesses. It is absurd for a passenger to pay around N33,000 for an hour flight. I think the Nigerian Civil Aviation Au-

thority should check the excesses of these carriers.” NCAA spokesman, Mr. Sam Adurogboye, however said that airfares in Nigeria had been deregulated and airline were free to charge any fares they wished as long as they find people willing to pay. According to him, the only situation where the NCAA could intervene is when airline engage in predatory practice, and charges fares that are obviously too low to cover costs.

N32.8bn police pension fraud: EFCC seizes suspects’ assets CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

building of six flats at Ukaegbu Street, Aba, Abia State; Student Hostels at Michael Okpara University of Agric, Umudike, Oboro, Ikwuano LGA, Abia State; 3 bedroom duplex at No.1, Tola Adewumi Street, off Folarin Hospital, Maryland; 3 bedrooms duplex at No.2, Tola Adewumi Street, off Folarin Hospital, Maryland. The six properties belonging to Wada are: 4 bedroom duplex at Block B4, Finance Quarters, Wuye Abuja; A house at Gwale, Kano; a house at Filling Mushe, Gwale LG, Kano; a duplex at Saudauna Crescent, Nassarawa Kano; a duplex at Dorayi Karshen Waya, Behind Old BUK, Kano; a House at Unguwa Uku, Kano. The five properties belonging to Kigo are a 3 bedroom bungalow at 18 Uruguay Street, Panasonic Estate, Wuse 2; a 4 bedroom duplex at Gudu new layout, Abuja; a 4 bedroom duplex at 35, Lake Chad Crescent, Maitama, Abuja; a 4 bedroom duplex

at FHA, Gwarinpa new Extension beside COCIN church and an International Secondary and Primary School (under construction) at Kuje, Abuja. The four properties belonging to Zira are; Concept College London, Gwarinpa, Close to Eco Bank, Abuja; Block of flats at FCDA Quarters, Phase II, Block J, Flat 1 & 2 Garki, Abuja ; Hotel (aka Habila Hasike’s Hotel) Beside Yasekule Primary School, On the same Street with Michika LG Secretariat, Adamawa State; a House at No.36, Malamre Wark, Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa State. While Yusuf ’s properties in Gombe and Abuja are: Hotel (Under Construction, finishing level) behind Gombe State Investment Property Company Housing Estate, Gombe State; three bedroom semi detached bungalow at UU1, A&B, Sunny Homes, Dakwo District, Abuja; three bedroom semi detached bungalow at U20, A&B, Sunny Homes, Dakwo District, Abuja.

L-R: Registrar, University of Lagos, Mr. Oluwarotimi Shodimu; Chairman, Senate Committee on Education, Senator Uche Chukwumerije; UNILAG’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rahman Bello and the Senate Education Committee Vice-Chairman, Prof. Sola Adeyeye, during the Senate committee’s visit to the university yesterday.

Corruption: Jonathan directs CJN to create special courts CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

She was called to the English Bar (Middle Temple) in November 1966 at the age of 22, and enrolled at the Nigerian Bar, June 26, 1967. She served in the Attorney-General’s Chamber of Northern Nigeria from 1967-1971 from where she was appointed a Magistrate On January 1, 1977, Mukhtar was elevated as the first female judge of the High Court of Kano State. She also made history on September 24, 1987 as the first female judge to be elevated to the Court of Appeal Similarly, she was sworn in as the first female Justice of the Supreme Court June 8, 2005 at the age of 61. From May 2011 to date, Justice Mukhtar doubled

as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and the Supreme Court of The Gambia. She is a life member, International Federation of Female Lawyers, Fellow of the Nigerian Law School since 2004, and the Vice Chairman of the Body of Bencher. All things being equal, she would after leaving office, become the first female permanent member of the nation’s highest advisory council, the Council of State. Meanwhile, President Jonathan yesterday approved the constitution of a new Board for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) with the Minister of Petroleum Resources as its Chairman. The constitution of the new board, according to

a statement yesterday by Dr. Reuben Abati, is “in furtherance of his commitment to reform and ensure improvement of the oil and gas industry for the benefit of the people of Nigeria.” The new Board which is headed by the Minister of Petroleum Resources has eight others as members: The eight others are the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, the Group Managing Director, NNPC, Alhaji Abdullahi Bukar, Mr. Steven Oronsaye, Professor Olusegun Okunnu, Arc. Daniel Wadzani, Mr. Bernard O.N. Otti (Group Executive Director, Finance & Accounts) and Dr. Peter S. Nmadu (Group Executive Director, Corporate Services). President Jonathan charged members of the

new Board to discharge their duties efficiently and with integrity in order to enhance positive transformation of the petroleum sector. President Goodluck Jonathan had recently sacked the Group Managing Director, GMD, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Austin Oniwon, and all other directors of the state-owned oil firm in an apparent bid to sanitise the sector that has been hit by scandals since the beginning of the year. The government immediately announced a new management team to replace the sacked NNPC executives. A new helmsman was also named for the NNPC’s upstream arm, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Corporation, NPDC.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Banks lost N5.8bn to fraud in 2011 –CBN JOHNSON OKANLAWON

he number of reported cases of attempted fraud and forgery in the banking industry declined in the 2011, as the banks lost N5.8bn to fraudsters and forgers in 2011, compared to N11.4bn and $10.98million recorded in the same period of 2010. There were 2,527 cases of attempted fraud or forgery involving N29.5bn in 2011, as against 5,960 cases involving Ns19.7bnand $19.2m in 2010. According to the annual report of the Central Bank of Nigeria released yesterday, the reduction in actual loss was accounted for by

improvements in risk management practices in the banking sector. The CBN said the fraud cases were perpetrated through various means, including pilfering and theft, suppression and conversion of customer deposits, illegal funds transfer and fraudulent Automated Teller Machine (ATMs) withdrawals, among others. Also, the volume and value of cheques cleared in 2011 increased by 11.0 per cent and 13.3 per cent to N37.72m and N22.30trn from 33.99m and N19.69tr, respectively, in 2010. “The rise in volume was due largely to the slow implementation of the Federal Government’s e-

payment policy in respect of taxes, staff salaries, pensions and contractors’ payments. “Clearing activities nationwide peaked at N2.33trn in November, due to the increase in business activities that preceded the end of year festivities,” the CBN said. The apex bank explained that the first ten clearing zones in terms of volume were Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Benin, Akure, Awka, Kaduna, Owerri and Abeokuta. The CBN said, “In terms of value of cheques cleared in 2011, the ranking was Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Abeokuta, Kaduna, Benin, Awka, Uyo

and Asaba. “The Lagos Clearing Zone accounted for 74.5 per cent (volume) and 70.9 per cent value of the total cheque transactions in 2011. This was attributed to the fact that Lagos remained the economic and commercial hub of Nigeria. The CBN pointed out that cheque clearing activities in the Abuja zone, however, shrank because of the implementation of e-payment by the Federal Government for staff salaries, suppliers’ and contractors’ payments. According to the bank, aggregate financial savings rose by N427.9 billion or 6.7 per cent to N6,858.5

Billion in 2011, compared to N6,430.6 billion in 2010. “The ratio of financial savings to Gross Domestic Product was 18.8 per cent, compared to 32.9 per cent in 2010. The Deposit Money Banks remained the dominant depository institutions within the financial system and accounted for 95.2 per cent of the total financial savings, compared with 92.6 per cent in the preceding year. Other savings institutions, namely, the Primary Mortgage Banks, life insurance funds, the pension funds, the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund, and microfinance banks accounted for the balance of 4.8 per cent.

Name change: Senators give UNILAG two weeks to submit cost implications MOJEED ALABI AND MURITALA AYINLA

he Senate Committee on Education yesterday ordered the authorities of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, Akoka, to, within the next two weeks, furnish it with the financial implications of the proposed name change. The committee, which visited the university yesterday for what it called oversight function, took up the institution’s management on various issues such as its finances, curriculum, internally generated revenue, IGR, and facilities’ maintenance, among others. According to the Chairman of the committee, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, the Senate derives its mandate to query the conduct of affairs of any ministry, government’s department or agency that is charged with the responsibilities of executing laws enacted by the National Assembly from Section 22 of the constitution. “Therefore, this visit is not out of order,” he said. Apart from the request for the financial cost implications of the proposed name change, the committee also asked the university to provide the IGR profile from 2005 to 2001, detailing the sources and the breakdown of the disbursements, particularly as regards each project executed.”

L-R: Course Instructor, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Fetomaternal Medicine, Dr. Dilichukwu Anumba; Consultant Radiologist, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Dr. Janet Akinmoladun; Senior Lecturer, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Adebola Roberts and Chief Medical Director of UCH, Prof. Temitope Alonge, at the First Obstetrics Anomaly Scan Course for Consultant Obstetricians and Radiologists at UCH in Ibadan, Oyo State, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Senate chides Jonathan for withholding assent to bills GEORGE OJI ABUJA

nce again, the Senate has again criticised President Goodluck Jonathan for unnecessarily withholding his assent to bills already passed by the National Assembly. Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu made the position of the lawmakers known yesterday in an opening address at a twoday international conference on “Law reform and the law making process,” in Abuja. He expressed worry that the President’s action persisted even when such bills were meant for the good governance of the country. Jonathan had during the democracy day national lecture explained that his reason for withholding assent to some of the bills already

Jonathan

passed by the National Assembly was because the lawmakers were making laws creating additional commissions and agencies with huge financial burden on the government. In an apparent reference to the position of the President, Ekweremadu said, “it is regrettable that so many bills meant for the good governance of the nation have not been signed into law even when they have no financial implications to the purse of govern-

ment”. To further drive home his point, the Deputy Senate President said the Sate of the Nation Address Bill, which was passed by both Houses of the 6th National Assembly, seeking a more transparent, accountable and participatory democracy in which the President was expected to address the country on contemporary issues annually was yet to be signed into law by the President. He described the state of the nation address as a popular practice in developed and emerging democracies around the world. Ekweremadu called on Jonathan to take the credit of being the first Nigerian President to put this instrument to use by signing the State of the Nation Address Bill into law to enrich and deepen democracy. The lawmaker also

sought the interconnectivity among arms of government in the law reforms and lawmaking process. According to him, muscle-flexing, time-wasting and stillbirth laws will be minimised if all the three arms of government collectively engender healthy consultations and inputs before and during the drafting and processing of laws. Ekweremadu also stressed the need to integrate the larger population of Nigerians residing in the rural areas into the country’s law reform and lawmaking process. He said: “Unless we find a way of properly integrating our rural populations as active participants in the process of making laws under which they are compelled to live, we would have short-changed the greater majority of Nigerians.”

Compel CCB to declare President’s assets, SERAP tells court K AYODE KETEFE

civil society group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has prayed a Federal High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, for an order compelling the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, Mr. Sam Saba, to release documents on President Goodluck Jonathan’s assets declaration. The group which had earlier given a seven-day ultimatum to the President to publicly declare the assets he owned between May 2007 and May 2012 via a letter dated June 27, by its Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, said the suit was the next logical step after the expiration of the ultimatum. The group also sent the same letter to Baba, asking him to release information on the President’ assets declaration. In the suit with no FHC/ IKJ/CS/159/2012 filed by SERAP’s solicitor, Mr. Chinyere Nwafor, under the Freedom of Information Act, the group said that Nigerians had the rights of information to the assets owned by their President.

Stephen Covey, American famous motivational author, dies at 79 SAM OLUWALANA

uthor Stephen Covey, whose book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” sold more than 20 million copies, died yesterday at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Centre. He was 79. Covey was born on October 24, 1932 in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. His family said in statement that he died from residual effects of an April bicycle accident. Covey was hospitalised after being knocked unconscious in the bicycle accident on a steep road in the foothills of Provo, Utah, about 45 miles south of Salt Lake City. At the time, his publicist, Debra Lund, said, “He just lost control on his bike and crashed … He was wearing a helmet.”

South West

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Police arrest killer of varsity student ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

he police have arrested Mr. Kayode Adewumi, who allegedly killed his friend, Mr. Boluwaji Olarinoye, a student of Ekiti State University, during an argument

over N50, 000 last Friday at Erijinyan-Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government Area. . The Ekiti State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mr. Victor Babayemi, said Adewumi, who fled to Lagos shortly after he committed the

murder, was now being detained at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. Olarinoye was said to have honoured Adewumi’s invitation to his house that Friday night, with the belief that the suspect was

ready to pay the N50, 000 he had lent him to support his timber business. But things went awry for the friends as Olarinoye was found dead in the pool of his own blood due to the deep matchete cut he suffered in his throat in the hand of his friend.

Sources said the late Olarinoye, who was eating when his friend invited him, left the food to honour the invitation. The sources said: “Olarinoye left for Ademumi’s house with the hope that the latter was ready to pay the debt. But minutes later,

Lagos residents advised on alternative energy sources

Motorists decry traffic gridlock on Ado-Ekiti Road ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

MURITALA AYINLA

esidents of Lagos State must be ready to use alternative sources of energy as a measure to reduce the incessant cases of carbon emission responsible for global warming, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Energy and Mineral Resources, Dr Fouad Animashaun, yesterday said. Animashaun, who spoke during the opening ceremony of the 4th Alternative Power Exhibition, held at the Blue Roof, Lagos State Television, Ikeja, said adoption of alternative energy source would help address several environmental challenges. He said the need to embrace alternative source of energy came at a time when the campaign for greener environment is still on, describing the erratic power supply in the country as unfortunate. Animashaun said: “We have the renewable, there are lanterns, renewable cookers and these are development that will help reduce hazards to our environment. It makes a lot of sense to go the renewable way. And we expect that as time goes on, people will become aware of what should be used and what not. “The children, take for example, when they are preparing for their examinations and have no light, but you have a solar lamp that you put out during the day and at night, you light it up when you want to cook or gather your family together. This is going to be a very useful. He urged residents to cultivate the habit of switching off electrical appliances when not in use to save energy that could be used by others who need it.

we heard people shouting that Adewumi and a group of his friends had killed Olarinoye.” The traditional ruler of the community, Oba Jonathan Alade, described the incident as disheartening and asked the police to get to the root of the matter.

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (second right) and other state officials during an inspection of the regenerated drive in Apapa, at the weekend.

Oyo PDP, ACN clash over Ibadan flood KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

he Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday flayed the administration of Governor Abiola Aimobi for the alleged shoddy way it is handling flood issue in Ibadan and other towns. The party, in a statement signed by Prince Dotun Oyelade on behalf of the PDP Synergy League, alleged that 11 months after last year’s flood disaster during which the Federal Government, corporate bodies and stakeholders donated handsomely to assist thousands of the flood victims, the state did nothing meaningful with the money. PDP said: “What we see is tentative and uncoordinated approach during which Governor Ajimobi threatened that government will not take responsibility if

some inhabitants refuse to vacate danger zones. This virtual abdication of executive duty is intolerable and must be condemned by all.” PDP asked the governor to tell Nigerians what he did with the money, saying: “It is better to source for fresh funds to intervene in the flood disaster,” adding: “ One of the ways is to promptly stop work on the Mokola flyover bridge and the vain-glorious state hotel he plans to build by Premier Hotel and divert the funds to assist the victims and build bridges that won’t get swept away by flood. “It should not be too difficult to convince Asiwaju Tinubu, who is widely believed to be in charge of the Mokola Bridge, to consider the plight of our people.”

bilitating him. “Why we maintain that this fellow needs help is this: How can any sensible human being question the morale of constructing the Mokola flyover bridge, an intervention that has received applauses from all over the world? How can any sane person claim that Asiwaju Tinubu owns a renowned world-wide Chinese contracting firm that has been in operation for decades? “We stand to be corrected: In the eight years that PDP ruled Oyo State, there was never any news of the government ever dredging any river or reconstructing any bridge. Most of these bridges are even decades old and are now collapsing.”

…As fish, poultry farmers lament loses KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

F Ajimobi

But the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) questioned the mental state of the PDP group, stating that it is high time members of the group subjected themselves to mental examination. ACN, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Hon. Dauda Kolawole, said: “A particular key member of the group, who was Alao-Akala’s Goebbels in government needs urgent help. He is a jobless old man in need of rehabilitation. His acute joblessness has also apparently affected his sense of reasoning. This is why he could collate pepper soup joint views and submissions and project them as what is on ground. Those who know him need to do an urgent job in reha-

otorists plying the Ado/Iworoko/ Ifaki Road yesterday appealed to Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi to prevail on the contractors handling the dualisation of the road for its early completion. The motorists said the intervention was necessary to prevent unnecessary traffic jam in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. The traffic situation along the road, which had been terrible for the past few days due to activities of the contractors, took another dimension yesterday, as the blockage of a lane and deplorable situation of the other ground traffic to a halt. This made it impossible for workers, students and other road users around the Opopogboro-Adebayo axis to access their destinations at scheduled time. The traffic jam spread to some other parts of the state capital, while motorists tried to manoeuvre out of the traffic jam heading for adjoining streets, a development that caused traffic jam in Oke-Ila area. Commuters flayed the contractors for the snail speed at which they had been executing the contract. According to them, the contractor’s failure to fill a crater on the single lane left for motorists’ use is responsible for the gridlock.

ish and poultry farmers in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State are still counting their loses, following the seven hours downpour that ravaged Ibadan and its environs at the weekend. It was learnt that no fewer than 53 farms were affected by the flood with farmers in Araromi Id-

owu, Eleyele and Omi Adio worst hit. Many fish ponds located at Omi Adio and Eleyele were washed away, defiling measures put in place by the farmers to check flooding. During a visit to some of the farms, there was no sign to show that the rain had stopped as water level was still high. Many poultry farmers were said to have begun

evacuating their birds, while many were lost in the flood. Narrating his ordeal, Mr. Owoeye Ogunsanya, a fish farmer, said all his four ponds were swept away by the flood. He said: “I cannot say this is how much I have lost, but I know I have just placed about 10,000 fingerlings and as I am talking to you, everything has been washed away. I don’t know

where to start from.” A poultry farmer at Araromi Idowu, who did not want his name mentioned, said about 1,000 birds were affected by flood, saying: “It is a natural phenomenon that we have no control over. I have witnessed flood since the 15 years of farming on this land, but unfortunately this was an exception. Well, I have to contend with it, it is a natural thing.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Flood: Oyo revokes Apete Bridge contract KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

yo State Government said it had revoked the contract for the reconstruction of the Apete Bridge in Ibadan, the state capital. It also promised that a new contractor would move to site within 24 hours, after due process must have been observed. This was disclosed yesterday at a press conference jointly addressed by the Commissioners for

Works and Transport, Information, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Environment and the Special Advisers on Physical Planning and Media after the State Executive Council meeting. The Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Yunus Akintunde, said urgent reconstruction works would be done on the bridge, as well as 15 others damaged across the state during the Saturday night flood. Irked by the slow pace

of work on the rehabilitation of the Apete Bridge, the government said it had decided that a new contractor would take over the rehabilitation of the bridge. Akintunde said the State Executive Council had mandated his ministry and that of Physical Planning and Urban Development to come up with a new proposal on the possible and urgent ways of putting all the damaged bridges back to use as soon as practicable.

He said: “The Council equally considered the Apete Bridge today and resolved that because of the current development and the heavy downpour that had suddenly occurred, there is the need to take a drastic action on the bridge construction so as to ameliorate the suffering of our people. In this wise, Council decided that the drastic measure would have to be a reassessment and re-awarding of the bridge contract which should take place within

the next 24 hours.” Also in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the governor on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, the government said that part of the proactive measures it took over the flooding was to work in partnership with the World Bank. The statement reads in part: “Because the task of reconstructing these bridges is so massive and is beyond the state government alone, immediately after the last

year flood, Governor Abiola Ajimobi met with officials of the World Bank and did a power-point presentation on the case of Ibadan flood disaster, upon which the bank sent its representatives to the state for an assessment. The report has culminated in the bank, with the support of the Federal Ministry of Finance, agreeing in principle to grant the state government N200m emergency relief, which is almost ready.”

Scrap SIECs, Ekiti PDP candidates urge FG ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

ocal government chairmanship candidates on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ekiti State have expressed support for the Justice Alfa Belgore-led committee’s recommendation that the states Independent Electoral Commission, SIECs, be scrapped. The candidates, under the aegis of Ekiti State PDP Local Government Chairmanship Candidates for 2012 LG Elections, urged the Federal Government to give serious thought to charging the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, with the responsibility of council elections across the country. In a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting in Emure-Ekiti, the candidates said the conduct of free and fair poll at the grassroots would give room for the rapid development of the country. The communiqué signed by Messrs Babatola Ayodeji, Femi Ogundipe and Oguntuase Taiwo, also praised the Belgore committee’s recommendation calling for the scrapping of the State/Local Government Joint Account Committee across the federation. The candidates, who said many state governors were only using the method to stifle local government administration, also expressed support for the establishment of State Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission in the country. The PDP candidates frowned at the appointment

of caretaker committees to run the affairs of the 16 local government areas in the state, saying the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, was afraid of being defeated in an electoral contest. They also expressed support for the Mr. Makanjuola Ogundipe-led state PDP Executive Committee on the ongoing transformation in the party in the state. Urging Ogundipe and leaders of the party not to waiver in repositioning the party for future challenges, the group called on PDP national leadership to support the state chapter in its quest to regain the state in the 2014 governorship election.

L-R: Ogun State Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun; Chairman of ACN, Alhaji Tajudeen Bello; Governor Ibikunle Amosun and Chairmanship candidate of the party in the local council, Mr. Lanre Edun, during the ACN campaign rally at Abeokuta South Local Council, yesterday.

Seek Canada’s support on bitumen exploration, Agagu tells govt mer minister of Power and Steel, said some top government officials, who were comfortable with billions of dollars the country got as oil revenue, had scuttled Federal Government’s efforts to tap the bitumen. According to him, the country lacks the technological know-how to commence commercial exploration of bitumen.

He said: “The bitumen deposits there are similar to many oil and gas deposits because the bitumen itself is petroleum only that it is thicker. But because bitumen is very thick and for it to be self-propelled toward production, the chances are always minimal. You need additional technology to make the bitumen flow out.”

Ondo farmers cultivate 514 hectares of cannabis –NLDEA

riculture is one area of strength that must be maximised both for foreign exchange earnings and rapid development of the state.” Also, Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Sola Ebisheni, who represented Governor Olusegun Mimiko, called for more grassroots mobilisation in the fight against illicit drugs. Ebisheni noted that the state was known for the production of food and cash crops, promising that the government would not allow few criminally minded persons to give the state a bad name.

BIYI ADEGOROYE AKURE

F INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega

OLUSEGUN KOIKI

ational Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has said that at least 514 hectares of land were used for cannabis cultivation in Ondo State in the last two years. The NDLEA Chief Executive, Ahmadu Giade, said this at the public destruction of 61,000 kilograms of drug exhibits at Akure yesterday. He described cannabis cultivation as a serious

ormer Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, has attributed delay in the exploration of the country’s bitumen deposit, the second largest in the world, and reaping the revenue accruable there from to technological and economic constraints.

threat to food production. An online statement signed by the Head, Public Affairs, NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, said that the agency’s head expressed strong determination to send drug barons out of the criminal narcotics trade. He said: “We will frustrate every move to undermine the lofty agricultural programmes of the state government. We will not fold our arms and watch drug barons divert arable land for the cultivation of cannabis instead of grow-

Agagu, however, urged the Federal Government to seek the assistance of the Canadian government, which is the world largest producer of bitumen, in the area of study and developing the technology for Nigeria to commence actual commercial exploration of bitumen. In an interview with our correspondent in Ibadan, Agagu, also a for-

ing legitimate food and cash crops.” According to Giade, several secret warehouses used in stockpiling cannabis have been traced in the state. He added that the state, in the last two years, had led other states in the agency’s annual drug seizures with 123,452.76 kilograms of cannabis and destruction of 514 hectares of cannabis farmland. The command, Giade said, seized 67,979.80 kilograms of cannabis and traced 367 hectares of farm-

land in 2010. Also, 55,472.96 kilograms of cannabis were seized and 147 hectares of cannabis farmland destroyed in 2011. The NDLEA boss, however, promised to work with the state government in drug control, stressing that Ondo State had the capacity to feed the entire country and export food and cash crops if properly harnessed. He said: “The NDLEA will vigorously pursue its drug prevention programmes in the state. Ag-

South East

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Again, kidnappers strike in Imo, abduct doctor CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

Medical Officer, MO, attached to the Imo State Teaching Hospital, Orlu (Ogbaku annex), Dr. Ernest Nwaigbo, yesterday joined the list of kidnapped victims in the state.

The incident occurred within the hospital premises about 1.21p.m. Six armed men stormed the hospital, bumped into the office of the doctor and took him away. It was not certain why the doctor, who hails from Umudi/Umuwala, Nkwerre in Nkwerre Local Gov-

ernment Area of Imo State and the Medical Director of Glifest Clinic, Owerri, Imo State, was kidnapped. According to the security men attached to the hospital, they were held at gunpoint while the doctor was taken away, leaving his car packed in the hospital premises.

Nwaigbo, a Knight of St. Christopher in the Anglican Communion, was also said to have been preparing for his forthcoming 50th birthday celebration. When contacted, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Vitalis Onugu, said he had not been briefed on the matter.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NEMA trains corps members as disaster managers DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

ational Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has trained and inaugurated about 600 National Youths Service Corps, NYSC, members in the South-East zone as disaster vanguards in their respective places of primary assignment. The training programme which, according to the agency, is aimed at using NYSC members as disaster vanguards and for proactive disaster management nation-wide ran concurrently in all the five states of the zone and lasted for four days. Speaking in Enugu during the training, the South-East Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Dr. Abdulahi Bandele Onimode,

explained that the NEMA/ NYSC Emergency Management Vanguards, EMV, programme was designed to offer corps members the opportunity to provide their services in an organised, prompt and responsive way to disaster incidents during their one year service. He said: “It is also aimed at inculcating a broad disaster management consciousness, awareness and preventive culture among the corps members.” The coordinator disclosed that they were trained on role of NYSC corps members in National Disaster Risk Management, basic first aid tips during emergency incidents, prevalent disasters in the South-East Zone and how to handle domestic fire incidents at home or workplace, among others measures.

Obi swears in new commissioners, special advisers nambra State Governor Peter Obi yesterday sworn in five new commissioners and four special advisers at the Executive Chambers of the Government House, Awka. The swearing-in of the political appointees followed their screening and approval by the state House of Assembly. The five commissioners brought the number of commissioners in the State Executive Council to 17. At the event, Obi said more commissioners and special advisers would be appointed to increase the Executive Council members to 30. He explained that his

administration had a lot to deliver within the next one year which he said would mark a turning point in the life of the state. The governor urged the Executive Council members to brace up for hard and tedious work. He disclosed that the government was working relentlessly to resuscitate the N5bn Omor Rice Mill project and would, within the next six months, deliver a N1.3bn Millennium Development Goal, MDG, project. The governor enjoined the Executive Council members to work as a team and put the collective interest of the state above every other consideration. Obi later assigned portfolios to the new appointees.

named pipeline vandals behind illegal oil bunkering going-on in the Ukwa West Local Government Area. In his reaction, the Chairman of the Petroleum Monitoring Team, Chief Tony Anyanwu, regretted that despite the reopening of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Depot at Osisioma in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state, some marketers were still

bent on frustrating the efforts of the state in improving the supply of petrol to Abia and neighbouring states in the South-East.

CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

A Masquerade performing at the 30th anniversary of Umuahia Progressive Association in New York, on Sunday.

PHOTO: NAN

Gunmen attack two MASSOB members in Onitsha NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

wo members of the Movement for Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, are now recuperating in a private hospital in Onitsha, Anambra State, following attacks on them by unknown gunmen suspected to be youths of Onitsha. The victims, Michael Eze and Red Onyejekwe, according to a source, were attacked on separate occasions by gunmen for allegedly preventing them from collecting illegal levies from Onitsha traders. The source said that while Eze was trailed by gunmen on a motorcycle to Otumoye area of Onitsha penultimate Wednesday and cut his head with an axe, after firing gunshots at him which did not penetrate his body, Onyejekwe had his left palm cut to pieces with dagger last week at Sokoto Road, at the Onitsha Main Market axis, by another

group of gunmen. Briefing newsmen yesterday on the ugly development, the Ogirishi Igbo and Deputy Igbo Leader, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, decried the unwarranted attacks on MASSOB members, simply because they were trying to protect Ndigbo from the menace of touts, armed robbers and other criminal elements. Flanked by all the MASSOB regional administrators in Anambra State, including the head of the administrators in the state and Onitsha Region 1 Administrator, Chief Venatius Muoneke, and the National Director of Information, Uchenna Madu, he noted that report reaching him showed that some criminal elements had formed the habit of adorning themselves with MASSOB insignia to perpetrate crime. Ezeonwuka said that in most cases, the criminal elements would go into the markets and begin to demand levies for loading or off-loading containers of

goods brought into the market. He said in other cases, the hoodlums would go to where there were building projects and demanded one levy or the other, using the name of MASSOB. The Ogirishi Igbo said it was as a result of these anomalies that both the MASSOB and Igbo leadership became worried and decided to instruct the members to arrest all these criminals and hand them over to the police for prosecution. He said: “MASSOB represents the interest of Ndigbo but some people hide under us to perpetrate crime. Touting, kidnapping, armed robbery and debt collection are not part of our struggle and anyone caught should be prosecuted.” He said it was in realisation of the much desired peaceful atmosphere that each time Ndigbo were massacred in the North, Igbo leaders would order MASSOB not to embark on

reprisal attacks. Also contributing, Muoneke recalled that MASSOB had existed during the regimes of former Governors Chinwoke Mbadinuju and Chris Ngige and they performed well until Governor Peter Obi came in 2006 and ordered soldiers and police to shoot MASSOB men on sight, despite the prominent role its members played in securing victory for the governor. ,

Abia task force impounds tanker with stolen crude oil GEORGE OPARA ABIA

he Abia State Petroleum Monitoring Team has apprehended a petroleum tanker loaded with illegal crude oil at the premises of a private company in Ossah, Umuahia North Local Government Area. The tanker, with registration number XB 855 NGK, is reportedly owned by un-

Governor Orji

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Gunmen kill Dickson’s security aide, other EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

unmen have killed Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson’s aide and his friend. They were allegedly killed by the gunmen at

Azikoro community in Yenagoa. One of the victims, simply identified as Mr. British, was Dickson’s special security aide. The other was simply called Orlando. The two deceased hailed from Ekeremor

Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The victims were driving in an Infinity Jeep marked GBJ 154 AA when they were blocked by the assailants, who drove in a smaller car. The incident occurred at about 8.45am along

Goodnews Street, near the newly built state House of Assembly residential quarters. An eye witness said the gunmen shot their victims and sped off immediately. The witness said: “The men opened fire on

the victims immediately they blocked them. They shot the two men from the side windows and moved to spray them again from the front. After the sporadic shooting, the gunmen made a u-turn and drove off. Another vehicle was also

Soyinka lauds Akpabio for beautifying A’Ibom

obel Laurete Prof. Wole Soyinka has praised Governor Godswill Akpabio for transforming Akwa Ibom State. He described Akwa Ibom as a modern state. Prof. Soyinka spoke on Sunday when he visited Governor Akpabio in Uyo, the state capital. His visit, according to him, was in response to the governor’s invitation in Asaba during the recent South-South Economic Summit, challenging him to visit Akwa Ibom to see the transformation programmes with a bid to change his perception that democracy was not working in the state and in the country. The literary giant recalled that he visited Akwa Ibom 12 years ago and decried then that the state showed signs of physical environment decay. Prof. Soyinka, who was accompanied by his wife, Folake, and daughter, Mrs. Moreni Soyinka-Onijala, praised Akpabio for beautifying the state. Describing the Nobel Laurete as a global citizen, the governor said: “You are imbued in the hearts of Akwa Ibom people. You can choose to always come to the state because you have many fans here. “We look forward in listening to you and tapping from your wisdom and knowledge. I thank you for your humility in visiting the state. I want you to know that there is a ray of hope and that democracy is working in Akwa Ibom State and democracy can work in Nigeria. Whenever you go outside the country, you will tell them that democracy is working.”

hit by stray bullets from the attackers.” When National Mirror visited the scene of the attack, policemen, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Azikoro Police Station, Rita Greene, was seen supervising the conveyance of the victims’ bodies and the bullet-riddled vehicle. The police spokesman, Fidelis Odunna, confirmed the incident, saying that the DPO was on top of the situation. Odunna said the incident was a cult-related killing.

Fire: Community declares seven-day mourning period CHINEDUM EMEANA PORT HARCOURT

F L-R: Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government, Mr. Awori Miller; Hon. Asita Honourable; Senator Wilson Ake; Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and his wife, Judith, at the scene of last Thursday’s tanker explosion at Okogbe, on Sunday.

Another fuel-laden tanker falls in Bayelsa •Amaechi mourns explosion victims EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

nother tanker belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has fallen at Opokuma community along the East-West Road in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The fuel-laden tanker fell while dodging the bad spots of the busy road at about 5pm on Sunday. There was tension in the area as the large quantity of fuel spilled on the ground. It was gathered that the tanker was on its way to Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, when the incident occurred. Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the police immediately moved to the scene to prevent scooping of fuel by villagers. The incident occurred barely four days after a tanker explosion killed over 120 people in Okogbe,

Rivers State. The Rivers incident occurred following scooping of fuel by residents. Scene of the incident is still emitting a stench as nine more bodies were recovered from the place on Sunday. Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi, has said he lacked words to express his profound grief and shock at the unfortunate tanker explosion that killed the over 120 people in Okogbe. Speaking during a condolence visit to the palace of the traditional ruler of the town, Joshua Eyiba, Eze Igbu Igbuduya, Governor Amaechi said: ‘’It is with a lot of grief that I have come to visit you. I would say to you that I am confused, I don’t know exactly how to condole you because the people, who are dead now as huge as the number, are also Rivers people that I superintend over and, therefore, I am as pained as you are. What do I tell you, what do I tell the

community, knowing none of us has the capacity to bring back to life those who were burnt to death’’. Describing the incident as tragic and devastating, the governor said that there was still need to enlighten the people not to take the risk of scooping petroleum products wherever the product may be found. Amaechi said: ‘’There is the need for enlightenment. People should know that no matter how bad it is for anybody, it is better to be alive than to go pursuing death. Let this tragedy not happen to us again. Let the fight against poverty not be as desperate as to take as many lives as it has sadly taken with this single fire incident. ‘’As Christians, we should leave to God what has happened and continue to pray to God not to allow this unfortunate incident to happen in any part of Nigeria again. I want to express my deep condolence to you and to the community. The state government will con-

tinue to take care of the medical needs of those who survive and are in our hospitals. “We will continue to do that until they are okay and strong enough to leave. I have directed the Commissioner for Special Duties to identify the families of the victims. As a government, we will sit down and look at what we can do for them, to assist them in some way to cushion the effects of this tragic incident on their lives.” Responding, Eze Igbu Igbuduya said his people had been mourning those who lost their lives in tanker explosion. He thanked the governor for sympathising with them.

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson

ollowing last Thursday’s tanker explosion that claimed over 120 lives at Okogbe community in Rivers State, the Igbuduya Council of Chiefs has declared a seven-day mourning period starting from yesterday. According to His Royal Highness, Eze Joshua Eyiba JP, Eze Igbuduya, the period would be dedicated to mourning of those who died in the incident. Meanwhile, three more survivors from the incident have lost the battle to stay alive. A source at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital said these latest deaths occurred on Saturday night. The Rivers State Government has, however, assured that it would continue to take care of the medical bills of the survivors. Governor Chibuike Amaechi said: “We will continue to do that until they are okay and strong enough to leave. I have directed the Commissioner for Special Duties to identify the families of the victims. As a government we will sit down and look at what we can do for them, to assist them in some way to cushion the effects of this tragic incident on their lives.”

North

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ramadan: Police beef up security around Kano mosques AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

he Kano State Police Command said it had strengthened security around high profile mosques in Kano, in the aftermath of last week’s attack on Shehu Borno Mosque in Maiduguri. The state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Idris, who disclosed this yesterday, said more men would be moved to Muslim places of worship to ensure that they were adequately secure for the forthcoming

•Arrest two Chinese for countrymen’s death Ramadan. He said: “We are liaising with the various security outfits in the state, including the state Hisbah guards; this is part of the measures set aside to improve security around places of worship especially as Muslims prepare for the Ramadan.” The commissioner also said his men had arrested two Chinese nationals for the alleged murder of two of their countrymen, while they intercepted and detonated 42 explosives.

He said Jimbo Zhaou Dang Dong and Smith Zhng inflicted multiple injuries on Xucheng Kum and another who described as an old man, resulting in their death. Idris said the attack was reported to the police by some residents in the neighbourhood, as a result detectives were dispatched to the scene. He said: “The police immediately rushed Kum and the old man with machete cut injuries to the hospital

where Kum was certified dead by doctor while the other died later in the hospital.” The commissioner said items recovered from the scene of the incident were Chinese short knife, Jack knife with blood stain and some quantity of intoxicant, suggesting the offence was committed under drug influence. The confrontation allegedly occurred over debt owed one of the suspects by Kum in whose house the fracas broke out.

Gov. Kwankwaso

Idris said 42.25kg improvised explosive devices, IDEs, and 15 hand grenades were detonated by police bomb experts. “They were intercepted in Dala, Goron-Dutse Police

Police discover explosives in Kaduna, arrest 174 suspects

Corruption has eroded people’s moral values –Dankwambo DANJUMA WILLIAMS

AUGUSTINE MADUWEST AND A ZA MSUE

GOMBE

ombe State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, has said the wave of corruption in the country had undermined the people’s moral values. In his speech at the inauguration of a 31-man Committee on Ethics and Morals at the Government House Chambers, Dankwambo noted that over the years, the people’s moral values had been undermined by corruption and unruly behaviour in all facets of the society hence, indiscipline had become so persuasive that many had concluded that it was impossible to revive or turn things around. He explained that the appointment of the committee was coming at a time when the state and the country faced daunting challenges, including the declining moral values. The governor expressed the belief that it is possible for these attitudes to be changed through persuasive education and re-orientation. He said it was one area in which his government had successfully embarked upon, citing the rehabilitation and re-orientation of the restive Yankalare youths. Dankwambo explained that it was the realisation that moral values were a collective responsibility that informed the inauguration of the committee of highly respected members of the society under the chairmanship of the Commissioner for Information, Rev. Habu Dawaki.

out post, 52 Mobile Police Squadron and Panshekara division recently,” he added. The commissioner also said four adults were detained at the Bompai Headquarters of the state Police Command for allegedly sexually brutalising minors, including a school teacher whose name was as Shehu Isma’ila. Isma’ila allegedly sexually abused a 14-year-old pupil while one Shafiu Abdullahi allegedly assaulted a three-year-old baby girl in an uncompleted building.

P Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo (middle) unveiling flag to commemorate the official flagging off of 54 Km Kanawa-Deba-Jagali-Jauro, yesterday.

Gaidam relaxes curfew in Damaturu, despite attack on JTF INUSA NDAHI DAMATURU

overnor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State has directed that the restriction of movement imposed across the state be relaxed with effect from yesterday. The directive followed the relative peace witnessed in Damaturu, the state capital and its environs. However, some terrorists yesterday ambushed one of the patrol vehicles of the Joint Task Force, JTF, in Damaturu metropolis.

The incident, which took place about 2 p.m. did not record any casualty as the JTF repelled the attack. Confirming the incident, the JTF spokesman, Lieutenant Col. Idris Abdullahi, said no casualty was recorded in the attack. According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Communication, Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, the restriction of movement now starts from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. in all parts of the state including Potiskum town.

The statement urged the residents to go about their legitimate businesses from 7 a.m. till 10 p.m. daily. Bego said the curfew in Nguru town had been lifted, adding that the ban on the use of motorcycles earlier imposed on Damaturu, Gujba, Gaidam, Potiskum and Bade local government areas as well as Nguru town, however, remained in place. He noted that the use of motorcycles was still not allowed in Nguru town and the five local governments affected by the imposition of state of emer-

gency. This measure, according to Bego, was taken following a meeting between the governor with the heads of security and law enforcement agencies in the state. According to him, the task of ensuring security is not the responsibility of the security agencies alone, law-abiding citizens also have a responsibility to remain vigilant and to assist the law enforcement agents in every possible way in their effort at ensuring security and protection of lives and property.

JAMB will begin e-exams soon, says Ojerinde HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

he Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, said it would soon commence e-test for candidates seeking admission into universities, colleges of education and polytechnics.

The JAMB Registrar, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, disclosed this yesterday in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, when he visited Governor Gabriel Suswam at the Banquet Hall of the Government House. He said the e-test would minimise cases of examination malpractices in tertiary institutions across the country.

The registrar said when introduced, it would help in ensuring prompt release of results to candidates. Ojerinde, who was on the visit with other top members of the board, told Suswam that efforts were been intensified to rid the country’s education system of examination malpractices.

He then solicited assistance in this wise to enable JAMB succeed in the task. The registrar, however, commended Suswam for donating a vast land for the construction of the board’s permanent site in Makurdi and stressed the need for other governors to emulate this gesture.

olice said yesterday said they had discovered cans of explosives and bomb making powder used by terrorist group to bomb in Kaduna and its environs, while 174 suspects were arrested. Addressing a press conference in Kaduna, the state Police Commissioner, Mohammed Jinjiri Abubakar, said the security agencies would leave no stone unturned to eliminate terrorism in the state. He said: “In our continued clampdown on criminal elements in the state today, a confessed terrorist led a team of detectives from our anti-robbery squad to Rafin guza area, where a hideout was raided and the following exhibits recovered, different cans of explosives, a bomb making powder, four khaki uniforms, two bags of chemical used in making bombs, two masks one AK 47 magazine with 27 rounds of live ammunition among others.” He said the police arrested 27 suspected terrorists within two months in Rigasa, Kaduna city suburb while 147 were apprehended during the recent Kaduna crisis. Abubakar, however, commended the youth of Mahuta and Rigasa for aiding the arrest of two gunmen who invaded their villages to terrorise the areas on Sunday, adding that seven people injured in the gunfire were taken to 44 Army Reference Hospital for medical treatment.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

SUPER TUESDAY Deployment of soldiers won’t end insurgency in the North – Umar

14&15 The Justice Alfa Belgore Committee on the Review of Outstanding Issues from recent Constitutional Conferences, set up last year by President Goodluck Jonathan last week submitted its report to the president. OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU examines the recommendations and the issues surrounding the need for the review of the 1999 Constitution.

Politics

How I’ll sanitise judiciary – Mukhtar

CONSTITUTION REVIEW

Belgore report to the rescue

ast Tuesday, the Presidential Committee on the Review of Outstanding Issues from recent Constitutional Conferences, set up by President Goodluck Jonathan, in fulfilment of his promise at inauguration to adopt a holistic review of the constitution, submitted its report to the president. Headed by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore, the committee which was inaugurated on November 17, 2011, was saddled with the responsibility of reviewing all outstanding issues in past political and constitutional conferences organised in the country. The President had then underscored the consensus of Nigerians that the 1999 Constitution required a holistic review considering the anomalies that had become evident in its provisions. The committee was to look at judicial reforms efforts, charter on human and people’s rights, environment and natural resources, local government joint accounts and the revenue sharing formula. The committee also had the mandate to develop draft bills on previously agreed issues that include recommendations from past conferences on national security, human rights and social security, people’s charter and social obligations; environment and natural resources, models and structure of government, public service, power sharing, local government reforms and the economy for the consideration of the National Assembly in the constitutional review exercise. Other areas of agreement from past conferences are: the proposals for judiciary and legal reforms, constitutional amendments pertaining to the public service, anti-corruption, state joint local government account, traditional institutions and cultural reforms; and civil society, labour, trade unions and national media reforms. Presenting the report last week, Belgore said that in carrying out its mandate, the committee critically appraised the recommendations of recent constitutional conferences to determine their relevance to current national circumstance, saying that while the committee actually endorsed many of the recommendations of

Justice Belgore presenting his committee’s report to President Jonathan at the Aso Rock Villa, last week

WE PUT NEW VISIONS INTO CREATING AN OPTIMALLY

INDEPENDENT, INCORRUPTIBLE AND STABILISING LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM THAT SHALL ALWAYS BE ADMINISTERED BY DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED OFFICIALS the past constitutional and political conferences, it made several innovative additions to give strength to the constitution. He added that if the committee’s recommendations were adopted, the review of the constitution would deepen “democratic ethos, promote good governance and speed up dispensation of justice.” One of the far-reaching recommendations of the committee, which would gladden the hearts of people at the grassroots, was the imperative of an independent,

incorruptible and stabilised local government system administered by democratically elected officials. Belgore had said: “The main report is the summary of the committee’s position vis-à-vis the recent constitutional conferences with respect to proposals and provisions for the fundamental rights of citizens, judiciary, executive, legislature, devolution of powers, schedules and lists in the 1999 Constitution (as amended). “The committee also viewed many parts of the constitution. In particular, we put new visions into creating an optimally independent, incorruptible and stabilising local government system that shall always be administered by democratically elected officials that must be accountable, responsive to local needs, directed, controlled and sanctioned by appropriated laws. “In our view, this is necessary in order to deepen the principles of democracy and sound resource management at the grassroots where it really matters.” One area Nigerians were looking forward to the committee’s recommendations was the six-year single term for the president and state governors, proposed by Jonathan shortly after his inauguration last year, which had generated a lot of furore. The committee was silent over that proposal and rather recommended that a larger committee be set up to look at the issue. The committee also recommended an amendment to the 1999 Constitution that will confer on Nigerians the rights to com-

pel government to provide health care, housing and education. And should the National Assembly concede to this recommendation, Nigeria would join the league of nations where citizens can push for the enforcement of socio-economic rights. These rights were entrenched in Chapter 11 of the constitution titled Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy and were not enforceable, and where the government fails in the provision of the social services, Nigerians do not have the right to invoke the courts to find the government liable. But the Belgore committee recommended that these rights to invoke the courts to find government culpable when it fails to provide the social services be merged with the fundamental human rights provisions contained in Chapter 1V which are enforceable. Section 16(2)(d) of the 1999 Constitution which falls under the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy states: “The state shall direct its policy towards ensuring that suitable and adequate shelter, suitable and adequate food, a reasonable national minimum living wage, old age care and persons, and unemployment, sick benefit and welfare of the disabled are provided for all citizens.” Section 17(3)(d) also provides: “The state shall direct its policy towards ensuring that there are adequate medical and health facilities for all persons.” Section 18 states that “Government CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

Politics

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Deployment of soldiers won’t end Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (rtd) is a former military governor of Kaduna State. A vocal social critic, he speaks on the insurgency in the North, his rejection of ministerial offer, state police, creation of states, renaming of the University of Lagos after the late Moshood Abiola, among other issues, in this interview with Deputy Editor (Politics), AYODELE OJO. Excerpts: About a year ago, you were asked to join the cabinet as a minister, but you refused. Do you regret your action a year after? I have no regret whatsoever, but I am absolutely sure that given the right and necessary support, President Goodluck Jonathan will succeed. But by rejecting the ministerial appointment, it meant that you had reservations about the government? I declined because I believe that not everybody wants to be in government to assist governance. You don’t necessarilly have to be in the inner circus of government to be able to contribute to national development. How has life been in retirement? We thank God for his mercies. I’m fully engaged in my ostrich farming. I guess that is one of the reasons you asked me earlier why I didn’t accept to serve as a minister. I enjoy farming and it may not bring the kind of dividends that you enjoy through politicking, but at least, it is satisfying. I play golf and badminton also. You attempted founding a party... It wasn’t a party; it was a non-governmental organisation which we called Movement for Unity and Progress. This, we created during the time of Abacha regime to put pressure on him to actualise the June 12 election and also when Olusegun Obasanjo came on board, we resurrected the organisation when he attempted a third term in office.

Many of the military officers that held strategic positions like governors are considered as wealthy. Are you also in the league of wealthy retired military officers? This generalisation is unfair to most of us. Majority of us are living from hand to mouth; there are just very few who have been successful going into business and making it. So, it is a case of giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it. At that time, the military became a kind of albatross at the mercy of Nigerians and therefore every statement of condemnation was issued against it which almost destroyed the image of the military. But in spite of all that politicians say about the military regime, a few of them were really off the mark in terms of good governance. Majority of the military guys did well in uniting the country and did well to stabilise the country for economic take off. How is your relationship with the former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida? My relationship with most of my superiors is quite cordial. Even with the events of June 12 and your exit from government? I think both of us understand that a serious error of judgement was committed and no matter how you try to explain it, it would have been better off if the result of that election was respected.

Umar

One had expected you would venture into politics like many of your colleagues? Even though there are many military men in power, many of us find politics hard to practice and that is why some of us have become pensioners and onlookers.

TUESDAY INTERVIEW

How would you rate the Jonathan administration in the last one year? Well, I would first say that the whole country is facing serious security challenge. I don’t see it as the problem of the Federal Government alone; I believe that it is a major threat to Nigerians and to this government. And

BOKO HARAM APPEARS TO BE THE MOST SERIOUS CHALLENGE AFFECTING THE SECURITY OF THIS COUNTRY.

WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO FIGHT AND ADDRESS IT UNITED. ALL NIGERIANS MUST UNITE TO SEE THAT THIS SITUATION IS BROUGHT BACK TO NORMALCY

I believe that all Nigerians must come together in support of government to address this security challenge. As a one-time governor of Kaduna State, how do you see the security situation in the state? It is very painful that the crisis in the state has come in the guise of religious conflicts, which should not be, because the Quran and the Bible admonish people to live in peace and harmony with their neighbours and to leave vengeance to God. So, it is very painful to see the believers of these two great religions coming together to fight because of the political machinations of some people. What is your take on the security issues bedevilling Nigeria across the Northern states? The greatest mistake we can ever make is to see it as a Northern problem created by Northern politicians. I have read it in several papers and have heard it said that there are some perpetrators that are manipulating some misguided elements to cause chaos in the country because they failed to attain power. That is serious misleading of the security situation particularly in the Northern part of Nigeria. You must also know that other parts of the country are not free of that security challenges. The Niger Delta militancy, which is not yet abating; assassination and kidnapping are still ongoing. But of course the Boko Haram appears to be the most serious challenge affecting the security of this country. We should be able to fight and address it united. All Nigerians must unite to see that this situation is brought back to normalcy.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

insurgency in the North – Umar But from what I can see, I wouldn’t see any difference between the police under the state, which they are in actual fact, or the states create their own police. It is something that we should study appropriately and see the feasibility of creating state police.

How can Nigerians unite against Boko Haram? The way Nigerians should unite is to understand that it is not the Northerners that hide their face behind Boko Haram. They should understand that the North, the Christians and the Moslems are adversely affected by the group’s activities and, therefore, we must join hands and see this as a national threat and not apportion blames or point accusing fingers. If we do that then we will miss our target. We should get to the root of this security challenge and address it.

You have not answered my question; do you support the idea of state police? To be honest with you I am indifferent. Like I told you to a large extent, the police are already state police. There are many commissioners of police being the chief security officers of the governors.

A lot of efforts have been deployed to solve this issue, but none has worked out. What do you think can be done to tackle this challenge? We must continue to search for solutions. If one solution does not work, we will go for another solution. Perhaps, this is more for the Northern governors; they should try and improve the economies of their states. I think nationally, bridging the gap between the rich and the poor which has continued to widen; the issue of corruption must be tackled, we must embark on meaningful development and address the issue of unemployment. We should address the basic issues because we have deployed security forces but we have not seen the abasement of the insurgency in the North. We should seek other means of addressing the problem. Some of the means include: addressing true economic development of the people, addressing youth unemployment, tackling corruption, and bridging the widening gap between the rich and the poor which is creating a state of hopelessness among Nigerians. Do you think the gap between the rich and the poor can be bridged in Nigeria today? Unfortunately, it is being created by corruption. The gap is widening because of the manipulation by the political elite. There is no reason on earth why our legislators are taking home the kind of money we hear they take while 80 per cent of the population of Nigerians are living below poverty line. Here, we find a senator or member of the House of Representatives making millions of naira every month. And then the corruption by the civil servants has reached an alarming rate. At the same time, we have youths roaming about the streets seeking for jobs which are not available. Thus the means of sustenance is hard to come by. So, there is social injustice. You believe that when these things are done the issue of insecurity will be tackled? I believe that if the elite are just, there will be tremendous improvement and there will be trickling down of resources to the common people. But, unfortunately, the leadership is not addressing these issues. A lot has been blamed on leadership; do you share a similar view that leadership is responsible for the country’s failure? Yes. When society is degenerating, you will always blame it on leadership. When the head is rotten, the rest of the body follows. It is the failure of leadership that creates this kind of situation when the followers become apathetic and do not obey the rules created by such leadership because they see that the leadership is going against its own rules. So, that kind of situation brings anarchy. Do you think the governors are doing enough to improve the lot of their people? In every rule, there is an exception. I will not generalise the governors, but we are in a situation where majority of the governors are not pulling their weight. They hide behind the excuse that the military has done enough damage to the economy or to the society that they are finding it difficult to do anything now because of the rot they have inherited. The amount of resources accruing to the states, many of them are not justifying them in terms of delivery of services. If you look at the

ONE OF THE GREATEST PROBLEMS WE HAVE TODAY

IS THE CREATION OF STATES.

MANY OF THE STATES ARE

CREATED FOR THE PURPOSE OF GETTING FEDERAL

ALLOCATION. STATES, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS OR LOCAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AREAS ARE DEPENDENT 90 PER CENT ON FEDERAL ALLOCATION TO SURVIVE internally generated revenue, in most cases they are not justified and that shows that they are not engaging in any sustainable development. A situation where they get money and all they do is to spend it on lesser hajj or pilgrimage free of charge or embark on white elephant projects will not augur well for serious economic development. As a result of the security challenge in the country, many people, especially the governors, are calling for the creation of state police. Is this the way out? The way I see it, the police are already owned by the state because the police are now being funded by the state and most of the commissioners of police are very much allies of the state governors. So, it doesn’t matter if you don’t call it state police because as far as I am concerned, they are state police because the state governments fund them extensively. Do you think state police is ideal for now? The fear people have is that the state governors will abuse their own police by turning them to attacking dogs since he who plays the piper dictates the tune.

Since the beginning of this year, the issue of subsidy on fuel has refused to go. The fallout of the probe is the allegation by Femi Otedola, an oil marketer, that a member of the House, Farouk Lawan solicited for $3 million bribe and did collect $620,000. How do you see the development? Very painful. Sometimes I wish there was no probe carried out by the House of Representatives because something that started as a well-intended investigation to find out the corruption that went on in the subsidy issue has ended up turning into a charade. People should know that the world is watching the kind of drama that is unfolding before our own eyes, which is not denting only the image of the House but that of the country as a whole with the accusations and counter-accusations between Otedola and Lawan. The subsidy issue is being pushed to the back burner, to the extent that the Federal Government has now created its own investigation panel which shows that the Federal Government does not regard what has happened in the House as something serious; maybe because of the Farouk Lawan case or maybe the government is not pleased with the work of the House. What should be done with the report of the House on subsidy which has been applauded? If the messenger is bad, the message can be good. So, government should not care about the messenger. After all, Lawan is not the only committee member. The issue of Lawan should be treated separately from the issues raised in the subsidy report. Government should go ahead and act on the report and the case of Farouk should be thoroughly investigated by the security agencies. And if it means prosecuting Farouk and jail him, so be it. This drama should cease. I don’t know why the government is still watching and not making the security agencies to act dispassionately. Anybody who is found guilty of embezzlement should be prosecuted. Otedola and Lawan’s case should be separated from the subsidy case. With so many probes ongoing in the National Assembly, several members of the probe committees – subsidy, capital market and pension – are being accused of corruption. What is your take on this? It is very disgraceful. Even the chairman of the pension task force engaged in an open fight with our Senate and yet the drama continues. Today, Maina, the chairman of the Pension Task Force, is saying he doesn’t find the members of the Senate committee credible. Can you ever imagine this happening in the United States? It is a bad commentary on the development of our democracy. Billions of naira had been stolen, all we see here is Maina and the Senate committee engage in altercation. The Senate President has made it clear in his statement that the pension fraud is blood money that those people ate. I am sure that on this earth there will be retribution. These were people that served this country well and in their hour of need they were betrayed by a few criminals and the Senate is engaging these people in altercation. And again, as for those that are taken to court, that is a waste of time because before you know it the case will be forgotten. Remember, about seven governors were charged to court about five years ago, what CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

Politics

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oshiomhole expresses gratitude over victory FELIX NWANERI

overnor Adams Oshiomhole yesterday expressed appreciation to all relevant stakeholders who made his re-election project a reality, promising to continue his developmental drive in Edo State. Speaking through his campaign organisation led by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Oshiomhole, who described his victory as one attained after a tortuous and painstaking journey, however noted that it confirmed his government’s connection with the critical masses that make up the electorate in the state. The Oshionmhole Campaign Organisation in a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said: “We at the Campaign Organisation wish to place on record our hearty appreciation for the steady and committed roles played by several individuals at different times in the course of the electoral battle.

“We are further buoyed by your sense of loyalty and steadfastness which was uncommonly displayed to sustain the electoral discourse in the build-up to the election. We remain eternally grateful to the leadership of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) for the overwhelming support it rendered throughout the campaigns and the ultimate exercise of the election. We remain thankful to the Nigeria Labour Congress for their show of solidarity for one of their own in deepening the essential ingredients of democratic practice. “We want to appreciate in very special way, our highly revered Omo N ‘Oba for his exemplary role in maintaining the sanctity of the Palace and the unflinching support the palace has been giving to the government and people of Edo State thus far. Our hearts also pour out for our traditional rulers across the 18 councils of the state who stood firm in the face of outright threat and intimidation to ensure that the will of the people was freely

expressed at the poll.” The organisation added that it is encouraged that despite the claim to the contrary that money plays significant role in election in this part of the world; the people of Edo State demonstrated very peculiar courage and determination that life is not all about money

as well as shunning ethnic and divisive politics. Also commended was the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) despite what the organisation noted as initial delays in the distribution of election materials in some parts of the Edo South Senatorial District. It also

ABUJA

he crisis rocking the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has assumed a new dimension with a formal backing by Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State of the faction led by Alhaji Sadeeq Masalla. Also at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting convened by the Masalla group yesterday in Abuja and witnessed by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led by the Director

in charge of Political Party Monitoring Directorate, Mrs. Regina Omo-Agege, the group formally suspended indefinitely Chief Victor Umeh, national chairman of the party and Alhaji Sani Shinkafi, national secretary. The duo were replaced by Masali as chairman and Dr. Ifedi Okwenna as the party’s scribe. Governor Obi, who was represented by Chief Obinna Okafor, stated that he was in support of the move aimed at sanitising the party and moving it forward. Apart from Obi, other top ranking members of

the party who attended the meeting included Dr. Tim Menakaya, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustee (BoT) and the defacto leader of the party since the demise of Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu; all former gubernatorial candidates of the party as, the 22 members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party and other party chieftains who came from all the states of the federation. Obi while addressing the gathering said that what is uppermost in the party was how to capture the state governorship positions in

Akeredolu appoints media aide

ward-winning journalist, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku has been appointed Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy for the campaign organization of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State. He will also serve as Special Adviser (Media and Public Affairs) to the ACN governorship candidate in the state, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN).

Ajanaku bagged a second class upper degree in History and International Relations from the Lagos State University (LASU). He is also a Fellow at the Martin Luther King Centre for African Studies, Atlanta Georgia, United States. He has worked in various media organizations including Vanguard and the Guardian Newspapers. Until his appointment, he was Senior Special As-

of the people, saying: “We commend their uncommon spirit of sportsmanship which they have displayed so far through their congratulatory messages. We are resolved that Edo State belongs to all of us and together we will take it to the next level of development and growth.”

L-R: Acting National Secretary, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Ifedi Okwenna; Acting National Chairman, Sadeeq Masalla and Deputy National Chairman, South, Onwuka Ukwa, during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

APGA crisis: Obi, NEC back faction OBIORA IFOH

condoled with the families of the three Police officers and INEC staff who died in their line of duty. Afegbua praised the courage of candidates of other political parties for their acceptance of the outcome of the election as a true reflection of the wishes and aspirations

Ajanaku

sistant (SSA) on Public Affairs to Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) of Lagos State.

Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Rivers, Delta, Lagos, Kano and Plateau states. According to his representative, “Governor Obi would have been personally present at this meeting but he sends his apologies. He wants APGA to secure these states and move forward rather than retrogressing as we have all seen. “He is of the opinion that if this party should make progress, we should review our constitution and open up the party so that new members could come in through massive registration of members throughout the country. He is firmly behind this move to reposition the party.” Similarly, Menakaya noted that though the country is under the yoke of violence and corruption, APGA needs to change its mould and prove to Nigerians that it has the capacity to move the country forward. He also lent his support to the meeting, stressing that “the party must open up, expand and be a party to be embraced by every Nigerian.”

Jang tackles Aliyu over comment on Jos crisis

Press and Public Affairs, James Mannok, cautioned JOS against statements that conhe Plateau State Gov- vey sentiments but should ernor, Jonah David be tailored towards a nationJang has replied Gov- alistic posture especially at ernor Babangida Aliyu of a time when the nation is Niger State over statement yearning for greater harmocredited to him on Jos crisis. ny and in search of the sponAliyu was said to have sors of the despicable acts condemned the eviction against innocent citizens. order on five Plateau vilMeanwhile, Muslims lages by the Special Task- in Jos yesterday stayed at force (STF) for military home in protest over the operation, saying that Jang eviction order. According to should have provided an Barrister Lawal Ishaq, who alternative for the villagers is the state secretary, Ulama before enforcing the order. Elders Council, the stay at But Governor Jang yes- home order was in solidarterday faulted the state- ity with Hausa Fulanis resiment, saying that Aliyu dent in the areas whom he needs to appreciate the said were targeted by the changing internal dynam- Special Task Force STF on ics of the current security Jos crisis. challenges in the affected Reacting to the developareas culminating in the ment, the Christian Assomilitary operation targeted ciation of Nigeria (CAN) at the terrorist still hiding described the action of the in the hills and killing in- Muslims as shocking. nocent lives on the Plateau. The state CAN PresiJang noted that the mat- dent (Youth Wing), Pastor ter is beyond settler-indi- Johnson Bistu who spoke geneship but an act of ter- with National Mirror said rorism, capable of tearing such action only portrayed this nation apart. them as collaborators in the Jang in a statement series of attacks that have signed by his Director of held the state hostage MORE POLITICS STORIES ON PAGES 41-44

JAMES ABRAHAM

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Views

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

How relevant is NYSC now for national integration? I CAME TO REALISE THAT TARABANS ARE NOT A CORE HAUSA PEOPLE. IT MAY

PAUL

ARHEWE

COME AS A SURPRISE

paul@nationalmirroronline.net 07081094311 (sms only)

here are strident clamours for the scrapping of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in some quarters, in the face of the prevalent near intractable insecurity situation in Nigeria. Ironically, the national unity raison d’être for the establishment of the scheme in 1973, has come under severe assaults as the country slides into pervasive insecurity. By the NYSC Act, participating graduates could be sent to any of the 36 states and FCT, Abuja. More importantly, no participant is allowed to serve in his/her state of origin. There are few exceptions to this rule. However, the implementation of the NYSC statute in the face of the worrisome security challenge posed by the exacerbating insurgency in the North has exposed the programme to attacks bordering on insensitivity. The post election violence last year, where 10 corps members were slaughtered in Bauchi State, has thrown up a cacophonous debate of the continuing relevance of the scheme. And when in the current 2012 Batch

THAT MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE ARE

CHRISTIANS

B exercise some corps members were posted to states considered high security risk, the debate assumed a frightening dimension and even the management of the NYSC came into further barrage of attacks. Many participating corps members, their parents, some state governments and even the National Assembly were defiant in their condemnation and rejection of the exercise. All that was said about assurance of their safety was received with a pinch of salt. Last year, President Goodluck Jonathan cited reasons why the programme could not be scrapped. “The NYSC is a programme that is helpful to the Nigerian youth. It encourages integration and creates an environment for youth to move out of his domain to learn other cultures”, was how he put it. I agree with Mr. President. The scheme’s long term goal might seem defeated, but its total scrapping would pose dire consequences for the unity of country.

The prevailing security challenge in the country is mostly tied to intolerance and the insensitivity of the perpetrators. The drive towards ethno-religious supremacy is fueled by ignorance. Many Nigerians do not know anything beyond their immediate environment. Such people are intolerance and quick to exhibit cultural aggressiveness simply because they have not socialised sufficiently or traveled extensively to get firsthand experience of how people in other culture areas exist and coexist with Nigerians from outside their culture areas. This is the core value the NYSC scheme is established to project to the participants. My experience during my service year in Taraba State some years back is instructive. I had a deep insight into life in some parts of the North, quite different from Lagos where I spent my growing up years. During my one year stay there I really came to appreciate the culture of my host state and community. I came to realise that Tarabans are not a core Hausa people. It may come as a surprise that majority of the people are Christians. Nevertheless, as laudable as the scheme is for national integration, it behooves on our leaders and the management of NYSC to be circumspect in the posting of corps members, especially in this critical period in our national life. The security situation in the North has changed for the worse in the past three years. Pragmatism should be the watch-word of the authorities when it comes to the issue of posting of corps members. The posting of non-northern corps members to parts of the volatile

parts of the North is tantamount to tempting God and still expecting miracles. Thank goodness, the rumour last week of the bombing of Bauchi’s NYSC orientation camp only ended up as the figment of the imagination of the psychotic purveyors of the news. Imagine if this was true, the damage it would have wreaked on the fragile stability of the country would have been enormous. Thousands have lost their lives, and properties of high proportional worth have been destroyed since terrorist attacks became implanted in North. We cannot avoid this now. Last week, the Minister of Youth Development, Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir, overruling the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Nnamdi OkoreAffia on the decision to reverse the posting of corps members to these troubled states, likened the participation in the scheme to “national sacrifice”. I dare say the likes of Alhaji Abdulkadir in government would not in their wildest dreams send any of their siblings close to these troubled states for national service. I challenge the minister to relocate his office from Abuja to Borno, and lead by example to show us the real meaning of ‘national sacrifice.’ Government should at this moment do all within its power to be proactive by averting avoidable security mishaps. There is no sense in posting participating corps members from the South to states like Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna etc when it is clear that such a decision is tantamount to waiting for a ticking bomb to detonate.

Still on the UNILAG/MAULAG controversy JIMOH ABDULAZEEZ F. AKINTEYE

hose opposed to Moshood Abiola University, Lagos, the new name given to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) by President Goodluck Jonathan of May 29, 2012, are the real enemies of Nigerian democracy and the June 12, 1993 mandate given to Bashorun MKO Abiola by all Nigerians, irrespective of creed, sex, religion or tribe. You will recall that Are Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawole Abiola, was a symbol of peace and unity in Nigeria. Highly rated among the richest in the world during his life time, and a respected philanthropist, MKO died for democracy on July 7, 1998 after over five years of incarceration by the military junta. His offence was leading an affirmative action to claim the presidential mandate given to him by 50 million Nigerian voters on June 12, 1993. Recall also that the election he won was the most peaceful and freest ever in the political history of Nigeria. The entire global media and international observers confirmed this. It is within this context that I situate the last May 29 gesture by President Jonathan. I see it as recognition of the supreme sacrifice made by MKO Abiola. The gesture is laudable. There might be some flaws in the process applied, the intent, which is the immortalization of the

name of the Martyr of Nigerian Democracy, outweighs all the procedural flaws. I am therefore, urging fellow Nigerians to see the renaming of UNILAG as MAULAG as being worthy and well deserved honour bestowed on the MKO Abiola, the undying martyr of all time and a visionary leader Nigeria never had. A way of rewarding a man considered as hero of our time and father of Nigerian democracy cannot be that less or short! It is a rare feat and noble mission none of Mr. President’s predecessors had the vision and courage to accomplish. Without MKO Abiola there could not have been true democracy in the real sense of it. This is an incontrovertible fact. He was the only man who could be the rally point for the confrontation against the awesome Nigerian military political machine made up of rapacious band of generals and their hirelings. You all know their names. History is about to vindicate MKO and reward him as a man of immense courage. His struggle, ideals and beliefs negate those of the hypocritical band that upstaged him. Those who rode and are currently ride on the crest of late MKO victory to defraud the nation and hoodwink Nigerians know the truth. Anyway, June 12 victory is for the world at large and not only for Nigeria, or MKO himself ! And for sending the military into tactical retreat to the comfort of their barracks, was no mean achieve-

THERE MIGHT BE SOME FLAWS IN THE

PROCESS APPLIED, THE INTENT, WHICH IS THE IMMORTALIZATION OF THE NAME OF THE

MARTYR OF NIGERIAN DEMOCRACY, OUTWEIGHS ALL THE PROCEDURAL FLAWS ments for Nigerian democrats and pro democracy groups. Therefore, the symbol of that epochal struggle deserves all the accolades, honours and recognition in the land. Regrettably, those who are now profiting from politics today, enjoying fat salaries and perquisites in the National Assembly, state assemblies, local government councils and the executive arm of governments at the three levels, were not near the various theatres of the titanic struggle to dislodge the antidemocracy military establishment. Left to such cowards, democracy would have been a mere wish, an illusion in Nigeria! Come to think of it, those that do not want the name Moshood Abiola University, Lagos are they the owners of the

university or what do they stand to lose or gain from the name change? UNILAG is a federal establishment. Every individual or state has his/its rights protected in the law court over personal belongings, assets and properties. MKO Abiola believed in the rule of law, justice, one Nigeria project, equal access to opportunities by all Nigerians and the liberation of the suffering masses. He therefore, deserves much more than MAULAG. This I know. Let me conclude my piece with the analogy that ‘The Great Ife’ of yesterday is now OAU and is till waxing stronger as a pride of the nation and indeed Africa, like many other universities in the world. On a final note, thank you Mr. President Goodluck Jonathan. On behalf of numerous Nigerians and the entire Abiola’s family, I say well done for this worthwhile move. You have done what others before you failed to do. I think Bashorun MKO Abiola can now rest in peace, knowing that he did not die in vain. Akinteye wrote from 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.

Editorial

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

...THIS VICTORY SHOWS THAT EVEN GODFATHERS CAN BE SWEPT AWAY!

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

STEVE AYORINDE



MD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

YELE AKINROLABU



ED OPERATIONS

SEYI FASUGBA



DAILY EDITOR

BOLAJI TUNJI



SUNDAY EDITOR

GBEMI OLUJOBI



SATURDAY EDITOR

LANRE OYETADE



GENERAL EDITOR

DOZIE OKEBALAMA



COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD

ADESOYE ADEKOYA



CONTROLLER, PRODUCTION

CALLISTUS OKE



EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

ISE-OLUWA IGE



ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

KAYODE BALOGUN JNR



SM, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

FRANK OBOH



HEAD, GRAPHICS

Sack of NNPC GMD, others

ecently, President Goodluck Jonathan sacked the Group Managing Director, Mr. Austen Oniwon, and three other Directors of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and immediately appointed a new management headed by Mr. Andrew Yakubu to take charge. The changes were ostensibly made to strengthen the operations of the Corporation and boost the transformation agenda of the Jonathan administration. The President had said the firm’s executive management team was re-composed to further strengthen the ongoing reforms and transformation of Nigeria’s petroleum sector and in furtherance of efforts “to achieve greater transparency and accountability in government.” Coming on the heels of disgusting revelations of shoddy deals dogging the NNPC, calls for the President to make more radical and holistic changes in the oil industry management have become more strident and preponderant; especially after the sickening House of Representatives’ fuel subsidy probe report that indi-

cated that the nation had been literally robbed to the tune of N1.7 trillion. Oil being the mainstay of the nation’s economy, we agree with most Nigerians who have expressed optimism that fixing the rot in the NNPC would translate to fixing the nation’s economy to a great extent. But no less significant is taking proper cognizance of the fact that appointing a Yakubu, an official that has been described in some quarters as ‘a man of integrity’ is not synonymous with fixing the NNPC. In any case, was Yakubu not a staff of the NNPC before his appointment? In addition, it would be quite unfortunate if, according to critics, the emergence of Yakubu was merely to satisfy the purported ‘federal character demand’ of a northerner NNPC GMD under a petroleum minister from the Niger Delta; especially when the FG seems not keen on relieving the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, of her appointment. Considering how congenitally corrupt the NNPC has become, and its predilection for adding to the burden of Nigerians through

THE DEBILITATING CORRUPTION NURTURED BY THE NNPC HAS TO STOP. THE ENDEMIC

FRAUDS AND IMPUNITY IN THE CORPORATION REQUIRE VERY FARREACHING AND POSSIBLY HARSHER MEASURES TO REIN IN deliberate sharp practices in the entire gamut of its operations; however, the mere removal of the Corporation’s top brass, to us seems not penetrating enough. The kid gloves measure may not scratch the rot, let alone minimizing or stopping it. The debilitating corruption nurtured by the NNPC has to stop. The endemic frauds and impunity in the Corporation require very far-reaching and possibly harsher measures to rein in. The Federal Government should quickly unbundle the NNPC. The new draft Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which seeks

to unbundle the Corporation into five different companies should be quickly processed and enacted as law to facilitate the kind of restructuring a strategic and sensitive state organ steeped in frauds and economic sabotage deserves. The more or less dire financial strait the nation is strenuously managing to date seems mainly the after-effect of the non-credible leadership that adorned NNPC’s high offices over the years. The FG should make haste and free Nigerians from the vice grip of the Corporation by ‘Nigerianizing’ and liberalizing the oil sector to enable Nigerians reap the benefits of being citizens of a major oil producing nation. While it has been widely acclaimed that the sack of the NNPC management was long overdue, we will not relent in our call that all individuals and organisations indicted by the Reps subsidy probe report must not be spared the wrath of the law. That seems the only language Nigerians can easily understand whenever President Jonathan sermonizes on the sincerity and seriousness of his reform campaign.

ON THIS DAY July 17, 2007 TAM Airlines Flight 3054 crashed upon landing during rain in Sao Paulo. This was Brazil’s deadliest aviation accident to date with an estimated 199 deaths. TAM Airlines Flight 3054 (JJ 3054) was an Airbus A320 airliner, registration PR-MBK, operating as a scheduled domestic passenger flight between Porto Alegre and Sao Paulo, Brazil, which crashed upon landing during rain in Sao Paulo on July 17, 2007. The twinengined turbofan aircraft overran the runway.

July 17, 1998 A diplomatic conference adopted the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, establishing a permanent international court to prosecute individuals for genocide, crime against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court was adopted at a diplomatic conference in Rome on July 17, 1998 and it entered into force on July 1, 2002. As of February 1, 2012, 121 states were party to the statute.

July 17, 1979 After his overthrow, followed by an insurrection, Nicaraguan President, General Anastasio Somoza Debayle, resigned and fled to Miami, Florida, United States. Anastasio (1925 – 1980) was the 73rd and 76th President of Nicaragua from May 1, 1967 to May 1, 1972 and from December 1, 1974 to July 17, 1979. He was the last member of the Somoza family to be President, ending a dynasty that had been in power since 1936.

Clearing agent relocation: Stakeholders express fear over security lapses

Reps untangle Nigerian insurance industry

SUPER TUESDAY

www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Public procurement: Hurdles, pains and gains of transparency drive

or close to six years now, the Bureau of Public Procurement, the agency saddled with the responsibility of implementing the Act and instilling transparency in the procurement entire system has, like an evangelical crusader, been pursuing its mandate with uncanny zeal in order to meet not only the expectations of its principal, but also other stakeholders. In addition to volumes of literature and other communication strategies adopted to create the needed awareness about the specific requirements for public procurement as provided for in the enabling Act, the BPP has been collaborating with key stakeholders, particularly the Procurement Officers in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as contractors, suppliers and civil society organisations in the drive to instil some level of integrity in public contracts and procurement processes on a daily basis. Apparently conscious of the task of fighting vested interests who over many decades had been living on corrupt practices that had remained the norm in contract awards and payment system, the Bureau has engaged many as could support it in changing the processes and saving billions of naira that go into private pockets for jobs not done or poorly executed. Speaking about the vision and mission of the management at the just ended 4th Sensitisation on Public Procurement Act for Stakeholders in the NorthCentral Zone in Minna, Niger State, the Director General of the

ADVERT HOTLINES: For advert bookings and information, please contact the following:

LAGOS: 01-8446073, 08094331171, 08023133084, 08034019884 ABUJA: 08033020395, 08036321014

That the Public Procurement Act has opened a new chapter in an effort to plug loopholes in abuses that had characterised public procurement system and standardise the system is stating the obvious. In this analysis, TOLA AKINMUTIMI assesses the implementation of the Public Procurement Act so far and the stakeholder’ view on how to leverage BPP’s drive towards improved transparency of the procurement system.

LOCAL FLIGHT SCHEDULE Air Nigeria Los-Abj: 06:05(Mon-Sat) 07:00(Wed-Sun) 08:15(Mon-Fri/Sun) 11:05(Sun) 13:30(Sat), 14:00(Mon/Tue/Thu)14:35(Mon-Sat), 15:45(Mon-Fri) 16:30(Wed-Sun) 17:30(Wed) 18:00(Mon/Tue/Thu-Sun) Abj-Los: 08:00(Mon-Sat) 09:00(Sun) 10:25(Mon-Fri) 11:05(Sat) 12:05(Wed/ Fri/Sat)13:00(Sun) 13:50(Mon-Sun) 15:25(Sat/Sun),15:55(Mon/Tue/Thu) 17:40(Mon-Fri),18:25(Wed/Fri-Sun) 19:25(Wed) 19:55(Mon/Tue/Thur-Sun) Abj-Kano: 08:55(Wed/Fri/Sat) Abj-Sok: 10:10 (Mon-Fri/Sun) Sok-Abj: 12:00(Mon-Fri/Sun) Los-Owr: 08:40(Mon/Tue/Thu) 09:55(Wed-Fri) 11:35(Sat) 15:45(Sun) Owr-Los: 10:30(Mon/Tue/Thu) 11:45(Wed/Fri) 13:25(Sat) 17:35(Sun)

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

Aero Contractors Okonjo Iweala

Ezeh

Aliyu

Bureau, Engineer Emeka Ezeh, pointed out that “BPP hopes to take Nigeria to a level where best practices in public procurement are implemented in the overall interest of national development” He projected further that, “it is expected that in the near future, corruption in Public Procurement would have completely given way to open, transparent, and competitive Federal procurement system that is integritydriven, and upholds spending within budget to ensure speedy implementation of projects in order to achieve value for money without sacrificing quality and standards” Expectedly, like other initia-

tives targeted at changing an entrenched culture of greed, corruption and other self-serving interests in every society, the Bureau’s drive to sanitise the procurement system has not been without series of constraints, particularly those designed by the ‘old players’ in the corruption-ridden contract and procurement game. Quite remarkably, the agency’s efforts have translated to substantial monetary savings to the coffers of government, particularly at the Federal level. For instance, it is estimated that over N300 billion had been saved by the Bureau as it continues to work to ensure that procurement costs are commensurate with

quantum and quality of jobs executed. But then, beyond the facade of the monetary gains lies deeper the culture of endemic corruption in the contracts and procurement regime which the Bureau and its collaborators may find more herculean as task to be achieved. This is particularly true in the nation’s public service sector where corruption has been adopted as a culture for decades and civil servants bother less about the public good. As the Director General noted recently, the propensity of the MDAs’ officers to circumvent the rules and guidelines on public procurement ‘rules’ remains a 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)

EXCHANGE RATES WAUA

242.293

USD

156.5

CHF

171.2067

SDR

242.7941

CFA

0.316

GBP

247.6456

EURO

207.1434

OIL / GAS FUTURES ICE BRENT

$118.13

+0.82

NYMEX

$99.99

+1.32

OPEC BASKET

$116.27

+1.09

NATURAL GAS

$5.55

+2.63

Domestic airlines hike fares as flight shortages takes toll

Fresh graduate have better employment chances, say experts

Builders canvass implementation of National Building Code

Business & Finance

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Public procurement: Hurdles, pains and gains of transparency drive CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 major challenge in the drive to standardise the processes and ensure the integrity. Ezeh, who spoke at a workshop organised to appraise the implementation of the BPP Act in Abuja recently, chided the officers of some MDAs for the disbursement of their Internally Generated Revenues without authorisation and warned the Chief Executive Officers of the dire consequences of unauthorised expenditures made by them. Specifically, while disclosing that recent audit reports showed that some of the MDAs were also making commitments to various projects without budgetary provisions, a practice, he said totally violated the provisions of the Act, Ezeh also disclosed that some MDAs were yet to put in place some of the crucial structures or institutions that are necessary for efficient functioning of the Procurement Departments. He listed some of the processes still lacking in many of the MDAs but provided for in Sections 18 and 21 of the enabling Act to include, the Procurement Planning Committee, Tender Board, Procurement Plans and Methods. In order to tighten the noose of control harder to prevent fraudulent officers in the MDAs and their collaborating contractors from further short-changing the public, the BPP early this year launched a centralised National Database for contractors, consultants and service providers. According to the BPP boss, the centralized database and categorization of contractors and service providers doing business with the Federal Government is an initiative that would help in enhancing the efficiency, reducing cost of public procurement, improving budget implementation and increasing professionalism as well as promoting transparency in the public procurement process. However, many analysts as well as contractors, consultants and service providers involved in procurement processes have described existing guidelines and other requirements for bidding for contracts as too cumbersome to guarantee timely execution of projects and make the benefits accrue to the economy. According to them, the requirements for volumes of certified documentary evidences of tax compliance, pension payment and others by the BPP before contracts are awarded as well as payments made on executed projects constitute a major disincentive to qualified contractors in bidding for many contracts. The implications of the delay in procedures and payments for executed jobs for the quality of projects are, based on many contractors’ views, that when the interest rate on credit used for such contracts and other operational expenses are factored in, many of the contracts still remain poorly executed, despite BPP’s claims to the contrary. An Abuja-based contractor who has been engaging in stationery supplies to the MDAs over the last 15 years, Mr. Taiye Ajisegiri, described the sundry requirements by BPP for supplies of items like stationery and other office equipment items as discouraging to small suppliers

Lamorde

Onolomemen

BPP SHOULD MAKE THE PROCEDURES MORE SIMPLIFIED. THE RULES AND REGULATIONS SHOULD BE COUCHED IF NEED BE IN NIGERIAN LANGUAGES TO IMPROVE INVOLVEMENT OF MORE PROFESSIONALS IN THE PROJECTS who have few personnel running their businesses, adding that “what they have done is to deny small enterprises from getting jobs from government. “The requirement that you need to show evidence of remittance of pension of your employees and the unnecessary delays in payment for supplies and contracts executed are not good for the system. So, what you have now are the big contractors hijacking everything. Do you have to employe five people before you can supply consumables or stationery to a ministry? “They have crowded out small contractors and I don’t think this can be good for the economy in the long run in view of the negative social and economic effects on genuine suppliers and contractors who are not out there to steal public funds”, Ajisegiri said. Another contractor who spoke with National Mirror at the sidelines of the just concluded 4th Sensitisation forum held in Minna, Niger State, Alhaji Muhammed Abdullahi, noted that the procedures for bids needed to be made less cumbersome and the language more simplified by the BPP in order to make the current drive to standardise the procurement system. “What BPP is doing is very good for the country. Some of us believe that the new approach being adopted in awarding contracts will save Nigeria a lot of money as what has been the case before is that you hear that billions are spent, yet nothing to show for the expenditure in terms of projects such funds are committed to. “But, the stages and processes for some contracts should be simplified because many times you get to where you want to obtain your bid documents, they continue to ask for things that you don’t have or you

have not been told about before going to the ministries. So, the processes delay and at the end of the day, you see many good contractors getting tired and leaving for those who don’t have the technical and professional qualifications to take over the jobs. “BPP should make the procedures more simplified. The rules and regulations should be couched if need be in Nigerian languages to improve involvement of more professionals in the projects”, Abdullahi advised. In what appears a confirmation of what many contractors say about the public procurement standardisation agenda, the immediate past Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, had noted that many contractors were not conversant with the tax requirements for public procurement projects and that efforts needed to be channelled to areas that would help them know what they are expected to do when bidding for contracts. For instance, while acknowledging the enormous challenges facing the contractors and service providers in their efforts to comply with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, the tax expert assured that the service was doing everything to reduce such constraints even as she caution them to avoid all practices that may constitute a breach of the Act. “There has been challenges confronting contractors and service providers which the service is constantly working to improve, however she advised stakeholders to always play by the rules, build emotional bank accounts in order to instil confidence in people as well as communicate any processes that would necessitate

Oduah

delays in their projects execution. “The need for further enlightenment of bidders on the procurement process as it has been observed that some bidders do not satisfactorily complete bid documents, some even forget to sign the bid leading to automatic disqualification of such bids. Some still believe that it is business as usual when a Chief Executive or Director would award contracts to favour contractors without following due process and the regulations of public procurement’’ By his assessment, the Coordinator of the BPP Sensitisation Programme in the North Central Zone, Barrister Auwal Ibrahim Musa, believes that despite the various challenges the Bureau is currently contending with in its attempt to fulfil its mandate, it has performed fairly well and that is needed is support of all stakeholders to consolidate on the gains it recorded so far to make the procurement system open, transparent and more impactful on good governance. Musa, who is also the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), while urging all state governments to domesticate the Public Procurement Act in order to entrench transparency at all levels of the procurement system in their domains, pointed out that “an effective implementation of the public procurement law nationwide would help to extend the frontiers of development. According to him, in order to consolidate on the modest successes recorded so far by the Bureau, “it is important that contractors and civil servants are conversant with the provisions of the law so that state can reap the maximum benefits of the law”. The CISLAC boss assured of continued collaboration of civil society through the Public Procurement Watch Platform with the Bureau and commitment to support the states in entrenching a public procurement processes that in the end will help fulfil their social contract obligations to the citizenry and foster development of the country.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business & Finance

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

UACN to acquire majority stake in Portland Paints JOHNSON OKANLAWON

AC of Nigeria Plc and Portland Paints and Products Plc have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on UACN’s plan to acquire a majority equity stake in paint manufacturer. A statement from the company yesterday said the proposed transaction is driven by potential synergies between the two companies. According to the statement, the transaction is in line with UACN’s strategy of building a portfolio of brands and businesses geared to the growth segments of the Nigerian economy and partnerships that deliver long-term value to the company and its stakeholders. “The transaction will allow Portland Paints to leverage the relative strengths of UACN and yield considerable benefit to stakeholders in both companies. “UACN and Portland Paints, with their established presence in the Nigerian paint industry, are uniquely positioned to partner on deepening the presence of both companies in existing markets, achieve scope and scale economies in procurement, production and distribution,” the statement read in part. The statement urged shareholders to exercise caution when dealing in UACN shares until a final announcement is made. “The proposed transaction is subject to the approvals of the Securities and Exchange Com-

L-R: President, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), Mr. Abiola Popoola; Guest Speaker, Dr. Grant Akata; Chairman, CIPM Oyo State Branch, Mr. Busayo Oladejo; Registrar, Mr. Sunday Adeyemi, at an annual conference of the branch in Ibadan recently.

mission and the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Further announcements will be made as material events occur,” the statement added. UAC recorded a profit after tax of N10.2bn for the financial year ended December 2011, an increase by 46.6 per cent when compared to N5.45bn recorded in the same period of 2010. The company’s gross profit rose marginally by 9.3 per cent in the review period, from N16.5bn in 2010 to N17.9bn in 2011, while taxation stood at N2.78bn in 2011, from N1.64bn in 2010. The company’s chairman, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, said that the company’s intends

Naira firms on Shell, NLNGs’ dollar sales

he naira firmed against the United States dollar on the interbank market yesterday, supported by ample dollar sales by two energy companies to some banks. The currency closed at N161.60 versus the dollar on the interbank market, stronger than the N162.10 to the dollar it closed at on Friday. Traders said units of Royal Dutch Shell and Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) company sold unspecified amount of dollars to some lenders, which raised the level of dollar liquidity in the market and provided support for the naira. “Apart from the dollar inflows from Shell and NLNG, speculations on planned dollar sales this week by the Nigeria

National Petroleum Corporation also helped the market rally,” one dealer said. NNPC supplies the bulk of dollars traded on the interbank market and comes to the market twice in a month. Traders said the naira is seen strengthening further in the week if the NNPC finally come to the market with some other oil companies sales as well. On the bi-weekly forex auction, the central bank sold $200m at $155.87 to the dollar, compared with $180m sold at the same rate last Wednesday’s auction. The currency of Africa’s second biggest economy had closed weaker last week due to resurgence of demand for the dollar from importers and a drop in dollar liquidity.

to perform better in the current year, as many shareholders’ depend on the dividends and pension for survival. He explained that due to ris-

ing raw material and other operational costs and the inability to recover such costs through price increases, the business had challenges in margins.

According to him, the company undertook operational reviews in its food businesses to improve efficiencies, making the operational profit increased from N8.23bn in 2010 to N8.96bn in 2011, an increase by 22 per cent. Udoma said that the company has taken a number of restructuring steps in order to achieve the full holding status, adding, “The cost of these actions and other exceptional charges amounting to N1.5bn.” He said that despite the business constraints in the country, the company targets topline growth that significantly exceeds the country’s annual Gross Domestic Product growth rate, ‘We will build our existing businesses and make related acquisitions to deliver growth.’ He said, “UAC Foods Limited, our strategic partnership with Tiger Brands of South Africa, will complete the various operational reviews launched in 2011 and is poised to expand its market and refresh products offerings.

ICAN urges good governance as panacea for economic woes MESHACK IDEHEN

he President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Mr. Adedoyin Owolabi has urged the country’s leadership to focus on providing good governance, adding that it is the only means to economic transformation. Owolabi said further that Nigeria’s inability to find sustainable solutions to its myriads of economic setbacks, is due largely to the inability of critical stakeholders to proffer solutions on how to tackle the challenges being faced. In a statement made available to National Mirror ahead of the institute’s upcoming 7th

Eastern Districts Conference, the ICAN president added that all the economic challenges that Nigeria is facing are not insurmountable, if the right solutions are given timely. According to ICAN, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson, and other top dignitaries, including globally acclaimed resource persons have been invited to grace the conference that has been scheduled to take place at Yenagoa in Bayelsa State. Speaking on the upcoming conference, Assistant Director, Corporate Affairs of ICAN, Mr. Dayo Ajigbotosho explained that the theme of the conference; which is, “Good Governance: A Panacea for Economic Transformation”, was specifi-

cally chosen in line with national and global economic realities, adding that the conference will also feature paper presentations, workshops, plenary sessions, among other events. “The conference was packaged to discuss the way forward for Nigeria’s economy. It couldn’t have come at a better time than this”, saying also that there will be visits to places of interests in the state, aside topical issues put together for deliberations by eminent resource persons. He disclosed that some of the dignitaries and resource persons expected at the conference include Professor Pat Utomi, who will present a paper on leadership structures and supportive policy framework.

Main One, Tata extend video network to Nigeria KUNLE A ZEEZ

ain One Cable Company, Nigeria’s premier provider of broadband internet services has entered into a major partnership that saw Tata Communications extending its Video Connect Network into Nigeria rising on the robust fibre infrastructure of Main One. With this initiative, Nigeria now has Tata’s point-of-presence connecting key media hotspots in Africa with the world. The Video Connect service will allow broadcast and production companies in Nigeria to dis-

tribute their live video content worldwide as well as enhance international broadcasters’ reach into this key emerging region. The Chief Executive Officer, Main One, Ms Funke Opeke, said, “We are proud to be part of this ground-breaking partnership, bringing new opportunities not only for Nigeria, but Africa as a whole. “Our high quality fibre network, coupled with Tata Communication’s international expertise and global network will open up a new world of opportunities for video coming in and out of the African region, as well as create new business opportunities for

studios, broadcasters, production and pre-production companies throughout Nigeria,” she said. Senior Vice President, Global Network Services, Tata Communications, Genius Wong, said, “At Tata Communications we have always focused on giving our media customers access to key media hotspots for delivery of broadcast quality video for contribution and distribution across the globe.” Following increasing demand for high-quality video capability in and out of Nigeria, Tata’s partnership with Main One connects its global video network to an expansive local fibre network.

Business & Finance

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

to woo global business Cashless: Nigeria still requires Jonathan leaders at London confab increased awareness – Expert KUNLE A ZEEZ

n electronic payment expert, Mr. Valentine Obi, has again stated that the seeming low awareness and enlightenment activities being experienced on the country’s road to developing a cashless economy will need to be adequately addressed for Nigeria to ensure the success of the initiative. Obi, who is the Chief Executive Officer of eTranzact, a leading payment solution company in Nigeria that provides world-class economic switching and mobile payments services, said while the country is making improvement in infrastructure development, one area that needed more attention is in awareness creation. “One particular area that will

require more attention for us, as a country, to record resounding success in our road to implementing a cashless economic policy lies in awareness. Currently, awareness activities still leave much to be desired. So we need to increase the tempo. If all the facilities are there, and people do not have adequate knowledge about their usage it is useless and we may not record much success,” he said. Obi, who spoke at a mobile payment forum, a seminar/exhibition organised by eTranzact in Lagos recently, said the increase in availability e-payment facilities needed to be matched by the level of usage, adding this can only be driven by holistic approach to creating awareness. Speaking on the business activities of eTranzact aimed at

driving the cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Obi said the company is a leading provider of mobile transaction services leveraging on its award-winning mobile switching platform to provide secure, convenient and cost effective e-payment solutions. While stating that the future of e-payment id mobile, which eTranzact has been championing, Obi said, at the beginning of the company’s operations in 2003, “we saw a future where mobile phones will become a major channel for e-payment services thereby creating easy access to financial transactions. Since then, we have focused on this vision since 2003 when we launched our eTranzact Mobile Commerce (mCommerce), the forerunner of the eTranzact Mobile Banking services.”

resident Goodluck Jonathan is expected to lead a team of ministers and industry captains at the High Level Investment and Business Summit on Nigeria taking place in London between July 30 and August 1, 2012 at the Dorchester Hotel. The summit with the theme Nigeria- the World’s Most Vibrant Market is to ensure that Nigeria seizes the opportunity of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to link Nigerian entrepreneurs to the global economic system and project Nigeria to the international community as one of the world’s best investment destinations. The top notch business forum, organised by the Bank of Industry that is also expected to be attended by Nigeria’s leading

Etisalat promotes responsible business practices KUNLE A ZEEZ

L-R: Head, In’Genius Youth Project, Mr. Oreoluwa Ogundipe; Mr. Goke Adeniyi; Leader of the Aspire Team, first prize winners of N2.5m, Mr. Ibrahim Durosimi and the Director of Operations, Mr. Emmanuel Olaiya, at the grand finale of the In’Genius Project Competition Version 1.0 in Lagos at the weekend.

partners from the international development community will feature presentations by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Honourable Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Trade and Investment Minister, Mr Olusegun Aganga, Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Deziani Allison Madueke, Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina and the Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji, Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, as well as Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. A number of governors including those of Anambra, Kogi, Niger, Delta, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti states will be attending the summit with a view to attracting foreign investors to their respective states.

igeria’s fourth biggest telecoms company, Etisalat is set to hold its annual Masterclass designed to build competence in Corporate Social Responsibility across sectors and functions in the country. The initiative, being carried out through the telecoms firm’s CSR Centre in partnership with the Lagos Business School of the Pan African University, is part of Etisalat’s desire to promote responsible business practices in the country. The Masterclass, which holds from July 16 to 20, 2012, is an annual training on CSR for managers at the LBS, and is expected to draw senior company executives involved with CSR practice,

sustainability reporting, project finance, investor relations, corporate affairs, marketing, advertising, ethical investments, as well as other CSR professionals interested in advancing their current level of CSR knowledge for their respective projects. According to the Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Ismail Omamegbe, the programme will expose the participants to cutting edge CSR thinking and practices, including change management, trends and issues around CSR in Nigeria, stakeholder engagement and accountability, social investment and community relation strategies, responsible practices in the workplace, including health, safety and employee relations.

Researchers identify obstacles Stakeholder canvasses second level aviation for Nigeria to good researches in Africa OLUSEGUN KOIKI

s the Accident Investigation Bureau last week released the preliminary report of the Dana air crash of June 3, 2012 to the public, an aviation professional has challenged the Federal Government to develop the country’s second level aviation. The Managing Director, AirGold Aviation, Engr. Ifeanyi Okocha said that the crash was a wakeup call for the country, stressing that the issue of air crashes would have been a thing of the past if Nigeria had attained the second level aviation development. Second level aviation, Okocha explained involves a na-

tional carrier and Maintenance, repairs and overhaul facilities for the country. He decried that Nigeria as a whole is still battling with first level aviation since independence when it ought to have developed to the second level for total safety and security. He said, “The aeronautical foundation of a country is known as basic or first level aviation; before independence of any country, there must be a means of movement; through the waterways if the country is surrounded by big water or through one or two airstrips or possibly an airport. “After two or three years depending on the country’s resources, it may decide to establish a national carrier, which

will bring about the need to develop a manpower training centre to meet the new industry requirements. Establishing school of aviation and creating more airports will enable the new national airline to fly to every nook and cranny of the country. Okocha noted that by late 1960s, Nigeria had all the required aeronautic foundations in place, but however, lost its national flag carrier shortly through “carelessness and civil service mentality.” He noted that most of the previous aviation ministers in the country including the incumbent, Princess Stella Odua, spend fortunes in the first level of aviation development without any tangible result to show for it.

DAYO AYEYEMI

esearchers have identified lack of fund, poor background of research environment and lack of statistical knowledge as some of the barriers for an effective research works in Africa. Other factors are, absence of workable laboratories, lack of skills to understand social issues, lacks of data collection techniques and communication of research works in Africa to the rest of the world among others. The participants at the closing session of a four-day training workshop entitled, “Designing Research Projects in the Field” under the Developing Research Capacity among African Environmental Scientists (DRECA),

organised by Tropical Biology Association in collaboration with Nigerian Conservation Foundation in Ijebu-Itele, Ogun State, last weekend agreed on the need for researchers in Africa to explore all means to communicate their works to the world through seminars, journals, internet and the media. The Director of Tropical Biology Association, Dr. Rosie Trevelyan said that Africa can make a lot of impact if the researchers are striving to communicate their works to the rest of the world. She said, “You have to make an impact in selling your project using proper presentations. The world will not come to you. You have to go out to sell your work; you need to tell people about your work”.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jobs & Career

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Fresh graduates have better employment chances, say experts Analysts say the excuse usually put forward by fresh graduates of lacking experience and thus, finding the quest to getting employment challenging is an “old school idea”, as others say the freshness of young graduates is an advantage when gunning for jobs, writes MESHACK IDEHEN.

f late, hiring managers and recruitment professionals said they are getting increasingly disturbed by the notion of fresh graduates seeing themselves as not worthy of immediate employment after graduation, due to the excuse of lacking experience. According to experts, while established professionals and employees also face challenges, particularly in the area of career advancement and job switch, fresh graduates have their areas of strength that are necessary for a prospective employer that can guarantee them jobs immediately after their education. Moreso, they explained that fresh graduates emphasising factors like qualification, skills, and accomplishments will also go a long way towards assisting them securing jobs, irrespective of the prevailing economic situation. Other analysts added that one of the secrets for getting a job after graduation, is that such graduate must first of all have a fair idea as to what type of job they are after. Managing Director, Team Building Inter national, Mr. Yinka Olugbodi told National Mirror that fresh graduates in the course of getting jobs after graduation must also have a realistic assessment about the competition prevailing in the job market, adding that such move is a systematic approach to a fresh graduate job search. According to Olugbodi,fresh graduates academic training entails that they would have arrived at a fairly comprehensive idea about possible career, adding also that the course of study also plays a role in the type of jobs to be sought. He added that as graduates, they should be suitable for positions in any organisation or industry, since they are expected to be able to adapt to any situation; “identification of career, based on academic training is very important before embarking on a career pursuit”, he said. On his part, Managing Director, Find Jobs Africa.Com, Mr. Funto Akinkugbe said fresh graduates can quickly and per manently vacate the unemployment market if they can properly package their resumes. He said the resume is the key with which they can immediately secure jobs, adding that fresh graduates’ resume is their passport for job application. Akinkugbe said further that the idea of having a proper resume is to give maximum infor mation about the fresh graduate in clear ter ms,

Oshinowo

Akinkugbe

DO NOT BE TIMID IN ANSWERING ANY ENQUIRIES OR QUESTIONS. DO NOT, FOR A MOMENT THINK THAT YOU ARE A FRESH GRADUATE. KEEP EYE CONTACT THROUGHOUT, WITHOUT STARING AT THE INTERVIEWER. RESPOND WITH CONFIDENCE AND SELF-ASSURANCE without leaving out any worthwhile infor mation, and that the resume is the marketing tool that is deserving of spending considerable time on. “If your resume appears incomprehensible or directionless, then, you will be doomed as a fresh graduate seeking immediate employment. Highlight the things that are necessary for the prospective employer that you have in mind”, he explained. He explained that many fresh graduates’ job seekers miss out on potential jobs because their applications are not company specific. “Application directions should be sought and carefully filled in with all details, with resume and cover letter attached, and with required papers and certificate copies enclosed along with job application. Remember, incomplete applications are liable to be rejected. You can submit application online or personally. When postal delivery is insisted, you may send it through a reputed courier”, he said.

Also speaking on how fresh graduates can beat the unemployment queue, Recruiter, and Managing Director of Prot Inter national,Mr. Sunny Agboju,said adequate interview preparation on the part of the fresh graduate job seeker can make the difference between getting employed, or remaining a long time job seeker. Agboju said to “beat the unemployment queue”, fresh graduates should get as much infor mation as possible about the prospective employers, adding that, that move should be followed with preparation to come up with answers regarding such graduate’s suitability for the job and career expectations. He said that part of the preparation includes being ready for phone interview, while saying that though such phone interviews are meant for screening candidates, it was also important for the job seeker to be clear and audible over the phone. The Prot managing director said

Olugbodi

that fresh graduates must exude confidence, adding that lack of basic working experience should not make them lose confidence in their ability. “Do not be timid in answering any enquiries or questions. Do not, for a moment think that you are a fresh graduate. Keep eye contact throughout, without staring at the interviewer. Respond with confidence and self-assurance”, he said. Also speaking, Leadership and Mentoring Coach, Mr. Debo Adeyeye, said graduates aspiring to join the labour market must not underestimate the importance of a wellgroomed appearance, saying the first impression is always made in the first 90 seconds. Proffering solutions to the problem of high unemployment rate in the country and how fresh graduates can make the most of the situation, Adeyeye said the appearance and character of people seeking employment mattered greatly in deter mining their placement in a competitive environment. According to him, “a fir m-handshake, a smile and genuine demeanour and dressing as though you are already in the position you would like to have will also assist the fresh graduates. Focus on doing diligent, reliable, honest work, not on receiving accolades. Try to set bigger goals and never overestimate the competition or underestimate yourself ”, he added.

Jobs & Career

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CIPPON bemoans collapse of paper mills in Nigeria MESHACK IDEHEN

he President of the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON), Alhaji Muhammad Lawal, has said that Nigeria needs to recamp paper mills. In an interview with journalists over the weekend, Lawal lamented what he described as the moribund state of paper mills in the country, adding further that all the pulps that late Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed planted from the Ibadan Expressway to Iwopin Ogun State have all gone. He said a visit to those locations will reveal that there is not a single tree standing; while also reiterating that Nigerian now depends on Indian and South African papers imports. The CIPPON president explained that the institute has been urging the Federal Government to revive the moribund paper mills because of their enormous advantages to the economy to no avail.

“It is not too late for the government to breathe life into the moribund paper mills; government can do this by fashioning out policy that would create the enabling environment for the mills to

grow,”Lawal said. While commenting on local printers that go to South Africa and Dubai to print jobs, he said even if printing will be taken outside the country, it should be an established print-

Managing Director of New Star Metal International Limited, Alhaji Lateef Sulaimon (right) Presenting Staff of the Year Award to Mrs Basirat Abdul Kareemat during the financial year ended 2012.

he Managing Director of New Star Metal International, Mr.Lateef Sulaimon, has described unemployment amongst youth as a challenge that the country can conveniently deal with, if in proper effort towards creating employment is applied. He said further that the conversion of waste to wealth which his company is involved in has the capacity to create hundreds of thousands of sustainable jobs for those unemployed that are willing to take to the business. Speaking in an interview with National Mirror, Sulaimon said New Star Metal International is

the first wholly indigenous company Nigeria that has been able to carve a niche for itself in the international waste to wealth industry. According to him, before now, only a few companies owned by Asians were in the business of processing and exporting scrap, adding that the entry of his company into the sector has created hundreds of jobs, while at the same time expanding the country’s industrial capacity. He explained that buyer of non ferrous metals like aluminium, copper and brass scraps which the company deal with at local and international levels has been used by other countries to support their economies, adding further that the company hopes to soon set up a melting plant in the

here is a vacant position for “Fellows” at the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Program for 2012 with the closing date set toward the end of this month. Established in 2006, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation aims to support good governance and great leadership in Africa by stimulating debate on good governance and by providing criteria by which citizens and governments can measure progress. In that regard, The Mo Ibrahim Foundation is financing the Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship position in the African Development Bank. The Fellows will perform the functions and duties of the position at the temporary relocation agency of the Bank

country. The News Star Metal managing director said though there are not much difficulties in sourcing raw materials due to the huge waste materials that abound in different parts of the country, that the challenges of not being able to access grants for massive exportation and development was taking its tolls on local companies in the business. He added that other challenges like poor infrastructures, particularly roads, transportation and power was also challenging the sector, while saying government at both state and federal levels can do well to stop the issues of multiple taxation which usually confuses investors and slows expansion.

orkplace is like a second home to many employees and employers alike. Work doesn’t have to always be such an unpleasant place, but it can be hard to get along with co-workers at times, especially if you work in a highstress environment. Here are a few tips to maintain workplace harmony. Keep work and home separate-When you go home, the last thing you want to do is think about work or anything workrelated. However, many people have a problem of “switching off ” the minute they clock out. Once you clock out, give yourself a few minutes in the car alone after leaving work to collect yourself. Then do whatever it is you need to do to push it out of the way.

International job vacancies in Tunis, Tunisia, the headquarters of the Bank in Abidjan, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, or any other location from which the Bank carries out its operations. Other duties and responsibilities of the Fellow will include advising on and developing strategic initiatives to advance the Bank’s mission and objectives; and planning, developing, and implementing strategies for generating resources; The Fellowship is for young professionals, mid-career, and new executives who shall be national of an African country, residing anywhere in the

because you won’t like to be going outside to print all the time. That is why we are urging government to do physical visitation of our facilities”. He also commended the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to print security documents locally, while also assuring that local printers have the capacity to print security documents. “Recently, the CBN Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido, said they will not print security document outside this country as from June; we pray he shouldn’t extend the date. “We have all it takes to print security document here, which is why we are calling on government. Let’s go round and have physical inspection of printing equipment that we have in the country. We want them to know what we have. Look at the machine that Academy Press bought recently; Union Bank Plc financed the machinery. Local printers can compete favourably with their counterparts in the world. We have the input and machinery,” the CIPPON president added.

Tips for workplace harmony

‘Converting waste to wealth will contribute towards ending unemployment’ MESHACK IDEHEN

ing press, and on the ground that it is a job the Nigerian printers cannot complete. “If the job is printed offshore, whatever you get as profit can be used to buy machine that can print it locally

world; and hold a minimum of a Master’s Degree in Economics, Engineering, Social Sciences, International Development, Business Administration, Finance, and have at least 8 years work experience relevant to the Bank’s activities amongst other criteria. Still at the African Development Bank is the position of a Principal Financial Management Specialist Fiduciary Services Division (www. afdb.org/en/careers/)to be based in Angola. The Principal Financial Management Specialist will report to the Manager, Fiduciary Services and will be

You are there to work, not to make friends- Does this mean you should be rude to coworkers or ignore them. No. Does it mean you can’t have friends at work? Also, no. Actually, studies have been done on friendships at work and how it can signify a positive and happy work environment. Your boss is not your friend-If your boss is good at what they do, they won’t be your friend 100 percent of the time. It doesn’t mean that you can’t talk or share stories or even get advice from. However, it does mean that your boss is a boss for a reason, and part of that position involves making sure that things are being done correctly and if you aren’t working or they are upset with you, they will approach you about it.

supervised by the Regional Financial Management Coordinator based in Pretoria, South Africa, and is expected to work with a team of Financial Management Specialists. Other assignments are to plan and prioritise FM work for assigned countries (Angola) and communicate the same to Project Team Leaders, Country Managers, Regional FM Coordinator and the Fiduciary Services Manager. The desirable skills, knowledge and experience for the post are at least a Master’s degree (or its university equivalent) in accounting, business, finance, economics or related subject, alongside knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Real Estate & Environment dayoayeyemi@yahoo.com 08033312578

NIOB canvasses implementation of National Building Code

...Seeks review of all existing laws

or a building to collapse, it may be due to a problem, but for the phenomenon to become a recurring decimal is unacceptable. It must be curbed; but where there is no law, there can be no offence. Those were the expressions of most builders who expressed their views while seeking the immediate review of existing laws and implementation of the National Building Code to nip building collapse in the bud. In an elaborate ceremony attended by the Governors of Enugu and Anambra States, Mr. Sullivan Chime and Peter Obi, experts who spoke at the event noted that the Nigerian building sector is unregulated and fraught with quacks. Apart from the implementation of the building code, they want an immediate inauguration of building laws review committee with all stakeholders’ involvement to harmonise them for proper enforcement by government at all levels. The theme of the 42nd National Conference/ Annual General Meeting of the institute is, “ Transformational Agenda and Building Production in Nigeria .” In his keynote address, Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), Professor Akindoyemi, noted that the construction industry had continued to grow without regulatory monitoring on the track of the greedinduced objectives of various groups, which has led to the current structure of the industry’s intra-relationship. He identified various factors that led to depreciation in the built environment, blaming them on lack of political will on the part of successive governments at both the Federal and state levels to regulate urban and regional developments. To move the sector forward, Akindoyeni stated that all stakeholders have major roles to play, calling for the implementation and review of the laws establishing the regulatory bodies in the built environment. Laws regulating the professional bodies, he noted, were long overdue for review and harmonisation to give the bodies the required legal teeth for monitoring their aspects of development, preventing any form of overlap in their service scopes and for censoring contravention of both the building code and the respective professional practice ethics. According to him, the review should make it legal, thus, punishable by law for non registered persons to practice any of the chartered profession in the country. The regulatory bodies in the built environment include the Council of Reg-

In line with the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government which recognises the need to use infrastructural development as a means of boosting the economy and uplifting the wellbeing of the people, professionals under the auspices the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), converged on Enugu at the weekend to seek better ways of producing quality and functional buildings and eradicate cases of building collapse in the country. DAYO AYEYEMI, who was there, reports.

A collapsed building at Idumota, Lagos.

THERE IS NEED FOR A COMPREHENSIVE AUDIT OF ALL CONSTRUCTION FIRMS TO ENSURE QUALITY AND COMPETENCE OF PERSONNEL ALLOWED INTO THE INDUSTRY AND QUALITY OF PRODUCTS; AND ASCERTAIN TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITIES/CAPACITIES FOR PRACTICE

istered Builders (CORBON); Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON); Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN); Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN); Surveyors Registration Council of Nigeria (SURCON); Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVRBON) and Town Planners Registrstion Council of Nigeria (TOPREC). The professor of building also sought the review of other laws such as the Compulsory Builders Insurance Liability, saying the law would have been more

enforceable if it had been made dependent on the provision of the National Building Code for Health and Safety Management as well as Quality Management Plans. In his paper on “Curbing the Incidence of Building Collapse in Nigeria: Sanctions, Liability and Legal Imperatives,” past president of the institute, Mr. Dachollum Jambol, pointed out that in order to curb the menace, there is need for urgent implementation of the building code to address the absence of planning of the nation’s towns and cities, incessant collapse of buildings, fire

incidents, built environment abuse and other disaster. He explained that the implementation of the building code would address the issues of dearth of reference design standards for professionals, use of unqualified persons for building production process and lack of maintenance culture. Jambol, who is a lecturer at the Department of Building, University of Jos, called for government’s collaborative efforts with professionals and regulatory bodies without delay, to conduct a comprehensive audit of all construction firms operating in Nigeria to ensure their level of compliance with the building code and all relevant industry practice regulation, legislations and controls. He said, “There is need for comprehensive audit of all construction firms to ensure quality and competence of personnel allowed into the industry and quality of products; and ascertain technological capabilities/capacities for CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Germany targets 100% renewable energy by 2050 OLUFEMI ADEOSUN BERLIN GERMANY

s the crisis in the Nigerian power sector deepens, with no visible sign of improvement in sight, the Federal Republic of Germany is looking ahead in its diversification of its energy mix by targeting 100 per cent renewable energy by the year 2020. As at today, while Germany which is about 80million population has a total installed capacity of about 100,000mw, with wind energy source accounting for 30,000mw, Nigeria’s power generation has never risen beyond 4,000mw, for a population estimated at 160,000million. Apart from that, at a time electricity workers in the country are engaging in the battle of wits over the possibilities of job losses that may arise as a result of planned privatisation of the power sector, the renewable energy sector in Germany generates over 320,000 jobs to its people. Laure Kaelble of the Wind Energy, Grid Integration of the Renewable energie division of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Natural Conversation and Nuclear Safety, who disclosed these in her presentation to the 2012 Environmental Reporting Course participants, also said that the country was targeting 100 per cent renewable energy by the year 2050. Participants at the course, which is being sponsored by the International Institute for Journalism(IIJ), of GIZ, are drawn from Africa and Asia. As part of efforts by government to ensure the realisation of the target set for 2050, Kaelble explained that a programme of gradual phase out of Nuclear energy had been mapped out. According to her, the country immediately shut down seven nuclear power out of the 17 existing ones after last year Fukushima nuclear power incident in Japan, leaving only nine nuclear plants left, with deadline for total phase out pegged

Hadiza

Nnaji

NIGERIA HAS BOTH OIL AND GAS RESOURCES. BUT BUSINESSES AND HOMES RELY ON POLLUTING DIESEL GENERATORS FOR THEIR

POWER SUPPLY. BUT ONLY ABOUT 50 PERCENT OF ALL HOUSEHOLDS HAVE ACCESS TO

ELECTRICITY. MUCH OF THE GAS PRODUCED IS FLARED INTO THE ATMOSPHERE at 2022. She said,” “A new nuclear policy which will lead to total phase out of nuclear power by the year 2022 has been initiated. Renewable Energy Source(RES) will constitute the central component of the energy supply in Germany. RES’s share of power grid shall rise from 20 per cent of power to at least 35 per cent in 2020.” Commenting on Nigeria’s power sector, an environment expert and Executive Director, International Centre for Environment and Energy Development, Mr. Ewah Eleri said that lack of access to electricity is the greatest barrier to growth in the country.

Eleri, who spoke with our correspondent on telephone lamented that Nigeria ranked among the worse nations in the world in terms of electricity per person consumption, adding that, “Nigeria has a per capita electricity consumption of only 150kwh compare to 4,759 kWh in South Africa and 7,149 kWh for Germany.” He explained that while the country has a diversified resource base for its energy needs, lack of legal and institutional framework had limited its full utilisation. For instance, he lamented that the country has only used about 10 per cent of its hydropower potentials. “Nigeria has both oil and gas re-

NIOB canvasses implementation of National Building Code CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 practice.” Besides, he renewed call for the establishment of the Construction Industry Development Board, urging government to take the lead, noting that nothing much can be expected from the professionals where the platform of practice is not there. In their papers on “Analysis of Tendering Duration for Public Building Procurement in Nigeria,” lecturers at the Department of Building, University of Jos, Mr. Y.D. Izam and S.C. Ugochukwu, identified delays in approval of national budget, bill of quantities structure, project complexity , cost and reduction in number of tenderers as factors influencing tendering stipulations in Nigeria, calling for a review of the Public Procurement Act (2007) to provide a sec-

tion on required minimum tender duration for various categories of projects. “The projects categories referred to above should be formulated based on cost and other project complexity factors,” they said. To operationalise and maximise the benefits of standard tender durations, they suggested that current tender requirements in the procurement act must be upgraded to include vital contract documents such as construction programme, health and safety plan, and quality management plan as stipulated by the building code. They stated, “ Great efforts should be made towards securing timely approval of national budgets so as to reduce pressure on procuring entities to observe procurement benchmarks in

the breach.” Also in their papers, lecturers at the Department of Building, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna, Mr. S.M. Shwarka and N.A. Anigbogu; urged public clients not to only adopt procurement systems that are most familiar but to base their decision on the balance of risk between all parties and a value for money assessment to select a procurement option that offers the most competitive advantage within the circumstances of the project. In the paper presented by Mr.O.E Akinsola and A.O. Fatokun, both who are lecturers at the Department of Building, Kaduna Polytechnic, on “Transformation of Building Laws and Regulation in Nigeria: A Perspective and Performance Based Process”, the

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

sources. But businesses and homes rely on polluting diesel generators for their power supply. But only about 50percent of all households have access to electricity. Much of the gas produced is flared into the atmosphere. “Today, over 70percent of grid electricity production in Nigeria comes from gas. The rest is from hydropower. Nigeria has only used about 10percent of its hydropower potentials. And being located along the tropics, Nigeria has excellent solar radiation. In many ways, the country has a diversified resource base for its energy needs. “The investments in the gas and hydropower sectors have been inadequate. According to research by the International Centre for Energy, Environment and Development, Nigeria can create over 600,000 jobs by expanding electricity supply from gas and hydropower. This will be good for the economy and the environment,” he said. Advancing the same argument, a Germany based environment expert, Mr. Henner Weithoner, said that the only way Nigeria could meet its energy demands was for the country to diversify its energy base with a view to harnessing some of the untapped resources which the country has in abundance. He said that with the huge gap between the energy need of the people and the available supply, the country needed to boost the installed capacity, stressing that without that, the country would continue to grapple with developmental issues. Weithoner stressed that all the Nigerian government has to do was to create the needed legal framework which would attract investors into the sector, insisting that no government anywhere in the world could shoulder the responsibility of power generation and distribution. “ The huge number of people living in the remote areas of the country and who are largely unconnected with the national grid can rely on solar power for their energy need. In this way, government will not only be saving money, the environment will also be protected, including the health of the people.” duo want government to set up a code review committee with representation across the states of the federation and stakeholders of the built environment to look into the provisions of the National Building Code and other existing laws and regulation in the country to agree and propose necessary review which will be accepted by all. Besides, they called on Federal Government to inaugurate law enforcement agencies to enforce the implementation of building law and regulations, adding that state governments should also be encouraged to do so to ensure orderly development in the built environment. In addition, they appealed to government to as a matter of urgency review and amend various acts of National Assembly including the Land Use Act in order to boost and sustain housing delivery in Nigeria.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Influx of athletes into London begins amid security row 30

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

El-Kanemi Warriors pip Kwara United IKENWA NNABUOGOR

IKENWA NNABUOGOR

Heartland FC players celebrating their lone goal victory over Plateau United in Port Harcourt, yesterday

Fed Cup: Fashola hands trophy to NFF AFOLABI GAMBARI

agos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, yesterday fulfilled his promise to uplift the annual Federation Cup when he donated a giant-sized trophy to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Fashola, who took time off his busy schedule to attend the brief occasion at the Lagos House, Ikeja said he would ensure that the cup final was held in Lagos from this year. “This donation is to reinforce my suggestion that the final of the Federation Cup should not leave Lagos State

again,” Fashola said at the ceremony which the Sports Commissioner, Mr. Wahid Oshodi, and other cabinet members also attended. “This is where it all started,” Fashola added, stressing, “With a definite venue, players and teams generally will look forward to a destination and a dream; which will add glamour to the competition, as it is our hope that this new trophy will rekindle great competition and re-awaken Nigerians’ interest in the Federation Cup,.” According to the governor, the Challenge Cup which metamorphosed to Federation Cup boasts a rich history that

produced football legends like Muyiwa Oshodi, Ismaila Mabo, Kenneth Olayombo and the late Haruna Ilerika, among others. “It’s my wish that this history is replicated in the years to come,” he remarked to a thunderous applause from dignitaries that include President of the NFF, Alhaji Aminu Maigari and the federation’s top officials. Spokesman of the NFF, Ademola Olajire, told National Mirror that the final of the competition whose round of 16 kicked off in four centres yesterday, will take place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on August 26.

Samba keeps Enyimba, others waiting

Yobo

Sport

Only a vastly experienced man as technical director can take our football to the desired height - Former NFA’s technical director, Kashimawo Laloko

Yobo rejects Leicester City uper Eagles’ captain, Joseph Yobo, has sensationally rejected s transfer move from Npower Championship side, Lecister City, after his parent club, Everton, and the club had reached an agreement. According to the online edition of Turkey’s most influential daily, Milliyet, an agreement was reached last week between Everton and Leicester City for the sale of Joseph Yobo, but the former Standard Liege star did not favour a move to England’s secondtier. “I am not a slave. I don’t want to play for teams you want me to. I want to play in a team I feel happy,” Yobo replied the Everton chiefs in a harsh tone. Fenerbahçe is working on a deal to sign the Nigeria captain. Clearly, the experienced defender is frustrated with the transfer imbroglio, and wants the situation resolved quickly. Yobo, who is under contract with Everton until June 2014, is not in the plans of the Premiership club this coming season. Now back at Everton, he was not dressed for Saturday’s 4-1 hammering of League Two side, Morecambe FC. Initially, Everton had valued Yobo at a transfer fee of £4.5million. That amount has been reduced to 3.5 million Euros, but the Yellow Canaries are insisting on 2.5 million euros.

he last may not have been heard of the beleaguered Bauchi Centre of the ongoing 2012 Federation Cup. Bauchi plays host to last year’s runners-up, Enyimba, Warri Wolves, Lobi Stars and non-league side, Samba FC. But as at yesterday morning only Enyimba and Lobi had reported at the centre raising fear that the draw for

the schedule may still not hold as well as football activities as in the other three centres. Chairman of Enugu State FA, Chidi Ofor Okenwa, told SuperSport.com that they were yet to get response from the NFF concerning the fervent appeal to relocate Group A centre outside Bauchi. Samba FC is one of the Enugu State representatives in this year’s Federation Cup,

the other one being NPL leaders, Rangers. “I don’t want to speak on a matter before the NFF, that is how much I would want to comment on the issue,” Okenwa said.

Results Heartland 1 El-Kanemi 1 Pillars 1 Prime 1

Plateau Utd 0 Kwara Utd 0 Crown 1 Rangers 0

t was a game of two old rivals - one campaigning in top flight and the other in the lower rung but it was El-kanemi Warriors that showed greater character to edge their more illustrious rival, Kwara United yesterday at the Agege Township Stadium, Lagos. A 22nd minute goal by gangling striker, Timothy Ezekiel, sealed the hot afternoon for the Maiduguri-based side who once again proved that their winning promotion to the top flight was no fluke. The hard earned victory shot the National League club temporarily champions to the top of the Federation Cup Group B log. Ezekiel stunned Kwara United’s defence with his individual brilliance, chest trapping the ball, taking it on his knee and fooling the keeper with a cool finish. However, United who showed greater understanding and coherence refused to go down without a fight but the resolute Warriors’ defence stoutly marshalled by former Heartland star Stanley Onuegbu and keeper Itodo Ikor stood between them and the much needed equalizer. At the end of the match, ElKanemi’s coach, Kelechi Emeteole, blasted his boys for not playing to instructions despite claiming a vital 1-0 victory over United. The former Heartland boss who expressed joy over the victory, believed his boys could have hammered their more illustrious opponents had they taken full numerical advantage following the sending off of Kwara United’s defender, Vincent Ogah. Emeteole blamed his midfielder Chidi Orji for taking full control of the midfield after the sending off of Ogah and allowing Kwara United to take the driver’s seat. “It’s now my job to go back to pep-talk my boys ahead of the next group games. It was even more difficult for my boys in the second half when Kwara were a man down but I felt that we deserved the victory,” he said. Emeteole added, “Our next games against Pillars and Crown of Ogbomosho are important and we can’t afford not to take our chances.” El Kanemi Warriors are up against Crown today, in their next game.

Sport

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

EPL: RVP in Emirates talks W ant-away Arsenal captain, Robin van Persie, returned to the London club yesterday at the end of his summer break amidst reports that he was set to hold talks with the officials. Indication, however, suggested that the Dutch striker’s stance over a new contract has not changed as he awaited further developments on his future. Juventus, Manchester City and Manchester United all maintain an interest in landing Van Persie’s signature, although he has a year left

on his current deal. But Arsenal would rather not be dragged into another situation similar to Samir Nasri’s last summer and would rather strike a deal sooner rather than later. The Gunners will leave London this weekend for a pre-season tour of the Far East, and it remains to be seen whether their captain will be involved. Van Persie revealed earlier month that he would not be extending his contract with Arsenal, due to disagreements on how the club should move forward.

Qualifiers: Ex-player tasks Eagles on matches Egunjobi swells Flying Super Eagles’ striker Osaze Odemwingie (in front) demonstrating the concentration that the team requires to succeed

AFOLABI GAMBARI

ormer captain of the defunct NEPA Football Club of Lagos, Francis Tandoh, has advised the Super Eagles’ players to desist from losing concentration in matches. The former midfielder, who spoke to National Mirror in Lagos yesterday, said the observed trend had cost the national team vital points in recent years, adding that it had resulted in the country’s dip in reputation. “When you consider how

the lost valuable points to Malawi in the recent World Cup 2014 qualifier in Blantyre, I think it will be understood in that context,” Tandoh said. “Hardly will a serious team concede such a cheeky equalising goal in the dying minutes as the Eagles did,” he added. Tandoh, who warned the team handlers to be wary of teams they considered lessfancied as the qualifiers continue, also stressed the need to give motivational players a chance in the squad.

“It is obvious that more of the players who desire to give everything now play in the Nigerian league and I think the onus is on the coach to give them an opportunity to express themselves,” Tandoh further said. “For me, Keshi has done well to include home-based players in the squad in the last few months. But it is more important to make up his mind on this policy as his reported recourse to foreign-based players in the next round of the qualifiers could set the success train backward.”

According to the former player, Nigeria has the pedigree to re-dominate Africa like it did in the 1980s and 1990s. “But at every given point, we must demonstrate the awareness that the minnows in the game are fast reducing and increase our work rate,” he submitted. Tandoh had featured for Saint Gregory College, Obalende in the Lagos State Secondary Schools Principals Cups Soccer Championship at a time schools sports reigned in the country.

T/tennis: Union Bank sweeps laurels

espite stiff opposition from Springfresh Club and Union Maritime, Union Bank Sports Club affirmed its supremacy at the final of the Lagos State Table Tennis League at the weekend after winning the men and women events. The bankers had three teams taking part in the final, with only two making it to the last four, but managed to beat other teams to the title at the final watched by the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Wahid Oshodi, as well as representatives of the Oniru royal family which sponsored the eight-week league and top officials in the ministry.

Ten men and women teams made it to the final at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park in Yaba and were drawn into two groups of five teams each. The Springfresh team captained by Mojeed Olayiwola, exhibited a good fight to match its pre-tournament boast-

ing by making it to the final stage before conceding 3-0 to Union Bank 2 after Olayiwola and teammate Hammed Adeyinka failed to stop the duo of Ganiyu Ashimiyu and Sola Oyetayo in the men’s final. Fatimo Bello inspired the bankers’ ladies to a 3-2 defeat of Union Mari-

time team that include foreign-based duo Ganiat Ogundele and Olaide Atinuke in the women final to lift the trophy. Representative of the sponsor, Prince Tijani Oniru, said the enormous skills displayed by the participants would encourage more sponsorship in the future.

Inter Fans football kicks off

he second Annual Inter Fans Club Soccer Competition kicked off last weekend at the Onayade Primary School, Fadeyi with nine teams participating in the event organised by some benevolent youths spearheaded by Seye Kuku, Ibrahim Wale and Abideen Lawal.

Defending champions Manchester United led others who include Chelsea, Arsenal, AC Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Fadeyi All Stars. Organising Committee Chairman, Mr. Bowale Sosimi, said the competition was aimed at uniting the youths of Fadeyi commu-

nity as well as promoting friendship among them. “We also hope to produce future stars for Nigeria,” Sosimi, who is the incumbent Supervisory Councillor for Environment in the Shomolu Local Government Area, added. The competition will be played only on Saturday and Sunday.

Eagles’ prospects

AFOLABI GAMBARI

s the Flying Eagles Coach, John Obuh, intensifies preparation of the ahead of the African Youth Championship (AYC) qualifier with Young Taifa Stars of Tanzania later this month, another young Nigerian striker has emerged for consideration. National Mirror checks on Portuguese Boavista youth team revealed that Olanrewaju Emmanuel Egunjobi is ready to be invited to shore up the junior national team that needs resurgence after a recent failure at a South Africa invitation last month. Egunjobi, who had established himself in youth tour naments around the UK while studying at St. Bede’s School, Hailsham, Sussex in the United Kingdom, says he will accept a call to help lift the Flying Eagles. “I have discussed with my coach and he has encourEgunjobi aged me to

make an effort to play for my country,” the 19-yearold, who plays as centre forward and supporting striker, said yesterday. “I am aware of the effort being made by the Nigerian football authorities to give a chance to some of us playing abroad and who are eligible for the U-20 squad. My wish is to make myself available to be a part of this new dawn.” Egunjobi scored 10 goals in the ended Portuguese Youth League and has attracted offers from some top league clubs in the country.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

On the track with

YEMI OLUS danyella172003@yahoo.com

Why I opted to fly Nigeria’s flag –Amaechi

How do you look forward to participating in your first Olympics? It’s exciting. I guess it hasn’t really hit me yet that it’s coming up, that it’s real. This is something everyone dreams about, I’ve dreamt of it for the past four years. Now that it’s here I’m trying to prepare myself, tune up my race, and fix a lot of technique and breathing problems within my race so that when I get to the games I will be sharp and ready to go because I know that everyone else will be ready to run. I’m just making sure that I’m prepared when the gun goes off at my first race. It’s nice looking forward to it. There’s not too much pressure but I have to go on there with confidence and the mindset that I’m capable of doing something well. That’s how I’m going to confront the games, trusting in my training and myself and seeing what happens.

With his Olympics debut a matter of days, Morton Amaechi is determined to compete for Nigeria in the 400m hurdles. The Stanford University graduate, who broke the school’s 28-year-old record in his first year, spoke to National Mirror on the season so far and the looming London 2012 What is your impression of the African Championships event you participated in recently? I came into the country in an exciting mood to compete in Benin. I came with the highest leading time so my expectation was to win. I had it on my mind to get the gold no matter what and it came to pass. So I’m happy. How will you rate your performance this season? So far everything is going well. I’ve still yet to execute proper race from talking with my coach and everything is still run up to my potential but everything is still going well; I really can’t complain. I’m still getting the job done but I’m looking forward to cleaning up a lot of things within my race so that when the time comes, I will be more confident and comfortable and then things will just kind of carry into itself. I’m happy with the titles, everything is going well; Nigerian champion, African champion, NCAA champion. Everything is

going in the right direction and we are progressing. What eventually informed your decision to compete for Nigeria, considering the doubts that first shrouded your appearance? I think it had a lot to do with Coach Patience Itanyi. She‘s been talking to me ever since I competed at the World Championships in 2009 where I ran the 4x400 relay. I was really unsure about what to do just because of the bad experience I had in 2009 but she talked with me. We went over the pros and cons like I’m older now and know how to manage myself and I kind of know what to expect and how to react in certain situations. I’m able to see things in a different light from how it was during my first experience. I felt like there was some kind of unfinished business. What negative experience did you have in 2009? A lot of things happened but that’s not really important now.

Morton Amaechi during a recent NCAA event

What’s important is that I am here. I don’t feel like throwing anybody on the bus but people know what happened. I can just say “2009” and any Nigerian who was there knows what happened. It was just a lot of things; a lot of nonsense, a lot of moving, just a lot of things that should not happen. But then what has happened has happened. You won the national and African championships since your return. Would you say your decision to compete for Nigeria is now justified? If I have to commit, I have to do so wholeheartedly, if I want to do well representing and wearing the colour generally. It definitely makes it much sweeter and better to win these titles under Nigeria. When I said this is the path that I want to take, I committed to it so I would say yes, I’m happy I went this route.

Amaechi (c) with Mamadou Hanne of Senegal (l) and Boniface Macheru of Kenya on the podium at the recent African Championships in Port Novo

Will this be a one-off thing or are you permanently committed to representing Nigeria? I feel I’m pretty committed. No one is ever sure of the future but for now I’m here and committed. and as long as everything

continues to run smoothly, as long as things continue to progress because nothing is perfect, but as long as things continue to progress, there is no reason to run away or throw my hands up. What went through your mind after you won gold in Port Novo and heard you would be disqualified? I didn’t really know until I was sitting down in the award stand and they said I was disqualified and I asked, “for what?” They couldn’t really tell me and so I told some of the coaches and they got together and I guess they went to protest. But when I heard it I just said, “really, for what”? I don’t remember doing anything that would make me eligible to be disqualified within my race. I was unsure but at that point, if I was disqualified there would be nothing I could do about it. I would just have to get ready for the next part. It didn’t feel good because I was happy that I was the African champion and then to hear that I was disqualified; it wasn’t a great feeling at first. However I wasn’t disqualified at the end so that is what’s important.

How have you managed to combine schooling and athletics effectively? It is kind of manageable just because you can’t practice for 24 hours in a day. My school schedule is situated around that. I have classes in the early morning through the afternoon and then practice in the late afternoon. In the evening you have dinner, can do your homework and any other thing that needs to be done. It’s pretty manageable when your time is managed properly. Nothing really had to suffer; it was pretty smooth going for the past four years. Now that you’ve graduated, what’s next for you? I really intend to focus on athletics just because it’s going well right now. So I want to see how well it can really go and I just want to commit myself wholeheartedly to it so that’s going to be the main focus. Training, training, training for whatever is next, the Worlds is next year. Eventually probably after a couple of years I would want to go back and get my MBA and from there, I have no clue what be next. What do you enjoy doing outside athletics? A lot of things; I like hanging out with my friends, hanging out by myself, sometimes staying at home, watching movies, getting on facebook, twitter and other social media and things like that. Reading up some books once in a while, acting crazy, dancing, the basic things young people do. But I’m pretty mellow for the most part. Travelling is fun too.

Sport

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Iheagwam toasts to Okagbare’s Diamond feat

10 DAYS TO GO

ormer national sprinter, Tina Iheagwam, has commended Blessing Okagbare’s recent feat at the just-concluded London Diamond League where she won the 100m event. Iheagwam told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Okagbare’s performance at the July13 to July 15 meet in London; was worth celebrating. Okagbare came first with a returning time of 11.01secs, ahead of Carmelita Jeter who came second with a time 11.03secs and Tianna Madison came third by 11.13secs. “I am happy that Blessing won at the Diamond League because this is a sign that we will do well in the 100 metres of the 2012 Olympics Athletics event,” Iheagwam said. Iheagwam also urged Okagbare to be more focused and save her best performance for the main event at the forthcoming Olympic Games. “Now that Blessing has defeated the world fastest women in 100m, I bet you that Jeter, FraserPryce will want to avenge their loss in the London Olympics”.

Behold Rwanda’s swimming prodigy

hen 15-year-old Alphonsine Agahozo swims at the London Olympics next month, she will be the pride of her father and the landlocked African nation. She is broad shouldered and strong but otherwise looks like any other girl of her age. Dad Alphonse Twagirimana, a swimming instructor for 30 years but now unemployed, began teaching her to swim when she was three, and will now watch to see how years of hard work pay off in her 50m freestyle heats on August 3. “I realised she would go far as a swimmer when she was just six years old,” he told Reuters, his face beaming with pride. Agahozo, who secured her place through one of two guaranteed places given to each national Olympic committee in swimming, knows she has a lot of work to do since her personal best of 30.2 seconds is far below the world record of 23.73 seconds. “I am competing against all the world, but I have experience competing in different events so I think I will be OK,” she said at the National Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. Agahozo trained for years in a small outdoor pool at her local sports centre, before winning a scholarship to study and train in France last year. “It’s not Rwanda’s first time to be represented at the Olympics in swimming, but what makes us so proud is that we are represented by such a talented young woman,” said Samuel Kinimba Ufitimana, president of the Rwandan Swimming Federation.

Alphonsine Agahozo

All medallists to be tested

Influx of athletes into London W begins amid security row

Members of the Italian contingent to the London Olympic Games arriving in the Heathrow Airport, yesterday

EVEREST ONYEWUCHI WITH AGENCY REPORTS

he first wave of Olympic athletes and visitors began pouring into Britain yesterday and officials played down fears that a packed London would buckle under the pressure. London’s main Heathrow Airport recorded one of its busiest days on record, processing about 236,955 passengers, which would surpass its previous record of 233,562 set on July 31 last year. This compares with 190,000 passengers through Heathrow on an average day. Some 335 competitors were expected yesterday, as part of 1,027 so-called “Games Family” arrivals (including athletes and coaches) from more than 50 countries. The busiest day for arriving athletes is expected to be July 24, even as the Olympic Village also opened its doors to the first athletes, yesterday. There are speculations that London could buckle under the pressure of its biggest peacetime security and transport op-

eration. An embarrassing shortage of security guards, fears over airport queues and questions about the capital’s creaking transport system have overshadowed preparations for the Games. Extra soldiers have been drafted in to help police the Games after private security firm, G4S, said it had run out of time to train all its newly recruited members of staff. The company’s share price fell sharply and Home Secretary, Theresa May, faced an urgent question about that in the House of Commons yesterday afternoon.. Less than two weeks before the opening ceremony on July 27, Prime Minister David Cameron said the G4S shambles would not compromise Britain’s largest peacetime policing exercise. “We had contingency plans, we are using those contingency plans and we will do whatever it takes to deliver a safe and secure Games,” Cameron told a news conference. The security fiasco dominat-

ed the headlines last weekend and raised fears that Britain would struggle to cope with the Games. A cartoon in the Daily Telegraph newspaper showed a redfaced, overweight runner wearing a G4S vest, complaining, “I didn’t realise I had to run all the way to the end.” Some 12,500 police will be on Olympics duty each day, backed up by soldiers, fighter jets and missile batteries on the top of apartment blocks near the Olympics site in east London. Security chiefs said they had prepared for threats on the scale of the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States of America. Four British Islamist suicide bombers killed 52 people on three trains and a bus in London on the day after the city was awarded the Games in July 2005. Meanwhile, the first section of road reserved for Olympic athletes and officials began operating yesterday, when one lane of the motorway linking Heathrow with the western edge of the capital was closed to all non-Olympic traffic.

ork is starting at the laboratory which will conduct some 6,000 drugs tests as London 2012 will see the biggest anti-doping operation in the history of the Olympic Games. More than 1,000 people will staff the anti-doping laboratory, with up to 400 samples tested every day for more than 240 prohibited substances. Half of all the competitors are to be tested for drugs, with 150 scientists set to take 6,000 samples between now and the end of the Paralympic Games on September 9. Every competitor who wins a medal will also be tested. Team GB’s Phillips Idowu, Beth Tweddle, David Weir, Graham Edmunds and Marlon Devonish are fronting a campaign highlighting the anti-doping programme Sprinter Devonish won an Olympic gold in the 4x100m relay at the 2004 Athens Games. He said, “Winning an Olympic medal is the best feeling in the world and as an athlete it’s so important to know that anyone who stands on the podium has got there through their own hard work and dedication, not by doping.” Team GB sprinter, Dwain Chambers, and cyclist, David Millar, will compete in London after the British Olympic Association’s policy of punishing drug cheats with lifetime bans was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

1,000 property owners in Lagos govt estates get titles STORIES: DAYO AYEYEMI

nder its programme to ensure the registration of properties and confer on their owners proper land titles, the Lagos State Government has presented registered sub-lease title documents to 1,000 property owners in government housing estates in the state.

The 1,000 new sub-lease presented formed the second batch of property owners to be issued with registered titles and had bought their properties from government agencies like the state Ministry of Housing, Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, and Lagos Building Investment Company Limited before the year 2000. Speaking during the pre-

sentation ceremony on Friday, Governor Babatunde Fashola, said until his administration decided to initiate the programme that led to the award of the titles, most of the allottees had only letters of allocation and other documents not legally recognised as documents of title. Giving the background of the policy, he recalled that on assumption of office in 2007,

L-R: Representative of Anambra State Governor, Mr. Patrick Obi; Chairman, Council of Registered Builders Of Nigeria, Professor Akin Akindoyeni; President, Nigerian Institute of Building (Niob), Mr. Chucks Omeife; and representative of the Enugu State Governor, Mr. I.K. Ugwuegede; at the national conference/AGM of NIOB In Enugu at weekend.

Trimble, Geoverdict donate surveying equipment to UNILAG

he Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics, University of Lagos, Akoka, was further boosted at the weekend as the worldwide leader in surveying equipment, Trimble, and an indigenous company, Geoverdict, a division of Lordsfield Limited, donated equipment worth over $100,000 (N15.7m) to it. Speaking during the donation of the surveying equipment, the Managing Director, Geoverdict/ Lordsfield, Mr.OluropoOlajugba, an alumnus of the department, said the gesture was one of his ways of giving back to the university. Besides, he said it was targeted toward marking his company’s partnership with Trimble. Highly elated by the ges-

ture, the acting Vice Chancellor, UNILAG, Professor Rahman Ade-Bello, said the equipment would help the students to learn with the latest pieces of equipment in their areas of study. Once they are used to the equipment being used in the profession, he said it would save them time to be able to fit into the work environment almost immediately. He said, “Our programmes here include the Students Industrial Work Experience and our students must be involved for a minimum period of six months before they graduate, they are attached to good firms and are exposed to the right training and equipment.” The Head, Department, Surveying and Geoinformatics, UNILAG, Professor James Ola-

leye, said, “They are giving us top of the line equipment which we can’t afford with government funding. Our students will now be familiar with modern operations and are exposed to computers because most of the things done now are through computers. “We are coping with inadequate personnel by encouraging practising professionals to come and teach our students and the experience has been enriching because they give the students practical experience. Most of them are doing it without being paid.” The Worldwide Director of Sales, Trimble Survey Division, Mr. Robert Hanks, said the gesture was to identify with the training of future users of the company’s products.

Lagos has planted 3m trees –Fashola

overnor BabatundeFashola, stated that his government has planted over three million trees in different parts of Lagos State since 2009 when the tree planting campaign was introduced. The governor disclosed this at the weekend, during the 2012 tree planting campaign, which was commemorated throughout the

state with symbolic planting of trees by various officials of the state and local governments in different locations. At the Mushin-Ojuelegba flyover where he performed the tree planting exercise, Fashola said, at the first anniversary of the tree planting exercise in 2009, he mentioned his government would sur-

pass the initial plan to plant one million at the end of four years, saying, “We have now planted over three million trees in four years.” He said, “This is a feat of 12 years achieved within four years due to the commitment and passion of the government and members of the communities in this direction.”

he said his government was concerned about the large number of properties in the state without registered titles. To revive some of these properties, which were once termed dead assets, he stated that his government decided to do a number of things to assist property owners in registering their titles in order to reduce the large number of properties without registered titles in the state. According to him, his government strengthened the Directorate of Land Regularisation to enable it consider and process more applications for regularisation of titles to land under clearly stated procedure in areas under government acquisition but without commitment. He explained that the concern of his government in all of these efforts was aimed at reducing the unacceptable number of properties without registered titles , saying that it was not for economic benefit, but geared towards poverty alleviation and financial empowerment of the citizenry. He said, “It is an incontrovertible economic fact that an

owner of property who fails to register/perfect his title is sitting on dead asset and such a person, by his failure to do the proper thing, will be unable to put such property to optimal economic use for his benefit. This initiative is therefore aimed at making properties to begin to ‘work’ for their owners, since such properties with registered titles being legally recognised, can seamlessly be used as security to obtain loans for the acquisition of other properties and to raise needed finance to meet other needs of the owners.” Fashola said the project was embarked upon at great cost to the government as applications for registration of the houses were categorised into high income, medium income and low income with the house owners made to pay concessionary charges of N20,000, N15,000 and N10,000 respectively. The Permanent Secretary, Land Bureau, Mr. Hakeem MuriOkunola, said the property owners were being presented with documents obtained at considerably reduced/concessionary charges that would add great value to their lives.

Daniel Ford wins Best Property Management Agency in UK

Nigerian owned company, Daniel Ford & Company Limited, has boosted the nation’s image by winning the ‘Best Property Management Agency’ at the Lettings Agency of the Year Awards 2012 in London. North London-based Daniel Ford & Co won in the Silver-Best Property Management Agency (0-200 properties) category at the awards, organised in association with The Sunday Times of London and The Times of London and sponsored by Zoopla.co.uk. Daniel Ford Property Company is owned by Mr. Yemi Edun, who is based in London and its strength lies in acquiring properties in London for prospective Nigerian and non-Nigerian owners based on their choice location and budget. Speaking about the award, Edun said his company was delighted to receive the award, stating, “We are pleasantly surprised at this recognition; this is a reward to our commitment to best practice.” Edun said customer service is clearly crucial to the agency, with “response times for client and tenant queries swift and communication with both consistent. Regular staff training ensures the team is kept up-to-date with industry

changes, so they can offer clients a comprehensive property management service, which clearly outshines a whole host of its competitors.” He said the firm would never one to rest on its laurels and that it is “innovative in its approach to property management, offering a property acquisition service as part of its client proposition, as is a furniture department that caters for rental and personal usage.” According to him, the firm represents a few Premiership footballers in buying and managing their portfolio. One of them, Nwankwo Kanu said, “When Yemi/Daniel Ford is involved with your property, you can go to sleep. Daniel Ford helped grow my London property investment despite my tight schedule.” Daniel Ford & Co Limited firm specialises in overseas landlords, giving it an edge in the highly-competitive lettings market. In their appraisal, the Judges praised “the agency’s highly compliant systems and processes, which are managed by a dedicated compliance professional,” a role they believed clearly demonstrated the team’s awareness of the increased responsibility of managing property for overseas clients.

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

How to create your ideal

office

reating an office furniture layout that’s right for you is an easy task that must be achieved with high precision as shoddy arrangement may mar the whole exercise. Design Tips When planning and designing your office interior and deciding on the furniture you need, it pays to take some time out to think about what happens in your office in a typical week and how you could work better in your ideal office environment. Here, according to experts @ www.officecontracts.com are some key things to think about which could help to determine your individual needs for functionality and style. How many people work in this space? If you have many people to accommodate or particularly small area, a cluster arrangement or one of the more compact desk shapes will suit your needs. What are the likely noise levels? If your office handles a high number of calls, generating higher noise levels, you should consider including desktop screens. This can help improve acoustics and give the workstation a bit more privacy. What sort of work do you do there? If you need to spread out papers or plans on the desk, you’ll need more desktop space than most. Consider a desk extension or radius end. Are you sitting comfortably?

We sit at our desks for many hours every working day so it’s important to choose a chair that is fit for the purpose. See more chairs. Do you need to meet with others? If you often work in small groups or have small informal meetings, it might be an idea to add a meeting table extension to the end of the desk or

IF YOUR OFFICE HANDLES A HIGH NUMBER OF CALLS, GENERATING HIGHER NOISE LEVELS, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER INCLUDING DESKTOP SCREENS plan for a completely separate meeting table. Where is the power coming from? If fully concealed wiring to each workstation isn’t an option, consider including wire management accessories or pop up electrical sockets to minimise unsightly and trailing cables. What do you need to store? Don’t underestimate the storage space you need. Make sure you plan it into your de-

sign so that you can create an environment that will stay organised, efficient and clutter-free. Do you need filiing cabinets, bookcases for files or larger storage units? How much natural light is there? If your office is a little on the dark side, choose light wood finishes, more open leg systems and cabinets with frosted doors rather than solid ones. All this will help create a softer look and a more spacious feel.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

‘Lagos to register for carbon credits before December’ Mr. Ola Oresanya is the Managing Director of Lagos Waste Management Authority. In this Interview with DAYO AYEYEMI, he explains what the authority is doing to ensure a successful integrated waste management systems in Africa, and sheds more light on efforts of the government at reducing its carbon emission. What is the workshop on successful integrated waste management all about?

IF YOU LOOK AT THE

The programme is on sustainable waste management solution to African cities and we are showcasing the result of the findings of some of our modelling. We have been doing it in conjunction with United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The study we carried out in our landfill site in Epe. Epe is going to be the largest landfill site in Africa. We have done the modelling of the site and the rehabilitation of the existing landfill site for gas capture for sustainable management of the new site. We are going to cover the site and register for Kyoto protocol for CDM project. We have done it successfully in Lagos and I can assure you that Lagos is going to be registered before December. What have you been able to achieve in this regards? What we have been able to do so far with the partners is all over the world so that other cities from Africa can learn from it and work in that path so that we can have a regional development that can be African indigenous solution to African problem. We have adopted various technologies all over the world and use our indigenous capacity and peculiarity to be able to come up with a sustainable solution for Africa. When are you going to begin the process of capturing methane in Ojota and Isolo landfill sites? We have started already; there is a pipe work we have done and we did a lot of studies and samplings and our partner from Europe came here. They did all the studies and are now showcasing the result of the studies so that

CARBON CREDITS GLOBALLY, THERE IS NO CITY IN AFRICA THAT IS REGISTERED, AND THIS WE ARE DOING TO ENSURE THAT LAGOS IS REGISTERED BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR registered.

other cities can follow suit. We have people from Ghana, Ethiopia and other neighbouring countries attending this workshop.

What are the challenges facing its realisation before now? One of the key challenges is lack of data and lack of technical understanding of the technology. African cities do not have a good data base, but right now, things have changed. We are going to come up with this because we have data. There is a weighbridge at Ojota that captures the data there. When we can work with data and a lot of variables, then, we can work with technical partners. People have been using USEPA model but Lagos is going to be African benchmark for gas model.

You said Lagos will register for carbon credits before December this year. How? If you look at the carbon credits globally, there is no city in Africa that is registered, and this we are doing to ensure that Lagos is registered before the end of the year. The experts are going to tell us how they want Lagos

What is USEPA model all about? There is a model in calculating the gas generating capacity of the landfill site and gas covering capacity of the site. In Africa, we have not been able to develop a model. With the Lagos model as Lagos is close to Ghana and other African cities waste stream,

Oresanya

A borrower’s guide to the mortgage application

ere , Marcie Geffner of Bankrate. com sheds more light on the missing manual for the complex form borrowers fill out when they apply for a home loan. A mortgage application’s purpose is to help the lender decide whether to lend money to the borrower. But the industrystandard Uniform Residential Loan Application, also known as Fannie Mae Form No. 1003, is more complicated than that straightforward intent might suggest. Type of mortgage and terms of loan: This section, which describes the loan program for which the borrower wants to apply, is “generally not something the consumer is going to be able to complete,” says Greg Cook, a loan consultant and first-time-homebuyer specialist at Guild Mortgage Co. in Temecula, Calif. Instead, the loan officer will fill in the de-

tails. Property information and loan purpose: Most mortgage applicants haven’t identified the property they want to purchase. So parts of this section will be marked “to be determined,” Cook says. Borrowers must indicate who will own the property and how the title will be held. They’ll also have to disclose the source of their down payment — e.g., cash, gift or a first-time-homebuyer programme. Borrower information: This section asks for the borrower’s and co-borrower’s full names, birth dates, addresses, telephone numbers, Social Security numbers, marital status and other details. All of it, Cook says, should be a no-brainer for borrowers. Employment information: This section lets the lender contact the borrower’s employer or employers to verify the length

and terms of employment. A two-year job history typically is a minimum requirement, says Jay Dacey, a mortgage broker at Metropolitan Financial Mortgage Co. in Minneapolis. That means specificity is crucial. “If you get lazy, and two years was really one year and 10 months, then all of a sudden the whole loan could be messed up,” he says. Monthly income and combined housing-expense information: The left side of this section is used to determine if the borrower can repay the mortgage. Cook says this information often “requires some tweaking” because lenders calculate income differently than most borrowers perceive it. Most lenders require you to sign Internal Revenue Service Form 4506-T, which authorizes the lender to request a transcript of your tax returns. Self-employed

it will serve as benchmark. To have African model that cities can use as control point for data base, Lagos model will be the standard in other African cities. That is where we are launching to. What are you doing with other landfill sites in Lagos? Our partners are looking into the precise gas generation values on Ojota landfill site . I can tell you that in Isolo and Abule-Egba, we have high level of precision for gas generation. For the sake of our readers, can you explain what you mean by carbon credit? Carbon credit is the repayment they give you for reducing your carbon emission. It means that your project is reducing carbon. You are using all instrument of sustainable development like solar energy, which is renewable and sustainable. It is a CDM project and when you are reducing carbon that are supposed to be emitting, then you calculate the quantity of carbon that you are able to reduce. Let’s say before now, we were emitting 10,000 tons of carbon when we were not using solar. When we are using solar we are emiting only 200 tons of carbon, that means I am redusing 800 tons of carbon. I am not depleting the ozone layer. There are countries in the world that will buy your 800 tons of carbon and pay you for reducing 800. That is carbon credit you get. The big countries in the world that cannot reduce carbon, rather they are generating so much; they can now reduce when they pay you for reducing yours. It is like adopting your system. Calculating what is your worth in the 800 tons of carbon is the model we are designing. We have for oil industry; the one for waste management is what we are doing now. It is about how to calculate the carbon credit for waste management using African model which is Lagos model. Lagos is developing the empherical they are going to use for other African borrowers should know that early in the year, the previous year’s earnings can’t be used for loan qualification until the lender obtains verification of a current tax return from the IRS, Dacey says. It takes four to six weeks for the IRS to process and verify a Form 4506-T. “If you have demonstrated an ability to save, and it’s your own money in the deal, it makes lenders feel better,” Cook says. Details of transaction: Cook says borrowers will never fill out this section because the details depend on the loanorigination terms. Still, read it carefully. Declarations: This section is the last chance for borrowers to “own up,” to any financial hiccups they’ve experienced, Cook says. These include a bankruptcy, foreclosure or lawsuit. “Tell your lender everything,” he says. “If it can be fixed, we can fix it up front. If it can’t be fixed, there’s no sense getting into escrow on a house you’re never going to close on.”

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

WAEC building: Company director, agent to face contempt proceedings WALE IGBINTADE

he dispute over the sales of vast acres of land known as plot 6, Southern Industrial Estate, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos has assumed a new dimension as a Lagos High Court sitting at Ikeja ruled that the Managing Director of Maxi Market limited, Mr. Soji Omonira, and the company’s agent, Dr. Rotimi Olulana, are liable to contempt of court following their alleged disobedience of a court order as pronounced in suit No-ID/171/ 2006. Ruling on a preliminary objection to contempt proceedings initiated by a businessman, Mr. Kayode Euzibio, (judgment creditor) against four persons, Justice Raliatu Adebiyi, held that Maxi Market as a corporate body is not only bound but obliged to obey and comply with the terms of consent judgment. The respondents had in their preliminary objections urged the court to dismiss the suit arguing that it discloses no reasonable cause of action. But, Justice Adebiyi held that following the elementary principle of law, a director of a company is the person through which the company carries out its functions. Justice Adebiyi held that ‘’it’s settled law that a donee of a power of attorney or an agent in the presentation of a court suit must sue

WAEC building undergoing construction at Ogba, Lagos

in the name of the donor and not otherwise. It is therefore stands to reason that when a donor as in this case is sued, the donee who is the 2nd respondent to the contempt proceedings will be held liable’’. The court described as unmeritorious the contention of the Managing Director that no reasonable cause of action was made out against him. However, the court struck out application for contempt proceedings against the 1st respondent (Falomi Fashe) and the 3rd respondent Dr. (Mrs. Oke) saying that they were not proper party to the proceedings.

Euzebio had sued the West African Examination Council (WAEC) Maxi Market Limited (1st defendant), the Attorney General of Lagos State (2nd defendant) and the Registrar of titles, Lagos state (4th defendant) over the parcel of land.It is the contention of the judgment creditor, (Euzebio) that pursuant to terms of a settlement dated October 27, 2008 parties in the suit agreed to a joint sale of the disputed land. He stated that by the consent judgment of Justice Samuel Candide-Johnson, the company (Maxi Market limited) was obliged to jointly with him (Eu-

zebio) carry out the sales of the land. He alleged that the company sold the land to West African Examination Council (WAEC) International and against the terms of judgment and deposited the sum of N25 million into his account without his consent. He is praying the court for a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants or their agent from trespassing on the disputed land. The claimant (Euzebio) is also asking the court to stop Lagos state government from either granting statutorily consent under the Land Use Act to WAEC

(International) or Maxi Market for the purported alienation of the claimant’s four plots of land. In suit number ID/920/2011, the claimant through his lawyer, Babtunde Oshilaja sought court declaration that he is entitled to the statutory right of occupancy in respect of the disputed land. The claimant urged the court to hold that he did not appoint either directly or an agent to sell the said land to WAEC International hence there was no sale or transfer of possession of the disputed land to the 2nd defendant. The claimant averred in his statement of claim that as far back as 1985, he obtained by purchase four plots of land measuring 3233.643 square metres from Maxi Market limited through the company’s Managing Director Olusola Omoniran (now deceased). The claimant added that in 2005, after the death of Chief Omoniran and the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy dated April 22, 2004 by the governor of Lagos State to Max Market, the company reconfirmed the his (claimant) by executing Deed of Assignment to be submitted to the governor for statutory consent. He stated that by a letter dated November 20, 2006 his former lawyer Adegoke Folorunso Esq. wrote a letter to the Managing Director of Max Market stating that after a joint sale by the claimant and the Company, payment in respect of his four plots of land should be made in his name and paid directly to him by the buyer of the entire six acres of land.

Lagos govt committed to infrastructure provision ...Commissioner hands over newly built police post

agos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has restated the commitment of Fashola-led administration toward providing first class roads across the state in its avowed resolve to enhance the operating environment for both business and citizens. While handing over the Ladipo Police Post, constructed as a replacement for the one located at Kalesanwo Street, Ladipo marked for demolition due to ongoing reconstruction efforts, the commissioner attributed the smooth completion to effective partnership between citizens and government. He said, “When corporate entities support government to realise its goals and objectives especially in the overall interest of the community, then, we are able to forge ahead faster”. According to Hamzat, who appealed for sacrifice in the interest of the state, said it was

important for owners of properties impeding construction works being carried out by the state government to sheath their swords and cooperate with the government in order to ensure quick delivery of projects. He added that Union Bank Plc had demonstrated goodwill and a high sense of corporate social responsibility by donating plot of land to the state for its use. Stating that court cases will delay delivery of projects, Hamzat said three cases are presently in courts concerning the reconstruction of Ago Palace Way Okota as a result of the planned demolition of houses obstructing the right of way thus, causing delays of the project. While assuring that the state government in spite of its being challenged by limited resources will continue to pursue the revamping of its infrastructure, the commissioner stated that the administration

has awarded various road contracts across the state. He stated that apart from the 16 strategic roads being undertaken, six roads have been awarded in Mushin Local Government Area including the Post Office Road, stressing that the state government understands its responsibilities especially in the area of infrastructure development. He urged citizens to perform their civic responsibility by paying their taxes regularly as means of assisting the government to spread infrastructure development to all the local government areas. He also commended the Police for their commitment to security of the citizenry, saying that the state government will continue to support them in their quest to rid the society of unwanted elements. In his remarks, the Lagos State Police Commissioner, represented by the Deputy

Commissioner in charge of Administration, Mr. Isaac Eke, stated that the police will continue to respond to the security challenges in the state to the best of its ability. While commending the state government for its commitment to improving the operational capacity of the police, he assured that the new police post will enhance the ability of the force to combat the security challenge of the area. Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Tayo Bamgbose-Martins, stated that apart from the aesthetic value of police post, the building has also been designed in a manner that will give vent to the culture of quality public buildings being promoted by the administration. He emphasised that the relocation of the building with facilities such as: two cells, one reinforced armoury, one charge room, two DPO offices, one traffic department, five other offic-

Hamzat

es, sanitary facilities, borehole and telecom mast will afford the contractors the opportunity to deliver the road as quickly as the state government desires and give people the benefit of good road network.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Aviation

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Clearing agents’ relocation: Stakeholders express fear over security lapses

o say the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos is porous is an understatement. In fact, the entire airport complex, including the Hajj and Cargo terminal, is often packed with hundreds of people without tangible business at the airport, given free access to restricted areas of the complex without challenge from any quarters. But in a bid to redress the situation and bring sanity to the Nigerian airport environment, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, about three weeks ago, took a decisive action by ejecting the Customs clearing agents operating within the airport. Although the ejection was severely oppossed by the umbrella body of the agents; the Association of National License Customs Agents who blackmailed the agency, but FAAN stood its ground. However, barely two weeks after the ejection, the Hajj and Cargo terminal is back to its old state with clearing agents in their thousands carrying out business activities as usual, even in the presence of security agents attached to that aspect of the airport. Industry stakeholders and professionals are, however, not comfortable with the return of the agents, most especially in this era of insecurity, which has pervaded the entire country. Those who spoke with National Mirror noted that elsewhere in the world, cargo agents are not seen within the airport environment unless when there are goods and cargoes to be cleared and wondered why the situation in the country is different from others. The Secretary General, Nigerian Aviation Professional Association, Comrade Abdulrazak Saidu, raised security concerns about the continuous stay of the agents within the airport environment. He cautioned that if government does not take a decisive action immediately, the airport is prone to attack, especially with the hordes of people around the terminal without checks and proper identification. Saidu explained that the ejection of the clearing agents was a right decision by FAAN, but alleged that the action of the agency is being interfered with by some people in government, insisting that the operators were not above the law. He emphasised that elsewhere, cargo agents operate outside the airport environment and only track their goods with the aid of electronic equipments and wondered why the same could not be reproduced in Nigeria. He said, “As a civil society and activist, I am worried about the state of touting at that aspect of the airport. The action taken by FAAN is a welcome development and in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s standards and practices, which states that the airport must be secured and safe for operations. “But I am equally worried that some of the people in government are not allowing FAAN to carry out its duties

The continuous operations of Customs clearing agents at the Hajj and Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos is giving the country’s aviation stakeholders concern, given the current security situation in the country. OLUSEGUN KOIKI reports.

Saidu

Uriesi

BUT I AM EQUALLY WORRIED THAT SOME OF THE PEOPLE IN GOVERNMENT ARE NOT ALLOWING

FAAN TO CARRY OUT ITS DUTIES AS EXPECTED AND IT IS ONE OF THE MAJOR AREAS WHERE THOSE OF US WITH INTEREST IN AVIATION ARE NOT COMFORTABLE WITH as expected and it is one of the major areas where those of us with interest in aviation are not comfortable with. Those in government are supposed to sustain the action of FAAN, but unfortunately, they have ridiculed the agency before the clearing agents. “Otherwise, when you are talking about safety at the airport, the cargo section is inclusive. Nigeria has been practicing order from above and it is dragging us backwards. But I believe that must stop forthwith, especially in this era of bombings in the country. The actions of FAAN are not sustained because of political interference.” Also, the Secretary General, Aviation Round Table, Mr. Sam Akerele pointed out that the Hajj and Cargo Terminal is porous with many unidentifiable routes to access the airport. Akerele decried that despite the porosity of the airport; most of the access routes are not manned by security operatives or by any electric devices to ward-off intruders within the terminal, stressing that the airport is prone to attack with its porosity. On the practice of cargo operations in advanced aviation countries, Akerele, like Saidu, explained that they operate outside the airport vicinity

and monitor their goods electronically, which he said makes a it easier for them to follow their cargoes from departure to arrival points. He decried that government’s interference in the activities of the agency is affecting its performance, maintaining that without political will, the industry would not propel forward. He said, “The first practice of agent is to register with the airport authorities and step number two is that if you don’t have any cargo coming in, you don’t go to the airport because most cargoes allover the world are tracked electronically. “That place we call cargo terminal is very porous. For instance, if you look at the cargo area towards the Ajao Estate Road, there are many routes by which you can enter the airport and they are not manned electronically. It’s not a matter of patrol. If we sent the agents away and they returned, there must be a reason for that. “I was told that the agents blackmailed FAAN by saying without them, they can’t clear goods. The place is porous and most especially with this security threats, I think FAAN needs to put adequate security measures in

place. I hope you will not have some of these bombings around that place.” Also, a security expert, Mr. Chris Iwelunmo challenged the Federal Government to take a decisive step on the clearing agents at the terminal, saying that their continuous stay at the terminal constituted security threat to the nation. Iwelunmo said that most of the agents are not registered with FAAN and wondered how the agency controls their activities. He challenged FAAN management to involve security agencies in ejecting the clearing agents from the terminal, warning that if the agency refuses to take a definite step on their activities, perpetrators of dastardly act may use that avenue to attack the airport. But the clearing agents insisted that rather than constitute national threat through its activities at the airport, it plays major roles in the supply chain of goods within the airport. ANLCA Chairman, Mr. Livinus Agubuzor explained that the clearing agents never resisted relocation of its activities at the Hajj and Cargo Terminal, but rather called for provision of alternative place to carry out its business activities within the airport. He challenged FAAN to provide a cargo village for its activities within the airport, stressing that the absence of this had negatively affected their operations. According to him, the demolition of its former secretariat by FAAN left the agents without any option other than to operate in an open space at the NAHCO shed, which has led to the invasion of the area by touts. While remarking that the association has evolved means of dealing with touting activities in the area by introducing fraud free identity cards, it urged FAAN to provide a space for the association to build its edifice to accommodate all approved agents. Also, spokesman, for the MMIA, Mr. Victor Arisa insisted that the agency would not renege in its relocation exercise of the agents, stressing that the issue had been discussed at several security meetings held in the country. He said that the essence of the relocation was to pave way for the proposed cargo village by the government, adding that the exercise could not be carried out without ejection of the agents. He said, the agency is looking for an alternative place for the agents whom he described as stakeholders who contribute to the economic growth of the country. “You cannot do that while certain structures are there. Hence, they were asked to relocate. Just on Tuesday, a meeting was held at the FAAN’s headquarters where the Managing Director of FAAN, Mr. George Uriesi presided over and also the agents’ national executives in attendance. “After the discussions, FAAN’s management directed the regional airport manager, Mr. Edward Olarerin to go back and look at a possible site where they could be relocated.”

Aviation

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

AIRSIDE Bi-courtney warns against illegal parkings at MMA2 terminal Are Jet A1 truck drivers above the law? shegzzy4live2000@yahoo.co.uk 08186007273

MMA2 terminal

STORIES: OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he management of BiCourtney Aviation Services Limited, operators of the Murtala Mohammed Airport Two has threatened to sanction motorists who park indiscriminately within its complex. The management said that such haphazard parking is causing traffic jam in the terminal and appealed to motorwists making use of its facilities to strictly adhere to traffic rules within the complex. A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the

terminal, Mr. Steve OmolaleAjulo, stated that since the management had erected traffic signs at noticeable points within the terminal, motorists had no excuse to disobey the signs, warning that offenders would be sanctioned accordingly. The management observed that some motorists are in the habit of driving into the airport, park indiscriminately at ‘dropoff zone’ or pick passengers at unauthorised places, thereby causing obstruction to the free flow of traffic at the terminal and inconveniencing other users.

Omolale-Ajulo, stated that the warning became necessary following the current security challenges in the country and the rampant flagrant disobedience of traffic signs at the airport in recent times by many motorists. He emphasised that the current security challenges made it imperative for motorists and other terminal users to be thoroughly screened by the security department of MMA2 and urged the motorists to co-operate with the security agents in the performance of their duties. The statement advised motorists who want to stay longer at the terminal, to make use of its 800-vehicle capacity Multi-Storey Car Park (MSCP), “where a token is charged, instead of parking at ‘no parking zones.” It reads in part, “Unlike other airports in the country, MMA2 is an orderly place where there are rules and regulations guiding its operations. These rules and regulations are supposed to make the airport conducive to all users. Therefore, every motorist, passenger or visitor to the terminal, as well as worker, is expected to obey the traffic rules and regulations without any exemption.”

Delta Air lines introduces full flat-bed seats for Nigerian Business Elite passengers

elta Air Lines has announced it is introducing full flat-bed seats in its BusinessElite cabin onboard its daily service between Lagos and Atlanta, effective from September 5, 2012. The management said the changes form part of the airline’s ongoing plan to invest more than $3bn in enhanced global products, services and airport facilities through to 2013. An online statement signed by the media consultant to the airline in Lagos stated that the airline is the only one offering year-round, daily nonstop service between Nigeria and the United States. The flight will operate with a 201-seat Boeing 767300ER aircraft offering 36 seats in BusinessElite. Each seat according to the statement converts to a 180-degree fully flat-bed and offers direct aisle access in a 1x2x1 configuration, adding that they are forward-facing and 22 per cent wider than the seats they replace. All feature a 10.6” individual screen and a broad range of on demand entertainment in addi-

he the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has, over the last few months, taken some bold steps to sanitise the airport environment, most especially at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos. For instance, the agency has enforced stricter rules for those accessing the airport through various checks in strategic places and mounting of Closed Circuit Television cameras in several places (the functionality or otherwise of the CCTV cameras is a debate for another day), but it seems the Jet A1 truck drivers are above the law as they continuously park indiscriminately in the airport environment without checks from any authority. Airside thinks it is pertinent to draw the attention of FAAN management to the presence of

oil tankers in large numbers at the international wing of the airport. A visit to the Hajj/NAHCO junction area of the airport shows a state of lawlessness as over 70 fuel tankers are parked arbitrarily on the road, turning the airport complex to another Apapa/Oshodi Expressway where tanker drivers have become a huge problem despite the efforts of both the Lagos and Federal governments to drive them away from the point. While the activities of the tanker drivers outside the airport can be overlooked, it can not be condoned in a place like the airport which is supposed to be in tune with international safety standards. FAAN should take a proactive step on this issue before a disaster strikes.

Operation show your certificates

ome enemies of progress are spreading a rumour that one of the chief executive officers in one of the agencies in the Nigerian aviation industry is aptly armed with intimidating fake credentials and are ready to expose their “prey” very soon. In fact, they claimed that the CEO got the plum job through the credentials he claimed he possessed, which they have now discovered to be fake. While Airside does not want

to take side with these “rumour mongers and bad belle’ people, Airside thinks that all CEOs should embark on Operation show your certificate at least to permanently silence the rumour mongers. It is not possible for anyone to cry more than the bereaved. So, the fearless CEOs should show the Nigerian populace their certificates. However, one will not forget in a hurry a particular CEO in the country’s aviation industry in 2005 who claimed to be what he was not.

SAHCOL provides handling services to Etihad Airways

T Full flat-bed seats with direct aisle access in Delta Air Lines

tion to a 110v AC power source and USB port, noting that the airline will offer more than 500 of these seats each week between Nigeria and the United States. “Nigeria is an important market for Delta and we’re investing in our product out of Lagos because our business passengers expect the comfort of a flat-bed seat when travelling to and from the United States. “Additionally, thanks to the recently opened international terminal in Atlanta, connecting passengers now benefit from a state-of-the-art facility offering

smoother transfers to hundreds of onward destinations,” said Delta’s Senior Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Perry Cantarutti. Other product initiatives being rolled out across Delta’s international fleet includes the expansion of Wi-Fi service in 2013. The introduction of WiFi 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 Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, SAHCOL has been picked as the preferred Ground Handler for Etihad Airways which began its operations into Lagos, from its home base –Abu Dhabi, UAE recently. Under the arrangement, SAHCOL will be providing total Ground Handling Services to Etihad Airways’ six times a week flight operations from and to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirate (UAE). According to the Head of Corporate Communication of SAHCOL, Basil Agboarumi, the company would be supplying ground handling Services to all Etihad Airways Operations (passenger and Cargo Aircraft) in and out bound Lagos, Nigeria. Since the takeover of SAHCOL by the SIFAX Group in December 2009, SAHCOL has invested in personnel development and state-of-the-art equipment, fleet replacement, and massive

infrastructural development which has helped tailored the company to meet the needs and expectations of its growing list of clientele. According to Agboarumi; “SAHCOL, with its new Private Sector Management composition and orientation has kicked off the development of Business models geared towards ensuring efficient and speedy delivery of Aviation Ground Handling Services to all its customers, making it the reference point where efficiency of a successful flight is born.” The activities of SAHCOL includes Passenger Handling, Ramp Handling, Cargo Handling/Warehousing, Aviation Security, Baggage reconciliation, Executive Lounge, and other related Ground Handling Services, while ensuring that Ground Handling assignment is carried out in an efficient, speedy and safe manner, by deploying the right tools and expertise

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insurance

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Reps untangle Nigerian insurance industry

Tambuwal

he Nigerian insurance industry is known for its conservativeness but it was recently forced out of its shell by the House of Representatives investigating insurance of government assets. During the five –day public hearing held by the House committee on Finance led by Chairman, Mr. Abdulmumin Jubrin, several issues including the fact that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), floated its own insurance company without the knowledge of the industry regulator, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) were made. Other issues and challenges facing the industry like capital flight from the economy due to lack of human and capital resources to take on lucrative oil and gas insurance, impracticable insurance law and non-insurance of government assets were also brought to the public eye. The committee members expressed concern over the delay in the payment of insurance claims owed by most of the insurance companies handling government assets and property. Consequently, insurance of government property and assets may receive a boost with the support of House of Reps from next year. It may however not be business as usual for Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel without holding back had revealed to the committee during the probe that the government is the major violator of insurance laws in Nigeria. He stated that the attitude of most MDAs to insurance was inimical to the economy, lamenting that there was little his organisation could do, as there is no law to compel MDAs to submit their insurance details to NAICOM. He said: “This makes it difficult for the Budget office to make correct projections for the MDAs during the budgeting pro-

Daniel

Hassan

As probes into the various business activities in the country continue to spring up through the House of Representatives, the regulator and operators in the insurance industry were also put through the mill last week by the Committee on Finance. OMOBOLA TOLU-KUSIMO reports the shocking revelations made by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the industry operators. cess. In addition, it also makes it difficult for NAICOM to advise or critic submission by MDAs for purposes of budgeting. It might surprise you to learn that most MDAs do not even have compulsory insurance while the little that has does it haphazardly. “The most disturbing is that NNPC captive insurance takes a chunk of our insurable overseas. This can be attributed to our lack of capacity to take on captive. There is need therefore, for a total overhaul or outright scrapping of the 2003 Insurance Act. Daniel continued: “The Insurance Act 2003 is not in tune with reality. It is only when practicable insurance laws like those of India and South Africa are put in place that NAICOM can provide the Committee with actual status of govern-

THE MOST DISTURBING IS THAT

NNPC CAPTIVE

INSURANCE TAKES A CHUNK OF OUR

INSURABLE OVERSEAS.

THIS CAN BE

ATTRIBUTED TO OUR LACK OF CAPACITY TO TAKE ON CAPTIVE

ment’s assets and property. We should not forget that insurance in other developing nations has become veritable avenue for creating jobs and growing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).” He noted that NAICOM is unaware of the establishment of the off-shore company, and did not have regulatory powers over it. Apparently, the members grilled several insurance companies managing the $46bn offshore assets of the NNPC against the backdrop of over $329.4m insurance premium and claims allegedly inflated by some insurance companies contracted to insure the state-run corporation. They expressed concern over the huge capital flight from the economy due to lack of capacity of indigenous insurance companies to undertake captive insurance for the Nigerian NNPC and the oil and gas sector. Jubrin said an analysis of documents submitted to it by the NNPC show that the corporation padded its insurance premium by $329.4m from 2009 to date. “For 2012 alone, NNPC increased its insurance premium from $10m to $90m with no corresponding increase in their assets,” committee chairman, said. “They also did not build any refinery, no any major infrastructure put in place. We also observed that there was no any major disaster that befell NNPC within the period in question.” He said the committee has also found that there is an outstanding insurance premium amounting to $12m which the NNPC

has not paid. The development was fallouts of separate inquest by the Lower House into the activities of the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF). PEF is a scheduled parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources established mainly to administer uniform prices of petroleum products throughout the country. The lawmakers further queried the delay in payment of the backlog of insurance claims to Federal Government’s agencies worth N12.3bn, allegedly owed by NICON Insurance Plc over the past four years and NAICOM’s posture that it lacked constitutional powers to compel MDAs to subscribe to insurance. But NICON Insurance Plc told the committee members that the insurance company does not owe the Federal Government but that the government rather owes the organisation. The company stated categorically that the Federal Government owed NICON Insurance N12.3bn in premium. Mr. Bayode Samuel who presented NICON Insurance’s position said the company’s liability in terms of general business stood at N5bn at privatisation in December 2005 of which the company has reduced to N1.3bn. On the NNPC insurance accounts, Managing Director of Leadway Assurance Ltd, Mr. Oye Hassan-Odukale disclosed in his presentation that NNPC has $70m claims delayed by slow documentation and an additional $100m that it has not been fully advised on. Jubrin noted that the probe was not to victimise anybody or organisation but to foster development of the industry. He reiterated the commitment of the House to deepen insurance industry and assured that the committee “will address all the issues by providing adequate fund for the insurance of government property by next year.”

Insurance

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Niger Insurance records N1.23bn profit Problems with insurance? F Send a text: 08086946621

rom a loss of N124m in the financial year ended 2010, Niger Insurance Plc has grown its profit after tax to N1.23bn Consequently, the board of directors approved a dividend payment of 2.5k per share. Under the current year, its gross premium income rose from N7.04bn in 2010 to N7.81bn, while the shareholders funds increased from N4.3bn in 2010 to N5.5bn and total assets stood at N21.1bn. Managing Director of the underwriting firm, Mr. Justice Uranta while speaking to journalists during the company’s Pre-Annual General Meeting press conference said the company made this feat despite three years of harsh economic climate. He disclosed that the recent move by the company to inject fresh funds via the capital market came out successful, with over 75 per cent subscribed. The Niger Insurance boss however reaffirmed that the insurance industry is towing the right

L-R: Managing Director, Niger Insurance Plc, Mr. Justice Uranta, Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Kola Adedeji and Mr. Tony Ojeme, Head, Corporate Planning during the company’s pre-AGM press conference held recently in Lagos.

direction through the effort of its regulator, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), who ensured the policy of best practice and corporate governance. He said, “For instance, the In-

ILAN constitutes elders into board fellows

n a bid to advance the growth and knowledge of loss adjusters in the country, the Institute of Loss Adjusters of Nigeria, ILAN, has inaugurated elders who are members of the institute as board fellows. President of the institute, Chief ‘Lebi Omoboyowa during the ceremony said the elders who are mostly past presidents of the association will give useful advise that will further direct the institute towards greater achievements . He said the institute had fellows since 1981 but there was no time they were formally constituted into a body. “The inauguration of our board of fellows is a right step in the right direction. We have fellow members right from time since 1981 but there was no time they were formally constituted into a body whereby it will offer useful advice and guide the institute. “Many of them have been president before, now that they have become past president, we also want to give them back while they continue to be relevant to the institute. With this in mind, we believe there

will be a sense of pride in them that they can still contribute to the development of the institute and the insurance industry as a whole.” He highlighted part of their challenges as poor remuneration in terms of what they earn and possible extinction of the profession. “There is the need for an immediate upward review in the scale of fees of loss adjusters by insurers to avert extinction survive in the country, he said He said that he is particularly happy that the inauguration of the elders took place now adding that they have been trying to put in place different structures without jeopardising their relevance to the International Federation of Adjusting Association (IFAA), the global body. The Institute of loss adjusters of Nigeria is a corporate body with business ethic code, and one of the three major arms of the insurance industry in Nigeria. Its members provide the necessary technical services to the insurance market; both insured and corporate in the areas of claim investigations and settlement.

Vodacom granted South African insurance licences

an-African Telecommunications Company, Vodacom has received permission to enter the South African insurance market, having recently been awarded a long-term insurance licence by the Financial Services Board (FSB) in April 2012. An elated Managing Executive of Vodacom Financial Services, Mr. Mark Taylor said: “We have an existing

customer base of more than 30million customers and we have the ability to access these customers via mobile technology” Launch dates and further details on the firm’s long and short-term products will be Analysts are hopeful that Nigeria’s major telecommunication operators would tow similar line to deepen the insurance penetration in Nigeria.

ternational Finance Reporting Standard (IFRS), has brought about new accounting standards conformable to international accounting investors confidence. Worthy of note is the capacity

of the players, stature and dynamism needed to encourage investors and salvage the near collapsed market.” He stated that Niger Insurance achieved an underwriting profit

of N1.54bn during the year under review even as it is still on its transformation drive. He said, “In the company’s transformation drive, the board of directors invited the Financial Institute Training Consultants (FITC) as agents of this major phase. “Hitherto, key personnel at senior management level have been injected into the system to invigorate it. The company is still in tune with its human capital development by way of sending key staff to both local and international training fora.” He explained that the investment portfolios have been realigned in conformity with the present economic situation. “We also have plans to relaunch some key products into the market, expand branch network and information technology while we continue to build business alliances and embark on more aggressive marketing,” he said.

Pocketing auto insurance claims cash rather than making repairs

ou’ve had a car accident and you’re relieved to find that the damage to your vehicle is only cosmetic. When the cheque for repairs arrives from the insurance company, you’re tempted to deposit it in your checking account and use the money for more pressing needs, like your daughter’s new braces or a well-deserved weekend getaway. Could you? Should you? Let’s look at the possible consequences.

Cash out As long as the check is made out to you, it is your choice whether to “cash out,” as the practice is called, or repair the car, says Dan Young, senior vice president of insurance relations for CARSTAR, the largest collision-repair network in North America. However, sometimes insurance checks are made out directly to body shops or, if you’re financing the car, to both you and your lender. If you are leasing, the check might be made out to you and your leasing company. Even if you’re able to cash out, opinions differ on whether it’s a wise move. Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington, D.C., says it could be “a smart thing to do” if the dents and dings are minor and they don’t bother you.

“I had a car that got damaged in a hail storm and it was an old car,” Baker says. “I wasn’t going to spend the insurance money I got to fix it. I wasn’t expecting to keep the car long and I didn’t really care what it looked like.” The car had little resale value, so a few more dings weren’t going to make much of a difference at trade time, he says.

Wait, you might regret it! Others warn that a decision to cash out and skip the repairs can come back to haunt you. Safety is a big concern for unrepaired cars, Young says. The damage from your accident may not look that bad, but there could be trouble with the brakes or the wheels or even the engine that you can’t see. If you continue to drive the unrepaired car, it may make the problems worse. According to a 2011 report in Edmunds’ AutoObserver. com, the economic hard times brought on by the current recession has led many motorists to delay auto repairs, making their cars potentially unsafe to drive. Young observes that cashing out is becoming less popular. Because the economy is picking up, “I don’t think it’s as prevalent now as it was in 2009, 2010.” Want a good reason to repair your car as soon as you get the check? Some of the dam-

age may not be visible to your claims adjuster. When the body shop starts working on your car, it might find more problems. Your insurance policy typically will pay for any additional damage that’s revealed. However, if you delay repairs, your insurer may doubt the true cause of structural or mechanical problems.

Think ahead Don’t expect your insurance company to pay for the additional repairs later on if you can’t prove the damage occurred due to the accident, says Jim Klapthor, a spokesperson for Allstate Insurance Co. “I don’t see any economic benefit to having your car damaged, filing a claim, receiving a check to fix it, and then not repairing it,” he says. For example, it could be that your wheel assembly was damaged and no one noticed, but continuing to drive the car caused you to ruin the front end. In such cases, your insurance company can say “no” to the additional cost of the repairs. What if you have another accident and the same area of your car is damaged? Your insurance company is going to try to determine what part of the damage was from the first accident, Klapthor says. It’s not going to pay you for the same damage twice. Tips by insure.com

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Skye Bank’s gross earnings hit N59.7bn in half year JOHNSON O KANLAWON

kye Bank Plc has declared gross earnings of N59.7bn for hald year ended June 30 2012, an increase by 22 per cent when comared with N48.9bn recorded in the same period of 2011. The bank’s profit after tax rose by 39.8 per cent in the review period, from N5.86bn in 2011 half year to N8.19bn in 2012 second quarter, while taxation increased by N1.80bn in the half year, from N1.46bn recorded in the same period of 2011. According to the result presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, the bank in-

vestment and other income stood at N1.54bn in the half year, from N978m recorded in the corresponding period of 2011. Further analysis of the bank result showed an increase in customer deposits and other accounts by 14.9 per cent, from N651.3bn in 2011 half year to N748.6bn in the review period, while net assets dropped by 4.8 per cent in 2012 half year, from N110.6bn in 2011 to N105.2bn in 2012 half year. The Group Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Kehinde DurosimiEtti, had in May said the bank would bid for any of the three nationalised banks, which it finds

valuable. The Skye Bank boss said, “In 2011, we looked at those banks and we did not buy any, when those banks are up for sale like anybody else we will look at them and if we find value in them we will make a bid.” Durosimi-Etti assured that the bank would perform better in the current year stating that “with better performance, more vibrant industry, the banks should do well; the economy should better than last year and hopefully we would pay a much better dividend.” According to him, although the bank’s profit dipped by 20 per cent in the 2011 financial year,

‘we were still able to pay a dividend of 25 kobo and hopefully this year we would be able to move better ahead of where we left off last year.’ On the mandatory non-interest deposit with the Central Bank of Nigeria, he noted that the mandatory deposits is not convenient with the banks, but said that its propose is to help the economy grow. He explained that the deposit “is to enable the CBN manage money supply and attendant inflation that comes with much money in circulation. Even though it hurts, we would go along with the policy because of its economic benefits.”

Banking sector sustains bullish trading on NSE

rading in equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange continued on bullish note yesterday, over gains recorded mostly in the banking sector. The sector lifted the the All Share Index by 1.04 per cent to close at 22,978.14 points, compared to the increase by 1.10 per cent recorded on Friday to close at 22,741.06 points. Market capitalisation rose by N76bn to close at N7.34trn, lower than the appreciation by N79bn recorded on Friday to close

at N7.26trn. The banking index gained 2.95 per cent to close at 1,865.60 points, followed by NSE-30 index by 1.44 per cent to close at 1,069.43 oints. The insurance index increased by 0.88 per cent to close at 130.04 points, while oil and gas index added 0.81 per cent to close at 176.8 points. The consumer goods index rose marginally by 0.62 per cent to close at 1,865.60 points. Conoil Plc led the gainers’ table with N1.02 or 4.97 per cent to close at N21.56 per share, followed by Air

Service Plc with seven kobo or 4.83 per cent to close at N1.52 per share. RT Briscoe Plc gained eight kobo or 4.79 per cent to close at N1.75 per share, while Eterna Oil Plc increased by 12 kobo or 4.78 per cent to close at N2.63 per share. Vitafoam Plc appreciated by 15 kobo or 4.78 per cent to close at N3.29 per share. On the flip side, Enamel Ware Plc dropped by N1.80 or 4.97 per cent to close at N34.39 per share, while May and Baker Plc dipped by nine kobo or 4.97 per cent to close at N1.72 per

share. Union Bank of Nigeria Plc lost 23 kobo or 4.95 per cent to close at N4.42 per share, while Livestock Plc declined by six kobo or 4.03 per cent to close at N1.43 per share. DN Meyer Plc depreciated by two kobo or 3.85 per cent to close at 50 kobo per share. Transaction volume in equities shed 38.9 per cent, as a total of 270.48 million shares worth N1.34bn were exchanged in 4,129 deals, compared to 443.18 million shares valued at N1.43bn traded in 3,511 deals on Friday.

Diamond Bank’s profit rises by 408% in half year JOHNSON OKANLAWON

iamond Bank has declared a profit after tax of N9.99bn in half year ended June 30, 2012, an increase by 408.1 per cent when compared to N1.97bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2011. The bank’s gross earnings rose by 48.5 per cent, from N64.77bn in the 2011 half year to N43.6bn in the review period. The result was prepared according to International Financial Reporting Standards. According to a statement from the bank yesterday, the bank remains on track to deliver superior returns to shareholders at year end with an

impressive quarter result after declaring a profit before tax of N15.4bn in 2012 half year, from N3bn recorded in the same period of 2011. Earnings per share increased from 35.37kobo in the second quarter of 2011 to 137.84kobo in the review period, an increase by 289.7 per cent. Net interest income rose by 71 per cent to N42bn in 2012 half year, from N24.5bn in June 2011, while net operating expenses grew marginally to N29.1bn, from N25.3bn in June 2011. The bank showed good appetite in funding the real sector with loans and advances to customers going up by 17 per cent to N505.7bn, as against N433.5bn in March 2012,

up by 29 per cent compared to N392.0bn recorded in December 2011. Further analysis of the result showed an increase by 12 per cent in total assets, from N960bn in 2011 half year to N855bn in March 2012, up by 20 per cent from N802.7bn in December 2011. Speaking on the result, the Group Managing Director, Dr. Alex Otti, said that the bank will continue to build on the solid foundation established following the completion of its balance sheet clean up in December 2011. He said, “We are reporting healthy asset growth (up 12 per cent quarter on quarter) and have sustained strong deposit growth especially from the retail segment

of the market. “Our cost structure remained stable in Q2, with our risk indicators continuing to show sustainable asset quality improvements which adequately position the bank to deliver on target ROE by year end.” Otti explained that the bank is delighted by the encouraging figures and will continue to focus on growing operating profitability at acceptable risk levels that ensure ‘we deliver superior returns to our shareholders in 2012 and the years ahead.’ He added that the bank wil continue to provide comprehensive banking and other financial services to corporate and individual customers across the country.

Source: NSE

Source: Afrinvest

Market indicators All-Share Index 22,978.14 points Market capitalisation 7,335trillion

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

CONOIL

20.54

21.56

1.02

% CHANGE 4.97

AIRSERVICE

1.45

1.52

0.07

4.83

RTBRISCOE

1.67

1.75

0.08

4.79

ETERNA

2.51

2.63

0.12

4.78

VITAFOAM

3.14

3.29

0.15

4.78

TRANSCORP

1.05

1.10

0.05

4.76

HONYFLOUR

1.90

1.99

0.09

4.74

IKEJAHOTEL

1.07

1.12

0.05

4.67

UBA

4.33

4.53

0.20

4.62

JAPAULOIL

0.65

0.68

0.03

4.62

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE -4.97

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

ENAMELWA

36.19

34.39

1.80

MAYBAKER

1.81

1.72

0.09

-4.97

UBN

4.65

4.42

0.23

-4.95

LIVESTOCK

1.49

1.43

0.06

-4.03

DNMEYER

0.52

0.50

0.02

-3.85

BAGCO

1.87

1.80

0.07

-3.74

NIGERINS

0.55

0.53

0.02

-3.64

DANGSUGAR

4.41

4.25

0.16

-3.63

CONTINSURE

0.68

0.66

0.02

-2.94

DIAMONDBNK

2.47

2.41

0.06

-2.43

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Day

30,159.21

14.00

12-Jul-12

182-Day

14,412.00

16.99

12-Jul-12

364 -Day

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

42-DAY

1,831.55

13.25

2-Jul-12

41-DAY

14.29

13.24

2-Jul-12

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$200m

N/A

$200m

16-Jul-12

$180m

N/A

$180m

11-Jul-12

Capital Market

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at July 16, 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, July 17, 2012

Constitution review: Belgore report to the rescue CONTINUED FROM 13 shall direct its policy towards ensuring that there are equal and adequate education opportunities at all levels.” Given the nobility of the aforementioned sections of the constitution, Section 6(6) provides: “The judicial powers vested in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this section shall not, except as otherwise provided by this constitution, extend to any issue or question as to whether any act or omission by any authority or person or as to whether any law or any judicial decision is in conformity with the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of States Policy set out in Chapter 11 of this Constitution,” and thus only paid lip service to the provision of social services to the citizenry. The Belgore committee, however, is recommending that these rights be taken out of Chapter II which do not contain enforceable rights and be merged with Chapter IV which contain enforceable rights. It said: “The committee adopted the recommendation of the 2005 Conference that the Fundamental Human Rights in chapters II and IV of the 1999 Constitution should be merged, where possible and should be made enforceable. “It further decided that aspects of Chapter II, which underscore the fundamental objectives of the constitution, should be transferred to the general provisions whilst those that aggregate rights should be transferred to Chapter IV.” Recalling the Trovan drug saga of Kano, where innocent Nigerians were used as guinea pigs in a drug test by Pfizer, a pharmaceutical company, the committee recommended that “the right to personal liberty be expanded to ensure that Nigerians are not subjected to medial or scientific experiments without their informed consent.” The committee also recommended that “forcible take over or suspension of government shall be illegal. Every Nigerian should have an obligation to defend the constitution and resist overthrow of government.” Another recommendation of the committee was the creation of Equal Opportunities Commission to replace the Federal Character Commission, to battle the scourge of discrimination. It added that this would ensure the guarantee the rights of women and persons with disability and ensure geographical and ethnic balancing. The committee also recommended holistic devolution of power, noting that too much power is concentrated in the hands of the government at the centre and therefore posited that the Federal Government should only retain powers necessary for “maintaining the sovereignty of the country.” The report therefore recommended as follows: “Reduction of powers at the centre and devolution of same to the federating units; allow the centre to retain necessary powers to enable it exercise its sovereignty and enable the centre to act for the federating units in areas of common and mutually beneficial interest and services.” While recommending that local governments should be independent of states,

IN VIEW OF THE EMOTIVE NATURE OF

ROTATION, IT SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE CONSTITUTION.

IT SHOULD, HOWEVER, BE GIVEN LEGAL BACKING... TO ENSURE THAT POLITICAL PARTIES ARE ENJOINED TO APPLY THE ROTATION PRINCIPLE Jonathan

the committee in its report noted that “the system of local government as a tier of government should be guaranteed, and its financial autonomy ensured, without prejudice to the creation and supervision of the state governments,” and also recommended that the power to create local government areas should be wholly vested in states. But this recommendation came with a far-reaching caveat: the number of local governments in a state shall not be the criteria for allocation of national resources. This, the committee said, is to prevent arbitrary creation of local government by states for the purpose of collecting more allocation from the federation account. It rather recommended: “Instead, allocation of revenue between the states shall be based on the established allocation principles of population, equality of states, internal revenue generation, and landmass, terrain, as well as population density, as already enshrined in Section 162 (2) of the Constitution.” To give fillip to the above, the committee also recommended the scrapping of the State Joint Local Government Account Committee and called for the establishment of the States Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (SRMAFC), which will allocate funds to the state government, local government councils and between local councils of a state, using the same distribution principles for revenue allocation formula adopted by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) when allocating funds from the federation account. On rotation of power, which had always been a contentious and vexed issue, the Belgore committee recommended that it should not be included in the constitution, but recommended for the provision of legal backing to the principle in order to guarantee equity and justice in selecting people for elective office, saying: “In view of the emotive nature of rotation, it should not be included in the constitution. It should, however, be given legal backing below the constitution to ensure that political parties are enjoined to apply the rotation principle,” adding that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) be empowered to en-

Belgore

force the law. Justifying this recommendation, the committee said that it was taken to deepen the democratic process by giving equal access to all political players by encouraging “equity and justice in putting forward people for electoral offices.” The committee also recommended that for equity, fairness and justice, one state should be created in the South-East geo-political zone for the zone to have six states like other geo-political zones, but added that “provided they comply with the requirements of the constitution, the additional state in the South-East and any other state can be created anywhere in the federation.” The committee also recommended the retention of the clause conferring immunity on a sitting president, vice president, governors and their deputies, but also made case for the establishment of an Office of Independent Counsel, to investigate allegations and initiate proceeding against such officers who enjoy immunity while they are still in office. The committee also made far-reaching recommendation on election petition tribunals. Describing the present system wasteful and time wasting, the Belgore Committee, while observing that judges

now lobby for appointment into election tribunals and thus giving room for corruption to thrive, suggested that apart from the governorship and presidential elections, only one judge should hear petitions arising from other elections, in order to minimise corruption and save time and also save resources. It added: “For petitions involving the election of a governor of a state, a chief judge from another state is to preside over the election petition. The chief judge of a state is the nearest judicial officer to the governor in the sense that the governor could have a hand in his appointment. Therefore, a chief judge from another state sitting with two other senior judges of that state is appropriate.” The committee also recommended a holistic review of the country’s civil and criminal laws, which it said were not in tandem with international standard and therefore recommended a unified modern criminal law for federal and state governments and a review of the civil and criminal legal procedure. It said: “Of special significance is that we also looked at the judiciary vis-à-vis the bar, which is just one. That means there is only one Bar. “The procedures we inherited from the colonial times which were originally meant for jury has not helped the speedy dispensation of justice. There is no reason earthly why judgements and hearing in cases must take more than one year. The British have done away with these procedures in some of their Acts, while we still insist on them are sacrosanct, which is unfortunate. “That is why we believe that the Chief Justice of Nigeria must be empowered to set up a council from time to time to look at the rules of courts both civil and criminal and the councils should be representative of the judiciary, the bar, the private sector and government.” Identifying the problem area to be the criminal procedure, simply because the country’s criminal laws (penal and criminal codes) were at great divergence, Belgore said that one way to solve the problem inherent in the judiciary is for President Jonathan to set up a panel to fashion out a unification of modern criminal legislation. Belgore said: “If these reforms in the judiciary system and the enabling legislation are carried out, it will be possible for a counsel from, say Cross River State, to travel to Borno State, Katsina State or Sokoto State and find that the criminal law is virtually the same thing; and same will be the procedure.” Another recommendation of the committee was that the Federal Government monopoly on railways be broken and be moved from Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List to allow for both states and the Federal Government make laws on railways. The committee also recommended that prisons be moved from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List, to allow for state governments to legislate on prisons and also build prisons. It also recommended that commercial and industrial monopolies, combines and trusts be moved to the CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

Politics

THE

PARLIAMENT

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

How I’ll sanitise judiciary – Mukhtar

The Senate, last week, screened and confirmed Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar as the first female and 12th indigenous Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). The occasion was an opportunity for the learned justice to provide insight into the style of her administration, writes GEORGE OJI.

When the conferment of SAN started some 25, 30 years ago, it was limited to a very small number and gradually it rose to 15 and we are hoping to increase the number very soon. But to say that a whole 50 that are said to be qualified would be conferred will be a very very big step for now.

Plea bargain I believe there is no harm in it if it is done in good faith and it is done properly.

igerian women, particularly the lawyers, did not hesitate to say it loud last Wednesday, July 11 that the day was special to them at the Senate. That was the day one of their own, Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar was screened and confirmed as the first woman to occupy the highly coveted office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). The women came in their droves, looking very resplendent and completely took over the entire gallery of the Senate that day. They came in all manners of uniforms (aso ebi). The lawyers among them, particularly members of the Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA) appeared in their traditional white and black attire. When eventually the lady of the moment emerged out of the Senate chambers after being confirmed as the CJN designate, the joy of the women knew no bounds. They all struggled to undo one another. Everyone of them either wanted to be the first to have a handshake with Her Lordship or a photograph session with her. The women senators, not wanting to be outshined by their colleagues, were the first set to have a group photograph with Muktar immediately she emerged from the Senate chambers. Earlier, Mukhtar was led into the Senate chambers by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Affairs, Senator Joy Mordi, where she faced a barrage of questions from the Senators that lasted for close to two hours. Each of the Senators wanted to be part of those that asked questions or made contributions of sort. Her Lordship’s responses to all the questions posed by the senators were however, quite measured; short, sharp, very brief and direct. The following were her responses to some of the issues raised:

Terrorism and special courts I know that this is one issue that is paramount in everybody’s mind in Nigeria and I know that everybody is anxious to ensure that this menace is curbed. We can only do that if there is a law in place, but right now there is no law on terrorism, hence I will say that the ball is in your court and in the court of the executive. Once a law is passed, the judiciary will make sure that it complies with it and makes sure that it deals with anybody found guilty of the offence.

Corruption in the judiciary Corruption is in every system of our society and I cannot pretend that it is not in the judiciary. How I intend to curb this is to lead by example and to hope and pray that others will follow. As the chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), I will encourage internal cleansing based on petitions, but that is not to say that I will condole frivolous petitions. Each petition will be looked at on its merit. I will also seek the cooperation of my colleagues in the council to ensure that discipline is enforced accordingly.

Prison congestion When you talk about prison congestion, you cannot talk about it without talking about delay in the administration of justice. People tend to believe that it is only the judicial officers that are guilty of the delay, but that is not the case. In a court you have the judge, and when it is a criminal matter, which of course affects the prison, you have the prosecutor and then you have the defence counsel. Invariably, the prosecution is not even ready and the prosecutor will tell you that either the witnesses are not available or that there are no resources for getting the witnesses to court. Then adjournments upon adjournments will occur. Again there is the issue of lack of vehicles to convey accused persons from prisons and without them a case will not continue, otherwise, the judge will be accused of noncompliance with the principles of fair hearing. Then there

States judicial councils Right now we have the National Judicial Council in each state and I believe they discharge their functions the way they should and they recommend to the NJC on discipline, appointments etc.

Declaration of assets I would have thought that declaring every four years as it is now will suffice and be maintained. To extend it to the private concerns I don’t know if they are covered by the provisions in the constitution.

Witness protection law We will try because right now even getting the witnesses to court is a problem, but we will try.

Special courts to try terrorism

Mukhtar

I WILL INSTIL DISCIPLINE AND INTERNAL CLEANSING. THE NJC WILL ENSURE THAT WHENEVER ANY JUDICIAL OFFICER CONTRAVENES THE LAW OR CONTRAVENES THE

I heard this idea being mooted on television. But my own take is that rather than establishing a special court just for that purpose, it will be better if a judge of a court is designated to hear and take these matters, if a single court is created as time goes by, the offences may continue to go down or diminish and if a court is specifically set up for that then there will not be much for that court or judge to do. In my own view, if a judge or may be two judges or even three if possible in a judicial division are designated to deal with these offences, it will suffice, that is my own take on that.

Poor perception of the judiciary

is the defence counsel who will in turn be making different applications upon applications, hence delaying the process of court proceedings. So, to say that it is the court or the judiciary that will be blamed for this will be most unfair.

Indeed, as it is, it is very bad and I am saddened by it. But as I said earlier, I will try and I don’t want to sound as a broken record here. I will try to make sure that the confidence reposed in the judiciary before will be restored. I will try as much as possible to ensure that the bad eggs that are there will be cleansed by the NJC based on petitions. It is sad that the ordinary man on the streets now thinks and feels that he will not get justice and this is because of the situation we find ourselves. I will ensure that this perception changes.

Conflicting injunctions by judges

Release of persons accused of terrorism

DIRECTIVES GIVEN TO HIM... THEY WILL BE DEALT WITH

You are right that right from the time of Justice Mohammed Uwais there has been directives to judges to be very very cautious and careful of granting injunctions. In fact, the National Judicial Institute has in many occasions conducted training on this particular vexed issue, but somehow down the line some judges will not heed the advice and the directives they have been given. You have asked what I will do about this. I will go back to what I have said earlier on that I will instil discipline and internal cleansing. The NJC will ensure that whenever any judicial officer contravenes the law or contravenes the directives given to him, I pray, with the cooperation of my colleagues, they will be dealt with.

I believe this depends on what is before the judge and the proof of evidence, if at all there is any, before the judge. If the judge finds that there is nothing that should warrant the remand of a person accused of terrorism, then he will be at liberty to release him on bail. But then I think I will take steps to ensure that we partner effectively with the authorities to ensure that we curb this and to ensure that unnecessary granting of bail is limited.

Conviction of poor men against rich men

I think it is section 285 of the constitution that deals with this. We have given decisions on this and as a lawyer I am sure you must have read the decisions. Now that the exercise on the review of the constitution is ongoing, it is open to whoever that wishes or wants the section to be amended either way.

This is a very naughty question in the sense that again the judge can only act on what is before him. When you find a situation where the prosecution will file a charge containing may be a 100 and something offences, it becomes difficult for the judge to sieve and sift and bring out those charges that are proved from the ones that are not proved. I would only implore the prosecution to do their home work properly and confine themselves to the necessary charges that they should file. By so doing, it will be easier for the judge to discharge his duties and it will be easier for the judges to find the charges that have been proved.

Conferment of SANs

Allocation of funds to the judiciary by state governors

Time limitation of electoral disputes

I am glad you said you have been appearing before us, which shows and confirms that you are a lawyer. I wonder if you have applied before that is why you feel so strongly about it. I think there has been an improvement on this.

In fact, this is a very vexed issue in the judicial circle. Section 121(3) of the constitution specifically provides that funds earmarked or allocated for the purpose of the judiCONTINUED ON PAGE 43

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Unlike in the past when Nigerian delegation to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) leave after the opening session, the influence of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal ensured that Nigerian lawmakers participated at crucial sessions of the justconcluded conference. IMAM IMAM reports.

THE

PARLIAMENT

CPA praises Tambuwal

hen members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Africa Region gathered for their 43rd conference in Gauteng, South Africa last week, one thing was on their minds: to bolster legislative influence in the day-to-day running of governments in member-countries so as to ensure good governance, tackle poverty and deepen democratic norms and values. For them, the gathering offered another opportunity to share experience, learn from each other and find solutions to the myriad of problems and development challenges bedevilling the African continent. Since the CPA Africa Region came on board in 1980, it has left an imprint on the continent’s sphere of governance. This can be seen from past resolutions of the conferences in areas like the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), food security, climatic change among other important areas. Since the return of democratic rule in Nigeria in 1999, the country’s parliamentarians have played various roles in promoting the ideals of the CPA. However, as with many things Nigerian, the enthusiasm shown by participants to the CPA conferences at the beginning of the millennium has since waned. This can be seen from the attitude of Nigerians who showed up at the past conferences but departed almost immediately the opening ceremony was concluded without waiting to take part in crucial committee level sessions. That was the norm at least until the emergence of Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the leader of Nigerian delegation to the CPA. The sign that things would be different with Tambuwal began to emerge during last year’s CPA conference in London. However, it was at last week’s gathering of the Africa Region of the CPA that Nigeria not only took its rightful place among sister nations, but left the stage with a positive impression not seen since 1999. By the end of the conference, and largely due to his insistence on attending all scheduled activities at the conference, a new picture had emerged on the person and character of

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (fifth right), Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu (fourth right) and other Nigerian delegates at the recently held Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) African Region conference in Gauteng, South Africa.

Tambuwal, a sort that inspired confidence among participants, observers and other Nigerians who attended the forum. From their utterances during and after the conference, Nigerians gathered at the Michel Angelo Convention Centre and made it clear that a new dawn has befallen the country’s legislature. To them, Tambuwal, like a General tasked with the mandate of leading his troops to battle, roused them into action in the most positive manner. Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament and Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, praised Tambuwal’s efforts which he said had ensured that Nigerian lawmakers participated actively in all the sessions of the week-long conference. He said for the first time in many years, Nigeria made the necessary impact in the continental gathering due largely to Tambuwal’s influence. “Our delegates took part in all the sessions and made useful contributions many of which were adopted at various committee levels. This is instructive considering the fact that we were notorious for not showing up at such gatherings or if we do, we pack our belongings and return home early. “This change of attitude was made possible by the leader of our delegation (Tambuwal), who took part in all the sessions and led by example. Due to his diligence, our country has reaped the benefit of its attendance. Our members from the National Assembly and various state assemblies have enriched their legislative skills and I

CONTINUED FROM 42 ciary should be allocated in bulk to the judiciary. But that does not happen in the states. The state executives hold on to the allocation and wait until the heads of courts go to them, cap in hand, requesting for a part of that fund. It is not good enough and we have been complaining about this and we will continue to complain about it.

Creation of Court of Appeals in all states When I got to the Court of Appeal, there were only six or seven divisions and they were functioning very well, there were no problems whatsoever, there were no issues of conflicting judgements. Even when it (number of Justices) increased to 48, there were still no problems. But now, what do we have? My own view is that creating divisions in

am sure we will benefit from it when we return home,” Ekweremadu added. For the President of the Pan African Parliament (PAP), Hon. Bethel Amadi, Tambuwal’s pragmatic style of leadership not only at the CPA conference but also in the House of Representatives, has injected confidence into the operations of the lawmakers at international fora like the one provided by the Gauteng conference. Speaking at a lunch attended by Nigerian delegates, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Rafiu Adejare, said the leadership provided by Speaker Tambuwal at the conference offered an opportunity for the lawmakers to retool and re-strategise for better service delivery back home. According to him, taking part in the CPA will play a big role in fostering unity and understanding among lawmakers from the continent and the entire Commonwealth as a whole. “For the benefit of those who do not know the Speaker well, I must say that he is an exemplary leader whose love for Nigeria is deep. As you can see here, he has given each and every one of us a sense of belonging not minding the fact that some of us are from the National Assembly while others are from states Houses of Assembly. In our midst here are persons of different political leanings but in Tambuwal’s book, we are all one and the same people who are here to represent the interest of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Adejare said. On his part, the Speaker of Akwa Ibom

State House of Assembly, Hon. Sam Ikom, said the new found synergy existing between the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly will be beneficial to the country. He commended Tambuwal for his efforts, saying with the legislature working together, Nigerian democracy is on the right path. According to Hon. Luke Onofiok, a member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly who attended the conference as a delegate, Tambuwal is proving to be one of the greatest leaders among the present crop of leaders in the country. His words: “My respect for the Speaker knows no bound. From what I have seen in this conference, he is a team player who has given every member a sense of belonging. In my book, he is a true nationalist.” No doubt, the Commonwealth Parliamentarians may have spoken the minds of millions of Nigerians who have come to appreciate Tambuwal’s leadership style since he was elected to head the House of Representatives in June last year. Within this period, he has justified the confidence of those who reposed their trust in him. The Speaker showed commendable leadership technique that saw Nigerian delegates to the CPA conference come together in demonstration of unity. Importantly, their contributions were hailed by all participants as the best of its kind in recent memory. Imam is the Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to Speaker Tambuwal

How I’ll sanitise judiciary – Mukhtar all the states is not the answer. Indeed, when the Court of Appeal had a strength of 48, not to go back to when I joined and we were 27, this did not happen. There were no conflicting judgements being churned out by judges. But the moment there were creation of divisions from the former ones, this was when the problems started.

Increase of Supreme Court justices There is no country in the world where its Supreme Court has more than 16 justices. Even China with its size and population has less than 16. But here in Nigeria we have 17. The work load presently is a lot but with the

amendments that we have proposed, and submitted, if you go through it, you will find that the work load is going to be reduced tremendously. There are some appeals that come from the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court that should not come, like interlocutory appeals. This in fact is an obstacle to the continuation of matters in the lower courts. You find a lawyer filing appeals on interlocutory matter right from the court of first instance until it gets to the Supreme Court and by the time it goes back to the court of first instance, so many years would have passed. With our proposed amendments we are going to discourage such interlocutory appeals from coming to the Supreme Court.

Politics

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘I’ve no regrets turning down Jonathan’s ministerial offer’ CONTINUED FROM 15

people are calling for state creation. Do you support the creation of additional states when the existing ones can barely survive outside federal allocation? One of the greatest problems we have today is the creation of states. Many of the states are created for the purpose of getting federal allocation. Whether states, local governments or local development council areas are dependent 90 per cent on federal allocation to survive. To me, calling for more states doesn’t sound right. I think, we should see how we can reduce the number of administrative units that we have. If it is possible to merge or reduce the number of states and local governments that we have, I will raise my hand in support of that. If it is possible for the merger of states, I will raise my hand in support of the idea.

has become of their cases? Nothing happens. That is the way the Nigerian judiciary works. People that have embezzled people’s money have been arraigned before the law court, but it will take eternity before they are prosecuted and punished. So, how do you see the fight against corruption in Nigeria, such that a former governor embezzled billions and he was set free in Nigeria, but was jailed in London? That is the tragedy we are facing and that comes back to the question raised earlier as to what is behind the uprising and insecurity. The people understand what is going on but there is nothing they can do and they are frustrated. That is why they embark on all these antisocial activities you see around; they are as a result of the failure of leadership to fight against corruption.

What is your view about the renaming of University of Lagos after late Moshood Abiola and the call for the declaration of Abiola as President, posthumously? It is most unfortunate that what was done with the best of intention has now turned into controversies. More consultations should have preceded the renaming of the university, but once it was done, considering the contribution of Chief MKO Abiola, not only to sports as people continued to harp on, but even to education. Once more consultations are done, I expected people to just let it go. As for the declaration of Abiola as president, posthumously, I don’t know what that will do to his image. All Nigerians realised that he won the election, but I don’t know what purpose it will serve since he is not here to take the title. His running mate who is still living jumped ship. I think what he needs now is prayer, because of his sacrifices that we have democracy in this country today.

Then, how should we tackle corruption effectively? Very simple; the laws are there; anybody who runs foul of the law should be arraigned before a law court and the court must prosecute and pass sentence. But as of now, that is not done. The only people that are prosecuted are those petty criminals, people who steal N1,000, N2,000 or goat. That is the tragedy. There have been talks of a possible dialogue with Boko Haram by the new National Security Adviser. How do you see the development and what is your advice for the NSA? I think he knows what to do, if he calls for my advice I will advise him. I believe that if there is opportunity for dialogue, it is always preferable but you must be able to reach those you want to dialogue with. If you can’t reach them or you do not have contact with them, how do you dialogue? As much as possible dialogue is preferable above the use of violence. The Senate President says that the Northern elders are not doing enough to tackle the insurgency in the North. Do you agree with that? I think the Senate President just felt frustrated that we have not made any headway in tackling the security CONTINUED FROM 41 Concurrent List. In this regard, it posited that item 10 of the Exclusive List be merged with item 19 to read: “commercial and industrial monopolies, combines, trusts, and designation of securities, in which trust funds may be invested” and be moved to the Concurrent List. While receiving the report, President Jonathan thanked the committee for especially paying attention to the administration of local government in the country. It will be recalled that more than three quarters of the 774 local government councils are under the administration of caretaker chairmen, contrary to the provision of Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution which advocated for democratic administration of the local government councils. Jonathan said that since local governments impact directly on the lives of the citizenry, “the extent of their efficient development is the true measure of our democracy’s claim to being a government of the people by the people and for the people.” The president added: “Even though the present constitution has served the nation well, the general consensus is that it requires review and amendment in view of gaps that have become evident in our attempt to operationalise it over the last 13 years. The Committee’s mandate included the preparation of a legislative bill that would be sent to the National Assembly

Umar challenges that we have. Many influential Northerners have spoken out on this security issue. We must also know that there is not much anybody can do when you do not control security forces. The nation is set for another constitution review and

As we move towards 2015 elections, what is your advice for Nigerians generally? By 2015 we should be ready to elect good leaders irrespective of the religious backgrounds. The focus of those in government and every Nigerian should be how to address the security challenge and give good governance to the people.

Constitution review: Belgore report to the rescue for debate and consideration in the proposed constitutional review exercise. In submitting its report today, the Committee has fulfilled this charge. “I am convinced, given my personal experience at national and sub-national levels of governance in Nigeria, that the greatest asset of our democracy is the commitment of people at the grassroots to the ideals of transparency, accountability and good governance.” On the recommendations in the report, Jonathan said: “I am informed that the committee reached unanimous agreements on changes in key areas of the constitution; and that the recommendations that you are submitting today include provisions to strengthen fundamental rights as well as legal protection for all citizens, especially children, women and the physically challenged. “I also understand that you have worked hard to develop provisions for speedy and fairer administration of justice. I am one with you on these issues, as I believe that fundamental rights, security of life and property, the protection of the law, and equitable dispensation of justice must be made real as they greatly influence the average citizen’s sense of obligation and patriotic disposition towards the nation. “I equally welcome the recommenda-

tions that will grant the Executive more flexibility in policy making, like the removal of the Land Use Act from the Constitution but retaining it as a National Law. This report is a great contribution to our efforts to have a constitution that not only reflects our present reality, but also anticipates future challenges. I assure you that the report will receive expeditious consideration. “Finally, I would like to reiterate our administration’s unshakeable faith in the emergence of a strong, united, and prosperous Nigerian nation. Our enduring sense of brotherhood, unwavering desire for freedom, unique resilience and abiding faith in Nigeria have seen us through sundry challenges over the past 52 years of nationhood. “I am confident that these innate attributes will provide us the requisite fortitude to persevere and overcome in the face of new challenges.” But the big question is: Will these recommendations, as laudable and far-reaching as they sound, see the light of the day? Nigerians are sceptical that despite all these sweet speeches at the submission of the Belgore committee report, the report may become another abandoned document on the shelf of the Aso Rock Villa library.

Yes, the president has promised to act on it, but same has been said of all other reports which at the end of the day never saw the light of the day. However, it is pertinent to say that if these recommendations are implemented, Nigeria may be on the path to achieving some element of stability and greatness. It is also crucial to note that the Belgore committee is not yet done with its assignment. It is expected that the committee, according to its mandate would put all its recommendations into draft bills for onward transmission to the National Assembly Ad hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution as amended for consideration and incorporation to the exercise. With the clamour for the total review of the constitution, which some people even called for its outright jettison for a people’s constitution, the implementation of these recommendations in the constitutional review exercise would go a long way in satisfying the wishes of the people. Perhaps, it would probably reduce the security challenge occasioned by the Boko Haram Islamic Sect which had held the country, especially the Northern part and the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja to ransom, maiming and killing innocent Nigerians and also give every Nigerian a sense of belonging in their fatherland.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror Residents petitions IGP over N100,000 bail demand

“Akwa Ibom people deserve the best service delivery and will not settle for anything less.”

AKWA IBOM STATE GOVERNOR; GODSWILL AKPABIO

Traffic gridlock: Commissioner canvasses water transportation MURITALA AYINLA

s Lagosians continue to groan under persistent traffic gridlock caused by the partial closure of Third Mainland Bridge; the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa has urged Lagosians to embrace water transportation as viable alternative to road transportation. Opeifa, who reassured Lagosians that several measures have been put in place to ensure viability and safety of water transportation in the state, added that it is obvious everyone cannot rely on road transportation now until the completion of works on the Third Mainland Bridge. Speaking after inspecting jetties across the state waterways, Opeifa said water transportation within the state is being regulated by Lagos Waterways Authority (LASWA) to ensure compliance with water safety standard. According to him, “what we want Lagosians to understand is that transporting by water is safer, reliable and convenient. The purpose of establishing LASWA was for it to conduct routine check on ferries operating in Lagos waterways to ascertain their worthiness. So, it is safer, reliable and less stressful as there are several places where people can

board the ferries. “We do have various kinds of vessels, but our target is to have bigger ferries that are more comfortable. As for this moment, what we have on the waterways are safe, reliable and efficient. All ferries operating on Lagos waterways have been certified by LASWA”. Opeifa also encouraged those who have phobia for water to patronise LAG-BUS and BRT buses, saying it is not adviceable for everyone to put his or her car on the

road at this time. “My advice, especially to residents in Ikorodu area is to use public transportation, if they can’t afford to use water transportation. They can find a way to park their vehicles and take LAG BUS from Ikorodu at Sabo Garrage to CMS. They can also get the ones going to Oshodi, Obalende and so on from the place. “Alternatively, they can take ferry or speedboat. Many of them ply Ikorodu to Ijede, Bayeiku Igbogbo

and the rest. We all cannot continue to crowd the Ikorodu road and Third Mainland Bridge at this period. On his part, the Managing Director of LASWA, Yinka Marinho disclosed that 1.3 million people travel by water monthly in the state, adding that 59 operators run ferry businesses in Lagos, even as he noted that the closure of the bridge has increased the number of trips the operators ply daily. Yinka said: “Initially, some that

used to make three trips in the morning now make up to five trips and five trips again in the evening because of the partial closure of the Third Mainland Bridge. The closure has resulted to increase in number of people who patronise ferry and speedboat operators”. The LASWA boss said more terminals will be built in places like Ikorodu, Badore, and Osborn to compliment the ones in Ojo, Ebute-Ojo, Ijegun-Egba and OkeAfa in Ejigbo LCDA.

A lady venting her anger over an accident that damaged her car on Airport Road in Abuja. PHOTO: NAN

Akinjide urges prayers for Nigeria over Boko Haram insurgence Man, 21, arraigned KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

inister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mrs Olajumoke Akinjide, has urged intending Christian pilgrims from Nigeria on this year’s holy pilgrimage to Jerusalem to pray for divine intervention on Boko Haram insurgence and other security challenges facing the country. She said this in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, while addressing intending Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem from the state, sponsored by the Federal

Capital Territory (FCT). The Minister, who spoke through her Personal Assistant on Media, Alhaji Kehinde Isiaka, said there was the need for the intending pilgrims to join the Federal Government in its efforts at ensuring that the nation overcomes all the challenges facing it at the moment. She said, ‘’While in the holy land, kindly pray for Nigeria on the Boko Haram issue and other security challenges facing the country. With prayers, there will be a divine solution to all the security challenges in the country. We need your prayers for this administration

and the country as a whole ’’. She explained that the intending pilgrims can only join hands with the President Goodluck Jonathan led administration at moving the nation forward by praying fervently for divine intervention on the Boko Hram problem while in the holy land. According to her, with prayers and commitment of Nigerians, the much sought solution to the various security challenges facing Nigeria as a country will surely come. Akinjide, however, urged the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the coun-

try throughout their stay in the holy land, warning them against absconding. He also urged them to be of good conduct by adhering to the laid down rules and regulations guiding the pilgrimage. ‘’I am imploring all the intending pilgrims from Oyo State to be good ambassadors of this country while in the holy land. I also want to caution that it is against the rules and regulations for any of the intending pilgrims to defect while in the holy land, so I urge you people to go and return to the country after the pilgrimage, ’’she stated.

for stealing N.29m

21-year-old man, Henry Ogundipe, was, on Thursday, arraigned before an Ibadan Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing the sum of N200, 000 and other items totaling N295, 000. The prosecutor, Insp. Ade Adebusuyi, said the money and properties belonged to one Miss Salaudeen Joke of Beere in Ibadan. He said the offence was punishable under Section 516 and 419 of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Vol. II Laws of Oyo State. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Community Mirror

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Residents petition IGP over N100,000 bail demand AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

or allegedly demanding N100, 000 for bail, the people of Edjophe community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State

Council chair tasks residents on tree planting

have written a petition to the Inspector General of Police against officers and men attached to Jeremi Police Division in the community. In the three-page petition signed by Mr. P. O. Onota, ESQ and made available to

our correspondent, it was alleged that two police officers in the division demanded a sum of N100, 000 for the bail of six persons arrested over an alleged assault on one Efe Onodeku and Jeremiah Ovwere. Efe and Jeremiah were

purportedly assaulted by the detained persons including, Mr. Blessing Ogberetini, Mr. Double, Mr. Christopher Kpotogri, Mr. Blessing Kevwe, Mr. Ogbo, Mr. Moses, Miss Helen and Mr. Peugeot for allegedly selling Indian hemp in the community.

The statement read in part: “Frustrated by the illegal monetary demand of the police officers, Mr. Vincent Sito was forced to bring the money which he placed openly on the table of the policemen in the presence of other community

leaders and a police officer among the two collected the money”. Onota, in the petition, appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Muhammad Abubakar to use his good office and come to the rescue of the community.

MURITALA AYINLA

he chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area, Engr Muyiwa Oloro has called on residents in the council area to embark on aggressive tree planting to mitigate the effect of climate change, just as he advised them against patronising cart pushers for refuse disposal. The council boss, who gave the charge at the 2012 Tree Planting Day held at the council secretariat also said that the council will be planting 600 trees in addition to three million trees planted last year, noting that measures are in place to ensure that the planted trees are nurtured to maturity. He said: “We have our environmental officials who work 24/7 to ensure that our environment is protected. Nobody is allowed to drop refuse in our drains and adequate security of those trees is guaranteed.” On efforts to checkmate flooding in the council, Oloro stressed that every member of the council have been sensitised on proper waste disposal, saying it has become a collective responsibility of residents in the council to ensure drains are clean and tidy. On his part, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, likened tree planting to giving a life, just as he explained that houses surrounded by trees will have less incidence of heat. Bello, who was represented by Mrs. Kikelomo Muritala said: “Trees reduce the green house effect by shading houses and office buildings. It reduces the need for air conditioning by up to 30 percent which in turn reduces the amount of fossil fuels burned to produce electricity”.

An exhausted trader taking a nap at her shed in Lagos.

PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

AIG reads riot acts to pipeline Man cries out over threat to life vandals, parades suspect KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

FRANCIS SUBERU

he Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Mamman Ibrahim Tsafe, has sounded a note of warning to criminals, including pipeline vandals in Ogun and Lagos States to stop forthwith or be ready for a total war with officers and men of the zone, adding that criminals in the zone will be made to face the music of criminality. Tsafe sounded the warning when he paraded a suspected oil pipeline vandal, Ramoni Mudashiru, who was arrested with 48 kegs, each filled with 50 litres of PMF at the weekend. The product was siphoned from a vandalised oil pipeline at Festac Town, Lagos.

According to the AIG, “on July 12, 2012, information was received at the Zonal Headquarters, Onikan Lagos, that a gang of oil thieves were vandalising NNPC pipeline near the canals and water ways in Festac area of Lagos State. “Based on the information, the zonal Anti-Pipeline Valdalisation Squad led by Segun Fagbohun, a Superintendent of Police (SP) was dispatched to the scene. On sighting the police team, the vandals made frantic effort to escape through the canal, but one of them, Mudashiru was caught and arrested.” In his confessional statement, Mudashiru said one Fatai, aka Apashe is the leader of the gang. The AIG said that the fleeing members of the

gang are being trailed by the police and would be arrested in no distant time; noting that the suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigation is completed. Tsafe described vandalisation and stealing of NNPC petroleum product as a serious economic sabotage that will never be condoned in his zone, warning anyone engaging in the act and other forms of criminality within the zone to stop immediately or face the music.

AIG Zone 2, Tsafe

n Ibadan-based businessman, Mr. Olufemi Michael Awolesi, has raised an alarm to security operatives in Oyo State to come to his aid and deliver him from assailants whom, he said, have been hunting his life for reasons he cannot phantom. Awolesi, while narrating his ordeal to journalists in Ibadan said the whole thing started in August 2011 when some unknown men stormed his residence, and that when they could not find him, they abducted his wife and kids who had just arrived from England. He said, “It took the intervention of God and quick response of the police before my wife and the kids were rescued from the abductors around Asejire area of Osun State from OritaChallenge area of Ibadan where they were picked up”.

He added that, “while returning from work on September 15, 2011, I noticed some strange faces were trailing me with a Peugeot 406 from Ring-Road; I had to drive around for many hours before I was able to dislodge them. “Also in April this year, when going for a social function in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, people in a Toyota Camry car accosted my car at the entrance to the town, and my driver maneuver the car to get away from them. They chased us for almost 25 minutes before we ran into a police station for refuge. “The latest is why I’m crying out to Nigerians now. I have been receiving SMS threats and phone calls on my mobile phone recently from anonymous callers with threat to snuff life out of me if I don’t quit what I’m doing. That is why I’m writing to officially notify appropriate authorities”.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

Obama’s campaign attacks dishonest – Romney

“I, Cesar, I favour peace in Casamance more than anyone” - Senegal’s MFDC faction leader, Cesar Atoute Badiate

Egypt orders ex-President Mubarak back to prison

WORLD BULLETIN

Kenyans sue Britain over Mau Mau abuses

gypt’s public prosecutor has ordered that former President Hosni Mubarak be returned to prison, saying that his health has improved. Mubarak, 84, was moved from prison to a hospital last month after reports of deterioration in his health. He was said at the time to have had a series of strokes and to be on a life support machine. Reports that he was “clinically dead” were later denied. In June, he was jailed for life for his role in the deaths of protesters. Prosecutor Abdel Maguid Mahmoud issued “an order to transfer former President Hosni Mubarak from the Maadi Armed Forces Hospital to Tora prison hospital after an improvement in his health,” his office was quoted as saying. Mahmoud’s deputy, Adel alSaeed, said that a panel of doctors had earlier established that the former president’s “health is currently stable with medication, and it is considered good for someone of his age,” according to the AFP news agency. It was not immediately known when Mubarak would be transferred to prison. However, any report about his health has to be treated with a large degree of scepticism, the BBC’s Jon Leyne in Cairo reports. There has been a strong suspicion that the many health scares surrounding the former president were designed either to get him moved from prison to a hospital or to help him win clemency, our correspondent says. Whatever the truth of the matter, he adds, Egyptians will be fairly certain this is not the last they are going to hear of this ongoing saga.

Dlamini-Zuma (L) is South Africa’s home affairs minister and an ex-wife of President Jacob Zuma

African leaders divided over Zuma’s ex-wife AU vote win PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

frican leaders were divided yesterday over a historic vote that saw the first woman elected to head the AU Commission, with some hailing the decision as others criticised powerhouse South Africa’s tactics. Many participants in the African Union summit appeared relieved that the six-month impasse over the continental body’s top job had finally been broken Sunday night when South Africa’s Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma won a tightly fought vote to become the new AU Commission head. “What I can say is well done to Africa,” Tomaz Salomao, secretary general of the Southern African Development Community, told AFP. Dlamini-Zuma, South Africa’s home affairs minister, beat the incumbent, Jean Ping of Gabon, in a close election. Kenya, which voted for Ping, conceded that the breaking of the

deadlock was good for the continent, with Richard Onyonka, an assistant foreign affairs minister, calling the vote “a kind of victory for Africa because we have moved forward.” But he said he disapproved of the bulldozing tactics employed by South Africa. “For us, it’s more like a bittersweet victory,” he said. “I believe this election has brought sharp divisions within the AU and it was not necessary. “I’m very uncomfortable with the methods and style of South Africa. They were entitled to bring a candidate... but we felt that there was too much intimidation, armtwisting and threats,” Onyonka complained. Erastus Mwencha of Kenya, the sitting AU deputy chair, was voted in for another term. Another delegate, who did not want to be identified, accused South Africa, home to the continent’s largest economy, of buying votes. Dlamini-Zuma, 63, is a veteran

of the fight against apartheid. A doctor by training, she has also served as health and foreign minister. Voting took place at the AU summit in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, where, earlier on Sunday, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo agreed to an international force to neutralise rebels in eastern DR Congo, as the AU said it was ready to send peacekeepers. Rwandan President Paul Kagame told AFP both sides had agreed “in principle” to accept the force. He was speaking after his first face-to-face meeting with DR Congo President Joseph Kabila since a UN report in June accused Rwanda of supporting Congolese rebels. The two met on the sidelines of the summit, which wraps up yesterday. Rwandan and DR Congo leaders will meet again in early August to try to thrash out the details of the force -- including size, mandate, nationality and deployment details -- for eastern DR Congo.

Ghana probes Peace Corps members on killing

A Mubarak

U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana stabbed an alleged robber, who subsequently died, police said yesterday. Two U.S. Peace Corps volunteers, who said they were robbed and used a knife in self-defence, were questioned by police and later released, regional police commander Kofi Addae Akyampong

said. The volunteers told police they were attacked late Friday night about 100 meters (330 feet) from their home in the north-western town of Wa, he said. “They said two men attacked them. During the struggle (one of the volunteers) used a knife to defend himself, then the attackers ran away,” Akyampong said. He

said the man who was stabbed subsequently died, and his body was found in Wa early Saturday morning. Vincent Dedjoe, deputy director of criminal investigations for the Ghana Police, said the two Americans were released after questioning. He did not reveal the names of the aid program’s volunteers.

Three elderly Kenyans began a court battle yesterday to win damages from the British government for brutality they claim they suffered at the hands of colonial officials during the 1950s Mau Mau uprising. The two-week hearing at London’s High Court opened a year after a British judge ruled that Jane Muthoni Mara, Paulo Muoka Nzili and Wambugu Wa Nyingi could sue the government over allegations including castration and torture. The trio’s lawyers say Nzili was castrated, Nyingi severely beaten and Mara subjected to appalling sexual abuse in detention camps during the bloody Mau Mau rebellion against British colonial rule. “We are pleased that finally our clients will be able to tell the court their story,” their solicitor Martyn Day said ahead of the hearing. “The British government has thrown everything at these claims in an effort to derail them on technicalities. “We are confident that justice will be done.” A fourth claimant, Ndiku Mutwiwa Mutua, has died since the High Court ruling in July last year that the test case could go ahead. The British government argues that the claims cannot proceed because they have been brought outside the legal time limit. But the Kenyans’ lawyers, who are bringing the claims with the support of the Kenyan government and Kenya Human Rights Commission, argue that it is an exceptional case. The hearing will have access to an archive of 8,000 secret files that were sent back to Britain after Kenya became independent in 1963.

‘Man in Mali gets 50 lashes for drinking’

Witnesses say a man accused of drinking alcohol has been given about 50 whip lashes by radical Islamists who have seized control of parts of northern Mali. A resident of Timbuktu city, Mohamed Maiga, told The Associated Press he saw the agents of the Islamist group’s moral police whipping the young man in public near the market yesterday. A second witness reached by phone, a local shop owner, confirmed the incident but declined to give his name for fear of reprisals by the Ansar Dine Islamist group. After a coup ousted Mali’s government in March, ethnic Tuareg rebels took control of the north but have been driven out by Islamist rebels who want to impose a strict version of Islamic law, the Shariah. An estimated 300,000 people have fled the region.

World News

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Pakistan’s polio campaign Obama’s campaign faces Taliban hurdle Missing man, three children found dead attacks dishonest –Romney in UK P

Briefs

A man from Gloucestershire and his three children have been found dead in Shropshire in United Kingdom. Ceri Fuller, 35, from Coleford, had gone missing with his son Sam, 12, and daughters Becka, 10, and Charlotte, six. The bodies were found in a wooded area at Pontesbury near Shrewsbury by a police officer just before 10:00 BST, West Mercia police said. Police have sealed off the area and forensic examinations are taking place. A Gloucestershire Police spokesperson said: “Officers searching for missing man Ceri Fuller and his three children, from the Forest of Dean, have been made aware of the discovery of four bodies in Pontesbury, Shropshire, shortly before 10am this morning. “While the bodies have yet to be formally identified, Mr Fuller’s family have been informed of the discovery and are being supported by police family liaison officers. An officer found the bodies at Pontesbury just before 10:00 BST, police said “The investigation into the deaths is being conducted by West Mercia Police.” West Mercia Police said the deputy coroner for Shropshire, Andrew Barkley, had been informed. Jan Wagstaff, head teacher of St John’s C of E primary school in Coleford, which the two youngest children attended, said: “Rebecca and Charlotte were absolutely delightful children and a pleasure to have in school.

Syrian forces clash with rebels in Damascus Syrian troops and rebels have clashed inside Damascus for a second day in some of the worst violence in the tightly controlled capital since the country’s crisis began 16 months ago. The fighting yesterday briefly closed the highway linking the capital with Damascus International Airport to the city’s south and plumes of black smoke drifted over the city’s skyline. “Mortar shelling resumed in the early morning,” the Local Coordination Committees (LCC), a grass roots network of activists, said. Reuters news agency said the crackle of small arms fire echoed through the streets of the city. Troops backed by armoured vehicles were said to have advanced through the city centre, driving out rebels who had secured a foothold within striking distance of major state installations. The military offensive on Monday reportedly continued to batter several neighbourhoods in the capital, including Midan, Tadamon, Kfar Souseh, Nahr Aisha and Sidi Qadad. The LCC added that government troops and fighters of the Free Syrian Army also clashed in the western Damascus district of Kfar Souseh. “I did not sleep all night,” a resident of nearby Jaramana told the AFP news agency. “It was a real war zone.”

epublican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has called on the Obama campaign to back away from “dishonest” attacks about his time at Bain Capital. Romney said in a nationally televised interview President Barack Obama should focus on his own record. The president says his rival’s time at the private equity firm is fair game. Obama returned to the swing state of Ohio later on the campaign trail, while Mr Romney joined Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal on a fundraising trip. With November’s election looming, the campaigns have stepped up efforts to criticise each other’s records, but recent polling suggests the race is fairly close. Romney’s appearance yesterday follows a barrage of interviews on Friday when he responded to reports that he was still listed on Bain’s regulatory filings a couple of years after he said he left the company. The timing is key because between 1999 - when Romney said he left the company he founded - and 2001, Bain was responsible for closing down American firms and shipping jobs overseas. In yesterday’s interview with the Fox and Friends news programme, Romney did not call for an apology, but said he was “very proud of the record I had in my business career”. Labelling the Obama campaign’s attacks “dishonest”, he said: “What does it say about a president whose record is so poor that all he can do in this campaign is attack me?” “I think when people have accused you of a crime, you have every reason to go after them pretty hard.” Last week, Obama campaign spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter suggested that the former Massachusetts governor had opened himself up to felony charges if he had been involved in Bain during the years in question, but had not said so on his campaign disclosure forms. Romney also suggested on Monday businesses that are campaign contributors to Obama would receive government money from the president’s policies. There is no sign that the Obama campaign will relent on its criticism of Romney

President Barack Obama walking out after stopping for lunch at Skyline Chili in Cincinnati yesterday. Photo: AP

and Bain. “No, we will not apologise,” Mr Obama said in an interview aired on CBS yesterday, adding that if Romney wanted to run on his business leadership, he needed to take responsibility for it. Rahm Emanuel, mayor of Chicago and Obama’s former chief of staff, told ABC News on Sunday that the former governor should “stop whining” and defend himself. “You can’t say to the SEC,

‘I was the CEO, chairman and president, but I’m not responsible. I’m not accountable’,” Emanuel said. Romney and his aides say he left Bain in 1999 to run the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. In a statement, the company said Romney “remained the sole stockholder for a time while formal ownership was being documented and transferred to the group of partners who took over management of the firm in 1999”.

akistan has launched a national drive to eradicate polio, but is facing challenges from the Taliban in the north-western tribal regions of north and south Waziristan. “The government has kicked off its threeday campaign this morning,” Al Jazeera’s Kamel Hyder reported from Islamabad. Local Taliban and Pakistani warlord Hafiz Gul Bahadur, whose followers are fighting Western troops in Afghanistan, have banned polio vaccinations in the north-western tribal region of Waziristan to protest against US drone attacks. They have condemned the immunisation campaign, which began on Monday, as a cover for espionage. Difficulties in administering vaccinations saw Pakistan reach its highest rate of polio in a decade in 2011, with 198 new cases, compared to 144 in 2010. Most of the new cases were in the northwest of the country. The use of the Hepatitis C immunisation campaign as a cover in the hunt for Osama Bin Laden has led the Taliban to view these campaigns as intelligence-gathering exercises, he said. Shakeel Afridi, a Pakistani surgeon who was recruited by the CIA to help find bin Laden, was sentenced for 33 years on treason charges in May. “The US drone strikes are continuing in that volatile area,” Al Jazeera’s Hyder reported. “The Pakistani military has also launched its own campaign, trying to regain those areas from some of the fighters who have held some of those territories.” Officials have warned that the Taliban ban could put 240,000 children at risk. “There is possibility that we may have to skip the polio campaign in North and South Waziristan because we are not getting clearance from the army nor is the situation conducive,” a government health official told AFP news agency. “We have threats from the Taliban. Going to these areas for a polio campaign would be tantamount to putting the lives of our staff in jeopardy,” added the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

North Korea removes army chief

orth Korea’s army chief has been relieved of all his posts due to illness, state media has said, in a surprise development that removes one of new leader Kim Jong-un’s inner circle. Ri Yong-ho is regarded as one of the key figures who has helped support the young, untested leader in the transition following the death in December of his father Kim Jong-il, the long-time leader of the reclusive state. 69-year-old, who became head of the army in 2009 with the official title Chief of the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army, has often been seen accompanying the young Kim on visits to military bases in recent months.

The North’s official KCNA news agency said that a meeting of top officials from the ruling party on Sunday took the decision to relieve him of his posts. “A meeting of the political bureau of the central committee of the workers’ party decided to relieve Ri Yong-ho of all his posts for his illness,” it said. He was removed from the “presidium of the politburo”, the country’s most powerful body with only a handful of members, the agency said. He would also no longer be “vice-chairman of the central military commission of the” Workers’ Party of Korea, the North’s ruling party, it added. South Korean offi-

Ri Yong-ho (right) at the front of the hearse carrying the coffin of Kim Jong-il during his funeral procession. Photo: EPA

cials say they are surprised at the speed of Ri’s dismissal, and that it was done so publicly. “There was an internal meeting within North Korea yesterday, on 15 July. We believe it is very unusual for North Korea to quickly and openly report the meeting result. We will keep monitoring closely the situation in the North,” said Kim

Hyung-suk, South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman. John Delury from Yonsei University’s Graduate School of International Studies, Seoul, told Al Jazeera: “Well this is the first major reshuffle, whether it’s through illness or not, we’d have to wait and see. The next big thing will be who replaces Vice Marshal Ri…”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Emergency Update

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NEMA urges corps members to join disaster management vanguards

he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to join the Emergency Management Vanguards (EMV) in an effort to contribute to disaster prevention and mitigation in the country. The Director General of NEMA, Muhammd Sani-Sidi made the call on Monday at the NYSC per-

manent orientation camp in Kaduna. He said that as youth vanguards, corps members are expected to work in partnership with other critical stakeholders in disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery through sensitisation, public education, awareness creation and outreach as entrenched in the Disaster Risk Reduction mechanism.

Sani-Sidi said that the EMV was initiated in 2007/2008 and since its inception had collaborated with governmental and non-governmental agencies on disaster management to better enhance its performance in line with its core mandate of coordinating disaster management in its entire ramification. In her remarks, the Kaduna Coordinator of

DG NEMA in handshake with Members of EMV of NYSC at the Orientation Camp in Kaduna

NYSC, Mrs Victoria Ango commended NEMA for its supports for NYSC Scheme, especially in the areas of programme sponsorships and execution of community development projects. She noted that it was in line with the drive and in recognition of the spirit of selfless service to the community instilled into young energetic Nigerians through the NYSC that NEMA sought for collabo-

greenhouse gas emissions two years ago were at their highest level in history. This should be taken as a “wake-up call” for the international community, especially the developing countries, who suffer most from the impacts of climate related hazards”. The statement expressed the United Nations fears about this issue. “The UN estimate indicates that nine out of every ten disasters are now climate related. Scientific evidence has shown that as a result of climate change, extreme weather events like floods, windstorms, droughts and epidemics have become more frequent and severe. They occur in areas where they were previously either unknown or extremely rare. For us in devel-

oping world, climate change portends greater danger. For instance, the World Bank reckons that losses from disasters can be up to 20 times greater as a percentage of gross domestic products in developing countries than in industrialized nations, while over 95 per cent of all disaster related deaths occur in developing countries. This is grim and unacceptable”. He advised the nation to look inward for solution to this phenomenon. “While the world struggles to agree on how best to pursue the four building blocks of mitigation, adaptation, technology and finance, we as a nation need to look inward and take steps to contain the adverse effects of climate change in Nigeria. Last year alone, flood di-

of change during their service period. In the past 5 years since its inception, the EMV Vanguards programme has contributed immensely in increasing community resilience and reducing the vulnerability of our people. The programme has proven to be a veritable grass root mechanism for saving lives, properties and conserving the environment.

Graduating youth corpers from the NEMA South East zone training programme.

DG warns on dangers of climate change T he Director General of NEMA, Muhammadu Sani-Sidi has warned on the danger of climate change as it affects the continent of Africa. In a statement he made recently , Sani-Sidi said that climate change remains a serious environmental issue in Africa, especially in Nigeria. “Climate change remains a very topical issue, globally and locally. Given its wide array of impacts on vital sectors of the economy and considerable implications for humanitarian and development efforts generally, this is to be expected. The inevitability of changes occurring to the climate is now a well-established reality. Just last year, the International Energy Agency (IEA) published estimates which show that

ration with the NYSC Management to use the corps members as Vanguards for Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Response. The NEMA/NYSC EMV programme which took off in 2007 in only eight states has now blossomed into 36 States of the Federation and the FCT, with thousands being trained on Disaster Risk Reduction and Basic Emergency Response skills as agents

sasters occurred in 23 states of the federation including Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Jigawa, in this geopolitical zone. If we have not already taken measures to either prevent another incidence of flood or mitigate vulnerability to the hazard, it could happen again this year with the same devastating consequences or even worse. Rainfall forecast for the year 2011 for Nigeria by Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) points to more rainfall than normal, although that prediction is currently being reviewed. The 2010 floods remind us that we can no longer ignore disaster risks. Disasters constitute the greatest threat to development and socio-economic wellbeing of the people” he said.

TIPS AGAINST DISASTERS CAUSES OF TOXIC WASTES DISCHARGE 1. Non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations. 2. Chemical reactions in the environment as a result of unfavorable weather condition. 3. Emission of sulfur dioxide from industrial processes, oil drilling, transport, and mining activities 4. Industrial and sewage treatment plants discharge wastes which contain toxic substances directly into waterways 5. Air emissions from manufacturing, fuel combustion, cars and other motors, homes and buildings. 6. Radioactive contaminations from plutonium processing plants, nuclear power plants, and nuclear waste dumps. 7. Toxic pesticides dispersed through the environment by rain running off chemical-treated land and flowing into lake and rivers. 8. Material from numerous human-made surfaces-roads and parking lots, city streets, buildings, cars and houses. 9. Household cleaning and disinfecting products flushed into sewage systems and out through treatment plant discharge. 10. Leakages from storage tanks and pipelines, and seepage from waste dumps. PREVENTIONS AGAINST TOXIC WASTES DISCHARGE 1. Encourage strict compliance with environmental laws 2. Full implementation of Environmental Protection Laws and other Environmental Regulations 3. Prevent hazardous waste from entering the environment by following recommended disposal methods for any industrial or household hazardous wastes. 4. Return engine oil and other automotive items to your automotive or hardware store. 5. NEMA recommends reduction of waste discharge when it has a potential for causing pollution, rather than regulating it only after it has caused pollution 6. Always package hazardous materials such as broken compact fluorescent lightbulbs before disposal. 7. Never pour household hazardous wastes such as cleaning products, paints and solvents down your sink or into any water body 8. Always return to the appropriate authority unwanted medication that can pose serious environmental risks. 9. Understand manufacturing processes and the clean techniques to products. 10. Obtain proper precautions to prevent accidents or spills when using any hazardous substance.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

How we foiled attempt to Woman councillor killed in Maiduguri bomb churches –Police I N ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

he Kogi State Police Command yesterday narrated how its men foiled Sunday’s attempt by a terrorist group to bomb two Christian worship centres at Okene, the Central Senatorial District of the state. The two Christian worship centres are the Living Faith Church and Deeper Life Church located at Oro in Okene Local Government Area. While attempting to bomb one of the churches by the suspected terrorists, an explosive detonated and destroyed the vehicle carrying the two bombs meant for the operations. The state Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Katsina, said: “On July15, 2012 at about 10.30am, vigilant policemen on guard at a church at Oro in Okene sighted two young men in a Rover salon car, marked Kogi LKJ 919 AA hovering around, but could not get access due to the security arrangement in the area. “In their frustration, they moved some meters away to off load their dangerous mass destruction, in the process one of the explosive got detonated, the suspects fled the scene, but one of them was arrested. “Through the cooperation of our expanded strategic network, we got intelligence as to the factory where these explosives were manufactured. In joint operations between the police and the army, we stormed the factory and recovered a lot of home-made bombs and

IGP, M. Abubakar

some dangerous items”. Though the suspect arrested was paraded, but journalists were barred from asking him any question. The police said they had begun investigating the incident. Items recovered from the bomb-making factory located at Okairo area of Okene are 46 IEDs, 15 capacitors, 15 fuses, three bottles of potassium chloride, five liters of acid, one electric detonators, roll of firing cables, 250m detonating cord and three remote controlled siren. Others include 25kg of ammonium Nitrate, three mobile phones, boxes of nails, 54 ammunition of 5.56 calibers, one motorcycle and other household items. The police commissioner, however, warned landlords and property owners against harbouring criminals, stressing that the command would treat anybody caught housing any terrorist group as a terrorist. He, therefore, appealed to the people to give useful information to security agencies on suspected individuals. Meanwhile, a Lokojabased group, Advocacy for Change (AC), yesterday said the security challenges confronting the country was a result of the in ability of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Customs Service to strictly police the flow of human and materials moving into the country. The group, in the statement issued by its chairman, Mr. Adex Ozi Shaibu, said the influx of foreigners from the neighbouring countries had contributed to the high rate of crimes in Nigeria. Calling for the sack of the heads of the NIS and Customs, Shaibu said removal of the Minister of Defence and the National Security Adviser (NSA) alone could solve the security challenges until the nation’s borders were strictly policed.

NUSA DAHI MAIDUGURI

esidents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, were shocked on Sunday night as some gunmen shot

dead a councillor, Hajiya Bayayi. Bayayi, who was until her death the councillor representing Bolori Ward 1, was murdered in her residence at Limanti area of Maiduguri.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bala Hassan, confirmed the incident. He said: “Yes, it happened last night during curfew hours. A woman politician was killed by unknown gunmen. We have

commenced investigation into the killing.” Hassan said Limanti area of Maiduguri had been cordoned off, adding that security patrol beefed up to protect lives and property.

L-R: Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike; Katsina State Deputy Governor, Mr. Abdullahi Faskari; Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Mohammed Sada; Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission, Dr. Ahmed Modibbo; Chairman, Dikko Suleiman and pupils during the North-West zonal flag-off ceremony of distribution of instructional materials for basic education institutions in Nigeria held in Katsina, yesterday.

Yuguda sacks 4,000 aides, retains others EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

auchi State Governor Isa Yuguda has sacked his 4,000 political aides and retained those on essential services. This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ibrahim Dandija. The statement noted that the sacking of Directors-General, Senior

Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants II, Special Assistants and Senior Assistants II takes immediate effect. Yuguda, last week in a statement, dismissed reports that the state was broke and could not meet its financial obligations, especially the payment of civil servants and completion of contracts, saying the report did not represent the true position of things in the state.

But the SSG said the disengagement of the appointees followed “complaints by stakeholders that the political appointments were lopsided and did not reflect the structure of the ruling party in the state, local and ward levels.” The SSG said that political appointees not affected by the dismissal were those on essential services. Those retains are political appointees at-

tached to the governor and his deputy, Managing Director, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), whose services are essential. Others are DirectorsGeneral Projects, Debt Management Office, ICT, Tsangaya, Protocol, Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Recruit. “Fresh political appointments will be made shortly when the review is concluded,” the SSG said.

Attah of Igala passes on at 102 ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

he people of Igala Kingdom in Kogi State were yesterday thrown into mourning as the longest reigning first class traditional ruler in the country, the Attah Igala, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Aliyu Ocheja Obaje passed on. He died in his palace at the age of 102, hav-

ing spent 56 years on the throne. The monarch, who was the chairman of the Kogi State Tradition Council since 1992 and Chairman, Igala traditional council ascended the throne on November 2, 1956 as the 26th Attah of Igala. The late Attah was until his death, the Chancellor, University of Lagos. A statement signed by the Kogi State Governor,

Captain Idris Wada, said the Dr. Obaje died yesterday afternoon. He was appointed a minister without Portfolio by the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello; he was also a member of two Constitutional Conferences in London in the build-up to Nigeria’s independence. The statement said, the traditional ruler was known for his quiet but

effective administration of the traditional institution in the State and for his humble and humane disposition to the affairs of his people. The late Attah, who was highly revered by his people, enjoyed wide relationships in various parts of Nigeria. The state government is already finalising burial arrangements with the family of the monarch.

National News

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Why we haven’t implemented Jos crisis reports –Jang JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

lateau State Governor Jonah Jang yesterday explained why various reports on Jos violence have not been implemented. Jang said the reason

was because the state government did not have enforcing agencies under its control. Addressing a stakeholders’ forum on the security challenges confronting the state at the Rayfield Government House in Jos, the governor said: “We are

unable to implement these reports because we do not have the enforcing agencies under our control’’ He also said that the implementation of the reports was hindered because “certain big shots in the country” have vested interest.

Jang said: “Moresore that certain big shots in the country have interests and will do anything to protect those indicted by the reports. Otherwise, how can we explain the pronouncements of some federal officials that the reports are the state’s business and not

the federal’s?’’ The governor regretted that the violence in the state has cost his administration huge financial resources which ordinarily should have been spent on other meaningful projects. He said: “This govern-

ment since the beginning of these attacks shouldered a very high financial burden in managing the security challenge.” The governor said the repeated attacks were a ploy by enemies of the state to destabilise the people.

Memorial seminar heralds Olusola’s journey home NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

L-R: Son of the deceased, Mr. Olujimi Olusola; his wife, Bola and Ms. Aderonke Ajibulu-Moniya (daughter of the deseased), during the media, arts and culture fare organised for the late Ambassador Olusegun Olusola, held at the National Theatre in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

DHQ clarifies relocation of Plateau communities

he Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday in Abuja said the relocation of some villagers in Plateau was aimed at protecting them. The Chief of Policy and Plans at the Defence Headquarters, AVM Dick Iruenabere, stated this at a joint news conference by the DHQ and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). It will be recalled that the DHQ requested residents of Mahanga, Kakuruk, Kuzen, Maseh and Shong to move to a safer place for military

operations to take place. Iruenabere said that moving them away from the villages was to enable the military to take necessary action to check terrorism in the troubled areas. He said the action was in the best interest of the villagers and the rest of the people of the country, stressing that the movement was not an attempt to deny certain communities their places. “To avoid any unusual causality, that is why the villagers have been asked to move; move away from

Society wants History made compulsory in schools MOJEED ALABI

he History Society of Nigeria has sent a bill seeking the compulsion of History as a subject of study in the nation’s secondary schools to the National Assembly. This was disclosed recently by a fellow of the society and lecturer of History in the University of Lagos, Dr. Nkem Onyekpe. Onyekpe, who lamented the declining fortune of the subject and what it termed its consequences of violence, brigandage and insecurity in the country, said the situation arose due to the shoddiness of its sylla-

bus. He said the syllabus is so voluminous that students prefer Government or even Geography to History. Onyekpe said: “It is not true that History is not taught in schools. It is taught, but the truth is that it is not popular, and it is not popular because of one reason; students prefer Government because the syllabus is smaller. When about 15 years ago, the Senior Secondary School Level syllabus was changed, they brought everything virtually under the surface of the earth into that of History, whereas within two days, you can complete Government syllabus.”

these places and at the end of the operation, come back to your homes. “The operation is not likely to last more than two weeks and the whole idea is to save lives of the innocent and that is why we are going to this extent to let you know. “And the kind of threat we are facing is an unusual threat and if not dealt with decisively, it will become a major problem later,’’ he said. Iruenabere said the Fulanis and the Beroms were living together in harmony in the camps provided by the state government, adding that the military did not believe that the Fulanis were responsible for the recent attacks. “We have never alleged or accused any particular tribe of being responsible for the attack,’’ he said.

Iruenabere said what the military was doing was to ensure that damage to innocent people was reduced, if not avoided completely. “This is to debunk the statement that the military was targeting any particular stock of Nigerians,’’ he added. NHRC Chairman, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, described the situation in Jos as difficult as many Nigerians and non-Nigerians had been victimised and killed in the city. Odinkalu said security personnel had also been injured or killed in the city, adding that “they have left children, they have spouses and they have left parents’’. “And we got to recognise that and honour the sacrifices that our service men are making in these situations.”

n international memorial seminar with the theme: “The African Renaissance Mission: Universal Peace Promotion” has been initiated in honour of the late culture icon, Ambassador Segun Olusola, who died on June 21, 2012. The seminar, which will last from January 15 to 30, 2013, will hold at the African Renaissance City, Iwoye Imeko, Abeokuta, Ogun State; and has as patrons Minister for Culture and Tourism Hon. Edem Duke and Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun. This revelation came as part of the weeklong series of events scheduled for the final funeral rites of Ambassador Segun Olusola, which kicked off in Lagos yesterday; and will continue, today with a service of songs at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos. Reminiscent of a man, who touched many lives during his life time, the event yesterday tagged: “Carnival Panorama” attracted several personalities from arts, business and the media and had guests thronging the National Theatre arena as early as 11.am for the pre-Carnival Panorama event. One of the major attractions at the pre-Cultural Panorama event was the dance and cultural display performed by the members

of the National Troupe, who were clad in national colours, displaying dance steps and cultures from most of the ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. After an hour long performance by the National Troupe, members of the various committees of the funeral also took turns to entertain guests, before the proper event at the Banquet Hall of the National Theatre, which was anchored by Yemi Shodimu. The Banquet Hall event, which started at 4pm, was also a rich display of the cultural heritage of Nigeria. Made flamboyant by the members of staff of the National Council for Arts and Culture, NCAC, one of the highpoints included the ‘mat carpet’ session,(similar to the red carpet ) which had guests stepping and posing for snapshots on a mat made of raffia palm. Aside this several other art pieces like carved works, fashion accessories, books and art paraphernalia were on display for sale.

Olusola

Let FRSC function independent of police –Committee OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he presidential committee on the outright scrapping or merging of some parastatals and agencies has recommended that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) should continue to function as a separate body. President Goodluck Jonathan had, in Novem-

ber 2011, set up the committee headed by Justice Alfa Belgore to look into the activities of the government agencies and parastatals. National Mirror yesterday learnt that the committee’s report, titled: “Presidential Committee to Review Outstanding Issues from Recent Constitutional Conferences –Summary of Policy Recommendations”

reads: “As Nigeria Police Force is being refocused for enhanced efficiency, in the arduous task of internal security, crime prevention and law enforcement, it may not be advisable to add the burden of administering the Road Safety Commission to it.” A source said the committee advised the government to properly fund FRSC and provide it with

serviceable patrol vehicles, ambulances and roadside clinics for effective road traffic accident prevention, mitigation and management. The source said the committee’s recommendation to allow the FRSC function separately from the police was in line with an International Decision adopted by member states of the United Nations.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Features

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Iwofe Road: Waiting for the most

Iwofe Road

Iwofe Road in Port Harcourt Rivers State is one of the important outlets in that state. However, despite its strategic position, it is waiting to be handed the ignominious plaque of “The most horrible road in Nigeria” award, reports CHINEDUM EMEANA, in Port Harcourt.

overnor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State prides himself on the infrastructural improvements that his administration has engineered in parts of the state. Perhaps that is why the state’s public relations team has coined a mantra to suit the posturing: “Change you can see”. That pay-off line is supposed to evoke positives in the minds of those who are exposed to it, especially residents of the state who apparently should be living the positive change. However, for residents of Rumuolumeni and all the communities served by Iwofe Road, Amaechi’s “Change you can see” slogan is a mockery, as before their very eyes that road, which is arguably one of the most important economic outlets in the state, has metamorphosed from manageable to impassable in the five years that Amaechi has held sway in the state. Aside from the fact that the area is densely populated, which should make it coveted by serious politicians in climes where votes count, INEC’s records show that the people of Rumuolumeni voted en masse for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2007 and 2011 governorship polls; mandates that Governor Chibuike Amaechi is enjoying. The people wonder why Governor Chibuike Amaechi appears to have a disdain for them, despite their electoral support.

The area is also home to some important military, economic and social institutions. For instance, the Nigerian Naval Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Ignatius Ajuru, University of Education, Eagle Cement, Masters Energy Tank Farm, Saipem and many other significant security, educational and economic institutions are based here. There has been massive outcry to the government of Rivers State to do “something”, whatever, to make the road motorable again, but it appears all entreaties to the government has been falling on deaf ears. When the shrill lamentations coming from that side of town become unbearable to the occupants of the Rivers State Brick House, the Governor or any of his aides will feel obligated to respond with promises that, over time, have become empty and hollow. Moreover, because of the unbearable state of Iwofe Road, small vehicles and trucks avoiding it have descended on various link roads that are not designed to handle such heavy traffic, thereby drastically reducing their lifespan. However, after the boat disaster of last December where over 30 persons lost their lives in the Mgboudohia River, as they sort alternative transportation means to go to and from Rumuolumeni community, people felt that they could take the governor’s word more

Miss Veronica Asuquo, a seamstress who owns a shop on the road.

seriously as he assured during a condolence visit to the traditional institution in the area that the road will be made a priority by his government. Seven months after that promise by the Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi, the road has gone from worse to indescribable. In fact, what remains now is for Iwofe Road to be recognised with an award as the “Most horrible road in Nigeria.” The wicked state of Iwofe Road is really costing the people and businesses in that area. The cost of transportation within

the area has doubled, even as private vehicles, commercial buses and tricycles skirt around Iwofe Road where possible, and brave portions of the road where they are unable to dodge the bad parches to get to their destinations. Vehicle owners in that area have become regular visitors to mechanics and allied service providers. Many of the trucks and tankers who have no choice but to traverse that road, especially the most dreaded portion, the about 500 metres stretch of the road between the Ada George Road junction and City Crown Hotel, usually tip over, fall over or get stuck. Herein lies the greatest disaster inwaiting for residents of Iwofe. There is fear that one day, which we all should hope and pray should never arrive, these trucks laden with petroleum products could tumble and spill its products that may be ignited and burst into flame. The catastrophe such a conflagration could cause may topple the Jesse incident in Delta State that happened years back, or the recent tanker fire incident along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Mr. Emeka Agiliga, a generator mechanic who plies his trade along Iwofe said the bad state of the road has been a long time problem that “is giving everybody headache”. “Businesses have been paralysed;

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Features

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

horrible road in Nigeria award

...Potholes along the road.

VEHICLE OWNERS IN THAT AREA HAVE BECOME REGULAR VISITORS TO MECHANICS AND ALLIED SERVICE PROVIDERS

Mr. Emeka Agiliga, a generator mechanic plies the road regularly.

many shops on this road have been closed down, because coming out has become a waste of time. The secret of business is human and vehicular traffic and these have avoided this road for over two years now. We plead with the governor to come to our aid”, he begged. Miss Anulika Chukwudebelu, a sales lady in a plastic products dealership appealed to the Rivers state to do something about the road, as it is affecting sales seriously in a negative way. “The Iwofe Road situation affects transportation as there are no vehicles plying the road anymore. People are suffering; the place is looking dry, abandoned.” Mr. Justin Adimonyemma, CEO of Justlink Pharmacy confirmed that the

poor state of the road has slowed down economic activities of the average tax payer. He argued that aside from TransAmadi Industrial Area Road, Iwofe Road generates more revenue to the Rivers State government. Adimonyemma said: “This is a road that has a high traffic of haulage vehicles transporting fuel, cement construction; oil industry equipment should not be left to remain this bad. We have been lucky that some of these trucks carrying fuel that have been falling have not caught fire. But we cannot continue to depend on luck.” The pharmacist further posited that since the bad road is affecting the economy of the area, which is densely populated, crime rate may begin to soar. He urged the government to urgently initiate palliative measures, before major work commences on that road, so that the state doesn’t lose all the trunk C roads around the Iwofe Road. Mr. Abu Abdullahi, manager of City Crown Hotel on Iwofe Road decries the effect of the bad road on the business of the hotel, lamenting that the outfit was forced to retrench staff in October 2011, something that has never happened since the hotel opened for business in year 2000. Of course this has reduced PAYE tax for government. He added that despite the lay-offs management is still finding it challenging to pay salaries as at when due. “People go to hotels for either business or pleasure. If for pleasure, you can’t destroy your vehicle to come here where there are other alterna-

tives. Even if you want to go to a hotel for business, the same logic applies. Except there is something extraordinary customers are not likely to take the risk to come here”, he groaned in pain. “The road was bad before, but not as bad as it is now. The Dr. Peter Odili administration constructed the road then, but the problem is there are no drainages, coupled with the high volume of tankers that ply the road”, Abdullahi said, while pleading with the government “even to make it passable.” “The local government council too are not helping matters; I don’t really know their function, if they had acted early when the road started deteriorating, it would not have gone this bad”, the hotel manager said.

...Another view of the road.

Mrs. Veronica Asuquo, a seamstress who owns a shop on that road said she now treks to and from work daily as no vehicle dares pass through the portion of the road where her shop is located. “I am really missing my customers who used to drive down with their vehicles either to drop their cloth or to collect the ones that I have already made for them. Now nothing like that happens”. When National Mirror Newspaper contacted Chief Victor Giadom, Rivers State’s Commissioner for Works via telephone recently; he said the government has already awarded the contract to construct Iwofe Road to Monier Construction Company (MCC). However, he explained that the delay in mobilising to site is due to conflict between the MCC and the Rivers State Bureau of Public Procurement (due process office) over the cost of the project. He said once that disagreement is smoothened, which he hopes should have happened within the next two weeks; the contractors will mobilise to site immediately. “The people of that area should exercise a little more patience. The Rivers State government is determined to give them a lasting and beautiful road with underground covered drainage system”, assured Giadom, who has a pedigree of performance in public office as attested to by his award as the best performing Local Government Chairman, when he held sway as the Gokana council chairman before Amaechi swooped for him to give fillip to his administration. The people of Rumuelumeni and surrounding communities have been patiently waiting for government to prove to them that they are part of Rivers State; waiting for two more weeks should not be beyond them as they anxiously look forward to evidence of “change you can see” in their communities.

WORLD RECORD

Most sugar consumed (per capita) Vol. 02 No. 405

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

N150

The country that stands as the worlds leading sugar consumer is Belize, who consumed 62.6 kg (138 lb) per capita during 1999. In comparison, the UK consumed 34.3 kg (75 lb 10 oz). There were no figures available for the US. Source: Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations

Edo: New perspectives to elections

he gubernatorial election in Edo State may have come and gone, lost and won but has recorded an significant point that unlike previous polls in the country, marred by violence and controversies, people can make the difference in the conduct and the eventual outcome. There is no doubt that with a strategic approach, we can improve on standards of performance of the umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. As witnessed in Edo, once the main gladiators, the political parties, are prepared to play according to the rules of the game and not to intimidate or induce the umpire to compromise standards, then the electorate

TALKINGPOINT Seyi Fasugba

seyifasugba@yahoo.com 08053069514 (sms only)

and other stakeholders have no reason to fear. In spite of the propaganda that dominated the media and public opinion shortly before the polls, the security agencies not only rose to the challenges posed by the pre-election tensions but were able to play an independent role contrary to the initial fears. When there are no grounds or reasons for violence, we are bound not to witness any. Those who were prepared to foment trouble while waiting for the outcome of the elections may have equally been disappointed that their plan was thwarted by the will of the people to allow peace reign. The ease with which INEC conducted the elections not only points the way forward for subsequent ones in the country but also highlights the significant role of the electorate to ensuring the success of future polls in the country. Though the contestants may have enough grounds to disagree with the results or may have other reasons to doubt some aspects of the electoral process, this is one of the ways to strengthen the processes of having a credible poll where all shades of opinion are properly taken care of. With a little over one million voters involved, the poll must be regarded

THE NEXT ASSIGNMENT FOR THE ELECTORAL

UMPIRE IS ONDO STATE WHERE THE STAKES WOULD BE REGARDED AS COMPLEX THAN THAT OF EDO

as a quality test of the readiness of the electoral commission to handle a bigger assignment and in the process restore the confidence of the people to elections in the country. Unlike the violence which greeted the May 2011 general elections which led to the loss of lives of innocent Nigerians, particularly members of the National Youth Service Corps who were part of the INEC ad hoc staff in the northern states, it was celebration galore in Benin, the Edo State capital, a clear indication that the will of the majority prevailed in the outcome of the poll based on the results declared by INEC. One of the political parties had indicated that it might seek redress in the event that there were irregularities in the conduct and or the results either given to their candidate or the opposition. Again this is not

new in the democratic process of getting one’s opinion expressed in a civilised manner. The incumbent governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole himself was able to reclaim his mandate through the legal process which lasted over a period of time. The verdict which gave him ticket for a second term in office was not just an affirmation of his performance in the last four years in office but also an endorsement of his programme which of course may have made the difference in the life of the people of the state and a reason for asking him to continue. The exercise provided the needed opportunities for the umpire to catch up before the big challenge of the 2015 general elections in which Nigerians will no longer entertain excuses for not getting things done properly. It is expected that the next three years before the major poll, INEC must have overhauled its system and improved on the electoral process in line with modern realities. With the level of awareness of the electorate as demonstrated in recent developments, it is high time for the commission to take full advantage of the IT friendly environment to enhance service delivery even as Nigerians look forward to a free and fair election on a larger scale. But before then, the next assignment for the electoral umpire is Ondo State in October where the stakes would be regarded as complex than that of Edo given the dynamic nature of the local politics and the readiness of the opposition parties to wrestle power from the ruling Labour Party. With the standard recorded in Edo, Ondo should not pose any serious threat to our nascent democracy given the new perspectives in conducting polls in Nigeria.

Sport Extra

para-table tennis player, Muritala Ibrahim, 42, has died at the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos, where he made home for many years. According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ibrahim has represented Nigeria in several para-table tennis championships, including the Barcelona 1992

Para-table tennis player dies in Lagos Olympics, Atlanta 1996 Olympics and Sydney 2000 Olympics and won silver medals in the three games. Ibrahim, who took ill on Sunday night and died shortly after, was among old athletes who sought residence inside the

39-year-old stadium. The Lagos Liaison Officer of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mrs. Tayo Oreweme, expressed shock over Ibrahim’s death and condoled with his relations. Oreweme, however, told NAN that Ibrahim’s death could have

been avoided if he had heeded to her advice that people should not sleep at the stadium premises. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Ms Ngozi Braide, has confirmed that Ibrahim died during his sleep, saying the force is investigating the cause of death.

Bolaji Abdullahi

Printed and Published by Global Media Mirror Ltd: Head Office: Mirror House, 155/161 Broad Street, Lagos Tel: 07027107407, Abuja Office: NICON Insurance House, Second Floor, Central Business District Area, Abuja Tel: 08070428249, Advert hotline: 01-8446073, Email: mail@nationalmirroronline.net. Editor: SEYI FASUGBA. All correspondence to PMB 10001, Marina, Lagos. Printed simultaneously in Lagos, Abuja and Ondo State. ISSN 0794-232X.